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.

November 11

After spending an extra day in Chicagoland, we got up at 2:40 central time this morning, the menfolk donned their new "Bruh" shirts, and we drove to the airport to catch the first of our two flights back home. 

The planes were packed with travelers, but we finally rolled into our driveway at around noon Pacific. Home at last! Thank you God for on-time departures and patience with children who shouted and yelled throughout the second leg. 

And thank you God for keeping Isaac safe and content while he was home alone for the past few days. He did a wonderful job of fending for himself and even cleaned up the kitchen.

There's certainly more I can say, but honestly, I'm exhausted. 

November 10

With three cancelled flights noted on our travel docs, Adam, Brady, and I are still at our hotel in the Chicago suburbs. We're currently booked onto a flight that's supposed to get us to Oakland at 11ish tomorrow morning, a mere 21 hours after we were originally supposed to touch down. So you could say that today did not go according to plan.

But (after we ponied up to extend our rental car and hotel stay) our unexpected bonus day in Chicagoland wasn't without its unexpected blessings.

Brady was delighted to wake up and see snow on the ground. As a California boy through and through, he's fascinated by the cold, fluffy stuff and took every opportunity to pack it into balls. (He even managed to pelt a snowball off the "p" on the big IHOP sign.)

The three of us enjoyed a tasty brunch at said-IHOP. I'm not a huge blueberry girl, but the super blueberry pancakes sounded really good in the moment and --surprise!-- they were very tasty.

Afterward we walked around Walmart in search of socks (as Brady was out of clean ones and he needs clean socks like a runner needs water) and, in a moment of whimsy, Adam and Brady got matching shirts to wear on the plane tomorrow. We also took the opportunity to get one last birthday gift for Abby; she's asked for a polaroid camera a few times, so we made it happen. 

Then we went back to the hotel, where the guys watched a "Spiderman" movie while I walked on the treadmill down in the fitness room. When that film ended I suggested we visit Sonic for a mid-afternoon drink run, so we did that, and Brady ordered his second extremely green beverage of the week. Then they settled back on the bed and watched a second Marvel movie; this go-round, I partly watched, and partly played phone games.

When that movie ended, we drove over to pick up Abby from her dorm, and went on to Chipotle for dinner. She was a in a cheerful mood this evening, which made my heart happy, and I especially enjoyed the moment when she suited up inside the doorway after dinner and then bolted toward the car as Brady tossed a snowball in her direction. They're funny kiddos. From there we drove back to the hotel to give her the camera, and then Adam dropped her off at her dorm.

Now we're watching Monday Night Football. Although it was an unexpectedly blessed day, I'm hoping that tomorrow's travel plans will actually stick.

November 9

It was an Adventure Sunday. After I had my coffee and Brady had the chance to compact and throw some of the snow that fell overnight, we picked up Abby from her dorm, swung through the Mickey D's drive-thru to satisfy her desire for a McMuffin, and then drove into Chicago.

Our first stop on this (literally) freezing day was the Museum of Ice Cream, where we sampled several different flavors and interesting creations, from plain scoops of vanilla to ice cream served up in hot dog buns. (And cherry sorbet swirled with candy corn ice cream, topped with candy corn. A little weird for Abby's palate, but somehow tasty to mine.) Adam favored the pineapple sorbet, while I particularly enjoyed the super berry, which with its bits of crumble, tasted very much like cobbler. Brady was taken with the pool filled with giant (plastic) red and pink sprinkles, and Abby appreciated the pink-ness of it all. It matched her overall vibe quite well.

After departing the museum and mulling our options, we chose to go for the 17-minute walk to visit the Lego Holiday Lane at Water Tower Place. It was a cute experience that included a Cataclaus scavenger hunt (with a prize for completion), Lego displays, and a photo area. After collecting our booty and snapping our photos, we trooped back to the car and returned to the hotel. When we arrived, Abby noted the amazing sunset in the distance (which was especially amazing given that it was cloudy with intermittent flurries all day long). Following a rest, we went to dinner at The Burger Social in Wheaton, where our server explained football to Abby in the simplest terms I've ever heard (and it was impressive) and we all enjoyed delicious burgers (them) and grilled cheese (me). Adam said it was the best burger he'd had in months.

We head out to the airport early tomorrow morning (and we'll go extra-early because there's snow in the forecast for Chicago) so we said our see-ya-soons to Abby as we dropped her off at her dorm after dinner. We'll see her when she comes home for Thanksgiving in a few weeks so I'm looking forward to that. And I'm praying the next few weeks of class go super well for her, too!

It's been a good visit, and I am thankful to God to have had the opportunity to be here.

November 8

Day two of Family Weekend went off without a hitch (although it was very cloudy and cold and, on occasion, damp. Very, very, very different weather conditions than I enjoyed for most of the past week!). 

