November 12

I've been collecting Pokemon cards for Nikki (and her kids) for a while now. I have a weird talent for walking into restocks, so I'll buy what I see and then add it to her tab (which has ballooned over time, ha). Since the current McD's Happy Meal promotion is Pokemon-themed, I decided, on a whim, to buy a pair of them and then pay a visit to her at work. (After making sure she'd be there, of course.)

So I did. And we enjoyed our kids' meals in her office and chit-chatted between phone calls.

It was a completely random, spur of the moment idea, but I'm glad I did it because it was fun. And it definitely added some color to my day.

As always, for the blessing of friendship, I am grateful. And for the blessing of Nikki's friendship, I am doubly grateful.

November 11

A new barista started at the Mother Ship about a month ago. He's always very cheerful and from the beginning, he tried very hard to memorize my name and order -- and was genuinely pleased when he finally mastered both.

During previous check-out chit-chat, I'd found out that he's 18 and that he has much-younger siblings. And I'd also overheard him telling co-workers that he tries to go to church on Sundays. Given his age, I kept meaning to ask when he graduated from high school, but forgot to do that.

Until this morning. And my interest was piqued when he said that he'd graduated from Amador in May. Isaac graduated from Amador in May. So I replied "huh, my son graduated from Amador this year." And he said "oh really? Who's your son?" And I said "Isaac Wight." 

And I kid you not, he stumbled backward a step and said, "wait, you're Isaac's mom?! Yes, I know Isaac!" I'm paraphrasing, but he shared that he'd gone to the Bible study Isaac helped start and that Isaac had driven him to Young Life at Granada High School on Monday nights during their senior year. He said he considers him a non-biological brother and will never forget him.

I sent the picture to Isaac and he was pleased to see that his old friend is doing well. (And amused that he's my coffee guy.) Isaac is not one to respond well to praise; he typically ignores it, and sometimes rejects it with a surprising amount of humility-driven hostility. But I wanted him to know that his efforts to live like Jesus actually do have an impact on others. He didn't say much in return; just noted that David is "an awesome dude." But I think the message was received nonetheless. And I am grateful and humbled that God allowed me to be his mom, because watching him influence others with his kindness and enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel is a true gift.

November 10

When I feel under the weather, my appreciation of creature comforts tends to increase.

Like pillows. When my sinuses are congested and breathing is a little more laborious than I'd like, my pillows become my head-propping besties.

I guess it sounds a bit off the wall, but tonight, I'm thankful for pillows and for how they can --and do-- mitigate discomfort. They've definitely very small things that can make a big difference.

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.