March 31

Lest anyone should think that my life revolves around baseball right now... well, you're pretty much right. 

Isaac's blue (aka Little League affiliated) team had a game tonight at the Sports Park. Although they didn't win, my boy had a good outing: he led off and wound up going 2-for-3. (And the one time he didn't wind up on base was because he struck out on a pitch that he said was well outside. And I'm sure it was, because if I know anything about Isaac, it's that he knows the strike zone as well as the back of his hand. That's why he so often bats lead-off. Anyway, that's him in the center of the image poised to steal second, which he did a moment later.)

So yes, once again, I am grateful that they can play and I'm grateful for the chatter from the dugout and I'm grateful that my most social child is getting the chance to spend some quality time being social. And I'm grateful that even when his team doesn't win, he still walks (or in this case, hobbles, since he ripped open a scab on his knee while diving back to third) off the field smiling.

March 30

That's my littlest boy wearing the tools of ignorance during his game tonight. (That's slang for "catcher's gear" for the non-baseball initiated.)

And it was the donning of that equipment that provided the biggest highlight of my day: mid-work, he corralled a pitch, jumped to his feet, fired the ball across the diamond, and nabbed the runner who was trying to steal second. I whooped and even hollered a bit. It was glorious.

Given that the game and my day in general were otherwise lackluster, I'm thankful for that moment of greatness for my muffin. 

March 29

I had this lovely lady over for coffee and chit-chat this morning.

Barbara and her husband go to our church so I've known her for a number of years now. She's watched our kids grow up and was around --and visible; I can still remember some of her sweet supportive remarks-- back when Logan was sick and after he died. 

Anyhow, I've always genuinely enjoyed her company, so I was thankful that she accepted the invitation to come over and took the time to sit with me. (AND that she brought treats from the Mother Ship!)

So yes: today, I am thankful for her consistently good heart, her friendship, and her care.

March 28

It was a beautiful, beautiful day outside: clear skies, sunshine, warm temps. And baseball. That too.

Today's game didn't exactly go the Spartans' way (and that's definitely an understatement) but my cute not-so-little number 7 (who is seen here leading off 2B) had a good time playing anyway. (Before he got to second base, he dove back and forth to first about 15 times, courtesy of a deluge of pick-off attempts by the pitcher. And any time he can get himself that dirty during a game, he's a happy boy.)

And in the end, I think that's what matters.

So for the game and the dirt and the lovely day outside, I'm grateful.

March 27

Today marked the first official day of baseball season at our house. And let me tell ya, after last year's micro-season, it's been a long (long) time coming.

With Isaac initially (I'll get to that in a bit) scheduled to begin his season with a game a few stops up the freeway at noon and Brady's team set to debut at 11:30 here in town, we took the divide and conquer route: Adam headed off to San Ramon with our resident Intermediate, while I shuttled Brady to the Sports Park. 

Long story somewhat shorter, Adam messaged me shortly before Brady's game began (a half an hour late) and shared that Isaac's match-up had been moved to 4 (after they'd already made the drive -- ugh) so they were heading back down the freeway to take in the AAA A's action.

Anyway, Brady's game was a fun back and forth affair that featured contributions by all of the boys. For his part, Brady pitched an inning and escaped without allowing a run, even after the team loaded the bases with no outs. He also, however, wound up injured and opted to sit out the rest of the game after his attempt to steal home ended with a mouth-bloodying plate collision. (I think all of his teeth and his lip are fine, but it scared him and he needed a breather to recover.) In the end, the A's posted a 10-spot in the final frame and took the win 15-5.

From there we headed back to San Ramon for Isaac's opener. Although the team didn't fare as well as the A's and didn't notch the win, they delivered some good hits, Isaac had a stint on the mound and recorded a pair of strikeouts, and he had a good time playing. And when all things are said and done and they head off to bed, that is what matters most to me.

