August 7

Phew. It's 9:30 PM and I'm exhausted, but also oddly exhilarated. And here's why.

The first part of my day began bright and early as I headed to the elementary school for walk-through registration. We were slammed almost constantly from 8-2, but it was really energizing to meet and talk to so many parents.

Then after I dropped the boys at baseball, I took Abby to the high school to go through her walk-through reg process. Fortunately, we ran into her friend Gracie, so they walked through the stations together. And just like that, I have a high school freshman who has an official schedule. In high school. Which begins next Monday. It's entirely overwhelming, but such a blessing.

So yeah, that's how I'd sum up my day: entirely overwhelming but also an amazing blessing. And I'm definitely looking forward to more of the same.

August 6

I was a busy little bee today, mostly because school walk-through registration is tomorrow and, well, there was a lot to do. So it was nice to get out --as I so often do-- and walk with my girl this evening after dinner. As we strolled, I was struck by the loveliness of the late-day sunlight steaming through the trees. So I'm sharing it with you.

I don't have anything particularly new or noteworthy to go along with the photo. But God's creation sure is pretty, isn't it? I think so.

August 5

This is a totally lame picture. Sorry. But it didn't occur to me to take one earlier so this is what I'm left with now.

After the kids went to bed tonight, I asked Adam to come sit with me. So he did. And we sat and watched HGTV together until he got tired and went off to bed a little while ago.

I don't appreciate it nearly enough, but it truly is a blessing to have a real partner. This life overflows with challenges and difficulties, but it's infinitely more manageable when you have someone with whom they can be shared. As the old cliche says, sorrows are halved and joys are doubled when they're shouldered by two people.

August 4

My girl and I went for our customary Saturday shopping trip this afternoon. Our last stop was the grocery store, where she loaded up on yogurt.

Yup, yogurt. She has an affinity for Yoplait Whips.

Anyhow, after I paid, she scooped them all up and headed for the door. She didn't ask for help and I had flashbacks of toddlers proudly exclaiming "ME DO IT!" so I let her manage the little cups all the way out the door and across the parking lot. I did finally help by opening the car door, but otherwise, it was the Abby-show.

Here's my point here: As a parent, I'm often tempted to just do things for my kids that they're perfectly capable of handling on their own because it's faster (or, more simply, because I want to be helpful to them. They are my babies, after all). But sometimes, it's important to let them figure things out --to balance them, let's say-- on their own. Independence isn't the end-all, be-all of human existence --and in fact, I think it often gets in the way of building good relationships, but that's for another entry-- but it's a blessing to see my children take steps toward taking care of themselves. It means they're growing up and maturing, and that's a very good thing.

August 3

Since we only have a week left of summer vacation, I decided to take the kiddos to brunch this morning. Abby --who was apparently up way too late reading last night-- summarily rejected my offer, so it was just me and the Little Boys for pancakes and french toast and eggs benedict.

Given how noisy our meals could be when they were younger, it was a quiet, pleasant affair. They worked on a word search while we waited for our food, and only broke into giggles a few times (and they were quiet enough about it that I didn't even feel the need to shush them).

Peaceful mornings that generate those smiles are blessings.

August 2

I was super duper unusually tired today. I'm still not sure why, but I was tired enough that I took a nap this afternoon, which I almost never do. As a result of my lethargy I was way behind with my step count by the time the evening hours rolled around so I recruited Abby to walk with me.

Walking with my daughter is the goofiest thing to me for two reasons. Reason number one is that I'm never sure what she'll say, and reason number two is that I have distinct memories of talking my own mom's ear off during walks with her when I was Abby's age.

It's not always a good thing when history repeats itself, but in this case, I'm really thankful to be re-living the moments --and creating brand new ones-- in the mom-shoes.

August 1

We were supposed to have a new ceiling fan installed in our bedroom today. It didn't happen. The old one came down, but the new one is still in the box. And my ceiling looks like this:

I won't bore you with the whole story, but suffice it to say that the experience really tried my patience for several hours. I was frustrated over being stuck at home when I had errands to run, and frustrated when I realized that I would not have a new ceiling fan by day's end.

Anyway, I glanced up at this scene a little while ago and remembered that though things don't always go according to our plans, they do eventually work out, one way or another, because God is in the driver's seat. And I'm thankful that in spite of my frustrations and limited understanding, that's the truth.