gifts...

the best ones don't seem to come wrapped up in packages and bows these days.

it's funny how the arms of heaven can literally reach down and enfold us through the acts and kindess of people around us.

todays gifts...

time with friends, relaxing and laughing about the "joys" of mothering.

dinner, secretly paid for, by a sneaky trip to the bathroom! (oh you know who you are!)

a call. a hug. an ear to listen.

watching your daughters ride down the street on their bikes, waving madly at you because they are excited to see you.

having your husband come home from a hard days work, even without a job.

laying on a blanket, on your front grass, next to your happy chairs, watching cloud shapes and the stars as they fill the night sky.

a good book to read, from the library, for FREE.

an orange construction cone showing up on your doorstep at 10:27 pm. (talk about a "ring and run")

who needs packages and bows anyway?