A Girl and Some Dolls

Jellybean with some of her beloved dolls: Lolli, Rainbow and Sunshine.  I love that this girl loves dolls. It makes me smile.

Jellybean points at Lolli (the brunette): "That's Mama."
She points at Sunshine (the blonde): "That's Dada."
Then she points at Rainbow (the red head): "That's me!"

Her daddy is so pleased by the comparison.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

Easy Recipe: Zucchini Casserole

There are a lot of people out there who turn up their noses at casseroles.  Apparently, they aren't an "in" food anymore.  I hear that they haven't really been in since the 60's.  I think this is a travesty.  I grew up with two different casseroles that I love to come back to for a simple, quick and delicious meal. 

I've decided to share my family's zucchini casserole recipe. It is one of those comfort meals from my childhood. There's nothing high brow about this recipe, but it is a great way to use up all of that extra zucchini you are undoubtedly growing this Summer. 

Zucchini Casserole

1 C shredded carrots
6 C cubed zucchini
1/4 C diced onion
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 6 oz package stove top dressing mix (pork)
1/2 C margarine or butter
1 C sour cream
1 C cubed fresh or canned turkey or chicken

Method:

Cook onion, carrots and zucchini in a large pan until tender.

Mix sour cream and soup into veggies.

Melt butter and stir into stuffing mix.

Place half stuffing in bottom of buttered casserole dish.

Pour veggies on top. Top with remaining stuffing.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

As simple as that.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

Bag Head

Sometimes I get up in the morning and I'm so worried and anxious over the day/week that I just want to put a bag on my head.  You know that feeling that you got in school when you had a big test coming up and you didn't feel prepared? There are days when I don't feel prepared for life.

When I worked full time, I had a co-worker named Neva.  Neva seemed so old and spent her time in constant worry. She worried that her computer screen was giving her cancer, she worried that deodorant would give her tumors, worried that people were stealing from her, she even worried that the coffee "fumes" in the breakroom would make her high (we giggled a lot about that one).

She strived for clean, healthy living. Like me, she abstained from drinking alcohol and coffee, smoking and swearing.  But, she couldn't stop there, in a lot of ways she abstained from her life because of her fears and worries. Neva had worried away her youth long before retirement.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
--Buddha

I guess the old adage really does apply: don't worry, be happy. Of course, don't be too quick to throw away that bag. Putting one on your head can also be hilarious.

Bag Head from A Happy Song on Vimeo.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

Book Review: Going on a Bear Hunt

It is amazing to me when a simple story can spark the imaginations of my children and inspire hours of creative play as well.  Recently, we picked up a copy of We're Going on a Bear Hunt, retold by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. 

The repetitive text and beautiful illustrations combined with an adorable story have made it perfect for my 2 and 4 year old. Books that use onomatopoeia are especially good for this age group. I also find that, for me, sound effects make reading a book out loud over and over again more palatable. The "squelch, squerch" of the mud and the "hoooo woooo" of the wind are particular favorites with my kids.

Since purchasing a copy of this book, we have read it and re-read it.  Each re-reading is followed by an enthusiastic, "again!" Jellybean likes to say the words with me, especially the phrase, "Oh no! We'll have to go through it!" Her sweet, "oh no!" gives me a kick. Every. Single. Time.

When reading is done, I've had fun acting out the story with my children.  The front door rug becomes the oozy mud, the carpeted dining room becomes the wavy grass and Daddy's office becomes the gloomy cave.  We've even discovered the bear a few times, rushed up the stairs, run into my room, jumped into bed and hid under the covers. Buddy loves to wander the house now, hunting for a bear.  He's very vigilant and doesn't let any obstacles get in his way.   

It's not a new book.  I'd heard the name and seen it on bookshelves before, but hadn't ever read it myself.  In fact,  I may be the only person who hadn't read it until now.  If you are like I was and haven't had the opportunity, it's well worth adding to your collection. I'm looking forward to all of the bear hunts I'll get to go on with my children in the future.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

One Year Ago- Spring in the Old Neighborhood

Happy WW!

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

Project: Sew Skirt

I found a great tutorial on MADE recently. In fact, all of Dana's tutorials are fantastic.  Anyway, I usually have a ton of fabric laying around, so I decided I needed to sew my daughter a skirt.  I took her measurements and pulled out some fabric. Then I proceeded to do absolutely nothing else for two months.  Fast forward to today.  I buckled down and sewed my daughter a skirt! I'm saying that I actually created clothing for my child to wear and it was really easy! If I can do it, anyone can.

I'm pretty proud of the end result. Not only does it look cute, but it actually fits! Jellybean liked it enough that she wanted to try it on the minute I sewed the last stitch.  She's pretty particular about what she wears, so it was a huge compliment.

The t-shirt doesn't match it perfectly and I didn't brush her hair, but she is still adorable.  I have a vision of creating a t-shirt to match it, but that may be another two months down the line.

 Buddy had to get in on the photo shoot action in his new Target pirate outfit.

A HUGE thank you to Dana at MADE for helping me feel like a super mom!

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

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Stepping Out For Fro Yo

I remember my parents taking myself and my siblings to a frozen yogurt place called Yozen Frogurt.  I thought the name was terribly clever at the time.  Frozen yogurt seemed like a really special treat.  My favorite flavor then and now? Chocolate with gummy bears.

Am I crazy or is frozen yogurt majorly back in? I've seen frozen yogurt places popping up everywhere.  Because I love, love it, I made it a habit to treat my kids every once in a while.  When I discovered Red Mango, I started treating myself and my kids a little more often.  It's all natural, so I can justify eating it for lunch. It's delicious. I think I've become an addict.

I don't get chocolate with gummy bears, but I do get the mixed berry parfait.  My little ones like the original flavor with berries and mochi.  We have a good time of it as you can see.

I suggest stepping out and treating yourself (and your little ones) to your favorite fro yo.

Have A Happy Day!

~MJ


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Western Redbud Beauty

Happy WW! 

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

Quiet Activity Idea: Felt Alphabet

We generally struggle to find activities that will occupy the kids during church services on Sunday.  I lug a large tote bag filled with different items each week and pray that we can keep them entertained enough for me to actually listen during the meeting.

A little activity I put together has stood the test of time for keeping Buddy occupied. I cut out some felt letters using a few different colors of felt.  He becomes totally engrossed in laying out the letters (which stick great to the cushioned seats in our chapel).

We also take turns spelling words for each other and impressing our fellow church goers with Buddy's amazing reading skills. The family that sat behind us this last Sunday told me that they were thoroughly entertained.

When play is over, I just crush all the letters up into a ball, place them in a baggy and toss them into my tote bag.  Just a little tip for some quiet play.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

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Going On A Nature Walk

Step 1: Collection

On Friday, I handed two cellophane bags to my kids and we took a walk.  They each began collecting small items from nature.  Jellybean was way less selective than Buddy. She also listened better to the instruction: "Don't dump your bag until I get a picture!"

 Look at all the different colors and textures!

Step 2: Observation (i.e. destroy)

Dump out the bag.

Wait patiently while Mom displays some of the different items for a picture.

Now really start to experience the different colors and textures by crushing, pulling it apart, throwing it up in the air, pretending that you have really big lips, etc. Whatever floats your boat.

 Step 3: Storage

If you have a hat, that is where the remains of your nature collection should go.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ


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