Control

I missed my blog post yesterday. Ironic, since yesterday was "I Am In Control Day."

Before I tell you what happened, and what I've learned from it all, let me begin by telling you the history behind yesterday's "day." According to www.holidayinsights.com:

"On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was wounded in an assassination attempt. Lots of confusion prevailed. In the White House, then Secretary of State Alexander Haig was taken a little out of context when he said "I am in control here". Instead of focusing upon the entire statement, people and the press foscused upon these few words. Political uproar eventually led to his resignation. On that infamous day, I am in Control Day was born. History sometimes fades with time. Alexander Haig's statement was all but forgotten. Meanwhile, this special day continued on, and evolved. People came to think about this day in a different context. They personalized it into a day to get their life in control. In that sense, today is definitely a call to action. "I am in Control Day" is your chance to get things in order and under control."

So began my quest to gain back some control in my own life. Control over a routine that had gotten out of whack that now my hubby is home 24/7 with nothing to do. Control over my own work schedule. Control over the finnicky eating habits of my 17 month old. Control over my house, my personal daily regiment, etc. "I Am In Control Day" was the perfect day to carve our a new plan for our new reality. Or so I thought.

A few hours after formulating my plan, it started to unravel. My toddler decided she didn't like grilled cheese for lunch even though normally she loves it. My stomach started churning and I spent much of the afternoon in the bathroom or lying on the couch wishing someone would put me out of my misery. Frustrations grew when the baby wouldn't nap - at all - all afternoon, and ... well, you get the picture. It was all downhill from there.

I went to bed last night feeling lousy, overwhelmed, exhausted, irriated and ... yes... out of control. I didn't even have the time or energy to blog about it, which was probably good since you wouldn't have wanted to read what I would have written anyway!

The light of day didn't bring any relief from yesterday's agony. Still feeling lousy I had to drag myself out of bed and into work for an 8 a.m. meeting, leaving my poor hubby, who had been up all night with our toddler or simply because he couldn't sleep, home with our toddler. I dragged myself through a morning of meetings and work, only to get home... wishing that I could collapse on the couch... to a hubby and toddler who were full of energy and eager to get out for our planned grocery shopping outting. By the time we got home after sitting waaaaaaay to long in traffic, it was 4 pm and I was done.

I hid myself in the office and stared at the computer screen knowing that I had missed my blog post and needing to blog today about a holiday I had not celebrated. Feeling sorry for myself, I sat and wallowed in my misery when the Lord gently reminded me that while I may not be able to control my surroundings, I am in control of how I choose to respond to what life throws my way.

When that meal I have so lovingly prepared for the toddler that I pray will eat it, get's thrown on the floor with a loud "no", I can choose to get angry or I can choose to lovingly deal with her toddler trantrum with patience and grace. When the plans I have for the day get sidelined by a bout of food poisioning (or whatever the heck that was...), I can choose to wallow in my misery about my spoiled plans, or I can choose to accept that things don't always work out the way we plan and enjoy my impromptu "diet!" Whatever the case may be, it's how I choose to respond that really makes the difference.

So while my attempts to celebrate "I Am In Control Day" yesterday were trampled, and the after affects of yesterday made it impossible to truly focus on celebrating anything today, I am celebrating a lesson learned, and grateful that while I may always be in control (even though that kills me to say), I do know the ONE who is always in control. The uncertain days before me don't see so scary when I know the ONE who holds the future.

What did you do to celebrate life today?

Today's holidays (even though I missed celebrating them): Colouring Crayola Day (hey, we actually DID celebrate this even if it was unintentionally... does that count?); Orange and Lemons Day; National Clams on a Half Shell Day; National Tater Day;

Tomorrow: April Fool's Day; International Fun at Work Day; Sourdough Bread Day

Coke Is It!

While there appears to be some discrepancies on the internet about whether or not today really is "Coca Cola Day" in honour of the day it was invented, I'm choosing to celebrate Coke anyway. While consumed in moderation in our house, we are fans of Coke. So today we celebrate the day in the only way you can really -- by drinking some Coke. Oh... and by reminiscing about our favourtie Coke commercials!

