March 31

These two geese were hanging out by the pickup line at Brady's school this afternoon. 

Initially, they were off to the side in the grass, pecking the ground for bugs. At one point they stopped said-pecking, strutted to the crosswalk, went halfway across, and then paused to peck at something else (I'm not sure what) by the speed bump.

I found it greatly amusing that they actually used the crosswalk, since there are more than a few kids and even parents who don't. (I won't go into what I think that means about humanity at-large, but, well, yeah.)

Anyway, the sight made me chuckle, and I am always grateful for lighthearted moments that make me laugh.

March 30

Isaac headed over to church this morning a bit early because he'd agreed to help with the kids' class.

When the service ended, I walked over to the classroom and peered inside the window. And this is what I saw. 

I watched him interact with a few of those precious  littles for a minute and then a moment later, the door opened and Laura --who was the teacher today-- popped her head outside to tell me how good he is with the children.

They love him, she gushed. They just love him.

And I smiled because I know it's true. Kids do love Isaac because he has a way with them that's just so natural and effortless and genuine.

There's a sweetness inherent in his ease with them that makes my heart melt, and I am grateful for that reality.

March 29

Brady had a very early game in the Central Valley this morning. I am not someone who relishes the idea of getting up at 6 AM so I opted to stay home, sleep in, and then attend my Prayer Shawl group meeting.

Isaac seemed bored when I got back to the house, and since he mentioned last week that he a) was short on spring/summer clothes and b) wanted to pick out his own, I suggested we go to Old Navy. And that's what we did. He tried on a plethora of potential duds and came away with a tidy little stack of useful pieces. 

When we rolled into the driveway afterward I snapped a quick pic, partly because I have comparatively few photos with him and partly because I wanted a memento of our shopping trip.

He's a good boy, and I'm grateful to have had some one on one time with him.

March 28

I was just walking through the house like usual this evening when I noticed the sun, enormous and quite red, hovering over the hills. So I bolted outside into the backyard and up the steps to the deck, and when I turned around to face the valley, this is what I saw.

So I guess the big ball of fire doesn't look super large here, but it was still impressive. 

It was chilly out --a far cry from the 80-something high temp of just a few days ago-- but I stood there until the sun completed its descent. 

It was a lovely, calming sight, and I am grateful that I had the chance to witness the show.

March 27

I felt a little bit moody today. Kind of blue, I guess you could say, for no particular reason.

So it was rather nice when, this afternoon while getting the neighbors' mail for them, I spied these vibrant flowers in their yard.

When it comes to the task of combatting the blues, there's nothing quite like a cheery shot of bright yellow.

So I am grateful for the sight.

March 26

Another lovely --but windy-- afternoon, another JV game for Isaac.

I don't have any big story to share today; I'm just grateful for the sunshine and for another chance to watch one of my kids do something they love. I'm very fortunate and even more thankful for all of the good gifts I enjoy -- including the gift of being able to be present for so much of my children's lives.

March 25

My allergy season has officially begun, so I was tired most of today. (My body gets tired of fighting itself.)

As a result, I did the requisite must-do activities and then spent some time working on my current project. It's grown quite a lot over the past few weeks, and I really like it so far.

So for the blessing of being able to take extra down time when I need it, I am thankful.

March 24

It was an absolutely lovely day, with high temps in the 70s, blue skies, and a light breeze that kept the air from feeling stuffy.

Since Isaac had a game this afternoon (which the Dons won 14-1 over American), I decided to get some steps in via a quick stroll around the neighborhood when I got home from the Mother Ship.

As I passed by my across-the-street neighbors' driveway, I stopped to look at this tiny bit of new growth on the branches of a heavily trimmed tree. It served as an important reminder: sometimes, when it seems like challenges and hard times hit over and over again with no relief, we feel like this well-pruned tree. But even well-pruned trees will show signs of life when the circumstances are right.

So if you're feeling overly pruned and challenged of late, take heart, because eventually --when the time is just so-- you'll be fully alive once again.

