lindsey jayne

come on over...

2012-01-21T19:09:00.000-08:00

to our new blog!

the Stephens'

see you there!

a year in review...

2012-01-04T21:23:00.001-08:00

As my last official post as

Lindsey Jayne Cracroft

i decided it would be appropriate to say goodbye to this old blog,

hello to a brand new year

and give one final Year in Review.

So, here's the best of 2011...

January:

Received my diploma - Masters of Education!

February:

Started training for the Salt Lake Half Marathon

with my bestie SBJ.

March:

LV with my BFF (not pictured, but i love Nikki too...)

and became a millionaire.

April:

Finished the Salt Lake Half with

SBJ and Mrs. Brooke Duffy Day.

and took the BEST trip of my life with two of my favorites!!

May:

Officially graduated from the U!

June:

Finished my first year of Midget Wrangling...

and SURVIVED!

welcomed my FAVORITE visitors EVER!

and made a decision that would change my life forever...

July:

traveled to the greatest city on earth with two besties

August:

had a date with destiny

September:

accomplished the unthinkable and

fell head-over-crazy-heels

October:

made it official...

November:

turned old.

really old.

December:

got permission from the state

and in ONE WEEK

i'll be starting 2012 off with the most

spectacular event and celebration

i could ever ask for.

becoming Mrs. Stephens,

wife of the most

thoughtful

adorable

handy

creative

handsome

gentle

sweet

lovable

sexy

humble

spiritual

strong

determined

(okay, okay... you get it)

man.

man!

2012 - commence good times...

Now!

(check back next week for the link to a new blog!)

my secret revealed...

2011-12-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

i know, i know...

i sort of disappeared off of the face of the planet once i found mr. right.

but, can you blame me?

we search our whole lives to find our mr. or mrs.

so who could blame me that i spend every waking minute with him.

(well, that or 24 little midgets)

so, lots of you have been asking who this mystery man is and why i haven't blogged a single second about him.

well now you know the why...

here is the who...

he's my UTE fan equal...

he's a wanna-be velociraptor...

(here he can be seen sneaking up on his fellow apatosaurus hiding in the sunflowers)

he's the world's most THOUGHTFUL man...

he's my twin and soulmate...

(truly the boy version of me... scary!!)

he's a little-bit country...

(kinda sexy)

he's my teammate...

he's my partner in goofing off...

he's a little bit crazy...

he's an excellent smoocher...

(Jules, the PDA is for you.

i hope this is censored enough)

he's just downright cute...

he's my funny bone!

he's my FIANCE!!

but most importantly,

he's about to become my soul-mate FOR-EVAH!

(just a little sneaky peak of the wedding day garb...)

and I LOVE HIM!

here's to 28 more days.

check back soon

for a new and improved STEPHENS blog!!

to the boys of 639*...

2011-08-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

(*just thought it was about time for an update, boys...

sorry for the delay.)

as the crowning event of summer 2011,

smash and I decided to have one last hurrah

and planned a trip to SoCal to visit our

old roomie and BFF Steph!

it was the perfect way to end the summer...

waiting forEVER for our rental car.

bonfire at Huntington

mama Steph and baby PJ

day trip to Balboa Island

if you're my sibling, you understand this...

paid a little visit to the Boyer residence...

(love you Janer!)

we took a little ride on the ferris wheel...

best $3 ever.

Friday night game at Dodger Stadium

and Dodger Dogs!

yes, it was that cold that night...

took a little "me date" to the temple on Sunday

and what Cali trip is complete without a trip to Sprinkles?

my favorite family ever.

miss you!

auntie jayner and PJ getting our cudds on...

thanks for the fun trip, S&S!

love you both!

S-E-A-ttle

2011-08-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

Surprise!

i bet you never thought you'd see me again, did you?

(whoever YOU are these days. Nana.)

a few weeks ago, smash and i spent a few days visiting our cute friends Ilene and Eric in their hometown of

Seattle, Washington

and can i just say

i lawwwv it there.

here's a photo breakdown of our amazing trip...

Wednesday

space needle

(cause who doesn't want to be a real tourist, right?)

Pike Place... my heart's one true love.

we were riding a pig.

don't ask old men who don't blog to take your picture of you on a pig, cause they always forget to get the pig in the shot.

the Experience Music Project

Kirkland waterfront

Thursday

snoqualmie falls

rattlesnake ridge hike

Friday

mount si hike

(pretty much on top of the world!)

mariner's game!

(those were our seats!!)

Seattle skyline

Saturday

ferry to Kingston for clam digging

walking on fire in Aurora

(proof below. watch the vid!)

no burn on those feet!

Sunday =ed church, lunch, movies, and game night!

Monday

kayaking Lake Washington

at Agua Verde

and of course... the gum wall

i couldn't have asked for a better vacay.

thanks ilene and eric!

we LOVE you.

the great disappearing act...

2011-06-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

i definitely thought i'd have more time during the summer to waste time on this silly blog

that only my grandmother reads,

but as it turns out

i'm just enjoying my summer too much

to think twice about it.

so, Nana... i apologize.

catch-up time...

the school year ended with a bang!

down to the very last bell, i was still in teacher mode,

disciplining naughty behavior and chasing kids out the door screaming

"Waaaaait! Come back! School's not over yet!!!!"

and i admit, i was sad to see my little munchkins go.

and yes.

i cried.

but a few deep breaths and a box of Kleenex later,

i was back in business.

and people, can i just say...

i seriously heart summer!

here's what we've been up to in the 801:

the Virginie's are in town for 4 whole weeks

and we've been busssssy!

we've painted fingernails...

visited the zoo...

run races at unholy hours...

played at the park...

needless to say,

the previous 9 months of complaining and loss of sleep

have already been made up for.

and there's still 2 months of it left...

...i think i can get used to this!

my masters of "quiet kids. your teacher is talking..."

2011-05-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

3 years ago, i went back to school

because i wanted to become a teacher.

well, now that i am finally that teacher i set out to be

and i've learned my daily obligations,

i've come to realize what the true title of my degree is

(the one you don't see in the fine print):

Masters of Midget Wrangling

with an emphasis in:

nose-wiping

peace-making

hug-giving

parent-pleasing

sleep-losing

and

life-changing

(mine. not there's)

and i couldn't have been more proud

to officially receive that title.

no diploma?

oh, there it is...

