November 30

I found this at Target last week. It's a re-release of a car that was produced a number of years ago and I bought it because I thought it would be a fun addition to our family room holiday decor. And because Logan loved Ramone in all of his incarnations -- including this one.

I always miss Logan and wonder what he'd be like --how tall he'd be, what activities he'd enjoy, what he'd like to eat-- but that sense of longing for what could've been usually intensifies over the Christmas season. And this year is no different.

So today, as I passed by my desk and saw this car sitting there ready to take its place on the mantel, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude that God created us to hold memories of those who have gone before us in our hearts. It's not the same as having him here, but it's most definitely better than nothing at all.

November 29

I spent the bulk of the afternoon working on a crochet project, and this is how I found Brady when I emerged from my cave (room) for a drink:

In the foyer, surrounded by an array of boxes. (And Chub. And BearBear.)

When I asked what he was doing, he said he was putting together a house for Isaac's dog Slime. He went on to explain that Isaac had taken Slime upstairs to keep him occupied so the surprise wouldn't be spoiled.

They're definitely growing up quickly, but I'm grateful that they still act like little boys sometimes because the days of playing with stuffed animals and building box forts are far too few.

November 28

Signs of the Christmas season keep popping up at our house.

This one --my wee little tree-- showed up at some point today. It is, for the record, placed in the hallway between the boys' bedroom doors (and that's the front door down below the overlook. You can probably see the lights from the street through the upper arched window).

This season may not hold the parties I was so hoping to host, but it will still be fun to continue to figure out how to decorate our new home. And for that, I'm thankful.

November 27

Despite the weirdness of 2020, it was a day-after-Thanksgiving that largely resembled our traditional days-after-Thanksgiving. To start, Abby and I got up and headed out for some (masked, of course) Black Friday retail therapy. We hit the usual haunts (Starbucks, Walmart, Target, Ulta, Old Navy, JCPenney) for the usual reasons, JoAnn for some new Christmas decor for the living room (where we decided on a silver and gold theme), and finished off in the Burger King drive-thru for lunch.

While we were out, Adam and the boys did some exterior decorating --front AND back--and put up the 9.5-foot artificial tree we purchased to grace the front window. 

Isaac was particularly excited to go pick out a (small) real tree for our family room, so after Adam finished his nap, we headed out to a local lot, found a good one, and brought it home. After reconfiguring the furniture a bit, Adam put it where it will stand for the next month or so and strung the lights. 

Then after Abby and I wheeled the neighbors' trash cans up and down the street a few times (long, rather amusing story there that Abby will smack me if I relay here so I won't but I mention it anyway lest I should ever forget) we closed out the day's informal festivities with a viewing of "Home Alone."

Both trees still need to be decorated and there are pieces of wall art that Abby and I picked out that need to be hung and there are still presents that need to be bought and wrapped and holiday cards that need to be addressed and sent, but it feels Christmas-y at our house. I feel a sense of anticipation for the season of joy and cheer that lies ahead. And for all of that, I am grateful.

November 26

It was most definitely a different kind of Thanksgiving. For the first time ever, we had dinner at our own house with just our immediate family. And we used our china --the good dishes!-- for the first time ever, too. (Seriously. The sets were still sitting in our garage in their original boxes. All I can say is that 18 years can fly by and things just don't get opened when you don't have the occasion to use them.)

Anyway, we all chipped in to make the meal happen. Isaac made the Jello yesterday, Abby made an apple and pear pie, Brady helped with a few sides, I whipped up some mac and cheese (which, along with the inclusion of the Jello, prompted Abby to note that we'd added a Kids' Menu to the Thanksgiving dinner offerings this year), and Adam took care of the turkey breast, pumpkin pie, and cranberry bread.

So yes, we gathered around our beautiful table in our dining room in our lovely new house and enjoyed a meal that we prepared ourselves, for each other. And although he wasn't here-here, Logan was represented by Lambie, who had his own place setting. So we ate and gave thanks to the One who created us and enjoyed our time together.

This life is filled with peaks and valleys, but there are always reasons to be thankful. And today I am grateful for all of mine. And for all of you.

November 25

Since we're doing Thanksgiving at our house for just us this year (for the first time ever!), we asked the kiddos what they wanted to have for dinner. There were plenty of interesting responses for sure, but Isaac wanted Jello. And he wanted to make it himself.

