The Little Man is Six

Still can't understand how my baby can now be SIX YEARS old when it was just yesterday that I gave birth to him! My son, who came quickly in labor but took his time earning passage out of the hospital. My boy that ran his way through 'walking pnuemonia' several times over, rode his two-wheeler at three and loved by many 'grandma's'. The sun shines on this child that seems to have his way with luck. He went in for his 6 year well child check-up, mocking that he would get the doctor to allow him days off of school, coming out with that very thing and a huge grin to go with it. He choose his party place at 'Incredible Pizza' and earned a $50 gift card by spinning their 'birthday wheel'. This little boy never fails to give his momma the BEST hugs by wrapping both arms around my neck and holding on forever. I am so glad that he is my child, even if he is now SIX!!!

This is what happens when mom is sick in bed and the cake is left to two boys (one age 6, the other 30 something...)

Spinning the prize wheel

At his party with his buddies

His cake after dragging Jack Sparrow through it over and over again while entertaining his guests

The look I love...one of pure joy mixed with plenty of mischief.

Maybe it will take longer this year to his seventh birthday...

Missing her Cousins...already

You would never guess that just 15 minutes after this picture was taken, MQ spent all her energy wailing in the car as we pulled away from some of her favorite people.

We all had a wonderful week/weekend with my family in SLC. Lots of bodies, noise, and memories...

Turkey Dinner

The following is a letter that SH had to write in his 4th grade class.

Dear Meany Farmer Billy Joe,

Why are you going to eat me for Thanksgiving? You said that I was your favorite turkey. It thought it was a joke at first, but when I heard you say it yourself I knew it was real. Before you kill me, please listen to my ideas and tell me if you are still going to eat me.

First of all, I'm going to tell you. I am sick with malaria. If you eat me you will get infected too, and if you get it, you will lose all of your beautiful, sparkling, brown hair. If you get infected you might die. I think I have turkey pox, which are purple spots that ooze a yucky liquid, and I am mostly juices and barely any meat.

Secondly, my wife is way plumper than me. Please eat her instead. She is way plumper with way more meat. Also, she is so slow, you could kill her with a pocket knife, or just put poison in her food because her nose doesn't work. She'll eat anything.

Last of all, the best reason is I have two short legs. I know how much you guys like turkey legs, and both of my legs together could only feed one of your children. Would it be good for you to get me when my legs are way too small to eat?

Don't you think those are good reasons? Anyway, why do you want me when I have the disease of malaria and my legs are too short? Right now I am laying in my nest wheezing and getting weaker each second. Please if you choose not to eat me for Thanksgiving, get me some medicine.



Your ex Thanksgiving Dinner,
Turkey Bob

Apparently they had to be turkeys and give reasons why they shouldn't be the next meal on the dinner plate. Anyone want my son for Thanksgiving? I thought it quite convincing...

Whistle gets vetoed...

Obviously, I wasn't meant to pass on to you the more pertinent information of us acquiring the cat as it went to extremely tiny text on the blog. I did want to inform you of the primary reason for getting another pet. MICE. We have rampant breeding of mice going on in our garage. Dave has successfully 'speared' several and caught others in traps. So 'Whistle' was brought in as our reinforcement. Dave, however, has boycotted the new furry pets name. Fervently behind his regard to having a male cat have a male name, especially one that is needed for hunting, thus requiring a change. At dinner tonight we voted on a new name... would it be Cat-a-licous (Macy's language all things end in -a-licous), Killer, Hunter, Vinnie... So introducing...

VADER

The mighty mouse slayer

(but he will return to Whistle if proof of his hunting and killing skills don't improve.)

Another Crosby Addition

This one to replace our dear Scamper who went missing after jumping from the top of my vehicle at high speed. Meet...

Whistle

We acquired Whistle from the Cat Lady at the Animal Allies of Texas. The Cat Lady was very excited to see someone with lots of young children take Whistle, as to her, he is very playful. (I'll have to share a story of the Cat Lady's sticky, furry fingers at a later time. Quite entertaining. ) Back to Whistle. We waited a few months to replace Scamper with hopes of her return still lingering. Last week however, we became direly in need of another feline as our garage has been taken hostage by LOTS of furry little rodents- MICE! Lets hope that Whistle can fill at least some of the void Scamper left behind...and rid our garage of the mice too!

Not so distant past...

I was introduced to this 'must' on the day of a Homecoming in Texas.

"Isn't she too young?" Dave asked as he pulled out of the driveway with his 2nd grade daughter, en route to school. Guess not, so I have been told. Everything seems bigger in Texas, including these 'mums' they wear. This is nothing compared to those in High School, I am told. Until MQ is old enough, I can wait...

