November 30

My blood has thinned considerably since I first moved to sunny California almost 20 years ago, so it's not unusual for me to be cold. But today --a day when the temperature never hit the 50-degree marker-- I was so cold that I had to go home and put on socks for the first time in months. (And make fun of me if you will, but dude, that means I was freezing!) But the unpleasantness of the cold aside, the overcast skies and occasional rain showers brought a pretty surprise this afternoon:

A beautiful, colorful, ethereal reminder of God's presence on an otherwise dreary sort of day is always a welcome thing to my eye.

November 29

Today at church, our kids met their "Pray for Me" prayer partners. These are my kiddos and the wonderful trio of folks who will pray for them and encourage them for the next year, and hopefully, beyond.

No one was required to sign up to become a prayer pal, so I'm thankful to these three who felt a call on their lives and decided to heed it. I have no doubt that God will use these brand new relationships to create something amazing, and I'm looking forward to see the blessings that spring forth.

November 28

I'm a big fan of Christmas ornaments, so I've put together a fairly extensive collection over the years. Today, I lugged most of them in from the garage and out of my closet so we could begin the tree-decorating process. And it was perfection.

I like to decorate, but I really love watching the kiddos do it. They're all old enough now that I can trust them with even the more delicate ones, so I can relax and really absorb the full experience without worrying that someone will choke on an angel wing or drop a glass ball on the tile.

I love seeing them get excited about the season. I love watching my sometimes-moody Abby dance around like a fool to Bing Crosby tunes just because she's excited and happy. I love watching the light as it dances in all of their eyes. I love that they're all happy to wear their flashing name badges (Lambie wears Logan's of course). And I love realizing that I'm actually living the dream I had when I first started collecting these pieces; the dream of seeing my own children playing with them and putting them on a tree.

It's all a privilege and a blessing from God.

November 27

It was, all in all, a great day. Abby and I continued our tradition of doing some Black Friday shopping together, and at our very first stop, I ran into someone with whom I'd had a falling out several years ago and was blessed with the chance to make it right. Then after our shop-hopping, we had lunch with one of Abby's best friends and her mom. Then later in the afternoon, the five of us (plus Lambie, of course) visited the Christmas tree lot to get our tree for the year, and as I write, our house is warm with the scent of fresh pine and the glow of brightly colored lights. It's hard to pick a single standout moment, but if I let my heart make the choice, this is the one that made it simultaneously leap and sigh with the perfect mix of nostalgia, joy, and wistfulness.

When we got out of the car at the tree lot, the Little Boys ran down the sidewalk. I called to them to slow it down a bit and be careful, and they decided to... tango.

I have no idea what compelled their striking display of "Dancing with the Stars"-worthy material, but I caught my breath as a series of distinct memories of Logan dancing played in my mind. For half a second, I felt like I couldn't breathe, and then I just watched them and smiled. I love them. And it's such an incredible blessing when Logan manages to "show up" just when I'm in danger of feeling a truly profound sense of loss.

November 26

I wish I had a profound (or really any!) message to share today, but the day didn't boast a bold, standout moment. Instead, it consisted of a string of smaller ones.

I got up this morning and made cheese rolls, which I've been doing since I was a kid. While I was scalding the milk, I got a group text from one of my brothers, which kicked off a rather amusing thread of messages that continued on throughout the day.

There was lots of food, conversation with extended family at Adam's parents' house, and fun watching the kiddos run and play and laugh. The only thing that could've made it better was having Logan with us, but if nothing else, Thanksgiving reminds me to be thankful that we will see him again, someday.

November 25

Major holidays are always bittersweet for us because Logan isn't here to enjoy them. I silently ruminated over that tragic fact as we walked early this afternoon. At one point, I looked down at the thick layer of leaves that carpeted the sidewalk and had a thought.

Despite our individual circumstances in this life, we all have enough blessings from God that we could name one for every single leaf pictured here. Sure, it's hard to see them at times, when we're in the midst of trials and complications and heartbreaking circumstances, but our very human inability to see them doesn't make them any less real.

Happy almost-Thanksgiving to you and yours.

November 24

Adam's dad will (theoretically) be retiring soon, so this evening we took him and his mom out for dinner to celebrate.

Even though Logan's absence is still painfully obvious at this kind of gathering and I found myself quietly wondering which chair he would've chosen and which menu item he would've ordered, it's still so nice to get together with family to observe happy occasions. After all, God designed us to thrive while in community, and family is quite often our earliest, most basic unit of community.

