Josh, Sally, Jackson & Bennett = crosbysx3 + 1

While Daddy is away...we play play play

2011-06-17T21:51:00.009-05:00

Ok, so Josh has been in Honduras on a youth mission trip to Honduras for the past 8 days, and thus, the crazy youth ministry summer schedule commences. I must say, i am so glad he is coming home soon!!!! it has been a good week, but a long one. we stayed super busy this week, and since my car said 105 today (YES!!!) we swam pretty much every day at Grammy & Dubs' house.

What else happened this week? Oh, not much, but...
1. Bennett took a bite of my deodorant and it freaked me out for a bit...thankfully he didn't ingest much at all and was fine. seriously??? deodorant??? gah!!!
2. i hit a car while pulling into a parking space at the Y...thankfully, the damage was minimal and the owner of the car really didn't care. WOW. thank you god, that could have been one more thing to do.
3. Bennett had multiple falls, trips, and topples...creating a few new battle wounds.
4. the boys got haircuts and are super handsome. :)
5. we got creative and did homemade father's day gifts for daddy, including painting a nifty coffee mug for him at Pratically Pikasso - one of waco's hidden treasure i hadn't found yet - love that place!
6. we spent time with cousins Simon, Phoebe and Sophia Mae :)
7. we baked
8. we shopped
9. we swam
10. we had multiple melt downs - mama included
11. mommy lost a toenail after running it over while moving the grill, and is super sad about her gimp ugly toe :(
12. we had play dates with sweet friends

Alas...mommy is DONE. :) stick a fork in me.

Come home Daddy!!! We miss you!

Below is a pic of a cake that jackson insisted on making daddy for father's day...a triple chocolate cake. YUM! great idea jackson. :)

i am alive..sorta.

2011-06-01T13:39:00.006-05:00

Ok really...it's been 5 months?? no wait....it's been 6 months??? ahhh, i am going to try to be better about blogging. that is all i can say. :) life has just gotten busy...and blogging energy has been at an all time low. BUT...in an attempt to keep this updated so i can eventually print in a blog book, i shall try to be better in my updates on the crazy crosby zoo household, at least bits and pieces, for remembering's sake. :)

i say i am "sorta" alive simply bc just when i think i got everything figured out, and life is in a routine, or things or going so scarily smoothly, something crazy happens to mess it all up. :) A kid gets sick, i get sick, someone isn't napping as good as they did last week, they love playing with cars, they hate playing with cars, it's nice outside and easy to play in the warm sun, it's balmy and nasty - already in the 100's, horribly uncomfortable and not fun being outside...you get the picture. Just when i think i have it all down, something changes with my "type-A" lovin' lifestyle.

So i guess the honest truth is: i will do my best to update my blog more regularly...if nothing else, so you can see pic of my cute boys. :)

hugs to all!
Sal

*Here are my cute lil men before church here recently. Jackson is 5 and Bennett is 17 months - time is flyin' by!
(please excuse the off center pic... best i could do. the messy blankets are buggin me too, ha!)

Ahhh, these 2 boys of mine.

2010-12-05T21:16:00.010-06:00

The boys have been just giving Josh and I such joy lately....they are interacting more, act just acting like brothers & just flat out making us laugh. out. loud!!!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this pic Josh captured this week...

The other day i walked into Bennett's room as he was waking up from a nap...and Jackson beat me to him, as you can see. He just hopped into his crib and they were giggling away. ahhhh!!!

Bennett truly is walking everywhere, and just thinks he is a big kid as he wants to watch Jackson do everything! We have found him climbing on top of the step stool in the bathroom, and even climbing and STANDING on top of this lil table jackson has...the kid is fearless. Of course, he has already gotten some battle wounds...i feel like he always has a red mark, a bruise or a scab from falling somehow!! You can barely see it, but he was just finally healing from a huge red scab on his nose from tripping over his own feet and skidding his lil nose down a basket of toys...

Swinging in the backyard...At the Sonic playground...doing what he does best: eating!!! :)
With Aunt Kiki...
We went to Christmas on 5th Street at Baylor this week...what a truly awesome and fun thing to do as a family! We again, felt so blessed to live in Waco and get to enjoy the fun festivities that Baylor hosts around here.
Here are the boys as we waited in line to see Santa....gosh, Jackson is looking SO BIG!!! ahhh!

The "classic" Santa pic...Bennett was mesmerized by Santa's beard i think...

Jackson and his buddy Brodie McKenzie...

And Josh, who is my 3rd big boy kid at heart, with his perfectly iced cookie he created. :)

The other buzz going on in the Crosby household is that Owen, the elf on the shelf, has once again made his appearance.
Jackson is SO into it this year, it's too funny! Owen also somehow has been making it to Grammie's house for a few early christmas prizees, and he is so perplexed as to HOW Owen could have gotten there and back to our house in the morning.

It's beginning to feel like Christmas...yay!

More soon,
Sally

My first Half Marathon!

2010-12-05T20:46:00.005-06:00

Ahh!! yes yes, i realize i haven't updated since the 1/2'thon....but ahhh, it was SO FUN and so cool to be a part of! San Antonio is truly such a cool city...and we found this awesome dive sports bar the night before to watch the Baylor vs. A&M game...which sadly, Baylor lost. :(

Kari and i shared some great laughs that night...it was just a random little place with only 3 things on their food menu...sooo strange!! i mean, what?????!!!!

We were cracking up the whole time. :) here is kari with our nachos...that surprisingly, weren't that bad.

We also ordered a pizza, and came to found out it was a frozen DiGiorno's they cooked in the back....ahhhh! But, we got to watch the BU game on tv...and to dad especially, that is all that mattered!!

But back to the run...thankfully, yes, i finished the 13.1 miles, just at 3 hours i think, but what a cool experience and one i definitely want to do again!!!
Here are Kari and I...up bright and early...downing some carb infused drink and power bars my dad insisted we eat...oh, and some sport beans. ha!

Here is all of us before the race...Ben, Dad, Kari & I...

and a super cool avid runner in front of us as we waited to start. uhhh loved the shorts dude...and he was weating a trash bag as a lil jacket thingee :) ...

me after the race - best feeling ever!

I have a feeling this won't be my last run... people have warned me that it gets addicting. :)
More very soon...
Sal

Thanksgiving in the Big Easy

2010-12-05T00:38:00.025-06:00

Thanksgiving was truly special this year!

It started with Jackson's sweet Thankgiving play and feast at school... in which, he was a pilgrim, no wait, an indian. Oh, i don't know what he was!!!

And here is Bennett's beautiful turkey that he "made" at Mother's day out. hee hee.

We went to New Orleans for thanksgiving to be with Josh's family - what a fun trip to finally meet my stinky sweet nephew Brady for the first time...man, he is a honey. The trip there was super long, and started with some major dvd player drama, which involved 3 trips to target in 1 hour....yes, madness. :) but once the movie "Bolt" was up and running, so were we.

Here are some action shots of all of us on the way to New Orleans...uhh, was SOOO ready to just get there!!! Can ya tell??

and....the maxed out mama
Here is Jackson meeting his cousin Brady for the first time: too sweet!

And here are a few other randoms from our time there:

Josh with his stud sisters....Rachel & Rebekah..(and there are lots more fun family pics, but you'll have to wait to see more on our Christmas cards this year!) Everyone in that city was wearing Saints colors...the Saints played the Cowboys that day, so everyone was ready to cheer them on.Rachel taste testing the mashed potatoes...

Me and my baby who is growing so fast...

Letting the food coma settle in after our delicious meal...
My sweet nephew and his beautiful mama...

My sweet nieces...who may be the only girls i'll ever have!!! (Unless Kari pops one out down the road of course...) hee hee!

Hope
Eden

and Alaina

Then, there are my two sis in laws, who i am SOOOOOOOOO stinkin thankful for...and was reminded this thanksgiving again, how special they are to me, and how instant and natural our connection was. They are truly MY sisters, and i am so blessed to be a part of Josh's family.

And finally, cousins Brady and Bennett in their "Baby's 1st Thanksgiving" outfits...

Look at Bennett - uhhh, he is scaring Brady bc he's so huge - ha ha ha!

I am stealing this next part from my sister in law's blog bc it was priceless. We had Rebekah and Mike's wii at the house, and the kids seriously played it non-stop.

Here is a converstaion that Rebekah eavesdropped in on:
Jackson (5 yrs. old) -- "Isn't Yoshi cool (Super Mario Bros)? He's my favorite."
Hope (7 yrs.) -- "yeah, he's pretty cool."
Jackson -- "I mean, he's really cool. Look at how fast he goes!"
Hope -- "Yeah."
Jackson -- "He's the best of all of them, don't you think?"
Hope -- "Well, that's your opinion."
Jackson -- "OPiNon?" (oh-pin-YON)
Hope -- "OPINION!"
Jackson -- "OPiNON?" (oh-pin-YON)
Hope -- "OPINION!!!!"
Jackson -- OpINoN? (still mispronouncing it)
Hope -- "Forget it! You don't know that word, do you? It means it's what you think!"
Jackson -- "Oh.."

Ahhhh! Such fun and sweet memories.

Thanks be to God for health, family and His Amazing Grace in our lives....what more do we need???

More soon,
Sal

Running playlist all ready :)

2010-11-13T09:52:00.007-06:00

Alright everyone!!

My first 1/2 marathon is tomorrow already - i can't believe it!! After months of the not so fun (at times!) training runs, (click here if you wanna see the one i followed....there are all kinds on the internet!) the weekend is finally here!!!

I got my "Run Baby Run" playlist all ready.

Thanks to so many of you for all your fun suggestions for hot running jamz to keep me going, and all your encouragement on Facebook or through texts this week! You are awesome!

I've got a great mix of Glee mash-up songs, Madonna, old school up beat jams, and some good ole ghetto bootie shakin tracks. Should keep me going for a few hours - bring it on!!! :)

Here's to praying i can keep up with my more experienced family members who've done this before.

Gatorade prime, jelly belly sport beans, carb filled diet today - here i come!! :)

Wish me luck!

Oh, and come on Bears, beat them Aggies today!!!

More soon,
Sally

No, he is NOT 10 months already!!!!!!

2010-11-10T21:30:00.006-06:00

Yes, my Bennett is 10 months!!!

and i just can't believe it. i truly feel like time has flown by!

we had our 9 month check (closer to 10 months,) and boy is a-growin!
He was 30 inches long & weighed 25 lbs - think he's gonna be a linebacker!!!

things Bennett currently loves to do:

take a bath
get pushed around in his cozy coupe car
ride with jackson in his jeep
eat (boy practically skipped over spoon fed food...) he especially loves red grapes, mandarin oranges, peas and wagon wheels...just to name a few
doing ANYTHING with his big brother :)
being outside
playing peek a boo & chase
flush toilets
close doors
climb up and play in the dishwasher

things Bennett currently does not love:

get diaper changed
get dressed (seriously, like wrestling a greased pig!)
have his nose wiped
getting into his car seat
to sit still :) or be left alone in a room
when his bottles aren't warm

Bennett also loves to come home from MDO with his "artwork."
oh yes, they actually have these little crafts that they do with in the baby room. it's so cute. here is Bennett with his bird feeder he "made." :)

And here is a picture he "colored." Look very closely....see the 2 orange flecks?? yep, i have a mini picasso!!!

And last but not least, one day last week i totally risked it and took them both to HEB and let's just say...this picture says it all.
Bennett's face is like...i've had enough!
ha ha. fun times!
More soon!
Sal

2010 Baylor Homecoming fun!

2010-11-04T20:21:00.004-05:00

I love Baylor homecoming! All kinds of fun stuff jam packed into one weekend, and so many old faces come back to good ole Waco to participate in the fun!

Josh and i started off the fun filled weekend with Pigskin, and it was such a blast! KOT had a fantastic act, as usual! But, Josh and I felt all young and fun again being there that night. It was club night, so we had a good time watching the students coming in and out of Waco Hall in their costumes...brought back lots of memories. :)

Then, Saturday morning was the parade - which is always a fun thing. I ran into so many fun friends!! Here are a few pics that captured the fun at the parade:

Sweet college friends i still keep up with regularly, Erin, Shannon & Jaime

Some of my all time favorite girls from good ole kanakuk and baylor days:
Ellie, Lacey (with baby Caroline) & Kristi

Our sweet Nashville youth girls that go to baylor now -
i heart them so! Katy & Hannah-cakes!

Josh and Jackson couldn't make the parade due to soccer Saturday morning. So Bennett was my parade buddy. He blessed me so much that morning...just sat in his stroller and let me cart him around. I really think he just loved all the people and things to look at, that helped. :)

Later that day was the football game. What a great game it was...well besides the pouring down rain and hour and a half delay...but before the downpour, got to hug the necks of two of my besties from baylor...and former roomies. Ahh, the memories of living in 3D of The Center baby!!! :)

Mel, Rachie & me...they were cheerleaders are Baylor and practicing
their stunting so they could cheer with alumni during the 3rd quarter.
I am so amazed at what these girls can still do - after 2 babies each!!

Overall it was a super fun, albeit, tiring weekend. This year, I was really feeling grateful and excited to live in Waco, for fun Baylor things like this. Looking forward to next year already!

More soon!
Sal

Halloween Twenty Ten

2010-11-03T13:24:00.012-05:00

So our halloween 2010 was fun and low key, just the way we like it. :)

Here are the boys in their costumes this year.

Jackson and Brodie driving around like crazy characters!

Jackson REALLY wanted to be Yoshi from Super Mario Brothers this year, which is the green dinosaur. He has recently become fond of the Super Mario Brothers characters since playing Mario Kart on Uncle Ben and Uncle Mike's wii.

Well, mommy was a tad late in ordering the costumes, and I couldn't find it anywhere!!! So his second choice was Guigi (aka, Luigi.) ha ha...he kept calling it Guu-eeegee!!

And sweet Bennett Bug...well, he had no choice. He was the dragon i found last November on clearance for $2.75!!! I didn't even know if I was having a boy or a girl, but that babe was gonna be this dragon! :)

And here he is with his lil playgroup friends - all around the same age. how classic are these? :)

(*Thanks to many playgroup mommies for sharing the pics
they took with their good cameras!)

Here is our one and only pumpkin we carved...and stinker Jackson wouldn't even take a picture with it, so here I am with the jack-o-latern Josh worked so hard on. :) Somebody had to show some love...

So glad it's finally feeling like fall around here!

More soon!
Sal

Bennett is walking!!!

2010-10-26T15:07:00.003-05:00

Little stinker is off and running....well, almost! :)

Bennett flushing away...

