October 31

Abby was outspoken about wanting to do a themed group Halloween costume with the boys this year, and fortunately Isaac and Brady were receptive to the idea. 

So I present to you Wakko Warner, Yakko Warner, and Dot Warner from "Animaniacs." And, by popular demand, Helloooo Nurse (aka me in a white skirt and jacket that I found buried in my closet and hastily threw on in last-minute fashion).

Abby made elements of each kid-costume: she sewed ears onto Brady's hat, created a headband and made the pants (her first ever and again, without a pattern) for Isaac, and sewed tails onto all three bottom halves. (My addition? The red noses, courtesy of a hot red lipstick pencil.)

So we took some time to capture images of the trio (plus Lambie, of course), carved pumpkins, and got on with our evening plans. While Isaac headed off to a party at his friend Alex's house, the rest of us trooped to the top of the street for a bonfire with the neighbors and trick-or-treating. (Well, Adam took Abby and Brady trick-or-treating. I went with them long enough for the stop at Scott Adams' house because I wanted an excuse to walk up to his rather grand front door. And then I went back to the bonfire.) 

It was, to sum it up, a pleasant day. And it was really nice to spend some time with our neighbors. And with my favorite people. 

October 30

Adam and I went for a walk this evening. On our way back to the house, I spied this tree and it was just so lovely that I had to take its picture.

It's not the best representation ever, but the leaves are actually a vibrant shade of red.

I love how God decided that aging leaves that are about to fall from trees should turn red and orange and yellow and purple. It's a wonderful reminder that no matter how much we don't care for wrinkles and fine lines, the privilege of aging is a beautiful thing.

October 29

Although our days of class Halloween parties and cute pumpkin projects are merely memories, the kiddos decided to dress up for school today anyway. (Note that they have a group costume planned for Halloween itself, so 2/3 of these outfits won't be worn on Sunday.)

When they headed off to class, Abby was Tinker Bell (wearing a dress she put together last night, naturally), Isaac was Khris Davis (his favorite baseball player) dressed as Pluto (got that?), and Brady was Wakko Warner from "Animaniacs."

They make me crazy at times, but I so love these people, and I am so blessed with every moment that I'm able to watch them grow up.

October 28

I'm sure she'll be thrilled that I'm throwing this out there, but Nikki turned 40 day. (Finally.)

So I did as I sometimes do: I got up early, picked up a vanilla latte from the Mother Ship since I know she likes those, and ninja'ed my way over to her house to decorate her van's back window. (And the notion that I was ninja-ing anything is hilarious because I was wearing a neon pink sweatshirt but I guess that's neither here nor there.)

I didn't account for dew (d'oh!) so I had to use a mask and then a bag and finally the sleeves of my sweatshirt to wipe away the water. But I eventually got the job done and made her to come outside for a look (before the letters got all runny).

Anyway, today I am grateful for 40 years of Nikki. And more specifically, for my own eight years with her as a friend. She's consistent and kind and a good listener. And I know she's always around if I need her, even though we don't see each other as often as we once did. That kind of friend is a rare and amazing blessing.

October 27

I was relaxing in a comfy chair at the Mother Ship crocheting and drinking my coffee this morning (as I so often do) when a man came in and asked the barista if he could use the restroom. I didn't pay much attention until I saw him walk back through a few minutes later and leave without making a purchase. Interest piqued, my gaze followed him outside. And I watched as he pulled a cardboard sign from an overstuffed baseball bag and plunked down in a chair.

Matthew 25:40 sprang to mind and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. It's the verse that --loosely-- says that when you serve society's most vulnerable people, you're actually serving Jesus Himself. I shifted and watched for a few minutes more as person after person passed him by without a second glance, and I could feel the Holy Spirit telling me to do something. At first I tried to ignore it because I'm not someone who's historically been comfortable around the homeless, but I knew I had to get up.

So I steeled myself, arose, and went outside. I told him my name and asked his, and then I asked Rick if he'd like a coffee or a sandwich. He smiled and said that he'd love a sandwich and that he wasn't picky, so I ducked back inside, bought the sandwich and a snack tray for later, and headed back outside. I asked if he'd like to go inside and chat (because it was a chilly morning), but he declined, noting that his clothes were probably "a bit funky" to make that a good choice. So I changed gears and offered to join him at a table outside. He seemed surprised and replied that yes, he'd love some company and to talk. 

So I sat and talked with Rick --or more accurately, listened to his story-- for about an hour. And honestly, it was an hour very well-spent. Although years on the streets have hardened his appearance a good deal --I was rather taken aback when he said he was 51-- he was intelligent and open. He shared about leaving a bad home situation at age 12 and moving to Hollywood, and about his coast-to-coast travels and about how he'll never again work for a big corporation like Walmart. 

