October 31

Halloween looks a lot different these days.

Isaac donned a new pair of boots, jeans, a plaid shirt, and a hat and went off to his half day of school as a cowboy. Brady went to school as... Brady.

After school, Cowboy Isaac napped in the hammock out back before heading off to volunteer at church for both the Harvest Festival and Awana. Brady carved his pumpkin (after Adam nearly sliced a finger off while removing the guts) and then went trick-or-treating all over the neighborhood with some of his pals.

I dropped off candy and mingled at our cul de sac's annual Halloween at the End of the Street event and then joined Adam to watch game six of the World Series.

And now the boys are back home; Brady is probably rifling through his bag of candy and Isaac is up in his room. And Adam and I are watching "Scream 2."

When the kiddos were young, Halloween was a family event; there were costumes and trick-or-treating and loads of photos. Now, we kind of do our own things. And that's totally okay, because it's a blessing to see Isaac and Brady (and Abby, who sent pics from her own gathering with friends at school) growing up. I will always be grateful for that, even if it means we don't always operate as a family unit these days.

October 30

Adam had a day trip to Oregon and Isaac had a shift at the Dairy, so this evening it was just me and Brady. And he had practice over at Livermore High School, so it was really just me and my buddies Walmart and Target for a few hours.

Anyway, as I dropped Brady off, I watched him walk through the parking lot, open the gate, and disappear down the path that leads to the Varsity field. 

And skinny legs aside, he just looked so old to me. Not so much like the little kid I've always known him to be and more like someone riding a bullet train toward adulthood. 

Although the revelation made me a little sad, I'm so grateful to have the gift of watching him grow up.

October 29

I walked by the window this afternoon and happened to catch this scene as it progressed.

They'd been tossing around a football a few minutes earlier so I don't know how or why that situation devolved, but I chuckled at the roughhouseyness of the scene (which, very fortunately, did not end with one or both of them falling into the pool). 

As someone who doesn't have a same-sex sibling, it's fascinating (and decidedly amusing sometimes) to watch their relationship evolve. And it's a blessing to see them love on each other (even when it doesn't necessarily look like affection). It gives me a better-rounded understanding of the human experience.

October 28

After staying up late to watch the entirety of the mammoth 18-inning World Series game last night, I think morning arrived very early today.

So rather than go out to dinner while the boys went to Youth Group this evening, I suggested we stay in, have cheesesteaks, and... watch game four.

It's a lot of baseball, yeah, but we've taken in many, many games together over the years. (And fortunately, this one was a much shorter affair than the last!)

So for the blessing of a low-key evening with my hunny bunch, I am grateful.

October 27

Monday, Monday.

All in all, it was a nice start to a new work week. The boys went to school, I went to Bible Study and then did some window shopping with an eye toward what I might want to get for whom for Christmas. 

And now, I'm spending a pleasant evening tucked underneath a blanket, watching the Blue Jays and the Dodgers play game three of the World Series alongside a pair of my favorite fellows.

Moments don't have to be unusual in order to be blessed, so I am thankful for the regularity of today.

October 26

Isaac and I had one of what he calls our "Mup and Bup" adventures this morning when we visited Urgent Care.

He's had a cough and cold symptoms for a few weeks now, and although I was reasonably sure he just needs to slow down, do a little less, and rest a lot more, I wanted to be sure that he wasn't charging toward bronchitis, or worse, pneumonia.

Urgent Care was completely empty when we arrived --a blessedly sweet Sunday morning miracle-- so he was seen right away. After I explained my concerns to the doctor and he asked me if I was a medical professional (which, oddly enough, is a question I frequently hear... I guess I picked up an unusual amount of lingo while dealing with Logan's many hospital stays) he listened to Isaac's lungs and ordered a chest x-ray. While we waited for a radiologist to come over from the hospital, he asked me to tell him stories about my growing-up days, so I told him about my high school experience; about how I still remembered blowing off the guy who (God bless him) tried to get me to go to the Christian Fellowship (Eric Sun, if by some miracle you're reading this, I'm sorry!) and how I loved late Friday nights in the computer lab getting the school newspaper ready to go to print.

