Craners

Halloween

2011-11-13T15:03:00.001-08:00

My monkey did not take a nap on Halloween. He needed a quick nap in the car so he could have lots of energy from candy.

The Man in the Yellow hat and his Monkey- Curious George

I still don't know if my kids really get Halloween but they know they get candy so I guess they get the good part of it. I wonder what they can be for next year, hmmm...........

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Craft time

2011-11-13T14:50:00.001-08:00

Craft time. Pinterest has quickly became an addictive thing in my life. This is something that is so addicting and gives me the best ideas. I'm starting to love craft time.

I made a black and orange wreath and had some adorable blocks from last year that I made.

I already had a monkey costume for Ethan but Darrin and I made Colbys costume, the man in the yellow hat. They are SO handsome!!! Can you tell we like Curious George:)

Randon Picts

2011-11-13T14:35:00.001-08:00

The other night I went to check on Colby and could not find him anywhere. I was starting to panic and look everywhere in his room, his bathroom, Ethan's room, he was NO where to be found. I was going to go to the garage to check if for some crazy reason the door was unlocked and he went out there... nope. Just asleep on the floor right outside Andy's door.

Sometimes while I am cleaning the basement the boys are off doing there own thing in their adventure land. Today it was playing sleep. I have to say I liked that adventure.

Ethan is not camera shy. He still will take pictures with me. Yeah!

Dawn came over to get some fabric and let the boys make and wear necklaces. Thanks Dawn:)

Grandma and Grandpa visit

2011-11-13T14:22:00.001-08:00

My parents came to visit in October while Darrin was out of town. Ethan became obsessed with his Grandpa. He would wake up in the morning and naps always looking for his new best friend. Ethan quickly had a favorite and I was replaced.

I always have a great time when they come and visit. We rode on the plasma car, went to a pumkin patch, visited the temple and made homemade raspberry freezer jam and applesauce. Yummy!! I am ready for the winter, good thing it is sweater season, this stuff is addicting.

Here is "Paga" and Ethan on the plasma car.

Ethan scootin down the driveway wishing he was on the plasma car.

Ethan on the scoot and ride. He has no fear. He will scoot along super fast- face plant and get right back up to do it again but even faster. Hmmm like father like son.

Colby and Paga carving pumpkins. My dad is an awesome pumpkin carver.

The boys at the Pumpkin patch with Grandma and Grandpa. The Pumpkin Patch was a ton of fun. We picked out pumpkins, the boys went through the maze, they went on a hay ride, we had a great time.

These are some of the many pictures of Ethan with his most favorite person ever. Paga! We can't wait to see you guys again.

Ethan enjoys Gramps all to himself. He would not let Paga put him down the whole week. Thanks for visiting Mom and Dad. We love Ya.

ME, scared........

2011-10-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

Not that this comes to anyones surprise, I am still completely scared of the dark. Darrin has been out of town the last couple of nights and so my parents were nice enough to come down and visit during this time. My parents could not stay the entire time so I had a girls night where two of my nieces came over for a sleepover. It was super fun, we painted nails, ordered pizza and watched a lot of Community- it was great.
Sunday came along and the girls went back home and the boys and I went to church and did are normal Sunday routine. I put the kids to bed at 7 and even though it was already dark outside I wasn't nervous because I new Darrin would be home by 9 or 10. I can handle being by myself until bedtime.......right? Well not anymore.
Let me just emphasize this: I am a crazy psycho person when it comes to feeling safe. I figure if I do everything I can to be safe than God will help me out by keeping creepy people away and we can have a nice mutual agreement. ( Don't quote me on my theory- it's a little out there) Anyways, I always make sure windows are locked and if I ever open one, it always gets locked again. I have every door locked at all times. I like feeling safe. When I have my own place I will have a big dog and a security system, maybe throw in some self defense and karate classes.
I always side with caution when it comes to situations I would rather not be in. Ex, I will now never have a cable or repair person come to the house when I am home alone, I always park in well lit areas, I always talk on my phone in case something does happen the person I am talking too will know what to do, I always hold my keys in between my fingers while walking to the car in case I need to punch someone. I get very anxious about certain situations, so I always try to be prepared and always try to avoid these situations- if I can. In California, a cable repair guy came while Darrin was at work, I hid all of my knives randomly throughout the house so he wouldn't know where any sharp object were kept and so I would have the advantage if I needed it. Seriously I did. This is how crazy and extreme I am with my irrational fear of some guy trying to get me, silly but I have it.
Now that you have enough of my back story, and are now thinking........ well I don't think I want to know what you are thinking. Okay, back to Sunday. It is about 8pm and I am just checking emails when I thought I should go feed Andy (the dog) some dinner. I went in and turned on the lights when all of a sudden, he starts barking like CRAZY. He runs out of his room through the doggie door barking frantically. (this dog does not bark unless it is a must) I am now starring at the door and realize that his door is unlocked, my kids and I never use that door. Now I have lost it. I decide to start calling people on my cell phone to see who can calm me down. I call Dawn to see if she can come over, so she immediately hops in her car but now I have to wait 10-15 minutes. Until then, I can be blunged to death. Lucid imagination, I know. This is why I never watch scary movies, my imagination is way better:) I try calling Spencer because lets face the facts he is always amazing with words, I did think to call my husband but he is with a bunch of guys and I don't want them all to know my craziness, even though now I am blogging about it so now everyone can know. Well, Spenc doesn't answer so I call Candice, she answers and at this point I am balling hysterically. The first thing she says is "Don't worry, why don't you just go and get your mace," now I am crying even harder because I am now explaining to her that I don't have any. Candice did do a good job calming down after the mace incident:) Luckily Dawn came and everything worked out, and now I officially have my own Mace. YEAH!!!!

!!!!!WATCH OUT BAD GUYS!!!!!!

Ethan's Newest look

2011-10-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

In a couple of days Ethan has a new look, he makes the most adorable face. Through out the day he will just look over at you and give you the biggest grin... while doing so he is forever squinting one eye. I promise I am not holding a flash light up to the kid. I love it! This new look brightens my day and puts a BIG smile on my face.

Bakin' with Colby

2011-10-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

Today was chilly outside and was a lazy day. I have not been in the mood to cook at all this week and I noticed my bananas were looking quite sad and forgotten. While Ethan was taking his afternoon nap Colby and I decided to make banana bread.
Okay, so on occasion I may loose my patience every once in a while, hmmm imagine that. I was trying to think of jobs for Colby to do while helping me make the bread. He wanted to help sooo badly. His first was to unwrap the butter, he did a great job, next he helped stir all of the dry ingredients, also fantastic. His final job as my sous-chef, to help put all of the dry ingredients into the mixer. I told him he needed to be super careful so the ingredients could make it into the mixer. As he was scooping the ingredients out he happened to scoop a lot onto me. I let out a kind of loud arrrrr, in frustration. Normally I would have been way more frustrated and would than say he was done helping. I surprised myself and kept my cool. I sometimes shock myself :) I was just starting to look down at my clothes to see how much spilled out and if I should adjust the recipe. Anyways, I look over and you could tell Colby felt horrible, he was slowly putting his spoon down and looked at me and said "I am all done now?" as he was climbing down his stool. I quickly smiled and explained the bread would be just fine and so would mommy. Colby loves banana bread and kept sneaking away with Ethan's. Cooking with kids is messy but I love it, I have the best job ever.

New BFF

2011-10-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have kind of been horrible about being social since we moved back, it seemed easier in California. I have been a hermit. Being in Payson, where we live in an established ward, there is not a lot- of stay at home moms or park day. I miss park days. :( Anyways, I signed up for a ton of upcoming MBASA things. ( MBA- spouses association) In the mean time I have been in super craft mode and starting to be more social.
Darrin's really good friend from high school lives here and they have 4 boys. Yesterday we went on a walk to Bridal Veil falls with their 2 youngest. I haven't been to the falls in so long, it's a super short walk so definetly kid friendly and it is gorgeous. The fall colors are peaking through- I want to go again soon. Aubrey and I had a great time with the kiddos. Colby and Tad are quickly becoming friends, they were playing freeze and making funny faces while running around, so adorable together. By the way, I LOVE listening to kid conversations. They say the cutest things.

