AN: My hands are so dry they hurt! Lotion (even the intense relief stuff) isn't helping. Might be time to see a dermatologist or before I shell out hundreds of dollars I don't have, any suggestions or remedies for relief (and yes, I have upped my water intake...still nothing)? Anyway. Why do I wait until the last minute to make my best friends Christmas present? Goodness gracious. I had my shopping done like, two weeks ago and I'm just making her present now. Pfffffffft. Procrastinators unite! Next week. Alright, let's get the show on the road!

Mistakes?...Flames? *yawns*

Enjoy my loves!

7 Blessings

"Mac and Cheese!" A little girl greeted happily as she jumped into Mac's waiting arms.

"Mabel the Table!" Mac greeted back just as happily and hugged the little girl.

Mac stood up and looked at the girls' mother who was smiling at the interaction. The little girl absolutely loved their neighbor Mac. Bozer was great too but the mother trusted Mac a little more.

"Thanks again, Mac. I know it's short notice but with George deployed and Andrew still in school, it's hard to find someone to watch her." She said.

"It's no problem, Mrs. Branson. I'm happy to watch Mabel. I'm just glad my boss gave us the week off." Mac said.

"I'm grateful. I would take Mabel, but when she comes with me to the soup kitchen she asks the hardest questions and seeing people like that, I know it weighs on her." Mrs. Branson said.

Mac nodded and the two talked for a few more moments before she said goodbye again and left the two.

"Alright, Mabel how about a snack while we do your homework?" Mac asked.

"Yes please!" Mabel exclaimed happily racing inside.

Mac chuckled followed after her. Mabel made herself at home as she usually did and sat down in front of the coffee table on the floor. Mac would sit on the other side and help with her homework. Her school didn't let out for Christmas break until next week. Mac walked into the living room with a tray that held two glasses of milk and two plates that had a slice of red velvet cake on each.

"Oh, cake!" Mabel hummed.

"Yup. Bozer made it for a party last week and there were some leftovers. So I figure we help out and eat some of it." Mac said placing the tray down.

Mabel hummed in pleasure again and took a plate with a glass of milk. She thanked Mac and pulled out her homework after taking a bite of cake.

"So, we do we have?" Mac asked taking a bite of his own slice.

"My teacher, Mr. Ahmed, wants us to write down seven blessing that we're thankful to have during the Christmas season," Mabel said. "Other than family and friends, I can't think of anything."

That wasn't surprising. Most children, especially those that didn't grow up in a religious household, don't really understand that concept as most parents don't take the time to explain it very well to them.

"Well, I can tell you seven of my blessings and maybe that will give you some ideas," Mac said.

Mabel nodded and opened her sparkly notebook and grabbed her neon pencil.

"Blessing one, I got to spend time with my mother before she died. She died when I was pretty young and not a lot of kids have moms or even know them." Mac said.

Mabel looked at Mac and made a note. She remembered meeting a kid at the soup kitchen whose mom went missing when he was a baby. He never met her.

"Blessing two, my grandfather. Not only did he raise me after my mom died he gave me this house so I can have a roof over my head." Mac said, he watched as she made another note. "Three, I have a father figure and a mother figure that watches over me and my siblings like a normal parent, and they love us very much."

Mabel nodded and made some more notes.

"Blessing four, my siblings. We might not be related but blood isn't everything." Mac said.

"It isn't?" Mabel asked.

Mac shook his head and explained it to her. She understood it pretty well.

"Blessing five, being able to help the people that need it in different but helpful ways. Six, becoming friends with those I've helped." Mac said. "And last but more important. My life. Everyone's life is precious."

"Even the bad guys?" Mabel asked.

Mac nodded. Mabel made more notes and decided to move on with her other assignments. Soon the two were done with homework and their snacks then it was time for Mabel to go home.

Three days later Mabel came racing over as Mac and Jack were stringing up the lights outside, and showed Mac her blessings project. She got an A plus on it. Mac beamed at the last blessing. It read: I'm blessed to have my friend Mac and Cheese in my life. Not only is he a great friend, he's an awesome teacher! I love him.

Mac gave her a big hug and whispered in her ear, "I'm blessed to have you as my friend and student. Love you too, Mabel the Table."

D'awww! Mac, you are too precious.

Onwards to day 8!