Christmas in Waco 2009

Well, the last time we spent Christmas in Waco was 4 years ago…when I was pregnant with Jackson and also due any day!!! :) We normally travel for Christmas, either to New Orleans, or to Naples, FL where my parents spend their holidays, but I must say, even tho we LOVE going to both of those destinations, it was so nice to not have to go anywhere! This year Christmas truly was relaxing and restful and just simply, wonderful!

Josh had to use some vacation days and took the whole week off before AND after Christmas. We’ve truly been blessed to be able to revel in our family time together with Jackson before our family grows, and things get a little nutty for a while.

Here are some pics from our fun holiday time at my parent’s house.

It started snowing on Christmas Eve!! we had to run outside and take a pic...it was nuts and of course, we all weren't looking!

Mom made homemade lasagna for dinner on Christmas Eve...yummy!!

Jackson helped clean up after dinner...where did this come from? I'll take it though!

We had a birthday party and cake for Jesus after our Christmas Eve service

Christmas morning, going through goodies from Santa! He did GOOD this year! THANKS Santa! :)

One of our last pics of a Crosby family of 3! very bittersweet...

Josh cookin' breakfast Christmas morn...a tradition. He doesn't cook much, but does cook a mean breakfast!

Fun presents....i guess i need to get cooking again huh?

Thanks Aunt Beebee, i love my first glove. Aunt Kiki's dog likes it too...

Blessed beyond measure...thank you Lord for friends, family, and our health! What a fabulous Christmas! (and my shirt obviously isn't a maternity shirt...ha ha!)

We all got a hoot out of this...Jackson enjoyed parking his cars in the nativity stable.

Let’s just say it felt like Jackson celebrated Hannakuh! Ha ha, he’s been getting presents here and there ever since his birthday party. This will always be an issue having a birthday so close to Christmas…and looks like BOTH of my kiddos will share that issue. Fun times ahead! :) December will be an expensive month forever more.

Pregnancy Update: I go tomorrow for my 39 week checkup – cannot believe it!! 39 weeks, ahhh! Last week after my appointment, sweet Dr. Rister called and told me he was up at the hospital and set up an induction for December 31^st, 6 am, if I haven’t had baby before then….which, looks like we may be holding out since baby seems awfully comfy in there. That is 3 days away - ahhhh! So, looks like a New Year’s Eve baby for the Crosby’s! Updates and more come very soon!!

I have been processing lots of things the last few days. I am thankful that God has given me this time before baby to truly reflect and rest. Reflecting on what's to come, and what has been for the last 4 years with my one and only child! And also to just earnestly pray and lay all my anxieties at His capable feet: Will my baby be healthy? Will all go smooth during delivery? How is Jackson going to adjust? Will nursing go smoothly? How will i manage 2 kids and be the household manager and a godly wife with little sleep? It goes on and on...

Yesterday at church, the guest pastor used Philippians 4:6-7 in his sermon, and then today as we were running a few errands, it was the verse of the day on K-love radio station, so I know God wants me truly to hear and believe this familiar passage. I'll leave it at this:

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds, in Christ Jesus."

Sweet shower of blessings….

I want to thank our young adult SS class at church. They threw a combined diaper shower for Kendra and I, and it was such a blessing to receive such goodies that we’ll need and definitely USE!! Kendra is due with her 3rd two weeks after me, and they aren't finding out either! (She already has one of each.)

I am especially grateful because I haven’t been as involved in the class this fall because I have been teaching in the youth department, so it meant so much that the class loved on me in such a special way.

A special thanks to Rebekah for opening up her beautiful home with all kinds of fun yummies for us to enjoy that night, thanks girl! Love ya!

Here are some pics Kendra took of the evening. Thanks again Young Adult 1, ya’ll are the BEST!!

Squeezing in one more major thing before baby - Jackson's Bday party!

One other major thing i wanted to "cross off my list" before baby comes, was Jackson's bday party! His official bday is December 28th, which ahhh, i guess this new babe and him could totally share a bday huh?? Anyway, we celebrated a little early.

MONTHS ago, after playing Wii with my brother Ben, Jackson became obessesed with bowling. Mind you, it was only on Wii, he'd never really played before, but he started saying back in the summer, that he wanted his next bday party to be a bowling party. I kinda blew it off thinking his age was too young to bowl, and surely he'd change his mind by December. Nope. :)

So this mom investigated a little, and the Baylor Bowling Alley was a perfect fit! It isn't smokey and dark like some of the other alleys in town, and it was small enough to contain the lil kiddos from running all over the place, and affordable!

So, here are some pics from our bowling party! Jackson and all his lil friends had a total BALL! (No pun intended!) He was soooo happy to get to finally really bowl, and although the bumpers were on many of the lanes, we were all impressed with how great these lil kids did, and that they even knew what to do with a bowling ball!

(Do any of these pics bring back memories of any baylor grads getting those PE credits?? hee hee!)

can you tell someone was SOOO excited to get started?

