August 7

The boys started the new school year today. Isaac is a senior and Brady is a freshman, which means that I have minor kids in just one school for the first time since Abby was in fifth grade. "Boo yah!" feels like an inadequate response to the gift that it is to deal with the politics of just a single school, but I'm tired, so boo yah! it is.

Anyway, both of my high schoolers were up and dressed and  milling around the first floor doing what appeared to be nothing in particular by the time I emerged from my room. Brady was very clearly nervous about finding his classes so I sent him a screenshot of a campus map, and then quietly asked Isaac to look out for him. (And since he's Isaac, I knew he would.) I took the requisite door pics --including one with Isaac wearing his Paw Patrol backpack-- and then we were off. I drove Brady, while Isaac followed behind us in the Explorer. And then things were just... quiet. Except in my mind, of course. My mind had plenty to say.

I'm excited for Isaac. He changed a lot over the summer. He's spending more time than ever with friends, and they're often at our house, which I love; in fact, after school today, I went into our pantry and found three boys who don't live here perusing the offerings. He also has his job at the Dairy in addition to his volunteer roles at church and his classes at school. And he's the President of the Young Life Club and is working to expand the organization's broader chapter here in town. Oh, and he'll go through the whole college application thing, too. He's going to be busy, but I think --I pray-- it'll be a great, happy-making year for him. Because he deserves a year like that.

And I'm also excited for Brady. Nerves aside, he has his buddies to hang out with and is amazing when it comes to getting things done. He'll do well. And hopefully he'll decide to get involved and enjoy himself a little bit, too. (Isaac could probably help him with that.)

So yes, another chapter has begun. And although I feel a sense of nostalgia for the old, I'm also optimistic about what God has in store for these two amazing boys. And their equally amazing big sis.