March 24

Adam and I met for dinner tonight at Strizzi's downtown.

It was a good time overall: the restaurant was mostly empty, and it was a blessing to have some time to just sit together, eat, and catch up on the week's activities to date. So I'm thankful for the time, but I'm also thankful for something else in particular.

When I originally started this post, I wrote "my hunny bunch" instead of Adam. It's an affectionate nickname I use for him now and then. But I only just realized where I probably got it: I can remember my grandpa referring to my grandma as honey bunch sometimes, too. 

My grandparents were important people in my life when I was growing up, and I'm thankful for their involvement and influence in shaping who I am now. And I'm grateful that although they've both moved on to Heaven, bits and pieces of their influence continue to linger (and make me smile).

March 23

As Bible Study drew to a close this morning, we took turns praying aloud as we often do, but this time, the goal was to glorify God before sharing our petitions.

Rather than relying on my own thoughts, I immediately pulled out my phone and Googled "adoration psalms." And the first one that popped up was Psalm 145, so when it was my turn to speak, I read it.

The Psalms as a whole are some of the most beautiful poems I've ever read. The words cover the entire spectrum of human emotion, so there's one that can be applied to just about every experience we might have on this earth. From the greatest joys to the worst pain, the Psalms have us literally covered in prayer.

So for that gift, I am grateful.

March 22

Since we now have the hydroponic garden, I wasn't particularly prompt about planting seeds this year.

In fact, this one lonely spinach seedling is the only one I have thus far. I started it a few weeks ago as a test to see if it would fit in one of the slots on the hydroponic unit. (I think it does, though I haven't tried yet.)

My slacking aside, I still adore watching plants sprout. It amazes me to know that something as tiny and inconsequential-looking as a seed contains the building blocks necessary to grow into a full-sized, food-producing plant.

It's a gift to watch God's creation in action.

March 21

It's Saturday so naturally there was a game today. It was a warm, bright afternoon and I somehow missed a spot with the sunscreen so I'm currently nursing a big red blotch around one of my knees. The joys of spectatorhood!

Anyway, Brady got some (rather unexpected, based on what the coach had told him earlier in the week) quality time at first base. (That's him right there with his glove extended.) He's been struggling a bit at the plate -- today he went 0 for 2 with a walk -- but played solid defense as he usually does, including a Web Gem of a grab that snuffed out a rally by the other team. It was the kind of play that had parents from the other side calling out "great play, first base!" (Although he claims it wasn't that good of a play and he didn't hear anyone applauding the effort. Me? It happened so fast that I had no idea he'd actually caught the ball. Adam said it was entirely instinct.) Just as I started to lament that neither Adam nor I had been recording, one of the other dads approached us and said he had it on video and would we like him to text it to us? So that was an unexpected blessing.

Anyway, sunburn (and allergies) aside, it was fun to be out there watching Brady play. The days of high school sports are few and pass by at a feverish pace, so it's a blessing to be able to cheer for our favorite kids while we can.

March 20

Ah, sweet Friday. I started mine off with coffee (as usual) and then headed downtown to meet Nikki for pedicures.

We both opted for Easter egg-y shades: her a lightly sparkly blue (that I totally would've picked if I'd seen it first) and me, a pale lavender. So now my toes feel prettified for Spring.

But even better, I had some good time with my favorite girl who is not my daughter. As I've written multiple times in the past, I'm so grateful for the friendship Nikki and I have shared since our boys were very young. I know I can count on her no matter what, and am grateful for God for her presence in my life.

March 19

When I got home after picking up Brady (and Jacob) from practice, I found Isaac in the kitchen whipping up a pre-dinner snack. (Which was sort of amusing, given that it was after 6 PM.)

In the pan were scrambled eggs. Off to the side were fresh parsley leaves from the hydroponic garden. In the rice maker? Rice. (Duh.) He plated it up and honestly, it looked pretty good!

I love watching his kid grow. I love watching him become increasingly independent (although it simultaneously breaks my mama-heart just a wee bit to be in "watch" mode and not "help and manage" mode). 

And I know God has great plans for him. And for all of that, I am grateful.

March 18

The pool heater isn't on yet, but the temp climbed into the mid-80s this afternoon and Brady decided he was feeling brave (and perhaps a bit bored) after he got home from school. So into the water he went. 

He acknowledged that it was indeed cold, but that didn't stop him from getting in and out several times:  he alternately cannon-balled into the deep end and took slow, deliberate steps into the shallow end.

