Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things...

It's been a few days since my last blog entry, but you'll have to excuse me; I've been a very busy girl. I've been coveting some quality writing time, but the more days that pass me by, the more I wonder where to start. Then, tonight while taking a scalding hot shower, I began to hum a comforting, familiar little tune. I decided to make a list of my favorite things that have happened since last we met.

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things...

*Family Time- I spent Saturday baking Christmas cookies with my adorable nieces and sisters. The oven may have broken, and some random people called about a crane, but it was fabulous. I love my Ella, Ava, Kami, Megan, and Linda.

Sunday was spent with Jossie and Ace as we watched the Steelers game and warmed up with hearty bowls of chili. The fireplace was blazing, the black and gold emerged victorious, and the Christmas tree topped off the cozy, warm atmosphere.

*Having Goals- Recently my pal Melissa and I decided to run a half-marathon. What possessed us to willingly run 13.1 miles is beyond me, but the process is invigorating. I thrive on competition and am thrilled to have Melissa pushing me and holding me accountable. I love her-- even if she did make me run at a 4.5 incline tonight.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

Silver white winters that melt into springs

These are a few of my favorite things...

*Evelyn- My Thursday and Friday morning coffee treat wouldn't be nearly as wonderful if it weren't for this kind, spirited woman. Always bright with a smile and a word of cheer, she is as important to my morning as the caffeine jolt.

*Vacation- My hubband so rarely takes the time to relax and be still. However, there is something about the land of lights that provides him this simple indulgence. As usual, we spent Thanksgiving in Las Vegas. It was a fantastic getaway, and I loved watching him soak up the pleasures of the city. He's like a kid at Christmas...it's the sweetest thing. It was great to roam, eat at yummy restaurants, dress in fancy clothes, and win big! Coming home from Vegas in the green is always a plus.

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad...

*My Homeroom Kids- I'm blessed. I have a wonderful job that I love and a room full of sweet, blossoming children. I returned from the holiday break to hugs, colored pictures of Charlie T., a hand copied recipe for Amish Friendship bread (so sweet- you should see it!), and little ones asking me how my vacation was. I saw excitement in the eyes of successful hunters, listened to numerous stories, and even had kids tell me that they missed me. It truly touched my heart.

*Gracie- Ever since I started working at my current job, I've had a peculiar relationship with a little girl named Grace. Grace first appeared in my room 2 years ago when she was a tiny, frightened kindergarten student. I have no idea why we connected, but somehow we formed a friendship. Every morning she comes be-bopping into 6th grade. She always carries a trinket- a stuffed animal, a plastic figurine, a seashell. I love this girl...she truly is precious.

The other day, she came strolling in, tears streaming down her face, and told me a story about how some older kids on the bus were calling her a baby-kindergartner. Being a big, bad, second grader, you can imagine how upsetting this was. Then, at the end of her story she just wiped her eyes, smiled, shrugged her shoulders, and said, "Oh well, Miss Kaufman. It's okay. God's always right beside you."