Pink ballet shoes and tutu's make me happy.
I just wanted to see if this worked actually.

David Lee

I know this is getting old but I needed to express once more how in love I am with my Husband. This week has been a rollercoaster. I don't think that I could have gotten through it without Dave. Actually, I don't even want to imagine going through it without him. He has been my rock. He has been so strong for us all and has just forgotten himself and taken care of us, his Family. I have yet to hear him complain about how tired he has been or how crazy things are for him. This week has been the worst week possible for him to need to be with the kids all day long. With the fires we have been so limited on what they can all do an the kids have pretty much been cooped up inside for days. Thankfully we have had some great friends and family insist on taking them for a while... this has meant more then I could say. It has given Dave a break and made my kids so happy.
I am really exhausted and am going up to bed but just wanted to quickly reiterate how in love I am with my Husband.

Thanks Dave

I was not feeling in tip top shape today. Dave and Luke went to Church while I stayed home with Ella.. she was napping and I wanted her to get some good sleep.
Ella woke up about a hour after Dave left and wanted to play. She was being so cute and so funny, I felt bad that I just couldn't do the things I know she wanted me to. She was a good spot and watched some show's while I rested on the couch.
Dave, my sweet, thoughtful Husband, came home a bit early knowing that I was tired and needed to sleep. He walked in and took over as he sent me upstairs to sleep. He was such a good sport about it too. I know he had a long day with the kids while I was not quite in the game; but he never once complained. That makes me so happy. It makes me feel so guilty when I know the kids are misbehaving and I can't do much to help. It makes all the difference in the world when Dave is cheerful and happy to help... or at least puts on the face that he feels that way.
Thanks honey for being such a wonderful Husband and friend. I appreciate all you do for me, especially today!

Clean makes me really, really happy!!!

I am really happy right now because I finally got done with the last of my cleaning. Here are the things I did this evening. Keep in mind that the house I am living in is 2700 sq. feet.

vacuumed the entire house

dusted the entire house

did laundry

cleaned the kids rooms

polished the wood

cleaned all of the wood floors on my hands and knees. Which, frankly, is the only way to really do a great job in my opinion.

cleaned the bathrooms- with Dave doing most of this with a bit of help from Luke, who loves to clean!!

moped the kitchen floor-again, Dave was actually on this one. I went to start and he would not let me.

So I am know so very happy. I love being in a clean house. I feel I do a really good job of keeping a tidy house but I have slacked lately on doing some good, deep cleaning. Although I am addicted to vacuuming and do it at least 2 times a week.

O' And I cleaned the Kitchen too.

I love staying home

Yesterday was a day I was dreading a little bit. I was asked to cover some time ago for a girl at my old job. Dr. Kroes is still a good friend of mine and working at the office was the best job I have ever had... so I said I would help out. 

I was kind of dreading going into work. I have covered before and although having a 2 hour, uninterrupted lunch was a beautiful thing, it was really hard for me to be away from my kids all day. Friday morning came and I eventually wallowed out the door and got on the 405 where I sat in that wonderful CA traffic. 

Work actually went great. I was able to resolve quite a few issues, set the office up on some new, updated software, and save Dr. K a few thousand dollars from an Insurance company who was giving him mis-information. I felt successful and accomplished. I was greatly appreciated; which felt really, really good. I got to chat with lots of old friends and meet a lot of new patients. It should have been the perfect day. But I just wanted to be elsewhere... all 8 hours. And when I pulled up into my driveway, after another glorious 45 minutes on the 405, I  ran in the door where my kids ditched what they were doing and bolted for my arms. That was all the love and appreciation I wanted in the world.

I am so thankful that I am able to stay home with my kids. I love being a Mom and Homemaker. I would rather have a long, hard day with my kids at home then the best possible day at an office.

I heart Pedro's

I was having a major craving for one of my favorite place to eat... Pedro's. Its a small fast-food mexican place with the yummiest food. It's always worth the drive to San Clemente. My Family has been eating there for years and it not only taste's amazing but I am always flooded with many memories from over the years.
So there it it. Simple and to the point. Pedro's is fabulous and it has made me a very happy girl tonight!