Here's my personal fav from "back in the day..." Ok, now I feel old.

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How did you celebrate life today?

Tomorrow: National Doctor's Day; Take a Walk in the Park Day; Turkey Neck Soup Day; I Am In Control Day

In Grandma's Arms...

In Grandma's arms
in our storybook chair
we can do anything
we can go anywhere.

And so begins my favourite of all the children's picture books we read to my daughter on a daily basis. From In Grandma's Arms, to Baby Cakes and Goodnight Moon, we rhyme and clap our way into a world of imagination that only comes alive in books. My favourite parts of the day are when we either cuddle before naps/bedtime to read, or when my toddler brings me a book to read to her. We love that she loves to read, and we love reading to her.

So in honour of "Children's Picture Book Day," we counted, learned colours, giggled through VeggieTales books (did you know that "Bob is very red."?) and cuddled our way to dream land with the rhymes of Goodnight Boz.

What did you choose to celebrate today?

Tomorrow's Choices: National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day; Smoke and Mirrors Day; Coca Cola Day (it was invented on March 29th); Love Your Children Day; Pickle Day; National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day.

Just Call Me "Joe"

When I read that today was "National Joe Day," I immediately thought of my grandpa. "Joe" (or variations of "Joe") was his pet name for both my mom and I. To this day I'm still not really sure why he called us that, I just know that I loved it. I wish I could hear him call me that right now...

So today, in honour of my beloved grandpa, I'll pass on the endearing tradition by calling my little monkey "joe." And every time I do I'll thank God for my grandpa, and rejoice in the knowing that one day, when I join him in Heaven, I'll hear him welcome me with a "Hey Joe!"

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Something on a Stick Day; Eat an Eskimo Pie Day; Respect Your Cat Day; Garden Seed Day; Children's Picture Book Day; National Black Forest Cake Day

Waffling

I'm waffling on whether or not to ever make my own waffles again, and thus establishing today as "Waffling Day" in honour of "Make Up Your Own Holiday" day. My quest for a waffle maker wound up with me choosing price over quality (never a good idea) and I came home excited with my purchase of what I thought seemed to be a good, cheap waffle maker.

I was wrong.

First, I put too little in the iron and the waffles came out looking pathetic. Then, I put too much in the iron and the result looked like this:


When I'd finally gotten the hang of how much batter was the "perfect amount" I thought for sure we were in business. Then I learned just how cheap the waffle iron was. Every single waffle I made after that came out looking like this:

Burnt in the middle and barely cooked on the edgest. They were also limp (not crispy) and well, practially inedible due to their rubber-like consistency. Perhaps it was the recipe I used for my batter. Who knows. All I know is, the next time we have waffles, we're going with the "drop them in the toaster" kind -- Eggos!

To add insult to injury, I made a praline/pecan syrup to go with the waffles. Let's just say, I will never make it again and have thrown out the recipe. ;-)

So, here's to Waffling Day (my very own "make up your own holiday" day), and my waffling over whether or not to attempt home-made waffles again.

What are you waffling about today?

Tomorrow: National "Joe" Day; Photography Day; National Spanish Paella Day

Breakfast for Dinner

I'm on a quest for a waffle maker today. We've talked about getting one since we discovered our toddlers love of Eggo waffles, and today is the perfect day to do so. It's Waffle Day!


This day of celebration also provides me with the perfect opportunity to indulge in a love of mine without the complaints of my husband. I love breaskfast and would eat breakfast foods for every meal if it was socially acceptable. I especially love having things like pancakes for dinner (probably harkening back to the days when my family would have "flapjacks" on Sunday night. My husband however, is of the opinion that breakfast foods should be *only* for breakfast. Humph!

