Crane Family Love

Haydens recent mission pictures...

2011-07-11T15:54:00.009-06:00

Haydens first baptism with his new companion. He said it was awesome.
They have another investigator that is ready to be baptised.

Hayden says there are all kinds of stray dogs just roaming around on the streets there. He says it's really sad.

Some cigarettes Hayden and his companion asked an investigator to give up and he gave them to them on the spot.

Hayden with his new mission companion in Argentina

This is Hayden in the MTC pointing out where his mission is

The rollercoaster called life...

2011-06-21T09:08:00.004-06:00

Life these days can pretty much be summed up by calling it a roller coaster ride. Sometimes I feel I am like the daisy that I used to pick in my moms yard and play the game, "he loves me, he loves me not." Thats kind of how I feel right now.
As I travel through these days of my life, I sometimes feel like I am putting slowly, getting up that hill to get to the top. I get to the top and can see for miles and everything is so clear to me, then get ready, hold your breath because it's time to take a serious nose dive. You never know how long that drop is going to be so you hold your breath just hoping to get to the bottom before you have to let your breath go because you are not sure you are able to take another one. Finally you make it to the bottom of the hill and are in the valley. You can breathe again, but are not able to enjoy the scenery for too long when you are on to that next mountain.
As I have often said, my father taught us all our lives that you can't have faith and fear at the same time. You can't have faith that something is going to work out, and also have fear that it isn't. To me that's alot like that rollercoaster ride. You can't have faith that Heavenly father is going to see you to the top of that mountain without seeing you all the way through. Having fear after you get to the top and know that you have a long ride back to the bottom just doesn't work.
Last night while reading scriptures I found 1 Nephi 7:12. Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.
I know that pretty much sums it up. We can't have both faith and fear, yet it is so easy to let that fear creep back into our lives when we are ready to take that almighty plunge downward and feel that sometimes that journey may be more than we can bare.
So today I am focusing on having more faith. Faith in the rollercoaster, faith in the journey, and faith in myself.

Every day is a gift...

2011-06-16T10:37:00.003-06:00

I don't know why, but this year I have slowed down a bit. I am taking time to literally smell the roses as it were. I still don't love to weed the garden or the flower beds much, but am taking the time to do it and enjoy the gifts that I have been given.
I found the love of the mourning dove many years ago. I love to listen to their soft cooing sounds they make while sitting atop my neighbors house. Every evening at about the same time, it comes and perchs there to sing, almost as if god himself placed it there for me to sit in my back yard and relax even if for just a moment and listen to it.
I have enjoyed my garden more this year, lovingly checking on it's progress each new day. It amazes me how much things can grow in just a 24 hour period.
I have enjoyed watching for the evening sunsets and smell the freshly cut lawns around me as the night air cools me from my sweaty daily work.
I have fun sitting on my swing as Lucy tries her best to see how many times she can roll her ball to me to throw for her until I become bored of it. Summer has finally arrived and I don't want to miss a minute of it.

Much ado about everything...

2011-06-13T12:49:00.002-06:00

So much has happened over the past several weeks to a couple months. Megan moved down to texas to sell alarm systems with her boyfriends business, Hayden left for his mission, Dexter and I became seperated and he moved in with Skyler and Veronica, Braxton broke his elbow, school got out for the summer leaving me with the final high school graduation I will go to for my own children. As for now, last night Taylor flew out to Texas with Megan to sell alarms, today Hayden flies from the MTC to Argentina, and Dexter and I are going to see if we can get some help and hopefully recover our marriage. So much in such a short period of time. Some of it has been the most rewarding things I have ever done, while some of it the most devastating.
I owe so much to my family and especially my Heavenly Father that I am still motivated to get out of bed each day and try to find the positive in such a negative world. Everyone has been so kind with words of wisdom and some just a shoulder to cry on for a few minutes. How do you say that you have lost so much, yet gained so much all at the same time. I have never prayed so hard, and fasted so hard in my whole life as to help find answers to very difficult questions that I have. I want to thank everyone for all the love and support but please don 't stop praying. I will take all the prayers I can get.

Time...

2011-06-02T21:40:00.002-06:00

As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into nearly a month now, I have learned and grown so much. I have to be grateful for all the blessings that my father in heaven has bestowed upon me. I feel him so close to me right now and know that my prayers are being heard and answered.
I have felt the sting and pain from all the great memories I have had with my husband, and from the loss of not being able to make more but ultimately life has to move on and I have to grow from all the trials that I am feeling right now.
I had been told to listen to this song by Sara Evans called a little bit stronger. It gave me so much solace and peace hearing it and meant so much to me because it was exactly how i was feeling. I am putting the lyrics below almost as if I had written them myself.

Little Bit Stronger lyrics
Songwriters: Barker Aaron Gayle; Harbin Ronald Steven;

Woke up late today and I still feel the sting of the pain
But I brushed my teeth anyway
I got dressed through the mess and put a smile on my face
I got a little bit stronger

Riding in the car to work and I'm trying to ignore the hurt
So I turned on the radio, stupid song made me think of you
I listened to it for minute but I changed it
I'm getting a little bit stronger, just a little bit stronger

And I'm done hoping that we could work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days
I get a little bit stronger

Doesn't happen overnight but you turn around
And a month's gone by and you realize you haven't cried
I'm not giving you a hour or a second or another minute longer
I'm busy getting stronger

And I'm done hoping that we can work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking, that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days, I get a little bit stronger
I get a little bit stronger

Getting along without you, baby
I'm better off without you, baby
How does it feel without me, baby?
I'm getting stronger without you, baby

And I'm done hoping we could work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days
I get a little bit stronger

I get a little bit stronger
Just a little bit stronger
A little bit, a little bit, a little bit stronger
I get a little bit stronger

Besides all the fasting and prayer that I have done in the past 3 weeks, I have read and read and re-read my pat. blessing. What a blessing that is to me in my life. I can't imagine people that don't have that to look at and know that they still have so much left in life to do and know all the blessings that are apt to come their way if they are but faithful servants of the Lord.
I am so grateful to have such wonderful family members and neighbors that are always watching out for me and making sure that my needs are met. I am also so grateful for my brother who is my bishop that can help me through this painful difficult process, he is such a blessing to me. I am also so grateful for the opportunity that I have to have a son on a mission. I know that I am recieving so many blessings from that alone.
I literally feel my saviors arms around me holding me and uplifting me when I am sobbing uncontrollably wondering why I have to go through this and if life is even worth it anymore. I have cried what feels like an ocean of tears and been through every emotion there is and even though I am not particularly grateful for this trial, I am grateful that I am growing and becoming closer to everything that is good in the world and in heaven as well.
Like the way I started out with time, time heals all wounds and will heal my broken heart too someday.

Benefits of the Struggle...

2011-05-27T07:49:00.002-06:00

I found this poem that I have had for awhile and found it very appropriate for the struggle that my family is going throuth right at this moment.

Benefits of the Struggle...
A man found a cacoon of a butterfly.
One day a small opening appeared.
He sat and watched t he butterfly for several hours
As it struggled to force its body through that little hole.
Then it seemed to stop making any progress.
It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it cvould go no further.
Then the man decided to help the butterfly,
So he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cacoon.
The butterfly then emerged easily.
But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.
The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that,
at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand and be able to
support the body,w hich would contract in time.
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of it's life
crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings.
It was never able to fly.
What the an in his kindness and haste did not understand was
that therestricting cacoon and the struggle required for the butterfly
to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid
from the body of the butterfly into it's wings so that it would be ready for
flight once it achieved it's freedom from the cacoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life.
If God allowed us to go through life without any obstacles,
it would cripple us.
We would not be as strong as what we could have been.
And we could never fly.

I have found this exact theory to be so true about life.
When I was younger, we used to have to go take care of the baby turkeys after
they had hatched with shots and the like.
There were always a few slow pokes that took alot longer than the rest to get
out of their eggs but eventually caught up.
There were some on the other hand who would barely pick a hole in their eggs and you could see them inside the egg struggling and in my mind suffering.
I asked my dad if I could help the turkeys out of their eggs. My father in all of his wisdom and now I know trying to teach me a life lesson, which I didn't understand at the time but surely do now, said that I could help them out.
I would carefully break open the egg at the point of the cracks and help that little soggy wet bird out to it's impending freedom from what seemed like impending death. After awhile under the heat lamp to dry them and get them up and moving, I went back to check on these little babies that I so painstakingly took care of and ultimately, most of them were dead.
My father tried to explaint to my young mind that these birds needed to have the struggle, such the same as the poem, to break out of their shell themselves so that they would have enough of what it took to live. The wisdom of a father is always so necessary, even if it is not fully comprehended at the time.

My life in the next while is going to change greatly without Dexter there by my side to help me to make the choices that I ultimately need to make to get me through this life. I have to find the wisdom from all the people in my life that have helped me to understand these hard life lessons and muscle up the strength to move on without hesitation.
I now have to find the strenth to open my wings wide and fly, knowing all the while that my heavenly father will be there to put wind beneath them.

Rain...

