The Wild Frontier

It's good logic I suppose

2012-02-15T21:10:00.000-08:00

Drake was rather upset that we were putting him to bed last night. In his little mind it was rather unjust, "I not go to bed tonight; I went to bed last night!"

I scream, you scream, we all scream...

2012-02-06T17:41:00.000-08:00

...but nobody screams as well as Drake screams.

Our little public library has a new children's room and computer lab. It is the neatest place. They have some awesome and educational puzzles, games, places to draw, dress ups, magnets, etc. They also have four computers designated ONLY for children 7 and under. They are on short little tables with adorable tiny chairs for those little bums to sit in. The monitors are HUGE and have a cool, hard plastic covers, so for those not quite skilled enough to use a mouse, they can touch the screen instead.
Carson and Drake were LOVING the cute little computers with their educational games tailored to young kids. To top it all off, there was a Dora feature on them. Since they both have crushes on her, that is where they spent the entirety of the allotted 20 minutes time session...and then it came to an end.
cue D.R.A.M.A.
"Drake, handsome; our time is up on the computer and it is lunch time so we should go home and make something yummy to eat," I whispered in his ear while gently pulling the earphones from off his head.
Strong, little hands shot up stopping the headphone removal. "No! Watch Doh-wuh!" Was the emphatic response I received while he struggled to adjust the headphones back in place.
"No, we need to go see daddy, and then eat lunch," I prompted again.
Carson was quick to respond and close up at his station.
"NO! Watch DOH-WUH!" The decibel level was rising. He now had a death grip on the headphones.
Seeing this was not going to be easy, I braced myself, made sure the baby was secure and comfortable in the sling on my chest, readjusted my purse and bag of books on my arm, squared my shoulders, and advanced on the ornery little booger.
I tried leading him by the hand toward the doorway but as though he was attached to some giant rubber band, he would snap right back to that computer, clawing for the headphones in a hysterical fit screaming for his love.
At this point I had to set my purse and bag down (which Carson promptly picked up for me. My hero!), and grip Drake by the upper arm with one hand while prying the headphones out of his fingers with the other.
Eventually we made it out the doorway but still had the whole library to traverse chuck full of people watching our circus act.
Drake had already pulled the limp as a fish, throw himself on the floor routine, so I had to lug him, sobbing, screaming and hacking (which he does we he gets really worked up) by the upper arms, and waddle over his writhing body between my knees with the baby craned forward off my chest trying to watch the wild animal below him. Carson followed, grunting, sweating, and yanking on the bags he was pulling.
After what seemed like an eternity, we made it out the front door. My forearms were burning from the exertion of hauling 35 pounds of moving craziness, in an awkward position. At least we were outside where screaming was (slightly) more acceptable.
We continued the show when all of the sudden I heard, "Hello, Sister Crockett! How are you?" Hallelujah, I was saved...until I turned and saw the missionaries. The ONLY people from church who can't actually hold a baby or child.
"Oh, I'm wonderful!" I panted.
They all burst out laughing. Rightfully so. We were pretty comical. On they went.
Hoping the missionaries were enough of a distraction, and feeling like making it out of the building was a safe bet to let Drake go, I did just that. It was a deadly mistake indeed. Drake was off like a shot; his stumpy little legs pumping FAST; he flew up the sidewalk, tore through the doors, and ran through the library and all I could do was watch his red shirt fade in the distance along with his screams of torture. I was speechless, and defeated.
"Go get him, mommy," I heard a small voice behind me say. There was sweet Carson.
And so, I followed.
I made it back through the library doors to see a little red bullet fly around the corner.
"Can you catch him??" I desperately begged of a man watching the scene unfold.
He tried, but was a little intimidated by the feral animal now snarling in the computer lab. It was up to me.
I cornered him, slung him up on my hip hoping the baby would forgive me for squishing him, and ran out of the building past all the faces still staring our direction.
It only got worse from there. But eventually we made it home. After the exorbitant amount of boogers being shot from flaring nostrils, angry tears, bloodcurdling screams, and sore muscles, it was done. I guess the only thing to do now is laugh because it's either that or cry, and I am an ugly crier. Besides, it's a funny story; just ask all the people we tormented at the library...

Dance Party!

2012-02-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

For our family scripture study were are currently reading about Alma and Amulek. I think I have mentioned how we read scriptures, if not, I'll recap; we each read a verse (or picture from the illustrated Book of Mormon), it was Carson's turn.

What he was SUPPOSED to repeat, "...Zeezrom began to shake with fear."
What was ACTUALLY said, "...Zeezrom began to shake his rear."

...I'm still laughing

They won't stop changing!!

2012-02-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

These little boys are growing up so quickly! I just wanted to add a picture of each of them for no reason other than to look back and see how cute they were at 4, 2, and 8 months! And, I threw one in there of Dave and I on his birthday. (Nevermind that Carson and Drake wouldn't take a normal picture. I guess around here that is what you call....normal!)

Whoops! Forgot Christmas!!

2012-02-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

Drake's spoils

One of Santa's elves hard at work.

Carson's loot

And quite possibly the boys favorite part of Christmas; the fact that Santa came and ATE THE COOKIES!!! If that's not proof that he's real, I don't know what is!

16 inches of snow!

2012-02-04T16:53:00.000-08:00

We got DUMPED on these past few days. A big storm system hit our area and is continuing east. There are a few things about it that stress me out, that being said, I am putting a smile on my face about it. In honor of each blessed inch that we got, here are 16 things I like about it:
1. It waters my lawn (after seeding that past fall, I can't be grateful enough for this moisture!)
2. It makes everything beautiful
3. It's romantic to cuddle up inside a warm, cozy home while it snows outside
4. We are blessed with the means to stay warm even when it's freezing outside...or you happen to be buried in a snow pile...

5. It's fun to dress Drake up in his snow gear and watch him try to move in it...yes, he is face down on the carpet...motionless

6. I am SOOOOO grateful for a garage to park in. No snow on my cars thankyouverymuch! (This is one bizarre picture...it cracks me up that all you can see is my legs. I am trying to fix Drake's boots and I had to sit down to do it. I had no idea this picture even existed till five minutes ago.)
7. I am grateful for my boots; even if they aren't snow boots...

8. It's a lot of fun to be able to play in it with these two little goofballs.
9. Snow makes me grateful for snow shovels. We'd be toast without them!
10. That being said, I am grateful when it snows because I like to shovel it.
11. I like to exercise and shoveling snow is a FANTASTIC workout. Dave and I burned 1000 calories today just clearing the driveway.
12. Storms like this make memories.

Notice how deep our pile is already...use the snow shovel as a reference. This is after just half to two-thirds of the driveway has been cleared...see below

13. I don't have to sleep in it. Can you imagine being a pioneer??!!
14. It makes me appreciate the other seasons even more.
15. It's fun to play in the snow. Better than leaves if you ask me (even though autumn is my favorite season).
16. It it more evidence of a majestic God.

Dave turned 28!

2012-02-01T17:59:00.000-08:00

This year was Dave's golden birthday. We celebrated but it was nothing too extravagant. I have been so incredibly busy lately I did the very best I could but it only amounted to a dinner at Red Robin, some AWESOME Fluffernutter Cake Bars, and a quiet shopping session at Kohls with a gift card.
There is no way to sum up how I feel about this man; suffice it to say, if I only had 28 seconds with him ever in my whole life, I would feel like the luckiest girl on the planet.

Bedtime

2012-01-24T20:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think I would prefer rubbing my eyeballs with onions to putting my children to bed. If I had a freshly cut onion this evening I would have taken that option.
This is how tonight went:

6:00 - 7:00 Brooks fussed non-stop. I love to cuddle the little bug, but you should have seen my house and especially kitchen...it looked like every cupboard, closet, and drawer had the stomach flu. Alas, it was a balancing act and I did my best. I finally started nursing the poor boy at around 6:50. Feeding him can be a challenge. He nurses like a champ but his little arms get all wound up, and once his mouth is working, his arms are "let go" and start whipping around like crazy. Unfortunately, they never stop.
Also, he has many much teeth and likes to bite...nuff said.

7:30 - Scriptures and Prayers with Carson and Drake. I am pretty sure Dave was reading but all I remember was the brouhaha in the family room in the form of wild little boys.

7:40-8:00 - Dave got the boys down while I mumbled incoherently lying lifeless on the couch.

8:00 - 9:30 - A small herd of elephants was drinking at the water trough which must have been in the boys room...there is NO way those two tiny bodies were making THAT much noise...

Rather than sleep, my little boys frequently pound fiercely on the door and scream our names until we come see what the terrible matter is. In the time the boys were supposed to be sleeping there were multiple door banging episodes with various excuses as to why they were still up. Here they are in chronological order:

1) Nothing! (No reason, just banging on the door and yelling "mommy!" because it seemed like fun)
2) "I need a sucker!"
3) "I need a cough drop"
4) "My penis hurts"
5) "I was spitting on Carson"
6) "I need to go potty"

And last but not least; my very favorite...

7) "I'm tired"

Alas, these little imps are the most blessed things in our lives. No doubt, tonight when we check on them, their peaceful, innocent, perfect little sleeping faces will melt our hearts all over again and give us just the oomph we need to do it all again tomorrow. What a wonderful life!

January 18, 2006

2012-01-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

On January 18, 2006 I asked this beautiful woman to marry me...

... she said yes!

Thank you Mel for making mine a wonderful life.

Please note: That is a big gun in the background. The picture was taken by Mel's little sister Katie, who hid up in a tree during the live proposal, then screamed for us to wait when we started walking away, and came down and took pictures.

My Little Quirklings

2012-01-18T19:51:00.001-08:00

Carson - is a hoarder. Not really; except under his pillow. The boy loves to organize and clean and straighten, but he has enough junk under his pillow to open a small pawn shop. He gets these little attachments and then sleeps with them in his clutches. Currently there:
His Prayer Rock (he has had it for over a year now)
A Pipe cleaner snake
A letter from my mom
Chapstick
A folded up paper fan
Bracelets made from plastic beads and pipe cleaner
The Cat in the Hat Comes Back (his current favorite)
Various Christmas gifts
(not to mention he sleep with four stuffed animals)

Drake - also has an obsession with his pillow. Like a lot of babies, he liked the tags on his blankets...he still does. He cannot sleep unless the tag side of his pillow is the one exposed. He has played the tag on his pillow sooooo much that it's a thread bare string with a nasty, gnarly ball on the end of it. It honestly looks like a thick spider web/string with a dead fly wrapped up in the end of it. He fondles and plays with that little gross ball until he falls asleep. He will shove it in his nose, rub it on his lips, roll it in his fingers, caress his face with it. You get the idea.
It makes me gag just thinking about it. To top it off, Drake removes his pillowcase EVERY time he wakes up. I don't know why, and it drives me bonkers having to put in on two to three times a day. It is incredibly awkward trying to put the pillow case on without touching the nasty string ball on the end of the pillow, and yet, I have done it hundreds of times.

Brooks - my little "poopsie". Brooks only poops every couple of days. I don't know why his little system does what it does, but it is EXHAUSTING! Because of the delays, I always feed him prune juice with his rice cereal instead of using water. I just don't want him to get stopped up. So far, there is certainly not a problem with that. Even though he is runnin' like a river, he stores up everything his little system can hold (colon, small intestine, large intestine, stomach, and maybe even the food I haven't fed him yet), and blasts the living daylight out of his diaper, onesie, sleeper or outfit, and usually his blanket too. It is always an astronomical mess accompanied with lots of groaning, gagging, and giggling by the onlookers.

Who Stole All My Time??

2012-01-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

and may I have it back please!

My only goal

2012-01-04T19:58:00.001-08:00

I have a lot on my plate. I feel like I do a pretty good job handling it all, and I try to live a well balanced and rounded life. That said, my ONLY goal for 2012 is to read scriptures each and EVERY day. Not 363 or 364 days, but a full 365 days.

*nevermind that it's leap year :)

Top 11 of '11...

2012-01-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

...in no particular order (except #1)

1. The birth of our wonderful, sweet, Brooks
2. The vacation we took for Brooks' blessing. It was our only vacation this year, and it was wonderful
3. Paying off the periodontist portion of the implant bill. *Barf (you should see how cute Dave is. He brushes his pearly whites EVERY morning and night now)
4. Losing all the baby weight (one week before my goal deadline)
5. The slap in the face that changed my life. I'd be happy to tell you about it, but you'll have to ask
6. Carson starting preschool and LOVING it
7. Getting a new air conditioner *Barf again. Have I mentioned that I HATE money...or the lack thereof
8. Going to NY to see Wicked. It was a highlight in my life. Thanks AGAIN dad and mom!!
9. Seeing Lion King with my sweetheart
10. Drake starting nursery
11. Completing four quilts for Christmas

When did this sweet, little baby...

2011-12-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

...become this adorable little boy?

December 24, 2011

Dear Carson,

What a delight this past year has been; you have grown and developed into such a wonderful little boy. We count ourselves very lucky to be your parents. You are a fantastic big brother and son. You are a good example to all of us. You are headstrong, but use that to fight for what is right. We can always count on you. Some of our favorite things from this past year have been:

-learning how to read a little by sounding out letters and words

-drawing very good pictures of people

-your imagination

-your love of making up funny words and fun games

- learning to say very cute, thoughtful prayers

- participating in your first primary program. You memorized your part so well

- watching you in swim lessons. What a fish you became!

