October 7

Isaac was skipped into Algebra 1 a month or so ago based on some test scores. It was very exciting for him because he loves math, but it's definitely proven to be a challenge.

I'd asked Abby if she'd be willing to help him out, so I was gratified when said-big sister took a pen and a sheet of paper and tried to explain a concept to him as dinner was coming to an end tonight.

I'm still not entirely sure that he gets it, but I love seeing my kids help each other out when they can. We were made to need one another, after all, and the world just plain turns better when support is there when it's needed.

October 6

The sky this morning was beautiful.

I like a good sunset, of course, but there's something enchanting about this kind of morning light (even to an avowed non-morning person like me). It's so bright and crisp and pure that I can actually feel my shoulders releasing tension when I see it. It's like God is saying "hey there, welcome to a new day. It's going to be good."

So for this loveliness, I am thankful.

October 5

Some days, I just need something that makes me laugh, so forgive the relative crassness of what's to come.

During the ride home today, Isaac asked me about his ancestry. I shared that as far as I know, he's mostly European with a small smattering of Mexican mixed in.

After digesting that news for a few moments, he mused "I didn't know I was European", which prompted Brady to laugh maniacally as he repeated "EUROPEAN!"

This exchange went on for some time. It was still going on as I pulled into the garage and they got out. It was, in fact, still going on as I sat in my car and took this image.

The teenage boy joy of it all was utterly eye-rolling, but I admit that it made me chuckle a little (to myself). Silliness can certainly be a blessing.

October 4

I've felt rather run-down lately, both physically and mentally. And, honestly, spiritually. That too.

So I paid extra attention when this song by Cece Winans played on the radio as I was driving to pick up Brady this afternoon.

God is the God of the universe and can do immeasurably more than I could ever imagine. I just need to remember that, and believe that it's true.

October 3

Brady tends to get bored when Isaac isn't home. 

Isaac went to an all-day birthday part at Six Flags today, so said effect was definitely in play.

He wandered around wondering what he should do (aloud) and then eventually went upstairs and came back down with his giant brown bear. They sat down together on the couch (along with BearBear, Chub, and the rest of the usual gang) and settled in to watch some of the 49ers game.

I just thought the sight of him with his enormous bear was cute, so I'm sharing it. Cuteness is a blessing.

October 2

I puttered around this morning doing the usual Saturday Things until it occurred to me that I hadn't seen Kristine in several months, which is silly since she lives right here in town. So I shot her a text asking if she wanted to coffee, and fortunately for me, she was available.

So we met up at the Mother Ship a little later, got our liquid fuel, and went for a walk around Shadow Cliffs (which, for the record, is a local park).

It was a lovely morning, the conversation was good, and the company great, so I head to bed tonight feeling thankful for her and for our continued friendship.

October 1

Isaac and Brady were feeling goofy after dinner.

At some point while Abby told Adam and I about her day as we sat at the kitchen table, they ventured into the family room and Isaac hoisted Brady onto his shoulders.

Initially they just took a few turns around the first floor, but a few moments later, they stopped, and Isaac began doing squats.

It was utterly ridiculous, but it made me laugh. So for those moments of levity (and for the amusing look on Isaac's face as he squatted), I am grateful.