Crazy Croslands

Birthday Boy

2012-01-28T17:44:00.005-05:00

Mike had a birthday shout hooray!
His birthday hit on our drive home from Florida. He was a good sport since we didn't have a single present to hand him. Our sweet friends the Browns had cupcakes sent to our hotel where we stopped in North Carolina. That was really the only celebration he received.
We left Mike in NC where he spent the rest of his week working at the Army base.

This is our family celebration last night when he was finally able to join us. We have missed him a lot. He has been gone every week for months. We love him and enjoy having him home. I'm so grateful for a kind and considerate husband. He works hard and does his best to spend time with his family.

Happy Birthday Babe!

Two Miracles

2012-01-10T09:30:00.003-05:00

We received our first snowfall yesterday. Miracle. It was just enough to be able to play in and the second miracle is that they didn't cancel school today. Nothing stuck to the streets but that has never stopped them before. So I call that perfect. The neighborhood kids got off the bus, put on their snow gear and played until dark. So much fun. Charlie - did most of his sledding standing up
Jane & Garrison

Carys, Jane & Mags trailing behind

Mags

Patrick , Cooper & Charlie

Maggie, Jane & Carys

Miss Cyndi & Mr. Daniel

Charlie

Finally, something worthy to blog about.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T09:06:00.002-05:00

I am a genius.

We rang in the new year at 8:00 pm.
We had our own countdown. Followed by banging on pots, kissing, hugging and one firework.
Then we put the kids to bed and watched a movie.
Perfect New Years Celebration if you ask me.

So to further prove what a great mother I am I have included all of these things that my children already know or can do.
Here goes......
Everything. Yep they already know everything.
Babysitters. Don't need them.
Sure my children are 7,5 &3. They don't need babysitters they can take care of themselves.
Driving. Charlie can do it. He told me so. "It's easy."
Baths. Don't need them. They're never dirty.
Jane can do a whole number of things like take care of bear cubs. She does it all of the time. Or she loves to go to her special room and play with her horse (it's real) and her polar bear (totally real) and her penguins. (real) Which by the way are so funny and they do the funniest things.
Maggie has been independent since she was 14 months old. So I'm quite possibly the best mother I've ever heard of.

Cochran

2011-12-13T21:05:00.000-05:00

Ran into this bad boy here in town.

John Cochran currently on the show Survivor.

I was waiting to be picked up by my husband and kids while he was waiting for his parents to swing by and pick him up. I was talking on my cell to Mike when what did I see? A young man who looked just like Cochran. So I did what any nice lady would do. Hung up on my husband and slowly circled this young man while leaning over and trying to get a better look at his face. ha. Creepy? Yes. I'm certain that I looked like a total idiot. But that has never stopped me before.

He was a gentleman and so sweet. His parents came before Mike and so I did not get enough time to drill him on everything I wanted to know.

Charlie was the first to say, "Mom you saw Cochran? Let me see the picture." Yes, my seven year old watches survivor with us.

Where's the Fairy?

2011-12-12T13:12:00.000-05:00

Charlie was put under for a little oral surgery. He had some drill work done and they also pulled a tooth. Which makes that my first child's first tooth to come out. So of course we were so excited for the fairy to come that first night. When Charlie woke up in the morning he came down stairs and said, "Mom the tooth fairy didn't come last night."

What!!! My first born. His first tooth. No Tooth Fairy!!!! What a terrible tooth fairy!! Well, the next night she made up for it with a pack of gum, a dollar and a note explaining her delay. You see she was unaware of this tooth being pulled because it wasn't one of his loose teeth so it was unexpected. She has been forgiven.

(and for the record, dad was out of town so he missed the action)

SEVEN

2011-12-09T17:14:00.001-05:00

We buried this and sent the neighborhood kids on a picture treasure hunt.
At the end of the hunt was this map.
The chest was full of goodies.

Maggie, Charlie, Jane

Charlie reached his birthday in October.
I went to have lunch with Charlie and take his classmates cupcakes. We sat at an all girl table. I happened to think it was strange and this sweet thing next to me named Charlotte told me that he always sits with all of the girls. And she said that t all the girls like Charlie. She even said that he is nice.( What?? This was totally new information for me)Charlie is seven and we are proud of all of the great things that he is learning and doing. He is a great smart kid and we are grateful to have him in our family.
(side note: I am also grateful for Charlotte and her talkative mouth)

Football

2011-12-07T18:15:00.004-05:00

Okay, I have a lot of catching up to do. Football. We were undefeated and took division championship again this year. Great for the team but boring for the mom to go and watch us slam everybody. I would have preferred that we lost a game here or there or at least didn't rub it in everyone's face so much. Gracie, Jane & Maggie

Cheering on the boys
Charlie

The big juicy trophy. Mike got one too. They have been hanging out in the kitchen where everyone can see them.

Thankful in my Heart

2011-11-09T20:08:00.004-05:00

That's it.

I can't take it any longer.

I knew it was a bad idea for me to think that I could blog every day for a month.

Ridiculous.

I've been avoiding the computer. I have this constant looming pressure over me to think of something sweet and kind and all wordy, wordy junk.

I'll quit trying to be a good writer.

Cause I'm a bullet points type of girl. So here is my whole month of gratefuls in bullet points.

I feel better already.

my husband - i got a good one and you can all be jealous

charlie - funny, cute and not a big complainer (i really like that part)

jane - a giant ball of entertainment and mystery -cute- and funny when she doesn't mean to be

maggie - ahh so much to say. so sweet and loving yet mischievous and sneaky

sisters - i've got a lot and i love each one of them for different reasons

mom - she's been an excellent teacher and i think about what and how she taught me every day

in laws- mike's parents are the best inlaws - kind and loving

mike's siblings - yep love all of them too. not everyone can say that they love all of their extended family - but i can

good friends - i've really been blessed my whole life with good friends. in each stage of my life i've been close to different people. i've been very lucky.

our two dumb dogs. i love them.

our church - i belong to a great ward with great leadership

My Heavenly Father. I am grateful that we can pray to him and that he cares about my struggles, joys and fears. I make a lot of mistakes and I'm certain I'll make more. I am so grateful that he loves us and sent his son Jesus Christ to come down to earth and teach us all the way that we should live. I am grateful that Christ atoned for my sins. I am grateful that he died for me and was resurrected so that I can return to live with him again. I am so grateful for all that my Heavenly Father has given me.

Day 4

2011-11-04T12:53:00.000-04:00

Today I am grateful for good health. I would say that we are a relatively healthy crew. I am certainly grateful that none of us have ever had to deal with any real serious health problems yet. I know that day will probably come but for now I will soak up all of this healthy goodness with a big "thank you" to my Heavenly Father.

Day 3

2011-11-03T20:17:00.003-04:00

I have a lot to be grateful for. However this is a forced post because it's been a real bad two days and currently all children are crying in their beds. I'm on the computer avoiding them. So at this moment I am very grateful for......hmm this is going to be harder than I thought. Let me give it a few minutes.

Got it! I am grateful for good music.

This morning Jane told me that her school teacher asked her what church she belonged to. I asked her what her answer was and she said, "I just sang her the song, I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints".

I know that good music can make me feel happy, excited, free, peace and so many other emotions. So today I am grateful for music.

The children are now quiet.

I am also grateful for this little computer time.

And I'm grateful this day is almost over.

Day 2

2011-11-02T09:57:00.002-04:00

Today I am grateful that my husband has a job. He is starting to travel a bit. The travel is working out fine and the kids and I stay busy so there isn't a lot of time to notice that he is gone. The kids mention it most at dinner and bedtime. On most days I would say that he enjoys his job. The greatest thing is that he has one and so at this time we can afford for me to stay home, pay for a house and cars, food and necessities and for that I am very, very grateful.

Give Thanks

2011-11-01T14:14:00.004-04:00

Okay, lets see if I can do a month of "Thankfuls".

Don't get me wrong, I have a lot to be grateful for but the challenge will come in the actual blogging. ha.

Here goes.

Today I am grateful for my neighborhood. I am surrounded by good families and friends. Last night this neighborhood was a mad house. I loved it. I didn't get a single picture of my children in their Halloween costumes but this place was buzzing with activity. Many families travel to our neighborhood to trick or treat. I am happy to live in a place where parents will bring their children and everyone can walk around and feel safe. I would be happy to give out candy all night long to these children. It felt good to see so many happy faces.

Ode To Great Aunt Anne

2011-10-15T08:50:00.000-04:00

Aunt Anne is Grandpa Ivan's sister.

Aunt Anne is one stylish lady.

I didn't know that her fabulous hairstyles have all been wigs.

(I've been in the family 12 years and this was news to me).

So when we were visiting Grandma and Grandpa this summer and Aunt Anne would take her wig off. One of my children would pick it up and put it on. Well the other day the girls received a package from their sweet Aunt Anne.

It may be one of the coolest packages ever!

Yep, you know it!