In the end, the x-ray was negative, but we still went home with several prescriptions including an inhaler, since his lungs apparently sounded a little bit crackly. And the strong suggestion to rest, rest, rest (and enjoy Senior year). 

In the car, he remarked that it was fun to have another Mup and Bup Adventure and that he'd enjoyed the experience. Although I might've chosen a different location for our time together, I'm glad we had it. Because all time spent with my sweet Isaac is a blessing from God.

October 25

Thanks to my allergies and string of baseball tournaments, Adam and I hadn't taken a walk around the neighborhood in a few months. So after we all finished watching "Happy Gilmore 2" this afternoon, I checked the weather app to be sure there was no rain in the forecast (because the sky was dark with clouds) and off we went.

It was a blessing to be out with my main squeeze, getting some exercise and chit chatting about this and that as we strolled those familiar streets.

And then, every so gradually, little drip-drops began falling from above. And then those little drops became bigger and more frequent drops until they all joined together to create a steady rain. (So much for that lying weather app's claims.) 

By the time we got back home, we were both pretty wet. But we were in good spirits nonetheless; maybe even a little more energized by the rain. 

So for the time together and for some much-needed rainfall to feed the dry earth, I am thankful.

October 24

Terry and I traded chat-time at the Mother Ship for breakfast at Jim's this morning.

We ordered identical meals of French toast and scrambled eggs (plus biscuits and gravy for me, because Jim's biscuits are amazing. If you live here and haven't had them, go!). And then we enjoyed good conversation over our food.

It's crazy to me that it's been three and a half years since I first noticed her watching me while I crocheted in the corner at Starbucks. I'm grateful that I had the good sense to nag her into hanging out with me (and seriously, she required some of my best nagging skills). And I'm thankful for the friendship that's developed since then.

She's a good human, and I'm thankful to God for putting her in my life.

October 23

Four years ago when I accompanied Abby to the studio contracted by the high school to take her Senior portraits, I was surprised to find myself suddenly getting emotional as the photographer placed the cap on her head. (In fact, Abby will tell you that I audibly gasped.)

So this afternoon, when Isaac took his turn as Senior of the Hour, the moisture that suddenly stung my eyes as the tassel was given one final adjustment weren't entirely unexpected. 

He looked over at me between takes and his eyes softened as he noticed my tears. He gave a slight smile and then went back about the business of grinning for the camera. 

There's something about that cap that gets me every time. (Well, it's gotten me twice. And I fully expect that it will get me again.) I think it's the symbolism of "capping" off their time at home with us, in the safety of the nest we've built for our family. And that's a big deal for parents because it's hard --and scary-- to think about sending them out into the wider world.

But that's why I'm grateful to God for His direction, and I'm even more grateful for the deep faith that I know Isaac holds in his heart. And of course, I'm beyond grateful and blessed to be his mom.

October 22

Sometimes I enjoy cooking, but honestly, I don't do it all that often. I cooked quite often when Adam and I first got married, my rapid succession of pregnancies left me feeling low on energy, and the subsequent pickiness of several eats zapped what was left of my motivation.

But like I said, I do enjoy the process of combining flavors and creating dishes. And tonight, I got to create.

It wasn't a hugely complicated meal --just a quiche with swiss, a sprinkling of cheddar, and crumbled bacon with a few shakes of ground nutmeg on top-- but it was satisfying to assemble the pie, put it in the oven, and then smell the aroma as it baked. 

And it wound up tasting good, too, I thought. Everyone ate it, which usually means a win. 

So for the gifts of food and the ability (and desire) to cook, I'm grateful.

October 21

It was truly beautiful outside today.

Sunny with a crispy blue sky and clear air that just felt fresh. And a very pleasant high temp in the mid-70s. 

An extremely pleasant day indeed.

And then this evening, after I dropped Brady off at Youth Group, I noticed that it was still beautiful, only in a different way: an orangey-pinky-yellowy sunset way.

So for all of that natural beauty that God gave us to breathe in and enjoy on this mid-October day, I am thankful.

October 20

During Brady's pitching lesson this afternoon, a group of smaller boys --who I later learned were 10-11 years old-- began arriving for a game at an adjacent field. 

