December 21

Every year for as long as I can remember, we've spent part of an evening driving around and looking at Christmas lights.

Tonight was the night. After Isaac finished his third (and final!) driving lesson, we loaded into Charles the Explorer and headed out. We checked out a selection of displays here in the valley, and stopped partway through for dinner from the Wendy's drive-thru. (I had no idea that Son of Baconator was a thing but apparently it is. Go figure.)

Anyway, we saw a mix of old favorites and new offerings, and it was a peaceful outing. All in all, it seemed like there were more lights than usual this year, and in particular, more joint efforts across multiple neighbors. The latter surprised me, given how divided we all seem to be these days, but it also gave me hope for the future. If we can find common ground in Christmas lights, maybe we can find it in other places, too.

December 20

And just like that, the first semester is over. Abby is three semesters from finishing her Bachelor's degree in English writing. Isaac is three semesters from high school graduation. Brady is one semester from starting high school. And Logan... well, Logan is perpetually five and a half years old and always in and on my heart, especially now as I take the time to look back at photos from Christmases past and remember how much joy he brought into my life. How. I. Miss. That. Child. How I wish that chapter of my story played out differently.

But I suppose that missing him makes me appreciate the present a bit more, so here's a photo of the rest of us from today during our usual end-of-semester post-school lunch outing to Mountain Mike's. 

It was, all in all, a successful semester for these three. The grades were (mostly) solid, but the continued personal growth and development for each of them has been outstanding. 

I've said it numerous times before, but I'm so very proud of them. I'm proud of how they tackle tasks (even ones they'd rather avoid), and I'm more proud of how they conduct themselves. And I'm most proud of how they love each other and their friends. They are blessings.

December 19

The cold I have is kicking my bum a bit, so I laid as low as I could this afternoon and fortunately felt a little better following a nap.

And then this evening, Abby got home from school for Winter Break! There was much enthusiastic merrymaking upon her arrival; Isaac was up in the shower, but Brady danced around the kitchen. A few minutes later, I caught them hugging with no adult provocation. And then when Isaac came down, he was wearing the Cheer Fan Shirt she brought back for him. The mood was frenetic and upbeat.

And they all complied when I told them I wanted a picture.

So for this scene right here --for these amazing young people I am so humbled to call my kiddos-- I am so grateful.

December 18

It was a chilly day for December in Northern California; the kind of cool that seeps underneath layers of clothing. The kind of cool that I'm more likely to associate with Maryland than here.

I'm currently dealing with a cold that one of my sweet boys shared with me earlier this week so I tried to lie low this afternoon, but I couldn't help but notice this classic Winter (well, almost Winter) sky as I looked out the window this evening.

It "looks" cold (if that makes sense), but it's still pretty. And I'm grateful for some loveliness when I'm feeling under the weather.

December 17

I own a lot of Christmas ornaments. Old ones, news ones, mass-produced ones, homemade ones, big ones, little ones, loud ones, quiet ones, sturdy ones, delicate ones. 

But my absolute favorites are are the ones that my kids made, and the ones that I (or Adam) created via Shutterfly that feature photos of our family over the years.

Last week I began decorating our family room tree with just those special pieces, and I've started to silently refer to it as our Family Tree. I smile every time I walk by it and see Logan's face peeking out from behind a branch, and I laugh when I see the big group photo of my side of the family at my brother's house in 2021. 

They're good memories, and I'm blessed that I can literally just turn my head and look at them right now.

December 16

Brady went over to Jackson's house to work out this afternoon (because that's what they do these days) and then afterward, they went for a bike ride.

At one point he texted to tell me to look out the window, so I did. And I saw him ride by on his bike. He had a big grin on his face and I could tell from his posture that he was having fun -- a lot of fun, really.

I feel a bit bad that he didn't have a bicycle earlier; bike-riding was, after all, a huge part of my growing-up years. We'd ride up and down the path behind our house --which was known as The Cobra for its succession of rises and falls-- and up and down the street and around the lake. Everywhere. I think we practically lived on our bikes during those summer months when I was around his age.

But lateness aside, I'm so grateful and glad that he's enjoying it and that he's having those experiences now. It's a gift to watch him have fun, and to know that it's an activity that he can enjoys with his pals.

December 15

Brady needed a helmet in order to use his bike (slight oversight on my part) so he and I headed over to Dick's after church to buy one.

