Last First Home Game

Last night was Cooper's last first home game.

For five years, I've stayed with Ryker for his football stuff and Burke has gone with Cooper.

It's the whole divide and conquer idea, but both of us have missed out on things.

With Burke coaching Ryker's team this year (as an assistant), and me still being his team mom, we've had to have discussions about Cooper's senior year.

Last night, I went to Cooper's entire game.

Burke and Ryker got there at halftime.

Oh, did this boy SHINE!!

Jane and I found his senior picture and a kind lady offered to take our picture in front of it.

That was the first time I cried last night.

The second time was his first snap.

He's a starting defensive end and this kid OWNED this game.

Tackle after tackle.

Safety.

Forced interception.

Almost a second safety.

His name was announced over and over in the stadium.

Each time, our little cheer section would erupt.

"I know that kid!"

Me: "THAT'S MYYYY KID!!!"

His team won 52-6.

The mercy rule came into play and the game ended after the third quarter.

The game was televised.

One of his buddies caught this screenshot off of the tv and sent it to me.

SO proud of this kid!

The big, sweaty hug after the game was the best!

 

First Day of School 2026

Our two oldest grandbeauties started school yesterday.

Kehlani is in first grade.

I cried.

Aria is in third grade.

She is growing up wayyyy too fast!

It's this boy's last first day.

Cooper is a senior.

SENIOR.

I wrote him a note about his journey... to finish strong, continue to make good choices, to be the friend who makes others better, to enjoy all of it...and that I love him endlessly.

Ryker is starting eighth grade.

My baby.

He hugged me this morning and there is no longer any question... he is taller than me.

I also wrote him a note:

Make good choices - they matter, choose your friends so wisely, I'll always be his biggest fan and I love him endlessly.

Just like that...

It starts again.

 

He Did It

First of all, meet the latest effort at getting protein and fat into the teenager's bodies.

Michelle had them try it at Hendrix's birthday. 

I made it yesterday for Coop.

Greek Yogurt

- mix with Cheesecake pudding mix & protein powder (I used Swole Whip).

Put lemon curd on top with graham crackers or granola.

Tyler got a job as a police officer!!!!!!

We are really proud of him and hope that this is the beginning of a long career.

 

Goodness

The latest flowers from my love.

Every week, when he goes grocery shopping at Sam's, he brings me home flowers.

Puts them in a vase.

Waters them.

Arranges them.

And they are always SO stunning!!

These are like orange sorbet!!

Ryker's first scrimmage(s) was Saturday.

He is playing defensive end this year.

This is his first year playing that position.

Cooper has played that position throughout high school.

Ryker was struggling with fighting off holds.

He was frustrated.

I was frustrated, admittedly.

When Coop got home from work, I told him about it.

I asked him if he would please help Ryk.

He immediately went downstairs, grabbed some pads, and took Ryker outside.

It's these moments that literally remind me of goodness.

 

Family Dinner

Yesterday was August's family dinner.

Swimming and food.

Gigi gets exhausted.

I laid my head down at 6:00.

Hooooowwwwww do women my age have babies?!?!?!

Anywho, I sure love these humans!

 

Six Days a Week

Ryker's first scrimmage is tomorrow.

He has two of them.

Next week, he begins regular-season games.

Fundraiser #1 is done.

The boys have their screen-printed jerseys and pants.

The banner is being sewn and will be ready tomorrow.

The Heidi message has been sent to parents about how I will not tolerate negativity or toxicity on the sidelines or at practices or anywhere the boys are.

 

An article was written about the 6A high school teams.

Cooper was mentioned as a kiddo to watch.

I cut it and framed it.

I told him to put it in his room to always remind himself that he has everything he needs.

He been training for this senior year his whole life.

Now go live it to the fullest.

His first game of the season is tonight.

Burke will be there while I am at practice with Ryker.

GO Titans!

 

Kaydon is 24!

Gosh, I miss him.

I wish I was hugging him and celebrating with him today.

Kaydon was never supposed to make it to 24!

He was not expected to make it to three!

He's a fighter.

Stubborn.

Independent.

Hard-working.

Motivated.

He is healthy and strong.

He is smart.

Today, he is celebrating (I HOPE) in the Dominican Republic.

I hope that his wife and son are celebrating everything about him.

I hope that he knows how loved he is.

I hope that he knows how cherished he is!