BROOKLYN'S 1st Piggy Tail

So its official, she has officially grown out of babyhood into toddlerhood. Brooklyn not only has been walking for almost 2 1/2 months now, but I can get a piggy tail in her whispy little locks. I don't know what it is about tiny little pixie piggy tails, but they crack me up! and I love seeing it on little babies and young toddlers. Brooklyn although still a cuddler with me by night, she is not much of a baby to me anymore.... she is the busiest little body trying to keep up with Morgan, and steer clear of Bully Brother Tyler! What is it in Crowder boys and wanting to bug! I swear! Its in the blood. I call Tyler right now my "common denominator"..... If you hear screaming he's either the one screaming or causing the screaming. But I'm catching on to his antics and they're not as effective as they used to be. Any suggestions Please do share.

WELCOME BABY URBAN WEST CROWDER!

Yesterday was a very exciting day for the Crowder Household. Kellie my sister-in-law, Jordan Jared's Bro. and little cousin Wyatt welcomed baby boy Urban West Crowder! Kellie was a superwoman and toughed out the labor "all Natural" as she did with Wyatt! I am so proud of her and inspired by her strength. She is a stronger woman than I. I had to cheat, otherwise it wouldn't have happened. I got to go see the new little family shortly after she delivered, even before his first little bath. He is extra chubbers and super super cute! He has a perfect head with short dark hair, really nice cheeks, and very kissy lips. Judy swears it was deja vu for her seeing Urban, because he looks just like his daddy. He was a 9+ pounder measuring 21.5 in. Kellie was glowing as you can see in the pictures how cute and happy she was to have little Urban finally here. I am so grateful she was willing to share in her special moment with the rest of us. I felt lucky to get to go see her so soon. I enjoyed getting to see little Wyatt, Kathy, Ron, Ryan, Tracy, and Kellie's sweet Grandma. They are always so friendly and loving to me and my kids. Morgan and Tyler were dissappointed that I didn't let them go see baby Urban, but they got to hang for a bit with Wyatt in the lobby and had a blast playing cars with him for the few little minutes that they did. It was cute to see them laughing together, Wyatt so adorable, I wanted to eat him up. I was amazed what a little talker he is. Tyler really enjoyed having a little buddy for how board out of his mind he was down in the lobby. We hope to visit, or have Wyatt over when my kids are over thier colds, and Urban is settled and home. Congratulations Kellie and Jordan. We love you guys!

Happy NEW Year Brooklyn finally joins in the fun of banging, and cheering.

When Morgan was 18 months old we started a silly little tradition banging pots and pans, running around the house like wild indians chanting "HAPPY NEW YEAR," for about 5 minutes or so until it becomes tiresome, and then have a big treat, to ring in the new year. Without having to go anywhere, deal with druk drivers, or stay up past 9 PM, sounds pretty appealing after a busy day of work, or caring for 3 little ones. Funny how when you have kids, some of the events and holidays that used to be sooooooooo important to celebrate aren't as appealing. This was something I think we both did as kids, that we remembered and thought would be funny with our own kids. Which it has been. Last year we did pots with big spoons and tyler was too little so he had a metal measuring cup and a spoon. Morgan complained last year that her pot was too heavy and next year she wanted the measuring cup. So this year it was measuring cups and spoons for everyone. LOL! Brooklyn wasn't quite sure what to think of it. I think she hears me yelling all day to keep the noise down, throwing Tyler in time-out for screaming, or saying "No, more banging" to all sorts of items, that she couldn't quite figure out why all of a sudden banging, yelling, and running was ok. She just kept starring at Morgan, Tyler, and I and deciding if she was going to join in. Probably the last 2-3 minutes she finally joined in and got really excited about making noise. Hopefully I haven't un-done all the rules we set about making noise on "normal" days. As you can see above, Morgan is happy to have her measuring cups this year and Tyler is working on his coordination to hit the spoon in themiddle of the cup.

