December 31

It's hard to believe that we're already on the cusp of starting yet another new year. And not just any new year -- a big year at our house, as both Abby and Isaac will graduate and move on to their next endeavors in 2026. I'm not sure that I'm emotionally ready for those changes and a lot of details still need to be fleshed out, but I know that God will see me (and them) through it all. And I try to rest in that knowledge.

We spent the final day of 2025 mostly together. Abby and I visited the Mother Ship (where I made sure to use all expiring stars, since I forgot to last month and seeing them sitting there in my account unusable gnaws at me) in the morning. The boys went shopping en masse, probably for my upcoming birthday.

The afternoon hours featured a pair of college bowl games on TV, which were interesting but not particularly meaningful to us.

And then this evening, we lingered over chicken parmesan and garlic knots at the kitchen table before I pulled out our surprise activity: a caramel flavor guessing game I got from Trader Joes. My execution wasn't perfect (using separate plates would've been a good idea for one; refrigerating the caramels before trying to cut them for another), but most of us enjoyed it, even if most of our guesses were wrong.

Now it's about 10:15 PM and I'm sitting alone in the family room reflecting. I spent the past few hours in the living room with the kiddos while they listened to music and played Mario Kart on the Wii (and Adam napped on the floor nearby). It was fun to listen to them sing and laugh and yell and chit-chat as they played, but I wanted them to have some time to themselves, so I stole away.

I guess that's my biggest, boldest observation about 2025: our kids really grew up this year. A lot. Like I've already noted, Abby and Isaac are seniors. Abby has an actual plan for her life after she graduates in May, and Isaac has been accepted to a college (and is waiting on decisions from the other two). Brady is in high school and getting ready for his first high school baseball season. All three of them are more mature than they were when the year began. They're all smarter and they all have goals and beliefs and ideas that aren't just mine but their own. They have different personalities and sometimes I struggle with managing those differences well in my interactions with them, but they're all amazing people and I'm proud of all of them. I'm just stunned that they're already 21, 17, and 15. 

And then there's Logan; my sweet boy who would be 19 but is forever five and a half. It's hard to believe that we've spent another year without him. I still wish I could see who he would be today, but I trust that God had a plan in taking him Home back in 2012, and I lean into that on the days that feel heavier than I'd like. Because I most definitely still have those weighty days.

And us? We're here. Adam's working. I'm crocheting and waiting for whatever's next. I want to pray more in 2026; I didn't do a great job with that discipline this year. I also want to connect more with friends and spend more time listening to and engaging with those around me. And I want to be a blessing to others, too; I want God to use me to draw others close to Himself.

Anyway, may God bless you and yours as 2025 comes to a close and we usher in 2026.

December 30

This morning (after I topped off my tummy tank with coffee, of course) we piled into the car and drove over to the Regal in Dublin to catch a showing of "Zootopia 2."

I won't spoil the film for anyone who wants to go see it, but it was cute. Probably not as good as the first one, but it featured some solid reminders about the importance of not judging books by their covers.

From there, we took the roughly 100 steps to 5 Guys for lunch. Abby had been wanting to go for some time (since I think the last time we went was in Maryland several years ago) so it seemed like a good opportunity to scratch that itch. It was quite busy but we scoped out a high top table and chit-chatted as we munched on peanuts and burgers and the mound of fries that were heaped into our bag.

I don't have any grand observations to share, but once again, I'm grateful for time spent with my favorite folks.

December 29

The blurred figure in the image is Abby as she was engaged in her jog around the neighborhood this evening.

I spied her making her rounds from our bedroom window, so I snapped a pic for posterity's sake.

One of the (many) things I appreciate about my girl is her dedication to completing tasks. She likes to jog every day (save Sunday), and even if it's 44 degrees outside like it was this evening, she still tackles the task.

I'm thankful that she is someone who honors her commitments, even when the only human holding her accountable is herself. 

December 28

Back when the kiddos were younger, I don't know that I ever anticipated that Abby and Brady would be particularly close. After all, Logan was always Abby's buddy and Isaac gravitated more toward his little bro. But as they've gotten older, they've definitely developed a bond despite their 6-year age difference.

They're both quick-witted and have a similar sense of humor, so when they really get going, they can be pretty amusing. And they had a fairly extended interaction this evening while we were hunkered down in the family room watching the Niners beat the Bears on Sunday Night Football.

I love watching all of my kids' relationships change and mature. It's a beautiful blessing.

December 27

After a multi-month lull, I am pleased to announce that my cro-jo has returned.

I'm not entirely sure why, but after several years of high productivity, I lost the desire to create earlier this year. I finished a project, put down my hook, and simply didn't pick it up again. 

It was strange not crocheting; not having a work-in-progress to fiddle with while watching "Columbo" re-runs on TV at night. Not thinking about whether it would be better to weave in my ends as I went along or save the process for project's end. Not feeling a desire to scour the internet for new and interesting patterns to try out. But I really didn't miss it.

