September 30

It was, for the most part, a quiet day; so much so that I didn't take my usual mental notes, which left me strapped for something to write.

But just now I looked over at the table next to me and saw this: my teeny container of Vaseline lip stuff.

Honestly, I adore it. It's a wonder product for me. Chapped lips? Fixed. Rawness from a runny nose? Fixed. And bonus points because this particular one smells like creme brulee.

It seems silly to say it because it's such a small thing, but I'm grateful for products like this that effectively address life's petty issues.

September 29

Sometimes I sit back and think, 'wow, the Lord has really brought me a long, long way.' (And then five minutes later I do something stupid that makes me realize I still have a long, long way to go, but that's another entry.)

Mary, our pastor, called me last week and left a voicemail asking if I'd be willing to talk about the Prayer Shawl Ministry during today's service. I literally groaned when I listened to the message because, well, I'm stubborn and I just didn't want to do it. But when she asked me about it again --and God bless her for her persistence-- after our Session meeting on Wednesday night, I reluctantly said okay. 

Fast forwarding to today, as I sat in the service this morning listening to her talk about Tabitha, I tried to work out what I'd say. With conflicting ideas battling for the mic in my mind, I silently prayed "Your words, not mine." And I left it at that.

When the time came, a sense of peace and calm fell over me. Given that Younger Me was terrified of public speaking, it's a rather remarkable thing that I was able to deliver a coherent message to the sea of eyes before me, but I guess I did. (And it didn't even phase me that my name was spelled wrong.) It was such a blessing to be able to share about such a wonderful ministry. So for that unexpected gift, I am grateful.

September 28

Since my allergies have flared of late, I spent most of today lying low to give my angry immune system a break. And I ate cookies.

These are (some of) the sweets treats I brought home from the party last night. Some are store-bought and some are homemade and some are fruity and some are chocolatly. And all are yummy.

So for the gift of friends who bake (and well, shop), I'm thankful, because cookies make this life a whole lot sweeter. (Pun very much intended.)

September 27

I look forward to Valerie's cookie party every year, and today was the big day.

With my eyes fixed on nailing the "Pancakes and Pajamas" theme, I donned a Hello Kitty onesie and headed out with my homemade peanut butter and chocolate cookies in-tin. The weather didn't exactly cooperate --it was nearly 100 degrees so I was plenty toasty in my cool temp apparel-- but I persevered through the heat and had a great time catching up with a handful of old friends (over Italian cuisine from Locanda Amalfi. Valerie's caterer got sick last-minute so there was a shift in the menu, but she handled it like a boss).

I only see some of these ladies at this particular get-together, so it's special to me and a must-attend event. And I'm so grateful to Valerie for all of the thought, work, and care she puts into making it happen every year. And I'm grateful for all of these wonderful women, and for how we can comfortably sit around and talk and laugh about anything and everything. Friends are a blessing.

September 26

The A's played (and won) their very last game ever at the Coliseum today. I wasn't on the ball (pun intended) enough to get tickets, but Isaac's friend Tyler was, and when Ty's sister bowed out of going at the last-minute, he asked my kiddo if he wanted to go along. So he did. Of course he did. (Mental health day, of course.)

I'm really glad he got to go. He's loved baseball ever since he found out what it was and he's loved the A's ever since he first saw them on TV. He's spent birthdays at the ballpark and has a poster of Khris Davis on his bedroom wall. 

And before Isaac was a fan, Adam and I were fans. Before kids and even before marriage, we spent many a Wednesday night in our $2 seats enjoying $1 hot dogs. We stood in line for Barry Zito and Tim Hudson bobbleheads and listened to the drummers in the outfield and chanted "Let's go Oakland" (and, one on particularly toasty summer afternoon, "Ice Cream Sand-wich") on repeat. We took in match-ups during the 20-game win streak of 2002 and mourned when Bill King passed away.

After the kids were born, they came with us, although the logistics of moving around with babies and toddlers meant our trips became less frequent. I can remember all four of them there; Abby, Logan, Isaac, and Brady. And those memories are dear to me, for obvious reasons. There was one especially epic team party for Brady and fireworks on the field (which led to our family being featured --if only briefly-- in footage used for a TV commercial). And there were family celebrations held in suites over the field. And photos taken. Oh, so many photos.

I'm bummed that the team is gone. I'm bummed that after our nest is empty, we won't be able to get season tickets and become Coliseum regulars. I think we'd both assumed that was an eventuality, given how much happy time we spent there during our younger years. But no, it's not to be. Still, I'm thankful that Isaac had the chance to go and enjoy the game today and say goodbye. I'm glad that he was able to get some dirt and a small fluff of grass from the field. And I'm grateful to have 24 years of memories from the Coliseum. 

