Grateful Kids Are Happier Kids

I love when my hubby sends me great articles like this: 

GRATEFUL KIDS ARE HAPPIER 

(you should totally take a sec and read it, too!)

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"We know that grateful kids are happier [and] more satisfied with their lives," explains Hoftra University psychology assistant professor Jeffrey Froh in an article this week in The Washington Post. "They report better relationships with friends and family, higher GPAs, less materialism, less envy and less depression, along with a desire to connect to their community and to want to give back."

That's not all. It's also believed to boost immune systems and lower blood pressure over time. In a Temple Univeristy study, patients with hypertension lowered their blood pressure just by calling a "gratitude" hotline everyday. If it's that effective on adults with health problems, imagine what announcing the good things in life at early age can do. 

In a study of early adolescents, Froh found that kids who journaled daily about their good fortune, over a period of two weeks, were less prone to depression and more satisfied with their lives overall. And that optimism and satisfaction made them more likely to take care of themselves physically in the long-term."

Gratitude is a powerful powerful thing, my friends! I am so glad I read this article! It reminds me both the importance of  putting more focus on it within my own life AND the importance of teaching my children the importance of developing an attitude of gratitude. How powerful would it be to live our lives focusing on all that we have to be grateful for, instead of all that we lack?! Of course we would be more satisfied and happy. 


This whole article has inspired me to start a new tradition in my family. Each night at family dinner we are going to go around the table and list one thing that we are grateful for that day. I will encourage the kids not to repeat, if they can help it. I hope that doing this will help all of us  become more mindful of all they have to be grateful for, and that it will help bring us closer as a family! 


Thanks for the awesome article Ry!  

Flecks or Nuggets?

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This story has me thinking today.......

There is a story of a young merchant from Boston, who in 1849, as the story goes, was caught up in the fervor of the California gold rush. He sold all of this possessions to seek his fortune in the California rivers, which he was told were filled with gold nuggets so big that one could hardly carry them. 

Day after endless day, the young man dipped his pan into the river and came up empty. His only reward was a growing pile of rocks. Discouraged and broke, he was ready to quit until one day an old, experienced prospector said to him, "That's quite a pile of rocks you are getting there, my boy."

The young man replied, "There's no gold here. I',m going back home."

Walking over to the pile of rocks, the old prospector said, "Oh, there is gold all right. You just have to know where to find it." He picked two rocks up in his hands and crashed them together. One of the rocks split open, revealing several flecks of gold sparkling in the sunlight.

Noticing the bulging leather pouch fastened to the prospector's waist, the young man said, "I'm looking for nuggets like the ones in your pouch, not just tiny flecks."

The old prospector extended his pouch toward the young man, who looked inside, expecting to see several large nuggets. He was stunned to see that the pouch was filled with thousands of flecks of gold. 

The old prospector said, "Son, it seems to me you are so busy looking for large nuggets that you're missing filling your pouch with these precious flecks of gold. The patient accumulation of these little flecks has brought me great wealth."

Today I am thinking about how easily I get focused on doing too much. I tend to be a person that loves simplicity, but I seem to always wrap everything up in a complicated mess. The funny this is that when I am crazy busy I spread myself to thin. Never really giving enough of myself to anything to make it feel right. However, when I simplify and focus on the small things, the things that make my big picture it's best, life is more peaceful and fulfilling. What makes me forget this?! 

My goal this year is to focus more on the "flecks" in my life. Today I am making a list of all the things that are important to me (scripture study, daily prayers, weekly temple attendance, serving others, spending "fun" time with my kids, taking care of my health, being a crazy amazing wife :), being a better friend, etc). These things will receive my energy. They are the little things in life that make my life rich, blessed and full of happiness. 

Sure there will be things that will require my attention. However, I will learn to give them what they require and then move on.....simplify. 

This totally reminds me of a story a lady told at a convention she was speaking at. She was talking about making treats for her childs school class. She was supposed to bring 20 treats that resembled "12 Drummers Drumming". She stayed up all hours of the night baking large cookies shaped like drums. She frosted and detailed each one meticulously. She was exhausted the next day when she took them to the class. As she set them in front of the kids she sought a bit of ooo's and aahhh's from the children. Instead.....they ate them in like 2 seconds flat and went on with the rest of the party. She said, "It was this point that I realized a Ding Dong and 2 Twizzlers would have worked just fine."

I think about that a lot. How true is that?! Sometimes it is so great to give something our best effort, and others it is OK to just accomplish the task. After all, we are all busy. There is a lot that is required of us. WHY make it harder than it is supposed to be. In my experience, when I give a large amount of effort to the things that are not on my list of things that are important to me, I tend to feel overrun and a sense of failure, no matter how much I accomplish outside of those things. 

Sometimes the nuggets are great, but they are few and far between. The flecks, however, are in everything that is important to us, and as they accumulate, their value is far beyond a nugget here or there. "The patient accumulation of these little flecks [will bring us] great wealth!"

