Tanner runs Track

Year 2 of Tanner running track! Watching him compete has been one of those things that has made me so incredibly proud of him.

At the junior high level, only the top 3 or 4 students in each event get to advance to the meets, so there was definitely some competition! Tanner consistently ranked near the top, which meant he qualified for every meet. Watching him work hard and then seeing that hard work pay off was so exciting!

He ran the 800 (two times around the track) and the 400 (one lap), which meant he was running twice at each meet. And if you’ve ever been to a junior high track meet, you know those things can be LONG! Tanner would often have an event near the very beginning and then another one toward the end, so we were there for quite a while. But of course, we never minded because we loved getting to watch him run.

He even qualified for districts, which was such a cool accomplishment!

There was one meet where both Brad and I really wanted to go watch him, but Logan had soccer practice at the exact same time. I was trying to figure out how I was going to make it all work when I suddenly remembered… Carson can drive! 😂 He was able to take Logan to soccer while Brad and I went to Tanner’s meet. Having a third driver has been a TOTAL game changer!

More than anything, I’m proud of Tanner for the discipline he showed throughout the season. Getting up early every day, heading to practice, pushing himself to run and improve, and sticking with it takes a lot of dedication.

(In black shirt and red pants stretching his leg)

making sure we were watching

So proud of you, Tanner! Watching you work hard and accomplish your goals has been so much fun. 🏃‍♂️❤️

 

Tays Basketball

One of my favorite parts of this school year was getting to watch Tanner play basketball for his school team.

Last year was tough. He was one of the last players cut, and while he handled the disappointment well, I know how badly he wanted to make the team. He spent the past year working hard, improving his skills, and hoping for another chance.

This year, all that hard work paid off.

Tanner made the C team! At his school, each grade has three teams because the student population is so large, so making a team is an accomplishment in itself. To make it even better, he got placed with his favorite coach, which made the season that much more enjoyable.

I have to admit, watching school basketball was so much fun—honestly, I enjoyed it way more than city league basketball. There was just something special about seeing him represent his school, play with his classmates, and be part of a team that worked so well together.

And what a season it turned out to be! Tanner's team kept winning, game after game, and eventually made it all the way to the district championship. The championship game was against our rival school, the one that always seems to win everything. That made the victory even sweeter.

District Champions!

More than the trophy, I'm proud of Tanner for sticking with it after last year's disappointment. It would have been easy to give up, but instead he worked harder, stayed determined, and earned his spot. Watching that perseverance turn into success has been one of the highlights of the year.

Way to go, Tanner! 🏀🏆❤️

Love that they make the boys dress nice on game days

This picture made it into the school yearbook

Making the shot

Junior high night at the High school basketball game

Love our #10!

After the semi final game!  Now onto the championship game!

Champions!

Love Coach Keim and his son Beau who was also on the team.  These two have been buddies since Kinder! They actually played the same position and I was constantly having to double check which one was playing because the look so much a like!  

So proud of him!

Wouldn't let me get a pic of him and his victory burger, but Brad was sure in 😆 #1!

 

#14

There are certain birthdays that just feel a little bigger, and Tanner turning 14 is definitely one of them.

This year has been so fun to watch because Tanner set a goal for himself and truly followed through. For a long time, he’s had his eye on an e-bike, and instead of just wishing for it, he got to work. He saved up his own money and ended up paying for half of it himself. Watching him stay focused and committed like that has made me incredibly proud. It’s such a great reminder of the kind of determination and responsibility he’s building as he grows up.

Of course, we had to celebrate him in a way that felt special. We went out for a delicious Italian dinner, spent time together, and just enjoyed being with him—laughing, talking, and soaking in the moment. Those simple celebrations always end up meaning the most.

Tanner, you are such a joy to our family. You’re kind, driven, and becoming more independent every day, and it’s so exciting to see who you’re turning into. I love you so much and feel so lucky to be your mom.

Happy 14th birthday!

 

While Brad’s away…

While Brad was off having the adventure of a lifetime in Malaysia for three weeks, things were… a little less exciting on the home front.  The kids were off with friends or at camp most days, and I realized pretty quickly how much I craved even the smallest bit of attention from them. (Just notice me, children!) They were definitely living their best summer lives.

One nice thing for me was an old coworker who came to visit with her daughter, she’s moved away, so it was nice to catch up with her. We had brunch at Little Hen and then spent the day wandering the area, catching up and enjoying a girls day.

Tanner was busy with SAC camp (strength and conditioning) at the high school every morning—except the week he went to orchestra camp. He wasn’t exactly thrilled I signed him up, but admitted it was better than expected. He liked the music and said it was both fun and more challenging than what he’s used to. And exciting news—he found out he made the Sinfonia orchestra for next year (the same one Carson was in for 8th grade)! 🎻

Logan and I got in a little one-on-one time too. We went on a mother-son date to try Korean corn dogs—something he’s been begging to do—and they did not disappoint. 🧀🌭💥

And because I was so bored, listening to true crime podcasts wasn’t enough so I tackled a few home projects while Brad was away: organized the space under the stairs with a new shoe and sports rack, had the front door re-stained, and started a new quilt.

Pool time with friends!

So, not quite the same as tropical beaches, temples, or durian fruit escapades—but we made it through. And we’re very happy to have Brad back home. ❤️

 

Track

This spring Tanner decided to give track a try at school! It’s a no-cut sport, which means anyone can join, but with such a big and competitive school, actually getting to compete in the meets is a whole different story. They only take the top 3 students for each event—and Tanner earned one of those spots!

He trained hard, got up early for practices, and ended up qualifying to run the 800 meters (two full laps around the track!) at the meets. We’re so proud of his dedication, perseverance, and the way he pushed himself to reach this goal. Love cheering this kid on! Way to go, Tanner!

Mother Son Time

This month was full of special moments with my boys, and I’m grateful for the time we got to spend together.

I had the chance to go on a field trip with Tanner to the Houston Symphony. Let’s just say, riding a school bus packed with teenage boys was… memorable. The smell was something else, and Tanner made it clear he was way too cool to sit with Mom.  He mostly tried to pretend I wasn’t there, but that’s teenagers for you right? Once we arrived, the experience was fantastic. The Houston Symphony did an amazing job teaching the students about music and performing for them. The highlight was definitely when they played Jurassic Park, goosebumps!

Logan and I had our own fun night out at the Shafer Elementary Mother-Son Luau. We grabbed dinner beforehand, then headed to the school for lei-making, bounce houses, and lots of laughs. I loved getting one-on-one time with him and just being silly together.

Another proud moment came on Veterans Day. Logan and his Scout group were asked to participate in the school’s flag ceremony. It was such an honor to watch him take part in something so meaningful. The 5th grade choir sang patriotic songs in tribute to the veterans (family members of the kids at school) and it was a powerful reminder of the importance of service and community.

Grateful for the chance to show up for these little (and big) moments. 💙