December 7

My girl Gretchen messaged me late last night to share that I should be on the lookout for a package she sent. So I checked the tracking link this morning, saw that it had been marked as delivered, and found it on the front porch.

And when I cracked it open, I discovered this little tower of deliciousness inside.

We met way back in first grade and it's true that we were out of touch for a number of years, but I'm so grateful that Gretchen is back in my life. She's smart and strong and brave and thoughtful, and I'm super proud of how well she's powered through this year despite some tough circumstances. She's most definitely a blessing to me.

December 6

The Worship Leader at our church texted Abby a few days ago to see if she and the boys would be interested in lighting this week's Advent candle. Since we're still doing services online, they went in yesterday morning to pre-record their segment. 

So I was all eyes and ears this morning as they appeared on our TV screen and as Abby and Isaac read their verses. (Brady was the candle lighter.) There was, quite unfortunately, a technical glitch that cut off the actual candle lighting, but it was still so wonderful to see them up there together proclaiming the coming of some very good news indeed.

So for that, I am thankful.

December 5

It was a pleasant Saturday that featured shopping for winter clothes with Abby, a stroll with Adam, and a last-minute rescheduled haircut (since salons have to close down again in a few days -- booo) for me.

And it all began with this sweet moment of spontaneous sibling love between Isaac and Abby, right there at the kitchen table. I don't really know what prompted the shared expression of care, but I sure loved watching it unfold.

December 4

After dinner this evening, most of us (save Abby, who had math homework to finish by midnight. Oh, the joys of online school, said almost no one ever) engaged in another (relatively recently implemented) holiday tradition with a viewing of "Elf."

Given that we're facing yet another shelter in place order, I'm especially grateful for the little things that we do each year to make the season special. Just sitting there on the couch surrounded by (most of) my peeps in the glow of the lights on the family room Christmas tree made everything feel less frustrating. And infinitely happier. And for that, I am grateful.

December 3

It must be said: I love that Kristine lives in our town. I spent years trying to convince her that she should move here and now that she's actually here, I'm just... yay!

Anyway, she had a few days of not feeling well that melted into a few days of her wee munchkin not feeling well, so she didn't come over for Crochet Circle (as I've taken to calling our weekly get-togethers in the yard) today, but we did FaceTime for a few hours this morning-slash-afternoon.

As I've noted before (and will no doubt note again in the future), I'm so glad that our friendship has stood the proverbial test of time. We may not agree on everything, but I know she's there and she knows that I'm here. And having people like that in your life and in your corner is a huge blessing.

December 2

It was a fairly quiet and unremarkable day; I went out to buy a pair of tree toppers (with marginal success), and spent more time working on crochet projects. So here's a look at a little more of our Christmas cheer.

This is our "real" tree in its place in the family room, as seen from the overlook on the second floor. (We rearranged the furniture a bit to accommodate it.) I like that I can see the reflection of its lights in the window from my perch on the couch.

A bit of holiday happy goes a long way.

December 1

We tend to decorate for Christmas in something of a piecemeal fashion: trees go up, then maybe some ornaments are added a few days later, then maybe a picture goes up on the wall and a throw pillow hops up onto a couch.

Tonight, Adam added the string of icicle lights we bought yesterday at Costco to the outdoor dining area. Brady (and Chub) and I stood outside in the chilly'ness and watched as he first hammered nails into the wood, and then strung the lights.

I love Christmas lights. To me, they represent the coming of the Light of the World. So to see them from my window while I'm hanging out in my family room makes my heart happy.