We started off with brunch at Saga (also known as the campus dining hall), where Brady particularly enjoyed the tres leches French toast and I became a heroine for locating the orange juice dispenser. Abby didn't eat with us, but we did see her at a table with a number of her fellow cheerleaders (who were enjoying their pre-game chrunch together).

Then we went over to the football stadium, where the Thunder were taking on the Millikin University Big Blue, and more importantly, Abby was cheering and performing during the half-time show. The Thunder won the game handily (61-14) and the cheerleaders turned in a clean routine for the fans (and themselves!). 

After a wardrobe change for Abby and a quick foray around Target, we had a 4:30 dinner reservation at Abby's choice of eatery, Gia Mia in downtown Wheaton. Each of us chose a pizza, and the unanimous decision was that they were all delicious. From there, we stopped by campus so Abby could pick up the birthday cake she'd been keeping since we bought it the other day (a cheesecake from Costco), and we returned to the hotel so she could open the rest of her presents and celebrate one more time with said-dessert and party hats! (And for her, a glow-in-the-dark unicorn headband. All headwear was selected by Isaac.)

Coldness and rainyness aside, it was a very good day. It was fun to see Abby cheering because watching her do something she really loves and enjoys does my heart near-infinite good. And it was a blessing to see some of her friends too: Michaela and Stephanie for the first time this visit, and Anna, Kamryn, and Ashley again. Their relationships with one another are such amazing gifts from God, and I'm grateful for the ways they've been there for each other over the past several years. I love that my girl has awesome, caring friends and that she's an awesome, caring friend to them in return. And of course, it was a blessing to celebrate her 21st again with Adam and Brady (even if Brady was a little too obsessed with blowing up balloons and then deflating them). It was a blessing-rich day indeed, and I am thankful.

November 7

Today was the first official day of Wheaton Family Weekend, so I went over to campus to visit Abby (albeit briefly) near the end of her shift at CPO (the college post office). When I arrived she was stationed at her beloved "door" and we shared an impactful 60 seconds of conversation before a student arrived to get her mail.

So off I went with the intent of visiting the welcome area, but I heard someone calling "Mrs. Wight!" and looked up to see Ashley and Tim --Abby's friends-- coming down the stairs. We chatted for a few minutes --during which I learned a little more about our friend John's hometown of Normal, IL, which is adjacent to Tim's city of origin-- and then I spied Abby emerging from Door and sneaking away to her class.

I nabbed her before she could get away and forced her to take a photo with me in the "photo booth" area. She wasn't interested in the props available, but I made good use of a pair of cool sunglasses and a Best Parent Ever sign. And then we parted ways. 

Then I was left to my own devices for a few hours, so I took a walk around campus. It was a gorgeous Fall afternoon --64 degrees, sunny, blue sky-- and I soaked in the reds and oranges and yellows of the leaves. It was truly a blessedly beautiful day outside; the kind that makes you thank God for creation.

After the sun had set, I got in the car and drove to Midway to pick up Adam and Brady. The signage is not awesome (or particularly accurate), so I wound up having to circle the airport (in the dark) more than once to find them, but they mercifully appeared just as I was nearing meltdown mode. Once they were tucked safely into the van, we headed back to Wheaton, picked up Abby from her dorm, and went to Culver's for dinner. Abby enjoyed her reunion with Bearbs, Brady gutted his way through a shockingly green malted something or other, and we all consumed cheese curds. 

And now, after post-meal time in the gym with Brady, I'm back in the hotel room listening to said-child exclaim "bruh!" over and over again as he tries to figure out how the shower nozzle works. (In his defense, it is not obvious.) 

So today, I'm thankful for good weather, successful and mostly uneventful travel, and family. Definitely family, because my family is one of God's biggest gifts to me.

November 6

I didn't do much today. I had trouble sleeping last night (I suspect I was cold but in my partially awake state, I was too stubborn to put on a warmer shirt) so I got up late.

Abby texted me after I had my coffee and asked if we could go to Costco, so I picked her up at the agreed upon time and we set ourselves loose in our favorite warehouse store. After a delicious food court lunch (the famous cheesy pizza and a smoothie for her, hot dog for me), I navigated to a nearby Target (because Target) in an attempt to up my step count (and to go to the great retail wonderland that is Target). 

We wandered mostly aimlessly around the store before spending a little time in the Christmas section. While there, Abby performed some of the halftime cheer routine that they'll be doing this weekend. And upon special request (by me), she did a jump (which I partially captured in the bottom photo).

Then she had work to do so I took her back to campus and returned to the hotel, where I spent the great majority of the afternoon doing nothing of real consequence. Dinner was a chicken sandwich I ran out to get at Culver's, and now I'm in for the evening. PJs on, doors locked.