A box full of Aunt Anne's wigs.

We are talking about 9 wigs in assorted colors and styles.

This is heaven in the dress up world.

(and I only included all of these shots because janie's face made me smile in everyone)

Family Fun

2011-10-08T16:02:00.000-04:00

Family Home Evening brings out the best or worst in me. I don't know about the rest of you but there never seems to be an in between. Last week was a good one. (well for me anyway) We made carmel apples and the kids were in heaven. I layed in bed that night explaining to my husband that if I were that patient all of the time I think that the whole family would always be happy. Jane and Charlie

Maggie, Jane & Charlie
preparing the apples

success with the popsicle stick

It was a good night

Beach 2011

2011-10-05T14:17:00.000-04:00

Sadly, we were only able to make it to the beach one time this summer. We went in September and the weather and company were perfect. Simply, we love the beach. Love it. Charlie, Jane & Maggie
Charlie, Christopher, Ainsley, Ben

Mike and Charlie

Charlie, Jane & Mags

on the couch that mom made

One stop at Planet Pizza with the Yanz family.

We couldn't resist the sign.

nickelodeon day of play

2011-10-02T17:20:00.002-04:00

We went downtown to DC and celebrated with Nickelodeon for their "get active"

Day of Play.

They had set up in front of the White House and you could join in many different sports and activities. We did obstacles, tennis, hockey, soccer, hula hoop, dancing and football. Mike, Maggie, Jane & Charlie

Charlie and Dad
We got to see Big Time Rush!!
It was the highlight of the kids day for sure.
Jane was on top of my shoulders when the band came out and she started yelling, "Kendall! Kendall!" I couldn't stop smiling it was fun to see her so excited.

Patrick, Miss LeighAnne, William
(we ran into our neighbors that we love)

William, Miss LeighAnne, Jane, Maggie and Mike

Janes Quotes

2011-09-27T09:05:00.005-04:00

Jane "Mom look at all of these ladies wearing buttoonies" (bikini's)

"I'm going to go pout on my nose"

"What?"

"Mom, it's a polite way of saying I need to go potty."

I didn't bother correcting her because it's funnier when she does it her way. She says it all of the time now. I still laugh when I hear it.

Getting out of the shower my daughter was staring at my beautiful bottom. I knew it was coming and she said, "mom how come your bottom is so big?"
"well, because I ate too many cookies when I was little."
She took my answer and then I could see her processing it. Suddenly panic struck her face as she said "did I eat too many cookies?"

"sewiously?"

In church during the Sacrament Jane grabbed two pieces of bread and popped them into her mouth. When I gave her the look she leaned over and whispered, "but I really wanted to remember Jesus two times".

"My hands are always trying to make me not modest. They keep picking out the clothes and putting them on me."

Charlie's Funnies

2011-09-23T18:36:00.000-04:00

Charlie built a fort out of the limbs that his father cut off of our trees. Charlie and Patrick using their sniper rifles on me

Something you never want to hear your first grader say to you......

"Mom guess what I learned from a 5th grader today in the bathroom?"

It was safe.

Just personal bubble making.

No gadgets necessary.
He is much more willing to wash his hands now.

So through the grapevine we heard the greatest story about our son and one of our sweet babysitters. And it goes a little something like this....
"Sally" the babysitter takes our kids out on a walk. Charlie runs away from her. She can't find him.
Turns out that he returned to the home. Grabbed his Dad's ipad and then ran back like a secret agent and recorded the babysitter looking all over for him. He went from tree to tree and thought that he was hilarious. She finally saw him and got after him and then deleted his recording.
Oh how I wish we still had that recording. "Sally" never mentioned the incident to us. I would have been mortified. But as long as I pretend that this story is about someone else then I think it's hilarious.

And last but not least...

"Boys don't have boobs Jane, we have abs."

Preschool

2011-09-13T20:59:00.001-04:00

Today was Maggie's first day of preschool. She has been ready for a while now and she went without any hesitation. She will attend a three hour class twice a week.

This is one of her high school teachers, Taylor.
Maggie and sweet boyfriend Nate

William and Maggie

She calls W her best buddy.
They love to play and fight.

So here are some of Mags current quotes.....

"Are Grandma and Grandpa in my heart? Cause I feel them in there."

When I don't give her what she wants her comeback is always....

"okay then you're not invited to my cheerleading party."
(i'm not sure that she knows what a cheerleader is)

Some of our friends decided to crepe paper our house. In the morning Maggie looked out the window and with her potty mouth said, "Holy moley. Holy cwap. Holy moley cwap."

"I know vat. I already knew vat. I know everyfing."

VBS

2011-09-01T18:26:00.004-04:00

The kids were invited to Vacation Bible School. The theme was Beach Blast and it was true to its name. I think this was the first church experience that Charlie would look forward to. Of course that did have a lot to do with the fact that they played sports outside. Jane did a fish craft to remind her of when Jesus fed the multitude.
Charlie made a treasure box that says "God's promises are my treasure"
Inside there are different scriptures.

Maggie learned about baby Jesus and was able to hold and take care of little baby dolls.

At the end of each night the kids gathered for singing, dancing and a "wrap up the evening" story.

Gracie, Jane and Maggie

Someone and Mags

So there was a very favorite song that none of us can get out of our head. Here's the chorus for you.

uh uh uh A Admit to God that you are a sinner.

bu bu bu bu B Believe that Jesus is Gods only son.

su su su su C Commit yourself to the Lord above and ask him to fill you up with his love.

When you become a Christian hope is easily found cause when you hit rock bottom you'll land on solid ground.

Shake and Drowned

2011-08-25T15:35:00.003-04:00

I was standing in my kitchen when I heard a loud noise. I thought it was the dogs above me in their kennels. I started up the stairs and then stopped on the landing. The loud noise stopped but my house was shaking. I stood still trying to comprehend what it was. I looked out my window to see if a huge gust of wind had hit. Nope. Then I ran back down the stairs to find Maggie sitting on the toilet. I pulled her off and held her close. She thought I was weird.

The teachers at the elementary school were great.Charlie and Jane were unfazed and after the quake they were out in the field until it was time for the buses. I think they were outside for a couple of hours. No school Wednesday as they had to inspect the local schools for damage.

The epicenter was about an hour from our house. The event made for some great neighborhood talks.

So to keep things exciting we are awaiting Hurricane Irene. She's expected to attack us late Saturday night. The prediction is for 105 mph winds. Who knows? Mike prepared by mowing the lawn last night. And I prepared by going to Costco and buying a big box of Ghiradelli brownies. Yep, we'll be just fine. Maybe no power for a bit. But just fine.

Back to School

2011-08-23T09:40:00.007-04:00

Back to school is awesome. Charlie started first grade yesterday. New classmates, new teacher and his very own desk. We are excited for all of the things he will learn this year.

Cooper, Patrick & Charlie
I think Charlie has spent the whole last month with these boys. They are good kids and all live close enough to play, play, play.

Today Jane is beginning her kindergarten adventure. She is lucky to start her day with her best friend Carys.

Jane and Carys

Jane, Mike, Charlie & Maggie

Jane wasn't scared. Just excited which made the good bye's easy. Had she been scared then I probably would have broken into tears.

Maggie and I will begin our very own adventures today.

Last But Not Least

2011-08-11T08:11:00.001-04:00

Back to Utah where we had a cousin swim and my sisters house. Julie (my niece) and Jane

She will be the one who receives our children if we die. This is not a joke. I'm dead serious.

(and for the record that is our official last will and testament.)

Momma and Kevin (nephew)

He will want me to say that he is my most handsome nephew but I will not say it without compensation.

Fortunate for us Mary brought Mom down so we could see again. She braved the cousin swim but was probably sweating bullets.

Taylor (great nephew), Mary (sister), and Mallory (niece, she just might be one of my favorite people to spend time with in the world.)

Dad finally joined us and we went to stay full time at Grandma and Grandpa Croslands.
The girls robbed some of Grandma's manikins of their hats.

Jane and Maggie

Grandpa Ivan and Maggie on our July 4th celebration

Grandma Helene and Mags
We partied with the Croslands until I'm certain that they were saying, "seriously, just go home already." It seemed that we had a barbecue every night.

Uncles Andy and Matt

They came the day before we left. We don't get to see them enough and I'm always left wanting more time with them.

Charlie, Uncle Richard, Baby Boston, Jane Grandpa Ivan and Mags

partying at Aunt Leslie's. Boston is the youngest grandchild and he just celebrated his first birthday.

Ada and Uncle Richard

This is the only picture that I got of her. She is the first Great Grandchild in Mike's family.

She is a delight.

She's posing with her Grandpa (mike's brother)

Kate and Charlie

Charlie thinks that Kate is his cousin. They share the same Aunt Anne and Uncle Richard but not related. Kate lives in China and Charlie thinks that is so cool. Every time he sees that something was "made in china" he thinks its awesome.