2010-10-26T14:47:00.005-05:00

In one of my recent posts i blogged about Bennett's new favorite past time - flushing the toilet. :)
I finally caught it on video...check it out!

Happy happy bday!!! 32 years young :)

2010-10-26T14:34:00.009-05:00

I had such a great 32nd birthday.
I just love birthdays!

On my actual birthday, both boys were in school/MDO, so I started my day with a run. I was supposed to run 8 miles, but since it was my bday (and icky muggy outside!) I gave myself a break and only ran 5!! :)

Then, my sweet hubs took me to lunch and i've been wanting to go to the Olive Branch for a while now. They have the BEST cake balls - yummo!!! Here i am tasting testing the red velvet cake balls, they are sooo stinkin good!

Thanks to my sweet family and friends for making it so special! My family always does some sort of family dinner, and this year, we met Mike and Kari half way between Waco and Dallas for a fun dinner! Dad busted out the RV which was great bc we had lots of room (only an hour long trip, but still) and we got to have the lil bday party after we left the restaurant in the RV.
FUN TIMES!!! Only in my family, ha ha.
Uncle Ben is rockin' a mohawk...

Aunt Kiki with Bennett bug...

The whole crew...minus Josh - taking the pic :)

This is just a normal occurrence in our house lately...both boys tackling each other, and here, tackling Uncle Ben.

Josh really made my bday so special...he coordinated all the planning to make the family dinner happen, and helped me with the boys so much that night so i could hang out and eat, i mean, ENJOY my dinner - thanks hon!

Boys growin so fast!!

Bennett practicing his walking...off he goes!!

Love you Ben!! (we found that target name tag in the parking lot - classic!)

All in all - was a fabulous bday! I am grateful for another year on this earth, for my beautiful boys, and that my family is close enough to celebrate like this. I took it all in and enjoyed every moment. Cheers to another blessed year - thank you Father!

three (handsome) guys and a (silly sally) baylor gal

2010-10-26T14:11:00.003-05:00

I have been wanting to give the blog a new look for a while now...and am just now doing it!

Plus, I have been trying to find a creative tag line to sum up our fam...and with a few suggestions from family, what sums us up best is: three guys and a baylor gal. :)

I am still tweaking things a bit, and want to add more photos, so stay tuned!

Bennett's new trick(s)!!!

2010-10-12T20:56:00.007-05:00

Oh how i wish i had a pic of this, but i just can't seem to catch it on camera. (Josh - need you to video it on yo' phone!)
One of Bennett's new tricks is....(drumroll please) flushing the toilet!!!

yes yes, i am so proud.

He did it last week when i was bathing Jackson and left him to crawl around the bathroom (yes, really lovely of me) but he pulled himself up to the toilet and pulled down the handle. He loved the noise it made and just kept doing it. Plus, Jackson and i were cracking up laughing, so i am sure that egged him on some. :) So now, when we are in the bathroom and he's crawling around, he immediately goes straight to the toilet, pulls himself up, and flushes away!!!

And watch out! We got a walker coming very soon! Here he is practicing his walking with his little pushy toy. It's just a matter of time! He has taken one step without any assistance, and then he falls...so we aren't quite there yet. I guess i shall enjoy it while it lasts right? once he's off, he's OFF!

He also starts cracking up laughing when we tell him, "no." It has been the darndest and cutest thing!! I am serious & stern when i say no though, like when he's pulling the lamp and it's going to fall down on him, and he just giggles away with this huge grin, loving to get a rise outta me. I try to hide my smiles bc it does crack me up...what a stinker!

In other news...Jackson got a very early bday/christmas present. (Simply bc mom and dad don't wanna go out and play with it come the freezing cold weather of December!)

Here he is trying out his new ride...with baby brother cruising along in the passenger seat. Bennett LOVES to go for a ride with his big brother in this thing!

That's all for now - more soon!
Sal

75 days later...

2010-09-30T15:51:00.012-05:00

i know.

it has literally been forever since i blogged. and to be exact, it's been 75 days. i really don't know what got into me, but i just haven't had the "umph" to blog. And, as you bloggers know, it takes time to reflect your thoughts, and energy to be creative, and quite honestly, i just didn't have it in me.

Until recently, i just kinda "missed" it, and more importantly, what keeps me wanting to blog is that eventually, i wanna print these blog entries into a book, bc really, this is all the "baby book" kind of thing my kids are gonna get!! ha!

So, this is my meager attempt at catching everyone up on the last 75 days!!

Bennett is getting so big and crawls all over the place and is pulling up! Such a big boy - walking is not far away at ALL! he mumbles da da, ba ba, blah blah, and every once in a while, ma ma. :) He is...big. :) he is in 12 month clothes for the most part, a few 18 month things (yes!)...some 9 month, but the 9 month stuff is short on him. ha! we go to the dr later this month and i'll be interested to see how much he weighs now. seriously, my back has been hurting lately, and josh was like, sally, it's prolly from carting bennett around all over the place! Regardless of his adorable chunkness, he is such a sweetheart, and loves his blankie and paci...just like Jackson did! :)

Jackson started preschool and ahhhh! it such a big(ger) boy!! He loves his preschool class at Columbus and we've been thrilled with the program there and the teachers and that it's so close and easy for Josh to help me with the pickup and/or drop off! Bennett also goes to MDO there 2 days a week, so you'd think i'd had time to get back to blogging sooner than this but ahhh, have had other random stuff i've wanted to do instead. :)

Come on!! No smile??? geesh!

Jackson is also playing soccer! His team, the "sharks" are so stinkin cute to watch! Josh is helping coach and it has been so fun for them to do together. I am so proud watching from the sidelines!!! is this what it's like?? watching your kid play sports??? ahhh, here we go. i am officially, a "soccer mom" without the minivan...although i wouldn't mind one. they are so cool now!!! dual dvd players??? ahhh, sounds dreamy.

and this is classic, jackson brought this home from school today. I have had mixed emotions about josh and him playing video games, but i am over it. they are clean, innocent games on the PS3 and they kill some great time - and he loves it! ha!

What else is going on with us?
Labor Day weekend I went to NJ for a sweet HS friend's wedding. and i went ALL.BY.MYSELF. ahhh, it was soooo nice! huge shout out to mom & dad, and josh who held the fort down here at home so i can go and have fun. thank you thank you! (and thanks Nic for the fun frock you let me have - love you!!!) Keri (not pictured but totally SHOULD BE) was one of the most gorgeous brides i have seen! Love all you NJ gals!! Friends foreva!!!

and OH YEAH! :) i am also training for the San Antonio half marathon. i know, it sounds hilarious that i would be running anything, but my dad and sister talked me into it. :) I have been running more than i ever have, and doing these ridiculously long runs to prepare, and it's been pretty fun. Josh has been running with me sometimes and it's been fun to do together. The half is Nov. 14th...i am sure i'll be blogging more about it bc i feel like the training schedule has consumed a lot of my time and energy lately!!! but, i actually am enjoying it! need to do a 7 mile run this weekend, ahhh! Lord help me!! i do miss my turbo kick tho...i have had to put it on the back burner bc i just don't have the energy for running and doing that intensely crazy workout. i miss it!!!!

oh, and since i haven't done this in a long time...

things i am totally into right now:
- Modern Family & Glee
- Running gear - socks, leggings, visors, belts - ha ha, don't know how long this will last but... :)
- Pumpkin spice latte at starbucks...it's back and it's delicious!!!!!! thanks for my special treat this week mom!
- Raisin Bran Crunch
- This amazingly COOL weather - yay!! who wants to meet up at the park??

things i am NOT into:
- Laundry - seriously??? how the heck do we have so much laundry in this casa?
-Special K protein shakes - YUCKKKKK!!! was totally on a kick with these but cannot handle them anymore. have some leftover...anyone want them?? blech
-Cleaning up my very sloppy, nasty 9 month old after he eats. Not only cleaning him, but the slippery floor and disgusting high chair. thank goodness he's so cute!!!

School and fall activities are in full swing and it's just busy around here, but it is my favorite time of year!
More soon, (hopefully!)
Sal

We're BAAAA-ACCKK!!!

2010-07-20T22:35:00.010-05:00

Yes!!! We are finally back from our month long trek to Florida!!
Kari's wedding was was incredible...and deserves a separate post, so more on that soon.

The RV trip was...well, interesting. AHHH...let's just say we are glad to be home!!!!

Since it's been almost a month since i've been on here... i thought i'd give a brief update...bc i have been trying to go to bed earlier, but alas, it's already after 10 pm, where does the time go??? ahhh. i need to keep this brief and go to bed. sooo... here goes.

Bennett bug is 6 months old!! Right after we got back from FL he had his 6 month check up and chunka weighs 22 lbs!!! AHHHH!
He is suuuuch a sweetie, and (sniff sniff) fully weaned!!!! yep...once that bubba had some yummy formula, he didn't want anything to do with me anymore. it was bittersweet, but i truly think he loves it and is doing great!!!

He is now sitting up on his own...
Uhh, yeah, here, i had to give him stuff to keep him busy so i could get ready - ha!

Bennett is also eating more real food - he loves it!!
Look at this boy...he is getting so big - AHHH!!!!

My Jackson is also getting to be such a big boy...gah. He is such a good swimmer too - which is so nice when i don't have to watch him as closely in the pool now!!!
Playing "war" with Grammy on the loooong RV trip to and from Florida...his new favorite game. :)
Trying on his tux before the "weddin" (he kept calling it "kiki's wed-din'")

A true "basket case"

My beautiful sister is now Mrs. Kari Gilley!!!

and, i know this is random...but a few things i have been into lately:
kettle corn (woot woot!)
Zac Efron (OMG - what a hunka hunka burnin love!)
Glee - catching up on Season 1 - soooo good!
Bill O'Reilly (thanks a lot dad!)
Sobe Water (ha ha... thanks mom!)
Chanel Chance perfume

things i am not into:
the latest iphone update - making texting on my phone so slow!
cleaning bottles (boo!)
the wooded acres heb - hate hate hate going there!!! aisles way too narrow!!! ugh!

ok, i think that is all for now...
more soon!

Summer's in full swing!!!

2010-06-17T13:09:00.007-05:00

Our summers always seem to fly by...and this one already is! I can't believe it's mid June already - gah!!! It definitely feels like summer...i am so scared to see this month's electric bill from our AC being on all the time!

My nephew Brady is coming any day...or very soon!! As well as precious other friend's babies: Baby Liggitt, Baby Worley, & Baby Harrison!

We've had swimming lessons, and I am super proud of my little fish! Here is Jackson after his lessons this year....

and this was him after lessons last year!! He hasn't changed much huh??

We leave tomorrow to drive to Florida for my sister's wedding already!!! I can't believe this time is here...we've been talking about it for months now, and it's fast upon us...crazy!!

Last weekend we had a little "final fling before the ring" for Kari. It was super fun and very laid back...very Kari!!!
She got a pair of "fundies," which are underwear for two. When we got home and were going through her stash, her dog Miga found them and said "hmmm, i wanna pair of these!!" HA!
This is me and my cousin Lauren attempting to try on the FUNDIES...not as easy as they appear to be on the box!

What else....
Josh is on mission trip in Chicago this week with the youth and so far the trip has gone beautifully!! Praise God!!! Continued prayers for safety...and no drama. There is always some sort of drama with a big group of teenagers tho.... :) Today they hit up a Cub game and I think he got us all some Cubs prizees bc he wanted to know the boy's sizes. I am crossing my fingers he got me something cute too. :)

Bennett is growing like mad...he is rolling over. No crawling yet, but just rolls and rolls when he wants to go somewhere. He is close to sitting up by himself...but not quite there yet. :)

I felt it was the right time to drop a feeding this week...simply bc he wasn't good about taking a bottle, and we had been in "bottle bootcamp," taking 1 bottle a day. Well, i was sick of pumping, so i dropped 1 of the afternoon nursing/pumping sessions. Plus, with Kari's upcoming wedding, Bennett is going to be with a sitter off and on all weekend, and that boy needs to get better about taking the bottle!!
Also, as of this past weekend, he FINALLY is sleeping through the night without a feeding. HOORAY! So basically i have dropped 2 nursing/feeding sessions this week. And ok...i didn't realize that your hormones plummet when you do that...which i think was a good thing or else i may not have done it. I have been super emotional and pretty moody...was wondering if i was just processing lots and finally had time alone with Josh being gone etc... Did anyone else experience this when weaning?? I was crying one night onthe phone with Josh while he was in Chicago, and my OB, Dr. Rister was also on the youth trip. So, bless his heart, Dr. Rister calls me today from Chicago, just to make sure I am ok, and explain the hormonal aspects of all this. SWEET MAN!!! Just another reason to love him! :) However, it's hilarious that Josh mentioned something to him...he must have been like..."my wife is losing it back home!! can you perscribe her something??" ha ha!

But, the tears were a mix of things I think: definitely hormonal, partial grieving that this 100% nursing stage was over, and partly just bc i have been doing a lot of thinking and prepping for my sister's wedding...and don't get me wrong - i am sooo excited, it's happy tears. I have been prepping my "Maid of Honor" toast and just thinking about lots of things that have been making me all sappy.

SO.....
Here's to hoping things are on the UPSWING emotionally!!! :)
The next few weeks will full of such fun and JOY! I need to soak it all in.
Before that tho...is the long RV roadtrip with my boys, and parents and 2 dogs. LORD HELP ME!!!!!!!

more soon,
Sally

A few belated things...

2010-06-02T15:35:00.004-05:00

I am slowly catching up on some happ'nins from around here...

Earlier in May we made a long overdue trip to New Orleans to see Josh's family, and to help with a baby shower for Aunt Bebe, who is having my sweet nephew Brady, in 3 weeks or less!

Here is the whole fam...before a party we were all headed to, to celebrate Mike and Bebe's recent nuptials, and baby Brady!

Here are all the Crosby women at Rebekah's baby shower the next day...Josh's 2 amazing sisters, Rachel & Rebekah, and his sweet mom, Janet.
Bennett attended as well and had a ball! (Papa & Josh & Uncle Mike took all the kids to the aquarium! Thanks guys!)
It was such a great (albeit quick!) trip, but such wonderful family time. Jackson adores all his cousins, Hope, Eden, Mallory and Alaina. Thankfully, Bebe is having another boy...whew. Right now the boy cousins are highly outnumbered!!

And this next story was so totally random..but Jackson was sooo attached to these ole crappy nike's that barely fit him any more (even tho we had gotten new shoes!) and one day before school, the strap (finally) broke. But he still HAD to wear them that day...(sigh...) So i quickly thought to tape them, and wasn't sure he'd go for it...but he did! Classic.

