Wednesday already?

This week is flying by for me! Happy Hump Day, mommies!

Happy Mom Goal

Pamper your feet today! Let them soak in a warm bath with sea salts, clip and file your toe nails and follow with a cute coat of nail color. Then give them a nice rub down with some yummy smelling lotion (or have your husband or kids do it!) Ahhhhhhhh! Feels great!

Happy Kid Goal

Make some crafts for the 4th of July with your kids today! Even if it's just drawing a picture of the flag. Display your projects on the refrigerator or somewhere else in your house where they will be noticed. There are some great ideas on THIS SITE.

Happy Husband Goal

Get out a deck of cards or another game tonight and just play. It's nice to have fun with your husband after the kids are asleep and you can just be together.

Happy House Goal

I'm working on my bathroom right now, so I'm gonna drag you all down with me! Not just the basic weekly stuff like scrubbing the toilets... I mean the whole sha-bang: cleaning out and organizing all the drawers and cupboards, washing the walls and baseboards, replacing the shower curtain with a new one, etc; It will feel great after we're done!

Dinner Tonight


Asian Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple

2 (3/4 pound) pork tenderloins

Marinade
1 (6 ounce) can pineapple juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt (kosher)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups peeled and cubed fresh pineapple (1-inch pieces)
8 wooden or metal skewers

Place pork tenderloins in resealable plastic bag; set aside. In small bowl, combine marinade ingredients; pour over pork. Seal bag; refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate, or up to 24 hours to enhance flavor.

Preheat grill to medium-hot. When ready to grill, remove pork from marinade and place on grill. Cook, covered, for about 10 minutes per side or until the internal temperature of pork is 160 degrees F. Meanwhile, place the pineapple chunks on the skewer; place on grill during the last 6 minutes of grilling time, turning after 3 minutes. To serve, slice pork into 1/2-inch slices (medallions) and serve with grilled pineapple.

New Details for Happy Hour!

OREM LADIES...

Head over to the OREM BLOG for a few new developments in this week's Happy Hour.

Also to find the "Bring List" for what you are asked to provide this week.

Don't forget to RSVP to Karyn by phone, text, or blog comment!

Thanks!

Tuesday

Happy Mom Goal

Sit out in the sunshine today! Even if it's just for a few minutes....or an hour! It's always nice to get out enjoy the summer. And a little color on your skin never hurts either, right?

Happy Kid Goal

Bubbles! What child doesn't love these amazing things? I know we've posted this before, but I also know my kids never tire of blowing bubbles! If you want to change it up a bit, try making huge soap bubbles with a wire hanger! You can find a great recipe HERE.

Happy Husband Goal

Write a cute little note on your husband's napkin for dinner tonight. Even just a heart that says "I'll love you forever" or something sweet like that. It'll get a smile out of him. (Make sure you don't use silver pen....my hubby didn't even notice his note yesterday. I'll have to re-do it tonight!)

Happy House Goal

Organize your book shelf. If it's already lookin' great, dust off your books instead. They collect dust so fast!

Dinner Tonight

Chicken Pasta Salad

2 ounces rotini pasta
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
4 roma (plum) tomato, diced
1/4 cup Italian-style salad dressing (or a ceasar type dressing)

In a large pot with boiling salted water cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
Meanwhile, season chicken strips with lemon pepper and garlic powder. Broil in oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until juices run clear. Cool chicken. Cut into bite size pieces.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, chicken, quartered tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Serve with Italian dressing poured over top of pasta.

Today's Pep Talk

Last night I was talking with a friend of mine, and the subject turned to how we as moms just need to learn to let things go. I always feel like I'm so uptight and worried. I know I've addressed this issue before, but I feel that it is a huge deal. How often do we worry about the messes our kids make and how our house looks instead of how much time we are spending with our kids? Those moms that you know who seems to have it all together - house always clean, kids dressed to perfection, gourmet dinner in the oven, and looking like a cover model - are making those things their priority...which is totally fine! That's their style. But if you're like me, those things are not always a reality. For me, spending time with my family is probably the most important thing in my life. I need to learn to chill and not spend so much time concerned about everything else! Anyone else feel this way??

