Family’s such a loaded word. What is it, what does it mean, do you have one, did yours do right by you, do you do right by yours?

Add, holidays.

Here we are.

In preparation, we ran a 5K in support of Safe Passage, along with 5,500 others. There’s something so amazing about the moment you look on the ground and see stickers that read I run for healthy relationships littered everywhere (fallen from our backs) and meantime are buoyed by a guy running with a tuba and others in tutus (I totally beat the tutu lady and the tuba guy) and everyone’s cheering for safety. You get a glorious mug at the end and some hot (okay, lukewarm) chocolate and as many marshmallows as you want (the eleven year-old took more than his age in marshmallows).

And then, we had a craft show at our house. The crafters brought helpers. The day was a lot of fun and there were so many gorgeous, delicious things to admire and covet (and buy). Plus, we cleaned the house, which doubles as more holiday preparedness.

Life isn’t all Hot Chocolate Runs and craft shows, even if it looks that way via one blog post.

Sharing: Brain, Child’s series: What is a Family? I started the blog ball rolling. There’s a Pinterest board, too. The picture here is one Saskia made when I asked her to draw a picture. I wanted it for a holiday gift for the extended family. It did not fit the bill. I will take a picture and make something with it, just not that one. I love the picture though!

Important oh, Valley readers: Valley Gives is Thursday 12-12-13. The goal is to raise $2M. You read that right. I am literally making a list. I hope you are, too.

Covet-worthy: Crispina’s blankets.

The grateful three this morning: that the dentist’s office let me come late after I spaced out my appointment (and everything’s okay with my teeth); that Berkshire East is about to open for the season and this will bring joy to my peeps; and that despite faltering (believe me, I’m faltering), I keep remembering the things I need to remember. I guess that’s growth.