Grant @ 9 Years Old

It just doesn't seem possible that I can have a 9 year old!! Not possible at all. My little baby Grant who was so tiny and spunky is now so BIG but still as spunky as ever!! You have literally grown before my very eyes into this GIANT, big muscled, smart, and tall boy! You are still imaginative, creative, playful, and goofy as ever, but I'm start to see glimpses of you being serious, mature, and just....well, older!!

School is been good for you, but a little different in years past. I think 2nd grade takes more work and more effort and you just don't like trying too hard! You started off the school year with a long-term sub and when your actual teacher came back, that seemed to perk you up a little. After conferences, it kind of lit a fire under you to make you work harder and be more productive! You've done so amazing since then!!! You're just all about the fun and creative projects, and if its not fun or creative, you just don't care!! Your main focus of school is recess!!!!

Gymnastics has been good for you this year! Your strength has probably doubled! You've competed in a few meets this season and are doing better and better at each one!! I love how you don't really compare yourself to other kids you're competing against- you focus on your scores and how well you thought you did, not how your scores compared to your opponents! You have such a great attitude about that! Basketball was GREAT this season for you!! You truly got better and better each and every game! Watching you learn and understand the process was so awesome to watch! 

At home, you definitely love your Xbox and iPad time. We made you both start doing sets of exercises to earn screen time and I think thats part of the reason you have gotten so strong- you just want your screen time!! You still love to play in the playroom, but Wyatt doesn't seem to have the urge to as much as you, which frustrates you! I know this summer when we have all the free time in the world, you guys will get back into your groove! You started doing your laundry (and Wyatt's too).  You wash, dry, and sort the laundry and then you each put your own basket of laundry away! You earned your new Ikea bed because of it! It's been such a load off for me (see what I did there 😀) but its also been a great responsibility builder for you as well!!

You love being involved at church. You always say, "Im the most known kid there!" And that might be true! You love to participate any way you can and the people at church always love that about you! I teach every other Saturday evening and you decided you wanted to teach as well, so you serve in the nursery playing with all the babies and toddlers. Someday you want to be on stage and down the singing and dancing down in the kids worship room! I think you have paved a good way for yourself there!
Sometimes we go through ups and downs with your obedience. You're just a carefree (sometimes impulsive) kid, that you don't always listen the first time, or do what is expected of you. But Daddy and I look at those times as a way for us to discipline you to draw you closer to the Lord. You are such a great kid and we are so thankful God made you who you are!!!
You are a good friend, a great brother, and a terrific son!! You make us smile more than most people can. You make us laugh like not many people could. Your spirit for life is contagious and your imagination is inspiring! You can be anything you want to be Grant because YOU ARE SPECIAL!!! God has a wonderful plan laid for you and we are so thankful we get to be on this journey with you to watch you spread your wings!!
We love you big fella!!!