And we talked a little about God and living with a sense of peace, even when life feels impossibly hard. He told me that he thinks about God often, and could see how certain events in his life had played out in seemingly miraculous ways.

When the time came for me to head out, I thanked him for the chat, and he heartily thanked me for listening because --as he said-- almost no one talks to him or wants to hear his story. So I looked him in the eye and told him that he's a human being who deserves care and compassion. And that Jesus really, truly does love him -- he just needs to accept that love.

I'm not posting this because I want praise for being kind to a homeless person. In fact, I almost didn't write about it at all because I don't want that kind of acknowledgement. What I do want to accomplish is this: when God puts something on your heart, do it. Move. If a verse runs through your mind, don't dismiss it. Act. He will give you the words and the wisdom to operate in any situation. 

Yesterday, I prayed for boldness. I didn't know why at the time, but when I saw Rick, I remembered that prayer. So tonight, I'm thankful for that answered prayer, and I'm thankful for the exchange I wouldn't have had if I'd not gotten up when I felt prompted to act. 

October 26

It took me most of the day to realize that Isaac and I were inadvertently twinning.

But when I finally noticed as we were wrapping up Taco Tuesday tonight, it made me surprisingly happy. So happy, in fact, that I felt compelled to grab my phone to commemorate the event.

Sometimes joyful little moments can be hard to come by (and can pass so quickly without much notice), so I'm grateful for this one. 

October 25

I joined a Monday morning Bible study with some ladies from church a few months back. 

Most of them have been meeting together for quite a number of years now so it was a little weird to add myself to the mix, but it's proven to be a great addition to my week and I genuinely look forward to seeing them and doing the study (our current one is to the left; Ecclesiastes is a tough book!) and talking about life.

So today, I'm thankful for each of them and for how they enrich my life with their thoughts and their wisdom.

October 24

Our house is situated such that this was my view when I looked out our bedroom window this morning.

What followed this rainbow --which arched all the way across the sky with clearly visible ends-- was a soggy, water-logged day that revealed the truth that we have a leak above the big picture window in our kitchen. But still, what a beautiful sight to usher in a new day.

And what a beautiful reminder of a long-ago promise made by God to us. The storms of this life may come with great force, but they don't have to destroy us.

October 23

I had a meeting at church this morning and then went out to lunch with my people.

The boys were intermittently at each other's throats and the skies were a Threatening Rain shade of grey and I was tired, but it was still nice to spend some time with them. 

Small moments are precious moments, I think, even if we're a little weary and a bit out of sorts, because life is best lived together.

October 22

Intel's earnings call was yesterday, which brought this quarter's hugely busy time to an end for Adam. He could've used the extra hours to sleep in or read or bum around the house, but that's not what he did. Nope. In fact, last night he told me to turn off my alarm clock because he planned to take the boys to school. So I had a glorious extra few hours in bed this morning, and then he took me to lunch at Alberto's downtown.

It poured down rain earlier in the day, but by 11:30ish when we got to the restaurant, the skies were clear(er) so we enjoyed our food outside under a tent and soaked in some of the downtown atmosphere.

A lot of the rest of the afternoon is something of a blur because of the enormous "bubbly margarita" there in front of me (because holy cow, alcohol overload for this relative lightweight) but what I do recall leaves me feeling thankful.

See, Adam is a really, really good man. (I think I even stroked his beard and told him that as he put me to bed after lunch. Yep, it was that kind of margarita.) He's kind and stable and funny (sometimes. Sometimes he just thinks he's funny) and reliable. And he adores me. That probably sounds kind of silly, but it's true: this man knows how to love like Jesus told us to love. And he does it every day, even when I'm cranky or unpleasant or when I don't feel like noticing his efforts. Or when I overtly resist his attempts to care for me (because I absolutely do that at times).

So today, I am thankful to God for him and for his influence on my life.

October 21

It rained on and off today. I know that's probably not all that exciting to most of you, but for us, it's huge. It hasn't really rained in over a year, because we didn't get much of anything last winter and it didn't rain during the spring. (Like, at all.)

Anyway, I'd forgotten how lovely the sky can be as the clouds roll in and out and as the sun rises and sets. There's so much shade and color and the lines are so clean and crisp and clear that it's easy to get lost in the beauty.

So this evening, I am grateful for the stunning pictures in the sky that were afforded to us today. And for the rain. Most definitely for those earth-enriching little drops.

