Friday Five Favs

Here's how it works. On each Friday participants look back over the week and find their five favorite things, be they activities, food, quotes, books, etc. Anything that blessed them over the last seven days. Here are five of my favorites:

1. The weather. I loved that after a full week of rain following some very cold temperatures we finally had a week of sunshine and temperatures into the upper 60s. Although I still had a very busy work week I made sure to take advantage of the pleasant weather. My daughter and I took walks, spent time at the park, and explored outside. I enjoyed the snowy winter we had, but I am happy spring has arrived!

2. My crockpot. Slow cooked meals are the answer to any crazy schedule. This week was especially busy, so I was very grateful that St Patrick's Day fell on my busiest day. Thanks to the crockpot we were still able to enjoy our annual corned beef and cabbage (with potatoes and carrots) even though I was out of the house most of the day. Next year I plan to add a little extra bits to the day's celebration, after all celebrating with a child is what makes these minor holidays so much fun.

3. Song: Temporary Home (Carrie Underwood). This song has been on my mind this week, especially the latter part.

4. Time with friends. Last night I went out with some of my girlfriends for a girl's night out/baby shower. We celebrated at a quiet restaurant in an older/classy part of town and enjoyed some delicious appetizers and desserts. It's been several months since we'd had such an opportunity and it was so relaxing and fun to spend a couple hours visiting and laughing.

5. Favorite Children's Read of the Week: The Country Bunny And the Little Gold Shoes by Du Bose Heyward. This story was a childhood favorite. So when I found a beautiful used hardcover copy with dust jacket for $0.99 I couldn't pass it by. If you're looking for a different type of Easter bunny story this is definitely worth you time. Originally published in 1939, The Country Bunny tells the story of a little bunny girl who dreams of one day becoming one of the five Easter bunnies who deliver treats to children all over the world, and how those dreams eventually do come true. Although as a child I viewed it simply as a fun story with beautiful illustrations I realize now there are some messages woven within the tale -- messages like kindness and love are just as important as strength and speed, and that it is possible to be a good mother and still have some of your greatest dreams come true.

What about you? What were your five favorites from this past week?