Massage chair and soft feet

Today is an easy day to describe what made me feel the happiest. Grandma and I took some time and went to Happy Nails where we were pampered by a relaxing pedicure. Grandma had never had one before and she was super cute about it. They had those big massage chairs and she just kept saying how good it felt on her back. One of the girls who worked there asked me if she was my Mom, I replied that not only was she my Grandma but that she just turned 91. Everyone in the salon stared at her with disbelief. I think Grandma likes it when people assume she is in her 70's. She deserves all the wide-eye's... she looks and acts like she is 20 years younger than she really is!
So I got to be pampered and relax. It was wonderful! I seldom get pedicures and every time I do it makes my day. I really need to do it more than once every year!

I'm sorry too, Luke

Just a funny little thing that Luke said... that made me smile and laugh the most today.
Luke had a really rough afternoon yesterday and it carried through into this afternoon. I think he must have snuck some dairy into his diet somehow, maybe Nursery?, because it reminded me of his rough days before we cut the dairy out. Anyhow, I was really tired and frustrated. He was at my Moms and was being really hyper and grumpy. I pulled the plug and told him we had to go home, his response was less than cooperative. After some firm words and being physically taken to the car and calmed down he finally started to mellow out.
This evening he said" Mommy, I was really grumpy and crazy today"
"I know Buddy. It makes me really sad when you get like that"
'I'm really sorry that I was sad and grumpy, Mommy."
"O' Honey. Thats so nice of you to say that. I forgive you and I'm really glad that you're happy now. I love you"
Luke pauses for a few moments and continues.
"And Mommy. You're sorry that you were so mean to me."
I love this sweet boy. And he was right. I am sorry Luke. You are such a good boy and I love you so much. I am sorry that sometimes I get so frustrated. I will be a better more patient Mommy tomorrow. Thanks for teaching me so much and making me a better Mom and person. You make me happier than I ever thought I could be.

My Sister

The happiest part of my day today occurred this evening. I was all ready to blog about Church today and how nice it was to be able to listen and to give a lesson. No kids, silence and reflection. But then I talked to my Sister, Charity, for an hour and determined that makes me really happy and rejuvenates me.

My Sister is almost 7 years my senior but we have always been close. Even as a small child what little I remember usually has something to do with her. I think she may have taken on the "Mom" role with me and I think that I really loved getting so much of her attention. Most photo's in my album growing up show me attached to some part of her. Even when she came home from her Mission, when we had empty bedrooms, we opted to share a room. I felt loved and pampered by her. Protected and esteemed. To me she was all that I needed, she was my hero and my best friend. And she never let that go to her head or took advantage of how I felt. She was the Big Sister I always felt I should have been to Megan growing up but so often was not.

I feel like I can talk to Charity about everything and anything. Sometimes I fear her honesty but that is why I so often go to her directly. She is witty and funny. I love her, her Husband and her kids. I am grateful for the many joys and happiness' that she has brought and continues to bring to my life. I so badly want Ella to have a Sister one day because I can not imagine who I would be or where I would go without mine.... the best sisters.

Ruby's Birthday Party

I always thought it would be fun to have a baby around Halloween and tonight proved my theory. We went to Ruby's, our friend's the Miller's daughter, second Birthday Party this evening. It was so cute and so much fun. Betsy did such a great job on this cute, Halloween themed party. She had homemade Root Bear, which I will now crave night and day, brimming over with dry ice. Festive foods, cute decorations... and even a bounce house! My kids will be talking about her party for a long time to come. They loved seeing everyone all dressed up. Luke was introducing himself as "Luke Skywalker" all night long. He was thrilled to finally get to wear his hallowed get-up and put it on 3 hours before the party even started.

I loved to catch up with old friends and watch my kids play with their kids. What a trip. A big group of us were roomate's not too long ago and now our kids are growing up and playing with each other. Its so fun to watch.

my kids make me happy

Yesterday was a really good day. The best part of the day is that the kids were just so good! It seemed like from sun up until bedtime they were just cooperative, cheerful, and fun... an A+ combination. We have been trying to keep the TV off more recently and I think that forces me to be more interactive and also the kids are playing and socializing more with one another. Not only are the days filled with more fun but they seem to be happier, which makes me a really happy Mommy.
I am proud of my kids and the things they do and say. They are both so sweet, kind and funny. I feel really blessed to have been given the chance to be their Mom.