I ran out to buy a pan (which is not pictured; the mold I bought wasn't big enough to hold all of the liquid so we put the overflow into a mini cupcake tray) and then we got to work.

Jello is easy to make, but it was really the first time Isaac had contributed to a larger meal, so it felt like a noteworthy event. And I definitely felt a sense of pride as he carefully poured his product into the mold and the pan.

As I've noted many times of late, he's growing up. (And quickly! According to our unofficial height measurement from tonight, he's shot up about two inches in the past five months.) And that is a blessing that's worth noting over and over again.

November 24

With the threat of day-before-Thanksgiving traffic snarls lurking in the hallows of my mind, we headed back home today. On the way, we made a quick stop at the candy store in Murphys.

I poked my head inside the charming little store long enough to choose my treat and then --mindful of COVID headcount restrictions-- I popped back outside.

I love peanut brittle. I've always had a thing for the peanuts and the crunchiness and the sweetness... all of it. So today, I'm grateful for little treats. (And I'm grateful to be home again, too.)

November 23

We've had better days. It started off okay, but then I raised the possibility of taking a stroll through the state park nearby, and well, the natives expressed their displeasure. Aggressively. And then I got tired of listening to the complaining and yelled at them in the car. (Which I apologized for later, but well, you know, regret.)

Anyway, once we were inside the park (which was no small feat to accomplish because man alive, it's like everyone located within a 10-mile radius thought it would be a good day to look at sequoias), I looked up at those tall, tall trees and had a few thoughts. One, although I'm not really a nature girl, there's something wonderful about how trees and plants don't argue, nor do they make life more complicated. 

And two, and perhaps more importantly, I looked at this picture and realized how much my short people (used in a purely tongue-in-cheek way there since I know I'll be the short one before I blink a few more times) have grown. 

So today, I'm grateful that they're growing, that nature can be so calming, and that grace is a thing, even though we don't always deserve it.

November 22

Yesterday while on a quick stroll, Adam and the boys found a small pile of snow. They apparently had a ton of fun slinging the white stuff at each other, so when they begged to go visit the snow again today, Adam complied. I was in the middle of a task when they left, but when I finished I grabbed Abby and we too went to see the snow.

And voila. This is the pile of snow that inspired so much joy. (I know it's pathetic and gross and dirty. It does not snow where we live so this is as good as it gets.)

Anyhow, I was partly appalled and partly amused when I saw it: appalled because it was truly crusted with dirt and grime and ice. Amused because they did indeed have a ball digging in it and tossing it at each other (and at Chub, who apparently loves snow).

Gross though it may have been, it made me truly happy to see them enjoying themselves. They were, at moments, truly gleeful. And watching them be kids in such a traditionally kid-kind of way is a big blessing to me.

November 21

After the boys' baseball practices this morning, we loaded up Adam's car and headed up to the cabin for a few days. There was a minimal amount of drama (well, terror) when we first arrived and discovered that the smoke alarm on the two-story-high great room ceiling was chirping, but it was nothing that a new battery, Adam, and a telescoping ladder (and terror) couldn't handle.

After we settled in, Isaac and Brady raided the robust game closet and opted to play Battle Ship. And that's where I found them peacefully sinking each other's battle ships and other aquatic vessels.

I remember playing that game when I was young, so it was a kick to see them enjoying it now, in 2020.

'Twas a nice little nostalgic moment for me.

November 20

Kristine came over this morning as she often does these days :) and we sat in the yard, sipped our coffee, crocheted our projects, and chatted. As she was heading out, we passed by a series of rose bushes and I was struck by this:

It's a just a single petal left on a bloom that's well past its prime, but I was so taken with the crispness of its edges and the vibrancy of its color that I paused to point it out.

Although I think we all feel like this petal at times --just barely hanging on, without much purpose-- the sight reminded me that even in this weakened kind of state, we can still have a big impact on those around us.

November 19

The one downside of seasonably appropriate weather is that Fall (and Winter, of course) can be quite chilly. And I don't like being cold. At all.

So on this brisk evening, I'm thankful for the heated throw that I picked up at Target last week (since apparently the one I'd had for a few years was either put in a box I haven't yet opened or disposed of during the move). 