Orem Unit Announcement

{{Click to Enlage}}

Remember that any mother is invited to attend!

Just let us know so we can make sure there is enough of everything to go around!

RSVP by Wednesday afternoon please!

Thanks!

Monday

Good morning, ladies! It's the start of a new week! (A week with a Holiday...my favorite!)

Happy Mom Goal

Wear something that makes you feel a little sexy today! Maybe do your hair or makeup different, or wear that outfit that you KNOW you look great in!

Happy Kid Goal

In light of Independence day, spend some time with your child teaching them a little bit of US history. Just simple little facts about the wonderful country that we live in. If your kids are too young for this, maybe just teach them a new song like "You're A Grand Old Flag!"

Happy Husband Goal

Send a cute text message to your hubby's phone while he's a work today (email works too, if you don't have text messaging.) Find a cute quote or poem to send. Something like:

Some love one, some love two.

I love one, and that is you!

Happy House Goal

Go through your pantry or kitchen cupboards and throw out anything that is past the expiration date or that you never use. It will create more space than you think!

Dinner Tonight

Creamy Chicken 'n Veggies

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups frozen broccoli cuts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 (16 ounce) jar roasted garlic Parmesan Alfredo sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Hot cooked rice

In a large skillet, saute the mixed vegetables and broccoli in oil until tender. Stir in the chicken, Alfredo sauce, salt and pepper; heat through. Serve with rice.

Today's Pep Talk

I always feel like I need one of these on Mondays. This pep talk is kind of an experiment, though. I usually fill this paragraph with words of encouragement or advice, but I'm really not sure how many people actually read it. I think it's more for me than anyone else! For the last little while, I've kinda been slackin' on the Pep Talks. I haven't really posted many because I've mostly just wondered if it's even worth it...does anyone even read it?? So, if you do read Pep Talk (and enjoy it) let me know if you want me to keep it up. Otherwise I'll probably just do them every so often. Leave a comment and let me know what you think! As always, you're all awesome =) Happy Monday!

~Karyn

Orem Unit "Happy Hour"

Hey Orem Ladies!

Head over to the Orem Blog to let me know whether or not you'll be attending Happy Hour this week. I need a head count so I can make sure there's enough "Happiness" to go around!

Thanks!

~Karyn

Yay! It's the Weekend!!!

Have a Happy Weekend!! Spend some extra quality time with your family, and do your best to bring them closer together. You're all AMAZING!!!

See you on Monday!

~Karyn

Friday!

Welcome to all our new Happy Moms! Enjoy!

Happy Mom Goal

Take short breaks during your day whether you are a stay at home mom, work at home mom or work outside of the home, try doing something for yourself periodically throughout the day. You can close your eyes and daydream, browse through the paper or simply have a short friendly chat with a friend.

Happy Kid Goal

Watching his feathered friends eating from a homemade feeder will likely fill your little ornithologist with fascination -- and swell his heart with pride. Best of all, theis seedy classic is a cinch to make. Be sure to hang it near a sturdy branch so your guests have a place to land while dining.Help your child spread peanut butter on a piece of toast. Cut the toast into a fun shape with a large cookie cutter, then poke a hole in the top with a skewer or straw. Let your child press the peanut-butter side into a plate full of seeds. Thread a ribbon through the hole, knot the ends, and hang. (The feeder should last for at least a week, or until a downpour!)

Happy Husband Goal

Write a "fairy tale" about your own love story with your hubby. Make him the "hero" of the story, and you are the "Damsel-in-distress." Use cardstock and scrapbook paper to turn it into a little book with drawings ~ don't worry, just stick figures! This time, instead of leaving it on his pillow or somewhere for him to find, just tell him that you have a bedtime story for him, and read it aloud! *Even if your meeting each other was nothing out of the ordinary (like meeting him in school and going to dinner and a movie) you can still make it cute and super romantic. Just dress it up a bit!

