April 30

Isaac played in a doubleheader with the NCS team (aka "the other Rays team") this evening and had an exceptional night at the plate.

Here he is just a split second before he launched the ball into left field during the first game. (If you zoom in, you can see the ball suspended in the air above his bat. Kinda cool.) That hit was a double. 

All in all, he went 6 for 8 with that double, a triple, and four singles. (It still boggles my mind that he was able to leg his way all the way to third.) He also reached on an error and crossed the plate to score five times. Although things got dicey at times, they won both games.

Although winning is most definitely not all that matters (and in fact, I think we probably learn more from NOT winning), it's awfully nice to have exceptional nights. So for my boy's exceptional night and for the memories of those moments that he'll probably carry with him, I am thankful.

April 29

Adam's had a busy month at work (including a few days spent IN the actual office, as odd as THAT is), but with the quarterly earnings call finally in the rearview mirror, he took it easy today. And that meant we got to go out to lunch.

With a solar company scheduled to come by to measure for panels during the early afternoon, we didn't have a whole lot of time, so we headed downtown and found ourselves seated outside of Alberto's. 

We noshed on chips and salsa and other Mexican fare. And we chit-chatted.

It was, all in all, a pleasant hour. So for that blessing and for the not too hot, not too cold temperature that we enjoyed, I am grateful.

April 28

Isaac's school held their annual open house this evening. Since we've been under COVID restrictions throughout most of his middle school career, it was probably the first time I'd seen him wandering around the campus. 

It was fun to see him in his element, roaming from class to class, greeting friends in his casually confident but friendly way. I met a few of his teachers, and they were universally complimentary of this boy of ours; they told me how they appreciate his sense of humor and his intellect and his good attitude and how much effort he puts in on a daily basis.

Those are all good things for a mom to hear about one of her babies. I really do want my children to be good people and to glorify God with their lives beyond all else, so knowing that he's on his way to meeting those goals is good for my heart.

April 27

Today was Picture Day for the Rays.

When Isaac and I arrived for the shoot (which was actually at a house on a cul de sac -- go figure), a softball team was having their photos done, so the boys did what boys so often do and started a pick-up game using a plastic water bottle cap as a ball. And because he so often is, Isaac was right in the middle of the action. (That's him hunched in a partial umpiring position just above the "catcher" to the right.) 

They laughed and engaged in their mock scrimmage while intermittently moving out of the way so cars could pass by. The newest member of the team --who seems to like Isaac quite a lot-- continually jumped on his back. And Isaac, because he is Isaac, just smiled and let him do it because they were all just having fun.

They may not win all the time, but there's so much more to team sports than coming out on top. I love this team and these parents and these boys. They're zany and forgetful and silly (the boys, not the parents), but they're fun. And I know they bring Isaac a lot of joy. So for all of that, I am so thankful.

April 26

My babies are growing up quickly. 

It blows me away that Abby will be off to college this Fall and I'm constantly asking Isaac if he's gotten taller. So it was kind of nice when Brady picked up his two favorite stuffed animals for a good cuddle this evening while we awaited Abby and Isaac's return from youth group.

Little kid sweetness is decidedly short-lived, but it's such a blessing.

April 25

I had an epiphany this afternoon while I was praying: It brings me joy to host gatherings at our house. Not just fleeting feelings of satisfaction or happiness, but real, palpable joy that I can feel bubbling up and over in my spirit. It's utterly life-giving.

And I had the blessing of feeling that joy this morning when I hosted my Bible study ladies and missionaries Joe and Averyl Morris from Jesus to the Needy for brunch. (You can click the link to see the amazing work they do.)

I tried out a brand new-to-me recipe for a caramel French toast bake, picked up a traveler of blonde roast from the Mother Ship, got out the good china, and welcomed them all into our home for a few hours. It was such a blessing to hear Joe and Averyl's stories and to spend time with these women whose collective wisdom, character, and faith inspire me every day.

It's always a blessing to start out a new week on a joyful note, so I am grateful.

April 24

This afternoon Abby had her last dance picture day. I drove her over to the studio at the appointed hour not because she needed my help --she got ready entirely on her own, in fact-- but because I'm trying to savor much of the marrow of her senior year of high school as possible.

Although they took an official buddy photo together, I had Abby and Gracie pose for me as we were heading back to the parking lot. And this is what they did. (And it made me smile to myself at the time, because --without verbal communication-- they almost immediately turned back to back and put up their arms and legs like it was the most natural thing in the world. Which, of course, it most definitely is not.)

