Every night when I settle in to bed, it’s like jumping onto a cloud… I love my comfy bed, especially after a long day of walking around. When I think about the things I’m thankful for, my comfy bed is usually in the top handful of things that come to mind.
We took the kids to the fair a couple days ago. Wednesday. We went to the parade in the morning and then the fair in the afternoon. It’s a tradition that I love. I would go to the fair every day that it’s in town, but it’s expensive, hot, and crowded, so nobody will go with me and I would never go alone. Usually we go again for the Demolition Derby. The derby is one of those Tulare things that’s just so Tulare you can’t help but feel pride for our town while you’re there. Last year, the speakers malfunctioned when it was time for the national anthem, and the announcer said we would just say the flag salute instead. Right away, the whole crowd started singing the national anthem, quickly led by someone who was obviously not a singer, but it didn’t matter. It was something really special. No music, no direction, just hundreds and hundreds of people singing the national anthem acapella. That’s what you can expect at the derby.
So anyway. This year we found that it was sold out when we arrived, so instead, Adrian and I took the kids to a new restaurant in town- Braised, and got everything from appetizers to dessert. It was all delicious.
Afterward, Adrian and the kids stayed home and I went to my mom’s house, where some friends had gathered to celebrate a 40th birthday party. We chatted and had some coffee. It was nice.
This morning was really special. My mom and my cousin Natalie came over for coffee and we FaceTimed Grammy Jane on the east coast. I got to see Aunt Marie, Uncle Ed, Aunt Rosie, and Julie, Renee, and her kids. It was so sweet to see them, and made me really want to take a trip over there.
Later we drove to Hanford to look at a really neat house near the kids’ school. It’s a beautiful house, but I like where we live more. It would be hard to move to town after living here in the country, even if it meant a 2 minute commute to school rather than 30 minutes.
We went to a few thrift shops. I bought a Mexican Cookbook and found a $100 bill inside! I’ve heard some people stick money in their books, but I’ve never found any until today. It was quite a welcome surprise! I also bought Adrian a Hawaiian shirt. We’re going to Hawaii in January and I’m getting very excited! It’s going to be so fun and very relaxing.
Last night we went to a paint night at The Barn down the street. It was so nice to hang out with friends! Anthony and Danielle, Travis and Vicki, and Lupe and Sara came with us. Lupe and Adrian had fun comparing their hands and acting extra brotherly. I’ve been getting a word from God that Adrian is going to win. It’s been a while now that I had an overwhelming feeling that he’ll win. I thought maybe the lottery, and have even been bothering him to play. When I sat in the kitchen and watched Adrian with his new “brother”, it seemed clear to me that this is how he won. In the midst of the uncertainty, pain, and confusion of what’s going on with his dad, he gained a brother that was already a close friend, eliminating any awkwardness or introductions. His kids are our kids’ age. They settled right in to cousin mode. It’s just been such a blessing all the way around. It’s a win.
The Good Stuff 