December 11, 2009

I have to admit, I love getting those little packages in the mail. They make me feel like a kid. Oh, I know the presents are a big deal, but you always send just the thing I need to put a smile on my face, no matter how rough the day might have been. I don't know how you do it, but whether binder clips or leg warmers (!) or doggy butts or lip gloss, I always feel so special.

Thing 345 - Some people might put a lot of stock in grand gestures, but you've proven over and over again that it is the little things that count!

#350 Shopping

You don't like to "shop" as much as I don't like to "shop". But something tells me if we had the opportunity to do it together, we'd like it a whole lot more. In a way we "window shop" together all the time on the internet. Sending things we see back and forth to each other. It is so much fun to get your take on things. Maybe its a good thing we live on opposite sides of the country from each other? nahhhh! Not even the savings is worth it. We just blow it all on airfare.

#350 - We'd be awesome shopping buddies... and I know you'd tell me if those pants made me look fat!

#349 Friday Delight

Come on how cool is this? You actually bake something for your husband to bring to his weekly staff meeting. EVERY WEEK! A testimony to your desire to make the people in this world feel as though they matter. It is another way in which you show your respect for those who work hard in this world. Plus, it has the added benefit of making Superman look better than super. You know they all are more interested in these meetings when there are chocolate cupcakes or cheesecake brownies there. Heck I'm lucky if I remember to have coffee made for my husband when he leaves in the morning.

Thing #349 ... You want everyone in your life to feel important in some way. That is wonderful.

#348 Momma Bear

You know your kids are , well kids, and as such will not always behave as saints. You take that in its stride and act accordingly. But do not let anyone hurt, attack or slight your children because the Momma Bear will come out. You are fiercely protective of your childrens' well being and you know that sometimes that means giving them a little nip on the ear, and sometimes shielding them while you stand 8 feet tall bearing all your teeth at the world. It is a sight to behold, you as a protective mother ensuring the path for your children is clear. Or at least has only minor obstacles.

#348 - GRRRRR I love the momma bear.

#347 Game Night

I love the open door policy you have with your kids and the neighborhood. Your home is as I believe a home should be with kids running in and out and neighbors popping by. Your weekly game night is so wonderful, you get to spend time with people with minimal effort and yet it makes everyone feel welcome. You are a very open and giving person who allows people into her home and her life with relative ease. There is always room for one more at your game table and that is a beautiful thing. Even the reason you started game night is evidence of your desire to stay connected to the people around you while having a good time and highlighting the values through its simplicity. It is a true generosity of spirit.

Thing #347 - Hooray for game night and all that it means.

December 10, 2009

You make me look like a total slacker. Seriously. Making your own wrapping paper? Having 24 gifts for each child for Advent? What was I thinking inviting such an over-achiever into my life? "Mom, you are such a slacker! Aunt Katie is the best." Blah, blah, blah... Okay, you know I'm having fun, but seriously. You are so creative. I am just stunned by some of the stuff you come up with. Those felted pumpkins? Too cute! That book you're doing with your friend? Amazing stuff.


Thing 344 - You are so creative, you're like a Renaissance woman!

December 9, 2009

You're a very talented cook. I'm in awe when you tell me, "Oh, I made this for dinner or that for dinner." Me? I'm just happy that my bread rose. You? "There were only 615 steps for this meal and it was easy-peasy." You know what else? You make all kinds of foods, too! You don't just stay with one genre...oh, no! You can cook food from all over the globe and you think it is fun. (Yeah, what? Did you think I forgot that read cookbooks for entertainment? Uh huh, right.) Listening to you talk about cooking makes me want to cook more. Right up until I remember that I cook for children and a meat-and-potatoes man. Then I think, "Oh, well, we'll let her be the cook in the family." I'll be the "official taster".

Thing 343 - I'm humbled by your innate cooking talents.