Christmas Tea

 I loved sharing an afternoon tea at Laura's Tea Room in Ridgeway with our girls as a part of our Christmas gatherings

Holiday sparkle

December 2016 Gratitude

1. Seeing the twinkly white lights in the windows when we drive home at night or around town

Trying new venues for the perfect cup of cocoa on date night

Trying to squeeze in date nights in the midst of everything else going on.






2. Watching L rehearse her multitude of pieces in the shower for the good acoustics- beautiful current concerts, school winter concerts, SCT orchestra and recital all in one season

"Evangeline likes to sing in the shower"

3. Fresh haircuts for the boys and finding clothes that my girl likes on sale with Kohl's cash, and rewards, and coupons- feeling a thrifty counterbalance as I blow up my Amazon account ordering most gifts online

4. Pulling clothes that are still warm out of the dryer- kids that like to flop on top of the pile before folding; having a washer that works

5. Realizing just how funny your quiet kid is when he's away on a field trip and your only communication is texts and pictures of stone walls from Epcot

6. Knowing that God has done something just for you- making a way where there was no way after standing in line for an hour

7. "The glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love" - actually thinking about the lyrics to classic carols and a heart that is directed towards worship; reading the Advent devotional with kids; the girls piano recital held in a retirement center instead of a concert hall

8. Being able to shop online instead of waiting in line- being able to create online when I am out of thoughtful gift ideas; free shipping and packages arriving at my door; little traditions like getting a Starbucks in a holiday cup, putting together Advent legos, and finding a treat in a slipper or under your pillow

peppermint and tea when you are living the gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free life

Yum Yum Blue Flour Bakery for the gluten-eaters

Sunday School classes shopping for others and enjoying holiday parties

shopping for weird (allergen-friendly) ingredients and making thin mints from beans and flax seeds

St. Nick and the Tooth Fairy are going through some golden chocolate coins

9. Tears of gratitude that spring to my eyes when the Singing Christmas Tree all comes together (after some hairy rehearsals with lighting, hundreds of carolers, orchestra, costuming, sound equipment, and props); gratitude for someone who snaps a gorgeous photograph of my angels and shares in online for me to see; looking through another's viewpoint and seeing shadow dancers I'd never noticed on the wall; people who respond on social media with kind affirmation; friends who come to the performances year after year

Being able to dance for His glory and lead others to do the same

10. God regularly sending just the right devotional or song on the radio or leading me to just the right Scripture when I want to encourage another in her faith journey- seeing how much He cares for her and honored that He allows me to be a part of the family of Christ

When the movie you've been waiting to see gets moved up to open on your birthday

Preteen sleepover madness (hand me those electronics and get to sleep!!!)

11. Kids celebrating each other's birthdays year after year

Class parties and homeroom moms who like to organize these things

Having a SQUAD

12. Silly dog groomers

Della's nails look better than mine right now

13. The look on her face when Della gets a snack (I probably look like this too)

14.Wrapping presents to vintage Christmas music; festive playlists for pilates; pilates members who support one another through the years and life's curveballs

Faithful friends who are near to us, gather near to us

15. A black satin bow-tie worn my my cellist for his winter orchestra concert

16. Giant poinsettias, my husband's generosity, and visiting a neighbor

17. Lost culinary uniform found; prayers for a lost bow; "mid-year sharing shows"

18. "Cackling" laughter at our Sunday School party; our kids listening upstairs to the fun below; a pot-luck that turns out to be delicious

19. Wild animated gestures of surprise and delight when opening gifts (or eating popcorn)

20. Going out to eat as a family (and having gift cards); finding a server who is knowledgable about allergies and sensitivities

21. Christmas tea with friends and daughters

22. Having taken so many pictures that I need to delete some to free up room on the camera, phone, or laptop

23. Enjoying Christmas tea with the girls of our family

24. Attending the candlelight Christmas Eve service as a family

25. Celebrating Christ's birthday with family

Practical gifts- replacing all the spoons that have disappeared over the last 17 years #mysteriesoftheuniverse

26. The Holy Spirit helping us love one another through difficult relationships - forgiveness

27. Comfort for those who are hurting, support for those who need assistance; being able to financially help another person or mission agency

28. Driving training schools

29. Sleepovers with good friends and days off of school to enjoy friend time, lunches, movies, and time trying out new toys

30. A big warm old comforter to wrap up with Della when she is banned to the back porch for being too hairy

31. Sharing New Year's with family friends (at someone else's house this year)