- observing your phenomenal memory – you don’t forget a thing!

- how nicely you play with your brothers. You will take care of the baby without being asked, even if he is fussy

- listening to your well thought out family home evening lessons

- how much you love to play! You really love the park, water, friends, or just any attention. You make everything fun

- your zest for life. You have been so excited for your birthday today, you could hardly contain yourself. You even woke up at 5:30

- your desire to dress yourself each and every morning. You always pick out your own clothes and are very particular about what you want

- how much you like a clean house. You will clean and organize willingly, and often without being asked

- you make your own bed, and often Drakes too

- how well you communicate

We know we are very blessed to have you in our family, and especially as our first born. You have a strong spirit. Thank you for choosing to be a part of our family. We love you so very much.

Love,

Mom & Dad

The Christmas Story...Crockett Style

2011-12-20T18:27:00.001-08:00

For FHE this month we have told and retold the Christmas story. I like being able to dedicate 4 out of 52 FHEs a year to the awesome and miraculous birth of the Savior. That being said, here is how it went:

And Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to be taxed. And she brought forth her third born son and laid him in a clothes basket with blankets because she was trying to teach her crazy kids about the birth of the Savior...

...and there were two really adorable wise men...When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (even though it was made of paper and extremely lopsided)

...These little wisemen were very serious about their job. They went and got Christmas gifts from under the tree to give to the baby in the manger...

...the little wisemen were high on Christmas Spirit...very high...

...nevertheless, they were able to deliver their gifts...

...then they got a little tired and the poor baby Jesus was kicked out of his manger...

...looks comfy, huh...

...at least we tried!

Sweet Little Prayer

2011-12-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

Carson was assigned last week to say the prayer in Primary yesterday.
We prepped him as usual. "You get to say the prayer in Primary next week! How exciting!" I exclaimed to him last Sunday.
"Yep!" Was about all I heard back from him.
As the week went on, I would remind him on occasion. As the reminders continued he declared to us, "I don't need any help."
"Are you sure?" I asked
"Yeah, I can do it by myself," he confidently stated.
Thinking his story might change, I leaned over at the end of sacrament meeting yesterday to tell him this was the big moment.
He wasn't phased in the least, nor did his story change.
Dave and I stood in the back of the Primary room waiting for opening exercises to begin. We sang the opening song, then it was Carson's turn. He walked right up the podium, and stepped confidently up on the step.
"Do you need help?" he was asked.
"No, I can do it," he whispered back.
He folded his arms, bowed his head, closed his eyes, spoke clearly into the microphone and so sweetly delivered this little prayer:

"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank thee for this day. We thank thee that we can be at church. Help us to sing in Primary. We thank thee for our blessings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

We were proud.

Brooks' Head

2011-12-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

Remember when I left my wallet at the store and didn't discover it till I was checking in at the Children's Hospital? Yeah, me too.
I wanted to document that appointment because as we all know by now, my brain is no good. As I mentioned previously, Brooks head is a bit lopsided. I carry my babies deep and tight and sometimes their little noggins get a bit squished. The nurse noticed right away and told us he has "overlapping sutures".
His pediatrician has been monitoring his skull pretty closely. At two months she was convinced it would resolve itself rather quickly. At four months she wasn't so sure and told us that if there wasn't significant enough improvement at 6 months then she wold refer us.
She referred us to the Neurosurgery center at Children's Hospital. We met with Dr. Winston and Dr. French, and Neurosurgeon and Plastic surgeon.
They walked into the room, measured, palpated, and examined. "Well, the good news is, he doesn't need surgery." Dr. French said first, shortly confirmed by Dr. Winston.
In my mind I was a bit taken aback. I never actually thought he did, but that was clearly what they thought I was there for.
"Well, good!" I responded (not really sure what to say). "So, if he doesn't need surgery, does he need a helmet?" I asked. I was thinking I was pretty clever guiding them to the real reason I was there anyway.
"Bah! Helmet...NO!" Was essentially the response I was given. And that was that.
Both doctors were under the impression that helmets don't really do much; and that the end result is ultimately the same, you just save yourself a lot of money by not doing them.
"The only thing a helmet would do would be to get the skull to the proper point sooner," explained Dr. French.
"If that?!" scoffed Dr. Winston "Save yourself the money!"
I know there are differing opinions out there, but these two felt quite strongly. We are now doing our best to get Brooks to lay on his right side while sleeping, as that will possibly help round out his head a bit. For now, we wait.

Previous Post Pictures

2011-12-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

The Avenging, Toast Eating, Toe Lover

2011-12-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

My boys are crack-ups. Just for fun, I grabbed a piece of paper this morning and wrote each boys name down. As the day has gone on (it is only 2:30), I have written something about each one of them. Just in the last 8 hours:

Carson - told quite the tall tale at lunch involving Dora, Boots, and the Avengers. All I can say is, poor Dora and Boots. And yes, he had each avenger playing a key role; Thor, The Hulk, Captain America, and Ironman.

Drake - rubbed his toast all over his face and head (with the buttered side) this morning. I wish this is the first time this had happened, alas, it not.

Brooks - has an infatuation with my feet. He sits on my lap and leans as far as he can to get a good view of my toes moving. Once he's locked in on them, there is no breaking his focus. If he can't see them, he will lunge, and wiggle until he can. It's amazing how long he stays occupied while watching them.

As for Dave and I - today Dave looks like a C.R.E.E.P. - O. They had an ugly sweater contest at work, and Dave went ALL out. I will definitely post a picture later.
Me, I'm just going bald (for the third time).

Please be on the lookout for my brain...

2011-12-08T09:08:00.001-08:00

...it's gone missing.
I don't know what is wrong with me lately but being such a ding-a-ling is exhausting! Here is a sampling:
Yesterday morning I took Brooks to a Neuro and Plastic Surgery consultation. His head is a bit lopsided and his Pediatrician had referred us.
"Do you have your insurance card?" the peppy receptionist chirped.
I started digging through my "black hole" as Dave calls it; aka my purse. I continued digging and digging and digging...
no wallet.
Gut punch.
I had NO clue where my wallet was, usually I know when my purse has been tampered with but there was nothing unusual and I was certain my wallet should be in it.
After much searching and panicking and a couple of phone calls I finally learned I had left it at Sprouts the day before. Awesome.
Then, yesterday evening I was in charge of the YM/YW joint activity and we were caroling at a Nursing home for those suffering from Dementia diseases and Alzheimers. I piled a number of people in my car (including poor, sweet Carson) and enjoyed singing my little heart out for the cute elderly people. One adorable little man kept shuffling back and forth in front of us and wouldn't sit down so eventually was sent to his room. Another sweet woman was warbling along with us for all she was worth. It was seriously heart-warming. Another just sat and cried. When all was said and done we meandered out to the cars to go home. I realized quickly that I wasn't carrying my purse and must have left it in one of the three building we caroled at. Feeling silly already because these buildings required a code AND a key card to get in and out of (due to the large numbers of attempted escapees on a daily basis), I followed a worker around to each building only to come up empty handed. I am sure I drover her bonkers by the number of times I squeaked, "I am so sorry! Merry Christmas!"
I hobbled quickly back to the car and peered in the windows. There it sat, right on the floor between the driver and passenger seats. My purse.
Phone calls, youth shuffling, and many apologies later, my friend (and other counselor) Melanie, Carson and I stood out in the cold waiting for my knight in shining armor to come deliver the keys.
I sent Carson with Dave who was headed straight back home, and drove back to the church with Mel. Even though there were only two turns required...yes, just two; I managed to take a wrong one. Go me.
We finally arrived at the church I dropped her off, convinced her I wasn't pregnant even though I wish I had an excuse for my brain, apologized yet again and went home.
Ten minutes later I snuck into Carson's room to give him a hug and kiss goodnight when he sat up and said,
"Mommy, you drove away with the hymn book on top of your car but that's ok because daddy and I picked it up for you"...

Monkey see, monkey do...

2011-12-03T09:52:00.001-08:00

...is a term we use often around here. Drake adores Carson and mimics every little thing he does. It's a good thing that Carson is such a good example; he (mostly) teaches Drake good things.

I found them in their room like this one morning.

The Proud Pooper #2

2011-12-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

I think potty training this little stud is MUCH closer than I originally anticipated. He is requesting to poop and pee in the "witto potty" quite often.

Snow Day!

2011-12-03T09:47:00.001-08:00

The boys and Dave fashioned a sled out of our garbage can lid and some rope. They played long and hard out in the freezing snow, and they had a blast!!

Look what our trash compactor threw up

2011-12-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

Gee, I can't wait to see what else we find from 27 years ago...

What do YOU do when it's 40 degress outside and sunny??

2011-12-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

We sunbathe around here

Thanksgiving!

2011-12-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! We spent the day with our dear friends the Bishops. Chrissy and I made quite the spread of good food. The day consisted of football, good food, singing around the piano, and games!!

I am bummed we didn't take a picture all together, thus the candid shot of Chrissy.

This is Brinton; the Bishop's handsome little guy.

Lastly, all the football pictures. Dave was in charge of not only the ward Turkey Bowl, but the first annual Crockett Turkey Bowl as well. We were going to get matching shirts, but went shopping a little too late to find something good and had to result to making paper name/number cards instead. Don't let the pictures fool you, it was a cut-throat, intense, blood thirsty game.

Ok, so maybe it wasn't quite as competitive as I said...or even at all. BUT it was WAY fun and the boys were soooooo cute playin' their little hearts out.

Meet Ryan...

2011-12-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

This is Katie and her boyfriend Ryan. They came to visit for four days before Thanksgiving. It. Was. A. Blast.
Let me tell you what a good host I was. Whilst here, I "allowed" them to babysit my children (much of which included abuse at the hands of my offspring), do all my dishes, clean my house, rake my leaves, endure hours of interrogation, and patch holes in my ceiling and walls. Poor Katie even had to sleep under Carson's bed. Yes, you read that right, under. The rest of the time I kept them chained in the basement with no food or water. Below are the pictures of them retexturing the awesome popcorn ceiling we have. It was a messy process.

Lovely Katie, just lovely.

Makes you wanna come visit us, huh?

Bouncing Baby Brooks

2011-12-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Brooks is 6 months old now and cute as can be. He is my sweetest and crankiest baby. Good times are really good, and bad times are really bad. Fortunately, the good DEFINITELY outweighs the bad. He currently has two teeth (and has since four months) which he likes to play around with, thus, the crooked smile we often see. None of us can seem to get enough of this adorable baby.

*Just after posting this I noticed little Brooks has cut the very edge of his third tooth

Telescoping

2011-11-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

I'm assuming that's a verb... Nate let us come over one night to look into his cool telescope. We got to see Jupiter, the moon, and some other stars. It was fun for the kids.

The Lion King

2011-11-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

Mel and I got to go see the Lion King on Wednesday. Mel was gorgeous and the show was great. We had a great time. Thanks to our wonderful babysitter Debbie Salt!

The highlight of the show for me was Rafiki. She was awesome.

Thankful

2011-11-16T15:04:00.001-08:00

Isn't this just the BEST time of year?! I want to have gratitude; always. In honor of Thanksgiving, I want to reflect on some of what I am grateful for. I would like to think that the list could go on, and on, but I am gonna stick with 100. I challenge you do to this too...

