It Is Good

How can this be possible?  I am thinking all of the things that old people say.  With every year, the days go faster.  Perhaps Having 9 people under one roof can make things spin a little faster out of control too.

How can so much change in a year?

In 4 days, I will get in a car and drive my eldest to Chicago, move her into a dorm room, and turn around and leave her there.  By herself.  To live.  I will drive away and she will stay.  How is this possible?  And how is it possible to all at once feel such a clanging storm of joy and sorrow, anticipation and dread.  I am so genuinely take-my-breath-away excited for her, but I am so selfishly sad for me. Poll for you parents who have been here. . . how much is too much to call that first week? Is there a way to block my number so she doesn't know it's me for the third time that first day?

Ummmm.......

What the heck just happened?

Also. . .this:

The Beast

This happened.  Move over soccer moms with the minivans, there's something meatier.  My nephew lovingly dubbed our new crew the 'expand-a-family' and with it there was apparently need of an extend-a-van.  I am  not sure what this thing says about our desire to live simply, but 9 Daniels can all travel together in one vehicle with room to spare.  And it's good.  Every, crazy, loud, fun, hard, scary, sad, joy-filled minute is grace.  And it is good.