(this one's to ensure you laughed today)

here's to 16 more days with my midgets!

today...

2011-05-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

definitely felt this way this morning.

here's to a better "can-do" attitude.

the nation's capitol...

2011-05-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

spring break was in a word

divine!

i.loved.it.

a couple of my besties and i decided we were in need of a good vacay

and thought it would be fun to make a trek east

to our nation's capitol.

i can tell this teacher thing is getting to me

because instead of going to the beach for spring break for a little

rest and relaxation

i reallllly wanted to go somewhere where i'd learn something.

truly!

yeah, i was shocked too.

but i'm so glad i did. this trip was a blast,

and i couldn't have asked to spend it with better people.

(though, i wish more of the hunnies could have joined us.)

we totally hit up every single monument east of the potomac.

(this one was for my firsties...)

we rented these awesome bicycles

and cruised the streets of DC...

we "DCycled"

(brooke camit)

hello, potomac!

i also spent a little time with my

FAVORITE

people in Richmond, VA!

while there, we visited VA Beach

and i fell in love with the beach houses.

loved spending time with these wonderful people!

(panda, will you send me YOUR pics?

you know which one i want most... wink, wink)

Here's to nerdy, educational vacays!

i run for chocolate...

2011-05-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

while training for this last half,

i discovered a trend of people advertising their reason for running.

i run for wine.

i run for beer.

i run for health.

so, i asked myself

"what does LINDSEY run for?"

to those of you who know me well,

this seems like a rhetorical question.

you're probably thinking there's only one of two things i run for:

chocolate OR diet coke.

and yes, you're correct.

i absolutely run for chocolate and diet coke.

but i've discovered another reason why i run.

perhaps the most important reason of them all

(though nothing in life can beat a good bite of chocolate or an ice cold diet coke)

these days folks,

i run for sanity!

my new teacher brain weighs down like a good game of Tetris these days.

the blocks just keep piling up, weighing me down, awaiting my defeat.

that's why i run.

to shake off those blocks, to clear my head,

to be able to start each day fresh, happy, and ready for anything

(and by anything, i mean wiping boogies, removing mysterious, gooey objects from desks, and explaining in a very non-violent way what happened to "that man, awesome-a" yesterday).

so, here's to running!

and to my bestie for finishing her first half!!

i'm so proud of you, SBJ!

time for round 2?

t-minus...

2011-04-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

4 days

until i'm reunited with this rascal!!

and

I.CAN'T.WAIT!!

the no-sugar challenge: part 2...

2011-04-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

people... I MADE IT!

no sugar for 30 days.

(minus a few cheat days i gave myself. sundays. birthdays. a girls gotta live a little.)

i'm feeling good.

to be honest, not as awesome as i thought you were supposed to feel, but i think we always dream these things to be bigger than they are.

i think the greatest thing i gained from this self-challenge was a little self-control.

it felt good to be offered a little sugar and be able to just simply say, "no thanks" rather than go off on some tyrannical and self-righteous rant about how i'm "sacrificing SO much" by not letting myself eat sugar (i was worried i'd do that).

that's why i'm back on here - recommitting myself for another month.

i was proud of my self-control.

and i want to continue that.

i think this has become bigger than just focusing on my health.

it's become about harnessing desire and being in control.

i like that.

so... commence month 2.

now!

the diary of a midget wrangler: lately

2011-03-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

lately in Room 5,

we have been having WAY too much fun.

i thought it a crime to keep you out of the loop,

so here are some updates on the last month or so...

a couple of weeks ago was Teacher Appreciation Week,

or as I like to call it - delightful.

i have the SWEETEST parents who have really taken good care of me in my first year. they started the week off with a little surprise basket full of my "favorites!"

favorite drink: diet coke

favorite candy: chocolate covered cinnamon bears

favorite food: italian

favorite way to relax: a little pedi

aaannnddd, a little cash!

WOW!

then, they made this darling poster for my bulletin board!

the theme was:

"look how we've grown!"

on each of the leaves of the flowers,

each of my babies wrote one thing they loved about me.

they were SO cute.

the week leading up to st. patty's day,

we had a little visitor sneak into our room and leave us a surprise.

this is what we got the first day:

he even toppled over a few books and left us some leprechaun dust.

the next day,

he left us a little present!

a cute shamrock for my door,

and some "magic leprechaun powder" for the kiddlets.

per his instructions,

we mixed the powder with a little milk until it turned into a tasty treat.

then we made a graph about whether or not we liked the "magic leprechaun powder."

the answer was a resounding "YES!"

finally,

on the actual day

he brought us our very own pot o' gold!

complete with lucky charms, a green airhead, and some gold coins.

YUM!

okay,

last but not least,

i had to include these two pictures.

i don't know how much time my midgets spend on youtube, but apparently they get weird humor just as much as we adults do.

the best is the answer to question #3.

they laughed for a good 5 minutes straight.

(took us FOREVER to finish that test)

the diary of a midget wrangler: on the subject of love

2011-03-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

last week,

as we were making color wheels out of play-doh,

i just happened to be passing by when

the following conversation took place:

sam: do you want to know what

(pauses, whispers)

making out is?

abby: (shaking her head in total disgust)

nuh-uh!

sam: (pausing, as if he were contemplating the consequences of telling her anyway, whispers)

it's kissing...

but BETTER!

haha!

you're right Sam.

WAY better!

random thoughts...