November 23

This isn't the best image ever --I took it from the passenger seat in the car and I was more focused on cutting out approaching cars than getting a nice shot-- but I love the scene: beautiful fall leaves in the median.

This is easily one of my favorite local drives. It's not a long stretch of road, but the trees are gorgeous in the spring and equally gorgeous in the fall. Given that our seasons here are (sorry locals) kind of lame, it's a blessing to me to get these little glimpses into the nature that was part of my everyday life when I was a kid.

November 22

After a really nice weekend away, we headed back home this afternoon. But before we left Carmel, we walked down to the beach and wound up seeing something we thought was pretty neat.

As we watched the waves roll in and out from an observation deck, we first noticed seals. They were very close to the shoreline and I was impressed by how fearless they were; I think if I were a seal, I'd be afraid of people. But nope: they seemed to enjoy riding the waves. Then, as we took a walk onto the beach to get a closer look at the little guys, I saw fins. Dolphin fins. An entire school of dolphins traveled parallel to the beach just a handful of meters beyond where the seals were hanging out. I have no idea how often they travel close to the beach, but it was pretty amazing to see them in their natural habitat, flipping and rolling through the water and curiously approaching the wet-suit clad swimmers who observed them from their surf- and wakeboard perches.

It's a blessing to see God's creation fulfilling His purpose for their lives.

November 21

We walked a path that ran alongside the ocean today before returning to downtown Carmel for some chill time and dinner. Although the entire day was wonderful --from the breakfast that was delivered right to our door to the stunning views of the water to dinner at Clint Eastwood's joint in town to a stroll to look at Christmas decorations-- my favorite part of all --the part that filled my heart with glee-- was when we stopped at a tiny, rocky beach.

I've never been a big fan of traditional, white sand beaches, but I've always had a thing for the rocky variety. I could sit for hours and sift through the tiny, multicolored treasures. As I ran my fingers through the itty bitty shells and beautiful, glossy stones, I felt at peace.

And when I came across the broken shell in the center of this image, I had a thought. That shell is comprised of layers of colors; the outward shades may be browns --and don't get me wrong here, browns are fine-- but underneath, where the outer shell has chipped away, is a beautiful, vibrant blue. Beneath the ocean-battered outer shell is a gorgeous, gleaming treasure. We're all like the shell: broken in places, but still stunning underneath the layers of extra 'stuff' with which we'd had to cope.

It's nice to think that in spite of it all, I'm still beautiful.

November 20

Adam and I rarely get away on our own, so we were very blessed when his parents were available to take the kiddos for the weekend. We drove down to Carmel this evening and enjoyed a nice conversation in the car. Then we checked into our amazing room at the inn, picked a restaurant from a list provided by the front desk, and hit the streets.

It's a beautiful night; not terribly cold but not particularly warm, and the stars, oh, the stars! I had a lovely time at dinner, talking about the kids and life and giggling over the crazy half-drunk people behind us who talked about porta potties and golden retrievers and rounds of golf, and, of course, eating what wound up being some of the most delicious Italian food I've ever had. By the time we'd paid the check, I felt delightfully full and slightly tipsy from the faint scent of wine that wafted through the air. It was a wonderful night with my hunny.

But even before tonight, it was a good day, filled with a Thankful Feast at preschool shared with the Little Boys, a coffee and hot cocoa date with my Isaac, and news from Abby that perhaps the ice that's chilled a former friendship may be beginning to melt.

So many good things. So many reasons to be thankful. So many reasons to reflect on God's goodness.

November 19

I've been working on a quick series about holiday spending and budgeting, and today, on a whim, I decided to ask my Facebook friends for their own real-world, practical tips and advice to use in my pieces. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I was pretty surprised to receive a substantial number of replies.

It was really heartening to see so many people taking the time to offer up their thoughts, just because I asked them to do so. It's nice to feel like people care, and for me, each of those responses was kind of like a pat on the back from God telling me that yes, I am worth a few minutes of someone else's time. And it reminded me that He's always interested in what I'm doing; it's just up to me to share.

November 18

With tight drop-off/pick-up time windows in play this year, I rarely get to walk Isaac to school. Part of me is happy to drive everywhere; after all, it's faster and easier on the old knees. But the other part of me misses scenes like this:

Since Isaac had a half day today and Abby had a regular day, I had the chance to go to the elementary school on foot, and I was totally taken with this scene when I rounded a corner. The sunbeams filtered through the trees so beautifully that I actually sighed aloud in admiration.