While we were out and about, I stopped at Target (purely because it's Target and Target is wonderful). On the way back out to the car, Brady mentioned that he remembered sitting on the big red dots outside when he was a little kid. So I told him he should sit on one right then and there, and he did without hesitation. At 5-9 1/2 (his height when we measured him last night), the task was much easier than it was way back then, but it was still kinda fun to see him sitting there.

Sweet, unexpected little moments that trigger nostalgic memories are blessings. (As are kids who humor me when I ask them to do silly things just for old times' sake.)

December 14

Today is Brady's 14th birthday.

It's absolutely insane to me that my baby --that cute little blonde-haired toddler who once flashed a huge cheeser grin for me while standing in a wagon-- is already 14. But here we are.

It was --I think, anyway-- a good day for our youngest. When I finally arose after 9, he announced --with an impressive degree of frenetic energy-- that he'd already been up for eight hours, courtesy of both the rollicking wind-and-thunderstorm that rolled through overnight and some unfortunate nasal congestion. 

He plowed through a Krispy Kreme donut and an alarming number of turkey sausages for breakfast before returning to his room for some video game time. Lunch was --after much consideration-- French toast sticks (because he loves French toast in any form) from Jack in the Box, which he ate while Adam fired up the throwback mini Atari system I gave him last year for Christmas. Brady and Isaac found the joystick controllers... what was the word? "So ridiculously low-tech," I think they said. I was amused.

Dinner was at the Cheesecake Factory, and then Abby joined us via video call for chocolate-chocolate cake with mint ice cream and presents. The big gift --which was the unnamed "secret mission" I referenced in yesterday's entry-- was a bike (and not an e-bike; an old-school bike-bike), which Adam and Isaac impressively hauled up from the garage and plunked down in front of him in the family room. He's looking forward to riding with his pals.

I think that last line is the part of him being 14 that's strangest to me: he's looking forward to riding with his pals. To being out and about and free. He's always had friends, but him spending significant amounts of time out with them (and on the phone with them) is new. It's a good thing, of course, because good friends are a blessing and I think his friends are good kids. But it's also weird because he's my baby. And he's growing up and going out without me. I'm not entirely sure how to process that truth just yet. But I'm getting there.

Anyway, that was his day. My mixed feelings about him growing up aside, I'm so proud of who he is and feel so blessed to be his mom. He's intelligent and incredibly funny (when the mood strikes) and sensitive, even if he doesn't often let that last part show. He works hard and always wants to do well, so much so that I'm regularly reminding him that it's okay to be imperfect, because Jesus was the only perfect person who's ever walked the earth. My prayer for him is that he will know what a treasure he truly is and has been since the moment I found out he was on his way.

Happy 14 on the 14th, Brady! I love you.

December 13

I had a secret mission downtown this evening and took Isaac along for the ride. (And to help. I know it looks suspect but he's just stretching in the photo.)

Since it's a Friday night AND since it's the Christmas season, downtown was bustling and I worried that parking would be a challenge. We passed by our destination and then a moment later, a car signaled to exit its parallel parking space just in front of me. So I slipped right in, just like that.

I needed that spot in order to accomplish my mission, so I'm grateful to God that it became available at the precise moment it did. It was a small thing, but a very helpful blessing.

December 12

I was crocheting in my room earlier this evening when Isaac sauntered in (because Isaac often saunters) and sat down on the bed.

After a minute or two of silence, he began asking questions about my side of the family. How old was I when my parents got divorced? What was Uncle Bobby like when we were growing up? Was I closer to him or to Uncle Charlie? I answered his questions and then he went silent again.

And then he pulled out his phone, went to the family tree wiki (which I didn't even know existed), and began mapping out Adam's dad's lineage. And he shared his findings as he went along.

I love this kid. I'm grateful that he's interested in his family history. And I'm more grateful that at 16 --when so many kiddos actively avoid their parental units-- he's willing to plunk down on my bed with me and just hang out. That's a pretty cool blessing.

December 11

I crocheted a light blue poncho out of a few skeins of beautiful bamboo yarn earlier this year. I've never been a big poncho girl, but I decided I like this one enough to keep it. I told myself it'd look cute over a plain white shirt or lightweight sweater, but since I didn't own one of those, it's been living on a hanger in my closet.

And today, while I was at Costco looking for something else entirely, I happened to walk by a table that promised v-neck sweaters for $6.97. I immediately thought of my poncho and then noticed the all-caps additional text on the sign --NO SMALL OR MEDIUM-- and started to walk away. 