2011-03-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

i have so many random thoughts today.

instead of making 7 different posts, i thought i'd compile them into one.

here we go.

memory. what is memory? and why don't i have one? why is it that i promise my best friend i'll go to dinner with her and then when she calls me the next day to ask when i can go i'm totally caught off guard? it's incredibly embarrassing when i attempt to discipline my students by telling them they are losing 5 minutes of recess and then when recess rolls around i hear them yell as they run down the hallway to freedom, "She forgot AGAIN!" i'm 25. dementia is NOT an option.

sugar. i haven't had any of it for 2 days straight. people, that is a BIG deal. let me paint the picture for those of you who care. this week is teacher appreciation week. for the last two days, i've been given unlimited diet coke, cookies, more chocolate covered cinnamon bears than i could consume in a month (my FAVORITE treat), chocolate covered almonds, 100 Grand bars, and then was served the most delicious lunch complete with ALL the desserts you could imagine. oh, and on top of that, it's Girl Scout Cookie month. my 2 boxes were delivered this week. they have both been successfully pawned. (at least i support the GSA organization). how have i survived you ask? LOTS of grapefruits, oranges, apples, granola, salads, and (shh) diet coke - hey, that sugar is artificial!

substitute teachers. who gave them the right to refuse subbing for my class because "those children are terrible little demons." lady, try walking a day in MY shoes. one day won't kill you.

full-time jobs. why are they so hard? and since when did i transition from a "fly by the seat of your pants" schedule to the old "ball-and-chain"? don't get me wrong. i love my job. if you ask my roommates or my immediate family, they will plead otherwise. but really, i do. i guess it's just that the honeymoon period is over and reality is setting in. and on top of that, my firsties aren't afraid of me any more. they've figured me out. they've learned that "losing 5 minutes of recess" really means "just shut up for 10 more minutes and i'll let you go, free of charge." they don't listen to me anymore. they don't care about what i have to say. and to tell you the truth, neither do i. BUT - i'm trying. i gave them the old "come to Jesus" talk and called us all to repentance. i told them today "i'm not playing this game anymore. i'm establishing consequences." they shaped right up. oh, and i lied to them and told them a leprechaun broke into our classroom last night and is watching their behavior for the next week. if they're good, he's bringing them a pot of gold. maybe that was it.

man, i could really go for some chocolate right about now.

the no-sugar challenge...

2011-03-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

that's right.

i've put myself up to it.

and i'm making it public for the sake of making it real.

time frame: 30 days

(realistic goals equal realistic success)

the only out i'm giving myself: Sundays

(cause who can resist sugar on Sundays?)

commence challenge... Now!

somebody's turning 6...

2011-03-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

to the cutest girl in VA!

i sure love you Rosie Rose!!

happy birthday...

2011-03-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

dr. SEUSS!

thank you for being born.

i sure do love all of the red and white donuts and sugar cookies.

i.love.saturdays...

2011-02-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

it is currently 12:19 on Saturday afternoon. i am supposed to be picked up to go the ballet in an hour, but what am i doing? sitting on my bed. in my pajamas. haven't hardly moved for the last 3 hours that i've been awake.

i can't remember the last time i've done this.

but can i just say

I. LOVE. IT.

4 day weekends are heaven.

enough said.

just because...

2011-02-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

i haven't posted anything for a while, and i just found this cute picture that my cute "older sister" Court sent me recently.

in her message she said, "we're still cute, but i'm not so sure we could pull off the unitard look anymore."

i don't know Court, i think we should at least give it a try...

1988

2010

happy friday!

the diary of a midget wrangler: part 1...

2011-02-05T23:15:00.000-08:00

i don't know what it is this week,

but my little minions have been on a roll.

they have been saying things that i can't help but laugh out loud about,

they have been drawing things that crack me up,

and they are apparently having relationships with each other that go behind my back...

exhibit a:

i found this gem on the floor the other day after school...

(please notice the faces on these stick figures before you scroll to the next photo)

exhibit b:

i'm so glad my students notice the bright colored nail polish that i've been rockin'.

oh, and apparently the purple contacts too...

exhibit c:

this child needs to be taught the difference between blonde and brunette.

or perhaps she's hinting at something...?

and exhibit d:

how could you not fall in LOVE with this guy?

my dream-boy has finally come along...

and lest we forget their candid verbage:

savannah: (at the end of a very stressful day) Miss Cracroft, have you found a man to love yet?

me: Oh Savannah, i sure have been looking. Do you know anyone?

savannah: ohhhhh yes!

(she's currently working on setting us up)

me: (working on the vocabulary word prefer) Colton, what do you prefer: apples or bananas?

colton: I prefer apples because they are natures candy.

and Savannah. again.

me: (on the subject of Love) I love you guys like you were my own kids.

savannah: We ARE your kids! And Miss Cracroft, I know why we don't all look alike.

me: Oh yeah? Why?

savannah: Because you got with one man and then you X-ed him. Then you got with another man and then you X-ed him. And you kept doing that.

life is good. reallllly good.

Mehico: Dos Mil Diez

2011-01-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

Mexico this year was AWESOME!!

Top 3 Reasons Why?

1. The WHOLE family was together after 2 years!

2. It was SUNNY!

3. We built 2 houses, 3 roofs, and restored clothing to a family who had lost their roof in a recent kitchen fire! SUCCESS!

Here are some highlights of the trip.

If you don't like photos, this post is not for you.

Driving from Phoenix...

Briefing Caitlin on the proper use of "hola" and "adios"...

The beautiful sights of Puerto Penasco...

The family who lost their roof...

Siblings reunited...

Time with the nieces and nephew...

Days at the beach...

Hard days at work...

The house we built last year...

New Years Eve - Mexico style...

And FAMILY!!

i'm already looking forward to next year...

the best of 2010...

2011-01-08T17:32:00.001-08:00

(thank you, SBJ for letting me steal this blog post idea)

January

Trip down south to Brooke's beautiful cabin home!

February

Took Shanna home to Cali and planned our Super Bowl road trips.

March

Jon turned 30! Rock climbing party at Momentum.

April

Surprise trip to Virginia!

May

Moved into 2207.

June

Girls take over Massive Moab!

July

Lola Jane is born.

August

I started teaching at Eastwood!

September

Jane Boyer becomes Mrs. Moore!

October

I eat a whole lot of cash to watch Utah get pulverized.

(still SO worth it.)

November

Commence quarter-life crisis.

December

The entire Cracroft Crew is reunited - Mexico 2010!!

Now show me what you got, 2011.

he's hoooome...

2010-12-18T22:18:00.001-08:00

and we couldn't be more STOKED!

one week until all ten of us are reunited!!

(more pictures to come)

and now for your viewing pleasure...

2010-12-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

for those of you who have been waiting,

i now introduce to you...

the Beast!

she's my replacement vehicle while Wendy recovers from

her unfortunate events of the previous week...

and here she is with all the other kids on the playground.

let's just say,

i'm enjoying our brief time together...

they say it's your birthday...

2010-12-03T06:11:00.000-08:00

happy birthday

to the

cutest sister-in-law ever!

love you!!

u-t-a-h, fight! fight! fight!...

