Currently

I look forward each month to linking up with Farley at Oh' Boy Fourth Grade.  This always helps me take stock, and reminds me of what is important.

Listening  When I first started this post, the little one (who will be 7 on Saturday) was in her room singing when she was supposed to be sleeping.  Her songs are made up and tend to go on and on and on and on ... The hubs and I like to think of them as mini operas.  I know that she is content and happy when I hear her singing.  I love these moments and I know I will miss them as she grows older!

Loving  I have recently taken more time to read books that are on my list for pleasure.  I started reading Alligient by Veronica Roth, the third book in the series.  I stopped and started reading the first in the series again Divergent, because I didn't want to miss anything in the third book.  I am loving going back and re-discovering it again.  I seriously could not put it down the first time!  Try it!

Thinking  I am a last minute shopper.  Who am I kidding, I am a last minute everything!  I have a good portion of my shopping done this year (thank you Amazon)!  I seriously love getting the one gift that you know they (whoever they may be) love.  Such a great feeling!

Wanting  Okay, after re-reading what I said above, even I threw up in my mouth a little bit. :)  There are always those few kiddos who just kind of creep into your heart and camp out.  And it is not always the ones that you think it is going to be.  Some of them have so much in their world that is already against them, I feel the need to arm them with knowledge and a whole lot of TLC.

Needing  I know that I am not alone in my feelings of being overwhelmed.  I find it interesting that as I read the posts from my blogging friends, that many of them say the same thing.  It doesn't matter where they are teaching - from coast to coast, there is a lot going on in the world of education.  Teachers have a lot on their plates!  Nough' said!  Take it day by day!

Favorite Tradition  Every year, my daughters and I decorate our tree.  I worked at a Hallmark store from age 16 all the way through college.  I saved up on the cute Hallmark ornaments that I liked (thank you employee discount).  Now my girls have added their own that they have made from their classroom and Girl Scout days.  We watch Christmas movies (last couple of years it has been Elf and The Polar Express) and eat popcorn.  My grandma always made her popcorn over the stove with lots of butter and salt.  I make it just like she did!  The hubs usually comes in about half way through and tells us the spots we have missed!  Gotta love that!

I have loved reading my blogging friends posts this month and learning about their favorite traditions!  Thanks Farley!