Day 57

This makes me so Happy today:

I swear these are not just weeds, these are my tulips. Just waiting to start showing themselves :)

How can you not be happy when these are popping up in your yard. It can only mean one thing....it is getting warmer and Spring really is coming!  Plus fresh flowers in your yard are just pretty;)

I just had to include this picture as well, it is one of my first pictures of both kids smiling and actually looking at the camera. Don't mind that Halle just woke up and still has the "sleepy" look in her eyes. I love these two and after last night (see my post from yesterday) pictures like this remind me that they are not that crazy all the time!

Day 56:Bedtime

As much as I love my kids, on days like today, nothing makes me more Happy than bedtime. All I have to say is, the silence is GOLDEN tonight!!!

Day 55: Annie and Tex

We have two dogs, Annie and Tex. We got them when they were just puppies and  I have to say, they are the best dogs (except for when they bark or chew up my flip-flops) and they are a true Happy in our life.  

They are so good with the kids too, Ryan practically wrestles with them. Annie is a Golden Lab mix (well really she's just a mutt) and Tex is a pure bred German Short Hair. In other words they are really good bird dogs and get to hunt with Matt in the fall.

Annie (sorry the picture is blurry, she wanted to lick the camera)

Ryan rubbing Annie's tummy....her favorite thing in the whole world!

                                                                                                       Tex                                                                                                            (When he was a puppy he had a cool white star on his chest. We thought of the Texas Star, hence the name Tex)

These dogs are funny and they love attention. They have figured out that I am home during the day so it is not uncommon for them to literally stare at the house and bark at me until I go let them out of their pen. 

Matt loves these two so much he actually serves them dinner. No, really, I'm serious. Take last night for example, we had some pasta and some taco meat left in the fridge from a few days ago. Matt heated the food up (along with some remnants of Ryan's dinner) and gave it to the dogs with their dog food.

In the summer we take these dogs camping all the time. They are in heaven in the mountains. If I wasn't there I am positive that they would sleep in our trailer with Matt and Ryan.

Have you ever heard of two dogs that are more spoiled than that!?! 

As you can tell we love these two dogs and they make our family Happy!

Happy Day #54

For Christmas this past year Matt surprised me with a very fun toy....

I haven't been able to ride this at all until recently. The weather was getting warmer for a while so I enjoyed a few nice and short rides. This totally makes me Happy. The other great thing is that Matt ordered the part we needed to hook up this awesome trailer that his sister gave to us. 

Now I can ride my bike with my two kiddos (as soon as it stops snowing and warms up a little bit)! I took Ryan for a quick ride the other day while Matt was home to keep Halle. Although it was pretty cold and raining a little bit, he loved it! He is such a cute boy, he kept saying, "Not too fast mommy!" 

Day 53: The Tubby

Although most may disagree, I love love love getting Ryan and Halle in the "tubby" together.  Both kids love the water so they look forward to it every night. Ryan always says, "Can I get in the tubby mom?"  It definitely depends on the night, but last night, this was a true Happy moment.  They were both so excited and played so cute together. Ryan just adores his little sister and is constantly giving her hugs and kisses.  The tub is not an exception. I am sure they will be soooo mad when they're older and look back at some of these pictures but lets face it, they are cute!

Halle loves it when we pour water over her head...by the way, isn't that a cool picture!?!

Ryan's cheesy face

See what I mean....he loves to give hugs ;)

Day 52: Sewing

This may come as a surprise to some of your but I actually do enjoy sewing. By no means does this imply that I am good at it, but it does make me Happy. 

I have learned to make really easy baby blankets,  a car seat cover/canopy, our Oompa Loompa Halloween costumes, and I am going to attempt a cute skirt for Halle that I found on a friends blog.  I don't sew very often as I have a hard time making time for it, however, when I do get around to it I am reminded that it is actually quite fulfilling. I have to feel pretty good about myself as a finish little projects.

51: Explanation of "animal" names

After yesterdays post,  I can honestly say that comments do make me Happy. I appreciate all of you and although I do love comments I totally understand that you have lives of your own and I can't expect you to comment every day. I laughed hard when I noticed that my cousin Tara had gone back and commented on my 4 "loner" posts.  Thanks :)

On a completely different note, I have some explaining to do. 

