Most mornings of late have been gray and overcast, just like this image shows. But as the hours have progressed, the clouds have parted to reveal (mostly) blue sky and sunshine.
For me, life is often like that: lots of clouds masking the beauty that --when I don't let myself be distrated from what's real-- I know lies beyond.
So today, on a day that held a few really difficult moments, I'm thankful to know that the blue sky lies just beyond the clouds, even when I can't see it.
Of course we didn't trek back to Maryland or head up to Oakland, because it was --of course-- Abby's back-to-school night at Amador (where neither of us went to school. Big duh there. I'm tired. Moving on). I went to a big high school, but it was a bit overwhelming to walk around the campus, fighting the crowd while we flitted from class to class. But I came away feeling optimistic about what's to come for our daughter. So for that, I'm thankful (even as I'm still in denial that I have a high schooler under my roof).
Fast forward to this afternoon. The popped brackets were reapplied, and an x-ray was taken, and we learned that she had not --despite her (and admittedly, my) fears-- cracked her tooth or the unexposed roots.
More than anything, I think it was a 'phew' moment for her, and for me. We all do stupid things sometimes; either out of igorance or laziness or just because we're being dense. Sometimes, we pay for those errors. But sometimes, we're showered with grace and those experiences leave little more than mental marks that remind us to be more careful in the future. I'm thankful that this one wound up being the latter.
While convincing Abby to try new things was like pulling teeth, this boy of mine is a try'er. When the opportunity to do something different presents itself, he's frequently the first person to get in line.
I love his curiosity and openness, and am thankful whenever he brings home a permission form and asks if he can try out x, y, or z. (Even if --as was the case today-- the "z" happens to be the drums. Pray for us.)
I know I say it all the time, but time is absolutely flying and I really treasure these small, ordinary moments. It's so easy to miss them --to rush through this life without really breathing them in and letting them shape us and how we view our circumstances-- so I'm thankful that (at least some of the time,) I'm wise enough to remember to appreciate them.
Theo, Asher, and Melody are markedly younger than our kiddos --the oldest of the trio is just three-- but that didn't stop our kids from having fun with their cousins. After some pool-time, the boys all ran around the yard, tossed balls, and jumped in Asher's mini bounce house, while Abby had some girl-time with the precisely six month old Melody. And us adults had a few rare moments to chit-chat.
Simple truth: afternoons like these are blessings.
The photo doesn't really do it justice because it's truly the most vibrant, beautiful hue of purplish-blue.
Anyhow, no deep thoughts today; just a sense of thankfulness that a color like this exists in this world that so often seems drab and gray and overcast.
We did our usual laps around the neighborhood park (which, today, featured Abby rolling in the grass) and shared our usual inane conversation that would likely leave most eavesdroppers feeling very confused.
It was, in a word, good. And I am thankful for the walk and the talk and the time.
We had nearly 50 people show up, I didn't screw anything up, and I managed to feel genuine throughout while still adhering to parliamentary procedure. (And if you know me at all, you know that was quite a feat because I tend to go off-book and off-the-cuff.)
I have no idea how the rest of the year is going to go, but in this moment, I'm thankful to have the chance to make a difference in the boys' educational experience. I never in a million, bazillion years would've guessed that I'd wind up in this position, so it just goes to show that God will use anyone at any time for anything. So be open.
I was at Walmart picking up a few back-to-school related items so I strolled through the Cars aisle (since I always do) on my way toward the checkout line. I chuckled aloud when I saw Frank on the pegs for two reasons: one, because Frank is quite hard to find. And two, because in the back of my mind, I can still hear Logan chirping "Fwank!" just like I can hear him saying "Todd The Shocksta Mawcus" and a host of other character names.
I know that sweet voice would've changed to some degree by now; after all, he was born 12 years ago. And I so wish I could hear him speak now. But I'm thankful --as I always am-- that he was here, and that some day, we'll see one another again. And until then, I'll be thankful for the reminders as they come.
These are the anniversary flowers Adam got for me last week: white roses and baby's breath. They kind of resemble the flowers I carried in my bouquet 16 years ago, and memories of that day definitely make me smile.
