December 7

This afternoon we drove (or maybe I should say "Isaac drove us") up to Lafayette so we could help Adam's parents decorate their Christmas tree. 

And we --along with said-in-laws and Adam's brother's family-- did indeed adorn their very (very) tall tree with an array of ornaments while we chit-chatted and munched on cookies and popcorn.

And then at one point, as the decorating action was winding down, Isaac, Theo, and Melody decided to stack themselves on a chair by the fireplace. A moment later, Brady and Asher joined in. And unsurprisingly, hilarity ensued.

While it's a bummer that our kids didn't get to grow up geographically close their cousins on my side (especially since they get along so, so well when they are together), I'm glad that Theo, Asher, and Melody are nearby. Family can be complicated sometimes, but it's definitely a blessing, too.

December 6

I very nearly forgot about the Christmas tea at church this morning. And then a couple of guys from church walked by me as I sat in my spot at the Mother Ship and --zap!-- I suddenly remembered.

And I'm so glad that I did. 

I got to eat this yummy slice of cake (and a mini peanut butter cup) and drink tea, of course. And I got to play a few games (and win a few prizes). And I got to listen to speakers share wisdom about the season and its rich meaning.

But I also got to sit next to an absolutely precious three-month old baby. I'm not posting his picture out of respect for his mama's feelings about social media, but he's seriously one of the cutest babies ever. He was so expressive and quiet and darling that it was impossible to not smile at his little coos and fleeting smiles.

There are many challenges inherent in day to day life, but it is such a blessing to watch a baby as he experiences the world. 

December 5

I sat in my customary corner spot at Starbucks this morning, situated my stuff, took a sip of my coffee, and... aaaah.

There's something amazingly delicious about a fresh, steaming hot cuppa joe doctored up with raw sugar and oat milk to begin a new day. 

It's calming. And I'm thankful to be able to start my days with a moment of relaxation. (And cranberry bliss bars. Those too.)

December 4

I didn't really notice that Isaac and I were twinning today until after he got home from school this afternoon.

So naturally I had to take a pic. 

I bought him this particular shirt on Black Friday, so it was satisfying that he actually wore it. (He's more of an athletic wear kind of kid so I'm never quite sure if button-downs will work.) And it's more satisfying that he didn't immediately change when he realized I was wearing something similar. 

Anyway, it was reminder to me that although we definitely have our differences, we're alike in some notable ways, too. And we can always find common ground.

December 3

Adam and I enjoyed a lovely dinner out at one of our usual spots downtown. (Strizzi's, Abby.)

When we headed back out to the car after we'd taken our last bites of chicken parmesan (me) and lasagna (him) and settled the check, I was struck once again by the loveliness of our little town. It may not snow where we are, but with the winter-themed lights and the soon-to-be-lit Christmas tree that stretches high above Main Street, it's a charming, vaguely old-timey place to call home. 

And I am grateful for that sense of vintage sweetness.

December 2

Brady said grace before dinner tonight.

(This is just a representative image since I didn't take a pic in the moment; here, he's playing a video game with his pal Liam.)

Anyway, at the end of said-prayer, he added something special: "thank you for bringing Abby back to us safely last week."

My heart melted right then and there. 

I am, as is so often the case, touched by his care for her. He may not express it overtly, but I know it's there. And it's such a sweet blessing.

December 1

Abby flew back to Chicago this morning to finish her fall semester at Wheaton. This go-round, the whole fam got up and made the trip to send her off.

But before we left, while they were all milling about the kitchen, the boys wrapped her up in a sweet sibling embrace.

They may not get along every second of every day, but I know they love and appreciate one another. And that no matter what may come, they will have each other's backs. And for that not-small blessing, I am so grateful.