June 30

Abby had Bible study downtown this morning so I dropped her off and then took a stroll.

As I passed by the candy store, I saw a girl, probably 11 or 12 years old, sitting on a bench eating a Push Pop. We made brief eye contact as I approached, and then her eyes drifted downward for a moment. She then abruptly popped the sucker out of her mouth and exclaimed "I like your shirt!"

Honestly, for a split second I wasn't entirely sure which shirt I was wearing (since I woke up about five minutes before we left the house), but when I remembered, I smiled and said thank you. And I felt my spirit do a little jiggedy-jig inside my chest.

See, it wasn't just any shirt; it was my "she is strong" shirt that features a cross and a reference to Proverbs. I love that this random girl saw my shirt and that it struck a chord with her. Strong girls? Check. Biblically strong girls? Double check. It gives me great hope for the next generation.

June 29

It always frustrates me when I get to the end of the day and realize that I've not really taken the time to notice God at work in the world around me. It's even more frustrating when I discover that the only photo I've taken all day is a selfie. 

And not only a selfie, but a selfie that makes me look a little dopey.

But that's my reality this evening. And in the absence of other observations from the day, I'll say that I'm thankful for this life and I'm thankful I have a phone that takes photos of me, and I'm thankful that I have a car to sit in while I take photos, and I'm thankful that I can afford to have my hair done (which is why I took the photo with my phone while sitting in my car -- so I can keep a visual record). 

But most of all, I'm thankful for what the silver cross that hangs around my neck means. 

June 28

I walked by the living room earlier today and saw Brady lying on the floor, resting his head on BearBear.

The kiddos are definitely growing like gangbusters these days, so it was a blessing to see this moment of little kid-ness from my little 10-year old muffin. 

The world seems to ask a lot of kids sometimes --more academics, more sports, more of everything-- so it makes me smile to see them acting like what they still are: kids who cuddle stuffed animals and lean on them --both literally and figuratively-- for comfort and support.

June 27

Adam and I went for a walk around the neighborhood this evening. When we got home, these unexpected little surprises we waiting in the kitchen:

Peanut butter cookies! I don't know what compelled Abby to make them, but she did, and in my thirsty and a little hungry post-stroll state, I was extra pleased to see them sitting there.

So for random, happy little surprises and for my girl's thoughtfulness (because I so love peanut butter cookies), I am grateful.

June 26

I finished making my friend Tami's blanket this afternoon. 

I've been working on it on and off for several months now, but with growing piles of both projects and yarn (because I heart clearance sales!) taking up more space than I'd like to admit in my closet (and family room), I dedicated myself to completing this one and getting it mailed off.

I'm an admitted perfectionist and I can see just about every way that I could've made it better, but I'm happy enough with how it came out, and I'm doubly happy that I know Tami will enjoying receiving it. 

My hope is that this gift (yes, gift, Tami) will bless her brand new home for years to come! You and your confidence and your wit and your way of speaking truth plainly are all blessings to me.

June 25

Isaac is over at a friend's house this evening. A short time ago, he texted me with important news:

Lest you don't follow baseball, the news was that Sean Manaea --who was tonight's starter for the A's-- hit a double. This is important because since Oakland is an AL team and AL pitchers only hit when they're visiting NL ballparks, hits for AL pitchers are rarities. 

But more important than Manaea's successful hit was this: my boy wanted to share his excitement with me as he was feeling it. He could've saved the news for tomorrow morning when he comes home or not shared it at all, but he didn't do those things: he reached out in the moment.

And I love that he did that because I love that he wants to share important details with his mom. That open heartedness is a blessing to me.

June 24

Way back when my kiddos were littles, taking photos was a challenge. The tears, the pouting, the tantrums... and that was just me. (Kidding, kidding. Just wanted to be sure you were paying attention.) But seriously, getting four kids six and under to simultaneously a) sit, b) look at the camera, and c) make some recognizable semblance of a smile is virtually impossible. Now I love (love) my jelly-fingered, nose-picking, crazy-eyed pics from those days, but I have to admit that it's pretty sweet to be able to go, take photos with no drama, and leave. It's beautiful, actually. And that's just what we did today: Isaac, Abby, Brady and I (and Lambie, of course) went to JCPenney, took Isaac's belated 13th birthday pics (including a few group shots, of course), and went to Black Bear Diner after for a late lunch.