After some time had passed, Isaac came outside to join us. (I was watching and chatting with Brady from my perch on the deck.) Brady had plucked a waterlogged pinecone from the pool, and they spent the next 30 minutes throwing it back and forth. (I know it was half an hour because they were tossing it when I left to pick up our Mickey D's and still tossing it when I returned 20 minutes later.)

Although I'm not sure about their choice of "ball" (since there was a literal baseball within reach), I was happy to see them shooting the proverbial breeze and playing catch. I don't know if they realize it yet, but their relationship is a gift from God. And I love watching them be goofy teenage boys together.

March 17

For many reasons that I can't possibly cover in a meaningful way right now (because there are myriad and I'm in the beginning stages of an allergy-eye induced double-dose of Benadryl), I've always been bothered by situations that seem unfair. I might even say overly bothered. And I'm especially bugged when they involve my friends or my kiddos.

I was talking about and reflecting on those feelings with Adam over dinner this evening. I said a lot of things I probably shouldn't have said (because honestly, I'm kind of mean when I'm mad), but in a nutshell, here's my conclusion: If anything is going to make me lose sight of Jesus and start to sink into the water like Peter (Matthew 14), it's going to be the notion that a circumstance is unfair.

As I sat there lost in my frustrations, a thought came to me. And then after a few seconds, probably because it didn't really register the first time, I heard it again, this time a bit louder. 

"What is meant for you will be yours."

I remember telling Abby a version of that truth during one of her finals weeks in high school. She was particularly stressed that she'd fail an exam and then not get into college. And I told her that she wouldn't fail to get into the school God had planned for her to attend. (She seemed to calm down after that but I don't know if it was my revelation or something else that eased her fears.)

And that truth still applies to today's situations. If God wants something for you, you will desire it. And He will clear your path (or help you to overcome obstacles that try to impede your progress). I forget that blessing far too often. So today, I'm grateful that He reminded me that He has our paths laid out for us, and to not worry over what we cannot control.

March 16

It was a quiet day. The boys didn't have school and were still tucked away in their rooms behind closed doors when I headed out for coffee and Terry-time.

When I got back home I spent some time cleaning and organizing and then crocheted until it was time to take Brady to practice.

As I dropped him (and Jackson, who we picked up along the way) off at the gate, I watched them as they walked out of sight and reflected on how crazy it is that my baby is in the middle of his first season of high school baseball. High school! 

I don't know where the time went. But I'm grateful for the moments that have passed and the ones that are still to come. Because shepherding children to adulthood is a great blessing.

March 15

A flight cancellation meant that we had an extra day with our favorite girl.

We started our 12 bonus hours (as I'm calling them) off right with church, and then headed back home for some good chill time. BearBear and Chub both made appearances, and Abby even crafted a special hat for the former, which he proudly wore while proclaiming that he was a chicken nugget.

Then we enjoyed an early dinner at Mexico Lindo, since it was on her list of places she didn't get to go this past week. (And it was early because Isaac had to work.) 

Then we finished off our bonus hours by piling into the Explorer to shuttle her to the airport. Southw(or)t rebooked her on a redeye that leaves a little before midnight and arrived just before 6 AM. She is not thrilled with the arrangement, but handled the frustration like the champion she is. 

It was a good day all around. And I am grateful for the unexpected blessing of extra time with my girl. (And now that her final college spring break is over, it feels like the countdown is officially on: less than two months til graduation. Check in with me. I may lose a marble or two between now and then.)

March 14

It was a long but good day for the residents of the Wight house.

Isaac had a bunch of guys sleep over last night so although most of them were up and out before I woke up, I still tiptoed around the one remaining guest --who lay snoozing in a sleeping bag by the fireplace in the living room-- until Abby and I headed out at 10 for Brady's game at Monte Vista High School. 

It was a beautiful day for baseball, and it was a beautiful day for the Dons, who cranked out 16 runs en route to a 16-4 win. The game ended after only five innings; no one on our side was entirely sure why since we usually go seven, but the sun made it almost uncomfortably warm so the early departure wasn't a terrible outcome. For his part, Brady came in to pinch hit to lead off the fifth inning and smacked a beautiful double to left field. (It's always cool when the other team's outfielder looks up and immediately starts running backward.) He came around to score shortly thereafter and the pure giddiness I could see on his face and in his frenetic motions in the dugout made me smile. 