Here they are having a good time

Ethan and Kel content in the stroller, chillin

Zebra Inspired

2011-09-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

While pinning.... I am starting to think way too many of my sentences are starting like this, ADDICTED! Back to reality, I found an awesome tutorial on how to make a zebra cake, it was super easy to do and I love how it looks. The dessert for Sunday dinner was a success. My nieces loved it, they are so nice.

I have learned how hard it is to make a 4 tier cake and frost it while making it look good. This is only my 3rd attempt at trying to frost a cake, but boy is is tough. I am going to have to try more often because I need the practice. I still had a blast and am excited to try and get better at this whole cake decorating thing.

BYU tailgate party

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

When Darrin was interning at Central Utah Clinic one of his main jobs was to get ready for the big company tailgate party... too bad BYU got crushed against Utah. Anyways, the party was AWESOME. The food was catered, a couple bounce houses, games with prizes for kids, a raffle and a massive screen for the game. The party was a success and everyone told me how much they loved Darrin. They all thought things ran smoother with him there and how he was already missed. ( love when people brag about my hubby : )

The kids and I had a great time at the party, Colby and Ethan especially loved the popcorn, chips and churros. Mmmm what a healthy dinner.

I'm Back!!!!

2011-09-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

Back to blogging, yeah!! I have missed the blog world. This has been a crazy summer. I was able to go to Boise a lot this summer, which is always lots of fun. Darrin's parents left on their mission, they are doing great and I love reading their blog. They seem so happy, I know they didn't know what to expect but it seems like they are doing great things and loving it, now it makes me less nervous for when Darrin and I decide to go. ( I think we still have a while :)
In July, the Craner family had a big family reunion at the house, yep all 50+ before the misssion, Darrin had yet another surgery- during the reunion, an emergency apendectamy!
Also, Darrin's brothers family moved from AZ to Utah, they lived here a few months until there house was ready. Darrin's sister also moved here for a few months, her house was getting renovated after some major water damage.
All in All- It has been BUSY, CrAzY and FUN.
We feel super blessed being able to live here while D's parents are on the mission. School started in the middle of August, we are excited to get things headed in the right direction. We are already in school and it's going great. I am excited for this adventure and look forward to where it will take us, BYU has a great MBASA ( MBA Spouses Association) with lots of fun things to do. We have already met lots of great friends.

I broke one of our cameras this summer and finally it's back, and our other camera won't charge, I'm wondering if it needs a new battery. I will post the pictures I did get.

Colby's 3rd Birthday

2011-06-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

Colby turns 3. Boy was he excited. This year was the first time I invited friends and made it an actual party. Colby loves Toy Story, so I attempted a toy story theme. I think it was a success. The kids had popcorn, bananas and chocolate dipped strawberry's, plus pizza and cake. Lots of yummy food. I even attempted my crafty side and made a birthday sign.

Here is the gang- getting excited for food. Of course Colby and Christopher with their camera ready smiles.

Colby and pals enjoying sidewalk chalk. We also had bubbles, lots of cars to ride around in, swing set etc. With boys, I am learning fast that it is go, go and go.

I had to throw this picture in of Ethan. He could care less about presents he still wasn't done with the bubbles. Such a laid back kid, I love him.

Colby had a great Birthday. Thanks everyone for coming and making it special!

Each year Colby steals more and more of my heart. Colby is an amazing older brother, always looking out for Ethan. Colby loves to help his mom and dad. Colby is always going a million miles an hour and is super adventurous. He is always going to have lots of good friends, everyone he sees he gets excited about, everyone is his friend. If they are 1 or 50 Colby counts them as his best bud. Colby is truly amazing, love you!!!

Prom Updos

2011-05-31T17:11:00.000-07:00

I was able to do my cousin and her friends hair and make up for prom, I think they look super cute!!

Joseph's Birthday Party

2011-05-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

Lately Colby has been obsessed with birthdays. Whenever he finds out it is someones birthday he gets SO excited, and talks about it non stop. He also loves birthday cake. For about a month he would wake up and tell me it was his birthday, or if we were going anywhere, to the store, gas station he thought we were going to a birthday party. I was so excited when his cousin Joseph turned 5 and invited him to his birthday, we had a real party to attend and it was a blast. The party was at a jump house in Pleasant Grove- it had like 15 huge jump houses, with obstacles and lots of fun slides. As Colby would say "AWESOME".

Cousins Christopher, Colby and birthday boy Joseph. We dig Joseph's hair, Colby and Joseph have matching hair so from behind I can never tell them apart.

Aunt Tammy taking Ethan down the slide. Aunt Tammy won Ethan over that night. His new best pal.

Us going down the slide as a family.

Easter

2011-05-03T21:57:00.001-07:00

We had a great Easter!!! Darrin and I got these adorable Easter buckets at Target for 2 bucks! If you look closely Ethan's basket is full of Nuk nipples for his bottle, he is a bottle snob and has to have the 0-3 month nipples or he FREAKS out, he won't drink his milk and refuses to sleep. Good thing the Easter bunny knows what he is doing!

Here is Colby opening his basket, we hid Easter eggs around the room, Colby and Ethan went around finding them. Ethan did a surprisingly good job finding them, he sure knows how to keep up with his big brother.

Here is Ethan hiding from mommy, Is it poop or chocolate???? ( Baby Mama, everyone who has been pregnant should see that movie, so funny) Luckily it was chocolate, do I even need to say.... bath time!

The Craner Fam got together after church and had a great Easter dinner and had a super fun scavenger hunt. Each of the oldest neices or nephews got a group of the younger nieces/ nephews. Each group were given clues and took their group looking for the goods. All of the kids had a great time! Colby's leader was Savannah and Chelsea and Tyler were in his group.

Caden and Michelle

2011-05-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Caden and Michelle came to visit! We sure miss them!!!! Every time we get together, we have such a good time. Colby was so excited to see his buddy. the minute they came over Colby was ecstatic, they acted like they were never apart. Michelle and Chad's families are from Utah so we are very lucky and hopefully will get to see them a lot more. (hint, hint) We had a great time with you guys and can't wait to see you again. The last day we saw them we took the kids to the Bean Museum at BYU ( no not actual beans, I assumed it was a museum about beans, the name confused me- I'm glad I was wrong) and played at McDonald's after.

I love those grins!

Since the move..

2011-04-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

Things have been crazy, hectic, and busy. I love it, I am never bored. I have never been this busy on a consistant basis. First it was just the unpacking, after getting settled in everything is still moving at a faster pace. Darrin has started his internship with Central Utah Clinic, he works in the marketing department. He works part time, which means I actually get to see my husband! I love that, I am counting down till retirement!
So far, things are working out great for us, the lord definetly has a hand in what we are doing. We are moving forward and everything seems to be falling into place. Such a nice change.

quick recap of events

-Sold our 4 Runner on Craigslist days before the move, it was on it's last leg and wouldn't have made it:( *craigslist is amazing, esp. in california, will be missed, love the deals

-We took Colby to Disneyland as a farewell to California. Colby's favorite ride was Dumbo, and his least favorite was Thunder Mountain. Colby is 40 inches tall- that can sometimes be a bad thing he did NOT like that ride, maybe next year. Darrin and I love Disneyland- if you are married to a Craner and don't think that D-land is incredibly awesome then it's grounds for a divorce (it's my favorite, I love it, love it love it tehe :)) Anyways..... taking your kids and seeing their expression and how excited they get is awesome, it takes Disneyland to a whole new level.

-The entire fam has LOVED getting out of that tiny apartment and into a home, Colby and Ethan are loving the space. Plus a backyard with a swing set and ANDY the dog. Colby loves Andy and is SO good with him. He pets him, lets him outside and back in, he would sleep with the dog if I let him. Penny and Greg are the easiest and sweetest people to live with, they should be more mean so we don't keep living with them!!! (me so funny)

-We went to Boise, and visited my fam! While there we ate at all of my favorite places, yum! ( I have quite a lot) We were able to hang out with family, visit, talk, chat, gab, goof off, I loved it! Colby and Ethan got to see their cousins, we had an incredible time. We were able to go to Benson's 3rd b-day bash and since the event Colby is very excited for his own party.
One of the main reasons for going was to get our car fixed. When we arrived, to our dismay, we found it would have cost a fortune. So, we made an exec decision to run the car to the ground until it dies, and in making that bright decision we ended up buying a very practical car. So we bought a Toyota camry hybrid. I have never wanted a camry but I have to say this car is growing on me and it has great gas mileage!!! Yeah!

