The Best Part of My Week

My husband and I are the new teachers of our 4 year-old son’s Sunday School class. We prepare a lesson and activities for eight adorable kids. Since Sunday was our first time teaching and interacting with most of the students (and 50 minutes is a long time to fill), we decided to ask everyone to share their name and the best part of their week.

We do a version of this at the dinner table sometimes, asking “What was the worst part of your day?” and “What was the best part of your day?”  I can’t take credit for it, but I like the break from the traditional, “What did you do/learn today?”  Kids always amaze me, though. Unless something really bad happens, the haunting memory kind, they rarely come up with a bad moment. The good moments always remind me to find joy in life’s simple moments as well. Some of the answers went like this:
“We had your family over for dinner last week.”
“I drew a picture of my dog.”
“I stuff a bear at Build A Bear.”
“I helped my Mom.”
“It’s a secret.”

When it came time for my turn, all of the great moments from the week past suddenly filled my mind. I realized that they might not be so relatable if you’re four, though. They went like this:

After an exhausting afternoon battling nap time with Kai and failing miserably in the Sleep Wars, I came into the living room at 5 pm to this surprise rushed to find my camera:

My Ezra recently discovered the joy of Marshmallow Cream and is eating it on graham crackers, reminiscent of his Grandpa Lyn, who died before he was born.

Ella has tried so hard to have a good attitude over the past few weeks, checking her whining and fits, talking patiently to her brothers. Her efforts make me want to work harder on my own attitude.

Our butter yellow microfiber couches have taken a beating since we moved, with little feet dragging dirty tracks across them from our laminate floors. I’ve tried several remedies, but sort of gave up hope. Tim decided we should throw them into the washing machine and dryer (Well, the covers, not the couches. Thanks, Lara!) used gentle cycle, a little bit of Charlie’s Soap, and lowest dry setting. I felt nervous, but they look fantastic (and I’m not embarrassed to have company sit on them).

I’ve been an organizing maniac, tackling the toy room, art space, my bedroom, and desk! It feels good to jump start everyone returning to school with some organized chaos.

I finished a lap blanket for Ella’s teacher and experimented with some appliques. It is far from perfect, but I had fun and it’s a gift from the heart.

My rainbow chevron fabric is washed and just needs to be ironed to start my clutch project. I have capes next in line for the kids as Valentines gifts using fabric I received for free.

I’m learning that strengthening my willpower muscle really does help. I decided to tackle my eating habits in a cliche New Year’s resolution. I purchased foods to help me reach this goal and left behind others. I’m working on avoiding snacks other than fruits and vegetables, cutting out juice, and saying “no” to those late night foods. I have a ways to go, but it’s getting easier and I’m feeling my resolve and willpower strengthen with each positive choice.

My husband secured a fantastic internship for this summer by taking a risk and not being afraid to just ask. So proud of him.

My facebook page has exploded with fans and I’ve now reached 1000! I’m contacting sponsors for a big celebration and every “yes” thrills me!

So, now you tell me. What was the best part of your week?