Tuesday, November 18, 2008

My Idea of a Wonderful Day

Today was what I would consider a wonderfully relaxing, blissfully productive, and totally enjoyable day. I am sure everyone has a different idea of what their "perfect day" would be like. Today was a pretty great one for me.

I woke up and read scriptures with the kids and we had family prayers. Then we started our chores. The girls emptied the dishwasher (with no threats from me and no complaining from them!). I headed upstairs with Annie and we sorted and folded laundry. Next we put away all the kids laundry and cleaned the kids bedrooms (Lauren and Sabrina had finished the dishwasher and come to help by then). 

I taught Sabrina how to start the washing machine and dryer last week. She has taken up doing the laundry for me. She likes to do it. Today I think she did about 5 loads without me ever asking her to go advance any of them. After the chores, we practiced piano and violin. 

At this point, the girls had earned their TV time so they went to go watch some Noggin. I watched a bit of Dancing with the Stars and while I talked myself into tackling the kitchen. I have been doing lots of baking without time to really clean up after the last two days. So after I saw the dances I wanted to see, I cleaned the kitchen and did all the dishes. 

As I finished, the girls came downstairs and we all had lunch together. Jon brought a table downstairs for me and I moved all my computer stuff over to it. I am going to use the table I had been using as a desk for Christmas decorations. I was happy to get that done.

I was a bit tired this afternoon, so I went to my bed and read a book and rested a bit while Jon played with the kids on the Wii. Finally, when I realized I wasn't falling asleep, I got up and headed downstairs to start dinner. Lauren followed.

Lauren told me she needed the pink cooking thing (an apron) and I needed one too (I don't usually wear an apron when I cook). So we put on our aprons and she stirred while I added ingredients for our dinner. It was so fun to have this one on one time with her. She was very helpful and happy the whole time. We made my yummy hamburgers. She loved helping make the patties. 

While they cooked, I brought a chair into the kitchen so I could sit while I peeled the fruit and got the rest of dinner together. Sometimes I get lightheaded standing in the same place for too long. It was relaxing to sit and peel the pears with Lauren sneaking pieces out of the bowl. 

We had an early dinner where everyone ate well (except Lauren. She filled up on pears and tomatoes before hand.) Then Dado decided we needed to show the girls The Empire Strikes Back. He introduced them to Star Wars this weekend. So we watched the movie together. 

Please note that I am still in my pajamas at this point. I love days that I can stay in PJs all day. 

After the movie I took a relaxing bath and read some more of my book. Jon got the girls ready for bed and Annie and Sabrina read stories to Lauren. This left Jon and I a few minutes alone together to reconnect.  When the girls were done with stories, Jon put Lauren.

Meanwhile, Annie decided to "beauty" me. She rubbed lotion on my feet and brushed my hair and cleaned my face with wet cotton balls. Then she put a clippy in my hair and put lip gloss on me. All the while, Sabrina kept us company and talked to us. 

When I was sufficiently "beautied," I went with a friend to a book club and had yummy dessert, met new fun people, and discussed the book I had been reading.

All in all, this was a pretty great day. I got some alone time with nearly everyone in my family. I got lots done. I felt no stress. There were no big kid fights to break up. We had lots of time with Jonathan after the market closed at 1 p.m.  It just was a sweet and relaxing day -- an ordinary day that I just want to remember. 

23 comments:

Kathryn_m said...

It has been our family's experience that everyone feels good (warm & fuzzy even) after a day like you describe .... and the kicker? It seems to perpetuate more good days!

I just love win/win situations!

hugs,
kathryn_m

PS -- Are your kiddies on school holidays?

Tara Bennett said...

Ordinary miracles are the most beautiful.

i said...

i just love simple peaceful days...glad your bump is treating you better!

Ruthie said...

I remember days like those. It makes me feel sad that my children are all growing up. I could still make good Saturdays/School holidays though - maybe I need to rethink the weekend... Dropping in on your blog is so refreshing! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

How would it be to have a day like that?

Jonathan Waite said...

so, does your husband work at all?? sound like he just plays video games and watches movies with the kids!!

Carolyn said...

I love your day! I hope you got to go to your book club in pj's too! Just kidding. I totally feel like having some Stephanie hamburgers today! Don't they have corn flakes in them?

kara jayne said...

sounds like the perfect day to me!

Susy said...

This is just wonderful!

EMILY said...

You are so lucky to have girls! I don't think I have ever had a day like this. And i really don't think i ever will. if I get an hour of peace I am grateful! You are a lucky, lucky woman!

Maggie May said...

that. is. awesome.

i love those family days. and btw, you look stunning in the below picture, pregnant, glowing, refined by fire.

Amanda said...

Wow, that really does sound like a great day. No fights with the kids, no stress...sounds pretty near perfect.

Cardalls said...

There is a great article on meridianmagazine.com about what is most important...your point just illustrated it beautifully!

a.k.a. Jack said...

I'm impressed by how much you were able to get done. It does sounds like a pretty perfect day, indeed. Sounds like a day when you really got to enjoy your time with your family. I've been so caught up in the car buying process the last couple weeks, that I am way overdue for a day to focus more on my family. Thanks for the reminder.
Love Ya,
Jenny

Anonymous said...

Um, WOW! I mean, WOW! That is absolutely the most perfect day.

Do you homeschool? Just wondering... if you don't, you sure had a wonderful learning, enriching day. Complete with Jon providing a lesson in culture, and coordination with the video games too! I picked up some tips from you, my girls are capable of far more than I give them credit for. I've got to let go of some control here... : )

Have another wonderful day! Julie

DEANNA said...

have to agree 100% with you. Nothing out of the ordinary but none the less a spectacular day with your family!

Mimi's Toes said...

I love your life!

Davis' said...

sounds like a perfect day to me.

Stephanie Waite said...

FYI
My kids are in year round school and are out on a track break from school for the month of November. It has been a nice break.

Yes my husband works:). Some days he is working from 4 am to 10 pm. We see him only when he emerges from the office for food. Then there are days like yesterday where there is less on his agenda and we get to see more of him. I LOVE THOSE DAYS!!!

Yes Carolyn, my hamburgers do have cornflakes in them. I am surprised you remembered. Cornflakes, onion, sauces, egg ... lots of stuff that make them yummy.

Stephanie said...

Sounds like a wonderful day to me too!

Anonymous said...

I was also confused as to why all the children were home... Do you home school?

Whatever the reason, I'm glad you had such a great day! I also love days when I can where sweats all day. :)

The Musings Of Mothers said...

I don't know if I have ever commented before... But thought I would today.. I love days that just flow, were you feel like everything is in order.. I think the best part is that we have someone that we believe in and can thank for that bliss:)

janalee said...

This sounds like heaven :), especially the 'no kids fighting' part.