I am looking forward to a new year with great hopes of being a better me than I was last year. Each year that passes I hope to recognize the good that came of it, and where God's hand was in my life, acknowledge where I can improve, and make changes that help me grow into the person I was put here to become. I am amazed daily of the growth and beauty I feel is developing in each of my children, and hope I can keep up with the growth and development that they embrace daily. I wish each of you all the happiness and success that life can bring. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Welcome little Kayla

Here is a slideshow of the two latest Braden side B-day girls! In Utah I got to share in my sister Rebbecca's delivery of her new baby girl, and celebrate the big 2 for my neice Brenna. It was a close call, because Becca was 10 minutes away from deliverying Kayla on Brenna's day. Kayla is a little angel, and the cutest combination of both mommy and daddy! She has daddy's handsome eyes, and mommy's pretty lips and chin. I look forward to seeing what my crowder nephews soon to be, look like. It is such a fun season of life with all the growing families around us!

December 2008 Family Pictures

My mom made a special request for new updated pictures for Christmas. So on the 23rd I panicked because I hadn't done the one thing she asked. So with Judy's help, I rounded up the troops, tried to find a few coordinating things to wear, and off to the park we went for a few pictures. We were able to get some really cute shots of the kids, and even Jared was having a good picture day, LOL! As Hot and handsome as I think he is, catching a good smile and his eyes open at the same time is not as easy as most would think! Luv ya babe! I had some fun with paint, and was able to print these in sepia and with some coloring alterations. My mom of course was thrilled, and we printed a few extras for my walls, and Jared's office.

A little Christmas Cheer

We got to spend Christmas in Utah with my Family. Although we were sad to miss out on Jamie, Brody, and little Sawyer visiting CA, we did get to give them a quick kiss and hug in Victorville, as we crossed paths driving up, and them driving down. Luv you guys! It was so exciting to get to enjoy all the Christmas craze with the Bradens, Brackens, and Allens. As usual, my mom made a wonderful Christmas Eve feast, and Christmas brunch. Her food alone was worth the trip up. YUM YUM! We had such a fun time being serenaded by my brother's and their christmas guitar and singing, hanging out, and our humorous effort of putting on a "grandchildren nativity play." Daniel was the narrator, Tanner humored my mom and was a shepherd, Morgan, Juliana, and Brenna were angels, Clarissa was Mary, Tyler was Joseph, and lastly Brooklyn was baby Jesus. It was a miracle Brooklyn laid on the manger and didn't move a muscle for at least 5 minutes. Tyler played his role so seriously, and the girls didn't do too bad either. I was the wild woman trying to herd the cats as Dan read along. I was laughing so hard I swear I thought I was going to wet myself, especially when Grandpa was the Donkey, and Tyler led him so tenderly to the stable. Morgan and Tyler were so giddy they could hardly sleep Christmas Eve. Morgan got her "baby chou chou," and Tyler got his DARN green tractor. I tried many many nights subliminally sending ideas and messages of different ideas for christmas, but it always seemed to come back to the "green tractor." So way to go SANTA! Tyler was also suprised with an awesome motorcycle and GIJoe guy, and Morgan a "loving family doll house." My mom and dad really enjoyed watching the mayhem as their grandchildren and kids dove into presents and picture mania. Julianna was probably the funniest! She was so excited she could hardly contain herself. She ran from booth to booth to see what was new at each person's station. I think she liked Tyler's motorcycle best- and her radio flyer scooter 2nd. She is such a ham, there's never a dull moment with her cute little busy body around. I really enjoyed getting to see my dad enjoy his 52 in Plasma screen TV, ( Go DAD) and my mom overcome with emotion as my dad presented her with a beautiful harp, and the opportunity to take lessons, a long life dream she had given up on 2 years ago. It was pretty special. Later Christmas day we got to just enjoy each other's company and my mom took some special time to play with my kids. She did cute christmas neclaces with Tyler and Morgan, then played dolls, operation, and house with just Morgan. She loves those one on one moments so much. After Christmas was all over, I got to spend a couple days at Chrystal's, which is always a favorite, and then share in Becca's amazing miracle of childbirth, as she welcomed little Kayla Kathleen Allen, to their family the 27th 11:5O pm 6.6 lbs, 18 in long. I got to be in the delivery room with her- helping encourage and chant her along as she pushed. It was so crazy to not be the one having the baby. I got a glimpse of what the husbands feel. Kent was there, holding Becca's hand and loving her along the way. I was so helpless and worried that what I tried to do to help, might be annoying. But Becca said my massaging and pushing on her back and neck was great, so that was good! It was so AMAZING to see little Kayla delivered and delay in taking her first breath. It was kind of scary at first because her ambilical cord was around her neck, but she soon got air and was as perfect as can be. Pictures to come of little Kalya very soon. She wins the prize, because she's extra cute! To top off the visit, I got to also meet little Parker Hoffmann, and be at his Blessing, along with a couple hours of fun with Mary, Haley and the rest of the Hoffmann bunch. It was a whirlwind week, but I couldn't have had it any better! Thanks to all that made it happen, it made my Christmas!