Jane, Aunt Anne and fake cousin Abigail

Mike and Charlie

We had a great time out on the boat with family. The trip was another great success. Back to real life.

Idaho

2011-08-06T10:59:00.000-04:00

The kids were in heaven while visiting family in Idaho. You'll see why from these pictures.Back row: Mason, Braden, Courtney
middle row: Aysha, Allie, Annika, Brinley, Jane, Charlie

Front Row: Allie, Aimee, Dakota, Adam

Cousin parties galore, it was awesome. On this day we went swimming at the Meridian pool and then had dinner at Michelle's. The cousins played with puppies and ran around outside.

Jane, Courtney, Maggie
Jane has two favorite cousins on my side of the family. Courtney is one of them.

My cute nephews Jim and Zach. Both humble and sweet. Oh wait maybe just one of them is humble but both are pretty sweet.

Jane, Allie, Maggie, Charlie, Brinley

Jane on the zip line (only attempted on flat ground)
My brother put up a zip line from the top of his house down to the bottom of his yard.

Maggie screaming her guts out. Only on flat ground.

Charlie had a hay day on the zip line.

Introduced the kids to Dad

Aunt Michelle's dog, Lady, had eight golden retriever puppies before we arrived. Perfect. Enough for everyone to play with.

Spencer, Charlie and Lady

Charlie and Spencer bathed in mud. Then they thought they were invisible of course. I believe the quote out of my sons mouth was..."Aunt Michelle, my mom would never let us do this at my house."

I would like to rebuttal with.... The only mud to be had would be from someones flower bed.

Maggie

Jane, Brinley and Mags

The girls tried it the very next night. I think that they had forgotten that we made the boys hose off in the freezing cold hose. They finished off the hosing with a warm bath.

We also enjoyed visits with my sisters, Nona and Mary and Mom had us over for visits and swimming. Many more cousins than I took pictures of but boy, we had fun.

Part Deux

2011-08-01T10:45:00.000-04:00

Charlie trying out a flip at Aunt Debi'sCharlie, Grandpa Ivan, Jane

We were able to spend Father's Day with Grandpa. He wasn't feeling well and had me worried that he might not live much longer. I'm happy to say he is feeling a bit better. We love spending time with Grandma and Grandpa Crosland.

Maggie and Aunt Michelle at the Strawberry Days Rodeo

Cousin Brynlee and Jane

These girls were a joy to watch at the rodeo. They did NOT like calf roping and would let out great cheers when the cowboys missed.

Aunt Fancy Nancy, Aunt Tamara and Cousin Lindsey.

We had a fun BBQ at Aunt Tamara's the night before. Lindsey has a boyfriend that kept all of us entertained (even after he had left.) Funny dude.

Next Stop....Beautiful Boise.

Summer Trip Part 1

2011-07-30T16:16:00.001-04:00

Made it to Denver. We didn't have enough time and Fancy Nancy's house. Only two days before moving on to the next stop. Colby and Brady caught wild baby bunnies for us to play with. I regret to say that after all of the man handling, most of them have gone to see their maker.Brady
Charlie, Brady, Maggie and Jane

Charlie

They LOVED playing with these bunnies.

Our next stop was Utah.

We stayed with my sister Debi and her family

Jakelle, Jane, Mallory
Mallory had the great idea that we should go ice skating. I wasn't totally convinced that this would be a great idea with three little ones. Turns out that I was wrong and she was right. All three kids loved it and by then end they were getting pretty darn good.

They had these neat little walker contraptions so the kids could skate themselves

Jakelle, Mallory and McKenzie

all of my great helpers

Kimber and Maggie

Jakelle, McKenzie, Mallory

Jane, Charlie and Maggie

Beginning of Summer

2011-07-28T09:01:00.000-04:00

Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. Summer is on it's way out and I'm just beginning to post about it. Here we go. This picture of Mags just has to be included because it's classic

Charlie got his cast off the last week of school. Three days before we began our cross country voyage. It was super stinky.

Just in time to entertain himself in the car for hours

The night before we went on our big trip we found this guy in the street. We brought him home and played with him for a couple of hours before letting him go.

Typical day in the car. I was surprised once again that the drive really isn't that bad. We have a system and it works. Each day goes a little something like this.... start early, begin with quiet, then have singing time, then coloring or school work, next is present time (little wrapped gifts from the dollar store) eventually we stop for lunch and a break then finally they get tv and electronic time. Each day is about 10 hours of travel.

On our first stop Jane fell out of bed in the night and punctured her lip. Mike thought she needed stitches, I figured she'd be fine.

After three days of travel we reached my sisters house in Denver

Family Funnies

2011-07-17T18:30:00.002-04:00

I've been saving up. I try to record them as they come along.. here's what I've collected over the last few months.

Charlie: "I can't wait to tell everyone at school about my stitches"

Mom: " yeah, you can tell them how brave you were and that you didn't even cry."

Charlie: "I'm not going to say that. Whenever you tell me what to say, I never say it. You're not in my brain. Besides, you don't ever make sense."

Maggie

"Mom, go over to that guy, I want to talk to him."

(so like an idiot, i walk over to the nice man working at sears)

"My daughter just wanted to talk to you" I say.

He looked at Maggie with a smile and she replied.

"You're hair is crazy and nasty."

He looked at me. I looked at her in pure embarrassment and anger and she lifted up her arms and said "what? is that not nice to say?"

I love my children's bottoms. They are cute and squishy and I like to squeeze them. The other day Maggie was getting on my last nerve and she knew it. After she started to boss me around, I gave her the look. She saw my face, turned around, stuck out her little rear end and said, "you can squeeze my bottom if you want to mom."

Charlie and Jane

I was bending down in my pajamas and I could feel that they were sagging. Jane said "uh mom, your pants are too small". Charlie quickly jumped in and said "Jane that isn't' nice, mom is still growing".

While at Cabella's Jane was laughing and pointing at the gopher that they had posed with it's head in a hole and bottom in the air.
Charlie turned to her and said "Jane stop laughing. You are not being nice to nature."

Jane was singing another great made up song. Here is an excerpt

" Jesus loves me. Jesus widiculous loves me"

So clearly neglecting the third child is alive and well. I totally thought that Maggie knew her ABC's. She is three and I've heard her sing them a million times. But just the other day we were face to face singing the ABC's here's what I heard..."A B C D E F G H I J K an I need to go P, Q R S T U V W X Y and Z" Of course I had her repeat it and we will be working a little harder on our ABC's.

Dance Recital

2011-06-07T11:14:00.000-04:00

Jane danced her little heart out the other night at her recital. Her class performed to the LeeAnne Rhymes song "Blue"

Jane and Charlie

Paisley, Carys, Jane, Dayton, Paige, Aleah

Jane, Carys Dayton

Aleah, Paisley, Jane, Carys, Dayton

Carys, Jane & Maggie

After the performance Charlie and Dad each gave her some roses. She felt very special and hasn't stopped talking about the event. She's been wearing her little costume ever since. I don't know if I will sign her up for soccer again. The season just ended and she didn't get the joy out of it as she does with dancing. She's in a happy place with dancing.

No Pool Party

2011-06-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Memorial weekend we usually hit the beach. Charlie's cast squashed that idea real quick. We had to come up with something to deal with the high temps and humidity. So we hand neighbors, sprinklers, kiddie pool and a good old homemade slip n slide.We wrapped Charlie's arm up pretty good
Charlie & Cooper

Mags & William

Carys, Patrick & Jane

Cyndi, Kimber, Kim & LeighAnne

not even close to beach fun but we had a good time together

Preschool Graduation

2011-05-31T20:07:00.001-04:00

Jane is the frightened looking one in the pink ruffle dress.

Her best friend Carys (like Paris) is over one in the pink jacket and white dress.

Jack and Jane performing the Nursery Rhyme Jack and Jill.
She adores Jack and the often have play dates together.

Jane and her teacher Elizabeth

Preschool Graduating Class of 2011

Jane and Brigid

one of her student teachers

Elizabeth (other student teacher)

Jane was sad to say goodbye.

The preschool was wonderful and they put on a nice program that had the big and little students in tears.

They will all miss each other.

A Real Boy

2011-05-13T10:34:00.001-04:00

You know the Pinocchio story. Well with stitches last month and a broken arm two weeks ago... Charlie is now a real boy.He tripped his coach at soccer practice and his coach fell on him.

He broke both bones in his arm. The brake was clean and should heal nicely.

As I was helping him get dressed this morning he said,
"I really like this broken arm thing."
It's true, he loves the attention and help that he is getting at home and school.

That's All Folks

2011-05-09T15:30:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's a sign.

My fathers initials are MJC.

My husbands initials are MJC

Maggie, Jane and Charlie are my own MJC.

All of our children have come with the help of Doctors and Nurses. After figuring out what we needed, they all came on the first or second try. I guess that gave me a false sense of security. We've tried for months to have another child. Each month taking a step further then before. More time consuming, more money, mores procedures, more pills, more shots, more pounds, more ultra sounds, more shuffling of my children and schedule and a lot more driving. It's been exhausting. Nothing worked.

