As I was logging into my blog this evening I randomly noticed that I had two "followers".
Me? Really?
I have to admit I was a little flattered. Now, before I get a big head or anything I want you all to know that I am perfectly aware that some of you have a bazillion (yes, I was a teacher and I am using that as a word) followers. For real. From all over the world.
I've also noticed some people have a little spot on their blog where their followers pictures are posted so nice and pretty for all to see. I don't know why, but I've never really thought about it. I guess I just never really figured that many people read my blog that I would need to publish a list of followers. I mean, how sad would it be if I had NO followers?!!!
But my 2 faithful followers changed me (thanks Amanda and Shera). I've decided that my followers need their own special place...THEY DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR PRETTY PICTURES POSTED ON MY BLOG LIKE ALL THE OTHER BLOGS I READ!
So, my friends...I have given them the space they deserve. Their own little spot on my sidebar.
It's about time!
Oh....and on a personal note....I'd like to give a little "shout out" to Kevin B. I know you are a "follower" but would never, ever admit it! Ha!
THE BLISSFULLY HAPPY HOUSEWIFE
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Girlfriends
The older I get the more I understand the importance of girlfriends. Girlfriends, I have found, are not only important to my well being, but also to my sanity. The women in my life that I call my girlfriends are the ones in the trenches with me - like me, they are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. They help me know that I am not alone on this wonderful journey we call life. I was lucky enough this weekend to spend an evening in Chicago with 2 of these ladies. A weekend that reminded me just why girlfriends are so vital to me...
Sometimes a girl needs to shop - and I mean hardcore shopping . The kind of shopping you cannot do while lugging around a stroller and 2 small children. The kind of shopping that can only be appreciated in the company of - you guessed it! - girlfriends.
Sometimes a girl just needs to let her hair down and be silly. As girls we spend so much of our time doing the most important job in the world - raising our children - but sometimes we need to put that aside and remember that deep inside is a girl that loves to let it all hang out and just enjoy life with reckless abandon for a few hours.
Sometimes a girl just needs to laugh. And laugh. And laugh. She needs to laugh until sound no longer comes out of her mouth and her stomach muscles ache.
Sometimes a girl just needs to be surrounded by the kind of love that can only be provided by the women she so lovingly refers to as her...
Sometimes a girl needs to eat a meal....a meal without cutting food up into little bites, or wiping faces, or worrying about high chairs and children's menus. A girl needs to eat a meal where the only thing she does is enjoy the company of a few good friends.
Sometimes a girl needs to shop - and I mean hardcore shopping . The kind of shopping you cannot do while lugging around a stroller and 2 small children. The kind of shopping that can only be appreciated in the company of - you guessed it! - girlfriends.
Sometimes a girl just needs to let her hair down and be silly. As girls we spend so much of our time doing the most important job in the world - raising our children - but sometimes we need to put that aside and remember that deep inside is a girl that loves to let it all hang out and just enjoy life with reckless abandon for a few hours.
Sometimes a girl just needs to laugh. And laugh. And laugh. She needs to laugh until sound no longer comes out of her mouth and her stomach muscles ache.
Sometimes a girl just needs to be surrounded by the kind of love that can only be provided by the women she so lovingly refers to as her...
GIRLFRIENDS
Thanks Jill and Stacey for an amazing time in Chicago.
Thanks Jill and Stacey for an amazing time in Chicago.
Love you both.
Jamie
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Breathing Room...
I've decided to start a new feature on my blog. I frequently do my "simple joys" feature, but this one will be quite different. As many of you know I am really starting to get into photography. I occasionally take landscape shots and as much as I love them, I wasn't really sure what to do with them. I decided to share them with you. I took a cue from the Oprah Magazine and decided to call these shots "Breathing Room". It is my hope that when you see these pictures you can take a deep breath, close your eyes, and picture yourself in the tranquility that the image provides. Enjoy my first few...and stay tuned for more in the future!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Circle of Life...or at least a dress
Eva had a "Princess Party" to go to this past weekend. One of her little friends was having this very special birthday party and the girls were asked to dress "in their most elegant princess attire". Eva and I went through a few different choices in her closet....but then I remembered something.
Something very special that was tucked away down in the basement.
A very special dress...
You see, the reason this dress is so special is because this Happy Housewife wore it nearly 30 years ago when I was a flower girl in a wedding.
It was kept perfectly preserved in case I would have a daughter someday and she should ever want it for anything. The Princess Party was the perfect time to pull it out. It fit Eva absolutely perfectly and I thought she looked breathtaking in it!
