March 21

This is the chair that sits at our desktop computer. It's a raggedy old thing, featuring a stained seat cushion and residue from stickers long-gone.

But the most tiresome thing about this chair is how its shoulder joints come apart: if I lean too far in one direction or the other, I risk taking a tumble. Fortunately, though, it's easy to just turn around and pop it back together.

Sometimes, I feel like this chair; like I'm coming apart at the seams, overwhelmed and taxed to my limit. But also like this chair, I know I'm not broken beyond repair. Sometimes, it just takes a little tweak to get me back in shape.

And I'm thankful for that simple reminder.

March 20

A few months ago, Abby gently told me that it would be okay if I came over to her line in the morning, gave her a hug, and then waited with Isaac in his line across the school yard. It represented a big departure from previous times, when the two of them would bicker over whose turn it was to have me nearby. I won't lie: it hurt a little. But I know it's developmentally appropriate, so I smiled and said okay. And since that day, it's been our routine. But every day, I still look over toward her side of the blacktop and nab stolen glances at her as she talks with her friends and dances in place and looks up at the sky. And considering the fact that the scene looks like this, it's pretty amazing that I can always find her in the crowd:

It's incredible to me that despite the distance and despite the large number of milling children and parents between us (look closely, way, way on the other side of the blacktop), I'm always able to find my girl. Some days, it feels like I'm seeking a needle in a haystack, but amazingly, my eyes always seem to zero in on her.

I know I have to give her this freedom, but it's totally God's provision --and blessing-- that I'm able to pick her out in the crowd every time I feel the need to do so. It makes giving her some space a much easier task. And it also reminds me that even when I can't see her, we're still very much connected.

March 19

As sometimes happens, nothing really stood out to me today, so I'm going with an everyday kind of moment from this evening.

Adam's on a short business trip to Oregon, so it was just me and the kiddos for dinner. I took a picture of them to text to Adam, and then decided to flip the phone around so they could take their own selfie.

The thing that amuses me the most about this image is that Abby decided to put her arm out like she was the one taking the photo, even though it was me who held the phone and pushed the button. It's a relatively small thing, but it's a blessing to me to see that kind of quick thinking in my kids as they continue to grow.

March 18

Today was a rough one. I was still tired from getting home so late from Hollywood the other day, and then I was up most of last night with a stomach issue. But I made it through the day and to Isaac's t-ball game this evening. After Adam left the sports park to head to the airport for a business trip and the game came to a close, we headed to McD's to pick up a quick dinner.

I was surprised when I arrived at the pick-up window and the employee handed me an Oreo McFlurry, because I certainly hadn't ordered one. I tried to give it back, and he shook his head and insisted I take it. "It's a gift," he told me. So I put it in the cup holder, got the rest of the food, and drove home.

Even though my tummy wasn't really in a place to want cookies and ice cream, I was still thankful for the gesture (even though I'm pretty sure I got it because someone made a mistake!). It reminded me that it's important to recognize and be grateful for those little surprises that pop into life now and again.

March 17

It probably seems like we live at Costco. We don't. But today's entry is brought to you by... the Costco food court.

We were having pizza for dinner tonight when Brady suddenly gestured to the spot across the table and remarked "I wish Logan was sitting right there."

I know he doesn't remember his biggest brother from actual memories, but I'm so happy that we've managed to keep him alive in his heart anyway. It's a ginormous, Costco-sized blessing to know that my Sunshine's sweet character continues to live on.

March 16

It's been a whirlwind 36 hours. Sunday afternoon, I road tripped it to Hollywood with three other gals --two friends and one new friend I didn't know prior to the trip-- to attend the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars" today. (Which I will still call "today" even though it's technically 3 AM on Wednesday; I just rolled in so I couldn't write before now.)

I'm wiped out, but the experience was a real blessing to me. It was fun to hang out with other women for a slightly extended period of time. It was amazing to meet Sadie Robertson (who was last season's runner-up). It was really amazing when Derek Hough showed up in the holding area and I got to shake his hand and wound up being visible in the season-starting video clip he took and posted to Instagram.

Although those things all pale in comparison with the truly big things in this life, it was nice to just have a good time and enjoy something I've appreciated for a long time now in person, and I thank God for the blessing.

March 15

Today, we went to Adam's brother's house for a naming ceremony for our nephew. I rather enjoyed listening to everyone make wishes and blessings for the little guy. But it was Eric's explanation of why they chose the middle name, Lev, that got me.

We knew that they'd chosen an "L" name to honor Logan, but the tribute he gave to Logan's tenacity, bravery, and kindness and how he said they looked forward to raising Theo to "know" Logan through stories and pictures brought tears to my eyes.

That kind of thing... it's a blessing without compare to someone like me: someone who so wants her Sunshine to live on in the hearts of those who love him.