I wanted a couple more.

I'm sad about it.

So the bright side is that I have three kids that we love. We are going to look forward to a lot of great memory making.

Spring Break

2011-04-25T20:51:00.004-04:00

About six months ago our friends sent out an email to all of their friends. Inviting us on a number of "mini vacations" they would be taking this year. We put our names in to head to Hershey, Pennsylvania with them for our Spring Break. We had a lot of fun and made many memories. Here is our recap.Hershey's Chocolate World
Mr. Mike, Charlie, Maggie, Jane, Josephine, Chloe, Miss Emily, Mr. Brad & London
(click on any picture to enlarge)

Josephine & Jane
We waited forever for some premade desserts. It was painfully long but we kept ourselves entertained by painting on the paper tables with brushes and Hershey Syrup.

Miss Emily. Her son London gave her a real Hershey Kiss.

Maggie found it delightful to color her lips and then lick it all off.

Charlie

Our first night at the Hotel swimming pool Charlie slipped and split his chin. Five stitches. He's pretty proud.

Easter Sunday before the big hunt.

Miss Emily made each child their own bag and they had to search for them in the Lobby.

Charlie, JoJo & Mags

The craziest part is that we took a little side lot of the hotel to plant eggs and candy. We were robbed. You got it. Robbed! The kids found their bags and then we took them out to the side lot where we hid the goods. I could tell before approaching that things had been taken. Someone went in and swooped it up. Rude right? Good thing we had put a few things in their bags or that would have been the biggest fail ever.

We had two great days at Hershey Park. Riding roller coasters and entertaining ourselves. All in all, great trip.

The Worst One

2011-04-17T12:52:00.003-04:00

I asked Charlie to go to his room and get his pajamas on at least six times. The seventh time I said it loudly and with great force. He went. He put on his pj's and returned with a list. Then he says this..

"Mom, you're the worst one."

"What?"

"Your the meanest person on my list. There's you and Dad and Mr. D. But your the worst one."

"What list? You've been keeping a list?"

"Yes, and you have gotten to three. You can try to get numbers taken off by being nice but so far you haven't gotten any taken off."

Charlie and Bernice

Here's the list. Mom 1, 2, 3 Dad 1, 2 Mr. D 1 (one day Mr. D, our neighbor, sent Charlie home after the boys had been fighting.) See, he's learned something in kindergarten. Counting, reading, writing, chances and consequences. He already knew about trouble.

Soccer

2011-04-15T10:16:00.000-04:00

I love soccer. It's a sport kids feel they can do. I like that.

Jane is in an instructional group. Our league hires entertaining Brits to teach and inspire the kids. (Mal, they have a tall Scottish guy that probably needs to meet you.) They learn all of the fundamental footwork needed to become good players. So far this year Jane is participating (big improvement from last year). I think she gets it and it is so fun to watch. We are super pleased with Charlie this year. This is his first year on a real team and I thought it would be a laughing adventure.

Turns out that he really knows what he is doing. He didn't follow the herd and when the other team got the ball he would get in the defensive mode and go to cut them off instead of just "chase".

He also managed to score his first goal. And the teams first goal.

This is his look to us to make sure we got it. Yep we got it.

Way to go bud!

Visitors

2011-04-13T20:15:00.000-04:00

Visitors. Oh how I love them. I talked my sister into coming to Virginia instead of Florida for their Spring Break. I loved it. Can't really say if they did. The weather here was cold with a nice bite to the air. ooopsie.Brady and Colby know how to build wicked forts. They don't even ask me to help. It was awesome. Charlie, Mags, Jane

Brady

Uncle Steve

They also spent time catching turtles. The boys caught two while they were here but of course we had to release them back to their homes.

Colby and prize turtle. I like to call Colby "Bieber". Not so sure if he loves it.

Thank you for the great visit. We loved it.

Swimming Lessons

2011-03-31T14:55:00.006-04:00

Most of my pictures of Charlie are of him underwater. He's our seal and has really improved in his swimming this year. Jane Charlie

Jane

She frustrated the teacher with all of her excuses. She didn't want to blow bubbles and didn't want to get her ears wet etc.. Then after her swim lessons were finished she was able to swim and put her face in.

Jane

Maggie took swim lessons with her little neighbor/friend.

Never quite able to relax. She spent her swim lessons giggling.

Swim lessons are finished and we will be starting soccer this week. More pictures to come of that.

Sinking Ship

2011-03-20T18:10:00.006-04:00

Jane is doing reading lessons with Dad. It's going slow, really slow. She's a drifter of thoughts. She has always been on her own time schedule. She is often in her head and doing her own imaginary playing. Sometimes we are invited and sometimes we are not. She has a "special room". Everything great happens there. It sounds like a wonderful place. We hear stories about this place all of the time. She tortures her best friend with it. Often she will remind her best friend about her "special room" and how she is the only one who can go there. It works. This statement drives Carys crazy and she often whines to her mother about wanting a special room too.

Charlie has more energy then he ever knows what to do with. Luckily soccer starts up soon.

Maggie uses the Lords name in vain. When I correct her by saying, "we say oh my goodness" she will then respond with, "but some people say oh my g--". She's also very good at identifying her genders and will let all of us know what people have a penis or a pagina. All neighbors and friends have been identified correctly. We are just so proud of her. She is so bright.

Summer camps? Anyone offering really cheap summer camps at their homes?

Sunday Post

2011-03-13T16:42:00.003-04:00

Maggie, got to love her but she is driving me crazy. She talks, all of the time, all day long. She follows me everywhere holding my leg and telling me how much she loves me. Yes, it's sweet and one day I'll wish she were still doing it. But not now. Now it's.... really draining. I just like this profile.

We had a super duper rainfall last Sunday. It was awesome and sent a little stream right through our back yard.

We can't resist a hard rainfall. It must be played in.

Weeks Worth

2011-02-20T16:10:00.001-05:00

We had a fun Valentine's Day. I decided that we should have a "romantic" family dinner. We ate by candle light on our nice dishes. We enjoyed our sparkling apple juice and the children enjoyed many toasts. They especially liked saying "cheers" every other minute.

I like these little "week at a glance" posts and you'll be seeing more of them. It makes it easy to list my happenings and include some photos. I'm all about being easy. ha

meetings - dental appointments - late work days - volunteer at school - swim lessons - dance class - preschool - babysitting - entertaining - new recipes - dog pooping in the house - kids waking up too much throughout the night - teaching lessons - reading - the bachelor - football games - birthday party - working out - basketball -black eye - baby shower

I Have The Blaaaz

2011-02-17T10:53:00.001-05:00

Life is blaa but this is something exciting! Meet Ada. She is my great niece and first great grandchild on the Crosland side. I can hardly wait to meet her.

I can't even begin to tell you how many snow days we've had. Okay I should rephrase that. Not actual snow days but school is cancelled days. These are two totally different things here. We really don't get much snow. Here is a picture of my street on one of our "school is closed today" days. Silly.

Jane came home with a bunch of goodies from a "fancy nancy" party.

Maggie was, and still is jealous. She steals the goods any time she can.

Jane, Charlie, Maggie
Valentine's from Grandma and Grandpa

Charlie and Mike as we celebrated Mike's Birthday!

I'm hoping for a quick spring. This has been a hard couple of months with many friends who are going through hard times. Lot's of service opportunities to keep us busy.

Clearly I'm not in the mood to blog. This is all I can muster for you wonderful family members who check this every once and while.

Crack

2011-01-25T21:04:00.004-05:00

My girls have both been sick and running fevers.

Maggie must be feeling better. She spent most of her morning calling Jane "butt crack" and laughing. Jane has spent most of the time crying about the fact that her sister is calling her "butt crack".

So of course Mags has been given hot pepper and time outs. None of it worked. She was still able to slip in soft whispers of "butt crack" to make Jane break into tears all over again. She thinks that she is hilarious.

Is she?

She's Cute But Not Bright

2011-01-17T09:27:00.000-05:00

Of course the title refers to the dog and not my perfectly intelligent children. We got her about two weeks ago. Free, just how I like them. Lucky for us a great young man and his girlfriend broke up. Neither of them can have the dog at their respective homes so we got her. She wets outside but poops in my house. I don't like that part. She is great with the kids as they drag her everywhere.

Week at a Glance

2011-01-11T17:17:00.001-05:00

Sure she was miserable but she did it to herself. The old lean back in the chair trick. Then fell and split her chin. Lucky for us Mr. Shaun was over and helped take care of her and super glue her back together. (that might make it seem like he is a dr. but no, just a capable friend)

Jane's sad, sad face.