My Grandpa Allen has always had the nickname, Moose. I think this has been a life-long nickname so it only fit that some of the grandkids started calling him Grandpa Moose.  I never really called him this but all the Great-grandkids use Moose to take away the confusion of Grandpa Allen.  

We actually have an Uncle that goes by Grandpa Fish (he loves fishing) too.

Well, my dad took it upon himself to continue this with his own grandkids. He doesn't have an animal name so guess what he created one. Now my dad loves golf and thought it would be soooo great to have the grandkids call him Grandpa Birdie (as in a golf Birdie or a golf score that is one under par). The funny part is that Ryan has always called him Grandpa Tweet-Tweet because he couldn't say Birdie when he was really little.  

Matt and I decided it was a good way to differentiate all Grandpa's so we gave his dad the nickname of Grandpa Horsey because he owns horses and has a barn that Ryan loves to visit. 

So we have Grandpa Moose (my dad's dad), Grandpa Birdie or Tweet-Tweet (my dad), and Grandpa Horsey (Matt's dad).

My Grandma (my mom's mom) has been Grandma Dodo ever since I can remember. Her name is Dolores and when she was little her cousins couldn't say Dolores and started saying Dodo instead.  So obviously when the grandkids started talking, she was Grandma Dodo and it just stuck.  My grandpa never wanted to be called Grandpa Dodo but lets face it, he was destined to be a Dodo at some point. (I need to make a note to make sure that all of you know that Grandma Dodo is NOT an animal ;) )  

 So there is my long explanation of the odd names that we use in our family. It sort of just happened and has stuck with Ryan.

Finally 1/2 way there! Day 50!

So after going back and checking out my numbering, I realized that I had two number 44's.  That means that today is in fact my 50th day of Happy! 

I've got to be honest, I am a little burnt out on this whole 100 days of Happy challenge. I have been thinking over the past few days about why I am doing this. Why have I committed to posting for 100 straight days on a blog that has a grand total of 131 posts through it's lifetime (the last 3 years)? I have stretched on my Happy a few times but for the most part my first 50 posts are truly little things in my life that make me Happy.  

I have realized that I cannot complete this task for everyone else, I have to finish it for myself.  Although my posts might be a little boring and mundane to all of you (the lack of comments the past 4 days has made this obvious to me) I have to keep going so I can continue recognizing the small things in life that truly create Happiness. 

With all this said, my 50th Happy is my family. 

I have mentioned them a few times before but I am so Happy when I am talking to my family via Skype, spending time with my family, or simply looking at pictures of my family.  I need to clarify that "my family" consists of my siblings, parents, grandparents, etc. as well as Matt's siblings, parents, and grandma.  Family in general is such a special thing and I feel blessed that we are so close to my parents as well as Matt's. We love all of them very much.

Here are a few pictures of some of our family (in no particular order):

Me and Grandma Dodo

Ryan and his cousin Bella

Ryan and his cousin Brynnley

Uncle Bret and Halle

Grandma and Grandpa Moose and Halle

4 Generations-- Halle, Matt, Tammy, and Grandma Great

Grandpa Horsey and Halle

Grandma Debbie and Halle

Grandpa Dodo and Halle

Carving pumpkins with Grandpa Birdie

Trick or Treating with all the Oakey cousins

Grandma Tammy and Halle

Uncle Drew and Aunt Chelsea and all the kiddos

I didn't have pictures of everyone on this computer so sorry if I missed you. 

We love our family!!!

Happiness Day 49

Good neighbors make me Happy!  

I have realized over the past 6 years or so that good neighbors are a luxury. Matt and I moved about once every year for four years and never really had any good friends.  I am now convinced that we live in the best neighborhood in Spanish Fork. I might even say the best in Utah County. I love love love our neighbors. 

Just today my neighbor across the street came over and asked us to go "play" for a hour before lunch. This may seem like such a small thing but, she saved me because I was having quite the morning with Ryan today and I NEEDED a break!  It is so nice to have people all around whose kids are similar in age to Ryan and Halle and who are at home during the day.

Sometimes all we need is a good chat with someone who is in your shoes.