Chocolate Cookie Monster

Here is a Play by Play slide show of Broolyn's first experience with a chocolate cookie. I love "first time" experiences with kids and babies! Its so hilarious to watch them experience something new, take it in, process it, then come up with their opinion about it! As you can see this was a happy experience that she will be thrilled to have again soon!

Happy Birthday Party for Grandpa Crowder

Happy 62 Birthday "Pa pa"

We Love Grandma and Grandpa super super much!!

Morgan and Tyler first thing in the Morning made "Birthday Pictures" for Grandpa and taped them to the table and on the walls, to celebrate him when he woke up, then they helped make chocolate cake for "the party!" - as simple as it was. They were pretty excited about the neat candles that had a big 6 and 2 for grandpa's age.

Pa Pa was so gracious to recieve their little pictures as the BEST PRESENTS in the world! He's so sweet to make them feel special- because they sure drew them with all their love.

Just a quick tribute to Dad "C", I hope he knows how much I love and appreciate him. Not many get to see all the love and service he offers my family. Each day as I get up to do my work bright and early at 6am, Grandpa gets up too, to get breakfast and cartoons going. He changes gross diapers (how many grandpas do this, not many), and is a mediator between the sibling rivalries that happen on occassion. Whenever I am trying to do things like clean, cook, or deal with tantrums, he constantly offers his help, and assistance to hold Brooklyn or whatever else I need. He unloads and loads the dishes more than I do, and is the best loving peacemaker around. Morgan and Tyler, love him very much and little Brooklyn lights up whenever he approaches her with her little squinty expressions and snorts- I appreciate all he does, and hope he knows that Jared and I love him a lot. Happy Birthday Dad "C"!

A whirlwind of a Month

So these last couple of weeks have been very busy, as most of you know. Trying to accomplish a move in a couple of weeks with 3 kids is exhausting to say the least. Some are of the kids in hiding places, as I emptied cupboards, they had extra fun climbing in boxes or hiding in any secret-like place, Tyler's favorite was under the sinks or in the furniture amoirs. Other pictures are of Halloween, and of Grandma Crowder on Baby duty while I pack, pack, pack, and the rest are of the first couple of days at the new house. The bathtub with jets is the favorite place in the house. Tyler, and Morgan request a bath with jets every night. Morgan was enrolled in an after-school Karate program with her neighbor's school and really enjoyed the 4 weeks she got to go. Halloween was pretty pathetic as you can see by their pathetic costumes. I luckily kept their costumes in a trash bag and threw them on, then took them around the block before embarking on the unloading. Morgan looks pretty shabby, and I just threw on the other two costumes. If I had the things I needed and the time, I was hoping to paint Tyler's face green with spots, paint brooklyn's nose pink, and done cute pigtails and make-up on Morgan. So much for that! Sigh....... but I tried. Good thing kids don't care, they at least got to get candy! There is a really nice big entrance at the new place and Morgan and Tyler have figured its the perfect space for car racing and rides for Brooklyn. Brooklyn gets so excited to get rides, she squeals almost everytime she passes by. Its adorable. Lastly the picture of Brooklyn and of that small rock-like looking thing- its a snail. Brooklyn crawled around outside while I loaded the Budget truck and later I found a snail in brooklyn's mouth. YUCK! The gross part about it, was the snail was still in it. Babies! So busy, so into everything. I wished I had taken a picture of Tyler in the big Truck. It was a diesel and he was ELATED! He got to ride with daddy in the truck each time we had to make a trip, he loved it so much that when we parked, he wouldn't get out. He had to always be IN the truck, if not the front, then on the ramp or in the back- but really all it was, was IN THE WAY! LOL but it made a crazy stressful time- lots of fun. I love how little kids enjoy new things, and how exciting change is. It encourages me to embrace change and to have the kind of willingness to accept all that life has to offer me in all of its forms. Luv you guys!

