Road Trip!

I love a road trip.... I love the drive, I love the sights, I love the country, I love the cities, I love the people.....all of it. Blake and I had such a great time and it was full of memories. Im glad we got to help my best friend, Lizzy, move back to Seattle from Georgia.

Our first stop...vegas...layover for 3 hours...Blake MADE me put $5 in the slot machine. I was down to $1.25 in seconds. Won $81.00...so we had a good lunch:)

 Liz got us the best seats at the Braves game for Blake's graduation present. Third row, third base side. It was a blast!

 Uncle Aaron and our friend, Scott, go to a place called Fat Matt's Ribshack when they go to ATL on biz. It was theeeeeee best ribs/sauce I've ever had!!! So yum. 

Green, luscious, tree filled, Georgia to Tennessee Drive

Nashville is the place to be. We hit all the sights downtown and visited Opryland....holy huge!

 

Drive from Tennessee to St. Louis

We were in St. Louis fourth of July morning...total bonus that they had amazing things going on at the gateway arch.....sky divers landing under it with flags waving while the star spangled banner played, jets weaving in and out in formations....so cool. 

 Drive from St. Louis to Kansas 

Blake was in complete heaven and giddy about stopping at KU....he says it's, "where basketball began...." It was an awesome campus. Glad he caught that Lawrence sign and made the connection so I could swerve off to the exit!

Finally made it to Devner! That was by far the longest drive.... but worth it because we had an awesome meal, a short walk downtown, and beautiful drive through the rockies. Deer and elk were everywhere...I am more surprised that we didn't hit one, than I would be if I woke up with my face sewn to the carpet. We went through rain, lightening, curves, steep pass.....remind me never to drive that in Winter.  

We got a few snaps of stadiums along the way...we decided that we are going to plan a trip(s) and hit as many MLB fields/games as we can across the country...the boys will love it!

Best driving partner ever....we had many laughs and adventures along the way. 

D+....IM GONNA GRADUATE!

I can't believe this day has come! I cried all day long graduation day...a constant stream of tears. I was thinking of all the family, friends, teachers, and coaches who have given Blake so much love and support over the years. Thoughts of our times as a family...moments of laughter, struggle, frustration, joy, worry, happiness...you name it, raced through my mind.

I will miss the late night conversations while he's sitting on my bedpost while Curt yelling at him to "get out!"
I will miss our sushi dates on the fly
I will miss our music sharing
I will miss him coming home, seeing dinner, and saying "you da best mom"
I will miss him asking if his muscles look bigger today
I will miss watching movies late at night, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Friday Night Lights
I will miss laughing at with him because he has a great sense of humor
I will miss watching him play basketball every weekend
I will miss him yelling at Cooper to pick up his crap from the bathroom
I will miss his willingness and ability to have fun and do spontaneous things
I will miss him wrestling with his brothers
I will miss his help with driving/picking up kids
I will miss the sense of security he brings me
I will miss him taunting me and messing with my head

Oh gosh, so many more things still racing. Not all of this will go away, it's just the daily reminders and knowing things won't be the same. Im so excited for new journeys.

Imagine Dragons!

There's probably nothing I love more than music, family, friends, and sushi! I especially have loved going to concerts with Blake....as he enjoys it as much as I do:)

Imagine Dragons were awesome!

 Scott, Blake, Eric, and Bailey

 Playing the drums in the air.....legit:)

It's easy being a mom...

when you have kids like this! Every mom thinks it...and it's true. Every mom says it...and it's true! That their kids are simply the best. How awesome is it that us moms get to have this thing in common? Not to say we don't get a little stressed with it all. I love moms...all moms...they are pretty important people in our lives. Cooper asked me, "how do you know so much? Did your mom teach you?"....Yes coop, she did!

The boys were so excited for me to see their gifts/treats on mother's day. They made it special with coupons for the things I need and like most. For example, one of Blakes read, "1 free Starbucks run...you pay though." Coops, "1 back rub" he has always said he owes me a ton since Ive been doing it since he was a baby:) True! Chase, "10 free load and unload dishwasher without asking." Cooper and Dad went to get coffee and a special mug. Blake and Chase pooled their money and got me a starbucks giftcard and travel mug. PLUS Curtis takes the boys to store and get stuff to make the best dinner.....steak and lobster. Curtis also supported my relationship with Leo by taking me to see The Great Gatsby...Love them both. So thankful for these little blessings. 