Since being here Colby and Ethan are in love with playing outside, and playing with Andy.

Pros and Cons of the Big Move

2011-03-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

It is pure excitement for me to move back to Utah, I finally have family close by. I have always been a home body and it has been very nice to have family around. When ever a huge change occurs in my life (moving, career change) I have horrible anxiety. I'm a train wreck, and it takes about a month for me to recover and feel like myself again. Colby has been having a rough time too. I will tuck him in at night and ask him how he is doing with the move, he looks up at me and says "Mommy, I want to go home" or he will ask if Caden or Brynna can come over and play. Colby and Caden were in the same nursery class and after the first time going to church here, that night he told me he wanted to go back to his church. I know we will soon get on a routine and Colby and my anxieties will go away but I about melt to death when I hear him say stuff like that. I don't want my kids to go through hard things, sometimes being a parent stinks! Does this anxiety happen to anyone else?
After a couple weeks things are beginning to settle down. Since growing up we never moved that much. I always thought it would be so fun to move a lot - I'm now realizing- I HATE moving! Yuck. Since moving to Utah (for beauty school) I have moved 11 times!!! Crazy!

For the heck of it I've decided to make a pro and con list for Utah and California
Here goes......

California

P- made some great friends, friends I hope to keep for life, they were my other family
P- weather, oh how I loved the weather, perfect year around
P- close to the beach, I have visited like 20 and my favorite beach area is Laguana and San Diego a close second
P- shopping, not like I have a ton of money to shop but there is everything here, way better deals too
P- I loved the city of Rancho Cucamonga, fast speed limits, tons of stores and all super close by,
P- thouroughbred street, a neighborhood that in the association it states that your house MUST be decked out at Christmas time, the whole street is amazing, they have carriage rides, and sell hot cocoa and treats on their driveways, so much fun

c- so expensive!!
c- houses, property taxes, car registration, insurance everything went up by a long ways, you better make bank if you want to live in California and in a nice enough area to feel safe
c- about a million freeways, you need a GPS the first year until you get the 10-20 u use down to a science
c- rush hour towards LA starts at 6-10 am and starts again leaving LA from 3-8. Plan wisely where u want to visit

Utah
p- family, it is so nice to be around family, sunday dinners, or for double dates, babysitting, holidays- it's great
p- being driving distance to my fam, not having to pay plane fair, YUCK!
p- having access to Craners boat, muhaha (that's my evil laugh!)
p- living in a house, with a backyard, TONS of room for the boys, LOVE IT

c- freezing!!! brrrrrrr C-O-L-D
c- have to drive 1/2 hour to get anywhere, everything is so spread apart
c- 1 freeway, the freeway, I don't think I can ever get lost :)
c- speed limits, so slow

Moving Time

2011-03-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

My baby and me!

Ethan chillin on the bed. We were living with zero furniture in the house for 4 days, Ethan knew where to kick it.

My boys would always hang out in just their diaper or underwear. Now that we moved to Utah they are always fully dressed, so much colder!!!!!!!

Colby is so smart, I was getting short tempered trying to pack up the kitchen while Ethan kept coming in and unpacking everything. Colby blocked off the kitchen for me and then started playing with Ethan to make him happy. Such a sweet boy!

Great chapter ending, new one forming

2011-02-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

My husband, Darrin- loves to learn and he is quite good at it. Have you ever met someone or are the person who is naturally great at school. Of course, you work hard I know that but you pick up things fast and speak the text book language. Myself, not one, would love it but nope.. on the other hand Darrin is that person.
He bought some GMAT books at Barnes and Noble and after a few months decided he wanted to take the GMAT. We were both very nervous, not having a lot of study time while working and having some family time we decided after a short period it was time to for him to take the test. We were nervous because it is always best to get a good score and not have to redo the test, added pressure. The GMAT is a HUGE test, and a huge part of getting into MBA school. I never knew this but with the GMAT the test adapts to how well you are doing, it is crucial you start out well, and keep it up, crazy how smart tests are getting. 50% is Quantative (math) and 50% verbal.
We were shocked but he got a great score! (well he was shocked but I know how smart he is) We knew that an MBA program was now possible.
Everything started moving in place, we finally realize that all along certain things never happened and I believe it was an answer to our prayers. Darrin got accepted into BYU's MBA program for the fall of 2011! YEAH! It all happened so fast and was pretty unexpected. We are moving in 2 weeks which is a little quicker than we expected, but we will move into Darrin's parents house, thanks Greg and Penny, and we will get to house sit while they go on a mission.

I know sometimes I feel like prayers go unanswered (like finding a house) but now I know that is for a reason, God always has a reason even if it is by not answering back right away. Things always happen for a reason. Things are sliding into place and it makes me know that moving and all of these big changes are the right thing for our family. That is all I want, I want my family to be happy and loved.

Thanks everyone for all of your support.

Colby and Caden

2011-02-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

These 2 are best buds. Tonight Caden came over while his parents went out, we have a great time trading for date night. I was making them some Mac and Cheese and I turn around and I see this..

The first picture Colby is smiling all adorable and Caden is distracted by the tv but still a great smile.

roles reverse

Caden is now picture perfect and Colby is smiling but watching the tv and this is what I get. I LOVE IT! This picture just makes me laugh.

Ethan, hanging out below wishing he was a little older so he can play with the big boys.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

My 2 handsome boys! I found these adorable shirts at Target, I couldn't turn it down. Now I have 3 boys for Valentines Day, I am so lucky! Colby's shirt says "Love Stinks" with Pepe Le Pew on it, and Ethan has a big heart and Mickey that says "Momma's Boy".

My Mommy Came to play!

2011-02-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, well technically she was not coming down for a couple weeks but she moved her flight up for me! I guess that's what happens when you call your mom crying. Hmmmm... I should do that more often!
I have been sick for the entire month of January, finally I couldn't take it anymore and got on some antibiotics. I feel much better now. Since January was so crazy, I was totally neglecting my duties, my super Mommy came to save the day! She spoiled my children, she always brings them pj's, toys and books. By the second day my kids new that MaGa's suitcase held fun treasures. They were in Heaven. I was in Heaven, my mom took care of the kids at night, let me sleep in, made me tons of delicious food( she should be a professional cook) and cleaned my entire house. Awww, how nice.

Funny story
I always try and replicate my moms potato cheese soup, it is alright but nothing amazing. Darrin and I will still eat it. Every time my Mom is in town I have her make it for me, that day my mom had to leave but still made the soup for us. When Darrin got home, we started eating her delicious soup. He thought I made it since my mom was already gone. He looked at me and said "What did you do different this time, it is sooo good!" I said "My Mom made it." I just laughed, luckily I was in a good mood so he didn't get in trouble.
Yes, it is that good! Yum, now I am craving it.

We are sad MaGa left. (Colby switches Grandma around and now he calls both of his grandmas MA-Ga. He is sometimes a little dyslexic, I think I do that sometimes)

Scared of the dark

2011-02-09T19:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know what others are thinking, you are a grown woman, adult, mother of 2 kids, how are you possibly scared of the dark.

I am! Isn't that silly.

Darrin sometimes has to go to work early, yesterday he left at 2:30 am. I woke up at 3:30 and just knowing he is already gone makes me scared. So what does an irrational gal do, I get up, check on the kids, check all of the doors, turn on some lights and then sit in front of the computer. Finally at 5 I decide the big attempt; going back to sleep. Colby and Ethan woke me up at 6 so I did catch a few zzzz's.

Why on earth do I think such crazy things at night, I am so unreasonable. Maybe I should take self defense or sleep with mace or get a body guard. Yeah, I like the last one.

Tonight I am off to bed early!