Happy Halloween

Our ward Trunk-or-Treat was yesterday. Tyler and Morgan were so excited they could hardly stand it. I made the mistake of telling them we were going that day, and so they bugged and nagged, and talked about it all day. Morgan had to copy her cousin Clarissa, and be a cheerleader this year. She learned a couple funny cheers and had fun doing them for her friends, and Grandma and Grandpa. I found the COOLEST frog costume for Tyler, and Brooklyn is cute in anything, so she wasn't too hard. We had a lot of fun, especially now since both Tyler and Morgan "get it!" Tyler was of course thrilled with the first 2 candy bars he got and could have called it a night, but since I was insistent he get some loot so mom could have some too, we made sure he made a few rounds. Tyler's favorite activity was the Pumpkin bowling. I didn't get any pictures because I was in line with Tyler, but Jared had fun too taking on the challenge of the Bishop and the Elder's Quorum President in a doughnut eating contest. He would have won had his doughnut not fell, but he was a close 2nd Place! Amongst our move, I'm not sure how we are going to pull off trick-or-treating around the neighborhood this Friday, but Morgan and Tyler are definitely certain they are going to do it!

GO JAZZ..... LAKERS STINK!

So Jared has personally taken it upon himself to teach our children " GO JAZZ.... LAKERS STINK!" I on the other hand try to stay politically correct being that we LIVE in in CA to always cheer for the Lakers and like both teams, but if the Lakers play the Jazz. I am a Jazz fan. Sorry Lakers- Koby you still are extra extra good! Jared and I fell in love during b-ball season. It was one of our favorite past times to watch the Jazz games, eat 2 lg. Pizzas, and a box of hot wings! Yum. Yes I held my own and gained like 15 lbs during this time. Well he's passed this on to our kids and now my kids randomly will come marching around the house chanting "GO JAZZ... LAKERS STINK!" Men! So competitive that they have to bring their children into it. But it makes for fun around the house and rally the troops for all of you Fans out there. GO JAZZ!

Joy School Pumpkin Patch

Thursday, Morgan's Joy School group invited siblings and mommies to come to the Pumpkin Patch with her class. We found the coolest place called Pulitzer Farms out in wine country that has a real farm, farm animals, pig racing, and a great pumpkin patch. We got to pet all the animals, learn about them, go in a corn maze, and pick our favorite pumpkins. It was a HIT! I put tyler in a pair of tan overalls which was my attempt to dress the part, to fit in with all the farmers we'd get to meet. He liked that he had pants on like Farmer Ben. I however thought he looked like a hillbilly and have decided that I am officially NOT a fan of overalls. I think I wore a pair back in the early 90's when it was cool to wear them and one strap hanging down! Did any of you do the same and feel as "COOL" as I did? I look back and just shake my head, SERIOUSLY - what was I thinking! But anyway, back to the pumpkin patch, Tyler's favorite part was the train, he went back to it like 3 or 4 times. Morgan loved the corn maze! She was the leader most of the way through it. I think we got stuck in every dead end the maze provided. Brooklyn was taken with all the animals, but would scream everytime I tried to put her down. This was the first time ever, I think she's seen a live animal up close, and was not sure of her safety. After the maze we got to see the pigs race and push volleyballs around the pen, then walk by the HUGE sunflowers. After that we had a snack at the picnic table and picked out our favorite pumpkins. It was a fun day. It has now become our official tradition to visit at least 1 pumpkin patch every October. We took Morgan since she was 1 yr old, and ever since her 2nd visit, it has been something she really looks forward to. Its so fun to now see Tyler's excitment. What was once so fun to do with one child, is even now more fun and enjoyable to make memories with the both of them and see Brooklyn now coming up in the ranks. We are looking forward to going to a 2nd one this week for Family night so daddy can join in the fun this next time around.