But then I saw this --an errant Medium, just the size that I wanted-- sitting atop the pile. I scooped it up and checked out (and yes, when I got home I tried it on and it will work well).

Anyway, to my point: God wants us to be grateful for the big gifts He gives us; for our health and our families and our friends and our homes and our jobs. That's a given. But He also wants us to be grateful for the very small things, like a Medium-sized sweater that pairs well with a handmade poncho. And I am.

December 10

I have to tell y'all: God always comes through when I'm feeling discouraged. It may take a while and I may not find the inspiration I need in the places I expect to find it, but He always gets His message across. And sometimes He gets those messages across in rapid-fire style.

So with that little preamble out there, I'll share about three unexpected God-infused interactions that I had during my visit to the Mother Ship this morning.

Interaction number one was with a lovely young mom and her almost one-year old son. Jocelyn sat across from me in one of the comfy chairs in the corner and attempted to give her baby a bottle, but he was far too interested in staring at me to eat. So she and I chatted. I complimented his rapt attention and focus and she told me about how they're going to go to Mexico --where she's from-- to have him baptized for his first birthday later this month because she's so grateful that he's alive. Because,  she told me, he was born two months early and spent six weeks in the NICU at --wait for it-- CHO. Where we spent so much time with our sweet Logan. So I in turn shared a bit about him and us and we commiserated over how utterly exhausting Hospital Life is and over the trauma that lingers even after The Stay ends. And I assured her that one day, when the time is ready, God will use her experience to help someone else through a hard time. And then, before she left, she complimented my work in progress, which I'd pulled out to show her after noticing the lovely, soft handmade blanket that was wrapped around her son.

Exchange number two followed not long after number one as a woman I'd never met got my attention to tell me how pretty my work was. I thanked her, and she smiled and asked if I, like her, have multiple projects going on at once. We had a very brief but pleasant interaction and then she headed out.

The final exchange involved my friend Rob, whose wife passed away earlier this year. He's a very open kind of guy, and told me that although he was feeling good today, yesterday was a different story. And he expressed frustration over how he'll be feeling fine but then, out of the blue, the tears will come for no discernible reason. I nodded and listened and teared up more than once, because oh, my heart. I do so understand. And then I assured him that even though I know he feels like he must be crazy, he's not. And I told him that when he feels the negative thoughts press in on him, to tell the Devil "not today." He liked that and said he'd try it. And I told him to just keep on trying, even when it feels like it's not working or when it's hard. When he left, he gave me a big hug. 

So what made all of these exchanges so remarkable? Well for one, none of these people knew it, but I've been wondering if I'm just wasting time crocheting and if anyone would really want anything I make. So those unanticipated compliments meant something. And for another, I've been thinking of Logan a lot lately and lamenting that things didn't go differently for us. But being able to use my experience to encourage others means a lot to me because it makes his death feel just a little less pointless. 

So yes, I'd say God showed up today for me in tangible, real ways, through multiple people. And I am grateful.

December 9

I did a little bit of decorating in the dining room yesterday while Brady was at a friend's house and Adam and Isaac were at the bookstore.

I didn't really pause to look at my work until this evening, after Isaac had settled in behind my snowy scene to do homework.

When I finally took a gander, I was pleased with what I saw. It doesn't get cold enough to snow here, but I remember how beautiful the white stuff can be when it's freshly fallen and glimmering under the soft glow of street lights.

And this little Lego scene arranged on a bed of glittering white "snow" (also known as a sparkle-threaded pair of table runners I picked up from Hobby Lobby on super sale after Christmas last year) helps me to recall and connect with those old, nostalgic feelings. So for the gift of small things that point to joyful times from my yesterdays, I am grateful.

December 8

During the season of Advent --the weeks leading up to the birth of Christ on Christmas Day-- our church does what many others do and has various members of the congregation light the candles on the advent wreath each Sunday.

This morning an absolutely precious little family --a dad and his three young children-- took care of the task. Each of the children took part in the reading and the eldest daughter lit the candles. And I, for a reason I can't quite put my finger on, was nearly overcome by emotion by the sight.

Maybe it was because they reminded me of the life with multiple small, wiggly children that was once mine. Or maybe it was because Jesus said to let the little children come to Him, and that's what they were doing. 

But regardless of the precise explanation for my reaction, I'm grateful for the experience, because it was beautiful in the purest way possible.

December 7

This afternoon we drove (or maybe I should say "Isaac drove us") up to Lafayette so we could help Adam's parents decorate their Christmas tree. 

