September 30

I didn't do a whole lot today; just got my coffee, vacuumed a bit, and worked on a few different crochet pieces.

The weather dissuaded me from spending any time outside --because I'm not big on "hot" and it was 95 degrees-- so with the exception of the usual school runs, I was content to stay in.

So today, I'm thankful for a functional air conditioner, a home that typically stays reasonably cool this time of year, and my trusty ice maker, which provides a steady supply of crunchy frozen nuggets for me to enjoy.

September 29

Brady --like many teenagers-- doesn't like going to events or meetings alone, so I was glad when he said his friend A went with him to Young Life last week. A isn't a Christian so I was a little surprised by his willingness to go, but he went again today. And this time, after the meeting ended, he had several questions about Jesus for Brady.

Brady shared both the questions his friend posed and his answers with me after school. And I was honestly impressed with both boys: A's questions were probing and intelligent, and Brady's responses were rooted in the Scripture.

I'm so thankful that my kids are willing talk about and share their faith with their friends. I definitely wasn't comfortable doing that when I was their age, so I feel blessed that God has instilled into each of them a desire to share the Gospel.

September 28

Brady got a little too squashy with his squishy dumpling this evening.

I'd repeatedly warned him over the past few weeks that I thought he was squeezing it a bit too hard, and tonight my suspicion was validated as his dumpling exploded, propelling slime and --because we're just that brand of fortunate-- glitter all over the chair he was sitting in at the time. (If you look closely, you can see some of the glitter on his arm.)

Adam almost immediately began researching new furniture options (because glitter) as Brady frenetically scrubbed at the affected cushions, to very little avail. (And then he went to take a shower because, well, yuck.)

It was a vaguely funny, strange couple of minutes. But it was also a good reminder that sometimes, glitter bombs go off in our lives. Although they may upset our proverbial apple carts, it helps if we can approach them with good humor, because God can always orchestrate positive outcomes from not-so-positive situations.

September 27

Somehow, I thought that the puppy behavior would stop when Isaac went off to college.

I was wrong.

These two don't wrestle like Brady and Isaac do, of course --I think they're both keenly aware that Brady would snap Abby like a twig-- but they definitely play-fight. And they definitely sit on (and in this case, under) each other (usually at inopportune moments. It's part of how they bond).

As I've probably said 40 or 50 times now, I'm conscious that they're growing up fast, and I'm thankful to God for the moments. Even the weird ones.

September 26

I was scoping out stitch markers on Amazon a few days ago (because I can't keep track of them; one day I'll probably find a pile of socks and stitch markers somewhere in the house) when I spontaneously started looking at pattern books for baby clothes. (As a side note to any of my children who may be reading this: this is NOT a hint so don't panic.)

After perusing the offerings, I found one that looked promising so I ordered it and it arrived a few days ago. I sat down on my bedroom floor, flipped through the pages, chose one that I liked, and got to work right then and there using a ball of superfine (read: veryveryvery thin) yarn that I got from Hobby Lobby on clearance a few years ago.

And today, with an assist from a romp through my dear friend Judy's button stash (thank you!), I finished my little gray cardigan.

I really, really enjoyed the process. It's the first piece of baby clothing that I've crocheted, and I'm happy with how it turned out. Beyond that, I'm pleased that I tried something new and found the experience to be a rewarding one. 

And given that at some point this little sweater will probably be donated, I'm also pleased that it will be put to good use.

This probably sounds like I'm mostly tooting my own little horn and I guess I am, but under all of that, I'm grateful that God gave me the ability to do things that I enjoy. And that sometimes, He even lets me do those things well.

September 25

Valerie's annual cookie party was tonight, and as improbable as it seemed going in (because it seems like she raises the creativity bar every year), she outdid herself yet again.

From the ingenious Costco theme (yes, we're all wearing aprons with nametags that she made) to the incredible homemade chicken pot pie that came out at the absolute perfect temperature to the trivia game to the mini grocery cart party favors, she thought of everything. And I so appreciate her creativity and care for all of us.

Needless to say, I look forward to this party every year. I've known most of these ladies for more than 15 years, and although I don't see most of the them often these days, I enjoy catching up with them at this gathering. I treasure the conversations and the laughs (and the incredible dishes Valerie whips up for us).

So today, I'm grateful to God for long-term friendships, and opportunities to reconnect.

September 24

Although the current $7 per gallon'ness of gas nearly dissuaded me, I went for a drive after my morning stop at the Mother Ship.

I took surface streets up through Dublin and San Ramon until I got to Blackhawk, and then came back via Camino Tassajara. (And sorry, if you're not local you'll have no idea what I'm talking about. So I'll simplify by saying I went north, then east, and then came back south again.)

I always forget how much open space there is along Camino Tassajara. The hills are all brown since it hasn't rained in months, but they're still there. Still untouched, and still beautiful in the way that they roll and how they're framed by God against the blue sky.

Given how it seems like new pack-and-stack housing pops up on the daily, I'm thankful that we do indeed still have open space nearby, even if I don't see it every day.