August 18

Abby came with me to Starbucks this morning, and then we embarked upon an epic impromptu (mostly window) shopping trip.

When she was in high school, it wasn't unusual for us to spend our Saturday afternoons hopping from shop to shop, but save our usual Black Friday outings, it'd been a while since we'd done that. 

But today, we went from Starbucks to Target to Wendy's (because I love the freestyle soda machine) to another Target to Michael's to the mall. There was a lot of walking involved and I was pretty pooped by the time we got back home, but it was also a lot of fun.

We don't always see eye to eye on everything and we have our share of disagreements, but I adore this one and only daughter of mine. And I'm thankful that we were able to spend so much time together today.

August 17

Adam and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary today with an upscale dinner at Haps.

So much has happened since we said our I dos back in 2002; back when we were fresh-faced 24-year olds ready to dive into married life and all of its joys (and, little did we fully realize, pains).

We've moved four times --all within the comfy confines of our chosen hometown-- from apartment to apartment to townhouse to duet to --at long last-- house with unattached walls. We've welcomed four amazing, beautiful babies and said an excruciating, heart-rending see-you-later to one. We've attended countless sporting events and dance recitals and have sent two off to college. 

We've argued and made up and argued some more (and made up some more). We've tackled differing communication styles and come to an understanding to live and let live with respect to issues on which we simply disagree.

Perhaps most importantly, we've tried --and hopefully succeeded-- at modeling a faith-driven life for our children. We've been united in wanting them to know that there is a God who loves them deeply and wants to bless them, and that there is a Savior who died to save them from themselves. 

Our marriage is not perfect, but it's good. And I can't imagine navigating the ups and downs and the heartbreaks and joys with a better partner. Happy 24th, hunny! I love you.

August 16

It's been a truly lovely Sunday. It began with an excellent and inspiring message at church and continued with a kick-back afternoon at home.

Later in the day, after the A's game ended, I reminded Adam that my laptop was on its last legs and he suggested we head over to Costco to look at replacements. (Although I used to be a bona fide computer-killer, I've actually had my old machine for five or six years, maybe longer. She's had a good run but the mouse doesn't really work anymore, she only runs while plugged in, and the McAfee pop-ups are out of control.)

Anyway, it was a great Costco run. As we jetted up and down the aisles in search of popcorn for Brady, it felt like the old days, back when we were younger and life was simpler. Although I wouldn't trade away my experiences --because every one of them has revealed more about me and brought me a fuller understanding of the true character of God-- the sense of nostalgia unlocked was pretty special. So for that, I am thankful.

August 15

The house feels very still and quiet, probably because the boys aren't wrestling in the living room and chasing each other up and down the stairs. It's a little strange. Actually, this time of transition is more than a little strange; it's a lot strange.

Given that I'm someone who doesn't love things being different, I'm grateful for familiar things in my life, like Adam and Abby and Brady. And even BearBear, Brady's stuffed bear who's always had a "thing" for me. (It's part of the extensive lore.) He sat on my shoulder for a while this afternoon.

Of course, change is most definitely an integral part of God's design so I'm grateful for new experiences that bring us closer to becoming the people He wants us to be, too.

August 14

I haven't heard a lot from Isaac since Brady and I came home, but that's as it should be. He's a young adult and a college student now, so he's making his own way and following the path God has laid out for him. It's hard, but it's time for me to take a step back and just be available if he wants or needs to touch base.

Still, it's always a comfort to know that my kiddos are feeling well and in a good place mentally. So this brief little message thing evening did my heart good. It seems like the initial transition to life at Wheaton is going well. So for that not small gift, I am grateful.

August 13

Brady started the 10th grade today. No more single digit grades at our house!

It was also the first time I've had only one kid in a first day of school door photo in a really, really long time. It was surreal because it served as tangible evidence of how much our little family has grown up.

Anyway, my sophomore was up bright and early. He made himself breakfast --one of his potato dishes, which he pre-prepped yesterday afternoon-- and then we were off. He'd arranged to walk to school with a friend who lives close to campus, so he drove me to said-friend's house. It was my first time riding with him, and for a very new driver, he did well. He narrated his every move aloud (as he often does) and that made me smile, mostly because it showed how focused he was on getting the details down pat. 

As it turns out, he doesn't have many friends in his classes, which I know is disappointing, but I know he'll figure it out. So I'm grateful that he had a decent day. And I'm grateful for the blessing of new beginnings and new adventures.

Speaking of new adventures, Isaac moved into his dorm today. I wish I could've been there, but there's only one of me and I know Adam did a great job of helping him get his things unpacked and set up. He finally met his roommate, Thomas, and his RA (who is also an Isaac; if you throw a rock into a group of guys at Wheaton, you'll hit an Isaac) and (I imagine) other folks. I haven't heard a lot about his experience just yet, but that's okay. He reported that the day was good, so I'm thankful for that. 

The times they are a'changin' for the residents and sometimes-residents of the Wight House. Although I'm not a huge lover of transitions, I'm grateful to know that God guides all of our steps, even when our paths separate for a time.

August 12

Brady's sophomore year of high school starts tomorrow, so he and I flew back to the Bay today. Abby stayed behind for a few more days to hang out with her friend Kam, and Adam stayed to help Isaac with move-in day, which is also tomorrow. It's a little bit of a forehead-slapper that the same thing happened four years ago --Abby moved into Wheaton on the boys' first day of school-- but it is what it is! I'm thankful that Adam could stay and be with Isaac as he begins dorm life and I'm looking forward to hearing both of their perspectives on the experience.

Anyway, we all got up very early and piled into the rental car for the drive to Midway. I thought it was sweet that Abby and Isaac came along, given that we were up pretty late last night thanks to the White Sox game. (And given that Isaac was apparently up very, very late writing notes to Brady and me. I read mine on the plane. It was wonderful and perfect and it brought tears to my eyes. He may not always enjoy writing, but he does it well when he wants to do it well. But I am, as I so often do, going off on a tangent.)

I sat mostly quietly and listened to what transpired in the backseat. I listened as the typically bravado-driven BearBear escaped from Brady's bag and asked Isaac for a hug. I listened as they laughed together and carried on their usual brand of crazy conversation that, as a Gen Xer, I only kinda-sorta understood. But confusion aside, I am grateful that I was able to bear witness to those precious interactions.

When we got to the terminal and pulled into the departures area, everyone got out of the car to hug us "see ya later." I was particularly touched when Abby, who seemed to be fighting back emotion, asked for a quick group hug. So we all came together, embraced for a few moments, and said our I love yous. And then Brady and I were off. It was the perfect way to part ways and I'm glad my girl felt compelled to ask for it.

And now, well, now I'm just plain tired. It's that combo platter of getting up early and travel and emotion that makes it unusually difficult to be eloquent. But I'm home, and I'm deeply grateful to God for the time I had with my guys on the train trip and then with all of us in Illinois. I already miss Isaac, but I know that he's walking with the Lord and I know that He will direct my sweet guy's steps. And for those truths, I am eternally thankful.