October 27

I was leaving to pick up Brady from school this afternoon when I spied these two little guys in my front yard.

When I got back home, I went over to take a closer look. And then because the whole thing reminded me very much of lazy Saturday mornings with The Smurfs, I gave them their very own little photo session while simultaneously fighting the temptation to add Lego minifigs and My Little Ponies to the scene. (I mean, come on; can't you see it?)

Anyway, it was an opportunity to embrace my fun (and perhaps slightly weird) side. And I'm always grateful to God for experiences that help me to stand on the lighter side of this life.

October 26

I really wish I could remember what it was that prompted me to take this picture this morning during my Bible study. Alas, I cannot.

But regardless of whether or not I can recall the detail that triggered the photo, I can say this: I am thankful to live in a nation where I can attend a Bible study and learn about Jesus without fear of retaliation or punishment. 

Freedom is a gift from God.

October 25

I felt pretty sluggish today, so I mostly laid low; I watched football and worked on a crochet project. (And indulged in a brief pre-dinner nap.)

It doesn't feel great to admit it, but I wasn't really looking so I didn't see much.

But I did see this outside my bedroom window during the mid-evening hours: the remnants of a lovely sunset. To my eyes, it has a classic harvest-season look to it and given my affinity for Fall --for the changing of the leaves and the lowering of the temperature and the coming of the Thanksgiving season-- I am grateful for the sight.

October 24

Brady went to lunch with some of his friends this afternoon.

Before he headed out, he poured himself a bowl of cereal and started eating it with chopsticks. As I side-eyed him from across the table, he explained that he wasn't sure the restaurant they were going to visit would have any forks and he didn't want to look stupid. So he decided to practice using Reeses Puffs.

I appreciate this kiddo's ingenuity, because honestly, it never would've occurred to me to use chopsticks on cereal. I'm grateful that he's blessed with the ability to think outside of the usual box. And I'm grateful that he had the opportunity to spend time with some pals outside of school, too.

October 23

My favorite gal and I had another good time together this morning. 

After the Brady drop-off we scooted over to the Mother Ship, where Abby continued her tour of the Fall menu with an iced pumpkin spice latte. (The barista read the sticker wrong so we wound up with a free hot one, too. I hadn't had a PSL in years and I was reminded of how sweet they are. Bazoinga.)

Then we went over to Costco to put gas in the Explorer (since with Brady getting his hours in, I hardly ever drive my own car these days). We then went inside and trolled the aisles before pit-stopping it in the food court.

It was just a normal Friday morning in many ways, but I am grateful for the time. And I am grateful to be able to watch my girl as she continues to grow into the awesome young woman God intends her to be.

October 22

It was an actual rainy day.

It was overcast and drizzling when I got up in the morning to shuttle Brady to school and it stayed that way outside all day long. 

So it follows that it was a nice day to be inside.

And it was also a nice day to cook dinner. I'd planned to make calzones anyway, but it was extra nice to make --and then enjoy-- them on a day that felt so chilly and damp. 

So for the blessing of warm food on a sunless day, I am grateful.

October 21

We've officially entered the Rainy Season!

Well, maybe. The relevant truth here is that it did actually rain today... a little bit. And right as Brady was walking over to the car after school. But the road got wet and he had to turn on the windshield wipers and the deck looked rained-on. So I'm counting it as rain.

Anyway, even though it was just a little bit today, I'm grateful to God for the rain that will come, because the earth around these parts definitely needs the renewal and refreshment that it brings.