October 21

We've officially entered the Rainy Season!

Well, maybe. The relevant truth here is that it did actually rain today... a little bit. And right as Brady was walking over to the car after school. But the road got wet and he had to turn on the windshield wipers and the deck looked rained-on. So I'm counting it as rain.

Anyway, even though it was just a little bit today, I'm grateful to God for the rain that will come, because the earth around these parts definitely needs the renewal and refreshment that it brings.

October 20

It was a good Tuesday, all in all; I had my hair done, did a wee bit of shopping, made most of an infant-sized sweater (in brown tones this time, just to prove --mostly to myself-- that I don't always have to make overtly frilly, lacy things), and ferried Brady to and from school. 

And then this evening, Adam and I met up for dinner downtown while Brady was at youth group. For once, I managed to eat my entree and still have room for dessert, which was excellent because I've had a hankering for a brownie sundae.

Anyway, it was a good day. And I am grateful for all of the hours and minutes and seconds, both the run of the mill and the extraordinarily, because they're all gifts from God.

October 19

It's Monday again, and a much cooler Monday than we've had of late.

And I'm grateful for the more Octoberish weather, so I fully enjoyed my brief stop at the Mother Ship after school drop-off. I felt at home in my usual little corner, with a steaming cup of coffee and a warm spinach feta wrap laid out before me.

It's a pleasant morning routine that I've established. And I'm thankful for the quiet moments it provides, especially on Mondays.

October 18

I didn't sleep well last night (at all) so I was tired and low-energy for most of the day.

The bright spot was our weekly video chat with Isaac. He's currently on Fall Break and many of his fellow students are off-campus until the latter part of this coming week, so he seemed a little quiet. (He's always been someone who thrives on personal interaction and suffers a bit without it.)

Anyway, he did have some plans with friends for the afternoon, so I was happy to hear that. And I'm also glad to see that quietness aside, he's still doing fine. I know that's never a guarantee when embarking on a new adventure like he's been doing, so I am thankful for God's continued provision in his life.

October 17

Today we engaged in one of our most meaningful and long-lasting Wight family traditions when we piled into the Explorer and drove down to Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay.

Thanks to a quick Google search, we knew it was Pumpkin Festival weekend going in and that the traffic would be thick, and it lived up to expectations. But we had a pleasant ride anyway, starting with Mickey D's for breakfast and 90s country on the sound system. 

I alternately worked on my third attempt at Abby's strawberry sweater and gazed out the window at the passing scenery; it was a beautiful day and the sun illuminated the hills and created glistening waves on the bay. Abby and Brady engaged in their good-natured bickering --mostly forehead jokes-- in the back. Riding along that familiar path just felt right and familiar and good. Definitely good.

When we arrived, we trooped straight to the entrance and took our annual photo; the one that we've taken every year since 2004, when Abby was still in utero and I looked like I was trying to smuggle a huge pumpkin out of the lot. Since then, kids have come and gone, of course. Abby made her grand reappearance after a college-induced four-year absence, and Isaac was absent (although he's on Fall Break at Wheaton and texted us throughout our adventure). And naturally, although Logan can't be with us, Lambie came along as he always does; if you look closely, you'll see him perched on Brady's shoulder. It's important to Adam and me that he tag along.

Anyway, we took our photos and Brady navigated the wheelbarrow this year as pumpkins were chosen. And then we headed back out, but this year, we tried something different for lunch and went to Shake Shack, per Abby's request. As I sat there eating my cheeseburger and mac and cheese bites, it all felt good; good to once again engage in our tradition. And good to try something new, too. It's important to honor the past, and it's important to move into the future.

So for the blessings of family and of traditions and of new experiences, I am so grateful.

October 16

Abby and I had a good morning together. We went to the Mother Ship for beverages (the usual coffee for me; she's working her way through the Fall menu offerings and went with an iced pumpkin cream shaken espresso today).

And then we went to Costco.

We trolled the aisles and picked up a few essentials. And of course, we paused to take a closer look at the assortment of Christmas decorations. When I spotted the giant red bow, I remarked that it looked like a cheerleader hair accessory and asked her to pose. And she did.

I treasure easy, fun mornings spent with my favorite girl. She is --and they are-- sweet blessings.

October 15

Picture Day at the elementary school where Abby is student teaching was held last month, and she had her photo taken for her ID card.