And we --along with said-in-laws and Adam's brother's family-- did indeed adorn their very (very) tall tree with an array of ornaments while we chit-chatted and munched on cookies and popcorn.

And then at one point, as the decorating action was winding down, Isaac, Theo, and Melody decided to stack themselves on a chair by the fireplace. A moment later, Brady and Asher joined in. And unsurprisingly, hilarity ensued.

While it's a bummer that our kids didn't get to grow up geographically close their cousins on my side (especially since they get along so, so well when they are together), I'm glad that Theo, Asher, and Melody are nearby. Family can be complicated sometimes, but it's definitely a blessing, too.

December 6

I very nearly forgot about the Christmas tea at church this morning. And then a couple of guys from church walked by me as I sat in my spot at the Mother Ship and --zap!-- I suddenly remembered.

And I'm so glad that I did. 

I got to eat this yummy slice of cake (and a mini peanut butter cup) and drink tea, of course. And I got to play a few games (and win a few prizes). And I got to listen to speakers share wisdom about the season and its rich meaning.

But I also got to sit next to an absolutely precious three-month old baby. I'm not posting his picture out of respect for his mama's feelings about social media, but he's seriously one of the cutest babies ever. He was so expressive and quiet and darling that it was impossible to not smile at his little coos and fleeting smiles.

There are many challenges inherent in day to day life, but it is such a blessing to watch a baby as he experiences the world. 

December 5

I sat in my customary corner spot at Starbucks this morning, situated my stuff, took a sip of my coffee, and... aaaah.

There's something amazingly delicious about a fresh, steaming hot cuppa joe doctored up with raw sugar and oat milk to begin a new day. 

It's calming. And I'm thankful to be able to start my days with a moment of relaxation. (And cranberry bliss bars. Those too.)

December 4

I didn't really notice that Isaac and I were twinning today until after he got home from school this afternoon.

So naturally I had to take a pic. 

I bought him this particular shirt on Black Friday, so it was satisfying that he actually wore it. (He's more of an athletic wear kind of kid so I'm never quite sure if button-downs will work.) And it's more satisfying that he didn't immediately change when he realized I was wearing something similar. 

Anyway, it was reminder to me that although we definitely have our differences, we're alike in some notable ways, too. And we can always find common ground.

December 3

Adam and I enjoyed a lovely dinner out at one of our usual spots downtown. (Strizzi's, Abby.)

When we headed back out to the car after we'd taken our last bites of chicken parmesan (me) and lasagna (him) and settled the check, I was struck once again by the loveliness of our little town. It may not snow where we are, but with the winter-themed lights and the soon-to-be-lit Christmas tree that stretches high above Main Street, it's a charming, vaguely old-timey place to call home. 

And I am grateful for that sense of vintage sweetness.

December 2

Brady said grace before dinner tonight.

(This is just a representative image since I didn't take a pic in the moment; here, he's playing a video game with his pal Liam.)

Anyway, at the end of said-prayer, he added something special: "thank you for bringing Abby back to us safely last week."

My heart melted right then and there. 

I am, as is so often the case, touched by his care for her. He may not express it overtly, but I know it's there. And it's such a sweet blessing.

December 1

Abby flew back to Chicago this morning to finish her fall semester at Wheaton. This go-round, the whole fam got up and made the trip to send her off.

But before we left, while they were all milling about the kitchen, the boys wrapped her up in a sweet sibling embrace.

They may not get along every second of every day, but I know they love and appreciate one another. And that no matter what may come, they will have each other's backs. And for that not-small blessing, I am so grateful.

November 30

It was another mostly quiet post-Thanksgiving day at home with our chicks.

There was a viewing of the original "Miracle on 34th Street" in the morning, various rounds of video games played in the afternoon, and a screening of "White Christmas" while decorating gingerbread men in the evening after dinner. (In case you wondered, when you inadvertently omit sugar from gingerbread dough, the resulting cookies are very crunchy but still delicious, especially when they're adorned with copious sprinkles.)

It was a sweet Christmas-inspired day with my peeps. And I'm grateful for the moments, especially since Abby heads back to school tomorrow to finish out the first semester of her junior year.

November 29

I genuinely look forward to Black Friday each year, and the 2024 edition was no disappointment.