Brady threw a fastball, and one of the boys who was passing by exclaimed "wow, that was hard!" He threw another pitch a few moments later, and after it hit his coach's glove with a satisfying thwack, a voice chirped from behind me "Whoa, I heard that one! That was really hard!" 

They were clearly impressed. And I smiled to myself at their reaction. And then I got my biggest chuckle of the afternoon as the voice --in a very certain tone--  continued "... I'm pretty sure he plays in high school. He's got to play in high school." 

Although it still surprises me, he IS indeed in high school. And today his fastball reached 81 MPH. And now he's a kid the little kids look up to, which feels, well, crazy, because it doesn't seem like long ago that my boys looked up to the Big Kids.

He's definitely benefited from working with his coach --whose personality is quite like his own-- so I'm grateful for his influence and guidance. And I'm grateful that Brady is continuing to grow toward becoming the man God made him to be. 

October 19

I ran out of my usual facial moisturizer a few weeks ago. It seems that it's not currently available via Costco (as it once was) and frugal me couldn't stomach the current price tag for a small bottle from other stores, so I picked up a jar of original Oil of Olay.

What I didn't realize when I bought it was that it's the same cream my grandma used when I was growing up, just in a different container. So when I unscrewed the lid, I smelled that familiar scent and was immediately transported back in time. She and I were in front of the big mirror in her dressing area, and I stood next to her and watched as she carefully applied that light pink cream to her face. 

It's a blessing that something as simple as a fragrance and a color can elicit such sweet, long-lost memories.

October 18

Isaac had a group over friends over last night. They were up having fun playing board games (seriously) and eating well into the wee hours of the morning. It was so good to hear him laughing and enjoying himself because so often, it feels like Isaac doesn't have time to be a kid.

But invariably, between school and work and being up late and not getting enough sleep, he didn't feel great this morning. And the rest of us were a bit tired, too. So it wound up being a laid back, do-not-much kind of Saturday. 

For me, that meant true crime documentaries and a nap. And the later in the evening, a showing of "Ocean's Eleven" with the fam. 

And between the two, I took a stroll out to the mailbox. As I walked down the sidewalk, I was taken by how quiet and still it was outside. I closed my eyes and breathed in some of that stillness. 

Friends and fun are blessings. Quiet time for recharging our batteries is a blessing, too. And for all of those very good gifts, I am grateful.

October 17

I got to the mall to walk with Nikki a bit early this morning, so I went inside and sat down on the ground outside Mini Cat Town.

There were numerous kitties of all colors and sizes on the other side of of the window, including these two charmers here. The sweet little black one meowed and batted his eyes at me, as did several others who came and went during the 10 minutes I was observing them. There was also an orange one named Pancake who had the softest-looking fur and another smaller orange who just kept gazing up at me with the most soulful eyes.

I love kitties. Love them. I grew up with them and most of my growing-up memories include cat lore. But then, after the one and only kitty I've had as an adult passed away, I realized just how seriously allergic I am to them.

So --until someone is able to develop the technology to eliminate my allergy completely-- no more kitties for me. It bums me out, but I'm grateful that I can go and sit outside of Mini Cat Town to get the safest kitty-fix I'm going to get.

October 16

It was a baseball-heavy afternoon for Brady. 

He had a pitching lesson right after school, and then went directly to TVBR practice after that. So he got in lots of reps, both throwing and hitting. 

And when he emerged from the gate at Livermore High (after practice), I asked how it went and he said good. 

He's getting reps and he's feeling good. For those blessings, and for continued opportunities for him to get those reps during the off-season, I am grateful. Because a productive Brady is a content Brady.

October 15

I was scrolling my Facebook feed over the weekend and I'm not entirely sure why --it's possible that I saw her "like" a photo of mine-- but I thought of my friend Sherrie. And then it dawned at me that even though we live in the same town and we used to meet for coffee at least once every couple of months, I hadn't seen her in a few years. 

So texts were exchanged, and tonight, we met for dinner downtown at one of our mutual favorite spots. 

I had such a good time catching up on life and finding out what she and her family have been up to of late.