I love that these two have taken dance together for as long as they have. I love that they've been able to make each other laugh and support each other through various trials and issues and tribulations. And I love that they both struck the same bizarre pose with no communication.

Regardless of where Gracie decides to go to school for the next four years, they'll be pretty far apart geographically. But I'm pretty sure they'll still be friends at heart. And that kind of friendship is a major blessing.

April 23

Adam made the remark to me this evening as we awaited the start of Isaac's second game of the day and I'll repeat it here because it's true: there's something so unique about baseball played under the lights.

I don't know what it is exactly, but it feels different. Special. Electric in a way that day games are not. We love watching them play at all hours of the day, but yeah... there's something cool about night games.

Electricity aside, however, none of the games the Wight boys played in today ended with their teams in the win column, but both Isaac and Brady played well. Both of them notched solid defensive plays (both from second base, as it happened -- Brady threw out a runner at the plate, and Isaac went up and snagged a liner that he then fired to first base to complete a double play). And they had one solid hit apiece: a long single for Brady, and a ringing double that rolled all the way to the fence for Isaac. 

And I think they had fun. At the end of the day seeing them find joy in doing something they love even when they don't walk away with a win is a huge blessing to me.

April 22

After my morning run to the Mother Ship for my blonde roast fix, I headed over to church for the Easter-themed ladies' tea.

I went inside, plunked my purse down on an unclaimed chair, and went to the restroom (because #coffee). I usually try to sit with women I don't know and I mainly succeeded today, though I did count my pals Sandra and Joanne (hi ladies!) as tablemates.

Anyhow, it was a very pleasant pair of hours with fellow sisters in Christ. So for that blessing and for the wise women who put it all together (and for the cute little red macaroon at 11 o'click in the photo) I am so thankful.

April 21

Adam and I went out to dinner tonight. 

We're not even remotely consistent with Date Nights and our little excursion to Chili's only happened after rain forced the cancellation of both Brady's practice and Isaac's game. (He was going to play as a sub for the other Rays team... it's kind of complicated, but there are two teams: he's on the 680 League team, and there's also the NCS team. Tonight's game was an NCS one. But I digress.) I meandered into the office at 4 or so and said 'do you want to go out tonight?' and he perked up and was all 'yes, let's.' (Because that's how we roll.)

Anyhow, it was really nice to just sit there and hang out with him. We chatted a bit and I enjoyed a margarita (which the server tried to card me for. He was clearly new and a bit delusional and/or blind, but 'twas still a nice moment for this fortysomething) while he did some work on his laptop. And yes, we also ate.

It's important to feed our relationships in order to keep them alive and healthy. So this evening, I'm glad that we got out the watering can and gave ours a sprinkle.

April 20

School pick-ups are pretty much the same from day to day: I drive to Brady's school, park the car, and walk over to meet him near the gate after the bell rings. (He could walk to the car solo, of course; I'm just conscious of the bittersweet truth that our elementary school years are drawing to a close and I want to take full advantage of the small moments.) From there, we drive to the middle school, where Isaac is usually waiting by the fence.

When he sees me waiting at a nearby red light, he always waves. And lately, he's taken to performing goofy dance moves, too.

I'm not sure about his motivation, but I always smile --and sometimes even laugh aloud-- when he starts his daily routine. And I can't speak for everyone out there, but those moments of silliness that make me giggle are always welcome blessings.

April 19

Brady's team bettered their record to 10-3 tonight at the Sports Park, and although that is indeed Brady in the pic during a post-game visit to his pal Andrew's game, it's not what this entry about. This entry is about me being a total bone head.

See, before Brady's game began, Isaac noticed that no one was using the next field over, so he went to the car to get his bat and a ball. I watched him toss the ball into the air and whack it a few times, and then strolled over and offered to serve up some soft tosses.

Now I know baseball pretty well: the rules, the scoring process, all that. I'm a knowledgeable spectator. But I am not a player. And I misunderstood what Isaac was saying when he swept his arm toward first base and suggested I "move over." So I stood a few feet in front of the pitcher's mound (because again, an athlete I am not and I wanted to be sure I could get it over the plate) and lobbed the ball toward the plate. He whacked the first one to the outfield. The next three weren't hittable. But he got ahold of the fourth one. I saw it take a hard bounce off the ground and then watched as it flew toward me. And then before I could even think to move out of the way, it drilled me in the upper leg. Oh, the pain. 

