December 31

With only a few grains in the hourglass that is 2022 still left to fall, I feel contemplative. And grateful. Yes, mostly grateful.

Although I know it's been a difficult year for a lot of people I know and for the world in general, it was a good one for me. A great one, really, mostly because I got to spend it making memories (DC, Disneyland, and Chicago) with these people. And because it was so much gentler than I'd expected it to be 365 days ago.

Yes, I admit that I definitely faced the dawn of 2022 with trepidation. I knew it was going to be a year of many big anniversaries (10 years since Logan's death, our 20th wedding anniversary, my grandma's 100th birthday) and even bigger changes (Abby graduating from high school and moving away to college and turning 18). And I wasn't confident that I'd handle all of those monumental events well. And those worries were well-founded, as the me I once was didn't handle change with much grace. 

Now none of it was easy, per se; I cried when Abby walked across the stage at Amador Valley High School to claim her diploma (holder) in June. I cried even more when we dropped her off 2,000 miles away at Wheaton College in August so she could embark on the next chapter of her life. I slogged through the endless trips to baseball practices and games from Spring Little League to Summer All-Stars to Fall Ball, from Dublin to San Ramon to Concord to Livermore to Danville. 

But my heart also swelled with joy seeing pictures of my girl with her college girlfriends and hearing her talk about them with such genuine affection. And it sighed in satisfaction as both Isaac and Brady adjusted to high school and middle school with zero complications. And it cheered with legitimate excitement as strikes were thrown and balls were sent screaming into the outfield. And it celebrated the 20 years of marriage Adam and I have achieved. We're still trucking along, despite the heartache we've endured. And that's no small thing.

I think 2022 also brought my understanding of God into better focus; how He's always been with me no matter what. How He wants good things for me. How He showers grace into my life every day. And how He wants me to love not just those who are easy to love, but everyone. Even the ones I'd like to ship straight to Abu Dhabi. (Garfield reference there just for kicks.) And He taught me that the best present to give is often quiet presence, because walking with someone who is hurting is one of the biggest blessings a human being can experience.

So yes, as 2022 draws to a close, I'm grateful. I'm grateful for my family and for all of my friends -- both new and old. And I'm grateful for whatever will be in 2023, because God will use whatever is to continue to shape me into the better, more refined version of me that He's had in mind all along.

Happy New Year's Eve, my friends. May God bless all of you in 2023, and may you always be aware of His presence.

December 30

I was sitting at Starbucks this morning with Abby and Terry when Abby's attention abruptly focused on something out the window. Terry and I craned our necks to see what she was seeing, and then before I could fully register "wow, rainbow," they'd both jumped up from their seats and headed outside to take photos of the spectacle in the sky.

My knees ached with their customary "it rained yesterday and it's going to rain tonight" pain, so I stayed put, but I did lean over and snap this pic of my girl taking her pics.

I love that something as simple as a rainbow can captivate her attention, so I'm thankful that it does. And I'm thankful that Terry --who's had a tough month-- found a few moments of hope and joy in those colors, too.

December 29

I was sitting at the Mother Ship this morning in my usual spot talking with Abby and Mary. At one point, Abby got up to use the restroom, and then less than a minute later, her second grade teacher walked in with her own very tall son.

I've seen Stephanie at Starbucks a few times over the past year or so and we've exchanged pleasantries each time, but I'm pretty sure it had been quite a long time since Abby had seen her (and since she'd seen Abby).

It was a blessing to witness their happy impromptu reunion and to see those smiles.

December 28

Since everyone got board (or card) games for Christmas, the past few days have seen lots of gameplay.

So after dinner this evening, we gathered around the kitchen table (or in my case, didn't get up after eating) for a round of Unstable Unicorns. 

There was laughter and lots of sneaky machinations which all eventually came to a head in my victory. (And I was so terrible at Trivial Pursuit the other day that I don't even feel bad about snagging a brag there.) 

Joking aside, it was good family fun. And I'm grateful for it since I know that time with family isn't fun for everyone.

December 27

One of Brady's Christmas gifts was a Mario rug hooking kit and a pack of latch hooks. He's always been very interested in weaving and loved making his stuffie keychain during Home Ec this past quarter, so I thought he might enjoy making a rug.

And so far, it seems like my guess was on the money. He's toiled away at his project for the past few days, working away at adding bits of yarn to the design while he engages in other activities. He even added rows tonight while teamed up for Isaac for a round of Ticket to Ride.

I love his industriousness; how he commits to finishing what he starts. And I love his willingness to try new activities. Flexibility and enthusiasm are two sweet traits to have, and he certainly possess both.

December 26

When I got up this morning, I planned to sit around the house and be a bum all day long. 

But when I padded into the family room, I found a fully dressed Abby who flashed a sad face when I said I didn't plan to go to the Mother Ship.

So I got dressed and we went. And we talked and then we went to Walmart and Hallmark and Safeway for some light Christmas clearance retail therapy. 

No, it wasn't what I had planned in my mind, but it was all very good. And I am thankful for the time with my number one girl.

December 25

As much as I love the hustle and bustle endemic to busy Christmases back home in Maryland, there's something uniquely tranquil about the holidays spent at home in California. (And yes, I used the term "home" to apply to both places because the older I get, the more I realize that both are my home. I'm a Marylanfornian.) 

