October 31

Not too long ago, Halloweens were stuffed to the gills with activity, from elementary school costume parades and classroom parties to carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating. So this year's version of the day felt very quiet by comparison, but also productive enough.

I did plenty of shopping at a wide array of stores for the upcoming 18th birthday celebration. (But I won't say where since I know Abby reads this blog.) And of course I visited a local Mother Ship because duh.

And then after her classes were over, I picked up Abby from her dorm and we went to lunch and then to Claire's (so she could look for a gift for a friend) and Bath and Body Works (so we could sniff). 

She was a little glum when she first got into the car, but the shopping trip injected new energy into that girl of mine. She literally danced her way through Bath and Body Works to the sounds of the Christmas music that filled the air. She fawned over the tunes and the return of Winter Candy Apple (her all-time favorite scent) to the shelves and proclaimed herself ready for Christmas. Seeing her spirits lift so suddenly lifted mine and filled me with gratitude.

Then I drove her back to campus, where we paused in front of an especially orange tree to take some fall pics. It was overcast all day long, and although I'm not a big fan extended hours of clouds and gloom, I have to admit that the yellows and oranges and remaining reds of the leaves looked more vibrant and beautiful today than they have on any previous day. So I am grateful for the reminder that beauty is often magnified by less-than-sunny skies.

We then walked back to her dorm, where we spent some time in her room before I departed to return to the hotel for the night while she did homework (hopefully). She met friends to trick-or-treat somewhere on campus and messaged a few photos of the group. Adam sent a pic of Brady as Dr. Doofenshmirz and Isaac as Perry the Platypus (from "Phineas and Ferb", for the non-initiated) so I did get to see them all dressed up despite my absence. So I'm grateful for that.

Yes, it was a quiet day as far as Halloweens go, but I feel content for a comparatively restful day. And for that sweet restfulness, I am thankful.

October 30

Phase two of my time here in Chicagoland began today as the male folk boarded a plane to head home.

But first, we met Abby outside the dining hall on campus so we could all have one more meal together. Isaac and Brady consumed a shocking number of red Jell-o cubes and Abby's pal Laura showed up, made her half a waffle, and then disappeared again. (As an aside, Abby gave me a piece of said-waffle. She told me that Laura is so good at making waffles that a waffle would be her Cutie Mark if she were a My Little Pony. And I can now confirm she was right because yum, that was a good bite of waffle.)

Then Abby and I drove the boys to Midway Airport and set off for an afternoon of shopping (which was mostly me gasping over how many Cars-with-faces they had in Target and buying Abby sweatshirts so she doesn't freeze when the temps dip). Following a pit stop at Culver's for some pretzel bites, we did a little more retail therapy and then I dropped her off at her dorm. With said-pretzel bites and cheesy sauce in mind, I hit the fitness room at the hotel for some treadmill action, and now I'm back in my room click-clacking on my keyboard, switching between this entry and our currently lively family group chat. (Which is lively because the boys have safely arrived back in California.)

It was a good day, and I am thankful to God for that goodness. I'm not entirely sure what I'll do tomorrow since Abby has class much of the day, but whatever it is... it'll be good, too. 

October 29

'Twas another family day here in Wheaton; the boys all head back to California tomorrow, so it was the last for now. But it was a good one, I think.

We kicked things off by picking up Abby from her dorm and heading off to IHOP for brunch. Then the boys waited in the car while Abby and I ran through Walmart at warpish speed so I could buy a nail file (for nail-filing purposes). 

An executive decision was then made to go bowling (because even though we never bowl at home, something about Chicagoland screams "BOWLING MUST HAPPEN HERE!" for both Isaac and Brady), so Adam found an alley with a good rating and off we went. The requisite dodgy shoes aside, it was a fun experience filled with lots of laughs, a few slow-mo strikes, some gutter-balls, and plenty of Wight-brand competitive spirit. And one more little surprise: when I glanced up at the scoreboard for the next lane over, where the results still remained for the already-departed players, I saw that "Logan" had bowled a game. I didn't say anything aloud, but I silently rejoiced at the sight and all that it meant to me in that significant family moment: Logan was there with us, even if not in physical form.