It was glorious. The pictures were taken in good time and turned out well. It was our first time back inside Black Bear in well over a year, everyone ordered from the regular menu for the first time ever, and the service was great. The kiddos even entertained me with a relatively steady stream of Dad Jokes involving the salt and pepper shakers and a container of grape jelly.

Some days I miss having little kids in the house, and then I have experiences like this when there's an 18-month old in the adjacent booth banging on the glass partition but my teenagers are well-behaved, my 10-year old is in a good mood, and things just go smoothly at our table. 

It's a perpetual blessing to watch them grow up, even when they're feeling ornery and difficult, but today... today was an extra special blessing to this mom's heart.

June 23

A friend I don't talk with very often texted this afternoon to ask for our address. After I sent it to her, she replied with this:

I can't really express how much her words of affirmation and encouragement meant to me. I try hard to not live and die by what others say or think (which is hard because the very human part of me wants so much to be validated), but every now and then, it's such a blessing to know that someone thinks of you and appreciates all that you try to do. 

So today, I am grateful for her unexpected, unsolicited words.

June 22

Nikki and I were overdue for a walk, so although my allergies decided to flare last night, I said yes when she asked if I wanted to take a few turns around the tennis park this afternoon.

She's one of my longer-term friends and she knows me pretty well, so I'm thankful that we're still in touch, even if we only see one another every now and then. 

So yep: today I am grateful for her, and for the lovely, non-100 degree day that we were able to enjoy.

June 21

I covertly snapped this pic of Isaac early this evening and I love it because it is just so... Isaac.

A's game on the TV? Check.

Still in pajamas at 5PM? Check. Are those pajamas A's pajamas? Check.

Prized stuffed dogs present? Slime and Slimey Boy: Check.

Near an open window so he can see the sunshine and feel the breeze? Check.

And this is a relatively new one, but I love it too so... book in hand? Check.

I love moments that "look" like my kids, so this scene is a blessing.

June 20

Adam seemed a bit downcast entering the weekend, so I wasn't sure how this particular Father's Day would go. We both have our ups and our downs around holidays; it's almost impossible to predict how Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day will go, since we're human and human emotions are tricky. But fortunately, he seemed to perk up today, probably thanks to time with the kiddos, time in church, time with his parents (which featured Zachary's pizza and some cherry-dipped Dilly Bars from DQ at their rental home in San Ramon), and a few Corvette sightings while we were out and about.

It was those Corvette sightings that really got me today, to be honest. We saw one after church, and as I had my quiet time this afternoon, I prayed that God would show Adam more of Logan as the day wore on. And more specifically, I asked for more blue Corvettes.

And then as we drove to visit his parents this evening --between the DQ and their house-- we saw it crossing through an intersection: an old school Corvette Stingray in... blue. I noticed it right away, he noticed it right away. And I knew it was a blessing from God sent on a day when it was needed more than usual.

So for that small answered prayer and for the blessing of having a husband who is an especially wonderful dad, I am grateful.

June 19

My friend Heidi dropped off a bag of shorts for Isaac this afternoon. Her son outgrew them, so she very kindly passed them on to me and I am so, so appreciative.

I know: hand-me-downs. Boo-yah. But in all seriousness, Isaac has grown so much over the past year that almost none of his summer clothes fit. I did a little emergency shopping for him this past week and of course I could go out and buy some more as needed, but to have just what we need dropped off right on my front porch... that kind of gesture is truly being Jesus to someone else. 

So for these shorts and for Heidi's excellent heart, I am grateful.

June 18

When we first moved to our current home last year, I was excited by the prospect of hosting parties since we'd never before lived in a place that was particularly gathering-friendly. But then COVID happened and I had to wait. And wait. And wait. And let me tell you, my stifled inner extrovert was not pleased with all of the waiting.

But today, I finally (finally) got to host something: Brady's baseball team's end-of-season party. And it didn't disappoint. It was 105 degrees when the families --all 12 of them-- started arriving for the festivities, so the boys and their siblings were quick to make themselves at home in the pool while the adults congregated in the shade on the deck to chat (and drink margaritas). 

There was pizza (oh so much pizza) and chips and fruit and veggies and cupcakes (including the beautiful ones pictured that my girl made from scratch!) and shave ice. And the kids all seemed to love splashing and cannonballing and spraying each other with water guns, if the incessant stream of laughter and chitter-chatter were any indication of how they were feeling.

So today, I am deeply grateful for two things: that my dream of hosting was finally realized in such a wonderful way, and that we get to be part of the 2021 AAA A's family -- and that this family is comprised of so many truly amazing people. It is a blessing to know every single one of them.