My munchkin update

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

Colby-
*sweet kid, always cares about others feelings
*pets his brothers head, while Ethan gets his diaper changed, than takes it to the garbage (when it is poopy, he waves his hand in front of his nose, and says "Ewww, stinky butt")
*hates wearing pants, always in a shirt and underwear
*loves his blankie, brings it everywhere
*chases Ethan around, and make Ethan laugh so hard, adorable.
*is Ethan's protector. When Ethan gets stuck, he will come get me, when Ethan wakes up, he likes Ethan to sit on his lap, he will protect him from everything, he is an amazing older brother

Ethan-
*loves doing head stands
*loves taking his brothers chocolate milk, and juice
*cuddles for 2 seconds and than he is off to explore
*goes to bed a 6, doesn't even like to cuddle, I put him in his crib with a bottle and doesn't fuss once
*wakes up at 6-6:30, down side ;)
*books it- the instant I put him down, major explorer!
*loves to play with Colby's hair

both Colby and Ethan

*they spin in circles, until they fall laughing and smiling
*if one cries the other will start, they hate seeing each other sad
*if I put them to bed at the same time, I will hear them laughing, in the morning I will find lots of toys in Ethan's crib thanks to his big bro

Love my boys! they are a lot of work, every day they make me smile. I don't get paid but they are worth everything to me. When I see Colby and Ethan's faces I know that everything is okay and that all the money or the worldly things in the world will never take away how happy they make me. Even on rough days, one smile or one big hug, it makes it all worth it.

Mommy loves You!

Christmas w/ the Craners

2011-01-31T22:01:00.000-08:00

We had a great time, we were able to hang out with family, play games, eat yummy food, relax and enjoy Christmas vacation.

It is now a Craner tradition to have a dinner where the adults are the waiters and the kids are the guests. This year we had a 50's diner. We had a blast. The basement got decked out, we had a milkshake bar, homemade fries and onion rings, hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken nuggets.

These are pictures of all of the nieces and nephews that were in Utah for Christmas, and below is Tammy and Karli cranking up awesome milkshakes.

Here is Darrin, Brandon and Pat jamming out for the restaurant. They sang a couple tunes for the kids, they get totally into it, it is awesome, should have been there.

Temple Square Lights

We made the drive up to SLC to see the temple lights. First off, it was freezing! We were all so cold. We are now way to used to California weather. Brrrrrrrrrr, good thing there is a Starbucks on every block. Second, kindof dissappointed in the lights. Maybe I remember them differently when I was younger because I was younger but I swear the lights used to be way better. They still have a lot but now not every little tree is covered. That is the point of looking at the lights! I think I am going to start a fund for better temple square lights. :) Anyways, Darrins oldest brother David and his family met up with us and that was fun. We did get some great picts, I do like the reflecting pool how they had the statue of Joseph, Mary and Jesus, I think that was my fav part.

I wonder if me thinking layering a ton of shirts and jackets and coats is counter productive because I was still freezing! On another note, we had to keep bending down to take take pictures next to Ethan, it was to cold to keep getting him in and out of the stroller. What a trooper!

Picture takin' time

2011-01-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

Here goes, I wanted to get GOOD pictures of our family, Darrin had been working a ton so we never had time to get a fam picture. I decided to try all by myself.

WOW, how on earth do you get 2 little boys to pose together, both looking at the camera, and not move. Pretty much an impossible task.

This is about 15 seconds into the photo shoot. They both started jumping up and down on the chair, like it was the best outing ever. So I decided to try another location that might be more boring.......

Nope, stairs are way to interesting.

I even tried putting them in a decorative basket, nope that didn't work either. The little escape artists.

At last, 100 pictures taken, a mother who you could say is losing her cool, but hey one great picture!

Chillin with Dad

2011-01-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

Colby is at the copy stage. He saw Dad was eating chips so he went into the pantry to get his own bag.

This is Colby's new camera smile, he thinks he is pretty hilarious. He squints or closes his eyes and puts on a big grin. Adorable!

Ethan's 1st Birthday

2011-01-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

We celebrated his birthday a week, which meant his G & G Craner could be there. I feel bad because I felt sick and after a week of partying at Thanksgiving and getting ready for the holidays it was super fast and easy. I made it up by kissing him a bunch, so he still knows he is loved. I made him a chocolate cake and I was trying to layer it, but it crumbled and broke so luckily Penny was there, and she did an amazing job fixing it. We still had a great time.

Ethan not knowing what to do with real food, especially CHOCOLATE. Yum.

Oh, wait. He figured it out just fine. He even knows how to attack his mommy with chocolate hands! :)

Colby loves when it is Ethan's birthday, more presents for him to unwrap. Ethan likes the taste of wrapping paper! Good thing he was still happy with a low key birthday.

Happy Birthday Ethan

Thanksgiving

2011-01-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. My parents have always wanted to drive down the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway, aka Highway 1- I didn't know that is what Californians call it, such useful info :) My parents drove to see Candice and Kayle first than everyone came here for Thanksgiving, it was a blast. We played games, ate great food, went hot tubbing, woke up for Black Friday shopping, it was great!!!! The only sad thing- I didn't get any pictures, I was to busy playing. I did take one of the boys and my dad. My parents love buying them adorable pj's. I think these are my new favorite.

Asleep on the job

2011-01-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

This totally reminds me of ME. My parents have tons of pictures of me waiting, waiting by my bedroom door after my siblings went to bed so that I could come back out and play. Colby always is playing with his toys right by his door- waiting. Like mother like son!

Trip of Monterey

2010-10-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

Darrin is in his busy season at work, at first I thought the busy season was a couple of months but I am pretty sure busy season for him is like 9 months out of the year. This last month has been especially hard, when he is in the field him and Bryan will wake up at 3:30-4 and get done close to 11 or midnight. Yeah, CRAZY hours. My hubby works really really really hard, and the kids and I appreciate everything he does for us. He was going to Vegas again, they do a lot of work in Las Vegas, I decided to be brave and travel with the kids. I have been on tons of flights with the kiddos but I have never driven farther than the beaches and San Diego. I decided to be brave and drive the 6-7 hour drive to Monterey to visit my sister Candice and her hubby Kayle. I am extremely proud of myself that I went and did something like that on my own. That was a long drive but it was nice to explore a new area and hang out with family. I had a great time in Monterey and had a blast hanging out with my sis.

My Owie

2010-10-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

I wish I had an incredibly awesome story to tell but I don't. I ran into my wall, the corner of the wall and it hurt really really bad. I don't know what I did but after 5 weeks it still hurts. When I am complaining about it( Colby accidently steps on it, a lot) Colby says, "sorry Mommy, Mommy owie", than he gives my foot a kiss better. He is the BEST!

Potty Training Experiance

2010-09-21T10:51:00.001-07:00

( Colby receives stickers after going pee pee in the toilet and in this picture he is covered in chocolate, we took him for ice cream after pooping in the toilet for the first time)

We have been potty training Colby. About a month ago I had my first attempt and after 2 hours I decided this was silly and left it alone. A month ago I was sleeping in on Saturday and I could hear Darrin starting Colby on the potty training process. We figured the weekend would be perfect since Darrin was home.
I don't do so well with #2, I have an amazing gag reflux. After a couple days of being BUTT NAKED Colby was starting to get #1 down, he would have one or two accidents not making it to the toilet in time, but he was getting it #2 was a little different. Every 5th or 6th time he would make it to the toilet for the big dead- all the other times I would throw his underwear away or wash the carpet extremely well.
Week 1- #1 is almost a done deal. Colby stays dry at nap and at bedtime. If he has to go, he will wake up to go potty and go back to bed. #2 not so hot, I think he went maybe three times in the toilet.
Week 2- I was welcome to have Darrin home for a few days to help revive my spirits. Darrin took Colby to Lowes and Colby needed to go #1. Darrin took him into the bathroom and Darrin put Colby on the toilet and must have forgot how small his behind is.....yep he fell in the toilet. Needless to say we went a little backwards with going out in public places and having to use the restroom.
We did discover that Colby keeps going to the bathroom a ton- like 10 times before he actually poops. We found his sign! Which apparently is all we needed. Later that week Grandma Miller came and taught Colby how to go #1 standing up. He gets to see that pee pee makes bubbles, he now loves to make bubbles in the toilet. Now, thanks to Grandma going in public restrooms is okay. We haven't had to go #2 in a public place yet but number 1 is now fun no matter where he is.
Week 4- I don't know what the true definition of potty trained is, aiming and wiping will be in the works for a while but for us I think he is official. He wears big boy underwear and only has the occasional accident on rare occasions. I was SUPER nervous about potty training but I am so glad Colby did such a good job. He is such a big boy!