Sunshine reminds me of my sunshine, after all. And I'm deeply thankful for those reminders, even if they do sometimes make my heart wince just a wee bit.

November 17

There was much hugging going on at Costco tonight.

Kid-on-giant-teddy-bear hugging, that is.

It's super sweet to see my little loves expressing affection for others, even if those 'others' are sometimes of the stuffed animal persuasion. The ability to drop everything and freely express love... it's a God-thing, I think. And all of us wizened, crotchety grown-ups could learn from them.

November 16

I've used a photo like this one before, but honestly, how could I not use this?

It is, at its core, a snapshot of pure, unadulterated freedom and joy, captured as Brady and Isaac spun 'round and 'round on a spinny seat at the park before school this morning. When I think of happiness and joy, I think of Heaven, and of God. Some days, it's really that simple.

November 15

As we passed a field during our walk this afternoon, Isaac suddenly bolted and dropped to the ground. Giggling, he waved his arms and legs back and forth through the grass.

After the first round of giggles passed, he announced that he was making the warm-weather version of snow angels: grass angels.

That creativity is a blessing, no doubt, as is the shameless innocence of childhood that lets someone drop to the ground and wiggle around without worrying what passersby will think. That kind of carefree fearlessness makes me think of Heaven.

November 14

I was innocently eating a little box of Nerds when I happened to look down and saw this:

A tiny, sugary heart.

Despite the ugliness that's reared its head around the globe in recent days, love is still all around us. And sometimes, we'll find it in unexpected places -- if we're open to seeing it.

November 13

I'll be completely honest about something: I haven't felt particularly connected to the other preschool parents this year. My memory is a bit hazy, but I'm pretty sure it's the first time I've felt this way, and it's been disheartening. I've really enjoyed my other years at the school, and given that Brady is my baby and this is his final year there, I've quietly lamented the absence of a good core of preschool mom friends. So today, it was a blessing to me when, after class, a pair of moms invited Brady and I to join them for lunch.

I had a nice time sitting and getting to know the moms a little better while Brady had fun playing cars with his friends. When we got up to leave, they spontaneously united for a group hug.

So for time with grown-ups and for those moments of easy affection that we embrace when we're children but tend to shy away from once we're old and wizened, I'm thankful.

November 12

Today tried my patience. I guess when I burn it all down to the bottom of the wick, that's the best way to put it. These guys, naturally, add to my stress levels at times, but fortunately for me, this morning they just made me laugh.

The air was a bit cool when we arrived at school for drop-off, so we sat in the car for a few minutes. While I was reading my email, they quietly climbed into the front seat next to me, and the face-making commenced. Brady's borderline nutty face aside, this is one of the more normal images I captured as they giggled and posed and stuck out their tongues.

Life can be frustrating, but I know I can't let myself fail to notice those sweet moments.

November 11

It wasn't lost on me that in addition to being Veterans' Day, today also marked exactly three years and nine months since Logan flew away Home. And it seemed that as I floated from place to place, I saw Corvette after Corvette.

Of course, since I was driving, I couldn't just stop and snap photos because well, duh, that would be wildly unsafe. But the symbolism... the repeated reminders that he's still with us: those were priceless. And very much appreciated, especially on the days that would otherwise be harder than most to bear.

November 10

Since Brady doesn't have preschool on Tuesdays, it usually winds up being my low-key day. So after we took Abby and Isaac to their respective schools, my muffin and I (and Bear Bear) had a nice cuddle under my electric blanket while we watched "Doc McStuffins" and "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse."

Those quiet moments mean a whole lot to me. It may not happen particularly often these days, but it's a huge blessing to just be still and quiet while I really enjoy the company of one of my babies. (And the blessing is further magnified when that baby tells me that he'll always be my baby, even when he's all grown up.)

November 9

It's always a blessing to start a new week with a rainbow or two.

It rained on and off today; mostly 'on' when I was either in the car or walking to/from the car for kid pick-up/drop off, of course. Even as I mentally complained about the poor timing of the precip, I tried to be grateful for the moisture. And the pair of rainbows that stretched across the sky this morning and this afternoon... well, somehow, they helped to make my soggy shoes a little less unpleasant. And some days, that's enough.