That was the last and final wearing of those poor shoes...we threw them in a trash after that and he was so sad. ha ha...

Life is getting busy as my sister's wedding is fast approaching - 4 weeks away! I may be MIA for a while as we head to FL early in the next few weeks. Simply cannot wait!

More soon!!

Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

2010-05-26T16:04:00.006-05:00

He has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

The verse above was Bennett's Life Verse that we chose for him as he was dedicated to the Lord at church on Mother's Day.

It was a super special day...not only because it was Mother's Day, and that we had family over to celebrate God's sweet blessing in bringing Bennett into our family, but because He {once again} reminded me of His Goodness, and His Sovereignty in my life...and I can't always be in perfect control. :)

Sunday morning started a little foggy...we had driven in from New Orleans late the night before, and my goal was to get to church a little early and save a row of seats for family.
I was pleasantly surprised to be there...15 minutes early, with both kids dressed and ready. We were sitting in our saved row, when all of a sudden....{insert a very loud farting sound here.} From Bennett, not me. :)
Oh yes. and it was BAAAD. Yellow stuff up the back of the sweet blue fancy Feltman outfit.
I immediately panicked...looked desperately for my mom or Josh, neither were around. Nor was anyone else that i felt like i could cry in front of. At this point, it's 5-10 minutes from the service starting, and i knew the baby dedication was at the beginning of the service.
So I grab both kids {carrying Bennett carefully since he was soaked through his outfit} and head to the nearest bathroom...which of course, doesn't have a changing table and is in the hub of all traffic between services.
I just laid Bennett on the counter and called my mom, asking if there were close, telling her where i was, and to HURRY!
Jackson is flipping the light switch off and on, making the bathroom pure darkness, and getting in the way of people trying to get in the door.
I hang up with my mom {who is a few miles away still} and have these big tears welling up, when this "angel" named Mary Ann stepped out of stall and took one look at me and sprang into action!!! It's sad to say that even tho i am a staff wife, i still don't know everyone at church, but Mary Ann was simply precious, and her being there was such a divine appointment.
She told me it's going to be ok, and let's take off the outfit and rinse it in the sink. She asked if i had a spare outfit...i dig through my diaper bag {lights still flashing off and on, thanks Jackson} and i find a sleeper that is already too small and gonna be a little snug.
She looked at it and was like, "oh dear, yes, this other one is cuter, we must make it work!!" {ha ha!} I am like...ok sure. How we gonna do that lady?
So, she springs into action, and begins rinsing the outfit in the sink, while i clean up the boy, and i even started to put the sleeper on, bc i thought, NO WAY this outfit is gonna work. Our time to be be "on" is in like 5 minutes!!
Then I had this moment, where i was like...who cares. Who cares if he is in a zip up sleeper. Who cares if people think i didn't dress my kid cute for this occasion, who cares if it just doesn't go my way!!! Then and there I thought, here we go God, i gotta let go of this!!
Then, sweet angel Mary Ann shows me she got the yellow poop stains off the outfit!! Now we just need to dry it! And the one time we want one of those hot air dryers in a bathroom, there wasn't one! So the sweet thing proceeds to towel dry the outfit with wads of paper towels. I still think Bennett is going out in the ugly sleeper...but alas, she got it almost totally dry..it was damp, i will say, but who cares. i took OFF the sleeper, and put back on the dang Feltman outfit, took a deep breath, touched up my eyes, gave my angel a huge hug, and walked into the sactuary. Oh yes, the service had already started, but i hadn't missed our big moment.

Here we are...all dressed and poop free, just in the nick of time....

Jackson was ALL over the place, wouldn't stand still, and wanted to be on the projector, so he kept moving around trying to get on the camera. :)

Afterwards, i took Bennett to the nursery and stopped and had moment alone...It was mother's day, soooo typical to have the drama...yet God {once again!} proves himself so faithful. I thought, if i didn't have kids, and this kinda lovely drama that goes along with kids, i wouldn't be nearly as full of joy this Mother's Day!

And what does the Lord require from us?
Act Justly.
Love Mercy.
And Walk Humbly.

guess what!!!

2010-05-26T15:22:00.003-05:00

Mommy found a tooth inside this cute little mouth today!!

No wonder the last couple of days/nights we've been a little off...

And, I am 5 months old today!!! So, got my first tooth right at 5 months!

Many more updates to come, mommy says she is waaay behind!!

Someone is 4 months old...

2010-05-10T12:38:00.009-05:00

Yep. I cannot believe this guy is 4 months old already.

I must say...whew.
Finally...i am starting to feel more like my old self again. I knew it would take time, and i was prepared for that...somewhat. But still, it's such a relief to get through that rough "new baby" stage...especially after you haven't done it in 4 years!!

We praise god for our healthy baby boy!
He had gained 3 lbs in 2 months (i was thinking...only 3??) and now weighs 17 pounds.
He had grown 3.5 inches in 2 months, and is 26.5 inches and in the 90% for height - wow!!

I must say, i love having big, strong, husky, roly-poly boys. And with lots of squeezable skin...you can just eat him up.

Bennett has been smiling, laughing, and talking up a storm lately. By talking, i literally mean, shrieking!!!! the boy cracks us up and is very vocal...but i bet he can't top his mama...or his grand-mama!! ha ha ha! :) Time will tell.

He now sits in his bumbo seat...for only about 5-10 minutes at a time, and has grown fonder of his exersaucer. :) We can't just leave him on the changing table anymore...this guy is gonna be rolling over so very soon. He also hates his car seat, and wants to stand "up" on his legs all the time, no more laying quietly in the rumbling seat. :)

We also were given the green light to try some rice cereal at our dr. visit last week...and we tried it last night for the first time bc really, i am still feeding him every 3 hours, and dr. said we should be stretching that out a bit more, so if he's acting hungry still, go for the rice cereal.
Ha ha, this first pic cracks me up...he is like, what is this stuff mom??

well, as to be expected, he wore most of it, and enjoyed eating his bib instead. we'll keep trying tho.

We are still not sleeping big chunks through the night, another thing we are keeping our fingers crossed for the next couple of months to improve on. :) Maybe the rice cereal will help a bit, but his mama needs to get rid of these dark eyed circles she's had for 4 months now.

He is also drooling like mad! No teefers to report yet, but they gotta be coming soon. Everything goes right to his mouth, and he's always munching on his hands or his favorite toy, his keys. ha ha...
The brothers also have been having fun playing together!! So fun to watch!!

More soon!
xo,
Sal

this is awesome!!!

2010-04-30T08:42:00.001-05:00

Now this is how i need to be making money! Check this out. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp45M8zOMPs

A Waco steal.

2010-04-28T12:15:00.006-05:00

So do you like this cute 'lil dress that found me at the Goodwill store here in Waco???

I ALWAYS love me a good bargain...this was $6 and totally looked like me i thought. :)
front...

back...yes, very simple, but know it'll come in handy our lovely HOT Texas summers quickly approaching! :)

A long overdue "catch-up" post!

2010-04-19T12:54:00.013-05:00

So i have been terrible about blogging regularly. But i am not beating myself up about it...or trying not to. :) it is what it is!! Life is busy, but fun right now! I can't complain!!

One of the biggest joys has been watching sweet lil Bennett grow and change right before our eyes. He is 4 months this week - madness!!! Our 4 month check up isn't until next week, so i'll have to update you with his official stats after that, but all i know is that he is heavy...which is a good thing in my eyes. :) he is a healthy lookin dude...i am curious to what his current weight is.
But, he has been so much more alert and is just such a charmer...he loves to smile and coo at anyone who peers down at him - it's so precious. Jackson and him have also been having more fun together which has been totally warming my heart and creates this wonderful mommy feeling inside...that my boys are on their way to being such buddies!

Below Jackson wanted to hold Bennett while we rolled the ball back and forth, it was priceless FINALLY watching Jackson want to hold him and just desire to take care of him so!

Another huge milestone is that Bennett can sit in his lil exersaucer and loves it!! This helps mommy so much and she can get some things done while he's playing in that...Jackson is normally right there too "helping" Bennett play. :) He has been such a great big brother!

Sad thing is, play time in the exersaucer is short lived right now...but i'll take it! Here he is once he's had enough!

Nina and Aunt Beebee and Aunt Rachel also came to Texas from New Orleans bc Aunt Beebee had a baby shower for baby Brady with her friends from Temple.
Here we all are at the shower...am so blessed with these Crosby sistas! And Aunt Amber, who is basically a sister too!

And here is Rebekah all cute and prego...my nephew Brady is due June 21st!!

Other than that, I've been busy busy planning fun showers!! Another baby shower for Aunt Beebee in New Orleans, a baby shower for our sweet friend Genny who is expecting baby girl Harper in August, and a fun wedding showers for my sweet sister!! Although it's keeping us busy, they are are all such fun joyful celebrations for loved ones!!! God is good!

More soon!
Sal

Bennett - my 3 month old!!!

2010-03-31T17:24:00.006-05:00

Shut up!!!

Bennett is 3 months old already?? AHHH!!

Well, let's see: the boy is still quite a chunker - but we LOVE IT!! We just look at him and he looks so healthy and thriving - thank you Jesus!!! He is still quite the eater (obviously!) and has been sleeping pretty good at night...getting me up around 3 am still...but then last night he was up a couple times, so we are still working on it. :) He found his hands and is fascinated by them. hee hee.

He is definitely such a SWEET-heart...he is normally smiling, talkin and cooing. ahhh, seriously, it melts your heart. Josh had a long day at work this last week and came home really lathargic and Bennett just looked at him and gave him the biggest grins - totally changed his attitude. It was awesome sitting back and watching it all happen!

Here are some random pics from the past few weeks...i know i need to be better about blogging details, but this is all i got. :)

Here is what we've resorted too but this 'lil guy gets a 'lil high maintenance and wants to be held all the time...this is how i get stuff done sometimes, ha ha.And here we all are decked out cheering for our Baylor Bears that did (and are still doing!) fabulous in the NCAA tournament!!
All of my boys...
Now check this out...this was Jackson wearing this BU onesie....
And then below, is Bennett wearing it - think they are brothers or what?? :)
And then here is Jackson as we decorated some eggs this week...oh yeah! It's almost Easter!?!? (ha ha...where has the time gone??) Doesn't he look so big?? AHHH, so not a lil baby anymore!
And then here is Bennett cuddling with one of his many lovie blankies - something he has been doing lately...it's super cute!!!
This weekend we are off to our soon-to-be Uncle Mike's (Kari's fiance's) family ranch. He has invited all us Dvorak's and Crosby's to offcially meet all his family. Should be super fun!
Oh, and if you are interested in any of Kari's wedding details, check out this website they built - it's awesome! Has their proposal story with all the details, among other fun stuff.

Happy Easter to all - He Has Risen!!! Thank you Father for your sacrifice on the cross so we can have life abundant. You are amazing.

I present to you, the class of 2027!

2010-03-24T21:49:00.006-05:00

Bennett isn't even 3 months yet, and he had his first playgroup with his new 'lil buddies this week!!
oh yes...a group of sweet little muffins that will all, someday, eventually be in the same grade, got together for playtime!!! except for Bennett, it was snooze time. :)

This is one of the many reasons i love Waco...to get all these kids and moms together for community, support, and just fun!! And i think the moms enjoyed it more than the babies. :)

Here is a pic of them all together...let me just say it was CLASSIC!!! All us moms couldn't stop giggling as Katy snapped this pic. :)

And oh yes..there are 12 boys and only 1 sweet girl: Jane. How lucky is she?? And 4 of the boys are two sets of twins...madness!! :)

Here is sweet Griffin peeking into Bennett's carrier...
He says...why you snoozin' man?? Let's play!!

Thanks again Katy for opening up your home and letting us get out every toy imaginable!

Cheers to many fun memories ahead Class of 2027! (or something like that!) Shoot, they will all be on the football field while 'lil Jane cheers them on!! ha!

Spring Break in Naples!

2010-03-22T15:14:00.012-05:00

My sweet parents took us to Naples, Florida for Spring Break this year, to stay in their lovely condo...which is truly paradise and a place of relaxation for us all! It had been a while since I had been, over a year, so I was looking forward to it so much...until about a week before we were leaving. :) then i started to freak out...thinking about packing, flying with 2 kids, Bennett's schedule, etc...

But i must say, it was a fabulous trip, the boys did beautifully on the plane rides, i was flexible with Bennett's schedule and just rolled with whatever came our way! Which, if you know me well, isn't always easy for me. :) God was so good!

We also got lots done for Kari's wedding! Kari also came with us, and i don't know if i'd blogged about this yet, but she is having a little destination wedding in Naples, this July 4th! We've grown up (well, over the past 10 years or so) going there, and Kari has always wanted to get married there. The condo's main clubhouse is gorgeous and will be beautiful for her outside wedding, and then reception indoors. :)

She met with the florist, the cake lady, photographer, the wedding coordinator at the clubhouse, finalized menu for dinner, found her bridesmaid dresses (at our favorite lil outlet mall that is close by, at the BCBG store!) and scoped out hotels for guests. whew, it was a hugely productive trip for her, and i assisted her on errands as i could. :) fun times.

Josh and i got away a few times for some family outings with the boys, and even got away for a 'lil date night. The beach was a little too chilly for swimming, but the pool at the clubhouse was warm, and Jackson looooved practicing his swimming. Grammy also took him to the beach many mornings to go walk and find seashells. :)

All in all - it was a great getaway for our new family of 4! We couldn't have done it without the help from Grammy, Dubs and Aunt Kiki tho. In fact, Bennett was spoiled all week and wanted to be held all the time immediately after we got back...he was used to being picked up at every whimper. thanks a lot guys!! ha ha...

Mom and Dad - thanks for always opening up your place so generously to us. We always have such a great time, and come back feeling renewed and refreshed from a little touch of paradise.
Bennett taking in his first FL trip...checkin out the place...

sweet time with Aunt Kiki....

Tasting wedding cake options with Kari & mom...and OMG!! That red velvet was the best ever!! So excited they chose that for the grooms cake!

Jackson's new obession: lasagna. Umm...since when did he love lasagna?? Well he was eating leftovers in this pic for breakfast. Whatever, we're on vacation!!!! ha ha....

Jackson on the beach at sunset...

Bathing Bennett in the sink...have this exact same picture from 4 years ago when we took Jackson to Florida for the first time...check it out:
And those are NOT the best pics of me nor my mom...and these are NOT the best quality photos...so you can't really tell BUT....i am realizing that Bennett resembles Jackson SO MUCH as a baby....
This pic {above) is of Jackson!!! Crazy resemblance!

