I have long said that writing helps me pay attention, and paying attention keeps me grateful.

This blog especially does that.

Which is why I kind of love these hodgepodge-titled posts that usually just have a word or two about the day.

Today was an overcast, chilly, keep-most-the-lights-off day that started with some of my dearest friends to catch up and talk over the big and little stuff in life. God has sure been generous when it comes to sister-friend department the last few years and I say Thank You every day.

Then other details to be savored…

Watching a few Owlegories episodes with a stuffy-nosed Anna in the glow of Christmas lights hung over the playroom mantle.

Cuddling Jules while working on a design project, though it didn’t last long because she was so giggly.

Reading six Llama Llama books about 4 times with Anna’s right hand tucked through my left arm (especially at 8:45pm in a dark living room with the Christmas tree lit up; we were delighted).

Her I love you, too as we sat just the two us under a “snuggle blanket.”

Sitting with Anna in her newly made ‘cozy spot’ under the tv cabinet.