Dec 13 Monday

501. Taking kids to a movie, and they see a corrolation to Jesus
502. My MIL birthday, for without her I would not have my beloved.
503. Being able to hold a little one as she feels ill.
504. knowing this bug she has will pass
505. putting up the tree, and wrapping 1000 lights on it.

Each year, we buy or make an ornament for each child that reflects something they enjoyed in the year, we put their name and date on it. When they are ready for Christmas on their own, they will each have a treeful of ornaments.

506. Watching the faces as I carefully unwrap each ornament, they squeal with glee and hang it on the tree.
507. A christmas tree with most of the ornaments on the bottom half of the tree.
508. The excitement as they hang their empty stockings over the fireplace.
509. Candles burning on the mantle offering a soft glow to lite the darkness.
510. His ornaments placed hi on the tree, the smile that pepe lepe brings to his face.
511. A small tree that we fill each day ... our Jesse tree...and the thrill the kids get at taking turns hanging the ornaments.

My mother has gone out of state over the holidays, I am taking care of her cats and house.

512. Doing small fixit's for my mother each day in her home, knowing these are things that need to be done, but she hates to ask for help.
513. Kids planning the cookies that they want to make for Christmas
514. The kids helping me as we prepare extra meals to have in their great-grandmothers freezer when she returns from her trip.
515. Paper snowflakes that cover our front window.
516. Christmas parties at church,
517. Brownies made by the oldest at his Christmas party
518. A beaded bookmark my oldest gave to me.
519. The ache for him in my heart when he gave me the bookmark, knowing it should be for his absent mother.
520. Warmer weather to melt the snow
521. His kisses as he leaves for work
522. Pausing for a moment as I walk home from my mothers in the dark to see the stars, knowing that God knows the name of each one, reflecting on His power,and His love.
523. Wild rabbits, quail and deer in my yard.
524. Today
525. Hope for tomorrow