Jackson swimming..this is the best shot i could get...he wouldn't look at me of course. stinker.

Bennett's first time at the pool. he loved it. :)

Bennett looks like an old man...ha!

This was karaoke night at the clubhouse. Now remember, most people that live in this community are all retired and "older." So they really got a kick outta us singing that night - it was hilarious. :)
I was totally in my element! (don't even know the lady in black!) It was a karaoke happy hour so everyone was real happy and friendly. I loved it!!

Josh and Jackson watching their crazy mama...

Awww yeah, we did a duet and tore. it. up. (well he did...i was sooo off key.) We sang Summer Nights from Grease...classic!

Dad and I...love this man!

Caught Bennett smiling!! Finally! His sweet smile sugars have been making all of us melt!!

Being a good boy at the airport...what a trooper! Our flight was delayed!

I am excited that we'll be back there in just a few short months for Kari's wedding...i am planning on staying for a while following the wedding with the kids from a mini-vaca. awww yeah.

And to my all girls - we soo need to plan a girls getaway trip and stay there sometime ok.
More blogging soon - got lots to catch up on!
Sal

p.s. I have to share two cute pics of Bennett that are too precious not to post. He was looovin' his bath the other night...check him out!

Sip and See for my Sweet Baby Bennett!!

2010-03-15T12:40:00.011-05:00

I truly feel so blessed.
And, I have the very best friends.

That is all I can say...as I reflect on how long I felt I was so ready baby #2, and trying to just let it all go and let God perfectly orchestrate His plan...it was hard at times, but as I reflect, I truly see God's providence and His hand in every single details.

The whole time we lived in Nashville, I wanted to have a baby there so bad!! We had such a wonderful church family and they loved my Jackson so much and I knew they'd embrace another sweet baby and take care of us during the transition of a new babe.

Well, that didn't happen...and then, SHOCKER!!! We suddenly move to Waco, for an opportunity for Josh that truly came out of nowhere...a total God thing! The 8 months of our move, selling our house, living with my parents...the whole sha-bang, I remember thinking God, you know best, having a lil baby, or even being pregnant during this crazy time, would have just made things even tougher, when they were already difficult.

So...God knew where we would be and when it would be best for lil Bennett to arrive. And that's all i can say.

Here are pics from a celebration for Bennett that my sweet Waco friends threw for him. I felt so loved, special and blessed my these amazing girlfriends!! Every detail was so thought out and planned, it was so beautiful!

The guest of honor...not the best pic, don't know why it's posting so small. :)

Each water bottle had a different "Bennett characteristic" on it....Sweet Bennett, Giggly Bennett, Bouncy Bennett...sweet Mimi creativity right there for ya....

The beautiful table spread of yummy food...
My favorite sweet rolls that my friend Kimberly makes!!! AHHHHHHHHH!! These are seriously to die for!!
Mom, my sister Kari, me & Bennett (Bennett is out...ha ha)
Didn't this pic turn out gorgeous? Thanks Kimberly! And thanks to my sweet friend Rachel, for snapping all those photos that are displayed, right after he was born!
Another really cool shot. Rachel's photography blog is: http://www.kirklandprofessionalstudios.blogspot.com/

Such fabulous hostesses: Mimi, Kristi, Nicki, Melissa, Genny, Kimberly, Jana (extra kudos for opening your home for the event!) and Katy. I love you all, thank you SO much!
(Ha, look at Bennett! Knocked out...which is how he was for most of the party!)

Waco truly is such a unique and fabulous place to call home, with the most loving friends and "mom community" where everyone takes care of one another. Not to mention, my immediate family...having them close is the biggest bonus.

See....God really does know best, sometimes we just have to sit back, and wait.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the {most perfect} plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Bennett - 2 months old already!

2010-03-03T22:14:00.004-06:00

Hey guys!
Ok, so seriously...time is flying by!!

I can't believe i am already two months old! Today we had my very sad 2 month shots, but I rebounded well. Mommy took good care of me today, and the tylenol helped.

Right now i still loooove to sleep, i am just a chillin baby most of the time. I like to eat too...and really, that is my life right now. i have to say....it ain't too shabbby. I love it!

I have started smiling a my mom a lot lately, she is so funny! She keeps trying to take my picture while i am smiling, and can't seem to get a good one quite yet. Don't you worry, i'll be smiling more soon and she'll capture it for you all ok.

My big brother still doesn't pay a lot of attention to me. I am hoping that changes soon bc i can't wait to play with him and have him show me the ropes. Until then, i'll patiently wait till he warms up to me.

Daddy is super funny too, and i like to coo and smile at him. He also is great at burping me...he walks me around and bounces me in a way that no one else does. He helps mommy a lot with his special burping technique. :)

I am so glad i am better and didn't end up with RSV. And today at the doctor i learned that i have grown 3 inches in length in 2 months, and i also weighed 14 pounds.Ii can't help it, eating. is just too fun! But Dr. Nesmith told mommy not to worry, and i am just a healthy thriving dude.

Well, that's all for now. Time to sleep again.
Love,
Bennett
2 months oldThis was before my sip n see...all these people kept looking at me and touching me. Mommy was so happy and told me she has the best friends ever. More pics of that to come very soon...

Doin' what i do best....

Thanks Rachie!!

2010-03-03T21:53:00.002-06:00

My sweet soul sister and former roomate from college took the above photos of our family of 4 a few weeks ago. Yes, i am JUST NOW getting my blog all dolled up with some of her talents. :) She came in from Austin to bless our new family in this way... and to capture sweet Bennett as a newbie to the fam.

I'll be posting more of her awesome pics soon, but until then, thank you Rachie!! what a gift!

here is her photography blog: http://www.kirklandprofessionalstudios.blogspot.com/

I am so behind, and have to upload pics of Bennett at 2 months (yes!) and my fabulous sip n see given by such wonderful Waco friends...more coming very soon!
Sal

from 70 degrees...to SNOW in Waco!

2010-02-24T11:58:00.006-06:00

Seriously, only in Waco, TX can it go from a gorgeous 70 degree day, to winter storm warnings and snow in a matter of 48 hours. :)

Josh even got the day off - woo hoo! So, he and Jackson had to go outside and make a snowman....

They told me they found that bucket by the side of the house. (???)

Bennett and I just stayed warm in the house all nice and cozy...

and we thought this was super cute...he had his 'lil fingers threaded through the blanket, hee hee. :)

Yes, I realize all the pics of Bennett look the same right now, but that is just his life right now. He loves his rumbler seat and sleeps a lot. :)

I realize my updates have been lacking, but we are doing good. Feel like we are getting a routine down as we do a mix of Babywise and Baby Whisperer. We are sleeping better, with one feeding in the middle of the night, so i'll take it. Although i still feel like i could sleep forever on most days. :)

Bennett has had a little cough and we went in to see the doctor this week and he could have early stages of RSV! :(
So, we're keep a close on him and praying he doesn't get worse. It's so sad hearing his little cough...he's too young to get sick already!

More soon...

Sal

Valentine Hunk-a Burnin' Love

2010-02-14T08:21:00.004-06:00

How cute is this hunk-a chunk-a burnin' love?!!??!??

Happy Valentines Day!!!
Tell someone you love 'em today!!!!

xoxox

My sissy's gettin MAAAAARIED!!!

2010-02-06T11:13:00.005-06:00

YES!! My sweet sista Kari got engaged last weekend, very unexpectedly, while her and her fiance Mike were in Washington, DC for the National Prayer Breakfast! (well, WE knew about it but she didn't think it was coming quite yet....) :)

For those of you who know me well, you KNOW i have been waiting for this for my amazing sissy...what a godly and wonderful woman she is, and i have just been in awe that no one had snatched her up...until now! She's officially OFF THE MARKET!

We couldn't be happier...we love Mike and have been praying for a perfect helpmate for Kari!! They have been dating about a year (it'll be a year Superbowl Sunday...they got "set up" sorta at a superbowl party last year) and it's been sooooo neat watching God bring them together over the past 12 months.

Mike was so amazing and thoughtful as he planned out all the specifics for the proposal. There was a scavenger hunt in which she met up with 3 of his best guy friends he flew up there to be a part of it all (which she didn't know about obviously!) she got her coveted iphone...which he told her she'd get when they got engaged and could get on a cell phone plan together, and among other strategically planned things, he ended it all by sneaking up behind her and tapping her on the shoulder in the mall there in DC as the snow was falling down last Saturday!! SOOO intricately thought out and lovingly planned. What a stud he is and we are so blessed to have him be a part of our family.

Someone's assignment was to take pics of the whole thing, but i haven't seen those yet - of course i am DYING to see those. Until then, here are some pics of Kari's gorgeous bling and her JOY and excitement sporting it....(pics taken from her phone, so not the best quality but the ring still looks beauitul!!)

They are currently working out the planning of the date and other specifics, so more details soon.
We are SO pumped for another Dvorak wedding and big bash...Dad - you ready too??? Get out yo' game plan to rob da' bank....ha ha!! (Inside family joke.)

Bottom line - let the fun begin!! Congrats Kari and Mike - we love you and we are ecstatically THRILLED! Jackson is SOOO excited for another "Uncle Mike!!"

Bennett: one month old...already!?!?!

2010-01-28T13:22:00.008-06:00

Well, Bennett is officially 1 month old today!

Seriously?!?! I mean, at times it felt super slow snail speed, but in reality, this past month has pretty much flown by.

I have to admit, Bennett doesn't have too many updates to report after this first month of life with us Crosby's.

He eats. Poops. Eats, Sleeps, sleeps and sleeps some more. :)

I tried catching some action from this past month, but this is all i got for now. I should just sit back and enjoy it tho huh? Before i know it he'll be getting into cabinets and walking everywhere. :)

More soon...
Sally

Who Dat Trying to Beat dem Saints??!!

2010-01-26T07:58:00.003-06:00

Josh was so excited that he could sit in his recliner Sunday with BOTH his boys on his lap, watching the New Orleans Saints win and head to the super bowl!

Well, here he is with just Bennett before Jackson climbed up there too...

Jackson go so into it and had his Reggie Bush jersey on, and then his "football" helmet. (if you remember, i bought him a baseball helmet for his football halloween costume. seriously, how do you even know the difference?? they look the same to me, however, i am told it's really a baseball helmet.)

Thanks Nina and Papa for our cool Saints jersey!! like the shoe in the pic?? :)

Here he is going to school yesterday...Daddy was just so proud and thought he should represent...so he wore the jersey to school too, but did leave the helmet in the car - ha ha.
The success of the Saints is a big deal for Josh's family with their New Orleans ties...this has been huge for that city and to hear how everyone has gotten into it there has just been so neat!

Geaux Saints! Beat the Colts!

Thank you Columbus Ave youth and families!

2010-01-24T18:06:00.012-06:00

So seriously, we have the best youth group and church family in town! :) They so sweetly wanted to throw a little welcoming party for Bennett.

Here is the invite they sent out:
They generously did so much fun stuff and families showered Bennett with diapers, wipes, clothes, towels, toys and lots of Astros gear. (Josh was of course, so pumped with the Astros goodies!)

Here are some pics from the evening:

Playing fun shower games...
Guess the melted candy bar in the diaper...looks so real huh?

He looks so dark skinned here doesn't he?? wonder if that'll stay...
Typical Jackson these days...not cooperating for pictures.
Look at all these fun goodies - couldn't believe it! Wow!

Jackson having a ball with the big kids...as always!
I will say, i was pooped afterwards...and again, sweating like a pig (have i mentioned that before?? hormonal sweats right?? good lord!)
God was so good bc i was nervous about Bennett's feeding schedule for the evening, AND all the kids holding Bennett, i was praying for the germies to stay away! But he ate right before we left and was good until the very end of the shower...we rushed home to feed him, and i had all the kids used Germ-X before holding him, ha ha. Thank you Lord, you worked it all out.

We feel so undeserving of the loved poured out to us, thank you Columbus youth and families for taking such great care of your own.

More soon...
Sal

3 weeks of pictures!

2010-01-22T08:30:00.008-06:00

I cannot believe Bennett is 3 weeks old! AHHH! So here is my feeble attempt to catch you up on some fun family moments the last 3 weeks!

Here i am...before things got a lil painful. :)

Josh's parents meeting Bennett...
My mom getting her first look...

So happy!
Getting ready to go home...his first car ride!! Yes, those are socks on his hands...he kept scratchin his face poor thing...
Snoozin in the basinette...this was also MY basinette my mom brought all the way back from Italy after i was born.Jackson FINALLY decides to inch closer to Bennett... he helps him swing.

And then...he wants to meet him!

Bennett made Jackson laugh real hard for some reason...
And then he wanted to hold him...yay!

GREAT big brother!
Sweet friends help decorate Bennett's room!

Daddy getting some good time....

Trying out some floor time...Jackson also has to be on the mat.
This is what Jackson insisted on wearing this week...uhhh....i seriously didn't have the energy to fight it. The golf club was his guitar and he was running around the house playing it very loudly and it was driving me nuts...think it was magnified by my sleep deprivation!

Bennett at 3 weeks...eating like a champ and filling out!

More soon...got lots of things i wanna blog about, just need more time. :)
Hugs to everyone! And thanks for your thoughts, calls, emails, prayers and texts. We are doing good and feel like each day things get a little easier and more "normal."
:)
Love,
Sal

what was i thinking??

2010-01-15T09:08:00.004-06:00

Hello All!!

yes, i am sooo behind. i cannot believe it...Bennett is 2 weeks old already. where has the time gone? i feel like the days just fly by...between keeping up with nursing!! And then besides the nursing...there is the laundry...now for 4 of us, AND dishes, trying to pay attention to Jackson, oh and then more housework...i am pooped by the end of the day on 4-6 hours of broken up sleep. :) AHHH, this too shall pass huh?? it's just hard having another and you can't nap during the day when the baby is sleeping. Except Jackson being back in MDO 2 days a week surely as helped. As well as tons of help and offers from sweet friends to have Jackson over, and from mom and Ben playing with Jackson and entertaining him or playing Wii while i take a shower. thank you all so much!

Another HUGE blessing has been the meals we are getting!! We have been blown away...not only by people cooking skillz, but their generosity and the time and love put into these meals. THANK YOU!! It has been such a treat and we ALL have been enjoying it....Josh is getting spoiled since i haven't cooked, NOT gone to the grocery store in forever. :)
(Extra shout out: Thanks mom and dad for picking stuff up for me here and there! that has been HUGE!)