VOTE YES on PROP 8 and Get INVOLVED for 4 wks

Last night Jared and I attended a Proposition 8 Broadcast from the General Authorities. It was overwhelmingly certain that this issue on Prop 8 is more important and more influencial on our families and values than most of you probably realize. The ripple effect of this not passing will have very negative reprocussions that will influence our ability to protect and teach the values we so strongly believe in, to our children. I want to reach out and challenge each of you to please take an active role to promote what we believe and how protecting marriage will maintain the core of our society and God's plan of happiness. In the broadcast they asked members within California to get involved as best you can to promote, stand-up, and teach about this to all you can. They asked each of us to dedicate 4 hours a week to this through organized methods for the next 4 weeks. This is our time to show our faith and to do the things the lord has asked of us. Many times I think we can forget that just going to church, staying within our little member community, and living the gospel is not always enough. What is needed is a voice- a loving, respectful, freindly informed person, reaching out to those who are indiferrent or un-knowing of what we believe and the values that drive our beliefs, and the positive influence those beliefs will have if they join us in our cause can help promote and protect that which is good and right.

Elder Oaks stated "This is much bigger than just a question of whether or not society should be more tolerant of the homosexual lifestyle. Over past years we have seen unrelenting pressure from advocates of that lifestyle to accept as normal what is not normal, and to characterize those who disagree as narrow-minded, bigoted and unreasonable. Such advocates are quick to demand freedom of speech and thought for themselves, but equally quick to criticize those with a different view and, if possible, to silence them by applying labels like “homophobic.” In at least one country where homosexual activists have won major concessions, we have even seen a church pastor threatened with prison for preaching from the pulpit that homosexual behavior is sinful. Given these trends, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must take a stand on doctrine and principle. This is more than a social issue — ultimately it may be a test of our most basic religious freedoms to teach what we know our Father in Heaven wants us to teach. "

I invite you all to stand with me, in California or not, make a difficult sacrifice this month, and dedicate 4 hours a week to help teach about Prop 8 to your friends, communities, and be brave enough to speak out in the grocery line, or in stores you go to, inviting kind friendly discussions with strangers about family, getting involved and these values, and ask them for a YES vote on PROP 8. Go to http://www.protectmarriage.com/ to find ways you can contribute. Best of Luck to you all.

Visit http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/ to watch a few clips and highlights from the bretheren on Prop 8.

OUCH!

So as you can see from Morgan's expression, she was NOT a happy girl this morning. She fell while I was working-out on the treadmill and her head hit the end of the treadmill and her hair caught around the wheel, basically scalping a small section of her head. OUCH!
Morgan's bald spot. It is not a glare or a bright light, this is her whole bald spot. I can luckily still hide it pretty well in styling her hair.
Brooklyn is LOVING trying big girl food! Especially the sweets, just like mommy. her favorite is to soggy up a cookie and dissolve it in her mouth. This is her 1st cookie moment. YUM!
last night Brooklyn pulled herself up to the pool and walked along the side, and in a split second reached in to touch the water and ...... SPLASH! in she goes. Here is Morgan and Tyler reaching in to help her out. I forget what a busy moving baby is like now that she's mobile, I can't turn my head for a second.
Brooklyn on the go.

Exercise woes!

Last Resort to get the final 5 minutes in of my work-out.

Tyler mad at me for not helping him move his car.
Brooklyn crying because she can't reach me on the treadmill.

Brooklyn making her way on her own to get to me on the treadmill

I now fully understand why mom's either exercise at the gym or just accept the baby fat they've gained because there are way too many days that working out is a JOKE! Things always start out happy and fine, each child entertaining themselves as I start my daily work-out, but never fails the chain reaction begins usually about 10 minutes into it once I get my heart rate going. One child gets going then the next one is crying, and then comes the yelling and arguing between Morgan and Tyler. Then I ask why oh why do I try. So I write to you bloggers out there asking does anyone else go through this but still persist? Still keep pushing through the screaming and crying and fighting? Just so you can drop a pound or two or de-stress? I ask you does it de-stress you? Or does it cause more stress? Some days I'm not quite sure. But in the end I must say to you all YES! I keep trying, keep going, keep persisting. I know that having a healthy me, makes me happy and feel better about myself. The better I feel about me the better I can be to them, and the better I can be to them, the happier they are overall..... even if it means an awful 30 minutes while mommy gets in her workout!