January 7

I'm grateful that my Christmas tree is finally down and that the very last ornament was Mrs. Claus. I acquired Mrs. Claus in a fair and square competition with my younger sister when we were just kids... I remember lots of tears from Jo when she realized she was stuck with Santa for life.

January 6

On the way home from school, Luke gave me TWO wild cherry lifesavers and I didn't even have to beg. I'm grateful for his generosity because the instant I dropped the first onto my tongue, I was 10 years old again, buying Luden's wild cherry cough drops on the sly because they tasted so good.

January 5

I'm grateful that my dear husband offered to do the dishes. And even though there were still some left in the sink the next morning, I'm also grateful that the load of laundry he started made it all the way to the drier so that I had clean clothing to wear to work.

January 4

Tonight I am grateful for "heaven clouds" and even more grateful that both my children were amazed enough to quit their quibbling and watch the skies quietly as we made our way home.

January 3

This was supposed to be a "I'm grateful for the inheritance of my paternal grandparent's kitchen table because it comes in handy in the garage" post, but Lilu jumped in at the last minute, so I guess I'm also grateful for her.

January 2

I'm grateful for the amaryllis bulbs that grace my table this winter. Their blooms finally started opening just as the poinsettia plant kicked the bucket.

January 1

I'm thankful I can buy gingerbread house kits for a few bucks. This exquisitely decorated confectionary architecture entertained the stir-crazy, winter-vacationed-out kids for a good two hours.