October 20

Brady really, really wanted to make cookies for his reading group at school. He double checked with his teacher to make sure it would be okay, determined that all four of them like chocolate chip, and asked if I could help him. (Over and over again.)

And since his next meeting is tomorrow, I acquiesced late this afternoon, and we got to work.

He mashed the butter and measured the water and cracked the egg (no shell, woohoo!), and I added the mix. And then he got to work mixing. He huffed and a little and noted that it took some pretty good arm muscle to get the job done, but he persevered.

And an hour or so later, he had a full batch of chocolate chip cookies. 

I love that he wanted to do something sweet (ba-dum dum) for his classmates because caring for one another... that's where it's at. Even when that care comes in the form of a simple cookie.

October 19

I put on my best Bum Around The House outfit, drove the boys to school, picked up my coffee, and then came home and... bummed around the house until pick-up time rolled around.

So that's not really all I did; I spent some time straightening and neatening and I spent some time praying. 

And I spent some time crocheting. Lots of time on that, actually.

I know I've said it many times before, but I'm grateful that I decided to learn how to crochet and that I didn't quit when I struggled with the basics. It's a great reminder to me that perseverance is key -- so keep trying. As Galatians 6:9 says, "let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

October 18

There was quite a bit of chaos after dinner tonight.

There were children running in random directions making random (and loud) exclamations. And there was much laughter as they did so.

At one point, as Adam and trying to move the boys toward the stairs, Abby and Isaac grabbed me. Because they're bigger than me these days, it's not hard for them to hold me captive when they want to, so that's what they did: I became the mom middle of a kid sandwich. And as they held me there, they enthusiastically sang a song about unity.

You didn't misread if that sounded weird, because it was definitely weird. But it was also kind of amusing, so this evening, I'm grateful for their bursts of oddity that make my life more interesting.

October 17

Isaac had a game this morning, so Adam and I did the divide-and-conquer thing, which sent him to church with Abby and Brady and me up to Pleasant Hill for the match-up.

I had a nice time chit-chatting with parents on the bleachers while the Spartans/Rays (because a name-change may be forthcoming) manhandled Danville to a final score of 18-7.

For his part, Isaac went 2 for 4 (single, double, strikeout, and a hit by pitch to the shoulder blade) so he was reasonably happy with his performance. And that meant he was especially chipper and talkative during the ride home. 

I listened as he twittered on about a variety of topics, and it made me smile because I love how happiness makes him chatty. 

October 16

About a month ago, Abby decided that she wanted to go to Homecoming this year. She opted out sophomore year because of the whole other-people's-back-sweat-is-prevalent-and-gross issue from the freshman experience. And then there was the whole COVID thing that was her junior year. But as a senior, she wanted to go. And she wanted to make her own dress. So she bought the fabric, and then mostly looked at it for a few weeks. Don't get it wrong: she made a little preliminary mock-up of the bodice and discovered she didn't have enough fabric so I headed off to buy a few yards more. But yeah, she mostly looked at it.

But then this morning, as Adam and I headed off to our Alpha course at church (ask me about that, especially if you're local and would like to learn about Christianity!), she was hard at work. She'd re-worked the bodice and was busily pinning and measuring and re-pinning and re-measuring. 

When Adam and I got home at around 2, she was toiling away at her sewing machine. I left her to her work, but silently wondered --for the umpteenth time-- if she'd given herself enough time to finish, since she was supposed to be at a friend's house for pictures at 4:30. Her shoes arrived via Amazon at about 2:30 (and how perfect are they? I was thrilled when I pulled them out of the box). And I could hear the hum of the sewing machine upstairs.

Then at 3:40, her door opened and I heard her squeak "mom" in a decidedly panicked tone, so I headed upstairs and found her holding her mostly constructed dress. Near tears, she showed me how she'd inadvertently run a line of teeny tiny stitches across the bottom portion of the bodice. I took a breath, asked for her seam ripper, and got to work. Then I sent her into her bathroom to do her hair. When she returned a little later, I was still in stitch removal mode (because let me tell you, it's really hard to remove stitches from satin without ripping it) so I sent her back to the bathroom to do her makeup, which she did.

Already long story shorter, she finally got into the dress. A wee mishap with the zipper (spoiler alert: it broke) meant that I had to sew her into it, but she's wearing it. And from the front, it looks so, so beautiful.

Since I knew she was rattled and (and 40 minutes late), I drove her over to her friend's house for pictures (and then left her the truck -- Adam drove separately in my car to take me home after). As we rode together, I thought about how gorgeous she looked and about how she doesn't believe me when I tell her that she's beautiful. And I thought about how I hoped that she was proud of herself for designing (did I mention that part? No pattern. Her design) her dress and then bringing that simple sketch to life. And I hoped that she would have a good time with her best friends and that she would make a memory or two that would turn into a good story down the line. (So here she is with a few of them -- she's the lovely in pink in the center. And her two best friends, Gracie and Holly, are both in black boots on the right.)