So today, I'm thankful for baseball and for conversations with new people who will no doubt become friends as the season progresses and for a hearty dose of normalcy. Because all of those things are very big deals to me. (Oh, and PS -- this photo shocks me. I mean, I knew Isaac had grown a lot, but wowzers.)

March 26

It's Friday, which means that I took both Abby and Isaac to physical school at the same time this morning. (Thank goodness.) And then I returned home until it was time to ferry Brady to class at noon.

When he came downstairs for lunch at around 11, I helped him slice his bagel and then watched as he popped it in the toaster, pulled it out a few minutes later, and then slathered it with peanut butter. Then we shared some witty back-and-forth as he ate, and then we did some work on my ongoing photo organization project: I clipped old Santa and Easter Bunny pictures and he slipped them into album pages in chronological order. 

And then it was off to school. (And immediately to pick-up for the other two. Not exactly awesome.) 

Anyway, although this whole COVID-induced school schedule is less than ideal (and truly for the birds in many, many ways), I'm grateful for the extra peanut butter coated moments with my kiddos.

March 25

It's always nice to feel like someone else is happy to see you, right?

This was the scene when I emerged from the garage with Brady this afternoon: Isaac at the top of the stairs, surrounded by the boys' entourage of stuffed animals.

They absolutely fight like caged animals at times, but I love and am deeply thankful that they love each other like they do. It's a gift to my mama-heart.

March 24

Brady had his second preseason game today. Although the A's didn't come out on the winning end, my muffin had a decent outing, including a stint on the pitcher's mound.

It was fun sitting there on the bleachers, watching my baby chuck (and sometimes hurl) the baseball toward the plate. And it was amazing to see how much he's grown as both a player and a person.

In the player category, he did a good job of hitting the strike zone and of varying his pitch speed. (And honestly, I didn't know he could do that.)

But more importantly to me, in the person category, he kept it together. There were two fly balls (at least I think it was two... maybe three) that his teammates didn't catch behind him, and he didn't lose it. He kept his cool and kept throwing to the plate and doing his thing.

So for that display of maturity and for the fun of weekday evening baseball games being a thing once again, I am grateful.

March 23

These cute little flowers currently dot the area in front of Brady's school.

I noticed them as I waited for him to emerge from his classroom this afternoon. And I also noticed how much more beautiful and cheerful they make the otherwise sparse grassy area appear.

So, today I'm grateful to for little things that create so much beauty.

March 22

This is part of a piece of homemade naan that Adam made for dinner tonight.

I usually feel like my role as at-home mom should mean I do most of the cooking, but it is such a blessing to have a husband who is handy in the kitchen -- and willing to take on the task.

March 21

Today was a beautiful day for baseball. 

And it was a beautiful game for the Spartans, who came away with a decisive victory. Isaac contributed with two walks and a single, and was in a great mood on the way home afterward.

The way this team has gelled together over the past eight months or so is so lovely. They chattered as they arrived, chattered as they warmed up, and chattered during the game. They genuinely like one another and have formed sweet connections.

And it's been so, so good for Isaac. And I couldn't be more thankful for that truth.

March 20

Sometimes, one picture says more than 1,000 words.

Hammock time with my hunny.

It doesn't fix all that ails me, but it does make it a bit better.

March 19

When I picked up my coffee from the Mother Ship this morning, this is what the top looked like:

I liked the implied message so I went to take its picture, but then I realized there were several big coffee splotches that made it look messy. So I dabbed at them for a moment before I realized that my need for neatness was taking away a bit of its sweetness.

See, human love IS messy. It's imperfect and covered in metaphorical coffee stains that are delivered by sticky jam hands. It's never going to be ideal or expertly expressed because not one of us has achieved perfection. And no matter how hard we try, we won't be perfect. That's why grace exists, and that's why it's so vitally important that we extend it to one another freely.

And that's also why it's an enormous blessing that despite our coffee stains and jam hands, God loves us anyway.