Mickey's Trick-or-Treat

I got home so late yesterday and the last thing I wanted to do was get online.
Yesterday Ella and I went to CA Adventure for "Mickey's Halloween Treat", which was so great. The whole park was decorated for Halloween and was filled with Families dressed up. There were several stations throughout the park where cast members were passing out candy all night. There were lots of Characters dancing at the various dance stations where they had a DJ and lots of fun music. It was seriously the most fun I have had in a long time.
I wish I could have taken Luke but that would have been a bit too much stimulation for him and he cant stay up much past 6:30 these days. It was fun to do something with just Ella and I. She had the most fun running around in her cute little Bee costume and even kept her headband on all evening... this gives me high hopes for introducing cute headbands for daily wearing.

So sleepy

I am about to enjoy the happiest part of my day. In about 20 minutes I am going to go up to my beautiful bedroom, pull back my goose down comforter and then sink into my heavenly mattress and drift off to dreamland! Today was good... fun and busy. I am just sooooo tired.
I have never been more excited to curl up into my warm, cozy bed with my cute Husband.
Sweet dreams!

Time stands still

Today was such a good day. Those things seem to come just when you need them. Where the kids are angel's, which makes life peaceful and simply enjoyable.
Today one of my closest friends came out here to stay for the week. Jenn and I met in Chicago and hit it off instantly. I remember leaving the house where we met at a get-together thinking, "I think that we will be really good friends". I couldn't have imagined the extent of how true that was. We became each other's Family out there, I will always be in debt for that. Jenn is the kind of friend who could just come over, I never felt a need to impress her with my spotless house or well planed out playdate's. We could just sit and be. Our boys were each others first friends and just loved each other so much. We have loads of pictures of these 2 boys growing up before our eyes. Holidays, Birthdays, freezing cold days... the Jackman's were there.
So you can see why it made me so happy to see her and her 2 beautiful children today. It was as if time stood still and we were back in Naperville at Jenn's condo chatting and snacking while the boys played. Those are sweet, precious memories.
This afternoon we went down to Newport and watched the kids run around. When we headed out to the car we had to take a detour to the playground. As Luke and Morgan were swinging next to each other Jenn and I recounted the many moments and photo's of our boys doing the same thing a few years ago. And it was so touching to look to the next set of small swings where Ella and Madilynn were sitting next to one another, swinging. Just as our 2 "little" boys did back in the small, peaceful park in Aurora, Illinois. And it made me smile. And it made me love Jenn even more for being a part of our Family and our memories. She is indeed one wonderful friend.

Sweet release

I am almost a bit reluctant to publicly post this bit I feel it would be an injustice to me if I were to sugarcoat it. The happiest part of my day today came at 6:30 pm. In my home that is bedtime. 

Today was just one of those busy, hectic, tired days. I actually woke up tired this morning and never quite felt as though I awoke. Usually our 3 mile walk tends to perk me up but today I felt like I was yawning and poking along, sorry Vanessa. I was just in a bad mood today. Part of it is this yucky, "Fall" weather.It makes me depressed. I miss my Chicago Autumn colors!!

The sad part about my grumpiness is that the kids weren't particularly naughty or grumpy. They were pretty good, before Ella's 5:45 meltdown, which she snapped out of with a little thanks to "Blue". I was watching the clock all afternoon just waiting to start our bedtime routine... and it came right in the nick of time, I could feel myself  spiraling downward fast.

I even through in a late afternoon trip to the Pumpkin Patch and a festive, Halloween painting craft. I think I was trying to feel like a better Mom since I knew I was grumpy and a bit short all day. It didn't help that Dave was at UCI teaching from 7 am until he gets home tonight at 10 pm. Usually I cant complain about his great schedule but on Monday's I feel I am allowed.

So here's to the best part of my day. Sitting in silence and getting ready to watch "Hero's". I am really happy now. Sorry kids, Mommy will be a lot happier and awake tomorrow, I promise. And I really, really love you more than words could ever say.