Part of me is annoyed with myself for not finding something interesting to do today, but I know it's okay to have low-activity days now and again. So today, I'm thankful that I was able to have a low-activity day, because honestly, I probably needed it. And I'm thankful for a few more hours with my girl.

November 5

Today was an adventure day. I got up, secured my coffee, and then headed northeast to visit a few famous film locations.

My first stop was 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, otherwise known as the "Home Alone" house. As I drove along the charming tree-lined streets, I was struck by a few truths: one, said-streets are so much narrower than I ever imagined, and two, the house is very close to Lake Michigan. I had no idea it was only a few blocks away from the water (and the houses that back up to the water absolutely blew my mind when I caught glimpses of them. Yowza). Anyway, when I arrived at the house, a cute young couple visiting the US from Poland were trying to jerry-rig a selfie stick to take photos, so I offered to take some for them, and they took a few for me in return. 

My next stop wasn't really a stop, per se, but more of a drive-by as I slowed down for a look at the Wilmette church featured in "Home Alone." (It's located on what felt like a fairly busy corner so I quickly snapped a pic as I rode by. But it's a beautiful building.)

And then I traveled on to 370 Beech Street in Highland Park, which is otherwise known as Cameron's mid-century modern home in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." It was almost impossible to get a decent photo because it's largely hidden by trees and other foliage, but it's definitely an intriguing structure (and it too is located along a road that is far narrower than I expected it to be).

With my movie tour completed, I took the roughly hour-long drove back to the hotel, where I chillaxed  until Abby texted me about dinner. After I gassed up the minivan, I picked her up and we headed to the Olive Garden.

It was a good day, all in all. I could do with less traffic and much less road work (because oh my goodness, Chicagoland! So much road work!), but it was fun to see those iconic places in real life. And it was, of course, a blessing to have more time with my girl. 

November 4

It was a good Tuesday.

Isaac and I got up and went to the Mother Ship, where he dined on a sandwich and I had my usual blonde roast with oat milk. Then we returned to the hotel room so he could do some homework before packing up his things to catch his flight back home. But before I drove him to Midway, we stopped at Culver's for lunch and then over to campus so he and Abby could say their see-ya-laters. I am so beyond thankful that the two of them had a good time together the past few days.

The drive to the airport was a slow one, but he got there in plenty of time and the departures lane was blessedly empty. He successfully navigated his first solo flight and Adam picked him up in Oakland, so he's officially rejoined the bro squad in Pleasanton.

For my part, I visited another Target, where I scored more clearance Halloween candy (I think we may be eating Nerds Gummy Clusters for some time to come) and then went back to the hotel to hang out until Abby texted me that she and her cheer bestie Kamryn were ready to go to dinner. So I picked them up and we went to Chipotle, where I enjoyed talking with both girls and getting to know more about Kam. I've met almost (?) all of Abby's good friends, and I feel confident in saying that she does a good job of choosing her besties. She's been blessed with some truly excellent relationships, and I am so thankful to God for those connections.

Anyway, after I took them back to campus, I returned to my hotel room, hit my 10,000-step goal, and sat down at my laptop to type this entry. And that brings me to this moment. As I look back on the day, I feel a sense of gratitude for many things -- for the time I had to talk with Isaac, for the time I had with Abby and her friend, for the surprisingly warm weather (for Chicago in November), and for the chance to be with my kids as they ponder big life choices, like choosing where to go to college. (Or what to do after it's over.) For all of those blessings, I am so grateful.

November 3

Abby had a gorgeous blue-sky day for her 21st birthday today. She was busy for many of the hours (as was Isaac, who enjoyed his overnight visit last night with a current sophomore and then today ate breakfast in the dining hall, took a campus tour, had lunch, attended a comp sci class on a topic that may as well be Greek to me, and had a meeting with an admissions counselor all before I picked him up at around 2:15. He liked the people he met and the campus and the class, but noted that he would need to acquire serious cold-weather gear if he were to go to Wheaton. Just details to keep in mind!).

I used my alone time to visit a Mother Ship (duh) and then finished up some birthday-related odds and ends, namely wrapping and deciding which presents to give today and which to hold onto for when Adam and Brady arrive later this week.

Abby was finally ready to roll out at about 4:15, so we picked her up from her dorm and went by Nothing Bundt Cakes and Chick Fil A so she could redeem some birthday freebies. And then it was on to Red Robin for dinner. While there, she enjoyed her burger and a birthday song and sundae.

Then after a quick run through a Super Target (because it was a Super Target and it was right across from the Red Robin so I had to), we jetted back to the hotel room. Adam and Brady called in to sing Happy Birthday and to watch her open a few presents (and to watch us drink the Martinelli's Isaac suggested we procure. My girl may be 21, but she's living under a covenant with her school to not drink, so she didn't! And she doesn't want to anyway. I really respect her desire to stick to her principles). She had a cheer practice to attend at 8, so after I presented her cotton candy layer "cake" we drove her back to campus and then returned to the hotel.