The yummo cake...

The yummo cookies....

Dubs and Jackson...here with a lil ramp thing that helped them roll the ball straight into the lane, very cool!

Checking out the competition....

Singing to Jackson...he was taking it all in and smiling ear to ear!
Sweet Betsy Grace....

Watson & Karoline eatin pizza...
Kimberly with her sweet boys...
Bowling away...Kendra and I...2 weeks apart...ready to have these babies!
The funniest part of the night was on the way home when Jackson said, "mommy, is the baby coming tonight?" I was so confused, and then realized that for months we've been telling him that baby will come after his birthday...that we'd celebrate his bday first and then we'd welcome the new baby. Man, they really take things literally huh??? We explained to him that we celebrated his bday a little early, and that we don't know when exactly baby is coming, but it could be soon. (Try explaining that to an exhausted 4 year old!) Ha, it was classic, but such a sweet lil conversation.

Thank you to all our friends (and mom and dad!) who came and took time out of the busy holiday schedule to celebrate Jackson! Josh and I were reflecting on how blessed we feel to be in such a wonderful community to raise our kids, and have friends that love, support, and are so involved in our kid's lives - it's so fun!!

To my Jackson, I cannot believe we are celebrating your 4th year!! Man, it has gone by too fast! I am so grateful that i have had these four years with just you - to share in so many sweet moments that i'll never forget. You can now officially be a "big brudder"as you say, since you are now 4! What a wonderful big brother you'll be. I love you buddy,
and so thankful to the Lord for your healthy, joyful, and sweet 4 years of life!
Here's to many more fun bdays ahead!
With lotsa love and a full heart,
Your Mommy

Technology is just amazing!

This past weekend, Josh's sister Rebekah got married. Her and her fiance Mike were planning on getting married in February, but moved the date up due to some exciting baby news!! So, they got married this past weekend, and we sadly just couldn't get to New Orleans with it being so close to my due date.

Josh and his dad had the best idea for us to watch the small, intimate ceremony, that was being held at the Crosby's house, through skype over the internet. I had heard of skyping, and knew what it was, but never really experienced it.

It was the coolest thing ever to get to feel like we were there...as we watched over the internet, and they got to see us...watching in our pj's on a lazy Saturday morning. ha ha. :)

Here is a pic of the happy newlyweds that Josh's dad took...with the computer of us watching on the other end....cool huh?

Congrats Aunt Beebee and Mike! We are sad we couldn't be there, but know we truly did feel close as we watched it all unfold. We also can't wait for another Crosby baby for our lil one to have as a cousin who will be close in age!! :)

Quick Pregnancy Update: At 36 week check-up this week, I was at a 3, 75% effaced. Trying not to get too hyped up...knowing i still have 4 long weeks ahead, and this baby could just stay put the entire time. :)

Until then, just want to get through Jackson's birthday party this week...then i think i'll feel ready...bring it on!
Until next time!

So much to be thankful for!

Thanksgiving has come and gone...i can't believe it!

Josh's parents and sister came to Texas and it was a great time of relaxation and time with family! We seriously watched SO MANY MOVIES!! It was fabulous!

(I decided to list them because i too am curious as to exactly how many we actually watched!)

The Proposal

Couples Retreat

Big Mama's House 2 (randomly on tv)

Fool's Gold

New In Town

Star Trek (not my fave)

Angels and Demons (also not my fave - ha ha)
17 Again

The Santa Clause

i feel like i am leaving a few out...but can't recall them right now. SERIOUSLY!! We maxed and relaxed huh?? :) gotta love lazy holidays to stop and just rest!

On Thursday we went to Goldthwaite and spent the day with Josh's mom's family, and then Friday was the big Crosby family thanksgiving. Josh had the great idea to host this year at our church's facility, which used to be an old YMCA - and it was perfect! Over 100 Crosby's came in and hung out and played cards and games, they all sang and shared the mic (they are like all musicians!) ate yummy food (grandma's rolls - AHHH! BAKED SIN!) and we had the indoor pool, basketball courts, and 3 inflatables for the kids...it was a long day, but SUPER fun! Here is a pic of Jackson and his cousin Simon who spent the entire day on the inflatables jumping...needless to say they slept really good last night! What a great thanksgiving week! My christmas decor is already up, my christmas shopping is done, now we just wait for baby! Oh, and work on Christmas cards! :)

Quick pregnancy update: i had my 34 week checkup last Monday and got "checked" by my doctor since he were doing the lovely Group B strep test, and I am at a 1, and 75% effaced! I do realize this may not mean a darn thing and i could be this way for many weeks, but it was reality that baby is indeed prepping for it's grand entrance! :)

Also, my sis in law Rebekah and I were obsessed with doing all these old wives tales to figure out what we are having, (she too is expecting and is almost 10 weeks.) We knew that they aren't super accurate or anything, but all are saying BOY for me....ahhh! We shall see how valid those are soon enough. :)

Until next time....

Sally

Officially NESTING!

