Initially when I was thinking of what happened in 2017, I
thought, well, it was just another year of work and school. But when I actually
took a minute to think, I was like, whoa, a lot did happen.
Let’s start with Brian. We ended 2016 with him still trying
to find a new career, trying to find a new path in life. He went down several avenues, but when it
came down to it……..he wanted to be back in Logistics. The career he liked, was
knowledgeable about, and is genuinely good in.
I was happy he was going back to work because that is what he wanted,
but at the same time, I was sad not to have him around our home. I had leaned on him a lot during his time. He
was a big help to me with the kids and my work.
In March, he went back to work at CNH in a slightly
different role than before, but one that he was instantly good at, and
immediately began making an impact.
For Beau, I call this his year of metamorphosis. Not only did he physically change in his weight
and height, but also his face changed, his voice changed, and he definitely
went from round boy to young man right before our eyes. His health got the all clear. Blood sugar
levels normal. Cholesterol normal. I
attribute a lot of his weight loss to Wrestling – which he hated – but I could
not be more proud that he went out for a sport that he knew nothing about.
So not only did he end his middle school career strong (the
Bull Rush was a testament to that), but he has now successfully survived his first
semester of high school! New building,
new students, new teachers, new classroom schedule, new football team and
coaches………and he killed it. He has done
a great job adjusting to high school life, and again, so very proud of him.
Now that leaves Bren.
Bren moved from 3rd grade to 4th grade – doing
well in both. She continues speech
therapy and definitely has her highs and lows, but it doesn’t bother her at
all. She started voice lessons around
March, and picked up Piano lessons a few months later. She has done an
outstanding job learning how to expand her voice and pick up piano. She
probably likes piano more than voice, but we think she does great in both.
She has a huge imagination and a talent for art. She is stubborn and sometimes very mean, but
in a minute, can be the most loving and giving girl. She challenges us everyday. Actually both
kids are a challenge to us every day, but in the best way possible. They make us better parents and people. We are so grateful for them. And darn, are they funny and witty.
So I guess that just leaves me and Ribbie. Really for me, it’s a lot of the same. I work
too much, but I do enjoy what I do. It was a very good year for me work
wise. I saw a lot of success both with
Ariat and Cavender’s, but at some point, I do wish to find a better work life
balance.
And Ribbie. Well, Ribbie is our whole world. We love this
boy with all our hearts. He knows what
we need. We know what he needs. He is just part of us. Thank goodness he found
us three years ago. Look at this video and tell me that is not true love.
Happy New Year. Here’s to a joyful 2018 – filled with
laughter, health, and maybe even some adventure this year. Oh, and will have a
little girl in braces on January 16th. Wish us all luck, but pray
for my girl that this two year journey will be worth it and she can handle it
all.
