Pure magic

Some days, everything just comes together to create the perfect day, even when you least expect it. It started off with a full night of sleep last night, which meant I woke up at a decent hour that did not start with the numbers "4" or "5." Win #1.

Then, even though I'd been kind of dreading going back to work (this girl loves her quiet time), I had the most amazing day. My class was so sweet! I got so many hugs and kind words from former students (I was reunited back with my old class) and coworkers...I just felt so welcomed and appreciated. Win #2.

Third, we had our final interest group today...which couldn't have been more fun! My friend offered to host us at her own personal golf course-like home, and not only mowed her 'tee box,' but placed a few pins out there for the kids to aim at. She had a few closest to the pin and long drive contests (with prizes for the kids), and we celebrated with pizza afterward. I just loved the relaxed, fun vibe of the day, and was so happy the kids had a great day. You don't always get such a nice, polite cohesive group of kids, but we did on this round! One of them even told me on the ride home, "I'm going to miss you guys." My own son told me, "You know, I don't even really like golf. But I chose this group just so I could spend time with you." Win #3. (He'll be hiding from me at school soon enough.)

We left school and decided to skip swim practice so Ryan could have a night off this week and spend some time with his longtime BFF...hearing him laugh and joke, after four straight days of schoolwork and swim/karate was a nice break from the monotony. It reminded me that he's still just a kid who wants to have fun. But again, his laughter and being in the company of his friend, who happens to the world's sweetest kid? Win #4.

After weeks of staring at a very cluttered "Santa's Workshop" (think cards, tape, wrapping paper, gifts, etc.) all piled up on our kitchen counter, I finally put it all away tonight (it was the pressure of Ryan's friend coming over and seeing our pigsty that motivated me to get moving). Regaining prime real estate counter space? Win #5.

So although there wasn't any one thing that stood out...collectively, everything created a day that leaves me with a very content smile on my face.  Tomorrow, there will be a bit of madness- AM grocery shopping, gingerbread house making with Ryan and his friend, prepping a picnic dinner, shuttling & chaperoning eight bodies over to the Christmas parade...well, you get the idea. More possibilities for magic. :-) The way I see it, Ryan will soon be a moody teen who wants nothing more than the company of a fully charged tablet, from behind the privacy of his bedroom door...so we have to seize these opportunities for fun while we can.

Merry Christma-Kwan-Rama-Ukkah!