Abby and I headed out to begin our shopping extravaganza at a little before 8 AM. We started off at the Mother Ship (of course) with an oat milk peppermint mocha (for me) and a hot cocoa (for her). From there we made stops at Walmart, Five Below, Ulta, Old Navy, Target, JoAnn, Wendy's (for a salted caramel Frosty for her --which she proclaimed tasty-- and a diet cherry vanilla Coke for me), and a variety of stores inside the mall. The longest line we experienced was (by far) at JC Penney, but even that one moved pretty well. We finished up with lunch at the Cheesesteak Shop to appease my girl's desire for beef and cheese. 

After a mid-size pitstop at home --where Adam had erected the artificial tree in the front window and put out decorations by the front door in our absence-- we headed back out with our boys to choose a family room Christmas tree. We took some photos and trolled the lot for the perfect pine (or maybe it's a fir; my tree identification skills have faded with age) before making our choice and hauling it home on the roof. Adam got it set up with an assist from Isaac, and I dozed while the kiddos played Mario Kart.

Then this evening it was a screening of "Daddy's Home 2" --which Abby dubbed her favorite Christmas film-- while we dined on takeout cuisine from Black Bear Diner.

And now, well, now I'm pretty tired. But my heart feels full and I know I am blessed. So for all of that --for a heart brimming with gratitude for a great shopping trip with my daughter, a visit to the tree lot that conjured up memories of my sweet Logan, and time laughing at the antics of Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg-- I am very thankful.

November 28

I try to express gratitude on the daily, but a day expressly devoted to remembering how and why we're blessed is a beautiful thing.

And so our Thanksgiving was just that: beautiful. And quite simple, too.

I got up early to shuttle Terry to the airport, and then returned home just in time to head over to the Sports Park with the kiddos and Brady's pal Jackson to take part in this year's Turkey Burn 5K. While Abby jogged the whole thing and Brady and Jackson did a mix of walking and jogging, Isaac and I took the path of least resistance and walked it from start to finish. He and I completed the race in almost exactly an hour, and I didn't feel like I was going to keel over, so I call it a win.

When we got back home, I fell asleep in the family room for a few hours and awoke just in time to get dressed for 4pm dinner at Adam's parents' house. It was something of a smaller group than usual this year, but it was still a nice event marked by great food and excellent conversation with family.

And now we're back at our house watching "Christmas Vacation" like we do every year on Thanksgiving evening. It's familiar and comfortable and sweet to look around the dimmed room and see my husband and my babies huddled under blankets watching a movie we've seen many times over.

So yes, it was a beautiful, blessed day with (most of -- if only Logan could be here) my favorite people. 

November 27

It was a quiet day, for the most part. 

The big highlight, of course, was spending time with my girl, which included a stop at the Mother Ship for morning beverages and one at Target (because it's Target). 

And then, later in the day, I got to listen to the music of her playing Mario Kart with Isaac in the living room. And then we all watched "Daddy's Home," and I was silently but greatly amused by how much Will Ferrell's brand of comedy made Isaac laugh aloud.

There were happy sounds all around. And I am grateful for them.

November 26

We all piled into the car after dinner tonight to head to Oakland, where we picked up Abby for Thanksgiving break.

The terminal was packed with cars and people, but fortunately we spotted her standing there waiting for us fairly quickly. 

It's so wonderful to have our first chick under our roof yet again. It's a quick trip for sure, but I'm looking forward to enjoying good food, starting off the Christmas season, and engaging in our girly traditions.

And I'm grateful she's able to be here with us to experience all of those blessings -- and to be a blessing to us.

November 25

At some point this afternoon, I was sitting in my usual spot in the family room when Isaac appeared and tucked my stuffed Pusheen under my arm.

I don't remember exactly what he said, but it was something along the lines of "you should sit together." He smiled and then wandered off again.

I thought it was a sweet gesture. An unexpected expression of care. And I'm thankful for his thoughtful, gentle spirit.

November 24

It was a mostly quiet day, comprised of church and a trio of football games on TV and a walk around the 'hood.

And some more work on a new crochet project I started yesterday.

I really enjoy the process of creating new pieces. I'm following an actual pattern this time, but I had to choose the colors and their order of use. And, of course, I also have to do the stitching. 

It's soothing to me. And I am grateful for both the feeling and for the ability to create.

November 23

We had a small group at Prayer Shawl this morning, but it was a good group.

I know I've written this before, but I love these ladies (and the ones who were absent). They're all talented crocheters and knitters, of course, but they're also rich with wisdom about life and faith.

Spending time with them and listening to them as they share their experiences --even just an hour on a Saturday morning once a month or so-- is such a blessing to me as a woman and a mom.