But then earlier this week, I came across an old Hobby Lobby booklet in the bedroom under a box and saw a pattern that looked interesting: not hard, but also not boring. And I actually felt a pull to make it. So I scurried to my yarn shelf (well, one of them, anyway), selected colors, and got to work. And today, I finished the last row and weaved in the ends. 

And the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment was striking. Yep, I'm happy to have recovered my cro-jo. I'm grateful to God for giving me the talent to create and I'm looking forward to (hopefully) blessing others with my work again in the future.

December 26

Tonight after dinner, we lingered around the kitchen table chit-chatting until Adam retrieved a deck of cards.

What followed were several rounds of one of our favorite games, Class Struggle (which also has several other names. I used to play it on the bus during my middle and high school years and we called it Scum. Or something like that).

We all won rounds and lost rounds and laughed as Bearbs and Chub and Lambie and my newest stuffie, Standing Orange Cat (who was gifted to me by Brady yesterday) looked on (and in Bearbs' case, occasionally commented on the action). It was good quality family time that remained remarkably peaceful; we're all competitive people so sometimes games can get heated! 

So yes, today I am thankful for the blessing of family time. And for games that elicit welcomed feelings of nostalgia.

December 25

Merry Christmas! It was (literally) a day of sunshine and rainbows and showers and clouds. 

But other than the volatile weather, it was a largely typical California Christmas at the Wight house. The kiddos arranged --via group chat message that I could see-- to wake me up at 8 AM, so they all trooped into our room and encouraged me to get out of bed. A glance out the window revealed a rainbow arching its way across the sky, so we all took a moment to admire its colorful majesty.

After I Keurig-and-Coffee Mate'd my coffee and secured a cinnamon roll, I settled into the living room to begin the stocking reveals and gift opening. We always take a few hours to get through the process, thanks to the laughter that often erupts (like today's giggles over Brady's Sigma Claus and Isaac's 67 t-shirts).

Adam made a Hickory Farms charcuterie board house (fancy!) for lunch so we munched on that while going about our own activities for a few hours. Dinner was garlic-infused pot roast with carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes eaten from the good china using the good silverware. And then this evening, post-meal, we settled into the family room and watched "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas" and "The Muppet Christmas Carol."

So that's what we did today. All of the fun presents exchanged and family time and traditions are truly wonderful. I enjoy and am grateful for them. But Jesus... the older I get, the more thankful I am for Jesus. Because of the work that He began on Christmas, I'll see my sweet Logan again. Some say that the grief of losing a child never goes away, but because of Jesus, I know there's an expiration date on mine. And knowing that I won't always exist in a state of "I wish he were here" is a blessing.

So today, I am grateful for Christmas. For the fun time with my much-adored and loved family, yes. For the gifts and the laughter and the time to relax, yes. But for Jesus most of all.

December 24

I'm not really sure how we're already to Christmas Eve (because didn't we just have Thanksgiving dinner?) but here we are.

It was a low-key day. Adam brought me an oat milk peppermint mocha this morning (since I'd only had one up til this point and they just don't hit the same after Christmas) and then made a pair of appetizers --cheese puffs reminiscent of a favorite by his late grandmother and bacon-wrapped green beans-- for later in the day. I braved the grocery store --which actually wasn't as scary as I expected-- in search of some cheese and crackers for tomorrow morning.

Then late in the afternoon, we drove up to Walnut Creek to hang out with Adam's brother's family. We chit-chatted and enjoyed a salmon dinner and yule log cake and then opened gifts. It was the first time we'd done Christmas Eve at their house, and it was a blessing to have the time with the five of them.

Then we came home and hung up our stockings by the fireplace in the living room. And now we're watching "It's a Wonderful Life" while we wait for Santa to come by.

I know I say this often, but I'm grateful for time with family and for the traditions we share. 

December 23

I really enjoy the family time leading up to Christmas.

Isaac still needed to find a gift for Adam, so after I returned from my morning sojourn to the Mother Ship, he and I headed off to shop. Since we were at Costco (which may or may not be related to said-gift's origin) over the lunch hour, we picked up food, and I'm sure we were quite the sight leaving with our armfuls of hot dogs and sodas from the food court. (Working at the Dairy has greatly improved his ability to carry multiple beverages at once.)

Then this evening, after Abby finished her jog, Adam and Isaac got home from shopping, and Brady biked back from hanging out with some friends at the park, we all (including Lambie and Bearbs) piled into the car, picked up Subway and McDonalds for dinner, and ventured around Livermore and Pleasanton looking at Christmas lights. It was fun to sit and listen to the banter as it emanated from the back seat; to hear them relating to one another as teens (and a young adult) is a blessing, even if I only understand about half of what they're saying.

Finally, we closed out the day's events with a viewing of The Santa Clause 3 over gingerbread cookies.

I know that not everyone has the time or the family makeup to have days like this one, so I am grateful to God that I do. This life is far from perfect --I miss my Logan more than usual this time of year-- but days spent sharing traditional activities with Adam and Abby and Isaac and Brady make it much sweeter than it would otherwise be.