Anyhow, during the California Christmases it's just us --just me and Adam and Abby and Isaac and Brady and a million memories of Logan-- and our trees and our stockings and our dinner enjoyed within the walls of our own home. No one ever gets dressed all the way (because with amazing new pajamas like Isaac's dog pants and Brady's dinosaur pants and Adam's plaid and me and Abby's --because matching is a must-- snow-themed microfleece rompers, why would you want to put on actual day-clothes?). And we take our time eating cinnamon rolls and emptying stockings and savoring the opening of every single present under the tree and taking goofy pics like this one (which was, for the record, their own design). It's us just being... us. And it's comforting and real and beautiful.

So that's what we did today. We laid around in PJs. We opened presents. We ate together. We laughed a lot. We played rounds of the Trivial Pursuit 2010-20 edition that we gave Abby (during which I rediscovered how bad I am at Trivial Pursuit) and Unstable Unicorns, which was under the tree for Brady. And there are other games still to be played in the week to come, because I unilaterally decided that this year, everyone would get a board or card game because memories of playing Clue and Monopoly with my mom and my brother Charlie and sometimes even my brother Bobby when I was a kid are sweet occupants of the back of my mind.

Yes, I'd say it was a good Christmas at the Wight house. So I'm thankful for the moments; for the smiles and the laughs. But most of all, I'm thankful for the birth of Jesus all those years ago and for how His life changed --and continues to change-- mine.

December 24

It was a mostly quiet Christmas Eve at the Wight house, with a few last-minute shopping trips, gingerbread cookie baking, football game-watching (which spurred a sequence of feisty texts between my Commanders-fan brother and Niner die-hard Adam), tree-decorating, church, dinner in the dining room, and an evening screening of "Elf." (Actually, I guess it was pretty busy after all, though I wasn't conscious of the busy-ness at the time.)

Although there were sweet moments sprinkled throughout the day, this was probably my favorite. It came at the end of the Christmas Eve service, when we all lit candles, the lights dimmed, and we sang "Silent Night" together. 

There's something about the quiet stillness of a candlelit room that fosters an unparalleled sense of peace. So for that peace and for the hope that the birth of Jesus brought to the world all those years ago, I am grateful.

Merry Christmas Eve, my friends. May the joy of the season fill your hearts.

December 23

This evening after sunset, we piled into the car and headed out to look at Christmas lights. (Well, first we swung by Burger King to pick up dinner. Then we stopped at Target so Isaac could get presents for Adam and Brady. And then we looked at lights.)

It was a pleasant enough ride; drama was minimal and no one complained about needing to use the bathroom (which was such a common occurrence for a long while that I have to pinch myself when it doesn't happen). And, of course, we saw lots of pretty displays, including the requisite few of the amazing "tune to our radio frequency and watch the coordinated display" ilk.

At one point I took this photo of Adam gazing out the window. The lights outside and my phone screen were both so bright that I didn't even notice Abby voguing in the back seat. When I saw it, I busted out laughing.

It was a blessing to be able to live out yet another family tradition with my people.

December 22

Winter Break has finally arrived in its glorious fullness at our house. 

Isaac felt well enough to go to school to take his last two finals, Brady had a half-day, and Adam clocked out of work for the next week-plus. 

With the first semester formally in the rearview mirror, we did as we often do and went to Mountain Mike's for pizza after picking up the boys. And then we did something we hadn't done in a few years: we drove over to the mall to visit Santa.

Abby told me a few weeks ago --even before she came home from Wheaton-- that she wanted to visit the jolly old elf while she was home. And since no one had any other pressing activities to attend to this afternoon, I figured why not make it happen? Isaac and Brady weren't thrilled --I think bigger bro was a little embarrassed by the spectacle while littler bro wished it hadn't been Pajama Day at school-- but the line was mercifully short and they went along with it. So voila, here they are making reindeer faces with Santa.

The experience brought back fond memories of them as wee ones in their Christmas finery. Although I'm grateful that they're continuing to grow into wonderful young people, sometimes it's really nice to be able to look back and smile at who they were.

December 21

This morning was a little different than previous Wednesday mornings this semester.

Yes, Isaac stayed home from school since he's not feeling well, but what made it really different was that moment over there to the left.

After a few minutes at the Mother Ship, I noticed that he was just sitting there holding his reindeer cake pop with an expectant look on his face. I'm typically the one who insists on taking pictures, but for one reason or another I wasn't thinking about it this morning. But Brady was, and once I questioned why he wasn't eating, he asked when we were going to take our photo. So we took the pic and then he promptly took a bite out of Rudolph's head.

Our Wednesday dates are important to me, and I love that he values these moments, too. 

December 20

It's Finals Week in high school; Isaac's first-ever experience with those end-of-semester stress-makers.

And he came home from this first-ever day of finals feeling less than awesome. Actually, as he told me in the car on the way home, he was feeling pretty bad.

He's super congested and has a headache. And obviously, he's very, very tired. So we just left him alone, and he wound up sleeping there on the living room floor well into the evening hours until Adam roused him to send him up to bed.

It's not COVID --we tested him this evening to be sure-- so I guess it's just one of the many viruses currently making the rounds.