But I'm not sure that she expected to receive any copies of the image except for the one on said-card, because when she got home today, she was very pleased to show me this: prints of her first-ever (sort of) teacher-portrait.

They gave her a 5x7 and some wallet-sized images along with a thank you for her efforts as an educator.

I could tell that she was tickled pink (no pun intended) by the surprise, and I'm grateful that I got to bear witness to that joy. Sometimes God truly does use little things to bless us.

October 14

The temp got up into the mid-80s today, but it's a cooler, lightweight long-sleeved pajamas-and-a-blanket kind of evening.

It's the kind of night that pairs well with a snuggy blanket, a cuppa hot tea, and playoff baseball on the tube. (And the sweet reality that the Brewers are whoopin' on LA is an added bonus.)

It just feels like Fall.

And given that I love the trappings of Fall, I am grateful for the shift (even if the daytime highs are still elevated).

October 13

It's funny: I feel like I didn't do much today at all. I went through the usual morning routine --driving to school with Brady, Starbucks-- and then a little straightening when I got home.

And then I cleaned out my closet. It's probably a relatively easy activity for someone who is disciplined about closet maintenance, but I am not that person. So it was an arduous process that involved multiple huge trash bags and lots of bending over and grunting and vacuuming. And it ended with me falling asleep in a chair in the family room.

Anyway, while I was in the trenches vacuuming and straightening and folding and deciding, it was a blessing to have my glasses on. My vision isn't quite what it used to be, and they are so, so helpful when it comes to seeing details. So for the blessing of good medical care that (literally) helps me to focus, I am thankful.

October 12

This morning, members of my Bible study group volunteered together at Little Miracles, which is a non-profit located in the same business park as our church.

We donned aprons and learned how to put together orders placed by clients. We wrote notecards and picked out car seats and chose toys and sorted through sweet little outfits, and then packaged the items together for each recipient. I made a blanket for the occasion, and it was included in the first basket we packed, which was pretty cool.

They do excellent work to meet God's command that we support families in our community who are in need, and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to help out.

October 11

Today our church celebrated its 150th anniversary. We (and those who came before us) have been a continuous body of Believers here in Pleasanton for 150 years. Wow.

We observed the milestone by gathering this afternoon for a program that detailed the full history of the church. I already knew much of the information, but it was meaningful to see so many people take the mic to share how our portion of the body of Christ has grown and changed over time.

So for the blessing of being just a small part of such a bold, dedicated group of witnesses in our town, I am thankful.

October 10

I finished making this today, and I love it.

Strangely enough, the final step involved super glue. I didn't like any of the buttons I had, so I decided to stack a smaller, pale pink floral one atop a larger hot pink one and voila, just what I'd envisioned. (And although I'm totally the type to glue my fingers together, it was super easy, because I had a brainstorm that involved using my blocking board and pins to hold them still while I did the gluing. It worked amazingly well.)

It is really satisfying to finish a project, and I am so grateful to God for the inspiration He gives me (hello - no fingers glued together! And I successfully modified this pattern to change up an element I didn't like) and for the joy that creating cultivates within my soul.

October 9

Brady wanted to go to the Amador/Foothill rivalry game with some friends this evening, so I drove him over to Foothill just as the sun was making its daily sojourn to the horizon.

As we crossed over the crest of the hill on Bernal, this was the view. I quickly took what wound up being a fairly sloppy picture, but you get the idea: between the blue sky and the tufts of cloud and the warm yellow glow of the day's final moments of sunlight, it was pretty spectacular.

So for the gift of such a view splashed across the sky by a God whose creativity is immeasurable, I am grateful. (And I'm grateful that Brady opted in to some time with his pals, top; there were a few guys from Foothill he hadn't seen in a while!)

October 8

Abby and I had a lovely morning together.

We went to the Mother Ship and Target and then finished with a Costco run (since she was nearly out of chicken taquitos).

As we sat in the food court with our churro (her) and hot dog (me) alongside our cart of goodies, I quietly thought about how pleasant and fun our outing had been.

So for sweet Thursday moments with my favorite girl, I am grateful.

October 7

Over the summer, I was asked to consider serving as a Deacon at church. I finished a three-year stint on the Elders' board last year and previously served as a Deacon about 10 years ago, so I'm not exactly a stranger to holding roles at church. But honestly? I didn't really want to say yes. So I didn't.... Initially. In fact, I didn't just not say yes -- I said no. And then I read the letter that Isaac handed me the day Brady and I left him at Wheaton --which featured a very notable line about how hoped I'd truly throw myself into being a Deacon and making a difference-- and I knew that I should reverse course. So I did.