November 22

I took my current crochet work-in-progress with me to the Mother Ship this morning so I could work on it. And given that I carried it in inside a zipperless bag, I hoped that the rain would hold off until after I was ready to leave.

And it did... by about two seconds. 

The sky was grey and the atmosphere felt primed to release its bounty when I stepped back outside, but it held off as I bustled back to my car. I put my bag on the passenger seat and opened the rear door to place a cup of water in the boys' cup holder. And then, as I closed myself inside with a click a moment later, a cascade of fat drops splatted against my windshield. Phew.

I looked over at my (dry) project and breathed a prayer of thanksgiving for the timing. The experience reminded me that God cares about the little things.

November 21

The sky this morning was interesting and rather beautiful (and although I didn't see it, I hear the sunrise was stunning).

Shades of vibrant blue and speckles of white made a lovely backdrop for the gathering of scores of pregnant grey clouds that hinted at the eventual release of rain. (And I say "hinted" because as of now, it hasn't yet begun, but it's definitely on the way.)

The sky, I think, is God's canvas. Every single day He paints thousands of new paintings for us to enjoy for free.

November 20

I have to be honest: I've been in something of a funk lately. I feel fine, but I'm just not noticing the little God winks as much as I should be. 

So I'll use this pic I took with Brady this morning. And I'll share a reason that he's a blessing: when he got in the car this afternoon, he announced that he planned to help his friend Jackson become a great pitcher before baseball starts this coming Spring. He detailed their after-school plans (which were pretty extensive, so we'll see how that goes) and seemed genuinely interested in helping him out by passing on the wisdom and suggestions he's gotten from his own pitching coach. And then, shortly after we got home, he headed off to the park to begin their quest.

Pretty cool, I think.

November 19

I may have spent my formative years in a place where it snows, but I've become progressively less cold-tolerant as I've aged.

So ironically, this was Brady when I dropped him off at school this morning. He was wearing shorts. And it was 36 degrees.

I just shrugged and half-laughed to myself as he walked away.

My kids are definitely their own people with their own preferences and opinions. And I think that's just fine, because God created us to be our own unique selves. I may not understand their choices at times, but I'm blessed to be able to watch them learn and grow nonetheless.

November 18

We were watching the Manning brothers' coverage of the Monday Night Football game this evening when Adam felt compelled to watch the SNL skits featuring Peyton and Eli.

So we did, and he cackled like a mad man the entire time. 

My husband's laugh is incredibly loud and hearty and contagious. He doesn't let loose with it very often, but when he does, it's quite the experience. And it makes me laugh almost as much as whatever it is that's supposed to be funny.

Given the heaviness of life, this trait of his is a gift.

November 17

Brady went over to his friend Liam's house after church today so just Isaac joined us to watch the 49er game.

He settled into his spot on the couch with his Slime Dog and his comfy checked blanket to take in the action.

Although the game didn't end well and he found that truth frustrating, it was still sweet to have him in the room with us because time together is a blessing.

November 16

I joined these guys for a walk around the neighborhood this afternoon.

Initially I "let" them walk ahead because I'm the short one in our bunch and I couldn't keep up. (That's an ego check.) But I stayed behind them --even after they deliberately slowed their pace so I could catch up-- because I enjoyed watching them have some one on one time. I could only hear snippets of conversation, but I could tell that both of them were smiling. And that they were having a good time together as father and son.

And although I like being part of the conversation, it was a bigger blessing to me today to sit back and watch two of my guys bond.

November 15

The boys had an event at church tonight, so since a brain goof on my part meant we didn't get date-night earlier this week, we took the opportunity to go out this evening instead.

We enjoyed conversation over dinner; he shared a little about work while I talked about my shoulder (which I injured several months ago and am just now getting around to having checked out; that discomfort is what caused the unnatural, pinched look on my face here). And we toasted my grandma, who would've turned 102 today.

It was a pleasant evening and I'm grateful for the one on one time with my hunny.

November 14

I know a lot of people are afraid of God, and that's understandable. But I also think He can be pretty funny sometimes.

Like this afternoon when I looked up while I waited in the middle school pickup line and noticed this interesting cloud formation. 

To my eyes, it was a bunny, complete with long ears and a cottontail.

It made me grin. 

Given that this life can often be frustrating, I was grateful for such a lighthearted moment.

November 13

I was perusing Amazon late one night a few months back when I came across a sale on Ancestry DNA kits. I'd waffled on taking a test for a long while, so I bit the proverbial bullet, bought one, and sent in my sample. And today, I got the results.

