April 30

Isaac played in a doubleheader with the NCS team (aka "the other Rays team") this evening and had an exceptional night at the plate.

Here he is just a split second before he launched the ball into left field during the first game. (If you zoom in, you can see the ball suspended in the air above his bat. Kinda cool.) That hit was a double. 

All in all, he went 6 for 8 with that double, a triple, and four singles. (It still boggles my mind that he was able to leg his way all the way to third.) He also reached on an error and crossed the plate to score five times. Although things got dicey at times, they won both games.

Although winning is most definitely not all that matters (and in fact, I think we probably learn more from NOT winning), it's awfully nice to have exceptional nights. So for my boy's exceptional night and for the memories of those moments that he'll probably carry with him, I am thankful.

April 29

Adam's had a busy month at work (including a few days spent IN the actual office, as odd as THAT is), but with the quarterly earnings call finally in the rearview mirror, he took it easy today. And that meant we got to go out to lunch.

With a solar company scheduled to come by to measure for panels during the early afternoon, we didn't have a whole lot of time, so we headed downtown and found ourselves seated outside of Alberto's. 

We noshed on chips and salsa and other Mexican fare. And we chit-chatted.

It was, all in all, a pleasant hour. So for that blessing and for the not too hot, not too cold temperature that we enjoyed, I am grateful.

April 28

Isaac's school held their annual open house this evening. Since we've been under COVID restrictions throughout most of his middle school career, it was probably the first time I'd seen him wandering around the campus. 

It was fun to see him in his element, roaming from class to class, greeting friends in his casually confident but friendly way. I met a few of his teachers, and they were universally complimentary of this boy of ours; they told me how they appreciate his sense of humor and his intellect and his good attitude and how much effort he puts in on a daily basis.

Those are all good things for a mom to hear about one of her babies. I really do want my children to be good people and to glorify God with their lives beyond all else, so knowing that he's on his way to meeting those goals is good for my heart.

April 27

Today was Picture Day for the Rays.

When Isaac and I arrived for the shoot (which was actually at a house on a cul de sac -- go figure), a softball team was having their photos done, so the boys did what boys so often do and started a pick-up game using a plastic water bottle cap as a ball. And because he so often is, Isaac was right in the middle of the action. (That's him hunched in a partial umpiring position just above the "catcher" to the right.) 

They laughed and engaged in their mock scrimmage while intermittently moving out of the way so cars could pass by. The newest member of the team --who seems to like Isaac quite a lot-- continually jumped on his back. And Isaac, because he is Isaac, just smiled and let him do it because they were all just having fun.

They may not win all the time, but there's so much more to team sports than coming out on top. I love this team and these parents and these boys. They're zany and forgetful and silly (the boys, not the parents), but they're fun. And I know they bring Isaac a lot of joy. So for all of that, I am so thankful.

April 26

My babies are growing up quickly. 

It blows me away that Abby will be off to college this Fall and I'm constantly asking Isaac if he's gotten taller. So it was kind of nice when Brady picked up his two favorite stuffed animals for a good cuddle this evening while we awaited Abby and Isaac's return from youth group.

Little kid sweetness is decidedly short-lived, but it's such a blessing.

April 25

I had an epiphany this afternoon while I was praying: It brings me joy to host gatherings at our house. Not just fleeting feelings of satisfaction or happiness, but real, palpable joy that I can feel bubbling up and over in my spirit. It's utterly life-giving.

And I had the blessing of feeling that joy this morning when I hosted my Bible study ladies and missionaries Joe and Averyl Morris from Jesus to the Needy for brunch. (You can click the link to see the amazing work they do.)

I tried out a brand new-to-me recipe for a caramel French toast bake, picked up a traveler of blonde roast from the Mother Ship, got out the good china, and welcomed them all into our home for a few hours. It was such a blessing to hear Joe and Averyl's stories and to spend time with these women whose collective wisdom, character, and faith inspire me every day.

It's always a blessing to start out a new week on a joyful note, so I am grateful.

April 24

This afternoon Abby had her last dance picture day. I drove her over to the studio at the appointed hour not because she needed my help --she got ready entirely on her own, in fact-- but because I'm trying to savor much of the marrow of her senior year of high school as possible.

Although they took an official buddy photo together, I had Abby and Gracie pose for me as we were heading back to the parking lot. And this is what they did. (And it made me smile to myself at the time, because --without verbal communication-- they almost immediately turned back to back and put up their arms and legs like it was the most natural thing in the world. Which, of course, it most definitely is not.)

I love that these two have taken dance together for as long as they have. I love that they've been able to make each other laugh and support each other through various trials and issues and tribulations. And I love that they both struck the same bizarre pose with no communication.

Regardless of where Gracie decides to go to school for the next four years, they'll be pretty far apart geographically. But I'm pretty sure they'll still be friends at heart. And that kind of friendship is a major blessing.