In the dark of night....

Wow! I have neglected blogging for quite some time. Not much has been going on in our house, so no excuses right?

We relocated our family from sunny warm Texas back up to the Northwest rains and clouds (didn't we learn the 1st time?) in August. We stayed in temp housing until moving into our home in September. Fortunately, the weather was beautiful and the kids and I did a lot of swimming and touristy activities before starting school. It was fun catching up with old friends and hanging with the sis and cousins here.

September brought the move and start of school. The kids are now in 5th, 3rd, and 1st. They were thrilled to discover that they could talk during lunch and also get THREE whole recesses a day! The principle was the highlight though- apparently he is very funny and friendly. I hear lots about Mr. S. The cul-de-sac is filled with lots of children the same ages. With the nice weather, the kids played outside from the end of school until after dark. We had many a marshmallow roast and capture the flag games in the backyard. Asher had another successful season of soccer, he is quite the aggressive player.

Not only did the rains and cold weather come in October, but also the arrival of little Liam James on October 21st. Labor and delivery was quite uneventful (fortunately), and we were able to take him home the following day. The rest of the month was a blur to me. My mom was here doing all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, kid duty, etc. She was fabulous help. The older kids enjoyed Halloween dressed as they did last year, made it easy for me that they wanted to wear the same costumes... they weren't even bribed! They each ended the Halloween 'season' with over 7 pounds of candy after the Ward party, Microsoft's, and running through the Sundwall's neighborhood. It was a good end to the month...

November brought a friend from Texas and her daughter with it. We had fun doing some site-seeing, hanging out, shopping, and I slept while she ran circles around me with the day to day drudges. She was a great 'assistant' to me with helping little Liam, I miss my extra 2 arms! Here's to the second half of the month!

We feel so blessed to have a happy healthy baby boy. Liam has surprised his older siblings by not being a 'crying baby' as Macy puts it. He does however like the night hours to be wide awake. We have tried everything to switch his habits, no success so far. Any suggestions!? Both Dave and I feel very sleep deprived!

Hopefully it won't be another 6 months before another blog... if only for my own personal history...

Ultrasound Results....

Can you tell who isn't too excited about the news? 

Texas Size Storm

Typically there isn't a lake in our front yard!

Just over a week ago, a storm swept through our town in Texas. It wasn't a tornado, but what they consider a 'straightline'. Meaning the wind is just as strong, but all moving in the same direction. It left as fast as it came and we were left with water in our office and front entry. Even the closed, locked windows on the front of the house seeped water through them. 

(typically there isn't a river in our backyard either!)

The biggest loss, to the kids, was what we found in the backyard. The playset had been ripped from the ground, tearing through the 4x4 supports and tossed across the yard. Macy was the most saddened by the site, as she spends several hours a day on it. It didn't take long for her to proclaim that it was fine though, that now it was just a different playset, get her water clothes on, and summit the 'new' pile. 

What remains of our playset now lays in a heap in our driveway, waiting to be disposed. The kids... are finding plenty of pleasure on their bikes. Now we just need to decide if and when we want to invest in another item that might be destroyed by a Texas storm.  

We Love Mom

I've decided to "hack" Anna's blog account to post a few thoughts from Mother's Day.  Hopefully I won't embarrass her too badly.  

I asked the kids yesterday to think of some of the reasons they love their Mom so much - the specific question was, "Why is Mom so special to you?"

Asher:  "Because I know that she loves us ..."  Dad: "Well, how do you know?"  Asher: with a sheepish grin on his face ... "Because she gives us BIG, WARM snuggles every single night!"

Macy:  "Because she's so much fun..."  Dad: "What type of things are so fun about her?"  Macy: "Well, Dad you know..."  Dad: "Sure I do, but I want you to tell me yourself..."  Macy: [getting impatient] "Daaaaaaaad" [Pause - her fingers are busy tracing lines up my arm] "Oh ok - it's because she takes time to play so many games with me and do arts and crafts and all that stuff..."  

Sawyer:  [long thoughtful pause] "Dad - it makes me feel good that she doesn't go to work so she can spend time with us here at home."  I didn't see a need to follow-up on that one ...

I asked our fourth child, but all I heard were gurgles and gas bubbles.  

So there it was - in the mouth of my babes - they love their Mom because they see and feel, unconsciously, the amount of time she spends with them.  It's kind of like that cheesy commercial that every now and then pulls at your heartstrings or mists your eyes a bit ... "It's all about time."

