September 30

It's shocking to me that it's already the last day of September. I mean, what? How did we get here? 

Anyhow, since it's Tuesday, Isaac and Brady had Youth Group. And Adam and I met for dinner at Cattlemen's.

It was a quiet evening and a quiet dinner with my number one. So for the blessing of time together, I am thankful.

September 29

Isaac got home from school today, went upstairs, and then almost immediately returned to the first floor and announced that Brady had asked him for ice cream.

So he drove to work and returned about 10 minutes later with a cup of ice cream and a spoon, which he promptly handed over to his little bro (along with the confession that he ate a little bit because it was melting).

I'm routinely humbled by Isaac's kind, giving heart; by the way he willingly inconveniences himself and puts his own desires aside so he can meet someone else's needs (or wants). I know that his attitude is a function of God's grace and work in his life, and I am grateful that he's so open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

September 28

You win some, you lose some.

Although Brady had another great day at the plate (3 for 3 with a double and a sac fly; his .550+ batting average is the current team-best), the TVBR 15s fell short of a win by a final score of 12-13. Yeah, that's the kind of loss that hurts.

But on the way home afterward, we got to see the clouds and the sun parade across the sky in glorious fashion. There were so many rays and patches of bright blue and striking edges that I kept snapping shots and thinking "it can't possibly get more beautiful." And then it would.

And if they'd won the game, we would've missed that amazing show in the heavens.

So for that loveliness that filled in some of the heart gaps rent by the sting of disappointment, I'm thankful.

September 27

Another weekend, another tournament, this time in the Central Valley. I was tired from last night, so I opted to stay home. And since Isaac worked from 12-6, I had the house to myself for much of the day. 

But I still watched Brady's games on GameChanger. 

And wow, did he have a great day at the plate. He didn't pitch at all, but he went a combined 4 for 5 in the two games with double and four singles. According to Adam, even his one out was a very well-struck ball that narrowly missed sailing over the center fielder's head.

I may not have been there in person, but I was cheering the team on from home. It is such a treat and a blessing to be able to watch my kiddo perform well and enjoy himself out on the diamond.

(And the tournament? The bracket isn't officially set, but they should be the number one seed entering tomorrow.)

September 26

Valerie's annual cookie party was tonight and as always, it was amazing.

She spoiled us all with a charcuterie board and crudite from a local shop, and spoiled us even more with a dinner menu that featured shrimp cocktail, smoked prime rib, potatoes (with dill, which took me way back to my childhood), and green beans. And then she super mega spoiled us with a mixed berry pavlova (which was delicious) and a chocolate fountain. And --get this-- she did all of the cooking herself. Even the pavlova. (And if you've ever worked with meringue, you know how temperamental it can be.)

I was a wee bit taken aback when, after the dinner dishes were cleared and I was innocently chatting away with Winnie and Julie, she handed me a microphone and led me to the opposite side of the yard where a karaoke machine sat waiting, but I played along and we delivered a rousing rendition of "All Star" by Smash Mouth. (And I was surprised to discover that I still knew most of the words.) We're a fairly introverted group --it took quite a while for Steph and Winnie to get up the gumption to sing "Love Shack" for us-- so I wasn't surprised that Valerie targeted me to join her for the first number; as she told me, she knew I'd do it. It's kind of nice to be thought of as The One Who Will Play Along.

So now it's late and I'm back home with my tin of cookies and my personalized kitchen towel (which Valerie apparently made, according to the little tag inside the bag), reflecting on the experience. It was, to be succinct, a wonderful evening filled with laughter and stories and fun with ladies I've known for a number of years now. So for the blessing of friendship and for the way Valerie loves on all of us so well every year, I am grateful. 

September 25

Valerie's annual dessert exchange (cookie party!) is tomorrow evening, so today I made my contribution: the classic rice krispy treat.

I used a new-to-me recipe that called for MORE butter and MORE marshmallows than usual as well as vanilla extract, and I have to say that they came out pretty tasty.

