Today was a good day -- my boys and I spent the day at the beach with friends, then came home and collapsed -- we were exhausted. When Big Daddy came home, we ordered pizza, sat outside and watched the sun set over a neighbor's farm. I need more days like today.

 Every year when we put up the Christmas decorations, I write witty notes on the boxes for my family to find the following year when we are getting out the decorations. Sometimes, I tease my husband about what he's getting me for Christmas or my birthday (also in December) or I talk about what's in the box, like a Nutcracker army. Last year, I felt so bad about my life that the notes I wrote depressed me even this year. For instance: : "Witticisms escape me as the cold fingers of dread wrap around my throat."
This year, I am trying to be joyous, but when I see things like that or reflect on the uncertainty that has become part of my daily diet, I feel so incredibly sad. So today I am going to bake and see if that lifts my spirits. I truly need a Christmas miracle.