It's pretty easy to take something as simple as heat and comfort for granted, so it's good for me to remember that they are most definitely blessings that not everyone gets to enjoy.

November 18

Abby had a Bible study downtown this afternoon so I dropped her off and then decided to park and wander until she finished.

Our town is, in many ways, postcard cute and charming. I wound up meandering through a couple of the little shops that line Main Street and had to stop myself from literally oohing and aahing over the smells and sights of the coming Christmas season that I found inside.

Yep, I wound up supporting several local businesses, and came away with renewed excitement over the months to come. Although it won't be the traditional kind of Christmas I'm used to, it'll still be good. And I'm thankful to have something big and exciting to anticipate.

November 17

Though the forecast called for rain, I forged ahead with my coffee-in-the-backyard plan for this morning, and Sandra came over to join me at about 10.

Although we've both attended the same church for quite a long while now, I didn't know Sandra particularly well, so it was really nice to sit and chat for a few (well, three! Neither of us had anywhere we needed to be today) hours. She knows the challenges and stresses of dealing with a child with cancer, so although her daughter is (thankfully!) still with us, I can relate to her in a way that most can't.

So today, I'm thankful for a chance to connect with and learn about someone new. (And I'm thankful for her med student daughter Alex, who will no doubt do awesome things with cancer research down the line.)

November 16

I love it when things just kind of come together in my head. (Because I can assure you that I'm more or less perpetually foggy-brained.)

I've had this little picture frame on the desk (which I refer to as "mine," though I suppose anyone could use it. Let's just say it's covered with my stuff) off the kitchen for several months now. I'd periodically look at it and think "I should find a good pic to use" but then the whole fog-brain thing would kick in and I'd forget to do it. 

But not today! Today I finally chose a photo and printed it. The picture is one from Abby's 16th birthday, and I love it. I loved it from the moment that I saw it on the screen at JCPenney. I love that we're both smiling in a more or less genuine way, I love the pose (which was, for the record, my idea), I love our outfits, and I love that little bit of teenager-y sass in her pose. And I extra love it in his pink glittery frame.

Yep, it all just kind of came together. And I am thankful when that happens because Heaven knows that that's not always how it goes.

November 15

My grandma turned 98 today so we called to sing her Happy Birthday during dinner tonight.

I spent a lot of time with my grandma when I was growing up so she's quite dear to me and I'm deeply thankful that she's still "with it", even though I can't actually see her right now (thanks to COVID, of course, but also 3,000 miles of physical distance). 

Anyway, as we neared the end of our conversation --which was still on speaker phone, though she didn't realize it-- she said to tell everyone that she loves them and remarked that though she'd been the beneficiary of several birthday song serenades throughout the day, ours was the best. This prompted Adam's silent but aggressive celebration, and I had to actively stop myself from snorting aloud at the display. 

I love my grandma, and I love Adam's weirdness. Both are blessings to me.

November 14

I know, I know: another baseball post. What can I say? It's a big part of our COVID-restrained existence.

So yeah, Isaac had a scrimmage this morning. It wasn't his team's best effort to date, but it went okay and Adam and I enjoyed sitting in the sun watching them play.

At one point I looked down at the leaves on the ground and remarked that it was very, very odd to be watching baseball in November. It is, after all, a Spring/Summer sport. 

But we've always liked watching games. And we always like watching our kids have fun. So today, I'm definitely grateful that Isaac has this team and that it's allowing him to continue playing on.

November 13

It was an overcast Friday and cloudy days aren't exactly my favorite, but I was happy to look out back and see this:

Overt signs of Fall in my own yard. 

The sight of those oranges and reds and yellows on the trees beside the pool made me smile.

I love Autumn, so I'm thankful for traditional signs of its presence that I can look at and admire every single day.

November 12

It was a good enough day. I got up this morning and ran a few errands. When I got back home, this guy tailed me into the kitchen to ask for a butter bagel. 

Just as I got the bagel bag out of the fridge, there was a knock at the door, which turned out to be the delivery guys bringing our new living room furniture. I hurriedly nuked Brady's bagel, pulled out the butter tub, and told him to go ahead and do it himself. And he was perfectly pleased to be self-sufficient, so he flashed a megawatt grin.