So this evening, I'm thankful that my thoughtful husband gifted them to me.
This little cutie of mine with his sprinkling of freckles penguin-walked --infant penguin-walked, really, because they were some seriously tiny steps he took-- all the way around the school grounds. He was pleased by his exploits and grinned all the while. (He was probably particularly amused because I lapped him repeatedly and beeped at him like he was a car. Hey, I can be goofy, too.)
Anyhow, it's a blessing to have those (literally) slow moments with him. I guess I could view it as wasted time, but I don't really think it is because time spent with family or friends is never wasted. Ever.
My husband is a pretty unassuming guy most of the time, but he has a streak of wild hare in him, too, though it's been mostly dormant for the past several years. But the second Isaac said GO, Adam started hopping... and shouting as loudly as he could. The outburst led to lots of giggles from some pretty surprised people.
He may not have won the race, but he certainly won the Most Amusing prize. And it was a blessing to me to see that oft-hidden little edge of his personality emerge from hiding once again.
Just a hug in the kitchen from a few minutes earlier that she stealthily snapped from the family room.
Gross? Certainly not. But definitely a keeper. Sneaky kid for the win.
So we celebrated our day in relatively simple fashion: after the busy-ness of school and baseball and work were complete, we got dressed up and went out to dinner at McNamara's in Dublin. It was a sweet blessing to sit and enjoy time together, and to quietly honor our relationship. Marriage definitely isn't easy, but it's more than worth the effort it requires.
Anyhow, she was in the middle of telling me a story from school --in very animated fashion, mind you-- when we got home from dance tonight, so I just turned off the engine and let her finish. As I listened --and laughed, because again, funny stuff-- an overwhelming sense of relief and what I can only describe as warmth came over me because it occurred me to me that she doesn't hate high school. In fact, four days in, she seems to enjoy it. So right then and there, as she finished her story, I told her what I was thinking: I told her that I think she's going to love high school and that she'll be sad when it's over. And I was just so, so proud as I said it.
I've said this before so I know I'm being repetitive, but this girl of mine is a survivor, an overcome'r, and an all-around awesome person. My prayer as her time in high school progresses is that she will remember that she's amazing, and that others --the people who will matter the most, at least-- will see just how amazing she is.
He wants me to know that he is happy about what I do.
Honestly, I don't even know what he's talking about here. Is it my homemade mac and cheese? How I drive him to baseball? The way I make sure they're on time to school? Clueless. But you know something? It's an appreciation. And given how easy it is for me to feel not appreciated sometimes, I'm thankful for the vote of confidence, even if it is a bit vague.
I watched as their heads came together for a moment and then separated, and then as Isaac's hand reached out to grasp Brady's arm. They walked together and talked. I have no idea what words were exchanged and I wasn't going to interrupt their end-of-the-school-day reunion in order to find out. They definitely fight --ninja-style at times, in fact-- but I love how they love each other.
So yeah, another first day is in the books: ninth grade for Abby, fifth for Isaac, and second for Brady. This year I got to take them all to school; I took Abby extra-extra-early to avoid the rush of freshman parents intent on making sure their kids were safely where they needed to be in merely extra-early fashion. From there, I headed to the elementary school, where Isaac and Brady helped me distribute first day of school gifts for the teachers and staff. And then a lot of busy-ness followed for me. It's possible that I had no idea what I was getting myself into by agreeing to be the PTA President this year, but I'm (mostly, cautiously) excited.
On days like today, I'm conscious that every moment of disappointment and hurt and frustration was worthwhile because they led me to where I am right now. It's weird to be thankful for bad things, but I am, because God built some pretty incredible masterpieces from my mess. And for that, yep, I'm grateful.
The crux of it? We get to decide how we spend the hours and minutes and seconds that we're given, so we should choose to take the time to breathe and just be in the presence of God.
A good reminder for me personally, and a good theme for the months to come, I think. Just breathe, Sherry. Just breathe. (And the O's cap the guy is wearing in the pic? It's like it was meant just for me. ;) )
It was an amazing show, but beyond that, it was wonderful to just be with my husband and growing-way-too-fast daughter. I truly treasure all of our children, of course, but it was a sweet treat to be able to focus on just our girl for a day.
