Friday, February 12, 2010

Faces of Love Part 2

Love for friends...and chocolate fondue






Andrew at Stewart's (our guinea pigs) grave









Thursday, February 11, 2010

Monday, February 8, 2010

Treasures...

As many of you know, I lost many of my pictures from the past when my external hard drive crashed back in January of 2009. Every so often I think of a picture and realize "Crap, that was on my hard drive".

This week, I went through some of my old cd's on my desk and recovered about 75% of my images. YAY!! Fortunately, I am a big scrapbooker and must have put the ones that I scrapbook onto a disk (to get them printed). What a relief. I mean, I seriously thought I lost every picture from the time Owen was 2 years old.

Last night while the Superbowl was on, I went through my Yahoo mail messages and recovered about 75 more pictures that I didn't have on my disks. My dad teases me because I save all of my email messages. I have about 3,000 messages in my inbox. I am glad I saved all of them now. So na na na na na na Dad(as my thumbs are in my ears and I stick out my tongue)!

I found this one. It is a picture of my Mom and Dad's hands. I took it in March of 2005. I liked it back when I took it, and love it even more now.



I found these too...

A Valentines kiss for you! I could never get them to do this now.


One of my favorite pictures of Owen


A picture of my mom that I altered and sent back to her. I loved to tease her. All in love of course.


My Dad's mother. It was a picture that I spent alot of time on correcting due to it being so old. The left part of the dress was non existent.


I am starting to feel better about the lost pictures. I think I have enough recovered that satisfies me, that is, until I think of another picture that I do not have. For now, I'm good. :)

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Whats going on with me?

We have had some craziness here.

Preparing to put the house up for sale
We are doing some updating on the house to make it more appealing for buyers. We are putting a new back splash and counter top in the kitchen. We are also taking our 1968 oven out of the wall and replacing it with a decorative shelf or wine rack. As for the *on the counter* stove top, we are replacing that with an oven that we have had in our garage for 2 years.

Our bathroom has had purple carpet in it since we lived here. Yes, I picked it out and I hear about the purple carpet all of the time. I know it was a poor choice but could we please put it to rest? Thank you :).

When we moved in, the inspector said that we had to keep the motor to our jacuzzi accessible. The motor was "under the floor" so what are we to do? We couldn't tile because that would close off access to the motor. We had no choice but to re-carpet (At least that is what we thought until someone came in to look at the floor and discovered there is NOTHING under the floor related to the jacuzzi). Yeah, bye bye carpet, HELLO tile (for the new people).

All and all, we ARE going to lose money on the house. We are going to list it for about a thousand dollars more than what we bought it for. Our goal at this point is that we want to sell it quick. We knew we would never make money on the house, but if we sell now, the advantage is to get a bigger house for our buck. So, that is where we are going to be saving. We want out.

I am kind of sad to start the process. One reason, it is our first home and lots of memories. Secondly, I hate spending money on things that we don't get to enjoy.

What a little lovin can do...


The boys and I cracked up at some pictures of Granola. He has gone from this skinny little ugly dog to this very chunky and pretty boy.
We kind of like him.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

This is what happens when....

Elliott learned what happens when one sticks their finger down their throat. Oh, the milestones that I forgot. Click on the picture for a better view (unless you have a weak tummy).


I couldn't get him out of the carseat so I unbuckled it and brought him in the house, carseat and all. So much for washing his coat last night.

All alone with the Video Camera

Andrew and Owen were playing so well yesterday. They have been building Lego's, making rock videos, playing chess, and just bonding as brothers. I visited the school last week during lunch and found the two of them sitting by each other. When I asked if they always sit with each other, Andrew said "Yes, I miss Owen when I am at school". Last night, I let them have control over the video camera. They were downstairs in my studio (catch all the mess room) recording their first video. I was going to post the BEST one this morning but when I went to upload it, it was gone. Andrew had erased it. I was so sad because it was one of those "treasures" a mom will cry over in about 20 years. Anyway, here is one that I salvaged...