The fifth went on to be a productive inning for the team, so he came up to bat for a second time and singled to right. Notching two hits in the same inning is something of a rarity so it was cool to see. Then, with the game well in hand, he pitched the bottom of the frame. He gave up one run and wasn't as sharp as I've seen him in the past, but he got the job done. And that's what matters.

Following a few hours at home, we (except Isaac, who had work and drove up later) headed to Adam's parents' house for a January-February-March birthday celebration. (Between our family and Eric's, there are several of us who meet the criteria.) We had a great dinner and a good time chit-chatting. And the cousins had the chance to get together, which they always enjoy. Isaac drove me back home afterward, and I had the chance to listen to his Young Life worship music playlist. I love how he loves to talk about God and share the Gospel. He truly has a gift.

And now, well, now I'm tired. Abby's return flight to Chicago was canceled so her departure time is now late tomorrow night instead of early tomorrow morning, so we'll have one more unexpected day with our favorite girl. And now, I will head off to dreamland feeling thankful to God for every blessing that today delivered. Because there were many.

March 13

The boys didn't have school today (though I have no idea why) so it was a mostly quiet Friday at the Wight house. 

Abby and I went to Starbucks (where she got to sample the new frog cake pop) and Target (just because). And then we went home and mostly went about our own activities for the rest of the day.

This evening as I passed by the front window, I noticed the remnants of the sunset. I always find the swirly clouds and the colors soothing and they always remind me of the greatness of God --because who else could create such amazing, ever-changing works of art?-- so for the sight, I am grateful.

March 12

Abby heads back to Wheaton for her last two months of college on Sunday (which is completely insane to me but that's an aside). Isaac had plans volunteering with Young Life for the evening, but the rest of us went to dinner at Black Bear per her request.

It was, as far as dinners with the fam go, a good one. I think we all enjoyed our meal picks (even if I did go a bit in the calorically extravagant direction with chocolate chip pancakes). And we definitely had some amusing interactions that made me laugh out loud, including Abby's incredulous observation that Isaac is "six feet tall, blonde, and tan" when faced with the reality that he's scared to talk to girls.

It was a good time, and I am --as always--grateful to God for them and for the time spent with them.

March 11

I had another nice day with this girl of mine.

We went to Starbucks and Target this morning, and then headed over to Costco around lunchtime for some pizza. (Since I knew she wanted a slice before she heads back to school this weekend.) Oh, and bananas. The employee at the door looked at me like I was nuts when I noted that all I had to carry out was a bunch of bananas.

Then this afternoon, we took Brady to his game in Castro Valley and sat together in the (very tiny and rickety) stands in our purple Amador garb. She cracked me up with her random cheers (Amadorable, anyone?) and concerns that the softball players across the way who incorrectly interpreted her squinting in their direction might beat her up.

It's good to spend time with her, and I am grateful for the minutes we've shared so far this week.

March 10

My two month stint as Adam's sugar mama came to a close today as he too celebrated his 48th birthday.

He was at work for much of the day --where he was celebrated quite nicely, based on the photos he shared that featured signs and a graphic and an array of Crumbl cookies-- so our family celebration had to wait until the evening. We all convened at Cattlemen's for dinner, and then returned home for presents and spice cake (and the beautiful set-up that Abby put out for him this morning, which included notes and a banner and balloons and a scratch-made coffee cake).

I think he had a good day. And beyond that, I hope that he felt the depth of our appreciation and love for him. He's an amazing provider and caretaker and he deserves to be spoiled. He is a gift to his family and we couldn't have been blessed with a better husband and father. 

Happy birthday, hunny! I love you!

March 9

I had a nice, vintage-style morning with Abby.

We started with a trip to the Mother Ship (because well, yeah), where I had my coffee and our pal Neil from New Zealand showed Abby photos of his stepson's single friends. (Although Neil pushed hard for the two extroverted party-guys, Abby selected the quiet one who makes sure the dishes are done.)

Then we headed over to Target and Walmart before finishing with lunch at the Cheesesteak Shop (which admittedly felt a bit Black Friday for March, but cheesesteak is always a good idea so I went with it when she floated the idea).

Anyway, it was a blessing to be able to spend time with my girl, doing things that have so often been part of our usual routine over the years. So for that time, I am grateful.

March 8

It is so wonderful to have all three of these young people under our roof for a little while.