Day 11: Guacamole & Tomatillo Salsa

ON THE MENU:

• Leftovers
• Snacks for today Guacamole & Tomatillo Salsa

GUACAMOLE

From: Vita Mix: Whole Food Recipes

OUR RATING: LOVE IT

So I was told anyway. I am not a fan of Guac...or avacodos. I try them all the time, but every time it gives me the heeby jeebies. I am not a fan. However, I tried this recipe out on extended family that loves the stuff and they said it was very good. So there you have it! A winner! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Ripe Avocados
• 1/2 tsp. Garlic Salt
• 1 Tbs. Lemon Juice
• 1/2 tsp. Ascorbic Acid Powder (optional)
• 1/4 c. Onion
• 1 Medium Tomato (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

• Cut avocados in half and remove pits. Scoop out the flesh and place in blender. 
• Add Garlic Salt, Lemon Juice and Ascorbic Acid. Run on medium for 15-20 seconds or until ingredients are mixed. You may need to stop your blender and use a spatula to scrape around the sides to integrate ingredients. 
• Turn machine on again. While it is running drop in onion and tomato. 
• Do not over mix, leave chunky. 

TOMATILLO SALSA

From: Vita Mix: Whole Food Recipes

OUR RATING: LOVE LOVE IT!!

I'm not kidding....DIVINE!! This is going to be made over and over and over in my house! If you haven't tried a tomatillo salsa, you MUST try this one! Totally my favorite salsa ever! I just wish the picture was better, darn it!

INGREDIENTS:

• 16 Tomatillos
• 4 Scallions
• 2 Jalapenos, seeded
• 1 Garlic Clove
• 1/4 c. Lime Juice
• 1 c. Cilantro Leaves
• 1 tsp. Salt

DIRECTIONS:

• Place all ingredients in a blender in the order listed. Start with slow speed and quickly increase to medium. Run for 10 seconds or until just chopped. 
• If necessary, stop the blender and use a large spoon to mix it around and then try again. 
• ENJOY! 

TOMORROWS MENU:

• Beef Tamale Bake
• Tomatillo Salsa with Tortilla Chips
• Green Salad (of course) 
• Banana Ice Cream (Non-Dairy, of course!)

DAY 10: Zesty Beef Pot Roast

ON THE MENU: 

• Zesty Beef Pot Roast
• Mashed Potatoes
• Green Salad

ZESTY BEEF POT ROAST

From: Pampered Chef: It's Good For You

OUR RATING: LOVE IT

The flavor on this roast is different than I expected. It truly is zesty. It's not over the top, it is just right and SOOOO good! Honestly, my roast cut wasn't the best. A little tougher than I would like. I am going to for a better cut next time and cooking it long and slow. I corrected the recipe to include a long slow cook time. I do love a good crock pot meal! 

By the way, have you noticed yet that we eat a lot of green salad? Well, this is one of the only things my Mallory will for sure eat. Meat does not appeal to her at all. She always has to choose a protein, like yogurt or milk to go with dinner, but salad is a good way to get veggies in my kids! They both love it...and honestly, I do love a good crisp salad WAY more than I like a cooked soggy veggie...just sayin! 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 Tbs. Chili Powder
• 1 tsp. Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp. Dried Oregano Leaves
• 1 Boneless Beef Eye of Round or Beef Top Round Roast (3-3.25 lbs)
• 2 Garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 1 Medium Onion, sliced
• 1 3/4 c. Water
• 1 3/4 tsp. Better than Bouillon or Bouillon granules
• 1 c. Thick and Chunky Salsa
• 1/4 c. All-Purpose flour
• 1/2 c. Cold Water
• 2 Tbs. Snipped Fresh Parsley

DIRECTIONS:

• Combine Chili Powder, Cumin & Oregano; mix well. 
• Press seasonings evenly over surface of beef roast. 
• Heat skillet to High. Add a little oil and garlic. 
• Add the roast to the pan. Brown on each side, turning often to avoid burning. 
• Slice onion. 
• Mix salsa, water and bouillon in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. 
• Place roast in a Crock Pot and turn heat to low. Pour salsa/broth mixture over the top and arrange onions over the roast. Cook for 6-7 hours or until meat thermometer registers the correct temperature for a fully cooked roast. 
• Place roast on a plate and "tent" with tin foil. Let rest for 15-20 min. before cutting. This lets the juices settle down a bit and keeps the meat juicy. 
• Place flour in bowl, add water and whisk until smooth. 
• Pour remaining broth and onions from the Crock Pot back into a sauce pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. 
• Slowly stir in flour/water mixture. Boil for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in parsley. 
• Serve meat over mashed potatoes and pour gravy over the top. 
• Let me know how much you love this! :) 

TOMORROWS MENU:

• Leftovers
• Guacamole
• Tomatillo Salso

DAY 9: Hummus

ON THE MENU: 

