January 31

I was poking through the clearance section at Michael's this morning when I came across this box that was pushed to the back of a shelf.

I smiled when I saw it.

Logan.

I don't need physical reminders to think of him because he's always floating between my heart and my mind. 

But these visible little hellos are priceless and perpetually welcome additions to my days.

January 30

After I picked the boys up from school, Isaac skittered up to his bedroom and closed the door to do his homework. So I asked Brady if he'd like to walk up and down the street, and he said sure.

The conversation --which was more like playful banter-- was pretty inane, all things told: he shared that he'd attract the ladies with his muscles some day since muscles are cool, which made both of us giggle. It was that kind of fluffy stuff.

So today I'm thankful for silly conversations and for a quick stroll with my baby under a lovely blue sky.

January 29

When I checked my phone this morning, I had a string of messages from Abby that concluded with this:

And this little summation (plus all that came before, of course) was the highlight of my day. It's such a blessing to know that my girl has good girlfriends and that she's enjoying time with them. Those relationships are true and amazingly valuable blessings.

January 28

My friend Jake from high school (no, not Jake from State Farm) sent me this picture today.

That's me on the left, and my friend Julie on the right. We were 18-year old high school seniors at the time, and I'm pretty sure it was taken the day after Prom (although neither of us could remember for sure. And we have no clue where we were).

And oddly enough, even though I actually started at Claremont McKenna a few months after this was taken, I'm wearing a Wheaton College t-shirt.

You know, the school my now 18-year old daughter attends.

Seeing this image had an interesting effect on me. On a purely surface level, I mused that I actually looked nice. Maybe even a little pretty (though I only say that because Abby said so when I texted it her way). I always thought I was rather unremarkable-looking when I was younger so it was an unusual thought. But on a deeper level, it reminded me of how God often flashes a "wait" card when we pray.

See, I went to CMC, but I wanted to go to Wheaton. I thought it seemed like a wonderful, loving place to grow and learn. And I wanted to be connected to that community. I prayed for that connection.

Although it wasn't the plan for my college years, that sense of wanting to be there remained, so I always felt like maybe it might be the right fit for one of my children. And I prayed over that potential eventuality. 

And then I saw this image and realized that my prayer had been answered: 18-year old me was about 26 years too early, but she's wearing spirit wear for her someday daughter's school.

So if you're waiting on God, keep it up. It may take longer than you'd like, but He'll answer.

January 27

Dinnertime is always an experience at our house.

I prepared my scratch-made mac and cheese tonight and that a universally approved dish so there was general good cheer. Isaac and Brady gave the usual recaps of their respective school days. 

And then per norm, the weirdness began: BearBear came up onto the table to greet la Nora. The conversation volume increased a few notches. And then Isaac chose to make duck lips just as I pulled out my phone.

Yep, they're weird sometimes. But that uniqueness is a blessing.

January 26

I absolutely love some of the text interactions I have with Abby.

We have a similar sense of humor so we can shoot one-liners back and forth like nobody's business.

So this evening, I'm grateful for those little conversations that never fail to make me smile (and sometimes, even laugh out loud).

January 25

I had a few errands to run after drop-offs this morning. As I walked toward the high school to complete the final one, I thought I should see if Sandra wants to walk around the Sports Park. So I shot her a quick text to ask.

Long story short, she did, so we did. 

We took two full loops, in fact, and chatted the entire time about family. And a little about managing anxiety. (And I think this is an excellent photo of her so there's that, too.)

She's part of my Bible Study group so I see her now and again (and at church, of course), but one on one time can be so valuable, especially when conversation can just flow. So today, I'm thankful that she was available and willing to stroll.