Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Exciting News!!!

A new adventure has been brewing in the Gilstrap household for the past 3 years! Endless amounts of planning, researching, and brainstorming ideas have gone into the creation of our family owned business! Back when we were adjusting to our new life following our NICU stay, I asked Brian what he wanted to do for work if he could do anything in the world.

me - If money were no object, and you could do whatever you wanted, what would be your dream job?
Brian - I would love to own a brewery with my brother.
me - Then lets do it!
Brian - We could never afford to do that.
me - Well, we didn't think we could afford to live on one income, but somehow we are making that work. 
Brian - You really think we can do this?
me - I know we can do this! 

And so it began...East Texas Brewing Company was born! I am thrilled to have the wheels in motion and know that we are going to be up and running in just a few short months! We are excited...nervous...and overjoyed! Witnessing Brian and his brother, Matt, bring each of their strengths together in a collaboration of an excellent business model has been fun to watch. I also enjoy throwing in my two cents, as well!

More exciting news...i received a call this week letting me know that the food I requested for Drake has been approved and our DME company will be able to deliver it with his monthly order! Adding supplements has already improved his overall health and wellness; therefore, we are looking forward to getting him on an organic whole food based diet! He is consistently able to press his buttons (Big Mack Switches) to communicate whether he wants "More, Please" or if he is "All Done." All of his therapist have been commenting about his improved head control and his elongated rib cage! His nurses are pleased with his increased time off of his ventilator. This is good for a multitude of reasons...including the fact that he doesn't like being on the vent and he is able to disconnect himself now, too! Brian and I are thrilled about every improvement! 

Our sweet Hayes has his first two bottom teeth! Even through the teething, he is still just the happiest baby. He is great about sitting, playing with toys, and entertaining himself. He enjoys talking to us (in his own way) and he doesn't miss a beat of anything that goes on around our house.  Before we know it he will be crawling everywhere! Kennedy loves helping with both Drake and Hayes! I absolutely LOVE hearing and watching her interact with her brothers! One of their favorite things is getting in Drake's bed right before bed to play! Kennedy provides lots of entertainment and belly laughs for the boys and us! 

While we don't know what the future holds for us, we are excited to embark on our next journey together!    

Our ETX Brewing Co. will be located just "off the square" in downtown Tyler, TX.

Over the next few months, this former tire shop will transform into our dream of a microbrewery! I look forward to sharing the progress along our journey!

Signing the paperwork and getting things started! 

Gait trainer time!

Oh, this sweet boy! Favorite activity...removing the boarders from the mats

Helping daddy make pizza!

Hanging out with daddy!

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch with Brian's grandparents! 94 & 86 years old plus 67 years of marriage! How very lucky we are to be able to spend time with them!

Our tiny dancer!

Standing tall!

"Can Drake watch one show before bedtime?" 

UT Tyler Patriot Million Dollar Hole in One - Such a fun evening raising money for scholarships! 
















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