2011-05-23T09:41:00.003-06:00

You know, sometimes in life it rains. Sometimes it snows, sometimes it hails, and sometimes it feels like it is doing all that at the same time. This very moment in my life, it feels like the latter.
As I watch the fresh fruit rott and the fresh vegetables rott, I am reminded daily about how there is constant change in life. Things are planted, they grow, they bloom, they bare fruit and then they die. Most of us hang on for dear life hoping to get every possible thing out of what we are given but sometimes we have to let go and watch as the thing we love so much dies. This is one of the hardest things in life to see happen but alas we all have free agency and life has to go on with or without us. Reminds me of a joke I have always told about the old witches hat at our old elementary school. The theme was to push, pump, or get off.
Life is so much like that. We all have to be willing to put in alot of work to either push or pump, or the ride will stop and we have to simply get off. As much as some of us want to stay on that ride and make it last for all eternity, others have places to go, people to see and other things they want to occupy their time so the ride stops and some get off.
After the darkest night, there is always a new day. We are blessed that Heavenly father always gives us a new day after one of those dark rainy nights. Each day is a new day to make different choices and make anew those things we chose to do wrong the days before. The blessings of the atonement have never been so apparent to me in my whole life as they are right now. We can't make other people do what we want them to do because that would be taking their free agency away from them and that was Satans plan, so we have to march to the beat of a new drum and find out where we fit into this new world that we have been handed.
Brent (my neighbor, who is also Joe's dad)is a wonderful man. He has done some stuff in his life that he regrets terribly. He was a shoulder to cry on yesterday in church by myself and a hand to hold for a minute since mine have been so empty for a week now. He came over and gave me a statement, that he says was his saving grace and what probably ultimately brought him back to this gospel.

Elder Orson F. Whitney said:
"The prophet Joseph Smith declared--and he never taught more comforting doctrine--that the eternal sealings of faithful parents (or a wife and family)and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the cause of truth, would save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the pentitent prodigal, to a loving and forgiving father's heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. pray for the careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God."

I just want to thank everyone for their prayers, their fasting, their thoughts and caring. I have felt it and am buoyed up by it each day as I rise and prepare myself for the new day.
I know my Savior lives. I know he knows me personally and has a plan for me and for my family. I know I have never walked this journey called life by myself and that I have to give him all the credit for making it this far. I have always thought the footprints poem was one of the most beautiful poems ever created and in no other time in my life have I felt so close to it as I do now.
Please don't stop praying, we can still use all the prayers that are being offered up on our behalf. Know that my family and I are so grateful for everything and know we are loved and thought of often. We love you all so much.

Easter at the Cranes...

2011-04-25T11:13:00.009-06:00

We had a great ham with augratin potatoes dinner to start off with then we decorated easter eggs, (those of us that wanted to. Some did and some didn't and that's ok too) then we decorated sugar cookies. Megans boyfriend Tony was really sick with strep, but he played along like a trooper. They are leaving to go sell alarm systems in Texas and Alabama for the summer today. We are going to miss them but look forward to all theirs tales when they get back.

Our 25th Anniversary...

2011-04-25T11:07:00.003-06:00

Can hardly believe it has been 25 years already. Dexter had friday before our anniversary off, so we decided to celebrate it then since he has been so very busy at work. We first ran a couple of errands, then went to catch an early movie. We went and saw "source code". It was really good.

After we saw the movie, we went to eat at Marie Calendars. It was pretty good and because it was our anniversary, we got free slices of pie.

P.S. Happiness is being married to your best friend for eternity!!!

3 packages in less than a week. Is that too much?...

2011-04-18T17:51:00.004-06:00

I had some bananas that needed to be used up and recieved Haydens MP3 player that I needed to send him. Is there a rule about how many packages that you can send your missionary in a week? I sure hope not.

All ready to go to UPS tomorrow.

MTC, here we come...

2011-04-13T15:30:00.005-06:00

We took everyone that could go with us out to lunch. We asked Hayden where he wanted to go and he chose Cafe Rio, so we went there before we headed to Provo to the MTC.

We were able to take Dexter, myself, Skyler, Veronica, Joe, Megan and Tony, and Taylor.

We decided to go walk around the Provo temple before we went to the MTC and there were so many missionaries and their families taking pictures and just waiting like we were. It was crazy.

It was such a great experience to drive up there and see all the missionaries ready to greet us all. It was a teary goodbye but worth all we have gone through with him to get to this point. Hoping this 2 years fly by.

Conference day and brunch...

2011-04-04T10:57:00.009-06:00

Conference brunch. We always have such great spread. If you go away from here hungry, it's your own dang fault.
Conference was so great to watch. I think I enjoyed every single talk and this year I really listened to both days, but dvr'd it just in case.

Skyler doing what Skyler does best, goofing around.

Chan's last visit before Hayden leaves. Love that girl.

Hayden and Chan's farewell moments. Going to be a fast 2 years right?

taking advatage of the last couple weeks with his brother...

2011-03-31T15:08:00.004-06:00

The weather was so nice today so the boys decided to go out and shoot a few hoops. So glad they get along so well.

Cookies Hayden style...

2011-03-31T15:06:00.002-06:00

I made the dough, and Hayden was in charge of making the cookies. Most of them he made normal size, but a few of them, he took extra pride in (for Chan) and chopped up M&M's to put inside them and on the outside of them. He kept going around telling everyone that he could take them to disneyland and sell them for lots of money. Funny funny kid.

Haydens farewell weekend...

2011-03-31T15:00:00.002-06:00

Haydens farewell went so well. On saturday, we invited a bunch of family members to come and go to the temple one last time with Hayden before he leaves to go on his mission. We had a fabulous turn out. After we all met at our house to have soup and bread. What a fantastic day. On sunday Hayden gave his talk on "honoring thy father and thy mother" and it was so great. We had such a great turn out and want to thank everyone for their support. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family to support us in the good times and the bad.

Happiness is...

2011-03-21T11:17:00.003-06:00

Today I will be happy. I will be happy because even though everything in my life isn't all roses and pink fluffy cotton candy, there is joy to be had in the other stuff. I was able this past week to go and do sealings with Hayden and just the next night, go with him and my husband to do an endowment session. Such a great blessing to be able to do that and to know that there are so many more days to come of such great blessings. To be able to go teach my little beehive girls such a wonderful lesson about family unity and know that I am one of the luckiest people in the world to know that so many people in my family love me for who I am despite myself. To have the opportunity to have a son going on a mission and know that even though this will be such a long 2 years, it is the Lords will. I am so lucky to know my Heavenly Father personally and feel that I can call on him any and all times in my life and know that he is there for me always. I am so lucky to know that even though everything in my life doesn't always go how i want or plan, that things will be ok in the end and that all I have to do is have faith. I am so happy that I can live in a place that has all 4 seasons so that I can know the beauty not just of flowers and fresh vegetables but of the beauty of snow coming down on a calm winters night. I am so happy to know that even though sometimes the nights can be so dark that there is a new day only a few hours away to bring new light and hope. I have so many things to be thankful for that I have to be happy.

My baby girl turns 21.....

2011-03-14T09:24:00.005-06:00

Meg turned 21 this past Tuesday, so we celebrated her birthday on Sunday. She wanted everything Shrimp to eat, so we had shrimp scampi, coconut shrimp, panko breaded shrimp, and regular shrimp on ice. We also had cheesy mashed potatoes and these special garlic seasoned rolls I make. She also requested that I make sprinkle stuffed cupcakes. It was alot of work, but well worth it, everything turned out awesome. Can't believe how fast my family is growing up on me. I love it though.

Such a great day....

2011-03-06T16:11:00.004-07:00

On Saturday, we went to the Oquirh Mountain Temple so Hayden could take out his endowments. It was a wonderful day with alot of wonderful people. We had a very special experience and look forward to many more such experiences with our family. I think these kinds of days are the best days in a parents life and make everything that you go through raising your kids worth it. We are looking forward to his farewell that is on March 27th.

Our best bites...

2011-02-25T09:40:00.004-07:00

So, story time. I don't watch a whole lot of television. With that being said, I do watch alot of hulu on my computer, so don't think I don't get my share, anyway. I guess these 2 girls have been on the local news alot about this new cookbook that they have made. I Didn't know anything about it. For those of you who may not know, I love to cook!!! Duh, right? Anyway. I am always looking around for new and great recipes that have come out and I am the owner of alot of cook books that don't even get opened anymore because several years ago my husband compiled all my recipes into one big binder for me. Well, that binder has been ripped and recipes are any which way in it. So when I was on my every other weekly trip to costco, I saw this big display for this new cookbook. I thought to myself, i'll play. So I opened it and went through some of the recipes and was amazed at how wonderful they were. To me, nothing is better than a ward or stake cookbook because they are tried and true recipes. This one was even better than that. I swear, it is "THE" best cook book I have ever seen, hands down. Anyway, it wasn't until I shut it to the cover that I saw that it was written by 2 mormon moms just trying to feed their family and do it well. I was instantly hooked and knew I was buying it. My daughter-in-law Veronica loves recipe books almost as much as I do but is tired of the same, (her words not mine) boring caserole recipes that they offer. I told her to look through this one when she came over. She kept telling me that she was going to plan "MY" menu for Sunday dinner and have me make it all. Anyway, she got up to leave and said, "I am taking this K." I said, ya, no. She tried to literally sneak out the door with it, what a tease she is. Anyway, I know this was quite a long story just to tell you how much I love this cook book, but I do. They also have a blog that they have had since like '08 and all their recipes are on it. It's www.ourbestbites.com. It is fabulous as well, check it out. Get the recipe book if you love them like me, you won't regret it, it's only like $15.99 at Costco. I have also put a thumbnail on my blog to their website because I want to be able to get to it quickly whenever I want.

Hot Chocolate fun...