March 23

I know, another baseball post. But this one's a little bit different.

Isaac (who is the figure to the right of the tee in the photo) volunteered to help with today's Challenger game, and I asked if I could go along to watch. He said sure, so off we went.

The Little League Challenger division is for young people aged four and up who have physical and mental challenges. Students with Isaac's high school baseball program attend the games and act as buddies for the players.

Anyway, I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but it wound up being a really positive experience. I was surprised and heartened to see how many guys showed up to help out; there were so many volunteers, in fact, that Isaac took on a role as a catcher and bat boy instead of a buddy because there weren't enough players to go around. Every time a new player came up to bat, the cheers were plentiful; with each successful hit, that volume increased. In fact, the enthusiasm from both the players and the spectators was absolutely infectious and a celebratory feeling crackled in the air. It felt like the Holy Spirit was present -- really, truly, palpably present. And it was wonderful.

It was an unexpectedly uplifting experience, and I am thankful to have had it.

March 22

Another Saturday, another pair of games. Sort of.

Brady was supposed to be the starting pitcher in his afternoon game, but the other team was short players and the field they were supposed to use was occupied by a very long freshman game, so the "game" transformed into a "scrimmage." And his start became a couple innings of work.

Then this evening, he played in an actual game in Dublin with his juniors team. The clouds parted and the sun actually emerged for at least a little while, so that was pleasant, and I like this photo of Brady during his first at-bat so I'm using it.

I'm tired, but it's a blessing to be able to support my kiddos' interests in a practical way -- by being there.

March 21

I love a good baseball game, and we're definitely in the thick of the season that gives me opportunities to take in more than a few of them.

But honestly, although I do like the game-time action, watching the boys take care of the field following the final out is one of my favorite parts of the whole experience. (And that's Isaac there pouring water on the mound for Alex.) 

Maybe that's a little bit strange, but there's something wonderful about seeing a bunch of young people invest physical effort and energy into keeping their field in good shape. 

It's a blessing to watch them as they work toward becoming responsible adults.

March 20

I don't need reminders of Logan because I think of him multiple times each day. I wonder what he'd be like now at age 18. I wonder if he'd still be a dancer and if he'd look back fondly at his early childhood affinity for all things Mater and Lightning McQueen (or MaTEEN as he gleefully referred to him at age three). 

But I always appreciate those little nods, like when I left the grocery store this morning and found a bright red Corvette parked right next to my car. I saw it there, smiled, and whispered a quiet thank you to God for the sight.

It's a small thing for sure, but it meant a great deal to me.

March 19

It's a surreal experience to look over at your kid and realize "wow, he almost looks like an adult."

I had said-revelation this evening as I drove Isaac home following his game in Danville. As we turned down the street he parks on during the school day so he could retrieve the Explorer, I glanced over at him. He's not feeling 100% so he was sitting back against the headrest with his eyes closed. And suddenly, in that moment, with a few days' stubble on his jawline and the chain Abby gave him for Christmas around his neck, he looked so old; so distinctively not kid-like. (But of course his eyes snapped open and he gave me A Look before I could take a pic, so this is as close as I got.)

It was striking. But it was also a blessing to see him that way, as he was right in that moment because like many moms (I suspect, anyway), I still think of him as... younger. I miss the cute, chunky baby he was way back when, but I adore the young man he's becoming. 

March 18

Originally, the plan for tonight was for me to take Brady to his baseball game in San Ramon at 5, and then Adam would catch the latter part of the action after work (if he could get back in time). But despite sunny skies, recent rains rendered their assigned field unplayable, so the plan changed.

Instead of hitting the diamond, Brady went to Youth Group with Isaac. 

And Adam and I enjoyed our Tuesday night dinner date downtown. 

I don't usually like it much when plans change at the last minute, but this particular alteration was a blessing because we haven't had much one on one time of late. 

So for our yummy dinner and those precious minutes talking about work and kids and life in general, I am grateful.