48 of 100

When I am home with my kids all day, I have to have some type of adult interaction. 

Although this may not count as actual interaction, I love The Food Network and it makes me Happy because it is a nice break from the typical 2 year old conversations that I tend to get caught up in.  I love watching shows like Barefoot Contessa, Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives, Paula's Best Dishes, Chopped, and Challenge (just the cake decorating episodes though).  I really try not to be a "time-waster" and usually just have the food network on while I am cleaning, doing laundry, or cooking (hey what a coincidence :) )

Day 47

My Happy today is kind of boring but tonight I realized that this simple little food does in fact make me Happy!

Yes, you are seeing and reading right. My Happy today is the wonderful avocado.  I realized tonight when we were having dinner that this little fruit (if it is actually a vegetable forgive me, I really do not know on this one) can make many simple foods into really delicious foods.

Tonight's dinner is a great example:  BBQ hot dogs and potatoes.  Now that is not my best meal and it is not the most extravagant that is for sure. However, I added sliced tomato and avocado to my hot dog....wonderful!  I have also added sliced avocados to sloppy joe's and deli sandwiches lately. I have almost perfected a chunky homemade guacamole and I am dying to try a recipe I found for deep fried avocados and a salsa ranch dressing. 

If any of you aren't sure about these little guys, give them a try. I am sure you will love them too ;) 

Day 45 and 46

So after a much needed short vacation I am back and as promised I am making up my two lost days. Now I do have to say that although I haven't posted on here since early Friday morning and it has only been two days, it really has felt like a really long time. I mean after being on this blog day after day for 44 straight days, two days seems like an eternity ;)

For my 44th Happy I am chosing swimming. 

Swimming is something that I have always loved and grew up doing. We always went to Lake Powell, went to the old West Jordan pool during the summer, had our own pool in Oklahoma (notice Oklahoma itself is not making my top 100 Happy's), and took swimming lessons. Matt on the other hand grew up completely terrifed of swimming. He wasn't even allowed to go under water as a kid because of some major ear issues. I actually taught him how to swim on our honeymoon...sad I know and a very long story.  Anyways I want our kids to be comfortable in water and last summer Ryan did ok but was kind of hesitant at times. I was hoping this weekend would be the start of a great summer of swimming.

Pictures speak louder than words so I'll let you be the judge:

All the kids ran and jumped into the kiddie pool, Ryan ran to the edge and stopped. He is still excited here

Still pretty excited. He thought he wanted to get in like his cousins.

After getting in and realizing the water was a little cold (he only lasted like 10 seconds, just long enough to get splashed)

Now really mad...he is NOT happy here. So mad that we are trying to take a family picture

Halle was in heaven!!!!

So was Ryan now that he got his way. Notice he has two towels on to stay warm.

The three of us enjoying the St. George weather.  Halle is so Happy and loving the water.

Our last attempt. I pretty much forced him into the water one last time. This is the closest thing to a smile we got.

In short Ryan did not love swimming but Halle did. We even tried the indoor pool the next day and not much better. I think he is either terrified of the water or he has a very low tolerance for cool water. It was not cold by any means. Either way, I was Happy and had a great time swimming with my family, just with Ryan would have too.

Day 45

Anyone who has ever driven more than an hour or two with small kids knows how challenging it can be. Ryan and Halle did really well on the 3 1/2 drive to St. George. On the way home this is what we got most of the way:

He is such a funny little boy. He begged us to listen to "You've Got a Friend in Me" and this is why.  He loves it. This is counts as my Happy because lets face it, you really can't watch that and not smile.  He is so Happy singing his song!

Vacation-- Day 44

Although it is 6:30 am (some vacataion huh?) and I am being hurrried to finish so we can get out the door, I am Happy that we are going on a short little family vacation. I mentioned that I wanted to go somewhere tropical, where this is our compromise...St. George. I plan on doing a lot of sitting in the sun, swimming with my kids, eating out (mmmm...), watching some baseball games, going shopping, and seeing family!  All of this has to count as a Happy, right? 

