Some days good things just fall into your lap, and you have to either grab them or kick yourself in the pants later for letting them go.

Today was one of those days.

When I went to drop my kiddos off at school and pick up my god daughter for the day (with her preschool on vacation, I've been brushing up on my skills with the Sesame Street set), the daughter of one of the paraprofessionals was there. She was hanging out with mom, since it was her last day of vacation before her school resumed.

I LOVE this kiddo. She is a lovely young woman of God, who just happens to be great with my kids.

So, grabbing the proverbial bull by the horns, I asked her to come and hang out with me and the "littles" for the day. She hopped in the car and were off.

What a lovely day! I got to run errands by myself and take a leisurely hike in the local mountain preserve with a friend. Then I was able to pick up some subs and chat with this sweet teen. In the afternoon, I taught her how to bake bread and had her herd the kids some more while I did some cleaning (without interruption!) and then took Princess Piggy for a haircut.

Bliss...at the bargain price of a loaf of bread, a dozen cookies, and a few extra bucks for the time I was actually out of the house.

I'm glad I didn't miss the gift.