December 22

Today was about fun little details.

Adam and I wrapped Christmas presents and we decorated gingerbread cookies (some of us more stylishly than others) while watching the Niners roll to an easy victory over Indy.

And then while we ate some of said-cookies, we watched Daddy's Home 2, which is on our holiday must-view list. There's just something about that Ferrell/Wahlberg pairing that keeps me in stitches no matter how many times I watch it.

And now I'm alone in the family room just thinking about what a blessing it is that Adam can take off (most of) this week and that we can make cookies and watch movies and give one another gifts. And most of all, I'm grateful for the one thing I didn't think of nearly enough today -- Jesus' birth and life. Because the latter -- those are the best presents ever.

December 21

What a lovely, blessing-filled day it was. We started off by lighting the Advent candle of love at church as a family; after a brief snafu with the lighter, I --the appointed fire-starter-- managed to make the little flame dance on its wick. (And yes, Adam went up on stage wearing his ugly sweater. It was epic.)

From there, we drove up to Adam's parents' house for our first official Christmas gathering of the week. (There will be others!) We enjoyed a delicious "linner" that featured chicken cordon bleu, potatoes, and salad before the official gift-giving portion of the program commenced. There was lots of laughter (and cookies) and lots of photos snapped for posterity's sake. I do love looking back at these group pictures and I'm thankful that everyone else is willing to pose for them!

(The evening would've been better had the Ravens held on to beat the Pats, but we can't have everything.)

Anyway, it was a great day, and I am grateful to God for the blessings of family, fun, and holiday cheer. They're like the candies of this life that make living a whole lot sweeter.

December 20

When I was growing up, we had a limited number of Christmas movies on VHS that we could watch at home. So it stood to reason that those tapes took frequent trips through the VCR during the holiday season. We had a variety of cartoons, like The Flintstones Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, and The Night Before Christmas in addition to Claymation classics like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. 

And of course, there was White Christmas. My favorite.

I have fond memories of singing along to Sisters with my younger brother Charlie (since you gotta do what you gotta do when you're the only girl) and admiring the beautiful dresses worn by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen during the final scene.

Even now, watching White Christmas makes it feel more like Christmas. So for the cozy holiday memories it unlocks, I am grateful.

December 19

The boys finished their finals today, so the Wight family is officially on Winter Break.

And for our first official act of break, we went to the Mountain Mike's lunch buffet, just as we typically do on the last day of a given semester. (Adam was at work this go-round, so it was just us chickens.)

Anyway, it's been a solid semester all-around for these guys (and gal). They did well in their classes and hung out with friends and continued to, well, grow into the people God intends them to be.

So for the time together with my favorite young people (and the chance to listen to their oft-entertaining banter), I am thankful.

December 18

Imagine my surprise when I opened a Christmas greeting letter from the leader of Pleasanton's Young Life groups, flipped it over, and found a note written by Isaac. (And a cute photo!)

Since he's Isaac and Isaac tends to be a unique blend of secretive and humble, we had no idea that he'd written anything for Bruce (said-leader)'s letter. But there it was in black and white, under the Student Spotlight banner.

Although he later clarified that he'd only actually written the first paragraph (and told Bruce to add whatever he wanted to finish it off), it hit me right in the feels when I read his words. He doesn't really like writing and often has difficulty with organizing his thoughts in a cohesive fashion, but I think he did a lovely job with sharing his thoughts and his faith with whomever reads the letter.

So for that not-small gift, I am grateful.

December 17

I was sitting at the high top table at Starbucks this morning playing a game on my phone when a woman paused in front of me and asked if I was Sherry. I met her gaze and after a brief pause, I recognized her as Tammy.

Tammy was the receptionist at our dance studio. Although I hadn't actually seen her in a number of years, she'd come to mind a handful of times.

As we took a few minutes to catch up, I was --as I so often was in the past-- impressed by how naturally her faith weaved throughout her story and held the pieces together. I aspire to be able to tell my story like she tells her own.

So for an unexpected encounter with an old friend that made me smile and inspired me to do better, I am grateful.

December 16

I was bummed last month when I missed out on the Hello Kitty tumbler that Starbucks released. My research revealed that Starbucks/Hello Kitty collaborations have historically been extremely popular so it wasn't much of a surprise, but I half-heartedly posted to my Facebook profile to ask anyone who happened to find one to pick it up for me anyway. 

I didn't expect it to pan out so I was shocked when my mother-in-law in-law Pat (also known as my brother's wife's mom -- I remember her dubbing herself my mother-in-law in-law back at my bridal shower many moons ago and the term still makes me giggle) reached out to say she had one. 

And today, it arrived in the mail.

It's just a cup, of course, but it was such a kind gesture that it touched my heart. The world is filled with negativity so it was a true gift to be the recipient of such unadulterated goodness. So thank you again, Pat -- you are a blessing!

December 15

There's nothing quite so lovely as a light that pierces the darkness.