So this morning as my hubby was getting ready to head out for class I warned him in advance that waffles were on the menu for dinner tonight! Surprisingly his reaction was a positive one! Perhaps that's because I also announced that they'd be served with praline (pecan) syrup since it's also Pecan Day! ;-) Yum!

What are you doing to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Make Up Your Own Holiday; National Nougat Day; National Spinach Day; National Waffle Day (apparently yesterday was just "Waffle Day"... a food so good you just have to celebrate it twice!)

Chocolate-less Raisins and Family

I love chocolate covered raisins, so when I heard that today was National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day you can imagine how thrilled I was. NOT! Alas my lenton fast from all-things sugary meant I could not indulge myself in raisins of the chocolate covered variety. Instead, I snacked on some plain raisins with my little monkey, and took the opportunity to thank God for my family (it's also National Family Day). While I may not be able to enjoy chocolate covered raisins, I can enjoy chocolate covered kisses from my little princess.

What did you do to celebrate life today?

Tomorrow: Pecan Day; Waffle Day; Sleep Day; Lobster Newburg Day

Chipless Dip

Today is a day my hubby would have LOVED to celebrate - National Chip n' Dip Day. But alas, his chosen fast for lent is his biggest weakness: CHIPS!

So, instead of indulging in the forbidden chips n' dip, I chose to celebrate the day by reading up on some dip recipes for when lent is over. I found some great sites with some yummy sounding recipes, and have left it to my hubby to pick out the ones he's wants to try. ;-)

On a side note, I reported that today was also "World Turtle Day," but alas that info is was wrong. While the holiday site I use listed it as such, it is in fact MAY (not March) 23rd. So turtles... your day is coming. ;-)

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day (sooooooooo not fair!); National Family Day.

Sing Out!

Today I chose to celebrate National Sing Out Day. If you know me at all, you'll know why. I love to sing. I live to sing. Music helps me breath. Music restores my soul. Music gives me life. If I'm not singing, I'm humming... and often without even knowing I'm doing so. I've even been told that I sing in my sleep once in a while. ;-)

So today's choice of celebration was a no-brainer for me. I threw on my current fav playlist -- the soundtrack from season 1 of GLEE and danced and sung my way through my dinner preparation while my hubby and daughter were at the park. And when they got home, they sang and danced with me !

What did you do to celebrate life today?

Tomorrow: National Chip n' Dip Day; Near Miss Day; World Turtle Day; National Puppy Day; National Melba Toast Day

The Hardest Job in the Universe

Yesterday was National Single Parents Day.

I once heard it said that the job of a single parent is the hardest job in the universe. I have to agree. Being a parent in general is hard, even when you have a spouse to help you out. So I can't imagine what it would be like to go it alone. To work all day only to come home and have to care for your kids by yourself. To be up all night with a sick little one, and then still be expected to get up in the morning, go to work, care for the house, the family, the car, the meals... by yourself.

As I've said many times in my journals on this blog, I am eternally grateful for my husband and partner in this journey of parenting. Knowing that someone has my back, and can pick up the slack when I'm an tired is such a blessing.

So here's to all the single parents out there! May you be rewarded in heaven for tackling what I can only imagine feels like an impossible task!

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What did you do to celebrate yesterday? What will you do today?

Today's holidays: International Good Off Day; Roller Coaster Day; We Love Broccoli Day; National Sing Out Day; National Badminton Day; Coq au Vin Day

A little Spring and a Little Ravioli

There's nothing like a little spring cleaning to refresh n' renew. As spring made it's entrance today I enjoyed some alone time at home whilst hubby and toddler went shopping to clear my head and my house. I do my best thinking when I'm cleaning... it's like clearing the cob webs from my head AND home at the same time. ;-) It was much needed, and oddly refreshing.

And, after a day of cleaning and soul searching, nothing beats a cheap date night. With our toddler tucked in early, we cuddled up on the couch with bowls of ravioli and garlic bread and enjoyed a movie rental. A well earned evening of rest after a productive day.

Here's to spring... and ravioli!

