Brackett White Elephant

This year we got all the adults together....younger kids separate! It's amazing how much we can enjoy each other without the little ones. Plus, I don't think they could handle a game of spoons. Some of us didn't really come out unharmed. Note to self...if ever in a battle with Kristen, let her have it, save yourself, it's not worth it. Her and Kyle had a good one, there were teeth marks, bruised fingers and broken skin. Good times, good times. We had good food, presents and laughs. Always a for sure with my brothers and sisters.

It's getting there

Eric and Blake Love, LOVE pictures

Ang,Chynna, Blake and Eric


Blake likes to rub "big boys" belly

My best brothers Aaron, Justin and Kevin

Aaron and Heather just can't take a photo without Kristen in the background!

Kevin and Connie

Blake Scored 36 points!

Of course, Curt nor I could make it to his game. But, Grandpa did so I had to call him to make sure...I didn't believe him and I couldn't trust his friend Jordan either. He also broke a kids nose. I guess the message got across because everyone backed off when he got the rebound after that. Curt says it's "basketball ettiquitte" Everyone knows that once someone gets a rebound you move on. They called the foul on the kid anyway so I guess he's right. So far their team is 9-0. Most of the teams haven't been that great (a few good ones) but the boys are playing awesome regardless.

Kids White Elephant Party

What do you do with a sack filled with scissors, a stapler, batting, tablecloth, paper, duct tape, nylons, paper plates and balloons? Make a Santa suit and Reindeer of course!! Each family got a sack with these items and had to make a santa suit and a reindeer out of the items. It was awesome!


Santa's (Blake, Caden and Bradley) Reindeer (Chase, Billy and Porter) Too much fun!


Cooper on Santa's lap


The Cousins exchanged white elephant gifts...We miss DAVE and EVAN!! Thinking of you guys and love you!!

10 favorite things

If I consider these my essentials...then I have a great life

Scentsy is awesome... I love how my house smells








Coffee! It doesn't have to be Starbucks...staff room coffee and white chocolate cream is just fine









I feel like I'm always cleaning. This "green" cleaner consentrate has lasted me a year and I still have 3/4 of it left (1/4 tsp. per 16 oz.) How awesome is that?









I love everything coconut. This is all natural coconut oil scrub. Coconut is naturally antifungal, antibacterial and a great moisturizer.If I need more they send a refill so I can reuse the container;)






I love music. The only way I get out of bed is from my awesome songs on the ipod. driving, cleaning, working, hanging...it's always in use







I love, love movies (mostly comedies)and sitcoms. To name a few of my inspirations...Dumb and Dumber, Stepbrothers, Will and Grace, the Office and most recently Modern Family. Oh, we just watched the Hangover and it's hilarious! The DVR is the best thing since sliced bread.







I'm a list person. I never really read or follow them again after I write them but it keeps my thoughts focused. Sometimes I will write the list after I have done something so I can check it off!








Where would I be without my phone? I can't even remember how I functioned without a cell phone. And now it just gets better...







These are just what I found in my coat pockets, purse and car. I'm obsessed with Chapsticks, lipgloss and lipsticks. I don't know why.







Last, ice water and lime (I put lime in most drinks)Plus, I love the gas station cups. I use them all around the house, can take them anywhere and I don't care if they don't come back.

Boys of Mine

Blake turned 15 this past week! This is a big one for me for whatever reasons. He is such an awesome guy. I love being around him...mostly because he gets my humor. We laugh all the time. He also has great friends and is enjoying basketball. I love watching him play. Blake takes care of business, is the only way I can explain it. I never have to keep on him about schedules, school work, household responsibilities, or anything really. You know how parents usually want to create things or prepare their children for what's best for them? I, on the other hand, do my best to not screw him up!

We went to Chases first basketball game this season too. It will be fun watching him grow as a player too. He asks his dad about plays and wants to know what to do when. He is the cutest darn thing ever. He has an adorable face, with his pretty boy hair, and personality to match. He does think he can get away with just his innocent smile...doesn't work well with me though. The boy doesn't think things through! Really. Or, doesn't care. Either way, goes to show how easy going he is and can roll with anything. He and Cooper play all the time! And, by play I mean wrestle, chase, pile pillows and jump over, throw down stairs, off couch, etc. You get where Im going with this. They have love/hate thing going on. since it snowed...they have played for hours outside. They made their own ramps and have perfected jumps. How they stand the cold and still have fun is a mystery to me.

