Thursday

The last full day of school each week, the time when a break is most wanted, and the day to be thankful for a good week, or at least the nice parts in a not-so-good week. But this one has been good, so Thursday is a day of gratitude. Even with Mama and Daddy (my helpers and teachers) gone, this week has been surprisingly nice, complete with a Christmas party, and cookie baking this afternoon. There is something extremely delightful about smothering a "hidden cherry" in nice, syrupy, melted chocolate and then sliding the whole sheet into an oven just waiting to bake Christmas treats to perfection. The party was good too; a few  people brought delicious snacks, and we played a very funny game of white elephant. 

Tomorrow Mama and Daddy will arrive here after their trip to watch our soldier graduate, and in six days the said brother/soldier will come home too. I think he will enjoy this Christmas a lot, especially after the past few months of hard work and difficult studies. We intend to make it a very special Christmas. 

Our tree is here - decorated with cherished little trinkets, each with its own dear memory, and the favored angel resting on top. Strung along all the prickly green boughs is a long thread of colorful lights that blink magically on and off at the right times each morning and evening. The house is also in its Christmas finery: stockings in place, books set out, candles in appearance and little ornaments settled here and there (seeming to lend a special favor to windowsills and counter tops). The only thing left still undone are the chains of popcorn and cranberries, or  shiny wrapping paper links, that will soon bounce across the big front windows. "Peace On Earth" hangs over the door, and, in our home of warmth and family, there is contentment.