I still need to slice them up and enclose them in plastic wrap (in order to seal in that crunchy-smooshiness), but I'm happy to be finished with the making-process. And I'm definitely looking forward to spending an evening with some long-time friends!

Friends are one of this life's greatest blessings, so I am grateful for mine -- even the ones I only see at Valerie's party.

September 24

As someone who grew up on the East Coast, California weather is still strange to me. It's weird that there's no humidity. It's weird that it doesn't snow. And it's really weird that in general, no liquid falls from the sky --at all-- between May and October.

But today, it actually rained. 

There were little sprinkles here and there during the morning hours, and then late in the afternoon, it rained enough to dampen the ground. 

As I pitter-pattered out to the recycling bin to throw out some boxes, I enjoyed the distinctive scent that accompanies the rain and mused that it was really, really nice to smell it once again. 

So for the rain and for the way it reminds me of where I come from, I am thankful.

September 23

I was depositing some cardboard in the recycling bin in our side yard this afternoon when the little flowers on one of our plants caught my eye.

Purple is my favorite color, so the bold, beautiful vibrancy of the blooms stopped me in my tracks. I stood there for a moment admiring the buttery centers and the delicate petals, and then snapped a pic for posterity.

I am grateful for the way that rich, saturated color brightens my life each day.

September 22

I was driving home late this morning when I noticed a French bulldog walking in circles on the sidewalk. Since I'm not accustomed to seeing unaccompanied Frenchies in public (and also because I adore the breed), I took a quick visual scan of the area and didn't see any people nearby. So I flipped a u-turn, parked next to said-dog, and got out. It took less than two seconds for the dog to bound in my direction, and I reached for her collar in search of contact information. She was, however, a very active Frenchie, so although she eagerly accepted pets, I was unable to hold her still long enough to get a gander at the two phone numbers that I could see etched on her tag.

And then she took of running down a nearby street. After I stopped giggling at my first-ever experience with seeing a Frenchie run, I ran after her, determined to help reunite her with her family (and to keep her from being stolen, since I know they fetch top dollar on the doggie black market). But once again, when I was finally able to catch her, I still couldn't see her tag.

Just when I was mulling my next move, Brady's friend Jackson's mom Shannon came around the corner walking their dog. She saw me wrestling with the pup (who was simultaneously trying to lick my face and run off), cut her phone call short, and together, we were able to contact the owner and get Effie back home safely.

I'm convinced that God put Shannon right there at that moment so we could join forces to help this pup get back to the people who love her. So for the perfectly timed help and for sweet doggies, I am thankful.

September 21

This guy right here had a great game this morning.

He went 2 for 3 at the plate (with a single, a triple, and a very well-struck ball that the centerfielder caught but was deep enough to drive in a run from third), and pitched one scoreless inning in relief, striking out two and giving up one single.

Then when he got home, he changed into his Ravens jersey and pajama pants for some football-watching, and settled into a chair in the family room. He perched my Pusheen stuffie on his shoulder and I completed the look with a bowl of apple slices (because our little tree is overloaded with fruit at the moment).

I know these days --these days that are filled with live baseball games featuring my favorite players doing impressive things and watching them hang out with stuffies and feeding them apple slices from our tree-- are limited. So I'm grateful to God for the time.

September 20

Brady didn't have any games today so it was my first Saturday at home in five weeks. After celebrating the occasion by cleaning out the pantry and the medicine drawer, I relaxed.

Later in the day, just after I finished my call with my mom, I happened to glance out the window and noticed the remnants of the sunset over the neighbor's house.

I thought it was beautiful how the colors merged one into the next, so I snapped a shot of God's handiwork.

I am thankful for this kind of beauty.

September 19

Another Friday (yay!), another stroll around the mall with Nikki.

We were there under the guise of her finding birthday presents for her oldest son (who is a few months older than Brady), but we actually just talked and walked and popped in and out of the various stores that dotted out path.