2010-11-28T17:10:00.000-08:00

yesterday was a GREAT day to be a...

UTE!!

as Utah and BYU met for their last big hurrah in the

holiest of Holy Wars,

ash and i decided to set our differences aside and throw a leetle party.

we invited friends from both sides to join in the fun

and let me tell you...

the tensions were high!

so high in fact that, considering the safety of our friends, we almost taped a line down the middle of the room to separate church and state.

i'm happy to report that nobody was hurt.

(atleast within the four walls of my home....

i can't speak for what may have taken place afterwards.)

this party was complete with

blue and red cups, blue and red chips, blue and red drinks...

and of course, a pepperoni pizza split right down the center.

if you didn't know where our loyalties rest, now you know...

but at the end of the day,

we're still BFF.

after our incredible

(and admittedly, TERRIBLE victory)

Blake and I threw up our U's and kept the party goin' by bouncin' down to the Huntsman Center to watch

the Runnin' Utes take on ORU...

with these two cute people...

jon even caught us a ball...

...yes, it was a great day!

bleedin' red til I'm dead!

commence countdown...

2010-11-19T06:12:00.000-08:00

...4 ...3 ...2 ...1

it's official, peeps!

we're down to 4 weeks

'til this tycoon comes home!!!!

that's exactly:

29 days

696 hours

41,760 minutes

and

uhhhhhh...

2,505,600 seconds

(whoa)

i think i'll stick to counting by days...

CAN'T WAIT TO PARTY, PEEK!!

swanky saturday sports...

2010-11-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

so last weekend was full of some

wonderful sporting events.

it all started with my plea for a seat to the

Utah/TCU game.

i worked really hard to find myself a ticket

(ended up paying WAY too much for it)

but made it to the game.

and yes, it was a TERRIBLE game

but we stayed til the bitter end and cheered our Utes on until our voices were gone.

nothing can rob me of my Ute pride.

as soon as the game ended,

we loaded the car and headed to the Jazz game for 4th row seats behind the Clippers bench.

the 4th period was INTENSE...

we went into a double OT to win it by two!

and this guy...

just the COOLEST dancer in the entire crowd.

his name is Greg and I want to be his friend.

oh, and dear Jazz,

stop playing with our hearts.

we know you have the talent.

stop making us wait til the fourth to show it.

thanks.

love, me

halloween: homestyle

2010-11-08T20:13:00.001-08:00

the month of October was a good one this year...

it involved LOTS of pumpkin cookies, apple cider, and pumpkin carving.

in honor of a spectacular season

(yes... i STILL believe in them)

i carved a U into my pumpkin this year.

the others included (from left to right):

the grudge, my U, a baseball

and... utensils?

on Hallows Eve,

ashley, loren, jon, and i

dressed in our radical wear and party hopped

all night long.

my cute cousin

the CITY

the party had an epic view...

on Sunday i got to visit my cute

"big sis" courtie,

who's got her own little one on the way in January!

CONGRATS, BUG!!

thanks for the good times, October!

halloween: room 5 style...

2010-11-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

we had a SWEET time in Room 5

on Thursday.

we started the day off with a darling performance

by the 2nd graders...

followed by a parade AND a party.

needless to say, we didn't get much done that day.

the classroom was decked out like a pirate ship

the cute poster the midgets made for our parade

the brewski

even Cap'n Long Jon Black Thong came to take pics

on the parade route

pumpkin golfing

it was a great day!

Happy Halloween,

From all of us in Room 5!

beware of little monsters...

2010-10-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

it's beginning to look a lot like Halloween

in Room 5...

Spider poems...

and spider art...

"spook"tacular stories...

and hanging jack-o-lanterns...

spider webs...

and crows...

and creepy, crawly spider pillows.

we're in the holiday spirit!

(and we CAN'T wait for the parade...)

Happy October!

there is light...

2010-10-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

...at the end of the tunnel!

4 hours to go.

a couple more pages to write.

amid a feeling of panic,

there is also a sense of relief!

thanks for all your support,

fam and friends!

going crazy...

2010-10-15T14:36:00.001-07:00

... a little at a time.

this weekend commemorates my

last assignment as a "to-be Master!"

and though that's really exciting and all,

i'm not sure i'm going to come out of it sane.

...but bring it on.

Lindsey J. Cracroft, M.Ed

...wish me luck on the last

20 pages of my 40 page paper!

lovin' the gospel...

2010-10-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

there is nothing i love more than

October General Conference.

(okay, maybe chocolate covered cinnamon bears... maybe)

this weekend,

Smash and her family

let me tag along to the Sunday Afternoon Session.

it was a BEAUTIFUL day

and hotter than the dickens.

but the words spoken and the spirit felt

were worth every minute of standing in the heat.

what could be better?

smash and cool j

the following are our "i'm melting" faces...

cute papa and mama thomps

and their children.

smash, you look like a rockstar.

love you, girlfriend!

i think fall is here to stay.

another day as a midget wrangler...

2010-10-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

(okay, i know this photo is a little blurry, but it's hilarious...)

last Thursday, i took my 23 surrogates

out to recess a few minutes early

because they were being SO obnoxious

and i could not shut them up.

(oh, side note: i was also on recess duty that day.)

well, after recess, my little abby

(remember abby here)

says to me:

"Miss Cracroft, I made this drawing for you

while we were at recess.

it's YOU!"

i look at the drawing and this conversation follows:

me: "oh abby, i LOVE it. look at the slides! oh and the swings!

oh, and look at my face. what a lovely beard i have!"

abby (with a sudden drop of enthusiasm): "that's not a beard."

me: "oh. of course it's not... umm, what is it?"

abby: "it's your smile!"

my smile really isn't that big, people.

but i think, for just that one moment that day,

it really was...

love my job!!

just a sample...

2010-09-26T20:23:00.001-07:00

...of the 1st grade "haps" this month!

September is Apple Month in Room 5...

while learning about neighborhoods,

my kidlets built themselves their own house...

and moved it into our Room 5 Neighborhood.

(they were SO cute!)

we tasted apples and chose our favorite flavor...

(move over Granny Smith... yellow apples are the new hit!)

and round 1 of our "class store"

was a HUGE hit.

next up: the month of pumpkins!

fallen for fall...