Friendship is such a blessing, and though I'm not as deliberately outgoing as I once was, I'm grateful for the friends who have stuck with me over the years through life's many ebbs and flows.

And today, I'm especially grateful for opportunities to catch up!

October 14

There were dark clouds looming overhead when I picked up Brady from school this afternoon, so we headed over to the grocery store to shore up the boys' dinner plan before the rain started.

Brady usually waits in the car while I run inside, so I was a bit surprised when he announced that he'd come with me so he could pick out additional foods. (The main course I'd floated was pizza, which was met with enthusiastic acceptance, but he had a hankering for something else, too.)

So he came along, selected grapes and mandarin oranges as the extras, and we hit the checkout line. And once we got out to the car, I snapped this pic. 

I love it when he's chipper like he was this afternoon. And I love that he picked fruit for side dishes! He's a good kiddo and I feel blessed every day to be his mom.

October 13

I was late to my Bible Study this morning (as I often am; it's a Monday-thing), but I think I was present for the meat of the discussion on a few chapters of the book of Romans.

It didn't occur to me to take a photo at the time (and honestly, I'm not entirely sure what I would've snapped a shot of anyway), but I really enjoyed the experience. We really dug into and talked about some difficult (and at times controversial) parts of Scripture. And I came away feeling energized.

So for the gift that is the Word of God and the blessing of having others with whom I can discuss it in detail --especially the parts that are challenging-- I am grateful.

October 12

I had a fairly significant allergic reaction to... something (I don't know what) last night, so I was very stuffy and didn't sleep particularly well. So I spent most of the day lounging around the house.

But it was business as usual for the males of the house, which meant church followed by football (and later on, playoff baseball) on TV.

At one point as I retrieved my cup from the family room where they'd all gathered to take in the Niners game, I remarked on how sweet it was to see them all engaging in bonding activity. They mostly ignored the comment, but I meant it: I love watching them doing their guy-stuff together.

Those relationships --between brothers and fathers and brothers and brothers-- are blessings. And I'm thankful for the relationships my boys share.

October 11

We don't have a lot of family traditions that've truly stood the test of time, but I really enjoy the ones that we've kept up over the years. And today, we engaged one of my favorites: our annual trip to Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay.

Since Isaac had work at 4 PM, we left the house at 9:45 to insure he'd be back in time for his shift. The drive was largely uneventful and normal, which means we listened to music (including the Taylor Swift oldie "You Belong With Me," which Logan memorably declared was Lambie's song way back when) and made good time until we didn't. (The traffic after you cross the San Mateo Bridge moves until it doesn't on weekends during the busy Fall season along the coast.)

We pulled into the always-dusty parking lot, parked, and made our way to the entrance, where I posed for THE annual photo with the kiddos. I probably recall this detail every year so you'll have to forgive the repetition, but we've taken the same image from the same vantage point every year since I was heavily pregnant with Abby back in 2004. To say that I treasure and adore this particular series of photos would be an understatement. It is such an amazing gift to watch Abby and Isaac and Brady and even Logan grow through the years. Even as I write that I simultaneously acknowledge that the year that Logan suddenly disappeared from the image still gnaws at my heart... but the fact that he was EVER in the series is a gift I was never worthy of receiving in the first place.

Melancholic reflections aside, following the Taking Of The Annual Pic, we trooped inside the patch, where we milled about for a few minutes getting our bearings. (The precise arrangement of the gourds and various curiosities offered changes from year to year.) Adam was first to select a small pumpkin for Logan. And then Isaac and Brady followed suit by choosing their own much larger pumpkins and heaving them into the wheelbarrow we'd secured. More pictures were taken -- Adam with the boys, the boys together, all of us together (courtesy of a kind stranger) -- and then we headed to the very long checkout line.

And then after we paid and made our way to the exit, I stole a fond look over my shoulder at the parents (who look younger and younger every year) and small children enjoying their day at the pumpkin farm. It was bittersweet to realize that they were us 15, 18, 20 years ago. It was a rather stark reminder that time really, truly does fly. And that it's important to treasure the moments that God gives us. 