I hope that she had a happy birthday. It was a blessing to be able to spend a few hours of it with her and to give her a hug before she headed off to her room. She's sensitive and intelligent and quick-witted, and I know that she's capable of accomplishing whatever goals she chooses to set for herself. I'm so proud of who she is and of how I can see God moving in her life, and my prayer for her this next year is that she continues to let Him guide her path. 

Happy, happy 21st birthday, Abby! I love you way more than cheese.

November 2

It was a lovely day in Wheaton (and the surrounding area).

Aided greatly by the end of Daylight Savings time, Isaac and I woke up in time for me to drop him off with Abby so they could go to her church's college student breakfast. While they enjoyed their waffles and eggs, I navigated to a Mother Ship, where I enjoyed two just-right cups of coffee. (The temperature was so perfect that I had to have a second.)

From there, I joined the kiddos for the church service and afterward had to opportunity to see Abby's good friends Anna and Ashley, and to meet Ashley's soon-to-be fiance Tim. Isaac said he enjoyed talking with Tim during the breakfast which didn't surprise Abby one bit -- guess she knows her bro!

After a Target run to get toothpaste, clearance Halloween candy (because duh cheaper candy), a Christmas stocking and a few other things I'm forgetting, we dropped Abby back at campus and Isaac and I ventured to Culver's for a late lunch. We traded pretzel bites for cheese curds (because yum) and then topped it off with some ice cream. We returned to the hotel for some down time before I ferried him back to campus to meet up with his overnight host, Isaiah. Isaac as eager to be rid of me as we waited in the chilly evening air outside the welcome center, but I stuck to my guns about seeing him off. 

By then it was just 5:30 and I was left to my own devices for the rest of the evening. What to do, what to do. After mulling the options, I went to Walmart and another Target (because I love my Target), and then stopped at Sonic for an evening snack. Lunch was late enough that I wasn't hungry, so an order of tots and a Diet Cherry Limeade did the job. Then I returned to the hotel, ate my food, watched the Commanders get pounded by the Seahawks for a few minutes, and then opted to go down to the fitness center to get some steps in on the treadmill. 

Now, well, now I'm back in the room. It's still relatively early so I'll probably find something on the tube before I turn in for the night. But looking back on the day, I have to say again that I am grateful for so many things. I'm grateful to see my girl on her last day at a 20-year old --that's right; tomorrow she turns 21!-- and that she has such wonderful friends who love and care for her and who went to dinner with her tonight to celebrate her birthday a day early. I'm grateful to have one on one time with Isaac and to hear his thoughts on whatever topics he wants to talk about. And I'm grateful for Adam and Brady who are at home. And I'm grateful that Brady had the opportunity to play up with the TVBR 16U team this weekend, and that they won their tournament. (He was disappointed to have to miss the tournament with his 15U team this coming weekend, so hopefully his newest medal will alleviate some of the sting.) And I'm grateful for good (albeit chilly) weather and for the magnificent sunset sky we were gifted this evening. And I'm grateful to have the flexibility to travel when the need arises. 

I am grateful to God for giving me all of these good gifts, even though I don't deserve any of them. God is good, and I am grateful for His grace.

November 1

Family Weekend at Wheaton is actually next week, but Isaac is volunteering at Young Life camp so he isn't able to join the rest of us. However, we decided that this weekend would be a good time for him to have an official Wheaton campus visit --since the school is on his short list-- so he and I flew to Chicago this morning. 

We had a blessedly smooth travel day. Even though I had a late A Group boarding pass (and Isaac was late B because he forgot to check in on time), I scored us bulkhead aisle and middle seats. I shared photos I had on my phone and we talked throughout much of the flight.

Then once we got to Midway, my checked bag was the fifth or sixth one to appear on the carousel, and although there was a line at the rental car counter, we were able to get our minivan relatively quickly and the drive to our hotel --and the subsequent check-in--was easy and stress-free.

We picked up Abby from outside her dorm and after a little jiggling of initial plans, we went to Raising Cane's for dinner. My prediction that Isaac --our chicken afficionado-- would like the tenders was spot-on; in fact, he called them fantastic. It was most excellent to see my girl again and to watch her and Isaac chit-chat about how much rizz he has. 

Then after we dropped her off at her dorm, Isaac and I went to Target to pick up some forgotten essentials: deodorant and a toothbrush for him (good thing he didn't forget anything really important, right?) and a hairbrush for me. And now we're back at the hotel. I'm click-clacking on my laptop and Isaac is in the other room watching game seven of the World Series. 

With few exceptions, it was a very good day. And I am grateful for the blessings of seeing my girl, safe and pleasant travels, and Isaac's good mood and general affability.