2010-09-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

i know i've said that July is my favorite month of the year,

but for sure my most favorite season is FALL!

september.... oohhhhhh september!

there is nothing more beautiful than the colors of fall.

sunday, jonny and i took a little trip up Guardsman Pass

to document the beauty of Utah mountains in the fall.

we had a good time hanging out in the Beems.

i brought home a souvenir

and it's made our home feel so warm and cozy.

happy fall, ya'll!

you know you've got one foot in the grave when...

2010-09-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

so teaching 1st grade is really teaching me

to find the joy and humor in the simple things in life.

yesterday, i was reading a story about school "then and now,"

explaining to my kiddos that going to school is a lot different

now then it was years and years ago.

the following conversation took place:

miss c: "So, today we are going to be reading a story

that will help us compare the

differences between school today

and school a long, long time ago."

abby: "Oh yeah! Like in the 1980's?"

miss c: "Yeaaaaah, Abby. Exactly. Like the in the 1980's..."

way to go, 80's babies.

we've officially graduated to "ancient" status.

a UTAH man am i...

2010-09-14T19:40:00.001-07:00

...yes, sir!

saturday ash and i had a little outing to

Rice Eccles Stadium

to watch the U take on the Rebels.

that guy became our buddy.

well... actually, i kept trying to talk to him,

just tryin' to be friendly, you know,

but he wasn't havin' it.

(maybe next game)

and we caught the Crazy Lady in all her craziness...

...it was a B-E-A-Utiful day for some fooseball.

the ultimate survival package...

2010-09-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

i was showered with love today by my favorite people in the whole world!

i couldn't feel more loved than i do right now...

the mini Cra's sent me a cute little

1st grade "Survival Package"

amanda, you always seem to know just what i need.

JIF to go cups (my FAVORITE snack)

a journal for recording my favorite 1st grade banter.

chocolate covered anything... in this case, berries.

and my absolute most favorite part...

i don't know about ya'll, but that's the cutest thing

i've ever seen.

it's my "class pet!"

amanda made it all by herself,

and from recycled material too.

my favorite are the arms and legs... made from Will's old baby shirt.

makes the SL-Richmond gap seem a whole lot smaller.

oh, and i can't forget...

they sent me some tea and hot chocolate... to fill those silly mugs i keep getting.

thanks, pand!

the tea is deeeelish!

i'm all rejuvenated for another day.

THANKS GUYS!!!

love you mucho...

falling for fall...

2010-09-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

i know... it's only September.

but with the start of college ball last week,

i've got some serious fall fever.

so in honor of my favorite season

(which sadly is always the shortest),

i made some pumpkin spice cookies last night!

they are SO easy to make, aaaaand they are really low in fat.

this is one cookie you can eat a million of and not feel at all guilty.

my kind of cookie!

i had to search ALL over the city for this one can of pumpkin.

apparently canned pumpkin shipments are being held hostage... ?

yeah... i don't know.

anyway, if any of you are eager to make these cookies this weekend,

save yourself some time and just head to Whole Foods.

Recipe:

1 box of spice cake mix

1 can of pumpkin

1/2 bag of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients, drop onto a greased cookie sheet, back for 8-10 minutes, and Voila! Finito!

bring on the FALL!

a little U game, jeans, and a sweatshirt,

aaaand pumpkin spice cookies.

the perfect way to welcome the season.

(Go UTES!)

arts and crafts day...

2010-09-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

one Sunday early this summer, the fam was spending some quality time at the cabin when we decided that we wanted to rearrange some furniture and knock out a couple of walls.

well, in the process, we discovered the lovely table below. this sucker had been hidden under an ugly plastic table cloth that we never bothered to take off.

hidden under that terrible oil cloth cover was this amazing piece of ancient history!

half green, half bare wood, dents, dings, and cracks with several fixed attempts.

so... i took it upon myself to refinish it.

here's a little before and after action.

before:

after:

i wonder what else i can find hidden up there

in that one room, cabin of wonders?

love from the 801...

2010-08-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

missing this little dude today!

love you, squints!

welcome to Room 5...

2010-08-23T21:17:00.001-07:00

well, folks... today was the day!

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

and I just gotta say

i have the BEST friends and family in the world!

Thanks to everyone who called to let me know of their support today.

i couldn't have felt more support on such an important day.

although it's 10:45 at night and i'm not finished planning for tomorrow,

i wanted to post these before and after pics so you could see the fun changes that have taken place in the new home I call "Teacha Pad 005"

the "Computer Corner"

the "Literacy Library"

our "News Center"

our lovely bathroom/sink area

(smells divine...)

i'm not sure why, but the kids call these their "lockers"

Ha... goofballs.

and the "don't touch anything. this is MY space" corner

these DARLING surprises were delivered to my room

during our morning writing time.

thank you to the sweetest people in the world!!

(you know who you are...)

and here's what's on the menu for tomorrow:

"Counting the ABC's" with Alpha-Bits. Yum!

okay. i think it's time for bed.

down to the wire...

2010-08-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

well folks, the time has come. the object of all my stress and worry is coming to fruition.

i've spent the last three days at the school having faculty meetings, Parent/Teacher Conferences, cleaning my room, getting prepared because...

I START MONDAY!!

...no doubt i'm a little scared.

what is it...

2010-08-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

...about teachers and mugs???

this is such an odd practice in our society.

i simply just do not understand...

WHY DO WE GIVE TEACHERS MUGS??

remember last year when I was gifted this mug at the beginning of my student teaching?

well, at my official District orientation this week, what was the first gift to be handed out?

you guessed it... this fine piece of pottery.

thank you Granite School District,

for your kind donation to the already overflowing shelf that is set aside especially for

lonely, dusty, unwanted mugs.

maybe i'll remember you in December

during cocoa season.

lyricalness...

2010-08-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

the summer of too many goodbyes...

2010-08-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

i'm not a fan of what the end of summer is bringing me.

and i'm not a fan of growing up.

it feels like my circle of friends keeps getting

smaller and smaller and smaller...

and i know they'll always be there regardless of where "there" actually is,

but it's been sad to have to say goodbye

and to feel the pain of growing up.

brooke was the first to bid us adieu.

she took a big girl job in advertisement.

Detroit, Michigan

then this one in the middle; that's Steph.

steve got into med. school and took steph with him... not cool.

Fullerton, California

these two leave us in just another month or so.

Eric got himself a big-boy job.

