November 30

I'm not particularly talented when it comes to interior design, but I do like Christmas decorations, so I've been slowly adding them to the house.

We put up both Christmas trees --one live for the family room, one artificial for the living room-- on Black Friday. A few days ago, Isaac finished constructing this year's addition to the Lego centerpiece for the dining room table.

And today, I swapped out some of our usual living room wall art for some of the holiday ilk, and then plunked some seasonal throw pillows and one of the blankets I made on the love seat. It's a different look for my typically gold and silver themed Pretty Room, but I like it. 

So today I am grateful for tangible signs of the season and for the feelings of warmth and comfort that they inspire in my heart.

November 29

It was, by and large, a quiet Wednesday.

And this Wednesday began as so many have of late, with the high school drop-off followed by a trip to the Mother Ship with Brady.

He enjoyed a seasonally appropriate peppermint cake pop while I sipped a blonde Americano.

It was familiar and pleasant. 

And as I am each week, I am grateful for the moments with my baby.

November 28

Karine stopped by for a quick visit this afternoon, and Adam lit up like a Christmas tree.

She was one of his very best friends in high school, and although we hadn't seen her in a number of years, we used to hang out now and again in our post-college younger days. (Usually at A's games, since she worked for the organization for 14 years and often left tickets for us at the call box.)

Anyhow, she's a terrific person so it was great to see her again. But beyond that, I know Adam was happy that she took the time to stop by. And seeing his enthusiasm is a blessing to me.

November 27

I've probably mentioned this before but sometimes I repeat myself so it's all good.

Brady is a big Routine Guy. He's the only 12-year old I know who has a written schedule that he a) devised completely on his own and b) actually follows on a daily basis. 

One of his lesser "routines" involves beating me to the mailbox every day after school. (The boxes on our street are clustered, so ours is actually located a few houses away.) So each day when we get home, I get out of the car and make my way down the driveway to the sidewalk, where he very predictably streaks past me to get there first. I pretend I'm going to knock him over and he laughs like a maniac. Then he hands me the mail and goofy-walks back to the house.

It's one of our Things. And I am grateful for every one of those run-of-the-mill, inconsequential Things.

November 26

Our Lego Christmas Village sets made a really cute dining room table centerpiece last year, so I decided to expand the display: I bought this year's series piece when I was out with Abby on Black Friday.

And for the past few days, Isaac has diligently worked to put it together. He asked if he could open the box a few days ago and was up late last night working. And then he was at it again this morning before church, dutifully consulting the instruction book as he stacked and clicked the blocks together.

He still has quite a bit left to do (and the two previous sets are still yet to be assembled), but it's a blessing to see him engaged in an activity that he enjoys (that isn't a video game) during the less baseball-intensive months.

November 25

After several very good but action-packed days, it was really great to just chill at home for most of this one.

Isaac went to a friend's house this afternoon, which gave Abby and Brady the chance to have some one-on-one (plus BearBear) sibling time. Although they mostly played video games, it was nice to see them interacting because as the oldest and the youngest, I think they have the fewest opportunities to connect.

As the sun dropped toward the horizon, we picked up Isaac from said-pal's house and drove to dinner at Black Bear. The restaurant was fully decked out for Christmas so there was a warm holiday feel to the air. So we arm wrestled and ate and chit-chatted. And it was good.

Abby heads back to Wheaton early in the morning. She doesn't love transitions or stress so I know she's not thrilled to be going back, but I also know that no matter where she goes, we're behind her. And more importantly, God is with her. So for the past week of having her back in the nest and for the knowledge that she's returning to live among friends who love and care for her, I am very grateful.

November 24

Ah, Black Friday. Truth be told, I look forward to it every year. It's true that the sales have gotten progressively lamer over time (thanks COVID), but it's not really about the acquisition of stuff for me anyway. It's about spending quality time with my one and only girl.

So this morning Abby and I got up at an entirely reasonable hour and headed out to take part in our mom-daughter retail tradition. We started off at the Mother Ship --coffee for me, hot chocolate for her-- and then headed out to a variety of stores, including Walmart, Target, Ulta, Old Navy, the Lego Store (to add the next piece to our Christmas Village table centerpiece), Miniso (where I found a seriously sweet vintage'y-looking Cheer Bear that I couldn't resist! Woohoo!), JCPenney, and others. By the time we left the mall, I was excessively hungry so we stopped at the Cheesesteak Shop for lunch. (My legs were also a bit sore from yesterday, which added to the overall effect.)