March 17

I was feeling snackish after dinner and treadmill time so I did as I sometimes do and got myself a small bowl of cereal.

This time, the lucky cereal was Golden Grahams. There were a few others to choose from, but I felt like Golden Grahams.

And they definitely hit the spot. The combination of nostalgia --because I liked them when I was a kid, too!-- and in-the-moment hunger made them a good selection for me.

So today I'm grateful for tasty products that stand the test of time.

March 16

It was a mostly quiet Sunday. Abby headed back to Wheaton this morning, Isaac was worn out from Prom, and Brady was Brady'ing, so Adam and I had the chance to take a walk this afternoon.

It was a windy, overcast day, but it was still nice to get outside and get some exercise. As we returned to our street, we passed by our neighbors' flower garden, and I had to stop to take a photo. This particular neighbor always does a beautiful job with her flowers. They're always colorful and vibrant and they make the street seem happier, somehow.

So today I'm thankful that God created flowers, because they add pure loveliness to this oft not attractive world.

March 15

As nearly impossible as it is for me to fully believe, this afternoon Isaac got dressed up in the new suit and shoes Adam bought him a few weeks ago and headed off to Junior Prom at the Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill in Oakland with some of his friends. (And for clarification purposes, around here "Prom" is for Juniors while "Senior Ball" --which happens in May, shortly before graduation-- is for Seniors.)

As I type this at 11PM, he's already back home. I picked him up from the decidedly frightening and zoo-like high school parking lot a few minutes ago and he was, as he posited via text during the bus ride back, "definitely a lot bit sweaty." He was also hoarse from taking part in not one but four rounds of karaoke (what?!), and his belly was filled with "a lot" of steak and chicken but decidedly less water than the occasion warranted. 

All in all, it sounds like he had a great time.

Despite what he often says about himself, Isaac is a fabulous kid, and I'm so happy that he enjoyed the experience. I'm in denial that he (and Abby -- oh goodness) will graduate in just a year, so I'm trying to relish these rights-of-passage as they come.

So today I'm grateful that he wanted to attend Prom (because it was entirely his decision) and that he had friends to go with and that they were all willing to accommodate my desire for photos before they left. And, of course, that he had a good time and returned safely to the nest after. It's all a big blessing.

March 14

Abby heads back to Wheaton on Sunday morning and Prom is tomorrow for Isaac, so we had our dinner out this evening. Destination: Black Bear.

It was a good outing; the food was as yummy as always and the company was excellent. But it wasn't a perfect experience, per se, and sometimes when I go back and re-read what I've written I wonder if I'm sugar-coating too much. Because, after all, we carry the bits and pieces of our respective days with us and sometimes those bits and pieces clash. Being a Christian doesn't mean that everything is dandy all the time.

But as I sat there munching on my breakfast sandwich, I reflected on how blessed I am. No, life is not perfect. I sometimes butt heads with those who mean the most to me. But underneath the drama and the difficulties, being a Christian does remind me that life is still good, and these people are a big part of why that's the case.

March 13

So they're all on their phones here (placing their dinner orders with Adam), but these three seemed to have a good time hanging out this afternoon after the bros got home from school.

I steered clear of the action in order to give them time to bond, but I overheard plenty from another room. I heard them whooping and laughing as they played Mario Kart (and they so often do). I heard Brady introducing and then evaluating each sing that played on the living room speakers. And sometimes, I heard the sweet melody of them singing along with said-music.

It's a blessing to be able to watch their relationships with one another change and strengthen over time.

March 12

I love watching my kiddos interact. And since Abby is at school for most of the year these days, my opportunities to see her with the boys are significantly more limited than they used to be.

So I relished every moment of Abby and Brady's  morning  goofiness during today's pre-drop off pit stop at the Mother Ship. There were weird close-up photos stealthily snapped and whispered comments back and forth and surprisingly synched chair-dance moves to the sounds of disco music that played in the background. And, of course, a hand-heart.

I am grateful for the ways that they make me smile, and for how their friendship has grown over the years.