Deck

2010-09-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

When we first moved here we bought a barbecue for our deck, we always had a good time cooking- a year later we realized it is illegal to have a barbecue on a deck in an apartment complex. Now that we can't use it we only used our deck for our trash can until we hauled it off to the dumpster.

Our deck is now being properly used, we went and bought some outdoor furniture. The weather is always so nice, we now use our deck all the time. Darrin even planted some new herbs and flowers and strung lights for the perfect ambiance.

Really? yes really

2010-08-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Before heading off to bed, Darrin and I went on our nightly check of the chitlins. This is how we found Colby, he was dead asleep. The picture doesn't even do it justice. His bumb was barely on the bed, he must be a deep sleeper.

The quality might be bad it was with a cell phone.

Caught on Camera

2010-08-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

Colby NEVER looks at the camera, so this is a pleasant surprise, I just love the silly faces he makes.

He always makes that face, so I like to copy him and than he busts out laughing.

If you haven't noticed, I made him a quesadilla for lunch, maybe he was making jumps for his cars with it, he was definitely playing and not eating. Silly!

Bath for 2

2010-08-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Now that Ethan is a little older, and sitting up, they do great during bath time. Of course with 2 kids, how in the world do u get them to BOTH look at the camera? Impossible, I say!

Blessed

2010-07-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

We have just gotten back from our week in Utah, I love being on vacation. It was really nice to see most of the Craner Fam. Darrin and I miss Utah. Even though I grew up in Boise I often think of Utah as my home. Darrin and I love Utah! Utah has so much family and most of our favorite places. I already want to go back.
I have been reading the most amazing blog. This woman is LDS and she was in a horrible plane crash. It talks about her family and her faith through this major trial. I want to be more like her. She is so inspiring. Reading her blog makes me feel so blessed.
First, I am blessed with not one but 2 amazing families. The Miller fam and the Craner fam. I am very thankful for my families, they mean the world to me.
Second, I am blessed with 2 beautiful boys! Colby and Ethan are not part of my world, they are my world. I am so busy with them, I remember a poem- it talks about how this lady is reflecting on her life and things she would have done differently, not cared about fingerprints of the sofa, dirty faces, etc. Raising my kids I am reminded of that poem daily. I could spend all day, every day cleaning my house to live up to my expectations, instead I have learned to let go and play with my kids, kiss them both a thousand times a day, play cars, cuddle while watching cartoons. I know that soon enough I wont be aloud to kiss them that much, or tuck them in at night, or rock them to sleep. Even though I could still work on having a spotless house all day long, for now I am enjoying my children. My two wonderful boys. Loving them everyday is my number one priority!
Third, I am truly blessed with my amazing husband. Darrin went to bed at 8:30 tonight, he works super hard and super long hours. 4 am to 5 pm, he works that a lot!!!! He never complains about waking up that early. I HATE the morning, I love how he never complains about work. I know I am lucky, I get to be with my children every day. I could not have that amazing gift without my husbands hard work. I appreciate everything he does for me and for our children. Darrin is my best friend. I could spend every second with him. I miss him the minute he leaves my side. My boys are so excited when they see Daddy after work. They get huge grins on their sweet innocent faces and are always showing Dad the new tricks that they learned from the day.
I have day to day struggles, sometimes it feels like I have to break my days down into hours, to keep on going. No matter how hard life seems to get, I know that I always have the full love and support of my family, and the full love and support of my Heavenly Father. I know he loves me and has blessed me with an amazing family.
I feel blessed.

Trumpets Sounding.....

2010-06-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

We cut Colby's hair for the summer, I know his lovely hair. (I bet my parents prayers have been answered :) We decided the summer weather is too hot for his curly hair, don't worry it will be back.

His hair short makes him look like he is 4. Crazy how hair does that. We rewarded Colby with chocolate pudding, how could he resist.

The showdown............

2010-06-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Colby can NOT part with his binky but especially his blanket. He drags that thing everywhere! I'm always sneaking around washing his blanket, always without his knowledge.

He caught me, that sly little fella.

Colby was taking his nap, so I innocently snuck his blanket from him and threw it in the wash. My plan was working..... Colby woke up a few hours later. He came stumbling out of his bedroom saying "Blankie, Blankie." I told him to come sit on the couch and I would start a Curious George for him while I went to the garage to get his "Blankie." I went downstairs and forgot to start the dryer. Ug, I was caught. I came back up the stairs with no "Blankie". I tried explaining this to Colby, I even carried him down the stairs and showed him his wet blanket and how it was drying. He was not happy! He was crying and did not understand why he could not have his "Blankie". When I finally calmed him down this is the only look I was getting from him!

Look what I found

2010-06-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

The other day I came home and was busy chatting away on my phone, when I finished I went into the boys bedroom to see what my Munchkin was doing....... Colby was hiding behind his stuffed animals guzzling down my Coke. He drank all of it, it was completely full! I should have known. Silly, boy.

He sure likes mommy's soda. Yummmmy!

Fathers Day

2010-06-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

Colby and I surprised Darrin with a card and cake for Fathers Day. Colby loved decorating the cake, he added LOTS of sprinkles and fish. We had a blast. Darrin is the best father in the entire world. My kids are very lucky to have such a wonderful father.

We love You!

Darrin is so sweet and let Colby dig in!

Garden Time

2010-06-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Darrin came home NEEDING to have planter boxes? When Darrin wants something he HAS to have it right then. So I told him he needed to wait a couple weeks, I was hoping that if he waited his impulse would change. Of course, he did not. Needless to say we got great planter boxes at Home Depot. Now we have cilantro at all time! We have one box with herbs and one with hot, hot, hot peppers. Colby and Darrin love their garden.

Random Picture Update

2010-06-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

I have actually been trying to have photo shoot sessions with my children but they are NOT cooperating. They do not think it is very fun. Here r some picts that I like.

This is before I started putting Ethan in the crib. I decided to bring the porta-crib into the room and see if Colby would stay put in their room now that Ethan was there. A while later I came in to check on things and this is what I found. Colby loves his brother!

Ethan has been rolling on to his tummy for a while but he now is trying to figure out how to get back over. A couple times he has got the hang of things.

Colby has been in a toddler bed for a long time, since he was 16 months old, which is really early. Although he loves his toddler bed he sometimes has a problem staying in the bed. During nap time I heard a thud, so I walked by his room and found him asleep on his bedroom floor. That kid has the hardest time actually staying in his bed. He is a crazy sleeper!

Brynna and Colby loving playing at the bottom of our stairs. Brynna is showing Colby the ropes. She is teaching him how to unlock the door, yes, even the dead bolt. Thanks Nina( what Colby calls her) : ) Since this incident we have purchased an additional lock for our doors that the kids can't reach.

Aunt Candice and Colby

2010-06-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

Yeah- for Aunt Candice. She was able to spend 3 weeks here. We had a blast. It is not that often you get to hang out with your sister for that long, especially now that we are married and don't live by each other. I am sad that she has to be away from Kayle for 10+ weeks but we had a blast together. Colby is quite her little admirer.

Sometimes I wonder if he is around his mother too much. He has seen me do one too many hair cuts and colors. Here Colby is seriously combing through Aunt Candy's hair.

Here is Colby getting ready to go to the pool. What killer hair! Why couldn't I get that...

If you notice closely, he has to have his most genuine smile... he is "secretly" going through Candice's purse!

Colby turns 2

2010-05-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

My boy is 2! That seams crazy. As a mother I could not have asked for a better son. Colby makes me so happy. I often wish I could be a perfect mom for him. Even though he is two, Colby makes me want to become a better person. I look up to my son.
Two years have come so fast, the second I held my son in the hospital after he was born, I was done for, It was instant love. Growing up you know your parents love you and that you love them but YOU really DON'T know how much a parent loves their children, until you experience it for yourself. I truly love Colby, with all of my heart. Each day I get to spend with him I love him more and more. I truly believe that Colby is the sweetest boy. Happy Birthday!Aunt Candice and the Scott family came for the celebration. Here is Colby with his little sweetheart Brynna.