Isaac is usually a truck when it comes to health issues; his immune system doesn't even blink at colds that knock me out. But this particular bug seems to have his number. So although the timing isn't great, I'm grateful that he's getting rest when he needs it rather than freaking out over finals. Because ultimately, his well-being is more important to me than a handful of incompletes that he'll need to address next month.

December 19

Since we finished our most recent book last week, today's Bible study meeting was a simple one that featured a reading of the Christmas story and a brief service project. And some light munchies.

In addition to the regulars, we were also happy to include my girl, a sister, and a granddaughter in the mix.

It was, in short, a brief but very pleasant get-together. 

Although I wasn't sure about joining the group last year, I'm glad I did. Even though I'm the youngest in the bunch, they've always treated me as an equal while simultaneously sharing their wisdom. And for those truths, I am grateful.

December 18

 Today delivered a double shot of holiday joy and cheer.

Act one was our time at church, which featured the children's Christmas program and then a holiday festival. While Abby mingled, Isaac and Brady worked in the game rooms, except for the few minutes that Adam grabbed them to take a pic in the "photo booth."

Act two was our Christmas get-together with Adam's parents and his brother's family, which we hosted for the second year running. I decided to be adventurous and made a lasagna from scratch (except for the noodles -- cranking out fresh dough was a little above my paygrade today), which fortunately turned out fine. Anyway, we all dined together and opened gifts and talked and laughed the late-afternoon and evening away. It, like the church service this morning, was a gift.

So although I'm a bit tired from my time in the kitchen tending my sauce, I'm thankful for today and for the time I had to spend with people close to us. Because time spent with and on others is a blessing.

December 17

It's 7:55 PM and our house is abuzz with the sounds of our children's cherubic voices belting classic tunes including "Christmas Monkey," "I am Just a Pony," and Batman's "Untitled Self Portrait" as they work together to construct the Lego Christmas village (AKA The Things I Want To Use As Centerpieces At Tomorrow Night's Family Christmas Gathering) at the dining room table. 

It's loud. It's chaotic. It's a whole lot to take in for someone who is sensitive to sound.

But it's kinda beautiful.

It's really wonderful to have the gang back together. (Well, as together as our particular gang will ever be on this side of Heaven. I always feel like I have to add that, because even when things are right, they're not really right-right because Logan isn't here. But that's okay, because it's a constant reminder that only in Heaven can life be perfect. And as God's people, longing for Heaven is a natural --and necessary-- response to the condition of this earth. But I digress.)

It's a sweet thing to hear them all singing together and to see them all working toward a common goal. So for those blessings, I am very grateful.

December 16

I thought Abby might want to sleep most of the day since her flight home was four hours delayed and she didn't fall into bed until 4 this morning, but no. She was up at 9:30 and ready to roll.

When I returned from my morning Mother Ship run, she was sitting at the kitchen table munching on a bowl of Crispix. When she finished she announced that she wanted to go to Walmart so she could get a piece of poster paper. Why? So she could make a sign to wave at the boys as they walked toward the car after school.

So we went to Walmart and then Target and then Safeway, and when we got home, she re-settled into her spot at the table and got to work making her sign. 

In the end, she wound up making the sign for Isaac since we both worried that Brady might not appreciate the gesture (he's not big on being embarrassed). She did get out of the car and run toward Brady to hug him in the pick-up line. But Isaac got the full treatment: she stood up through the open sunroof and waved the sign at Isaac as he walked toward the car, all while blasting Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" on the sound system.

It was funny. It was cute. It was a really nice poster. And it was so good for my heart to see how much they all genuinely love each other. 

It's really good to have my chicks at home.

December 15

Isaac is hoping to play high school baseball (of course), so he's spent the past month or so attending biweekly weight training and practice sessions after school.

Today when I went to pick him up, I could see him (in the blue shirt all the way to the left) and several other boys on the field. They were pretty far away so I couldn't see the specifics of what they were doing, but they had bats in-hand.

Isaac has wanted to play high school ball for a long while now and it's amazing to realize that he's close to realizing that dream. So for his enthusiasm and for how much joy he gets from playing the game, I'm grateful.

December 14

Brady turned 12 years old today. I think he had a good day; it began as we enjoyed our customary Wednesday morning Starbucks date and then marked the actual minute of his birth during the car ride to school. He was cheerful enough at pick-up, employed his usual laser-focus to finish his homework lickety-split, and opted for dinner at Black Bear (where he decided to forego French toast --his recent big culinary love-- in favor of the aptly named Volcano --which includes a stack of pancakes, a pile of eggs, bacon, and sausage-- because he wanted a lot of food). 

After dinner Abby video called in --with a festive party hat perched atop her head-- to join us virtually for presents and double chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and mint chocolate chip ice cream. The resulting sibling pic is one of the strangest we've ever had, but I think it's also one of the loveliest.

He was smiley and cheerful and goofy in his usual Brady way all day long. So yes, I think he had a good day. And I'm grateful for that.

But beyond that, I'm grateful that he's here. I'm grateful for who he is and for how he rounds out our family. I'm grateful for how he's organized and  goal-oriented and how he dedicates himself to completing tasks well. I'm grateful for how he'll befriend anyone who needs a pal and for how I can sometimes see tears well up in his eyes when he hears a sad story.

