November 9

My cold dictated that I lie low today, so that's what I did, for the most part.

I didn't sleep particularly well last night because of the congestion, so I woke up feeling groggy. And then I looked out into the backyard, saw this, and was struck by the vibrant beauty.

I know I've said this or something like it multiple times now, but it's still true: God is the master of beautiful artwork. And these Fall trees are just so gorgeous. 

So for the amazing art that God creates for us to enjoy during each season, I am grateful, because it certainly brightens up my blah days.

November 8

I was sitting on the rental car shuttle heading back to the airport this morning when I glanced over at these two and did a double take.

I consulted with Brady to be sure that I was truly seeing what I thought I was seeing, and he confirmed that they were indeed sitting in exactly the same position. Adam moved his hand up just as I took this pic, but before he did, they were like twinsies.

It made me chuckle. I can always see bits and pieces of myself in my girl, but I don't always see Adam. And then I saw this and... yep. She's her dad's daughter.

So for the blessing of their relationship and more broadly, of a pleasant weekend visiting Isaac, I am grateful. (Now if my cold would go away and my ears would pop, I'd be golden.)

November 7

What a wonderful Saturday it was. And busy.

It began with brunch at Saga with Isaac and his friend John, who is an engineering student from China. (Isaac doesn't like it when I make him stop and smile for pictures, so I have to take them in the moment. So... yeah.) I peppered John with questions about his hometown and LeBron James (because Isaac said he's a big basketball fan) and marveled as he managed to eat several plates loaded with a wide variety of foods.

Then we went to the Wheaton versus Elmhurst football game, which was a very one-sided affair. Wheaton came into the game undefeated and left the game still undefeated after posting a 52-0 final score. Although the air was chilly, the sun was out and the sky was a beautiful blue so it felt quite comfortable. It was particularly fun to watch Abby interact with Kam from the stands as she cheered; I know my girl misses her cheer days.

We had a little bit of extra time afterward, so we went back to Isaac's dorm and played a few hands of cards in the lobby before leaving for an early dinner. Although his loyalty to Saga cuisine remains strong, Isaac did agree to go to Raising Cane's for chicken fingers. He needed to get back to his room by 5:30 to dress for the evening Roots and Wings family weekend choral showcase, so we dropped him off and Adam drove the rest of us to Hobby Lobby so Abby and I could dance in the aisles. (Not literally. Well, maybe a little bit literally. We miss our local HobLob and no other store does crafting and pink Christmas quite as well.)

We then returned to campus to see Isaac perform with the Men's Glee Club in the beautiful (and acoustically pleasing) Armerding Center. It was such a sweet blessing to see him up there singing praises to the Lord with other young men. And the Women's Chorale and Concert Choirs were amazing, too!

Abby's friend Ashley and her husband were hosting a get-together at their place, so as soon as she had the chance to tell Isaac "good job!" she ran off to their apartment. And the rest of us went back to Isaac's dorm room until she was ready to head out. 

I somehow picked up a head cold this weekend so tomorrow's flight home may be rough (pray for me!), but I'm so thankful for the time I've had here with my sweet boy. He's a kind, thoughtful, easygoing young man, and I am grateful for the depth of his faith. I love you, Isaac! I can't wait to see you for Thanksgiving.

November 6

We had such a nice day in Wheaton. Adam picked up Abby from her friend Meredith's house first thing, and they returned to the hotel with my coffee --and Abby's first caramel brulee latte-- in-hand. 

With caffeine on board, we loaded into the minivan and drove over to campus, where we briefly saw Isaac before heading into chapel. He took his assigned chapel seat while the rest of us filed into the balcony, as we've done in past years. (It was Abby's first time doing this, and when I asked her if it felt weird, she didn't hesitate to say yes.) Then we went to Saga for lunch, where we enjoyed the usual college dining hall favorites and a few new offerings, like house-made pita chips.

Then Isaac had class for a little over an hour, so Abby met up with her friend Kam for some girl time, Adam and Brady found a pair of vacant adirondack chairs and watched the clouds go by, and I escaped the chilly 40something temp by going inside the parents' reception area for a cup of tea (and a few minutes of Monopoly Go).