September 25

There wasn't anything notable about today, really. In fact, I thought I'd hadn't taken any photos until I checked and remembered this:

It's Wednesday, so Brady and I spent our customary time at Starbucks. 

No, it wasn't notable or unusual per se, but it was definitely special because I'm always grateful for one on one time with my favorite people.

September 24

It's date night, and Adam and I went to one of our usual spots downtown for dinner. After we'd been seated, our usual server approached with a Diet Coke and a glass of prosecco, and with a smile, put them down in front of me because I always order the same thing. The gesture was a simple one, but it warmed me to my core.

Whether or not we acknowledge it, as humans, we long to be known and understood by others. We want our friends and families to know our preferences and fears and hopes and dreams, and we draw a measure of comfort and security from knowing that others value us enough to remember those details.

So for the simple but invaluable gift of a server knowing my preferred beverages on a random Tuesday night out, I am grateful.

September 23

I deliberately slept upright in a recliner in the family room overnight because I was congested, so I didn't feel particularly rested this morning. As I looked myself over in the bathroom mirror, I decided I wanted to skip Bible study in favor of coming home for a nap. 

But the choice didn't sit quite right with me, so I drew in a breath, and said --aloud-- "Holy Spirit, guide me." And I paused before amending the request with "and make me want to do what You want me to do."

And then suddenly --and I kid you not-- I felt a shift in my heart and knew that I should go to Bible study. And I didn't just know that I should go; I actually wanted to go. And all it took was that one simple, sincere request for guidance. And as if that wasn't enough, when I arrived (late, of course, because I'm perpetually late to Bible study) the ladies were talking about... the Holy Spirit. I was wowed.

I think that as Christians, we often don't realize the ever-present resource that we have in the Holy Spirit. The answers we get may not always be as obvious or immediate as the one I got this morning, but the availability of guidance and direction is always there. 

September 22

The pillowcase I had on my body pillow has seen better days, so I ordered a new one from Amazon a few days ago and it arrived lickety-split.

My allergies flared overnight and I woke up feeling less than awesome, but it was such a blessing to be able to lay my head on this soft, cool pillow when I went to take a nap this afternoon.

So tonight, I'm grateful for bamboo pillowcases and retailers that deliver them quickly.

September 21

There were quite a few things going on for members of our little fam today.

Adam took Brady to Ripon (read: out in the central valley) so he could guest play in a tournament. He pitched two totally boss innings (and we just won't think about the third one because the first two were just that bomb). Adam said he hadn't seen him pitch as well as he did in months. So that was pretty cool.

Meanwhile in a town just outside Chicago, Abby picked up her blue and orange poms, installed her giant hair bow, donned her uniform, and debuted as a Wheaton College cheerleader at the season's first home game. She's talked about cheering for years now and very nearly talked herself out of doing it, but she decided to be brave. And I am so proud of her for venturing so far outside of her comfort zone. She may well come out of the experience still knowing nothing about football, but I'm pretty sure she'll have made some new friends.

Finally, back on the home front, Isaac and I had a "Mom and Bup" day. He drove us to the Mother Ship, where we chilled for a while over coffee and water and an everything bagel with cream cheese (his) and an egg and pesto sandwich (mine). It was strange and wonderful sitting there with him in my usual spot, since Abby and Brady have both gone with me so many times but he hasn't. Then we went for a walk around the neighborhood and I listened as he wove a creative yarn about a chicken and a processing plant. (It's not as potentially gross as it sounds. It's actually quite clever, but he doesn't want me to share it so I won't.) Then we finished up by playing Mario Party. I rarely play actual video games (phone variants are a different story), but it was really fun. And we creamed our opponents, which made it satisfying, too. It was, all in all, so sweet to spend one on one time with him. He's such a great kid.

It was a busy day, but it was a day filled with varied blessings for all of us. So for all of those very good things, I'm thankful to God.

September 20

I went out for a walk this afternoon as Brady was leaving to play catch with his friend Jackson, so I strolled with him until the pal appeared and the two of them turned off the main road to head toward the park.

I stopped and watched them amble along the sidewalk together, and then when I was sure they weren't going to turn around and see me, I snapped a quick pic.

It seems like a small thing because it's commonplace for lots of people, but I love that he can easily walk to some of his friends' houses. Or to the park. It's a perk that I always wanted for my kids (since I didn't really have it when I was growing up), and I'm grateful that Brady is having the "neighbors as friends/friends as neighbors" experience.

September 19

The sky for the past few days has been quite lovely.

Lots of clouds in lots of different shapes and forms with diffuse sunlight.

One of the things I love about clouds is how they never seem to look the same from one day to the next. They're always changing and moving and forming and re-forming. And they create beautiful images overhead.

So for all of that unpredictable loveliness, I am grateful, because it makes this broken world feel more palatable.

September 18

Brady had practice this evening so dinner was a late one.