Then we went home, where we took a brief breather before donning our Santa hats (thanks Walmart!) and driving to the Christmas tree lot. We meandered through rows of firs (I think they were mostly firs) before landing on the beauty to the right of the kiddos there in the picture). They also re-created their favorite pose --with a fair amount of difficulty, given that Brady is bigger than he used to be--in front of the big NOEL sign (not pictured as it's in contention for the Christmas card). 

And now the brositos are up in their rooms for the evening and Adam, Abby and I are watching the holiday classic "Daddy's Home 2", which happens to be one of my girl's favorite flicks. 

It's been a sweet day filled with the fulfillment of family traditions, and I am thankful.

November 23

Thanksgiving is such a beautiful holiday. Sure, it's a day for eating a lot of good food and for getting together with family and friends. But beyond that, it's a day that's specifically designated for recognizing blessings and expressing gratitude. And I love that because sometimes it's hard to remember to be thankful.

Anyhow, I guess you could divide my Thanksgiving this year into two distinct parts: the morning and the meal.

In the morning part of the program, the kiddos and I donned our race bibs and took part in the 9th Annual Tri-Valley Turkey Trot at the Sports Park. (I conceded to Brady's persistent "can we do it?" pleas.) Isaac and Brady ran together and finished first in our little group. Abby jogged much of the way and crossed the finish line a few minutes after her brothers. And I brought up the rear. For my actual runner-friends, my time isn't all that shiny, but a combined effort of jogging and walking led me to finish in 41:54. And I'm okay with that. Adam didn't join us --he was at home baking bread-- but he did serve as our chauffer, and I'm thankful for that contribution. I'm also thankful that I was able to finish the race and that I didn't get sick, as I'm not exactly in the greatest shape of my life.

Then there was the meal part, which took place at Adam's Aunt Peg and Uncle Russ' house from 12:30 to 5. We ate great food and enjoyed catching up with some of the extended family, including Adam's 96-year old grandmother.

And now we're home, sitting in the family room watching the Niners' game. (I guess I should call it the day's third phase, huh?) I'm feeling (over)full in belly and in heart, and I'm grateful for the busyness of the day. And I'm thankful for my amazing family and for how they make me laugh and how they challenge me and even how they frustrate me -- because it's in the midst of those challenges and frustrations that I eventually grow the most. Although I miss my sweet Logan and wish that he could be here with us physically, I'm so thankful that he was here and that he left his distinct, indelible mark on my life. And I'm thankful for Jesus and for His sacrifice, which means we'll see him again whenever Someday arrives.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. I'm thankful for you, too.

November 22

Yep, this picture looks a lot like yesterday's picture.

Only this time, instead of cards, we played the 2010-2020 edition of Trivial Pursuit. I ugly-lost. (Probably because I was in "just trying to survive" mode during that particular decade. But I digress.) Abby and Isaac were the co-winners. There was lots (and at times too much) chitter chatter and lots of chicanery.

It was, all in all, good fun. And I am thankful for another evening spent with my favorite people.

November 21

Abby got home from school very late last night. (Yay!)

So this morning she and I went to the Mother Ship and then hit up the usual stores. 

And then this afternoon I listened to the sounds of my babies playing Mario Kart in the living room. It was loud and crazy and almost too much for my sensitive ears. But it was wonderful nonetheless. And I left the bedroom door open a crack so I could hear the music of their madness.

And then this evening after dinner we sat around the kitchen table and, with the aid of a menagerie of stuffies, played several rounds of cards.

So today, I am grateful that God brought her back home safely, and that we can spend the week together.

November 20

This evening after dinner, I looked over at Brady and Isaac, who sat close together on the couch with their heads bent over a phone.

I was, as I have been many times in the past, struck by the sweetness of that moment. 

I'm not particularly close to either of my siblings; I love them, but we've never been "sit with our heads together and conspire" tight. But these two boys of mine -- they're most definitely co-conspirators. 

They don't always get along, but underneath the occasional squabbles and low-boil competitiveness that makes them snarkier than necessary at times, they're best buds. And I am grateful for that.

November 19

I took exactly one photo today, and this is it.

I don't remember exactly what was going on but we were in the car on the way home from church. I like it because it's very them: Isaac smiling, Brady looking devious.

It's just another random snapshot from another random day. And I am grateful for the randomness.