March 11

The kid there in the batter's box (Isaac, in case you can't tell) had such a great day.

First off, he found out that he did well on an APUSH test.

And then he played well in his game against Arroyo High in San Lorenzo, earning a walk and a triple (which was his first hit of the season, too). It was the first time I'd seen him triple in... well, I don't remember the last time. (Neither does he.) And his was the third consecutive triple by his team during an especially productive inning.

Even better, I could hear him chirping away in the dugout when he wasn't out in the field, at the plate or on base, encouraging his teammates and just having a good time being out there.

On the way home, after they'd secured the win, he sighed contentedly and said "I love playing baseball." It made my heart happy to see him feeling so content, and I am grateful for that blessing. 

March 10

My brief annual tenure as a Sugar Mama concluded today as Adam joined me at age 47.

He had to work since he's a grown up and all, but I think he had a nice day. His team sent him a silly Happy Birthday video starring Weird Al, and Abby and I brought him a truly enormous Dr Pepper (per his request -- he may never ask me for a really big soda ever again) and a cheesesteak for lunch.

Then this evening, we headed over to Cattlemen's for dinner, and after we finished our food, the servers handed him a cowboy hat (which he plunked down on his own head) and sang a rollicking happy birthday song. He then amused us by refusing to blow out his candle; he ate all around it until it finally fell into the small amount of ice cream that still remained in the bottom of the dish.

Back at home, he opened presents, and then we closed out the festivities with some yellow cake with lemon frosting baked by yours truly.

This guy right here is an exceptional man. I probably don't tell him that nearly as often as I should, but it's the truth. He's intelligent and kind and thoughtful, and he's a great father and husband, too. We all hit the jackpot with him, and I am so thankful to have him as my partner in this life. Happy birthday, hunny! I love you.

March 9

It was a restful Sunday. 

It wasn't initially supposed to be a restful day; the original plan was to go to church en masse, and then book it up to San Ramon so Brady could start a game on the bump for his TVBR team early this afternoon. But the other team wound up short on players so the game didn't happen.

And that meant we all just went home. And then, after a short time and some deliberation between the kiddos, hilarity ensued as they ventured out back to give the famed BearBear a much-needed bath in a bucket. 

Adam's parents dropped by after he'd been soaked and squeezed and left in the sun to dry, and after their visit I made my way to the bedroom, where I put a few more stitches in my recent project and promptly fell asleep. 

And then this evening after dinner, we went to Coldstone per Abby's request, where we enjoyed creative treats such as peanut butter cookie batter with gummy bears (Brady) and cotton candy with Reese's Pieces (Isaac). 

Questionable flavor combinations choices aside, it's good to be together, and I am grateful for the time.

March 8

Thus far this busy weekend, the boys have played and won three games: one for Isaac with the JV Dons yesterday, one for Brady with TVBR this afternoon, and another for Brady with his Little League Juniors team this evening in their season opener against Dublin.

But the best part of all is that the gang's back together for a week! We were all --including Abby, who flew back from Wheaton last night-- able to attend today's games. And it was a lovely blue sky day for baseball.

Having my chicks (or at least the chicks who can be) under my roof again is such a sweet blessing. It makes my mama's heart happy to see them together, so I am grateful for the time.

March 7

Today was the JV home opener, and Isaac batted fifth in the order and started in right field.

Although a freeze-frame replay captured by Adam confirmed that he was erroneously called out at first base to end his first at-bat, he had a good day on the diamond. He caught the first out of the game, walked once, and made solid contact twice (although no official hit just yet). And he stole a base and scored a run, too, on the way to a 5-1 Dons win over (ironically) Logan High. (And yeah, it's very weird to root against kids wearing jerseys emblazoned with just "Logan.")

It was so wonderful to see him out there in the field. I don't know for sure how long he's going to play, but I am grateful for every single chance I get to see him out there doing his thing.

March 6

I don't remember if I've mentioned it before, but I've recently started taking walks while I wait for Brady to get out of school.