We did happen upon something that isn't bigger in Texas...

Yes, it speaks big, "The Monster Maze!" It was, however VERY deceiving! It took us much longer to drive to this "Monster Maze" than it did to conquer it. Fortunately, we were of but a few visitors on this particular day. I just hope that they didn't hear our children complain, "That's it! A baby could have done that!" After we emerged a whole five minutes after entering the "Monster Maze". For most of it, Dave was taller than most of the corn stalks. We did encounter some interesting things along our way...

Sensing our disappointment in the maze, Farmer Joe, in true southern hospitality, hopped right over and offered us a complimentary hay ride which was immediately followed by pig races. He was quite entertaining. Dave and I decided that our money was well spent. Not because of the maze but because of Joe's desires to make our trip worth it. Maybe we will return next year when Hurricane Ike won't have wiped out most of the corn.

Cavers

When we arrived in Texas two years ago I had three children scared to death of any moving thing smaller than a kitten. Forward to the present day. MQ spent several hours outdoors this afternoon playing with her new pet, Cavers. Cavers is a cricket. He earned the name after successfully escaping a caved in sand tunnel, alive. The kids were very proud of the critter and thus he earned 'pet' status.

Cavers was also given a special ride in a car. MQ thought that it was so funny that he didn't want to sit in his seat but rather ride on the door. And what a ride he got!!

I love cheap entertainment! On a more serious note, and mostly to my fellow Texans, how on earth do you keep these nasty creatures outdoors? Fortunately, I no longer scream when I see one, (kay, so I did scream when one was on my arm the other day, in front of MQ's second grade class during a picnic outside. The kids thought it was hilarious that I freaked out!), but I still REALLY don't like them in my home, and they love inviting themselves inside. Any ideas?

Another Note: My hubby returns tomorrow! We have missed him but filled the time with football and soccer games, karate, parties, Footloose, and life. It will be SO good to have him home again...for a week.

I love that my nine year old boy still enjoys playing in the sand with his siblings, even if he just finished feeding crickets to our turtles.

First year, MQ isn't a cat for Halloween. Now she is a witch with a black cat resting on her shoulder!

Mixed Emotions

This is my baby...minus two teeth. They came out one right after another. The mixed emotions come from his mommy being sad about the end of an era while watching her youngest thrilled at the prospect of his first visit from the tooth fairy.

Target Practice

Living in Texas brings with it space. Space for hunting, fishing, camping, running...which can be a boys paradise. Last week, SH went with some friends and shot a rifle for the first time (under adult supervision). We hear about it incesantly.

Yesterday, Dave guided AP as he shot the BBGun for the first time. Pookie was in heaven.


Today- Cub Scout fishing tournament. SH was intent on getting the biggest, fattest fish. His competitive spirit shining brightly. Somehow his desire only lastest for about 10 minutes, the same time the turtles in the lake started poking their heads out of the water. A fresh target for SH. Loosing interest in them only when the ducks paddled close enough to aim for. As this is going on, I notice boys fishing nearby pack up and move to another spot, only to be replaced by an innocent new group of boys.


Another little while and SH is joined by his equally loud and energetic buddy, Ian. With him, comes live bait, worms. The boys proceed to test the stretching power of the harmless animals, not understanding that to attract the fish, quiet voices are needed. Meanwhile, our second set of neighbors abandon their spot.

Some action finally! SH's line gets pulled. It's a big one! He hands it to me for help. We pull and tug, attracting back those who left. Interested in our catch. Disappointment rears though when out of the water comes a dirty plastic grocery bag pulling water. Embarrashed that I wanted a picture with his catch SH drops it on the ground nearby. I was proud though, we were at least doing our part in helping to keep the environment clean, SH wasn't impressed with my rationalization. "No awards for that, mom".

One last catch before giving in for the day- the tree branch overhead.It now displays a nice red and white bobbin and 1/4 of an abused worm which I am sure is happy to be out of reach of two 9 year olds!!!

Numbers

As simple as I would like my life to be...sometimes...simple is just not in the equation. Maybe due to the blur of activity, lack of sleep, stress, etc. I find numbers running through my head. I am, as most are aware, a concrete, black and white person. Numbers fit that bill. They are very solid and reliable for a person like me. So, my blog tonight consists of some of these numbers that are floating around up there... and hopefully it will explain a little of our lives the last while.

53
The speed at which I was driving when our cat, Scamper, hurled herself from the top of the SUV.

13,564
Pictures I accidently uploaded on my ipod before heading to Idaho.

