August 14

At pickup this afternoon, I hung back while Isaac and Brady walked ahead.

I watched as their heads came together for a moment and then separated, and then as Isaac's hand reached out to grasp Brady's arm. They walked together and talked. I have no idea what words were exchanged and I wasn't going to interrupt their end-of-the-school-day reunion in order to find out. They definitely fight --ninja-style at times, in fact-- but I love how they love each other.

August 13

There are many things about my life that on a very base level, I wish I could change. I wish I'd experienced a bit less upheaval during my childhood. I wish I'd not allowed the fear that resulted from the upheaval turn me into someone who wasn't particularly approachable in high school. And of course, I wish I could undo whatever it was that made Logan get sick. But then I realize that if I were to undo all those things --at least the first two things-- I probably wouldn't get to have first days of schools with these amazing people because they probably wouldn't exist. And that's a sobering thought.

So yeah, another first day is in the books: ninth grade for Abby, fifth for Isaac, and second for Brady. This year I got to take them all to school; I took Abby extra-extra-early to avoid the rush of freshman parents intent on making sure their kids were safely where they needed to be in merely extra-early fashion. From there, I headed to the elementary school, where Isaac and Brady helped me distribute first day of school gifts for the teachers and staff. And then a lot of busy-ness followed for me. It's possible that I had no idea what I was getting myself into by agreeing to be the PTA President this year, but I'm (mostly, cautiously) excited.

On days like today, I'm conscious that every moment of disappointment and hurt and frustration was worthwhile because they led me to where I am right now. It's weird to be thankful for bad things, but I am, because God built some pretty incredible masterpieces from my mess. And for that, yep, I'm grateful.

August 12

Given that school starts tomorrow and my life is about to get significantly more hectic, today's message at church was a strikingly relevant one.

The crux of it? We get to decide how we spend the hours and minutes and seconds that we're given, so we should choose to take the time to breathe and just be in the presence of God.

A good reminder for me personally, and a good theme for the months to come, I think. Just breathe, Sherry. Just breathe. (And the O's cap the guy is wearing in the pic? It's like it was meant just for me. ;) )

August 11

Abby often notes that we don't spend much time with just her anymore, so with the dawning of high school just 48 hours away, we decided that today would be an Abby Day. We headed into San Francisco late-morning (the boys spent the night with Adam's parents) and had lunch at the Fog City Diner, and then took an impromptu hike up a lot (lot) of steps to Coit Tower. (Which, as an aside, is an awesome experience in a dress and heels, but I digress.) Then it was on to the Orpheum Theater for Les Miserables.

It was an amazing show, but beyond that, it was wonderful to just be with my husband and growing-way-too-fast daughter. I truly treasure all of our children, of course, but it was a sweet treat to be able to focus on just our girl for a day.

August 10

Since school starts Monday (what?!), I took the kiddos for some end-of-summer ice cream at the Dairy this morning.

Super simple one today from me: These not-so-short people of mine are growing up really, really fast, and I'm just thankful to be a prominent part of their world.

August 9

I'm pretty sure I first met Michelle when her older son Kole and Abby were in preschool together; Abby was 2 at the time and there's a pretty epic photo of the two of them in their classroom that prominently features her diaper. He changed schools mid-year but we met up again at the next preschool we both chose, and then again in elementary school (where, if I remember correctly, Kole cried when he found out Abby was in a different class). The two of them went on to become good buddies for a while, until the awkward boy versus girl'ness of the late elementary years set in. But right around that time, Isaac (and Brady, to an extent) became friends with her younger son, Jake, and the Homies were born, which led to first-day-of-school brunches and chats by the playground after school.

Michelle and I didn't always see eye to eye on everything over the years, but she was a constant friend to me and a much-needed consistent presence in my life when Logan was sick and then after he died. And I was always, always thankful to know she was (literally) right around the corner, even though months could go by without us exchanging any words.

I was understandably sad (and, well, shocked) when I found out that her family would be relocating at summer's end. So tonight, we had a farewell dinner for her at a restaurant downtown.

Although we'd all gathered for something of a sad occasion, I had a truly wonderful time with these ladies, laughing over wardrobe malfunctions (Chrissy) and explaining why certain body types are better suited to athletic pursuits than others (ahem).

I will definitely miss having her close by, but I know for sure that this group of us will always be friends, no matter the individual paths God has ordained for our families' lives. And for that, I'm endlessly thankful.

August 8

I was pretty dismayed when I got up this morning and several parts of my body still ached after yesterday's relatively low-impact yet continuous exploits. However, I still did what I had to do, including a quick stop at Target, where I found these.

It's been more than six years since I last saw Logan smile over a good flame job or a Corvette, but I still smile every single time I see one now. I absolutely love that simple things are such powerful reminders of my Sunshine.