November 18

I was a bit cold this evening after the boys went up to bed, so I made myself a cup of tea. 

I'm usually a coffee girl (duh) but something about the waning hours of this intermittently rainy Fall day whispered "tea." So I rolled with the inclination.

And I'm glad that I did, because there's truly nothing quite like a sip of warm tea.

So for luxuries like hot drinks on cool evenings, I am grateful.

November 17

Isaac got home from school today and made pie.

And not just any pie: his first-ever scratch-made pumpkin pie. We haven't tasted it yet because it's still on the counter cooling, but it smells like deliciousness.

I don't know what prompted him to flex his baking muscles, but I'm proud of him for tackling a new kind of project. We so often grow via trial and error so the fact that he's willing to try is a blessing.

November 16

Isaac was kind of tired this afternoon.

He fell asleep in a recliner watching the Ravens beat the Bengals. (And he's still there now, in fact.)

Before that, he cuddled up next to Brady and his entourage on the couch. 

I took this image purely because I thought he looked so cute. Sometimes it's hard to believe that he's already 15 (and nearly 15 1/2), so I treasure the moments when he looks like a little boy again. I'm grateful for what is right now, but those reminders of what was provide such precious flashbacks.

November 15

It's not every day that someone I know turns 101 years old, and today was one of those very rare days as my grandma hit that infrequently achieved milestone.

We weren't there with her back in Maryland, of course, but the boys and I did FaceTime her after they got home from school to sing Happy Birthday. 

She's not nearly as with it as she was even just a year ago, but she still knew it was us; she instantly recognized her "baseball boys" and opined about the championships they'd no doubt win in the years to come. (She's always told them that their great-grandpa Roscoe would've been so thrilled to see them play.)

So for the blessing of her long life and for the positive impact she's had on mine over the years, I am very thankful. Happy 101st, Grandma!

November 14

I still love finding new Pixar Cars when I'm out and about.

But popularity with collectors is high and they can be hard to find, so I was happy to spot this guy on the pegs during a morning Target run today.

Logan loved Cars with Faces and I love them too. And I extra-love that every time I find a new one, it's like I'm re-connecting with that sweet boy of mine; I can hear his chirpy little voice reading "Todd the Shockster Maw-cus" and "Mildwed Bywane" from his Cars book. And I can see him making parking lots on the couch in our old family room.

Given that he's been gone for nearly 12 years now, having something that can provide that feeling of closeness and deliver those memories of sweet times with him is priceless. And I am grateful for the blessing.

November 13

Brady wasn't sure what to do with himself after he finished his homework this afternoon, so before he could think of playing a video game, I suggested he go outside and practice on the hit-a-way.

And that's what he did: he popped in his earbuds so he could listen to a baseball show, put on a beanie (since it was a bit chilly), and spent some time taking hacks at the ball-on-a-string.

I like that he actually took my suggestion. And I like that even though the baseball season is over, he's still working on his skill set. Both are blessings.

November 12

I think (well, the reality is that I know, but I'll say it this way anyway to soften it) that it's always bothered Isaac that Brady had won first place in a handful of baseball tournaments when he hadn't. He won a second place trophy as part of the runner-up team that played in the PLL AA Championship a number of years ago, but first place proved elusive. 

Until tonight, that is.

After a very, very long day in the Central Valley, the TVBR 15U team took home the championship in the tournament in which they were playing. (Don't ask what tournament it was because I honestly have no idea. I'm just a fan.) It was a fantastic way to end the fall season.

I trained my eyes on Isaac as the coach handed out the spoils of their victory --rings and t-shirts-- and had to stop myself from tearing up because he looked so, so happy. Genuinely, positively, kid-like happy. And given how he so often seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, it was so good for my mom-heart to see that joy bubbling to the surface.

November 11

This is an accurate representation of today: very similar views taken hours apart.

Both boys' teams were playing in their last tournaments of the fall season, so we got up early --like 7AM early, which is kind of icky for a Saturday-- and drove into the Central Valley. 

Isaac and the 15u's were up first with a pair of games in Ripon. Both contests were competitive, and they came away with a win and a loss. Isaac had some great catches in left field, and offensively notched a hit and a walk and scored two runs.

Then we drove to Manteca, where Brady and the 13u's played in an evening match-up. Although they battled and kept it close all throughout the game, they couldn't quite muster enough offense and lost 8-5. Brady spent most of his time patrolling centerfield and earned full-count walks during both of his plate appearances.