Following a pit stop at Sonic for some liquid refreshment and a pair of cheeseburgers for our biggest burger fan, we ventured back to campus to pick up Abby's mail and visit the Wade Center; the latter houses C.S. Lewis' fabled wardrobe and other memorabilia from Tolkien, Sayers and other authors.

Then Abby wanted to get off campus again, so we went back to the hotel, where Isaac and Brady burned off some energy in the fitness room while my girl and I watched a few old episodes of "Silver Spoons" on TV. 

And then it was on to dinner at Culver's, which we universally enjoyed. (Brady wants to go back.) And dessert at the Rainbow Cone, where --since the boys won't be here for THE day-- we quietly sang happy birthday to our near-18-year old as she noshed on a very blue birthday cake ice cream cone.

We closed the day out with a few more minutes of fam-time in the lounge at Abby's dorm, where we finally met her roommate, Hannah, as she was passing through, and had a little time with another of her friends, Michaela. 

And now we're back in our hotel room, getting ready to turn in for the night. It was another good day, so I am thankful for the hours. 

October 28

I'm still mostly awake, I think. Probably. Or at least awake enough to be able to appreciate that just across the room, Brady is fully transfixed by the soothing voice of Bob Ross bringing something or other to life on canvas. 

Anyway, today was day one of our time in Wheaton. Adam got up extra specially early to deal with our rental car situation and fortunately, was able to secure a vehicle here in town. (Thank you, God.) 

We headed over to campus at around 9, and came upon Abby and some friends as they walked toward breakfast. She spotted us from afar and yelled out "is that my family?!" as she began running in our direction. I responded in kind, even though I have lousy knees and look like a brunette Phoebe Buffay when I run. And we literally ran into a hug. There were hugs for everyone and a lift-and-spin for Brady (top left). And all felt well in my soul.

She headed off to eat while we hit up the welcome table for some swag (Altoids, anyone?) and then to secure seats for chapel (top middle). The worship leader for the day was Matt Redman, and his wife, Beth, gave a message on rest inspired by the story of Mary and Martha. Both were powerful experiences; as Isaac later mused, he'd never been in a room with so many Christians at one time singing worship songs. 

Abby had class until 2:05, so we were on our own after chapel let out. We opted to dine on campus, so we booked it over to the dining hall, where I found Abby's friend Laura (lower right) who was apparently very eager to meet us. (She was actually looking around for us when I saw her.) We lingered over lunch for quite some time as the boys --particularly Isaac-- learned of the joys of an unlimited buffet. 

Following a quick stop at a siblings welcome event (where Brady snagged his cool orange shades), we went outside to wait for Abby's class to end. The boys made leaf angels (think snow angels on the grass) and then Isaac make a big leaf heart before she emerged, starving and eager to head over to get lunch. After she lunched we walked over to her dorm but since it was only 3ish and it wasn't open to visitors until 4, we sat outside. The boy-folk played volleyball with Laura (who appeared and asked if she could play) and then we trooped back to the car so Abby could reunite with BearBear. (It was a touching scene.) 

From there we headed back to her dorm. Her roommate was out, but we got to see her room, which I will confirm is huge. And tastefully pink. And then we went to dinner at Giordano's, because Abby was eager for pizza. And then it was back to campus for her and back to the hotel for the rest of us. And now it's about the soothing voice of Bob Ross and the tap, tap, tap of his titanium white paint hitting the canvas. 

It was a good day. A great day, really. It was beautiful and sunny and surprisingly warm outside. And it was beautiful and wonderful to see my girl again. So today, I am thankful for all of the above -- even Bob Ross. But especially for the time with my people.

October 27

Today we picked up the boys from school at the usual hour and then headed off to the airport. It's Family Weekend at Wheaton so we flew to Chicago to spend some time with Abby.

There were definitely some issues along the way (like who knew that Hertz is the only car rental agency that doesn't play nice with the others and won't honor reservations after midnight? We found out the hard way and still need to figure that out come sun-up). But it's 2:30 AM local time and we're settled into our hotel room and have been in touch with Abby, who is excited to see us in the morning. (Or the afternoon. Her Fridays are pretty busy.) So all is okay. Not perfect, but good. And definitely okay.

So for all of that and for the red and orange and yellow leaves I'm sure we'll see in person very soon (yay real Fall! It's been a minute for this transplanted-to-California girl!), I am thankful.

