Things that make us {HaPpY}

We have been having so much fun lately. There's been nothing in particular but we've been laughing more and getting along really well. I've been paying more attention to the little things in life and I just feel so happy. Maybe it's the air getting warmer or maybe it's the anticipation of school ending and getting on to a "real" job. Whatever it is here are some things that've been making us happy:

When Landon realized that he couldn't actually bring a yak to school for "y" show and tell he searched the house to find something he could "yank". He settled on a yellow magnetic ball that can be "yanked" of a magnetic peg. (bonus: yellow starts with y too!) You would have thought he won the lottery to find something to yank for show and tell.

Grandmas make us happy. We all love talking on the phone to them. And we especially when they send us stuff. This is the blankie Grandma Meier sent for Isaac - it was a special order from me - big enough to wrap around him since he's out grown his other blankets.


We signed Landon up for Hockey and Austin for Soccer. They are both counting the days until their sports start. Landon even asked to make a count down chart. I wish you could have seen his face when he was getting fitted for his gear. The kid can't wait to play. Austin wears his shin guards around "practicing" his soccer kicks.

Cameron had a couple hours free in the middle of the day and we went to lunch, library, and grocery store together. Not only was Austin ecstatic that Dad was with us on our errands, I was more than happy to have someone to take Austin to the bathroom while I kept grocery shopping (somehow Austin seems to need to go to the bathroom almost every time we go to HyVee); not to mention spend a little time with me.

The last few days we've been going on walks. It just puts me in a good mood to be moving around outside. I love being outside and so do the kids. It'll be perfect as soon as it's 10 more degrees warmer.

Watching the expressions on Austins face is another thing that makes me happy. Seriously, when he's listening to something he doesn't quite understand you can just see the "gears turn" in his head. His concentrating face is hilarious. I just love it.

Zacky is always happy but Cameron makes him even happier. The kid actually tries to turn is head around backwards to keep an eye on his Dad. Another thing that makes him happy is when Austin jumps up and down. Zac finds it hilarious (full on belly laughs) that Austin can jump. I also think it's funny that he has this habit of waving his hands all around until he finds something he wants to touch or grab. He doesn't watch where his hands are going, they just move all around until they land on something he wants to hold, rub, or touch.

Landon cracks me up sometimes - of course that makes us happy. He's been reading more advanced books and because of it he's been speaking like he's reading. For example the other day he said, "I'm going downstairs to enjoy myself while I work on my legos." "Enjoy myself"? such a funny kid.

I made a YUMMY dinner the other night. It made me so happy I took pictures and I have to give you the recipes... Spring just puts you in the mood for fresh food and eating it makes all of us around here happy.

Green Salad with Cranberries and Candied Walnuts

Mixed greens. Sliced Bosc pears. A couple of handfuls of dried cranberries. Crumbled goat cheese (I'm sure Feta or Garganzola would be good too). Candied walnuts: mix 1/2 cup walnut halves with 1/4 cup sugar in a skillet and place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves into a light brown liquid and coats the walnuts. Remove walnuts from skillet, and spread them out on a sheet of aluminum foil to cool. Toss with this dressing:
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. red whine vinegar (I used pomegranate infused blush balsamic vinegar - yummy)
1/4 C olive oil
sprinkle of salt and pepper

Monster Steak Sandwich

Marinate steak and sliced onions in Worcestershire, McCormak grill seasoning and crushed garlic. Grill onions and steak on grill or in a skillet. Toast a loaf of french bread under the broiler. Spread with mayo and Dijon mustard. Top with mixed greens. Slice steak and add to sandwich. Layer on the grilled onions and sliced tomatoes. Top it all off with provolone cheese and YUMM-O!!!!


Last but not least we are happy because we are going to CHUK E. CHEESE - that's right we sold our house! Our realtor called today and she just received notice from the bank saying that the woman who is buying our house qualifies for the loan so pretty much it's a done deal! Woo-Hoo!!!