The lights that adorn my little peg tree reminded of that truth just this evening as I paused for a few moments to admire the glow. And I'm glad they did, because it's an important truth these days, in light (no pun intended) of all of the terrible things that keep happening in this broken world.

Light does indeed disrupt the darkness. Just like the light from the star of Bethlehem disrupted darkness' plans to kill and destroy all those years ago. 

So tonight, I am grateful that regardless of the troubles we experience, Jesus is still the light of the world. And He is for all of us -- even you.

December 14

Brady turned 15 today. Already!

We celebrated by doing whatever he wanted to do, which included church, followed by lunch at CPK (a frequent birthday pick for residents of the Wight House), a viewing of the Niner game, cake and presents with Abby joining us via Google Meets, and dinner (with just Adam and I, since Isaac forgot to request the day off work and was unable to trade his shift) at Mexico Lindo. We finished off the food parade (which is an added benefit of weekend birthdays -- an extra meal out) with peppermint ice cream cones at The Dairy. And of course, he enjoyed the requisite joking and laughing with his bigger bro sprinkled all throughout the hours. 

He seemed to have a good day; he said he had when I asked him as he headed up to bed with his laptop and phone in tow. And I hope that's true, because birthdays should always be good days. 

As I've noted before, Brady came along just when I needed him. Or maybe I should say that God sent him because He knew I'd need him. And I did indeed need him. Feeling him shift in my belly during those early months following the horror of Logan's diagnosis kept me moving forward even when I felt like I couldn't possibly survive another day. So yes, I'm grateful for the gift that Brady was 15 years ago; for the ways I was able to care for him and sustain him and be his lifeline when I felt like I could do so little for his biggest brother.

And I'm grateful now for the gift that he's continued to be over the years that have passed since then. He's whip-smart and regularly makes us laugh with his quick wit and perfectly-timed comebacks. He's also focused and dedicated and driven to succeed, and I know that he has the capacity to achieve amazing things, whether they be in the classroom or on the baseball diamond or somewhere else entirely. He may not be the first of my kiddos to offer up a big hug (because that distinction one hundred percent belongs to Isaac), but I love how he shares about his day without prompting and tells me if something's on his mind in a way that says "I'm looking for advice, even though I'm not directly asking for it." And then he actually listens to what I have to say.

He's a good kid, and I've always been blessed to be his mom. Happy 15th birthday, Brady. I love you! 

December 13

It's a quiet evening at our house, which followed on the heels of a quiet day that saw Adam and I decorate the Christmas tree while the boys played a video game in the living room. (Which was, for the record, totally fine by me. If they want to add ornaments later on, we have plenty.)

At the moment, we (minus Isaac, who is at work; apparently a lot of people like to get ice cream when it's 40-some degrees outside) plus Chub and Bearbs are watching a random college football game in the light of said-decorated Christmas tree.

And I'm reflecting, if ever so casually, on how it's possible that my baby will be 15 tomorrow. Already. (And trying not to cough too much, since my head cold has relocated to my chest.)

So for the blessings of quiet days and birthdays and Christmas trees and time, I am grateful. (Even if I'm not quite sure how I feel about birthdays.)

December 12

Last week I offhandedly asked Nikki if she and her mom had gone to tea recently. Although I'd been a few times in the past before it changed ownership --most notably for my 40th birthday-- she and her mom used to go fairly often, so with Christmas coming, it seemed like a logical question. The reply was no, but she remedied that by making a reservation for us for this morning.

And voila! Just a week later, here we are enjoying our Christmas tea.

And enjoy the experience I did. I really liked each of the teas we tried out --six in all, including cookie-something or other, cherry pie, gingerbread, candy cane, creme brulee, and sugar plum fairy-- and the food was very good, from the scones to the cucumber sandwiches to the chocolate macaroon. 

And, of course, the company was top notch, too. I've known Nikki's mom Pam for several years now so it's always fun to sit and catch up with what's been going on in her life. 

I know I say it often, but real friendship is a blessing, so I am thankful for Nikki and for the way she's become like a sister to me over time. And I'm thankful for good tea, too!

December 11

Isaac brought home a cold a few days ago, and despite my best evasive tactics, it got me last night.

So today consisted --in no particular order-- of  drinking tea with honey, using up handfuls of tissues, and nodding off in a family room chair.

So today's entry is about the basics: honey, tea, tissues, and my electric blanket. For those things, I am thankful.

December 10

I'm not sure that I knew what I was in for when I became a parent 21 and some change years ago, but I'm pretty sure I never imagined myself writing "another day, another spontaneous wrestling match in front of the Christmas tree." But here I am, writing just that.

And chuckling over it.

I love Isaac and Brady's relationship. I really, truly do. I love how they (endlessly) razz each other. I love how just before they started to wrestle this afternoon, they played a few rounds of Smash (or whatever the game is actually called) while listening to music a little too loud and laughing a lot. 

And I love how they care about each other, even when they're very obviously on one another's nerves. Brotherhood is a beautiful thing, and I am blessed to be able to watch their brotherhood continue to grow in all of its glorious weirdness.