Something very special that was tucked away down in the basement.
A very special dress...
You see, the reason this dress is so special is because this Happy Housewife wore it nearly 30 years ago when I was a flower girl in a wedding. 
It was kept perfectly preserved in case I would have a daughter someday and she should ever want it for anything. The Princess Party was the perfect time to pull it out. It fit Eva absolutely perfectly and I thought she looked breathtaking in it!"A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful memories of the present, and the hope and promise of the future."
--Author Unknown
Monday, January 19, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Baby, it's COLD outside...
When I say it it cold outside, I mean it is COLD...we're talking negative 20 degrees!!! Let me just point out that isn't our windchill...it's the temperature!!! I honestly can't remember the last time it was that frigid in this area. Enjoy some pictures of how we have spent the last few days..err...enjoying the cold weather. OK, I'll be honest...I really play it up with the kiddies and tell them that the cold weather is soooo fun!!!! But in all honesty, I really hate it.
I'm a warm weather girl. Give me a few palm trees, some sand I can squish between my toes, and the sun on my face and I'm one happy happy girl.
Add a margarita to that I am ecstatic.
That said, I truly have enjoyed my time with the kiddies...
Jaden loves his train set and we have also spent a lot of time chugging along with the choo choo train!
I think Eva may be passing her love of cooking down to Jaden. Our little guy always wants in on the action now! He is even willing to set aside his manhood and sport an apron!
Remember in a previous post when I mentioned we have dance parties? Well, we also have concerts. We are quite the musicians let me tell you (just don't ask the neighbors)!!! We put out a blanket or blow up the aerobed for our "stage" and get down to the music!
With weather like this we have spent a little time outdoors shoveling...and shoveling...and shoveling. We also went sledding which was quite a bit more fun than shoveling!!
I know, not the most thought-provoking post but if this blog is a true reflection of how I spend my days....you're looking at it! I hope you all are staying warm wherever you may be! Also, take just a second to vote on my poll! I'm considering doing a give away, but I'm curious as to how many people really participate in those things!
I'm a warm weather girl. Give me a few palm trees, some sand I can squish between my toes, and the sun on my face and I'm one happy happy girl.
Add a margarita to that I am ecstatic.
That said, I truly have enjoyed my time with the kiddies...
Eva is all about playing restaurant these days. We spend countless hours in her play kitchen where she takes orders, cooks, and serves! Such a multi-tasker!
Jaden loves his train set and we have also spent a lot of time chugging along with the choo choo train!
I think Eva may be passing her love of cooking down to Jaden. Our little guy always wants in on the action now! He is even willing to set aside his manhood and sport an apron!
Remember in a previous post when I mentioned we have dance parties? Well, we also have concerts. We are quite the musicians let me tell you (just don't ask the neighbors)!!! We put out a blanket or blow up the aerobed for our "stage" and get down to the music!
With weather like this we have spent a little time outdoors shoveling...and shoveling...and shoveling. We also went sledding which was quite a bit more fun than shoveling!!
I know, not the most thought-provoking post but if this blog is a true reflection of how I spend my days....you're looking at it! I hope you all are staying warm wherever you may be! Also, take just a second to vote on my poll! I'm considering doing a give away, but I'm curious as to how many people really participate in those things!
"In the depth of winter I learned that within me lay an invincible summer"
--Albert Camus
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Simple Joy #13
Picture this:
The kids asleep...
My husband gone...
A really, really good book...
A roaring fire...
And a cozy down comforter.
Yes, I sat all curled up like that until 3:00 in the morning.
And finished the book.
So simple...so heavenly.
The kids asleep...
My husband gone...
A really, really good book...
A roaring fire...
And a cozy down comforter.
Yes, I sat all curled up like that until 3:00 in the morning.
And finished the book.
So simple...so heavenly.
Friday, January 9, 2009
A new year...a healthy year.
Many of my friends have various hopes or resolutions for the new year. I've decided to follow in my friend Jami's shoes and simply focus on health this year. You see, this year in my family we have had a few health scares...and we were blessed beyond belief that "scares" is all they were. But in all it really got me thinking about health and the importance of it.
Our family's lifestyle, in general, is pretty healthy to begin with but there is always room for improvement. Matt and I both want our children to always know that eating well and physical activity is an important part of every day life.