And this is what the sky looked like while I made the rounds this afternoon. The culmination of bright blue and white and dark, dark grey gave it an almost chaotic feel. It was, in a word, overwhelming. And awe-inspiring.

But it was also, in its own unique way, kind of beautiful, especially in the areas where the light pierced the darkness. And I am always grateful for beauty, even the kinda sorta unconventional kind.

March 5

When I'm over in Dublin running errands (which most accurately translates to "going to Target and/or JoAnn"), I sometimes stop at Wendy's to get a soda. I always go inside and dispense my own drink because they have a Freestyle machine and I love, love, love Diet Orange Vanilla Coke (or its Zero equivalent). And the machine --which allows you to mix various types of soda with various extra flavors-- has historically been the only way to get it.

So imagine my surprise when I noticed this beauty in the soda fridge at Grocery Outlet this morning. I'm not sure if it's "new" like the label says or if it's just a limited edition product, but I was thrilled to see it. And of course I bought one and sipped at it on and off throughout the afternoon.

A small thing for sure, but an unexpected blessing for me.

March 4

A few years ago (actually it's probably been more than a few) I started scheduling the boys' annual check-ups for the same day. It's kind of weird since they're actually almost exactly two and a half years apart and I typically associate those appointments with birthdays, but it's convenient and it works.

Anyway, today was the day. The brositos were in their usual jovial shared mood in the car and as we settled into the exam room. We got through the appointments in decent time, had my questions addressed, received lollipops from a huge bucket (well, not me, but they did), and hit the road so they could catch the latter halves of their respective school days. And that was that.

It's funny how these experiences have changed over time for me. Back when they were younger, I made a point of noting their stats during their appointments, so I'll jot them down now just because I can --Isaac measured 6' .05", as he's been for a while now, and Brady was 5' 10" on the nose-- but I'll also admit that those numbers seem utterly huge to me (since I topped out at 5' 6.75"). It's strange to think that these two boys who started out so small --Isaac just under 8 pounds, Brady a little over 8, and both less than two feet tall-- are are big as they are now. In fact, standing between them in the elevator, looking at our likenesses on the mirror in front of us, I felt really, really small.

And I kind of liked it, because I'm grateful that they're growing. (And growing and growing.)

March 3

Another day, another amusing dinner at the kitchen table.

Brady had a practice that ran comparatively late into the evening so he joined the rest of us while we were partway through our meals. 

And then the usual entertainment began as these guys launched into their customary brotherly routine, which consists of sassy remarks and much (literal) poking.

I've said this many times, but it's a blessing that these two are good friends.

March 2

Adam and Isaac have watched several of the Fast and the Furious franchise films over the past month or so, and Adam decided that he wanted to continue the trend with a showing of Fast Five over dinner this evening.

I typically excuse myself from watching this type of movie with him because he likes to turn the volume way (way) up, but opted to stick around this go-round (as did Brady, who also has more sensitive hearing). And I'm glad I did, because it was fun to be just doing something together again.

So for the blessing of togetherness with (most of) my people, I am grateful.

March 1

Brady meandered into the kitchen this morning and asked if he could make pancakes. 

Since he'd previously proven himself a competent pancake maker, I said sure.

Then I stood by the counter watching as he mixed the dry ingredients (because we're talking about scratch-made cakes here), measured out the milk, and carefully cracked the egg. (He can still use a little practice with that last bit but eh, cracking eggs can be challenging.)

Then he poured the batter onto the griddle and we watched as the little done-ness indicating bubbles gradually appeared. And then he flipped each one over, plated them when they were done, and repeated the process several times.

By the time he was finished, he had a pretty massive stack to consume. And, to my surprise, he plowed through the entire plate, chit-chatting as he slathered butter on each piece and sent them down the hatch.

I love to watch him be competent. I guess that sounds a little weird, but I was spoon feeding him not all that long ago so the development is indeed notable --and perhaps a bit bittersweet-- to me. It continues to be a blessing to see him grow up.