Round five for us

 And one more post for this darling boy of fifteen years.

The traditional drive-in-the-church-parking-lot-with-your-parents photo
from his actual 15th birthday. He kind of loved it.

And then the very next day, he passed his test for her learner's permit and now has a year
to learn to become a safe and lovely driver, alongside his parents, in order to get his actual
driver's license. He did amazingly well his very first time, I was kind of blown away by it.

Oh this guy, he's the best.

Yesterday

Happy Birthday Nate!

I’m sincerely not sure how to put into words what this boys means to us and how deeply honored we are to
have him in our family. I have seldom known anyone that lives life with such kindness, such light and such
a good and encouraging heart. He also has one of the most brilliant brains I’ve ever witnessed, is hilarious
beyond belief, is athletic to a degree that is unreal to watch (and with every dang sport out there), is a close
and thoughtful friend to every member of our family and mostly, has the most faithful and believing heart
imaginable—loving his Savior and his Father in Heaven purely and trusting Them deeply. Nate has been
through trials the last many months that I couldn’t begin to describe (and that have gutted my momma’s
 heart). Yet he continues to stand tall and keeps trying, working, doing and believing, becoming someone
who is resilient and brave and confident in himself and God. It’s the most incredible thing to witness.

Happy Birthday Nathan Grant, love you forever!

Grace's annual show of gratitude

A work trip to Canada

 

Jacob's never been to Ottawa before. I love that he was able to see a new city
this trip and mostly, that he is so capable and incredible and willing to help so many
 around the world, to do more good with their influence and within their sphere.

Another work trip to Ghana

A second trip to Ghana, for the second year in a row, for Jacob and his team. They continue to
help the LDS church measure and evaluate the millions of dollars given to help mothers, babies
and children avoid death, disease and malnourishment in many third-world countries. It's an
honor for Jacob to do the work. And it also takes a huge toll (at least in his wife's opinion). Just
the flights alone are a whole lot of exhaustion, never mention everything in between. And with it
being his third trip to Africa in about seven weeks, his poor body can barely adjust, before it starts
all over again. But he does it so well. And I know the Lord is grateful for his sacrifice. As are these
beautiful children and the amazing people in this incredible country. We are just so very blessed.

Halloween for these darlings

Ben in tournament action

Ben had a tournament about an hour away from us today and it was actually one where spectators
were encouraged (not always the case in disc golf). So Jacob headed down for the morning round
 (where Ben took an amazing 5th overall) and I was able to be there for the afternoon round (which
was a team competition and unfortunately one of his teammates had to bow out after getting
 extremely sick that morning from food poisoning...bummer for their score for sure).

I love these pictures I took so much.

This boy is truly incredible and being on BYU's disc golf team has just been the happiest
thing the last few months. I'm so thankful he's worked so hard to make it happen.
And especially loved watching Ben in his element today. It was truly just the best.

One incredibly tremendous boy

Nate and his team made it to the championship of the State Cup tonight. And if that wasn't cool enough, had a chance
to play at the stadium where the Real Salt Lake professional team plays their games. It was just a really cool experience.

And even though they ended up losing by one, I honestly could not possibly have been more proud of Nate
and who he chooses to be. Most of those tender reasons need to stay in my heart, but I will just say I know
of very few humans who are as good and resilient and amazing as Nate Allen. Even when they are adults,
but when they are a fourteen-year-old teenage boy—good grief, it's absolutely unreal to watch and I'm so
honored he is ours and we are the ones that get to regularly witness his incredible self.

To go from missing nearly two months with a fractured foot this season, to starting the State Cup championship game
tonight for an N1 team in our state...Nate just blows my mind. And more than his starting or his hard work, which is
definitely significant, is his heart. And the fact that he never lets anyone dim his light and goodness, no matter how
hard they try. That last picture with his chin held resolute while walking to receive his medal, at one of the most horrific
moments he has ever experienced (and not due to their loss), feels me with pride and emotion to a degree I could never
express. He's absolutely incredible to me and it makes me teary to think that God would ever entrust me be his mom. 

Oh my word, I love this boy something fierce.