Although we did run to Target this week...my friend Jana called it my "maiden voyage" out with two. Ha ha, and that is truly what it was. I was pooped after that short trip, and am not brave enough to try HEB or Wal-Mart with both just yet. We ended up with a bribery toy for Jackson that he did NOT need, and mom caved and had to get a very unhealthy "treat" to get me through the excursion. ahhhh...oh well.

So yesterday, we ventured out to Dr. Nesmith for Bennett's 2 week checkup. Jackson was also due for his 4 year old check up...which i tried to do BEFORE baby came, but it hadn't been a full year yet, and insurance wasn't going to cover the 3 big shots he was getting. yikes. so we had to wait till after Jan. 5th for that to be covered, so off we all 4 go to the doctor. :) Oh, well Josh had to meet us there, and it was such an icky rainy day, and getting 2 kids in the car is tougher than i thought. ha ha...

So...needless to say, it was an interesting visit. BOTH kids were screaming at one point...and i was tearing up watching my sweet 4 year old agonizing in pain over these mean shots....(which i know i know, are indeed, for the best. I don't wanna get into the immunization controversy!!) and then it was time to eat and Bennett was screaming, Josh was having a crazy day and had to bring in his lunch to the room (???) and then i felt like it was so hot in there, i was sweating like a pig. either it was hot, or i was having one of those hormonal hot sweat thingees. :) And to top it all off, the nurse warns me that Jackson WILL most likely run a high fever for the next 48 hours AND be very cranky. lovely.

i know i know, many of you are like, what were you thinking doing both of those in the same day?? Overall tho, we made it out of there alive!
Bennett is not only back up to his birth weight of 8, 12, but has surpassed it! That chunk weighs 9 lbs 6 oz!!! i will say, it makes the nursing every 1 and 1/2 - 2 hours very worth it. :) thankfully, he didn't need shots...and will at our next visit at 2 months.

Jackson made it through those icky shots (after we promised a DQ dip cone, a lollipop or a choc chip cookie. To our shock, he chose the cookie, which thankfully Josh had leftover from the dang lunch he brought into the room, good lawd. Guess it was a good thing he stunk up the room with his greasy spoon take out.), AND Jackson is in the 75%-tile for height and weight. Nesmith estimated him being about 6 feet, 185 lbs eventually. I must admit, i think it's hard to predict that, but josh was excited. ha ha.

SO...we made it home!!! we relaxed the rest of the day and watched 2 movies, and i gotta say, Jackson hasn't really missed a bit. He did have an upset stomach and hasn't had much of an appetite, but overall, he is doing ok so far. maybe it's bc we've kept the motrin in him.
Here is a pic of him seeming totally fine last night, playing the wii, which has been a HUGE help for mommy to keep him busy. It's uncle Ben's wii, but he's letting us borrow for a few weeks, thanks Big B!
I have lots of sweet pics to post, I'll save those for the next time I get 30 minutes or so of solitude in front of the computer.

hugs!!!
Sal

Whaddya think, will these brothers look alike?

2010-01-10T08:57:00.003-06:00

Here is Jackson a day old in the hospital....(not such a lovely pic of me, but oh well.)

And then here is a similar pic of Bennett a day old in the hospital...

What do ya think? do they look alike? Bennett is definitely "fuller" in the face huh? and of course, has more hair. Jackson looked more "bird like." ha ha...

ahhh, it's going to be so fun to see how alike or different my boys will look like. :)

more coming soon...i want to give more details about everything, but my internet time is limited. Josh has been hounding me to take advantage of him being home and that i need to sleep when he is home and babe is sleeping...i know i know. :) i just can't "disconnect" that easily!

Regardless...a more quality post is coming soon, i promise! Until then, i shall try to catch some zzzz's.
Sal

Updates coming soon!!!

2010-01-07T17:15:00.003-06:00

Ok, so i wanted to update the blog and put a new pic of our family of 4.
Ha ha, this is the best i got for now. :)

Hopefully we can get a new and improved pic soon, but the pic at the top pretty much reflects our life right now anyways:
Bennett - sleeping and eating a lot and pretty much remains easy for now
Jackson - fighting for our attention and refusing to smile or do anything on cue when it comes to pictures. He IS helping me a ton tho, and has a new interest in his lil bro...more to come on that soon.

Bennett is simply scrumptious! Can't wait to post more pics and details, I just haven't had time or energy to post anything new....shocker huh?!?!

More soon!
Sal

Well I'll be...I have another sweet BOY!

2010-01-01T19:37:00.005-06:00

Baby Crosby is here…it’s a BOY!!! We officially need to change the header of this blog…since we are now a Crosby family times 4!!! :)

Bennett Alan Crosby arrived on New Year's Eve at 11:40 am, weighing almost 9 pounds! we were shocked at what a chunker he was, and all the hair he had since Jackson was bald for almost his entire first year!

Here are some pics of our new bundle of joy!!!

(thanks Kimberly for taking these pics with your good camera!)

Many are asking how Jackson is doing and what he think about being a big brother, and honestly, he hasn't spent too much time with Baby Bennett yet. They briefly met yesterday and he wasn't too interested. :) He is still with my parents and we hope to bond as a new family of 4 in the coming days.

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!!!!!

More pics and details of our new season of life very soon,

Josh, Sally, Jackson & Bennett

Christmas in Waco 2009

2009-12-28T16:42:00.015-06:00

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….

2009-12-16T14:59:00.004-06:00

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!

2009-12-11T23:09:00.018-06:00

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!

2009-12-08T22:51:00.005-06:00

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!

2009-11-28T17:17:00.004-06:00

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!

2009-11-18T11:13:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-11-09T12:56:00.015-06:00

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

Trick or Treat!!

2009-11-02T10:22:00.017-06:00

Halloween is just so fun!!!

We had a great week filled with fun school parties, carving pumpkins, trick or treating, and our church's annual Halloween alternative party, Harvest Hoedown!

I think these pics are self explanatory!!!

Here we are before our MDO-school party - how big does he look?? AHHH!

Here is a comparison to just 3 short years ago when we took Jackson to the pumkin patch when he was 10 months old...gah, i stumbled upon these pics and got sappy!!

He was Winnie the Pooh that first Halloween, hee hee.

Ok, now that i have collected myself from the nostalgic flashback of my baby and big he's getting, back to the present!
Here we are carving pumpkins with Daddy....The final products...Josh literally carved out Jackson's actual drawing on one of them...hence the HUMONGOUS uneven eyes...hee hee. :)

Here we are all dressed up as a football player to go trick or treating with some friends as Reggie Bush, from the New Orleans Saints...and yes, that is a baseball helmet, not a football helmet i've been informed. Who knew?? They all look the same to me, but i got grief for that all evening long! :)

After stopping by Grammy & Dubs' house for a quick trick or treat there, we headed off to trick or treat with some church friends, and Jackson was such a tootie and we were never able to get a group shot of ALL the kids together, but here are Kendra and I, both about 30 weeks pregnant, and due a week apart. Gotta love the prego-ness pics!

After we quickly we hit up some houses around their neighborhood, we headed off to church for their annual Harvest Hoedown, and Jackson had a BALL, and was all over the place, and had changed football jersies...he is now Robert Griffin, thanks Kimbo for letting us borrow that. :) He was tickled!

And then here we are with our 2 favorite babysitters: Katy & Hannah. They were in our Nashville youth group and are now at Baylor - we LOVE these girls, they are so precious to us and to Jackson too....love this pic of them!

Whew...what a BUSY & FUN weekend we had!
And ahh, I cannot believe it's November...time to kick it into gear and prep for this upcoming babe! About 9 weeks to go....ahhh. :)

More soon...Sally

I'm Fabulous???

2009-10-27T21:24:00.017-05:00

I've been tagged! I am not super sure what it means, but thanks Katy girl!! :)

Here are the rules: share five things you're obsessed with and then pass the award on to the five most fabulous blogs you know. So...here goes. :)

1. I too, along with many people in this world, am obessed with my iphone. :) I seriously did NOT want one, nor feel like i needed a fancy phone, since i was perfectly content with my dinky lil flip phone. But, since Josh assured me there was this "great deal" when he got his ($100 of a 2nd or something like that, i can't even remember!) i got one too and haven't put it down ever since!! He loves to remind me about how i kept saying, no no, i don't need or want one!
My mom even laughs saying Josh, my dad, and I are always checking our phones, playing with them, looking at them...whatever! And I must say, it has come quite in handy for cranky or impatient moments with Jackson too. He loves playing the games i have on there, and Josh even has some flashcard type game on his, and i must admit - you can get some pretty neat educational apps!! All in all - love my iphone!!!

2. I am obessed with getting a deal. I love finding expenses finds at greatly reduced prices. Whether it be Ebay, Marshall's, TJMaxx, Wal-Mart or Family Dollar!!! In addition, i have signed up to all kinds of restaurants and stores online just to get some "good deal" coupons throughout the year. Since i just recently had my bday, i got special bday emails from many of these places!!! In the last 2 weeks i have gotten: a free medium drink at sonic, a free ice cream at Cold Stone (yeah baby - perfect for this prego!), a free dessert at On the Border, and a free meal at Souper Salad. Sadly, i wasn't able to use some of them bc they were some of my favorite Nashville places, but oh well.
i know, i am a dork, but i am a SUCKER for these kind of deals and will go out of my way to use them. Just like their marketing folks want me to!

3. I am obsessed with my agenda/planner. Next to my phone, i pretty much have it with me and have it open off and on all day. I literally write down some of the most menial "tasks" to do for that day, and MUST cross them off my list before i lay down to go to bed that day. If I am headed to bed, and check and see that something hasn't been crossed off, i will most like try and take care of it before calling it a day JUST SO i can cross it off my list. Anal...OCD...call it what you want, but it's annoying. :)

4. My 1st morning coffee: obsessed! Get outta my way until i've had my morning cup...i am not fully awake, functioning or friendly until i've consumed my perfectly blended coffee with my perfect dose of creamer and 1 spenda. The timer is set the night before to avoid such a tragedy of not having it piping hot as I roll outta bed in the morning. The saddest thing about being so sicky at the beginning of this pregnancy was that i didn't even feel like coffee in the morning. The smell, the taste - ugh, make me sick and thus, i was dragging all day due to my lack of caffeine. Thankfully that went away when i started feeling like my old self. :)
Even if it's not first thing in the morning, there is nothing better than a good ole cup of joe from Common Grounds (another slight obession!) or Starbucks.

5. This was hard to pick one more...so i'll quickly choose: Turbo Kickboxing!! Although to look at my fluffy pregnant self now, you'd never know, but this workout puts the F-U-N back in exercise for me! I can't wait to get back into it after baby and get this bootie back in shape!
* Here are a few more minor things that i am obessed with, but just didn't have room in only picking five things: School of Rock, The Office, American Idol, hanging out and getting deep with my bestest gals, seeing youth get fired up for Christ, a delish dessert, a yummy glass of wine, and last but not least....my sweetheart son - Jackson!

Thank you Katy for thinking my blog is fabulous! I think yours is as well!!
I also think these five blogs are fabulous and am tagging them to do the same:

1. Melissa
2. Rachel
3. Rebekah
4. Nicki
5. Kimberly
and ahhh, it was so hard choosing JUST five fab blogs, so here is one more:
6. Holly

BU Homecoming 2009!

2009-10-26T10:15:00.014-05:00

It was so fun to be living back in Waco for this fun weekend with family and friends!

The weekend started with a visit to daddy's fraternity alumni float - which was a big deal for these good ole boys back in college. KOT always spent hours on their float, most likely to win the coveted Judge's Award, or 1st Place bragging rights. This year's theme was Jungle Book.

Some of our good buddies were there too and we got this fun pic of past and maybe future KOTs! :)

(Thanks for taking this pic Nicki!)

The weather was seriously PICTURE PERFECT this year and we ventured out early Saturday for the parade and Jackson had a blast collecting his breakfast: CANDY!! ha ha!

Uncle Ben's car was also featured in the parade! We were impressed that he got up at the buttcrack and actually put on a dress shirt to drive this featured Outstanding Young Alumni - go Big B!!! it was neat seeing sweet Lady or Joy (or whatever their names are!) just a-walkin down the street! Only at Baylor!!

Sweet mom and pops. Mom - sad yo' eyes are closed!!
After the sad football game (oh well!!! next year is our year right??!!?) we headed to the Horner's annual HC party...a fun tradition where they host a great lil Baylor reunion at their house for people to drop in and say HI...they are always so generous and sweet to open their home with yummy food and this year: Dr. Pepper floats! The kids loved them! Thank you, as always Horner's! We had so much fun! Here is Jackson, Creighton and Tristan enjoying their snackies...

(Thanks Kimberly for capturing these great shots!)

The kids chasing and tackling Brent - ha! he was a great sport!
Then Sunday, some Nashville friends were in town for HC visiting their Baylor freshman, it was great seeing them at church and grabbing lunch afterwards. We love and miss you all!

All in all, it was such a fun filled weekend with beautiful weather!!!

Oh, and quick pregnancy update: I thankfully passed my second round of testing for gestational diabetes! woo hoo! Bring on the Halloween candy!!! :) I am 30 weeks this week - AHHH! 10 more weeks to go - that is crazyness!!

More soon!!

Sally

Thirty one isn't as fun :)

2009-10-21T15:48:00.007-05:00

hee hee...although i had a GREAT birthday, 31 just isn't as exciting as turning 30. Is this what it feels like to get OLD?? :)

My bday started with fun dinner with some good girlfriends...thank you all for coming!! And hee hee, next time we go to Cricket's we won't be asking for the same waiter we had...let's just say he was awfully strange, slow and clueless...wasn't he ladies?? hee hee...we still had a ball tho, thanks to you all for helping me ring in my 31st year!

We also celebrated with my sweet family and my mom made her famous homemade cake...that tastes waaaay better than it looks - and not that it looks bad!! :) It is such a gift to live in the same city as my family and get to be together for these kinds of fun celebrations!! Here Jackson is helping me...don't think i'll be blowing candles out by myself for a long time since he loves to assist with that task. :)

Enjoying our last few months before our family of 3 grows...

Thanks to everyone who helped make my day so special! I felt so blessed!

(Robert Griffin III was even there at the restaurant to help celebrate...thanks RG3!! Of course, Jackson had to get his pic taken with Robert!)
Amoungst many fun bday "happies," I am diggin the new Michael Buble CD from Josh, and the "rub back" from Jackson.

I just love birthdays!!! Here's to another year - cheers!

October is flying by already!