1. A loving Heavenly Father
2. His Son Jesus Christ
3. The gospel
4. My perfect husband
5. Sweet Carson
6. Spunky Drake
7. Innocent Brooks
8. Contacts and glasses
9. My home
10. My mini-van (NEVER thought I would say that...EVER)
11. My Vacuum
12. My bed
13. Hot showers
14. Food & feeding my family healthy things (grateful for the knowledge)
15. Trials
16. Sacrifice - I'm learning this one...thank you, children
17. Chapstick
18. Date night with my hubby
19. A good pair of walking shoes
20. Some wicked-awesome tenacity
21. My height
22. Good friends - I have had a few near and dear friends come into my life. Makes me realize I was really missing out when I didn't put the effort in to be a good friend to those when I was younger.
23. My sewing machine
24. My strollers
25. Food storage
26. Tupperware
27. Blogging - I love to express my feelings
28. Good conversations
29. Everyone who is smarter than I. I love learning from others
30. A good feather pillow
31. My cell phone...aka lifeline to my family
32. A garage to park in
33. Generous people
34. The ability to bear and rear children
35. Hairbands - big time
36. A good book
37. Humor - I LOVE to laugh
38. Beautiful music
39. Music that makes you want to dance
40. My family - all of them
41. My bathrobe. It's pink
42. Make-up. I am not addicted to it, but I really do need mascara.
43. Q-tips
44. New York & Company - FINALLY a store I KNOW I can by pants in that will be long enough and won't break the bank
45. My razor
46. My toothbrush
47. Fun Games - my favorite two being Pinochle and Guesstures. If you EVER want to play PLEEEEASE call me!
48. The YW in my ward - my current calling is with them
49. Visiting Teaching - I know, I am a dork
50. The nice animal control people
51. The shopping carts and wal-mart...you know, the ones made to hold like 6 kids
52. My grandparents (I know this goes along with family, but they deserve an extra big shout-out)
53. Thermal curtains
54. Working air conditioning and heating
55. Those of you who read my blog - again, dorky, I know. It SERIOUSLY makes my day when I find out someone reads it though whom I didn't expect. I also love my "regulars". Writing for myself, but giving others insights into our lives is truly the best combination in my mind.
56. Grass - ours is currently being groomed. We seeded a couple of months ago. Can't wait to lay on it with the kiddos and look at the clouds.
57. Volleyball
58. My piano...one of my best friends
59. A musical husband - we love to "jam"
60. Hand sanitizer
61. Icecream - it's my go-to. Everything else I can pass up.
62. A strong body
63. My education
64. The shows Dave and I watch together (Bones, Mentalist, Leverage) it's really fun to hunker down and decompress with him after a long day.
65. POPCORN!!!!
66. Braces
65. Dove soap
66. Dave's "Astros" sweatshirt. I wear it ALLLLLL the time
67. Refrigerators
68. Rain
69. Holidays
70. Musicals - we are going to see the Lion King tonight!
71. Lilac bushes
72. Daylight/Sunlight - isn't it ironic that my birthday fall on the longest day of the year?? (as far as sunlight is concerned)
73. Clear night skies - on occasion, Dave and I will sneak out our bedroom window and lay on the roof that is over the garage and just gaze up into the sky...
74. periods. I do this....way...too...much...and...I...know...it...but...I...don't...care...
75. Love letters
76. BACK SCRATCHES!!!! - NOT back rubs
77. Toilet paper...and toilets for that matter
78. My scale - strange, I know
79. My teeth
80. Green eyes - not many people have them; it's kinda fun
81. My scriptures
82. All the parks around here
83. Water - clean water at my disposal - wow
84. Dave's job
85. My job - tiny as it is, I am grateful for it (I work for my mom like 3 hours a week)
86. My computer
87. Fingernail clippers
88. Opportunities to serve
89. Good memories - I have SOOOOOOO many stories to share
90. My wedding ring. I love it
91. Deodorant - I have the ability to be one STINKY girl
92. Trampolines
93. Sunglasses
94. Duct tape
95. Plastic wrap and aluminum foil
96. Garlic and onions - hhhhhhi! hhhhhhhhhhhow are yooooooooou?
97. Scrapbooks (my blog is included in this)
98. External hard drives
99. Sleeping babies - they are so beautiful and peaceful
100. The temple

Dogs & Scammer Udpates

2011-11-09T08:24:00.001-08:00

DOGS
I want to give a big shout out to those who helped give me ideas on my canine conquests. Here is what I have come up with:
1. I now walk a different route on my walk. I leave my street and cut across a nearby field over to the business area by by neighborhood. I feel substantially safer. There are a lot less cars too.
2. I will be carrying wasp spray. I have received that recommendation a couple of times now. It has the same effect as the mace spray but shoots a lot farther.
3. I am seriously contemplating carrying a "walking stick" aka golf club.

SCAMMER
Shortly after returning back from Trick-or-Treating on Halloween we got a call from Geico. Thinking it was yet another sales call (we get like 5 a day), I didn't answer. They proceeded to leave a message, "Hello this is ??? from Geico. I am calling regarding such and such claim involving an unoccupied vehicle..."
"Hello! Hello!" I quickly picked up the phone. The nice lady and I had a long conversation about the "incident". Turns out the accuser did in fact write down my license plate number. I explained to her what had (or had not) happened. She gave her two cents saying it was odd the claim hadn't been called in until that day. And after much deliberation the claim was flagged and to be further investigated.
That night and the next day I made a gazillion phone calls to various insurance workers both with Geico and my own. Some people were helpful, some were not. I learned that Geico has filed a claim, and my own insurance has to file a separate one. I have kept my agent abreast of the situation and hope he is taking care of it (he already has the note left and a document I typed up immediately after the occurrence with every single objective thing I can remember). Regardless, I now sit and wait.

Halloween

2011-11-05T13:17:00.001-07:00

This is not a preview for the new Avengers movie coming out. Carson enjoyed dressing up the most, and was very energetic about trick or treating. Drake was tired and could barely lift his pumpkin. Everybody had a lot of fun.

Sweet, Baby Brooks

2011-10-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

We all adore him...sometimes too much :)

I Want You!

2011-10-30T15:53:00.001-07:00

If this picture doesn't capture Drake's current personality, I don't know what does...

Carson's First Primary Program

2011-10-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

I am little sad that Carson's first primary program was today. It means my sweet little boy is growing up. I guess it was just a gut check knowing he is no longer the tiny babe I was holding in my arms...and neither was Drake. Time is slipping away. At moments it was hard to keep my composure as I lovingly admired the handsome, little blonde boy sitting on the stand who would occasionally look my way and send me a dazzling smile - fully loaded, dimples and all. His big blue eyes watched the chorister so closely as he sang so boisterously. He delivered his line perfectly. "We have the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price."
I'd better go and make the very most of the precious time I have left with these little boys living under my roof...

Family Pictures

2011-10-27T10:55:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Rachel Smith for taking these great pictures.

If you need a good laugh...

2011-10-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

This picture cracks me up EVERY time I see it!

Time Flies

2011-10-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

Things have gotten uber busy around here. I feel like he have advanced through stages; busy, really busy, and crazy busy already. Last I checked it was August?! Here are a few quick updates until I can actually sit down at a computer to write about life.

Carson:
-is really enjoying preschool. He is one smart, handsome little guy. The teacher stopped me on my way out the door this last week to ask me what I wanted him to work on in school since he is quite a bit more advanced than the current curriculum. We decided to do pre-reading with him.
-he is a wonderful helper and brother. I can really count on Carson.
-loved, loved, loved his swim lesson course. By the end he was jumping off the side repeatedly, without help. The water was up to his neck so he would go careening off the edge of the pool, figure out where he was in the world, plant his feet firmly on the bottom of the pool, and stand up.
- is starting to eat A LOT; must be going through a growth spurt
-is an all around fabulous little boy. I adore my little Carson.

Drake:
-is affectionately known as "Mr. Personality". He has it oozing out of that little body that isn't quite big enough to hold all of it.
- he still adores the baby and can't seem to show enough affection which, can be a bit overwhelming.
- will mimic EVERYTHING Carson does. He idolizes his big brother.
- Still has a swearing problem. (The whole "tr" sound substituted with an "f")
- Is one social little dude. He will play with anyone and everyone. (and yet, sometimes is perfectly content to play on his own).
- Has an obsession with trains; or should I say "fains"
- Is very affectionate.
- LOVES to sing.
- Drake is also a wonderful little boy who tries with all his might to do lots of good things. He melts my heart. He keeps us on our toes and even more keeps us smiling.

Brooks:
- Has two teeth. Yes, you read that right; 2!! He is only 4 1/2 months and seems to want to grow up.
- Is a little chatter box. He is VERY expressive with his sounds.
- Has big, beautiful, blue eyes just like his brothers.
- Has the greatest smile. He grins ear to ear and kind of ducks his little head like he is bashful. It's like the smile consumes his whole body and it is SO cute.
- Things certain noises are hilarious. i.e. zippers, snorting, raspberries etc.
- Likes mommy. A lot. Wants to be held by mommy...all the time.
- Is a good little eater. After a few biting and screaming episodes (remember the whole two teeth thing), he seems to understand that biting mommy isn't a good idea.
- Brooks is such a ray of sunshine in our little home. He is the epitome of a sweet, wonderful, heart-warming baby.

Tall N' Skinny

2011-10-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

Brooks 4 months stats:
Height: 27 inches (off the charts)
Head : 17 11/4 inches (96th?? percentile)
Weight: 15 lbs 6 oz (78th percentile)

*Handsome as ever :)

I.Have. HAD.It.

2011-09-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

*warning* this won't be a positive post so if you are looking for a ray of sunshine; check back later.

I have had my fill of charging dogs. I walk every day, it's usually in my neighborhood so it's not like I am trudging through rural country towns throwing rocks at angry canines as I go. Let me give you the history:
1. Sometime early spring-ish, I was enjoying a walk - especially since I was mid-pregnancy, feeling good, and breathing in some cool air. I noticed a garage that wasn't usually open on the opposite side of the street. The door that led into the house was also open. It was then that a large German Shepherd came barreling out the door and garage. Its hair stood on end, its lips were curled back revealing large, sharp teeth, and it was mad. After all, I was walking on the opposite sidewalk...20 yards from it's house. It tore across the street and started to leap when I screamed and did what any pregnant woman would do...I wet my pants.
Fortunately the owners heard the dog begin its attack and came running out as well. They managed to call the dog off before it actually bit me.
I simply stood there, shaking in my boots. I feebly said to the owners, "your dog charged me". And that was it.
(I should probably mention that as a seven-year-old girl, I was attacked by a German Shepherd in a park. I still have the scars...)
2. Last Wednesday I was on an early morning walk. It was around 6:30 and at this time of year, it is still pretty dark outside. This time, I was walking down the middle of the road. Because my knee is so finicky, I need as flat a surface as possible, and that is the best I can do. I was at the tail end of my walk when out of the murkiness I hear a dog snarling and charging me. I could see it's outline as it bee-lined in my direction.
This dog had gotten out as its owner has opened the front door. I braced myself and prepared to kick the dog. Yet again, the owner called it off just in time. I was a little more fired up this go-around and rather boldly expressed to the owner how scary it is to be charged. She kept rattling on about "doesn't bite...just charges...actually a really nice dog...".
My response was, "his hair is up, he is baring his teeth, and he came off your property just to challenge me; it's scary and I don't like it one bit. How am I supposed to know he won't bite me when it is clear an angry dog is charging me in the dark?!" You get the idea.
3. The very next day; sometime in the afternoon... I had the baby and we were taking a warm afternoon stroll while Dave and the older two boys slept. I was actually on the sidewalk this time passing various houses and cars when all of the sudden two large dogs shot around either side of a mini-van parked in a driveway. They snapped and snarled me right off the sidewalk. I screamed bloody murder and jumped out of their way. The owner was standing in the open garage. More of the same, lame excuses; "they will run right up to you but won't bite." Actually, that was all she could say over and over again. By this time, I was down right fired up. " I don't CARE if the dogs aren't going to bite me; they SHOULDN'T be CHARGING ME! I am doing NOTHING WRONG and when your dogs come at me like that is it SCARY!
"Well...well...well...they don't actually bite..."
"THAT IS NOT THE POINT! YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR DOGS! THEY SHOULDN'T BE CHARGING PEOPLE!!"
"I know, I know...it's my problem, not yours" was all she said in the end. After all, it doesn't make much sense to argue with someone who has been scared to death, isn't at fault in ANY way, and could call animal services on you.

My nerves are shot, and one of these days I will get bit or attacked all over again which, will only perpetuate my fear. HELP!! PLEASE tell me what to do! Do I carry a stick?! A Baseball bat?! Are there dog tasers?! What is the best way to protect myself from these scary advances/attacks?

*As a side-note; I think my children are terribly ill. They went down for their nap today without any problem. No wardrobe changes, throwing books, jumping off their beds, hysteric laughing and bodily functions, or ripping curtains out of the wall (again...and again). Just sweet, blissful sleep after all of 5 minutes. Can I get a hallelujah?

Mr. Personality

2011-09-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Preschool

2011-09-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Who is this young man, and what happened to our little Carson? Carson is doing another year of joy school. He has a lot of fun, and Mel appreciates the having just two kiddos for a couple of hours.

"Dad, are you really taking a picture of me?"

Showing his muscles.

Brooks' First Haircut

2011-09-25T14:30:00.001-07:00

Brooks received his first haircut last week. What a handsome boy.

I think I'm being scammed

2011-09-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

I found this note on my car yesterday evening. Unless I was sleep-driving (with my child in the car), I most certainly didn't scrape anyone's car. I hate dealing with stuff like this; it's gut wrenching.

I needed a good laugh today...

2011-09-23T12:40:00.001-07:00

...this picture did that for me. :)

A Name and a Blessing

2011-09-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

This sweet little baby was given a name and a blessing on September 4, 2011. Dave did a wonderful job and the VAST majority of our family was able to be there with the exception of Elder Benjamin Fager.
Brooks was blessed to:
-Grow up in righteousness and with righteous desires
-Follow Christ and have faith in Him
-Have the ability to be true to the gospel and obey the commandments
- Be a good example to his brothers and those around him, that those around him will desire to be like him
-Have the desire to enter the temple
-Have a sense of humor that will also bless him to deal with the challenges in life
-Desire to marry a righteous woman
-Desire to serve a mission

Dave's entire family. Left to right - Tine, Barbie, Jeff, Mom, Dave, Dad, Matt, Kimi, Becky

It would not be a Crockett family gathering without a funny face photo. Zoom in for a good laugh.

The biggest brother :)

Our happy family of five. Never mind that at this point Carson was MAJORLY on one. It was nap time and he had HAD IT, you can see it in his eyes

The entirety of everyone who could attend. What a handsome group!

I also want to record all the wonderful priesthood holders who helped bless our little boy:
Great Grandpa Gabrielsen
Grandpa Fager
Uncle Richard
Grandpa Crockett
Uncle Steve
Uncle Kevin
Uncle Blain
Chris (cousin)
and of course Brooks' wonderful Daddy

*Also, a special thank you to Grandma Crockett for making a wonderful and adorable little blessing outfit for Brooks

Riddle me this...