And I'm grateful that his arrival more than a decade ago shone some desperately needed light and warmth into what felt like an impossibly dark and cold period of my life. I'm grateful for his growing and maturing relationships with Isaac and Abby and I'm grateful for how his bizarre dances and silly facial expressions sometimes remind me so much of his oldest brother that the sight takes my breath away.

It's beautiful, really. And I'm so thankful for the past 12 years of Brady. Happy birthday, muffin. I love you and your unicorns and penguins and kerns more than you know.

December 13

While the boys were enjoying their time with Mary at Youth Group this evening, Adam and I went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner.

There was a 30-minute wait for a table, so we passed the time by taking a stroll through the mall. And of course I had to stop and take a selfie by the giant Christmas tree that adorns the center court.

The mall has changed quite a lot since our first trip there more than 20 years ago. We've both changed as well, but we're still us. So for that truth --for how we've weathered change and challenges and remained together-- I'm so grateful.

December 12

As I got out of bed this morning, I looked over at Lambie --who was draped across Adam's pillow-- and murmured "good morning" in his direction. And then a strange and startling sound-byte made its way across my mind: if he couldn't hear, he'd have no idea that I'd just acknowledged him.

Silly though it seemed (since Lambie's a stuffed animal so of course he can't hear), the thought felt profound so I chewed on it for a while. And then it gradually started to make sense.

I think a lot of times, we try to do things for other people in our own native languages. I like coffee, so of course I appreciate coffee-related gifts. But my friend Terry doesn't like coffee at all, so she wouldn't like those things as much. (I mean, knowing her I know she'd appreciate the gesture, but the physical items? Not so much.) And that's because coffee is my native language, not hers. Terry's languages are, among others, tea and needlepoint and poodles. So when I acknowledge her love of those things, I'm speaking not my language, but hers. And learning someone else's language in order to show them care is just what Jesus calls us to do every single day. Speak your own language, sure, but also take the time to learn the languages of those around you.

So today, I'm grateful for random morning thoughts that birth nuggets of wisdom.

December 11

Not long ago, I was utterly clueless about today's entry. It's not that I felt like I didn't experience God; it's more that I didn't think to take any photos because there were no real "wow" moments that shouted "capture me, woman!" So I prayed to ask what I should do, and then as if on cue Abby started sending us photos from her evening adventures with her friends and bam, there was my answer. Hopefully she'll forgive me for this, but here's an excerpt from the exchange:

Pastor Mary talked about joy this morning during her sermon, and I have to tell you, seeing my girl with her pals having a good time brings me so much joy. SO much. 

It brought me joy to see them all decked out in their PJs roaming through extensive light displays and it brought me more joy to see them all smiling and posing together as a unit. 

And beyond today's escapades, it brings me joy to think about how well Abby has adjusted to Wheaton and it brings me more joy to know that she's met these amazing young women and gets to be close to them as she navigates this phase of her life. 

And I do mean joy and not happiness, because this joy I feel is so much deeper than happiness. I'm convinced that God ordained these good things for her, so I watch her receive them and live them with joy.

It's such a blessing. And I am grateful for all of it.

December 10

Isaac is the kind of kid I have to awaken multiple times each morning. And then he's the kind of kid who stumbles around bleary-eyed and muddled-minded for at least 30 minutes after he gets up. He's also the kind of kid who goes to bed very (very) late, no matter how many times we tell him to go to sleep.

So it was kind of surprising when he cuddled up under a blanket on the couch with his trio of dogs  this evening to watch the Warriors' game and promptly fell asleep. At 6:30.

It was a sweet sight, so I just looked at him for a minute or two. Stuffies aside, he's definitely a teenager now, with his long, gangly legs and arms. And there was something about the veins in his hands that made me think 'wow, he's not a kid. He's really not a kid.' 

Anyway, with all of this in mind, I'm grateful for kids who keep growing toward being the people God intended them to be. And I'm grateful for the blessing of rest.

December 9

Overcast skies aren't exactly my favorite because I'm just not big on gloomy and dark. But they sure can create stunning late-afternoon pictures above.

So this evening I'm grateful for this early evening painting I spied from my bedroom window. There are some amazing pieces of art in this world, but only God can bend clouds around light to create masterpieces like this one.

December 8

I'm so thankful for days that brim with so many blessings that choosing one event as a focal point feels like I'm understating the greatness of God. So I won't pick just one.

After I dropped the boys at school, I headed to the Mother Ship, where I enjoyed my coffee with Terry. My pal's in the middle of dealing with a difficult issue, and though I wish I had the power to change her situation, I feel so blessed to be able to sit with her and listen and offer words of encouragement. Because I know firsthand that having someone to hear what you have to say can be an important part of the healing process.

From there, I went to the ladies' tea at church, where Pastor Mary (pictured) and I laughed over our shared wardrobe neutrality. She gave a great talk on the power and challenges of with-ness (which, to translate for non-English majors, means being Jesus to others by being with them no matter what). And oddly enough, I wound up sitting next to a woman who was a teacher at our old elementary school. (Mrs. Randes, for all my fellow Mohr alums.) She and I had a very nice chat. And I left the tea feeling full, both in belly and in heart.

And then I hopped in the car and drove over to Walmart, where I visited the diecast cars aisle for untapped treasures. Much to my surprise, I found a new collection of eight Corvettes that were produced in honor of the model's upcoming 70th anniversary. It was like I could feel Logan there with me as I scooped them up and headed for the checkout line.