I would never want to diminish any other mom out there, because I know there are many who are stellar lights for their families.  But ... I just want to brag on Anna a little bit, because she's a remarkable mother [and wife, but that's for another post].

Here's a few reasons why I think she's such a fantastic Mom (not in any particular order):

1. She loves the Lord more than anything (or anyone) else - and because of that, she knows exactly what her priorities are - things like her role as a Mother, her commitment to her family, her willingness to serve others and care for them, etc.
2. For those that know her well, Anna is a talented designer and has a real knack for ... how shall I say ... planning and organizing empty space into functional environments.  It reminds me of something I've heard somewhere - "see yonder is matter unorganized ..." Ok, anyway, she really could make some moolah if she chose to ... but she's chosen to set that aside for now and focus on being a Mom. 
3. Anna's tough on our kids when they need it - she doesn't "cave" to their tantrums or emotional manipulation.  She follows the counsel to "show ... an increase in love" after an episode of admonishment or discipline, hence love is able to prevail in our home.
4. Lastly - one of the things I love about Anna that will hopefully pass to our children - she's a realist with hope.  Over time, she has developed this wonderful ability to let the past be the past and devote her extraordinary gifts and talents to the "holy present" - thus her ability to confidently exclaim to me or the kids, "it is what it is - get over it and make the best of it..."  It is good, strong medicine for us.  It reminds me of a talk given by one of my theological and personal heroes, Neil A. Maxwell.  He commented as follows, "Thus, within our allotments we see how the saintly display kindness even within barbed-wire circumstances, yet others have barbed attitudes even within opulence. Meanwhile, the discontented continue to build their own pools of self-pity, some Olympic size."  That comes from a great talk of his titled "Content with the Things Allotted unto Us" ... you can read it in its entirety here: [http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-4-28,00.html]

Well, that's enough pontificating for now.  I'm so grateful for Anna and how committed she is to being a stellar Mom.  She's incredible - and a true blessing to our little family.  I love her dearly. 

And no, for those of you who thought it, I'm not writing this because I "forgot" about Mother's Day.  The kids and I had a lot of fun w/ her yesterday ... and you'll have to ask her about the peanut sauce.  

New Tradition

Now that the kids are old enough...too old they tell me for the traditional Easter Egg Hunt, we tried something different this year. A friend suggested that we do a 'flashlight Egg Hunt', making it more difficult to find the eggs for our 'advanced in age' children. So with more than 200 Easter Eggs, friends gathered, and a dark night, we moved forward with our plans. A storm loomed in the distance (for other Texans, you know that storms in Texas in April can mean chaos!) Fortunately, we didn't have to move our activity indoors, we made it inside just before the down pour, with all eggs and children in tow. The kids loved the added mystery and challenge of finding eggs outside around the house. Pros: we found several 'obvious' eggs the following morning. Cons- they were wet and muddy. Another negative- no cute pictures due to the lack of light! Will have to make this activity an annual event! 

Not a chance for outdoor Easter pictures this year- too much moisture!

This is what happens when three bodies have consumed an unnatural amount of sugar and are expected to sit for more than a few seconds (no matter how old they are getting!) 

In her White Dress

There is nothing like witnessing a 

daughter of Heavenly Father

 being baptized by her daddy. 

Especially when she is yours. 

This is one 'spirited' girl.

An emotional rollercoaster.

A leader and dictator.

A confident child with

high-self esteem.

A sweet and loving angel. 

I am glad that she made the

decision. I am glad that she 

is clean. I am thankful for repentance.

I am proud to be her momma. 

May you always stay as clean as the dress that you were baptized in...

Top Ten

MY SWEET BOY

It's been ten years (and a few days) since I started the most wonderful and rewarding job ever, that of being a mother. Sawyer celebrated his tenth birthday March 1st. Here is my list of Top Ten for my now double digit child.

10- He willingly removes any unwelcome critter that comes into our house,  promptly, to rapidly squelch the screams from the females living here. 

9- He loves to be entertained and has from birth. Not the type of child to sit quietly in the back seat of a car. Never complains when life gets too crazy, he loves the action! 

8- He is a very loyal friend. If you are Sawyer's friend, then he will do anything for you. 

7- Enjoys all things boy. Wrestling, karate, hitting, hanging, hunting, fishing, ball; this boy is up for anything. 