2011-02-17T14:35:00.003-07:00

We made hot chocolate after one of those long cold days after Christmas. I bought special "vanilla" flavored snowmen marshmallows for the hot chocolate. I don't think they tasted any different than the regular marshmallows though but it was still fun. Chantelle and Hayden had hot chocolate and every time Chan would turn her head, Hayden would put more and more marshmallows in her hot chocolate until it was nothing but marshmallows. That kid, he is pretty crazy sometimes. Oh well, enjoy him because he is going to be leaving for 2 years verys shortly and we will miss all of his antics.

Sledding fun...

2011-02-17T14:29:00.003-07:00

Over Christmas break, we tried to have as much fun as a family as we could. We decided to go sledding on what seemed like the coldest day of the year. I wasn't about to sled, so I was the picture taker. Chantelle came home with us for the rest of Christmas break so we grabbed a sled and some tubes skyler got from work and off we went. I think our time out there was a total of about 45 minutes because we were starting to get frost bitten. I also got a brand new pair of gloves for Christmas and lost one somewhere on this trip darn it. Over all, we had a really good time.

fun in St. George...

2011-02-17T14:21:00.005-07:00

We went to St. George so the guys could golf while it was cold in SLC. The girls hung out and visited and did a little shopping while the guys did a whole bunch of golfing. Taylor was only out of surgery for a month and a half but he was able to do some chipping and putting so he was in heaven. Chan joined us for most of our trip and that was alot of fun because she is so much fun. We stayed at Loy Retta's house because she and her family were in Monticello for the holidays so it all worked out very well and was a very relaxing fun trip over all.

Haydens mission call is here...

2011-01-01T10:21:00.004-07:00

As many of you already know, Hayden recieved his mission call. He will be serving in Argentina for 2 years leaving on April 13th 2011. We will miss him so much that words can hardly say but know he is going to be doing what the lord wants him to do. We love you so much Hayden and are so proud of the decisions that you are making right now in your life. May the spirit always dwell in your heart and mind.

Happy Halloween, Deer hunt, and everything else...

2010-11-01T12:28:00.001-06:00

There is so much going on right now and no pictures to speak of because when I went to get my camera the other day to download some pictures, I couldn't find the thing to put the battery in to charge it and the camera was completely dead. So, I have no way of taking pictures and no way of getting the pictures I have on the camera off it.
We have alot going on right now between getting Hayden ready to put his mission papers in going on the deer hunt, and and halloween.
Hayden is getting really excited to put his papers in. He asked me to cut his hair the other day and I cut it too short, and I guess you have to send a current picture of yourself that they can use. He refused to get his picture taken with his hair so short. Oh well, I never claimed that I have ever had any formal training in hair cutting. So wait we will...
We went to Dexters parents house for the deer hunt and had a great time, but no deer to speak of. Seriously, nothing but does and fawns. We were there for Havens and Laila's and Tilly's primary program and they all did great. What talent we have in this family. While we were there, Ben and Wendy went and met with Ethans birth mother. Right now they are just his gardians and hope to adopt him, but had to get her to sign her rights away first. I guess they had a very spiritual experience, and we are so excited to announce that she signed the papers and we now get to have Ethan as part of our family for eternity. Yeah...
Hayden and Taylor left early to go home because Hayden had to get back to work and Taylor had to finish up some stuff at school before the end of the quarter. We got a call late that night after they got home and they had gone to play basketball at the church. Taylor was in alot of pain because he hurt his knee really bad. On our way home the next day, we called an orthopedic surgeon and were able to get him right in so he could get it checked out. after a couple days in this process, we have now learned that it is a full acl tear and full lateral miniscus tear. He is going in today to find out when surgery is. Wow aren't we lucky....
Dexter is leaving us tomorrow for 2 weeks to go to Costa Rica for work. He has spent the last 3 weeks except for the deer hunt at work most of the time. Seriously from 5:30 in the morning until between 7 and 10 every night, and that includes saturdays and sundays. Not anxious for him to leave, but excited for him to go on a little adventure...
Veronica and Hayden both had their wisdom teeth out and as far as swelling goes, Veronica definately won the contest although they were both pretty swollen. Vern has such a small mouth that it makes her cheeks look even larger I think, cute girl....
Wow, sorry for the long post, but it has been quite awhile. Hope to be better through the holidays.

Joe and Carli's new house...

2010-08-09T11:36:00.001-06:00

Great Summa.....

2010-08-09T11:20:00.004-06:00

It's been a great summer. We have had alot of great family time. I will have to get some of the pictures up later. We have had time roasting hotdogs and marshmallows out by the fire pit, we recently had our Crane reunion and that was alot of fun.
We went down to the Dude Ranch that the church owns between Monticello and Blanding. We played there for 5 days over the 24th holiday. We went into town for the holiday and watched the parade and then later went to the talent show that Denice and Sam sang in. We did craft, at way too much good food and treats, which was of course unforgivable. We exercised alot, so that was our only saving grave. After camp was over, my family went and stayed with Dexters parents and went to golf camp for whomever wanted to be involved in that. That was a nice relaxing time. I think in that week there was a total of 108 holes of golf played. If you think it has slowed down a whole bunch since we have been home, think again. This week Taylor is trying out for the Riverton golf team again, so he has been practicing for that along with having Jonah here with us for most of a week. He has thoroughly enjoyed that. Those boys are kind of hard to be around for too long because it just wears you out with all the laughter and good times but it's fun. Taylor is doing good in his golf tryouts though and we look forward to him playing a great season of golf for Riverton High.
Meg has spent the summer with her boyfriend Cody and a bunch of friends in Lousiana selling alarm systems. They have been working very hard and from the looks of the pictures that have been on facebook, playing hard as well. She works 6 days a week from 1 in the afternoon until 9 P.M. so that doesn't leave alot of time for her to play though. She has told me though that this experience has made her miss her family alot and most importantly, has made her testimony really grow and helped her to grow spiritually.
Joe and Carli have just bought a home over just off Bangerter and 90th South and will be moving the end of August hopefully. They are really looking forward to being in a place of their own. We are really happy for them. Carli is also going to be starting a new job with Jordan Valley Hospital soon as well.
I have really enjoyed the summer, but look forward to my most favorite time of the year coming up which is fall. I enjoy the outdoors more that time of year than any other time I think. I just look forward to the crispness in the air and the smell of fall leaves, and the colors of course. I look so forward every year to the canning. I know that sounds wierd, but it gives me such a sense of self worth to know that I am doing something for me and my family that will be for the coming months. My mom always taght me to listen for the lids popping after they are canned and just give a sign of relief and to thank Heavenly Father for all the things that he gives to us. What a great time of year.

Chocolate and Cheetos...

2010-06-24T09:38:00.006-06:00

Every now and then, I think to myself....wouldn't it be nice to take off some pounds that I have been carrying around all this time? Of course it would. Saying and doing are always two completely different things. I will openly admit it, I am addicted to chocolate and cheetos. Dang, how I wish I could just give them up completely. My husband says, like all good things in life, as long as you are just exercising and trying to eat smaller portions, you can have little bit of your favorite things. This philosophy has gotten him from a size 34 pants to a size 30/31 pants in the last 12 months or so. Why is it that everythings that tastes so good has to always be so bad for you? Blah Blah Blah... Oh well, upward and onward right? (Crunch crunch crunch)...

New Blog...

2010-06-04T14:25:00.002-06:00

Please go visit my new blog and let me know if there are any cards that I can get for you. The address is www.cranecreations.blogspot.com

"Cuttin' down the tree"

2010-06-04T14:16:00.004-06:00

Unfortunately one of the trees that is on our drive strip died and needed to be taken down. Hayden had a little time one day so I asked him if he would come out and help me take down this tree. He asked if he could use Dexters chain saw, and although the chainsaw is in major need of repair, he got a good smile on his face and proceeded to chop down the tree. We didn't get it all complete because we are going to pull out the stump so we can replant something else. The look on Haydens face was priceless though. It was like that commercial.

Happy Anniversary my love...

2010-04-26T09:13:00.005-06:00

24 years ago on April 25, 1986 I married the man of my dreams. I can't say there haven't been hard times, but the good times definately out weigh the bad. He calls me his princess and definately treats me like one. He is everything to me and I can't imagine my life without him in it. He is and has always been one of the most romantic men I have ever known always surprising me with little random things that he does. He is such a hard worker and does everything that he is capable of to keep this family running smoothly. I am looking forward to number 25 next year and then another 25 after that. Happy anniversary my love.

Dunes 2010...

2010-04-26T09:06:00.006-06:00

We put together our annual "Dunes" trip togehter where we go down to the Green River White Wash sand dunes. It is always a ball and the kids really look forward to it, as does everyone else. There was rain and sun but all in all, aside from a little red skin and skyler breaking his bronco a little, it was awesome. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as our family did and look forward to many more returns.

basement fun...

2010-04-26T09:00:00.004-06:00

Taylor has really been on a mission to get the basement all cleaned up so he could have a party down there with his friends. As a result, we all benefited from it and set all the game tables up that had been stashed all over. We had a really great evening of ping pong, air hockey, and foosball. Luke and Bridgette had come to stay for the weekend, so that even made it more enjoyable.

My cooking buddy and I...

2010-04-11T22:20:00.004-06:00

Last week I came up with this idea to do a different restaurant meal every night for dinner. I started out on monday night by making PF Changs lettuc wrapped chicken. That was really really good. Caused me to buy alot of things I would have never used, but I am looking forward to making them again so it's great. On Tuesday night, I made Market Street Grills clam chowder. I have made this before and it always turns out really good. I got thinking about how much Veronica loves cooking so I invited her over to help me make the rest of the meals on their nights. On Wednesday night, I made Macaroni Grills shrimp, chicken and bacon alfredo fettucini. Again, yum and awesome. On thursday night we made Gecko's chicken and pork enchilada's with green sauce and home made spanish rice and refried beans. It was my first attempt at my own refried beans, and they turned out really great. We had alot of fun and learned so much along the way. Along with all these fun meals we made, we made cookies, banana bread and some other fun goodies. I look forward to doing this again and again because I feel like we are so much closer because of it.

