Summer Shadows

The end of August is right around the corner and the signs of Autumn are all around. 

We started school on Monday and the daily routines have changed. 

No more lazy days playing with the cousins at the beach, we are on to our reading, writing, and arithmetic.

I am so happy I started this blog! As I look back on our adventures I see the shadows of a summer lived to the fullest.

I feel a little sad at how fast the time goes watching my boys grow, but I can't help but be excited for what adventures await us this school year.

Mommy Mission: Canning Peaches

Living in Colorado has a few (or a lot) of amazing perks.

The beautiful mountains, the many outdoor activities, and the Palisade peaches!!

There are a lot more great things in this state but we love the peaches!!

 

When my older sister offered us a box of these yummy peaches we did the only thing you can do in this situation, thankfully take them and can them.

That's right we canned them!!

After we researched on trusty Youtube and Pinterest we thought we have to be ready. (lol)

So we jumped right in and began the process.

 

Lets say this is a process you need to remember a few things that all our research left out.

 

1. If you think you have enough boiling water you don't, boil more.

2. You need bigger kitchen then ours. (maybe that is just a wish)

3. The sound of the jars sealing with a pop is the best sound you will ever hear.

 

 

This was a process and something new for us. But I will tell you the hard work put in was well worth it and we haven't even began to use them.

 

So now we are in the canning business and I think I am hooked. I am so excited to be able to have peaches this winter and know the ingredents that are in our beautiful jars of fruit.

 

 

 

 



Racers Wife Resume: I am Teacher

This might be a confusing title but let me explain.

We are home schooling!!

 

That might not be as confusing as I thought but the Lucero Racing future racers will be my students this school year.

 

 

We had a rough year last year with bubba in school and decided it was time to try something different. There are so many options for home school that I was shocked we could tailor each subject to his learning style.

 

We have ordered our curriculum and gathered our supplies and I feel very prepared and excited as I read over our first few lessons.

But it dawns on me that there is so much more to this than just ordering and following curriculum. I want this experience to change my boys childhood for the better.
 

 

 

I hope to show them there are adventures to be had not just at a dirt track but also in the pages of a book.

 

I hope to teach them to work hard not just on your race car but also at your

school work.

 

I hope to watch them fall in love with learning.

 

I know that this is going to be an adventure with its ups and downs, but these two wonderful boys are worth every tear and every hard day.

 

So get ready everyone the Lucero's are on yet another crazy life adventure!!



The Magic of Belleville

Last weekend we were in Kansas racing at Belleville. If you have never heard of Belleville let me explain why this is so special.
 

Belleville is a race track like no other. It is famous for its high banks and for being a half mile around. That might not mean anything to you but these few facts about the track mean one thing.
 This track is fast!!

 We have been to Belleville before as spectators and it is a family favorite, We love Belleville!!  

But this time it was different Luke was joining the ranks of the drivers braving this intimidating track.
 I was nervous!! I was antsy!!  I was a wreck!!

 But I knew that I had to put my worries in Gods hands and let him race, because this was BELLVILLE.

 

His Great Grandpa was a well respected racer on the track at Lakeside and is known among the vintage car enthusiasts that make the trip to Belleville for this exact race. This was a moment of Lucero Family history being made and I wasn't going to stand in the way. 

This was a dream of Luke's to be on the track at this infamous race track. After I relaxed (and prayed a million time) I realized I was watching as a dream came to life! It was magical!

This place is magical!!

 

There is also a part of Belleville that showed its magic to two rambunctious racing kids, The Fair!

 

 

 

Normally we wait in the pits for the races to start. This can be very boring for adventurous little boys. So this time we where able to ride rides, get our faces painted, and enjoy yummy snow cones.

It was the best way to spend the afternoon waiting. The boys loved it and I was distracted!

 

 

Belleville is a scary track as a racers wife, but I realized that night that the blessings of this racing life are larger then the worries in my head. That night I saw magic in the eyes of my children as well as the eyes of my husband. A dream long ago planted was fulfilled and I am in awe that I was able to witness it. 

The Great Fishing Adventure

We spent the weekend enjoying the great outdoors in beautiful Colorado.

You probably are thinking what is so different about that?

Well this weekend we went west toward the mountains, instead of east towards the dirt track.

 

(I think Case was channeling Spiderman in this picture!)

 

We started out Saturday heading to Grandma Cheryl's and Papa J's for a weekend of fun.

This was the first time the boys went fishing and lets say that was an adventure.

 

Step one: teach them to cast.

 

Case's fishing pole came with a practice weight also known as his yittle yeyyow fish (little yellow fish).  This was more of an adventure then we expected!

After catching a few trees (and neighbors) at Grandma's house they were casting pros. So we were ready for the lake.