March 18

Since the school schedule is all kinds of wacky these days, I'm often on-the-go. But I do have a short, predictable window of solo time in the 30 to 40 minutes between when I drop Brady at school and when I retrieve Abby and Isaac from theirs.

During that window, I drive to the middle school, park along a nearby street, and sit alone in my car listening to the radio and crocheting. This is what I worked on today while I waited.

I've definitely had lots of time isolated at home over the past year (like everyone else in California) but there's something so relaxing about sitting in my car, listening to The Message while I build something new.

It's a simple thing but it's a blessing. And I am thankful.

March 17

Brady got his new jersey today at the end of practice.

Although they can usually request certain numbers, this year the process was a bit hurry-hurry (thanks to COVID, of course) so the league ordered before the teams were formed and each kiddo wound up with the number he was handed.

And Brady happened to be handed number 7. Which has been Isaac's number for the past several years.

Brady saw the number before I did, and I could tell he was grinning at me under his mask. When he flipped it around so I could see too, I smiled as well. 

Although bigger bro isn't exactly thrilled to share his number with little bro, I feel like it's a sweet bit of unexpected connection between the brositos. And since connection is such an essential part of life, I'm thankful for this itty bitty dose of it. (And it doesn't hurt that 7 is my favorite number.)

March 16

Between them, Isaac and Brady have six practices between today and Friday, so it's possible that y'all may be baseball'd out by this weekend. I may be!

Anyhow, today was a divide and conquer evening as I took Isaac to the Sports Park for his Intermediates practice and Adam ferried Brady to TPC for catchers' class.

I did as I've done of late and, after taking a partial turn around the park, sat on the bleachers and watched the action while I worked on a crochet project. 

When I took this pic, Isaac was standing on the mound practicing his pick-off move to first. On the superficial side, I kind of like the old-time'y feel it has. But beyond that I'm just thankful that he can play again and that it gives him such joy to do so.

March 15

The kids didn't have school today (and I have no idea why) so they spent time entertaining themselves. That meant mostly video-games-in-pajamas for Isaac and Brady, and random wandering for Abby. 

It was quite windy and chilly outside most of the day, so said girl spent some of her time in the family room under a blanket  with BearBear. (Although I snapped this pic just as Brady went to reclaim his buddy.)

It was just a random, mostly quiet moment, but I'm grateful because most of life is made up of those ordinary moments.

March 14

This may not be a great photo, but it's an honest one.

For one reason or another, all of us (save maybe Adam; I'm not totally sure about him) were a bit cranky today. Out of sorts. Moody. So this image featuring a trio of truthful expressions seemed apropos.

But the good news is that tomorrow is another day. And that grace is a thing. And that we're all forgiven for what we may say or do when we're having not-great days. So for all of that, I'm thankful.

March 13

Both Isaac and Brady had practice today. When both were finally home, they headed outside. When I looked out the window a few minutes ago, I discovered Isaac pitching to Brady, who had donned his catcher's gear. This image is what I'd call a goofy outtake as they picked up stray balls.

I love to see them playing together, but beyond that, I love that they're both challenging themselves. Brady hasn't played catcher in a few years, but when his coach asked him if he wanted to (ostensibly since Brady owns the gear and there's a no sharing rule this season), he said sure. And Isaac has never really been a pitcher, but apparently his coach asked him if he'd be willing to try this morning and he too rose to the occasion.

So today, I'm thankful to see my boys both enjoying time together and challenging themselves a bit, since I think it's primarily through challenges that we grow.

March 12

The kiddos didn't have school today so the Brositos spent much time playing video games until Brady and I had to leave for his baseball practice at 4.

I looked back at him while we were stopped at a red light and was struck by this truth: this is what youth sports here looks like for now. Along with the usual sunglasses (for sunny days, of course) and hats, there are masks. 

It's not ideal, of course, but I'm just grateful that they're at long last allowed to play. 