By the time we hit the road to head home (following a long stop in the Popeye's drive-thru, because apparently ordering a large quantity of nuggets causes delays), it was already nearly 9PM.

It was a long day out, but it was wonderful to be able to support my boys. So for the moments and for the time, I am thankful.

November 10

Brady's at a friend's house this evening so after dinner, we asked Isaac what he'd like to do. And he said he wanted to play a non-electronic (his words; I was shocked) game.

So that's what we did: we got out a deck of cards, made some hot cocoa, and played several rounds of Sevens and then a rousing game of Bluff (which was actually a game Adam and I knew by the more colorful name of BS).

It was really fun to spend some time with just our Isaac. He's something of a classic middle child in that he sometimes feels left out or forgotten or unimportant, so it was a sweet blessing to give him some two-on-one attention. And I am thankful for the opportunity to make him feel seen.

November 9

I hadn't had my hair done in over a year, but thanks to a nudge from my marvelous hair gal and a growing unspoken concern that I was beginning to resemble Medusa, I went in to tame the locks today.

And now I feel pretty fabulous. Ridiculous photo (I took it to send to Abby) and the increasing population of grays aside, it's so nice to feel put together again.

I've never been one to bang the self-care drum, but I do think it's important to take time to rest. So for those restful moments in the chair, the conversation with my gal while I was at the salon, and of course the cleaned-up 'do, I am grateful.

November 8

Although his finger is still a little sore, Brady went to practice tonight. He was very chatty during the drive home after and both boys were very chatty over dinner.

I know that time is absolutely flying by, so it was a blessing to be at the table with them as they chattered on about their respective days at school. I'd definitely prefer to hear too much over too little!

November 7

Since I'm still fighting cold-slash-allergy symptoms, I'm lying low when I can.

So after we returned from a date night outing to Costco, I settled into my usual chair and began working on my temperature blanket. I'm a few days behind since it was too big and heavy to take to Chicago, so I was playing catch-up. 

I still have a few more rows to go, but it's been really nice to get some work done. So for the ability to create and the drive to do it, I am thankful.

November 6

It was dark outside when we got home last night, so this morning when the boys remarked on how red the trees by the pool were, I went over to take a look.

Yep. A beautiful shade of orangey-red.

And like-trees dotted the side of the road as I drove the school drop-off route, too.

I'm always quick to tell people that there's no real Fall here, but that's not entirely true. No, for a week or so each year, we do have a handful of trees whose leaves transform into New England-inspired shades of vibrant.

So for those short peeks at that kind of beauty, I am thankful.

November 5

With Family Weekend in the books, the guys and I got up this morning, picked up a caramel brulee latte (my girl's seasonal favorite) from a Mother Ship, and headed over to campus to say our Seeya Laters. It's never easy to leave Abby there because she's so important to me, but I know it's where she belongs for now and I rest in that truth.

From there were headed to Midway, returned the rental truck, and boarded flight number one, which took us to Seattle. I've struggled with my allergies over the past few days so I was a little concerned over how I'd fare, but I wound up being more or less okay. And a bonus of us having terrible boarding positions that left us sitting in different rows was that I got to listen to Isaac talking with his seatmate, who was returning home to Washington but actually lived in Pleasanton several decades ago. I was struck by how naturally the conversation between them flowed and I was so proud of Isaac for listening and asking her questions and engaging like he did.

The second leg of the journey wasn't quite as awesome; the persistent stabbing pains in both eardrums began the second we started our descent into Oakland. And even now, more than two hours later, my ears still haven't popped and I can't hear much of anything. 

But we're home safely. And we had a great time with Abby. So all things considered, I am thankful. 

November 4

It was a family day here in Wheaton.

We started off with brunch at Saga. (Abby, ever-sick of dining hall food, agreed to go along with her brothers' desire for unlimited breakfast on-campus as long as we got lunch later somewhere else. Deal.)

From there we headed over to Fox Bowl for some blacklight bowling action, where Isaac overcame a rocky start to dominate the game. (I, for the record, brought up the rear.) Then we stopped at Culver's for said-lunch (or if you were me, pretzel bites) before fitting in some nature-time via a short walk around Herrick Lake to view what's left of the fall foliage. Our first of three Target runs followed (because we heart that glorious store and there are so many of them here) and then we pit stopped at the hotel so the boys could burn off some energy in the fitness room. 

