March 7

Today was the JV home opener, and Isaac batted fifth in the order and started in right field.

Although a freeze-frame replay captured by Adam confirmed that he was erroneously called out at first base to end his first at-bat, he had a good day on the diamond. He caught the first out of the game, walked once, and made solid contact twice (although no official hit just yet). And he stole a base and scored a run, too, on the way to a 5-1 Dons win over (ironically) Logan High. (And yeah, it's very weird to root against kids wearing jerseys emblazoned with just "Logan.")

It was so wonderful to see him out there in the field. I don't know for sure how long he's going to play, but I am grateful for every single chance I get to see him out there doing his thing.

March 6

I don't remember if I've mentioned it before, but I've recently started taking walks while I wait for Brady to get out of school.

And this is what the sky looked like while I made the rounds this afternoon. The culmination of bright blue and white and dark, dark grey gave it an almost chaotic feel. It was, in a word, overwhelming. And awe-inspiring.

But it was also, in its own unique way, kind of beautiful, especially in the areas where the light pierced the darkness. And I am always grateful for beauty, even the kinda sorta unconventional kind.

March 5

When I'm over in Dublin running errands (which most accurately translates to "going to Target and/or JoAnn"), I sometimes stop at Wendy's to get a soda. I always go inside and dispense my own drink because they have a Freestyle machine and I love, love, love Diet Orange Vanilla Coke (or its Zero equivalent). And the machine --which allows you to mix various types of soda with various extra flavors-- has historically been the only way to get it.

So imagine my surprise when I noticed this beauty in the soda fridge at Grocery Outlet this morning. I'm not sure if it's "new" like the label says or if it's just a limited edition product, but I was thrilled to see it. And of course I bought one and sipped at it on and off throughout the afternoon.

A small thing for sure, but an unexpected blessing for me.

March 4

A few years ago (actually it's probably been more than a few) I started scheduling the boys' annual check-ups for the same day. It's kind of weird since they're actually almost exactly two and a half years apart and I typically associate those appointments with birthdays, but it's convenient and it works.

Anyway, today was the day. The brositos were in their usual jovial shared mood in the car and as we settled into the exam room. We got through the appointments in decent time, had my questions addressed, received lollipops from a huge bucket (well, not me, but they did), and hit the road so they could catch the latter halves of their respective school days. And that was that.

It's funny how these experiences have changed over time for me. Back when they were younger, I made a point of noting their stats during their appointments, so I'll jot them down now just because I can --Isaac measured 6' .05", as he's been for a while now, and Brady was 5' 10" on the nose-- but I'll also admit that those numbers seem utterly huge to me (since I topped out at 5' 6.75"). It's strange to think that these two boys who started out so small --Isaac just under 8 pounds, Brady a little over 8, and both less than two feet tall-- are are big as they are now. In fact, standing between them in the elevator, looking at our likenesses on the mirror in front of us, I felt really, really small.

And I kind of liked it, because I'm grateful that they're growing. (And growing and growing.)

March 3

Another day, another amusing dinner at the kitchen table.

Brady had a practice that ran comparatively late into the evening so he joined the rest of us while we were partway through our meals. 

And then the usual entertainment began as these guys launched into their customary brotherly routine, which consists of sassy remarks and much (literal) poking.

I've said this many times, but it's a blessing that these two are good friends.

March 2

Adam and Isaac have watched several of the Fast and the Furious franchise films over the past month or so, and Adam decided that he wanted to continue the trend with a showing of Fast Five over dinner this evening.

I typically excuse myself from watching this type of movie with him because he likes to turn the volume way (way) up, but opted to stick around this go-round (as did Brady, who also has more sensitive hearing). And I'm glad I did, because it was fun to be just doing something together again.

So for the blessing of togetherness with (most of) my people, I am grateful.

March 1

Brady meandered into the kitchen this morning and asked if he could make pancakes. 

Since he'd previously proven himself a competent pancake maker, I said sure.

Then I stood by the counter watching as he mixed the dry ingredients (because we're talking about scratch-made cakes here), measured out the milk, and carefully cracked the egg. (He can still use a little practice with that last bit but eh, cracking eggs can be challenging.)

Then he poured the batter onto the griddle and we watched as the little done-ness indicating bubbles gradually appeared. And then he flipped each one over, plated them when they were done, and repeated the process several times.

By the time he was finished, he had a pretty massive stack to consume. And, to my surprise, he plowed through the entire plate, chit-chatting as he slathered butter on each piece and sent them down the hatch.

I love to watch him be competent. I guess that sounds a little weird, but I was spoon feeding him not all that long ago so the development is indeed notable --and perhaps a bit bittersweet-- to me. It continues to be a blessing to see him grow up.