And officially, I am, as Isaac and Brady put it, the "whitest of white people," which means that I'm 100% Western European: a nearly even split between British and Germanic European with a bit of Scottish, French, and Welsh tossed in for good measure. Save the "Switzerland" subcategory that accompanied the Germanic European designation (because that I didn't know), it's more or less what I expected, given what I'd heard from both sides of my family over the years.

But it was still really interesting and even a little exciting to get a peek of God's blueprint for my make-up spelled out right there on the screen of my laptop.

November 12

I had a hair appointment downtown this morning and afterward, I decided to take a short stroll along Main Street.

A friend once noted --after moving away and then coming back for a visit-- that it's truly a lovely town. And she was right, although I'll be the first to admit that I don't always notice or fully appreciate just how charming it is (or at least how charming it can be). I mean, if you zoom in on the image, you'll see that there's a person in the truck's aerial lift painstakingly stringing lights on the town's giant Christmas tree. How Hallmark is that?

So today I'm thankful that my eyes were opened to see those sweet little details.

November 11

We had our first good, soaking rain of the season this morning.

I know that's not much of a big deal to a lot of you (and in fact, you may be wishing that it would just stop raining already), but it literally does not rain here from May through October or November. So when the cycle starts anew, it's exciting. And it's especially exciting when the hills are crusty and brown and the fire danger is high (as it has been of late).

So yes: I'm grateful for the blessing of rain and thankful to God for sending it to revitalize the land.

November 10

It took a while because of all of those 100+ degree days we suffered through last month, but Fall is definitely here. Finally.

And this particular tree is one of my favorite annual sights. I see it when we leave for school each morning, so I've watched it get redder and redder over the past week. And I saw it again this afternoon when Adam and I enjoyed a walk around the 'hood.

I am grateful for this kind of beauty. The full color may sometimes take longer than expected to develop, but it's always worth the wait.

November 9

Isaac loves Young Life camp so I wasn't surprised when he wanted to go to the session offered today through Monday.

I drove him over to Livermore for the group's morning departure, and he immediately met up with the four other boys from his school who were going (which, by the by, is a record number of attendees from Amador Valley). And they're all his friends. 

And they're all going because Isaac took a leap and went by himself --without knowing anyone else-- a few summers ago and had a blast and told all of his friends how great it was. And encouraged them to go, too.

It just goes to show how much impact one person can have. And I hope Isaac knows what a blessing he truly is to others.

November 8

Brady hung out with his friend Jackson for a few hours after school today. By the time he texted to ask me to pick him up, Isaac was more than ready to see his little bro. In fact, he even asked to go along for the ride.

And then when we got home, the usual hilarity ensued. I have no idea what they were trying to accomplish, but they were laughing so I figured it was all in good fun.

I love their love for one another. I love my brothers, but these two share a special bond that I don't fully understand. And I'm grateful that they have that connection.

November 7

Brady had a pitching lesson in Dublin right after pick-up today, so Isaac had to come along.

He was in a jovial mood, so we got out of the car and took a few laps around the diamond. As we strolled, he told me about his day at school. Or maybe more accurately, he briefly told me about PE, and then talked at length about the test he had in AP US History.

This kiddo has a real passion for history. He loved AP World last year, so signing up for APUSH seemed like a no-brainer. And so far, he's really enjoying the material.

It's a blessing to see my children light up when they're sharing about a topic they love.

November 6

It's Wednesday so Brady and I had our customary outing to the Mother Ship this morning.

There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the event, but it made me realize --for the umpteenth time-- that I am blessed to be his mom; that I'm blessed to be Abby's mom and Isaac's mom and Logan's mom, too.

Parenthood certainly has its difficulties, but the benefits of watching your children grow and mature over time --no matter how long or short that span may be-- far outweigh the challenges.

November 5

On the kind of day that can often bring out the very worst in humanity --a Presidential election day-- it was soothing to look out into my backyard this afternoon and realize that Fall in all of its colorful splendor has finally arrived:

May this image remind us that different shades and textures can indeed come together to create a stunningly beautiful reality. May it be so in the days and weeks and months to come.

November 4

After a nice weekend of celebrating both Abby's 20th birthday and family weekend in Wheaton, the boys and I headed back to the west coast this morning. And I was blessed with an unexpected surprise along the way.

See, we wound up with pretty terrible boarding positions for our first flight (from Midway to Las Vegas. Think mid C-group on Southwest. I was pretty horrified that checking in 15 seconds after the window opened could yield such awful results but that's how the ball bounces, I guess). I was convinced that we'd all wind up in middle seats spread throughout the plane and although I didn't like the idea, I'd more or less made peace with it.