We closed the day out with more Target love, Chipotle (after trying and failing to get tables at both Benihana and Olive Garden), and the Rainbow Cone. 

Although my allergies are ugly-flaring, I can reflect and say with certainty that it was a really nice day of just being together. We had plenty of laughs (like when Brady very calmly explained what, precisely, is meant by the phrase "drops of Jupiter"), got exercise, and amused ourselves with video game demos at Target. We are so blessed, and I am so grateful.

November 3

Today is Abby's 19th birthday. Nineteen! Wow. Just typing that out is utterly weird.

The whole Wheaton Family Weekend thing blessed us with the opportunity to celebrate with her, so that's what we did. And hopefully she had a good day.

Us travelers arose late (since getting in at nearly 2AM will subvert many a well-laid plan). After Adam secured coffee for me and wrapping paper for gifts, we headed over to campus and sat for a while in the student center before meeting Abby outside her early afternoon class at about 12:30. (The photo in the top lefthand corner commemorates that moment.) From there we scooted over to her room so she could drop off her backpack and the presents we brought along. And then it was off to On the Border for lunch, Costco for brie and danish (big items on her wish list), and Target, well, because Target is awesome. Multiple times during our outings, Isaac and Brady hopped into the truck bed and danced. (Clearly we missed the mark not raising them in the country.)

Then it was back to her room to chill before dinner --Red Robin this time-- where she secured her second birthday sundae of the day and a pink balloon on a stick. And then we trooped through another Target for cutlery so we could actually eat the cheesecake she selected for her official song+cake birthday dessert. And then there were presents and said-cake and a trip for me into her suitemates' room to see the storied Wall of Men. (And a glorious wall it is.)

And now we're back in our hotel room. Someone's in the shower and someone else is watching TV but it's fairly quiet and I'm trying to let the words come but they're kind of just trickling out. The bottom line? It's truly amazing that Abby is already 19. I'm not entirely sure where all that time went, but I'm so proud of who she is today. She's smart and kind and patient and understanding and loving and contemplative and funny and beautiful. She's every single one of those things and so, so much more.  God has blessed her with so many gifts. 

I am blessed to be her mom. Happy birthday, Abby. I love you!

November 2

Following a longer-than-planned day of travel, we're finally settled into our hotel room near Wheaton. And tomorrow (which is actually today, but that's splitting hairs) we'll see Abby! And celebrate her 19th birthday (which very conveniently lined up with Family Weekend this year).

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Today's delays actually weren't with the actual travel. Our first flight to LAX was on time (and marvelously empty). Our connector to Chicago was 30ish minutes late taking off, but I sat next to a very nice woman and we chatted a little. When we arrived at Midway we got our bags quickly (take notice, Oakland Airport) and hopped on the rental car shuttle in near-record time.

But that's when the trouble started. Although it was nearly 11 PM, the shuttle was stuffed to the gills with other travelers, and when we arrived at the facility, the line was literally 20-plus people deep. And, as is so often the case with rental car counters, there was one employee working and said-employee was moving at a pace of about 10 minutes per customer. So we waited. And waited. And waited. 

About two hours later --at a few ticks short of 1 AM-- a manager appeared to tell us that they had only pickup trucks remaining. Fortunately they were honkin' huge pickup trucks of the four-door variety so we said fine and took it and that was that. 

But the whole experience had me thinking about some of the obvious work God has done in my life. I used to be relatively quick to anger, especially when I felt like I was being treated unjustly. But somehow, I didn't get mad today. I laughed maniacally at one point over the sheer absurdity of how the rental car industry tends to treat people like cattle, but I didn't get mad. In fact, this is the picture I sent Abby as we neared the front of the line.

And me not getting mad in that kind of potentially incendiary situation -- that's miraculous. That's God. And given that not getting mad saved me from the unpleasant experience of recovering from having gotten mad, I am grateful.

And now I'm closing up shop and going to bed, because I have no idea if any of that made any sense.

November 1

We're going to visit Abby tomorrow and I needed to check in for our flight 24 hours in advance. 

I was dozing in the family room when the hour arrived this afternoon, but fortunately I'd remembered to set an alarm on my phone first.

So today, I'm grateful that phones come standard with alarm clocks. And I'm thankful that I actually remembered to set mine and that I was able to check in on time.

They're small things, yes, but big blessings nonetheless.