December 9

It was a busy evening in our charming little downtown area, but after we finally snagged a parking spot along a side street, Adam and I made our way to one of our favorite eateries, where we enjoyed a pleasant dinner together.

And then after we'd swapped tales of our respective days and used bread to mop us the last smackerels of our lasagna and rigatoni, we once again zipped up our vests and braved the chilly night air to head back to the car.

Along the way, I decided we should stop and take a photo with the town Christmas tree in all of its glowy glory, so here we are. 

I don't ruminate on it often, but it's a blessing to live in a nice town. It's not perfect because nothing is, but I believe that most of the people here are good folks who care about others. So for that, I am thankful.

December 8

Today was a little busier than usual, as I picked Adam up from his office in the South Bay early this evening so I could join him and his team for dinner.

Now it's several hours post-meal and I'm back at home, sitting alone in the family room while this year's beautiful live tree sparkles over in the corner. (And no, the picture in the wall isn't usually right there, hence the apparently awkward positioning. It was displaced by the tree.)

I do love the glitter of lights and the twinkle of tinsel that comes with this time of year. And I also love the quiet reflectiveness that looking at the lights can --for some reason I can't quite put my finger on-- usher in for me. So for those blessings, I am thankful.

December 7

We went up to Adam's parents' house after church today to help decorate their Christmas tree.

It was a good time, beginning with the Bills/Bengals game on TV over cheese/crackers/veggies for lunch, continuing with a quick celebration of Brady's upcoming 15th (whaaaat?!) birthday, and finishing with the official decorating of the enormous tree.

And afterward, as we were preparing to head home, Brady and then Isaac thought it would be fun to climb up on the wall back behind the house. And I thought the sight of them in the fog (because man, it was foggy in Lafayette) in their grey pants and shirts contrasted with the bright string of lights along the roofline made for a cool image. (And lest I should forget some day, they decided that it would be a good idea to do the 6-7 hand motion, too.)

So for the blessing of family and for the gift of preparing for Christmas, I am thankful.

December 6

I channeled my inner elf this morning and got to work putting out more Christmas decorations. And between decking the halls and adorning my vintage ceramic tree with colorful pegs, I went online, made our Christmas cards, and then drove down to CVS to pick them up. I even addressed a few and took them out to the mailbox. 

I wouldn't go so far as to call it a herculean effort, but it felt really good to continue to prepare for the upcoming holiday. It felt good to set up the colorful lights and to scroll through my phone in search of the perfect images for our card. And it felt good to write mini updates on the back of said-card.

It felt good to get things done. And it felt even better to think more about the real reason for the season, which is the birth of our Savior.

So for all of those very good things and for the excitement of preparing for a big event, I am grateful.

December 5

I had a great time downtown with Nikki this morning.

We started off at Peet's for some coffee and tasty treats (because their baked goods and sandwiches are so good. All love to the Mother Ship but Peet's has ya beat in this area).

Then we ventured to the nail salon for pedicures. (We both opted for seasonal sparkly red! My toes have never looked so jolly.)

And of course, there was lots of chatting and sharing life. I love this girl so much and am so grateful for her continued presence in my life. She is a true gift from God.

December 4

When Isaac trudged up the steps from the garage this afternoon, he was carrying a McDonalds bag. I looked at him quizzically as he pulled out a packet of fries and 20 Chicken McNuggets. He grinned and, as he settled into his place at the table to chow down, explained that it was his "celebration meal."

And celebrate he should, because this morning he received his first college acceptance: Biola University in Southern California.

Isaac did a lot of work to figure out where he wanted to continue his education. He created and then whittled down his list of choices to a trio: just Biola, Azusa Pacific University, and Abby's school, Wheaton College. Adam and I tried more than once to convince him to apply to more schools, but he was set on just the three.

And although he deliberately chose to pursue only three options, he worried that he wouldn't get in anywhere. In fact, just last night he laid down on the rug near me in the family room and asked the same question he's asked numerous times over the past few months: what if I don't get into any colleges? And I replied with the same assurance I gave Abby four years ago: you will not be rejected from the school God wants you to attend.

So here we are: one app submitted, one acceptance in his back pocket. He still needs to finish the other two apps. I have no idea how those will pan out for him, but I'm thankful that he can relax now with the  knowledge that there's at least one school that wants him to be part of their student body next year. 

December 3

I was really tired early this evening (thank you, aging process) so I laid across my bed and listened to the boys play Mario Kart in the living room.

They laughed (and yelled at times) and listened to music and compared their Pandora music stats from the year (which, as an aside, were quite amusing to me: they're both big country music fans, Isaac is partial to Morgan Wallen, and based on his play history Brady's 'music age' is 37).

And then after we finished dinner, they laid on the kitchen floor. I don't really know what the plan was, but they wound up scooting all around the island. (It was weird.)

It's a blessing to continue watching their friendship grow.

