August 31

Abby and Isaac had Youth Group tonight so it was just me, Adam, and Brady after dinner.

After the A's game ended, Adam asked Brady if he would go get his baseball glove so they could play catch in the yard, and Brady's face lit up like a Christmas tree. He scampered down to the garage and a few minutes later, they headed outside.

The two of them rarely have solo time together, so it was good for my heart to see them out there enjoying some dad-son time.

August 30

After three-plus very long years, this girl finally had her braces removed this morning.

I waited in the car (because of COVID) while she went inside. When she emerged about 40 minutes later, she plunked down in the passenger seat, and with just a little cajoling, she flashed her brand new, wire-free smile. And the sight made me smile.

Sure, it's always a big deal when braces are removed, but it was an extra big deal because the process dragged on and on (and on) for my girl. She remained (mostly) patient as COVID restrictions and then stubborn, slow-moving teeth pushed the removal date further and further into the future. I'm proud of her for persevering through those disappointments, and

I am grateful for that lovely new grin.

August 29

Today was, by all accounts, a regular Sunday. 

It was another lazy weekend day with these kind, wacky, smart, intuitive, silly, sweet people who I am beyond blessed to call my children. (Well, three of them, anyway. How I wish Logan were in the frame, too.)

I am so very grateful for all of them.

August 28

I love growing food and always have. We had huge gardens when I was growing up so I love the feel and smell of dirt and get great satisfaction from plucking my seed-grown bell peppers, beans, peas, and tomatoes.

This year, I added a newbie to my repertoire: lima beans.

I don't know a lot of people (except maybe Adam's dad and now Isaac) who like them, but I have very fond childhood memories of eating home-grown lima beans during dinners in my grandparents' kitchen nook. They were always warm and fork-tender and buttery and just so delicious that I could easily have eaten the entire bowl of them all by myself.

So anyway, today I'm grateful that my five little lima bean plants were productive and that I was able to introduce my primary veggie eater (Mr. Isaac) to them. And for the shot of joyful nostalgia that popping them from their pods provides.

August 27

I like simple things that remind me to have a Jesus-perspective on life.

That's why I bought plain silver rings engraved with the words "hope" and "love" earlier this month. 

Initially I had just the two of them because I couldn't find a "faith" version that was anywhere near the correct size. But today when I was out shopping, I came across one that works. It's a size bigger than the other two, but I figured that if I put it on first, the others will hold it in place, right?

So this evening, I am grateful for these tangible reminders that love, hope, and faith are all real-deal blessings from God.

August 26

This week, this littlest guy of mine has been intent on getting things done in the morning before he goes to school. (Which I know is funny given the state of his hair a few entries ago but hey, that's my life.)

So today, he got up early, made his bed (which is code for "threw the blanket I made for him over his mattress"), combed his hair, ate breakfast, washed his face, and brushed his teeth. (Yes, he ate a lollipop after he brushed his teeth. Sigh.)

When he finished, he wandered downstairs, took a lap through the kitchen, and then moved a pillow so he could plunk down next to me.

It's nice that he wanted to sit by his mom. The very simplest blessings are so often the best of them all.

August 25

I know that some day soon, I'll miss moments like this so today I'm deliberately appreciating this one.

After dinner, Abby went outside to do laps around the pool and I followed her (since she so enjoys our rounds of Pursuit). A few minutes later, Brady came outside and attempted to wreak havoc as he sometimes does. (This time, his approaches included chasing Abby, blocking her path, and shooting a water gun in close proximity to her feet. She was not amused.)

Perhaps sensing his sister's agitation, Isaac appeared a little later and engaged Brady in chicanery. He took little bro on a few piggyback laps around the pool and then retrieved his dogs and phone from the deck before heading back inside.

I appreciated Isaac's strategic interference and I appreciated seeing them have fun together. These moments are a treasure.