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Fragrance Day; National Flower Day; National Single Parents Day; National Common Courtesy Day; National French Bread Day; California Strawberry Day

I feel like Chicken tonight...

Today would have been a good day for an old (90s) commercial that used to get stuck in my head: "I feel like Chicken tonight, like Chicken tonight!" It was National Poultry Day today!

In honour of our feathered, tasty friends, we ate chicken buns, did the chicken dance, told the story of Chicken Little and savoured some country fried chicken. Yum!

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: International Earth Day; Extraterrestrial Abductions Day; National Quilting Day; Proposal Day; Big Bird's Birthday; Mr. Roger's Birthday; First Day of Spring; National Ravioli Day.

Nothing But the Blood

Today is "Supreme Sacrifice Day", a day set aside to recognize those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the good of others. It goes without saying that history is full of men and women who fit this description; from those who have lost their lives in battle so that we can be free, to those who put their lives on the line daily to protect us from fire, crime, etc.

But I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to acknowledge THE sacrifice. The sacrifice above all sacrifices. The ULTIMATE sacrifice because of love. I am thankful every day for the One who gave His life for me. I live in hope because of Him. There is nothing, absolutely nothing like the blood of Jesus Christ.

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh, precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow.
No other fount I know.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

And because He lives I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

If you are reading this, and don't know of the One who gave His life for YOU, follow this link to learn more: http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp.

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What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Poultry Day; National Chocolate Caramel Day; The Great American Meat Out Day; Act Happy Day; Let's Laugh Day;

Easy Being Green

Today's celebration of choice was an easy one to choose. St. Patrick's Day is alway a fun little day to go green. We wore green clothes, bought our daughter a green little toy from the dollar store, and ate a green meal for dinner. We may not be Irish, but we had fun pretending to be. ;-)

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Forgive Mom & Dad Day; Birthday of Sparky the Fire Dog; Supreme Sacrifice Day; Awkward Moments Day; National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day

Love those lips!

I've never really taken the time to consider lips before today. I mean, frankly unless my lips are chapped and hurting, they never really cross my mind. So when I learned that today was Lips Appreciation Day, it made me pause to really think about them. While the first thing that came to mind was smooching, when I really got into it (thinking, not smooching) it really occurred to me how amazing our lips really are.

I mean think about it. Our lips do quite a bit and never get any credit! They are a major muscle, responsible for helping us eat, talk, express ourselves, and enjoy pleasures. The come in all shapes and sizes, even colours! And let's face it... with out them we'd look pretty darn scary!

So here's to our lips! May they always be curved into a smile, never used to relay unkind words, and always eager to smooch!


What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Submarine Day; St. Patrick's Day

My Little Peanut

Today, we chose to celebrate two holidays on the random or wacky calendar -- Peanut Lovers Day and Incredible Kid Day -- by celebrating our little peanut who happens to be a pretty incredible kid. Now, I realize we are biased in our assessment of her... but honestly, she's pretty incredible. ;-)

In all seriousness, I enjoyed spending my day with my incredible little girl. I also planned out a menu for dinner to celebrate the peanut too. From peanut chicken with extra crushed peanuts to add crunch, to peanut M&Ms for my hubby and peanut butter on a spoon for my dessert while cuddled up with my own little peanut, today is a good day of celebration.

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Everything You Do is Right Day; Freedom of Information Day; Lips Appreciation Day; National Quilt Day; National Artichoke Heart Day

Scientific Meatballs

We choose to celebrate Scientists on Sunday in a fun, albeit odd, way. Since it was a lazy, sleeping Sunday after a long night with our toddler, a pulled shoulder muscle for me and ... to add insult to injury... daylight savings, we rented some movies and cuddled up for the day. Our family movie of choice - "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs." Set around an endearing scientist/inventor who creates a way to turn water into food, we were delightfully surprised at how much we enjoyed it.





What did you to celebrate yesterday?

Today: Ides of March; Incredible Kid Day; National Peanut Lovers Day; National Pears Helene Day

Open a What?

