January 28

After dinner tonight, Brady disappeared into the kitchen and I heard the fridge open. A moment later, I heard a thunk followed by an explanation from the previously-mentioned snack seeker: a cup of yogurt fell out. So he proceeded to put the non-spilled yogurt in a bowl along with a different kind of yogurt.

He came back to the family room, sat down, and then sprang back up again a moment later and exclaimed "I thought I saw some bacon in there." The fridge opened yet again, and he returned a minute later with his yogurt and bacon combo.

And he ate the whole bowl.

I could just be grossed out (and I still am, at least a little bit), but I'm more amused by his creativity. And I'm also oddly pleased that he was willing to consume such a strange dish, because he's always had a rather picky palate. So today, I'm thankful that he's willing to try new things, because being adaptable is a blessing.

January 27

This is --literally-- the decaf mocha that I enjoyed after dinner this evening. I sipped it slowly, taking more than a few moments to appreciate how the sprinkle of cinnamon that topped its foamy cap mingled with the sweetness of chocolate and coffee.

And as I drank my sweet concoction, I reflected on the truth that our family is in the midst of a sweet season: School is going well for the kiddos, work isn't noxious for Adam, and I'm happily crocheting again. There are big changes ahead, particularly for our two to-be graduates, but each of them have great options available to pursue. And both of them have been gifted with so much potential.

So today, I'm grateful to God for those mocha-sweet seasons of life when, despite the troubles of this world, the power of hope in Christ stands extra tall.

January 26

I'd just finished Bible Study this morning when Isaac sent a one-line message to the group chat that made my heart leap in my chest.

His second college acceptance; just one more to go before all of his results are in and he'll have to make a big decision about his next adventure.

No one --except maybe Isaac-- was surprised that he was accepted to Wheaton because he's just the kind of person they look for as a student: curious, kind, community-minded, and dedicated to living a life of faith in Jesus.

Although he's nervous about choosing a school, I'm thankful to God that he has options because he deserves to feel like he's worthy. 

January 25

I was fully expecting Brady to be salty after today's 2-1 loss. He did, after all, strike out in both of his at-bats and I'm not sure he ever touched the ball on defense. There was much for him to be bummed over.

But he wasn't upset at all. In fact, one of the first things he said after we'd enclosed ourselves in the comfort and safety of the car was "Christian and Ben think I should play tight end next year." It took me a hot second to figure out that he was talking about football. 

And then, a few minutes later, as we hurtled back up the freeway toward home, he asked a question: "Was that pitch I struck out on during my first at bat really a strike?" (The answer? No, but the umpire was calling low and outside a strike all day long. On our team, at least.)

No complaining. No frustration. No dwelling or ruminating. Just "I didn't think it was. Oh well."

He's a perfectionist and doesn't like it when things aren't just-so, so I'm proud of him for handling what I figure was some pretty significant irritation with such maturity and grace. He's growing up. And I'm grateful to God that I get to watch that process happen. 

And as these guys head off to play for their separate high school teams, I'm also grateful to God for this TVBR cohort that we've been part of for the past three years. Getting to know these families and watching all of the boys grow has been a unique blessing.

January 24

Brady's TVBR team hit the diamond for the first time in two and a half months this afternoon to take part in a tune-up tournament (of sorts. It's an actual tournament, but it's really more of a chance to get some playing time in before the high school season begins next month. And yes, it's very jarring to type "Brady" and "high school season" in the same sentence).

An 0-fer day at the plate left Brady emoting salty vibes as we headed back out to the car afterward, but he really had nothing to feel badly about. He was the starting pitcher for game one and tossed two scoreless innings. He also played innings in all three outfield positions and at first base and had a few solid defensive plays.

They wound up with a seven-inning 0-0 tie in the first game, and a 6-3 win in the second, which makes them the three-seed (out of nine teams) entering tomorrow. 

It was fun being out there again. It was a beautiful, sunny 60-degree day and it felt comfortable being at the ballpark (well, except when Brady was pitching because that always makes my heart race). Baseball has been a part of our family's life for a long time now, and it's always been a place where I've found friends and laughter and commiseration. And joy; definitely lots of that. And some tears, too, and that's okay, because tears are a valuable part of this life that God can use to teach many unique lessons.

It was nice to have a little break over Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I'm grateful to be starting a new baseball season soon, and I'm hopeful that Brady will enjoy the experiences that are to come.

January 23

I was taking a quick walk up the street to squeeze in some extra steps this afternoon when the boys arrived home from school.

I took a picture of them (Brady's in the passenger seat though it's hard to see him) as they passed by. In response, Isaac rolled down the window to wave and shout out "love you, mama!" as they continued on toward the house.

It still feels strange that they're on their own with respect to getting to and from school (and Youth Group and for Isaac, work) but I'm adjusting. And I'm thankful that they're continuing to mature into responsible young people.

January 22

I was hanging out at the Mother Ship this morning (as usual), sitting in my customary spot with my crochet bag at my feet, when Dana came in and sat down next to me. And then a few minutes later, Lisa entered and sat down. The two had enjoyed a morning walk and then arranged to meet up at a Starbucks after. I've known both of them for a number of years now and always enjoy having the opportunity to catch up.

So although I'd initially planned to put a few more rows in a baby blanket I was making and then run to the store, I wound up sitting with them until noon talking (and taking in at least one extremely Not Funny At The Time But Extremely Funny Now story that made me laugh so hard that my chest ached).

The unexpected conversation was good for my heart, so today I'm grateful to God for "random" encounters with friends that add bright color to my day.