October 26

Truth be told, I was kind of disappointed in myself as I picked up my phone to scroll through my photos a few minutes ago. I didn't feel like I spent much time today noticing God's presence and didn't remember taking any pics. But then I saw this, and my mood lifted.

It's from my weekly Starbucks date with Brady this morning. 

Sure, it's not much different than the one I took last week (or the week before), but it's an important part of our current routine that we've come to enjoy.

I think we're called to find enjoyment and contentment in all situations -- even the ones that are predictable and unremarkable and routine. So today I'm thankful for this extraordinary run-of-the-mill part of my week.

October 25

Sometimes the strangest things will push my nostalgia-button. Today's responsible party was this cheese danish from McDonalds.

It was one of my favorite menu items from the Golden Arches when I was a kid, so when I saw a sign advertising its limited return, I had to get one.

It came in a box rather than the crackly plastic packaging of yore, but when I nibbled an edge, it took me way back: I felt like a 10-year old sitting in the backseat of my mom's Cutlass Sierra.

It was a nice moment. And I like a good (or even a mediocre) cheese danish, so it was tasty moment, too. And I'm always thankful for good moments and memories.

October 24

This ballot was in today's mail. At first I didn't think much of it since Adam and I always vote by mail, and then I looked a little closer and realized that it's Abby's ballot. 

Her first ballot.

She turns 18 next week but somehow the truth that her birthday falls before election day had eluded me until I saw that envelope. And then I was like... wow.

My girl is going to be an adult next week.

She'll be able to vote and help make community and policy decisions. She'll be able to sign her own permission forms and make her own decisions about, well, just about anything. I hope she'll still ask for advice and guidance when she needs it, of course, but she'll be an actual adult. It blows my mind.

I'm not entirely sure how we got here, but here we are. And I am so grateful that God has transformed (and continues to transform) this near-adult child of mine into such an amazing young lady.

October 23

Brady got restless during Isaac's game this afternoon, so after asking permission, he slipped out of his cleats and did a few laps around the track. After he finished, he retrieved a lost ball for the younger brother of one of the other team's players, and a new friendship was forged.

At one point when I glanced over, he and his tiny friend --who couldn't be more than two or maybe a very young three-- were weaving through the "tunnels" (for lack of a better term) under the football stands. 

A little later, I watched as they mounted the bleachers and Brady protectively eyed the wee one as he skittered from one end to the other. And then as the game drew to a close, I spied them walking together to return a lost ball to our dugout.

It was sweet to see my littlest kiddo give the big brother treatment to another child. Caretaking is an important part of this life, so I'm grateful that he was up to the challenge.

October 22

If we've been acquainted for more than a year, you know that every Fall, our family takes a trip down to Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay. Sure, grocery store pumpkins are plentiful and decidedly cheaper, but it's a tradition for us. And so we go.

And, in case you've not yet guessed, today was the day. We left a bit earlier than we have historically, partly because I was up earlier than expected (falling asleep at 8:30 last night may have had something to do with it!) and partly because we no longer have to wrestle kids into the car. Since it was only 9, we swung through the McDonalds drive thru for breakfast and then hit the road.

It was, by far, the quickest trip down we've ever experienced, and certainly one of the quietest. I didn't think much about it as we rode along, but in hindsight, it was a very different journey because our kids aren't little anymore. There was no whining about needing to use the bathroom and no one kicked anyone and no one breathed in someone's face and incited a bicker-war. Yes, it was peaceful, but the memories almost make me wistful for those sticky-fingered days when just about anything could be fixed with a kiss and a lollipop. But I digress.

When we arrived, we took our annual photo, and without further ado, here it is. It's weird that Abby isn't in it since the very first pic in the series was taken when I was nine months pregnant with her 18 years ago, but she's in college and doing so well. And I'm so proud of her for being all the way back there in Chicagoland doing her own thing in her own space. I've gotten to watch her grow up in this series and now... now she's living her own life. She graduated. And I am so, so grateful for all of the life I've gotten to watch happen in these images. And the life that continues to happen. But I've digressed yet again.

So yes, we took the photo. And others, and I was again surprised when I looked back at last year's bunch and realized just how much the boys have grown. (In sum: I just keep getting shorter and shorter.) And Isaac and Brady roamed the patch and hoisted the biggest pumpkins they could find into a wheelbarrow. (And they are, indeed, massive.) And then we headed back home. 