Easter and Conferance weekend...

2010-04-06T11:49:00.002-06:00

We had a great weekend. It started off with us buying a wii fit. All the kids just kept taking turns playing it and everyone was having such a great time. We had our great big conferance brunch like we usually do and had food everywhere that we will be eating for the rest of the week. We enjoyed "some" of conferance because with all these people, most of us having ADD, not alot of quiet time watching it. Anyway, we had alot of great family time and everyone was well fed along with about 10 pounds of candy in everyone's easter buckets. More time will have to be spent on the wii to get rid of that. Oh well.
I have also been working on some really cute cards right now. I bought the new cricut expression machine so I can make even more at one time and it's great fun. I have enjoyed doing vinyl lettering as well. I have used my gypsy along with it and it makes it awesome.
I have also been working on towels again as well. So many fun things, and so little time... Sheesh...Oh well, upward and onward

Megan Turned 20...

2010-03-09T13:19:00.003-07:00

Happy birthday to our beautiful Megan. I can hardly believe she is already 20, but she is. We celebrated on Sunday the 7th a day before her birthday on the 8th. She had requested that we make kabobs with steak, chicken and shrimp. They were really good and then requested scotch chocolate cake to go with them. Just a little FYI...do not ever make this cake a layer cake, big mistake to take a cake that you load up with a wet ingredient and stack one layer on top of cool whip on top of another layer. Anyway, we made due and she loved it and that's all that's important. we love you Megan and hope every year after this one will just be better and better.

Harward girls day 2010...

2010-03-09T13:11:00.003-07:00

We had alot of good food and great fun at our Harward girls day this year in St. George. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It pretty much stayed at 67 outside during the day while we were there. How great is that? We hung out and visited, worked on towels, and laughed until we cried. We went to the temple on saturday morning to do family names in initiatory. We all had very special spiritual experiences and are so glad for all who was able to come.
We got out Mom, Cindy, LoRene, Myself, Diana and KaeLynn. Unfortunately Christy wasn't able to be with us but we are hoping to do this every 6 months and are hopeful she will be there next time.

Happy Valentines Day...

2010-02-14T09:17:00.004-07:00

Happy Valentines Day to everyone.

I don't have my valentine here for Valentines day weekend. He has been working so hard and so much that when he had the opportunity to go to St. George for a golf weekend, I said definately you need to go. We can celebrate Valentines day next weekend. I went to the store and bought some goodies so that I could make some cute Valentines goodie bags for my family. I thi nk they turned out pretty well and am excited to give them to them.

Time flies....

2010-02-04T11:01:00.003-07:00

It seems like there is so much going on these days that my blog can get away from me if I am not careful. It seems like Dexter and I have been passing this darn cold bug back and forth since Christmas and can't quite get it out of our systems. It is his turn right now and I am trying my hardest to stop it here. I have been working really hard on cards with my sister in hopes that maybe we can try and get some up for sale. It doesn't seem like Christmas should even be here yet let alone that we have already had Christmas, New years, Vern's birthday and Dexter's birthday and it's almost Valentines day. Good grief is there any way to slow time down a little. I feel like I am missing so much and i hate that. All I know is that my testimony has grown, my faith has grown, my understanding has grown, and unfortunately my waistline has grown, which I am currently working on. I am so grateful for my family and all the fun times that we have together. I am also grateful for great friends as well. Spring is just around the corner and with that comes beautiful change. Hopefully we can all slow down and smell the roses a little bit more.

Christmas letter...

2009-12-26T20:33:00.004-07:00

I thought since I had a few minutes and at the time of sending out my christmas cards, only had the time to get that done, that I would put together a little news letter for anyone interested.

Taylor "T" (17 years old) Has found his wings now that he is able to drive anywhere that he wants and flies in and out of the door all the time. He loves to golf and made it onto Riverton highschools golf team this past fall. He always goes golfing with his favorite golf buddy, his dad, and they have a great time together. We are always getting complimented from people saying that Taylor has been seen befriending those kids that other people may look past and is always helping whenever he can with them. He is really fun to be around.

Hayden "Heed" (18 years old) has found a new home in Cedar City at SUU hanging out with his 5 roomates and working hard going to school. Hayden is such a hard worker and has earned scholarships and worked hard over the summer to make the 2 semesters of school before his mission be as easy as possible financially. He still has his sights aimed at being a doctor and has either graduated from programs, or is taking programs to make that dream come true and we are so proud of him and all his hard work and efforts.

Megan "Meg a moo" (19 years old) has been trying to work several jobs and go to school. She cleans house for a few people and nannies and teaches gymnastics at Bailey's. She loves it there and is in her 3rd year for them. She is going to UVSC to get her degree in Sign Language. She is already so good it amazes me after the 3 years of it she took in high school and the one semester she has under her belt in it. She has a love for children and so much patience with them that we feel that she may end up somewhere maybe teaching sign to children. She is so very beautiful.

Skyler"ski"(21) and Veronica"vern" (20)are the proud parents of a now one year old springer spanial named Dakota "koda" who keeps them running, literally, every minute that they are home with him. Skyler works for Les Schwab and has done some transfering around this year and at this time is at the American Fork store. Veronica works at a salon in Sugar house doing nails and front desk. They are living in a cute home in West Jordan. They work so hard and are as happy as they can be.

Joe (21) and Carli(21) "carl" as hayden calls her, are almost too busy to breathe. Joe works for Canyons school district at their main office as maintanence repairs and reports. He loves this job and works really hard trying to make every penny count to put Carli through school. Carli is going to Weber to get her nursing degree. She is always either at school, taking a test, studying, or on a train coming or going to school. She is such a hard worker. She is pulling grades that range between a 3.83 and a 4.0. What a girl.

Braxton (23) has had a year of alot of ups and down. He has had to decide this year that he is stronger than he has ever given himself credit for. He has made some life changing decisions that will benefit him through his whole life. He is also working at canyons school district office being a janitor. At this time he is only part time, but shortly is looking at being on there full time. He is also dating Katie and has been for the past 2 years. He has the sweetest and funnest dog "Lucy". He lives with us, so he shares her with us and everyone else that walks through the door because she absolutely loves everyone and anyone who gets to know her loves her just as much.

Dexter "D" as all of his children, adopted children, friends of children, etc. call him. He is working so hard trying to jugle so many balls in the air right now, I am scared to see if any of them ever drop. He works as a manager at MOOG Medical devices. He designs and builds their machines to make interal feeding pumps, etc... He is also doing some side work when he can get it. Sometimes when he comes home from work I think I can literally see smoke coming out of his ears from his brain working so hard. He does enjoy getting out as often as possible to play golf with his children, friends, and family when he can. He is in the Elders Quorum presidency and is always trying to find the next project for that he can accomplish. He is such a hard worker and we all love and appreciate him for how hard he works to keep this family working.

As for myself, i'm not going to tell you how old I am getting. All I can say is when I get out of bed in the morning, I look to see what pieces I have left behind so I can quickly grab them and try and put myself back together before anyone notices. I have started doing some babysitting again to help out around here a little bit and make my time useful. I have enjoyed a new hobby of playing with my cricket machine, and as of christmas, the attaching gypsy that my loving husband surprised me with. I can honestly say that I have found a true friend and comforter in my Savior. I feel like I know him on more of a personal level now and talk to him in more great depth lately. I was also urged by my husband, as were everyone else in my family to read the book of mormon at the last General Conferance. He also urged us to be done by or before christmas. About 3 weeks ago, I finished. Kind of embarassing to say that it was my first time completely through from start to finish, but I am so very excited about that. I feel that this has also helped me to become closer to my Savior and feel of his love for me more personally. My life is crazy, my life is never boring, my life is filled with ups and downs, but most of all, my life is filled with much happiness and joy. I am so grateful to be a mother at this time and have such a strong testimony of this gospel that I have been priveledged enough to have been born into. I hope at this time of year, everyone feel of our Saviors love for them and that everyone will try harder to know him on a more personal level. Have a wonderful holiday season.

Loves

Hayden's Eagle Court of Honor...

2009-12-20T21:00:00.003-07:00

These are one of those days as a parent that you just never want to forget. Hayden has worked so hard to make his way through life to get to this point earning his Eagle.

As parents, we each got a pin and Hayden was also given a pin to give to someone who he felt has been a mentor to him along his path to get this far and he chose my brother Paul which meant alot. Hayden has been close to Paul for awhile now because he has been Haydens scout leader and also his home teaching partner, and they are always 100% so you know how much they are together. Alot of wonderful things were said about Hayden and he is such a great son and young man. We are excited for his next big adventure...his mission.

New Family Pics,,,,All Because 2 People Fell in Love

2009-12-08T08:42:00.015-07:00

Anyone up for some WII,

2009-12-03T13:48:00.002-07:00

Seems like when we decide to play the WII, that is one thing that most everyone wants to be involved in and we have a great time. The funny thing is that Vern always goes to sleep every time we do, guess the WII makes her bored. Oh well, the rest of us have a ball.