Gotta love the hubby

2010-04-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

I have been a little edgy to say the least this week so Darrin has been helping me out all weekend. He has been letting me sleep in, he has been on full Daddy watch. Mommy needed a break, I loved it! Thanks sweetie! You are the best.

My most favorite part of it, he took Colby out to run an errand, this is how he dressed Colby. He has long socks with his swim shorts, he never even went swimming that day, plus they are to small. He also let him have a Mountain Dew. No wonder Colby loves his Dad time so much!

P.S. This is how he gives me kisses. He is a little slobber monster.

Here is ETHAN

2010-04-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

I am already slacking in the Ethan picture department. So here are some picts of us playing. I think it is adorable that he OPENS his eyes HUGE! Big eyes just like his Mommy!

P.S. I dyed my hair black, and put hot pink ink works in it, in the light it has a bright pink hue to it! How awesome! Ha my fam is going to think I am so silly:)

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

This Year I have been getting so excited to watch Colby with Holidays. Darrin knows how much I love Holidays and Birthdays but when you have a kid it is a MILLION times better watching your child have so much fun. First we had the egg dying. I wanted so bad to have cute Easter eggs and they would be colored perfectly, I decided it was better to let Colby have at it. He had a blast, he thought it was tons of fun.

The next stage in todays fun, an EASTER EGG HUNT! I wasn't sure if Colby would even care, but he did. Colby absolutely LOVED it. We went to a tiny grass area in our complex, and once I told him to find the eggs, he had a blast. I could not get a picture of him holding still until he picked them all up. Seriously, the cutest thing ever. I wish I could have an Easter egg hunt for him every day, but then he would get bored with it. He is such a STUD!

A little Inspiration

2010-04-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

This story is heart wrenching. At the same time, I would like to spread the word because I think everyone should read this story, and the mothers outlook during the whole process. It made me cry to have to imagine what she went through but I am inspired by how she handled this experience. I truly hope I never have to go through this but that I might look at life in a different perspective. I know there are always rough days but I hope not to give my kids as many "leftovers" of myself and be a better parent to my children. Being a mother I would do anything for them. I love my children very much and each night I thank God for what lovely children I am blessed with. After this story I know everyone will hug their children a little harder that day.

I love you Colby and Ethan!

www.stakerzxposed.blogspt.com

It is labeled Monday, February 1, 2010
You have to scroll down and go to older posts to get to this, it is on the third page.

Random Pictures

2010-03-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pictures. I realize that most of them are of Colby, but rest assured that we love both of our kids very much.

He likes Aunt Jill's blanket... Thanks Jill!

Extreme Toy Truck Riding.

Yogurt......Yum!

He likes to play at the mail boxes.

He loves his toy box!

Is it Possible.....

2010-03-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to be home sick for your husband? Well, I think so. Darrin is my family, the only person that I have down here in California and he is gone all of the time. He has had to work some CRAZY hours lately and has to go out of town a lot. I am just complaining because it is night time and I HATE being home alone at night. I am home sick for my hubby!!!! ( Don't get me wrong, he has a nice boss, and has a job in a terrible economy, so I am thankful for that- just complaining to complain)
I spent the night at my friend, Kathryn, last night, I was joking with her that it's sad that my husband and her husband have stayed in a hotel together more times than I have stayed in a hotel with my husband. (Tehe :)
I have also learned something about myself, I am not motivated to do anything when Darrin is away. I think of all of these great things to do to keep myself busy like cleaning my house, it is never perfect with kids, but instead, the minute I put my chitlens to bed I go on shutdown mode. I feel like a zombie. I want to sit on my couch, talk to fam and relax. I need to be more self motivated and reliant.

Myself and the boys

2010-02-07T21:26:00.000-08:00

I am in a house filled with boys now. What a lucky girl! Colby is wearing his church outfit Grandma bought him. Who would have thought my boy would be wearing a sweater vest. He looks so handsome. He is officially in nursery now. He used to love being dropped off and could care less about his parents, not anymore. He knows it is coming and just crys and for the most part he sits on one of the leaders laps the whole time. I know it is just a stage but I hope he starts to enjoy himself more. I know it is great nursery, there is great leaders and they do lots of fun activities, sharing time, singing time, snacks and toys. I think I want to be in nursery!

Here is Colby after his nap from church. We decided to let baby Ethan in there and say good afternoon to his big brother. Colby loved it!

What studs.

Here I am, smooching my baby. I could kiss and cuddle with him all day long. I have to get my kisses in right now, to soon my time will be up when they start to say yuck.

p.s. Of course, on the weekend, which is officially Darrin Duty( Darrin is a great husband and takes the night shift on weeknights until the babe sleeps through the night, this way I can get some sleep and am a WAY happier wife!) Ethan slept through the whole night. I think it still might take a few more weeks before it is officially everynight but I hope we are close. Wish us luck!

Brotherly Love

2010-01-26T17:59:00.000-08:00

Ethan gets so much love and attention. Colby is always wanting to help. He loves to hold the baby, wake the baby up, he even gets the bulb thing and tries getting the snot out of babies nose. Colby also helps burp the baby after he eats, and loves to say good morning to baby while baby is still asleep. If anything this kid LOVES his baby brother too much. :) I am glad Colby has accepted his brother with so much love. Baby Ethan gets lots of kisses from Colby.

Boys being boys

2010-01-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

Colby has started to realize what a video game is. I really thought I had a longer time frame, boy, was I wrong. I don't mind a little boy time.
He has also discovered the art of melting my heart. Colby is in the cutest stage, don't get me wrong- he can be a handful but with his killer personality it's hard to stay mad.
He has also discovered his smile, he is not camera shy!
What a STUD!

Christmas Vaca

2010-01-26T16:10:00.000-08:00

Darrin and I were fortunate enough to take 2 weeks off at Christmas time. We decided to spend the whole time in Utah with Darrin's family. I have to say it was so nice to have Darrin help me get used to having two kids at home. Of course, it was nice having all of the help from family. Thanks!!!! I had a great time in Utah and realized how much I think Utah is my home town just like Idaho. I miss being so close to family. Over Christmas Grandma Craner was able to hang out there the whole Christmas holiday. That was only the second time meeting her, I have a hard time talking and feeling comfortable around others I don't know, but she was great to talk too. She has such a great personality and she is funny. I loved getting to know my Grandma better. Anyone who knows me knows I love hearing stories from their live, she had tons. I was in heaven.

Here is Ethan, he is now the youngest of the Craner Clan so he played baby Jesus on Christmas Eve.

New Arrival

2009-12-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce the arrival of Ethan Gabriel Craner. He arrived Friday the 4th at 6:15 a.m.

My Story;
I went to the hospital on the 3rd READY to be induced. They got me right in and hooked me up to the monitors, once monitored for an hour the charts showed I was already having contractions. ( I just thought it was braxton hicks) The doctor decided to start with the cervadel instead of using pitosin. Once they started the gel I would have to wait 12 hours then they were going to do another 12 hour round if nothing happened and then the pitosen. I was not so happy about going this route. I wanted my baby that day. By 9 that night my contractions were coming every 2-3 minutes and still little progress. Finally at about midnight my contractions were really hurting and when they checked I was still not dilated or effaced. By this point I was not in a good mood, I was in a ton of pain and they wouldn't give me an epidural until I was a 3. I spent the next three hours crying and praying that I would be dilated. Finally 3 am rolled around and my prayers were answered I was at lucky number 3. I was than wheeled into the nice spacious delivery room, the room we were in should be called a closet. At this point I was in a ton of pain, throwing up and waiting on my epidural. A little after 4 he arrived, I was nervous because they make the husbands leave during the procedure, I would have liked to have Darrin by my side to help calm me down during my contractions. That needle is a little nerve racking. After the anesthesiologist finished I told the nurse I was feeling tons of pressure and that she should have another look. I was an 8! I knew I should have received my drugs sooner! After that the nurse barely had enough time to get Darrin back to my room and get my room ready.
I was happy with the delivery, everything went quite smoothly. This labor was a hundred times better. I am currently enjoying my mommy and husband who are taking great care of myself, the baby and Colby.