2011-09-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

Question: What happens when your blinds and a hammer come in contact??

Answer: Something breaks! And I'll give you a clue...it wasn't the hammer.

And the culprit was???
*
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Daddy!!

Worse than nails on a chalkboard...

2011-09-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

I made Taco Soup for dinner the other night. It's been cooling down here and the crisp, fall air has been wonderful it it's small doses.
We all scooted up to the counter with our bowls of warm soup garnished with tortilla chips. I was enjoying my meal. After a few bites I decided to scoop my soup with the chips. I had the perfect chips, holding up the perfect amount of soup, and I took the perfectly hard bite...pain shot through my teeth. I had chomped down on something terribly hard. My body shuddered as my teeth ground together, my salivary glands went haywire, and the thunder in my head was deafening. Dave's head whipped in my direction at the sound he heard resonating from my mouth.
I promptly spit the entire bite out onto the counter. I was certain I had broken teeth and was chewing on bits and pieces of them. Alas, was lay in the masticated pile was a rock. I had bit it so hard, it broke in half. It was about the size of a pea and was embedded in a piece of diced tomatoes.
I was traumatized. My appetite entirely disappeared and I was sick to my stomach. It took all of us quite a bit longer to finish our meals and we were all chewing so gingerly teeth weren't even a requirement.
If the can of tomatoes hadn't come from my food storage and the receipt been disposed of months prior, you can bet I wouldn't have sought some sort of compensation as it is, every time I recall the experience, I shudder. I no longer feel the same way about taco soup.

Drake's 2 year stats

2011-09-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

37 inches tall and 32 pounds

fully recovered from Croup, and in good health

Vacation of Firsts

2011-09-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

We went to Idaho at the beginning of September. We were able to visit both families, and we were able to see our good friends the Hawkes.
The biggest reason for the trip was to bless our beautiful Brooks...more to come on that. There were a lot of firsts involving this trip; some great, some not:

-First time taking the boys on a road trip. Three small children and 2000 miles of driving was intimidating. Now that it's over; it's more intimidating than ever...the kids were THAT awesome in the car. I take that back; Carson was and ANGEL on the trip - seriously. The baby was alright; we got what we expected I suppose. Drake, Drake, Drake; what do I even say? He was a force to be reckoned with; I'll just leave it at that.
-First time Carson has thrown up from car sickness, oh, wait, never mind. Billionth time.
-First time meeting the adorable Sarah, our new niece-in-law. Weird calling her niece, since she is much more like a sister and friend.

First time on the worlds largest swing! Eden Wyoming has the most enormous swing-set ever! It was so tall, you couldn't push it to it's highest potential. Dave, with his arm fully extended was even too short (drastically). It was probably 25 feet tall, and the best part of all was that it was a baby swing set. I about died laughing.

First time on a four-wheeler for all four of my boys. Thanks again Hawkes brothers for all the rides!

First close encounter with a horse. Carson fed Barbie's horse some yummy apples from Grandma's tree.
First time at Funland! Carson, Drake, and Saydee got to ride airplanes...

...horses! (the carousel)...

...the ferris wheel (mommy and daddy came on this one)...

... and choo-choo trains!

Our wonderful vacation also consisted of lots of canning. It took 12 hours to can 9 bushels of apples. We also played with lots of cousins, enjoyed some good food, and caught up on much needed sleep. Dave and I also got to go on a couple much needed dates. It was wonderful. We can't wait to go again next year!

Happy Birthday Drake!

2011-09-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Drake,

We love you very much; you have filled the last two years with laughs, adventures, and spunk. It has been a delight watching you develop in so many ways. Some of the things daddy loves about you are:

-doing “brave hugs” when you are afraid of what is under the bed

-wrestling

-bribing you to eat in soooooo many ways : airplanes, choo-choo trains, motorcycles, lions, and snakes

-how you run up to him after sacrament meeting ready to be taken to nursery

- how excited you are when he picks you up when nursery is done

-dancing and singing songs with him

Some of the things mommy loves about you are:

-the way you talk. You currently substitute “f” for “tr” which makes for some naughty language. You also say “yeep” for yes. You are exploring your language a lot more and are adorable in the process

-your ear-piercing screams. It means you are healthy

-your love for Carson and Brooks. Nobody is more loyal than you

- your adorable little run. Never mind the fact that you fall quite often

- Your sparkly eyes and zest for life

-How excited you get to tell her things

-The fact that you can now say your own prayers

You like to do everything that Carson does; and tease him in the process. You have a few favorite movies, some of which are: anything Dora, Tangled (you like to sing along), and Shaggy Dog. Your favorite color is orange. You like to eat hot cereal, fruit snacks, anything cheese, nuts, lots of vegetables, and “beeeeeeg guckers” (big suckers). You love to sing and dance. You have a strong will. You have an awesome belly laugh.

Thank you for filling our lives with joy. You are a wonderful little boy whom we adore.

Blasphemy

2011-08-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

Carson likes to sit down and read the scriptures. If he has the regular Book of Mormon, he will usually use biblical lingo while making up verse after verse. When reading the illustrated and abridged version his "reading" gets a little more...imaginative...cough cough.
We have been wanting to capture this for quite a while so tonight I finally whipped open the computer and typed while he talked. This was tonight's sampling:

"He knows how to teach the children. We didn’t know just what to do. We just love one another. The crucify man he thought he didn’t want some milk. He wanted bad guy water. He wanted the arrow. Would crucify Jesus. Jesus thought he would be really sad he didn’t know what to do He was just sitting on the cross. And he just knows what to do. The Lord, Jesus, He came crucified. The Lord, He gave the people some yummy coffee. He wanted some fruit snacks, not coffee. He wanted some milk. Because he wanted milk because it’s good for him. He wanted to see the Lord."

You can probably tell he was reading the illustrated copy by what he said. It is also laced with conversations we have been having lately. Carson is very intrigued by some of the things our neighbors do and we have tried to explain principles to him without getting ourselves in too much trouble. For example, our next door neighbor (male) wears earrings, has long hair, and drinks coffee. We have tried explaining that only mommy wears earrings and that it's best if boys don't have them. That goes for the long hair as well. We've also explained that coffee isn't good for us and we shouldn't drink it, but "O" (the neighbor), might not know better so we should be good examples.

Our neighbor across the street smokes. Carson will stand out on the front porch with his little belly thrust out, jam a finger up his nose, and stare across the street with that piercing gaze of his and yell, "Mommy!" (without breaking the stare) "Chris is smoking!! He shouldn't be smoking, mommy!" It is always painfully awkward.

On the flip side, Carson likes to know the nutritional benefit of whatever he may be consuming at the time. (The kid is smart!) Thus..."he wanted milk."

Proud Parents

2011-08-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

We think all of our kids are pretty special. Today we captured a few shots with Brooks. He is currently just under 2.5 months. We wanted to show his awesome hair that we get comments on quite a bit. I affectionately refer to it as "Kramer Hair".

A pair of good looking boys if I do say so myself!

Burying our swords...Literally

2011-08-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

For FHE this last Monday we taught the boys about the Anti-Nephi-Lehites. At this stage our goal was to drive home the most basic lesson taken from the story...to stop fighting. We then made paper swords and went in the backyard to bury them....

...the very next morning Carson retrieved the shovel and proceeded to "unbury" the swords. The usual chaos ensued...

at least we tried.

Love Hate Relationship

2011-08-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Drake has a hitting problem. HELP?! The other day he kept hitting Carson and while Carson was ok, he was tired and his feelings were hurt. He burst out in tears. After a combination of a gentle scolding and being surprised by Carson's reaction; Drake couldn't contain his own sorrow. I urged him give Carson a hug and apologize. He wrapped his little arms around Carson's waist, laid his head on his chest and just sobbed for a good few minutes. Carson graciously stood there while Drake soothed himself...I stifled laughter and grabbed the camera :).

Brooks' 2 Month Appointment

2011-08-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

This kid is adorable! AND he has a slew of problems. Stink.

Height: 24''
Weight: 12 lbs 6 oz
Head: 16 1/4''

He has a pretty serious case of dry skin. He has some AWFUL baby acne...or so I thought until it wouldn't really go away. That is when I did a bit of investigating and had figured for myself it might be mild eczema. Turns out I was right. After talking with the doctor she looked at the few spots he had on his chest and told me I had it figured properly. I now need to step up from baby lotion to Hydrocortisone Cream.
The bigger problem is his head. He has what I call "Plate Tectonics" going on. One of the skull bones on the top of his head is "diving" under the mid suture line. He is pretty lopsided and the doctor didn't think anything of it at his 2 week appointment. "We'll take a look at it at 2 months" she said. "It should take care of itself". Sho' 'nuff it didn't. She wants me to do some little exercises with him and see if there is any improvement by his 4 months appointment. If there isn't she will refer us.
She thinks the reason he has this is because of how he was positioned in utero. All three of my boys have felt like they have been positioned the same to me. Drake came out with a lopsided head as well so the doctor is probably right. Drake's finally fixed itself entirely by about 18 months. Brooks also has a little Torticollis contributing to the problem. Either way, I hope we can fix this ourselves because to be perfectly frank, we don't have the money to take care of the problem but would have to because he is QUITE lopsided.
Otherwise, Brooks is happy and healthy. He continues to be a sweet baby and we love him dearly.

Belleview Park

2011-07-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

We spent the morning at Belleview Park. Lots of fun.

Brooks is excited to be out of the carrier after three hours.

Who can resist a baby making a funny face?

Drake trying to pick up the sheep.

"Hall Aboard!" cries Carson.

Drake lies comatose in the swing, while Carson patiently waits his turn.

Two future pilots?

Carson dutifully smiling for the camera.

Carson's First FHE Lesson

2011-07-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening is sometimes a joke around here, as is scripture study, but I am proud to say that we never miss.
For scriptures we use the illustrated "cliff's notes" versions in order to survive the nightly torture...er... I mean...
Each family member chooses a picture and repeats the words for it as dictated by Dave or I. This process always involves any combination of the following by one or sometimes all of the family: screaming, crying, throwing objects, wrestling, seizure like convulsions, chasing, and always some sort of musical chairs or locations rather.
Today during lunch Carson kept singing the Primary Hymn, "The Lord Gave me a Temple". I took this (relatively quiet) opportunity to teach Carson and Drake a little bit, and Carson's first Family Home Evening Lesson was born. So even if nothing is gleaned tonight, we still internalized a little bit this afternoon.
Here is what Carson produced with only minor guidance:

Opening Song: "The Lord Gave me a Temple"
Opening Prayer: TBA
Lesson: My body is a temple. We want to keep our body clean and not messy. We can take care of our body by: going potty, running and getting exercise, eating good food like sandwiches, milk, hamburgers, and cheese, going to the doctor, and wearing modest clothes. Modest means to cover our body and not be naked anymore. Our bodies are a house for our spirit. It makes us feel happy when we take care of our bodies.
Scripture: Daddy will read 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
Closing Song: "The Lord Gave me a Temple"
Closing Prayer: TBA
Activity: playing baseball (because that is exercise and helps us take care of our bodies)

I am proud of my little guy and his desire to be a good boy.

Can you believe it's been 5 weeks already?!

2011-07-10T19:34:00.001-07:00

Just look at this beautiful boy.

Brooks also has a bit of a clogged tear duct. Nothing like Carson's two that lasted for a year, but it still requires some minimal TLC.

I can't believe it's already been 5 weeks since our new little addition. In these past weeks life has still rolled forward, often gathering speed. Here are some pictures of the adventures.

Dave took Carson and Drake on the ward camp-out. What a wonderful daddy! Dave doesn't love camping and it probably didn't help that Drake woke up in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder and then proceeded to pee all over Dave.

Cute Carson "pumping" for all he's worth; trying to learn how to use a "big boy swing".

This is the last camping pic. Looks like a hard life...lounging in chairs sipping root beer hanging with your best bud...

Carson LOVES his new bike helmet and wears it often. Here he is displaying golf safety. He probably needs it considering both he and Drake are wielding real clubs.

I only have one dimple. Well, I kinda have two, but the one on the other side isn't much. Both Carson and Drake have two, huge, adorable dimples. Brooks is just like his momma. I love my dimpled little boys.

This picture makes me laugh. Drake plopped himself into this tiny little bin and played like this for quite a while. Looks comfy to me... (look at the way his poor little foot is smashed under his bum)

Oh, and I had a birthday. One year old and wiser too...

...zoom in and look at the candles if you can. Carson arranged them; he's a natural :).

Big Bottom Momma

2011-07-08T12:47:00.001-07:00

I have goals. Lots and lots of them. After having a baby, I have some weight loss goals too. I want to document this to motivate myself and also to see if it really works like I've planned.
I can't believe I am going to do this, but whatev. Numbers are easier for me to follow.

Carson:
Pre-Pregnancy Weight - 159 lbs
Min Pregnancy Weight - 156
Max Pregnancy Weight - 190 lbs
Total Weight Gain - 31 lbs
*The first time I got on a scale after having Carson was around 4 or 5 months later. I had NO idea what it would say but was curious. Lo and behold, it read 153. I have no idea how long it took me to lose the weight, nor was I trying. Phew.

