Wow! We just got home from Grant's Awards Day program. Sometimes I wish I weren't such a crier. I'm here to tell ya, I'm about to be elected the town crier for the amount of tears I shed over joy, sadness, pride, etc... This academic year has been an amazing one for Grant! Last year was so tough...starting all day Kindergarten, being bullied, having to learn to stand up for himself, trying to come out of his shell. This year, I remember didn't start out so great either. Unfortunately with the 4 deaths in the family in one year, Grant had a very rough first two weeks after the passing of Toot. He went through the terrified phase of not wanting to leave home for fear that we would die and after many, many shed tears (between both of us), lots of prayers, having to peel him off of me to go to school and seeing the school counselor he got past that phase. No 6 year old should have to deal with that many family members passing in one calendar year. He began to really come out of his shell socially....making lots of new friends and really loving school and his teacher. We were blessed to have Grant in the class he was in. His teacher was amazing! So amazing, in fact, that she won teacher of the year (at which award presentation, I cried for her....GEEZ!) Towards the end of the year at our parent/teacher conference Grant's teacher gave me a fabulous report of Grant's academics, social skills, leadership qualities and the like. I was beaming. I am so proud of the young man he is becoming (and yes, I am getting choked up while writing this). He was one of 2 today who won the principal's leadership award, many academic awards and even an award for his ability to share his knowledge and input in class discussion. He did exceptionally well on his standardized tests and I thank God for all of it and his humility. From the time Grant was conceived, this is what we prayed for....a happy, healthy, intelligent, humble, social baby....God knows the desires of our hearts. I know this. This is my day to brag on my baby and brag I will!

At the teacher conference, Grant's teacher did ask me if Avery was much like her brother. I said "well, if by like him you mean kind, tender, smart, respectful then yes....if you mean by laid back and easy going and quiet, the answer is a resounding NO." She certainly is very different than Grant in that respect. Don't worry, her blog is coming soon and it's sure to prove wordy and chatty just like her!