Eat, watch Conference, and be Merry!

The happiest moment of my day was simply eating. All day. Watching General Conference and eating. And when Conference was over? More eating.
I decided that it would be a fun tradition to plan some really delicious food for General Conference Sunday. That maybe it would help me to stay focused and be more excited about the day. Sometimes I have a hard time concentrating so I needed something big... food!
We had homemade cinnamon rolls in the morning, my first time making these and I will say... amazing. And a bit later we had a yummy breakfast casserole. I must admit this was more for a sure thing in case something went askew with the homemade rolls. That too was one perfect dish. And for the afternoon session? We had a 10 lb. turkey, homemade mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, corn and a "Andes mint" ice cream pie. It was quite fun and quite delicious.
So here's to a new tradition... and the happiest part of my day!!!

When the boys are away the girls will eat!

Today was General Conference, which I really enjoyed. My favorite part was when Elder Nelson got up and sustained Elder Wirthlin while he continued, amidst his shaking, his beautiful talk on love. I thought it was so fitting that this man was teaching love and being loved at the same time. I could feel Elder Wirthlin's testimony very strongly as he exuded Christ-like love. I thought it was simply touching to see that he was determined against all odds to get across his message that the Lord so clearly wanted him to speak on.
But the happiest moment of my day was this evening. A girl from our Ward invited a huge group of us and our kids to her house to pig out on delicious goodies and chat. In the mean-time our Husbands were all at the Priesthood Session. I really enjoyed talking with so many different Sister's from our Ward... and eating non-stop for over an hour. The kids played so nicely with all the kids, about 25 of them, and had such a fun time. I love to watch them interact with others, especially when they don't know I am watching them. But I was the happiest while eating the amazing pumpkin cake that Melanie made. I think I may dream about it tonight!

here is the recipe:

INGREDIENTS
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts


DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar and spice. Mix well, and pour into a 9x13 inch pan.
Sprinkle dry cake mix over the top, then drizzle with melted butter. Top with walnuts.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

My great love's

I was watching Oprah and her guest, the author of "Eat, Pray, Love" made some beautiful recommendations of daily rituals for an inner journey. One of her suggestions I thought was a beautiful one that I immediately knew I wanted to take part in, which is to account the happiest part of your day. I thought this was a beautiful idea and I got truly excited about it. So rather than fill to the brim our Family blog with a daily dose of my thoughts I thought this would be a better option. So here goes my own little space on the web. Jill's happiest moments.
My happiest moment of the day today was a simple yet profound one. Earlier in the afternoon Ella and I dropped Luke off at OT and then headed out the door to go grab some lunch. As we were walking to the car Ella kept insisting that we wait for Luke to come too. She would say things like " Wait for Lukie", "Come on Lukie" and " I want Lukie." These sentiments always warm my heart and bring out a smile, sometimes a small dewey eye. I bask in the sparkles that Ella's eye's exude as she watches and talks of her Big Brother, her hero. And the simple comment that Luke made later in the evening was the icing on the cake for me. We let him watch a little bit of "Star Wars" , don't judge me too harshly, before bed... even better right? On a side note he recently became obsessed with 'Star Tours" at Disneyland and my Mom so kindly introduced him to the whole magnitude of the force he so loved. After that there was no going back. So we limit his "Star Wars" movie to certain parts (all the older ones) and only for special occasions. He was extra good today so we told him he could watch it for 15 minutes this evening. After a few minutes he walked out of the room and said so sincerely and so sweetly, " I really want Ella to come in and watch my show with me" To which Dave replied, " well, you'll have to ask Ella that". Luke got down close to Ella's big blue eyes and pleaded, "Ella, will you please come watch Star Wars with me?" and of corse Ella jumped up and without a moments pause exclaimed" OK, Lukie" as she ran into Grammy's room after him.
It just brought such joy and happiness into my heart to watch my two great miracles love, want and need eachother. Luke really wanted to share with his Sister his pleasure, the thing he gets so excited over, he wanted Ella to be a part of that as well. And Ella doesn't want to think of going somewhere without her Big Brother. She wants him to be with her always.
This was the Happiest part of my day.