My first thought this morning was how warm I’d be in my soft, red, Christmas slippers. I turned on the fireplace and lit the tree and our home turned into my very own sanctuary. The cinnamon lingers in the air from my coffee cup and all of the magic of the last two days are just aching to make it to the page.

After over a year of planning it, Marks Surprise party was PERFECT. Thanks to the love of my friends and family, I had all of the helping hands needed to make it everything and more. At 7:00 pm on December 5 the door opened and he was greeted in surprise!!! In attendance were his lifelong friends and new friends and neighbor friends, and work friends.  There were balloons, pictures, food and his favorite band, stories shared and memories brought back to life and smiles and tears and everything in between to fill his heart and mine. Moments such as these make their mark in time and will always be a treasured memory. I’m so thankful to everyone that helped me to find his old friends , near and far. I’m so thankful to you all for helping me to pull it off. He’s a nosey sort and I still can’t believe we made it happen. And thank you, to those that came to share this special time with him, and for him. We can’t wait to see the pictures. (I’m almost afraid to)

Yesterday was full of family and fun. Noah and Beth went out for a bit and I got to have Jackson all to myself. We played trains and read books and I got to chase him through the house because, as he reminded me, he was a dinosaur and it was my job to catch him.  And if I got too close, I was instructed to slow down and not catch him. I never did catch him…and he loved that.

Brittany and Brayden came to dinner. I’m so happy when our kids are here. Noah and Beth made baked Ziti and OMG it was delicious. He makes the best sauce. Brittany made oreo truffles. Everyone loved them. She’s so creative. PLUS she makes delicious and beautiful  drinks. Like a human rolodex…she sees a cucumber and can make a drink with it as it’s feature. FANCY!!!

After dinner, we tag teamed the kitchen and I made the mistake of sitting down. All of my best efforts to stay awake were failing me badly.   I guess it all caught up with me. So, I had to say good night to everyone and give up on the day. I truly didn’t want to. At night, with my kids at home FUN and FUNNY things happen every single time! Instead of fighting it, I turned into a grown-up and went to bed. Besides, tomorrow is another day.

The feeling of knowing that my work was done for the day turned to glorious bliss as I stretched beneath the covers. I was happy and warm and full and so very grateful. I don’t remember if I got to the end of my gratitude list before my dreams took the wheel and I really don’t think it matters much. My life continues to delight me. So much love everywhere I look.