May 7

I'm in the throes of a seasonal allergy attack so I'll keep this brief.

Brady had a game tonight (which was the source of said allergy attack -- it was windy and I'm sure the pollen was swirling around like little dervishes). It was, all in all, a not-awesome outing for him; he got a hit, but he also struck out and struggled on the mound for the first time in a long, long while.

But I'm okay with all of that. And I know he will be, too -- eventually. I'm grateful for the tougher games because they make the good ones feel even better. And because they push us to do better and try harder next time.

May 6

I had the joy of spending time with two of my favorite women today:

I had coffee with Abby at the Mother Ship this morning, followed by jaunts through Walmart and Target. (And Dick's, but she's not really into sporting goods so it doesn't count.)

And then this evening, I had my slightly delayed birthday dinner with Nikki at Locanta Amalfi downtown. The limoncello spritzer was veeery strong, but the gnocchi was good and the company better, so it was a good time all in all.

Good friends (and good daughter) are hard to find, so I am grateful for these two lovelies.

May 5

It took a few days, but we finally had our "yay, you're back in California" slash "congrats on finishing the school year" dinner for Abby at CPK this evening.

The prevailing mood was a positive one and there was plenty of banter as we waited for and then consumed our meals.

As I lingered over my wild mushroom pizza and watched the kiddos interact, I realized how at ease they are with one another and how happy they are when they're together. 

There are snippy exchanges at times, of course, and I fully expect them, but all in all, they love one another. And for that, I am so grateful. 

May 4

It was supposed to be another baseball-rich Saturday for us, but a (very odd) early May storm washed out all of the games on the schedule. So instead, we hung around the house and chilled.

Some of us watched the Greta Gerwig version of "Little Women" during the early afternoon hours. Some of us played video games. Some of us went into our room and fell asleep while watching true crime. (Me. That last one would be me.)

After dinner, we all sat around the kitchen table where Isaac taught us a new card game. 

And, of course, there was sibling bonding time, as suggested by the photo. It's such a blessing to have them (and their animal pals) under our roof once again. More chaotic, yes, but infinitely sweeter because in a way, they're really only fully themselves when they're together.

May 3

Abby had a long day of traveling. It featured multiple flight delays that necessitated an itinerary change and triggered some stress as well as a few last-second plan changes, but the important thing as midnight draws near is that my eldest chick is back in the nest for summer.

And for that --for the ability to snap photos of these three together, in-person, and for the laughter that I know is to come-- I am very grateful. The picture is not complete without Logan, of course, but it's very, very good nonetheless.

May 2

When I left the Mother Ship this morning I had every intention of going home, but I didn't. As I started the car, I felt like I should go to the Livermore Target. I didn't really want to go so the thought rather annoyed me, but I had the time and I felt like I should, so off I went.

And I'm glad I did because when I got there, I found some new Cars with Faces! I guess it's kind of silly that I still look for these, but they remind me of my sweet Logan. And every time I find one I don't already have, I can see his face and hear his little voice, just as it was 12 years ago, gleefully exclaiming "new cars!"

So for the sweet connection to what was and all of the memories I hold dear, I am grateful.

May 1

I think it's human nature to be mad when we don't get what we think we deserve. When the big promotion goes to someone who hasn't been at the company as long as you have or when momentum in the game abruptly shifts in the final inning and your team unexpectedly snatches defeat from the jaws of victory, it can be hard to swallow the residual disappointment and frustration. It's hard to not get what we feel we've earned.

But sometimes, it's important to be grateful when we don't get what we deserve.

After I dropped this guy off at school, I decided to drive over to Dublin to see if the Target had any new Cars with Faces. (They did not.) Since I had time, I headed over to Walmart to look there as well (spoiler alert: again, no dice) so I navigated to Dublin Boulevard. Which is known to be a favorite for ticket-giving motorcycle cops. (See where I'm going?)

Now I wasn't going really fast; I was in the right lane and the car ahead of me was definitely going faster. But I saw the two policemen on the bikes pointing their speed guns in my direction and I knew it was too late to do anything. My fate was sealed. So I held my breath.

I watched and cringed a little as the first chopper pulled out behind the car in front of me and turned on its lights. I continued holding that breath. Then the second pulled out behind the car behind me and turned on its lights. So the cars in front of and behind me were pulled over. But me? I was not. 

I continued on (driving right at the speed limit), feeling a deep sense of gratitude that somehow, this time, I hadn't gotten what I probably deserved. For that, I am grateful. And I am also grateful for the reminder that it's not always awesome to get what I deserve, and that although God knows my wants and desires and preferences, He ultimately knows what's best for me.