Family Reunion 2025

 We packed a lot of wonderful family time into a few short days in Santa Fe this year. I am so grateful that my brother and Kelly and all of their kids (and grandkiddo Judah) were able to join us. It's been a very long time since we have all been together and although it was a whirlwind of people and activity, I absolutely loved having everyone together and getting to spend time with my adult (and almost adult) nieces and nephews,along with my parents and brother. 

We had lots of home cooked meals, spent time playing pool, shuffleboard and ping pong, did some painting, explored Santa Fe and visited Bandelier National Monumnet (very glad we checked that out by the way!) 

Lots of laughs, food and family time. I wish we could get together more often but we made the most of the time we had. I hope Brady and Lylah keep in touch with their cousins and remember the importance of family, small or big! 

Time to spread your wings and fly!

 

Brady, 

You know me pretty well, so you know as I am writing this, I am full of all kinds of emotions. My #1 in life is you and Lylah and our family. That is no secret. Yes, I have a busy job that takes a lot of time and energy and focus, and I have my own activities and friendships, but nothing comes close to the love and care that I have for my kids. 

You were my first born.... my first experience at being a mama and I know I made mistakes along the way, but you and your sister are evidence that I did many things right too!!!! 

I have loved (and will continue to love) watching you grow up.  Every birthday party, and soccer, basketball, swimming, tennis and even T-ball game and every school event, from band performances to assemblies, I have been so very proud. 

Seeing you learn has been a privilege...every day...from your first words, to the alphabet, learning to walk. and ride a bike, staying on top of schoolwork and getting your first job. Talking to you about teenage stuff, relationships, navigating through Covid and taking trips together, Broncos and other pro sports experiences, concerts, starting an internship....every single day has been a gift to me as a mom! 

I think (and hope) you know that every bit of concern (and nagging) and worry all comes from a place of love and care that is hard to explain. I have tried to let you make your own choices, learn from some of the mistakes, yet still have some boundaries that are also important in life. 

I will continue to love, care (and worry) about you for all the days of my life but I am excited to see where your next chapter takes you. 

I hope you remember that everything in life is temporary, the good and the bad. Hold onto the good and learn from any of the bad. Use it to build and grow. Be courageous and smart, use common sense and be kind. Remember that you are loved immensely and have an amazing future ahead of you!  Life will throw curveballs and how you react and what you choose to do with them is what matters. Keep your family close (even cousins, and your doggies, etc!) 

and know I am ALWAYS here for you, through the ups and downs that life may bring you. I will always be your mama and will continue to be your #1 fan!!

I love you forever! Like you for Always. Forever and ever, my Bubba you will be! (from my favorite book I used to read to you :-) 

Mom 

Brady's Summer Internship

I am not sure at what point this spring the idea popped into my head....but when I received approval for a summer intern for my team at Children's, Brady came to mind immediately. I know he will be the first to admit it's not the flashiest of jobs .but he has had exposure to some elements of marketing (ie: Denver Broncos campaign, sports medicine marketing, and event marketing) and has learned how to conduct himself in a professional setting and even run a Broncos player visit. 

Seeing how a hospital markets itself, both internally and externally, is such a unique way to see a different type of brand highlighted. He has had a huge impact on the team, covering events, helping with giveaways and even offering a unique perspective on how we show up at events and how we market (Broncos logo lock up). 

We have even had some good laughs, to include the virtual shirtless call that I will never forget. 

And just look at this photo, where Kelsey's son had complete hero worship for Brady! 

Proud of you B and what a tremendous resume builder!!! Great work....and glad to have you on the team, even for a short while. 

 

Grad Trip-Glacier National Park

 For graduation, Brady had the option of a trip abroad, or anywhere in the US that he would like to go. I think for this summer (and I don't blame him), he wanted to stay a little closer to homer and be gone for a little less time. It's hard I am sure for him to think about leaving Juliette and his friends and he already had trips to Utah and Santa Fe on the books too! 

So I am thrilled that he picked Glacier National Park in Montana. It was a quick trip, but we saw the beauty of the Going to the Sun Road and did two very different hikes (Avalanche to a lake and Apgar to the top of a mountain overlooking Lake Macdonald). 

We stayed in Whitefish, so we were able to check out the beautiful lake there, along with the ski resort town. Had some great meals (lots of huckleberry), some pool and hot tub time and great weather and beautiful scenery. Going to the Sun Road is well worth it and highly recommended, as it offered views we couldn't see from the two hikes that we did. 

I was so happy to have the time together, in the outdoors, even if a quick trip! Can't wait for more family adventures in the years ahead!! 

Lylah's First Job!

Lylah Bean, 

I want you to know how proud I am of you for working hard to find a job this spring. It's not easy to apply, and interview, over and over but you did it! And I want you to know that while Chick Fil A did not turn out to be the best fit, I am so incredibly proud that you put on the uniform and gave it a shot, although completely out of your comfort zone. 

I know you wanted to make it work and you felt a lot of pressure to succeed, but I am also glad that you spoke up about your feelings and have been dedicated to finding a new job that is a better fit for you. Lots of life lessons and there will be more experiences out of your comfort zone ahead, but I know that every experience you have, you are learning more about the world and about yourself. 

Keep being the amazing YOU that you are. Be brave and strong and kind and loyal! 

XOXOX 

All the things they tell you.....

So many moms have said it's bittersweet when your child graduates high school. That it's the beginning of letting them go. But what if I am not ready yet!!!???

It has been an emotionally exhausting few weeks but so very cool to see Brady flourish and shine and enjoying the moments. 

he finished high school strong, with several AP classes and the best GPA of his high school career. 

He seemed excited to be done and looking forward to what's ahead.  He's been smart and responsible, committed and kind. He's had fun, and many learning experiences, ups and downs!

This last week was a blur... 

We attended the Senior Walkout at CHS. There's a reason we wore sunglasses! 

My brother and my parents arrived. We had 10 lbs of Crab and steaks to celebrate. Brady fought through a cold. 

The graduation itself was beautiful, although chilly. Gma Barb, Greg, Gpa Bill, Kate, my brother and Kathy were all there and then my parents watched the live stream from our house. Brady looked happy and excited and all grown up! 

and then came the grad party! We hosted a party for Brady, Jace and Ian which turned out great. Tons of people, fun decor and great memories with family and friends. 

As Brady makes the party stops this whole weekend, I am reminded that each day that goes by is one less day of him living at home as our baby boy. I am so very excited for his next chapter as I know he will do amazing things and I will be here to cheer for him every step of the way... 

but it isn't easy. Not at all. My heart is broken in pieces and so incredibly full of love all at the same time! XOXO love you forever, Bubba! 

 

High School Sports for Brady

Many "lasts" as Brady finished high school, but I would be lying if I said both Jon and I didn't cry when Brady swam his last race. Completed his last competitive childhood sport. SO many memories of soccer fields, basketball courts, flag football, even a t-ball field. Swim lessons and meets, tennis drills and matches, ski lessons from Jon and I with the harness. 

It was a pure joy to watch him try so many activities and decide what he liked. 

Swimming for Brady was an unplanned sport for him going into high school. But he wanted to stay involved and be part of a team and I am so proud of him for trying something new and improving along the way. 

I will miss these days more than you know Brady!