 

Step two: keep them from falling into the lake.

 

The boys where so excited to fish we thought they where going to jump in and catch them with their bare hands.  

 



 

Unfortunately we didn't catch any fish but we also didn't have to fish any boys out of the lake thankfully.

 

We had a great time fishing, hiking, throwing rocks in the river, and just enjoying our beautiful state. I am so proud to be the mom to these great kids and I love seeing the world through their eyes.

 

Sometime as adults we need to remember to bring our kid glasses and remember the feeling of adventure. It didn't cost us a thing and we didn't need wifi but we did see some gorgeous views of nature and enjoyed the fresh air.

 

We had a great weekend, we are recharged and ready for the weekend of racing ahead of us.

The Fastest Three Years

This past weekend we took time from our busy racing schedule to celebrate the past three years.

The past three years we have watched as our baby turned into a rambunctious little boy.

 

 

 

Case James Lucero

There is so much wrapped up in this little man.

He is his brothers best friend, his mamas cuddle bug and his daddy's shadow.

(I forgot to mention he has an ornery streak a mile long!) 

 

 

I had a very hard time getting pregnant the second time around. I was almost ready to give up when we were blessed with this amazing baby boy. This blue eyed, blond haired sweet pea was the missing piece of our family and showed up at the perfect time, Gods time.

I know He took His time molding the miracle that is this little life.

 

 

He is caring, energetic, smart, funny, and fearless. We have watched him learn to walk and talk. We have been through teething and getting ear tubes put in. We have survived falls down the stairs and coloring on the furniture. We have cuddled him to sleep and tickled his toes.

 

Its hard to believe its only been three short years, but it has been his three years.

 

 

I can't imagine life with out him and I can't wait to see what his future holds.

 

Case James I know you have a lot of life to live and hope you live it to the fullest. Chase your dreams and keep your head held high for you are truly a gift from God!

 

 

Beauty in the Dirt

There is so many emotions and work that goes into this crazy racing life we live. There is website pictures and videos to be taken, helping Luke get in the car before he is pushed on to the track, and keeping an eye on your children as these powerful machines drive by with very little wiggle room.

That's just my role at the track, and its overwhelming at times. There is also a whole other world there of work and stress but lets be honest I am not going to be trusted with any tools or parts.

 

This past weekend we were in Kansas for three nights of child free racing. It was my chance to try to relax (if you can even really do that at a race track).  The boys were busy wearing out the grandparents and I got to experience a side of our racing life that left me wondering what else I had been missing.

 

 

 

The Beauty in the sky!

 

I decided to look back through all my pictures and see if I could find more beauty in all the dirt.

 

 

The Beauty of imagination!

 

 

The Beauty of team work!

 

 

The Beauty in brotherhood!

 

I think this week I have added a new job to my resume as racing wife, Beauty seeker!

 

We all need to take a few moments away from being busy and just look around and seek beauty, its always there waiting quietly to be found.

 

This racing life is busy and crazy but its in seeking Gods beauty around us that we learn to enjoy it!

Meeting a Legend

We all have that list of dreams and goals that will leave a mark on our life. I know that for my hubby Luke there have been a few moments like these. The day he met me of course is at the top (lol) also the days we welcomed our two boys into our family. But this wonderful man has worked his fingers to the bone to provide for us while I stay home with the boys. It hasn't been easy and I know it takes a lot out of him, but the one thing I can say to you is he has never given up.

 

He has always had a dream to race, it is in his blood. The past four years he has been working, going to school, and building a sprint car, all the while being a great husband and father. Last year marked another one of his moment, he completed his first season in his sprint car and took tenth in points.

 

I could stop there but we recently watched as another moment was playing out in his life.

 

This particular moment was very exciting for our family for one reason alone. This was a generational moment for all the Lucero men. Racing is a passion for the Lucero men, they love everything about it. This particular moment was the Steve Kinser Farwell Tour and my husband had the honor of meeting a legend and driving in this race.

 

 About seven years ago I had no idea who Steve Kinser was or even what a sprint car was. So for those of you who are lost like  I once was I will introduce you.  

 

 

 

Reader this is Steve Kinser (in the black shirt, the handsome man in red is my hubby Luke). Steve Kinser these are the blog readers.

 

Luke has been a fan of this man and sport for his whole life. As his wife it was amazing to watch him visit with this legend while they stood next to the car he has poured himself into. I was watching one of his life moments, normally I have been right in the middle them with him. This different perspective was eye opening to me. Not only am I so thankful for Luke and all he does for us, I now thank him for being my teacher.

 

That evening I learned that you only get to these bucket list moments through working hard and pushing past the opinions of others that say you can't. Keep pushing for your dreams because its in these moments that you see a life being lived to its fullest.

