This week they pulled on ballet shoes and tutus and I drove them back and forth more than I didn’t. I watched the Nutcracker a total of four times start to finish and I got teary eyed every performance. I fed them way to much fast food and we didn’t hit the books as much as we should. But really, is there anything better than clapping wildly for your children as they take a final bow or cross the finish line with a job well done? No, I think not.

The Joy Dare. . . 1,000 gifts in 2012

973. Thank you cards.

974. Chasing fall.

975. Sunset playdates.

976.Dress rehearsals.

977. The music of Tchaikovsky that is dance, ballerinas, and dreams.

978. An orange Bon Bon.

979. My white Snow Princess.

980. Dancing on pointe for the first time.

981. Teachers who cry because they love your kids so much.

982. Hard work paying off.

983. Words of affirmation for my daughter. Sweet to a mother’s ears.

984. The Great “I Am” who is worthy…

985. My husband finally feeling better after surgery.

986. Women excited to “Pin the Word.”

987. My crafty girl making pom pom pumpkins.

988. Those that love  me when I’m difficult.

989. Hearing stories of those who found “Hope” and were surprised by it.

990. Christmas songs make me weepy in a good way.

991. Reading before bedtime with my girls.

992. Letting my mind dwell on these things.