After Isaac's class ended, we ventured to Costco to seek out more cold weather clothes. Isaac looked to Abby's Chicagoland wisdom for guidance, and came away with a few pairs of fleece lined pants and a coat that will hopefully end up keeping him toasty during the winter months. Then we went back to his dorm to drop off his items, and since there were open hours and us female folk were allowed on the boys' side, we all got to see his room. While there, he handed over his prized pal Slime Dog and so I could perform surgery on his neck seams while I'm here. Then it was on to Culver's for dinner (per Isaac's reluctant request; he actually would've been happiest going to Saga, as crazy as that sounds) and back to campus for the Talent Show. We'd never gone to the latter before since Abby wasn't interested, but I have to say it was quite entertaining. Isaac's brother floor wound up winning the event with their traditional "Mantastic" dance number, but there were quite a few very talented and very amusing acts that performed (including a surprising amount of what I'd call metal). I hadn't laughed really hard in quite a while, but a puppet (of all things) named Ivan had me rolling.

It was late by the time the show got out so we said our see you tomorrows and Isaac headed off to his dorm to move his laundry while the rest of us returned to the hotel for the night. I successfully completed Slime's surgery and he's resting comfortably on the couch across the room. And I feel a great sense of gratitude to God for the family day that we were blessed to have. 

November 5

Adam, Brady, and I got up this morning, drove to the airport, and flew to Chicago for Family Weekend at Wheaton. (Abby is here, too, but she took the redeye that left last night so she'd be able to see some friends and attend her Thursday class via Zoom.) It was a mercifully uneventful travel day, although it began with a potential issue that wound up being a non-issue after all: when we arrived in Oakland, we discovered that our flight had been delayed several hours (Southwest strikes again), which meant we'd be getting to Midway four hours later than our original reservation stated (and to Wheaton at nearly midnight). But thanks to my compulsive need to be early to the airport and Adam's quick jaunt to see a gate agent, we wound up on a pair of flights that actually got us to Chicago *earlier* than initially intended. Thank you, Lord, for that miracle!

Anyway, we were all seated separately during leg two --LAX to Midway-- and I used that time to finish about half of a sleeve for a cardigan I've been working on. 

After landing in the chilly, rainy Windy City, we secured the rental minivan relatively expeditiously (which was no guarantee since the usual youth hockey tournament is this weekend, and the shuttle was packed to the gills with sticks and teenage boys and parents) and made it to Wheaton in good time. We rolled up to Isaac's dorm at about 7:45 and had the chance to say hello, get hugs, and hear about his day before he headed off to his 8:15 PM activity (and we went off to Culver's for dinner because boy, were we hungry by then).

As I sat there in the Smaber lounge looking at Isaac, who casually draped himself across the cushions of a small couch like he was setting up shop in the family room at home, I noticed how happy and calm and relaxed he was. I'd suspected it was the case all along, but in that moment, I knew for sure that he's where he belongs. He's in his element. He's with people who --if they're not already his people-- will definitely become his people. And that realization felt so, so good to my mama heart. It is such a blessing from God to know that your children are settled, content, and following the path He's laid out for them. So this evening, I go to bed with an extra measure of gratitude in my heart.

November 4

Abby came home from student teaching today bearing a small collection of birthday cards and gifts from her second graders.

As she shared them with me --the bunny pouch, the Christmas pajamas, the sweet note from one child who thanked her for helping him to "feel calm"-- I could see the emotion in her eyes. She's really come to love these kids over the past few months, and it meant a great deal to her to know that they appreciate her, too.

She's going to make a difference as a teacher. I know it. And I'm grateful that God has blessed her with a compassionate, caring heart that will compel her to work hard to help the young people who are entrusted to her care.

November 3

Abby turned 22 today. Twenty-two!

Since she doesn't student teach on Tuesdays, she opted to come home last night so she could wake up in her own bed on her birthday.

We spent the morning collecting her freebies --including her "monstrosity" (her word, not mine!) drink from the Mother Ship, an ice dream cone from Chick filA, and a red velvet bundtlet cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes-- and strolling the aisles at Target. (Halloween candy was 90 percent off this morning, much to my great delight and horror.)

She opted for sandwiches from The Bagel Cafe for lunch, and then we returned home and watched last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars" (per her request. I used to be a big fan but got tired of it several years ago).

Then she drove up to her evening class and picked up a boba along the way. When Adam got home, he and Brady and I headed to Walnut Creek and met her at the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. And we finished our evening at my in laws' house with the happy birthday song (featuring video called-in Isaac) sung over her slice of cheesecake --we foraged for a candle and fortunately found one!-- and presents.

I hope she had a good day and felt loved. She's a wonderful young woman with an equally wonderful heart, and I greatly admire her commitment to her faith and to living a Godly life. Although I know she worries about the future sometimes, I also know that she will make a fantastic teacher because she cares and she wants to succeed. And she wants the students to succeed, too.

So for the great blessing of 22 years of Abby, I am endlessly thankful. Happy birthday, my girl! I love you!