It's a work day for me today. That means I'm home and I'm ignoring the laundry and the dishes and the preparations for my daughter's birthday party tomorrow. Instead, I'm sitting at my desk and wading through all my writing To Do's.

Getting some things accomplished--and yes, I am grateful for that!

But for now I am going to back away from all I want to accomplish and look back at all the things--and people--I am grateful for this past week.

I am grateful for:

my son's visit during Thanksgiving. And how he loved on his little sister and let her hang on him and let her sit on him and climb on him and hug him. Over and over and over again. And how he read her bedtime stories and played Hi-Ho-Cherry-O with her (and his girlfriend). And how he welcomed an early-morning snuggle when she showed up beside his bed the day after Thanksgiving.

a snow day! I love snow! Well--I like the way Colorado does snow because it doesn't last all winter long--and is usually followed by bright, sunshiney days.

my husband's helpfulness around the house. He's always willing to vacuum and this week he even cleaned the bathroom. Quite honestly, I can't recall the last time he did that! Totally unexpected and totally appreciated!

baking cookies the old-fashioned way--meaning using real sugar and shortening, not Splenda (although I love Splenda) and applesauce. Some things just need to be fattening.

May your day be anchored in gratefulness.

A very happy Christa sandwiched between Josh and his girlfriend Jen.

A few last (tearful) minutes with Josh