Favorite Things

I missed Oprah's "Favorite Things" program this year. I usually try to catch it. Watching from my TV at home, I wish that I could be in her audience. It is fun to see everyday people showered with treats, clothes, gadgets and other gifts. It got me thinking......what are my favorite things? I have thought it over the past few days and these are the "things" that made my list:

Long summer days and starry nights

The smell of freshly cut grass

Popsicles on the porch swing with my two favorite nine year olds

Fireworks on the 4th of July

Good morning kisses from my sweetheart, Mark

Lemonade stands

The miracle that is Samantha

Piano and dance recitals

Disneyland

Leading the music in primary

Watching old episodes of "Little House" with my Rachel

The crack of the baseball hitting the bat when Lincoln is up

Pancakes on Saturday morning

Homemade Valentines

A game of Frisbee with my old, gray dog

Outstanding teachers that help mold and shape young minds

The last mile of a long run

Family prayer

Shopping with my mom

Christmas lights

A clean, organized house

Long talks with old friends

After school snacks while hearing about a day in the life of two 4th graders

It's funny how the best things in life don't come wrapped in fancy paper with bows. They come in the simplicity of living. When you stop and think about it, the sweetest things in life aren't things.