What else can I say? It's a blessing that we've continued this tradition of ours for as long as we have. It's a blessing that a simple trip can stir up so many (bitter)sweet memories. And family is, at its core, one of the biggest blessings of all. So I am thankful.

October 21

Brady was a few minutes late getting out to the car after the bell rang this afternoon. When he finally zipped around the corner and into view, he was clutching a plastic bag filled with a pink substance. As he slipped into his seat in the back, he explained that he'd run (probably literally) to his science classroom to get the substance they'd created today. 

I can't remember what he called it, but it was comprised of two parts of corn starch and one part water. I know because as soon as we got home, he asked if he could replicate the project and then dug around the in pantry in search of corn starch. (Which, for the record, I did find for him. Eventually.)

I love his curious little mind and his enthusiasm. Given that it feels like apathy often runs the world, his desire to "do" is a blessing.

October 20

It was a good enough day, as far as Thursdays go. There was early-morning help for Brady with math word problems and school drop-offs and Starbucks and Walmart for some plain yogurt. And then later there were pick-ups and chores and dinner. 

And now, with the boys tucked into bed (or maybe not) and a few more evening hours stretched out ahead, there's this: computer time and TV and crochet and a wee serving of prosecco served in a fancy glass.

A simple evening for sure, but a blessed one nonetheless. And for that, I am grateful.

October 19

At some point this past spring (or maybe it was last fall - the months really melt together these days), I suggested to my friend Jen that we take a walk on a weekday morning sometime. She has a big, rowdy golden retriever and I thought she might like some human company.

Today we finally got around to taking that stroll. We walked with Rusty the dog for a while, and then when he got tired of being out, we dropped him off at her house and set off for some human-only stepping.

And it was really, really good. We talked about lots of different things, including our kiddos and school and faith. (Her son is one of Isaac's baseball pals.)

So this evening I am grateful for her and her good heart and for our time this morning.

October 18

Sometimes Brady just does strange things.

Like tonight after he'd finished his dinner, he disappeared for a few minutes and then returned to the table. He stood right next to me and proceeded to brush his teeth. While staring down at me.

Then a few minutes later, after I'd moved to the couch, he returned with a comb, stood above me, and combed his hair. Very slowly. And then a few minutes after that, he returned with a stick of deodorant and applied it. Again while standing over me.

Yep, he's a weirdo sometimes. But I love it, because it makes him unique. And I think our more interesting qualities and tendencies are gifts that God gave us to make us distinct and even more special that we'd be without them.

October 17

Brady got home from school this afternoon and immediately did what he always does when he gets home from school: got a snack, and then plunked down at the dining room table with his books and computer and started his homework.

(Well, I should actually say that he continued working on it, since he started in the car when I picked him up. Details, details.)

Anyway, I love that he's so good about getting his work done. I love how he buckles down, focuses, and finishes his assignments without me needing to nag him. That kind of focus and dedication is a blessing that will serve him well in the future, so I'm thankful that he has it.

October 16

It was another Baseball Sunday for the residents of the Wight House. Unfortunately the boys' games were in different cities at roughly the same time, so we did the usual divide-and-conquer thing, with Adam taking Brady to play in Livermore while I drove Isaac up to his doubleheader in Concord.

They both played well and amassed a collection of hits and walks as well as some defensive gems (which, if you're interested, included a running catch for Isaac and a trio of strikeouts for Brady during his inning on the mound).

And I had a good time on the bleachers chatting with friends and adding rows to a project. It was overcast and cool, but the company made it warm.

So yes, all was good, but this may have been the sweetest part of the day. After the final out was recorded and the ensuing team meeting wrapped, Isaac and a few of his teammates exited the dugout and began dragging the field (which starts the process of prepping it for the next users). 

I fully believe that we're all called to have service-oriented hearts, so it always touches me when I see my kiddos choosing to do extra "work" like this that they're not required to complete.

October 15

It's funny how all these years later, those Cars with Faces still mean so much to me.

So I was tickled to find these two new ones during a Target run this afternoon. 

And I was very pleased when Abby video-called me during her own Target run with friends earlier in the day so she could show me what they had in stock at her store. She certainly didn't have to do that, and I was so happy when she did.