Here are a few things we are changing in our household to make our home healthier and happier:
1. Lots of physical activity! We get a lot of activity in the summer, but it's so much harder in the winter. Yes, I am continuing my relationship with my treadmill (and learning to love it again) and since our treadmill is in the basement Eva and Jaden zoom around me on their bikes and scooters while I work out! Great exercise for all of us!! We also have "dance parties" where I turn on some rockin' 80's music and Eva, Jaden, and I dance our hearts out. Let me tell you, in my mind I definitely look like a Solid Gold Dancer (Do you remember that show?)!!!! Ha!! Basically, we are just doing what we can to keep ourselves active during the day (and doing our best to make it fun).
2. More fruits and veggies. The kiddies eat a lot of fruit and veggies, but I wasn't so good at it. I am trying to incorporate more fresh fruits and veggies into our meals since those are the most nutritious. One thing that has really helped is having the fruit sitting out (hence the need for my fruit bowl mentioned in the previous post). When it is sitting out I'm more tempted to grab some to eat, and the kiddies are always asking for it with meals.
3. More time relaxing. This one is more for me than for our family. I've found that I tend to go, go, go and then when I get the kids down for bed I want to crash. I'm trying to find a balance. I've started reading again (this is super relaxing for me) and my blog is also relaxing (you may notice I've posted more lately). I've also tried to make sure I cut out some time to spend with God. I have always spent time with Him...but I'll be honest in saying that sometimes it was in the car on the way to the grocery store! I know that isn't bad, but it's also not giving Him the time he deserves. Soooo....I am trying very hard to carve out even a few moments of quiet during the day that I can thank Him for all the blessings in my life.
That is it as far as goals or aspirations go....but I also want to share with you one health related thing that our family has done for years that we feel we are doing right and has made a big impact on us...
Both Matt and I REALLY limit sugar intake with ourselves and our kiddies. . We do make exceptions (birthday parties or other special occasions) but in our day to day life we don't eat sweets (and Jaden doesn't get sweets at all since he is not even old enough to know the difference). This guideline has had huge benefits...here are just a few:
1. Our little ones just don't crave sweets. Eva and Jaden ask for raisins and prunes as "sweets".
2. It's not only better for their little bodies, but it's also soooo much better for their teeth. Our dentist loves this little guideline we follow!
3. Eva is only four, but she knows very well what foods are good for her and what foods aren't. On Christmas Eve she said she only wanted to leave Santa ONE cookie...because "cookies aren't good for him."
Just an idea, but Matt and I are big advocates of it because we see the difference it makes in our children. When Eva has sugar (as she did at various times during the Holiday season) we both see a BIG difference in her behavior.
That is it my friends...I hope you and your family will enjoy this new year to the fullest!!!
Our family's lifestyle, in general, is pretty healthy to begin with but there is always room for improvement. Matt and I both want our children to always know that eating well and physical activity is an important part of every day life.
Here are a few things we are changing in our household to make our home healthier and happier:
1. Lots of physical activity! We get a lot of activity in the summer, but it's so much harder in the winter. Yes, I am continuing my relationship with my treadmill (and learning to love it again) and since our treadmill is in the basement Eva and Jaden zoom around me on their bikes and scooters while I work out! Great exercise for all of us!! We also have "dance parties" where I turn on some rockin' 80's music and Eva, Jaden, and I dance our hearts out. Let me tell you, in my mind I definitely look like a Solid Gold Dancer (Do you remember that show?)!!!! Ha!! Basically, we are just doing what we can to keep ourselves active during the day (and doing our best to make it fun).
2. More fruits and veggies. The kiddies eat a lot of fruit and veggies, but I wasn't so good at it. I am trying to incorporate more fresh fruits and veggies into our meals since those are the most nutritious. One thing that has really helped is having the fruit sitting out (hence the need for my fruit bowl mentioned in the previous post). When it is sitting out I'm more tempted to grab some to eat, and the kiddies are always asking for it with meals.
3. More time relaxing. This one is more for me than for our family. I've found that I tend to go, go, go and then when I get the kids down for bed I want to crash. I'm trying to find a balance. I've started reading again (this is super relaxing for me) and my blog is also relaxing (you may notice I've posted more lately). I've also tried to make sure I cut out some time to spend with God. I have always spent time with Him...but I'll be honest in saying that sometimes it was in the car on the way to the grocery store! I know that isn't bad, but it's also not giving Him the time he deserves. Soooo....I am trying very hard to carve out even a few moments of quiet during the day that I can thank Him for all the blessings in my life.