The rest of the day was more or less old hat; the usual stuff. But given that "the usual stuff" is picking up my boys from school (Brady) and weight training (Isaac) and having dinner with my family, I know I'm blessed. 

So for all of that --for the ordinary and the extraordinary moments that made up the minutes and hours-- I am grateful.

December 7

I came downstairs this morning and found Brady like this:

He looked cozy sitting there on the couch, nestled between Ice Cube the penguin and our live Christmas tree. (I'm actively ignoring the hole in his pantleg and the fact that he's holding a cup, which is strictly prohibited behavior for anyone under 18 in any carpeted/rug'ed rooms. But I digress.)

The sight filled me with a great sense of gratitude: I'm so thankful that my kiddos have a comfortable place to grow up that includes heat when it's cold and air conditioning when it's hot. I know those are blessings that many don't get to enjoy. And I'm thankful that we're free to celebrate Christmas since I know that not everyone in the world is permitted to do so.

December 6

I wasn't feeling super perky when I got up this morning (which isn't entirely shocking since I'm more night owl than early riser), so I put on my Care Bears shirt and uttered a prayer for patience and opportunities to make an impact.

By noon, I'd had a lovely conversation with a woman I'd never met at the Mother Ship (that ended with her saying "I'm so glad have met you"), added more rows to a crochet project, served as a sounding board for a friend who has a penchant for sharing about the company he owns, and mailed off a package I'd kept forgetting to send.

I'd say my prayer was answered. So for that, I'm grateful.

December 5

It was one of those funky sky days in our little corner of Northern California.

I first noticed the mix of fluffy white low-level clouds as I drove out of our street this morning. And the moments later, as we rounded the crest of the hill, I spied a sliver of a rainbow in the valley below and pointed it out to the boys.

And then a little later, as I hustled from the Mother Ship to Bible Study, I drove toward this stunner. It was especially notable to me because as far as I could tell, there was no rain falling anywhere in the vicinity. So it felt like a gift.

And for that beautiful, vibrant multi-shaded  brushstroke in the sky and for the rich meaning that God ascribed to rainbows way back when, I'm thankful.

December 4

This is not my cat. But I did encounter this sweet little bit of furry marmalade goodness (and another one who was the same color but decidedly more loaf-y) during a post-church slash pre-NFL watch-fest walk with Adam this afternoon.

And I loved meeting both of them. I called them over and cooed at them to gain their trust (which, quite shockingly, worked), and then showered them with pets. It was a very satisfying experience that made me smile.

See, I had cats when I was a kid. Actually, I had at least one cat until a few years ago when long-time feline companion Violet died of old age. And it was then that I realized that I actually have a severe cat allergy. So no more cats for me. I'm a cat person who can't have her own cats.

But I do love encountering them when I'm out and about. I do love feeling their soft fur and hearing their sweet meows. And I love how much just touching then can calm my heart and my mind. 

So today, I'm thankful for the blessing of chance encounters with kitties.

December 3

My Pretty Room is back for Christmas!

There's a pair of new candles --Toasted Marshmallow-scented-- on the mantle and a different wall hanging by the loveseat, but the prettiness has been restored to the Video Game Room (as the brositos call it, much to my chagrin) and I do so love looking at it, especially on rainy, chilly days like this one.

Of course, there are also other benefits to rainy, chilly days, like watching TV and crocheting and hunkering down under the fluffy sherpa throw from Valerie's party last night. And finally ordering our Christmas cards online. Those are all good things as well.

So for pretty rooms and rainy days that cause me to pause a little more than usual, I am grateful. Because we all need to pause sometimes.

December 2

After a two-year COVID-induced hiatus, Valerie's cookie exchange made a triumphant return this evening. 

It was different than previous parties; this one took place under canopies in her backyard, and despite the chilly evening temp, a quartet of heat lamps kept us plenty warm as we nibbled on appetizers and salad and green beans with almonds and brussels sprouts and two kinds of paella. And then desserts -- not just one but three different ones, all equally sumptuous. And we sipped beverages from our personalized cups, which Valerie painstakingly emblazoned with our first names. And, of course, we talked and laughed and took goofy photos and caught up on the who's and what's of our children's lives.

I've known most of these ladies for years now. At one point or another, all of our kids went to the same elementary school. A subgroup of us have 18-year olds who we've watched grow from kindergarteners to middle schoolers to high schoolers to college freshmen (many of whom, as peculiar as it seems, are currently situated in various midwestern locations). So I guess, in a way, we've all kind of grown up together as moms, too.

It's true that I don't see many of these amazing women very often, but I always, always love touching base with them at this gathering. So for another amazing party and for how Valerie makes all of us feel loved and seen with her laser-focused attention to detail, I am so thankful.

December 1

The final month of 2022 kicked itself off in chilly, rainy fashion here in the Bay Area. I don't care much for being cold these days so aside from the requisite school pick-ups and drop-offs (and my morning stop at the Mother Ship), I stuck close to the nest.

As the dinner hour inched ever-nearer and my desire for something warm to eat firmly rooted in mind, I decided to make a family favorite: scratch-made macaroni and cheese.