Small things for sure, but big blessings to me, especially since these cars with faces always make me think of my Sunshine.

October 14

Ah, sweet Friday. I'm so glad you're here.

The entire day was pleasant enough, but I think my favorite part was dinnertime, when we were sitting around the kitchen table eating steak and potatoes and carrots (and a pile of spinach, if you were me) and sharing about our respective days.

As I sat listening, I was overcome by a great sense of satisfaction. It's not a perfect life but it's a very good one, and I am thankful for the many blessings I enjoy, including dinners with these wonderful people.

October 13

Brady was extra-sleepy this evening after dinner.

So while Adam and I watched some of the Thursday Night Football game, he curled up on the floor in front of the couch (why he didn't just lie on the couch is beyond me but there ya go) with a pillow, blanket, and BearBear.

And then a few minutes later, Isaac joined him. They reminded me of two cuddly puppies.

The scene didn't last long because Brady told him to buzz off, but it was cute while I did. So for that dose of cuteness and for their brotherly love, I am grateful.

October 12

This is what I encountered when I emerged from my room this morning.

In case it's hard to tell, you're looking at Brady, positioned mid-air, headbutting a balloon he got at youth group last night. 

It was wonderfully weird and I laughed to myself when I saw him and his majestic form. 

It's always a blessing to start a new day with a giggle, so I am thankful for his goofiness.

October 11

A couple of weeks ago, Terry and I made plans to grab morning beverages at the Mother Ship and then head over to her needlepoint studio so I could check it out. 

So that's just what we did today. 

I looked over her impressive and definitively colorful stock of thread and admired the completed pieces that line the walls. And then, after her puppy dog was settled, we sat down at the table for a few hours of meandering chit-chat.

And it was so, so good. I'm not sure why we get along as well as we do, but I'm so grateful for her and her openness and her goofy sense of humor. She adds a sweet spoonful of sparkle to my life, and I know --even if she doesn't!-- that she is a gift to me from God Himself, because one of my consistent prayers is that I will find more friends like her.

October 10

Abby shared several sky shots from Wheaton in our family group chat this morning. As I drove the brositos to school, Isaac replied to her with a pic of the vast gray expanse that was our sky during the early hours of the day, but I didn't see it until I settled into my seat at the Mother Ship. And what I saw warmed my heart.

Romans 12:10 tells us that we're to love one another with genuine affection, and I so love that my nearly-grown kiddos have exchanges like this that display their true care for one another. Their banter bubbles with a mix of humor and genuine feeling that makes me feel so honored to be their mom.

So for little everyday conversations like these that are easy to overlook but of so much value, I am so grateful.

October 9

It was a divide-and-conquer Sunday: Adam took Isaac to his practice up north while I attended Brady's game (which, for the record, they won 15-5).

As I pulled into the garage following the outing, Brady said something about wearing Isaac's pants and how glad he was that they hadn't fallen down while he was out on the field. 

A few seconds later, I heard him burst into a fit of giggles. When I rounded the front end to put eyes on whatever was so funny, I was him standing there clutching his water bottle, a cup of Hi-C from Mickey D's, and his post-game snack bag. And his pants were down around his ankles.

It was a ridiculous moment. And it was a real moment. And I am grateful for both of those truths, because Heaven knows, life on this earth can always use a little more humor.

October 8

Brady brought Little Beggar (aka Bagger) to the kitchen table this morning while I was enjoying my coffee.

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but my grandma gave him Bagger a number of years ago during a visit to her house. That little tan puppy used to sit on the cedar chest by the window in her bedroom, and she was puttering around one afternoon when --completely out of the blue-- she asked Brady if he'd like to have him. And so he came home with us and has been a permanent resident of Brady's bed ever since.

It was nice to get a visit from Bagger since he's not one of The Usuals. And it was nice to remember that trip and to once again think about my grandma's ongoing positive impact on my life.

PS -- no, Brady doesn't have a black eye. His allergies have been off the hook.

October 7

Brady had a scrimmage here in town this evening so the rest of us headed over to watch him play.

