Newsletter 1/8/18

Happy Monday Happy Mom!

How is 2018 treating you so far? 

As for me, I'm back home in Hawaii after the best family trip ever. It was a sad Tuesday when I had to leave my two older daughters in Utah. I miss them so much! But I feel comforted knowing that they are both having wonderful college experiences. They both made the Dean's list! They both have jobs, are safe, having fun, making lifelong friends, and are acclimating well to their home away from home. 

When we left off last Monday, I was just about to go skiing for the first time. Well, instead of skiing, I tried snow boarding. It was super hard! I could barely stand up. I tried it, and let's just say I'm not anxious to do it again. On the contrary, my kids had a blast. They all did tremendously well for their first time. All five of them went down the slope multiple times. My younger son was amazing! He could stop at the bottom like a pro. Maybe it has to do with the fact that he's a skateboarder? I was definitely a proud Mama. Also, three of them tried skiing too. I think they all agreed snowboarding was easier and more fun.
Although I did not enjoy snowboarding, I did have the most amazing experience on New Year's Day. I went zip-lining for the first time! Zip-lining was on my 2017 Goal Poster, so I was pretty happy about this opportunity. My oldest daughter and I did it together. Not going to lie, I was really nervous all the way until take off (zip off?). We rode the ski lift to the very top slope, then received instructions and did a practice run on a very short zip line. "The Sundance ZipTour is one of the most exciting and scenic zip tours in the world, boasting over 2,100 feet of vertical drop-the most of any zip line tour in the United States."
IT WAS AMAZING! The view of the mountains and ski resort was breathtaking. My family waited at the finish point and even caught me on video. I was also very glad to have my daughter with me. I really only did it because it was one of my 2017 goals (yes I was one day late), but I would definitely do it again!
After and amazing New Years Day, it was time for us to say good bye to Utah and the older girls on Tuesday. We did some last minute shopping, took care of business at the college, and ate at Chipotle one last time. 
You can view a really cool video of my holiday trip on my Happy Moms facebook page.
After saying goodbye to the girls and the family we were staying with, we headed out for our long drive to LA. We made a pit stop in Las Vegas and one rest stop in Barstow. 
When we got home to Hawaii, we treated the younger three kids to one last hurrah for the Holiday Break by taking them to the movies to watch "Jumanji."
On my first full day home, I took a couple hours writing in my planner, setting up our big family calendar, and scheduling date nights with my husband three days a month, one monthly date night per kid, and one Girls Night Out each month. I also had and nail/wax appointment. I also listened to a podcast by Marie Forleo. And I redid my 2018 Goal poster since it was folded and creased in my luggage. 
I did post and go into detail about this Goal poster during my live Coffee Chat on Friday, which you can view the replay on my Happy Moms facebook page 

I really do believe that incorporating my Mommy Care Checklist into my life helps me be a Happy Mom. 
I know that by setting goals, making monthly and weekly plans, putting important people on my calendar, and taking care of me, I can be a Happy Mom.

This week I want you to focus on scheduling time with the important people in your life. Make time! Get Happy! You are worth it!!!

What's on the Menu this week?                                  
MONDAY: Hamburger Stroganoff
TUESDAY: Taco Salad
WEDNESDAY: Kalbi Ribs, Veggies
THURSDAY: Poke (raw fish) and lettuce
FRIDAY: Baked Chicken and Rice
SATURDAY: Pizza
SUNDAY: Salmon and Steamed Veggies

What's happening at Happy Moms?
Read my article on Setting Goals! Also, join me for my live Coffee Chat on Friday at fb.me/happymomhappyfamilycom

What's happening in my home?
We are back to work and school tomorrow. Also, a big change is coming up in our home. 

Have a Happy week! Please let me know if I can be of help in any way with implementing any thing on my Mommy Care Checklist into your life. Feel free to email me at mahelenitahara@gmail.com

Happily Yours,
Mahele