Cooper is so funny. You can't make this stuff up. He comes up with the craziest stuff. Like, last year, he wanted an eye patch for Christmas. This year, a diamond?? You gotta love it. He was getting ready to go outside (below freezing) with just a hoodie jacket. I go "Coop you need to where something warmer, go get your big coat." He replies, "mooooooom, but that coat makes me look fat! I can't move quickly." I guess he needed a fast getaway at some point that day. Another one: He lost a toy that he found at to school, or whatever (ironic, not even his toy to begin with). So, Chase somehow comes up with it, said he found it on the bus. Cooper goes "No! Chase, I let you find it. I saw it laying on the ground first and let you get it later! So give it back!" We were driving to Chases game and Coop goes "hey this is the way where I go to the gym with Beth (his sitter when she works out)." I go Oh, what's it called? He gets a look on his face like what are you? stupid or something? and sais "gym." I really should write more down. You think you won't forget them, but you do.

Many blessings to you all on Thanksgiving!

I hope all of our family and friends have a great day and know how important you are to us. We are blessed with health, home and good relationships to get us through times of doubt. Time with our family and friends is always well spent. Even though we don't see everyone all the time, we benefit from your friendship daily. Lots of love, Missy

Fall...isn't so Fall!

Im not a good blogger. There, I said it. I haven't updated since June. There is snow on the ground, the sun is shining, the fire is going and football is on. Sunday's are fantastic! Im lucky I even get a chance to use the computer since Blake and his Dad have to keep track of their fantasy football crap. Anyway, The two little boys have been playing outside for at least 2 hours and loving it. What they are doing is not my concern. Just as long as both are visual...when I check.
Blake finished basketball tryouts and starts this season next week. Im excited to watch him play again. He gets his skills from his Dad. However, he gets his humor from me and really....isn't that most important? I mean, we are talking life-long lessons here. I love driving with him....hilarious. It reminds me of when I was in high school with my dumb friends.

Chase had a long season of baseball and also starts basketball. After an alarming teacher conference....he has gotten his act in gear and focused a little on his work. What 4th grader doesn't re-group when subtracting because they simply "don't feel like it" In all fairness, maybe in the past 3 years of school he didn't know you can't take 9 away from 2. Really? He and Coop laugh, wrestle and do God knows what 24/7. Cooper really looks up to him and Chase is a great example.

Cooper started Kindergarten!! No phone calls yet! Cooper has actually surprised us and is doing fantastic. Like you said Nicole...I'd love to be a fly on the wall in that classroom. Coop comes up with the most random things. He is in a world of his own. We call it Coopers world, naturally. Connie made them dinner after Kevin took him for a ride on his joyner and Cooper said "I love everything Aunt Connie makes." Every time I or Curt make dinner he says, "I love everything you make, it's my favorite." Last night Kristen made dinner and cooper, again, said "everything you make is my favorite....I love everyone who makes me my food." The point is....Cooper likes to eat.


I hope everyone enjoyed the Fall Season! The Holiday's are here:)

Boys and Baseball

We have had a great time watching blake grow (taller than me and pretty close to dad)and become a great ball player. He's been pitching and playing first base on his city and super league team. He's played some great ball!
Chase has had a fun season playing ball! His city league team made it to the state tournament placing second...don't know how. And has played double headers every saturday with his Lehi Tigers super-league team. All the while going with the flow, making great plays and having fun...rain or shine!

Take me out to the Ball Game!

Except, not in the rain, wind and cold! We have had two weeks of wonderful weather... only to have crappy baseball weather on the weekend. Blake is playing for a super-league team called the Scorchers. He started with them last summer and has a great time playing first base and pitching for them. Chase is also on a super-league team since last summer/fall with the Tigers. We LOVE those boys, parents and coaches (Kyle and Curtis). Chase has pitched and caught...but plays a mean second base. As for Cooper, he sais he is sick of going to their games and is never playing baseball. He wants to be a ninja. Sounds good. Whatever floats your boat Coop! Looking forward to a great season out in the sun....and spitting seeds!

Suprise Cooper!!