Super simple one today from me: These not-so-short people of mine are growing up really, really fast, and I'm just thankful to be a prominent part of their world.
Michelle and I didn't always see eye to eye on everything over the years, but she was a constant friend to me and a much-needed consistent presence in my life when Logan was sick and then after he died. And I was always, always thankful to know she was (literally) right around the corner, even though months could go by without us exchanging any words.
I was understandably sad (and, well, shocked) when I found out that her family would be relocating at summer's end. So tonight, we had a farewell dinner for her at a restaurant downtown.
Although we'd all gathered for something of a sad occasion, I had a truly wonderful time with these ladies, laughing over wardrobe malfunctions (Chrissy) and explaining why certain body types are better suited to athletic pursuits than others (ahem).
I will definitely miss having her close by, but I know for sure that this group of us will always be friends, no matter the individual paths God has ordained for our families' lives. And for that, I'm endlessly thankful.
It's been more than six years since I last saw Logan smile over a good flame job or a Corvette, but I still smile every single time I see one now. I absolutely love that simple things are such powerful reminders of my Sunshine.
The first part of my day began bright and early as I headed to the elementary school for walk-through registration. We were slammed almost constantly from 8-2, but it was really energizing to meet and talk to so many parents.
Then after I dropped the boys at baseball, I took Abby to the high school to go through her walk-through reg process. Fortunately, we ran into her friend Gracie, so they walked through the stations together. And just like that, I have a high school freshman who has an official schedule. In high school. Which begins next Monday. It's entirely overwhelming, but such a blessing.
So yeah, that's how I'd sum up my day: entirely overwhelming but also an amazing blessing. And I'm definitely looking forward to more of the same.
I don't have anything particularly new or noteworthy to go along with the photo. But God's creation sure is pretty, isn't it? I think so.
After the kids went to bed tonight, I asked Adam to come sit with me. So he did. And we sat and watched HGTV together until he got tired and went off to bed a little while ago.
I don't appreciate it nearly enough, but it truly is a blessing to have a real partner. This life overflows with challenges and difficulties, but it's infinitely more manageable when you have someone with whom they can be shared. As the old cliche says, sorrows are halved and joys are doubled when they're shouldered by two people.
Yup, yogurt. She has an affinity for Yoplait Whips.
Anyhow, after I paid, she scooped them all up and headed for the door. She didn't ask for help and I had flashbacks of toddlers proudly exclaiming "ME DO IT!" so I let her manage the little cups all the way out the door and across the parking lot. I did finally help by opening the car door, but otherwise, it was the Abby-show.
Here's my point here: As a parent, I'm often tempted to just do things for my kids that they're perfectly capable of handling on their own because it's faster (or, more simply, because I want to be helpful to them. They are my babies, after all). But sometimes, it's important to let them figure things out --to balance them, let's say-- on their own. Independence isn't the end-all, be-all of human existence --and in fact, I think it often gets in the way of building good relationships, but that's for another entry-- but it's a blessing to see my children take steps toward taking care of themselves. It means they're growing up and maturing, and that's a very good thing.
Given how noisy our meals could be when they were younger, it was a quiet, pleasant affair. They worked on a word search while we waited for our food, and only broke into giggles a few times (and they were quiet enough about it that I didn't even feel the need to shush them).
Peaceful mornings that generate those smiles are blessings.
Walking with my daughter is the goofiest thing to me for two reasons. Reason number one is that I'm never sure what she'll say, and reason number two is that I have distinct memories of talking my own mom's ear off during walks with her when I was Abby's age.
It's not always a good thing when history repeats itself, but in this case, I'm really thankful to be re-living the moments --and creating brand new ones-- in the mom-shoes.
I won't bore you with the whole story, but suffice it to say that the experience really tried my patience for several hours. I was frustrated over being stuck at home when I had errands to run, and frustrated when I realized that I would not have a new ceiling fan by day's end.
Anyway, I glanced up at this scene a little while ago and remembered that though things don't always go according to our plans, they do eventually work out, one way or another, because God is in the driver's seat. And I'm thankful that in spite of my frustrations and limited understanding, that's the truth.