So i think i am officially "nesting." This mama is counting down her weeks till baby arrives and has a long list of things I want to do before he/she comes!! AND, if he/she is early at all, it's Christmas! So, we were wanting to make a quick trip to Dallas to see friends, which we did last week - very fun! I was very OCD and for no reason (this wasn't on my list!) cleaned out my makeup drawer and the fridge in one day...they were both spotless and it made me feel so good = NESTING!!! We are prepping the nursery and did some major work in the garage and pulled out baby storage containers with baby clothes and toys...ahhh! got me so excited! We've cleaned the infant car seat and high chair (thanks mom!) and have done a load of newborn onesies, blankets etc...AND, we've gotten our house ready for Christmas! I know I know, many of you are most likely rolling your eyes, but honestly, it's been so fun! We love Christmas and can enjoy it longer. :) Whether it's practical or not, it's made me feel better to have things sorta ready....just in case. :) we still have lots to do, but it will get done. :) And who am i kidding? this baby is not coming early! Just like Jackson, it'll prolly be cookin' right up until my due date after New Year's. Of course!!! :)

Here is Jackson before school one day, couldn't help it, thought he looked like such a big brother!

He found the infant tub and likes it as a recliner in front of the television. :)

As we were going through our christmas decor, he got comfy under the christmas tree skirt. hee hee...
And here he is one morning he got up too early, and Josh and I were sitting around, drinking coffee wakind up, and reading and journaling...so he had to get out his Bible too...here he is deep in thought. Maybe praying too huh?? who knows! :)

Overall, we're getting super excited for Baby Crosby's upcoming arrival! And getting many things crossed off our LONG list. :)
The Crosby's come in for thankgiving next week. Cannot believe Thanksgiving is already here - ahhh! More soon...

Better late than never...Lauren's wedding!

My sweet cousin got married October 17th, in Lexington, KY...I am embarrassed that this post is so late, because this weekend was so amazing and special for our entire family! I have just been collecting SO MANY pics, so i've had to pick and choose which ones i want to post. :)

My cousin Lauren is like another sister to me & Kari, and another daughter to my mom & dad, so this truly was a big, fun affair, as our extended family truly knows how to throw a party!

Here is mom, Kari and I at Lauren's bridal luncheon...disclosure: Kari hates her hair in this pic, i must share that bc i know she'll be mad at me for posting it, ha ha. :) And yes, it wasn't incredibly desirable to be 7 months pregnant for these wedding festivities, but what can ya do?

Here are the cousins: Jordan, Kari, Lauren (the bride) and me. I have only like 5 first cousins, vs. Josh's 100 first cousins...for REAL! so, we grew up being together for all holidays etc...so we're pretty tight bc we're all we had!

My Jackson had a vital role as the ring bearer for the wedding, so he was present for all the events. Here we are heading to the rehearsal dinner...how BIG does my baby look? And I feel so biased, but my boys are just too good looking. :)

Another fun bonus of the weekend was the time my sister Kari and I had together...we were both bridesmaids and realized we had never really been in a wedding before, since mine anyway. we were BAD, ha ha, and had all kinds of fun being slightly outsiders, not knowing everyone else, since the other bridesmaids were Lauren's HS and college friends. Lots of inside jokes, and just plain ole fun together! We even held hands! (HA! Sorry Kari, had to throw that in. Love when you enjoy that champagne!)
Here Kari and I are about to load the double decker bus taking us to the church....i swear, that bus smelled of gasoline so bad and we were going like 15 mph and couldn't stop laughing the entire way to the church...we were SO grateful to get there and get OUT! ha ha...

Here is my dapper lil guy coming down the aisle with his new buddy Landon...he did SO good, i was so proud. Landon was quite a live wire and didn't listen very well, so he made my Jackson look like an ANGEL!!! And thankfully, mom, dad & Josh made it to the church in time after losing jackson's tux pants...ahhh, that's a story for another time. But it all worked out, that's all that matters. :)

Kari and her handsome beau, Mike - how cute are they?? they are so happy and giddy together, we had so much fun getting to know him better! He was brave to meet all the extended fam.

Lauren and Joseph leaving the church...we love you Joseph, welcome to the fam!

After Jackson took a quick siesta in the car on the way to the reception, he was all smiles with Mike, whom he LOVES!

Beautiful cousins...
He shortly got very bored and so what else did we do? Hand over the iphone...which he spent much of the reception playing on.



We FINALLY got him on the dance floor!
Jack with Dad and Mike..oh yeah, Jackson was gradually shedding his tux in pieces - classic!
ok...this pic reflects how mama has had it! thankfully the reception was at the hotel we were staying at!! We just went upstairs a little earlier than others. this mama was ready to get outta my snug dress too!

Overall it was a beautiful, joyous time with family.
Lauren's story is so neat, and is a true testimony to God being such a part of bringing two people together. God was glorified and wonderful memories were made. What else can you ask for?!?!

Until next time,

Sally