I was perched on the bleachers between and slightly behind Isaac and Adam, who were sitting in chairs they'd brought along. At one point between innings when nothing exciting was going on, my focus shifted from the field to my companions. I glanced from one to the other and back again and chuckled to myself, because in that moment of down time, they'd assumed identical positions, with heads bent over their phones, playing their respective video games.

Like father, like son, I thought. Screen time aside, I am grateful that my kids have a great father in Adam. They are blessed to have him -- as am I.

October 6

I sent Abby a big care package last week. It consisted mostly of a variety of different candies, but also included several other items. She gave hearty thank-yous via both IM and during our video chat this week. And then I got this in today's mail.

It's true that I insisted that she send thank you cards to anyone who acknowledged her high school graduation earlier this year, but since she went to college, I've left it up to her to make decisions regarding how to live and react to others' kindness. And I'm so pleased that she's opted to continue mailing out these notes.

We're called to be gracious, so I am thankful that my girl continues to be just that all on her own.

October 5

Another Wednesday, another Mother Ship date with my muffin.

Although I've opened up the menu and told him he can order whatever he wants, he's been consistent this school year with his choice: a venti ice water and a cake pop. He did go with a pink one today and not his usual chocolate, but by and large, he's been pretty predictable.

Given how utterly unpredictable this life can be, I am thankful for predictable moments. (And, of course, for this guy and our time together.)

October 4

The boys had their Tuesday evening Youth Group so Adam and I did what we've done of late and turned it into a date night.

After some indecision (mostly from me), Adam said he'd like to try out Cattlemen's (yup, somehow we'd never been) so that's what we did.

We liked the country/western vibe and the plentiful plates of food so I'm sure we'll go back again. 

It's always a blessing to get some one-on-one time with my one and only guy, so I am thankful.

October 3

I completely whiffed on taking photos today. It wasn't a day that lacked blessings; I just wasn't in photographer-mode. Oh well!

So you get my wee muffin as he was heading off to bed tonight. He'd just gathered up the animal menagerie --his two plus the two he's taking care of for Abby-- and was making a weird face because I'd just said something that generated an incredulous response. (I have no clue what it was but it must've been a doozy, based on the expression.)

Anyway, this guy (and the way he continues to care for Abby's pink pals) is a blessing, as are his brothers and his sister. As is Adam, and as is the rest of our extended family and our friend network. So for those big blessings, I am thankful.

October 2

It was such a blessed Sunday that I have to use two pics. 

It began with church, where I had the honor of helping to serve communion alongside Paul, who has served as our transitional pastor for the past 18ish months. (He's the guy in the purple shirt.) A little later, the congregation voted to approve hiring Mary (in the white) as Pastor Next (as we've been calling our theoretical next pastor) by a near-unanimous vote. I am so excited to see how God uses Mary at our church and I am so thankful that He sent her our way.

From there, Brady and I hightailed it up to Concord for Isaac's noon game, and made it there in time for the first pitch (partly because they didn't have an umpire so the start time was delayed). Brady and I didn't stay the entire time because we had to get to his game a few exits down the freeway, but the Rays gave their opponents 22-5 beating, and for his part, Isaac went 3 for 3 with a walk. 

Brady's game played out in similar fashion, as he and his team won by a score of 17-7. My muffin went 4 for 4 (and saw a whopping total of five pitches to collect those hits), pitched the last inning, and came away with the game ball.

And --and this is important-- it's my girl Gretchen's birthday! We first met way back in first grade, and though we were out of touch for a number of years in the middle there, I'm so blessed to have her as a friend. She's kind-hearted and sweet and strong and super introverted so she'll cringe when she sees this but I don't care because everyone should know what an exceptional human she is. Happy birthday, girlie!

Given how often things seem to go wrong in this world, it's such a blessing when so many things go the way I'd like them to go in the same day. So I am grateful for today, and hopeful that I'll look back on this day during the ones to come that lack its luster.

October 1

I had a pair of meetings at church this morning. When I came home, I pretty much zonked out in the family room for much of the afternoon. Adam had asked if I'd like to make calzones for dinner, so eventually, that's what I did.

Truth be told, I don't cook much these days. It's always hard to find something that certain people (cough*Brady*cough) will actually eat and the food-rejection can be tiresome. 

But I do like calzones, and I do like making them. So today, I'm grateful that Adam made the suggestion and that I had the drive to actually get it done.