Monday, January 25, 2010

Crazy Scrappers and Snobby people

Yes, another uneventful post...



Every once in a while, I get the urge to scrapbook. Back in the day, I use to do it on a monthly basis. Now, not so much.

I have 2 books for the older boys so far. I have decided to have a cut off of their 10 years of life. I am behind on both of their books by 2 years or so. I will catch up someday.

This weekend, I went to an all day crop (that is what they call these long days of just scrap booking). I got there at 9 am and departed around 8:30 pm. My goal was to get Elliott's book completely caught up. Goal accomplished. I started to run out of steam around 8:00, so I knew it was time to pack up all of my things and head home.
My mess of a spot...


At this particular crop, the lady went around to businesses asking for donations. I am not sure why since it was just a crop, but she pulled it off. Like $300.00 in donations! Chipolte donated lunch, pizzas for $3.00, gift cards from local resturants (I won a $30 Cheesecake factory card), and about 35 little door prizes from bath and body works and other shops.

I didn't know many people there, maybe 2, and they came a little later. For the first 4 1/2 hours, I sat there alone. I am not sure how I felt about that. In one way, it was nice to not have to be "on". I have been to crops where I have to sit across from ladies that want to show me their EVERY picture and give me a 10 minute story about each image. On the other hand, I felt like I was in Junior high. My table was placed across the room away from everybody who came in with other friends. My back was facing to everybody so when I attempted to talk to anybody, I had to fling my body around. When I would try and talk to people or ask simple questions like "where is the bathroom" (because I needed to smell my armpits to make sure I didn't smell or something), it was like I was intruding on them. Can't we just all be friends, I mean, we are all like 30ish right? I think the best moment was when I went up to a group of ladies and asked if they had any fun ideas for a Pumpkin Patch page. This lady responds with (NO JOKE) "ummmm, maybe a pumpkin" shrugged her shoulders and snickers. I thought she was kidding, but she didn't say anymore. I would have expected that kind of response for a new scrapper but this lady's album was incredible and she had 5 albums for each one of her children...all caught up, 1 for each year of their lives. I know there was a creative pumpkin patch page somewhere in those 20 books of hers. I guess that was the most obvious response one could give, but then again, scrappers are pretty protective of their ideas. I mean, some actually submit their layouts to companies for cash dollar. Maybe that was the case, who knows.

Here are a few of my layouts from Elliott's book...because I totally know you want to see them. lol


My scrapbooks have changed over the years. When Andrew was little, his book was so detailed, every flower carefully handcrafted, hardly any stickers. Owen's book has some handcrafted detail, more stickers than Andrew. Elliott's book has lots of stickers, little hand crafted detail.

When I got home, the older 2 were a little disappointed that I didn't work on their books. I love the fact that they look forward to looking at their new pages when I come home from a crop. Andrew said that when he gets married, he wants his books.
I told him, when I die someday, he can have his books. lol

Oh yeah, I totally want this machine. I used it for almost every page! If my husband asks you what I would like for my birthday, make sure you tell him about this.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Treasures.


I found this picture the other day while sorting through for a scrapbooking weekend. I love finding treasures.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

What is she drinking today?

Yeah, I have been a slacker on my journal of what I am drinking. Honestly, I have been stuck in the coffee/tea rutt, so I really haven't tried anything new until this morning!

Meet Horchata. Horchata, meet my friends.

Aaron and I occasionally meet at this yummy Mexican (authentic) place downtown for lunch (I would link you to their place, but I can't seem to find them online). They have fabulous food and their salsa is to *almost* die for. While at this place I discovered Horchata and they serve it in HUGE quantities there, so it must be good right?
I was immediately on a search for a recipe. The process was pretty extensive and I wasn't up for the challenge. Last week at Meijer, I was looking for the ingredients just to price it out. This Hispanic lady told me "no, no, no, you're looking for Horchata ingredients?". She then pointed me to this drink mix, already prepared, ready to go into a cold (or hot) glass of Milk! To me, it tastes like when my mom would make rice pudding (without the raisin taste). The creamy, milky, Cinnamony flavor. I remember when she use to make rice pudding and I would sneak into the kitchen to put some of the HOT liquid into a coffee cup and take it to my room to drink the yumminess! Sorry Mom, I know you understand ;)

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Elliott discovers ketchup...

