September 4

I engaged in two notable but very different activities today. The first was a coffee meet-up with a woman I met in the parking lot at the Mother Ship nine months ago. (Long story.) Anyway, Margo and I finally got together and we had a lovely two and a half hour chat. I'd use that as my entry today because discussions of faith and of God and how He shows up were definitely part of the conversation, but I didn't take a pic.

So I'm using this --my second activity-- instead. I've been working on this for a few days now. I love lacy patterns that require a little more thought and effort, and this one fits the bill. I'm not entirely sure what it will be just yet, but I like it so far. And I like that as I stitch, I'm more likely to whisper prayers as they come to mind. 

So today, I'm grateful for restful projects and for potential new friendships, because both make this life much more colorful.

September 3

I was taking a walk around the neighborhood this afternoon when I saw this:

Whether or not the little green plant is actually growing out of the garbage can is immaterial; what really struck me is the thought that came to mind as I looked at it.

"Grow where you're planted."

A trash can isn't an ideal place to be planted; after all, it provides no easy source of water or nourishment. Yet somehow, this particular little guy thrived in its humble environment.

So regardless of your situation or circumstances, I challenge you to bloom where you are; to take the blessings God has given you and shine.

September 2

I was crocheting early this evening when Brady appeared and told me that he'd been pitching in the backyard. He then said that he wasn't sure if he was throwing hard or not and his voice trailed off, so I read between the proverbial lines and asked if he wanted me to watch. (He did.) 

So I followed him out the back door and observed as he got set, kicked his leg, and delivered what was a pretty hard pitch at the target. He repeated the process several more times and I confirmed that yes, I thought his velocity was good.

He hasn't thrown all that often of late; he's not currently on a team, school is in session, and Isaac isn't here to play catch. So it was a blessing to see him out there of his own volition, doing his thing. 

My baby is growing up, and I am grateful for the gift of watching that happen.

September 1

I'm not entirely sure how it's already September but here we are, on the brink of my beloved pumpkin season. How sweet it is.

Anyway, since today is Tuesday, I dropped Brady off at Youth Group (or more accurately, he drove me over and I left with the car). And then I met Adam at Gay 90s downtown for dinner. 

We hadn't been there in quite some time, as we tend to get into a rotation of eatery destinations and it wasn't one of them, but I think we both enjoyed the experience. The cheese curds were light and tasty (and the cheese had an excellent pull factor) and the pizza actually felt healthy; not greasy at all with a delicious crust.

And of course, the company and conversation were top notch. 

So for another night out with my number one hunny, I am thankful.

August 31

As Abby so eloquently put it in her text, today was her second first day of second grade.

She sent us a photo as she was leaving her grandparents' house this morning, bound for her maiden experience with student teaching (and then later in the day, the beginning of her own fall instructional term at St. Mary's. She's going to be busy!).

I haven't heard a whole lot about her Monday just yet and I'll let her share as she pleases, but I'm very proud of her for taking another big step toward becoming a teacher. I know she's nervous about what's to come and doubts her own abilities more often than not, but I'm pleased that she's continuing to move forward in faith as God continues to direct her path.

Go get 'em, Miss Wight!

August 30

Sometimes, things just don't go according to our plans.

Tomorrow is Abby's very first day of student teaching. She was assigned to a second grade classroom at a school in Walnut Creek. Since that's much closer to her grandparents' house in Lafayette, she'll be staying with them for roughly half of the week and then returning home for weekends during the Fall semester.

When she went to make the drive to Lafayette this evening, her car wouldn't start. She and Adam (and I) spent a half an hour trying to troubleshoot the issue, but it just wasn't happening, so we finally had her take Charles the Explorer instead.

I know she was rattled and frustrated, but my prayer for her is that she's able to get past the hiccup. And that she'll have a great first day with the kiddos. And tonight, I'm thankful that Charles was available and that Brady is willing to drive my car so he can continue to get his practice behind the wheel. Things may not always go according to our plans, but I'm grateful for backup options that work.

August 29

When Abby was in college, she was consistently in contact with us. She texted multiple times a day and we generally knew the names of her friends and what was going on in her life, even though she was 2,000 miles away.

Isaac's approach to communication is very different. He typically responds to texts with one or two-word answers and never gives specifics. I'm okay with it, really; he's 18 and off on his own adventure, and it's his choice to share or not share as he pleases.

However, it's still really good for my heart to get a wee bit more information about his experience, so I was happy to be able to video call with him this afternoon.

He shared a little about his classes and his burgeoning friendships and how much he likes the breakfast food served in the dining hall. (It's apparently the best meal of the day, with the pancakes and waffles and fruit. And whole milk. He's discovered that he really likes the creaminess of whole milk. Go figure!)

So today, I am grateful for video calls and for the way they help to keep us connected to those who aren't nearby. And I am thankful to God that my sweet kiddo seems to be enjoying his first few weeks of college life.