But mostly, I thought about how richly God blessed me when He decided that I should be her mother. She may be a beautiful almost-17 year old with an amazing eye for fashion design and a huge smile, but more importantly to me, she's my one and only girl, and I couldn't be more proud of who she is. 

October 15

I forgot to take a pic today, so this will have to do.

I was working on this crochet square this morning while sitting at the Mother Ship when Erin happened to come in. I hadn't seen her in a while, so it was nice to spend a few minutes catching up on life.

Then a little later this morning, Jessica came over and we spent an hour-plus out back sipping our Starbucks, chatting, and enjoying the spectacular weather. 

Two pleasant exchanges made for a very pleasant day, and I am thankful.

October 14

I was, like, totally thrilled when Abby woke me up a few minutes before my alarm clock this morning to announce that it was '80s day for seniors at school so she needed to look in my closet. 

(For the record, I graduated in '96, so I wasn't a teen in the '80s. But in her defense, she gave me the shirt she's wearing in the pic so she was looking for that. And the stack of jelly bracelets she knew I had. And a tutu. And those fishnet gloves. Yep. I had all of that, except I couldn't find the bracelets. Kinda bummed about that. But I digress.)

She hasn't exactly been delighted about being in her last year of high school, so I was genuinely happy to see her so enthusiastic about putting her senior status on display in such an overt way. It made me proud of her and thankful for the ways that she's continuing to grow and mature.

October 13

Before Abby got her license and Gracie was driving her to school each morning, the boys would shout "have a good day! We love you!" at her as she climbed into the car, with the assumption that she would find the gesture mortifying.

Although I suspect it didn't really bother her, that didn't stop her from getting up early to wave good-bye and yell "I love you" to her brothers as we headed out. (It was PSAT day for sophomores and juniors so she didn't have to go in until nearly noon.)

Anyway, all three of them seemed to enjoy the interaction and the enthusiasm made me chuckle. So for all of that --for the love shared, for the laughter,  for the enthusiasm, and even for the uproar of loud voices that usually gives me a headache in the early morning hours-- I am grateful.

October 12

Remember how I posted a pic of Abby helping Isaac with his homework a few days back?

Well, this was today's post-school sight at the dining room table, as Isaac tried to help Brady with his homework.

Don't get me wrong -- they don't always try to help each other. They can compete like wild, untrained dogs and truthfully, at times they're just jerks. (Because aren't we all?) 

But when they do try to be there for one another... those are the moments that I treasure. So for those moments of pure sweetness, I am grateful.

October 11

Isaac had baseball practice up in Pleasant Hill this evening. During the drive over to the designated carpool pick-up lot, I looked over my shoulder at him in the backseat and was struck --for the umpteenth time-- by how much he's grown.

He still looks like Isaac, of course, with his extremely slender frame and those eyes and the smile, but it's amazing to realize how he's starting to look more and more like a full-grown man. Having the ability to remember him as a chubby-cheeked, truck of a toddler while simultaneously seeing him as he is right now is just incredible.

Even when it feels like time is moving much too quickly, the years are a blessing. Always a blessing.

October 10

It was a stunningly beautiful day for baseball, which was fortunate for us because Isaac had a game this morning.

Eric and Asher joined Adam, Brady, and I up at DVC (yep, our "home" field is all the way up in Pleasant Hill) to watch as the Spartans took on Piedmont. In the end, the Spartans came away with a 6-3 win, Adam got to spend some time with his brother, and the boys got to see their cousin.

So this evening I'm grateful to have family close enough by that they can (and do!) come to our kids' events because it's always good to make time to do life with those you love. And I'm grateful for beautiful, clear-skied days and (as almost always) for cleats and hats and gloves and bats and dirt and the trappings (and practice) of baseball.

October 9

With a handful of busy weekend days on the calendar this month, we decided to take our annual trip to Pastorino's in Half Moon Bay today.

It was absolutely beautiful outside --cool but not cold temps and blue skies for miles-- and everyone was in good spirits as we loaded into Adam's car and headed south late this morning. Even the two teenagers among us --who had to be roused from their beds as the 10 o'clock hour approached-- were perky and sang along with the usual mix of "Phineas and Ferb" and college-days tunes as we traversed first the freeway and then those familiar country roads.