Drake:
Pre-Pregnancy Weight - 145 lbs
Min Pregnancy Weight - 143 lbs
Max Pregnancy Weight - 197 lbs
Total Weight Gain - 52 lbs
*The first time I got on a scale after Drake was around 8-9 weeks later (can't really remember). I was 166 fully clothed, in the middle of the day. I had just purchased a scale so I could see how I was doing, and was pleasantly surprised. I started working hard at that point to get the rest off and was down to 145 at exactly 4 months thanks to the stomach flu. I was grateful to shed the last few pounds, but had to FIGHT to keep up my milk supply for the 4 days I couldn't keep anything down. That was NOT fun.

Brooks:
Pre-Pregnancy Weight - 145 lbs
Min Pregnancy Weight - 145 lbs
Max Pregnancy Weight - 196 lbs (don't even get me started on this one. I went in at 39 weeks 2 days for an appointment and weighed 189 I think. I was DONE being pregnant at that point (even though I still had 6 days to go), so I started walking about 5 miles a day as opposed to my usual 2-3 hoping that the baby would come. My appetite decreased significantly at that point as well, I just wasn't feelin' too hot. SOMEHOW my weight managed to jump THAT much by my 40 week appointment. Do you know how many calories I would have to eat to put on so much weight in that time; on top of all that walking. 27,000 calories!! I am a big eater, but that is even impossible for me! Talk about adding insult to injury...)
Total Weight Gain - appx 45 lbs (I think this is an accurate number because this go-around I was weighing on two different scales which gave different readings. The low number is from the scale I like better because it tells me numbers I'd rather see, and the high number is from the scale that hates me :).

Here is my plan:
-No junk food
-No overeating
-Eat a lot of whole grains and a wide variety of fruits and veggies
-Exercise regularly
-Weigh in once a week, same day, same conditions
- Drink TONS of water

NOT part of my plan:
-Cutting calories (Hello! Can't do this! I am a nursing momma and think this is a bad idea. I am not even much a fan of cutting calories to lose weight anyway. I prefer to fill my "diet" with healthy food choices which, if done right, fill me up faster, better, and last longer, naturally cutting extra or unnecessary calories)
- Exercising too much (If you know me well, you know that I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE to exercise, and really really sweat and work hard. I love to get on a machine and see how many hundreds, or even thousands of calories I can burn in an hour! Once again, I want to keep a good, strong milk supply, so I am burning some calorie as I "work out", but am more aiming for a more efficient metabolism, and strengthening all my systems in order to be a healthy mommy.)

My specific goals are:
-To lose 1.5 pounds per week. (So far I have been as much as 2.4 pounds, and a little as 1.0 pound in a week, but I am averaging out nicely, so am right on track). I feel like 1.5 pounds per week for a body as large as mine is a-ok for a nursing mother. I know I could shed the weight faster, but don't feel it's a good idea for optimal health for me and the baby.
-Ultimately be back between 145 and 150
-Lose all the weight by October 1
-To not have to buy any new clothes. I want to fit into my pants when it gets chilly.

I should mention that all my weight is in my rear, hence the title of the post. My stomach never gets very big, even pregnant. If I were to put on 100 pounds, I would be one of the funky looking anomalies that has a tiny little waist and an ENORMOUS tush that you try and sneak a picture of because you haven't seen anyone look QUITE that odd. Because of this, all my shirts fit just fine; it's my pants that cause me all the grief.
Also, lest any of you think I am obsessive about this, I am not :). I LOVE a good challenge, and while I am sure my body would do what it has the previous two times (shed the weight fairly quickly, and without much thought or effort), it is fun for me to create an eating and exercise program for myself.
Lastly, one of my biggest motivations to lose weight is my knee. I actually feel really awesome at the weight I am at now (in the 160's), but losing another 20 pounds makes a HUGE difference on my poor little, arthritic, degenerating, weak left knee. I have had a few surgeons work on me, all of which have mentioned the need to stay thin for the sake of walking and being able to live life, especially as I age.
So there you have it. I have shared all my numbers with you and now I'm feeling naked!

Sah-Son

2011-06-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

Is what Drake calls Carson. I wanted to document it because it's so stinkin' cute and I don't want to forget.
And, in the last few weeks Carson and Drake have begun to play really well with each other. So fun.

Update

2011-06-27T13:41:00.001-07:00

I don't really know what to say. I just had the desire to get on here and write; it's therapeutic for me.
Three Children. Where do I begin? Three is not ACTUALLY as hard as I thought it was going to be. Well, maybe it is? I don't know. I had just prepared myself for wanting to melt down every day and not getting ANYTHING done. Don't get me wrong, sometimes those things happen, but for the most part I can deal. Right now I have a permanent headache and am sweaty and dirty all the time, but I think everything else is going ok.
I have had a lot of help these last three weeks and it has been most appreciated. I did find though, the longer I had help, the more I wanted to be on my own to really tackle life.
Carson is very sweet as usual. I don't ever have to worry about him getting jealous or trying to hurt the baby, or being too rough, or anything like that. He transitioned well with Drake, and is proving to be even better, and a bigger help with Brooks. He is such a delight.
Drake has surprised me. I thought he would have some problems welcoming a new baby into our home but he hasn't. He loves to lay on his tummy right by Brooks and talk to him all the while repeatedly touching foreheads or cheeks as a sign of affection. He says the same few things over and over again, "Hiiiiiii" (in the sweetest, highest little voice), "How ya doin'?" "Wook!" (he tries to show the baby various toys), "See Him" (when he wants to look at the baby). The only thing I have keep an eye on is the amount of weight Drake puts on Brooks when touching foreheads and cheeks.
Brooks continues to be a very good, sweet baby. He has his moments for sure (which he didn't until recently...he was THAT good), but I always know what the fussing is for. He never throws a fit JUST to do so. He doesn't like to be tired, REALLY doesn't like to be cold, and doesn't like to be hungry. He will demand those things when he wants them, and often likes to be held, but he still allows me to really enjoy him and ease through this transition better than another baby might.
He lost his belly button on my birthday; what a thoughtful baby :).
His initial dry skin is pretty well gone.
He has curly hair, but is so oily that you can't tell unless he is in the bathtub (it's even curly in the water) or fresh out.
His hair is still dark, I wonder if it will stay that way. I would love it.
He has a pretty awesome case of baby acne.
He continues to nurse pretty well. He seems to be growing rapidly.
He likes the attention from his brothers.
We really love our new addition.
One of my favorite things about a newborn is the spirit they bring into our home. It is such a reminder of the goodness of God. It's a powerful feeling and I am so grateful for the precious little souls.
Children are such a blessing. I also thank my lucky stars for the ability to have them. I know it is also an enormous blessing to be able to bear children when I would like, and to be healthy. I am keenly aware that not all share this particular gift. My heart goes out to them.
Dave and I are so excited about each of our three sons and look forward to the years ahead. It's amazing how much each of our children multiplies the joy in our lives. We thought we had it good when we got married, but Carson, Drake, and Brooks fill our hearts beyond capacity. All four of my boys really are the "things that matter most".

Who's Who?

2011-06-19T15:33:00.001-07:00

Boy A

Boy B

Boy C

A: Carson B: Brooks C: Drake

Two Weeks in Pictures

2011-06-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

Making faces like dad.

A generous donation from a member of our ward granted Carson a new (big) bike and both boys now have a helmet.

Playing with Aunt Katie

Brooks' 2 Week Stats

2011-06-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Little dude is wasting no time growing...

Height - 22.5 inches
Weight - 8 lbs 15 ounces

So True, Carson

2011-06-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

The last couple of months or so Carson has been talking like Drake. Carson (when talking like Carson) speaks very well. When he imitates Drake, it makes Drake mad, and quite frankly, it drives me nuts too.
"I want to play with the Yegos," he said this morning.
"Say it right, please," I asked.
"Yegos"
"Carson" I warned.
Then he mouthed it. Yegos...not Legos.
"Carson, you need to talk properly so Drake and Brooks can learn how to talk right."
I was then given a look you might imagine from an attitude-y teenage girl. One eyebrow raised, cocked head, eyes that say "whatever". "Brooks doesn't talk. All he does is poop, pee, and cry."

So True, Carson. So True.

First 10 Days With Brooks

2011-06-12T14:13:00.001-07:00

Woah! Why didn't anyone tell me having three children is B.U.S.Y. and mucho, grande, very much, a lot harder than having two!?!?! Just kidding :). That is all I heard from people and they are right!
We adore baby Brooks though and couldn't have asked for a sweeter baby to make this transition with. My mom has been helping for the past week and will be here for a couple more days, then I am on my own. Should be interesting. Something will have to give, and I am thinking it's going to be even more sleep, and my clean house. Here is what we have learned of ourselves and Brooks in the last ten days:
-Brooks is VERY good. He hardly cries. Seriously. It's only if he is cold, he doesn't even really cry when he is hungry or tired.
-He has a clogged tear duct...woohoo. Carson had them for a year and I really hope Brooks' don't last that long. While painless...it's a pain.
-Pooping and peeing are what Brooks does best. His systems are all workin' mighty fine.
-Brooks weighed 8 lbs 5 oz five days after birth.
-I have Mastitis...can I get another "woohoo"?
- I had a "tail" as I call it. I had something on the outside that was supposed to be on the inside and it hurt terribly. After a few calls, a lot of pain, and some close monitoring, I have now been snipped, and resewed. I guess I should mention that I tore. I always tear, and I never feel it because all I can think at the time is "Hallelujah, contractions are over!".
- Other than Mastitis, I feel REALLY good. My recovery has been awesome.
- Carson and Drake are both incredibly sweet older brothers. I am very pleased with how they have done so far.
-Dave continues to be the best husband and father imaginable.
-Brooks does not like to be cold.
-I know I have said it before, but Brooks is really a very sweet baby. My mom keeps mentioning it, and she had 5 kids of her own and has helped with all 4 grandbabies so far. He is really a gentle little soul.
- He still has a full head of dark, curly-ish hair.
-Brooks knows day is day and night is night but won't go for more than three hours sleeping. We. Are. Tired.
- Brooks nurses SUPER fast.
- We LOVE our new little addition. He is such a blessing.

Our Birth Story

2011-06-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June, 1st I had a doctors appointment which I mentioned in my previous post. I was encouraged as I left there hoping the doctor was actually right; that I would deliver before the week was out. I continued my day as normal; took care of my beautiful boys, cleaned house, prepared dinner, etc.
That evening Dave and I got the boys in bed and cleaned up. All the while I continued to have more of the same contractions I had been experiencing for just over a day by then. I decided I would rather get a good nights rest again than have a baby at that very moment. I laid down at about 8:00 expecting them to slow as they had the evening before.
By 9:00 I recognized that they weren't slowing, but weren't any worse either.
At around 10:00 Dave started to time my contractions as they seemed to be getting closer together and intensifying somewhat.
I decided to hop into the tub to relax and REALLY test myself. If the contractions eased--false alarm.
Just the process of getting myself into the bath gave me a whole slew of contractions all on top of each other. With this new information, Dave started making some calls. He dialed our doctor, babysitter, doula, and famililes and put them all on red alert.
In between the time that I hopped (or rather lumbered and rolled) into the tub, and the doula arriving, I was able to relax quite a bit, and my contractions were much more bearable in the warm, soothing water. I started saying to Dave, "what if this isn't it?! I will be SO embarrassed if this is a false alarm. My mentality was, at this point I still felt pretty stinkin' good. Yeah, the contractions were a bit painful, but this was nothing like I had known. Labor as I knew it was miserable and immediate contractions starting at two minutes apart and very, very painful.
The after hours doctor who would be in contact with my OB even said, "well, if your pattern keeps up for another hour, you should probably head into the hospital and I will let your doctor know."
...back to the great white whale swimming in the bathtub...
Between 10:30 and 11:00 our doula showed up. Dave and I decided when she did we would head in. I managed to heft myself out of the tub, put a few clothing items on, say thanks to our babysitter (who lives next door so came right on over when we gave the word), and get in the car.
My contractions were now regular and strong. I knew this was the big show. We showed up at the hospital sometime around 11:30 and they hooked me up for monitoring right away. I was currently at 5 cm and after just two contractions they took me off the monitor to transfer me to the delivery room because they were convinced I was actually in labor...they never seem to believe me. I was a little deflated at "only" being a 5 since the harder half of labor was still to come. Or at least in my history I still had a while left and a whole lotta pain to go.
Once in the delivery room they put the Hep Lock in while I labored on the birthing ball/hunched over the end of the bed.
While the nurse was attending to me we had a conversation that kinda freaked me out.
"Let me know when you start to feel pressure and we will call the doctor and tell her to come in," she said.
"It doesn't take me that long to push out the baby," I said. "By the time she gets here it will be too late! You need to call her when I am like an 8."
"Well, we have an on call doctor if we need," she replied.
I kept thinking how by the time she would be called Dave would be the one delivering the baby.
I got in the shower as soon as they let me. I was in there for no more than 1o or so minutes when I felt a big hiccup from the baby; or what felt like one. I knew my water had broken.
The nurse checked me again and told me I was at an 8...wait...what? An 8?!?! There was no way, labor hadn't been TOO bad and we had only gotten then a half an hour ago.
"I could kiss you! Call the doctor!" I blurted out. This was great news.
I wanted to continue laboring in the shower but upon seeing blood my doula encouraged me to get back on the bed and ready to go because we were close.
She was right. But this was when it got really hard. Now that the pain was no longer dispersed and cushioned by my waters, it hurt. Bad. Again.
I was having a hard time doing the interval breathing (ask me about it and I'll tell you), and wasn't out of control, but didn't think I would be able to last much longer...then I felt the bearing down and urge to push. What a relief!
"I need to push!" I moaned/demanded.
"Don't." Was the reply I got.
"I can't help it; I have to!"...and so I did.
I heard them rapidly getting the on call doctor in the room and was relieved when I saw him walk in.
As I recall from labor with Carson and Drake all I could feel was to push at this point. I didn't really feel any pain, I really only felt to push and push hard, and enjoy it.
This was different; it hurt. I felt the bearing down, but not near to the extent I was used to. Why would I though? Everything else about this pregnancy, labor and delivery was so far different.
The pain was bad and the only way to alleviate it was to push with all I had.
I pushed through two contractions with him in the room, all the while asking and begging for some affirmation they could see the baby coming.
With just two short contractions remaining, I heard my chipper doctor walk into the room and quickly put her gloves on.
A couple minutes later, Brooks was born at exactly 1:00 am pn June 2nd.
The cord was wrapped all around his torso and is believed to be the reason he didn't descend thus putting me into labor sooner. Fortunately, while it was over each shoulder and had him strapped up like a skydiver, it was not around his neck at all.
They immediately put him on my chest. He was warm, slimy, covered in blood and white goop, and was so perfect I could hardly stand it. He cried like a champion immediately. It was magical.
He weighed 7 lbs 14 ounces and was 21.5 inches long. He has a full head of dark hair and looks very much like a Crockett boy.
I tore, but not too bad. (I don't even feel it when I do...all I know is it's over!!). I pushed for about 10 minutes total.
I did a couple of unorthodox things that have worked out really well for me.
1- I went without meds (I've done this before but since it's not as "normal" I figured I'd list it)
2 - I had them leave the cord unclamped for a number of minutes. I wanted the baby to get as much blood volume as possible.
3 - I refused Pitocin after birth. This one was the biggest "fight" but I am REALLY glad I did it. My uterus did exactly what it was supposed to all by itself, in fact, it shrunk/is shrinking so quickly each person that pushed on it made some sort of comment. Because of this, my after labor contractions haven't been nearly as painful. It is supposed to get worse with each child, but because of the Pitocin with my previous labors this time has been the least painful.
All in all this was my easiest labor. By far. It is always a miracle. I am grateful for all the love and support shown.
Brooks is a wonderful and beautiful. He is certainly meant to be in our home and we could not be more happy he is here.

