Dear Declan and Evan!! You are 6 and 4!!!

Dearest Declan and Evan!

You are 6 and 4 now!!!! And sorry, getting one letter now days as time is flying!!!
And blogs may not be the norm anymore, but rereading all your old letters I'm glad
I did them because I don't have the memory like your dad. And I know how much
I always love reading letters Grandma Connie wrote me!

 I will question if time is really moving this fast every 8th of June and July! I have felt this before, but

the older you get, it becomes my favorite age.  These ages rule! I am trying not to miss many moments

or take advantage of the 6 weeks I have off with you both this summer (even though there have been a

few strong emotion and fighting moments when I am ready to go back to work!)  We are completing

this bucket list of fun Loving with our Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength!  Both of your favorite activities

include zip-lining between our trees, music, swimming, golfing, biking, park tours, scoot-erring, wrestling

Daddy and having friends over. You both say you don't miss childcare but ask for friends to come over

all the time!  We love our music mornings and today we got to have music here on your actual birthday

with Selah, Hudson, Carrington, Addison and Ms. Kathyrn!

Evan, we just had a special week long celebrating your Birthday too! We were lucky to do it alongside

your god-brother's belated double digit 10th, plus America's birthday, at Fox Hills!  You are (and becoming

more so by the day) such a spunky, silly and sensitive boy! You have your dad's humor and still want to

dress like him everyday.  

We both need to take a lesson from you in not taking golf too serious and just have a good talking to our

golf clubs like you do. I overheard you more than once at lessons this year or Fox Hills, “Golf club… you

put that ball up by the flag!” “Golf club, why did you put the ball over in THAT grass (Long rough)”  

“Golf club, we want to go the the beach” (Aka bunker and then you have fun hitting and raking out of

“the beach”!)

You definitely still are our independent player (of golf or toys),  but especially anytime it is family chore/service

time you go missing and we find you hiding and playing in some room to avoid "work".  The drama of

how tired you are, your hands and legs don't work when it is time to pick up a whole 5 toys really makes

me think you will be quite an actor! You were not always my most cuddly baby and toddler but now you

will curl up for a book, uppies, golf nap or just some mama/daddy time when you need it.  

Declan, your body, brain and boldness continue to grow! I can't feed you enough and as little as your

brother eats, you eat double!  You became a dolphin getting "private" swim lessons (no one else registered

for your class!) and swimming 2x, sometimes 3x, daily at Fox Hills!  My nerves were a little high first few

times with you in deep ends alone no floaties anymore, but you love being underwater diving for toys

just like dad did as a kid! 

 You may claim to "hate" reading sometimes but then disappear to read when you need alone time.  It is

both awesome and bittersweet when brother wants you to read to him before nap instead of me! And you

excitedly hurry to do it to get some Prodigy and Words with friends (aka Grandma and Dad) time!  We

have started Harry Potter and so excited for this phase of reading together... Dad and I will be fighting

over bedtime!

 And you keep trying all the new things that used to scare you! You are bold with sports and swimming and

testing rules and boundaries like never before.  Though I still see myself and the “rule follower” in you,

you want to see what happens when you break them. And I shouldn’t read this part to you (or let you

read this over my shoulder) but your eye rolls and sass are even sophisticated it is hard to not just laugh
.  Dad was proud I actually had a strong tone (ok.. A “yell”) in my voice at super late vaca bedtime when
Ev and you were fighting over beds/Grandma Sue arrangements and my line of "If I hear one more Peep
out of you, back to our room!" And you said it all right, "Peep peep peep!!!"   Oh what a ride we are in for!!!  

I can’t wait to keep learning as your mom and seeing you grow.  And though I read you all of an author’s

letter (Jen Hatmaker… For The Love) to her children, I love the summary of her three big dreams for her

kids and really is all I want for you.

Be Kind

Be You

Be like Jesus

But regardless,my four year old Evan,  You are loved for all that you are, and all that you will become!

And my six year old Duck, we love you through and through, yesterday, today and tomorrow too!

Love, Mom

Holiday Letter 2018

Dearest Family and Friends!