Then I tried to use Picasa for the first time. You'll see more of these in the future but they won't necessarily get better. ha

click on any photo to enlarge it

church - dancing - meetings - mike working late - school back again - longer preschool days - bowling - name calling - tears - visiting with neighbors - babysitting - grocery shopping - homework - singing -

News Flash

2011-01-07T07:19:00.008-05:00

Mom and Charlie
When you have a foul mouth eventually it appears that your children will get used to it. I was cleaning the kitchen when the girls were upstairs yelling. I had been up and down the stairs about seven times in five minutes. Their fighting was really getting on my nerves. I wasn't getting any cleaning accomplished and Charlie was doing his homework at the kitchen table as he watched me come and go.
A fight broke out again and I dropped the mop and headed up the stairs while muttering "oh my hell" and that's when Charlie said "no kidding."

Jane
I was holding Jane in my arms while we waited in the school office for Charlie. There is a very nice lady that works in the office that we were talking to a bit. She was sitting about four feet away when Jane looked at me and said, "We won't tell her she's fat right Mom? Because that would hurt her feelings." And that is when I slowly turned and walked out of the office.

In our dinner prayer..."and help us to not fight or hit or push or punch or kick or pinch or bite or say dummy or say stupid or say idiot or say" etc.....

Maggie
When Mags gets frustrated she says "you makin' me cazy". I get told this all of the time. I found it especially enjoyable when her Dad asked her to sit down in the middle of Sacrament Meeting and she belted out "You makin' me cazy Daddy, you make me so cazy".

me eedor: translated into me either: which is again translated into me too.

Here are some examples; Jane might say, " I really love that doll" to which Mags would reply in a deep voice, "me eedor". Charlie might say "Can I come?" then Maggie will chime in "Can I come eedor?"

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T05:23:00.004-05:00

We rang in the new year at 7:45. Then watched a movie and went to bed. Perfect way to start the new year. I tried to talk to everyone at dinner about goals and resolutions but it fell upon deaf ears. Maybe next year.

Pictures

2010-12-24T09:31:00.001-05:00

More pictures that are a bit more presentable.

Family Pictures

2010-12-20T08:01:00.003-05:00

We went and had our very first official family photos. The kind where you pay someone and go on site and get it done. I'll post some more pictures in a few days. But first let me give you a preview of how most of the photos turned out.

Here is your first clue.......

Did Maggie ruin the pictures or make them better?

I say that she made it the greatest photo shoot ever.

I love every one of them.

They all make me smile and shake my head.

And that's what the photographer gets for saying "smile".

Family Fun

2010-12-18T16:16:00.003-05:00

Something as simple as sugar cookies can make Charlie say, "This is the greatest day of my whole life."

He even remembered the last time we did this in Utah. He was only three years old then. Good memory and also sad that it has taken me that long to do it again. There are no chocolate chips in sugar cookies so I usually don't waste my time.Charlie, Maggie, Jane
Jane

Mags got stuck with one single sprinkle and wouldn't let go.

Surprisingly there were still a few red sprinkles left in the shaker.

Good memory making.

Bern and Mags

2010-12-14T12:05:00.000-05:00

Theirs is a love hate relationship. Maggie loves to share her food with the dog. She loves to give Bernie kisses. She loves to boss her around in a big loud mean voice. Strangely Bernie listens to Mags.

Then there is the size factor. Bernie is big and when she is running fast she can side swipe Mags and knock her to the ground. It happens all of the time. About once a day. Maggie has learned to cling to the wall when Bernie is running up or down the stairs.

Here is a set of pictures for your enjoyment.

Maggie spilled the water.

They both enjoyed the clean up.

Baptist Bible School

2010-12-12T19:41:00.007-05:00

our neighbors invited charlie and jane to their Baptist Bible School yesterday.

they went for three hours and made crafts, sang songs and learned more about the Savior and his birth.

made some cute "Jesus" necklaces.

fancy Christmas ornaments.

okay so the date is wrong.

they must have had a lot of extra programs from last year.

this is one of many beautiful crucifixes that they made and brought home.

jane had a blast and charlie, well.... he said that his favorite part was recess. sounds like he had as much fun there as he does at our church activities.

Championship Baby

2010-12-09T10:29:00.001-05:00

Charlie age 6

Sure he's in the "Ankle Biter" league. That doesn't stop the fact that we won the whole stinkin' division. Oh yeah baby. Check out that trophy. Being that it's Charlies first trophy I think we're in trouble. Any little old trophy won't do in the future. Today I even got an email about what size Championship Ring he wears. ha. ridiculous? absolutely.

Repeat the ReTreat

2010-12-02T15:06:00.000-05:00

I'm not crafty.

So when I invited myself to my sisters "crafting, project" getaway my sister was more than a little concerned about what I would be doing with my time. (yes, i'm talking about you tamara.) She even went so far as to bring material and a book for me to sit and make pin cushions.

I prepared myself. Purchased shirts and fabric to make some things for my girls.

A couple of days with no children calling my name.

Sleeping through the night.

Working on projects.

Taking walks.

Reading books.

Laughing.

Heaven.

Sew What

2010-11-15T13:32:00.003-05:00

Many moons ago I purchased a pattern for a "colonial" style dress. I figured that Jane needed that type of a dress up if she was truly going to fit in here on the East Coast. I can't sew. Don't even own a machine. But I know a gal who does.
That's really all it boils down to in life right? You don't have to know how to do everything you just need to know a guy. I learned that from my brother in law Dave.

Sew thanks to Aunt Debi we received this great package this week. It's already been worn to pre- school and just lounging around the house. She is in heaven and I think it's pretty adorable too.

Confidence

2010-11-08T22:18:00.007-05:00

I have confidence in sunshine. I have confidence in rain.
I have confidence that spring will come again.

Besides what you see, I have confidence in me.

Yes, we went out in public like this. To the store. With the green face. On purpose.

Another Good One

2010-10-26T08:35:00.001-04:00

Not to be out done.

Maggie gave us a great quote the evening of my last post.

She was being a major stinker at the church during our friends Baptism. She was happily squirming, jumping, yelling and making Mike and I crazy. I took her out into the hall for her time out. (We try to make the hall much more miserable so that going out is never better than staying in the meeting.) I sat on a chair in the hall and held her tight so that all of her wiggling got her no where. She kept saying "chop it Mom" "wet go of me". But I didn't. Then finally she reached out for the wall with a picture of Jesus on it and yelled, "Jesus, help me, help me Jesus!"

Clever.

And I guess he did help because it made me smile, laugh and give her a great big smoocheroosy.

Quotables

2010-10-24T09:45:00.003-04:00

Charlie: "For crying out loud Mom. I said not my pants."

Charlie: Mom, I'm not going to college.
Mom: Really? Why not?
Charlie: They don't have any toys at college.
Mom: Well, by the time you go to college, you won't care about your toys.
Charlie: Yeah right mom, I'm going to care about my toys my whole life. Even when I'm a dad I'm going to just sit around and play with my toys.
Mom: Good luck with that.

Charlie: I'd really like to be an Orphan.

Mom:We can make arrangements.

Charlie: I just need to get out of here for a few days.

Maggie: du dog why u ya followin me? du dog why u ya followin me?

Overheard

Charlie was yelling out of his bedroom window to his friends across the street.

"Hey guys wait right there. I'm coming out to play I just had a little diarrhea accident in my pants so I'm going to change real quick."

Jane: "Mom did you know that when we eat chicken it comes from a chicken?"
Mom: "That's right. Where does hamburger come from?"
Jane: " I don't know."
Mom:"A cow. Where does bacon come from?"
Jane: " A pig."
Mom: "Wow, good job. How did you know that?"
Jane: "The Holy Ghost told me."

So Big

2010-10-20T17:52:00.004-04:00

Big girl underpants
Hello kitty rear end.

Yep, it's true she is so big.

I had many ladies telling me that Maggie was ready to be potty trained; neighbors, friends, ladies at the gym. The only problem is that I wasn't ready. We all know that Mom is the one who has to be ready. So finally the perfect opportunity came during conference weekend. She was ready. It was a breeze. And I am a succor for my children's soft squishy bottoms in undies. A lot more pinching and squeezing happens now.

I love it.

Dance - For Real

2010-10-17T10:00:00.001-04:00

The real thing. A real teacher. Real ballet shoes. Real tap shoes. A real leotard.

Paige, Paisley, Dayton, Carys & Jane
This is serious.

Charles

2010-10-14T21:59:00.002-04:00

He's Big. He's Bold. He's Six.
It's official, our baby boy is all grown up. He loves kindergarten, friends and football. He even acts like he loves us now and then.
He has agreed to let me paint his bathroom blue and denies ever wanting it pink. (glad I waited.)
Charlie has discovered that he likes to draw.
His reading has drastically improved.
We celebrated his birthday with a family dinner and a perfect light saber gift.The girls and I also took some treats to his classroom yesterday. We arrived at the end of computer lab time. Charlie came over said hello to Jane and then led her back to his desk and was showing her how to play the game. He found Maggie and led her to the toys. I was so impressed with his kindness. It appears that he is learning all of the things I've mentioned over and over. Weird, repetition does work....eventually.
Side note: Charlie's teacher took me aside and mentioned that she tries to have one on one time with Charlie and she is always surprised at how bright he is. She said "in class he always acts like such a boy" (meaning disinterested) After discovering that he is a good reader she went back to look at his kindergarted pretest and found out that he got a perfect score. Since that time she is requiring more from him. hooray for that!
Way to go buddy. We love you.

