Funny Thing

You know what? There was a funny thing that happened from writing down the best things of each day. At first, it was really hard. I had to look deep into some of the more negative parts of my day and dig up silver linings. But I was glad I took the time to do it because it showed me that there really was something good to be found, no matter the circumstances. And as the week progressed and my attitude changed, I no longer even needed to sit down at the end of the day to hunt for the good things. They became very obvious and my day was full of best parts. Hence, my slacked writing at the end. Some of the best parts of those last days you ask?

- Decorating "nerd" boxes with the kids to hand out for Valentine's Day at school
- Delivering surprise meals to neighbors that could use them.
- Doing a few loads of laundry - for someone else. Not myself. So it was definitely more rewarding. As was...
- Cleaning a neighbor's house with some friends as a surprise for her return from the hospital and watching its transformation.
- Attending my first performance with the Jenny Phillips choir and basking in the spirit of the fireside.
- Heart-attacking the kids bedroom doors with things we love about each of them written on the hearts. Then giving them each a clue as to where a special Valentine's Day present was hidden for them, just like my Mom used to do for us.
- Having success with sugar cookies for Valentine's Day. I finally found a recipe that worked for me! They were so moist and delicious and I got to use my new cookie cutters from Christmas.
- Sharing that recipe on my blog :)

Lofthouse-Like Cookies
1 stick butter, softened
1 C sugar
2 eggs plus 1 yolk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 C sour cream
3 C flour,
(plus extra for desired consistency and rolling)
Cream together butter and sugar.
Beat in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
Mix dry ingredients and combine with wet ingredients.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 425.
Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out shapes and bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 8 minutes.
Cool on wire rack. Frost and decorate to heart's desire.

Best Part of Day 4

- Greg worked from home this morning so that I could leave Taryn with him while I took Evan and two of his friends into their preschool. It's held at the elementary school and the parents are required to take the child in, wait in line as the teacher's aid does a 3-minute greeting with each one, help the child write his name, wash his hands, and give him the school-provided breakfast. It's a great system ---- unless you have other kids with you, namely one called Taryn. She is much too busy a child to wait in line for anything or to follow rules, and most of my time is spent wrestling her or cupping my hand over her mouth to muffle her screams. So I was definitely glad she could stay home while I helped the three boys with all of the preschool drop-off hullabaloo.

- Teaching piano lessons.

- Going to the Cultural Celebration Event put on by the School District for the preschool Evan is in. It was actually overcrowded and poorly designed. But the kids had fun despite the long lines, and that is what really matters.

- ummm.... probably the best thing was puting the kids to bed and spending some time with Greg chatting on the couch and then catching ourselves up on NBC comedy Thursday. So glad "Parks and Rec" is back! :)

Best Part of Day 3

- Wednesday mornings I get to teach piano to my neighbor and fellow mother. It is so refreshing to teach someone who genuinely desires to learn how to play. That kind of desire and appreciation doesn't really come until it is often too late. And I love that she is taking the opportunity to learn something new as an adult. It's inspiring. And she is picking it up so quickly. Adults are so rewarding to teach. I'm glad I have this opportunity. And that we have a pretty cool trade system going on. She teaches me how to make bread, sew, or just be at my beck-and-call for babysitting at the last minute, and I teach her piano on Wednesday mornings. It's a great trade!

- I did my dishes! Granted, that was not one of the best parts of my day. But having them done definitely was! {They've been piling up since Sunday. Yikes!}

- I spent the majority of my day watching kids. Well, I guess that is what I usually do every day. What I mean to say is I spent the majority of my day watching other people's kids. I love that my children are getting older and the idea of friends coming over actually means a break for me. Weird. It's great to not have to referee any more. And nice to be of service to other families in the process.

- Made homemade croutons to go to with our pasta/caesar salad for dinner.

- The best part of the day? Eating a spoonful of cookie dough as we speak.

Best Part of Day 2

- At 4:00 am our baby woke up screaming. 4th night in a row. I believe its becoming more of a bad habit than it is from its origin of a bout of coughing. This morning, Greg got up with her, and I got to sleep.

- I spent some sanctuary time at the piano. I relish that time. And I especially love when the little one climbs herself up and pounds away on the higher keys with shoulders swaying and vocal chords vibrating notes that I can only hope will someday turn into acceptable music.

- While the little one napped and the older kids played outside, I indulged in my guilty pleasure and got caught up on "The Bachelor". I'm not too fond of the idea that egotistical Michelle is co-staring in what looked like a pretty cute, new Mormon movie from the makers of "The Best Two Years". Unfortunately, the thought of watching "Midway to Heaven" now puts a bitter taste in my mouth. Too bad she had to go and ruin what is probably a pretty decent film.

- While the older kids napped I got to spend some quality time with Taryn. What did we do? Sat ourselves down on the couch and busted out "Beauty and the Beast". I love that show. And I love introducing my kids to the good ol' Disney that I grew up with. Of course, Taryn is a succor for anything musical, so beautiful Belle was right up her ally. We sat side by side and my heart smiled each time she would squeeze her fingers in mine when the Beast was a little more nasty than she was comfortable with. Priceless.

- We had breakfast for dinner! When I first suggested the idea, Evan wanted nothing to do with it. But when I mentioned my hankering for German Pancakes, his mood immediately changed. Good stuff!

- The best part of the day? I stayed in my sweats for its entirety!

In case you've never had them...

German Pancakes

1 cube butter

6 eggs

1 C. milk

1C. flour

1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in 9x13 pan in oven.

Mix remaining ingredients.

{I like to keep the batter a little lumpy - makes a great texture.}

Pour into pan atop the butter.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with maple syrup and let the kids shake some powdered sugar on top.

mmmmm...............

The Best Part Week - Day 1

In order to help me be more positive in my day-to-day thinking, I've decided I want to take this week to each day describe the best parts of that day.

- My baby's fever broke during the night. When I came in to rescue her from the crib in the morning, her hair was fantastically curly from the sweat and had as much body and shine as a Pantene commercial. It was awesome.

- I talked to my older sister for a while on the phone. I can't believe it's been nearly three years since we've seen eachother. We've never even met eachother's babies! Boy am I glad for phones. I just love talking to her.

- I treated my kids to lunch at a "restaurant with a park" - and it was FREE. Thanks to Dr. Jackson DDS who awarded my kids Del Taco gift certificates after their last check up.

- All three kiddos went down for naps in the afternoon and I got to lay next to Zion, who naps in my bed, and catch a wink or two. And she didn't even cough in my face as she has done the last few days when I've tried to sneak a nap with her.

- A neighbor came over and we got to sit on the couch and chit chat. We were very nearly yelling at eachother over the raucous of our children instigating car crashes, but nevertheless, it was nice to chat.

- I made dinner! It was a new tater tot casserole recipe, which to my pleasure, turned out more like funeral potatoes. Those are my favorite - and the very best part of any funeral I say.

- Greg came home and spared me some time to finally take a shower. And it was a long one.

- The best part of the day was snuggling in bed with my handsome hubby in our newly rearranged bedroom [I've been wanting to decorate our bedroom, but as we are lacking the funds for such things, I decided a new arrangement of the furniture would suffice] and watching a movie together.

It was a good day indeed.