It's the one thing that the boys will inhale like little vacuum cleaners so nary a noodle was left in the pot as the dishes were cleared away. 

So tonight I'm thankful for my growing boys and their appetites and for simple, warm comfort foods that we can all enjoy as a family.

November 30

When I came downstairs this morning, I found this cutie where I often find him on chilly mornings: lying on the kitchen floor in front of the heater vent with Huge Eyes the Penguin tucked under his arm.

It's always an extra-sweet sight because when I was very young, I would lie down in front of the dishwasher in the kitchen as it ran. There was something about the intermingling of the engine's hum and the smell and the warmth that would lull me into a quiet stillness unlike any other I've experienced. 

So it stands to reason that seeing my Muffin do something similar would make me smile. And for that smile and that whiff of Wednesday morning nostalgia, I'm thankful.

November 29

I think by now it's pretty evident that I enjoy my time at the Mother Ship. (Mostly because I've re-named it, you know, the Mother Ship.)

Anyhow, I was sitting around with some of the people I've met there over the past few years this morning just chit-chatting about life. And then I decided to capture the moment, so here we are: Terry (who will no doubt be thrilled with her expression), Peter, Neil, and me. 

These are genuinely nice, funny people and I enjoy my time with them. So tonight, I'm grateful for random people encountered in random places who become legitimate friends.

November 28

I was working on this piece this evening when I noticed a mistake I'd made a few rounds earlier.

The second I saw the goof, I knew it wasn't one I could just work around or hide with a fancy stitch. So I swallowed a gallon of fresh frustration and slowly, gradually un-stitched hours of my work. 

As of now, the mistake has been rectified and I've started re-stitching what was removed. It'll take an hour or two before I'm back where I started, but at least I'm again moving toward completion.

Younger Me would've been mad and probably would've mentally berated herself for being a dingbat. 

But Current Me? I'm okay with it because I know that life is filled with oopsies and corrections and re-corrections. And that as long as I remain open to correction and learn from those errors, I'm gaining the blessing of wisdom. And wisdom is a mighty good thing to possess.

November 27

We drove Abby to the airport so she could catch her return flight to Wheaton this morning. 

As we prepared to leave the house, I gave Abby a hug. A moment later, I felt Brady's arms go around me, and then a few more moments passed and Isaac joined in. And then Adam captured the scene.

It's so nice that our kids like hugging and aren't inhibited about overt displays of affection. And beyond that, it's wonderful that they love one another enough to join in on a big group hug without provocation.

The world itself may not be so sweet right now, but I'm thankful for the sweet moments that happen regardless of the brokenness.

November 26

Abby had a number of social engagements so she was out much of the day, but we all came together this evening for her dinner of choice: spaghetti and meatballs with garlic knots.

She flies back to Chicagoland tomorrow morning to finish the last three weeks of her first semester at Wheaton. It's been so fun having her back in the nest and chatting in person and watching her SVU dances and listening to her engaging with Isaac and Brady. And I'll definitely miss all of that in the (few) weeks to come before she returns home for Christmas. 

But I'm also so proud of her and of how much she's already grown during her time away. She's a remarkable young woman, this daughter of mine. And I am thankful for her every day, regardless of whether she's at home or away.

November 25

It was a Black Friday rife with Wight family tradition.

Although this year's sales were lackluster, the shopping trip with Abby was decidedly not. We had an initial fuel-up at the Mother Ship (hot chocolate for her, coffee for me) and McDonald's (for her beloved sausage McMuffin with egg) before taking stops at Walmart, Old Navy, Ulta, Target, JoAnn, and a few stores in the mall before we closed out the festivities with late lunch at the Cheesesteak Shop. It was, in short, a valuable half-day of bonding with my one and only girl. And lame sales aside, I wouldn't trade those moments for any others.

After we returned from our outing, we took a brief breather before heading out again --this time with the boys-- to pick out our Christmas tree. (Well, the live one anyway. Adam put up the artificial one that sits in the front window while Abby and I were out.) I wound up selecting the eventual winner this go-round, and as Adam checked out and oversaw its placement atop the truck for the trip home, the kiddos and I engaged in a silly photo session in front of the big "NOEL" sign. They were eager to recreate a pose from last year that featured Isaac lifting Abby and Brady off the ground, and they actually rose to the task admirably. (Although now that I'm looking at my collage, I realize that the photo isn't included. Oops.)

Anyway, as I noted at the beginning of this entry, it was a day filled with tradition. So for those traditions --and for their fulfillment today-- and for the way that repeating them year in and year out allows me to inhale and exhale sweet memories of days gone by, I am very thankful.

November 24

Ah, Thanksgiving. Once upon a time, it was a day to dress up and get together with family and eat a lot. Although I'm not super proud to admit it, the "thankfulness" part of the equation wasn't as significant as I trotted from A to B and tried not to forget any important details along the way.

But now --now that I'm a few years older and hopefully more than a wee bit wiser as I view life through the inexorably curved lens of loss and renewed hope-- things are different. And I am really, truly thankful for the people in this image. And for my family back home, and for my friends who --just by existing-- color my life with their vibrancy.

Yep, I still wish Logan were here. I still don't understand what happened or why. But that doesn't mean that I live a life without thankfulness or hope. In fact, I'm increasingly convinced of the truth that true thankfulness feeds hope. And I am deeply thankful to God for the many gifts He's given me over the years, including every single one of you.

