Snickerdoodles

Taylor and Gabrielle love snickerdoodles. Here is the latest recipe approved by them:

Snickerdoodles

1 1/2 c. granulated sugar, divided
1 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 Tbsp. water
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 c. of the sugar with the cinnamon and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and remaining 1 1/4 c. sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and water and beat until fluffy. Add flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Mix in short bursts until flour is nearly blended in, then continue mixing at medium speed until well mixed. Shape dough by rounded tablespoonfuls, roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture, then place on cookie sheets. Flatten slightly w/ the bottom of a glass. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen 3" cookies.

First Week of the New Year 2010

Today I am grateful, once again, for a new year, a fresh start; I'm grateful for the chance to begin again. Troy and I both went to bed on time and got up early; the kids were on the ball (esp. Taylor) getting ready and were early to school. The best part was that we followed through with our plan to drop everything and pray at 8:15 and then each read silently from the Book of Mormon until 8:30. It was so great--such a peaceful feeling. The kids were compliant and willing--it felt so good. And it was reaffirmed to me that if I make a plan, ask for the Lord's help in executing it, and then do all I can to make it happen, He will help it happen. It will take focus and diligence to make these actions habits, but I believe it will be worth it. I was also made aware of how much easier it is/will be to achieve goals if we set them as a family, and then encourage one another to follow through with the changes we've put in place.
I also signed up for a BYU class on-line today: "Changing Self-defeating Behaviors and Emotions through Rational Self-counseling". It is two credits, and is part of the curriculum for the "Family Life" emphasis in the Bachelor of General Studies Program. I wanted to start with a class this week, to get moving forward on my degree again; I think this will be a good class to start with. I read "As A Man Thinketh" this morning, by James Allen (it is the text for the course). I am just grateful that education is so accessible to me. I am grateful that I have the time and energy and health to pursue this goal, and any goal I desire, really. I am aware of the fact that I need/want to be better at managing my time effectively so that I can be more task-oriented and less distracted. I am progressing, for which I am also grateful! I used to look at all my weaknesses and get discouraged; now it is easier for me to observe those weaknesses with more patience and compassion for myself. When a shortcoming presents itself, I am more likely now to acknowledge it, look for ways to overcome it, and ask the Lord's help in doing so. Any degree of progress, no matter how incremental, is a blessing.