Sleep Not

2010-10-05T10:38:00.000-04:00

We say to our children...

"Tonight let's have a sleep over in Mom and Dad's room."

We didn't know the amount of excitement that could bring. They invited all of their friends and made beds for them too.

I purchased the movie Annie (because I loved it as a kid). We stayed up late watching it and now Jane wants to rename Bernie to Sandy.

There is also a lot more singing and tap dancing to be had around here. Annie has been playing on the t.v. every day for the last week.

CHikCeN

2010-10-03T12:00:00.005-04:00

"Hey Mom, come ear, come ear. MOM, Ders a chiken in ar house."

Then Maggie led me to the laundry room where she said,

"See"

and there was a cute little live bird, scared to death.

I don't know how long Maggie had been torturing it.

He is now back out in the wild.

Last Beach Bash

2010-09-28T16:10:00.000-04:00

What? Not our last beach trip of the year! Nooooo!

warm weather

ocean breezehappy dad

warm water

happy kidshappy birds

played past sunset

Great Day

2010-09-25T18:25:00.005-04:00

Today has been a great day.

Sure some of it has to do with the fact that I'm making efforts to have a good attitude.

But today I have especially enjoyed the kids.

We've laughed, danced, sang, painted, pulled weeds, snuggled and I've just taken the time to watch them.

Charlie has been especially thoughtful. When the girls woke up he said, "Mom you can still rest. I'll take the girls downstairs." He took them down to the basement and turned on a movie.

Weird and fantastic all in one sha-bang.

Some things just need documentation

Jane

2010-09-21T14:35:00.000-04:00

Jane got a haircut today. She's been begging for weeks. She wanted her hair to be just like her cousin Brinley. If you haven't seen the reason that her cousins hair is like it is than you should check this out my sisters blog here.

http://romanandmichelle.blogspot.com/2010/09/gasp-scream-cry.html

I'm certain it won't be this cute tomorrow which is why we are posting it today. And while looking at this cute sweet face I've included a few stories about her not so pretty mouth.

Mom: "Jane, don't move. Sit still until I'm finished."

- silence -

Jane : "I just called you stupid in mind.......but you can't give me hot pepper because I never said stupid."

Maggie came crying to Aunt Nancy saying "Janey hit me"

Jane followed her into the room saying...

"No I didn't. I never hit her. I didn't do it.....I said I was sorry."

Then there is the daily. "Do you want me to kick you in the face?" or the variation "fine, if you do that then I'll just kick you in the face."

Yee haw

2010-09-19T21:06:00.000-04:00

Jane has been begging to ride a horse and around here there aint no western horseback ridin'.

You can put your children in riding lessons but it is serious Equestrian Riding. You know the uppity stuff with the tight pants, tall riding boots & tweed jacket. Then I remembered that our friends the Whiteside's have a horse. So I asked if their horse Petey would mind taking our kids for a little ride. Turns out that Petey was thrilled to take them for a ride.

Jane and Charlie

For Jane it's all about the gear (just like her Dad)

So she made sure to grab her boots and hat

First they washed him, brushed him and then saddled him up.

Miss Melanie, Charlie & Jane

Charlie

Jane & Alexandra

(and Petey the horse)

Jane was in heaven. She was beaming through the whole ride.

Journal by Photo

2010-09-17T10:45:00.006-04:00

Jane did this.Which opened this.
She took some and was kind enough to share it with Maggie.

So I called this.

Which of course led to this.
She fell off of the couch but didn't wake.

Jane even transported to the back door without waking.
They woke up at about bedtime.
Fun night.

Football

2010-09-12T20:51:00.000-04:00

Not just football - Tackle Football.

We put Charlie in tackle football this year. The real hope was that he could get some of his aggression and energy out on the field instead of in the house. I was warned that putting him in tackle football so young could ruin him and make him scared so that he would never want to play again. Not the case. He enjoys playing and isn't afraid of tackling or being tackled. I have not seen any evidence that he is tired or running low on energy. bummer Mike is one of the Assistant Coaches for the team and he is really enjoying that role. So far we are undefeated and playing quite well.

Charlie is the smallest guy on the left.

Mike and Charlie

Jane, Carys and Mags in their cute matching outfits that my niece made.

We go to the games every Saturday morning and cheer on the boys.

Kindergarten

2010-09-10T08:32:00.000-04:00

Charlie started Kindergarten this year. I'm not sure who was more excited about it me or Charlie. I knew that he was ready but I thought that I might shed a small tear as he loaded the bus.

Did I? Nope.

Kimber, Maggie, Charlie & Jane

He catches the bus at 7:50 in the morning and then he returns at 4:00. You heard it right... all day kindergarten. Everyone let me hear a woo woo!

Cooper & Charlie

We lucked out with a great school and teacher. The school has four kindergarten classes and his class only has 16 students so I'm hoping that his brain will get real smart.

Denver

2010-08-30T13:00:00.000-04:00

Wrapping up our summer trip we spent a while in Denver with my sister Nancy. We played, swam, celebrated Jane's birthday and played some more. This goose egg happened on day one or two. Pretty funny, but not for Charlie. He still has a round little nubin in there.

Mags as Mr. TJane is four!!
Charlie, Aunt Debi, Maggie, Aunt Nancy & Jane
Celebrating Jane's 4th Birthday!
This little spunky lady will continue to keep us on our toes. And oh the songs she can sing.

nameless

just couldn't resist

Nephew Corbin

We were able to spend his last week with him before he left on his mission to N.Y.

This nifty outfit came from various thrift stores. The singles threw a "Thrift Store Prom" and he went all out.

Charlie and Gavin

There really wasn't anyone with enough energy to keep Charlie occupied or satisfied. Until Nancy's great idea to call one of the neighbor boys over. This is their fort. Too bad we didn't do this playdate until the day before we drove home. Idiots.

Lake Powell

2010-08-25T21:47:00.001-04:00

I'm quite certain that there is no better vacation then the one experienced in Lake Powell. No cell contact, only relaxation and play. I was invited to go down with my sister Debi and her family. We all had a really great time and the memories will last forever. The sweet rideJane
Aubry, McKenzie & Kim

Charlie

Aubry and baby Sadie

(only 11 weeks old)
Cody and Mya

Jane, Cammarie & Adam

This fine couple helped all of us manage the children. They are a hard working crew.

Captain Dave and baby Sadie

Mallory and Adam

These two are siblings. Together they happen to be a masterpiece. Loads of fun.

Jane, Kimber & Maggie

We are traveling slower than molasses but the girls loved it.

Kimber & Charlie

He is wearing goggles because if he gets water in his eyes it is a "near death" experience.
Mallory, Cammi & Kenzie

Debi, Jane, Dave and McKenzie

Tate and Kim
Little Tate was sick this whole week. At first we all believed that he had heat stroke. That was until others started coming down with the same mysterious symptoms. There was one special night where the carp were enjoying some regurgitated feasts. We never knew that heat stroke could be so catchy.

Jane, Charlie, Tate, Mya & Maggie

Cammi & Adam

I must end with this final photo. There were some gentlemen that happened to go down the slide nudey. This was Cammi's first time down the slide but there was not enough bleach on the boat to make her feel safe so she sat on her husbands lap. ha.

Idaho

2010-08-21T07:54:00.002-04:00

The Callisters had a family reunion up in one of our favorite spots.

McCall Idaho

This is a cool picture that my sister took. None of my little family made it in the photo. In fact this isn't even half of my parents clan but it's still pretty cool to look at.

Ron, Becky, Dave, Dave, Tamara, Nancy

Sue, Mike, Jane, Debi, Jenny

lots of family

more of us

It's beautiful up here.

Mike caught a flight home out of Boise.

After the reunion I was able to stay in Boise with my sister Michelle. Our children played nice together and it was fun to have a few days with her.

Brinley, Michelle, Mom and precious Cozette

Jane, Brinley, Maggie
singing "You are My Sunshine"

Michelle also took Charlie and Maggie back to her house
so that Jane and I could have a sleep over with Mom. We walked the dog in the park and stayed up late watching a movie. Great girl fun.

Maggie, Kimber, Mom and Jane
Notice how my mother is tightly holding her dog?

That is because Cozette is trying to bite Janey's arm off but Jane could care less. She still kept trying to catch her all night.

Audra, Kathy and Kimber

My Idaho trip usually includes a lunch with these ladies from Old School. I've been blessed with good friends throughout my life.

