• back massage
• living close enough to mom & dad that I can stop by spontaneously
• garlic bread
• Smartwool socks
• 2nd grade jokes: "Mrs. Beverly, how many months have 28 days?" "Just February - the rest have 30 or 31 days." "Nope, they all do!" How did I fall for that?!

• walking to church
• hints of spring
• lunch date and much needed conversation with a good friend
• soul friends
• Cadbury mini-eggs
• hand-me-downs

• in and out of Shop Rite in under 20 mins.
• visit with my great-grandfather, better known as Pop
• curtains complete!
• walk with mom
• taking pictures
• Chili's chips & salsa
• keeping warm by the fire

• cute new rain boots, and the chance to wear them
• classroom meetings that end in a group hug!
• delicious homemade pizza
• photography tips
• wine and cheese
• answered prayers

I am having to search harder and deeper for these "little things" lately. It seems bad news is abounding, but that is all the more reason to keep at it. I need to constantly remind myself that God is faithful, even in the storms of life. Here's today's list:

• 40 hands pitching in to have a clean, germ-free classroom
• "Tuesday" by David Wiesner
• a no-homework night with my husband
• power of prayer
• our pastor and church family

• kids in pajamas
• Fruit Loops spelling activity
• using break time to actually take a break :)
• supportive coworkers
• phone dates, planned and unplanned
• early bed time

• "specials" classes
• proud sister moments at today's ECMS boys basketball game
• dinner & conversation with my parents
• rewarding students for a job well done
• a song that spoke to me: Francesca Battestelli's "This is the Stuff"

• beauty of the snow on the tree branches
• happy hour
• "Jenna time"
• strawberries on sale!
• gift cards

group Skype date

• hearing church friends say, "I've been praying for you this week"
• reading for pleasure
• using coupons
• The Amazing Race
• no Sunday night stress

• an out of routine Saturday morning
• sweats
• light bulb went on! making progress on a school project
• night out on the town
• dressed up hubby

• did not have to move anyone's "drop" today
• a tasty lunch and lots of laughs with enjoyable colleagues
• broke out my spring coat!
• extra time in the AM to sleep and make breakfast
• best of all, a one night getaway with my love

• confirmation of what I believe
• an early end to the school week
• driving with the windows cracked
• dinner with the in-laws
• surprise treat - a quality NJ bagel

• my shockingly quiet classroom during centers
• a fixed sink
• dinner date with a great friend
• keeping in touch with those near and far
• "Clementine" by Sara Pennypacker

• homemade sangria, mmm
• Skype
• an amazing grade level aide (if only I could have her more!)
• visit with my grandparents
• an adorable yellow lab that greeted me at the door

hand-written valentines

• journaling
• signs of spring: fresh scents, warmer temp, grassy patches
• 2nd graders thanking each other with hugs
• the constant generosity of my students' parents
• romantic dinner-in with my love
• the stud holding a single rose as he stepped off the train

Happy Valentine's Day!

• participating in a beautiful church service to celebrate 6 1/2 years of faithful ministry
• Sunday e-mails
• dinner at my restaurant of choice with my family
• less lesson planning due to an upcoming "shorter" week
• knowing people view this blog and actually enjoy reading it :)

Cheap chocolate covered pretzels!

• filling the kitchen with the scent of baked goodies
• seeing a great friend twice in one day
• three way phone conversation to the birthday girl
• working with a new friend/inspiring photographer
• discovering new (time-saving) photo programs!

• a special someone who warms up the car 5 mins. before we leave each morning
• sunshine
• a field trip to break up the school day
• seeing the positive sides of a challenging child
• a mentor/friend who never fails to make me laugh
• Settlers of Catan

• exciting news from great friends
• left overs
• good conversation with teachers who can relate
• 20 minute bulletin board (new record for a perfectionist)
• keeping a blanket in the car to warm my legs before the heat kicks in
• deepening friendships through our church small group

Could be a long list! An all around great birthday.

• 2 of my favorite meals prepared by my loving hubby
• my 2nd second grade chapel = success
• students' parents who never fail to make me feel supported and appreciated
• quiet, relaxing night at home/quality time with my love
• sweets, sweets, and more sweets :)
• students who said "happy birthday" at least 3 times today
• online posts, texts, and phone calls that made me feel special
• Friends: The Complete Series

• going "home" for a weekly dinner date with the family (delicious)
• singing praise songs with my class
• observing how blue the sky was as I left work
• outdoor recess (we've been snowed in lately!)
• spotting my hubby in the crowd of people coming off the railway platform after a day spent apart

• moms who volunteer time at school to lighten my load
• an impromptu phone conversation with a far-away friend
• finding birthday cards in the mail box
• getting my rings cleaned (for free!) and seeing them sparkle
• watching mindless TV with a glass of wine and good friends