June 17

It was a bit warm out today. And by "a bit warm," I mean 108 degrees.

So when I walked through the entry way a little while ago, I was pleased to see that it had gotten cooler. And I was doubly pleased that although tomorrow is also supposed to be a scorcher, the temp is supposed to drop down into the 60s overnight.

So yes. Today I am thankful for sunshine and bright skies, but I am also thankful for air conditioners and swimming pools and shade and ice.

June 16

Tonight, the AAA A's took to the field with all 12 players present at Little League 5 to play for the championship. And although their position as the sole undefeated team still in the mix would've given them a second shot at the title tomorrow night, they didn't need it because they bested the Dodgers 5-4.

They were a scrappy little team all season long, but they seemed to truly hit their stride when the playoffs began. More plays were made, more bases were stolen, more pitches were thrown for strikes, more plate discipline was shown. And honestly, I think more fun was had, too.

Though it's wonderful to win now and again, when the dust of any given day settles, my hope and prayer is that my kids will be surrounded by good people who treat one another well, and I think that's what we've had on this team. So although the last game has been played, I will always be thankful for this baseball season and for the wonderful people I've met and gotten to know. And I will be perpetually grateful that these 12 boys will always be connected via this team.

June 15

Today we celebrated Isaac's 13th birthday. Recent rapid growth aside --to the tune of a stature that's just shy of 5-foot-9, according to today's annual measurement-- it blows my mind to think that he's already a teenager.

The day saw him playing video games before finally (and after much deliberation) choosing California Pizza Kitchen for his lunch destination. And a special choice it was, since it was our first meal inside an actual restaurant in well over a year.

From then we headed home for his requested orange cake (baked by me, frosted by Adam, and decorated by Abby and Brady) and presents, followed by an evening outing to the A's game -- our first in, once again, well over a year-- that ended with a win for the home team. As we drove over the Dublin grade on the way home, he remarked that it'd been a good day and that he'd felt the best he could remember ever feeling on a birthday. And that made my heart smile.

It's hard to believe that 3/4 of my kids have hit the teenage years (since Abby is 16 and Logan is 14, if only in my heart), but here we are. The years are flying by, but they have been and continue to be chock full of amazing moments. So today, for Isaac and for his sweet spirit and mild temperament and the ease with which the words "I love you" flow from his lips and for his patience and kindness, I am so very thankful.

June 14

Isaac turns 13 tomorrow so I spent a lot of today trying to find orange cake mix (because that's what he wants and it was nowhere) and "nicer" clothes that will actually fit him properly (because it'd been so long since we'd been TO church that he had to borrow a pair of shorts from Adam yesterday. The end result was, well, functional but comical). 

By the time I got home from my travels, I was pooped, so I plopped down on my bedroom floor with two stitching projects and an episode of "NCIS Los Angeles" and got to work. (And yep, Tami, that's your nautical blanket continuing to gain rows!)

It was so, so relaxing. So once again, I am grateful that I learned to crochet and I'm grateful for the sense of peace that doing so brings to my life.

June 13

We traditionally celebrate good report cards with ice cream, so this evening after dinner, Abby drove us over to Cold Stone for some cake batter ice cream with sprinkles (Abby) and mint ice cream with Sour Patch kids (the Brositos). (And yes, it was her first time ever driving the "whole" fam so that was kind of exciting.)

Given the bucket of crazy that was this academic year, we're proud of how well Abby, Isaac, and Brady all fared in school. There were less than great moments for each of them, but all in all, they persevered and finished strong.

I know that we're blessed to have children who are (mostly) self-motivated and disciplined when it comes to academics and I try hard to not take that truth for granted. So today, I'm taking the time to be grateful for their focus.

June 12

Today, Brady's team advanced to the AAA Championship game next week by besting the top seed by a final score of 12-6.

(This is kind of a lame photo, but it was right after the last out was recorded. And it's all I got. Oops.)

Anyway, I am super proud of these kiddos and how they've played this week. They bested both the #1 and #2 seeds and are the only undefeated team left in the playoffs, which means that a) they can rest until Wednesday and b) they only have to win one more game to take the title. (The other team that winds up qualifying after a win-or-go-home game on Monday night will have to win two games against Brady's team to win it all.)

So yeah, in the grand scheme of this life, it's a small thing, but it's so wonderful when dedication and hard work pay off in tangible ways.

