Cherishing The Time. A day of apple picking in Oak glen

This picture was taken at a beautiful orchard in Oak Glen, CA.  We I decided to go apple picking during the week so that the crowds would be less and therefore the trip much more enjoyable. These are things I have to think about when planning a trip with a kid with disabilities AND a 90 year old grandma!  Unfortunately on busy days they only have a small number of apples to choose from.. this day, ONE.. yes, one! I was a bit frustrated as we can get typical Red Delicious at the grocery store. However keeping in mind WE get to pick the apples, its really the experience vs. the type, everything was going to be A OK!  Grandma was also upset, she kept wanting to try the Honey apple, but I kept telling her, its the experience and spending time together!

It was quite comical to see me trying to navigate the blind (not to him) kiddo, the 90 year old grandma and make sure the princess didn't pick ALL of the apples.   Now apple picking isn't the least expensive activity to take part in.  It was $20.00 just for a small plastic bag, half (or smaller) a grocery store bag, so we shared the bag, which also meant sharing the apple picking. So within 10 minutes or so, our bag was filled and the kids were ready for our next adventure. We were off to find a good place for lunch!    There was a quaint little place in town, Apple Annie's (I think).  They were quite busy but the food was delish! I had a sandwich, and the kids had soup and grandma chose a HUGE grilled cheese!

All in all our day went amazing! I love the time spent with grandma and look forward to the holidays with many more memories made. I just pray that my kids are soaking up the things she says, does and how she treats them.  In my opinion we are on borrowed time with Grandma... This is truly a time to be THANKFUL for.  What a wonderrful day and wonderful memories to tuck into my heartstrings.

OUR 21 DAYS OF HAPPINESS CHALLANGE... WONT YOU JOIN US???

Wikipedias definition of Happiness is: Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

I have chosen to jump on the bandwagon and join the 21 Days of Happiness Challenge.  I am excited to do this!! For 21 consecutive days do the following: 3 Gratitude's. Write down three new things that you are grateful for each day. Journaling: write about one positive experience you had that day. The idea is that you are reliving the positive feelings of the event by writing about it.  Meditation. Exercise. Random Acts of Kindness: reach out to at least one person each day and do something kind, and in no way expect something in return (this can be via text, email, card, facebook, can do a pay it forward act).

I started this a week ago and really probably have only done about 3 days so, why not just keep going where we are and not look at what hasn't been done. :) 
My Gratitude's: I am grateful for the hard work my husband does to provide for our family.  I am grateful for friends I can call when I'm having a rough spot during my day.  I am thankful for my kids who will always give me hugs and kisses and tell me they love me.

Journaling:  I met the nicest  phycologist today. I LOVE her! She is bubbly, engaging, receptive, responsive and just seems to be the type of phycologist we need.  I'm thankful for her guidance during this time. 

Meditation: I will really have to work on this. Carving time to just sit and reflect isn't always easy. 

Exercise: I ran around the house getting everyone ready for school and Dr. appointments today, does that count? (I'm thinking it does not).

Acts of Kindness: I have sent "I'm thinking of you" text to a good friend of mine today.

Now I am also having my kids do some of this, although they don't know its a "21 day challenge" I'm hoping that by me doing this it then becomes a habit, not only for me, but for them too. I will post some pictures of the things they make, and some of there adorable quotes.

It's a few years ago... but this is Happiness!!