December 30

I'm grateful the finches have found the feeder. Washing dishes has become a teeny bit more enjoyable with their addition to the view.

December 29

I'm grateful for slumber parties with friends. Not only did this one net me the chance to catch up with Emily's wonderful son, Sam, but I was also the responsible wallet and got to accompany them to a matinee-showing of "Night at the Museum," a very funny flick.

December 28

I'm grateful for this little once-white piece of cleaning technology. Before trying it, I was cursing the day I had purchased a gas range with a white finish. Finally, a cleaning product that does what it advertises!

December 27

We have a grocery store chain, Maceys, whose branding strategy consists of flying a gigantic American flag, come rain or shine. Our Maceys happens to be moving into a brand new building over the New Years weekend and the flag was pulled down to today in anticipation of that move.

Unfortunately, all did not go as smoothly as hoped and the flag was caught on a neighboring lightpole.

I'm grateful Hart just happened to be shopping as this whole scene unfurled. I was able to drop everything and run to the parking lot just in time to witness the local fire department pull out the big ladder truck and save the flag.

December 26

I'm grateful Santa brought Lilu a stuffed hippo that squeaks. She's having a grand old showering it with her love.

December 25

I'm grateful for any opportunity, but especially the Christmas one, where our family can gather around the table and share a good meal salted with Patrick's stories.

December 24

I'm grateful my children are finally old enough to offer real assistance in the Christmas Eve traditional folding of farolitos. I wouldn't have been able to get through all 100 of them without Miss Ruthie's stellar help!