Happy Thanksgiving! May the love of God fill your heart with hope as we embark on the holiday season ahead.

November 23

It was a very pleasant day.

I got up relatively late and sneaked into Abby's room so I could watch her sleep for a minute. Then I went downstairs, decided I wanted to go to the Mother Ship, and went back upstairs to see if she wanted to come along. (She did.) So a little later we were off for some impromptu shopping adventures: Starbucks (where my pal Tony brought me not one but three bottles of wine), Walmart, Target, and Crumbl (because pumpkin pie cookie!). 

Then when we got back home, there were fresh-from-the-oven cheese rolls --a Thanksgiving tradition at our house-- in the kitchen just waiting to be nibbled.

And then while Adam and I went for a walk, the kiddos hunkered down in the living room for a Mario Kart tournament. They were loud and crazy and even broke into song more than once and usually "loud" bothers me, but not today. Today it sounded like music. So tonight, I am thankful for the music my children create without even realizing it.

November 22

Although her flight out of Chicago was significantly delayed which led to an extremely tight turnaround in Las Vegas (and by "tight" I mean literal minutes between deplaning, boarding, and take-off), Abby persevered and is home for Thanksgiving!

We all loaded into Adam's truck to pick her up from the airport this evening, and from there, we headed to CPK for dinner.

It's so wonderful to have her back again, under our roof. In the nest with the other chicks. (Well, with the other two chicks who are here with us physically. It still breaks my heart a little that they can't all be back in the nest but that's why Someday is so vitally important to me.) Right now, in fact, she's partially conked out on the couch that's just a little more than arm's length away, head pushed into the smiling face of her giant hot pink Squishmallow, and it's one of the best things ever.

She'll only be here for a few days this time, but I'm looking forward to those precious hours and to the laughter and the eating and the shopping that they'll hold. 

November 21

I've historically bashed the Bay Area for its lack of real Fall, but I do have to admit that I'm enjoying the pretty trees that still dot the landscape this late in the year.

I was reflecting on that truth that as I went for a quick shopping outing early this afternoon. I admired the red and orange and yellow leaves that still adorn the trees and thanked God for the loveliness that they add to the world.

Given that there are plenty of not-lovely things about human life these days, I'm extra thankful for the things that contribute beauty to my days.

November 20

My friend Laura sent me this image from this morning's church service. 

Mary was formally installed as our pastor, and all current and former elders were called up to the front to pray for her. (That's me all the way over on the right.)

It was a beautiful moment of unity as we all laid hands on Mary and on one another and asked God to bless her and her ministry at GraceWay.

I'd silently wished I'd had a way to get a photo of the moment so I could post it here, and then voila, Laura shared this with me. I love it when God answers my half-baked prayers.

Anyhow, I'm grateful for the gift of prayer that allows us to communicate with God. And I'm grateful for these amazing sisters and brothers in Christ who make my life so much richer.

November 19

It was another blessed Saturday. 

I had brunch with my prayer shawl ministry ladies this morning and then spent the rest of the day puttering around at home -- mostly crocheting and watching TV.

And I just now noticed the date and realized that 25 years ago today, Adam and I started dating officially. A quarter of a century. Wow.

All good things, and I am thankful.

November 18

Today was a travel day. A very, very long travel day that began in Maryland, took a longer-than-expected pit-stop in Texas, and at long last finished in California.

As I walked to my gate at BWI early this afternoon, I passed a selfie station. I thought it was kind of cute and appreciated the sentiment behind its presence, so even though I felt a little bit hokey doing it, I stopped for a moment to take a pic. And voila, here it is.

It's always good to be thankful, and as I close out this half-month of big birthdays that featured big trips to Chicago and Maryland, I feel a sense of gratitude for the two celebrants. I was honored to help my girl celebrate her 18th --the moment she strode into adulthood-- and honored to be there to see my grandma turn 100 and to watch her shine during her birthday party. They're two amazing women who add so much to my life, and I am so thankful for them.

And I'm also thankful to be home again with my boys (and the beautiful roses they left for me in a vase on the kitchen table. That too).

November 17

I felt off when I got up this morning, and during my Mother Ship outing, I realized why: I forgot to take my meds yesterday. That's a big oops. As a result, after I slurped down my almond milk peppermint mocha, I spent most of the early hours laying low, waiting to wake up.

Fortunately, the spacey-ness passed by mid-afternoon and I headed over to grandma's house for a quick hello. It was just a few degrees above freezing outside but the sky was so lovely that I stood outside a few extra seconds after grabbing grandma's mail from the box by the road to snap a few pics. 

My mom picked me up from there for an evening at Toby's Dinner Theatre, which is one of her favorite haunts of late. We dined on a wide array of food before taking in a production of "It's a Wonderful Life." I hadn't been before, but it's a cute little place and the play was well-done, so it was fun to be out. And it was nice that mom wanted to share something she enjoys with me while I'm here. 

Tomorrow I head back home to Adam and the brositos, but it's been a good trip. So I will board my plane with a thankful heart. 