Baby Brooks

2011-06-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Brooks Fager Crockett

2011-06-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

Missed the due date by 1 hour. Born June 2, at 1 am. 7 lbs 14 oz and 21.5 inches long. More to follow including pictures.

Happy Due Date

2011-06-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Too bad I won't actually have a baby today... or if I did I would be shocked. Everything about this pregnancy has been different. Looks like labor and delivery are following suit.

Here is my history:

Carson - water broke at 5:00 pm on December 23rd.
Contractions started at 7:00 pm at 2 minutes apart.
He was born at 1:03 am December 24th.
Born at 36 weeks 6 days.
I started dilated to a whopping nothing.

Drake - contractions started at 2 minutes apart at 6:00 am.
He was born at 3:57 pm on August 31st.
Born at 39 weeks.
I started dilated to a 1.5(and the doctor was being generous).

Now, I am 40 weeks pregnant. I started having contractions a few days ago, but yesterday they were anywhere from 5-2o minutes apart. They have been painful, but I am not in labor. Frankly, it just doesn't hurt enough often enough.
I had a doctor's appointment today. I have been toying with the idea of having her break my water. I labored with Carson without it, and while it hurts like the dickens (the dickens being something I can't even describe because it's so awful), I know I can do it.
Too bad she told me it's all or nothing. She won't just break my water, she would have to schedule and induction with Pitocin and all, and I won't do that.
I have always been proud of my "head". It was what helped me excel in sports, and endure a number of difficult things in my life. I have mental toughness and some serious tenacity. I like to challenge myself and overcome. If I put my mind to it...it will happen.
This past week has really challenged me. It has been VERY mentally trying for a number of reasons. I don't really want to go into all of them. I have been wavering.
With all of this, it was SUCH a boost today to hear that I am dilated to a four!!!!! I was THRILLED to hear that. It refueled me. I have never made it to a four without some serious laboring before.
5 days ago, I was at:
-One centimeter dilated
-40% effaced
- minus two

Today, I was at:
-Four centimeters dilated (I was actually 3-4 but I have had enough painful contractions since, I am confident I am now to a 4)
-60% effaced
-minus one

The doctor told me, "I am not just saying this (which we have learned already from my previous appointment and post; she says it how it is), but I will be floored, shocked, utterly surprised if you are pregnant past Saturday. With the way your cervix feels, I really think you are very close."
In fact she left by saying, "See you in a day or two."

I REALLY hope she is right. Otherwise, my psyche will need another boost. Wish me luck.

My Handsome Boys

2011-05-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Even though I all three shots aren't fabulous, I love each one for different reasons. These boys are the joy and light of my life.

39 weeks 4 days

2011-05-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ugh

2011-05-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

Still here. AND I have not progressed since last week (not that this surprises me... I have never gone into labor dilated past a 1.5). I am feeling quite uncomfortable. At the doctors today she said, "you're baby is so high!" as she went to measure me. I don't carry high, and I don't carry low; I carry everywhere. It is IMPOSSIBLE trying to convince people that I have a short torso, especially being a 6'0'' girl; but I do. Considering I am over 39 weeks, I still appear fairly small, but I carry all the way up and down.
"That baby is right up under your chest!" She exclaimed. Chest, I don't really notice...ribs I do.
"Yes. He is in my ribs all the time", I told her.
Then she went on to talk induction which, I am superly duperly against (JUST FOR ME. I don't think it's "wrong" and I do know it can be medically necessary).
It was a rather discouraging appointment. I didn't love hearing comments like: "yeah, you're way past where you've ever been before" (at this point, it's only two days). Or, "Oh, by 41 weeks you'll want to be induced; you'll see".
I did have my membranes stripped along with another comment, "I did the best I could considering you are still only dilated to a one".
I also get lots of "advice" on how to go into labor. Let me just say, I have never worked so hard for ten days straight...ever. I have worn myself out. This doesn't even include the miles I have been walking. I even walked 4 miles before my appointment this morning. Lets just say most of the advice doesn't even register on my work scale for the past week and a half.
I even had someone tell me today that the reason I have such a "small" belly (it sure feels big to me), was because I was so wide. Gee, thanks.
Alright. Done complaining. I did want to document my feelings on the day. I don't often struggle to keep it in check, but today I have.
On the flip side, I am super grateful Brooks is still healthy and strong. It IS easier to get done what I need to with him on the inside still.
We were also able to majorly scrub our house again today (I did it really well last week with my little sister as well...like I said... I have been working hard), and I LOOOOOOVE me a clean house. I even asked Dave today if I was neurotic about cleaning :).
I am grateful for my strong body. The doctor mentioned again today that I have "strong anatomy" that is well fit for holding and growing children. If I ever got pregnant with multiples, I would be confident in my body's ability to carry them well. I also feel like it allows for me to get pregnant as many times as I want, and I won't be limited by what my reproductive system can handle.
I do know that when Brooks is ready, Brooks is ready. I don't want to rush that. I know that his timing will be the right timing.
I am enjoying yummy treats up until Brooks comes, then will swear off all junk/sugary food until the baby weight is g.o.n.e. and I am very excited about the cookies we will be making tonight!
Lastly, I am really grateful for the generosity and kindness I have been shown. So many wonderful friends have really helped me physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. The offers of help have been numerous and frequent. I have been truly blessed with wonderful people in my life.

Thank You, Carson

2011-05-24T17:36:00.001-07:00

Dear Carson,

Thank you for being such a good boy today. You made my heart warm and full with all of your "I Love Yous" and "You're Nice, Mommy".
Thank you for sharing with Drake. I didn't have to get after you at all for taking anything, or being unkind.
Thank you for singing all day long. Your rendition of Les Mis went "Look Down, Look Down, Done look 'em in re-eye." And my personal favorite, "Wankee Doodle". I am not going to even bother going there with that song. You will figure out the correct words on your own.
Thank you for obeying.
Thank you for drawing me beautiful pictures. You are a very good artist.
Thank you for helping me clean the entire house; you helped me for almost and hour, and sang the entire time.
Thank you for your cheerful countenance.
Thank you for always delighting and surprising me with what you know. You are sooooo stinkin' smart.
Thank you for washing the dishes and unloading the silverware. You LOVE to help in the kitchen.
Thank you for the wonderful hugs.
Thank you for refining me...although today you didn't. Thanks for that too.
I sure love you, little boy. Thank you for making me happy.

Love,

Mommy

No Baby Yet

2011-05-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

I thought I should give a quick update because after my last one, you are probably wondering. After my self prescribed bed-rest my regular contractions went away. I had a Dr. appointment today. I am at at "loose 1" and 40% effaced. This is right where I was at the same time with Drake. The doc did say that my cervix was a lot softer than last time. I guess I have a champion cervix...you know; strong, tight, deep. Every girls dream...

Never a Dull Moment

2011-05-16T09:12:00.001-07:00

Dave and I signed up with Aflac July 17, 2010 as a supplemental insurance. They have a combination of policies that they call their "Maternity Plan". It no longer exists in Utah (and possibly Idaho) because so many mothers were doing it the company has lost money on it. Fortunately, that isn't the case in Colorado.
The only stipulation is that you cannot have a baby before 10 months of the effective date or you don't receive any of the benefits, you simply lose your premium money, and the show is over.
Do some quick math in your head...what is ten months from July 17th? Is it May 17th...18th...17....18?? What is considered the first of a new month??
With that in mind, guess who started having contractions yesterday? Yup, me.
After my bug on Friday, I felt alright on Saturday. Not 100%, but definitely better. Sunday rolled around and about half-way through sacrament meeting I was having the sweats and urges to vomit again. Timing could not have been worse, Dave and I were supposed to sing in a quartet with the famous Nick and Christina Bishop in five short minutes. AND it was acapella. The talk ended and I walked up to the stand; I was so focused on how I felt that I didn't get nervous singing . It was fabulous and probably the only time that will ever happen.
We finished the song and sat down; I felt alright at that point. Sunday School was blissfully uneventful and then YW rolled around.
After the opening song I started have contractions. Regular contractions. Mine start at 2 minutes apart and this time was no exception. They weren't bad enough to breathe through, but were also unmistakable.
At this point, I melted into my chair, relaxed myself as much as possible and tried to talk my body out of labor until Tuesday...Wednesday...I didn't know, but it was important to find out.
When we all got home I put myself on bed rest and called my Aflac agent to see when I could have the baby. He wasn't sure and informed me he would find out conclusively this morning and let me know.
Dave and I decided to put me on bed rest again today just to be safe. He is home taking care of one and all while I lay here bored out of my mind. He is such a wonderful husband.
I took the initiative to call Aflac HQ this morning to really figure out the plan. It turns out, the 17th is considered 10 full months. Hallelujah! I can have a baby tomorrow if that be the case. I will lay here through dinner, then resume life as normal.
I have also determined my nausea and sickness problem is most likely hormone related. I think this body of mine is simply warming up for the big event. Because of all the excitement, I have truly convinced myself that once I am off bed rest nothing will happen. You read that right...nothing will happen. I am even planning on going past my due date. If I think of it any differently I will drive myself crazy. We shall see what happens...

37 1/2 weeks

2011-05-14T14:04:00.001-07:00

Well that was embarrassing

2011-05-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

Dave has an off Friday today. I decided to do an endowment session for the last time before the baby comes. About half way through, I started to feel pretty warm and uncomfortable. This was shortly followed by nausea. I quietly started breathing deeply and slowly, in through my nose -2-3-4, out through my mouth -2-3-4.
It got progressively worse. Finally near the end, I had to literally run out (during and EXTREMELY inopportune time) to throw up. It didn't actually happen, but I have never gotten so close with no show before. I stood in the back with a barf bag the rest of the time.
Still ill, I blasted the A.C. square on my face for the drive home. Thinking I might make it, I called my mom to say "hi". After a few minutes of small talk quickly hung up with, "I need to pull over! I don't know what's going to happen in the next three minutes!"
Sure enough, there was absolutely no shoulder to pull over onto. I was on the freeway at a junction. My mouth started to sweat...I was drooling buckets into the bag I was holding up to my face with my left hand. Unfortunately, the bag was too small, and the really slick plastic. Not like airplanes where they hold form a little better.
It happened. I kept my eyes up and focused on the road, gripped the wheel with my right hand, and attempted to catch all vomit with the bag in my left. I was 99% successful....
what didn't make it in the bag landed on my clothes and stuck to my face. Gross.
I'm now lying in bed hoping to feel better...I hope this is just a 24 hour thing...

Bad Weather...What a Blessing!

2011-05-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today the high is 44 and it's been sleeting, snowing, raining, and hailing for quite some time. I LOVE it! I have been struggling with swelling this pregnancy (just like the end of Carson's). We hit a couple of days of 85 and our A.C. wasn't functioning. I could NOT bring my pitting edema under control. If I pushed enough on my legs I looked like a big hunk of pasty white swiss cheese.
This cold weather has helped IMMENSELY. My chilly house makes me happy :).
Now stay tuned for a full term picture. Yay for being 37 weeks!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-05-05T05:50:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary! May 5, 2006.

