Project 365, Week 42

Lots of fall foliage tucked in these days. The beauty is arresting. 

October 12

Once I'm back to feeling good after treatment, the world is more bright, more beautiful, more wonderous than I remember from a week earlier. Well done, porch flowers that are still doing your thing this late into fall. You have served me well! 

October 13

A little late, but we had an office lunch to celebrate Blake and Nathanael's birthdays. If ever you get discouraged about the state of young 20-something males in this generation, spend just five minutes with either of these men and your hope will be renewed. They are remarkable! And time spend with our amazing staff is always heart-filling.

October 14

Aiden did his first "cross country" trip with a flight to Block Island!

At the same time, Amanda was traveling home from PA and we had a joyous 20 minutes together before we went our separate ways to do all the things. My people!!!

October 15

Walking is not a part of my every day anymore, though after the dog pleaded with me I decided to go just a short route. But the air was clear and the sun was shining, making the fall foliage glow and I was drawn to go "just a little further", much like a princess venturing into a forest. I was in absolute wonder and amazement, delighted with God's creation and dreaming of the new heaven and the new earth.

We gathered at Avery and Jack's to do some house projects and supplies-dumping in preparation for the baby shower to he held at their house.

October 16

Busy day of shopping (if you've never shopped with the Amanda-Renna duo, you're missing out!) Shout-out to the two of them and Amy who joined up later to finish up while I raced back home.

I met with a woman from an organization we are working with in hopes of creating awareness within our church about the needs in the foster care system. They operate under the premise that 'no one can do everything but everyone can do something'. She and I hit it off and could have talked for hours.

Alas, I had to run out to get labs done and check in with my doctor (who is jut 15 min away!!!!) The seasonal decorations and landscaping outside the cancer center always gets me. My heart says (both yay and ugh) its a new season!

After Bible Quiz practice, Shaun met me at church and from the back we watched as Trevor lead the games and then Amanda lead worship at youth group. It was a meaningful night.

October 17

Since Avery and Jack's house is new, we thought having the shower there would give their friends and family an opportunity to see the place. An added bonus (and a cause for stress) is there was a deadline to get important projects done.

A power team gathered in the morning at Avery's to prepare for the day. Truly an amazing group...we all collaborated on ideas and used our individual skills. 

My beauties!

Several have asked about my grandma name. I wanted a unique name so as not to be confused with any future grandmas. Years ago when my foster daughter was expecting, Avery and I were mulling over a name for me. One night, on one of our mexican dinner dates, we each shared the name that we'd separately come up with. We were so surprised that we'd thought up the same name and we knew right then it was meant to be: 

I am Lili (lee-lee). 😀

Renna made up a dance with the girls and they put on a little show for us. So fun!

Jack arrived with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers for Avery and stayed for the opening of gifts. He was just as interested and excited as Avery and its so very sweet! 

Shaun's mom gave Avery the rocking chair that Shaun's Nana had given to her when Shaun was a baby. And my mom knitted a baby blanket like she's done for her grandkids. Our parents are great-grandparents. That is wild!

Google says its just a little over half of pregnancies that are planned/wanted. These two are very much in the half that planned for and want this baby and its a joy to watch their excitement, care and anticipation. 

October 18

My body demanded a rest day so it was great timing for NFL Sunday. Sundays in the fall are special.