Tag Archive for happiness journal

Happiness Journal: February 6

February 6, 2011 Jessi Happiness Journal

snow heartThis week we had a huge snow storm that dropped 19.5 inches of powder on our beautiful little city. It was an awesome storm, complete with powerful house shaking (literally) thunder and an eye-popping lightning display. It was like a super cold version of a KISS concert, without the big shoes. It was fantastic.

And the best part…be “stuck” at home with my beautiful family, knowing that my parents and siblings were safe in their homes, too.

Then, of course, for the first time that I can ever remember, Punxsutawny Phil, that sassy little groundhog, didn’t see his shadow, so spring is supposed to come early this year. I’m a mega-fan of winter, but I really enjoy the fresh spring air, blooming of flowers and opportunities to hit the parks with my little misters, too. Thumbs up, Phil!

The rest of the week was somewhat of a roller coaster, but that’s life, right?

I’ll finish this edition of my weekly Happiness Journal with the best YouTube video I saw (several times) this week. These guys are just plain incredible. It’s amazing what the combination of raw talent and years of hard work can do. Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I think the dude on the right, Luka Sulic, is wicked H-O-T! What can I say? I still love my band geeks.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlVbEclPj4c

Photo: flickr.com/photos/40385177@N07/4256362805

One comment , ,

Happiness Journal: January 30

January 30, 2011 Jessi Happiness Journal

happiness journalA Happiness Journal Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law, Erik! You’re getting old, McLovin!

This week, I’m happy, because:

The Bears may have lost…which is less than desirable…but now they have two extra weeks to rest up before they kick tail next season.

On Monday, I celebrated one year of being an advisor for the Illinois Valley Chapter of People First, an advocacy group for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. They put on an awesome dinner and local politicians came to honor their accomplishments. It was awesome!

I was featured on Three Boys and a Dog…which was flippin’ awesome!

Some new opportunities have been awarded to me for Mama’s Got Flair, so there are some great things to share with y’all over the next couple months.

Kyan and I had an unexpected chance to hang out with my dad today. We met up for a grandpa/grandkid haircut. I’m proud to say, my dad was very brave and they both got their haircuts with little incident. It was sweet. He even through in lunch. It was a ton of fun and my kid no longer has Bieber hair.

But my greatest joy of the week came from reconnecting with one of the most important people in my life. Too much time had passed us by and we missed some important things in each others’ lives that we both regret. Thankfully, we have the rest of our lives to share. We’ve made a commitment to each other to make our relationship a priority and are working on bridging a gap that had come from years of misunderstandings and hurt. She means more to me than would ever be possible to put on a page. Our connection is unique, deep and eternal. She’s brought more love, hope and happiness into my life than could ever be expressed through words.

I hope everyone has had as fantastic a week as I have.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/zygzee/947751956

6 comments , , , , ,

Happiness Journal: January 23rd

January 23, 2011 Jessi Happiness Journal

happiness journalIt’s been a pretty average week, but that’s certainly not a bad thing.

I’m currently happy about:

  • My family being healthy, save a sniffle and a cough here and there.
  • That my husband works from home and hasn’t had to travel in any of the heinous weather that we’ve been having.
  • While our work is keeping us super busy, we have a seemingly endless stream of opportunities in an economy that hasn’t been so kind to many.
  • My kids love the snow as much as I do.
  • In less than half an hour, the Chicago Bears are taking on the Packers for a chance at the big game.
  • I live in a country with so much beautiful diversity and have many friends who share their cultures and perspectives with me on a daily basis.
  • For those of you into stats and social media, you’ll understand that finding out I have a Klout score of 63 is totally rockin’ for a new girl on the blog scene.
  • I took a bit of a fall today and didn’t mess myself up too bad. My typeys still typey and my walkies still walk.
  • My son, Jaxon’s, speech continues to improve, and this week he told me that I’m the best mother he ever had. How freakin’ cute is that?
  • Even when the dollars are stretching as far as they used to, my family has a place to live, food to eat and an appreciation for inexpensive entertainment, like just hanging out, popping some popcorn and watching a movie together at home.
  • I’m working on a new website project that’s going to be fun and actually make some money. Stay tuned for that badboy.

My nostrils are telling me that the pizza’s ready to come out of the oven and the mega-adrenaline pumping through my veins is telling me the Bears game is soon to start. I’ll catch y’all next week!

Jessi out.

No comments ,

Happiness Journal: January 16

January 16, 2011 Jessi Happiness Journal

happiness journal january 16One of the things that makes me happiest is spending time with my family, so that’s what I’m doing tonight. Well, that and grinning like the Cheshire cat that the Bears won today.

So, tonight’s short entry is a simple list of things that make me happy on a regular basis.