It was good, soul-feeding time for me. And I am grateful for the experience.

September 18

It was cool and overcast all day long.

But then as I was driving Brady home from baseball practice this evening, the sun appeared below the blanket of clouds in the distance, sending streaks of orange light across the horizon.

It wasn't exactly awesome since I was moving due west right into the sunset and the light was intense, but it was still beautiful. And it was also a lovely reminder that even after periods of sustained gloominess, the sun can and will come out again when the time is right.

September 17

Isaac is at work tonight so it's been just Adam, Brady, and me chilling at home.

Brady --as I imagine happens with most 14-year olds-- usually finishes dinner and then scurries up to his room until bedtime. 

But not today! Tonight, he retrieved his laptop, settled into a chair, and played a computer game while we all watched a banana ball game on TV.

Given that I realize I'm not cool, it's been a blessing to have him choose to hang out with us, because although he's still 14, I know he'll be 18 before we know it.

September 16

I drove to the Mother Ship this morning after school drop-off like I always do. As I passed through the traffic light next to the building I noticed a small sedan slowly, haltingly making its way toward the light in the opposite direction. I watched as the driver stopped and waved a hand at the car in front of me, which continued on its way without braking. 

As I neared, the petite, elderly woman behind the wheel of that little car turned her attention to me and waved, and I rolled my window down.

"Please help me. Do you know where Big O Tires is?" she asked, her voice tight with worry.

I paused, simultaneously trying to remember where I'd seen a Big O Tires and eyeing my rearview mirror for other cars, since we were effectively blocking the road in both directions.

"I... I'm not sure," I finally stammered. 

Her eyes were pleading as she repeated "Oh, please help me."

I nodded a quick okay, then drove forward and off to the right to get out of the roadway. I pulled out my phone, Googled a map, discovered that it was a quick two-minute drive away, and jogged over to her window. As I started to give her directions, she stopped me, caught my eye, and asked, her tone desperate, if I would mind driving there so she could follow me. 

I said sure, I can do that, and she grabbed my hand and looked at me with the most earnest, grateful expression I'd seen in a long time. She asked my name, told me hers (Veronica), and said "oh, thank you. You are a gift from God."

So she did indeed follow me as I drove to Big O, very slowly --so slowly that I had to make sure I didn't lose her during the two-minute trip-- and after we pulled into the parking lot, I asked if she needed anything else. "No, I'm all right now. You are an angel from God," she said. And then I drove back to the Mother Ship for my morning coffee and chit-chat.

I don't share this story because I want anyone to think "wow, Sherry's a great person" because that's not it at all. (I actually considered NOT sharing it for that very reason.) I'm sharing it because I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to serve someone in need in such a practical way. And I'm humbled that God put her in my path because being a helper to someone who has an urgent need is a gift. So when God sends you someone to help, don't think too much -- just do it. And you'll both be blessed.

September 15

When Abby came home for summer vacation back in May, I decided to take a break from my Monday morning Bible study so I could maximize my time with her. 

This morning, I finally went back. We went over the first few chapters of 2 Corinthians and it was just so good to be there talking about and reflecting on scripture once again with such lovely, intelligent ladies.

So for that gift, and for the emotional lift that reading the Bible provides, I am very grateful.

September 14

I'm so proud of these guys.

After securing the top seed yesterday, they won their first game today in walk-off fashion, which bought them a berth in this evening's Black Tie Bash 15U championship affair. That final match-up was a well-fought battle against an extremely tough team. Although our boys wound up losing 3-2, they showed so much heart and determination that it's hard to be disappointed with the second place medals they're holding. (For me, at least.)

Second place isn't first, of course, but it's a huge improvement over last weekend's triple-loss outcome. And I feel blessed to understand --really understand-- that it's not all about winning. Sometimes, it's simply about taking steps in the right direction. And they certainly did that this weekend. 

September 13

These guys (including Brady, who's the one facing the camera wearing high red socks) were the poster children for resilience today.