December 2

The sky was ablaze with pinks and reds and oranges as I drove Brady home from baseball practice early this evening.

The color was so vibrant that even he --my kiddo who doesn't typically involve himself much with the small details-- noticed and commented on it as I turned the car onto our street.

Natural beauty --the kind of that only God can create and put on display-- is a blessing to all who get to see it. And I am thankful that I saw it today.

December 1

About a week ago, I off-handedly mentioned to Brady that I planned to make a "pasta bake" for dinner. I didn't specify when I planned to do so, but he's persistent when he's interested in tasting something, so he asked for it. Every single day.

Since it was chilly outside today --according to our little hallway monitor that displays the temperature, it never got above 50 and there was a biting quality to the air-- I decided that tonight was the night.

It's just penne pasta, mild Italian sausage, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan, and it's not my prettiest dish of all time, but it sure was tasty. And the boys thanked me for making it.

So for the dual blessings of trying something different and feeding my kiddos something they gobbled up, I'm thankful, because it wasn't long ago that picky eaters made cooking a challenge.

November 30

Abby returned to Wheaton today to finish out her second-to-last semester of college. Miraculously, despite snowfall in Chicagoland and plenty of flight cancellations across the board, her travel experience flowed as if there were no interruptions in the system at all.

I don't know what Logan did; I never know for sure, of course, though I like to think he's racing a fancy car and making Jesus laugh with his goofy dance moves. And living a life that's so amazing that I can't even fathom its greatness. I wish he would visit me in a dream and tell me about it but he hasn't yet. Maybe some day.

Brady sat in an easy chair and played a phone game while offering up his commentary on whatever NFL game was playing on the TV. His sense of humor and comic timing continues to amaze me (and make me snort aloud, fortunately not at inopportune times).

And this guy right here (who is Isaac, in case that's not obvious) submitted his first college application. It's been a long time coming for him; he started working on his apps several weeks ago and after much revising and editing, he clicked the button for the very first one. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing him make progress.

And Adam and me? We went for a walk, watched the previously noted NFL games, and otherwise just hung out. 

It was, overall, a quiet day. But it was a day filled with blessings, and a day filled with hope and excitement over the future. Because our lives are movin' and shakin', and I know God has great things in store for my precious people -- and for you.

November 29

Abby heads back to school tomorrow (but only for the rest of the semester, which means she'll be back in a little less than three weeks), so today was something of a family time day.

(Okay, well, for me it was more of a 'go on a walk with Adam while Brady has a lesson with his pitching coach and then fall asleep in a chair in the family room while watching a Hallmark Christmas movie' day. But I digress.)

Even as I rested, I could hear Abby, Isaac, and Brady in the living room as they engaged in one of their signature activities: Mario Kart on the Switch. They really get into the experience, so although the shouting can be a bit much at times, it made me smile to hear them having fun together.

And then this evening, we enjoyed Abby's pick --chicken parm-- and then played a round of cards before watching "Last Christmas." (Well, some of us did. Isaac was at work.)

I know that the days of us hanging out together are limited, so I grateful for the time we do have. And I'm grateful for the memories of those times that I carry forward with me.

November 28

I do so enjoy a good Black Friday. And this year's edition was about as good as they come.

Abby and I headed out for our annual run-o-the-stores at around 8:30 and stopped first at the Mother Ship for drinks: hot cocoa for her, an oat milk peppermint latte for me. (It was supposed to be a peppermint mocha, but I think I confused the barista when I threw the "oat milk" in there. I missed the mocha but didn't feel like sending it back for a re-make.)

Then we hit our customary lineup: Walmart, Five Below, Old Navy, Ulta, the mall (which featured several stops, including Abby's favorite (Francesca's) and the Lego Store for this year's addition to the dining room table Winter Village scene. (It's a train, and Isaac will put it together for me. Choo choo!)), and Target. And then after lunch at the Cheesesteak Shop we circled back around to Ulta to get shampoo and conditioner that Isaac requested.

With the shopping complete, we returned to the house where the boys and I all watched the last quarter of the Bears/Eagles game (and it's still surprising to me that the Bears are actually good this year) and Abby went for a run. 

Then we piled into the Explorer and headed over to our usual tree lot in Livermore. Upon arrival we discovered that a different --and less festive-- vendor had taken over the spot, so after a quick Googling, I located our usual vendor's spot in San Ramon. And off we went. We got stuck in some of the infamous Outlet Mall Black Friday-Induced Freeway Traffic, but got there eventually. When we did, we admired the giant inflatable snowman, watched as Adam --and then Isaac-- performed an impromptu dance routine set to the sounds of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," took an array of photos with the various available Adorable Christmas Picture props, and of course, picked out our tree.

When we got home once again, Adam and Isaac lugged the tree around back and erected it in the family room, where it now shimmers with the aid of festive color-shifting lights. Dinner involved Mountain Mike's pizza during a showing of the Christmas classic "Home Alone," followed by --at Isaac's insistence-- a screening of "KPop Demon Hunters." I just finished reading over one of Isaac's college application writing prompt responses and everyone else is in bed (or at least in their respective rooms) for the night. 

