Winter Session Basketball

I am LOVING watching my son play basketball this season. He is a DEFENDER. Mean, tough, and smart.  I like that combination.  His team has really come together and really are all very fun to watch. They are really getting it, and so far (knock on wood) are 4-0 this session.  Today was a close game. Not many points scored, but they won in the last few minutes of the game.  They have successfully beaten both teams that beat them last session. Way to go Tigers, and way to go Beau Charlie Grant!  You have been so much fun to watch and your hustling and listening to Coach make MOM and DAD so proud!

Brenley's Birthday Party (1 of 3, I think??)

We decided to celebrate Brenley's 3rd birthday with the Grant family a little early this year.  First of all, we were all together already (for Laurie's shower). Secondly, with two new cousins due to arrive within the next month, we thought it might be easier on Aunt Laurie to stay close to home in the coming weeks.

So after Laurie's shower, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for a pizza and ice cream cake party.  Brenley had a great time opening gifts, eating cake, and just loved the attention.  She didn't act really confused that she was getting to celebrate her birthday, as she seems to think most every day is her birthday.  And I mean, really, who wants to tell her any differently if it makes her happy? :)

Laurie is Expecting TWINS!!!

And they'll probably be here in a month, so thankfully, we got her family baby shower completed so she could get everything home and ready while her and Seth anxiouslly await the arrival of their twin boys.

We had a really great turn out for the shower.  She was loaded down with lots of great gifts, and between all the great help we had, it was a terrific shower and great day in McPherson.

Daryl Starbird Custom Rod & Car Show

So I think it makes it 5 straight years now...........annual January tradition for Beau to go with his Dad, Uncle Kyle and now Luke to the Daryl Starbird Custom Hot Rod and Car Show.  They always seem to have such a good time.

Brenley Loves Books

Brenley is showing signs of being an avid reader........meaning, books are probably her favorite toys. She knows key words to say so it sounds like she is a good reader, and the other words are mubbled are come from her own language - we call it "Brenley speak."

Anyway, here is our daughter in her Dora nightgown and her cowgirl boots. Sitting in her chair with her feet on her dresser reading, "Not Norman" her fish book. Cute.

Happy New Year - 2011

I went back and read my New Year post from last year and I could probably just do a "copy/paste" function and call it a day.  But alas, being that reflective person that needs closure.......I'll type a few words to sum up 2010 and start 2011 off with a bang.

We've enjoyed a lazy week at home with warm (60 degree) weather one day and freezing cold (20 degree wind chill) the very NEXT day. Crazy weather!  I got sick this past week with what I can only guess was the flu. Didn't knock me over for days, but definitely one solid evening and into the next day.  Still lingering even a bit today, but I'm hanging tough.  I'm such a planner and scheduler, that I am convinced when I get sick, it is God's way of making me lay down and just chill - otherwise, I'm just not very good at it.

So while I was off work, I still had about 2 days of work ahead of me here at home. I just buttoned that up and am going to enjoy the rest of the afternoon before Monday madness begins.  My two lucky boys still have one more day off tomorrow.  Beau is going to latchkey at Northridge to show off his new DS games and his IPOD shuffle, but he'll have a happy free day before going back to start his 2nd semester at Maize South Elementary, 2nd grade!! Brian is going to hang out here and do a few odds and ends (that I come up with for him - ha ha!) before returning to work on Tuesday.

Brenley and I are going to jump back into our routine in the morning and jump back in we will do.  I've got a big meeting this week, basketball practice starts for Beau again (two times a week), I travel the following week......not to mention we have 5 family birthday's in January and I am helping plan my sister in law's baby shower in McPherson on January 22nd.  THEN- Brenley's 3rd birthday is on February 6th, with another work trip about a week after that and maybe, just maybe after mid February, I can take a deep breath.

Ah well....2010 went by in a whirl, I guess I didn't expect 2011 to be any different.  I do hope 2011 brings a little girl that wants to wear big girl panties (yep, that would be Brenley), a little boy that has a desire to ride a bike (yep, that would be Beau), a Mom that learns to keep work at work, lives in the moment a bit more instead of living off a list, and learns that you don't need to feel guilty when you decide to take some time for yourself (yep, that would be me). 

And for my blessings........I continue to be eternally grateful for my loving and supporting husband.  And my two kids are out of this world incredible.  They are the funniest, smartest, most beautiful children in the whole world.  I just cannot get enough of them.  And while I don't always like my work, I'm fortunate I have a job and that helps me put food on the table and roof over our heads.......and it allows me to indulge in retail therapy once in awhile (not even gonna try to lie on that one).

I hope that my family and friends that I love dearly continues to remain healthy and happy and prosperous for 2011. Speaking of prosperous, I pray extra for all my loved ones expecting new arrivals this year.  Laurie (2 babies this spring!); Brooke (little  boy in April); Heather (due date in July), and for any other loved one that will announce such good fortune.  And for my friend Kelly who starts her new job tomorrow - I wish you a year of success! 

We are looking forward to another great year.  May you be blessed with peace, love and joy in 2011!

Christmas in O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A! Oklahoma, OK!

I love going home. Love, love, love it.  I'm always so tired when I get there, though. Must be because I can fully relax and just be myself. The kiddo's love to be there also.  I love to see my family and am amazed how after only 30 short days, each niece and nephew grew 3 inches and their feet are a size bigger! :)

No "1st Christmas" to celebrate this year, but we look forward to the baby that will join us next year.  We love our ever expanding Levings' family tree. Just when you think Mom and Dad's house can't hold one more person, we seem to always find the room.

We opened presents mid afternoon watching each kid squeal after getting to sit on the special chair. Then we had our traditional hamburger supper (love that tradition).

It was a day of play and laughter, and a hot dice, grab the present game.  This might just be starting an annual tradition, making this our 2nd year.

Here are some pictures from our Christmas celebration.