So for all of that --for the time with my people, for special traditions, for the memories, and for the reminder to savor the moments-- I am grateful.

October 10

I've been working on cleaning out and re-organizing our pantry for a few weeks now. 

It's been a far, far bigger job than I'd initially anticipated but I'm slowly getting there.

I did more work on it today, and by the time I stopped, this is how it looked. And I have to say that I'm pretty pleased. There are still more shelves (above and below out of sight) and the floor that need to be done, but like I said, progress has been made.

So today, I'm grateful for the motivation to keep going and for the sense of accomplishment I'm blessed with when I finish another shelf.

October 9

Earlier this week, Brady asked if I could make calzones for dinner sometime soon.

So I decided to make them today. There was something really satisfying about watching the yeast bubble and something even more satisfying about ever so slightly kneading the dough until it clung together in the form of a loose ball.

But the most satisfying moment came after we'd eaten, when Brady paused for a moment on his way through the family room and said 'thanks for making dinner, mom!'

It's nice to be appreciated, of course, but it's nicer to have children who express appreciation. So for that blessing, I am grateful.

October 8

One of Brady's long-term goals was to throw an 80mph fastball before the beginning of his freshman season of baseball.

And today during his pitching lesson --about four months ahead of schedule-- he attained that goal.

Twice.

I didn't catch the exact moment after his coach consulted the radar gun and confirmed he'd hit the mark for the first time (besting his previous official high-water mark by 5mph). I wish I had, because he threw a fist in the air and grinned like the Cheshire cat. But I was happy for him.

Brady is the kind of kid who sets goals and then puts in work to reach them. He has good focus and discipline, both of which are traits that I'm sure God will use. (How, exactly, I don't know. But I'm confident they'll be used!)

It's a blessing to see my kiddos work hard and reap the rewards of their efforts.

October 7

Both of the boys had dates with the dentist this afternoon.

I know they're growing and getting bigger, but as I looked over at them while they sat together in the waiting room, I was struck by just how long their legs are. And then came the rather obvious but still jarring realization that they're really, truly not little boys anymore.

I could be sad over that reality; childhood is a vapor, really, so I totally understand when other parents feel that way. But rather than lamenting the time that's passed by, I choose to be grateful that they're maturing into amazing young men. Because they're doing just that.

October 6

Brady took his ring from the tournament to school this morning so he could show it to a few friends.

He didn't do it to show off or brag, per se; I think he just wanted to share with some of his fellow baseball guys (including two who played in the same tournament for other teams).

I love that he's genuinely tickled pink (pun intended) with the spoils of his hard work. It's a blessing to see him work for something (for years) and then finally earn it. 

October 5

The TVBR 15s won their first tournament today. But the road to get there was a bit... bumpy. In fact, they almost didn't make the championship game at all. As usual, I'm getting ahead of myself, so settle in for the story.

We arrived at Mistlin at about 11 AM this morning for their 12:10 PM semifinal match-up against a team from Headfirst, which is based here in Pleasanton. Brady's team was the second seed, while the other team was the third seed, so our boys were the home team. (That's an important detail.)

When that game began, it was apparent to everyone that our kiddos were playing tired. Sleep-playing, if you will. Headfirst scored, and then scored again, and then scored again. And TVBR... did nothing. We were trailing 0-4 entering the bottom of the fifth inning, which was looking like the final inning of play given that the game clock was running low on minutes. The first batter struck out, and another early exit seemed inevitable.

But then the wind suddenly shifted in our favor. One of our boys singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch and the next batter walked and the next reached on an error. And then with the bases loaded, Brady singled to right to drive in our first run. Another walk and a sacrifice fly brought to score to 3-4, and yet another walk tied it up 4-4. And then with two outs and a full count, one last batter drew a walk, which scored the winning run. We were all so surprised by what we'd seen that it took a moment to figure out how to react. It's easily one of the craziest comebacks I've ever seen.

With the championship game set to begin at 4:20 and the game featuring the number one and number four seeds still to be played, Adam, Brady, and I went to Arby's for some late-lunch. We reflected on the strangeness we'd just experienced and encouraged Brady to play hard in the final game. 