Anyway, a moment after I boarded (and confirmed with the flight attendant at the door that there were only middles left), I spotted an empty one in the second row, made eye contact with the man seated in the aisle, and asked if I could squeeze by. Much to my surprise, he replied "wouldn't you rather have the aisle?" and moved to the center seat. I was confused for a moment, and then he gestured to the rather large suitcase he'd stuffed under the center seat and explained that his bag wouldn't find under the aisle seat. So I was the beneficiary of his too-big bag situation. After I got beyond the slack-jawed surprised reaction, I (and my knees, which get stiff and painful when I can't bend them for extended periods of time) thanked him profusely. 

Mary's sermon about justice, mercy, and grace came back to me yet again in that moment. I did nothing to deserve the gift that came in the form of that aisle seat, but I got it anyway. That's grace. And grace is a beautiful, beautiful blessing. (Just ask my knees.)

November 3

Abby is 20. Twenty, which means we became parents 20 years ago. In some ways it feels like minutes; in others, closer to a century. 

All in all it was a laid back kind of birthday for my girl. We picked her up from her dorm at 9:30 this morning and drove over to IHOP for brunch to satisfy her hankering for a strawberry cheesecake waffle.

From there we went to Costco, where she picked up a variety of sweet treats and snacks to stock her room. (Note that these two activities featured her first outfit of the day: a lovely, flowy, lightweight dress in a pale shade of pink. She didn't make this one, but I bet she could have.) We dropped her booty off at her room, where she changed into outfit number two, which consisted of a fuzzy pink sweater and jeans.

Then we hit Sonic for slushes and returned to our hotel, where we watched two episodes of "Phineas and Ferb" (chosen by Abby), sang karaoke (seriously, ask Isaac to sing "Let It Go" for you sometime), and played a series of music recognition games on YouTube. And then it was off to dinner at Red Robin. We closed out the evening with presents (which ended with her donning outfit number 3, a green floral dress that served as one of said-gifts) and cheesecake.

The crowds at IHOP and Costco aside, it was a quiet day. I didn't spend a whole lot of time reflecting on the occasion as the hours passed, but I know that I'm blessed with and by Abby, and that that's been the case since she entered the outside world 20 years ago today. She's a remarkable young woman who has grown and changed so much over the past few years. She's cheering and meeting new people and building new relationships and excelling in school, all while nurturing her existing friendships. She's also kind and compassionate and intelligent and brave, and although I know that thoughts of the future give her twinges of trepidation, I also know that God has great things in store for her and pray that she will be able to rest in that truth.

I love you, Abby. Happy 20th birthday! Welcome to your next decade of this wonderful life.

November 2

Today we arose at a reasonable hour (which, if you were me, meant 9ish) and headed over to campus for brunch. Pre-football game cheer prep meant Abby couldn't join us in the dining hall, but we assuaged her disappointment by delivering a sausage egg McMuffin to her as she headed to the stadium. Once set loose inside the unlimited food gallery, Brady consumed more than his weight in scrambled eggs, sausage, French toast (which Abby was bummed to miss), apples, a donut, and probably something else I'm forgetting. I'm actually still surprised (and marginally alarmed) by how much food he managed to put away. He's definitely in rapid growth mode these days.

With bellies adequately filled, we took the short walk over to the stadium for the game's noon start time. By the time the final whistle blew, we'd seen the Thunder crush their opponents. But more importantly, we got to see Abby cheer in person. And it was so, so sweet to see her living out a wish (I don't want to go so far as to call it a dream, per se) she's had for a long time. Given how shy she often is, it's so wonderful to see how God worked in her life and coaxed her to make it a reality.

Then we took a walk around campus while she changed clothes, enjoyed a Target run, and returned to campus to see her room. (Which, I think, is actually quite nice. She had a slanty ceiling since she's on the top floor of her building, but it's a cozy space that doesn't feel too small.) Then it was off to dinner at Outback, a stroll through Hobby Lobby, and a run through the Sonic drive thru for slushes. 

And then it was back to our hotel, where we watched the last half of Uncle Buck on TV while Abby got reacquainted with BearBear. When it ended, Adam ran her back over to campus while I accompanied the Brositos to the fitness center.

All in all, it was a good day. A blessed day. And I am so grateful for the time with my people. The moments are a gift of the highest order.