52 lists in 52 weeks//week 30

This week's list is all about yesterday, Christmas Day. I just saw the topic today, so my list will be in retrospect . . . a list of memories in the making . . . a reminder of what I have and what yesterday meant to me. And it meant alot, so this is from my heart . . . 

What is making you happy? - What made me happiest of all was that both my kids were home for Christmas. That topped any wish list I may have had, and I imagine it always will.

What is going on? - A busy day beginning with brunch, then on to gifts, adding more family and our nontraditional "stockings in the afternoon" tradition, followed by dinner together.

Who are you spending the day with? - When I woke up, hubby and son-home-from-Minnesota were in the house. My mom arrived shortly after, followed by my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. Later in the day, son-in-law's mom and grandma joined us.

What are you thankful for? - I am thankful to have known and shared life with a man who added such joy to our days. The fact that John, "Papa", is gone from us now continues to feel foreign. He would have loved our time together yesterday. He also would have read the Christmas story to us, from Luke 2, and I am thankful for a mom who is faithful and brave, and in her reading of the story yesterday, we heard the message loud and clear as ever. I am thankful for a husband who is a partner and lovingly shares in the burdens and joys of every day. I am thankful for a son who helps plan meals, celebrates the table, and cares and loves deeply. I am thankful for a daughter who "gets" what life together is all about, and who is so thoughtful and generous and goes the extra mile. I am thankful for a son-in-law who smiles and nods at just the right moments, and who has grown to be such a cherished member of our family. And I am thankful for a little granddaughter who is such an amazing gift to us. We laugh heartily together at her silly antics and smile across the room at each other at the utterance of her new-found words. She toddles into our open arms with a grin on her precious little face. We see already that she is learning by watching us, and so we joyfully share with her our traditions, our stories, our table, our faith, and our love for each other.

"Buttermint Flurry" ~ a special gift from daughter dear