  1. My family- From my young sons to both of my grandmas and everyone in between, I’m blessed with a large, loving family
  2. My friends- I have amazing friends in real life and online who put up with me for reasons unknown and always lend a laugh or a hand
  3. My pets- Spanky and Stormy may be surly, yippy old chihuahuas but they cuddle up with me like there’s nowhere in the world they’d rather be
  4. Beautifully polished nails- They make me feel girly, even when I’m changing poopy diapers
  5. The scent of vanilla- Whether it’s a candle, perfume or baking cookies, I just love it
  6. Fresh flowers- In a vase or in a garden, they’re works of art
  7. Music- Music can stop time. Something comes on the radio that you haven’t heard in 15 years and suddenly, you’re an awkward teenager enjoying the first dance with someone special or riding in a car with your sister completely rewriting classic rock hits and laughing hysterically
  8. My kids laughter- Even when I’m so frustrated the world itself seems painted red, when one of my little dudes gets the giggles, I can’t even help myself

Photo: flickr.com/photos/stevefaeembra/3609118442

5 comments ,

Happiness Journal: January 9

January 9, 2011 Jessi Happiness Journal, Updates

happiness journal jan 9It’s been quite a week…the flu struck the Cooper mansion, but on the happier end…we’re all much better now!

A sincere thanks for the get well wishes!

What else is good?

  • The city came and cammed the sewer lines on Friday, and it’s totally their fault that we had the Turd Flood of 2010. Apparently, when they were doing the repairs on the neighborhood sewer system, they crushed our lines, so they’re footing the bills.
  • We’re nearly done with our last teething experience. Devi’s slobbery and munching on everything, but we’re relieved to be moving through this stage and our fears that he was never going to get those last couple teeth is gone…poof.
  • My son, Jaxon, told me I’m his best friend. Not only is this an instant mom-heart melting thing to hear, but it’s major progress in his speech. He’s always been a quiet boy, and we were worried that he had some delays. He still has the sweetest lisp on the planet, but he’s really starting to talk up a storm, with full, long-ish sentences. It’s truly a blessing.
  • My Kyan guy is getting much better at verbally expressing his feelings, which is another huge thing in our family. It’s nice to be able to talk through feelings, rather than watch him struggling to make sense of it all on his own while completely melting down. That’s just too much for such a little dude.
  • Despite the fevers, chills, aches and wheezes, the hubz and I finished three big writing projects. Cha-ching!
  • I’ve been awarded some great review and giveaway opportunities AND was selected as a panelist for an awesome tweet chat on January 17, hosted by Mom Spark Media and Sponsored by Dell…yeah, they’re giving away computers. Stay tuned for more details on all this good stuff.
  • I met my five posts per week this week…barely. But, met…is met.
  • As a little gift to myself, I went to the mall with my pal, Steph, and in half an hour I had a delicious garlic soft pretzel and picked up the very last copy of Mom’s Family Desk Planner by Sandra Boynton…on sale…50% off! Boo yah! I LOVE planners, just so y’all know. So excited!

So, all in all, sick or not, it’s been a great week!

How was yours?

Photo: flickr.com/photos/photo4jenifer/5166461162

No comments , ,

Happiness Journal: January 2

January 2, 2011 Jessi Happiness Journal

happiness journal january 2Happiness Journal for the week of December 26th through January 1st

I’m so happy to have made it through the roughest and best decade of my life. The closing of the year and decade brought more emotional reflection than ever before. In the span of 10 years, I survived a nearly fatal pregnancy, moved several times, lost a son, miscarried, adopted a son, gave birth to two healthy boys, started working from home, drifted apart from some friends and gained some more. And, by the sheer grace of God, my marriage has not only lasted, but grown stronger with each and every monumental event.

In a world where marriages are either deemed unnecessary or fail half the time, I’ve been extremely blessed to have met, and been deeply loved by, a man that shares the same beliefs and dreams that I do. My husband, Brock, is the center of my world. Or, I should say, has helped me to build a world of my own, our own. What started out as puppy love…and a healthy dose of teen hormones…has turned into the most important, wonderful relationship I’ll ever experience. And, despite life’s never-ending barrage of unexpected sorrows and joys, it just keeps getting better.  I love this man. I love him honestly, truly and with every ounce of my being. And I know the feeling is mutual.

We’ve created a family. Three beautiful, completely different, uniquely wonderful boys. Sure, they drive me ever closer to insanity with each passing day, but they’re ours. From now until forever, they will always be our greatest adventures and accomplishments.

And if that wasn’t enough, we both still have our parents. Even in my early thirties, I’m seeing more and more people in my life losing their parents. It’s a frightening reality that the people who loved us unconditionally, nurtured our dreams and guided us through life’s twists and turns, won’t always be there. We’re so blessed to not only have the privilege of being their children, but to still have these remarkable, unforgettable people with us.

My brother and sister and their families are doing well. We don’t see each other as much as we should, but no matter what, we always know we love each other.

I have two of the best friends on the planet. I wouldn’t have made it through the last ten years without them. We have each others’ backs and when the chips fall…like they have a tendency to do…the friend in need knows she’s just a phone call away from a laugh, a hand and a heart.

No matter what the roller coaster brings, there is no doubt…

Life is good.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/batterypower/3006108852

12 comments , ,
« Older Entries