"Open a what?" That's exactly what my husband said when I told him what today's day of celebration was. "Open an umbrella indoors day," I said.

"Why?"
"Well, ... um... I don't know!"
"Isn't that supposed to be bad lukc?" (Not that we believe in that.)
"Ya, I think so."
"Huh. Interesting."

And that's how we celebrated "National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day." Now you know.

What did you choose to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Learn About Butterflies Day; National Potato Chip Day; National Pi Day; National Children's Craft Day; Celebrate Scientists Day; Save a Spider Day

The Master of Suspense

In her cabin, Marion, wearing a glossy robe, is seated at the desk with pencil, paper, and bankbook. She is calculating the amount of the stolen money she spent and must replace. She tears up the slip of paper and is about to toss it into the wastebasket, but thinks better of it and takes it into the bathroom where she flushes it down the toilet. She then closes the door, removes her robe, and steps into the bathtub.

She draws the shower curtain closed and unwraps a bar of soap. She turns on the shower.

As she is showering, through the translucent shower curtain we see the door open. A shadow slowly approaches, then a hand swiftly throws open the curtain.

Marion turns and sees the backlit figure of a woman with a large bread knife in her raised hand.

Marion screams...

Alfred Hitchcock. Master of Suspense. No one did it better. From the nail biting suspense of the scene quoted above (Psycho, 1960), to the fun in searching for his trademark cameo appearances in every movie he made, to the intrigue in my personal favourtie - Dial M for Murder, there will never be another Hitchcock.

Mr. Hitchcock, we salute you.

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Ear Muff Day; Good Samaritan Day; National Coconut Torte Day; National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day.

How 'Bout Them Apples!!!

Today I decided to celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day, mostly because I had heard the name before but had no idea who he was or what it meant. According to HolidayInsights.com:

"Johnny Appleseed Day honors one of America's great legends. Johnny Appleseed was a real person. John Chapman was among the American settlers who were captivated by the movement west across the continent. As Johnny Appleseed travelled west, he planted apple trees along the way, and sold trees to settlers. With every apple tree that was planted, the legend grew." (Read more here.)

So in honour of Johnny Appleseed, the Lau family dined on apples and apple related foods today. From apple juice to fresh apples, applesauce and apple flavoured gummies. I also searched the web for great apple recipes too and found some I look forward to trying in the days to come. And, in my search on the web I discovered just how many varieties of apples there are! The list found at All About Apples blew my mind!

Here's to Johnny Appleseed... long live the apple!


How did you choose to celebrate life today?

Tomorrow: Alfred Hitchcock Day; Organize Your Home Office Day; National Baked Scallops Day; Girls Scouts Day

Just Call Me Lyn

If today had been a weekend, I would have made Blueberry Popovers in a heartbeat to celebrate National Blueberry Popover day. But with the haste in which I must get breakfast ready when my darling hubby has to be out the door by 7:30 a.m., the popovers were just too time consuming (not to mention messy if he is to eat it in the car!). So in celebration of the day I googled and found a great recipe that I plan on making this weekend.

So, since the actual celebration of blueberry popovers had to be postponed, I turned to "Middle Name Pride" day instead. Today, just call me Lyn. ;-) I'm not sure why my parents chose "Lyn" to be my middle name, but Lyn it is. According to several websites, Lyn means "waterfall" and "pretty one". Hum.

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow's choices: Johnny Appleseed Day; Worship of Tools Day; Check Your Batteries Day; Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day

Down Memory Lane

Say what you will about Barbie and her effect on the self image of young girls everywhere, but I loved my Barbie dolls and spent hours... and I mean HOURS... playing with them. My grandma made clothes for them, I had dishes and a full kitchen for them, I made makeshift beds out of books, and lovingly hand-stitched pillows and blankets for them. Some of my bed memories are of long weekends with my friend Beth, lost in an imaginary world where Barbie and Ken lived happily ever after.