Happy House Goal

Time to work on your food storage! Whether it's buying a few more cans to add to your collection today, or just organizing and taking inventory of what you have and what you still need. In today's world, you never know when you're going to need some extra food stored away. A few months ago my husbad was out of a job due to the bad economy. We relied on our food storage for several weeks.

Dinner Tonight

Homemade Barbecue Chicken
(submitted by Brittany M.)
Mix together:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1 cup ketchup
1 Tbsp chili powder
1/4 worchestershire sacue
Stir together in bowl.
Coat 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in sauce, and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake 30 mins @ 350 degrees.Serve with mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Today's Pep Talk

Today I'd just like to emphasize once again how important it is to pay attention to our own well-being. If you read my emergency post yesterday, it showed just how critical it is that we as mothers be relaxed and in a good state of mind. I think that most of us tend to not worry about ourselves very often and when we do, we feel guilty about it. That's not the way it should be. YOU ARE IMPORTANT! You need time for yourself every day to breathe, unwind, and meditate. This will help you feel less stress and be a truly happier mother. Isn't what this job is all about ~ being the best mom you can be while enjoying the journey at the same time! Make sure that you are in a good place. Take care of yourself. Maybe even pamper yourself a little. And FEEL NO GUILT! This is a must! Love you =)
~Karyn

EMERGENY POST! *Overwhelmed Moms*

Hello there, ladies.

Okay, I'm sure most of you mommies are avid Oprah followers, but if you didn't happen to catch today's episode about overwhelmed moms, it was HEART-WRENCHING.

Take a look HERE.

This poor mother was so busy and life was so hectic that she forgot that her two year old little girl, Cecilia was in the hot car. She left her there for 8 hours in 102 degree weather where she later died. There were also many other stories of overwhelmed mothers who are about to have a break down. This, mommies, is where the "Happy Mom Goals" come into play. They even talked about taking time for yourself so you don't become so stressed and get to a dangerous or even deadly level of frustration. This should be a wake-up call to all moms everywhere!

Also on the Oprah show today,

Norman Fischer, a well-known Zen teacher, says there is an epidemic of overwhelmed people. Because we now have more possibilities, Norman says our expectations have been raised to unattainable heights.Norman says busy moms should stop trying to reach perfection and focus more on their happiness, attitude and state of mind. "I think that the first thing we've got to do is recognize that especially as mothers, but all of us, our state of mind and our attitude is our most precious gift that we give to each other," he says. "Every day, we ought to wake up and we ought to say: 'How is my state of mind today? Am I losing ground?' If I am, I better address that first because the rest of the stuff I do won't be worth anything if I'm harried and hassled and in a bad mood."

-Once again, Happy Mom Goals will help with this. I know most of you only accomplish one or two goals each day, and I'm sure they're usually Husband Goals or Kid Goals. But I urge you to work on your Happy Mom Goals a little more! Like I've said in the past, it's vital to the the well being of our families, and of ourselves!

{{If you missed this episode, check your local listings to see if today's Oprah airs again where you live. In Utah, it comes on again tonight at 12:37am on CBS.}}

Thursday Goals

Happy Mom Goal

Take a walk. Take some time by yourself and walk around your neighborhood. Literally take some time and smell the flowers. I mean it, bend over and smell something, even if it's a dandelion! I love to be outside and sometimes, I just breathe. I love fresh air and sometimes i just go outside to smell things.

Happy Kid Goal

Safety scissors ~ kids love to cut things... probably because they are so often taught to NEVER touch scissors. Save some of your scrap paper, or get some cheap construction paper, give your kids some safety scissors and let them cut cut cut! They don't need any help with shapes or instructions on what to do, just let them cut. It's not important if they actually create anything with the cuttings. If you are ambitious and your kids are a little older, get out some glue and have them make a mosaic out of the little pieces. Cutting with scissors is fun, it lets them do something they're not usually allowed to do, and it actually improves their fine motor skills!

Happy Husband Goal

If your man is anything like mine, he loves your physical attention. I don't know what it is about my husband, but it's like the rest of his mind and body shuts down if I start scratching his head and playing with his hair....he LOVES it! Spend some time tonight doing just that. Or, if he's not a 'head' guy, just give him a 10 minute back scratch! Guys need this kind of attention from us so they know we love and are attracted to them.