Officially can't breath...anymore...at all...

2011-05-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Of course, Brooks is welcome to whatever he needs to make it here healthy. With that said, my lungs are no longer my own. I seriously sound like a rhinoceros.

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-24T18:38:00.001-07:00

We did our traditional Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. Last year it was fun, but this year it was even better. We had TWO little fellas that understood enough to make it fun for Dave and I to do the hunt for.
We divided the eggs between the front and back yards. Drake went first and literally ran out the door ready to begin.

Then it was Carson's turn.

Drake got bored during Carson's hunt and attempted to climb the slide...

...the operative word being attempted.

Carson searched long and hard and only needed help on a couple of eggs.

Here are the boys showing their spoils. We tried to get some cute smiles out of them, but I could see after three pictures, we weren't going to get ANYWHERE.

This was our best shot.

Drake has been super willing to "cheese" it up for the camera. Anytime we say "smile", this is what we get.
When the hunt was over, we sat the boys down with their baskets and let them have at it while giving them a lesson on Easter and the Resurrection. It is something I really hope we do every year...
...then we took their candy away.

Preoccupied

2011-04-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

I went in for an OB appointment last Friday. I was 33 weeks 2 days. I endured the lovely Group B Strep Test (I was positive with Carson and negative with Drake...). Then, I heard Brooks' heartbeat at 140 bpm. Lastly, I was to be measured.
"31.5" the doctor said. "You didn't grow from last time."
Initially I was pleased because who wants to walk around fat all the time?
"I'm not too worried about you; as long as you are between 31 and 34, I think that is good."
I thanked the doctor and we parted ways.
The rest of the day I wasn't too concerned, but Saturday rolled around and I was becoming more and more "preoccupied" by it. By the time Sunday hit, it was on my mind the vast majority of the time. To top it all off, I wore a dress to church that I shouldn't have. It accentuated more belly than I actually have.
"I can finally tell you are pregnant!" I heard 500 times.
The fact that I HADN'T grown in 3 weeks made this statement so much worse. While everyone's intentions were nothing but kind, I still wanted to scream, "oh yeah! Then how come you didn't say that THREE weeks ago when I ACTUALLY grew! I'm STILL the same size!"
I never thought I would actually want to be bigger.
I called the Dr. Sunday evening and left a message, then again Monday when I didn't hear back.
I was scheduled for an ultrasound on Wednesday.
The tech wouldn't tell me much even though and grilled and pushed her as much as I dare. What I did learn was that the baby was measuring at appx. 35 weeks, or 5 pounds 3 ounces. I was tickled pink to hear these numbers. I also learned my fluid levels were at 15. Between 5 and 20 is good.
The two things I have been most concerned about are my placental condition, and fluid levels. Both seemed to be just fine. I haven't heard back from the doctor, but I think that is a good thing.
The only thing I can reason for being "so small" is that I am simply carrying an average sized baby. By this point, but Carson and Drake have been humongous. I have measured small with them as well, and they were even a couple of pounds bigger, so with a smaller baby, I have an even smaller tummy.
I am now more certain than ever with all three babies, that Brooks is a boy. It's been very obvious with all three, but some things were more clear than ANYTHING else on the ultrasound.
Lastly, my favorite part of seeing the baby was his puckered lips. I have gotten pretty good at reading ultrasounds and noticed what seemed to be Brooks "kissing" my uterus.
"Is he puckering his lips?" I asked.
The tech started laughing heartily and trying to capture the moment for me. "He totally is!" She exclaimed.
Little Brooks had such a kissy face with majorly puckered lips it almost seemed fake. He had his luscious lips out as far as he could get 'em.
All at once it stopped but it was sure enough to make my day :).
I'm so grateful yet again for a healthy baby. I am still preoccupied, but it is by all my wonderful blessings!

My Marvelous Mel

2011-04-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note for Mel. I appreciate all she does for me and my family. I am grateful for all the wonderful wives and mothers out there who work so hard for their families. Your work is invaluable to those lives you bless.

I love Mel for a lot of reasons:

She cooks great meals and always keeps the family fed
She cleans the house
She does the laundry
She makes lunches for me sometimes and brings them to work
She makes great treats for me to eat... sometimes to share :(
She cuts my hair
She works day in and day out with the boys while I go to "work"
She pampers me when I am sick or hurt
She plays the piano for me when I want to sing show tunes
She likes to do things with me, be it work or play
She brings the boys and comes to visit me at work
She likes to let me do things I like to do
She is supportive and encouraging
She gives good hugs (and I hug her a lot)
She is patient with my shortcomings

I am grateful to have Mel for a wife. She is good to me, and a super mom for the boys. One of the things I admire most about her is her perseverance, the way that she quietly suffers through her trials in life. For those who don't know, Mel has a bad knee. Her knee is always causing her pain, sometimes worse than others. The only time I hear about her knee is when it locks and she can't bend it, or when it hurts bad enough she can barely walk. Sometimes I forget she even has anything wrong with her. This week, I have had a sore muscle in my leg. It was causing a constant, dull pain that was really distracting for me. I can only imagine how hard it must be for Mel to work so hard everyday, playing with the boys, running errands, doing chores, making dinner, being pregnant, etc. on a knee that isn't fit for a 90 year old, let alone a 26 year old.

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.” - Orson F. Whitney, in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle (1972), 98

I have learned a lot from my wonderful wife, and I have a lot left to learn. Thanks Mel for being a truly amazing person, I love you.

Poor Ben!

2011-04-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have two brothers. Both are serving missions. David (21) is in Tempe, Arizona and will be home in 8 days. Yahoo!!
Ben (19) is in St. Louis, Missouri and has been out for 7 months. Last night Ben wrecked his bike...bad. From my limited understanding, he was riding pretty rapidly down a hill and trying to signal with his arm at the same time when he lost control of his bike and hit the wrong brake sending him head over heels.
The bike slid a number of yards finally resting somewhere in the street. Ben landed on his head and right shoulder and proceeded to slide appx. 20 feet (according to his companion). The miracle of it all was whilst the bike went all crazy and flew into the road, Ben landed and slid all on a two-foot-wide strip of grass. (You know, the thin strip of lawn that lines a number of roads and occasionally has landscaping in it like flowers, shrubs, or trees.)
Ben's poor companion was a little freaked out by the situation, but who wouldn't be?! He called the police who came to the "scene" and then called an ambulance which took Ben to the hospital.
Ben tore his clothes up and broke his right collar bone but was otherwise unscathed. I was utterly relieved to learn that was the extent of his injuries. It could have and should have been a lot worse but fortunately was not. Collar bones heal. 100%. Phew!
*the moral of the story is to wear a helmet...and serve a mission :).

March Pictures - Just for Fun

2011-04-10T14:37:00.001-07:00

I have no clue where he gets it, but Carson LOOOOOVES to make funny faces. Drake was trying to make the same one :)

This is how Drake fold his arms to say prayer. It's not a great picture depicting it, but imagine both hands doing what his right one is. He curls his little hands up underneath his chin and pokes his elbows out. It's pretty stinkin' cute.

A BIG Transition

2011-04-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

We have decided to put the boys in the same room. We have less than two months before Brooks arrives and need to get ready. We transitioned Carson to a twin bed when he was 18 months old, but Drake just didn't seem ready so we decided to try converting his crib to the toddler bed it can be. Below are pictures of the process...they also depict the most amount of time Drake spent actually laying in the bed.
We moved Drake into Carson's room and prepared for a long first night. Drake was so out of control that we ended up putting the crib back together that night so Carson could get some sleep. Drake would NOT stay in bed. We put a child lock on the door so he couldn't get out and the results were crazed screaming and door pounding for an hour and a half. We did go in a number of times to put him back down, but I could tell we were getting nowhere.
It was still a long night, but at least we was contained - right?
Each morning this week the one or both of the boys have woken everyone up at 5:30 am. Needless to say, it's been a very long week, and I am very tired (read cranky, and zombie-like).
After a couple of days, I realized just how much bigger Drake's room was. The debate to begin with was closet space. Carson's room had a big closet as well as a storage room off of it wherein we kept a lot of toys. Drake's room is a lot bigger with no storage/play room, and a much smaller closet. Thinking the bigger room would accommodate beds better, we decided to switch them up again. Now they are in Drake's room and seem to be doing better. Carson is a good sport and will try anything. He has been very good and patient with the process. Drake is STILL struggling quite a bit, even in his own room, but that is why we are doing this now, instead of when the baby gets here. I'm not gonna lie, this whole thing has been a huge pain, but it had to happen sometime. Hopefully this next week will prove better than the last.

They both have the same cheesy smiles. I love it :)

My Manly Man and His Deck

2011-04-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

So we decided to tackle the back deck this year. It was essentially a big splinter trap and ugly to boot. We planned to just sand and refinish it, but then we had some fun and cut it down by about half so that we could have more yard to play in too (that is our next big project).

Here is phase 1 - demolition

Phase 2 - Dig out the posts

Phase 3 - pull out all "popped" nails, and screw down all the boards. (the deck had minimal screws to begin with...it wasn't well built initially)

Phase 4 - Sand, sand, sand
Phase 5 - do the final cut across the end and add finishing boards

Phase 6 - Stain it. Sorry we don't have a full shot, our camera died. And check out Carson's awesome jump shot!

Thank you, Dave for all of your hard work. You did a wonderful job!

Belly Shots

2011-04-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

28 weeks pregnant

31 1/2 weeks pregnant

**I am currently 32 1/2 weeks pregnant and had someone tell me today I was "looking ready"... the only thing I can figure is that she was looking at me from behind. I know I hide the baby well, but my bum certainly looks bigger :).

I about died...

2011-04-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

...LAUGHING!
We have put the boys in a room together. It has not been a pretty transition (more to come on this), but sometimes listening to them is super entertaining. Last night as they were pretending/trying to fall asleep they were both singing...wait for it... Les Miserables. Together. So Funny!!

Hiccups

2011-03-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

Baby Brooks has hiccups. Right this very moment. I feel so grateful for those little, rhythmic bumps. It means he is alive. It means he is well. What a special thing to grow a human being...a perfect human being inside of me. I don't ever want to take these movements or miracles for granted.

Poops and Pukes

2011-03-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

This is something I wrote this last Sunday:

March 20, 2011
Not much to say here except Drake is sick...again. This is really getting old. He barfed ALL over the hallway at church when Dave went to pick Carson up from class. It has been more than exciting; let me tell ya. When we got home he proceeded to have "bazooka diarrhea" as Dave called it. He can't keep any fluids in. The second we put anything in his little body, he shoots it out one end or the other. Dave gave him a blessing, then one of the multiple people who called to check in on him via me, gave me an herbal suggestion to slow down his digestive tract. I felt like that was a big blessing. I was excited at the prospect of another option before we dump another grand at the ER. We got the pills at around 5:00 and he has only pooped once since (it's currently 9:00). Hopefully he has a good night.
Tomorrow if I get more down him, it will be a REALLY good day. (Today consisted of ANYTHING I could think of...otter pops, gatorade, fruit snacks, peaches, applesauce, and jello jigglers). So far the rest of us seem to be in the clear.
Dave is a champion. He was the one holding Drake when he threw up, so Dave was COVERED in vomit which consisted entirely of curdled milk. Then, the reason he dubbed it "bazooka diarrhea" was because he was changing Drake's diaper when the poop shot with great force from his little bum and COVERED Dave's pants and legs. When Dave left church, he had removed his jacket and tie. When I got home from church (I had to stick around for BYC), Dave was only in his underwear and a T-shirt. It was funny and pathetic at the same time.
Because of all the poop and puke, I have done 4 loads of laundry today which now need to be folded with the other 4 loads on my floor. How fast do you think I can fold 8 loads of laundry??...

Today:
Well, Drake's bug last only about 18 hours, but it was a fierce 18 hours. I've never seen anything quite like it. Yesterday he was pretty much fine. Today he was adorable and happy, with a good appetite and all. I was so excited that the rest of us had escaped the bug...

until 30 minutes ago.

Poor Carson just vomited. And so it begins...again.

*Update* Carson seems to be losing it from the top rather than the bottom. Even sick, he is adorable. The times he has vomited, he has quietly gone to find the nearest available trash can (one of which was directly next to a toilet), and throws up. He hasn't cried or complained or even made noise, really. He is clean and quiet, then shuffles his way back to bed. It makes me want to hug him and cry.
I LOATHE when my children are sick. It's not that it ruins my plans or creates gross messes to be cleaned up. I simply don't want them to suffer. I just want to take the pain and illness away so badly. Must be what our Father in Heaven feels like sometimes.