So when I learned that today was Barbie's 51st birthday, I knew exactly what I would celebrate today. I am thrilled to have a little girl to share my love of dolls with, and saved my Barbies all these years in the hopes that I would have a daugther to pass them on to.

Or, so I thought...

As it turns out, in the chaos of our recent move my beloved dolls somehow got separated from all the clothing and other accessories I had for them. And, today, when I went searching for my Barbie collection I discovered that all I have now is the accessories. After much searching and discussion with my hubby it appears that my now vintage dolls were part of a huge "donation" we made to Value Village a few months ago.

So while I am grateful to still have the doll clothes my grandma so lovingly made for me -- a keepsake to be sure -- I have to admit to shedding a tear for the loss of the dolls that held so many memories. Not exactly the way I anticipated celebrating this day...

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Middle Name Pride Day; Geneaology Day; National Blueberry Popover Day; Zoe's birthday (Sesame Street)

Flower Power

I'm not blessed with a green thumb. I admit it. Anything I have ever attempted to grow has wound up dead not long after coming into my care. So today, on "plant a flower day" I decided that I'd focus on the little growing flower in my care --- the beautiful, colourful, growing miracle in my life --- and "plant" some love into her.

Since my workplace gave us today off as "Family Day," it was the perfect day to enjoy some down time ... just me and my monkey. We cuddled, we shopped, we decorated, we played house... and we "drew" some flowers. All in all, a good day.

What did you do today?

Tomorrow's choices: Panic Day; Barbie's Birthday (1959); National Crabmeat Day.

Life is Precious

Once again my plans to celebrate a specific holiday on the random holiday list were set aside in honour of something more important. Conquering a crown roast seemed pretty insignficiant after spending yesterday morning with a friend as her mother slipped from this life into eternity. It gave me a new appreciation for the family waiting for me at home, and something to celebrate other than a roast, the meaning of my name or cereal. Life is precious; time is short.

How did you celebrate yesterday? And what will you do to celebrate today?

Today's random holidays: Be Nasty Day; International (Working) Women's Day; Aunt's Day; Plant a Flower Day; National Peanut Cluster Day

Reading Allowed

Of all the non-sweet holidays to celebrate today, my pick was "Read Aloud" day since one of my favourite things to do is to cuddle up in a chair with my baby girl and read stories before she naps/sleeps. She loves books, loves turning the pages, loves the silly voices we use, and anticipates certain parts with squeals and the clapping of hands. From the silly VeggieTales books that teach her about colours, opposites, and time, to those crazy monkeys who just won't stop jumping on the bed, reading aloud is always allowed in our home.

What did you choose to celebrate today?

Tomorrow's choices: National Crown Roast of Pork Day; National Be Heard Day; Learn What Your Name Means Day; National Cereal Day.

Prayer in the Valley of the Shadow...

It had been my intent to celebrate National Salesperson Day today since I had planned to hit the mall with my toddler. And while we did go shopping, and I did act as gracious as possible to every salesperson we encountered, my mind was elsewhere thanks to an early morning message from a friend. As a result, I spent the day unintentionally "celebrating" World Prayer Day instead.

Prayer is a daily, if not hourly part of my life. Whether it be in the desperate pleas to the Lord for patience when my daughter is throwing a temper tantrum, or the "praise and prayer" time of my morning shower routine, I am constantly in conversation with the Lord. But today was different. Today, instead of prayers for patience, requests for wisdom and thanks for the food (or other provisions), I spent every minute in silent, sometimes tearful prayer for a dear friend. A friend who is facing the imminent death of her mother - her closest friend.

The little things I dealt with today seemed small and insignificant in light of what I knew my friend was going through. So today, on this day of "world prayer," my prayers were a mixture of pleas for mercy and peace on behalf of my friend, and tears of gratefulness for my own mom and the joy of being some body's mom.