November 16

It was a relaxed kind of day. I got up late-ish and went to the Mother Ship for my morning sustenance before heading to the next town over to do a little light shopping. (Very light, since all I have is a very small suitcase. It's an excellent spending-control device.) My very long-time friend Gretchen was supposed to meet me for coffee but wasn't feeling well, so she bowed out. Feel better, girl! But at least I still got to have some delicious Roy Rogers roast beef for lunch.

After a few hours back at Bobby's house, I offered to pick up my niece from the bus stop. On the way back, we swung by the Mother Ship for an afternoon pick-me-up and a small dose of chit-chat.

And then this evening, I drove to the next county over for dinner with my middle school gals. The crab cake sandwich was yummy and the glass of prosecco a nice blend of dry and not-so-dry, but the company was the best part of the outing. I had a great time laughing and talking about life with these amazing women I've known for more than 30 years. They may not realize it, but they add a streak of fun pizazz to my life. I only see them every year or two, but they're blessings. Every one of them.

So now I'm sitting on the couch in my brother's house, half watching TV as I write. And feeling grateful for another nice day in Maryland.

November 15

Today is my grandma's 100th birthday. 100! 

I asked her how it felt to be a member of the Century Club and she thought about the question for half a second before she gave a partial grin and quipped back 'tiring!' That's my grandma for ya.

Anyway, we had a nice little drop-in style birthday party for her at her house that was arranged by my mom. Although it was something of a yucky weather day, a number of her friends from various areas of her life braved the cold and rain to stop by for pizza, cake, and to share their well-wishes (and in some cases, some stories, too). Some were new faces to me, while others were folks I knew during my childhood, including some from church, 4-H, and the Home Arts building at the county fair (among others). It was quite the blast from the past, and I enjoyed those quick catch-ups.

After the friends departed, we had a quiet evening with just family, including my mom, brothers, sister-in-law, niece, and my Aunt Arlene, who came in from Nebraska for the occasion. We presented grandma with a second birthday cake and had her blow out another set of 10 candles, one for each decade (phew!). And snapped some more photos for posterity's sake.

When I first arrived in the early afternoon, she told me that she'd never had a birthday party before -- she'd been to parties as a child for other children, but never had one of her own. (She mused that it was because November 15 was the first day of duck hunting season, which took her father out of the equation.) So I think it's lovely that she finally had one at 100. And I hope she enjoyed it and felt appreciated, because my grandma is certainly someone who deserves to feel appreciated. She's one of the biggest prayer warriors I know and has been a major influence on me with respect to faith. 

So yes, today, I'm thankful for 100 years of my grandma, and for all of the many, many ways she's demonstrated the love of Jesus to others over the course of her lifetime. Happy 100th, grandma!

November 14

It's truly shocking to realize how much traveling wipes me out. I pushed the snooze button on my phone alarm at least five times this morning before finally dragging myself out of bed after 11. I got ready, went downstairs and said hi to Reaya and Charlie, and then went off to the nearby Mother Ship (which, by the by, means I've been to Mother Ships in three different states so far this month. It feels like an accomplishment. A bizarre accomplishment, but one nonetheless).

Then since I didn't have anything pressing to do, I took a drive along some of the old country roads I navigated during my younger days. It's always a bittersweet experience and today was no exception as I rode along and snippets of days gone by came to mind -- the cow in the road, getting stuck on ice while trying to drive up an incline. Sledding down the hill in the backyard of the first house I ever called home. Yep, I'd call bittersweet a good word for all of that.

Anyway, I came back to Bobby's house and chatted with Charlie for a while before the two of us took his rental Tesla over to the library to pick up my niece at her bus stop. She and Reaya were home for just a brief time before they went off to Bri's dance class.

After a quick visit from my mom, Bobby returned home from work and he, Charlie and I went to dinner at The Hornet's Nest. It was a relatively brief outing, but the food was good and the company better. And honestly, I can't remember the last time the three of us went out together, just us siblings. I'm actually not sure it had ever happened before tonight.

And now, well, now I'm tired. Exhausted, really. We just finished watching the Commanders beat the previously undefeated Eagles on TV and I'm fading fast. So today, I'm grateful for my family of origin and for the (albeit brief amount of) time I have with them this week. It's not perfect, but it's good.

November 13

It was a travel day for me, as I began the day at home in my own bed and am finishing it at my brother's house in Maryland. 

I had my preferred aisle seats on both flights and for the most part, the moving from here to there process was uneventful. (Except when a malfunctioning jetway at BWI kept me and my fellow passengers trapped on our parked-at-the-gate plane for an extra half hour. But we did eventually get off and all was well so 'tis neither here nor there, I guess.)

Then I secured my rental car (that's me on the shuttle bus to the off-site facility), hit the road, and arrived at my destination. My phone even auto-connected to my little Rav 4 without me doing anything. I was amazed. And when I got here, I sat in the family room and talked with my big bro for a while before he decided he ought to get some shut-eye before work tomorrow.

I guess that's all pretty dull stuff, but given how overly eventful traveling can be these days (and how many exciting trips I've had in recent history), I'm grateful to NOT have a big story to tell.

November 12

Adam and I took a walk down the hill early this afternoon.

There's one small tree near the stoplight that gleams an absolutely brilliant shade of red this time of year. The color is so rich and vibrant that just seeing it can lift my mood.

If nothing else, it's a great reminder that even little things can shine brightly and make a big difference in this world. So find your niche and sparkle.