April 2

This week I've been dealing with either allergies or an especially nasty cold --the jury's still out on which it is-- so I feel kind of like I'm walking around underwater, if that makes sense. But there were still things to be done, including Brady's little league make-up photo day and an away game for Isaac.

Playing at Granada is always an experience because their kids are, for the most part, really-really good. And, as Isaac mused on the way home after said-game today, they really-really love baseball.

But the final score notwithstanding, it was a good showing for Isaac, who singled during one of his at-bats and had a huge catch on the right field warning track that ended an inning and prevented several additional runs from crossing the plate. And I could hear him out there in right field throughout the game, too, offering up encouraging words to his teammates.

And best of all, he was chipper on the way home and then during and after dinner, too. Seeing that extra spring in his step is a blessing.

April 1

When Adam and I went to dinner tonight, we were seated in an area that's often forgotten by servers (as we knew from previous experience).

As we waited (and waited), Adam assumed this pose. He froze just like this --smiling at and making eye contact with everyone who passed by-- until our waiter finally appeared.

He can be such a goofball at times. It was one of the (many) things I liked about him when we were young. We don't have nearly as many lighthearted, silly moments as we did back then --mostly because we're busier and older and have more responsibilities than we did as teenagers and twentysomethings-- but I'm always thankful for the moments when they come.

March 31

These two geese were hanging out by the pickup line at Brady's school this afternoon. 

Initially, they were off to the side in the grass, pecking the ground for bugs. At one point they stopped said-pecking, strutted to the crosswalk, went halfway across, and then paused to peck at something else (I'm not sure what) by the speed bump.

I found it greatly amusing that they actually used the crosswalk, since there are more than a few kids and even parents who don't. (I won't go into what I think that means about humanity at-large, but, well, yeah.)

Anyway, the sight made me chuckle, and I am always grateful for lighthearted moments that make me laugh.

March 30

Isaac headed over to church this morning a bit early because he'd agreed to help with the kids' class.

When the service ended, I walked over to the classroom and peered inside the window. And this is what I saw. 

I watched him interact with a few of those precious  littles for a minute and then a moment later, the door opened and Laura --who was the teacher today-- popped her head outside to tell me how good he is with the children.

They love him, she gushed. They just love him.

And I smiled because I know it's true. Kids do love Isaac because he has a way with them that's just so natural and effortless and genuine.

There's a sweetness inherent in his ease with them that makes my heart melt, and I am grateful for that reality.

March 29

Brady had a very early game in the Central Valley this morning. I am not someone who relishes the idea of getting up at 6 AM so I opted to stay home, sleep in, and then attend my Prayer Shawl group meeting.

Isaac seemed bored when I got back to the house, and since he mentioned last week that he a) was short on spring/summer clothes and b) wanted to pick out his own, I suggested we go to Old Navy. And that's what we did. He tried on a plethora of potential duds and came away with a tidy little stack of useful pieces. 

When we rolled into the driveway afterward I snapped a quick pic, partly because I have comparatively few photos with him and partly because I wanted a memento of our shopping trip.

He's a good boy, and I'm grateful to have had some one on one time with him.

March 28

I was just walking through the house like usual this evening when I noticed the sun, enormous and quite red, hovering over the hills. So I bolted outside into the backyard and up the steps to the deck, and when I turned around to face the valley, this is what I saw.

So I guess the big ball of fire doesn't look super large here, but it was still impressive. 

It was chilly out --a far cry from the 80-something high temp of just a few days ago-- but I stood there until the sun completed its descent. 

It was a lovely, calming sight, and I am grateful that I had the chance to witness the show.

March 27

I felt a little bit moody today. Kind of blue, I guess you could say, for no particular reason.

So it was rather nice when, this afternoon while getting the neighbors' mail for them, I spied these vibrant flowers in their yard.

When it comes to the task of combatting the blues, there's nothing quite like a cheery shot of bright yellow.

So I am grateful for the sight.