Then it was off to the store for a few things, and back home to host Carolynn, a lovely, spunky, down-to-earth lady from our church, for coffee in the yard. We had a wonderful chat about all sorts of things and then she headed home when the air turned a bit crisper than we liked.

So yes: it was a good enough day. And I am thankful for all of its bits and pieces.

November 11

I got up at a reasonable hour this morning because Kristine was scheduled to come over for coffee, and when I came downstairs, I found a pajamaed trio of kiddos happily playing Mario Kart.

I'm using this image partly because they were getting along so well that it made my heart smile, and also because the living room furniture will be delivered tomorrow so this view will be vastly different from here on out. At long last, my adulthood dream of having a "nice" living room will come to pass.

So today, I'm thankful for coffees (and wine, because Heidi came over tonight for some of that!) with friends and children who play together peacefully and new furniture. All good things. All blessings. All things that make this life of mine sweeter.

November 10

I never did move my Fall bean plants out to the garden. They're still in the punchout window in the kitchen, and they're still growing on hope. (Literally.)

I inspect them every morning when I get up and then again at night before I go to bed. Right now, they're dotted with an assortment of little white flowers and teeny, tiny fledgling beans. (Seriously, just-sprung beans are just about the cutest veggies ever.)

I've never grown bean plants indoors before so I wasn't sure what would happen if I didn't transplant them, so I'm pleased that they're still doing so well and still continuing to grow (and beginning to produce!). 

And yep, I'm also awed that a small seed buried in dirt can grow into something so impressive. If a vegetable seed can do this, just imagine what YOU can do where you've been "planted."

November 9

Craig was the Youth Pastor at our church until a few months ago. All of the high schoolers were sad to see him go, so Abby was pleased to come face to face with him tonight during a Costco run. (And a quick note: they slid their masks down for approximately two seconds to take this pic. That's it.)

Anyway, he always had a good rapport with the kids, so they had a quick but pleasant interaction about her birthday and her surprise party and Young Life.

I could tell that the exchange made Abby happy, so tonight I'm thankful for brief encounters with friends and for the blessing that Craig has been in her life and in those of her friends. People who can connect with teenagers in a meaningful way for an extended period time are amazing.

November 8

After a few months of covert planning, Abby's surprise Sweet Sixteen party was this evening. (And in fact, it's still going on right now as nine appropriately socially distanced teenagers are in the backyard at Gracie's house wrapped up in blankets watching "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.")

But I'm getting ahead of myself, so I'll take a step back. I've not been super great about celebrating our kids' birthdays with their friends and since this was a big one for Abby, I'd texted Angela a few months back to see if she and Gracie (now known to me as The Best Best Friend Ever) would like to help me plan a surprise party. The response was a very enthusiastic yes, and my co-planners got to work. Gracie came up with a host of truly great ideas and we wound up settling on a cheeseburger bar for dinner followed by a presentation of said-movie (which Abby had off-handedly mentioned to Gracie that she'd like to force her friends to watch. Score one for the bestie paying attention to details.) 

Angela and Gracie did the lion's share of the work, with Angela cooking and setting up and Gracie baking desserts and handling the invitation list. I just brought a sash, hat, balloons, plates, and napkins, and Adam bought a LOT of fries at McDonalds (which, as a funny aside, prompted the employee who brought out his order to speculate that we were serious vegetarians) when he brought the boys over to join the party for dinner.

It was a wacky weather day that featured our first rain since Spring and significant winds so we weren't sure how things would pan out, but it was clear (albeit cold) by the time we gathered in front of Gracie's house to execute the surprise. And Abby was definitely surprised. The group sat in a circle talking before dinner, and then Gracie pulled out the amazing cake she'd made for Abby (so she could safely blow out a candle, given COVID guidelines) and cheeseburger cupcakes for the guests. (That little burger Abby is holding? It's a cupcake! So amazing.)

After the cupcakes were consumed and the movie projector was set up, I headed back home to let the teenagers have their mom-free time. 

As I sit here and reflect, I feel so blessed. I'm blessed that Angela and Gracie love planning parties and were so eager to do this for my girl. I'm blessed that Gracie is a terrific best friend. I'm blessed that the Great Waymaker didn't let the weather ruin the day. And I'm blessed that Abby was celebrated by a group of people that she genuinely enjoys... and that she was so happy to be celebrated. Good friends are such amazing blessings, and it warms my heart to see her surrounded by so much care. 