The other Happy for today is that I get (you do as well) a break from this blog. I shouldn't be Happy about this and I truly intend on posting the next two days, if I can find a computer with the internet. I am not about to haul our computer in the can and hope our hotel has free WiFi.  Sorry readers, I promise I will catch up with my two missed days when I return. :) I am sure you are devastated! ;)

Day 43 of 100

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!

St. Patricks Day has always been one of my favorites. I remember getting up early when I was a kid and dying the milk green (I don't think my mom loves this holiday) and I always wore green. Sometimes I was the obnoxious kids that had on green socks or something that no one could see. I thought I was being so sneaky.

As a parent, St. Patrick's Day makes me Happy because I get to do all the fun stuff. This morning we had green milk in green cups and green pancakes on green plate (you can check all of these details out in the picture above). Ryan was so excited. Both the kids are in their St. Patty's Day shirts too.

So much fun and such a Happy morning!

Day 42

One of my friends on Facebook had this as their status yesterday. I was blown away by this article and stories like this make me Happy! 

Miracles in Japan: Four-Month-Old Baby, 70-Year-Old Woman Found Alive

When you hear about a tragedy like the one that took place in Japan, I feel very blessed for everything that I have.  I feel safe in my home and although there are risks everywhere, I sort of feel invincible at times. I mean we do live on a fault line so an earth quake is a possibility but we don't have a huge tornado threat, there is really no way that our house could flood, and a hurricane is also out of the question. It is me just being naive but I feel blessed to live where we do.

Stories like this really hit home when you have a baby about the same age. This is proof to me that we do have a Heavenly Father and miracles are real!  Out of all the sad and terrible things we are hearing about Japan, this is a such a Happy thing that has happened in the midst of tragedy.

41 of 100 Happy's

Last night Matt and I were lucky enough to get tickets to the Jazz game. Thanks to Matt's sister's in-laws,

we actually had really good seats so it was a lot of fun. I should have taken my camera to show how good our seats were (15th row, courtside). 

It is always fun to have a date night that is free. It is even more nice when you have parents that live on the way to Energy Solutions Arena who are willing to babysit last minute.   Thanks mom and dad!

Day 40 of 100

Why on Earth would this make me Happy? 

Well, Turbo Tax makes me Happy because,

1) It is super super easy to navigate  2) You can go through every deduction or credit imaginable so you get the most for your refund 3) It is super fast (meaning we filed and our return will be in our bank account by the 26th and 4) The past two years that we have used Turbo Tax, we have gotten a return that is substantial (meaning enough to pay off some bills, enough to play with, and enough to put in savings) and we have done it all from the comfort of our kitchen.

Happy Day 39 of 100

I am feeling very un-creative today and this is my most favorite candy....Milky Ways. It does make me Happy and although I don't have one right now, I think it counts as a Happy. Right? Doesn't the picture alone make your mouth just water?  Mmmmm!

Day 38

So my Happy today is something that I don't have and probably won't get in the near future. It is more of a memory and a wish but I tell ya, it sure did make me Happy a few years ago.

I would give anything (well probably not anything, but I would give a lot) to be somewhere topical and warm. Matt and I went to Cancun on our Honeymoon and told ourselves we would go back for our 5th anniversary. Well, last year was our 5th and guess what, I was prego and we didn't make it.

This is the actual hotel we stayed at when we went. Just looking at that view makes me Happy!



I don't know if this post is stemming from the fact that I just fought Ryan for literally an hour (trying to get that child to take a nap is TORTURE) or the fact that I feel like I am freezing today! It could also be coming from the fact that I really really just want to go sit on a beach somewhere. I told Matt that we need to go somewhere warm and "get away." In turn we aren't going to Cancun or Hawaii but we are going to St. George next week...Wahoo! 

Day 37 of 100

There is nothing better than March Madness! I am such a basketball fan and I tell ya, my day has been just mediocre today until I watched my Lady Utes pull out a W. 

If I am speaking another language right now, the Mountain West Conference Tournament is going on right now in Las Vegas. I was able to watch the #5 Utah Women's Basketball team beat the #1 seeded BYU Cougars.  It was an exciting game and the Utes actually won at the buzzer!  GO UTES!!!  So proud to be Utah fan today!

Here are a couple throw-back pictures of myself. Just because games like this make me remember and miss being part of all this tournament action!