Cake, friend, fire, light, card

Today's things to report:

- Emily and I baked a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and M&Ms between layers and on top...yum!

- That was a spur of the moment project inspired by the fact that Jason had a new friend over for the first time (I so loved having friends over and going over to friends' houses when I was growing up). So Emily and I needed something fun to do together while the boys were playing. And now Jason is cooking dinner! He hasn't done that in several months. I'm excited.

- I love fires blazing in our fireplace. To me they say warmth, comfort, peace, plenty, rest, and leisure to think as I stare at the flickering yellow fingers.

- I also love bright and cheery Christmas lights on houses and trees in a dark neighborhood. To me they say wonder, joy, delight, happiness, celebration.

- I love organizing the annual Christmas card project, with the required number of address labels, stamps, envelopes, stickers, cards, photos, letters on pretty stationery... if only I had an extra 12 hours to do it all while everything else stopped. At least these days the kids contribute child-power to do the factory conveyor belt type tasks such as applying the stamps. That cuts down on the time I need to accomplish this year's edition. I was amazed to find 3 Christmas cards already in the mail today from friends and family. Wow! I guess tomorrow is December...