October 14

I engaged in several different Monday activities today: my customary Starbucks run, Bible study, a trip to Costco, school drop-offs and pick-ups, texting with Abby, and then this evening, I shuttled Brady to and from practice. And I walked around the park while I waited for the latter to conclude so I could get my steps in.

And now I'm at home with my current project next to me, watching Beachfront Bargain Hunt on TV with Adam.

It was an ordinary day --as ordinary as they get, really-- but it was a blessing nonetheless, because every day is a gift.

October 13

Isaac's been working on a project for most of the day. 

I have the distinct feeling that he procrastinated quite a long while before his frenetic work fest commenced, but I'm still impressed by the consistent and dedicated attention he's applied to his task. And it looks really nice to boot! (I'd share but he wasn't amused by me taking this photo so I can only imagine the reaction to me getting any closer.)

A good work ethic is a valuable asset, so I'm thankful that he's focused on getting his work done (and on doing it well).

October 12

It's another tournament weekend, so we spent the evening watching Brady and the TVBR 14's playing a pair of games out in the Central Valley.

To sum it all up, they won one and lost one, and Brady had a couple of hits, a walk, and pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings. (He was only scheduled to throw one inning, but came in early to get them out of a bases-loaded jam.) Decent results overall.

But what really struck me is how they pulled together to win game two by a significant margin. They were actually trailing late in the game, but strung together a (long) series of hits and walks that netted them 11 additional runs and a very definitive win.

Winning isn't everything --and most of the time, we probably learn more from losing-- but it's a blessing when effort pays off.

October 11

Isaac and Brady didn't have school today, so I took the opportunity to take them to Black Bear for brunch.

I enjoyed their witty repartee (even if they did fully embrace the chance to tease me to the fullest extent of their collective ability) and listening to Isaac talk about the happenings at school. And then I marveled over their shared teenage ability to reduce very large plates of food to crumbs. (If only I could eat like that.)

They're good boys, and I was reminded once again of how blessed I am to be their mom.

October 10

When we got home from school pick-ups today, I asked the boys to please retrieve the garbage cans from the curb and return them to their usual haunt.

And without a single comment (well, except for a single chirpy "what?" since Brady didn't hear me the first time), they did it. And they did it with smiles on their faces. 

Given that I feel like much of my time over the years has been spent engaged in conversations (and arguments) with my generally very stubborn children about why they have to do this or that, it's such a blessing when they just... do whatever it is.

October 9

Wonderfully, mercifully, awesomely, the temperature dropped by about 20 degrees today.

That meant that by the time Brady's practice rolled around at 4:30, it was a lovely, temperate 70ish degrees.

After weeks of 90 and 100-degree days, the cooler weather is a huge blessing.

October 8

Adam and I went out to dinner this evening like we do on most Tuesday nights.

I'm not entirely sure why, but when our server asked what side I'd like with my BBQ burger, I went with mashed potatoes. Not the usual burger pals that are fries, but mashed potatoes.

I didn't realize what a strange choice I'd made until I had my plate in front of me.

But I thought about it as I ate and came to a conclusion. Although my selection was unorthodox, it was a good one. Very good, really. I think I enjoyed the potatoes more than I would've liked fries. 

It was a nice reminder that trying new things can risky, but it can also lead to unexpected (and tasty)  blessings.