Our own little thanksgiving dinner,,,

2009-12-03T13:45:00.003-07:00

After our big thanksgiving day with all the family, we had our own little thanksgiving here with all our kids. It was great.

Hayden was naughty and put extra cream on the pies but I guess if that's the worst thing he does, then that's ok.

Taylors big #17,,, my baby is growing up

2009-12-03T13:44:00.001-07:00

Can't believe Taylor is already 17.

Fun at the whisper dome,,

2009-12-03T13:40:00.002-07:00

One night awhile ago when Hayden was home for the weekend with his friend Chantelle, we all took a drive over to the imfamous whisper dome because dexter and I had never seen it. We had fun with the kids and were a bit crazy for that quiet neighborhood i think.

Favorite time of the year...

2009-11-02T07:57:00.003-07:00

I, without a shadow of a doubt, love this time of year better than any of the rest. I love the crispness in the air, especially as long as I have a cup of hot chocolate in my hands. I love making soups and caserole and things cooking in the crock pot all day long that make you hungry just smelling it. I love having a huge variety of stephens to choose from each morning. I love Christmas shopping before the stores are all crowded with all the last minute panic. I love the smells of Christmas, chocolate, pine, and hot fires. I love a good soft blanket that I can cuddle up with. I love to stay in on a cold night and play games with the kids. I love talking about all the great and funny memories of christmas' past when we as parents thought everything went completely wrong and the kids had a different memory all together. I love listening to Christmas music and wrapping presents with new crisp paper. I love the excitement and anticipation in the air. I love thinking about thanksgiving and all the things that I am grateful this year. I love the togetherness that the cold brings and listening to everyone laugh talking about things from their childhood. I love getting together with family and breaking out all the "good" snacks. I love making sugar cookies and letting everyone decorate their own with which ever holiday is closest. I love making chocolates and seeing if they even remotely make it until christmas. I just love love love this time of year way too much.

Glad i'm not alone...

2009-10-22T09:49:00.005-06:00

I have realized lately to what extend I have become a really bad blogger. When I read other peoples blogs though, I see how far some of them are behind as well, so that gives me some solice even though it shouldn't. I am still a bad photographer, taking my camera along with me and still not taking pictures. Thats when you know you are really bad at it. I don't like this and wish I would do so much better, alas, I don't. Just a few of the things that we have been up to lately. I had been having really bad back aches for a few days and when Dexter offered to rub my back for me, he realized that I had a lump on my back where most of the pain was coming from. I went to my doctor who immediately sent me to the emergency room for more answers. After staying there for 6 hours and having an MRI, not fun by the way, I have no more answers than I went in with. For now, it has been a week, and I still have quite a bit of pain, and the lump is still there and am told to wait another week to see where we go from here. We also ventured down to Monticello for a week to go deer hunting. I pretty much just hung out at the house with the back issues, but the boys went out and had a really great time hunting and golfing. We ended up with Hayden and Taylor both getting their deer. We are supposed to be getting our family pictures taken this Sunday, but our photographer, aka. sister-in-law Bridg. has come down with the flu. Hopefully not the swine. So that is probably a no go. Anyway, things are really busy, we are all running so fast, we can't keep up with ourselves. Things none the less are pretty good and we won't complain. Loves to all.

My 41st birthday...

2009-09-24T10:57:00.005-06:00

I had a wonderful birthday. Everyone came and we ate a great dinner and Skyler and veronica got me a pumpkin pinata filled with my favorite stuff. They blind folded me and made me hit it with this tiny bat, which was totally not fair, so I just grabbed it after a few minutes and ripped it open. My kids and husband are totally awesome and I am so very lucky.

Super busy...

2009-09-17T08:42:00.003-06:00

It has been a really busy summer with gardening, running kids around to jobs, sports, and the like and even managed to get a trip with Dexter into San Diego which was really fun. I love to go with him and go to the beach, go out to dinner, and just be with him. I started babysitting on mondays as well. And now that the garden is producing wonderfully, it is my favorite time of the season, canning time. I absolutely love canning, everything about it. It just gives me such a sense of accomplishment to see all those bottles full and is so rewarding to hear all the pops coming from the lids. Just makes you know that you are doing something great for your family. Joe and Carli have just recently moved in and that's been fun getting to spend more time with them than usual. Taylor is on the golf team so he is running here and there. My sister and I have been making oooodles and boooooodles of cards because we have decided that's what we are giving away for gifts this year. If anyone reads this that might not have wanted to know that's what they are getting, sorry. Anyway, fall is turning out to be every bit as busy as the summer was, but it is all such great things that it just fills me with joy. I have still yet to download pictures from several things that have been going on, sorry for my neglegence. We have had some really hard, but good family stuff going on recently, that truly takes us a ton of my time and is really hard, but really good. These things can be so life changing but I don't believe anything in life happens by coincidence, I believe that we learn from each new experience and endeavor. I hope all your lives are full and rich and that your dreams are coming true because I know as hard as things are some days, that I am truly blessed and that the Lord knows who I am and knows my sorrows and is helping me and my family through some trying times. Not excited to be getting a year older in a few days, but with more life comes more wisdom and I think I have definately earned that. Keep reaching for the stars.

So very sorry....

2009-08-28T09:30:00.002-06:00

I am so sorry to my family for the great break that I have taken from blogging. All I can do is repent and say that I will get back to it. This past couple weeks have taught me that sometimes we aren't in control of our own lives and that we just need to go with it and see where the journey takes us. I know that the Lord is blessing me and my family beyond measure and that I couldn't do this without his help. My family is so very lucky to have so many great friends and family members that are just waiting to help out in any and every way. Thank you so much for all your love and prayers. So, upward and onward because the train doesn't stop. Love to all.

Terrible picture taker...

2009-06-30T09:16:00.003-06:00

I am so not good at remembering the camera. Half the time, I am lucky to remember my phone. Guess I just need to attach them to my hip with those zip cords you see some people have for their keys, hahahahahaha. Anyway, been alot of stuff going on. Dexters cousin, sweet sweet guy with depression and a little mental problems committed suicide. So we had alot of family up here for the viewing and funeral. They were here from Wednesday until Sunday. On Saturday though, we took advantage of that and had a big hot dog roast in our back yard with everyone. It was really fun. We also got the boat for sale on KSL and had someone come and look at it that wants to buy it. Dexter is kind of sad that we are selling it because it's his dream boat, but it will be good to get rid of some of our debt and some of our stress, so that's a very good thing. Then on Sunday, we went up to Morgan to Candice and Rich's oldest sons mission farewell. Brigham is such a great kid and gave such a wonderful talk, he is for sure in for a good mission. Everyone went home after that and now the house is quiet and pretty much back to normal.

A post to an amazing man...

2009-06-21T09:32:00.005-06:00

Of course the man I am talking about is my amazing husband. There are so many great and wonderful men in my life, but the most amazing to me is my husband.
He, no matter what the circumstances, or whatever it may cost him or whatever inconvenience it may mean to him is always there for you. He would do anything for anyone. His children look up to him so much for the great example that he has always been to them and tell him that often, which is so wonderful.
On a daily basis, I know I am always on his mind and he tells me he loves me multiple times a day.
Even after a long day at work, he comes home and serves his family.
He loves to serve and work very hard. He rarely sits for more than a few minutes at a time, always looking for his next project, or opportunity to have fun with me or his children.
He makes me smile and laugh. I love that I am the first kiss in the morning and the last kiss before he goes to sleep.
I can't think of anyone I look up to more in my life right now than him. He is simply amazing. I love you honey. So grateful you are mine for eternity. Happy Fathers day.

Lots going on...

2009-06-21T09:16:00.003-06:00

Done with all Haydens graduation stuff...
Hayden started his new job and really likes it...
Braxton got a new job and really likes it, Yeah...
Megan survived a road trip, by that I mean falling off a long board...
Went to a Kalai concert again, awesome...
Found out that the people that I am going to babysit for are first cousins...
Going to one nephews farewell this weekend, going to another next weekend, awesome...
So many nieces having new babies in the next few days, weeks, and months, amazing...
My garden is growing amazingly with all this weather...
Life is hard, fun, rewarding, trying, heartbreaking, but most of all, fabulous...

Pictures of some of this stuff to come later...

Playing Tag

2009-06-13T08:04:00.004-06:00

Tagged by Megan Ryan

Here are the Rules
1. Mention the person who tagged you
2. Complete the list of 8's
3. Tag 8 other people to play and let them know they are tagged!
4. Have a bit of fun!

8 things I am looking forward to
1. Seeing my children go through the temple
2. My Grandchildren
3. Hayden going off to college then on a mission
4. My grandchildren
5. harvesting and canning from my garden after so much work
6. A great family vacation with my family
7. watching my last child graduate highschool in 2 years
8. knowing after a long hard day that I did the best I could

8 things I did yesterday
1. Went exercising with the dog
2. Cleaned up dog poo so I could mow
3. mowed the lawns
4. planted more tomato plants and flowers
5. deadheaded the rose garden
6. took taylor golfing, picked him up, then off to his work
7. went on a short date night with my wonderful husband
8. painted the boat trailer in hopes of selling it

8 things I wish I could do
1. Travel Europe
2. take my whole family to Hawaii
3. Pay off all my debt
4. Ever feel like I was done with home repairs
5. have my house "truly" the way I want it
6. Have the body I want
7. Be the best mother possible
8. Have my kids know that they are loved more than life

8 shows I watch
1. Lost
2. Lie to me
3. Biggest Loser
4. the unusuals
5. the listener
6. mental
7. the mentalist
8. ghost whisperer

8 favorite fruits
1. watermelon
2. strawberries
3. peaches
4. mango
5. oranges
6. grapes
7. blueberries
8. bananas

8 places I'd like to travel
1. Hawaii (again)
2. Europe
3. Washington DC (again)
4.
5. Alaska (fishing for my husband)
6. Portlant (again)
7. New York (again, but in the fall)
8. Paris

8 places I've lived
1. Preston, Id.
2. Salina, Ut.
3. Salt Lake City, Ut.
4. Portlant, Or.
5. Murray, Ut.
6. West Valley City, Ut.
7. Riverton, Ut.