The mealtime conversation differed a bit from the norm, as Adam spent more time than usual talking about work (which quite honestly, was pretty amusing). 

After he'd finished his fries, Brady --enshrouded in a blanket he'd retrieved from the back of the couch-- disappeared and then reappeared with his Geometry textbook. Then with a burger in his right hand and a pencil in his left (which is weird since he's a righty) he started his homework. Every now and again he asked Isaac for help and big brother complied. 

It's always a blessing when they cooperate and assist one another, so I'm grateful that it worked that way tonight. And I'm also grateful for a nice, kickback kind of dinner with (most of) my people.

September 17

Adam is finally feeling better so we were able to enjoy our usual Tuesday dinner date tonight.

No one (well, no one I know, anyway) enjoys being sick. And COVID in particular can pack a pretty nasty punch (as we're all aware). So I'm grateful that although my hunny was down for the count for a little while, he's been able to kick it relatively quickly.

I am, in short, grateful for the gifts of (relative) youth and decent immune systems.

September 16

I made the lion's share of this blanket while we were at my grandma's house a number of years ago. It started off as a granny square and kept growing and growing (and growing).

I worked on it in the family room while Grandma and I watched TV, and I remember how every time she looked back at me to check my progress, she'd exclaim (in her grandma-way) some variation of "oh my word, how big is that going to be?" And then she'd slowly shake her head and laugh.

It's a sweet memory, and I'm grateful that I can enjoy both the memory and some warmth when I burrow under my blanket.

September 15

Brady was off boating with some friends  (livin' the high life, he is) so it was just Adam, Isaac, and I at home for most of the day. 

After he watched the 49ers play, tooled around on a video game, and then spent some time in his room, Isaac headed out back, set up the big blue nets, and hit some balls off the tee. (And yep, the tee is quite worn and has definitely seen better days!)

I was glad to see him out there. He loves baseball, so it was a blessing to be able to watch him engage in an activity that brings him a measure of contentment.

September 14

Brady had a pair of games in Sunnyvale late this afternoon. It's not exactly a short ride and there's lots of freeway involved, so I was surprised when Adam told Isaac he could drive if he wanted to. And I was more surprised when the 16-year old said sure. 

Adam rode shotgun while I slid into the second row with Brady for the trip. Although I had my eyes closed through most of the time on the freeway and may have grabbed (and squeezed) Brady's arm a few times, Isaac did just fine and we arrived right on time.

There are many things I appreciate about Isaac, and one of them is his willingness to calmly take on new experiences (like longer drives on the freeway). So tonight I'm grateful for our safe trip (and for the two good wins for TVBR that followed!).

September 13

I don't remember exactly what prompted it, but Brady did some funky dance moves after school today.

I missed the initial performance but got a quick snap of the encore.

I love his random spurts of goofiness. I was feeling a little low earlier, so the unexpected humor was a big blessing to me.

September 12

It's possible that I've shared the exact same observation I'm about to type at least once over the past several years, but that's okay. I'll share it again.

I was walking up and down my street this evening after dinner getting my steps in when I noticed just how many roses were in bloom. (In a nutshell: a lot.) Red ones, pink ones, magenta ones. And the white ones both in my neighbor's yard just down in the cul de sac and in front of our house. 

I don't like extended heat waves like we've had in recent history, but I do like roses. And roses love heat, so those 100-degree days make them extra happy. And extra fragrant. (Especially these white ones in my yard. They have such a perfect scent that I'm not even sure how to describe it.) They're a literally lovely reminder that beautiful things can arise from less than ideal circumstances.

September 11

Fortunately, this is not my COVID test.

Unfortunately, it is Adam's.

He's been feeling under the weather for the past few days and was extra-specially under the weather today with congestion and chills, so I gave him a test this evening. And bam, positive.

So why is it a good thing that he's feeling crummy? It's not, really, but it does have a strange side effect: he's very, very chatty. He's said more to me in the last two hours than he's said all week long. 

It's all random stuff, mostly about the movie we're watching ("Sweet Home Alabama," which we've seen before, but for whatever reason, he has many questions and comments tonight). But the light-hearted communication is a good thing given how stressed he's been with work of late. So I'm thankful for it (even though I'm not actually thankful for COVID).

September 10

I've been on a hat-making kick of late, but today, as I looked at my substantial collection of scrap yarn, I decided to make a twiddlemuff instead.

My prayer shawl ministry group makes these (in addition to hats and shawls and blankets, of course) for a local organization that supports seniors. They're "muffs" that feature different textures and objects (like buttons and charms) and are intended to --for lack of a better description-- keep idle or anxious hands busy.

And interestingly, nearly every time I ran out of a particular yarn, I was at the end of a row. I was using completely random odds and ends, so that sort of evenness felt strangely orchestrated. And it was by God, no doubt, since He is the one who brings order to chaos. So for the reminder of that truth, I am thankful.

