Peaceful and Restful Day

In my younger years I thought of Sundays as the most boring day of the week, however, I've grown to appreciate and look forward to this one precious day of the week.  Yesterday was our Stake Conference, and though I was certainly tempted to stay in my nice, warm bed, I knew I needed to be spiritually fed.  I always leave the meetings feeling more hopeful after hearing the words of our leaders, especially when there seems to be unsettling news going on all around our country and world.  I feel uplifted and ready to endure all things, and to rejoice in the small and simple things.  I feel encouraged to strive harder in keeping the commandments and in doing those things which will keep our family from pulling apart in hard times.  I am thankful for the simple things like family dinners, family home evening, gospel discussions, and just having fun together.  Our home and the time we spend together is our refuge from the world; it is so sacred to me.  Sunday is the only day that remains uninterrupted and free of stress.  We came home and discussed the things we had learned over lunch.  After a restful nap, I pulled out past conference talks and reread more encouraging words as I listened to Jenny Phillips' music in the background.  I was rejuvenated to begin another week focusing on the things that matter most and not stressing over the things which do not.  I am thankful for the gentle reminders that help keep me grounded in the gospel and in life.

BFF's

Meet Heidi.  She is my BFF.  Meet Chesnee.  She is Abby's BFF.  Mothers and daughters.  This pic was taken at Mount Vernon when we accompanied our girls to Washington DC.  What a fun trip it was! 

Girls need their BFFs to laugh with, talk with, cry with, shop with, or just to solve all the world's problems or at least put perspective on our own.  I have had many BFFs through all phases of my life.  They bring a lot of joy in celebrating the ups and down of life.  I am thankful to have always had good friends who know all about me and yet still love and accept me inspite of my weakness and oddities.

When my sister, Sue, moved away from Caliente, it was nearly like another death for me.  I had lost my dearest and closest friend.  At that time, I didn't know Heidi too well, other than that she was the best babysitter I'd ever had for my girls.  I soon realized that we had a lot in common.  We both love to shop, to relax in the sun, nap, talk, joke, tease, and laugh A LOT!  We are both teachers and work at the same school which adds to that much more fun during a day.  Our commute to school and back each day gives us plenty of time to reflect on life's serious matters such as what's best for our kids, how to deal with parents, when to color our hair, which accessories look best, who to mess with after 3:00, and so on.  It is our daily "therapy"!

Sometimes, we just can't fit all our discussions in so we have to talk on the phone later on.  I think sometimes our husbands are annoyed with us, but men don't always give us the conversation and attention we need and deserve on a daily basis.  Tomorrow is Nat'l RASK Day...Random Acts of Service and Kindness.  I am thankful to have a friend who is constantly doing random acts of kindness towards me, my family, and many, many others!  Thank you, Heidi!  You're the best!  (It's okay to bring over those cookies anytime!)  

A Valentine Tradition

As long as I've been cooking, I've made sugar cookies for Valentine's Day.  During high school, my friends and I would bake and decorate them together for our friends and/or boyfriends.  As soon as my girls were old enough to stand on a stool and help me, they would roll out the dough, cut hearts with the cookie cutters, and sprinkle the decorations after I'd frost them.  Then we'd  deliver them to teachers, neighbors, home teaching and visiting teaching families, or to a secret someone.  They really got a kick out of this tradition, and it was fun watching their excitement as they stood on doorsteps waiting with anticipation.  So here I am keeping up with tradition once again, only the novelty has worn off for the girls, I'm baking alone this year.  When I taught school in Hildale, UT, the librarian gave me her recipe which has proved to be THE VERY BEST one I've ever tried, so I am typing it below if you'd like to give it a try.  Mmmm. . . they are delicious, soft, puffy and moist without frosting or with!  Enjoy!  Treat your loved ones to some homemade love!

  Cynthia's Sugar Cookies
3 c flour           1 c sugar
1/2 c butter      1/2 c sour creme
1 tsp bkg soda
1 egg
1 tsp vanila
1/4 tsp salt
Mix all ingredients together.  Wrap in cellophane wrap and chill for 30 min before rolling out.
Don't roll any thinner than 1/4".  I like them a bit thicker myself, but they'll stay soft and moist!
Bake at 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes.

Let's Get Physical

For YW's, the girls had planned an 80s exercise activity.  Chicka was all about getting dressed up for the activity, while Abby was still searching for something to wear.  Chicka was a "Maniac on the Floor".  Abby was surprised I knew so much about what to wear.  I reminded her that I had graduated in the prime of the 80s.  She looked at me as if to say, "You're THAT old?!?"  Leg warmers, headbands, side pony tails, "Flashdance" style t-shirts over tank tops, big earrings, and layering completed their look.  They worked out to Richard Simmons and had a great time!  I think they look great!  Maybe I'd be more motivated to work out if I pulled out the old leg warmers and spandex shorts!

Abby and Easton looking more like Jane Fonda and Olivia Newton-John!