8 people I've tagged
1. Carli Davies
2. LoRene Rains
3. Tashina Meldrum
4. Natalie Fleishman
5. Bridgette Crane
6. Sarah Randle
7. Cindy Eppich
8. Diana Evans

Haydens EMT graduation...

2009-05-30T11:25:00.004-06:00

Haydens EMT graduation was last Wednesday. He just happened to be one of the keynote speakers. He did so well this year in EMT and is very excited to move on in his career. He was voted "most likely to become a doctor." We are so excited for him, he is doing great things with his life and has great goals and ambitions. You rock Hayden and we love you.

Haydens first Zoo trip...

2009-05-30T11:21:00.003-06:00

As sad as it is to imagine, Hayden "says" he has never been to the zoo in his whole life. I being the "best" mother in the world decided last tuesday that I would wrangle up whomever was available and we would go and surprise him by taking him there. He was excited when we pulled into the parking lot because he had no idea where we were going. We all had a really good time there especially because there was hardly no one there, and I mean no one. We pretty much had the place to ourselves, which gave my boys ample time to play around, and play around they definately did. On the way home I told hayden, see your mother listens to you even though you don't think I do. He quickly piped up and said, "I have never been to paris either mom." Everyone laughed and knew how far that one would get him. I love my family.

Memorial Day reunion...

2009-05-26T09:41:00.005-06:00

On memorial day, everyone met down at my fathers grave in Aurora, Utah at 1 P.M. We had a really great turn out too, I was really happy about that. I took down Braxton, Megan, Hayden and his friend Kenzy with me because Dexter, Taylor, Skyler and Veronica had been down fishing for the weekend, so they met us there. We had a family prayer at the cemetary, then went to the church to play, have a great meal, then play some games. I think everyone had a really great time. A special thanks to my family for putting this all together, I know how much work it takes because I have done it, so I really do appreciate the time and effort that was put in to it. Nothing better than family.

"PINK"

2009-05-21T22:03:00.005-06:00

So, everyone knows (and how couldn't you)that pink is my favorite color. Everyone also knows that I have an attitude, so when I saw this plaque the other day at the store, I laughed so hard that i'm sure everyone in the store was staring at me and because of the attitude, I didn't really care. It read,

"Pink isn't just a color, it's an attitude" Author: unknown

2009-05-18T11:23:00.003-06:00

We had a great time roasting hot dogs and then making smores. I love this time of year when we can get everyone together to do this, it is great. Skyler and Vernoica, Joe and Carli, Megan, and Dexter and i were all there. Hayden had Senior dinner dance, and Taylor was working and Braxton was off with friends. All in all, I think everyone had a great time.

Carli, you go girl!!!!!!

2009-05-04T09:01:00.004-06:00

Carli has just recently finished up her schooling needed to become an LPN. She graduated this past weekend from Snow College. On top of that, she has also recently been accepted into Weber to the nursing program to get her RN. We are so excited for her and Joe and for the future that lies in front of them. Even more than that, we are so excited that they are planning on moving back to Riverton for awhile while taking on all these new adventures. So many exciting things in their young lives. Congratulations to someone who deserves a big round of applause.

Riverton "MORP"

2009-04-26T09:05:00.003-06:00

Hayden and his friend Melissa went to MORP together last night. They went dressed up as old time basketball players. I think they looked cute and I was able to help them play the part pretty well because by "old time" basketball players, they meant around the years I was in high school. I didn't know whether I should. take offense to this or not. Oh well.

Dexter and Taylor practicing their swing...

2009-04-26T09:00:00.003-06:00

Not sure if Dexter and Taylor could love golf much more than they already do. Dexters only regret is that he didn't start 10 years ago. It's not enough that I never see those two from spring to fall because I am in constant competition with this new found love, now Joe has decided that he loves it as well. I may end up losing my whole family to this sport. Sorry Carli.

Dunes weekend

2009-04-26T08:49:00.003-06:00

The weekend started out very cold and windy, so not alot of pictures were taken so I got what I could, knowing I could have done alot better. Saturday and Sunday turned out to be alot better, but hot. All in all, I think we made alot of good family memories that will be cherished a lifetime. Life is good and family is what it is all about and I am so lucky that I have such a great family.

Family, what a blessing...

2009-04-20T09:11:00.004-06:00

This post may be a bit long and forgive me for not putting on any pictures yet, but I was a little tired this morning after our long weekend at the dunes. We had so much fun. It was so nice to gather there with family and either be in a vehicle because we were freezing to death, or under an umbrella trying to escape the heat. Oh the joys of the desert. It was our annual four wheeling weekend at the green river sand dunes. There ended up being 39 people and 5 dogs. We are all a little crisper for it but aside from that, everyone went home a little happier I think. I would just like to put something on here about everyone that was there, hence why this post may seem a little lengthy.

Dad Crane: The Patriarch of our family,constantly worrying about each childs needs.
Mom Crane: The Matriarch of our family, contributing countless hours of service to her kids.
Dexter:has truly found out what having fun in life really means and loves his family unconditionally.
Braxton Crane:Knows that despite some hard times, family truly is where the love lies.
katie: Has found out that the Crane clan is a really crazy bunch of people.
Skyler: a truly kind soul who would do anything for anyone at any time.
Veronica: always has a bright beautiful smile for everyone and is so light hearted.
Megan: Knows what lifes true gifts really are and where they come from.
Hayden: Serious about life but always wanting to have a good time.
Taylor: Always awaiting lifes next big adventure, hopeing it will be in golf.
Richard: The kind of guy everyone wants at their party.
Candice: Wonder woman.
Brigham: Knight putting on his armor for battle.
Rebekka: Someone who always makes life around her a little bit better than when she got there.
Sarah: Always so quick to offer a helping hand with a beautifull smile.
Gracee: A free spirit who loves life to its fullest.
Denice: One of gods angels here on this earth who lends a hand to anyone in need.
Samantha: Canary who is trying to find her wings and fly.
Jonah: Confidence of a lion watching over his pride.
Emily: Beautiful rose bud ready to bloom into it's full potential.
Haven: A small piece of heaven god was willing to put on this earth.
Caleb: A ball of laughter and a will of steel.
Ben: Strong army man whose heart string are wrapped around 4 girls.
Tilly: everyday ready for a new adventure to arise.
Laila: Always willing to lend a hand doing whatever you are doing at the time.
Sam: Sir Lancelot.
Chanelle: Mother who is conquering many battles, and is going to win the war.
Julia: Princess with a heart of gold.
Tanner: Busy boy who always wants life to be full of fun
Maggie: Little redhead who loves her mommy with a spirit which grandma says is old
Luke: Able to leap tall buildings with a single bound.
Bridget: LOL,open minded, non-judgemental heart willing to fix the worlds problems.
Tyler: Quiet inconspicuous leader.
Retta: Always there with a kind word ready to lift someone in need.
Dennis:The true epitomy of Dennis the menace, but in a good way.
Autumn: Sweet little angel.

My little garden, oh how it grows...

2009-04-09T11:39:00.001-06:00

I usually always buy all the plants for my garden, but this year to save some money, and because I was going so much bigger, I decided that I would give it a go and start all my seeds indoors and try and grow everything myself. I over planted trying to make sure that I would have as much as I needed and still there are certain things like onions, radish's and leeks that you have to put in the ground as seeds anyway, so there is no starting them indoors. I have also decided that I was going to go with a new garden plan this year. I heard about this new method of gardening, it is called square foot gardening. Supposed to save you so much more room, water, etc. and yield you alot more produce, so I am giving it a go. I have to build all new beds but hopefully it will work out and I will just be able to use them for many more years to come.

Conferance Brunch...

2009-04-09T11:36:00.000-06:00

We don't always get as much out of the first session of conferance that we should, but we always have great fun as a family eating and talking to eachother. Conferance was great though and I always look forward to the next one and the next brunch with my family.

Cute little Lilly

2009-04-04T15:47:00.000-06:00

I can't believe Lilly is already over 5 months old now. She has got so much personality now and is playing with toys and holding her own bottle even. She has even learned how to sit up for a bit. I had the opportunity to babysit her again on Friday night until Saturday morning. she is such a joy my little Lilly.

Hayden

2009-04-03T19:12:00.001-06:00

Hayden

2009-04-03T19:11:00.001-06:00

Megan

2009-04-03T19:10:00.001-06:00

Megan

2009-04-03T19:09:00.001-06:00

Megan

2009-04-03T19:07:00.001-06:00

Hayden

2009-04-03T19:06:00.001-06:00

Megan

2009-04-03T19:04:00.001-06:00

San Diego Trip 09...

2009-03-31T09:24:00.001-06:00

Last great snowmobiling day of the season...

2009-03-30T09:30:00.000-06:00

This is when Dexter took the kids snowmobiling at Strawberry this past saturday. They had a blast. The last two pictures of first of Hayden jumping, then Taylor jumping. Dexter said that while he was shooting their pictures, they almost rode up and over him, he always had to jump out of the way or be plowed over by them having so much fun.

