March 7

After a few rain-related cancellations, Brady's Intermediates team finally played their first game this evening.

It was chilly outside and the game was a high-scoring affair so it went on (and, if you ask Abby, on and on). Although Brady's team wound up on the losing end, my muffin played well. He batted second and was plunked in the leg by the first pitch he saw. Then he doubled to left during his second at-bat, and dropped a looping single into right field his third time up. He never got to come around and score, but he did drive in a run on one of his hits. So yes, it was a good evening at the plate.

After the post-game meeting, I told the kiddos to get together because I wanted to take a sibling pic, so here it is. Although I will forever wish Logan could be in photos like this, I'm grateful for these three and for how much joy they bring to my life just by being themselves. And my prayer is that they will always know how precious they are to me and to God.

March 6

It was another pleasant kid-centric morning for this blessed mom.

After we dropped Isaac off at school, Abby, Brady, and I headed over to the Mother Ship, where we enjoyed a lively roundtable discussion with a handful of the usual suspects. (Actually, to be more accurate, the two of them sat side-by-side snickering to themselves as the older folks talked. And I so loved watching them --my kiddos, not the usual suspects-- connect and giggle.)

From there, Abby and I dropped Brady off at school and hightailed it over to Costco so I could have the new set of tires I ordered a few weeks ago installed on my car. We leisurely strolled around the warehouse as we waited, did some actual shopping, and checked out just as the tire center called to let me know they were finished with my newly re-shod ride. 

So yes, it was a lovely morning spent doing ordinary things with these amazing people. And I am thankful.

March 5

It was Date Night with a twist.

Because this time, Abby joined us for dinner while the boys were at Youth Group.

Aside from my weekly Starbucks dates with Brady, we actually have relatively little one-on-one time with any of the kiddos, so it was nice to enjoy a meal with just her, our oldest child and one and only girl. 

There were no groundbreaking discussions or exchanges, but it was a blessing to spend time together. And I am grateful for those minutes. (And for some really good Mexican food, too, because that's never a bad thing.)

March 4

Abby and I hung out after we took the brositos to school this morning.

And it was marvelous. We went to the Mother Ship of course. From there we hit Target, because she wanted to find some cute workout shorts. And then --much to her surprise-- I suggested the mall, so we headed over to Stoneridge, which was beautifully devoid of fellow shoppers.

We strolled along both stories, meandering in and out of various stores. Highlights included Miniso, where she hugged and partially bonded with a giant Pooh Bear, Bath and Body Works, where I found a deliciously-scented almost croissant Wallflower that I decided I needed to try out, and a bakery so Abby could actually taste an almond croissant. (She liked it, I think.)

All in all, it was a very fun morning with my girl. And I'm very thankful for those moments with her.

March 3

When we were all sitting side by side by side, shoulder to shoulder in church this morning, it occurred to me that I really wanted someone to take a photo of all of us. 

So after the service ended, we gathered in front of the hearth out in the family room and my friend Judy snapped the pic.

So here we are -- My family in its current state. Brady is closing in and I'm closer than ever to being the shortest of the bunch. Isaac passed Adam and is officially the tallest. Abby is the most meticulously dressed. And Logan isn't pictured, of course, but I can still "see" him there in each of us.

Yep, it's snapshot of us in the moment. And I am grateful for this moment and for all of the moments that have been and will be.

March 2

Since my girl is home and the rain canceled all baseball-related activity, she and I did a little window (and some actual) shopping today.

There were stops at Walmart and Target (because they're our usual faves) and the Dollar Tree for envelopes (so she can mail in her tax returns -- woohoo for adulthood!) and JoAnn for some yarn so we can explore making a specific summer top she saw and liked.

It was fun being out with her again. So today I'm grateful for breaks from school and for time with my amazing Abby.

March 1

I waited all day for Abby to get home for Spring Break and then just a very little while ago, very close to midnight, she finally walked through the door.

I'm so glad to have my one and only girl home for the next week. The boys have school (and baseball) of course so we're not going anywhere and we don't have any grand plans, but having her here is like having the band back together. (Or as together as our band ever can be.)

So for that, I am thankful.