March 18

The pool heater isn't on yet, but the temp climbed into the mid-80s this afternoon and Brady decided he was feeling brave (and perhaps a bit bored) after he got home from school. So into the water he went. 

He acknowledged that it was indeed cold, but that didn't stop him from getting in and out several times:  he alternately cannon-balled into the deep end and took slow, deliberate steps into the shallow end.

After some time had passed, Isaac came outside to join us. (I was watching and chatting with Brady from my perch on the deck.) Brady had plucked a waterlogged pinecone from the pool, and they spent the next 30 minutes throwing it back and forth. (I know it was half an hour because they were tossing it when I left to pick up our Mickey D's and still tossing it when I returned 20 minutes later.)

Although I'm not sure about their choice of "ball" (since there was a literal baseball within reach), I was happy to see them shooting the proverbial breeze and playing catch. I don't know if they realize it yet, but their relationship is a gift from God. And I love watching them be goofy teenage boys together.

March 17

For many reasons that I can't possibly cover in a meaningful way right now (because there are myriad and I'm in the beginning stages of an allergy-eye induced double-dose of Benadryl), I've always been bothered by situations that seem unfair. I might even say overly bothered. And I'm especially bugged when they involve my friends or my kiddos.

I was talking about and reflecting on those feelings with Adam over dinner this evening. I said a lot of things I probably shouldn't have said (because honestly, I'm kind of mean when I'm mad), but in a nutshell, here's my conclusion: If anything is going to make me lose sight of Jesus and start to sink into the water like Peter (Matthew 14), it's going to be the notion that a circumstance is unfair.

As I sat there lost in my frustrations, a thought came to me. And then after a few seconds, probably because it didn't really register the first time, I heard it again, this time a bit louder. 

"What is meant for you will be yours."

I remember telling Abby a version of that truth during one of her finals weeks in high school. She was particularly stressed that she'd fail an exam and then not get into college. And I told her that she wouldn't fail to get into the school God had planned for her to attend. (She seemed to calm down after that but I don't know if it was my revelation or something else that eased her fears.)

And that truth still applies to today's situations. If God wants something for you, you will desire it. And He will clear your path (or help you to overcome obstacles that try to impede your progress). I forget that blessing far too often. So today, I'm grateful that He reminded me that He has our paths laid out for us, and to not worry over what we cannot control.

March 16

It was a quiet day. The boys didn't have school and were still tucked away in their rooms behind closed doors when I headed out for coffee and Terry-time.

When I got back home I spent some time cleaning and organizing and then crocheted until it was time to take Brady to practice.

As I dropped him (and Jackson, who we picked up along the way) off at the gate, I watched them as they walked out of sight and reflected on how crazy it is that my baby is in the middle of his first season of high school baseball. High school! 

I don't know where the time went. But I'm grateful for the moments that have passed and the ones that are still to come. Because shepherding children to adulthood is a great blessing.

March 15

A flight cancellation meant that we had an extra day with our favorite girl.

We started our 12 bonus hours (as I'm calling them) off right with church, and then headed back home for some good chill time. BearBear and Chub both made appearances, and Abby even crafted a special hat for the former, which he proudly wore while proclaiming that he was a chicken nugget.

Then we enjoyed an early dinner at Mexico Lindo, since it was on her list of places she didn't get to go this past week. (And it was early because Isaac had to work.) 

Then we finished off our bonus hours by piling into the Explorer to shuttle her to the airport. Southw(or)t rebooked her on a redeye that leaves a little before midnight and arrived just before 6 AM. She is not thrilled with the arrangement, but handled the frustration like the champion she is. 

It was a good day all around. And I am grateful for the unexpected blessing of extra time with my girl. (And now that her final college spring break is over, it feels like the countdown is officially on: less than two months til graduation. Check in with me. I may lose a marble or two between now and then.)

March 14

It was a long but good day for the residents of the Wight house.

Isaac had a bunch of guys sleep over last night so although most of them were up and out before I woke up, I still tiptoed around the one remaining guest --who lay snoozing in a sleeping bag by the fireplace in the living room-- until Abby and I headed out at 10 for Brady's game at Monte Vista High School. 

It was a beautiful day for baseball, and it was a beautiful day for the Dons, who cranked out 16 runs en route to a 16-4 win. The game ended after only five innings; no one on our side was entirely sure why since we usually go seven, but the sun made it almost uncomfortably warm so the early departure wasn't a terrible outcome. For his part, Brady came in to pinch hit to lead off the fifth inning and smacked a beautiful double to left field. (It's always cool when the other team's outfielder looks up and immediately starts running backward.) He came around to score shortly thereafter and the pure giddiness I could see on his face and in his frenetic motions in the dugout made me smile. 

The fifth went on to be a productive inning for the team, so he came up to bat for a second time and singled to right. Notching two hits in the same inning is something of a rarity so it was cool to see. Then, with the game well in hand, he pitched the bottom of the frame. He gave up one run and wasn't as sharp as I've seen him in the past, but he got the job done. And that's what matters.

Following a few hours at home, we (except Isaac, who had work and drove up later) headed to Adam's parents' house for a January-February-March birthday celebration. (Between our family and Eric's, there are several of us who meet the criteria.) We had a great dinner and a good time chit-chatting. And the cousins had the chance to get together, which they always enjoy. Isaac drove me back home afterward, and I had the chance to listen to his Young Life worship music playlist. I love how he loves to talk about God and share the Gospel. He truly has a gift.

And now, well, now I'm tired. Abby's return flight to Chicago was canceled so her departure time is now late tomorrow night instead of early tomorrow morning, so we'll have one more unexpected day with our favorite girl. And now, I will head off to dreamland feeling thankful to God for every blessing that today delivered. Because there were many.

March 13

The boys didn't have school today (though I have no idea why) so it was a mostly quiet Friday at the Wight house. 

Abby and I went to Starbucks (where she got to sample the new frog cake pop) and Target (just because). And then we went home and mostly went about our own activities for the rest of the day.

This evening as I passed by the front window, I noticed the remnants of the sunset. I always find the swirly clouds and the colors soothing and they always remind me of the greatness of God --because who else could create such amazing, ever-changing works of art?-- so for the sight, I am grateful.

March 12

Abby heads back to Wheaton for her last two months of college on Sunday (which is completely insane to me but that's an aside). Isaac had plans volunteering with Young Life for the evening, but the rest of us went to dinner at Black Bear per her request.

It was, as far as dinners with the fam go, a good one. I think we all enjoyed our meal picks (even if I did go a bit in the calorically extravagant direction with chocolate chip pancakes). And we definitely had some amusing interactions that made me laugh out loud, including Abby's incredulous observation that Isaac is "six feet tall, blonde, and tan" when faced with the reality that he's scared to talk to girls.

It was a good time, and I am --as always--grateful to God for them and for the time spent with them.