I do admit loving Andy bringing in the mail, opening all your cards and sharing with the boys who everyone is and how we know them!  Traditions and stories..beautiful memories such a magical and meaningful part of life!!! Thank you for keeping us in your lists even though  Andy wonders why I can't just be "normal" and make and mail cards... but time... less stress... I just pick this but appreciate all your thoughts!

As a whole family we had a year of fun and adventures and travels.  Declan told Grandma Sue to Never Give Up when they were climbing Squaw Peak in Arizona in April.  There was a lot of swimming and golfing there too!  Summer went fast as they always do with Auntie B and Uncle Sean's wedding, cabin trips and playground and nature park tours! 

Evan has grown into a 3.5 year old with quite the character.  I thought Evan was my quiet independent introverted one, but nope, he talks and talks and talks... in a loud voice... All.The.Time... but he is hilarious like his dad!  He loves swim lessons right now but won't put his "eyeballs in" :)  He is the oldest at my childcare with baby boys but all girls closer to his age to play with!  He plays a great Daddy with all the baby dolls and house they play most often!

Declan went to tball (not fun in his words) but loved, played and enjoyed soccer so much.  He really has loved doing some art classes and wanted to give lots of his creations as gifts this year.  Kindergarten has been going well and his teacher truly is amazing with the whole class and he does enjoy school... despite by the end of vacation being annoyed "Why is everyone asking me about school!?" Ha!

This year I have enjoyed lots of my personal passions.  I have tried to read and journal more this year and think my book total is officially 17!  I love going to book club and helped do one at church.  Being a part of a new MOPs groups at our church has been wonderful too.  I enjoyed the challenge of 80 Days Obsession last Jan-April and I have restarted it but on a 120 day plan to run lots too ;)  After 80 days SPEEDGOLF SEASON was here!  I got in the most rounds of golf ever this summer since having children/not coaching HS girls!  I truly loved my experience going to NY for the US/World Speedgolf Champs and plan and dream to grow little fun leagues in MN this spring!

This holiday season I took little break from  wellness coaching but will be back now more this winter and spring.  Hours spent in journals, reading the Bible and prayer, it is becoming clearer to me how living the gospel involves togetherness, connection.  And those who are blessed and have much, much is expected of them. And I know we are blessed beyond needs and  have to do more for others, and not just myself, my time, etc... I am beyond scared but excited to run the TC Marathon next Oct with Team World Vision for clean water for children in villages and communities.  I can't wait to hear about the child we are sponsoring and share more with my boys.

Andy has spent a lot of time in the racquetball courts this year getting back into regular tournaments.  He has taken home a few medals and just enjoyed meeting new people and running into old mentors from his U of M days.  He has been lucky to work in Europe for 3M almost two months this year in Switzerland, UK and Germany.  He claims he only sees airports, conference rooms, restaurants and hotel rooms to not make me feel too jealous, but I have snooped on his phone and seen fun sledding and sightseeing pics!

Prayers for a  wonderful 2019 year from our family to yours!!

With love, Brooke, Andy, Declan, Evan, Croix, Bouncer and Fuzzy

Dearest Evan, You're THREE years old!

My sweet boy Evan Francis Thrall,  (You say your full name just the cutest, I need to video that!)

You have been 2 and 3/4 long enough, and it has been a whole month since your friend's birthday party, I can't wait to celebrate today at your family party you actually being 3!

You are one very adventurous, creative, independent but lately still cuddly boy!  You love your brother so so much and the two of you really have become such pals and equals... Well, you may beat out your brother in some ways, but shhhh, we won't tell him that yet.  You know all the rules, but love to bend and twist them... but also love keeping your friends safe and announce to Daddy every night he gets home from work.. "Daddy, I didn't bit any friends at childcare today"  (And you haven't in many many months... it is just your routine greeting!)

We have had many adventures the last few months from a family vacation in Arizona.  You still play "Arizona" almost everyday and want to go hiking and camping.  We have gotten in a weekly round of 9 holes of golf and though you spend time on the greens, you want to race down me and be a Crazy Driver!  You got to go to Racine for a weekend with Daddy and grandparents!

And just a week ago you were a fantastic Bubble Boy in Auntie B and Uncle Sean's wedding! This 4th of July Cabin vaca you raced in all the McKinley races, fished and swam for hours, and stayed awake til 1030 to see all the firecrackers... just like we used to call you!  You kept watching for the Packer colored ones and you wore your Packer shirts all weekend to rile up Mama's family!

