March 14

This may not be a great photo, but it's an honest one.

For one reason or another, all of us (save maybe Adam; I'm not totally sure about him) were a bit cranky today. Out of sorts. Moody. So this image featuring a trio of truthful expressions seemed apropos.

But the good news is that tomorrow is another day. And that grace is a thing. And that we're all forgiven for what we may say or do when we're having not-great days. So for all of that, I'm thankful.

March 13

Both Isaac and Brady had practice today. When both were finally home, they headed outside. When I looked out the window a few minutes ago, I discovered Isaac pitching to Brady, who had donned his catcher's gear. This image is what I'd call a goofy outtake as they picked up stray balls.

I love to see them playing together, but beyond that, I love that they're both challenging themselves. Brady hasn't played catcher in a few years, but when his coach asked him if he wanted to (ostensibly since Brady owns the gear and there's a no sharing rule this season), he said sure. And Isaac has never really been a pitcher, but apparently his coach asked him if he'd be willing to try this morning and he too rose to the occasion.

So today, I'm thankful to see my boys both enjoying time together and challenging themselves a bit, since I think it's primarily through challenges that we grow.

March 12

The kiddos didn't have school today so the Brositos spent much time playing video games until Brady and I had to leave for his baseball practice at 4.

I looked back at him while we were stopped at a red light and was struck by this truth: this is what youth sports here looks like for now. Along with the usual sunglasses (for sunny days, of course) and hats, there are masks. 

It's not ideal, of course, but I'm just grateful that they're at long last allowed to play. 

March 11

Today was probably the busiest day I've had in about a year. Almost exactly a year, in fact.

Abby and Isaac made their triumphant returns to high and middle school (and seemed to have good (half) days to boot), so I dropped Abby at Amador at 8:10, drove by the Mother Ship for some caffeine, went home, dropped Isaac off at Harvest Park at 9:20, went to Walmart, went home, FaceTimed with Kristine for about 90 minutes, dropped Brady at school at 12, parked near the middle school at 12:15 and crocheted while I waited for Abby (who got out at 12:20) to walk over and for Isaac to get out at 12:45, went home, picked up Brady at 3, went home, left for his first baseball practice of the season (go AAA A's!) at 3:30, walked partway around the Sports Park and then watched the last hour of his practice from the bleachers while crocheting a new project and chit chatting with parents I hadn't met, went home at 6, had dinner. And now I'm in the family room watching Bobby Flay engage in a televised culinary battle while Abby makes homemade hash browns in the kitchen behind me and Brady cuddles under a blanket in the next seat over. (Isaac is at baseball evals with Adam; they headed out just as Brady and I got home. Tag team action.)

Yep, it was a long day. But it was also a great day, and after a very long year of doing very little, I'm thankful for the hearty dose of busy-ness.

March 10

Adam celebrated his 43rd birthday today, which ended my roughly two-month tenure as The Older Lady. 

He's been particularly busy with work of late, but he did choose Baja Fresh for dinner, opened presents, and noshed on his choice of cake: lemon with homemade raspberry frosting. (He plucked the recipe from the Martha Stewart website and, after I procured the berries, Abby prepared the goods in fine fashion.)

I think he had a good day, all in all. At least, I hope he did because he deserves good days. He's always been a hard worker and a dedicated husband and father who would do anything for his family.

Happy 43rd, hunny! I love you.

March 9

We've decided that it's high time that Abby start looking at colleges, so we very recently began watching campus tours after dinner. 

Said high school junior (who doesn't care much for thinking about the future) isn't exactly thrilled with the new practice, so tonight it was Brady to the rescue: he leapt up from the couch, sprinted to the TV, and held BearBear up to capture her attention.

It's strange to think about "Abby" and "college" in the same sentence (for SO MANY different reasons, namely "didn't we just graduate from college ourselves?!"), but I know it's coming. So today, I'm thankful for the moment of spontaneous amusement that Brady provided to lighten the mood.

March 8

Abby attended kindergarten through fifth grade at the same elementary school. Isaac did the same at the same school. But thanks to our move Brady will not, and today marked his first in-person day at a school other than Mohr.

Although he didn't share his apprehension overtly, I had clues that he was a bit nervous about being on his new campus for the very first time. ("It's fine, even though I don't have any friends" and "I don't know where I need to go when I have to use the bathroom" were tip-offs.) Then on the drive over to the school early this afternoon, I overheard him taking the occasional deep breath behind his mask as he tried to pump himself up with a succession of quiet "okay, here we go"s.

I parked, walked him over to the gate, snapped this quick pic, and then he was off for his first in-person day of fourth grade. (In March. Yeah.) He didn't even glance back as I watched him greet his teacher and disappear into his classroom. 

I'm proud of him for being brave and I'm thankful for the feeling of normalcy that in-person school provides.