Nursery

2011-03-07T12:54:00.001-08:00

I should document this before I forget. Drake's second day in nursery was yesterday. I missed the first because I was in New York, but I heard he did fabulously. Yesterday, I saw it for myself. Drake is in the "difficult" class...you know, the one with all the screamers; and I do mean screamers. It doesn't bother him. After sacrament we walked to the loudest class we could hear, walked in the door, parted ways, and that was it. Drake plopped himself down on the floor and started playing with some toys. He didn't mind if I was there, or wasn't.
I peeked through the hole a couple of times to make sure he was doing alright. Once, he was coloring (and did fabulously covering his paper), and another time he was eating his snacks. He was standing on his chair, propping himself up with his hands on the table. He was teetering over his hands, smashing his face into the table, eating the graham crackers with his lips and his teeth like some horse. It was hysterical!
When I went to pick him up he was all smiles and hugs. Made me happy.

p.s. Wednesday is my 28 week appointment. I PROMISE to put some pictures up. Some super cute (my wonderful boys), and some just plain fat ones (me).

A WICKED Awesome Weekend

2011-03-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

*Warning* This is going to be long, so unless you like me, like barfing stories, like stories of angels among us, like Wicked, or like Manhattan...you'll be bored.

...6 Weeks Earlier...

Ring. Ring. Ring.
"Hello?"
"Hey!" Says my dad. "How would you feel if I flew you out to New York to see Wicked? It would be the end of February."
"Ugh. Fine. Twist my arm why don't you". Obviously I was kidding. I jumped all over plan.
"It will be a "girls trip" with mom and I."
- details worked out between like 15 phone more calls-

...Fast Forward to the present day...

Early Friday morning my hunky husband drove me to the airport to begin an adventurous weekend in Manhattan.

Denver to Detroit = not too bad

I got through airport security with plenty of time to sit and read my book for a good long while. We boarded the plane around 8:00 am and my adventures began. The flight was pretty uneventful except for the two LARGE men I was sitting next to. I had the window seat, and they had put the armrests up so they could have more room. I was SMASHED against the window. Lest you think I am kidding, I assure you, the man on my right and I were touching clear from our shoulders and down our adjoining legs. Gross.
I got a little woozy on the landing but didn't think anything of it.

Detroit to LaGuardia = Miserable and Nasty

This flight began so-so. Since I wasn't feeling too great from the previous flight, I closed my eyes and breathed deeply while the air blasted me in the face. I survived decently until with about 45 minutes left, things started to get a bit "bumpy". Then it accelerated to something like being caught in dryer and a wild roller coaster at the same time. At that point I was full on labor breathing trying to keep it together. No such luck. With about 20 minutes left I grabbed for the barf bag in front of me and vomited mightily. I felt better for all of 30 seconds till more waves hit. Because the turbulence didn't stop neither did my nausea. We FINALLY landed and I was as miserable as I have been. I slumped against my seat until every other passenger was off the plane then feebly trembled and stumbled off the plane.

I went to the bathroom where I could simply sit on a toilet and put my head down. After about 15 minutes I realized I wasn't getting any better and I hate airport bathrooms. I left to find my bus.

The Bus to the Subway = Hell on Wheels...Literally

I walked out into the blustery cool New York air. It felt good in my lungs. I was immediately overwhelmed. I was already nervous about getting from the airport to the hotel and the amount of people and lack of signs didn't help. I gritted my teeth, and was determined to be a big girl. At that moment I was determined to find bus B33...something that didn't exist. I walked around...a lot... to no avail. In my indecisiveness I managed to irk some New Yorkers and got an earful of New York "love".
I started to worry and began poking my head into buses to ask the drivers if this bus is the one I needed to get on. Finally, one driver said to me, "There is no such thing as B33. I think you are looking for Q33."
Recalling a waiting station where the Q and M buses came, I resigned to head over there and just wait for a while to see what happened.
I sank onto the bench in between a short Hispanic man and another white boy who looked about 16. He was tall and gangly, had a furry yarn knitted beanie, a face full of pimples, glasses, a mouth full of braces, a pleasant smile, pants that were just a little too tight and short, and a pair of hiking boots.
A short minute later I turned to the boy on my right, "what bus are you waiting for?"
"Q33" he responded.
"Really?!" I was utterly relieved. "I think that is the bus I need to get on too."
"Yeah, I need to get off at 74th and Roosevelt."
Recalling that information from my directions, I almost cried in relief to realize that was also my stop. Yes, this was the bus I needed, and there was someone I could secretly follow.
He and I talked a while longer. It became clearer and clearer this boy was a saint. He was a tender mercy sent straight to me.
His name was Johan. He was a pleasant person and quite enjoyable to talk to; very humble, kind, and focused. He was auditioning in piano for a masters program at some New York school of music. He was a Senior at Indiana, and he also had never been to NY before.
I also learned that in order to ride the bus I needed a pass, or exact change...
Q33 rolled up and I tried to get on the bus. Exact change meant exactly that; change. No bills. I was mortified. I didn't know what to do.
"Pay me at the next stop," growled the ornery bus driver.
A nice black lady swapped some quarters and bills with me, and Johan contributed the last quarter I needed.
"There is you $2.25" I said as I quickly and bashfully shoved the coins in the slot. "Thanks for letting me do that"
No response.
I sat back down and closed my eyes. The bus was a.w.f.u.l. it was herky and jerky. Cowboys don't need bulls and horses in training, they need a New York bus. To make matters worse, I couldn't see the road in front of me. Nothing to focus on.
I had used all the bags I had to vomit in and was left with my food bag. I quickly dumped the items into my purse and proceeded to be sick. We weren't even half way done with the bus ride.
"Are you alright?" Johan inquired.
I informed him of the rough flight, my predisposition to motion sickness, and that I was pregnant. All a rough combination.
I continued to have a hard time on the bus. I weep when I throw up and had tears running down my face as black rivers.
Johan began counting the stops for me. "Just two left, you can make it. Take deep breaths." Or, "four blocks left, you are doing great!"
I really appreciated that someone cared.
At long last 74th and Roosevelt appeared. I followed Johan off the bus. "Why don't we wait here just a minute so you can get some fresh air" he suggested. He had found a big garbage can for us to stand next to so I could vomit there. It was just outside the Subway station I needed. He was looking out for me. Ten minutes later he helped me figure out which subway train I needed and helped me purchase my ticket. He went his way, I went mine.

Subway to the Hotel = Another Angel in Surprise

I descended the stairs. No sooner than I hit the bottom and looked up, did a helpful, kind, spry elderly woman approach me. "Do you need help? Where are you going?"
I simply handed her my slip of paper with handwritten directions and hoped she could figure it out.
"You come with me. I am going the same place." She said. "I'll help you find your hotel." Another coincidence...I think not.
This angels name was Anka. She was an Armenian from Romania. She has lived in New York for 37 years. She was small and beautiful with white hair, dark eyes and eyebrows. She was thin but strong.
I told her of my plight and she seemed eager to help and get me rest.
"You sleep," she instructed. "I will wake you when it is our stop. You don't need to worry." As simply as that, I felt worlds better.
The time arrived for us to get off the Subway. I had fortunately made it without throwing up again, but was still carrying my bag-o-vomit around the city just in case.
Anka had me take her arm and walked me up the stairs, out of the station, and to my hotel door where we parted ways and gave well wishes.

I had made it.

I pray that Johan and Anka were blessed for their efforts. They were both heaven sent. I especially hope that Johan gets into the Masters Program he was auditioning for. He was certain he wouldn't because of all the competition, but I know he will helped for helping me. Maybe not by getting into the school, but something just a wonderful, I hope.

Saturday morning rolled around and I still felt yucky. I think the motion sickness triggered my Vertigo. We didn't let it hold us back and filled our day with the following:

Ground Zero
A walk along the Hudson River
The statue of Liberty
Battery Park
Lunch at the Stage Deli
Central Park
Times Square
Some fun stores
The Diamond District
Haggling with street vendors (I didn't get anything)
Dinner at Ray's Pizza
The Stardust Diner (I HIGHLY recommend this place)
And WICKED!!!!!!

Wicked was incredible. It was perfect. I have no complaints whatsoever. Broadway is so professional and polished. Truly amazing. The set was beautiful and creative and the cast was perfect. Here is my critique:

Glinda: Grade A. She was a fabulous actress and a super duper soprano on the high operatic notes. Those were definitely her forte.
Elphaba: Grade A+. She could not have been better.
Fiyero: Grade A-. Also excelled on the higher notes. 'As Long as You're Mine' showcased him a lot better than 'Dancing Through Life'. Not as good and actor and Glinda. Thus my grade.
Wizard of Oz: Grade A-. He was the understudy. Did just fine.
Madame Morrible: Grade A+. She was great! Hated her guts, loved her voice. I think that is exactly how you are supposed to feel about her character.

The rest of the characters and supporting parts were awesome. I feel really lucky I got to see this show on Broadway.

Sunday morning, I still wasn't feeling well. We went to church with the ward that meets at 9:00 am in the chapel under the temple. That was pretty cool.
It was there I happened to see a boy I dated a little in college. The last time I had seen him (Summer 2005), I felt like he had goaded me and pushed buttons purposefully and I had called him a "jerk" and left.
I have never done anything like that before or since, but still felt like that was a pretty deserved statement he earned.
Yup. It was a little awkward seeing him. I wasn't going to pretend like I didn't remember him and didn't see him, so I took the opportunity to chat for a minute at the beginning of the third hour. I am glad I did because now, if I ever see him again, all is well and the awkward factor has been dissolved.

When church was over my family put me in a cab and said their goodbyes. I did my darndest on that ride to watch the road. I stared the pavement down like nobodies business but alas. Still got sick. I didn't throw up this time, but having never gotten over the Friday escapades, I was doomed. I spent the hour at the airport calming my system, but the effect were minimal.

LaGuardia to Minneapolis = Urping and Burping

This flight was not fun, but I didn't vomit. Hallelujah.

Minneapolis to Denver = So close! But no cigar.

This flight was also miserable but at this point I was so eager to be off plains, trains, and buses I would do what I had to. I warned my neighbors at the beginning of the flight that I had been having problems. They were kind enough but I could tell the only thing running through their minds was, "oh great, we are the ones stuck next to THAT person."
We take off without too much added drama and reach 30,000 feet. The captain comes on to tell us we are supposed to have clear skies and a smooth ride.
Wrong.
Half way through the trip, the turbulence gets bad enough the captain get on the PA and apologizes for this "unexpected" air that was supposed to be non-existent and then asks the Flight Attendants to sit down and strap in. Yes, it was that bad.
Do I even need to finish the story??
I guess the only thing worth adding is, I am very good at throwing up. If that is even something you can be good at. I am very quiet. Nobody around knows it's happening. I always know when it's coming so I am never scrambling for something as it's coming out of my mouth. When I am done, I can smile...even with the tar tears running down my face.
My neighbors were impressed. I mean, wouldn't you be??

I am now home. It is sooooooooo good to be with my boys again. It has been a rough adjustment since being back.
Both boys took a while to get over the bug we got at the doctors office. They had fevers and nasty coughs for a week. We layed up inside and watched a lot of movies while I fed them ANYTHING they would eat. Their appetites were non-existent with the fevers.
I left almost right after their bugs. it was 10 rough days for them. Not the schedule they were used to. These last three days home have been trying. They have really put me through the ringer, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. This is where I want to be.

The people that made this all possible deserve gold stars. Thank you a million times over to:
Mom and Dad - the weekend was magical. Thanks for your generosity
Mom Crockett
My handsome husband
My beautiful boys

You Look....Horrible!

2011-02-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

Dave and I went to stake choir practice this evening. We both love to sing and didn't have any meetings so were happy to be there.
I sat down on the bench when one of my young women plopped down right next to me.
"Wow!" she said. "You look like...I mean...you kinda look...like you are starting to look...you look...Horrible!"
Not sure what to think, I smacked her leg with my music and gently chided her, "that's not something you say to people."
We then sang a lovely rendition of "I Need Thee Every Hour". Good thing I know it by heart because I couldn't see the words through my tears.
TOTALLY KIDDING!!!
Truth is, I wasn't hurt; nothing that comes out of this young lady's mouth surprises me. I have wonderfully thick skin, and I love to laugh.
I simply enjoyed a good hearty chuckle with Dave when choir was over and I could tell him the story and apologize to him for my atrocious looks :).

Check-up Time

2011-02-19T14:34:00.001-08:00

I took the boys to the doctor this past week. It was Carson's three year, and Drake's 18 month well child check-ups.

Carson's Stats:
42 inches tall
42 pounds
still has a heart murmur
very smart (the doctor commented on this)

Drake's Stats:
34.5 inches tall
30.5 pounds
had an ear infection?!?! (NO signs of this whatsoever)
little charmer - he always flirts with the doctor

Both boys were absolute champions about the shots they got. They were also really well behaved considering we were there for an hour and a half. I'm just glad it's over for another 6 months :)

Both boys also now have a bug...from that visit. You should have heard/seen the kid that gave them the germs. I was practically stuffing them under my coat trying to keep them "uncontaminated". I felt bad for him, but still. Grrrrr.

7 years...

2011-02-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

...I am not talking about bankruptcy,
or time spent in Tibet
or the age that I made my first million :)

I am talking about the number of years since seeing the dentist. Yikes!! And Guess what?!?!?!?
NO CAVITIES!!! I still have a perfect record :)
I'd like the thank the academy, my love of brushing, and my genetics.
Go me!

My Valentines

2011-02-14T18:19:00.001-08:00

Carson has been soooo sweet to Drake lately. This is them snuggling on the couch, watching a movie together.

My handsome Valentine. This is on an epic date which will get its own post later. There is no luckier girl in all the world.