That is it as far as goals or aspirations go....but I also want to share with you one health related thing that our family has done for years that we feel we are doing right and has made a big impact on us...
Both Matt and I REALLY limit sugar intake with ourselves and our kiddies. . We do make exceptions (birthday parties or other special occasions) but in our day to day life we don't eat sweets (and Jaden doesn't get sweets at all since he is not even old enough to know the difference). This guideline has had huge benefits...here are just a few:
1. Our little ones just don't crave sweets. Eva and Jaden ask for raisins and prunes as "sweets".
2. It's not only better for their little bodies, but it's also soooo much better for their teeth. Our dentist loves this little guideline we follow!
3. Eva is only four, but she knows very well what foods are good for her and what foods aren't. On Christmas Eve she said she only wanted to leave Santa ONE cookie...because "cookies aren't good for him."
Just an idea, but Matt and I are big advocates of it because we see the difference it makes in our children. When Eva has sugar (as she did at various times during the Holiday season) we both see a BIG difference in her behavior.
That is it my friends...I hope you and your family will enjoy this new year to the fullest!!!
Here is to a HAPPY and HEALTHY 2009!!!!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tis the season for bargains...
Like everyone, this Happy Housewife is watching her spending right now. We must all be smart with our finances. Honestly, I am a bit of a bargain shopper so it's not too terribly hard for me. My husband, the sweet guy he is, is always telling me to buy things (purses, clothing, etc.) that I will gawk at because it's full price!!! Are you serious?!!! I looooooooove finding good deals, and revel at spending time digging through racks at TJ Maxx or Marshalls.
After a quick trip to Old Navy and Pier One today I came back with a few great bargains and couldn't help but share...
Then I ran to Pier One because their sign said "75% off" and seriously, I think it is written law that if a place you love is having a 75% off sale then you MUST stop or else face the consequence. I've needed a fruit basket and I haven't found one I like (I have pretty contemporary taste)...but I LOVED this one at 50% off!!!!! And on top of that I happened to notice a few scratches on it so when I asked the manager about it she offered me an additional 20% off!! Ha - 70% off!!! When I got home I quickly fixed those little scratches up with a bit of black marker and it is perfect!
After a quick trip to Old Navy and Pier One today I came back with a few great bargains and couldn't help but share...
I'm alllllll about buying my children clothing when it is on sale. RARELY do I ever pay full price for anything. I got Eva this T-shirt at Old Navy for...get this...$2.97. Yep, and that's not all. I also got her an adorable navy blue and white tank top that is a bit more dressy for $2.99. And as if that is not enough I got her a long hooded sweatshirt (dress length) that will look too scrumptious on her with leggings and Uggs for.....$2.99!!! I added up my savings and I saved over $40.o0 on those three shirts!
Then I ran to Pier One because their sign said "75% off" and seriously, I think it is written law that if a place you love is having a 75% off sale then you MUST stop or else face the consequence. I've needed a fruit basket and I haven't found one I like (I have pretty contemporary taste)...but I LOVED this one at 50% off!!!!! And on top of that I happened to notice a few scratches on it so when I asked the manager about it she offered me an additional 20% off!! Ha - 70% off!!! When I got home I quickly fixed those little scratches up with a bit of black marker and it is perfect!
I often think that I view shopping much like my husband views sports.
I love the challenge...I love the hunt....and nothing beats the sweetness of victory.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sesame Street Live
Matt and I took the kiddies to Sesame Street Live this past week. We tried to plan it as a big surprise for them. We kept it a secret for days and just told them that there was a big surprise coming up! We took them out for dinner the night of the performance and announced our big surprise. They were ecstatic! Enjoy some pictures of our special night:
Me and my little man. Jaden was just in awe the entire performance. He kept pointing to the stage (with huge eyes) and then would look at me with disbelief and say, "ELMO!!!" He was literally beside himself that the red fuzzy character was right in front of him...even trying to reach out and hug him!!! He talked about Elmo for the rest of the night. It just completely warmed my heart.
All of our Sesame Street friends!
The evening was so memorable for me...the children were so excited and I will forever remember them dancing and laughing with the characters. Their special night turned into a memory that I will always hold dear. As the evening winded down we settled into our trip home and before long both were asleep in the car. When I carried Jaden inside and began changing his diaper he opened his eyes just long enough to whisper..."elmo".
We were lucky enough to get seats in the Royal Box section. It was awesome because we had a box completely to ourselves and not only did we have an amazing view, the munchkins could stand up and dance with the characters...and boy did they dance!!