I'm now pretty tired, but I am grateful to God for each and every blessing that I had the gift of unwrapping today.

November 27

We spent our Thanksgiving much like we spent it in '23 and '24.

Abby, Brady, and I got up early to take part in the Tri Valley Turkey Trot. The kiddos jogged the 10K together --their first-ever-- and I took in the 5K solo. We all finished, me in about 49 minutes (which is probably my slowest time ever, but I haven't jogged or exercised particularly aggressively in months) and Abby and Brady in about 63. The dynamic duo finished strong; I felt like I could throw up and/or pass out at any moment. But like I texted my brothers in our annual Thanksgiving Day thread, I finished. And I didn't die.

With our calories for the day pre-burnt, Adam picked us up and took us home. I zonked out in an easy chair to the sounds of the Packers/Lions game on TV. And then we all piled into the Explorer at 2:30 to drive to Adam's parents' house for dinner. The food was delicious, from the turkey to the cheesy mashed potatoes to the cheese rolls (a long-time staple in my fam!) to the snickerdoodles (and much more), and it was good to catch up with extended family.

So for all of that --for fun runs and family and the existence of a day fully devoted to the idea of thankfulness-- I am grateful.

November 26

After dinner and a few rousing hands of cards, we (Adam, Abby, Brady, and I) decided to hop in the car to visit Isaac at work since we haven't really seen him in a few days. (And to get ice cream, since his job is to dispense those delightful frozen confections.)

We succeeded in getting the ice cream, but not in seeing Isaac, as the employees who did deliver our order told us he was in the restroom. Go figure.

Anyway, it was a blessing to be with these people. It was a blessing to eat delicious treats. It's a blessing to have Abby back home for a few days. It's a blessing to look at the photo and to see BearBear and Chub safely buckled into the back seat. And it will be a blessing to have some time with Isaac --and Adam and Abby and Brady-- tomorrow.

There may be troubles aplenty in this life, but there are blessings aplenty as well. And I am grateful.

November 25

It was a quiet day before the day before Thanksgiving: just Starbucks, a walk around the 'hood with my hunny, and then dinner with said-hunny and Brady.

We don't have a lot of meals with just-Brady, but I suppose the days are coming when they'll be much more the norm than the exception. Still, it was fun to sit there with him while we ate. He showed off his very blistered hands --because I guess that's what happens when you have two consecutive days of poorly attended batting practice: lots and lots of swings-- and made us laugh at his sardonic wit more than once. 

So for those moments with him when he still has vestiges of a little-kid face, I am grateful.

November 24

Adam went down to work today and Brady was at a friend's house, so it was just Isaac and I at home this morning. So I asked him if he wanted to go to Starbucks with me and, after mulling it, he said yes.

So we did. I got him a sausage and egg sandwich and some water (since he's not really a coffee guy... at least not yet) and we sat together in my usual spot munching and chit-chatting.

We didn't stay particularly long because he still needed to shower and pack for a trip to Napa he took with some friends later in the day, but it was good to steal a few extra moments with my sweet boy. 

It's a blessing to be his mama.

November 23

This kiddo right here (who is Isaac, in case my photography skills are a bit lacking) sat down on the couch with his laptop late this afternoon.

I assumed he was playing a game for a while, but there were more pauses and long looks at the screen than usual, I eventually asked what he was doing.

And I was surprised --and pleased-- when he replied that he was working on his college applications.

And now, five hours later, he's still sitting in the same spot diligently working on those apps.

He doesn't like it much when I say I'm proud of him, but I am. He's a good kid and I know God has amazing plans for his life.

November 22

There's nothing quite like warm comfort-esque food on a cool(ish; it was actually pretty temperate out today) Fall evening.

So it was nice when Adam made "taco stew" --which is actually ground beef, tomato, and seasoning on a bed of Fritos-- for dinner. I'm not a huge fan of the usual presentation, so I put my own spin on it by putting the stew on a bun and eating it like a sloppy joe with a side of Fritos.

I don't have the memories associated with this dish that Adam has (because his Grandmother used to make it), but it's a blessing to have it as part of our meal rotation nonetheless.

November 21

Sometimes when I've been particularly unobservant, I find myself grasping for something to write at day's end. That's not something I'm thrilled to admit, but it's the truth.

So today's entry is about Coke Zero Holiday Creamy Vanilla soda. It's a new and allegedly limited edition flavor and I'd read some positive reviews, so I set out to buy some in order to conduct my own unofficial taste test a few days ago.

And I quickly discovered that a lot of other people must want to taste it too, because it took visits to five different stores before I finally found some. 

And for me, it was worth the effort because I think it's delicious. 

The Great Soda Chase served as a good reminder to me that good things don't usually just fall into our laps (or appear front and center on the shelf at the grocery store). Usually, we have to work for them in one way or another. And it's a blessing to be able to enjoy the fruits of our "labor".