Seattle, Washington

and then there's this one.

the one who shares all of her Cafe Rio runs with me.

she's off with her hubby to law school.

Denver, Colorado

i guess now with my recent increase in salary

(thank you Granite School District),

i have my fair share of places to visit.

love you ALL!

going for the triple threat...

2010-08-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

july really proved to be a good month.

i knew it would.

(it always does...)

but this year, july really rocked.

i committed myself to whipping my body into shape

by reshaping my exercise habits.

first...

i signed up for my favorite race of the year.

the Pioneer Day 10k.

it felt so good beating my previous finish times.

i love this race

because it's always full of so many familiar faces.

then...

i renewed my pool pass and have gotten myself back into swimming.

i swam an entire summer a few years back, and i had never felt so good.

so, i decided it was time to revisit the past

and get back into swim shape.

(i wish i could say i rock the pool like this chick...)

but then, the crowning moment of summer, completing the triple threat...

I GOT A BIKE!!!

whooohooo.

i am SO excited to get on this sucker and cruise up the mountain with my mom and bro.

they've promised to coach me all the way,

and Jon even said he'd whip me into shape for a

Sprint Tri this fall.

i'm not making any promises,

but that would be AMAZING!

IRONMAN 2011?

haha... yeah.

adventures in Sierra Lima Charlie...

2010-08-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

how could anybody not love the summer?

the past couple of months i've begun to realize that i really did choose the right profession.

having summers off with time to play and travel

(all while being paid)...?

umm, yes please!

this summer has been no exception.

though i've been up to my eyeballs in work, preparing for the coming school year, i've been grateful to have found time to get in some serious fun.

here are just a few of the crazy adventures of the past week:

brad took Smash and I flying over the south tip of Utah Lake.

and it was amazing!

the girls got together for one more hurrah while brooke was in town and before cute Steph took off to Cali.

LOVE YOU STEPH! Miss you already...

then the crew got together for a little homemade pizza, pizookie, and Invictus.

not to mention some ultimate pranking.

and on Sunday,

the Cracroft Crew rendezvoused at the cabin for a little R&R.

three weeks to go...

i'm sure gonna miss you, summer.

Happy Bertday...

2010-07-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

...to the cutest NANS in the whole world!!

love you, Mom!!

hope you have the happiest of days yet.

YouTah...

2010-07-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

sunday was such a beautiful day

and i couldn't spend it indoors.

so, i decided to commemorate the dear old 24th of July by paying a visit to

Utah's Capitol Hill...

okay, okay... as cheesy as it may sound...

i'm truly grateful for those who went before us,

who crossed the unforgiving plains,

homeless and shoeless

so that we could live in this amazing valley!

happy 163rd 24th, Utah!

welcome to the world...

2010-07-19T23:24:00.001-07:00

...little Lola Jane Sidwell!

and congrats to J and SidPup!

you're going to be the most darling parents!

...love you guys!!

happy july...

2010-07-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

so glad it's July!

...bring on the good times!

lately...

2010-06-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

lots has been going on this month

and i'm sad to see to June go.

but seeing as July is my favorite month of the year, i'm not that down and out.

here's what's been happening in our neck of the woods:

the girls joined the Massive Moab forces and spent a weekend doing what we do best:

playing outdoors and smelling like bros.

we spent a night-on-the-town in SLC at a piano bar, were told that

sober mormons don't belong in places like that,

but promptly proved to the douche bag that sober mormons

most definitely belong in places like that.

See.

blake and i cruised the Utah Arts Festival...

last night we mastered the madness of "Twi Fever"

and returned home completely unscathed.

and today i finally got into my new classroom!

i was welcomed by this beauty...

that ain't my mamma's room, folks.

and as i was going through cupboards and cupboards of CRAP

i found an ancient Target product

(notice the old Target logo).

i should have taken a picture of the brown wipe nastiness that was lurking inside.

"Welcome to 1st grade, Miss C!"

thanks for the memories, June!

i miss you already...

2010-06-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

thanks for being the best friends in the world!

...here's to the ever-growing Aves clan.

warm, summer nights...

2010-06-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

...and the best friends in the world!

love ya, sistas!

happiness...

2010-06-09T12:03:00.001-07:00

my thoughts, exactly.

imma be a career woman...

2010-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

i got the job!!!

if you know me well, you know that i've been stressing

and stressing

about getting a teaching job.

with layoffs left and right, lack of funding from those beastly legislators, and a sudden influx of teacher candidates, it ain't your grandmama's job market no mo'!

tuesday was a big day for me as i set off to interview at what i've learned is the BEST school in the state...

this morning, i got the call from the district office offering me a contract to teach

FIRST GRADE

EASTWOOD ELEMENTARY!

(am i a little excited? yeah, just a little...)

And now presenting:

my future home!

and quite possibly the coolest part...

Eastwood has the BIGGEST field in the history of Elementary schools.

i can't wait for faculty softball games!!

THANK YOU, to everyone who was praying for me!

I couldn't have survived without your love and support.

...I hope you're ready to babysit the class pet!

moving day...

2010-05-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

upon moving back home last year due to student teaching and a lack of time to work, therefore unable to bring home the rental bacon, i promised myself that i would move out as soon as student teaching was over.

well folks... it. is. OVER!!

so for the last week, i've been busy putting together a new room at my new house.

no, i didn't buy a house of my own - my cute ex-roomie, Ash, used her expert persuasive skills to get me a room in her darling house. and now, the ex-roomie is once again my favorite roommate.

we had to rent a U-HAUL due to the sparse number of

truck owners in any close proximity.

and for the record:

i have the coolest brother in the world...

driving the big rig

he was scared.

a little girl driving a big dawg...

i was scared too.

seeee?

and now PRESENTING...

mi casa neuva

i got me a new bed

(and i LOVE my windows!!)

the living room

and the kitchen!

and there you have it.

Miss Independent is once again independent.

the time is near...

2010-04-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

*disclaimers for the following video*

number one - i don't consider myself affiliated with a certain political party but...

number two - i do consider myself a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

number three - movies have a hard time making me cry, but...

number four - this... this had me sobbing.

(number five - you might want to grab some tissues...)

are you ready?

a little light reading...

