Even Harder to Believe...

What's even harder to believe is that Blake is a senior. Most know that this marriage was never alone! It's always been Me, Curt, and Blake. It's hard to believe that just a few short years ago we were in Pullman watching our little man play basketball games on a playskool plastic bball hoop in our living room. Or, that it seemed like yesterday he was running out telling us and cousin Angela that he had hair on his balls (this is a true story). Well, this is the firsts of the lasts...last first day of school, last year of Summer basketball, last school pictures, last high school basketball game, last Spring break, last Christmas as a kid, last Homecoming, last Prom, last birthday before an adult, last....ok Im going to stop now because I am literally getting sick.

Curt and I were talking about this and both of us were speechless....just thinking about it. When we have the boys, as babies, watching them grow up, doing the things we think is best for them, making those decisions necessary as time comes....and never stopping to consider that they will be on their own, having families of their own, making own decisions, careers, babies...!!! Now, all of that will be starting for our baby boy! It's all too fast and I couldn't be more proud, scared, anxious, happy, fulfilled, hopeful, etc. etc. So many mixed feelings.

He's a working man now....so naturally, having to be responsible for his own gas, he decided to purchase himself a moped. They call themselves the "silver back scooter gang" One thing that will never change, I will ALWAYS enjoy my boy...he's the best.

I'm happy for the moments where I see Blake as my baby boy and now as he reaches those milestones...

Hard to Believe...

It is hard to believe..... while looking back that we have been together for almost 20 years. Married 17....that's half my life at this point. One would never go into a marriage thinking, "this probably won't last long, but it works for now." However, I have a hard time comprehending how it all actually plays out. People do a lot of changing and growing in that time and I am grateful we have grown and changed together.

I was talking with someone awhile back and they said, “that’s pretty impressive” At the time, my head was shaking like, “yup” but I was thinking, "eh whatever, what would you know?" Referring to the fact that marriage isn’t easy and just because two people are married, it doesn’t mean that it’s perfect. I may still believe that to an extent, but I am convicted by the belief that it’s never going to be perfect and how you choose to live with those imperfections and keep yourself, as well as each other,in tact is the real testament. I am grateful for my husbands tenacity to show patience, love, understanding and humility in order to overcome those times of despair. I don't know anyone who loves me as much as he does to do those things that are necessary for us to live as a family. He sacrifices a lot and instead of simply "surviving it" he truly looks to fulfillment and quality of life for me and the boys. For that, I am blessed.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers....Sundance

I'm happy for the moments that Curt and I take to hang with eachother...

a lil swim'in, a lil camp'in

I love Summer time just for these reasons alone...swimming and camping in the best weather with my family. Nothing planned, go'in with the flow. Life is good. And a visit from Ami and the boys is icing.

Chase Po and Coop in their "Arizona" fort

You had to get there by bridge...

It's ok....Uncle Kevin has a walking stick to help with balance:)

Squirrel trap....it works people!

Hobo dinners....except I don't think hobos get to eat like that!

I'm happy for the Summer moments of camping in the mountains and swimming at Aunt Kristens...

Fam Vaca!

One of our favorite vaca is Vegas. If it isn't "family friendly," then why do we always have such a good time as a family? Riddle me that! Our hotspots: 1)Poolside 2)Fremont Street 3)Belagio 4)Mirage 5)Caesars Palace 6)Seafood Buffet 7)Trader Joe's 8)Maple Tree Cafe 9)Circus Circus. Such a good time with the fam...minus Blake...I missed him terribly. That's the life of a responsible working teenager.

Road Trip!

1) Poolside is the only way to spend your day in Vegas!

We saw this shirt displayed in one of the shops...we all said, "Chase that's gotta be you." And he goes, if it's $5, Im going to buy it. There wasn't one to be found but she looked in a pile of samples and sure enough, one his size, and it was $5. Score Chase!

2)Fremont Street is one of our faves. We love the light show and FREE magicians. Awesome

3)The Belagio water show....and crazy street performers of all sorts:)

4)The Mirage volcano....feel the heat!

5)Caesars Palace...where the boys followed "Batman", Christian Bale while filming a movie. So fun.

6)Seafood Buffet. I can't go to Vegas without going to all you can eat crab, shrimp, fish, etc etc...

7) I don't know why, but I love this store. I mean, Thai Lime & Chili Cashews and $2 wine??? Yes please! Curt and I always enjoy stocking up at the CVS pharmacy too. Good stuff.

8)We found the sweetest place for breakfast. We will be sure to make that one of our "musts" while there. Two words...bacon.pancakes

9)Of course the boys want to go to Circus Circus EVERY time. I mean, isn't playing rip off games and stocking up on lame stuffed animals every boys dream? OK, I admit, I may like it just a little.

I'm happy for every moment I see a look or reaction on the boys' face in Vegas...