2009-10-13T16:26:00.014-05:00

So i haven't been super good at updates lately. I can't believe it's mid October already!
Here are some fun happenings with us lately:

Last week, i headed out to a lil girls dinner with some of my besties here in Waco for a long awaited time to just catch up - we haven't been able to find a time to get together in so long. Well, they totally surprised me and celebrated my bday a lil early!! We went to George's and ahhh, love that place. Per my sister's strong suggestion, I had some fried pickles there for the first time and OMG - they are amazing! You were so right Kari!

My bday isn't till next week, and ahhh, it's the big 3-1. yikes...i actually feel older this year. I don't know why, but i do. Maybe it's carrying around the bowling ball in my belly right now.Thanks Genny, Mel and Kristi - you totally got me and that cake with all the reece's cups was perrrrrfect for me. :) my fave!! Sorry we all didn't get a pic together...i didn't have my camera and all I had was my phone, so the quality wasn't too great.

Also Josh's parents were in town this past weekend. Nina and Papa are official owners of Papaw's old farm land in the good ole country of texas. :) someday, down the road, they hope to live there and have all kinds of fun farm animals etc...until then, the grandkids just hafta wait.

While Nina and Papa were here, Jackson was showing off his puzzle skills....

One of the many games we played, due to the rainy weather, is what Jackson calls "Banopoly." For some reason, the Crosby men can play this game for hours and actually enjoy it...i don't fully get it. Here are Josh, Jackson and Papa at the beginning of the game....Jackson has now become slightly obessessed with $100 bills...don't know if that is really ok. :)Here they are...hours later!! notice all the hotels/houses. they are crazy. Jackson had to turn in and go to bed of course.Another one of Jackson's new favorite past times is pushing around the double stroller that we got a little early bc it was on sale for such a great price!! It has a sit and stand option for Jackson since he's obviously not so small anymore. I cannot wait to use it! Jackson likes to put his stuffed animals (in the bottom basket) and push them around the house.

Quick pregnancy update: had my 28 week checkup a few days ago, (ahh, i am 7 months!) and thankfully all looks good!!! Except the fact that i FAILED the first gestational diabetes test!! grrr, so bitter that i have to go back and do the stupid 3 hour long bloodwork at the lab. please save any good mags you have so I have sometime to look at while i am freakin there ALL MORNING soon. gah. I failed the first one with Jackson too, and then passed the 2nd long one...but at the time i worked at Providence and the lab was done the hall and all i had to do was just run down to the lab once an hour every 3 hours...sooo much more convenient. :)

And the babe must be growing strong bc i gained 6 pounds in 4 weeks too... :) I am blaming all that weight on the babe, not all the fun Halloween candy in the house.. hee hee.

We are off to my sweet cousin's wedding tomorrow - should be a great family weekend and reunion!! Pics to come soon of my lil ring bearer...and maybe one of this prego stuffed into her lovely black bridesmaid dress. ahhh...hoping it still zips. :)

This 'n that...

2009-10-04T15:59:00.014-05:00

So i haven't been good on updates, so i am culminating a bunch of fun things we've been up to lately!

Creighton came over to play one day last week and Jackson and him were just crackin me up!! Creighton has become one of Jackson's favorite buddies from church and they like to play "Baylor football" together and yell, "i'm Robert Griffin"...hilarious! :)

One day this week i should have known things were all too quiet when i couldn't find Jackson while i was getting ready one morning. I find him "washing his legs" in the sink in his bathroom with all his clothes off, except his drawers - RANDOM!! there was water and soap everywhere, but i guess it could've been MUCH worse. :)

Then, Friday night our supper club met and we had a great time. It was our turn to host and i envisioned us having this lovely campfire and roasting s'mores for dessert, and hee hee, it turned out a little differently, but was still super fun! it felt like fall and it was actually chilly outside - love fall weather!!

Here Jackson and Parker are being total boys...

here is our sad lil fire...but it ended up getting bigger and better!! the s'mores were still delish!
Baby Ainsley joined us too for her 1st supper club...she slept the whole time, but she had a ball too! She is only 2 weeks old and is so super sweet...maybe baby crosby #2 can join her in the sistahood of supper club babies! we'll see....
Here is some of us...once again, we forgot to take the pic when everyone was there - missed ya Allison, Nicki and Melissa!

Then, last but not least, Saturday the Liggitt family came to town to hang out and go to a BU game with us. We have been trying to get together for months, so this was long awaited time to catch up and just hang! Lacey and i were kamp friends and then went to Baylor and were roomies together and it's so fun to get our kids together to play! Here are Will & Jackson...they had so much fun together and just had to sit by each other in the car and wanted whatever the other had the entire day - it was too cute! Here is Anna Lee, how stinkin cute is she? AHHH! what a doll face she was, even Josh commented on how adorable and sweet she is...could God be prepping him for a sweet lil girl?? ahhh, who knows! All i know is this honey would make anyone want a lil girl!

Then, although it rained off and on all day, we ventured off to the Baylor football game bc the tickets the Liggitt's had were covered seats...and thank goodness they were bc shortly after we sat down...the rain came a pourin' down! The Bears ended up with a W tho, which is all that matters! it was a fun game!

Lacey and I sadly never got a pic together, what were we thinking? oh well. we did get to steal away to Common Grounds for a fun drink for a bit...ahh, made us both so happy. :) Thanks Liggitt's for making the effort and driving to Wacky Waco, it was a fun reunion!

Whew...it was a busy week, but a great one!

In pregnancy news, i have less than 100 days left...crazy! getting excited and ready!

More soon!! *Sally

Random thoughts...

2009-09-23T13:16:00.003-05:00

So if you’ve seen one my previous posts, you’ve read about how Jackson has just shot up in the last few months and all his fall/winter pants I had for him are just too short! So I went up to this big consignment sale at the Waco Convention Center this past weekend and got some great stuff to at least get us started! I have to say it was already pretty picked over and much of the good stuff was already sold, (like this great changing table I could have totally used…grrr!) but I still got some good 4T staple items: khaki pants, long sleeve shirts, etc… some prices at like $4 and $3…which is my kinda deal!
http://waco.jbfsale.com/
I am sure I’ll be hitting it up again next year especially if I have a baby girl and need to stock up on some inexpensive cute, sweet girly stuff.

Also, my sweet friend Lacey brought me this sweet ‘lil prizee as they were driving through Waco on their way to San Antonio this past weekend.

It’s super special because I gave that to Lacey almost 4 years ago when she was pregnant with Will and was due in January! Now it’s my turn to bust it out! Love it…and thanks Lac!

We’ve had a guest speaker at our church for a fall “revival” and he has been so challenging and encouraging, it’s been a great refreshing series! Last night he touched on something that has truly been resonating with me… it was so simple, and something we may have all heard before, and I feel like I am still trying to figure it all out…and it’s the basic principle of not “owning” things in our life – but “managing” them instead. When we are “owners” we tend to not be open to teaching or correction, thinking we have it all figured out. But when we are “managers” we are more open to correction, open to learn new things, more willing to admit mistakes etc….and one of the areas he challenged us on was with our kids…and how we don’t own them, but we are entrusted by the Lord to “manage” them. He also used example of our finances, our marriage, our athletic ability, really anything that is important in our lives. I am just truly tying to internalize all this and make it real in different areas of my life, but especially with my kid (soon to be kids!) This area is something I want to hang on tightly to, have full control over, yet I realize that doing that isn’t good for my kids, but also isn’t fully entrusting God to them. It’s just hard when you care and love something so much, and you want to protect them from anything that could harm or tear them down, or corrupt them. But alas, our Savior is capable, and I need to have faith and remember that! He has also entrusted my kids to me while they are here on this Earth, but ultimately they are HIS. Ahh, such a tough truth to understand and REALLY live by. It makes me teary as we daily must let them go.

Lord, help me learn how to do this the right way…to balance it all out correctly in my mind and heart, and learn more about what this means in my life. I trust that you are fully capable of helping me properly raise my kids with you alone as The Center. May Josh and I seek you alone for wisdom in how to do it all b/c alone we are clueless and need you so! May we be so authentic in our example of following you as our kids watch our every move as we raise them.
Amen.

24 weeks = 6 months - CRAZY! :)

2009-09-18T13:39:00.010-05:00

This week we had our 24 week doctor's appt and all is going great - praise god! The appointments are pretty uneventful these days...the usual pee in a cup, weigh yourself (let's add another 4 lbs to the tally!) and then listen to the heartbeat. I was in and out in no time. :) And although the babe has been moving so much and i feel ok about it, it is still oh so sweet to hear that strong heartbeat!

Here are some updated prego progression pics! I feel like i am carrying so low again...just like i did with Jackson. Could that mean another boy?? :)

In other news, this week i walked in to the living room to find Jackson having way too much fun with my shoes.

and then it was priceless, he totally fell down! hee hee... i couldn't believe i caught a picture of the action!

this week was good, but full! We had a fun sip n see for Katy and cutie patootie lil Clark, Columbus staff wives get together (watch out, we're sassy pw's!!) , we had another great week at MDO - jackson is lovin it so much, a couple playdates, another SS baby shower (we have them weekly i swear, sooo many new babies!) and then this weekend is Baylor's first home game vs. Connecticut...Sic Em Bears!!

Love this time of year! got my mums out and am praying they don't die bc the sun hasn't been out much - ha!
Until next time, Sal

p.s. just got a text that baby Ainsley was born to the Johnston family today!!! Congrats on your new baby girl!!!

Think we need to go shopping....

2009-09-09T16:32:00.005-05:00

...and no, not shopping for me!

I decided to try on some of Jackson's fall clothes from last fall/winter and oh my stars! This boy has grown!!!! Way more than i thought...i mean some of the things that were sorta big on him last February ish are too short now! Which explains his crazy up and down appetite...somedays eating constantly and always hungry, other days he just picks at his food, eating barely anything. :)

He was making me laugh today as we were trying on clothes. Jackson thought it was so fun to see some of his favorite pj's from last year...but check him out in them - HILARIOUS! Can anyone say high waters?? and he looks totally possessed doesn't he? ha ha!These gap jeans were sooo cute on his last year...i couldn't even get them buttoned!

And we lived in about 4 different colors of these sweatpants...guess we'll be needing some new of these babies too. :) Ha, they look like capris. (he is totally posin', ha!)

Overall i bagged up pretty much ALL of his 3T stuff...guess we're officially moving into 4T for this season. AHH, my baby is growing too fast! And i keep telling him to stop growing, he's making mommy sad. He says seriously, "Mommy, i have to grow big to be a big brother."

I guess he's right. :)

September means back to school!

2009-09-02T15:44:00.003-05:00

Although we aren't officially in "school", Mother's Day Out is a good substitute for now. :)

Jackson had his first day at Columbus MDO this week and he LOVES it!!! I am so thankful b/c we had been at another great MDO program until now, so i was nervous about the transition. But, it was so smooth, and it's great b/c Daddy can take him on his way into work, and Daddy is right there in the next building all day long....just in case. :)

Here is our big boy excitedly going into his classroom on the first day. He ran in and never looked back...whew for no tears!

How cute is he with his Daddy? Such handsome boys!

My little diver!

2009-08-30T18:27:00.007-05:00

What a difference this summer has made for Jackson and his swimming skills, he has become quite a fish! Especially in Grammy's pool, when we are all there we don't even need to put on wings or his life jacket anymore...crazy!!! (although, i am truly more at ease when he has it on!)

This weekend, after my mom gave him some pointers, he was "diving" into the pool. Many of his attempts were actually belly flops, but it was still such great effort! :)

We also celebrated Aunt Kiki's 28th birthday! Her and her boyfriend Mike were in town to celebrate! It was a great weekend of family time, pool time, and yummy steaks Josh grilled! Happy Birthday Kar - love you!

20 weeks along...20 more to go. :)

2009-08-18T22:42:00.002-05:00

Today we had our 20 week checkup and ultrasound!

I was convinced today would be a huge revelation of weight gain bc the past month i have been so hungry and just eating so much more than in the beginning. But that is all part of it, which i have come to actually enjoy. :) thankfully tho, the scale only revealed a 5 lb increase...which i'll take for now. i know, we still have a long ways to go tho. :)

The ultrasound tech printed some pics, and i don't have a scanner, and can't post them, i am so sad! It was just so fun to see our sweet babe...he/she was all cozied up and at one point had his arms moving and was rubbing something out of his eye...ahhh!!! It was hard also bc our tech totally said he knew the sex...and ahhh, it would have been oh so easy to just find out...but alas, much to the sadness and frustration of my mom, sis and many friends, we didn't cave and find out. it was tough tho, i can't lie!!! i was tempted! Hee hee...

Jackson was carrying the pics around all afternoon, and kept showing me and laughing saying, look at his head, hee hee. (it was super sweet, not like making fun, just cute!)

I will say, it felt so much more real today...and i am smitten with my sweet unborn babe. We cannot wait to meet you!!

Thank you Heavenly Father for a healthy checkup and that all seems to be going as it should - you are GOOD and we give you all the glory for this miracle!!!

Day 2

2009-08-18T16:17:00.002-05:00

WHY oh why does he prefer the floor?

For the 2nd day in a row, see how i found Jackson napping:

oh well, at least he is taking a nap right?? :)

Whatever works...at least he's sleeping!

2009-08-17T15:47:00.005-05:00

So i have been grieving the fact that i think my 3 and 1/2 year old is giving up his nap. :(

I have been making him have at least an hour of quiet time in his room, bc mommy needs it too, but he just hasn''t been falling asleep. Today was an exception tho, check out what i found when i went to check on him today:

And check out his bed...no wonder he slept on the floor, his bed was just too crammed full cars, ha!
I am grateful for his nap today... and i guess we'll see what the rest of the week holds!

Josh's Bday Surprise(s)!!

2009-08-13T13:19:00.012-05:00

Well, Josh and I are officially BOTH 30 now. :) Man, we're getting old!
Josh had not one, but 2 good surprises for his 30th bday!

The first was that his parents and sister drove in from New Orleans to surprise him and celebrate his bday last weekend. We really got him...it was fun!

It was a great lil visit with his parents and sis Aunt Beebee who we hadn't see in forever!! thank you guys for making that quick trip to Waco...it meant so much to Josh!

And then...on his actual bday, August 11th, his suprise dinner at Ninfa's with a some of our Waco friends was a success!! I was so nervous in the days leading up to this that all the details would fall into place...thankfully they did and i truly believe he didn't know a THING about it...yay!!!

How cute is Cilla?? How do i look with a baby girl?? :)

the baby picture on his cake didn't turn out right...it looked like he didn't have an arm...it was funny!