November 8

This evening, while we ate dinner, Adam decided we should watch The Princess Bride. I know it's something of an iconic film for people my age, but I've always found it to be kind of annoying. (Don't throw tomatoes.) But I watched it anyway, though to be more accurate, I watched my family while they watched it.

And I wasn't disappointed: they laughed and chattered and had a great old time. And me? I found myself filled with a deep sense of contentment. And that's one of the biggest blessings of all, I think.

November 7

I know plenty of people who cringe and groan at the idea of Christmas trees showing up in early November, but I'm not one of them. I like the season and I enjoy stretching it out. (I'm even watching a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie as I type.)

There's so much ugliness in the world that it's a blessing to me to see a symbol of happiness and peace in a public space. So when I saw this at the mall this afternoon, I smiled --and not just to myself-- and stopped to take a photo. So much of the holiday season is what we choose to make of it, and though trees and bright lights aren't the true reason for the celebration, they lift my spirits and make me remember good times with family and friends.

November 6

I felt decidedly glum most of today. I'd have a hard time explaining exactly what it was that formed and perpetuated my mood, but it was what it was, and I soldiered on as best I could. And then this evening, at long last, I got something to really smile about when, after we finished watching Frozen, Abby decided to do some movie-inspired karaoke.

But it wasn't your run-of-the-mill karaoke: there were hair and costume changes aplenty as she weaved her way through a number of songs from the likes of Anna, Elsa, and Taylor Swift. And by the time she finished with Katy Perry's Roar, my own outlook had brightened considerably.

It's always good to have a reason to smile (and to remember to be thankful for those moments, too).

November 5

As often happens these days, I was running a little later that I would've liked as I headed off to retrieve Brady from preschool today. I felt the pressure to hurry up and get moving as I scurried to the car. But then this caught my eye as I started to back out of my parking space, and it quite literally stopped me in my tracks.

It may not be a Corvette, but that Mustang had a sweet little flame job right there by the wheel well. I smiled, and immediately thought of my Sunshine and how he loved those cool flame jobs. And suddenly, I wasn't so stressed and I wasn't so worried about being late.

Those little memories keep me going, and I'm thankful for the way God weaves them into my days.

November 4

I don't remember exactly how we came to own this particular hat, but Brady decided to wear it today (and yesterday), and it got quite the reaction.

It's not just a funky hat. No, this funky hat features a squeezable foot that, when depressed, causes the ears to flop up and down. No fewer than three people at Starbucks asked where I got it. And at preschoo, he apparently wore it during circle time (d'oh!) and managed to sync the ear-flopping with a song that was played (to the great amusement of the other kids).

The hat reminds me that being unique is a blessing, and that we shouldn't hesitate to use the special, unusual abilities we're given. After all, we never know whose day will be made better after getting a gander at our own special 'hats.'

November 3

Eleven years ago today, God blessed me with the safe and healthy birth of my first baby. That baby went on to become a big sister three times over, but remained my one and only daughter.

We definitely have our "warring factions" moments, but as she's gotten older, Abby has become one of my best friends. She's smart, incredibly honest, thoughtful, and kind.

And she's a survivor unlike any kid I've ever known. She lost her best friend in this world --her favorite playmate and confidante-- yet still she soldiered onward. I'm routinely awed by her strength and by how she's able to let go of those little niggling issues that would drive me absolutely crazy. And I'm amazed at how she didn't let heartbreak extinguish her happiness; even fully mature adults struggle with that.

So happy birthday, Abby. And thank you, God, for giving me the gift of being her mom.

November 2

The skies opened up overnight and it actually rained today. Given that we're in the middle of a major drought, the sound of rain on the rooftop and the smell of moisture in the air were very welcome sensations.

Since we've been denied rain for so long and the earth has been so dry, rain feels like a huge blessing to me. Water is something that's incredibly easy to take for granted, but I'm thankful that circumstances have taught me to assign it value. God intends for us to be good stewards of His creation, after all, so if having to learn to operate with less water makes me a better consumer of that particular resource, I'm thankful for the challenge.

November 1

I love life's unexpected, amusing little moments.

Adam was sitting on the couch watching the Niners (try to) play this afternoon when I noticed BearBear sitting over by the slider door. I picked him up, dusted him off, and put him down on the couch, and then went into the kitchen for a few minutes. When I came back, I found Adam and BearBear sitting together like this.

Humor is important, and though life is a serious sport, I think God does indeed create moments that are supposed to make us smile. And for me, today, this was one of them.