Right now you love to ask, "Why that called ______?"   You want to know how everything got its name and it is seriously super thought provoking to me!  You have been a little bookworm the last few month too.  I was worried you weren't going to enjoy books the same as your brother and me, but now you'd sit for hours with us reading to you!   You are beginning to love playing games like Go Fish, Sausages, Uno, Pizza Party Dice, etc.  You have your ABC's down and your counting is entertaining every time but getting closer!

I can't get enough of our conversations, our hand holding walks, you helping me with dishes and bubbles, and cuddleys! However, I am ok with the phases of you peeing on trees, obsession with porta potties, laying on my belly and telling me I'm having a baby, or harassing your poor kittes or Croix to pass fast.

But regardless, my always baby, Evan,
We love you for all that are, and all you will become!

Momma

Holiday Newsletter 2017

Dear Family and Friends!!

We hope your Holiday Season was wonderful and getting back to the grind has left your rested, energized and grateful for the life we all are lucky to have!  I know almost two weeks off of childcare was rejuvenating but I'm ready for my littles I missed greatly!  We had a lot of fun family morning outings to Chucky Cheese, Science Museum, and the golf dome.   Staying home fun included sledding, Nerf gun trophy battles, movie/picnic nights, Candy Crush, and coloring time.

2017 was a wonderful year with our boys becoming older and much more independent.  They are the best of brothers with full on forgiving fights (Evan usually "wins"!)  but then protecting each other from Dad's wrestle attacks and Mom's strict food and tv rules.  Evan is very efficient at cutting open packets of raisins and cereal and he has attempted some microwave popcorn once!  Ahh!  He has an amazing sense of humor and keeps us on our toes... Literally too with his working golf ball obsession all over the house!  Though most days he says "I do it myself", our favorite line when he is struggling with something is a LOUD "Need a little help here!"  And of course, he is very aware of his emotions. "I'm MAD... I'm FRUSTRATED".

Declan has become a young man overnight. After starting preschool, he has looked forward to learning, writing, cutting with scissors and reading.  Though his favorite thing to do is conquer games, Nintendo and over break we reintroduced Wii Sports and he legitimately sword duels/jousts Andy and me right into the pond!

Some favorite memories of 2017 include an adult only weekend getaway to Denver, boys trip to Michigan in June, our Fourth of July vacation to Fox Hills Golf Resort in WI, including Bay Beach Amusement Park,  Cousin's weekend at Whiteface, and the Renaissance fair.

2017 was a full year of fitness adventures for me.  I trained and competed in my first Speedgolf tournament, but I became a runner... Something I never thought I would say I was.  I ran the TC10 mile and the Mankato half marathon.  I coached with Beachbody and online wellness challenge groups throughout the year.  Though Beachbody and my wellness tribe will always be one of the biggest components of self care and training for new challenges, I'm not actively coaching this year to focus on childcare, 80 Day Obsession and future speedgolf training!  I am still happy to plug any of my friends and family into my community, Beachbody and support them with any health journey's though!   Andy has gotten back into racquetball and tournaments again as well!

Happy New Year!!!  Here's to 2018!

Love,  Brooke, Andy, Declan & Evan

My first Speed Golf tournament!

I was very excited when I found out I could do this Bob-n-Broc' MN Speed Golf tournament this year!

The weather was great, the sunrise a beautiful miracle morning, and Grandma Connie had our boys!  We were able to tour the course in Rosemount we never made it down to play with a dawn cruise around the first nine and Andy played the back nine while I watched him and warmed up with a jog.  

I beat my time goal of an hour and was hoping to be at bogey golf!

Memorable moments include a shorter par 4 I would have drove IF my ball hadn't cracked the NO CART sign by the green!

4 putting 16, 17 and 3 putting 18 hurt the heart a bit... wow the adrenaline gets you!  But before that I was hitting the ball (mostly) straight and playing best I have in a few weeks.