 

 

The racing that weekend was not the best but the memories of dreams come true will never be lost.

Oh and just so you know Luke made sure that Steve was given the ultimate fan treatment, he sent him away with an autographed hero card and a blow pop.

 

 

Packing, Painting, and Playing

We had last weekend off of racing and what do the Lucero's do to relax...

We get ready for another weekend of racing!!

 

We had the usual laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping to do, but we also decided it was time for some fun!

 

 

 

We love to go for walks during the summer. A few weeks ago this simple daily walk turned into a big deal for Case James... He now has his very own blue Scooter! So our calm walks have now turned into a crazy scooter racing adventure! He is very determined if you can't tell!!

 

 

Our fun filled Holiday weekend at the races also needed a little something special. So we decided we needed to make some 4th of July shirts. So we headed to one of my favorite stores Hobby Lobby!!

 

                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                        

We found this idea on Pinterest and it was a total hit with the boys! I can't wait to see them wear these for the 4th!!

 

I love this crazy racing life we live but its these moments that make this life wonderful. Watching your children enjoy summer and childhood is the greatest blessing I have ever received. While I was getting crazy about my to do list for our weekend away I almost forgot to just enjoy the present.

 

So off I go to switch the laundry and finish packing for the weekend and I promise to remember to just enjoy my life no matter what path the Lord takes us on.



Racers Wife Resume: I am a Cheerleader

When I met Luke I knew from day one that racing was in his blood.

 He loves everything to do with it, we watch it on TV, he reads about it online, it is the topic of conversations at many of our family dinners. The day we decided that we where going to pursue his dream changed our future and I will be honest with you I never thought I would be the one that actually changed and grew from it.

 

 

My dream was to be a wife and a mommy. Plain and simple right!

 

 

Well the difference is that I never knew that the roles I would take a wife and mom would include all these aspects. Becoming a racers wife has expanded my resume as a stay home mom more then I could have ever dreamed or imagined. For instance ....

 

I AM A CHEERLEADER!

 

Now if you know me this should make you laugh. I am cheerful that is true but coordinated and able to dance ..... that's another story!

 

I have learned as a racers wife that the definition of cheerleader is so much more then that.

 

If you follow our page you know that this past weekend Luke had an amazing race. He lead most of the race and finished in second place!!

 

What might surprise you is that I was not there!!!

 

I missed it!!!  I was at home with our boys having a quiet weekend and relaxing, or trying to relax.

 

I was doing great until this one picture changed my entire night ....

 

 

If you need a little help understanding this cryptic message from my husband. This is a line up for the race of the night. Luke is number 7s, this picture says Luke you are on the pole starting at the front!!!

 

I went in to a panic... I was about to miss my chance to be at this race with my husband starting in the front!! I was timing how long is the drive to the track? Thinking to myself is it appropriate to wear pok-a-dot pjs to a race?  I hope the boys won't be mad if I wake them up!!

 

Then I realized that this is a new definition to me as a cheerleader. I wasn't there.

 I was sad, nervous and even jealous of all the other wives that where there. But I had to put that behind me and reply to his message with as much support as I could.

 

I spent the rest of the night on pins and needles. I even watched The Kardasians for a little mind numbing distraction. I prayed, I read a book, I even paced the floor.

I just knew that no matter what I had to stay ready to answer when he called back and be so happy for him if he won his very first race with out me.

 

It was not easy and it was not relaxing, but that night I learned so much. 

 I can say to you no matter what happens, good or bad, I will be the biggest fan of Lucero Racing and my boys no matter where I am. I also have decided that rain or shine I will never stay home to relax on a race night ever again!!!

 

 

 



Life in the Fast Lane

   Its summer time... the sun is shining, school is out and I am so blessed to get to spend the long summer days at home with my two rambunctious boys. We have so far enjoyed a great day at the reservoir playing in the water and sand with our cousins. Been to a car show strolling through the shiny old cars enjoying a refreshing snow cone. Summers are the best for slowing down and enjoying the beautiful state of Colorado.

I forgot to mention the biggest adventure during summer.... we have a race car!!!

 

    

It is very interesting being a racers wife. I have learned a whole new vocabulary and continue to learn new things every day. Like the difference between a new bumper and a new rear end is a whole lot of money and work, so stop confusing the two!!

But I think the biggest thing I am learning in my new role is how to trust God in the ups and downs this sport and life hands us. Learn to savor the moments, good and bad.

 

My one and only goal right now for this journal is to slow down in the fast lane we call Lucero Racing.

I want to be able to look back and see the sleeping toddler at the race track and the boys digging in the sand at the beach. I hope that this is some sort of a time capsule for us to be able to show our grand kids that we were not always old and crazy, we were once young and crazy!

 

So stick around and hold on tight you never know what might happen next!