Our First Christmas Tree

2009-11-28T21:36:00.001-08:00

This is our first Christmas tree! This might sound a little silly but seeing our tree decorated makes me feel like Darrin and I are more of a family. It is fun starting our own family traditions. I had a great time today decorating the tree with my hubby.

Official Induction Date

2009-11-25T19:10:00.000-08:00

Yeah! I thought this day would never come fast enough but it has finally arrived. My Ob Doc finally was able to give me an official Induction date- December 3!!!! I knew from the beginning that I would be scheduled for an early induction but my doctor has never given me an official okay until today. I feel so relieved and happy right now. I will be able to be induced a week early which will be much needed. My last ultrasound showed that Ethan was already 6 1/2 pounds so by the time I get induced I should have a 7 1/2 -8 pound bundle of joy. A much more managable size. I am so ready to be done with being pregnant. I respect all girls who can have multiple pregnancy's in a row. This one has finished me, I am exhausted and can't wait not to be pregnant. I will take having two kids close together any day of the week than being pregnant. SO EXCITED! The end is finally insight. Yeah!

Disneyland-Trick or Treat

2009-10-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

Darrin's family has been in town the last few weekends visiting Disneyland, oh wait I mean us. JK. I am impressed at how much we were able to see them during there down time from Disney. We had a great time being able to see family and hanging out with the Craner clan.
The Craners are Disney experts and little did I know but Disneyland has Trick or treating at California Adventure. They close down the park and have Trick or Treat booths throughout the park, it is also nice because no one is there except the people who bought the special Halloween tickets. It was super enjoyable. I thought that it would be fun but Colby wouldn't really understand, oh let me tell you. He is way smarter than I thought. He knew exactly what to do, he loved holding his trick or treat bag and going around getting candy. He had a blast. Darrin and I had a great time watching him. He is just so dang cute in his little monkey costume.

Balboa Point

2009-10-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

We headed down to our friends house to watch the BYU game only to find out that it wasn't on the station we thought so we decided to go swimming instead. We all had a blast. I was impressed at how much Darrin enjoyed playing in the sand:)

Mom is a'needed

2009-10-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

So, while in Boise, I discovered that your mother is needed at all times during pregnancy. With hormones galore I should have just stayed up there the last 4 months of pregnancy. I should say if crazy pregnancy hormones were rated on a scale of 1-10 I think I would have been a 10 or even an 11. With that said I am now for the most part a 5, so doing much better. I do have new found respect for anyone that lives away from family or their mommy especially during pregnancy or just raising little kids. I will say crying helps because then my parents get to see me more. :) Haha.
I had a blast in Boise. Good thing I am pregnant because all of my mom's wonderful cooking and my favorite joints to eat at did not help the scale much but of course well worth every bite. Yum, Yum. Colby and I had a blast getting spoiled and loved every second of it.

Colby was able to play in the cockpit on our flight home. He loved pretend flying. The captain was super nice and was letting him hit buttons that made missile sounds and lots of cool things like that.

Our little chow monster

2009-09-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

These pictures describe our little guy the best. He just loves to chow down. Food, food and yep more food. I seriously can't believe how much this kid can keep down. I don't know how we will afford this kid and Ethan. How did Penny and Greg do it with all those boys?

After he loves his yummy food, he must sleep.

Taking the small things for granted

2009-08-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

Moving to California has been a great experience for me and a really tough one. I have always lived with or close to family. I was so comfortable always relying on family that I never had to reach far from my comfort zone. When I moved here everything changed. I knew I wouldn't have any family and that it was going to be rough. Luckily we stayed with a great family until we found an apartment which put us into a great ward. I don't think I could have made it here this long without the ward that we have. The girls in my ward have been so great. It is becoming our California family. I have never been the outgoing type or comfortable calling others to hang out but the friends I have made in the ward have made it so easy and they all have been so sweet. It can get lonely talking to a toddler all day- it has been so nice to have park day, hang out, do activities together and trade babysitting or for dates. Just want to say thanks for making a really tough situation easier.

P.S. This message does not mean that blood related family should feel like they are getting off the hook. I love visitors. Please come visit! We miss u! Honestly- how can you turn a face like that down?

Canada Fun

2009-08-17T21:49:00.001-07:00

My Man

2009-07-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

We went to Lake Powell this summer, I have fallen in love with this place. I love how peaceful it is to be away and how gorgeous it is. My mom and sister were so sweet and watched Colby for us while we went and played. I have to say it was SUPER hard to leave Colby for the first time but I shouldn't have worried because he was in great care and probably had way for fun with them!

This is my favorite picture of the trip. I love taking pictures of Darrin as he wakeboards. He decided to be funny and pose for me, I can't believe he looks so nonchalant. Darrin is probably going to be embarrased that I put this picture up but I LOVE it.:)

Always a First

2009-07-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

Oops, sometimes a first for somethings are not so good. So, here goes-We were getting ready for church and he was clinging on to my legs making it very difficult to get ready. In the final attempt to leave, Colby started grabbing my legs again. This time I took his hands off of my legs, as he was letting go his body went limp and his head hit my high heel, yeah the shoes that was on my foot- It must have have been the perfect angle. All of a sudden Colby started crying pretty hard, I thought he was just wanting more attention so I didn't feel that bad. About 30 seconds later his cheek and eye was turning black and blue. : ( Needless to say, I felt pretty stupid. I am glad he is okay and I hope he never gets any more shiners.

I also never get mad when he wants to hang on my leg, he can do it all day long!

Darrin and Colby playin at Newport Beach

2009-07-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

Colby and I have been going to the park since he has been born and now that he likes to run free he is discovering the sand from the playground. He loves the sand. We decided to take Colby to the beach because this time we new he would not just love the water but also the sand. He had a great time playing.

Here comes #2

2009-07-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

This pregnancy now seems real, Darrin and I found out yesterday that we will be having a BOY! We are both getting very excited.

Colby at Play

2009-06-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

Here is Colby playing on his new toy- the treadmill. He loves climbing all over this thing and he is finally teething and sticking anything he can find in his mouth.

Pictures of Colbys First Year

2009-05-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Colby turns 1

2009-05-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Colby

Happy 1st Birthday! I cannot believe you are already one.
I know you will read this when you are older and won’t remember being one but I want you to know what a great year we have had. I will admit, it started out a little shaky. I hated being pregnant and even more I hated delivering you, it was rough but looking back it was worth all of the pain and the weight I put on.
The minute you were laid in my arms, you melted my heart and I will keep on loving you, forever.
First off, you are an amazing baby. You have always been a great sleeper and you will eat anything! Yes, I mean anything I put in front of you.
I feel like right now we are best buddies, and I couldn’t love anything more. I love how you follow my every step and how you must always be by my side. You make me feel so loved and special. I love how you are 100% a mommas boy, and I know it might not be fair to Darrin but I don’t want our bond to ever change. I feel like I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect baby. Darrin works super hard at his job so that I can be with you during the day and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I love that I am able to raise you without the help of daycare.
Here are some of my favorite things about you; you are a cuddler, 100%, I love it because so am I, I love how wide you open your mouth for every bite of food, I love how you growl as a way of communicating and that you do head stands all the time, I love your expression when you are trying to concentrate, I love how you stick all of the gold fish in your mouth at once, I love your curly hair and how much you have become a water baby.
Those are just a few of the hundreds of things I love about you. Most of all I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU and I LOVE YOU.

Love
Mommy

Why on earth am I pregnant?

2009-05-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

This first trimester is HORRIBLE! I want Colby to have a sibling close in age but I have to say I am seriously considering being done with 2! Being pregnant is so hard. I know it is quite silly to complain about pregnancy because it is supposed to be a wonderful thing but boy do I have a hard time with it. I need to start being the type of person that looks at my cup and says it is half full- instead of how I perceive it.
I must say Darrin has been great! He has putting in long hours at work, plus he is doing side jobs so lately I feel like I don't have a husband. I know he is works hard for Colby and I but sometimes he is so sweet to me, I can't help but feel horrible! Especially right now, he comes home and the house is still a disaster! I can't stand the dishes or making any type of food and I take a nap every day- I am just so tired all the time. I hope this only lasts a few more weeks if that!

What do you all do to help make the first trimester go by easier? What snacks do you eat and how do you get more energy?

Why can they be such stinkers?

