Quick Catch Up

As I write this, it is Christmas Eve Eve.  Where has this month gone? I knew after Thanksgiving would be a blur until Christmas, and it definitely didn't disappoint. I guess partly I can't believe I got here and I'm still standing with a lot of "to do's" knocked off my list, a house that is decorated, presents that are bought and wrapped, and kids that are in one happy, healthy, piece.

But with the hustle and bustle also comes a few mistakes, like sending my 15 year old niece a Lowe's gift card instead of the iTunes gift card I intended to give her.  And she was too kind to even tell me about it.  It took me looking for the Lowe's card and only finding the iTunes one to think….. surely I didn't send that to Courtney?!?!?  And let's see, I've ruined a few meals trying to go too fast and "make do" with ingredients I had on hand. I'm sure I've forgotten things I haven't even realized. But oh well….I'm going to really try to enjoy this week and the bliss that comes from Christmas.  I'm just so thankful that the weather, while super cold and snow on the ground, appears to be clear for upcoming travels. And my family and myself are healthy. Knock on wood and I'll continue to be thankful to the Lord for our many, many blessings.

Quickly catching up, Beau started basketball this month and he is only playing in MAYB tournaments this season.  His team is off to a solid start and I just so love watching him play.  His aggressiveness makes me the most happiest.  Boy that kid is strong!  And his shot is coming along so well. His confidence has come so far.  Even his fashion sense makes an appearance on the court. Check out the striped socks!

School is now out for him until January 7th!!! He is so excited, and spent his first day off shooting baskets at the YMCA this afternoon, which is tons better than sitting around playing video games all day. Here's hoping we can do more of that over the next two weeks.

And then there is Sister.  The next post will be all about her Christmas program at school, but in the meantime….. here is her on the way to Speech class.  School takes a lot out of this little girl.

And here she is with Santa. He came to her school.

And she learned to tie her shoes this month, so she is not only in the Tooth Club at school, but the Shoe Tie Club. Let's just say Ms. Buckle was feeling generous that day, because her ties are a little loose, but she sure is proud of herself!

But my MOST FAVORITE thing to post about her is her "report card" and this little section right here…and let me preface it by saying, she is so smart, and so generous, and so perfect.  This little "2" she got is from her mother.  We don't always play well with others, especially when we lose.

So blessed with these babies, and a husband who keeps the home fires going when mama is away.

Holiday spirit

I'm starting to get into the holiday spirit a little more now. The kids kind of make it easy for you. They are so excited.

Ernie the Elf has returned. He has already silenced a fight between the two kids. Well played, Ernie, well played.

We had a fun little dinner the other night at our new favorite chicken place. A guy was there making balloon shapes. Dad was Santa Claus, Sis was a jet packing reindeer and Bub was an Elf. So cute!!

And here is Brenley's letter to Santa that she wants mailed. Of course....

Tis the season!!! 

December

I vividly remember writing my New Year's Day post, and now here I am entering the last month of 2013. It's a bit scary how fast the time is going. Not only scary, but overwhelming when I watch my kids outgrow their clothes or my to do list keeps getting longer. Sigh.

I've been such a grump lately for some reason. The holidays should be happy times, but all I can think about is "when am I going to have time for this?" Or "these Christmas decorations are looking so old and tattered."  Or "what should I get this person for a Christmas gift?" But then I go out to the stores and return empty handed because I either didn't find what I was looking for, or I found it and it was way too expensive, or the people at the store annoyed me to the point of simply wanting to return home as fast as I could.  Sigh.

I sure hope when I hit cruise control on December 20th that my happy face comes back on. We will see, I guess.

But in the meantime, I will continue to count my blessings one by one. Family is at the top of the list. Spent some quality time with most of them over Thanksgiving weekend. I never got my camera out, but did capture a few on my phone. You know I must be in a funk when the camera doesn't make an appearance.

This is Will and his "mean face."  I mean, he is cute. 

And this is my son either bored or jealous of the kiddie toys. Proud moment either way.

Okay. So here we go December. Let's do this with a smile on our face.

Randomness

1. It's so cold today. Seriously cold. 

2. Big game in Stillwater tonight. Go Pokes! Beat the Bears!

3. My son is at this cold football game and his Mom is not. Totally not jealous.

4. Brenley has to take a "family" totem pole to school on Monday. Sure she does. Here are our before and after photo's. She loves it. That's all that matters to me.

Fall Randomness and Thankfulness

While it's been a busy month so far, I have enjoyed the beautiful Fall leaves this season. The weather has been so nice - cool, but not down right cold.  The leaves have turned amazing shades.  So thankful for the cooler, beautiful Fall season.

We've found some time to play MLB Monopoly as a family. Mom won.  So thankful for my little family and for our competitive spirit.

We've found time to cheer on the Cowboys!  Sometimes rather loudly.

While this technically wasn't in November, we did get to see Pa Pa and his bunnies. So thankful my kids get to experience the love of animals through their Pa Pa.

I'm thankful for this sleeping face. So peaceful.

I'm thankful for my hot husband and his love of sports, me, and our kids….. not necessarily in that order, of course.

I am thankful for our weekend "vacation," as my daughter calls it.  Yes, any hotel stay with a swimming pool constitutes a "vacation" in the Grant family.  Brenley kept saying while traveling to Lawrence, Kansas for the football tournament…."Mom, this is the best vacation."  Or "Mom, I'm having the best time on vacation."  Don't you think I am not smitten by her positive and innocent spirit.

Brenley took this picture and posed us.  I'm not sure it could have been any worse, but I had to post it.

She took this one too. Yep, we never knew when that little finger was going to push click.

Of course, Beau took these.  Good times.

Our November "vacation"

And I've got to see one of my brothers on his birthday and talk to the other one on his birthday.  I've even got to visit a dear friend in Topeka, Kansas.  I've been to Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana these past two weeks.  Travel has been safe. So thankful for that.

So while we are 16 days in…. it's been a very fulfilling November - one that I am ever thankful for.

Football Tournaments and End of the Season

Well, we have wrapped up Beau's 5th Grade Football season. He ended it with a tournament in Lawrence, Kansas and his team won their division.  We only played two games, but the team did very well. I was so proud of Beau and his teammates. They finished the season 10-1 (I think).  Their only loss came in their league bowl tournament championship game.  Beau played center in an shotgun offense. His snaps were on point all year.  He also got in at several defensive positions off and on.  I love when he got to play both sides of the ball. I throughly enjoyed watching him this year.  And a huge shout out to my awesome husband who diligently got him to practice 3-4 nights a week depending on the schedule. Lots of work, but definitely worth it.

I love this shot.  This is before their championship bowl game.

Second place. Oh well. Great season, regardless.

His buddy, Keaton.

AND NOW PICTURES FROM THE LAWRENCE, KANSAS TOURNAMENT

Getting told to come off the ball quick and hit someone after the snap. Common and reoccurring discussion this season.

What play, Coach?

 

TEAM CAPTAIN - Last game!!

Looking for the flip.

Ref looking for Beau's response.

71 is large and in-charge. Get 'em #31!

Look at those sausage fingers.

CHAMPIONS!!

November 1st

Not sure I am ready for November.  I am going to be so busy this month. I get tired just thinking about it. But time marches on, doesn't it?  Bring on November with football to wrap up, basketball to start, travel, travel,  travel, and of course, the start of the holidays!!!

And the beauty of the day after Halloween - CLEARANCE COSTUMES FOR CHEAP!!  Great way to play dress up for the girl that has a Wild Imagination. Meet Little Red Riding Hood!