Until yesterday, he didn't like ketchup.

I just can't stand it.

I don't think I can say it enough, I absolutely love this booger.

Gimme Kisses Elliott...

Lounging around...


Ashes, Ashes, we all fall down!

Goldfish crackers rock!

New favorite toy...

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

chores continued...

The Chore chart is working!!! OF course, it has only been a couple of days. lol
We have decided to start the week off with $5.00 worth of quarters. For every daily chore that is not done by bedtime, 1 quarter is taken OUT. We thought of rewarding the kids at the end of the week and making a "tally" of the chores done. Then we realized that taking something away is more of a motivation for Andrew and Owen.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Chores, chores and more chores

My kids hate chores. Simply hate them. Sometimes it is easier for me to NOT have them do them rather than listening to them gripe and complain about them.  We are trying to turn over some leaves in this family this year. One of those leaves being chores and being consistent with doing them and doing them with a happy  content heart. 
I seems as if I have tried every single method of doing chores and keeping track of them.  I have to admit, I am not very good at remembering to pay at the end of the week, so maybe this is why chores do not get done.  I tried to come up with a new way of keeping track of chores for my boys, the problem is getting them motivated.   Money seems to work well, but our limit for allowance is 3.00 per week.  There are some kids who brag that they get 10 bucks a week!  When my kids get paid at the end of the week, it is easy for them to look at their 3 dollars and say...Really, I did chores for 3 dollars?  Maybe we are being too cheap, who knows? Maybe we should consider at least 5.
So, this is my new method. I hope it will last more than a few weeks.  I will have these laminated so that when it doesn't work, I can pass it onto somebody else that it won't work for either.  lol


I have labeled clothespins with certain chores.  On the tips, I have painted the ends either brown (daily chores) and red (weekly chores).  In the beginning of the week, all of the chores start off on the "2 do" side. If they are brown, these pins must make it to the right side (Done) of the chart by the end of the night.  For every one that is NOT done by bedtime, 25 cents gets docked off their allowance for the week.  As the week goes on, the red clothespins must make it down to the bottom of the chart (weekly) to show that they were done.  If the weekly chores are not done .50 cents gets docked for each "weekly" clothespin that is not completed.  I have decided to also create "doing chores with happy hearts" clothespins. 
I have also decided that the weekly chores will remain the same for a month.  After the month is over, the boys will trade their weekly clothespins.  Fingers are crossed.

In other news, I am creating a monster. He loves getting the very last sip of my Starbucks coffee. He loves Crimson Cup coffee too, but I am using up a gift card given to me by a friend.  I have a feeling I will be able to continue my "coffee shop" excursions as I did with Owen back in the day.




Oh, Granola eats everything in the house. I have not swept my hard wood floors in over a month!  He is my personal vacuum cleaner. Elliott continues to be his best friend and is always checking to see if Elliott has a treat in hand.

Monday, January 4, 2010

News flash..

So, I just wrote an entire post only to hit a stupid key to delete everything.

Also, does anybody else use the "improved" blogger editor? No spell check on this thing,
 are you kidding me? That doesn't fly with me. I really need spell check.

Elliott news
~Elliott's well baby visit was today. 
~3 shots (in which he grunted at the nurse afterward).  So funny! He was pissed less than happy with her.
~he weighs 28 lbs 12 ounces.  The feeding issue is NOT a concern with the doctor for obvious reasons. He is a monster.
~Elliott ate Spaghetti sauce (A pretty hearty sauce with meat, veggies, and mushrooms) WITH A SPOON! Yay for Elliott! He couldnt stand the pasta. This was a big step for little man. He kept saying "mmmm" after each bite.