June 11

Isaac's friend Tyler came over yesterday afternoon. Although I've had a few friends over for coffee by the pool and Abby has had a few friends over in the backyard, this was the first time we'd ever had anyone IN our house for more than a few minutes. 

They played video games and eventually moved out to the pool, where they hung out before coming back inside to (you guessed it) play more video games. As evening approached, I asked if he'd like to stay for dinner, and he said yes, as long as it was okay with his mom. (It was.) Then as we all sat outside at the table eating hamburgers and chips and fruit, I asked if he wanted to just spend the night, and he said yes, again, as long as it was okay with his mom. (And again, it was.)

And so he did. They played video games until I told them to go upstairs at 11ish last night, and then they were up bright and early and relocated themselves (along with their sleeping accoutrements) to the living room for more video games. (Because of course they did.) He finally headed home after lunchtime.

They laughed and hooted and made an impressive ruckus at times, but it was glorious having someone over. I guess that may sound silly, but I've been waiting for ages to host someone. (Anyone, really, but it was wonderful that Tyler was "our" first guest because he is such a nice kid and because I know that he and Isaac will always include Brady and treat him as an equal.) I've never lived in a home that was conducive to having guests, so having the opportunity to host and to share what we've been blessed with means so much to me. It's been a long, long time coming, and I am thankful that the time has finally come.

June 10

My friend Jenny needed some chit-chat time this morning so she gave me a call. So I swung by the Mother Ship for some treats (because of course I did -- Mother Ship, duh!) and then headed over to her house.

Although I first met her a few years back during Brady's year of A-ball, I didn't get to know her until this year when our boys were once again on the same team. 

And I'm glad to know her now, because I've found that she's spunky and spirited and open and fun. (And it doesn't hurt that she also has an affinity for all that sparkles, which I relate to in a deep way).

So yep: today, I am grateful for her and for her open heart and for opportunities to chat and be real.

June 9

This wiggleworm slipped into his uniform late this afternoon for playoff game number two. Although the AAA A's cruised to a win in their Monday match-up, just about everyone expected this to be a significantly tougher row to hoe given that it was against a team that a) was the number two seed and b) had proven pretty hard to beat all season.

But almost everyone was, as the worm turned, wrong. The entire lineup --including Brady, who notched two hits including a "homerun" which was probably a single followed by several errors that ended with him safe at home but we won't dwell on the details-- hit the ball, the pitcher rocked, and the defense was good.

And in the end, they beat the Dodgers 10-0 in four innings, which gives them a few off-days before they're back to the diamond on Saturday.

I'm happy for these boys. I'm happy to see them hustle and hit and field and smile. And as always, I feel blessed that baseball is part of my Mom Life.

June 8

One of the perks of summer is that I can go up to Abby, say "hey, wanna go shopping?" at any time. And most of those times, I know she's going to say yes. So that's what we did this afternoon.

We hit several of our usual hot spots, like Walmart (I know, glamorous), Michaels (well, she sat in the car because she doesn't like it which I find hilarious since she goes into Walmart but eh), Target, Hobby Lobby, Joann, and Safeway. And then before we hit the freeway to head home, we stopped at Wendy's for some post-shopping Frosty action.

She was looking down at her phone as I rolled up to this red light and turned my head in her direction. I tried to sneak in a pic of her in her natural state, but she noticed and beat me to the punch by smiling.

I know I've said it before, but this girl of mine --this high school Senior, Heaven help me-- is such a blessing. She's kind and smart and compassionate and thoughtful and clever and witty. And best of all, she has a depth of faith that I'm not sure I'd yet developed at her age. I'm truly proud of who she is and know that she will do great things, even if she has no idea what those things will be right now. 

So yeah. That moment sitting at a red light made me remember how thankful I am for her and for all of the ways she makes this life better.

June 7

Brady had his first playoff game tonight. (To solve the big mystery right now, it wound up being a mercy rule-invoked win.)

A few times during the game, Abby meandered in from the outfield (where she was situated with Adam and Isaac) and plunked down on the ground in front of me to ask questions. It was a chilly, blustery evening so during her second visit, I told her to sit by me. Since my friend had her (small) daughter in her lap and mentioned that she served as a nice, 50-pound heater, I quickly upgraded my request and asked her to sit on me. She declined, so I got up and sat in her lap instead. Then I tried to take a selfie but she wasn't having it, so this is as good as it got.

I love baseball and I love these silly moments. And I love this girl of mine.

June 6

Sometimes the random, humorous moments are the best parts of my day.

