39. Friends

Last week I am sure my children wondered how I was able to prop my feet up, read a book, and still have an immaculately clean house. What I didn't tell them was my friend paid to have a house keeper come and clean my house for a day. Shhh!

If that wasn't enough, Karalea also created an honor board for me as a thank you for her birthday surprise. 

And she gave me a prepared dinner when I arrived to pick up my boys after she watched them for a couple of hours. 

Karalea-Karalea, say it once, say it twice...today was twice as nice because of YOU! 

38. Food

Currently my fridge has tri-tip steak, chicken sausage, 4 kinds of cheese, milk, buttermilk, basil, rosemary, celery, lettuce, apples, lemons, sour cream, a lime, broccoli, cilantro, onions, yogurt, butter, eggs, pudding, lemonade, turkey, blackberries, strawberries, avocados, carrots, and water.

Is it normal to know exactly what is in your fridge at any given moment without looking or taking a picture? Well, if not, I am not normal. I know when my fridge is full and when it is empty, but the feeling I get when it is full is one of gratitude.

Here's tonight's dinner:

37. Owen's Dad

Matthew is playing coaches pitch this year on a team with a boy named Owen. Makayla says she doesn't play softball anymore because she gets too nervous at bat. Or maybe it's because my coaching from the stands embarrassed her too much.  

As I enjoyed Matt's game today, I commented on how I've changed as a spectator. I think Makayla rolled her eyes.

And just when I thought I had mastered parenting as a fan in the stands, Owen's dad taught me an incredible lesson. At the end of the inning, and after the last batter had hit, Owen was the catcher in charge of getting the ball and tagging all the remaining base players out at home. 

The last player was approaching home plate and Owen didn't have the ball in his possession. The moment was a tense one as Owen reached for the ball and turned and ran toward the plate just as the player crossed safely over home. 

Owen's dad yelled, Good job O! Owen looked up with confusion and defeat in his facial expression. Another mother noticed, He doesn't look convinced.  Owen's dad replied, I thought he did his best.

And the question hit me like the first time I tasted licorice, is that what this is about? It isn't about being the best player or never making a mistake? 

I am grateful to learn I have a lot to learn. I am grateful for another wonderful moment of enlightenment.