March 11

Today was probably the busiest day I've had in about a year. Almost exactly a year, in fact.

Abby and Isaac made their triumphant returns to high and middle school (and seemed to have good (half) days to boot), so I dropped Abby at Amador at 8:10, drove by the Mother Ship for some caffeine, went home, dropped Isaac off at Harvest Park at 9:20, went to Walmart, went home, FaceTimed with Kristine for about 90 minutes, dropped Brady at school at 12, parked near the middle school at 12:15 and crocheted while I waited for Abby (who got out at 12:20) to walk over and for Isaac to get out at 12:45, went home, picked up Brady at 3, went home, left for his first baseball practice of the season (go AAA A's!) at 3:30, walked partway around the Sports Park and then watched the last hour of his practice from the bleachers while crocheting a new project and chit chatting with parents I hadn't met, went home at 6, had dinner. And now I'm in the family room watching Bobby Flay engage in a televised culinary battle while Abby makes homemade hash browns in the kitchen behind me and Brady cuddles under a blanket in the next seat over. (Isaac is at baseball evals with Adam; they headed out just as Brady and I got home. Tag team action.)

Yep, it was a long day. But it was also a great day, and after a very long year of doing very little, I'm thankful for the hearty dose of busy-ness.

March 10

Adam celebrated his 43rd birthday today, which ended my roughly two-month tenure as The Older Lady. 

He's been particularly busy with work of late, but he did choose Baja Fresh for dinner, opened presents, and noshed on his choice of cake: lemon with homemade raspberry frosting. (He plucked the recipe from the Martha Stewart website and, after I procured the berries, Abby prepared the goods in fine fashion.)

I think he had a good day, all in all. At least, I hope he did because he deserves good days. He's always been a hard worker and a dedicated husband and father who would do anything for his family.

Happy 43rd, hunny! I love you.

March 9

We've decided that it's high time that Abby start looking at colleges, so we very recently began watching campus tours after dinner. 

Said high school junior (who doesn't care much for thinking about the future) isn't exactly thrilled with the new practice, so tonight it was Brady to the rescue: he leapt up from the couch, sprinted to the TV, and held BearBear up to capture her attention.

It's strange to think about "Abby" and "college" in the same sentence (for SO MANY different reasons, namely "didn't we just graduate from college ourselves?!"), but I know it's coming. So today, I'm thankful for the moment of spontaneous amusement that Brady provided to lighten the mood.

March 8

Abby attended kindergarten through fifth grade at the same elementary school. Isaac did the same at the same school. But thanks to our move Brady will not, and today marked his first in-person day at a school other than Mohr.

Although he didn't share his apprehension overtly, I had clues that he was a bit nervous about being on his new campus for the very first time. ("It's fine, even though I don't have any friends" and "I don't know where I need to go when I have to use the bathroom" were tip-offs.) Then on the drive over to the school early this afternoon, I overheard him taking the occasional deep breath behind his mask as he tried to pump himself up with a succession of quiet "okay, here we go"s.

I parked, walked him over to the gate, snapped this quick pic, and then he was off for his first in-person day of fourth grade. (In March. Yeah.) He didn't even glance back as I watched him greet his teacher and disappear into his classroom. 

I'm proud of him for being brave and I'm thankful for the feeling of normalcy that in-person school provides. 

March 7

I was looking through my robust yarn stash this evening when I came across this gem.

Isaac gave me a handful of skeins for Christmas and this is one of them. And honestly, it's perfect for me. It takes one single ball to make a shawl, and though it's hard to tell here, it's sparkly and pinkish in color. 

Given that I think one of the deepest longings of the human heart is to be known by others, this ball of yarn is a blessing to me because it shows that my child knows me. That he gets me.

And for that, I am thankful.

March 6

Brady got a little bag of s'mores supplies back around Valentine's Day and has been itching to use them, so after dinner tonight Adam lit up the table out back and the Brositos got it done.