6- Loves books; big, little, short, long. He will read until the wee hours of the morning, if given the chance. 

5- Is always up for a game. No matter what game it is (okay, Pretty Princess is out). He doesn't play for the win, but for the mere sport of it. 

4- Has a better knowledge of the scriptures than most adults (including me).

3- Lives in a VERY black and white world. Knows and keeps the rules and gets frustrated when others don't or get away with things. He always wants to do what's right. 

2-  Always been sensitive to the spirit and to others feelings. Very thoughtful child.

1- World's best cuddler. He will come anytime, any day, no matter what he is doing, to give his mom warm snuggles. 

So, that's my first child in a nutshell. He is truly a blessing in my life and a remarkable example to those around him. 

We had his party at an indoor sports center, playing Dodgeball/DeathBall. He and his buddies got so sweaty they ended up all removing their shirts. A friend commented that they resembled 'Lord of the Flies'. Here is a picture of some of them at the end of the party. 

Here are some pictures of my boy through the years (no early ones as he was around before digital and I haven't scanned them in!)

Age 2, playing in his 'car shop'.

As a Pirate, Halloween 2004, age 5.

With one of his favorite people, Grandma Gloria.

With Asher in 2005.

This is the game when Sawyer ran the bases, he made sure to run right through all the puddles. Age 3. 

Age 5

I told Sawyer that he was done with birthdays. I want to keep him 10 forever....like that worked before when my plan was to keep him 5 forever. I guess that I can only ask and hope that the next year will not go as quickly as the last 10 have!!!! I love spending each and every day with my boy! Love you forever son! 

From one proud momma

Backseat Ramblings

Never a dull moment when these two clowns are pinned by a strap to a seat with all doors closed en route to anywhere. The following are completely random comments coming from the back seat on a car trip today:

Asher (looking out the window, his favorite thing to do while traveling): Oh, there is a fake mom and dad.... (then silence)

Mom: What do you mean Asher?

Asher: Oh, you know, those things that people put in chairs in front of their houses that look like mom's and dad's.

Mom (thinking): No Asher, I don't know.

Asher: I just saw a flying cow bird!!!

Macy: Did you know that polar bears can fly too? They don't need wings, they just go really fast on the ice and then flap their arms, but people don't think that they can fly because they don't have wings. Sneaky huh?

Passing a field of cows and sheep. Asher: What do you think those animals names are?

Mom: Don't know, what do you think Asher?

Asher: Oh (matter of factly), there's Cowy (obviously looking at a cow), and Bully (observing a bull with horns), oh no that's not Bully, Mom. That's Horny because of his horns. Yeah, Horny!

At this point, I waited for the reaction from the two older siblings in the car and then let out a deep breath when there were no apparent giggles. Public School hasn't reached them there...yet!

Making a turn on a dirt road, I accelerated a little and spun the back of the SUV around.

Asher: Mom, you just dragged.

I didn't get the response I was looking for. Say like, "Mom, that was awesome!"

Mom: Hey, wasn't that pretty cool guys?

All three monkeys, very matter of factly: Oh when Dad does it, he goes all the way around.

BUSTED!!! I'll be sure to have a talk with 'dad' when he gets home!

After arriving at our destination, we headed back the same exciting route.

For the majority of the time in the car, the oldest, Sawyer, is sitting in the front seat next to me, quiet. Obviously pondering a question he had, he finally asked it.

Sawyer to Asher: How do you know what all the animals names are?

Mom (thinking): Really? Did that question really come from my 4th grade straight 'A' student? Really?

He is a very logical, black and white boy, but did he REALLY not know?

Macy (after passing a donut shop): I really wish that you could have a birthday party at a donut shop and they let you eat all the donuts you wanted. That would be SO fun!

Asher: Hmmmm....wonder where the fake mom and dad went...

I was moving slow enough that I could track his line of vision to the front of a red brick house...with two empty rocking chairs on a patio, kids playing in the front yard.

Mom: Maybe they went to make dinner... for their fake kids!

Graffiti Artists....

One might think after observing these pictures that the Crosby household is a prime residence for teaching young children the art of graffiti, in many of it's wonderful forms.  They may very well be correct, but who can take away that creativity from a child? Especially when it is accompanied by lots of giggles, laughs and memories. 

Day 1 

These pictures were left for the Seminary students in Dave's class (which is now in our playroom)...notice the homework my children left them.