September 9

The 49ers are playing their season opener this evening so it's starting to feel like Fall.

(I'll go ahead and ignore the pesky truth that it was 86 degrees out today and the other truth that it was over 100 more days than not last week because those facts are totally irrelevant to all of my warm, apple crispy autumnal imaginings.)

I do love Fall, even if California Fall is less colorful and less crisp and less sweater-y and less boot-y than Maryland Fall. It is, for some reason I haven't really isolated just yet, comforting to me.

So for more signs that the seasons are changing, I'm grateful.

September 8

Brady had a game in the South Bay this morning so he and Adam were gone before I got up. When I finally padded out into the kitchen, I found my coffee from the Mother Ship on the table. (Thanks, hunny!)

And when I picked it up to take a swig, I noticed this sweet little note on the lid. (Opposite the spout, of course, because Sharpie doesn't taste particularly good.)

It's a very small detail, but details matter. It's just a wish written on a cup, but you know something? When I read it, I did indeed make a conscious decision to look for the positive aspects of today. And I'm grateful that this simple message scrawled on my cup reminded me to do so.

September 7

This afternoon, we had the honor of attending Mary and Jin's wedding.

As strange as it sounds (even to me), it was the first wedding we'd ever attended at our own church. And it was a very, very good first one.

The homily was perfect, Mary looked gorgeous, and Jin's vows were amazingly beautiful. (Mary did a nice job too, but when a man makes attendees alternately laugh and cry as he pauses and cries his way through words he wrote... that's something extra special.) And then there were the moments with friends and the boba bar and the delicious tacos during the reception. (And the cake to the face, per the bottom right image.) Yes, it was a lovely day.

Marriage is not always easy. (I can say that, I think, since I'm 22 years-plus into my own.) But it's always good, and it's always a blessing. So for the privilege of bearing witness to the birth of a brand new marriage, I am grateful.

September 6

I texted Nikki a few weeks ago to see if she wanted to hang out, and we finally made it happen this morning when we met up downtown for pedicures.

I've taken to painting my own nails at home so I don't even remember the last time I actually went out and had them done, but it was a positive experience. (And my toesies are now sporting a glittery pink polish that I don't have in my personal stash, so that's a win.)

But the real blessing was the time with my longtime pal. I've said it before, but it continues to be true that Nikki is a wonderful friend. She gets me --warts and all-- and loves me anyway. And I am grateful for her continued presence in my life (even if we don't get together particularly often these days). 

September 5

As we all settled into the family room to watch the season's first NFL game this evening, Brady arranged himself on a vacant couch. 

Once he was fully settled and had pulled two of the wee stools that fit underneath the coffee table (think of a Trivial Pursuit game piece and that'll give a good visual), he grinned like a Cheshire Cat.

He's really stretched out this year, and although he was most definitely slouching, the use of the makeshift extended footrest made me chortle.

He's a clever one, this kiddo. And that smile that parts his lips now and then is a blessing.

September 4

I glanced out the dining room window this evening as I was leaving to take Brady to practice, and I saw this:

Isaac had lugged out the big blue net, set it up out by the pool, and was taking swings at a ball on a tee. The scene was a notable one because aside from playing catch with Brady (which is, in fairness, an athletic pursuit in and of itself because they fire rockets back and forth), I hadn't seen him do much in the way of baseball practice for some time.

I know how much he loves the game, so it was a sweet sight. Practice may not really make perfect, per se, but it certainly lends itself to better play.

September 3

I was driving Brady to school this morning and the song "Roses" was playing on the radio. As the car rolled to rest at a stop sign along the way, he looked up and exclaimed "hey, it's Rose Avenue. Isn't that weird?"

I considered his comment for a moment and then replied "no, not really. Maybe it's just God's way of telling us that we should spend more time reflecting on Jesus."

See, this particular song talks about the origin of roses, and suggests that maybe God made them to serve as something of a metaphor for Jesus's sacrifice: the thorns on the stem are reminiscent of the thorns He wore on his brow, while the petals are the beauty that still persists despite the presence of the thorns.

We don't generally think of sacrifices are beautiful things, but they really can be, can't they?

September 2

I got up quite late this morning (since it's Labor Day and all) and didn't do much at all.

In fact, I mostly puttered around, played phone games, crocheted, and watched a movie Adam decided to turn on this afternoon.

It was a low-key day, and I'm grateful for the (mostly) quiet time.

September 1

I took a stroll after church this morning. I hadn't planned on it, but in the moment, it seemed like a good move.

It was gorgeous outside: not too warm, bright sunshine, blue skies, and a gentle breeze. Nearly ideal walking weather for me, and a great opportunity to think and get some exercise.

So for those blessings, I am grateful.