Happy thoughts

The past couple days I have been feeling low and depressed.  I tend to let these feelings take over so I’ve decided to think of things that make me feel happy. 

Baking… I just made two coffee cakes tonight.  For some reason I can bake and it instantly takes my mind off anything that is bothering me.  I think it has to do with finishing the task at hand and the yummy smells coming from the oven.  However, this can also backfire if what I am making is too involved or if I feel rushed to finish (ex. Jake’s 1st birthday cupcakes and the burger & fries for Nic’s party).

Fall… I hate winter, but I love Fall.  I love the cool nights and snuggling in blankets.  I love wearing jeans and sweaters.  I love the changing colors of the trees on my drive to and from work.  I love Fall decorations.  Everything in Fall just seems to slow down from the hectic busy summer.

Books… I love to read!  I love to read on my Kindle, but the book club book this month isn’t available on the Kindle, so I got it from the library.  I still love to read books the normal way and I like the smell of old books.

Pictures… I love looking at old pictures.  I have a few photo albums from when I was little and it makes me happy to see how we have all changed.  I really enjoy looking at Mom’s old photo albums of when she was a little girl.  I can’t believe how much Mom and Julia look alike at her age.

My family… Jamie and Jake can make me laugh so easily.  They are great for hugs and cuddling.  Charlie is also great for snuggling with.  He loves to stretch out on the blanket on my lap really makes my legs warm!  

What makes you happy?

Holy Hill Craft Fair

Yesterday I met Debbie, her sister Trish and Trish’s daughter-in-law, Jamie, at the Holy Hill Craft Fair.  This was my first time there and I forgot to bring my camera and I wish I hadn’t because it was HUGE!  There were over 200 vendors and a ton of people.  It was outside which was tricky because the weather in the morning was not good when the vendors set up, but the time I was there (11:15–2:30) the weather was great.  I bumped into Sue, Matt, Dakota and Mrs. Burch.  There was a lot of Halloween decorations and some Christmas decorations and a ton of country-type home decor which really isn’t my style.

I did buy a couple things.  I bought Jake a tote for him to store some books and toys for car rides or weekend trips.  Debbie also bought him a smock that holds crayons.  I think I’ll have to get him an easel soon.

I was a little bummed that I didn’t see anything worthy enough for me to spend on myself until I found these really cute headbands.  They were $10 each or 3 for $25, so of course I bought three.  Maybe I’ll be wearing one the next time you see me.

 

I look forward to going again next year since I know what to expect.

End of Summer

These past three weekends we have been on vacation.  Two weekends ago Jamie and I went camping while Jake was at Grandma’s weekend.  Jamie and I spent time reading, playing lots of cribbage, fishing and just relaxing. 

Over Labor Day weekend we went up to Jamie’s Aunt and Uncle’s house where we pitched the tent in their yard.  The first night we lost power for 3 hours and our tent had lots of water in it.  So the next morning we took everything out, mopped up the water and moved it to a new spot.  That day was super windy which helped dry out the tent.  It was cold, but we had a heater from the house and hand warmers for our sleeping bags.  It was still a great weekend.

This past weekend we went up to the Dells to celebrate Mom’s 60th birthday.  We stayed at the Wilderness cabins on the golf course.  The cabin was really nice and the water parks were great!  The highlight for me, other than spending time with my family was winning $60 while playing Blackjack at Ho-Chunk.  Dad and I went on Friday night and I don’t think I lost more than 2 hands for the 30 mins I was sitting there. 

The weather is starting to cool down which means Fall is on its way!

More landscaping

Today after the rain stopped I took Jake to Stein’s Garden & Gifts to see what they had on sale in their garden center.  I still had a gift card that my Goddaughter, Jenna, gave me for Mother’s Day.  While Jake splashed around in the few puddles he found, I spotted some Indian Summer Rudbeckia flowers that I thought would add some great color to my landscaping.  Here is how the new landscaping is doing…

  The Russian sage and ornamental grasses took off after only a month in the ground.  The lilacs haven’t done much but I hope to see some growth next summer.  The arborvitae look really good and I am glad that we got the taller ones. 

To keep Jake from getting too wet while at the garden center I put him in these rain boots that I bought last week.  While we were checking out he picked out this small pumpkin.  A little early, but too cute!