I got to spend the morning Saturday planting flowers

 Thanks for kinda sorta loving me....

Happy Mothers Day to all my friends and family who have, in one way or another, helped me to become a better mom:) I have so many great examples!

Prom and Plans....

PROM
It's been a fun ride getting to experience these things with Blake. Tuxedo shopping, dinner planning, day dates, asking the girls....quite the thing.

He is pretty cool if I can just say so.....

PLANS

Remember a couple posts ago when I was worried Blake was "prepared" for the experiences of life? Well....welcome first experience! Talk about a curve ball. I must say Blake is a testament of integrity. Im not freaking out because he is not freaking out...(ok, maybe a little, it's understandable). 

So, this is Blake just a week ago...Saturday Night.....after weeks of trying to make a choice to attend Central Wyoming and play basketball there. The majority of the choice was based on the current coach and team being a great fit. 

Come Tuesday...Blake finds out that his coach didn't get rehired. So, that leaves Blake in limbo. Still don't know where things are at. The only advice I have to give Blake at the moment is....don't leave any door closed and welcome to the world of politics, set-backs, decisions, ebb and flow. There will be times you will not get that job. There will be times others don't support you. There will be times when patience is the only thing you have. There will be times you are so unsure of the future that you wonder what you could possibly have done different. This is all part of the journey and your path. God only knows....

Welp....good luck with that kiddo:) How about you shoot me an email on how this pans out.....

Deep Thoughts...by Cooper

Well, it's happened...the boy is 9! That's one year away from ten.....halfway to 18......what is going on? I'll tell you what's going on. Cooper has seemed to hit the stage in his life where is acceptable to ask as many questions as possible to make your mothers brain hurt. I walked out of his room the other night, following our ritual of a hug, kiss, and scratching his back...and into our room where I told Curtis, "it's your turn now! Ive done this for 9 years and am exhausted, as well as out of answers.

I took the day off for Coops birthday so we could bake his favorite cookies and have lunch with daddy. We went to get his favorite, orange chicken. Curtis picked out the UFC fighting gear...because "they are going to fight, why not make it safer" Blake took it upon himself to "train" him. Note to self: Blake need some work on patience if he is ever going to have kids!

Change is hard...

...and Lord knows we are going through some changes around here. I've always been fond of change...Ive been accustomed to it since a young age. In a way, I have my parents to thank?:) From AZ to AK to HI to WA...from farms, to cabins, to cockroach/gecko/mice infested apartments...from below 0 to 80 degree /humid weather....from dad working two weeks on/two weeks off... siblings from 13 yrs older to 6 yrs. younger....I could go on about the many changes. We did it all! I am who I am today because of it. Who is that exactly? Well, someone who handles change, of course! I couldn't be more grateful. In the words of Bridesmaids....."If you're growing, then you're changing" Wise words I'd say.

I remember one of my first years of teaching Kindergarten, I had an autistic student. Every time I would change the theme or garnishings of the room (which was weekly!!)  I would bring him in for a special tour so he could adapt to the change before all the "learning" began. I remember, one time his mom came in and told me she was painting his room lime green...and it was going to be a surprise! I said, "holy cow, is he going to freak out?" She replied, "Well, im planning on it!" She continued saying It's necessary for his growth and that she was prepared to help guide him through that feeling of discomfort. I thought about that a great deal and I have continued to think about that situation... many times.

In times like this, I hope I have painted my son's room lime green...enough. I hope I have guided him through those feelings of discomfort....enough. I hope I have modeled healthy habits of change.....enough! I hope I have welcomed life experiences as opportunities (not mask them) so he can manage change.....enough.

I can handle my personal change. It's only been 5 yrs. but I feel the need to embrace this opportunity for change with my job. I've been from Kindergarten to 6th grade and now....to teaching 2nd grade! Am I scared for new curriculum? As HELL! Am I scared for the quirks of a new age group? As HELL! Am I scared to work in a new building, with a new team/staff? As HELL! Am I excited? Very.