When we returned to Mistlin, we watched the latter part of the game that determined our eventual opponent. The Chico Suns --who didn't give up a single run during yesterday's seeding round-- blanked yet another opponent by a final score of 9-0, setting the final match-up between them and us.

And the championship began with a bang for TVBR, as our boys posted three runs in the first inning. And amazingly, they kept up the energy all throughout the game, earning an impressive 14 runs on 17 hits while giving up --get this-- zero runs to their opponent. Yep: they won their first championship game by a final score of 14-0 over a team that had previously given up NO runs to ANYONE.

It was a day of extremes, and it was exhilarating to watch them go from the brink of elimination to wearing those huge pink winners' rings. The win was a long time coming, and they definitely earned it. I hope they enjoyed the moment.

And although I'm very proud of the entire team --because every single boy contributed to their winning effort-- I have to take a moment to talk about Brady in particular. This kiddo of mine struggled at the plate during his first two years of TVBR baseball, and I know it was disappointing to him that he wasn't hitting as well as most of his teammates. But he really turned it on this fall and even batted cleanup (fourth in the lineup) today. He's finishing the season with 16 hits in 14 games played, and owns a team-best .485 average. He delivered hits when it mattered, played solid defense at first base (which included numerous acrobatic stretches and digs), and I could routinely hear him chattering in the dugout, trying to keep the energy levels high when they waned. I'm very proud of how he's grown as a player and a person.

So yes: it was a day of extremes that ended on a very high note. So as I head offline tonight, I am grateful for the sweetness of a hard-earned victory, and for the great parents and kids I've gotten to know through TVBR.

October 4

Brady had a pair of games in the Central Valley today. The first one started at 8 this morning, and given that I am not a person who likes being up before the sun rises, I stayed home.

Although I was legitimately bummed to miss out on the diamond action (which, for the record, yielded two wins; they're the second seed entering tomorrow), I was glad to have some one on one time with Isaac.

And thanks to a belt that was a little too loose for his liking, that time included a Walmart run to secure an awl. 

He doesn't often ask for anything, but as we were roaming the aisles, he spied a frisbee and decided he'd like one. (Two, actually, including one that lights up so it can be used in the dark.) When we got to the checkout stand, he was genuinely surprised (and grateful) when I said I'd buy them.

He's a good kid whose sense of personal responsibility is strong, so it was a blessing to me to be able to buy him a treat.

October 3

During a walk this afternoon, I came across this unusual sight.

In case it's hard to tell what I'm referring to, it's a baby palm tree growing in a sidewalk crack.

I know a lot of people think that's probably not all that unusual since this is California, but we don't actually have many palm trees here in Northern California. There are a few here and there, but they're not exactly prevalent.

Anyway, I was surprised to see it. And it served as a reminder that unanticipated blessings can pop up in entirely unexpected places. So always keep your eyes open so you don't miss 'em.

October 2

This kid.

In some ways, Isaac is still my determined little truck who struggled with spoken language but communicated volumes through big blue eyes.

In other ways, he's an entirely different human being at 17. Like today, for example, he sat down with Adam and I with a to-do list that included talk about college visits, get a credit card, open a new savings account with a decent interest rate, and open a Roth IRA.

The latter was the one that really got me. I'm not a finance girl (that's Adam's lane of travel) but I feel like he's rather young to be thinking about retirement. But he is. And it makes me proud of amuses me tremendously all at once.

I love his thoughtfulness and his heart. And I am so grateful to be his mom.

October 1

I was taking some boxes out to the recycling bin late this afternoon when this bunny hopped into my path.

She seemed just as surprised to see me as I was to see her, so she quickly maneuvered to her right into our next door neighbor's yard. Then she positioned herself behind the fence where, presumably, I was out of view.

I peeped around the corner and spied her sitting there wiggling her little nose (and no doubt mulling her next move). And after a few seconds, she found a hole in the fence line and hopped out of sight.

Anyway, when I saw her, I immediately thought of Abby, who loves bunnies. (In fact, she occasionally sends us photos of the bunnies who apparently make their home on campus.) So today I'm grateful for an unexpected encounter that made me think of my one and only girl.