And today, I had my first official Deacons' meeting of my new term. 

And in a way, it felt like I was back at home. I truly love the ladies I know who are serving, and I felt like I fit in with the group as a whole right away. 

I have no idea what this term will bring, but I'm grateful that God nudged me to say yes.

(I didn't think to snap a pic while I was there, but I was working on this little coat during the meeting, so I figure it will suffice.)

October 6

Just a quick one tonight, because I think the repeated (and utterly ridiculous for October) 100-degree days are getting to me.

After a month'ish long hiatus, my hunny and I went back to one of our usual haunts for dinner this evening. 

We lingered over our salad and pasta and chit-chatted about our respective days at work and home. We shared amusing moments and frustrations. The company and the conversation and the food were good. 

So I am grateful.

October 5

Last night I spritzed some of my almond croissant-scented room spray on the main level of the house, and a few minutes later, Adam sniffed and remarked that it smelled like gingersnaps.

Although I told him that it was not, in fact, gingersnaps that he was smelling, he latched onto the idea and ruminated over it until he decided that he needed gingersnaps. So he Googled a recipe and baked a batch.

The first trayful wound up being a little underbaked, but the second ones were spot-on. But then this morning, those underbaked ones? They were perfectly, deliciously chewy. And I enjoyed one with my coffee.

So I'm grateful for cookies and for my hunny, who sometimes randomly makes them. And I'm also grateful for the reminder that sometimes, it just takes time for something less-than-delicious --like the underbaked gingersnaps-- to become delicious.

October 4

Abby was running a bit behind her planned schedule this morning so she decided to go to church with us rather than traveling up to San Ramon to attend her usual service.

And I'm glad she did, because it's always nice to have her with the fam for worship. And because it provided more opportunities for the always entertaining Abby Versus Brady Show, which began before we'd even left the church with them trying to stick their nametags on each other's backs.

It continued in the car as we sat outside McDonalds waiting on our mobile order. For no particular reason, Abby reached forward and put her finger on Brady's back and announced she was touching him. Just because.

I love these weirdos. Adore them, really, and I'm grateful for them and their delightful strangeness every day.

October 3

We're in the middle of one of our cute little early-Fall heat waves, so I suggested we go to Coldstone for some after dinner ice cream this evening. Abby had asked to go a few times since school started and I figured a hundred-degree day was as good a time as any for a cool treat.

So Brady chauffeured us over in the Explorer and we made our selections before we headed back outside to eat. (Funny side note: I was stunned when Brady ordered a very non-weird combination in French vanilla with M&Ms, but the guy behind the counter misunderstood him and put in gummy bears instead, which is an old-school Brady classic. I chortled at the irony that he tried to get a "mature" mix and the attempt was foiled.)

Anyway, tonight I am grateful to God for the blessings of air conditioning that works well, ice cream, and time hanging out with some of my very favorite people. 

October 2

Isaac had his first performance as part of the Men's Glee Club at Wheaton this evening. Although we weren't able to be there in person, of course, I was able to tune in via livestream.

I got to watch as he --looking dapper in his tux-- filed in with the rest of the guys and took his spot on the risers. And I got to watch as he sang the two songs they'd prepared for the occasion. And I got to watch as he strutted back off the risers and took a sharp left to exit. (I assume the latter is a glee club thing because they all did it.)

It was such a sweet blessing to be able to see Isaac singing and engaging with his peers. He's adjusting well to life at college, and I couldn't be more grateful to God for His hand in the transition.

October 1

I was amused to find Dax the robot stationed in front of the Mother Ship this morning, so after I ordered my coffee and put my things down, I went back outside to grab a selfie. (Ignore the finger-in-the-electric-socket hair.)

I'm not sure why I found him so intriguing; I've seen him trolling the sidewalks all over town for the past few weeks, but it was my first up-close encounter. And it made me laugh a little when I talked to him and he actually turned his little robot head to face me.

Anyway, I'd been feeling a bit crabby up until then, so it was a nice way to reset the day. So for that, I am thankful, because attitude adjustments are always a good thing (and always a blessing, in the long run).