Find the silver lining

How long will the good tidings last? Christmas is over, presents have been exchanged, leftovers cram the refrigerator and thank you cards wait to be written. Most people will be going back to work today. There will be a lot of water cooler talk about presents they received and funny antidotes about holiday gatherings. What story will you share? Is it positive or negative?

Please take a moment to discover the best part of sharing the celebration with people in your life that you love and care about. We can all get a little cranky when family comes to visit, food has to be prepared and children seem to be out of control. Yet, there is still the joy of camaraderie and fellowship and I hope with all my heart that you have fond memories to reflect on.

What I am grateful for today:

I am grateful that I was part of a three day family feast. This started on Christmas Eve with my husbands parents arriving and my step-son Yuki gracing us with his presence.

I am grateful for the fun and laughter we shared when competing in our traditional gingerbread house competition.

I am grateful that even though the washing machine hose sprang a leak and flooded the laundry room and bathroom we had lots of towels near by to soak up the water. It also gave me the opportunity to clean out all those dust bunnies that hibernate under the washer and dryer.

I am grateful that I was able to take my three bags of soaking wet towels to my sister-in-laws and do laundry while we enjoyed our Christmas meal together. Thank you Colleen for making us such a scrumptious meal of turkey, ham and all the fix'ins!

I am grateful to my husband who not only replaced the hose for the washing machine, but also discovered the water heater had issues when he took a cold shower. I'm grateful that it was him and not me...

I am grateful to Dewey's parents who prepared Japanese food all day Saturday and invited us to indulge, devour and gorge.

I am grateful for the gifts I received, even though I wasn't able to offer any in return. A beautiful hand carved jewelry stand from my dad, a lovely gold bracelet from my mom, fragrant bath products from my daughter Laura, Christmas ornaments from Dewey's family. I was overwhelmed with appreciation for the thoughtfulness.

I am grateful to spend time with children and be part of their excitement and happiness. I am also grateful that they let me play with their toys.

I am grateful that yesterday the house was quiet and I read all day.

I am grateful for the loan leads that are in my in-box and the help I can offer them.

Hold on to that Christmas spirit and share your joyous moments with others. Remember to write to a soldier and thank them for their service so you could be alive and well.

Merry Post Christmas, everyone!