the little things: December 2011

Monday, December 26, 2011

What a wonderful time of year to think on God's blessings, and the priceless gift of His Son!

extending quiet reading time, enjoying the peace of silence
having to stop every time they laughed while reading "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
our refrigerator decked out with Christmas cards
being spontaneous, going into the city for a Christmas concert on a "school night"
making her day
his giddy smile while making music
reserved seats
hearing that her interview went well
a donation made in my name
adorable kindergarten Christmas chapel
out to dinner with cousins
Google hang out, "reindeer mode"
gingerbread man math activity
being married to a "handy-man," on day one of his winter break we already had new blinds up in 3 rooms!
my desk filled with gifts of all shapes and sizes - "open it, Mrs. Beverly!" - the generosity that flows at Christmas time
seeing him play basketball, watching him score
celebrating Christmas with family, beginning already on Thursday
having time to see his family and mine
reading the Christmas story out loud from my children's Bible
holiday desserts: canollis, cheese cake, almond squares, and cookies of all kinds!
smiles that come with giving and receiving
new dressers (the drawers now close!)
an experiment, making bruschetta together, turning out to be a hit
family sitting in church with us
imagining what it must be like to celebrate Christmas in heaven

counting down to Christmas, counting up my blessings!

enjoying fairly "plan-free" weekends with less schoolwork and more of the once-a-year Christmas festivities
eating breakfast downstairs, joined by Mom & Dad
homemade coffee cake
making and wrapping gifts for others
smooth sailing when crowds and traffic were expected
beautiful new Joann's store in Paramus
hot chocolate made with milk
his paper done, time with my love
being in a sing-along mood
week nights that feel like weekend nights
borrowing season 2 of our recent show of choice
sitting in the sunny spot
a generous friend - a start to my camera fund, and more
a good view when I eat breakfast
feeling valued, dreaming of what the future may hold
their excitement to learn cursive
spontaneous time with a great friend after school
catching up on life's stories with our small group
baking, giving, & receiving way too many Christmas cookies!
mild temperatures in mid-December
beautiful poinsettia from my brother
attending an important meeting, sharing updates with others
"A Charlie Brown Christmas"
small words that encourage, inspire
holiday shopping at the PTO store
not feeling bad about relaxing on the couch
double date, 2 hours of bowling, ending with one of my better games
stuffing his stocking
out for dinner with our grandparents
a Christmas tradition - driving around to look at lights, finding some unexpected surprises!

the list of God's goodness continues --

voices blending in choir practice
"Come Emmanuel"
a reminder that God is always working to deliver His promises to us, even when we don't perceive it
Christmas decorations, and a pine-scented candle
making a meal for a family in need
a stranger's "hello" on the sidewalk
a break from routine, gaining tips and strategies at a teachers' conference
celebrating with colleagues at our staff Christmas party
opportunities for our school to practice serving others
"decking the halls with dinosaurs," them lined up in the hallway, sharing their dino-mite work
gingerbread kid ornaments, a tree covered in children's handmade creations
finding Christmas cards in the mailbox
surprise mint hot chocolate from my love
talking with a great friend after far too long
"miss you" texts from mom
lunch provided at school as a thanks for what we do
a mentor who thinks of me even when she is absent
silly dinosaur Christmas story and sing-alongs
leaf-print wreaths

more of God's never-ending blessings from the past week: