Cavender's's Grand Opening

It has been a fun (and long) two days working at the Cavender's Wichita Grand Opening. 

Even Bren had a good time with the trick roper! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Father Daughter Dance

Be still my heart these two.

This is the second year for my two loves to attend this dance together. Bren didn't want to go last year, but she was excited for it this year.

Dad is a great sport matching his shirt to her pretty dress. Bringing her flowers. Taking her to dinner. So so so special.  Brenley has such a great Daddy that loves her madly. 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Wrastler

Beau decided to wrestle this year and while we were unsure how it would go (since he has never wrestled before), we were thrilled he wanted to try something new and were super excited for the work outs he would get.

Brian and I really didn't quite know what we were getting ourselves into when it came to these Triangular matches and Quads and Duals ?? I mean. We don't speak wrastlin'. But my smart husband had it figured out in no time. Beau made Varsity at the 165 lb weight class. He won his first two matches (by default)! But hey, a win is a win. He went on to get pinned each match thereafter. He was up against a lot of experience!!

 A kid on his team challenged him for his Varsity spot and he lost it. Down to JV he went and as he continued to drop weight, he wrestled his first JV match at 155 pounds and won! Pinned the guy! It was awesome and while we were proud of him during this entire process, it was so rewarding for him to get that pin! 

Wrestling is winding down now with only one more meet left. I'm not sure he will get back into it again after this year, but what a year it's been for him stepping outside his comfort zone, working on his fitness, and just coming into his own. This kid is really pretty cool. 

 

 

 

Brenley turns 9

Our beautiful princess turned 9 on Monday, February 6th. A busy and smart 3rd grader, she couldn't decide how she wanted to celebrate with friends so we spent time with our grandparents, which made her equally happy.

She loves all things animals, especially her Ribbie baby! She loves non-fiction books and loves to quote presidential and geographical facts. She loves to play outside in her imaginary wonderland. She loves to jump rope. She does not like being laughed at or made to look silly. She is not big on surprises. She will tell you she doesn't love her brother, but that's simply not true. They play together more than either will admit. 

She still doesn't like fruits or vegetables, but spaghetti, pizza, and chicken nuggets win every time. 

She is strong, strong-willed, and strong-minded. She loves fiercely, and gives you her almighty best and never ever wants to disappoint. She is amazingly beautiful and caring and kind. What a gift we have in her. 

Happy birthday to our sweet sweet princess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mom's 70th Birthday

My beautiful Momma turned 70 on January 19th and we were able to meet for lunch to spend a quick minute celebrating her. We love our MeMa.

 

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree

This is my girl's birthday wish list. Be still my heart. I love her so.

 

End of 2016

As we wrap up 2016.........it's quite a lot to process, actually.  In some regards the year went by in a blink of an eye. But then when I stop to think about what happened, some events seem like they happened years ago.

Health wise.......... we had two scares this year.  Brian with his heart that turned out to be nothing. Both relieved and a bit confused at the same time. Beau with his higher than normal cholesterol and insulin.

Job wise.......we are a single income family by choice, but it's definitely had SO many blessings in disguise. I don't know how many times I turned to Brian and said, if you were working, we wouldn't have been able to do this, or accomplish this, or attempt this.  He has helped me tremendously with my job. I cannot even begin to list how helpful he has been with samples and mailings and packaging and organizing.  The time and reassurance he has saved me. It's immeasurable. So while he works on his next career and life path.......I'll support him the way he has supported me.....the best way I know how.

Kid wise......we now have an 8th grader and 3rd grader. Our 8th grader will be moving to high school in the coming year. How is that possible?  He is social and smart and athletic. He knows everything. We know nothing.  He loves watching and playing sports.  He has a great group of friends, and we hope that just continues for him. He has lost 17 pounds in the last 5 months. We are so proud of him. He has continued to watch what he eats, making good (albeit sometimes hard) choices on what he puts in his body.  His next bloodwork is in February 2017.

Sister....well, she is rocking the 3rd grade. Stepping up to be quite the leader. Stuttering be damned. It is not going to stop her.  She has become quite the leader in the classroom. She has a new speech teacher at school that adores her and supports her.  Her classroom teacher said she is the perfect student.  She loves to keep things organized. She loves lists.  She frets when she forgets something. Her heart is huge.  She reminds me of someone ......

Both kids chose to be baptized this year to accept Jesus Christ in their life and their heart. What a proud moment of the year.

As a family, we get so much joy out of our four legged pup.  He makes every one of us feel better.

From there it was a year filled with activities, travel, a little vacation, swimming, a 50th anniversary party for my Mom and Dad, and above all......a lot of Love.

Blest be the tie that binds,
The Grant Family