Jackson also had a ball waking up early and saying Happy Bday to daddy and helping his open some of his presents....he has been waiting for daddy's actual bday for weeks!!

We also decorated his car...we HAD to go all out, 30 is a big birthday!!! :)Josh, I am so thankful for your 30 years of life! May there be many more birthdays to share together in our future! Love you! Hope your day was the best bday yet!

BUH paci...for good FINALLY!!

2009-08-06T20:54:00.016-05:00

AHHHH, so many of you have known that Josh and I have been struggling with the "paci" issue for a few months now.

I honestly didn't have a problem with it at all until he turned 3...then i started thinking, he's getting to be too big for this thing. BUT...we were still in such transition with our move that I thought...it's such comfort for him during all this change, i'll let it slide. And mind you...it wasn't constant...but he did want it during naptime, bedtime...and when he was just tired. Still, it was still a nuisance keeping up with it and let's be honest, it's gotta end sometime!!

Well, then we move into our house...and we've been in here for 3 months now...and he'll be 4 come December: it's time to say BUH to the paci. :)

As silly as it sounds...i asked some friends to pray over this for us bc i was totally dreading the cutoff process...bc yeah, it helped me too when he was tired ...it'd soothe him to sleep quickly.

So...after consulting multiple friend's advice, and looking at strategies online, i combined all this advice amd knowledge into a plan that would work for us. :)

Since we do have a baby on the way, that was a great segue...to tell him that we need to say bye bye to our paci bc the baby is going to need them (maybe...who knows if this next one will even take one, ha!) and he is the big brother now, and he doesn't need it any longer.

So...we talked about this for a few weeks...telling him soon he'd hafta say BUH to it, and there was some tears and you could tell he was starting to grieve it...ahhh, it was truly so hard as a parent to watch your lil one so sad and sensitive over this innocent little thing...(sigh) but such is life and growing up i suppose.

So...one morning last week...i had to ship some stuff and had to run to UPS and asked him if he was ready to ship off his paci's...he shockingly said yes. So we decorated an envelope and drove to UPS and "shipped" them off. (hee hee...the young guy that worked there thought i was a loon i am sure...but who cares!!! Off they went...freeeeeedom!!!!) Here he is...still not truly understanding what he was doing i don't think. :)
I knew it truly wouldn't hit him till later...but, so far so good. he seemed to truly get it....until naptime that day. UGH...tears tears tears...it was hard, i'm not gonna lie. But, after about 30-40 minutes...he was asleep. whew....

That happened again that night...and Josh and I learned that the paci truly soothed him to sleep...and it quieted him and settled him quickly. We were seeing that he wasn't falling asleep as quickly, and was in there singing, yelling, talking etc...shall i say, the paci shut him up??!!? He aslo clung tighter to both of his blankies, and blue bear, and zebra and giraffe, but i didn't mind that so much. But truly, each day that went by, it got easier and easier and the long loved treasured paci seemed to be forgotten. AHHHH! Have my prayers been answered? Lord, you are faithful even in these little trials of parenthood!

Part of the deal was that if he gave up the paci, he could go to one his all time favorite places, Chuck E. Cheese, and bring a friend. (thanks for that great idea Kimbo!) :)

So, he chose his buddy Izak from MDO (they have just been instant friends! too sweet!) and here they are hyped up on sugar and pizza, trying to get as many tickets as possible. How cute are they together? AHHHH, my baby is getting so big...he and his lil friend were like all on their own, running around and having their own lil conversation.

Ok, Jackson was really good at skiball!

What to choose with our tickets? Decisions Decisions!
Out of all the choices, they choose laffy taffy and air heads candy - classic!

Ben and Daddy were just as excited about their candy - HA!
*To my Jackson - i am SOOO proud of you for taking this huge step. I watched your lil brain at work as you truly rationalized this big boy decision, and what it would mean. I sat and grieved it too, and now I am convinced that you are truly ready to be a big brother....as you're growing up and becoming such a BIG BOY. I love you and am proud of your big choice son!

Thanks to those who covered this in prayer for us...i truly believe God was a part of this whole process.

Until next time...

Sal

7 years ago....

2009-08-02T14:55:00.024-05:00

....Josh and I were married at First Baptist Church, New Orleans, on August 3rd, 2002. AHHH, i cannot believe it's been 7 years. We were contemplating all that has happened in 7 years on our lil anniversary date this weekend...we've been in 3 houses, had 2 kiddos (well almost!) and 2 pets later....here we are. :)

(Sorry for the horrible photo quality above...7 years ago my photos were NOT digital.)

It's been a heck of a ride, and i have to admit, i feel sooo very blessed to be married happily to my best friend, the leader of our home, and a fabulous father to my children. I couldn't ask for much more. Thank you Father, the Giver of ALL GOOD GIFTS!

Here are some pics of us going on our annual anniversary date...we always like to go somewhere really nice, that we wouldn't go otherwise, and just take our time, order whatever we want, and take as long as we want. Jackson said he was "part of the family too" so he had to be in the pic before we left him at grammy and dubs' house. :)

We save money in an envelope literally each month for a YEAR and go out and celebrate guilt free, and just ENJOY! Hee hee, here is a pic of me being so excited that the money for our fine dining experience was "already there!" (Thanks Dave Ramsey!!) and that cheesecake was SO yummy can you believe it? this prego was so full i couldn't even finish it...i was so bummed. :(
In other news...the longer hair requires so much more time and effort and is getting kind of old. HA! Also, some pieces are getting real loose and i am thinking it may be time to take them out. Update on that soon. :)

My buddy Jackson!

2009-07-29T15:53:00.005-05:00

So lately I've been reflecting a lot on my how my life will change with 2 kiddos...i am SO used to only having one baby!!! Although he's not really a baby anymore... :) he's my buddy and all i know right now! He's also gotten so independent and shall i say...easy???? AHHH, Lord, can i handle the changes that January shall bring upon this household?? :)

Lately especially, Jackson and i have shared such sweet moments together that i pray will never leave my memory.

He'll randomly say..."Mommy, let's talk. "

Ok, i'll say...and then he'll proceed to ask some random question.

Lately they've been like, what is your favorite soccer ball? (ummm, i thought there was only 1 kind, but i go with it.)

Or, what is your favorite sport?

Or, what is your favorite food?

Ummm, can you tell he is such a BOY?? :)

Some other favorite conversations are when he'll come home from church or MDO and share with Josh and I what he's learned...it's amazing how these little minds can truly comprehend some of the simple Biblical truths. "Mommy, this is a cloud that god used to go with the people so he'd always be with them." Well...there you have it.

He'll also pray such sweet innocent prayers...for "the people." It makes my heart so full to hear him list off all these people he wants to lift up in prayer; his cousins, and Aunt Beebee that lives far away...and he prays for pets too, like my sister's dog, Miga, and Daisy for her hurt leg. He also will pray for the lil baby in mommy's tummy, and i don't know if it's hormones or just plain mommy-hood that makes me tear up and think, ahhh, may this moment always be treasured.

Here is a random pic that just makes my heart smile...he used to hate wearing these Diego slippers my mom bought for him once...and all of a sudden, he comes of his room diggin' them.

Daddy had to join in on the sillyness. ...and quite frankly, we were shocked he had them on. :)

Dear Lord, i pray that you prepare my heart to love another child as much as my Jackson. May you continue to prepare our family for the new addition, and the wonderful changes it will bring...some tough, some easy, but through it all, may we cling to your power and strength to get through. I love you, and leave both of my precious kiddos into your most capable hands.

My newest HURR adventure....

2009-07-25T15:38:00.007-05:00

So i've always toyed around with growing my hair out...and then i get SO impatient and end up cutting it, thinking, ahhh, i am just a short haired gal, what am i thinking?? short hair is just a better look for me. :)

Well, once again, i vowed to try to grow it out again, especially while pregnant, your hair can grow faster right?

So one of the gals in our youth group got these super affordable extensions pieces put in her hair for prom, and it has intrigued me and got me thinking ever since.

So, i ventured out to research this process, first stopping at Hair Trix in Waco to talk to Jessica, who is this latino gal that talks super ghetto and has piercings everywhere..and she is SOOO nice! After she consulted with me, we decided to leave the top layer of my hair out, and she'd braid the rest (or as my friend Genny calls it, i got a weave!) and then add some extension pieces of hair. She said my hurrrr would grow faster in the braids bc it's not exposed to all the chemicals and heat etc... She also instructed me to head to Beauty Mart on Waco Drive and 25th Street..yep, not the best area of town, to purchase my hurrrr pieces. oh, and she would charge me per braid, which honestly, was pretty darn cheap, compared to my old faithful hair lady at Mane Event who does this for HUNDREDS of dollars for her clients. ummm, no, can't do that.

so i left still not knowing what i would do...and then decided to just go for it, why not?

So i make my appointment with Jessica, and later that week head to Beauty Mart, which truly is THE most interesting, strangest place ever! they had wigs of all sorts, hair pieces of all colors and styles, oh, and a good candy section along side some cheap jewelry. HA!

So i proudly leave Beauty Mart, thank JJ the Asian lady (yes, JJ...hmmm??) for, after some time, successfully matching my hair with some pieces she had there.

So....long story short...2.5 hours later that week, and a VERY sore head (she pulled HARD to weave those braids...i seriously was doing labor breathing at one point thinking, i can do this!! HA!) i left with my new hurr. and let me tell you...it was such a strange feeling. i had this LONG hair.

we kept it long the first day bc she said we could always cut it...which we did the very next day bc it was just too long for me and looked SOOOO obviously different. But the second day i went back and she layered and cut it shorter to look a little more "natural."

So, here are pics my friend Kimberly took after the first day bc we had a SS baby shower for her and i got to debut the luscious long locks. :)

and that is when is was longer. i need to take some of it a little shorter.

It's been pretty fun i must say...it can go wavy or straight, and it's seriously just like real hair. The tenderness of my head got sooo much better, it's been about a week now. That first night i could barely sleep on it...ugh.

anyway...we'll see how long they last. :)

that's the latest on my hurr adventures...it's always something isn't it? ugh, at least it ain't no perm like that one time, right Kari??

* Oh, and my 16 week check up was this week and i am so thankful to report that ALL is going good and right on track, thank you Lord!!! We even made our next appointment for our 20 week ultrasound...but we aren't going to find out still!! That will be hard i think that day, but it'll be worth it come January. :) I cannot wait to meet the lil peanut...Boy or Girl!

Prego Progression - Week 15

2009-07-19T21:27:00.005-05:00

So my good friend Melfa reminded me (among many others that have been asking for prego pics!) thatIi need to be documenting the prego progession with pictures! I haven't been so good about it! Until now!! here is a pic of me at 15 weeks....and then, Jackson had to get in on the action shots. :) So, my clothes are definitely getting tighter and my appetite is definitely UP! Josh is lovin it. :) we've been bad and eating out lots lately bc i truly just don't feel like cooking anything. I am sure the scale shall reveal it all at my next doctor's appt this coming Tuesday! i simply cannot wait to hear that precious heartbeat again!

Also, thanks to my sweet college roomies, Mel, Rachel and Laura for giving me all their maternity clothes! Oh i've had so much fun going through their stuff....and there is all kinds of stuff, dressy, casual, shorts, t's, dresses, long sleeved shirts. Between them, 6 pregnancies in all different seasons, i love it! thank you gals for sharing, and it's been such a blessing to not have to go out and BUY all kinds of new stuff.

Yes, i know it's a mess but i am still sorting through it all, but here is a pic of our guest bedroom right now. I've been having so much fun getting to wear some of the stuff already...the shirt in the pic above is already one of my faves...so comfy. :)

For any Waco gals out there that are willing to share their maternity goods, i'd be SO grateful and I assure you i'd take great care of your clothes. :)

Until next time,

Sal

Camp!

2009-07-07T16:35:00.005-05:00

So last week Josh and I were at youth camp...and can i just say...it was HOT at Camp Tejas!! I am so thankful that i was feeling better tho, camp would have been miserable!

Of course, the time with the youth group was awesome, and the food was great (it truly was!), but seriously, one of the best parts was getting away with my sister in law Rachel, and having good time with her! Her husband Tony was our camp pastor, and Rachel and I really haven't had time away like that without distractions or kids since....well, i don't know when we have had time like that together. (We missed you Rebekah!)

In addition to getting some sun, rooting on my green team, and having new buddies in the youth group, I was introduced to Rachel's Bare Minerals makeup which i LOVED and want some right now...but i shall wait...we are on a spending "freeze" for a bit. (sigh...) i shall resist.

Here is a pic of Josh and I at the dance party Date Night....the theme was "Tacky Tourist" and this was the best we could do. I desperately was looking for an old camera and a fanny pack, but just couldn't fins one. There were some awesome outfits....and mickey mouse ears, and lots of socks with tacky sandals...hilarious. :)

In other news.... Congrats to my sweet friend Katy and the arrival of their sweet baby boy Clark! 9 lbs, 4 oz later, he's here. :)

Swimming Lessons!

2009-06-26T14:49:00.004-05:00

So I was definitley late in the game in getting into swimming lessons this summer....thankfully, Miss Sandy had a cancellation this week and it worked great for us to join the class for the week - hooray!!

Jackson did great and is quite a little fish, i was such a proud lil mommy!! :)

Here are some pics of him in action...

And thank you ALL for your fun emails, calls, text, & comments of congrats for our new lil nugget. For those of you who are asking, i am 12 weeks this week and due officially, Jan. 7th, 2010. Guess i may be changing the name of this blog eventually eh?

We are off to youth camp this weekend, so i'll be MIA again for a bit.

Hugs to you all!!
Sal

Jackson has an announcement.....

2009-06-09T15:48:00.010-05:00

Hey ya'll!

So i know it's been FOREVA since i've blogged, forgive me. :)
But things have been busy...and well, just listen to Jackson in the video below, and he'll fill you in and you can figure out another reason i have been a bit MIA and distracted.... :)
Hugs to you all, mwaaa!
More soon!

We're soooo close!