2010-04-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

this embarrassing display is what is currently on my nightstand.

you're probably asking yourself,

"what's so embarrassing about that, Linds?"

well, i will tell you...

i've started each of these books with excitement and devotion.

i've also heartlessly left each single one after reaching halfway, too excited to start another one.

the most recently acquired and most recently ditched?

Cannery Row.

i think i have a problem with, shall we say, finishing what i start?

uhhhhh... yep.

so long...

2010-04-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

... my little ones.

i'm missing you already!

- miss c!

a trip to the east...

2010-04-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

...to celebrate the end of a long 8 months of student teaching, i met up with my mom and jonny in Richmond to surprise the darling Mini Cracroft's who, for the last few months, i have been missing more than i can explain. it was the best adventure i could have asked for.

these two are the most darling couple.

8 years later and they're still completely in love...

rosie rose, the love of my life.

if i could spend every single day with this one, i would.

will, my little soda monster.

he's the sweetest boy in the entire world.

some girl's gonna be really lucky to get him some day.

and baby brinners...

the most angelic baby a person could hope for.

she's gonna break a lot of hearts, this one.

thanks for the fun times guys...

... i sure love you!!

Invictus...

2010-04-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be for my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance my head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate...

slc to richmond...

2010-03-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

missing this one today...

love you, bug!

kids say the darndest...

2010-03-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

the last month of this student teaching business has had me in quite a bind. as you may well have noticed, i don't update my blog, my facebook - i haven't even updated my wardrobe for what feels like an eternity!! in fact, yesterday at dinner my Nana said, "You know, your sister-in-law does such a wonderful job of updating her blog. Atleast someone is keeping me up-to-date."

Well, Nana, do i have news for you... Bam! Blog updated!

Okay, as I was saying...

this student teaching business has officially driven me completely crazy and i'm on the brink of total meltdown. WARNING: Keep a fair distance from me M-F 7am - 5pm!! in order to make the most of the next 2 weeks, i have decided to start recording the things my midgets say because with all the frustration that comes with student teaching, i've forgotten to appreciate the candor of 8 year old children. they have some of the oddest things to say. so, keep checking back for weekly installments of the newly instated

Childish Candor from Room 9!

here's a little sneak peek:

March 11, 2010 - "I just really love to give hugs."

and

March 4, 2010 - "Miss C, if I promise to be on my best behavior for the rest of my life, will you give me a chocolate egg?"

until next time...

carry on...

2010-02-23T20:54:00.000-08:00

far too often there come moments in my life when i find circumstances completely out my own control. it is in those moments that full and honest submission to the will of my Father in Heaven is all that i can muster. those are the times when knowing His love and understanding of who i am and what i need are absolutely perfect that give me the strength to carry on.

and when I am weak, unable to speak, i am grateful to call Him by name:

Creator, Maker, Life-Sustainer,

Comfort, Healer, My Redeemer,

Lord and King, Beginning and the End

for He will always answer

"I am!"

i love you more than...

2010-02-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

the month of loving is upon us, and with all of my heart i truly love february! amidst all of the winter hubbub, it is always refreshing when the 2nd month of the year makes it's way here.

and to make it even better...

upon my arrival to Room 9 this morning, i was surprised with a delightful handful of love letters from my darling kids. it's their love and patience that i am so grateful for this

valentines day!

i couldn't ask for 26 sweeter (and sour-er, at times) Valentines this year.

and of course, for your viewing pleasure, i've included some of my favorites...

Dear Miss Cracroft,

I love you more than a big, fat puppy.

I love you more than anything that is big and puffy.

I love you more than any teacher ever known.

Love, Bradley

Dear Miss C,

Happy Valentines Day.

I love you more than corn, candy, most of my things,

and books (I love love love books)

Love, Trace

Dear Miss Cracroft,

Happy Valentines Day!

I love you more than...

Love, Annie

Dear Miss Cracroft,

Happy Valentines Day!

I love you more than all of the toys

I got on Thursday!

Thanks, Myles

Dear Miss Cracroft,

Happy Valentines Day.

I love you more than the biggest pencil ever made.

I love you more than the biggest book ever read.

Love, Kallie

and finally...

Dear Miss C,

You are the best teacher ever!

I love when you wear your glasses, they're so pretty.

You have fun art projects. They're so fun.

You're so funny.

Love, Meg

happy v-day, everybody!

i love you... MORE!

-miss c!

another roadtrip well done...

2010-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

man, this weekend was such a delight.

an exclusive get-away to Alton, UT, snowshoeing, sledding, Wii playing, movie watching, eating, cuddling, sleeping - the list goes on.

thanks, brookie cookie, for yet another "epic" adventure!

4' walls of snow... can it get better?

these girls are my heart's desire!

sinking in the treacherous powder...

... and then being saved.

okay, and for the record... this (or one of it's kind) will be the next member of my family!

this was our nasty spill when our 6 person, mexican sledding-train spun out of control, tangling us in a cold, snowy heap.

we lit an old cabin on fire. and it was awesome!

Thanks again for a fabulous weekend, my peeps.

CHEERS to another stellar adventure!

mehico

2010-01-13T19:28:00.001-08:00

hola! mi nombre es Lindsey y te quiero Mexico!

translation: I HAD THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!

well, the Cracroft Christmas was yet again a perfect success. we ended up building 3 homes in 4 days and delivered 16 blankets to various families in the town. my cute 2nd graders tied 32 fleece blankets as part of our service project this year, delivering half of them to Primary Children's and half to the people of Puerto Penasco. the people LOVED the blankets and i fell in LOVE with the people!! if you can't find me around these parts after graduation, you can find me in my new pad down south.

shanners came along.

and jon. and dustin.

and we sure love this place!

on the way down, we got caught in a bit of Christmas traffic at the damn Dam. but a pretty epic view of the dam at night. courtesy of Juan.

we played soccer with the local yokels...

greatest construction manager EVER!

and there it is... one of the finest houses you'll ever see.

and now onto the people with whom i fell in love:

Luis

...and his dog, Fifi!

The Barragon Family!!

This cute family...

Javier's family:

The OTHER Javier's Family.

Those boys are the cutest kids.

and then this is how we spent New Years...

incognito.

Jose was the best "rapper" we found...

and who doesn't LOVE mango pops?

he sure does!

oh, but wait. there's more.

on our way across the border back to the "other side" i happened upon this awesome tortuga. appropriately named Tommy the Tattle Turtle.