Happy House Goal

Okay, I'm kind of a germaphobic, so I do this every week or so....but it's time to disinfect your house. I don't mean clean the entire house top to bottom - just the germiest places in your house (i.e. light switches, door knobs, appliance handles) The things that get touched the most in your house are the worst places! Grab some clorox wipes or a disinfecting spray & rag, and wipe down EVERY door knob in the house ~ especially the front door and the bathroom door!

Dinner Tonight
German Burgers - This is an old family favorite!

(submitted by Chelsea K.)

Frozen dinner rolls (about 2/person)

Cooked hamburger

Cheddar Cheese - grated

Thaw the rolls according to package directions, you don't actually have to let them raise entirely, but they need to be all the way thawed. Spread out a roll till it's about the size of your palm, hold in one hand and add a spoonful of cooked hamburger and some cheese. fold edges of the roll in and pinch together. place on greased cookie sheet. Baste with butter on top and sprinkle some garlic salt. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes, till golden brown. Eat with ketchup.

Wednesday Goals

Happy Mom Goal

Go shopping! Even if it's just "window shopping" where you just look but don't buy... it's still fun!

Happy Kid Goal

A simple classic ~ just a day at the park! Over done? Probably. But your kids won't think so!

Happy Husband Goal

We did this as part of Father's Day, but it can be great for any day. Put a sign on your front door that says "We Love Our Daddy! Why....?"

Then leave little "why" notes all over the house with reasons why you and your kids love him! Use the exact wording that your kids use; it's funny. For example, my 3 year old said "I love you, Daddy. I like it when you tickle me. I be so happy when you let me climb on your back. I like that Daddy! He's nice to me!"

Place the notes in creative places he's bound to find them. We left them on the stairs going up, on the tv center, on his dresser where he puts his wallet and watch, on the microwave, inside the refrigerator, etc;

Happy House Goal

Time to clean out the fridge again! Don't just get rid of the old leftovers, though. Grab some rags and cleaner and scrub down those shelves! That's the best way to avoid odors and mold!

Dinner Tonight

Dave's (my husband) Stroganoff

(submitted by Chelsea K.)

***Great recipe for some of that hamburger you portioned and froze!***

1 lb hamburger

8 oz cream cheese

family size cream of mushroom soup

1 packet onion soup mix

milk

egg noodles or rice

Cook and drain the hamburger (you could also use meatballs if you have them)

Add the cream cheese, half a can of milk and mushroom soup, heat until cheese is melted and mixed together. Add onion soup. let simmer for a few minutes. (Add or use less milk depending on how thick you like it) Serve over noodles or rice.

Orem Ladies....

Happy Hour is Back....

Visit the Orem Blog for details!

Tuesday

Happy Mom Goal

LOL....Watch Nanny 911! I do this every now and then to remind myself that my children really aren't the worst children in the world and that it's really not so bad... now the day i am writing in to be on the show, that will be a sad day...

Happy Kid Goal

Color Wonder by Crayola~ I'm sure you have seen the commercials for these awesome products that only work on certain papers, well it's true and it's awesome! The markers, paint, etc; only work on special Crayola paper, which creates a worry free environment for your child's creativity. We got some paper and markers, and paint for our kids for Christmas last year and it's so nice to not have to worry about marker all over the table, walls, clothes, body.... you know what I mean? It's a great investment!

Happy Husband Goal

While cleaning my bedroom today, I found an object that inspired today's husband goal and I can't wait to give it a try. I found my and my husband's wedding DVD with a compilation of pictures from our childhood and of dating one another. If you have one, use that ~ if not, you can burn a cd of "your song" or just a bunch of songs that remind you of each other. Have it playing on a tv (or cd player) when your husband comes in to go to bed. Wear some sexy lingere and have a couple candles burning. Watching (or listening to) that will bring back some old memories and feelings! The rest of the night is up to you!