Boise - Success

Utah Visit

2010-08-19T07:44:00.002-04:00

In Utah we were able to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We played with cousins, barbequed and swam. We were even able to fit in an evening with friends.

Utah - Success Maggie swimming at Aunt Debi's

Jane down low, Charlie up high.

Grandma introduced us to a great place called "Pirate Island". The kids were in heaven and the food wasn't bad, which is always good for me.

Grandma, Maggie, Jane, Charlie and Mike

We thought that we were here for the children but I caught Mr. Jeremy stealing a few coins from the kids.

Charlie, Caitlin, Sam and Mags

The greatest part of our trip was that baby Boston was born before we left for our next destination.Boston and Maggie

Maggie brought her baby into the hospital and we couldn't help but put them side by side.Jane, Aunt Leslie and sweet baby Boston
Charlie was here but is at the "shy away from the camera" stage so I'm tired of fighting it. He'll just be scarred for life thinking that we didn't love him.

Donate now for his future years of therapy.

Cross Country Drive

2010-08-17T15:05:00.001-04:00

We took four days and three nights to get to Utah. I am happy to say that the drive was even somewhat enjoyable. Strange? Yes.

Mike and I were both pleasantly surprised.

Our first stop was South Bend, Indiana. I have a High School friend (Sarah) there who had us for dinner and let our kids run and play in her beautiful backyard. I was a little nervous about our visit because we really haven't seen each other in over ten years but her husband and kids were all so great and they immediately put us at ease.

Our next stop was a nice hotel in Omaha, Nebraska.

Day three led us to Denver, Colorado where we had a lovely stay with my sister and her family.

Finally we arrived safely in Provo, Utah on July 2nd. Just in time to unpack and be ready for the Independence Day celebration at Grandma and Grandpa's on the 3rd.Crosland Clan

Zoo

2010-08-15T08:56:00.000-04:00

Maggie refusing to share

The weekend before our big summer vacation we went to the DC Zoo. Jeremy was visiting us for the weekend and Uncle Matt and Andy were in town along with Andy's parents and niece. The Zoo is really the only suitable place to go with all of those adults and children. The day was hot and humid but the company was fun and enjoyable.Jeremy, Charlie, Maggie, Jane & Mike

Taylor, Andy's Mom and Andy

Kimber and Charlie

We convinced Charlie that this bird in the tree behind us was "Kevin's" baby. Kevin is a big bird from the movie UP.

Andy and Matt

(for some reason, every Crosland loves to do a food/mouth open pose. I probably have a dozen of these.)

Jane and Charlie feeding the birds

Bernie Got the Boot

2010-07-02T08:06:00.001-04:00

This is an old post that I had forgotten about.

Our dog Bernie got the boot. this special one
that is worn daily
with every crazy outfit
even pajamas
they are adored boots
but the yummy leather was irresistible

Jane cried and didn't wear the boots for weeks. Then she got over it and just puts on the chewed up one anyway.

Bed with Charlie

2010-06-29T13:04:00.001-04:00

"Mom, what's the worstest word in the whole town?"

"I don't know what the worst one is." (I mean it's really a matter of perspective)

"I bet it's stupid... or farty, that's a bad one."

"Why is it that you are trying to figure out what the worst word is?"

Worth the Find

2010-06-28T18:21:00.000-04:00

picked up this easel at a garage sale. so far it's been a hit

Pack n Clean

2010-06-28T11:15:00.006-04:00

Today is the day for the mighty pack and clean. Suitcases are on my bed. I've vacuumed out the car and the laundry is running through.

We are going to try to drive cross country.

It will be crazy and we need a lot of prayers on our behalf to ensure that we arrive sane. Notice that I didn't say safely. It's because I have priorities.

Swagger?

2010-06-22T08:43:00.003-04:00

My girlfriends clued me on a cute video. I love it. So this is to all my fellow mini van owners. If you haven't seen it click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4

GO TO SLEEP

2010-06-19T07:27:00.000-04:00

Put the girls to bed early last night and kept the camera handy. I knew it would be another long night so why not start early. Here's my first "throw the door open and snap picture" shot.

They were originally in pj's and in bed

few, good thing we now own two pairs of red cowboy boots, that could have been a disaster.

I opened this door with a "WHAT are you doing?" Janey was ready to fight about it.

Maggie is wearing Jane's dress and Jane is wearing her own shirt, skirt and leggings with Maggie's dress on top.

Great Day

2010-06-18T17:24:00.005-04:00

This could be the greatest day ever.

Mike is on a 25 mile bike ride with the ym in the ward. ha ha

My sweet girlfriend asked if ALL THREE kids could come over and play today.

Yes was my answer.

I took them over this morning thinking that I would be pick them up in a couple of hours.

When I got there she said "why don't I just bring them home on my way to the gym around 3:45?"

WHAT? Okay by me.

Then she called at 2:30 and said, "they really want to come to the gym with me is that okay?"

WHAT? Of course that's okay.

She won't have them back to me until after 6:00p.m.

Had I known this information originally then I would have tackled a project or something. But that's what is so great about it.

The whole house to myself.

I'm currently dancing to very loud music.

I'm in heaven.

Don't call and interrupt me.

Did I mention that this friend is 8 months pregnant? yep she is.

Big Bed

2010-06-11T08:02:00.001-04:00

Maggie is in a big girl bed now so bed time has become a lot more enjoyable for her and Jane. Not for me. Here's how it went down last night.

7:00 - Tuck in. "Good night girls, close your eyes and stay quiet, I love you."

7:30 - Loud laughing and banging. I walk in to find them in the same bed. "Girls it's time for bed please get back in your bed, close your eyes and be quiet."

8:00 - Light is shining under the door. I walk in to find them on the floor playing with dolls. "Girls, it is not time to play, it's time for bed."
"But Mom, we are playing with our babies and they are crying so we have to take care of them."Jane says with all seriousness.
"Yeah baby cwying" mimics Mags.
"Too bad for the babies, get into bed." I take away the dolls and turn the light off on my way out.

8:30 - More noise. Lights on. Music. I walk in and see two girls dancing with big fluffy skirts on. I didn't have to say a word. Jane put her hands on her hips and said "We can't go to bed Mom, we are having a dance party."
"Yeah dance party" (maggie)
Back down again.

9:00 - Noise, Lights! Walk in to find the girls in the same bed, laughing and talking. I don't say a word. I pick up Maggie put her in her own bed, and tuck them both in. As I turn out the light Jane says, "We are going to turn the light on when you leave."
I stop in my tracks, "What?"
"You can turn off the light but we are just going to turn it back on after you leave."
Yep, I thought that's what I had heard. I thought her honesty was funny but I tried not to let her see me smile.
I turned the light back on, went and got myself a book then sat down on the floor and silently read. I didn't get to bed for another hour but I did get some good entertainment.

Little Family Trip

2010-06-08T08:02:00.001-04:00

We cannot resist a weekend beach trip. Last year we went camping and beaching with a bunch of friends on Memorial Weekend. This year we all did the same thing except we opted for a nice hotel room instead. (No regrets on that decision.) We went to visit them on Sunday night at the campsite and it rained the whole time, but when you are with so many great families it doesn't seem to matter. Here are some pics of our fun time.

Kimber, Maggie, Mike,

Jane & Charlie

Maggie
(My favorite picture of the weekend.)

Mom, Maggie, Jane & Charlie

Another great pose by Jane (on purpose)

Jane

(Mike could not resist these pictures and there are a bunch.) I've just included two.

Jane could stand at that mirror for hours and entertain herself. We enjoyed watching.

Charlie and Mags

Did You Hear?

2010-06-04T23:34:00.002-04:00

Here are some things that I heard this week.

"Mom, Maggie's naked again." - charlie - (Mags has mastered the strip down, we are dressing her a dozen times a day)

Maggie thinks this is funny.... Me? Not so much

"We are the Nephites and they are the Lamenites, we've got to beat them." - charlie said to his friend while playing StarWars Lego Wii

"No Bern no! Sit, shake, good girl" - mags

"I'm not listening, I'm not listening" - jane sings while holding her ears.

"I want my brain to be all mushy, can I watch TV?" - charlie

"I wuv you." - mags

Charlie, Jane, Mags

(Charlie is showing off his "silly bandz" I think he was cutting off his circulation.)

"Do you want me to kick you?" - jane said to each of us at some point, maybe next time I'll just say yes.

"Mom, there are so many things that you don't even know." - charlie

"I want chocot mik and cookie dough, Mom, I want chocot mik and cookie dough, Mom I want chocot mik and cookie dough. DAD I WANT CHOCOT MIK AND COOKIE DOUGH." - mags wakes us up this way everyday at 6:00am. She walks into our room, climbs on our bed and no we don't get it for her.

Cyndi and Maggie

"Cyni hode you, hode you Cyni." - maggie - She loves our neighbor Cyndi and wants her every minute of every day.

"Sometimes I just feel like I'm the greatest on the whole earth." - charlie

Jane, Charlie and Maggie on the last day of Preschool.