Me and my little man. Jaden was just in awe the entire performance. He kept pointing to the stage (with huge eyes) and then would look at me with disbelief and say, "ELMO!!!" He was literally beside himself that the red fuzzy character was right in front of him...even trying to reach out and hug him!!! He talked about Elmo for the rest of the night. It just completely warmed my heart.
All of our Sesame Street friends!
The evening was so memorable for me...the children were so excited and I will forever remember them dancing and laughing with the characters. Their special night turned into a memory that I will always hold dear. As the evening winded down we settled into our trip home and before long both were asleep in the car. When I carried Jaden inside and began changing his diaper he opened his eyes just long enough to whisper..."elmo".
Yes buddy, it really was Elmo.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Facebook Update
Wow, thanks everyone for all of your help with my whole Facebook dilemma. After reading your comments it seems I really don't have to much to lose in joining. You all shared a lot of things with me that I never knew about Facebook and that made it seem much more appealing.
I also had to laugh because I got my new People magazine yesterday and the back page was all on celebrities that have Facebook pages....too funny!!
I am happy to say that, thanks to all of you, I've decided to join in the near future.
Thanks Again....and look me up on Facebook!
I also had to laugh because I got my new People magazine yesterday and the back page was all on celebrities that have Facebook pages....too funny!!
I am happy to say that, thanks to all of you, I've decided to join in the near future.
Thanks Again....and look me up on Facebook!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Ah...the new rage. I feel like my friends and family are joining Facebook like moths to a fire.
I'm just not sure I want to go there.
I have no reason not to go there. I have nothing to hide. I absolutely loved high school, and enjoyed college. No "ghosts in my closet" so to speak.
I think my real hesitations are these...
1. Do I really want to open myself up to be judged and be in a position where it is easy to judge other people without really knowing them? You know we are all guilty of looking at someone's picture and saying, "Man, they look really old since I last saw them!!!!" We seem to quickly forget that they may think the exact same thing about us! Ha!
2. Do I really want to take the time??
I know some of you are probably saying, "seriously...you do a blog? We can judge you from that!" but for some odd reason I feel safe with my blog. My blog, although a lot of people read it, is MINE. It is my personal journal of how my days are spent. It is a way for people to keep up with what is going on in my life, and if they blog I love keeping up with what is going on in their lives too.
I just don't see Facebook like that.
I've definitely been curious. My friend Stacey has been kind enough to let me go into her Facebook account and snoop around. It was intriguing. I loved seeing who had accounts and found myself furiously typing everyone's name I could think of that I may have known in say, oh the last 25 years or so...yes, I even checked to see if my best friend from 1st grade (that I haven't seen in nearly 25 years) had an account. If you are reading this and know me personally, then yes - your name was probably typed while I was snooping!
I've been ready to sign up a dozen times or so...and then stopped.
Always going back to those same hesitations. Those same nagging thoughts.
So I am wondering...
If you are on Facebook why do you enjoy it?
I'm just not sure I want to go there.
I have no reason not to go there. I have nothing to hide. I absolutely loved high school, and enjoyed college. No "ghosts in my closet" so to speak.
I think my real hesitations are these...
1. Do I really want to open myself up to be judged and be in a position where it is easy to judge other people without really knowing them? You know we are all guilty of looking at someone's picture and saying, "Man, they look really old since I last saw them!!!!" We seem to quickly forget that they may think the exact same thing about us! Ha!
2. Do I really want to take the time??
I know some of you are probably saying, "seriously...you do a blog? We can judge you from that!" but for some odd reason I feel safe with my blog. My blog, although a lot of people read it, is MINE. It is my personal journal of how my days are spent. It is a way for people to keep up with what is going on in my life, and if they blog I love keeping up with what is going on in their lives too.
I just don't see Facebook like that.
I've definitely been curious. My friend Stacey has been kind enough to let me go into her Facebook account and snoop around. It was intriguing. I loved seeing who had accounts and found myself furiously typing everyone's name I could think of that I may have known in say, oh the last 25 years or so...yes, I even checked to see if my best friend from 1st grade (that I haven't seen in nearly 25 years) had an account. If you are reading this and know me personally, then yes - your name was probably typed while I was snooping!
I've been ready to sign up a dozen times or so...and then stopped.
Always going back to those same hesitations. Those same nagging thoughts.
So I am wondering...
If you are on Facebook why do you enjoy it?
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