February 22

The little pond in our backyard has been empty --as in bone-dry-- for months now. There were issues with the pipes that need to be addressed, so we simply turned it off and the water evaporated.

And then last week, the rains came. It poured for several days running, and when I ventured into the yard this afternoon, I found that those bountiful rains had fully filled that little pond.

I know that in my lifetime, I've had seasons that have felt very spiritually dry; almost desert-like, in fact. Barren and fruitless. So it's a blessing to remember that even the driest of land can be reinvigorated and restored to a life-giving state. For me, I know that if my heart is open to Jesus, He will enter and provide the spiritual refreshment that I need, just like the rainwater that filled our pond.

February 21

Brady donned a high school baseball uniform for the first time today. It was just a nine-inning (thankfully, home) scrimmage against Burlingame. But it was still rather surreal to see my baby wearing those duds and settling into his brand new number (15). It still seems insane that he's already in high school. I know Adam feels the same way, because as the scrimmage began, he sat back in his seat and mused "wow, it's been three years since we've watched games at this field." (Which is true, because JV and Varsity have dibs on the better field that's around the corner.)

Anyway, there are 20 kids on the freshman roster this season (which is a lot compared to Isaac's previous high school seasons) so there were a lot of kids coming in and out of the game, but overall, it was a good one for Brady. Each pitcher threw a single inning, and Brady was the first one up. He gave up one unearned run and had a strikeout (or two... I'm not positive because it was the beginning of a three-plus hour long nine inning game), so I think he was satisfied. Defensively, he spent time in center field and at first base. At the plate, he went two for two with a walk.

It was really fun to watch them play and to listen to them cheer for each other from the dugout. There's an energy and excitement there that I just don't experience anywhere else. The 18-2 final score suggests they could be a solid team, but of course only time will reveal if that's the case or not. 

Anyway, today I'm grateful for the gift that is watching my kiddos as they engage in activities they enjoy.

February 20

Adam and I had our Valentine's Day dinner at Haps this evening.

We stopped trying to go out on February 14 a number of years ago; the last attempt at doing so featured us seated at a too-small table, surrounded by other couples seated at table were also too small and far too close together. Given that neither of us love small spaces or crowds, it seemed a no-brainer to pick a different date.

So that's what we started doing. And today was the day. And I am grateful to God for the time with my hunny spent enjoying excellent food and conversation (even if I was too stuffed to have a chocolate creme brulee).

February 19

Brady has a few videos of himself pitching that one of his teammates took during practice today. He reviewed them this evening (with the occasional glance upward at the "Simpsons" episode we were watching) to try to isolate the issue he feels like he's had with his delivery of late.

After the TV was off and Isaac and Adam had gone to bed, he moved onto the floor near where I was seated so he could show me the videos too. So I watched them. And honestly, other than noting that his leg kick was a little low and his arm angle a little off to the side, I didn't see much.

But he kept looking. And reviewing. I gave him his pitching coach's number so he could ask him for his thoughts. And then he said good-night and went upstairs. And I know he kept right on thinking, because about five minutes later, he came back downstairs and announced that the thinks the problem is that he's not drawing enough power from his back leg.

I understood what he meant and he may well be right. But I was more impressed by his tenacity. He's not someone who will just give up when things get challenging, and I know God blessed him with that determination. So for that gift in my son --my baby-- I am thankful.

February 18

Adam made spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner this evening after he got home from work.

It's not unusual for him to cook, but it was especially appreciated today as I've not been feeling the best. 

As I munched on that crunchy garlic bread, I reflected on what a blessing it is to have a partner who is an actual partner; who shares responsibility and helps to keep our household afloat in practical ways. I know that not everyone enjoys that kind of luxury.

So for the blessing that my hunny is to me, I am grateful.

February 17

It was cold and rainy today. And by "rainy" I mean downpour-y. (As I sit here writing, in fact, the rain is pelting the roof with impressive and vaguely frightening ferocity.) While I was trying to avoid going outside, Brady was at school finding out that he will indeed play for the freshman baseball team this year with uniform number 15. So some good news there (and a heads' up to those of you who supported the baseball program when Isaac played: I'm sure we'll be in touch soon!). 

With all of that said, after Adam and I returned from dinner at Mexico Lindo (sorry Abby), I was very happy to switch on my electric blanket and wrap myself in its warmth. Although our current 41-degree temp may seem warm to lots of you (and part of me -- the young part of me who grew up back east and actually had to deal with snow and ice during the winter months -- acknowledges that it's not actually that cold), it's chilly to me now. 

So today, I'm thankful to God for good news that made Brady launch into his cute, rapid-talking  excited-mode, and for warm blankets on cold days. 

February 16

Since it's President's Day and I didn't need to be anywhere in particular today, I didn't set my alarm clock last night. So I slept in this morning. (And I mean really slept in.)

When I first emerged from my room, I found Brady in the kitchen trying to figure out what he wanted to eat. After mulling his choices, he asked if he could use some of the greens from the hydroponic garden (because that's what the stand I mentioned yesterday is actually called) in a smoothie.

So that's what he did: he took some parsley, spinach, and crunchy leaf lettuce and combined it with strawberries, milk, yogurt, and ice to create his smoothie. And then he gave me some, too.

I love watching him (and his siblings) as they gradually become more responsible and independent. (And I love it when they share the fruits of their labor and creativity with me, too.) It's all a blessing.