When we got to the farm, the kids took their time picking out perfect pumpkins; this time Isaac took charge of the wheelbarrow -- Isaac who dwarfs me and is somehow only a few inches shorter than Adam. And Brady chuffed around trying to shield himself from the bright sunlight. And Abby searched for a wee Instagrammable pumpkin for Logan. But they were all peaceful and (mostly) cheerful and agreeable. And all of it was just so good.

And of course, we snapped our usual photos, including this one, which is number 18 in a series that began way back in 2004 when I was very (very) pregnant with that beautiful girl standing there in the orange dress under the "entrance" sign; that beautiful, trailblazing girl who will mark her 17th birthday in just a few weeks. And the three precious little boys who came after. They've grown up in this series. And one of them --one with wispy strawberry blonde hair who I can so clearly remember bombing on little legs through rows of pumpkins many years ago-- has moved on; that truth could crush me, but it doesn't -- it just reminds me that he was here and that he's part of our history and our family. And I am grateful for that reality, even if it's not a reality I would ever have chosen for myself.

So yes: it was a blessed day, and I am grateful for the memories and the moments.

October 8

I miss hanging out with friends, so I was happy to meet up with Nikki and her mom for breakfast this morning.

It was nothing fancy --just Bill's, also known as The Place I Take Out-Of-Towners-- but it was so, so nice to just sit with them and talk. (And the chocolate chip pancakes and bacon and (duh) coffee didn't hurt, either.)

Relationships take effort, so I am grateful to have had time with both of them.

October 7

Isaac was skipped into Algebra 1 a month or so ago based on some test scores. It was very exciting for him because he loves math, but it's definitely proven to be a challenge.

I'd asked Abby if she'd be willing to help him out, so I was gratified when said-big sister took a pen and a sheet of paper and tried to explain a concept to him as dinner was coming to an end tonight.

I'm still not entirely sure that he gets it, but I love seeing my kids help each other out when they can. We were made to need one another, after all, and the world just plain turns better when support is there when it's needed.

October 6

The sky this morning was beautiful.

I like a good sunset, of course, but there's something enchanting about this kind of morning light (even to an avowed non-morning person like me). It's so bright and crisp and pure that I can actually feel my shoulders releasing tension when I see it. It's like God is saying "hey there, welcome to a new day. It's going to be good."

So for this loveliness, I am thankful.

October 5

Some days, I just need something that makes me laugh, so forgive the relative crassness of what's to come.

During the ride home today, Isaac asked me about his ancestry. I shared that as far as I know, he's mostly European with a small smattering of Mexican mixed in.

After digesting that news for a few moments, he mused "I didn't know I was European", which prompted Brady to laugh maniacally as he repeated "EUROPEAN!"

This exchange went on for some time. It was still going on as I pulled into the garage and they got out. It was, in fact, still going on as I sat in my car and took this image.

The teenage boy joy of it all was utterly eye-rolling, but I admit that it made me chuckle a little (to myself). Silliness can certainly be a blessing.

October 4

I've felt rather run-down lately, both physically and mentally. And, honestly, spiritually. That too.

So I paid extra attention when this song by Cece Winans played on the radio as I was driving to pick up Brady this afternoon.

God is the God of the universe and can do immeasurably more than I could ever imagine. I just need to remember that, and believe that it's true.

October 3

Brady tends to get bored when Isaac isn't home. 

Isaac went to an all-day birthday part at Six Flags today, so said effect was definitely in play.

He wandered around wondering what he should do (aloud) and then eventually went upstairs and came back down with his giant brown bear. They sat down together on the couch (along with BearBear, Chub, and the rest of the usual gang) and settled in to watch some of the 49ers game.

I just thought the sight of him with his enormous bear was cute, so I'm sharing it. Cuteness is a blessing.

October 2

I puttered around this morning doing the usual Saturday Things until it occurred to me that I hadn't seen Kristine in several months, which is silly since she lives right here in town. So I shot her a text asking if she wanted to coffee, and fortunately for me, she was available.

So we met up at the Mother Ship a little later, got our liquid fuel, and went for a walk around Shadow Cliffs (which, for the record, is a local park).

It was a lovely morning, the conversation was good, and the company great, so I head to bed tonight feeling thankful for her and for our continued friendship.

October 1

Isaac and Brady were feeling goofy after dinner.

At some point while Abby told Adam and I about her day as we sat at the kitchen table, they ventured into the family room and Isaac hoisted Brady onto his shoulders.

Initially they just took a few turns around the first floor, but a few moments later, they stopped, and Isaac began doing squats.

It was utterly ridiculous, but it made me laugh. So for those moments of levity (and for the amusing look on Isaac's face as he squatted), I am grateful.