I met some great players from Missouri who travel all over, and seriously was tempted for a bit to go to Springfield, MO next weekend for their tournament if we didn't already have plans I'm excited about with the in-laws  (which will include some speed golf ;)!  Next year... Next year Springfield ;) Got some learning, new goals and practice to do... Onward to Mankato half for now... long run training commences and continuing my crosstraining with new challenge groups beginning tomorrow!


It was fun to check the old blogs and old scores I kept!  And wow, I sounded a bit like a wellness coach then too, and truly had my first fitness change with accountability when  Speed Golf used to be the only way I'd run :)

Dear Evan! You're two years old today!!

Dearest Evan!

I really am just in awe of you everyday and the hilarious, determined, independent and happy 2 year old you are.  You truly go with the flow!   You laugh out loud anytime you hear the word funny or someone else is laughing, which in turn cracks us up and you laugh again! 

We love playing golf with you, driving a golf cart with you, and just being outside.  You love your Paw Patrol toys and are definitely a vehicle, car, garbage truck, motorcycle boy in ways Dec never was.  But you have a healthy fear Dad scared into you about cars coming on road and parking lots and always love to hold our hand!

As your language is exploding, I get sad about losing your personal "funny and cute" uses of words!  Whenever you want to do something alone, which is often,  you clearly say I ME I ME I ME!   You sort of know colors but more by milk cup colors of childcare friends.  You see yellow, you call it Jaxson.  You see red, you call it Gaga... which you can already say his full name but at least prefer Gaga more!   And it is getting less and less, but when I'm doing something you don't want me to do like sunscreen or diaper, you call me my daycare name, Brookie Cookie and not Mama!  

You still point out groups of everything as 2!!  I love your counting skills :)   Declan always asks you how many _______ in the world?  TWO you say while holding up 1 finger!  

 

It melts my heart everytime you get your brother to play or wrestle, say Declan's name with a smile when he enters a room, and how you just totally keep up with him! We  had a fun family filled Birthday week celebrating you at Fox Hills in WI and can't wait to see what the wonderful two's will be like for us! 

We love you for all that you are, and all that you will be! 

Love, Momma

Goodbye/Progress Photos.. ONE YEAR!!

My mission, my whys and reasons for coaching and sharing my truths on social media are two fold... 

First, I want to encourage everyone, especially women and moms, to not lose themselves in careers or parenthood but to pursue care and passions that helps them to be a better version of themselves.  Then, they can give the best version of themselves to their world and to their children.  

I especially enjoy doing this through wellness, nutrition and fitness so the odds are in their favor to be around as long as possible demonstrating healthy habits for all the influential minds in their lives! 

I will forever be grateful in this last year, one of the most challenging but wonderful years of my life, that I had personal encouragement through wellness challenge groups and Beachbody.  It may not be a route through nutrition or fitness for you at this time or ever, but I'll always cheer you on to find your route!   

Our challengers in June took their goodbye/progress photos today and are hiding their scales.  I didn't take half of these with any intention of EVER sharing them... but here I am, sharing a YEAR's worth of progress photos to say if you'd like to make a change, YOU COULD DO THIS!!!!   There was 6 months that were full of tons of ups and downs and almost quitting and restarting 10x... And over 6 months of obsessing over scale numbers... I've deeply ingrained now it is not totally about the scale but my why's, the energy, the personal development and challenges, the role-modeling for friends/family/children, my peace in the now and my health in the future... The below pics had scale numbers that ranged 15 lbs... And now I'm closer to the starting number than the lowest number but most confident in HOW I FEEL, what I've learned, and the tone I see. Many of us feel these are all things we need to learn on our own, but they aren't!  I couldn't have done it without others and I'm here to help ease any similar obsessions and anxiety like I had!!  And I just want to help encourage with daily motivations to overcome the resistance we feel.  

A favorite quote from a current book I'm reading has pretty much summed up what I'm learning and working on daily.   From Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly:   "Resistance hates ordinary, everyday actions.  Resistance likes to distract us, keeps us thinking about things we can do nothing about.  People tend not to put exercise, prayer and church, spending time with their spouse and children, and many other important "ordinary" things on their schedules.  As a result these things often get neglected and pushed aside.  

 THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS ARE ALMOST NEVER URGENT.  

THAT'S WHY IT'S ESSENTIAL WE SCHEDULE THEM. "    

Mid June 2016:  (All of these are core flexed)