Happy House Goal

As a mom you know it's the absolute truth when I say that.... finger prints are EVERYWHERE!!! They just never end. Today, grab a rag and your favorite multi-purpose cleaner (making sure it's paint safe!) and rid your house of the nasty little buggers! Get the ones on the tv, the fridge, the oven door, and all the walls (sometimes we don't notice the ones on our own walls, but they are there ~ and everyone else notices them!)

Dinner Tonight

Baked Potato Bar

Large Potatoes

Butter

Sour Cream

Grated Cheese

Chives

Bacon Bits

Ranch dressing

Anything else you like!

Wash potatoes. If you like a softer, thinner skin, wrap in foil. If you like a thicker crispier skin scrub well and rub with cooking oil. Do not wrap, place directly in oven. Most potatoes take about an hour to cook @ 400. You can check by sticking a fork in, if it comes out easy they're done.

Split potatoes and top with favorite toppings!

*hint* if you don't want to wait a whole hour for your potatoes to cook, sometimes I do mine in the microwave. Just scrub your potatoes, stab a few holes in them with a fork, place in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid (or plate) on top, and microwave on high for about 5 minutes.

Today's Pep Talk

I just love moms! I think it's the hardest job in the world, and if you're a mom, I admire you! I love talking to other women who go through the same things I go through each day...it gives me hope for myself! You're all so awesome!! Love you ! (.....even if I don't really know you!)

~Karyn

Monday Goals

Happy Mom Goal

Listen to your favorite music! Do you remember the days when you were in the car by yourself and you cranked the radio up and sang along? Now you listen to your husbands favorite station and if you have to hear the wheels on the bus one more time you might rip your hair out! Any time you might be lucky and are in the car by yourself, or when you are at home cleaning, put in your favorite cd and crank it up! It feels so good to listen to music you love and belt it out, whether or not anyone else can hear you. If you really want a thrill, roll your windows down and sing along at the top yof your lungs, and pretend you don't notice the weird looks you are getting from other cars!

Happy Kid Goal

Pudding finger paint - Mix up a few different flavors of pudding (you could make a few different colors out of vanilla and food coloring) spread some parchment paper out, take off any clothes you don't want messy, and let em go! They will have so much fun creating, and eating!

Happy Husband Goal

Let your main man have a day to do whatever he wants to do. I'm letting my hubby have a whole day playing golf....but just let him spend his day doing his favorite thing(s) to do!

Happy House Goal

Dust all the large electronic appliances in your home today. Walk through and clean all the TVs, computers, DVD players, etc;

Dinner Tonight

Easy Pizza Pockets

(submitted by Chelsea K.)

Large Tortillas

Pizza sauce

Mozzarella cheese

Favorite pizza toppings

Lay your tortilla flat, spread some sauce in the middle, about 2 inches in form any edge. Add cheese and toppings, fold in two ends, then the other two. Cook on a foreman grill (this holds it together really well) or stick a toothpick in and bake (I've never tried it this way, but probably 350 for about 15 minutes. Till it's hot)

Today's Pep Talk

Hey ladies! Don't let the Monday get you down. You can do anything. Be positive and have a great week. Something I plan on trying this week is to not get overly upset over little things. Instead of getting all worked up about my 2 year old spilling a glass of milk all over the entire freshly mopped kitchen, I'll just try to say in a nice tone "Okay, Ashlin - let's get a towel and wipe it up! Come help me!"

I'm hoping that if I stay nicer during these kinds of things, then my kids will be happier and nicer to me!

Orem Unit's *~Sneek Peek!~*

I'm already excited!

Head over to the Orem blog to give your input on the best evening for July's GPD.....

It feels good to be guilty!

If this isn't motivation for you to start your own HMC unit, I don't know what would be!

Our first Guilty Pleasure Day was SO fun!

We all got together and made fun crafts for the 4th of July, ate yummy food, and just exchanged some girl talk! I can't wait for next month! It's almost like getting a "Super Saturday" once a month! Ha ha! I truly believe that having these type of get-togethers are healthy for us, and help us to be better and happier moms!