8
Flights Dave and I have taken over the past 2 weeks.

4
Unexpected days spent in the hospital with my mom.

3
Goals Pookie scored in each of his first two soccer games.

1
Karate graduation for Bubba who leveled up to a Green Belt.

2
Lessons Sis successfully completed in Piano. She really enjoys it.

12
Work days Dave has under his belt, back at Microsoft.

103
Kisses for Pookie before he would let me leave his side tonight.

5
Family members who made it to Dallas to visit- if only for a short while!

43
Kids who made me one proud Primary President on Sunday. The Sacrament Program was wonderful!

3
Women who I am priveledged to work with in the Presidency, You are amazing!

1
Tough Cookie for a Mom! You are the best example!

1
Husband who patiently deals with his busy, stressed, emotional wife. My hero!

Countless
Times I need to be reminded of all that I have to be grateful for.

258
bubbles I counted on Dave's screen saver the other night before I realized it was way past my bedtime...just like now...

2
Number of Nighttime Alkaseltzers I took to help ease the pressure in my head from my head cold....

I am fading...the numbers are floating away...good nighhhhhttttttttt

Bubba in karate

Lots of room for growth in that uniform!

Loved having the Pace's share a hot Dallas afternoon with us.

Why I Love America and Texas

My second grader came home from school with a paper. It read...

Today we remembered 911 in a safe and honorable way. I reminded them that we are free because of our brave men and women going to battle and our brave President leading the way. I told them we are Safe, Strong, and Steady. Parents: Please discuss with your child the importance of freedom. Please talk about the day of 9-11 and where and what you were doing and thinking. Student: Please write down 3 "Special Feeling Words" about our country. Please also draw 1 symbol representing the USA.

As I sat reading this, I got teary eyed. I love that in Texas, it isn't bad to be patriotic. I love that in Texas, my children are taught about 9/11- it isn't forgotten. I love that in Texas, we still pray at rodeos :). I love that in Texas, the school children start each day with a moment of silence (where they are allowed to pray if they chose). And I love that in Texas, there are restrictions to the size of belt buckles allowed at school!

Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of akwardness that comes with living in Texas, or should I narrow that down to Forney. How about the neighbor that mows her grass in the dead of night (sure she has a headlight, but really lady, you just mowed two days ago...and grass doesn't grow that fast here!)? Or the sweet old man in the doctors office waiting room, reading the magazine upside down. He was really into the article and was distraught when the nurse called him back. Or how about our own little statue of liberty...yes, Pookie thinks it's the real deal. But you can't deny the Patriotic nature of those around town.

Since moving here two years ago, I have been impressed at the support our military men and women get from the Texan people. So, on this 7 year anniversary, I hope that we all stop to remember and pray for those still fighting for our freedom. I hope that we never forget and pass on our patriotism to our children.

In Answer to your Questions...

Somehow I failed to mention another summer mishap in the Crosby home- Sis's leg, or more specifically her foot. She had a run in with the trapeze bar on the swing set while she was playing outside alone. I found her in fetal position, screaming. The swelling was immediately ugly; which led to an Urgent Care visit and then two visits with the Foot Specialist. Now all that remains is this monstrous beast of a cast. This is Sis after the boys helped her feel better. And she did...Webkinz rule her world.

She was back up and running after a day. She soon accomplished walking a hole through the first cast within two days. The doctor was impressed at the damage to the cast. Onto the second cast (with much more material added to the underside). Sis had been a great sport about it all. She even held up pretty well during the two Swim/BB'Que parties that she had to observe...until...we went to the Zoo and she couldn't play in the exciting water river, hence the meltdown.

We made up for it with a play date with her friend, in which we did makeovers, finger nails and made cookies. Life got better...Zoo incident forgotten.

Donating Additional Animals to the Zoo

Even after three hours in 90+ degree weather, walking long distances, and enjoying a hefty lunch, these three boys still had plenty of energy to act like wild hooligans! So....



They put them in a cage: to observe and let the other 10 people who visited the zoo entertain. Unfortunately...



These animals were smarter than the zookeepers and eventually escaped...using more of their unnatural super energy to spur them into the waiting vehicle...so they could pick at each other and me for the duration of the ride home.



Time for bed yet?

Summer Pleasures

Some of our comings and goings....


Daddy on the wakeboard at Lake McGee in Oklahoma


Pookie tubing with friend



Sis flying on the wakeboard


Our temporary 'home' in OK


Bubba, looking a little wild, after swimming for hours with a sweet Seattle friend! We loved the visit guys!