Cooper has been talking about having a surprise party for over a year. He said "you know when everyone is hid'in and they jump out and say 'surprise!'" So, a week after his birthday (and YES it was because i am ill equipped to have a party on time...or a present ready for that matter!) we decided to throw him a surprise. He loves having parties at Uncle Kevins so we all met there and Curtis took him to do some "errands" and if he was good he would go to the store and get him a treat. The look on Coopers face (confusion, scared, excited, thrilled) was priceless. Here's the kicker....i thought the video tape was fading in. Come to find out the cap was still on. Im a loser, first one to say it. I'll post what i can.

I wish we were still in Disneyland!

Our first adventure to Disneyland was fantastic! Perfect weather, no waiting in line, great shows, rides...the whole bit! The boys were awesome and had a great time. Cooper just wanted to see all the characters (over and over) Blake wanted to ride California Screamin (over and over) and Chase wanted to wear his goofy hat (over and over). Curtis and I wanted to see the enjoyment on the boys faces during all these things (over and over)!

The Cleveringa Boys....California Adventure


The best characters there!


Cooper...and his pirate Mikey ears, a must!


Goofy Chase!

Just a quick follow up...

So, this is what happens when your son is still sick, low on sick days and can't take another day off because its really only a half day anyway, and so you leave the 4 yr. old with the 14 yr. old because, lets face it, he doesn't want to go to school anyway. Good times, Good times.

Photo one; I call this... you can't tell me what to do Blake!

Photo two; I call this...K, I may have gone too far, this doesn't come off.

Gee, wonder why your sick?

I had to take yet another "family sick" day today because Cooper is coughing up his insides...seriously. I think I have like two left and I'm going to use them all up if it kills me! Anyway how the crap do you contain little ones so they don't feel the need to touch EVERYTHING possible in the grocery store? Or, is it just Cooper? I mean, the "car" cart, dingy rail and tables, check stand conveyor belt, and to top it off drag your hand along the actual floor while your mom is pushing the cart. For crying out loud son! No wonder your sick. He's all over the place. And, who cleans the Costco floor with the front half of their entire body?....Cooper does. Don't judge me.

Ahhh, the joy of boys

K, These guys crack me up. I hope you can hear Coopers laugh....it's contagious! Sorry about the whitey tideys....actually I'm not. I have to deal with it, so do you.
This is their "special" handshake!


Cooper loves to play Sheriffs and "dammits" (his words, not mine) it's actually suppose to be bandits. Funny. It took Kristen all night of thinking "see, this is one result of your potty mouth Missy!" to figure that it was actually "bandits." Don't get used to this set-up Cooper! Seriously I won't bail you out!

Hapy Birthday Chase!!

Every time I look at Chase I'm instantly cheered. He is so refreshing. His cute little face and handsome demeanor is a constant. I love that he asks me "if you were in 3rd grade, who would you marry?" and I say "you of course!" and he grins with happiness. I hope he'll always feel that way. We love you son!

Chase and Blake stayed up until midnight to ring in the 9 yrs.


Here's my boy! Watching the divers at the Myan


Chase, Coop, and Bradley


We love icecream!

Zags vs. Utes

Fun Game! Blake, Chase, Curtis and I got to go to the game last night....Cooper opted to stay at Kristens. We were expecting the Zags to smoke them but they managed to never have a lead the whole game! Suprisingly enough, there were a lot of Gonzaga fans there. Don't forget the hard core home team fans in the top rows yelling at the refs the whole game thinking they are ruining their lives (seriously what's your deal, they are hilarious). Anyway the most exciting was the last seconds where they had a inbounds steal and got a shot and couple tips off....but didn't make it. The Bulldogs lost by one point. Crap. We do have a greater appreciation for the Utes now. They are definitely growing on us.

Now THESE are the best seats in the house!

Happy New Year!

Blessings for a wonderful new year! I don't do new year resolutions...just live your life and do what you need to do....right? We have many things to be greatful for and We are so blessed with great family and friends. We miss all our cousins/siblings/grandparents/friends in Washington but are loving things here too. We will try to make it up for Spring Break. We are planning a trip to Disneyland in February....the little boys are thrilled. We have never gone together so this will be a first. We would love any tips for those of you who have ventured. Other than that, our new year consists of work, basketball (present), baseball (upcoming), master classes and that's as far as I can think til summer break!