2009-05-03T20:54:00.003-05:00

What a week it has been! We have been to Nashville, packed up our house, saw a few friends, closed on our Nashville house, drove all the way to Waco in Greta the Jetta who was all fixed up (after 2 flat tires and a dead battery...grrr!) our stuff made it to Waco, AND we closed on our new home here, but aren't staying in it quite yet. :(

Although an older home is full of charm & character, everything is just OLDER, even if it's been redone on the inside. :) So we've had a few bumps in the road, here are just a few things we've been dealing with in the past 3 days:
- gas leak in a pipe under the house...thus, no gas, thus NO HOT WATER!
- then, a water pipe broke UNDER the house, water leak, thus, NO WATER!
- leaky faucets
- broken tile in the kitchen floor
- ac thermostat not working (what??)
- hose that drains washing machine not flowing properly
- closet doors not opening (ha!)
- hanging rack in my closet breaking OFF DA WALL, thus all my clothes falling into a lovely pile on the floor! (seriously, i may have more clothes than i really need, but i don't have THAT MANY!!)
and then...my personal favorite...
- when the heavy shower rod and curtain fell RIGHT ON MY HEAD as i was testing our the bath tub faucet...yep. Genny was there and saw it all happen, i think she thought she'd have to run me to the ER. It totally wigged me out for a bit, ha ha. I have a huge knot on my head to prove it. :)

whatevs, you get the picture....it just hasn't been super smooth move in. But it's all good!! We are sooooo grateful to have the home, and we haven't even slept in it yet, ahhhh! But i will say, Magnolia has taken care of the repairs as these were just unforeseen things that happen in older homes, they have been great to us.

So...soon i'll have pics, i promise. :) and hopefully, we'll be sleeping in it soon! It was so fun seeing our stuff that we hadn't seen in 7 months, Jackson has been just precious looking through all his toys etc...and i forgot how many dag 'gom pairs of shoes i have, ha!

THEN, yesterday i had my turbo kick boxing certification in the middle of the madness! When i signed up for this months ago, i had no idea i'd be moving during this weekend. So, of course, i stuck with it and am glad i did. Watch out people, don't mess with me or i'll front push kick yo' butt. ha ha. :) I also warned Josh to not touch anything while i was gone ALL DAY LONG...his way of unpacking is just way different than mine...he has no ryhme or reason...which was why my photo albums were all on a shelf today. i was like Josh, i will deal with the photo albums later. gotta get our clothes unpacked first my love muffin. :) ahhh, we've had all sorts of pretty fights lately...moving just brings out the very best in me!

hugs to you all...alot of major things are behind us! :)
To God be ALL the glory! Great things He hath done!

We are officially MOVING!

2009-04-25T15:01:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that i may not be around for a while...we are officially moving this weekend...heading to Nashville and packing up our house there. Although i've been waiting and praying for this for 7 months (gah, can you believe it??) i am sad in a weird way to officially be closing that chapter of our lives.

Anyway, my life is about to get crazy and i may not know where much is, so i don't know when i'll return to the blogging world.

But when i do...pics of the new finished Waco house to come!! We are so excited about how it's come out, God, you are so good!!!

Hugs to you all!

The Famous Recipe

2009-04-16T15:58:00.003-05:00

Ok, many of you have asked for the monster cookie recipe...here ya go. Get ready to become addicted to these bad boys. :) hee hee...

MONSTER COOKIES
…From the Dvorak Family treasures…
(use a huge bowl because this recipe makes a huge batter!)

1 Box of Brown Sugar (or 2 C)
2 C Sugar
8 C Oats
3 C Peanut Butter
2 Sticks margarine (softened, not melted)
6 eggs
1 Bag M&Ms
1 Bag Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp baking soda

*Preheat oven at 350
*Mix ingredients in this order:
Eggs, Sugar, Margarine, Vanilla, Baking Soda, Brown Sugar, Peanut Butter, Oats, Chocolate Chips, M&Ms (batter will be thick and heavy, so you may have to use your hands to mix)
*Make into palm size balls or drop palm sized balls from spoon (don’t smash down so it keeps the “monster” shape)
*Bake until golden brown on top

Easter Family Time...with lots of cookies.

2009-04-13T21:53:00.008-05:00

So this Easter weekend was prolly one of the most laid back weekends we'll have for a while....our next couple of weeks are going to be nuts as we head to Nashville, and then move into our place here...but we're excited & ready!! :)

Until then, we have TONS of monster cookie dough to get us through. :)

Here is my cutie patootie sissy with Josh and Jack...Jack was very helpful in making the cookies...as was Josh, he did the hard work of stirring all that dough.

OK, i know this may look nasty, but monster cookies are the best ever! They have all my faves: chocolate chips, peanut butter, m&ms, oats...yummo!

This is as close to a family Easter pic that we got this year...sad huh?

This boy was lovin this...and all the other sweets he had this weekend.

It was a wonderful holiday weekend with family, and great time to again, reflect and remember the amazing sacrifice my Lord and Father made for me so I could live. Thank you my Lord!

"Don't Make Mommy Cry!"

2009-04-07T12:52:00.010-05:00

....those were the words that came out of Jackson's mouth this weekend when Josh lost a bet and had to shave his head after a softball game at church this past weekend. The game was between Youth/Children's Ministry workers vs. the College/Adult Ministry workers. The youth team lost, thus, here is a scary sad picture of the man I am waking up to every morning:

While they were shaving his head, Jackson says, "Don't make mommy cry!" hee hee. He also said this weekend, "I don't want the bald man to come get me!" Poor lil guy, he is so confused. This morning he said to daddy's head, "grow hair, grow!" :)

Eww..All I gotta say is that hair better grow back! I think he is MUCH cuter with hair. :)

Cousin Simon comes to stay

2009-04-01T22:38:00.005-05:00

Jackson's cousin Simon came to stay with us last week because Aunt Amber was having her baby!

Jackson and Simon had the best time together...ahhh! Made me want a sibling for Jackson all the more! Jackson was so sweet to Simon and helped him with things, led him around the house, held his hand...hilarious and so so precious! Here are a few pics of them together, it was super fun! Congrats Matt and Amber, so excited for baby Phoebe's arrival and loved getting to have Simon, he was a doll and such a great, sweet lil guy. We miss him around here!

Here, Jackson is modeling his superhero cape...his new thing. :)

We sold our house!!

2009-03-27T17:27:00.005-05:00

Yes, can you believe it??? God is so good!

After 6 months of being in Waco, the buyer we've been praying for has come!!

Living at my parents was not totally awful at all, but don't get me wrong, we'll be so excited to be in our own space. :)

For those of you who didn't know, we found a house here in Waco that is being redone by Magnolia homes and we're so excited bc we had to sell our house first in order to officially buy this one! It's off 43rd Street and is like 3 streets over from where we lived 3 years ago! Here is a rough pic...mind you, it's been gutted and they are pretty much starting over....so stay tuned for updated pics once it's finished!

It's been so neat to see God's faithfulness and goodness to us. Thank you Father! We continue to pray over all the details as we prep to go up to Nashville, pack and move all our stuff here at the end of April.

To those who prayed so faithfully, thank you!

Potty Training Mania!!! (And Fun Birthdays too!)

2009-03-23T15:31:00.011-05:00

Can i just say, i'm so excited that i feel Jackson is finally getting this potty training thing!!! :) We are not 110% there, but oh so close! We spent all weekend in our cool Spiderman undies, and had one poo poo accident. Which i am like, oh well, poo poo in the potty will come later i guess. Today he asked me if he could wear a diaper so he could go poo poo. I tried rushing him into the bathroom, but he just wouldn't do it, it was like he was scared to go poo poo in the potty, and he wanted to just go in his diaper.

Here he is with his handsome daddy...whom he happens to resemble A LOT!
Any advice here from mom's that have gone through this?

Does poo'ing on the potty come later?

Also, what have ya'll used as incentives for going on the potty? stickers? toys? need some good ideas bc i am afraid the orange tic tacs, and jelly beans are getting a little cavity-provoking. :)

I will say it has come about just like everyone encouraged me...when they are ready, you will know. He just woke up one day last week and said, "i don't wanna wear my diaper!" Hallelujah, bc i am sick and tired of buying those suckers!!

I just realized, i've used the word "poo poo" way too many times already on this short blog entry. POO POO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also this weekend, we celebrated one of our Nashville bestie's birthday! Lil Emma turned 14 this week, and her and her fam were our "home away from home" in Nashville. In honor of her bday, Jackson wanted to bake Emma a cake. So, we did cupcakes instead. Here is Jackson helping me make the "fun betty" cupcakes, ha ha. :)

He was not being very generous with the sprinkles!

Singing to Emma....can you hear me????

He is mad right here b/c it fell apart. :)

We also had a fun birthday party for one of our cutest Waco buds, AnnMarie! She had a princess bouncy house at her party, although there was a lot of pink, Jackson jumped away and had a ball! Happy Birthday AnnMarie, we love ya! She also had funfetti cupcakes...yum, our faves.

Erin McCarley comes to Waco

2009-03-17T16:45:00.008-05:00

So last night, we had the privilege of getting to hear our good ole Baylor friend, and Phi Phi sista, the arising superstar musician, Erin McCarley, live in Waco at Common Grounds! what a fun night it was! She is on tour with "Ten out of Tenn" which is a group of 10 musicians from Nashville and they are all incredible, i highly recommend you go see their show if they are in a city near you.

Here she is jammin out...although, it's not a great pic obviously. Well, it's a good pic of the gal's hair in front of us. :)

Erin's music has been on Grey's Anatomy, and is in the movie "She's just not that into you" and she also has appeared on Letterman. So proud of her, knew she'd make it big someday!

One of my besties, Lacey, was in town and we just hung at Common Grounds, caught up, had yummy coffee, and heard great live music. We felt so cool and young again, ha ha. :)

We also got to catch up with other great pi phi sistas who were there, Emily Mills, Amy Freeman, Sarah Rogers, it was a great lil reunion!
Here we are with Erin...and her short lil mini skirt she sported so well....ahhh, to be famous. :) HA!!

Lac, thanks for coming with me and for that great time to catch up.

And yum, i had the best CG St. Patty's coffee drink, it had a mint swirl in it...mmmm. :) Can you tell that CG is just one of my all time faves?? AHHH!

Rainy Gloomy Spring Break...but thank goodness for playdates!

2009-03-12T12:51:00.007-05:00

Gosh, i have been so bad about posting a new blog entry lately! Things have been so busy i feel like, but i really don't know what's keeping me so busy!!! ahhh!

Anyway, the weather in central texas has been SO SO blah these past 2 days...rainy, cold, and dreary. Thankfully, a sweet lil boy in Jackson's class, Izak, and Jackson have had a playdate a couple of times this week since there is no MDO due to Spring Break. It has been such a lifesaver this week! They play so good together, and it's so good for Jackson to have a lil playmate and sweet friend that he just adores. :) Here they are playing candyland together today. hee hee.their conversations just crack me up - they are too cute!

My parents and sis are in FL enjoying their Spring Break in the sun...and they left their 2 dogs to my care...so the house has kinda been a zoo. But seriously, how can you NOT love this face? ahhh, when she's calm, she's a sweetie, but when she's excited...watch out people!

And oh yes - time to talk American Idol:

I am thrilled with the remaining contestants!! Jorge and Jasmine...sorry, but you just didn't have it going on!!! Although you could both sing, you just didn't step it up. Oh, and it's fun seeing the josh resemblance in Michael Sarver...although, the more i watch him now, the more i am like...hmmm, maybe he doesn't look like Josh as much i orginally thought he did. hee hee!

My predictions for the final 3: Adam, Danny & Lil Rounds....love 'em all!

AI fans...what do you think?

2009-02-19T19:53:00.005-06:00

So tell me, who does this American Idol contestant look like?OK, so in this pic he looks a little greasy...what about this one? Does it look like someone i sleep with at night?? HA HA HA!

Yes, so Michael Sarver survived week one of the live auditions, and i must say, he resembles my beloved hubby so much!!! I am not crazy right? doesn't he look like Josh at times?

I am also pumped that Danny Gokey is moving forward too...what a stud. All the single ladies??? they'll be lining up for him fo'sho!

Idol is going to be great this season! Although, have to admit, sad to lose Anoop and cute hair gal, Casey Carlson. :(

The long awaited UGGs!

2009-02-16T16:07:00.007-06:00

So i keep forgetting to post pics of me and my new uggs! can i just say they are awesome and were totally worth the precious moola. :)

The day i got them, Jackson also insisted on wearing his boots, which was hilarious and so random b/c he rarely wears his boots. Here is my very amateur attempt at taking a picture of both of us in our boots...so nobody was home to help me with the picture taking, so of course, these pics are quite awkward. HA HA!

ok, this is classic...look at those knobby Jackson knees and lil thighs...love it!

And then, he had to wear my boots b/c he said they are so soft inside!
And...off he goes....and they are totally on the wrong feet...AHH! Of course, Daisy had to be in the pic too, she follows us everywhere. She likes my boots too. :)

Valentine's Party at Playgroup

2009-02-11T15:55:00.005-06:00

Today we had a super fun Valentine's Party at Playgroup. Thank you Kathryn for opening up your home to us!

Hee hee, check out the kiddos towards the end...they were pooped. Especially Cody...he didn't want to look at the camera. Oh, and lil Karoline was at the potty so she missed this photo.

It was a fun morning! Mommy has been enjoying the goodies Jackson got in his lil Valentines bag!! :)

Here's Jackson running all of the Horner's house - ahh!

Fun weekend in Dallas

2009-02-08T19:26:00.014-06:00

We "got away" to the big D this weekend and saw some fun friends and hung with Aunt Kiki.

here is Jackson, Josh, and Aunt Kiki being loved on by her dog Miga the best Aunt eva!!

Here is Jackson and Will Liggitt...future Baylor roomies??

Here i am with Anna Lee Liggitt...she is seriously the SWEETEST honey! loved getting to see her and ahh, i got a bug for a little girl!

Me with Mel and Jaime - so great seing you gals...you are wonderful moms and amazing friends, love ya!

Carson Darby...Mel's 5 month old...ok, so then being with him made me think...hmmm, a sweet honey of a boy wouldn't be too bad either someday. :) He is the best baby ever...giggled and smiled the entire time, and it was supposedly around his naptime!! gotta love it!

and then my valentine and i had some great time to just talk, catch up, and laugh a lot. Here we are at cheesecake factory...one of our all time faves. Thank you aunt Kiki for your wonderful babysitting skills! So sorry you had the nasty diaper to deal with....we owe ya!

p.s. wanna send a shout out of CONGRATS to my cousin Lauren who got engaged this weekend!!! So excited for you both and we are pumped for Joseph to join the crazy family! ha ha!

somebody's sneaky

2009-02-03T20:56:00.003-06:00

So today i left the room for like 2 minutes and i come back to see Jackson had climbed up my in my brother's loft bed and was sitting on top like he was super cool and it was no big deal! we had a talk that this was very dangerous and he cannot be up there unless i am in the room. The lil guy is fast and very very snnnneakkky. :)