Sis with her wonderful Seattle friend and of course some added Webkins!

12 more days until school starts. Should I be getting excited to have all three of my children in school now? It makes me sad. Maybe it's because my baby is now old enough and capable to be away from me for extended periods of time, or that summer was just too short. Guess I'll just have to love on them lots the next 12 days and then find ways to be in school with them!!!

Bad Mom Moment

So I know that I am not the perfect mom. Not even close. But today, a teenager put me in my place.

The location: Famous Footwear.
It was the annual trip for the first day of school new shoes. Both boys were still lacking. Before leaving, I had insisted they wear socks and dig out the tennis shoes that have been absent for months due to the Texas heat. Pookie, being the third child, or just lazy; sat, staring at his socks and shoes until his sweet momma gave in and assisted. I did notice the extra effort it took to get the shoes on, 'just bulky socks or curled up toes' I justified. No complaints from the little man, we were on our way.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a young cheery sales clerk, who quickly had Bubba measured (size 5) and on his way searching for that perfect shoe.

Pookie was a different story. She placed his little foot on the measuring tool and asked him, "What size are you?" He knew the answer since we had just finished discussing this exact thing on the car ride over and proudly answered "size 11!". She is starting to look somewhat concerned at this point. Picking up his old displaced shoe and peering inside she turns her attention to me. "Is there a problem?" I ask. "Only that your son should be wearing a size 1 and you have him in 11's." That's 3 full sizes too small. Oops.

Some people wonder why we stopped at three children...

Fortunately, Pookie left the shoe store with the biggest grin and a completely satisfied look, cramped toes and ankle blisters forgotten. His mom had just let him purchase his dream shoes- Sketcher Airators. I left the store feeling somewhat smug knowing that during the summer months toes can at least hang over flip flops acceptably! Right?

Winner by Default

We pulled the family together Sunday night for a game of Monopoly. Pookie, not the game player, decided to 'help' be the banker. Sis was excited. The version of Monopoly we have is the 'Millineum' series. It comes with various game pieces that had our animal loving girl jazzed. She quickly swipped up the dog. Being raised with wonderful toys such as Build A Bear and Webkins, this dog had to have it's posse. So, the duration of the game was spent moving Sis's dog around the board with it's accompaning 'extras'. He had his cell phone, flat screen, globe, and bicycle (all other pieces). "That way he won't be bored, especially while he is in jail."

Other than insisting that the dog stay with his 'toys', Sis had no interest in the game. When she rolled the right amount for the 'free parking', which was loaded with cash, she was gone chasing the cat before she even knew any money was coming her way, When she pulled a Community Chest card that said, "Bank error in your favor $200" she was geting a drink. When her hotel laden property bankrupt her mom, she was entertaining Pookie with loud burps. The girl didn't sit in her seat up until it was just her and her dad left. Pressure on. That lasted one minute until her monopolies sucked all the money from the game into her 'pot', making her the winner. But wait, where is sis? Oh, she doesn't even know she won, she is outside getting on her bike...







maybe this is why she couldn't sit still

Too Much of a Good Thing

Remember the computer game "Oregon Trail"? A new edition was recently purchased and loaded on our computer. The repurcussions? A recent conversation in the Crosby car sounded something like this.

Bubba: "Mom, my tummy is really hurting."

Mom: (thinking that this is just a ploy after this same child just discovered his buddy wouldn't be at swimming lessons, which we were on route to.)
"hmmm...sounds like it may be diaharea" which is something that you just don't say to this nine year old. However, it did get a great scrunched face reaction from him!

Sis: (nonchalantly) "Then it must be Scurvy."
Remember that scrunched face coming from an embarrashed nine year old, well it scrunched even more.

The kids have indeed learned lots from the game. Knowledge of 100 year old cures to 100 year old diseases. And if ever the need, we may be able to make a trecerous trek, to just about anywhere, and have a 50 percent chance of making it!

Nothing Simple About It!

I have been motivated, yet again, to start and successfully compile a blog (successful as the key word). This being the third, okay so fourth, go round. A complete stranger was the trigger this time. A 'blogger' that I like to visit frequently. One who makes it all look so 'simple'. and yet. whenever I attempt. it becomes all too 'not so simple'.

Me, being a simpleton, living in a black and white world, easily becomes disenchanted with the whole 'blogging' world. So bear with me as I roll up my pant legs (shorts here in Texas), push up my sleeves and engage in this 'simple' new endeavor. Because I am a simple person, simply don't expect much. Just a little chatter and hopefully some smiles from our simple life...