Merry Christmas!

 We've had a wonderful Christmas.  It's been very cold with snow on the ground.  

We have a lot of exciting things happening over Christmas break.  

We are leaving the cold behind the day after Christmas for the 80's and sand between our toes.  

Once back from Maui, we will welcome a new furry family member.  

What a special time.  Lots of memories made and blessings counted. 

We did miss our Molly.  She loved the excitement of Christmas morning.  She will always be in our hearts. 

Lily Grace and I are constantly sneaking over to the tree changing out the light colors.  She likes colored lights and I like white.  This year, we came up with a compromise.  I got white tree lights and she got jewel toned colorful lights on the fireplace mantle. 

This year, Lily Grace said she'd like us to string popcorn for the tree.  We spent an evening popping and stringing only for her to decide that it was taking way too long to string enough to wrap the tree.  We ended up with three strings that only cover the front the tree and a bit of the sides.  It did provide a good laugh if you walked too far around and saw where it didn't make it.  We deemed it character and decided regardless it was going on because of the trouble.  I wouldn't have traded that time doing that with her for anything.

We fill each other's stockings and it's one of the first things we like to go through on Christmas morning. 

Every year, Lily Grace gives Matt personalized golf balls.  He looks forward to seeing what's on them each year.  She makes sure it's something to give a laugh, especially when he pulls them out with his league. This year they read: "Swiftie Dad- I got the tickets to prove it."

On a side note- look at Matt's side.  We love to make fun of him and how tidy he is about opening his gifts.  He's already opened several and it's neat as a pin over there.  Meanwhile, Lily and I have paper and boxes strewn all over the couch and the floor like an explosion took place.  

She also got him this t-shirt.  The large print says, I  Love My Wife but when you read between the lines it says, when she lets me play golf. 

Grace was thrilled to get some Taylor Swift midnights merch.

Matt also wraps his own gifts and Gracie and I always get a laugh out of the different bows he ties.  

We also visited a breeder over Christmas and there's a good chance you'll be seeing a lot of this super cute boy. 

Mele  Kalikimaka!  We're off to Maui for New Years! 🌴

National Honor Society

National Honor Society inductions take place Junior year at Bishop Dwenger.  Becoming a member begins with being invited to apply after meeting several criteria.  It requires a lot of hard work and a thoughtful application process. Today, Matt and I watched Lily Grace receive that honor at a beautiful ceremony and luncheon.  

Lily Grace, Daddy and I are so very proud of you.  You work so hard and it was so nice to see you recognized for that today. We love you so very much! You shine both inside and out!

Sweet friends

We love you Gracie!

Tickets to Taylor

Well, Ticketmaster certainly didn't make it easy, but Matt was up to the task.  We had no idea how chaotic and challenging it would be to get tickets, especially since we secured presale codes. Let me be honest, I was near tears with frustration and failed at my all day attempts. Matt however, was able to get us Taylor Swift tickets and even scored us floor seats by the stage.  We were truly feeling the pressure to pull this off.  Lily Grace, a HUGE Swiftie asked for tickets for her 17th birthday in April and according to her, any other special day she needed to call in.  It was a nerve-racking day and our family text thread confirms that, but boy did the tone change when Matt sent the news.  Matt you rock! Now comes the wait until June. 

 

Our sweet Molly

 This week has been a heartbreaking one at our house.  We had to say goodbye to our beloved Molly.  She died at home. We were with her, telling her what a good girl she was and how much she was loved as she took her last breaths.  

Losing Molly was one of the hardest things we've been through as a family.  Molly was just shy of 12 years. She and Lily have grown up together.  Lily was 5 when we welcomed Molly home.  

Molly was the absolute sweetest and most loyal girl.  She remained a puppy at heart, right up to her last day.  We will miss her greatly.

Molly, thank you for loving us unconditionally, making us laugh, causing chaos that made our house a home and for your loyal, big heart.  You meant so much to us and we loved you so very much!  

Pretty Projects

 Lily and I both completed big crochet projects.  I finished my Cobblestone Path blanket. Gracie finished a beautiful Granny Square blanket.  

She's completed several purses and totes as well.  She's even crocheted a top. 

I love the colors she used in this blanket. 

 

End of the Season

  The Lady Saints finished up their golf season placing 4th at Regionals today. 

As always, we've enjoyed watching and cheering you on Gracie!

Sectional Champs!

Another Saturday, another big win.  The girls took the Sectional Title at Zollner.  Go Saints!

Still the Champs!

 Saturday the girls defended their SAC title and came out on top again!  They played some great golf! All five of the girls were named top 10 All Conference sweeping the individual medals.

A Big Day!

 Lily Grace turned 16 back at the end of April.  Matt and I decided to buy her a brand new car.  We just wanted the reliability of a new car and to give her a car that could carry her through college.  We set some boundaries (mainly with regards to safety) and let her choose. 

Buying a car post covid is still quite the challenge with inventory shortages.  Adding to that, she also chose a new model that was being introduced just this year.  She was certain about what colors she wanted on the inside and out and prepared to wait as long as it took.  With all that, we've been on a wait list since April.  This is with money down to hold and buy it having never seen or driven this car.  Yep!  That's how it's working right now.  Crazy!  Then, this past Wednesday, we got the big call.  Her car had been delivered to the lot. Luckily, this was the one Saturday where the girl's didn't have a golf invitational.

In order for us all to get to ride home together in her new car, we got up early this morning, picked up a rental car and drove to Indy where the car was.   

She chose the new Toyota Cross XLE.  As soon as she saw the commercial for it on TV, she was smitten.  

I can't begin to express how excited she was this morning.  She drove us home from Indy and she she's been driving around this afternoon.  We are super happy for her.  I have to agree it is the cutest car and the inside it adorable.  

Matt and I are pleased with her choice and were excited to share in this experience with her.  Gracie you make us so proud.  We hope this new car brings you lots of joy, new independence, memories and home safely each time you leave.  Congratulations!!!  We love you!!!

Her first glance at her new car.  They had it sitting in the showroom with a big red bow.

About to take it out for the first ride

Learning about all the features

All smiles driving home

Apple Car Play is already getting quite the workout. 

It's that time Again!

 The Lady Saints golf season is off to a great start.  The season actually started with 3 back to back invitationals the week before school started.  With a packed schedule this season, they've been playing a lot and placing.  Lily's worked a lot on the short game this year and it has been paying off.  

Love watching her play!

Chipping and putting- all about the short game

Girl's Varsity

Girls Varsity with JV