Happiness is________ {week 11} #happinessis

This week has been full of all sorts of surprises. Most which were good ones :)  This week happiness is....

New books.  All I have read in the last few months have been cookbooks, but nothing looked good, so back to some good reading it is.  I started with a book about a man in prison whos last wish is to give his heart to his victims dying sister.  Right up my alley :) 

And how can these sweet faces not make you happy?  My friend is fostering them for the next 4 weeks so If you or anyone you know is looking to add to the pack, let me know!!  They will bring you a life time of happiness!

Speaking of the pack, here is how we spend our afternoons.  This dog has brought so much happiness to our family!  Nothing makes this kid happier than a cuddle with his dog!

Happiness is finding this very cool guy that kept us busy for a few hours.  Time freezes for caterpillars   The boys and I can watch them wiggle around all day long.  My son was more than happy to explain the whole process of becoming a butterfly!  I love that he loves nature as much as I do!

And the greatest happiness this week was watching this guy win a good behavior award at school. He was so nervous but her earned it!  And I am so proud of him :)

What brought you happiness this week? Leave a link in the comments to your status updates, tweets and Instagram photos that make you happy! Or tag them with #happinessis! I would love to see them!  And don't forget to stop by Crazy Adventures in Parenting and see what is making others happy!

Menu Plan Monday: May 19/26

I'm pretty sure the weekends are getting shorter.  Or maybe I am just aching for summer break. It was a pretty laid back couple of days for us.  But tomorrow it is back to grind.  Backpacks are emptied, clothes are laid out and lunch is packed.  Now to focus on this weeks dinners.

I'm keeping it pretty simple this week.  And cheap.  Breakfast is usually toast and eggs.  Lunches are leftovers or sandwiches.  Here is whats for dinner. 

Monday -  Spanish rice w/beef, beans and tortillas. 

Tuesday - Lemon pepper swai, roasted potatoes and salad.

Wednesday - Spaghetti, salad and garlic bread.

Thursday - Pork chops with leftover spaghetti and salad.

Friday - Baked chicken quarters, stuffing and broccoli.

Saturday - Homemade turkey sloppy joes and roasted cabbage.

Sunday - Fridge sweep.  Mix and match of leftovers to clean out the fridge.

When ever I make spaghetti I always make enough to stretch out between two days.  The next day it is a smaller portion served with a meat and some sort of veggies.  There is usually lots of leftovers come Sunday, so its kind of a fend for yourself kinda night.

Quick question for yall.  How much do you spend on groceries?  I will be getting this plus some staples on a $100 a week budget.  Is this crazy? I have talked to quite a few people about this and get such mixed reactions.  I don't use coupons very often.  We don't eat super healthy, but not very unhealthy either.  David takes leftovers to work for lunch.  And I usually buy lots of fruits for snacks, dessert and Anthony's snack for school.  So what what is your grocery budget? Do you shop weekly?

The Great American Backyard Campout

We did it.  We bought a tent.  And we are making plans to go soon.  And since this is our first camping adventure as a family, I want to make sure its nothing but perfect.  So whats a girl to do?  I called on my local blogger group for any advice or posts to help me prepare.  Suddenly we were talking about steaks and cakes and all kinds of good stuff that I almost wanted to bust the tent out tonight!  Im that excited.

Then the ever so wonderful Debi over at SA Busy Kids tells me to check out The Great American Backyard Campout.  Have yall ever heard of this.  How am I just now finding out about this.  Or did I already know and forget?  All I know is this is going to be fun with a capital F!

So what is it?  Every 4th Saturday in June people from all over camp out.  This year it will be on June 22nd.   Write that down and join us!  You can find all the info you need at www.backyardcampout.org.

Have you ever sent your kids outside while explaining how back when you were a kid we played outside with what ever we had and didn't sit inside all day infront of a screen?  I do it all the time. I didn't have a DS or Ipad. Back home we only had two channels on the TV and one was news. We played in the dirt, we climbed trees and make forts!  You too?  Well today only 25% of kids play outside daily.  I will admit, my boys spend way to much time inside and I have been pushing to change that.  And this I think will be the start of many more camping adventures.  

I am debating on forming a team or just going the individual route.  Either way I hope some of you join me!  What do you say?  Sounds like fun right??