Funniest email...

2009-03-24T15:06:00.000-06:00

My sister sent me this email because it was so funny and when I read it, I just about died because it fits everything in my life so very well. I have been doing everything trying to cut back on the budget anywhere that i can. I never go shopping anymore (at all) unless it is for food. I hardly ever go get my hair done, as unfortunately many people have probably noticed. I absolutely love love love M&M's which anyone that knows me very well knows about me and know that is the next thing I need to give up for more reasons than one when I recieved this email from my sister the other day.

Giving Up Chocolate (Or in your Case M&M’s)

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of dollars for dinner.
I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, “If I give you this money, will you buy chocolate with it instead of dinner?”
“No, I had to stop eating chocolate years ago,” the homeless woman told me.
“Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?” I asked.
“No, I don’t waste time shopping,” the homeless woman said. “I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.”
“Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?” I asked.
“Are you NUTS!” replied the homeless woman. I haven’t had my hair done in 20 years!”
“Well,” I said, “I’m not going to give you the money. Instead, I’m going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.”
The homeless woman was shocked. “Won’t your husband be furious with you for doing that? I know I’m dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.”
I said, “That’s okay. It’s important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments and chocolate."

Dexters torn calf muscle...

2009-03-24T14:59:00.001-06:00

Can you believe how bad his leg looks. He was playing raquet ball at the gym and said he felt a pop and it felt like someone stabbed him in the back of the leg. This was the result of what he felt. As a side note and something kind of funny, I just looked at the bag of popcorn that Dexter popped and it says on the back, "Listen to the pop to know when to stop." I guess the same could be said for him although, the next morning he was back up and at the gym. he promised that he was only going to work on upper body stuff due to the fact that he had already done about as much damage to the lower half as one person should have.

Boys Championship church basketball game...

2009-03-16T14:11:00.000-06:00

It was so darn hard to watch the boys lose after they played such a great game. They fought until the very last second but couldn't beat the refs. I say that because there was one ref that had it out for our team since the first and called so many bad calls on our team that they just couldn't compete. They did a great job though and we are so very proud of them and their accomplishments to make it that far.

Taylor was number "5" and Hayden was number "14"

Random pictures of the family..

2009-03-16T14:02:00.001-06:00

My "T" boy doing what we all like to do on Sunday, veg...

Megan and her very best friend Ashley

Hayden holding Skyler and Veronica's new Springer Spaniel puppy Dakoda "Koda"

Skyler and Veronica doing what they do best...

Megans 19th Birthday...

2009-03-16T13:54:00.001-06:00

Megan Crane..Born March 8, 1990 (9 days late) weighing 7lb. 3oz. Beautiful full head of dark brown hair with delicate little beautiful features. What a little doll.
I can't believe Megan is already 19 years old. It seems like only a couple of years ago that she was just tiny. Well that goes without saying because she is still pretty tiny but anyway. Happy birthday Megs. We love you so very much

Busy Week...

2009-03-11T16:08:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday Dexters parents came up for some meetings. Dexters dad found out that he is being let go, so he is up here doing everything that he can to try and find another job. Not fun at all. They left on Saturday to go back home. Sunday was Megans birthday, which I will post some pictures of later. Monday I made freezer meals with Megan so she would actually have some food to eat. Tuesday morning Dexter tore his calf muscle playing racket ball at the gym so he is down and out. Wednesday, today, a full day of grocery shopping, going to many stores all to save a buck and the Relief Society Birthday Social that I am partially in charge of. Busy Busy week so far and the rest of the week is going to be every bit as busy. Not sure I like it, but it is mostly all good stuff. Upward and onward.

Another great cooking day...

2009-03-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was another great cooking day for me and my sister. I went and did the grocery shopping for the meals and started doing the cooking on Friday hoping to get my sister home quicker on Saturday so she wouldn't be so warn out when we were done. Here is a list of all the meals we got done and sent home to freeze for LoRene's freezer.

1. Big meatloaf meatballs with mashed potatoes, carrots and beef gravy
2. Beef Stew
3. Chicken rolls with string beans
4. 2 Lasagna's
5. Clam chowder
6. Chicken tortilla soup

We always enjoy cooking together, but we have so much fun together. It is so nice to be able to spend that quality time with my sister and it has been so nice because sometimes her daughter Sarah joins us and she is so darn cute, too cute for her own good but she is such a great help. She is really growing into such a great young lady. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to serve. I love you.

Tagged...

2009-02-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Chelsee tagged me to post 6 random things about myself so here goes.

1. I absolutely love the color pink. I don't know why and I don't know when it started but I guess that just means I am a girly girl. I am just so attracted to that color and people tell me I look good in it, so that's good.

2. I love babies. I think babies are such a great gift and it makes me feel so close to heaven. I think everyone pretty much knows that about me, but that's why I did daycare for 8 years because I guess I wasn't done when I had my own babies.

3. I have a wierd fettish with M&M's. I love love love love them. I think the only ones that I don't like quite as much would be the dark chocolate ones. Other than that, you can usually find some around my house at all times, bad I know.

4. I love spending time with Dexter. I am so very lucky that I married my best friend. I could spend every minute of every day with him and did for a year while he worked at home. Some people would say that they would get tired of that but I actually cried when he found a new job and had to start leaving to go to work every day. We were grew up together and were the only 2 kids in our sunday school class when we were 6 years old.

5. I love spending time with my family, extended included. I think that family is such a blessing. When we lived in Portland and loved it so much, it just wasn't home because we had no family around. My family is so very important to me.

6. I love staying home. Most people think that is really wierd. I have had weeks where I haven't had anything to go out for and have found that by date night on friday, I haven't been out since I went to church the previous sunday except to get the mail. I love being home. I love the things that I can accomplish while I am there. I love the peace that I feel in my own home. I love what I have even though i'm sure it isn't what others might have but it's mine and hopefully it's paid for so it's mine and I can enjoy it without worry.

7. Had to add this one. I love Chelsee as one of my new found friends because she always puts a smile on my face. She is always so happy and bubbly and expressive. I know her family is going through alot of trials right now and she works so very hard at school and still you will never find her in a bad mood or onry in any way. She just has such a great spirit about her that just explodes when you are around her that can't help but rub off on others. Thanks Chelsee for this opportunity.

Another cooking day marathon...

2009-02-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

On presidents day, LoRene, Sarah and I decided that we would have a cooking day marathon so that she could refill her freezer because it was getting empty quickly with as many people as she has living there so we made...

Broccoli cheese casserole w/rice...
Chicken cheese soup...
Shephards pie...
Clam chowder...
Parmasan chicken w/pasta...
Beef stroganoff...
Chicken Diane w/pasta and peas...

Stay tuned because this saturday we are going to make...

Beef stew...
Lasagna...
Chicken tortilla soup...
and maybe mini meatloaves...

Cooking day...

2009-02-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Once a week or so, my sister and I try to get together to cook some freezer meals for her family so that she can rest when she gets home from work and not have to worry so much about what her family is going to be eating because she has Lupus and is really tired after a long hard day at work. Some may think of this as a kind thing to do, but I think that for the both of us, we simply think of it as great quality time that we get to spend together as sisters and what a blessing it is to be able to get together so often and enjoy eachothers company. We both love eachother so much, I don't know what either of us would do without eachother.

My "Dexter" post...25 things you may or may not know about him

2009-02-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

1. He is the oldest of 9 children

2. He is and has always been the most romantic guy I have ever known

3. Loves anything and everything outdoors (golf, hunting, 4-wheeling, fishing, snowmobiling, shooting guns, watching his kids play football, playing volleyball etc.)

4. Tells me he loves me atleast 5 times a day

5. There is not a job around the house that he won't do

6. Loves to support his kids in any activity they are in

7. Holds my hand where ever we go or where ever we are

8. Is always willing to watch a chick flick with me

9. Has a personal relationship with his Father in Heaven

10.Is the most honest person that I have ever known

11.If I tell him my dreams, he always does whatever he can to make them come true for me

12.Hates to be bored at work, at home or where ever he is

13.Pushes himself to stay physical and active

14.Is never afraid to try new things and new adventures

15.Has always strived to better himself at what ever he is doing

16.Loves learning new things and new challenges in his life

17.Has always loved every calling he has ever had (basically has always had a good attitude about every calling he has ever had and makes the best of it)

18.Always puts his whole self into anything he is doing at the time

19.Hates car problems but stays optimistic while working on them

20.tries as hard as he can to keep lifes stresses away from me

21.Loves to spend time with his parents and siblings

22.Graduated with a Bachelors degree with highest honors from college while working a full time job and having 3 kids at home

23.Said when he was in 8th grade that someday he was going to marry me

24.Is a certified polar bear club member

25.Always tries to surprise me but rarely can because we live in eachothers heads too much and I can finish his sentences

Lilly...

2009-02-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Once a week or so we are lucky enough to get to babysit Megans best friend Ashley's baby Lilly. She is adorable and so much fun. She is 3 months old now and so full of personality. I usually take her at night and play with her and feed her and bathe her and put her to bed while the two girls go out and have some fun, then they come back and spend the night here with her. These are some pics of her getting her bath and playing with Taylor. He really likes being with her and playing with her. He being the youngest, he hasn't really been able to be around babies that much so it's really fun for him.

Taylor gave Aspen a bath, what a procedure...