November 7

I was less than thrilled when I got up this morning to find that Isaac and Brady had dumped their extensive collection of cardboard boxes right smack in the middle of the foyer. When I questioned them about their intentions, they said they were planning to build something epic and assured me that they'd clean up the mess before they went to bed today.

I took Abby to the store to buy some fabric for a school project, when we we got home, I found that this was the fruit of their labor: a rocket ship for their stuffed animals (pictured: Chub on top, Slime on the bottom). It's complete with wings, windows fashioned from Ziploc bags, and rocket boosters on the backside.

They were super duper happy with their creation and I loved seeing their enthusiasm spill over as they hauled it outside to show it to Adam, who was reading in the backyard. There's really nothing quite like seeing your kids exercise their minds and create. (And the bonus blessing? They kept their word and cleaned up, and I didn't even have to nag. Actually, that's not just a blessing. That may well be a miracle.) 

November 6

I got up earlier than usual this morning so I could head out for coffee with Kim.

Kim's daughter was one of Abby's best friends in elementary school. Although the girls have grown apart, I've always found Kim to be a funny, down-to-earth kind of chick, so I was happy when she said she'd be good to meet up.

It was a chilly, windy morning (which was quite the contrast from yesterday's 87 degrees!) and it took a whopping 45 minutes for the Mother Ship to have our drinks ready, but I was truly glad to have some time to catch up while we waited (and for a little while after). It served as an excellent start to my Friday, and I am grateful.

November 5

This is currently sitting next to the staircase in the entryway of our house:

It's a nine-foot pre-lit artificial Christmas tree, and it's going to go in the living room next to the window that faces out toward our street. We also (finally, at long last!) ordered furniture for that room earlier this week, so I'm already envisioning how lovely and homey it will look for the Christmas season. (For the record, we'll also have a smaller live tree that we'll pick out at a lot later this month that will go in the family room. Yep - two trees!!)

This year hasn't given the collective us much to be happy about, but looking at this box makes me look forward to what will be. And that's a blessing.

November 4

Truthfully, I didn't get a whole lot done today. I got up late, mostly hung around the house (save a quick late-afternoon jaunt to deposit Brady at one of the sports parks' ball fields for practice), and worked on a handful of crochet projects.

Since I don't have a whole lot else to say, here's one of them. Once it's finished, it will be a shawl that may or may not have pockets. (Jury's out on that one.)

So today, I'm grateful for soft yarn (because this one feels really nice!) and for the opportunities I have to sit and just create. Given how busy I was 24/7 just a decade ago, I know that free time and having ample chances for rest and reflection are big blessings.

November 3

Abby turned 16 years old today. The vaunted Sweet Sixteen!

I know she was disappointed that she didn't get to see her friends in person, but I think she had a good day. It began with a big balloon and a frappuccino; continued with her lunch choice of sandwiches from the Cheesesteak Shop, school online, a gift drop-off from one of her pals, birthday pictures with good old mom, and a Mrs. Fields cookie; and concluded with dinner from CPK, presents, cake (white with light blue, sky-colored frosting this year), and a few rounds of Mario Kart with the guys. (I watched! I just stink at video games.)

I know I say this often, but I am so proud of the amazing human being she is. She's smart, witty, loving, and an all-around fabulous daughter who has an incredible heart. And she's also an amazing blessing to me and to our entire family.

Happy Sweet 16, Abby! I love you!

November 2

The boys had baseball clinic this evening so we had a late dinner. As we all finished up and cleared our plates, Adam encouraged Isaac and Brady to give Abby one last hug while she's 15.

So they did just that. There was, amazingly enough, minimal protestation (although BearBear wasn't thrilled to be pressed up against Dabisnail). And it was a sweet moment for me to take in. 

So for that and for them on this Monday night in November, I'm grateful.

November 1

As we lingered at the table after dinner tonight, I noticed that Adam was staring at me. Then I looked to the right and saw that Brady was staring at me, too.

As I slid my chair backward, BearBear emerged and he too began "staring" at me. As did Isaac (and Slime and Chub). 

It was bizarre, but also comical. So tonight, I'm grateful for these goofballs who never fail to make this life more interesting in all kinds of different ways.