The little things...

It really is the little things that make my day. There have been a few things that have happened that are (or seem) so little, but really brought me much happiness. This is the first:

Yes, I know that is a picture of my oven. I love this thing. It is actually a double oven. The lower drawer not only stores my pans, but it will bake as well. BUT, now there is something even better! The thing that made me so happy was that on Saturday, Paul and I finally got the door taken apart and cleaned. Before we moved in, someone spilled something down between the panes of glass and I have been cringing over not being able to clean it for SIX months! Now, as you see, the spots on the dishwasher don't bother me at all, the oven door is clean! I was very disappointed when no one noticed that it was  now clean besides Paul and I, but I decided that I was ridiculously happy about the oven door's transformation, and that was all that mattered!

And, clearly, this is a picture of me drawn by Alayna. Aren't you just loving my outfit? Girl's got some style for sure. She sat down and worked so diligently and carefully on this drawing on Sunday before church (she is a morning girl) and I was so honored that she chose to spend her time and effort on my portrait.

And, here is proof that I do in fact have the Christmas tree up. This is Paul's and my 18th Christmas together and our very first fake tree. I have to admit it was very easy. Paul dragged it down from the attic (I acquired the tree last year after Christmas on Freecycle--its 6 feet tall and pre-lit) and Holden and Alayna had it together in just a few minutes. I was very proud of myself for letting them do most of the decorating and for not rearranging everything. Only 3 ornaments needed a different home. The tree is living in a corner in the den (the advantage of having a tiny tree!) and didn't even disturb our furniture arrangement. The kids kept exclaiming about how puny it was, but after it got dressed, it looks quite pretty and no one makes fun anymore...not even me! This is something totally new to us, but I could get used to it! No watering, pine needles falling, wondering what to do with it after Christmas. Makes me happy!

Which reminds me that I really have so many things to be happy about. Starting with the beginning of the celebration of this season we are in. I am finding time to reflect on the reason for the celebration this morning. The birth of our Saviour. The baby that came to save us all in such a humble way. Wow, we are so blessed and loved. How quickly we can get caught up in the doing of the season, get the tree up, the lights on the house (ours are up too by the way--thanks honey!), buy the presents, etc. I am so thankful for the reminders of what its really all about. And so thankful that I have been saved through GRACE because I am so unworthy to be a child of God. That is definitely NOT one of my little things...