2009-02-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Aspen is really good about taking her baths. You tell her it is time for a bath and she will go climb in the tub for you even though she is really scared and shakes the whole time. This is not to mention that when she is done, it looks like some animal must have been shaved in there because there is so much hair there. Oh well, she looks great and smells great and i'm sure feels a whole lot better.

Lucy and Aspen: Best of Friends

2009-02-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Aspen gets tired of Lucy always trying so hard to get her to play and ber her friend because Lucy is still a puppy at only 9 months old and Aspen being 5 1/2 years, but pretty much, they just get along really well.

Dancing with my son...

2009-01-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry there are no pictures, Dexter tried, but when he grabbed the camera, the batteries were dead. anyway... Hayden is in ballroom at school this quarter. For being such a jock, he really seems like he is enjoying it. He told me to come in the kitchen with him the other night and took one of my hands and placed it on his shoulder and took my other hand in his and told me he was going to teach me how to do the waltz. He proceeded to dance with me for about 15 minutes showing me how to do the basic waltz and then doing the waltz while moving around the kitchen. It isn't as easy as it looks, but I really appreciate the opportunity to dance with him. Made me think about how old he is now and how fast he will be gone. He has such great goals and is getting closer and closer to them every day. He is in the EMT program at the Jordan Tech Center and absolutely loves every minute of it. He is doing practicals for that every Thursday night. He is keeping his GPA up to almost a 4.0. He wants to graduate from seminary as well as highschool. He is hoping to go to SUU for a year before he goes on his mission. Then of course, the mission, then when he comes back from that, he hopes to work hard to become a general practioner. I am so grateful that he has such lofty goals and is working hard to make those goals a reality. You go Hayden. We are really proud of you and love you very much.

Body worlds exhibit "the Leonardo"

2009-01-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

Dexter surprised me last friday night and got us tickets to go see the body worlds exhibit in downtown Salt Lake.

If you don't know anything about plastination, it is really cool. I know some people have different opinions about this, but if you are interested at all in the medical field, as am I, it was worth every minute and every penny. I definately don't think you could come out of there without having more respect for the human body and the way your heart beats on it's own, and your lungs take in air on their own, and how your brain sustains everything. Me personally, I think about how marvelous our maker is and how he must have painstakingly thought out every small detail of the human body and how it was to work. I knew this would be a once in a life time opportunity to see this and thought I wasn't going to get to go, so thank you honey for another great date night, your the best.

Remembering 2008

2009-01-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

There were alot of ups and downs in 2008 but I thought I would be really ungrateful if I didn't list some of them.
Dexter and I both had lasik surgery done on our eyes
My baby turned 16 years old and can now bless the sacrament
I have two boys able to bless the sacrament right now together
Megan started Relief Society
Joe and Carli got married in the Salt Lake Temple
Skyler and Veronica had their first anniversary
Skyler and Veronica also got into their first house
We had our 22 anniversary
Megan graduated both from Seminary and High School
Hayden became a Senior in High School
Taylor started High School
Dexter and I both lost weight
I was able to have an abdominoplasty and lived to tell the tale
Dexter and I both turned the big "40" and again lived to talk about it
Braxton moved back in with us and brought his darling dog Lucy
Taylor got a hole in one in golf which can be once in a life time
Taylor shot the biggest deer of any of our children this year
Haydens football year ended 7 wins to 3 losses
Hayden started into EMT school
Veronica started and Finished her nail school and got a job doing nails
Megan started college and moved out
We lived through laying hard wood flooring

Wow was an exciting year. I'm sure that I am just touching on it because so many great things happened that I can't even hardly remember them all. The Lord has definately blessed my family abundantly.

Dexters idea of funny

2009-01-09T09:10:00.001-07:00

Veronica and I decided that we would Dye eachothers hair right after Christmas. We were the only ones home at the time, so it was fine. We didn't have anything else to put on our heads but grocery bags, so grocery bags it was. Dexter came in and started laughing so hard, he said that he needed to get a picture of that. I didn't think it was very funny, but decided that I could laugh at myself as well as the next "guy" so decided to post them. All in all, the hair turned out great despite the grocery bags.

Fun Projects I am working on right now

2009-01-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have had a cold right now, so I have been putting together some baby stuff. The projects that I have been working on are first, bags that hold the small container of baby wipes and a diaper and then binky blankets which are super fun and super soft and oh so very cute.

New Years Fun

2009-01-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

I am so terrible at taking pictures so this post will unfortunately have to be picture free. Make them up in your mind. On New Years Eve, we had a super wonderful dinner of Prime Rib, loving prepared by my husband and it was definately one of the best I have ever had. We were going to try to stay up, but everyone ditched us, so we just went to bed early. OH WELL. On New Years Day, we got up and fixed a big breakfast for everyone and had a fresh fruit platter, juices, french toast and ham. After that, alot of them had to head off to work but there were Skyler, Veronica and I sitting here looking at eachother asking what we were going to do today. The girls had cards to Victoria's secret that we wanted to use so we promised that we would go to Cabella's with the boys if they would take us shopping later. Skyler called to find out what time they were feeding the big fish out there so we hurried to get ready to go out there to be there in time for that. It was really awesome because we hadn't ever been there when they fed them before. They fed them pellets, whole worms, and live gold fish. It was really cool to watch those great big fish eat. We then walked all over the store looking at all the fun stuff and eating their yummy butter pretzels. (Can't go there without getting those). After that we drove to the mall and got megan out of work for a half hour to go have lunch there with us. It was great. We all had a great time. We then went and got what we wanted at Victoria's Secret. After going home for a nap for awhile, we got a call that Grandma and Grandpa Crane had come up to go do some car shopping and wanted to go out to dinner with us, so out we went again. What a fun time we had with them, as always. We had a very full and very fun New Years day. This year has just got to be a great year, I can feel it. Greatness all abound. I hope everyone has a very happy and healthy New Year.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

What a great Christmas we had at our house. I think everyone was quite satisfied with all their gifts and we had such a great time and the food was so wonderful. We started off the holiday on the 24th by having a great big breakfast together, then everyone that wanted to went to Life Time gym together and we played and swam there. We then went to the movie "7 pounds", which was quite sad, but very wonderful and made me grateful for all my blessings. We then came home and had a wonderful dinner of smoked turkey, homemade rolls and all the fixings. I wasn't even sick for this meal, so poor Dexter didn't have to fix it all alone. We sat around a visited and laughed and enjoyed our time together as a family. On Christmas morning, Skyler and Veronica drove over here bright and early so that we could start opening presents but it was really hard for them because we had recieved quite a bit of snow so it was kind of crazy. Then the festivities began.

Braxton got mostly School supplies and a game. Skyler and Veronica got a nice new digital camera. Joe and Carli got a gift card to buy what they wanted. Megan got a new digital camera that was pink of course, as well as a new pink snowmobile helmet that she wanted. Hayden got a stethascope for school. Taylor got a new cell phone and golf stuff. Dexter got mostly golf stuff and I got a new set of pots and pans (yeah), a new toaster oven, and some clothes. Everyone got matching Christmas jammies and money in their stocking too. I think everyone was very happy and satisfied with what they recieved.

Angels among us

2008-11-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

I have angels that live at my house, especially my dear sweet husband who has literally moved heaven and earth for me in the last week.
I have had this stomach bacteria that has really done me in, and then last Monday night I started throwing up and couldn't stop until about 5 the next morning. I just slept on the bathroom floor all night long. Dexter got up the next morning and cleaned up everything including the house, and even all the laundry. He waited on me hand and foot and oh, because he took Tuesday off of work to do that for me. I wasn't throwing up any more, but still had a serious stomach ache and completely exhausted so on Wednesday after work, Dexter called his family in Monticello and informed them that our Thanksgiving plans with them were cancelled and that he would just stay here and take care of me. He then went to the grocery store buying everything that he needed to make our dinner the next day. I think he bought most of the grocery store by the way, making sure that there was enough snack around to feed the multitudes. The next day he was up bright and early to start making the dinner. Megan offered to help, so between the two of them, they made the turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, stuffing, jello, green salad, gravy, stuffed mushrooms and everything else they could think of. What angels I have. Dexter even made a chocolate cream pie. He knew that he couldn't come to me for any information about food because even talking about food made me want to,,, well you can figure it out, so I overheard him talking to his mom on the phone making sure he was making the sweet potatoes the right way because he knows that I love them so much and also his chocolate pie. It was the sweetest thing ever. I couldn't eat more than a couple bites on Thanksgiving but what I did get down was absolutely wonderful and I swear was made by angels. Anyway, a great big thank you and I love you guys so much.

Can't believe my baby is 22 today

2008-11-23T08:46:00.001-07:00

Braxton Smith Crane was born 22 years ago today on a beautiful November afternoon. He was only 3 days early and was 7lb. 13 oz. He was absolutely beautiful having all ten fingers and all ten toes. He had a full head of black hair and looked just like his daddy. We love him so much and want to wish him a very happy birthday. Love you Brax

Pears Pears everywhere

2008-11-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

I decided after my sister gave me this new Christmas book that her neighbor had made that I would make a table runner for all of Dexters family. Problem being, I haven't felt very good and I only gave myself just over a week to do it. I had to make 40 pears, 40 leaves and 24 of these pom poms. Each pear and each leaf had to be machine stitched on as well, so it is taking me forever. I knew I needed to get it done now so that I could give it to everyone for thanksgiving when we go down so they can have it for the month of December. I am almost done with all the pears and to date only have 1 fully put together and have 4 more days to do it. Each one has to be hand stitched together, so it's a slow slow process. Am I crazy or what? Wish me luck, I think I am going to need it.