Nicky swished an excellent jump shot in yesterday’s basketball game. His first score. Okay, I was talking and didn’t actually see it but it’s an excellent jump shot swisher in my mind. Later, he tells me this game was so much better because “you didn’t yell so much.” I like to call it cheering. Pushing him to be his best. Okay, Nicky, duly noted.

At school. I got to be Michael’s teacher for a day. He was a diligent little worker bee even with mom in the classroom. Jeff and I can take no credit. He was born that way.

Michael’s second grade reading class. Justin raised his hand to read. (Because he gets to go along when mom works) We all clapped because a first grader didn’t make any mistakes. Yessssss. I’m doing SOMETHING right in our homeschool classroom. And, clearly, God is protecting his brain from all that methotrexate being injected through his spinal cord straight to the central nervous system. Ugh. The pages signed listing possible negative side effects do occasionally spring to mind. Like an unwanted photograph my mind sees again, despite earnest efforts to blot it OUT.

Recess. Two kids arguing. Justin says: dude, love your enemy. That’s right, baby, that’s right.

Bragging about my kids? Never. Well maybe just a teeny tiny bit. Counting my blessings? Always. This generously flawed mom does not walk alone. May we never become too familiar with this Psalm to be awed by its stunning beauty, everlasting merit and buckets full of grace.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23 (KJV)

Today, we are headed to the Poconos for a mini-holiday, as the British say. Jeff has returned safely from England, where he ate rabbit stew. Barf. Grace be with you, my friends.

The boys and their cousins help Grandad with his birthday candles