I hobbled off the field and toward my seat on the bleachers. Isaac was apologetic and I told him I was fine, even as shockwaves of pain shot up my leg. There's no bruise just yet, but I know it's coming. And I'm guessing it'll be pretty sore come good morning time tomorrow.

So what's the point of this long, meandering entry? I guess it's this: everyone does stupid things sometimes. For example, I should've known not to stand too close while throwing BP to my five-foot-eleven 13-year old son. The consequences of that dopey move are unpleasant, but like a child who touches a hot stove for the first time, I've gained valuable knowledge. And whenever I gain nuggets of wisdom (even nuggets I should've garnered years ago), it makes me wiser, which is always a blessing.

My advice? Take those lumps, learn from them, and do better next time.

April 18

I am very happy to announce that this girl of ours will head to Chicagoland this fall to join the class of 2026 at Wheaton College.

I knew the decision was imminent (since she only had until May 1 to make it), but was still a wee bit surprised when she went upstairs a little while ago and returned with her laptop and the stuffed bear she got during our trip a few weeks ago. She then plunked down on the floor between Adam and I and, after filling out some information, she Clicked The Button.

Resistance and complaining aside, she couldn't help but smile as she sat there looking at her computer screen; as she dipped her pen in the inkwell and wrote the first letter of the next chapter of her life.

I'm so excited for her future. I know that God has amazing things in store for her, and my prayer is that she'll be open to letting Him work fully in her life during her college years (and beyond).

Congratulations, Abby! We love you so much and are so proud of who you were, are, and will be. Wheaton 2026!

April 17

I've had a song on my heart most of the day. It begins like this:

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia....

If you've ever been to church on Easter Sunday, it's probably one you've heard in the past. It may be so familiar, in fact, that you hum it without even thinking. But those words mean quite a lot to me. To us.

It's hard to know how to explain just how much I treasure those words; how and why they're tucked safely inside the lining of my heart. But I'll try.

Although I don't remember a time when I didn't identify as a Christian, I can honestly say that I didn't truly value or fully understand those words --the truth woven into each syllable-- until after Logan passed away. It was there, as I struggled to stay afloat in a life that felt much too heavy, that I really found Jesus in a personally meaningful way. I found His heart and his goodness and his no-strings-attached love right smack in the middle of my agony. Stubborn, human me resisted, of course, but eventually, after a number of years had passed, that love broke through in a real, tangible way. And the result in my life was joy. Real, life-affirming joy that makes me happy to get up in the morning, eager to serve, and optimistic about the future, even amid tenuous world circumstances.

Now don't get me wrong: it wasn't easy. I have to decide every day to continue following Jesus. I have to choose to do the right things, even when I'd rather not or when I feel ill-equipped. And it still, to this day, grieves every part of me that my sweet, strawberry blonde boy can't be in this photo with us. I still don't understand why the miracle I prayed for didn't come to pass. I don't understand why this is our reality. But those questions no longer stop me from living with the knowledge that Christ rose from the dead for me, for Logan, for Abby, for Isaac, for Brady, for Adam. And for you. Yes, you, even if you don't know much about Him or are skeptical about Christianity or if you're living in the wake of being hurt by the church and want nothing at all to do with it. That love is there, it's free, and it's freeing. 

So on this Easter Sunday, I am thankful for this family. I am thankful that because of Easter, Logan can dance in Heaven until we're all together again. And I am thankful for joy. 

He. Is. Risen!

April 16

Today was a low-key prelude to Easter, with time spent watching TV, crocheting, chatting with my mom on the phone, and walking the neighborhood with my hunny.

I like being with other people and I like accomplishing tasks, but days like these --the calm, free-flowing ones that lack rigid structure-- are such blessings. 

It's good to slow down and rest sometimes.

April 15

One of the things that always bothered me about our old house was it's relative entertainment-unfriendliness. There wasn't much of a yard, and the rooms weren't configured in a way that allowed us to host guests. So we simply didn't entertain.

Our current house, however, provides us with the space we need to have people over, and I so (so) love it.

Brady's friend Liam came over after school and the three boys (including Isaac, of course) played video games and then took a dip in the pool (even though it was a whopping 63 degrees out and windy) before dining on pizza for dinner. And then they trooped out front and shot some hoops before Liam's dad came to pick him up.