PSALM 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Lots to choose from! Dentist Day; National Frozen Food Day; Read Aloud Day; Toronto's Birthday; Michelangelo's Birthday; National Chocolate Cheese Cake Day and/or White Chocolate Cheesecake Day; Oreo Cookies Day; Stop Bad Service Day; Alamo Day.

By the pound...

Did you know that pound cake was named as such because it's made with a pound (each) of the four basic ingredients - flour, butter, eggs and sugar? I've always wondered why it was called "pound cake"... and today was the perfect day to research it. It's National Pound Cake day!

While I had planned on making a pound cake to honour the day, between my lent fast of all things sugar and the lack of energy I had by the time I got around to it today, I decided to postpone the actual baking and eating of pound cake until I had more time and could actually eat it!

Instead, I searched the web for a perfect recipe and was surprised to find a number of variations on the cake of pounds. Chocolate, lemon zest, buttermilk, vanilla, marbled, etc. But the most unique one came from a friend.

Thanks to Meghan, when Lent is over my family and I will dive into an Avocado Pound Cake. Recipe courtesy of the blog Meg pointed me to -- "Joy the Baker."


What did you do to celebrate today?

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Thanks to several tips from friends who know I'm working through the random holidays, I'm following three sites with holiday tips now: Holiday Insights, Holidays for Everyday, and 2010 Food Project. As a result, the list of possibilities for what to celebrate each day is longer, which helps when trying to be creative.

Tomorrow: Employee Appreciation Day; Multiple Personalities Day; National Salesperson Day; Dr. Doolittle Day; Mother-in-Law Day; World Day of Prayer; National Cheese Doodle Day; 8 Hour Day

A Blossoming Peach

I had no idea what "Peach Blossom Day" was about, thinking initially it must be a dessert of some kind. So I was surprised when I read HolidayInsights's website and learned that a peach blossom is a term of endearment for a little girl. So to commemorate this day it seemed fitting to celebrate my own little peach blossom by spending some time playing and being "girls." We played with dolls, we dressed up in play clothes and beads, and listened to girly music while we giggled the day away.

I plan on celebrating this day every year as a mother-daugther date day. The perfect way to celebrate being girls and bonding as mother and daughter.

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: National Pound Cake Day

A Lau Seussical Day

I had plans to celebrate "Old Stuff Day" as per HolidayInsights.com, but then I learned that today is Dr. Seuss's birthday, or at least it would be if he was still alive. And since celebrating all things Seussical sounded like a lot more fun than "old stuff" (although, if Dr. Seuss was still alive he would be pretty old -- 106 to be exact), we agreed that it was a Seussical kind of day.

So after considering making green eggs and ham to eat, I'm choosing instead to introduce my toddler to Dr. Seuss with the first ever reading (at least to her) of my favourite Seuss book. I bid you goodnight as I go off to read Oh the Places You'll Go to my sweet baby girl.

What did you do to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Peach Blossom Day

Peanut Butter... How I love you...

... let me count the ways!

Today's chosen celebration was "Peanut Butter Lover's Day." A fitting thing to celebrate in our house cause we looooooooooooove peanutty butter! Smeared on toast it the morning, served on the side with a banana, mixed in to peanut chicken, baked into cookies, or simply licked off a spoon like a lollipop, we love peanut butter!

What did you chose to celebrate today?

Tomorrow: Old Stuff Day (huh?)

Go Canada Go!

So yesterday (yes, this post is late... but read on), according to HolidayInsights.com, was a day to celebrate floral design, public sleeping OR the tooth fairy... but with the Winter Olympics coming to an end, we were in no mood to celebrate such silliness.

February 28th was a deeply serious day for Canada... until of course the nail biting ended with Sidney Crosby's GOLDEN goal and the party began! ;-) So instead of celebrating flowers, sleeping and teeth, the Lau Household celebrated the only thing that truly matter --- kicking some serious ice --- and proclaimed February 28th as "Canada Kicks Ice" day forever and ever... AMEN!


What did you do to celebrate yesterday?

Today: National Pig Day OR Peanut Butter Lover's Day