Tommy is our new 2nd grade class moto from the story "The Tortoise and the Hare."

"Slow and steady goes to college!"

Feliz Anos Nuevo, yo!!!

the big city...

2010-01-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

it was a cold dark November night when I got the phone call.

"Lindsey," he said, "hear me out on this one. You. Me. New York City. Two weeks. What do you say?" well, after going over the financial details (which rule my existence these days), i decided New York at Christmas time? I could NEVER say no.

so, it was official. we packed our bags and we were off on what would be the grandest adventure of our lives!!

Amid the dozen of unexpected misfortunes (which I'll list at the bottom for your entertainment), this was by far the most fun and adventurous trip of my twenty-something years. a forecast for what should be an amazing 2010!!

Manhattan Bridge overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge and the City

This is how we felt after dealing with a very frustrating Delta Airlines

(if only we had known what else was to come...)

a piece of art

"those are some freakin' big ornaments!"

"oh hey Lindsey, look! it's Radio City!"

the famous tree

pre-ice skating at Rockefeller

NBC studio tour. Dustin HAD to see the SNL studio...

all the night lights

we had to loosen up a bit before Matisyahu

and there he is in all his Rasta glory

we came out of the concert to this...

these hot dogs... i do not recommend

we waited 2 hours to eat at Serendipity

I fell in love

and here's the list:

1) my luggage was checked too late

2) had to re-book flight - $50 each

3) got to JFK but my luggage didn't

4) luggage scheduled to arrive at hotel that night - it didn't

5) we showed up at the wrong hotel

6) had to walk 4 freezing blocks to the right hotel

7) woke up the next morning to no luggage - had to wear the same stinky clothes

8) button broke on my coat as we were walking out the door

9) got sick - had to telephone doctor for some medicine

10) took the train into Times Square to pick-up meds - meds weren't ready

11) dropped unlimited Metro card on the train tracks 1 day before going home

12) planned to get to JFK wayyyyy early so we weren't late on the luggage drop BUT...

13) JFK was packed and took Delta 3 hours to get organized - so we missed our flight

14) got put on the next flight stand-by - no guarentee we'd be home for Christmas Eve

but then...

15) Dustin all of sudden became SuperMan, got me a First Class ticket on a flight directly to Salt Lake aaaand was the same flight that David Archuleta was taking home.

... I think I am safe to say that THIS was the best trip ever!!!

better late than never...

2009-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

so, i was a little late getting on the "I'm thankful for..." boat at Thanksgiving. probably because i was squandering in my most recent Lala Land that i call the

"whatamidoinghere schoolisofthedevil" masters program.

this semester has been by far the most challenging/frustrating/rewarding/you-insert-adjective-here semester. but, folks, I survived! and life is about to go on! i'm off to NYC for a much needed vacation tomorrow! thank you, me! (you are welcome!)

as I've been coming out of my fall semester trance, i have really begun thinking about all of the things that i'm thankful for. mostly, that includes the people who keep pulling me through and cheering me on through life. regardless of the challenges that are just part of living, life is SO worth every struggle, every frustration, and every heartache. and all because of the people who bless my life...

Here's a list of things i'm grateful for...

1. caffeinated beverages... with or without vanilla

2. fun trips, and FUN people

3. the people at Oakridge - mostly this amazing woman!

okay, and...

4. my CUTE students who, regardless of the hair

that i've pulled out of my head and the sleep that i've lost, i adore!

(i'd post pictures of them, but i think that's highly illegal, and i'm grateful for my freedom!)

5. one of the best friends in the world!

6. friends who i can ALWAYS be myself with

7. Brinley Jayne...

8. my health... and my running addiction (who would have ever thought)

9. the most AMAZING mother in the whole world

10. this boy who makes me laugh - especially when i don't feel like it

11. my favorite person in the world!

and most importantly...

12. the 9 most incredible people i know!

(that includes elder bro)

these people are the soul purpose for my life.

I love you guys!!

happy holidays, all ya'll!

happy holidays...

2009-12-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

... from the CRACROFT CREW!!

the big 2-3...

2009-11-11T10:44:00.000-08:00

... happy birthday, sarah beth...

november 11, 2009

i hope you have the best year yet!

thanks for being such a wonderful friend...

i don't mean to brag...

2009-11-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

...but I have the best family in the world!

In the world of the Cracroft Family, we have recently been issued some sad news...

the Mini Cracroft's are relocating to Richmond, Virginia!

My studly brother Justin was hunted down by SunTrust bank and offered a wonderful job with them. The only stipulation was that he would have to move the whole fam with him to Richmond. And yes, I've already offered to adopt his children - regretfully, he declined my offer. I am so happy for this little family, but will miss them more than I could ever explain. His kids have grown to be like children of my own. I think that I can proudly say that my best friend is a 4-year old named Caitlin!

The good news is that cute Amanda will be so close to her family and her roots - and after 7 years of living "away from home" she gets to be close to her family. Oh, AND - my mom and I now have a brand new vacation destination. Virginia Beach, here we come!

This one is for Elder Cray! We love you dude!

Here's to one more year!

...best of luck, J&A!!

easy addition...

2009-10-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

st. george + las vegas + bohemian rhapsody + freezing pools + football

+ winning + truth or dare + back tickles + bumpin tunes

+ youtube + bear paw

+ awesome people

= ONE ROCKIN' WEEKEND!

my greatest blessing...

2009-10-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you for blessing my life in more ways than I could ever have asked for...

i love you, Kona Bear!

i love fishes cause they're so delicious...

2009-09-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

i think one of my favorite snacks of all time are Pepperidge Farm Goldfish - any flavor really. normally anything cheddar flavored has me running to hurl in the closest toilet, but for some reason the taste of these delicious critters holds a special place in my heart. during my hour break today... i think i devoured an entire bag.

Yep! (whoops)

oh, and the sweatshirt and coat?

don't worry. it's only 32 degrees outside...

and SNOWING!?

ewwww.

nothing's better...

2009-09-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

...than a girl's best friend.

thanks for always being there, D!

just when I need you the most...

(twinkle twinkle baby. twinkle twinkle!)

them the people that i love..

2009-09-14T17:53:00.001-07:00

you too, shanna banana!

...the "ladies i can be a man with"!

I love you, girls!