Blessed Beyond Measure

Enjoying dinner downtown: Family Day! 13 Years

Trading for Trendy

After almost 20 years of wearing rimless glasses, Gracie and I managed to talk Matt into trading them in for something bold and trendy. 
It’s been quite different for Matt. And while we love the man behind the glasses, Gracie and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his new look!  

She did it!

Back at the beginning of December, Lily Grace, along with a lot of other 8th graders took the Merit Exam at Bishop Dwenger for a chance at one of 8 Merit Scholarships they award incoming freshman each year.  These scholarships are awarded solely on academic achievement.  The scholarship goes towards your Freshman tuition.  With only eight scholarships being given and so many taking the test, Matt told Gracie he'd give her a $100 if she placed.  
Yesterday, we received a letter from Bishop Dwenger letting us know that Lily Grace had won one of the scholarships.  You can't imagine the excitement around here yesterday afternoon!  
Matt and I were beyond happy for Gracie and so very proud.  She works so hard and never complains.  With a lot of after school activities, clubs and advanced classes, she still holds high honors each and every nine weeks.  She's held on to those straight A's since starting school. 
I can't tell you the joy it brings Matt and I to see her earn this special recognition for her hard work.
Congratulations Gracie!  We are sooooo proud of you and love you even more!

Reading the letter that brought the good news.

Pure joy and excitement all over her face.  And yes, a $100 in hand from daddy as promised.

20 Happy New Year 20

We rang in the new year with a sleepover.  Lily Grace had a couple of friends over and threw a party.  
2019 left us with lots of memories and we look forward to all that 2020 will bring.  Happy New Year!

We helped Gracie decorate the basement for her party, complete with a balloon drop.  Matt blew up over 75 balloons and thankfully, he owns an air compressor.  

Of course there was a photo backdrop with lots of props.  

Matt and I got in on the fun before we got kicked out. ha!

Oh yes!  She even bought some strobe lights for karaoke and dancing. 

As promised, a taco dinner and sundae bar

These girls had so much fun and went nonstop.  

The balloon drop was so much fun!  Matt and I couldn't believe how well it worked.  And the bigger shock is that Matt and I made it until midnight.

We even toasted in the New Year with sparkling grape juice thanks to one of the girls. 

We did it!!!  Happy New Year!  For the record, this picture was taken at about 12:05.  We sent the girls upstairs to their bedrooms.  They ended up giggling and playing games in one of the guest rooms until 1:30 in the morning before going to their own rooms and going to bed.

I made waffles for the girls the next morning before taking them home.

Happy New Year!