November 20

I look forward to seeing this tree change color every Fall.

It's not particularly notable during the other seasons. I mean, it's always there at the end of the road by the stop light, but Fall is its time to shine as it sheds its green and brown in exchange for vibrant reds and oranges.

It's a good reminder to me that even the least assuming of us can stand out and make a difference when the time is right. God will use all of us if we're open to being used! (And sometimes, even when we're not.)

November 19

Isaac got home from school just a few minutes after I pulled into the garage with Brady. 

I asked them to please put out the garbage cans for tomorrow morning, and they both said sure.

And then, without a complaints, they finished the task.

It's a blessing to have kiddos who do what I ask in order to help keep the household running. 

November 18

I'm cheating a little bit with this one because it's actually from yesterday, but it keeps coming to mind so I figured I'd share it. (And I went to several more Safeways today in search of Coke Zero Holiday Creamy Vanilla soda, which I eventually secured and can certify as very tasty. Just so you know.)

Anyway, I was at our local Safeway and happened to notice a small bin of rubber ducks near an end cap. Ever since Isaac's friend Tyler got a Jeep and started collecting rubber duckies --apparently that's a thing-- I stop to check them out when I see them. As I got closer to the bin, I saw just what you're seeing now -- a squishy baseball with the name "LOGAN" emblazoned on its side.

A baseball with Logan written on it. Logan never played, of course, but his little brothers... that's their jam.

I actually snorted when I saw it, and said (aloud, so hopefully no one was within earshot) "I see you! This is pretty overt."

I miss that kid every day, and even moreso as the Christmas season approaches and plays out. So I'm grateful to God for little winks like this one that remind me that he's not really gone. He's just not here.

November 17

I came around a corner after dropping Brady off at school this morning and spied a rainbow in the distance. I smiled at the sight, and quickly snapped a pic as I silently thanked God for its colors.

I finished my drive to the Mother Ship, pulled into a spot in the parking lot, looked up, and saw a full rainbow arched all the way across the sky. That small bit of loveliness I'd spied just a minute or two before was just a small portion of the complete rainbow.

The contrast between the two images reminded me of an important truth. Sometimes, I don't expect much from God, so when I see a small blessing --like the corner of that rainbow-- I stop looking for more. But if I'd just keep seeking, looking, and asking, I'd eventually notice the scope of the big picture; in this case, the full rainbow. 

So keep looking for the full rainbow and find all that God has for you today. Don't be satisfied with a sip when you could enjoy a full gulp.

November 16

I've had a very relaxed weekend, filled with church this morning and lots of football on the tube.

And I capped it off with a delicious Haagen-Dazs peppermint bark ice cream bar after dinner. I bought a box of them at Costco last week and I have to say, they're pretty delicious: rich and creamy and pepperminty and chocolatey.

For the blessings of calm days and really tasty treats, I am grateful.

November 15

It wasn't Chicago-level chilly today, but it was in the 50s and overcast.

So I was a bit surprised when Brady announced that he wanted to go sit in the pool on the big floatie this afternoon. And I was more surprised when I looked outside a little later and realized he actually did it.

I was less surprised to see Isaac lying on the concrete along the edge of the pool, dangling an arm over the water. (That's a very Isaac kind of thing to do.) 

I didn't interrupt their brother time so I have no idea what they were talking about (although I assume Morgan Wallen, the numbers six and seven, and/or baseball came up), but it was a blessing to see them out there together, sharing life.

November 14

Nikki and I walked around (and around and around) the mall this morning, like we do some Fridays after school drop-offs.

And as always, I had so much fun. We showed up with our respective Mother Ship coffees in-hand, wearing essentially the same outfit, which was hilarious and completely unplanned. (Similarly textured oversized pink/purple sweaters, jeans, and  blue/green tennis shoes.) We walked (and walked) and bought Pokemon cards (well, she did) and talked (and talked). And perused various items in different stores.

It was good soul-time for me and I left the parking lot afterward feeling recharged. So for the continued blessing of her friendship, I am very grateful.

November 13

I do not understand the whole six-seven thing. Honestly, I'm not sure there's anything to understand and I think it's quite possible that it's just teenagers trolling old people.

But Isaac and Brady find it amusing.

They were having a nice bro-moment after school today over pizza, and I took a photo of them smiling. Then as I started to leave the room, Isaac stopped me and said he wanted me to take one more shot. Then the weird six-seven associated hand motions began. I rolled my eyes and took the picture.

Nope, I don't get it. But I adore these boys, even when they're being inexplicably goofy. In fact, I am grateful for that goofiness, because it lightens the heaviness than can so often weigh down this life.

November 12

After being away for a week and a half, it's a sweet blessing to be back at my home base.

Back to my house, back to my car, back to my usual Mother Ship, back to our family's routine. 

And back to the goofiness that these two brothers bring to the dinner table. And to post-dinner card games.

I loved seeing my girl (and appreciated the reminder that I'm not a lover of freezing temperatures), but I'm content to be home once again.