After dinner tonight (which, prompted by my request that Isaac drink a glass of milk, featured a screening of a compilation of high-energy milk commercials from the '80s), Adam wanted to watch Sister Act. 

So most of us hunkered down in the family room (we won't talk about who opted out) and started the film. A few minutes in, Isaac piped up "is this from the '80s? Because their hair is terrible." He said it with such heartfelt disdain that I laughed aloud.

So today I'm grateful for an off-the-cuff observation that made me laugh.

June 5

Today marked the end of the "regular" baseball season. (Kind of. Brady still has playoffs, and Isaac's regular season kind of ended on Wednesday, but there was a last-minute tournament added to the calendar for today so... yeah.)

Anyway, Adam and I took Isaac up to Danville for his 9 AM game. (He's the small, white-panted kid standing on third base.) Blue won game one handily, and we headed back home to await game two and Brady's match-up, which were both set for 4:30. 

When the time came, Adam returned to Danville with Isaac and I shuttled Brady to the Sports Park. Both teams wound up losing, but over dinner, both boys were pleased with their own play. (For the most part. Brady was pleased; he pitched an inning, he hustled like crazy all game long, and although the defense wasn't great behind him, he threw good pitches. And he had the only hit his team notched and scored their only run. And Isaac? Well, Isaac is notoriously critical of his own play, although game one did provide us with a chuckle-worthy moment when he singled and then tripped over first base... with Adam recording the at-bat. It was kind of glorious and the video clip will no doubt become a Wight Classic.)

Anyway, 1-2 record aside, it was a very good day. It was beautiful outside, I got to spend time with my hunny, and I got to watch Isaac and Brady play baseball. No, it was a great day. And I am thankful.

June 4

I had an appointment early this afternoon so I was kinda-sorta hustling as I headed toward the kitchen to retrieve my car keys, but then I saw these three sitting together at the table peacefully lunching. So I had to stop.

It's not unusual for Isaac and Brady to interact peacefully (for a time before engaging in a WWF-style throw-down over the Offense Of The Moment), but to see the three of them there, not bickering, not criticizing each other, just peacefully existing and maybe even enjoying each other's company a little as they noshed on leftover pizza and sandwiches... it made me really happy. 

So for that not-small blessing, I am grateful.

June 3

It was just another not-quite summer day in our little piece of paradise.

Abby hung out with Gracie and did the evening Costco run with me (since Adam had a meeting). Isaac and Brady played video games and had baseball clinic. And then after dinner, Adam assembled our brand new patio lounge chairs and table.

I just stood the the window and watched for a little while as Abby stood on the deck and flipped through pages in her old sketchbook and the boys played catch by the pool.

And I thought that yes, this life has been filled with challenges and pains that Younger Me couldn't possibly have imagined. But it's also blessed. And I am thankful.

June 2

Isaac's Blue Team played their last official game of the season tonight. (There's some confusion-slash-indecision over whether or not they'll play a few more games this weekend, but today's game was the last one on the schedule. So that's that.)

Their performance over the course of the season was what I'd call uneven: sometimes they played reasonably well, sometimes they were unabashedly awful and it seemed like they'd never seen a baseball much less thrown or caught one. (I know that sounds harsh, but well, truth.) 

But tonight was a great game for them. They wound up ending the game early because they were beating the other team 15-5, and everyone contributed in one way or another. And best of all, they seemed to be having fun.

As I watched I realized the whole team was present, so after the post-game meeting I hustled out to the field and asked if we could take a pic (since a few kids missed picture day). So this is them, the boys Isaac played baseball with a few times a week for the past several months. The ones who have cheered each other on and who teased each other as only pre-teen and early-teen boys can do and who kept smiling even when they struggled to get it together. This is the 2021 Intermediate Blue Team. And win, lose, or draw, I am blessed that my kiddo (who is the fourth kid from the left in the second row) is one of them.

June 1

Today marked the first "official" day of summer vacation. Abby intermittently appeared with and without her laptop while Isaac and Brady settled into their usual routine of choice: playing video games while wearing pajamas.

Me? I got up late, took a trip to the grocery store for a few items that I forgot to get yesterday, took care of my growing fleet of seedlings out on the deck, took a post-(his) work walk with Adam, and periodically checked on the boys to be sure they weren't trying to kill each other yet.

Then this evening, I settled into my usual spot and worked on one of my current projects while watching the A's game on TV. 

There's still something soothing about the feeling of working a hook through yarn. So for that feeling and for a mostly uneventful day, I am grateful.