It was such a blessing to see them all enjoying themselves, and I am so grateful to be able to watch them have fun at our home.

April 14

A few months ago, the folks in charge of Senior Class Celebratory Stuff asked parents to send in photos of our kiddos as Kindergartners. I finally got around to doing it today, so ta-da! Here's our little Abby.

I remember being absolutely delighted (and here's where I drip with sarcasm) as her classmate handed out flower-shaped hair clips to the other little girls in line that morning. I actually cringed as Abby stuck it to the side of her head, but now, in hindsight, I kind of love it, not because it looked amazing or anything, but because it's a story I can tell and look back on and smile over. Those stories are so often the real stuff of this life.

Anyway, yes, this little girl bought her Senior Ball ticket this morning and will graduate from high school in just seven weeks. There will be parties and remembrances and laughs and probably a fair number of tears, too. But I'm grateful for all of them and for the Story of My Girl as it continues to expand with all-new tales of lasts and firsts.

April 13

Coffee is one of my love languages. Cups of coffee, money for coffee, coffee paraphernalia, coffee dates. They all speak to me.

And today, I got a double-dose of love. The first came when friendly Mother Ship barista Sara gave me a venti (large, for those who don't speak the language) refill when I'd only originally ordered a tall (small). 

The second came when I was wandering around Safeway a little later. I was pushing my cart toward the checkout lane when an employee approached me with a cup and asked if I'd like a sugar-free vanilla latte. I accepted, because again, coffee. And vanilla.

So yes: lots of love today in the form of unexpected coffee. This is something of a silly entry, sure, but it's also representative of the truth that God has a sense of humor. So for that --all of it-- this sometimes goofy girl is grateful.

April 12

It may be mid-April, but it was the kind of cold, windy evening that's best spent huddled under an electric blanket with a steaming cup of decaf within reach. But Brady had a game so off we went to take in the action.

I wore two thermals, a hoodie, a beanie, and a jacket and still shivered as the wind cut through my many layers. And the boys out in the field danced in place and did jumping jacks.

It was so chilly by the time the final out was recorded that I'm not sure we'd have cared about the outcome (although Brady's team did win). And rather than gathering the boys for a lengthy post-game meeting, the coach summed it all up with 'good game, better defense next time, now go home.'

Yes, it was a good reminder that although it's cold outside, we're blessed to have a warm home and fuzzy blankets. And decaf. That too.

April 11

When I came downstairs this morning, I found both Isaac and Brady sitting at the kitchen table. Both were engrossed in something on Brady's laptop screen.

Once I got over the shock of seeing Isaac there eating a bowl of cereal (instead of where he usually is 10 minutes before it's time to go: still pajama'd, lying on the floor in his room catching extra zzz's), I looked over Brady's shoulder and saw that he was messaging "Squad," so I asked if they were talking to a friend. Nope, the replied. Abby.

I'd completely forgotten that that's what they'd named their sibling chat group. And in the moment, I felt profoundly blessed.

Not all siblings get along well enough to even have a chat group, much less one they call "Squad." So for their growing and strengthening bond, I am so grateful.

April 10

Today was a travel day for Abby and me. We left the hotel on time, returned the rental car on time, got through Midway security in great time, and then went to the gate... where we sat for hours.

It was like Christmastime all over again, with a busy airport and our plane going nowhere. I sucked it up as best I could, got some Dunkin coffee and donuts, and pulled out some yarn as we waited out our first delay of the day. Eventually, we wound up being rebooked on a flight through Denver (instead of LAX, which was our original layover spot) and actually left Chicago. 

But then we wound up sitting around in Denver because our connector to Oakland was... delayed.

Frustrations aside, I think we tried to make the best of it. Abby read a book and I crocheted. We dined on McD's for late-lunch. I did feel the frustration arise again when we were literally among the last few people to board the plane in Denver and wound up sitting in middle seats in the back, but I popped in my earbuds, turned on some music, and prayed for a better attitude.

And thankfully, I got one. 

So for the gift of an improved perspective and for a safe trip back home, I am grateful.

April 9

Since the official college visit concluded yesterday and we don't fly back to Oakland until tomorrow, today was Explore The General Area Saturday.