~Elliott put himself to bed this afternoon.  He tugged at the gate to go upstairs, I followed him up to his room, and he went right to his crib and started this bopping.  I put him to bed and he fell fast asleep.
~Elliott is our dog's best friend...



Owen News
~he is making a concious effort to NOT have temper tantrums.  He caught himself getting a little hot and immediatly, cooled himself down.  He told me that he hasn't had a tantrum in the year 2010 yet.
~Owen wanted to pray for Papa at the dinner table today.  He never wants to pray, so this is pretty special.
~He loves his new mattress and told me today "mom, thank you so much for buying this new mattress, I bet it was made in Heaven it is so soft". lol

Andrew News
~He wanted to go to our Neighbor Betty's house today (her husband passed away recently...he was VERY special to our family) and shoveled her driveway.  It was so funny, because he would jump behind her car because he didnt want her to see him.  He wanted her to wake up in the morning totally surprised.
Here is Andrew after the shoveling...



~his best friend is Granola our dog. I hope this changes for his sake. I can see it now in 6th grade...
"Hey Andrew, who is your best friend?"

"My dog"  

Yeah, that doesn't sound too healthy does it?
He is a fantastic dog! We really love him alot.

~he played with Granola for about 45 minutes outside in the snow this evening.  The dog LOVES the snow and was not afraid to get covered in it.  They both had a blast.

My news
~the only thing consuming my life right now is my back tooth.  I have had problems since July, but the dentists can not see anything wrong.  I am on an antibiotic for a possible abcess.  If that does not go away, they will extract it.  Honestly, there are nights that I lose about 4 hours of sleep and during those times, I just want to yank it out myself. If any of you have dealt with tooth pain, you know what I am talking about. Almost as bad as a migraine.  Anyway, the pain got so bad tonight that I called the dentist and got an appointment.  I am not convinced it is an abcess.

Aaron's news
~He is in California for training. He said it is beautiful there.  He mentioned something about using the last of our frequent flier miles/hotel points to go there. We were going to go to Europe, but closer sounds a little more appealing to me right now. Maybe for our 20th anniversary we can shoot for that.

Till next time, this is Crawford News...


Friday, January 1, 2010

New Years Eve

We had some friends over last night. We had a great time without kids. Well, my kids were here because my mother in law wasn't feeling up to watching the boys due to a broken rib. So, I had some special treats for the boys including dippin dots ice cream, popcorn and "Mexico" pop. It was a good bribe to make them stay in their room, an unhealthy one, but an effective one. They watched a movie and went to bed all by themselves when they were done. Good kids.
So, I made this tiramisu trifle and a Red Velvet Cheesecake. I baked the crust on the Cheesecake too long but it was still good. I love this Cake Bible Book . I never made anything that took more than 25 minutes or required alot of work. Here was my trifle.


I have to warn you, it called for some very strong espresso. I was up until 4:30 because of this dessert. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

The Cheesecake from the same book...(it actually was a Chocolate Chip Cheesecake in the book, I altered the recipe to make it Red Velvet)

Another guest brought a flourless torte. Ummm, that was incredible.

Anyway, a group of 10 of us played Apples to Apples and actually got a chance to talk without interruption. It was grand. Everybody brought plenty of adult beverages, appetizers ranging from Sushi to a super yummy olive cheese dip (that I need a recipe for).

At the end of the night everyone got a little favor. As I was making them and stuffing them with special treats for my guests, Aaron had a look screaming "those are interesting". By the end of the project, he came over to the other side. They are a bit awkward looking I guess. Here is a video on how to make them. The thought of using toilet paper rolls kind of repulsed me so I ended up using gift wrapping rolls. Here are my crackers... I think they would be super cute for Baby showers too!


I would post pictures of my guests, but I didn't get their permission to do so. You will have to believe me this time that I have friends.
Granola wanted to test some wine. I don't think he actually did, just a staged photo...