After getting off to a largely forgettable 0-3 start to the fall tournament season, they roared back to life this afternoon by winning both of their games --including one against the team that crushed them last weekend-- and securing the top seed entering play tomorrow.

Brady started the first game and pitched three innings. He gave up just one hit, walked two, and plunked one batter in the back (which sounded --and looked, based on the guy's contorted facial expression-- like it hurt) while striking out four and allowing no runs. His control was great and he was throwing hard; it was absolutely one of his best outings in a long while. I think he walked once but otherwise didn't do much at the plate, but as I told him, it's okay because ultimately, it's a team effort.

He didn't play much in the second game --just a brief stint out in right field, and he was on deck to bat when the game ended due to time-- but the team as a whole played well enough to win against a very tough opponent (who, based on the parents' reactions, were NOT used to losing. But that's for another entry).

So yes, they were resilient. They came back, shook off the rust that plagued them last week, and played good, solid baseball. 

Life often requires that we be able to withstand difficulties --and in fact, God promises that we WILL have troubles on this side of Heaven-- so I'm grateful for the opportunities my kiddos have to be challenged. And it's heartening to watch them rise to meet and overcome those challenges.

September 12

When Isaac got home from his volunteer time with AWANA this evening, he told Adam and me that he'd devised a list of potential colleges to which he might apply.

He then spent the next 20 minutes going through his selections and sharing a few pertinent details about each one. His comments were both practical and insightful in nature, and as I listened, I was truly impressed by what I was hearing.

He's quite mature for 17, and I am grateful that he's spent time thinking about his future. And I'm doubly grateful that one of his non-negotiables is finding a school that will support and nurture his relationship with Jesus. 

September 11

As we were leaving for school drop-offs this morning, Brady rolled down his window and craned his neck toward Isaac, who was also preparing to back out of the driveway.

He was doing it to be a goofball and it certainly came across as goofiness --especially when he turned in my direction and I saw the sassy expression on his face-- but it also came across as something else.

It came across as a Little Bro admiring a Big Bro from a distance.

And for that bit of sweetness, I am thankful.

September 10

There is so much I could say about the horrid state of our nation right now, but I can't seem to find the right words. So instead, I'll focus on my world.

And these two guys are, of course, a big part of my world. This is them relaxing shortly after getting home from school this afternoon: just chilling in the living room with a video game console and a guitar.

With their kind hearts and generally good temperaments, these two give me hope for the future. And on days that leave me reeling, I am especially grateful to God for them.

September 9

One day last week (or at least I think it was last week), I picked several apples from the tree in our yard, sliced them up, and put them in a bowl in the fridge, thinking the boys could snack on them for the next few days. I was surprised when Brady came home from school and ate the entire bowl's worth in a single sitting.

Since the tree's still producing and the boys are still consuming, I cut up another six apples this afternoon and put them in the refrigerator. This time, Brady actually left a few slices in the bowl. (Although I'm guessing he'll polish those off before school tomorrow.)

So today, I'm grateful for our little apple tree, which produces truly sweet and tasty apples for us to enjoy.

September 8

I was still snoozing when Isaac knocked on my door this morning, told me he didn't feel well, and asked if he could stay home from school. I wasn't terribly surprised by his revelation, given that he'd been burning the proverbial candle at both ends since Friday, so I said okay and called him out.

A little later, he helped me out with my Costco run by checking our home inventory for various items. (Did we need milk? No, plenty of that left. Eggs? Yes, definitely some eggs.) And when I asked if he'd like anything in particular, he replied that "a hot dog could be cool."

So after I checked out, I visited the food court and bought two hot dogs. And when I got home, we sat at the kitchen table and ate said-hot dogs for lunch.

He's a good kid. And I'm thankful that he had the good sense to ask for a day off when he needed one. 

September 7

It was a quiet, uneventful Sunday.

Just church with Isaac (while Adam and Brady were at the latter's game), and then time at home watching football and napping. (And there was truly plentiful napping.)