Day 2

These pics are of the kids adding art to Dave's wall in his office, just before they were covered solid. 

The kids have since added art, each day, for the Seminary students. Maybe, just maybe, it will assist in keeping some eyes open. 

My Superman...

It was a little over 13 years ago that I met my 'superman'. He was given that name by my college classmates after an incident of him surviving a 50 foot fall from a sheer wall of rock. Literally walking away from the scene. And my 'superman' he remains after 13 short years.

This entry is for him. Yesterday we celebrated another one of his birthdays. Sawyer and I took him to lunch at one of his favorite Thai Restuarants and then he battled the boys in Mario Cart while the girls (I had some outside help :)) made his favorite German Chocolate cake. Steaks for dinner followed nicely by that previously mentioned cake, which turned out fabulous! That's how he wanted his birthday. That's what I love about him, easy to please. One of the many things to love about him.

Of the many things I love about my husband are the following:

-I love that I can always confide in him and know that my words are kept confident.
-I love that I can go to him for a hug whenever I need one (more needed as of late for some reason :))
-I love that he works so hard to provide for his family
-I love that he is so understanding of the female hormones and patient when needed
-I love that he strives to be a great role model as a father to his sons
-I love that he listens without judging
-I love that he motivates me to do better and be better
-I love that he slows me down every now and then to enjoy life
-I love how he honors his priesthood 24/7
-I love that he can admit when he is wrong and work on being better
-I love (begrudgingly at times) that he holds me responsible for my own mistakes and helps me learn from them.
-I love the back massages he gives
-I love his intelligence, he always teaches me new things
-I love the example that he sets for those around him
-I love his honesty

-I love that he has learned to pick up his clothing
-I love his soft hands
-I love that he loves adventure
-I love that he does dishes (no laundry though, darn!)
-I love that he loves me and our family

He isn't perfect. I wouldn't want him to be. But I am glad that he is mine and that we have lots of years of living yet to do, together. Happy Birthday my 'superman'....

DISCLAIMER: For those of you who see me drive around with a superman logo on the back of my vehicle just know that isn't for my Dave. That is in remembrance of another 'superman'. My little nephew who fought a brave battle with Leukemia and taught us lots through the process. Love you forever little Curran!

Eight Already...

Has it really been eight years since my girl was born? Where has the time gone?

 We celebrated Sis's birthday Saturday in true Sis style. She was talked out of a 'spa' party (maybe next year) as I bribed her with a trip to her new favorite place, the American Girl store and Bistro. We took her two close friends, Ali and Cassidy for a girl day. We shopped, had a delicious lunch, and went ice skating at the Galleria. The girls got along fabulously for 6 hours straight and cried when it was time to part. Grandma and Grandpa Crosby joined in the festivities in the evening with presents, cake and ice cream. Sis ended the day quite emotional (once again in true Sis style); her birthday wasn't long enough, how come it was such a short day, I'm not ready to go to bed... you get the idea. 

A true piece of work, our only female offspring. I will whole-heartedly continue to stand behind the truth that she is my most difficult child but also my easiest, isn't that what hormones do? She is a shy, hilarious, creative, emotional, loud, sensitive, loyal, wonderful child of God. We love our precious little (8, really?) girl! 

 

Pookie found something to crawl into...

Good Times during the Holidays

It was hard sending all the little one's back to school yesterday. I missed them all day, but I did get some much needed cleaning taken care of. The kids insisted that this year be a year that we stay home for Christmas and New Years, as last year we were in Idaho and Washington. So they dubbed it the First Christmas in our home. We were blessed with time spent with family, friends, and fun activities. The highlight for our only female offspring: sleeping with her brothers every night (this is prohibited during the school year) and in a different room. They went 9 straight nights, settling their little bodies into various sleeping locations and positions. In front of the fireplace in the living room being chosen as the prime location. Acheiving sleep for three active little friends was quite difficult though and our nights became later and noone stirred in the am until after 9. My kind of life!!! Here is a random sampling of some of our happenings.... I was intent on using the camcorder more this year and so it is a very RANDOM sampling :0. But I was successful with the videos!!!

Christmas Morning

Asher and his sweet bed head!

Macy with her stocking

The boys with their Karate Belt racks from Grandma and Grandpa Houser- they love them!!!

Sleeping in front of the fire

Hanging out with their buddies, the Niccum Boys.

Santa Boys

Macy and her ultra soft 'pillow' bunny