It was amusing to watch Isaac and Brady sitting there in the glow of the fire, slowly toasting their marshmallows until they reached a suitable level of done-ness.

It was quiet and sweet and just pleasant. And I am thankful.

March 5

Today was huge because it marked Abby's first-ever drive to the Mother Ship. (And this is our first-ever selfie of her in the driver's seat and me riding shotgun.) It was glorious.

Coffee jokes aside, it really was a good day for her in the driver's seat. She asked yesterday if we were going to drive today and I said okay. Since she prefers Adam's Explorer to my X5, we borrowed his keys and we were off. We took a few turns around the neighborhood streets before heading for a parking lot where she practiced turning and watching out for pedestrians and parking and reversing. Then we headed back out onto the road, and though it wasn't planned, she wound up on a slightly busier street than I'd intended and since we were most of the way there, I said I'd get her a frappuccino if she drove to Starbucks. So she navigated her first few intersections, made it safely into the lot, and got her treat. And then she drove home. Yep: with the exception of one rather wheel-screeching Fast and Furious-like right turn (which was totally my fault), it was a lovely afternoon of trolling the streets.

It's crazy to think that she's already 16 and already learning to drive, but I continue to be thankful for her continued growth and development. We can't take anything for granted in this life of ours, so I am grateful for what is.

March 4

Isaac had his second round of baseball evaluations this evening. I sat in the stands and watched him soft toss and then field and then hit (he's the blue dot with the red helmet at the plate here). And then I watched him fetch his glove and trot out to the far reaches of the outfield. While many of the boys clumped together in little packs, he stood alone. So I asked him about it later as we walked to the car.

His answer? "Well, I wasn't going to get too close and I wasn't going to talk to anyone because I didn't want to mess up my beats."

I wasn't quite sure what he meant, so I gently pressed for details.

He replied "Everything in life has a beat. I was on the field so I was listening to my baseball beat. I didn't want anything to mess that up."

I'm still not entirely sure what to make of his remarks, but I'm thankful that he can --and does-- focus when it counts. Given how often my mind wanders, I'm grateful that he's able to hone his into whatever he's doing in the moment.

March 3

Abby had a Young Life Bible Study downtown early this afternoon, so after I dropped her off, I got myself a chai tea latte (I know, I know, not coffee!) and walked up and down Main Street.

Rather annoying and decidedly tiresome COVID restrictions aside, this truly is a nice little town. It's cute and sunny and, well, generally pleasant. 

I'm not the world's biggest fan of California as a whole, but if we have to live here, I'm grateful that we get to live in this particular little enclave.

March 2

Whenever I feel a yen to clean, I try to capitalize on it before the desire fades, so that's what I did today. Between cleaning the kitchen and folding laundry, I stepped out onto the deck and took in this scene:

We're 11 months post-move in and it's still an idyllic scene to me. 

And what makes it even better is that three of my favorite people are in it, enjoying the sunny skies and warmer temps: Abby is walking along the mid-tier (halfway up the steps by the firepit) and the boys are sitting at the table under the canopy.

Beautiful weather. Beautiful place. Beautiful people. This life is definitely filled with pains and challenges, but moments like this remind me that it's also blessed.

March 1

I popped into the new-ish candy store downtown last week. After poking around for a few minutes, I decided to buy Adam some Necco Wafers, since he likes them and they're not exactly available everywhere. 

As I was checking out, I spied a little piece of paper taped to the register that read "$5 minimum credit card orders." Since I almost never carry cash, I stressed for a split second before I hustled over to a display of stick candy and scooped up a small handful to meet the minimum.

I haven't had a stick candy in a long while, but I can remember getting them at the High's off Main Street in Damascus when I was quite young; stick candy and a soda in a glass bottle with one of those fun-to-peel styrofoam labels.

Good memories are always blessings, I think, especially when they show up to sprinkle sunshine when you least expect them.