We took a rec from the current student who sat with us during the welcome banquet and visited the My Half of the Sky coffee shop in downtown Wheaton for our morning fueling stop. Abby had a churro latte, while I opted for a toffee nut almond milk latte and a homemade cinnamon roll. The latter was so yummy that after I gave Abby a taste of mine, she headed off with (my) money in hand to buy her own. The shop itself was crawling with customers, but it was cute so definitely worth a visit.

From there we activated Google Maps and set off for Chicago to take a stroll around the Windy City. We encountered a few slowdowns, but it was a mostly uneventful trip (until we tried to figure out where to park. But even then, we wound up just a block or two from where I'd kinda sorta-wanted to land, so I'm thankful God for that not small miracle!). 

I aw'd over the two pairs of couples (freezing their cinnamon buns off while) taking wedding photos right there in the middle of the city, and then we headed over to the River Walk and strolled by the water for a while and admired the views. (And Abby scaled the succession of play structures.) Then we late-lunched it at Ed Debevic's, where our server was actually quite cute and polite (that's her posed with us in the amazing paper hats she plunked on our heads) but told us to make sure we told everyone she'd been mean and devastatingly witty. 

After that, we tried to remember where we'd parked the car and when we finally found it (phew!) we drove back to our hotel in the 'burbs where I fell asleep for 45 minutes. (City driving tires me out!) And then we capped off our day with a very short drive to a near by Giordano's for some deep dish pizza.

It's been a fun trip. Tiring for sure, but fun. And I'm so thankful for the one-on-one time with my favorite girl.

April 8

It was a busy day for sure. I left the hotel a wee bit later than I ought've so it began in frazzly fashion, but after a few wrong turns and an eventual stop at a Mother Ship, I made my way to campus and into the opening session, where I met up with Abby. By all indications, she was paired up with the absolute perfect overnight hosts for her (Marvel fan? Check. Pun-lover? Check. English majors? Check. Truly uncanny. And most definitely a God-thing.)

I could walk through the entire day like Abby just did for Adam over the phone from her spot on the next bed over, but I'll sum it up as best I can with as few words as possible: chapel was beautiful. The dining hall food was excellent. (Seriously, I could eat the squash for days and not get tired of it.) The people were kind and welcoming. It rained and snowed on and off all day long and it was (obviously) cold outside, but the people we encountered were so genuinely warm that they made the less-than-awesome weather seem (well, largely) unimportant.

After the program formally ended, we headed to downtown Wheaton for dinner at The Social Burger, which someone recommended to me earlier in the day, and it was terrific -- great burgers and delicious pretzel bites, too. And because we're us, we also went to Walmart and to the Mother Ship for some early evening refreshments of the caffeinated ilk. And now we're settled into our hotel room watching our second movie of the night.

I think it's been a very good day. Although she's still not totally sure where she'll go in the fall, I'm heartened by our experience here and feel confident that if she winds up here in the Chicago 'burbs, she'll be just fine. And for that not-small blessing, I am so grateful.

April 7

"It'll go by quickly," they told me all those years ago. "One day you'll turn around and she'll be an adult and off living out the plan for her life. But you'll still see her as a piggy-tailed two-year old with cookie dust on her lips and a look that says 'who, ME?' And you'll scratch your head and wonder where, exactly, those precious hours went. And you'll wonder how this nearly grown young woman could possibly be the same person as that little girl with the impish grin." 

I guess I believed them on some level; those forty and fifty-something women who looked at me with years of Experienced Mom wisdom behind their eyes. But I can't say that I really got it until now; not until this very moment, as I sit in a hotel room while Abby is in the next town over spending the night in a dorm. In a school that she may well attend for the next four years. In Illinois. It feels so. Far. Away. 

But then again, I went even further when I went away to college 26 years ago: Maryland-to-southern California far. I've never really thought about it until now, but I bet it was hard on my mom to see me fly away. But I'm glad she let me fly, since those miles that I've traveled guided by a hearty sprinkling of God's unending grace have made me who I am. They have, in a sense, brought me here, where I sit on a hotel bed in a Chicago suburb marveling over how on earth my girl is old enough to go to college in a few months.

So yes: we got up well before the rooster crowed this morning to fly to Chicago. Abby had her first White Castle sliders. (The verdict: "gross." Or something like that.) We checked in at Wheaton College and she received some swag; she's not totally sure she'll go there just yet, but it's probably in the lead as of now. We heard the gospel choir sing and I felt the Holy Spirit rise up in my chest. We took campus tours and attended a banquet, and then I drove back to the hotel in the rainy darkness while she went off to the dorm to meet her overnight host and play games. And here I sit reflecting on what was and what it and what may be. And it's overwhelming.