The change I'm having a little more difficult time with, is our family dynamic. Ive dealt with bits of this dynamic change throughout the years. We've added to our brood and, at one point, thinking we would be graduating one out of the house, while welcoming another. That time has passed. But, 18 yrs worth of this guy from embryo to adult....simply mind blowing. I am crying at a drop of a hat these days. I am overwhelmed with happiness, anxiety, uncertainty, doubt, gratitude, you name it. I have the upmost confidence in Blake. He is the most amazing person I know. I have learned so much from this boy. With decisions and opportunities near and far....the main feeling I'm getting is, I am going to MISS him terribly! I've felt emptiness from time to time, missing my mom. But, Blake is still here and I miss him on my way to work. It's going to be a tough one and if I continue to think about it too long, I go into sleep mode. Ive been going to bed at 7:30 and sleeping just fine through the night. My brain can't take it!

My point being...embrace change...it makes life much more bearable. And, to be honest, it makes us more bearable to the people around us!

What the Heck!

My dad texts me into the 2nd OT...then again 20 seconds left in the 4th OT. I mean, I get it..... it's an EXCITING game! But, help a mom out. Call me before, huh? I vowed to not miss ANY of Blakes games this year. I was out all week with my aching shoulder....worst.pain.ever..... even more than kidney stones at 7mo prego. I wanted to die. Had to take 5 days off of work, 3 Drs. appts, no sleep, and Curt wouldn't run me over with the car per my wishes. What a jerk.

Anyway, this is not about me...this is about the fact that Blakes game went into 4 OT's and he scored 54 pts! Now, is that amazing or what? And I missed it. I can't believe it. I cried all night....not because of the shoulder this time.

Here's a news clip.....it's not even close to as good as being there, but I am proud just the same.

He's Amazing!

I can begin to tell you the many emotions that a mom would experience while watching her son score 44 pts. in a game...but I wouldn't be able to finish. For starters...

Amazement.... they just kept going in! It was so fun to watch.

Love...seeing Chase video tape the game and cheer for Blake each time he scored and Coop calling from a friends to ask how his brother did and how he was doing. Brothers. Love.

Joy...knowing that Blake has worked hard and been dedicated, since he was 5, to this game of basketball. He's been patient, played roles, stepped up, and is doing his best at making this an experience for his team. That makes me so happy....to see him happy.

Sentiment...This experience is also something that Curt gets to share with our son. I am grateful for how wise he is... and talented. I remember watching him play and coach throughout the years and know his passion for basketball as well. He's been a huge example for Blake and has kept his focus when times aren't so great.....I know, right? Sports getting ugly? Nah!

Daily Herald

Deseret News

A Lil Christmas 2012

Christmas Eve...Pj's and boys exchanged hats

A note to Santa....left by Blake...haha he gets us! He just doesn't know reindeer names.

It's a White Christmas:)

So, this is what takes place when couped up for 5 days together...boxing

....remote control airplanes in the house

......legos

 Brackett Christmas party....Aaron dressed for the occasion. Nobody else got the ugly sweater memo

Just a sample of the gifts at our white elephant.....this guy won't go away, he's been in the family for 2 yrs now.

Happy 18th Blake!!

So proud of our son! I love Blake to pieces and can't believe how fast those 18 yrs. have gone. Curt and I have been talking a lot about the many memories we have had and moments we have shared with our boy. Ive been anticipating this year for a couple years now and now that it's here....I realize it's not as bad as I thought, things are just as they should be and Im enjoying every minute of it.  I'm grateful Curt and I are able to share this together.....we did it!!!

This was his birthweek!

-birthday dinner from Grandma Cleveringa on Thurs.
-presents on Thurs.....new gameday attire and NBA2k13 from mom and dad, workaholics from Coop, Nike elite socks from Chase, cash from Grandma and Grandpa

-birthday breakfast from Grandpa Cleveringa on Fri.
-basketball game in Herriman (got a W) Fri.
-Blake and I sushi lunch on Sat.
-friends over to decorate sugar cookies and hang out on Sat.

 We wanted to see who could decorate the best cookie between Peck and Blake....Blake had a good start, but Jordan pulled through....you can't lose with Santa and we couldn't identify Blakes. Some say it was a turtle...we may never know.

 Moose (Dallyn) made a special bday cookie for Blake and Jordan (his birthday is the day before Blakes) so sweeeeeet! haha

Finally,
-Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins over for pulled pork sandwiches on Sun.

This was an expensive month for the Blakester......good thing he is on his own now!!!
Team dinner at our house~$200, his Birthday ~$200, Basketball fees $180, basketball tourny in St. George~$$$, and none of it is Christmas related!

Im happy for every moment I get to share with this amazing man...Blake!