Christmas Joy

I have a horrid head cold and have been wanting to do nothing but sleep for the past 3 days.  I took a nap both Saturday and Sunday and was even in bed by 8:30 on Saturday night (skipped the neighborhood party due to this cold and significant sleepiness).  All the sleep hasn't helped and right now, I feel that I can barely breathe.  A few of the girls in my office have already had this, and the good news is that it hasn't gone to anyone's chest- it's just all been stuffiness, headaches, sneezing, and runny noses.  Even though none of it is fun, it's WAY better than a significant hacking, barking, wheezing cough!!

So, instead of dwelling on yuckiness, let's instead talk about the Christmas joys I've encountered lately instead.

*Today as I walked out of work, one of the local churches bells were going off (it was exactly 5 p.m.) to the tune of Deck the Halls.  I love church bells and to hear them set to a Christmas tune just made my afternoon.

*I made peppermint bark for our JL mtg tomorrow night, and it is good!!!  I hope all the ladies at the meeting like it!  Honestly, if I weren't on the Arrangements Committee (we arrange/set up/decorate for/organize all the meetings), I probably wouldn't go tomorrow just b/c I would prefer to sleep, but I am excited to see my favorite girls!

*When we get home from work/daycare, the first thing Spencer does is come into the family room, point to the tree, and say "ights, ights".  So we'll plug in the Christmas tree lights and then he immediately starts pointing to the mantle saying "ights, ights".  He does that for the two smaller front trees too.  It's super cute!

*I love driving home from work and seeing all the "ights" everywhere decorating the houses.  Even the gaudy, tacky beyond belief ones make me smile.  I can't wait to get in the car in the next week and drive around the neighborhoods I don't see daily! 

*Our mailbox is full of Christmas cards, gifts, and catalogs.  I love it!!  I'm working on getting mine addressed, and I hope our recipients love them as much as I've loved getting theirs!!

*Christmas music.  Manheim Steamroller, Amy Grant, John Denver and the Muppets, George Winston- it all really gets me in the mood and puts a huge smile on my face.  Our Christmas pandora station really has me pegged!! 

*My baking is no where near finished.  The treats I have made so far have been devoured by friends and coworkers, and I have a lot more to go.  As soon as I have a touch more energy, it's back in the kitchen for me.

*I have put Spencer in all but one of his Christmas outfits (the last will get worn next weekend), and he looks adorbs in all of them.  I just love dressing him in cute seasonal clothing!  Thank goodness for ebay, btw.  I got great prices on all of them!

*Okay, I've never posted a video before, but this little guy (and his sweet daddy) are what are bringing me most of my joy this year (and a little special someone tucked away in my tummy kicking like crazy!!).  This is my overexaggerated "mommy" voice, so please don't make fun.  In case you can't tell, he's saying bell, neigh (for horse), bear, star, and bell again.  Easy to understand if you speak "toddler-ease", harder if you don't and you're watching cheesy home videos!

So, tell me, what is bringing you holiday joy this week?  Mail?  Music?  An awesome homily at church?  The baking you are doing (or that your co-workers are bringing in)?  I can't wait to hear!