To, Too, I Mean TWO!

2010-05-18T10:29:00.006-04:00

Moe turned two a couple of weeks ago and we had a light family celebration.

We all ate cupcakes

She opened her present

We got her a pink little scooter so she could join her big brother and sister as they rode theirs.
The best part is that she goes straight until she hits something, then she picks it up and turns it around.

We are in full enjoy Maggie mode. She makes me smile and laugh every day. I love this age. She does get out of bed a lot (don't love it) and she can open her door (don't love it) but last night I stood in the hall waiting for her to walk out and instead she was laying on the floor sticking her fingers under the door saying "See me Mom? See me?" Love that.

Oh Jane

2010-05-13T08:04:00.001-04:00

She's allergic to snakes. (just ask her)

She has over seven imaginary friends. They cause all kinds of trouble. There is Ashley, Erica, Asha, Vielle, Verna, Seenana and Lona. (that's all I can think of right now)
She will one up any story that you have. And they always involve her imaginary friends.

For example:
Charlie and I were talking about the strength of tornadoes. I was telling him that some are strong enough to lift up cars. While we were having our discussion we were rudely interupted with a story about the time that Jane and Erica were in a tornado.
Or
We went to Mt. Vernon a while ago. After going through the museum and seeing a diarama of a war slaughter with dead soldiers, Indians and horses she went on to tell me the story about the time she and her friend, Asher killed an Indian.
Charlie gets a little tired of her stories and he usually rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

Jane & Carys

My most recent favorite Jane story was a couple of weeks ago when she was at her friends house across the street. My neighbor (Cyndi) knows that I don't give my children caffeinated drinks.
The girls were playing nicely and then they went up to Carys' room and Cyndi heard them shut the bedroom door and lock it. A minute later she walked up and asked them to unlock the door. All she heard was a whispering panic of "hide, hide". She unlocked the door and couldn't find them. She looked under the bed and there were the girls laying on their tummies sucking down a diet Coke. So she took away their soda and they got a talking to about; taking it without asking, hiding it and locking the door. Miss Cyndi let them know that they would be on time out (at this time she was a little worried if I would be mad).
This is where the story gets good. As soon as she said they would be on time out. Jane piped up "Miss Cyndi, you can put me on time out but will you save that drink for me and I'll finish it when we get off time out because it was soooo good."
We've decided that these little three year olds are going to be giving us a run for our money. We will spend our lives doing our best to be on top of our game.

To My Mothers

2010-05-09T07:51:00.001-04:00

I have two wonderful Mothers in my life.

My mom who raised me and tried her hardest to teach me everything that she wanted me to know.
Poor lady, she must be exhausted because I'm stubborn.

I also have a very sweet mother in law who is a great listener.

I know that not every one has a wonderful mother and mother in law in their life and I am very lucky to have both.
I love you.

Soccer is Back

2010-05-06T20:45:00.002-04:00

This is Jane's first year of soccer. Charlie and Jane were able to be on the same "team". Really it's just a practice where they learn certain skills. Their coach is an adorable English Fellow with a great accent. He captures the kids attention (and all of the adults for that matter). I should remember to get video. Probably won't happen.

This is me, man-handling Charlie. He sometimes does this thing where he acts goofy and tries to make all of the other kids laugh. It can be disruptive to the coach or anyone else for that matter. Weird.
He must have inherited it from the Crosland side.

Jane
She begged to be in soccer but the truth is she really doesn't care. I don't think that she knows it though. She has good intentions but is easily distracted. I often find her on the side lines staring at a dog or baby or small child. She has even come to sit on my lap in the middle of a drill.

Charlie

Gets it. Loves it. And is pretty darn good at it.
And click on this picture because the view is so out of this world.
I live in a very beautiful place.

Another Visitor

2010-05-04T16:25:00.007-04:00

We have a new visitor today named Tom.

I almost hit him with my car while driving the kids to preschool.

When I realized that he wasn't a rock in the road I slammed it into reverse, picked him up and handed him to Charlie.

We've had fun playing with him today and we are trying to make our front flower bed into a nice outdoor habitat for him. I'll post pictures if we can get it figured out.

Tom seems friendly and hopefully we can teach our children to be friendly also. His hard exterior makes them believe he is indestructible.

Tom and Maggie

Charlie, Jane & Maggie

Katch Up

2010-04-21T22:04:00.004-04:00

grandma and grandpa visited for two weeks
started going to a personal trainer with some girlfriends - sore
charlie is loving preschool, thanks to a new young man as his teacher
took away maggie's binki - naps and night time aren't quite the same yet
uncle brian, aunt leslie and cousin chandler came out this way on their spring break
conference was enjoyable
easter was fun
toured mt. vernon for the first time
spring has sprung and we are outside in the yard every day
tadpoles are in season and we are catching a bunch of them
a little turtle was captured but now we can't find it
caught a crawdad - he lost a leg after being man handled too much
played and toured with another visitor, girlfriend audra
mike's been working hard in the yard - looks good
get chewed out by maggie, can't understand a lot of it but she's definitely angry
mike's convinced she has tourettes
i think jane is the one with tourettes
for not being able to understand mags she can say "cookie dough" loud and clear

Reading

2010-04-12T15:46:00.002-04:00

Mom: "Would you please just focus and read the next line."

Charlie: "Lame, lame, lame. Reading is lame."

That's when I knew it was going to be an enjoyable reading lesson.

Plug It

2010-04-03T22:12:00.002-04:00

So you know the cute aprons that you've seen my children wearing in pictures on my blog? Here's a reminder.

I bought them from my friends, Tami and Lynette, who have a little sewing business called All The Trend. They sew and make all sorts of 'boutique style' baby and toddler items. Aprons (like the ones in my pictures), appliqued tops and onesies, infant car-seat blankets, and all kinds of hair accessories.

They are calling April their 'Spring Sale Month'. Each Monday in April they will be having a killer sale featuring a different category on their website www.allthetrend.etsy.com. This Monday, April 5th, will be the day they are featuring their 'Just Like Mommy' Aprons. They usually cost $9.95, but for Monday only the aprons will be on sale for $5.95. That's a great price for one of their super cute and functional aprons. We use them every time we bake cookies, craft and sometimes when we eat. I can get Charlie and Jane to put them on for a messy meal because they are not "bibs", they are aprons, for big people. So check them out, they make great gifts too.

Piggies

2010-03-19T12:30:00.000-04:00

Who's got the cutest pigtails?
You decide.
Jane?

Maggie?

Or Mike?

Don't worry. This convinced him that it was time for a hair cut.

Happy St. Patty's Day

2010-03-17T16:09:00.003-04:00

charlie, grandpa, jane

Pot of Gold at our house.
Grandpa and Grandma are here for a visit.

Great Friends

2010-03-11T09:01:00.000-05:00

Charlie and David

These two boys have their own little world that no one else is invited into. They are Mario and Luigi. Their pretend world can go on for hours. Yes, it all started from a video game but they live it out here at our house. I have no idea how they keep themselves entertained for so long but I enjoy watching them play pretend.

My Sister Trish

2010-03-08T09:53:00.000-05:00

Kimber and Trish

My sister, Trish, came to visit us for a week. She came with books and games for the kids. We celebrated her birthday, played, did some projects, toured DC and she spent most of her time spoiling my children.

Jane, Aunt Trish and Charlie

And of course, we danced.

Charlie

I would often find Aunt Trish sneaking into the cookies and treats. Don't get the wrong idea. She wasn't getting them for herself. She was usually on a "secret mission" from Charlie. Whenever he could get her alone he would tell her to "sneak like a snail" so Mom wouldn't know. Then he would request cookies, treats, chocolate chips in a bowl or more story books. Trish was always laughing as she would tell me not to notice her.

Maggie, break dancing, this is her favorite move.

Mags would warm up to Trish whenever she would sing or read her a book.

Jane
Jane spent most of her time being near Aunt Trish. When Aunt Trish would go to her room for privacy.... Jane would find her. Jane would go down to her room each morning and Aunt Trish would snuggle and read to her. They played, visited, read books, did puzzles, even learned to read some words.
Jane, Aunt Trish, Maggie

Aunt Trish spoiled all of us. We were sad to see her go. After dropping her off at the airport, Jane said "I'm really going to miss Aunt Trish."

Then Charlie chimed in with, "Aunt Trish did whatever I asked!"
Yes, she did and now I'm paying the price.

2010-03-06T08:59:00.000-05:00

Maggie and Jane

More and more, Maggie just loves to be big and be included. It's always nice when Jane is in the mood to play with her too.

Here We Are Now, Entertain Us

2010-03-02T08:39:00.001-05:00

Dad and Maggie
Jane loves to entertain us. This little green thing is of course her microphone. And the stuff on her face lasted for a few days because it was the permanent lipstick that she and her friend snuck out of Grandma's purse.

Mom and Jane