I think she could be very happy there but ultimately, it's her choice. And regardless of where she lands, I'll be proud of her for the amazing almost-adult she is. Because she is truly one of God's most beautiful creations, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for her.

April 6

I took this little trio of mine out for brunch at Black Bear late this morning. They indulged my desire for a nice photo with minimal finagling on my part, so here they are at 17, 13, and 11. All three on the cusp of new things: college for one, high school for another, middle school for the last. There's a great deal of change on our horizon.

Anyway, these are three of the very best people I know. They have their quirks and their shortcomings just like we all do, but all three of them are genuine, kind, caring human beings who make me love being a mom. 

Not perfect, but beloved. Just like we are to God: not perfect, but perfectly loved nonetheless. Pretty amazing, I think.

April 5

The smallest things can be so wonderful.

I was sitting in the Mother Ship this morning having my coffee when my friend Terry popped in on her way to work. She retrieved her tea from the counter and quickly realized she'd inadvertently ordered two slices of lemon loaf... so she gave me the extra one on her way out. Lemon cake is one of my favorites, so I happily accepted. 

It was a small thing for sure, but it got my day off to a sweet start. And for that, I am grateful.

April 4

It's Spring Break week for the kiddos so it was a blessedly quiet day: the boys played video games and catch and the bickering was mostly kept to a minimum, and the girl went to a friend's house. 

And it was an equally relaxed Monday for me. After a morning of Bible study and an afternoon of crocheting, I made my way up to the deck to watch the clouds roll in over the hills.

It's an amazing view and I'm thankful that it's ours; that I can run (or to be more accurate, huff and puff) up the steps and watch the perfect majesty that is the sun sinking into the horizon whenever I want (weather permitting, of course).

April 3

I do so love watching my little (big) number 7 play ball.

Today's game didn't end in the Rays' favor, but Isaac delivered another nice stand-up double and a minimal 9-man roster meant he and all of his teammates played defense every single inning in some seriously bright sunlight.

I'm proud of them for their effort. And I'm extra proud of my boy, whose first words when he approached us on the bleachers following the game were "can I play in a tournament next weekend? I really want to play in the tournament." 

At the end of the day, sure, it frustrates him to lose. But underneath it all, he just wants to play. 

April 2

It was a beautiful, beautiful Saturday. Brady didn't have any games, but Isaac and the Rays had a doubleheader at their home park (in Pleasant Hill. It's pretty amazing to be 13 and have your home field at a junior college, but the drive... yeah. But I digress) so Adam and I took him up the freeway this morning while Brady (whose allergies are in full-flare mode) and Abby kept the nest warm.

It was fun watching them on the diamond because save a few small goofs, the Rays were on-point: good hitting and good defense led to a sweep in their favor. In fact, I snapped this pic just moments before Isaac smacked a stand-up double to center. So yes, it was a great day of ball for our boys. And after a number of tough outings, it was a blessing to see them play well.

But beyond that, it was --like I already said-- absolutely beautiful: sunny skies (and I have the sunburn to prove it), temps in the 70s, and a light breeze. As I sat watching and chatting (and crocheting because duh), I was struck by how easy it can be to live with gratitude when things are good. And in conjunction with that thought, I was struck by the truth that I don't always express that gratitude to God. So as I sat there, I thanked God, and God rewarded me with increased joy in those moments. 

And for all of that --for the wins and the great play and the sportsmanship and the chit-chat and the lovely weather-- I am so grateful.

April 1

There were numerous lovely things about today. There were the pleasant hours spent chatting over coffee (and tea) at the Mother Ship with a new friend this morning. There were minutes spent in the car listening to the radio while basking in the sunshine and enjoying the almost-warm breeze that casually drifted through my open window.

And, of course, there were precious minutes with these guys, the biggest guy, and the girl. When I came downstairs this morning I found Brady like this in the kitchen: laptop open on the island, baseball bat against his shoulder, Pirates cap perched on his noggin. A few moments later, Isaac joined him with his prized collection of stuffed dogs. 

I love this snapshot of them not because it's posed or because they're offering up their best smiles, but because it's beautifully real. This is what my life often looks like during the non-Kodak moments. And for these non-picture perfect moments that show life as it is, I am grateful.