I've been out and about on weekends quite often of late, so the downtime was very much appreciated. It's a blessing to have time to recharge my batteries, so I am grateful for the low-key day I was able to enjoy.

September 6

It was back to the diamond for us today as Brady's team played their first few games of the Fall season. 

I'll leapfrog the details and sum it up by saying that they could've played better, but it was, as is always the case, good to see Brady out there on the field doing his thing. He made decent contact when he hit, showed good discipline at the plate, and threw solid pitches from the mound.

It's a blessing to be able to watch him play live, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to take in the action -- even when they don't play as well as I know they can.

September 5

I met up Nikki this morning to do one of our walks around the mall.

I hadn't seen her in several months --I think the last time was before the kids' summer vacation even started-- but it was so good to hang out (and burn some calories) and laugh and sniff candles (and deliciously honey-scented lotion that we may have to go back and buy.)

Our friendship is just so easy; I know I can be my completely unfiltered self around her with no fear of judgment or criticism. And I hope she feels the same way!

I may not see her often, but I'm so, so grateful for her continued presence in my life because she is awesome. And awesome people are big blessings.

September 4

After a brief hiatus, it's that time again: it's baseball season.

(Honestly, it's been baseball season at our house since 2014 or so, but I digress.)

Brady had practice this afternoon, and after a trip to Target and Walmart to help Isaac find a birthday gift for his friend, I returned to the diamond to watch him swing the bat.

He was animated and invested in what he was doing, and that was really good to see. It's a blessing to see my kiddos enjoying themselves, so I am grateful for the happiness that the game of baseball continues to bring to our lives.

September 3

This is the only pic I took today, so it'll have to do.

This is me on the way over to the boys' back to school night. Since Adam is out of town on a work trip, I had to pick and choose which classrooms to visit. After consulting with Isaac and Brady, I wound up going to Isaac's first three classes and Brady's last three. And I also stopped in to meet two of their other teachers: Ceramics for Isaac, since the same guy was also Abby's teacher when she was in high school, and Algebra 2 for Brady (because the classroom was located on the edge of campus near the exit, so it was easy).

As I sat and listened to each of the presentations, I felt a sense of gratitude rising in my chest. As a mom, I know very well that working with teenagers is hard work. I'm grateful for all of the teachers who choose to devote their time to what can definitely be a challenging pursuit. Their care and commitment are blessings.

September 2

I'm not generally someone who's particularly concerned with her appearance. (Ask anyone who's seen me around town on any given weekday and they'll confirm that.) But the wiry gray hairs that started popping up on the crown of my head a few years ago were starting to get on my nerves, so when I saw my hair gal a few months back, she suggested trying a glaze next time to help settle them down. "Next time" was today, and I took her advice. For the first time ever, my hair is colored.

The gray isn't entirely gone, per se, but most of it is covered, and what isn't blends in really well. It's a smidge darker than my natural color, but not dramatically so; Brady didn't even notice it was different. (Isaac, however, stood and looked at me for a moment before asking if I got a haircut. I said yes, and then I asked if he noticed anything else. He paused and looked as if he wanted to say something, but held his tongue. I filled in the blanks for him, and he quickly blurted out 'ah, I thought so. It's much darker.' He is the details-boy.)

I know it's the inside --the heart-- that matters most so part of me feels weird about writing this, but it's nice to feel a little bit younger and a little bit more put together on the outside. 

September 1

We stopped at the candy store in Murphys during our drive home this afternoon. It's become something of a tradition and I know the kiddos look forward to it.

After perusing the jars of hard candies and cases of chocolate confections, we each selected a treat: a variety scoop of hard candies for Brady, a scoop of cinnamon squares for me, sassafras for Adam, and chocolate boulders for Isaac.

As we walked back out to the car, I asked Brady to retrieve Cubey from his roost in the door so I could take a pic of the boys with their boulders.

It's kind of silly, but it amused me. And a well-timed chuckle is always a blessing.