• Hummus

HUMMUS

From: Vita Mix: Whole Food Recipes

OUR RATING:Has Potential

I haven't had Hummus all that much. When I have it has been a flavored hummus, like Sun Dried Tomato, etc. I wanted to try this recipe out since I haven't ever made it myself. We were having dinner at Ryan's parents house and I thought I would take a veggie tray. My opinion on the hummus....this recipe is a really good hummus base. Which basically means that it was missing a bit of flavor. So, if you have a little something you would like to add to a hummus base, this is the one for you! :) And please, pass along your mix-in options. I would love to know where to go from here. I am not ready to give up on this stuff yet, I just need a little direction! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 15 oz can of Chick Peas (Garbonzo Beans), drained
• 1/2 c. Raw Sesame Seeds
• 1 T. Olive Oil
• 1/4 c. Lemon Juice
• 1 Garlic Clove
• Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS: 

• Place all ingredients in blender container in order listed. Run machine for 1 minute or until smooth. 
• I sprinkled with Paprika for a little garnish (this was my brother-in-laws favorite). 

TOMORROWS MENU: 

• Zesty Beef Pot Roast
• Mashed Potatoes
• Green Salad

DAY 8: Speaking of Pumpkin Muffins....

ON THE MENU: 

• Without my hubby home, we are totally going for an easy family favorite with Pumpkin & Spice Muffins! 

PUMPKIN SPICE MUFFINS

From: An old ward cookbook...this is a break away from the 3 cookbooks, but it is worth it! These things are SO delicious and filling! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 c. Whole Wheat Flour
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Cloves
• 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
• 2 Eggs
• 1 c. Honey
• 3/4 c. Canned Pumpkin
• 1/4 c. Olive Oil
• 3/4 c. Raisins
• 1/2 c. Walnuts

DIRECTIONS: 

• Mix all wet ingredients together. 
• Sift Flour and all the dry ingredients. 
• Combine wet & dry ingredients. 
• Cook in papered or greased muffin tins. 
• Bake at 350 Degrees for 20 min or until done. 
• Makes about 18 muffins. 

TOMORROWS MENU: 

• Going to a Family Dinner. Taking Veggie Tray and trying a new recipe for Hummus. 

DAY 7: Pumpkin Soup & Homemade Bread

ON THE MENU:

• Pumpkin Soup
• Homemade Bread
• Green Salad

PUMPKIN SOUP

From: Vita Mix: Whole Food Recipes

OUR RATING: NO GO!!

Well, we discovered that we are NOT pumpkin soup people. I've heard people say how much they like it and I have been curious. Turns out, we may be pumpkin pie people, we may enjoy a good pumpkin bread or muffin, perhaps even a few pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, but pureed pumpkin soup....Nope! So this recipe is for those of you that can't get enough of the stuff! Enjoy! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 c. Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• 1/2 c. unsweetened Coconut Milk
• 3 c. canned Pumpkin
• 1 c. Onions, sauteed
• 3 Garlic Cloves, roasted
• 3 T. Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp. Paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp. Nutmeg
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

• Place all ingredients in a Vita Mix or other blender in order listed. Secure lid. 
• Mix on high speed. Run for 6-7 minutes. (This heats the soup in a Vita Mix. I would imagine it would do the same in other blenders.)
• Serve Immediately

HOMEMADE BASIC WHITE BREAD

From: Kitchen Aid Cookbook

OUR RATING: LOVE IT

Ok, so I haven't tried it. I am not a bread person! So, I left this one to the bread critics and this baby is passing with flying colors! It is super soft and moist and one thing that I really appreciate...it is easy and smells DIVINE! Give it a try! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 c. Low-fat Milk (use coconut milk for non-dairy)
• 3 Tbs. Sugar
• 2 tsp. Salt
• 3 Tbs. Butter or Dairy Free Margarine (Safflower or Earth Balance is best)
• 2 packages Active Dry Yeast
• 1 1/2 c. Warm Water (105-115 degrees)
• 5-6 All Purpose Flour

DIRECTIONS:

• Place milk, sugar, salt and butter in small saucepan. Heat over low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Cool to lukewarm. 
• Dissolve yeast in warm water in warmed mixer bowl. Add lukewarm milk mixture and 4 1/2 c. flour. Mix with a dough hook on medium-low for 2 minutes. 
• Continuing on medium-low, add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time (dough should clean the sides of the bowl. Add a bit more flour if needed), and mix about 1 1/2 minutes, or until dough starts to clean sides of bowl. Knead on same speed about 2 minutes longer, or until dough is smooth and elastic. Dough will be slightly sticky to the touch.
• Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover. Let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. 
• Punch dough down and divide in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place in a greased bread pan. Cover. Let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. 
• Bake at 400 degrees for 30 min., or until golden brown. Remove from pans immediately and cool on wire racks. 

TOMORROWS MENU:

• Leftovers
• On the brightside....Pumpkin Muffins for breakfast...and they are DELISH!