They sat around the table trading verbal witticisms while eating lunch after church. And then when they were finished, they gathered in the living room to engage in one of their Classically Them activities: a few rounds of Mario Kart on the Switch. 

I adore them and I adore listening to them --and being near them-- as they enjoy one another's company. They're all growing up, and hopefully --prayerfully-- they'll keep growing up together.

March 7

After quite the travel saga (thanks Southwest Airlines!), Abby finally got home for Spring at about 3 this morning. 

And following some probably too-small amount of sleep, she got up, got dressed, and came with Isaac to Brady's intersquad scrimmage.

I'm sure she was still tired, but she wanted to be there to hang out with us and to support her littlest bro on the diamond. She's a good big sister like that.

And she's also a great daughter. Although it took a lot of patience to navigate the disaster that was her travel experience, she didn't lose her composure and got home unscathed. I'm proud of her for that because honestly, I'd have probably given some attitude to someone along the way if it'd been me. I'm thankful that God included patience in her blueprints.

And I'm grateful that she's home and hopeful that we have a good week ahead of us!

March 6

Abby comes home for Spring Break today. (Well, she was supposed to get home today. But four hours of flight delays unexpectedly came into play, so she'll actually be back early tomorrow morning. But I digress.)

The boys usually go upstairs to indulge in their own activities like listening to music or playing games by 8:30 or 9, but not tonight. Tonight they stuck around in the family room much longer. Only when I mused aloud that Abby's flight wouldn't even get to Oakland until 3 AM (have I mentioned that I'm annoyed?) did they go to their rooms for the evening. And I think that's because they were waiting to see her.

They don't always get along, but I know they love their big sister. And it made me smile to realize that they were waiting up to welcome her home. 

March 5

Isaac and Brady had their annual check-ups with the doctor this morning.

With the exception of a very low preliminary blood pressure reading for Isaac (which fortunately returned to normal by the time we left), the experience was uneventful for both boys. Both were given clean bills of health and neither was due for any shots.

And both were in their usual jovial moods both inside and outside of the exam room. They joked with (and about) each other and had the most fun I've ever seen kids have in a doctor's office.

And they were still in good spirits when I dropped them back off at school afterward. So for the good moods and the good reports, I am grateful, because I know that neither of those outcomes are guaranteed.

March 4

I came home from Costco early this afternoon and saw this beauty splayed across the kitchen floor.

I guess there was a glass container placed just-so on the counter that filtered the sunlight to create this bit of transient art.

I do love rainbows. They're promises from God, and I am grateful for the reminder that regardless of our immediate circumstances or difficulties, He is always faithful.

March 3

 I love bright, bold color; the kind that's so saturated that it makes my eyes go boing! Know what I mean?

I hoped for some of that super intense color from the Dianthus seedling I added to my hydroponic garden. Well, it bloomed yesterday, and I wasn't disappointed, because the petals are currently a gorgeous, vibrant shade of red. 

Life can so often feel gray and drab --especially of late-- so it's a blessing to me to be able to look across the family room and see such a lovely bit of God's creation flourishing in its space.

March 2

I very much appreciate the man Isaac is becoming. (And I really do mean "man", because he'll be 18 in just three and a half months.)

His phone spontaneously stopped working yesterday morning. Adam ordered him a replacement but it won't be here until later this week, so he's without one for a few days.

He's generally fine with that reality, but when he got home this afternoon, I'd already left for Brady's game and he realized that he had no way to get inside the house (since his entry is tied to an app). Which meant that he had no way to get to the food in the house, which he wanted to eat. And he also couldn't go to the gym since his QR code is stored in his phone. 

I felt badly for not remembering to give him a key, but he was very forgiving about the whole thing: instead of getting mad, he swung by McDonalds and then headed over to the school to join us in the stands. 

I'm thankful that he's continuing to grow into an adult who's capable of pivoting when situations change, or when things don't go as planned. Writing as someone who's never been particularly good at the art of the pivot, I'm grateful for the blessing that is Isaac's easygoing nature.

March 1

How are we already to March? If I were still a writer of checks, I'm sure I'd still using the wrong year. Ha!

Anyway, today was a quiet one. We went to church and came home this morning, and then I took a nap, worked on a project, and went on a short post-dinner walk with Adam.

Although I'd prefer it if my mind were a little calmer, days of rest are a blessing, so I'm grateful for this one and for all of the quiet moments sprinkled throughout its hours.