Happiness is...

I have been pondering what makes me happy. There are many obvious things (family time, good friends, a rewarding career) but there is an underlying theme that seems to be the core of me. I like order.
How do you accomplish that with 6 children, a dog with separation anxiety, and a husband who spends more time working with his second wife (Mrs. John Deere) than he does at home?
One way I conquer happiness (and less stress) is with planning and organization. But, don't look in my closets! This organization does not necessarily filter into all aspects of my life though I wish it would!! I like order. I am a planner. I try to plan everything from meals to chores. I am a list person even if I never look at the list.
Working really cramps my style but it is necessary to be able to provide our family with the extra things we enjoy as a family--private schooling, extra activities and lessons for the kids, camping, preserving our memories, and hopefully a more comfortable retirement.
To make the days of work more palatable one must be organized! I am fortunate to have some help with laundry, baking, and meal prep. Joann and Jerry Ray to the rescue! They come 3 days a week to watch the kids after school. I do the planning and they carry it out. I am so blessed! This makes especially meal time (nightly and always together even if its quick) less stressful and definitely more healthy.
I used to gather regularly with friends to make food and freeze it for future use. Instead now I will make two of something (like lasagna or enchiladas). Eat one, freeze one. Or sometimes on a Sunday afternoon I will spend all day in the kitchen making the weeks meals. I also freeze ground beef already cooked. A big time saver. I freeze diced onions and sliced green peppers. Anything to help cut down on meal prep! Another big timesaver is my crockpot. I had to upgrade recently so I bought one with a delay timer. I could not live without my crockpot!

A Relaxing Fourth

We spent the extended Fourth of July weekend at the lake where our camper is parked permanently. The kids love it there! We park our 5th wheel trailer at Kochs Meadow Lakes Campground. Its a private campground for members only so life is predictable and safe. We know everyone and they know us. Less than 40 campers, so its small and nice. Its also undisturbed with plenty of wildlife and plenty of fish to be caught in the lake.

This weekend, other than a mishap of lost eyeglasses (Joe's) and an episode of vomiting (again Joe) it was a great weekend. The weather was nearly perfect with low humidity to start the weekend and just a bit of rain that did not spoil too much on Sunday night and Monday. The worst part about camping is packing to go home.

Alexis was absent from our weekend as she traveled with Grandma and Grandpa and Lauren to the east to visit the Bobkas. She is having a great time of her own.

Joe and Xavier spent much of their time with our new campsite neighbors who have 2 boys--Cody (16) who loves to fish and Travis (11)--finally an age appropriate friend for Charley! Joe caught a blue gill on Friday evening and was so pleased with himself! He awoke at 7:30 on Saturday morning and said with pole in hand "Mom, I'm gonna catch you a fish, pinky swear!" and off he flew with his pole following the older boys to the edge of the lake.

Saturday night was family night--food, games, and friends. We shared a mexican themed feast with our neighbors and good friends the Durhams and new friends the Gilhoulys. Tacos, tostadas, jalepeno rice, and of course margaritas (virgin ones for the kids!). Absolutely delicious!