2009-04-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today, I finally did it, I had to leave Colby in his room. I had to just let him cry. He hasn't even been totally bad, just everything built and all came crashing down, today. Today has been one of my busiest days in a long time, I had to finish my visiting teaching, have to still clean my entire house(an old friend is coming to visit), and I have been cooking and going to the store to get ready for Pine Wood Derby tonight. ( Which I also forgot to grab the chips and am still dreading going back)

Colby has NOT been a little helper today. I have been gagging all day (pregnant), which does not help when the little guy had the worst diaper today, and was squirming around and laughing while trying to change him. Next, he gets into my glue, I thought I put it in a safe place, nope! Next he just has been fussing and fussing and more fussing, all DAY!!!!!!!! Of course he is always at my side, he is stalking me. Today, has been crazy. I finally just had to put him down while I relaxed! So I am blog venting! He did not like going to sleep when it is clearly not his nap or bed time but he is going to have to stay in that crib for an hour. I need to calm down, before I see his cute face.

Am I like the only person that has had to do this? I am feeling like a pretty bad mom right now? I have never done this before.

I hate not having family here, if I did, mom you would have had to watch him all day long!! :)

AHHHHHHHHH! Why us?

2009-04-26T13:27:00.001-07:00

That is how I feel! I am starting to really dislike where I live. We are having horrible luck with our neiboring apartments. Until recently I have enjoyed being able to live in a nice apartment where it is gated and clean, I feel safe because of these things which is HUGE for me. I need to feel safe and I am starting not to. For a few months ou\ neighbors across the way from us would have parties every night! Yep, like every night. They were young immature kids. I would wake up to see piles of beer cans in their garage. Darrin had to yell out the window like 10 times to make them be quiet. Finally there was a huge fight that started up like at 1 in the morning, it was so bad that I had to dial 911. Beer bottles were broken, someone wanted to run someone over, another person got knocked unconsious and lay on the pavement. It was crazy! Luckily, they got kicked out the next business day. We thought bad neighbors wore gone, nope. Last night we woke up to another huge party at 1 in the morning, this time they were out passing a bong around on their balcony! Darrin again had to go out on our deck, and tell them that we see what they are doing, he told them to go inside and not to wake us up or he would do something about it. They didn't even try denying what they were doing. We totally caught them! Last of all, our one neighbors sharing a wall with us, is a single mom who CAN NOT control her child. He runs around screaming and punching walls. Plus we have to park our car right next to her and she can't park so I have to try and squeeze Colby into our car, it's not easy having a huge car seat!!!
I don't know what to do, I don't want to move plus if we move to another apartment I am sure that it would be just as bad or worst than ours! A great place to visit, not the best to live.

Car Consequences of the Economy

2009-04-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

I thought Darrin was going to post this one, but instead it is me again. Lately he has been on a "lets fix up our cars" kick. I have no problem with this, it is hard enough for me to vacuum or wash my car once a year, I think this idea is great! Our lovely 4 runner is a great car, it is a 93 which means it is getting up there in age but we can't complain because we have never had any major issues with it. A few weeks back I was driving it and it died in the middle of an intersection. I didn't know what to do, I was freaking out. I couldn't push the car myself. As I was frantically redialing Darrin's phone by the tenth time I had some fellow drivers stop to help push me out of the way. As they were almost done Darrin showed up to help. He towed the car back to the shop and with the help of some work buddies they concluded that is was the radiator . It cost 250 bucks but well worth it if my car started to work. I was quite impressed, he and Bryan installed it together, which I am sure saved us a lot of money. Well, as Darrin started up the car he made it a block and it stopped working, again. Now I was super distraught. We don't have the money for a new car and plus we just spent a lot to fix it. (for us it's a lot) I was super sad and very frustrated that our car wasn't working. Later that night we went back and Darrin put some more coolant in it and Woolah, it worked. YEAH!!! He is my hero. No more tears.
But then comes the BMW. Our rear passenger window motor went out over a year ago. It was so broken that any one could walk up to the car and push the window down with their hands. Whenever we would get on the freeway it would slowly creep down and the car would get louder and louder the longer we were driving until we could pull over and push it back up. Oh yeah, we lived with this for a year. Darrin finally decided to do something about it and we ordered a new motor from my fathers work. The day that it arrived Darrin decided that he needed to replace the motor himself. With the help of Google search he was able to take the entire door apart, remove the glass, replace the motor, and put it all back together. Now, the window looks great and it saved us a ton of money.
Then a few days later the brake light came on in the BMW. So, brazen by his trial and error success with the 4runner's radiator and the BMW's window motor, he decided to change the brakes on that car by himself. Again, with the help of Google, the first wheel took him about two hours, but the last three took about twenty minutes a piece. But he finally got it all put back together and now the car is safe for me to drive....yeah, yeah and yeah!
While he was at Autozone getting the parts for his "Autopian Adventures" he found a kit that advertises head light restoration. The BMW is also getting to be a somewhat of a geriatric and the headlights were looking pretty bad. They were foggy and yellowing which looked horrible. So, he decided to try the kit out, and let me tell you, it was amazing the difference this little $19 kit made. Our headlights look brand new and it changed the whole look of the car.
By this point Darrin is thinking he is pretty hot stuff when it come to cars, so he has decided to start changing stuff on the interiors. He started re-sewing the steering wheel of the BMW, and refinishing the leather on the steering wheel so that it did not look faded and feel all rough, he moved the iPod connector to a more central location, replacing the unused phone jack in the center console and moving the stereo face to a better location on the dash. Well, the interior is only half way done and right now I have NO stereo and the center console is in pieces in the garage. I guess it is a work in progress, but I will be glad when it is over. I do have a picture of the before and after on the headlights, it looks pretty good.

Take a Wild Guess?

2009-04-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

So, what is going on with the Craners? I bet you could guess a hundred things and not get it right, so I might as well come out and say it. I am now on baby #2!!!!!!!!!!! I must not have been remembering what pregnancy is like and what labor is like but it's to late now. The baby is due in the middle of December. I think it is hard for me to get used to the idea that we will have two kids. I am so used to Colby that I can't imagine what life will be like with another kid. It's like WOW now we are going to be considered a family. Just wanted to share the craziness of the Craners:)

Sugar Cookies

2009-04-15T11:01:00.002-07:00

First off, I hate making sugar cookies. Well, at least the ones where you have to chill the dough and roll out. I can't believe how much work it takes. Anyways, Rachel a sweet girl from my ward is super talented at cake decorating. I have enlisted her to help me be creative. A couple weeks ago we made sugar cookies with royal icing. This takes SO long! I have already learned a lot just from the 3 hours it took to decorate them. I should have taken some pictures of the first ones I made and compared them to the last ones. Huge difference! We both had a great time, hopefully I will one day try making them again once I have recovered!

Boise Fun

2009-04-03T16:42:00.001-07:00

My parents were so sweet and flew me to Boise Colby and I had a great week of fun, we had a great time. I learned some fun new games( also learned NEVER to play Ticket to Ride with Spencer and Juliann- they crushed me), caught up with my siblings and got lots of extra helping hands.

Swimmin' Time

2009-03-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

The weather has been a little chilly, even for California. This week my luck changed....this whole week it will be in the mid 70's, which is the perfect temperature. The funny thing is, we have been going to the hot tub and pool for the last month and no one else goes. I think everyone here thinks it is still to cold, they are nuts! It's perfect here! I do wish we lived on a lake, oh well. Here we are playing in the pool.

All Clean!

2009-03-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

Colby loves his milk!

2009-03-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

Really, do I need to say more!

My Sweet Valentine

2009-02-15T22:55:00.000-08:00

Darrin and I decided to spend the evening at home for the big day. We had been playing all week with Darrin's parents and his sisters family so we wanted to have a relaxing evening. Our good friends Kathryn and Bryan watched Colby for us so we could get some needed time to gather supplies. We both love to cook, when I am home during the day HGTV and the Food network are always on! I am learning a lot from all of the cooking shows. We decided to put those skills to use and have a romantic dinner for two. We had a great time, we set the table ( coffee table- for some reason we always eat on it, instead of our actual table! ) for dinner we had sparkling cider, an asian salad, scalloped potatoes and filet for me and rib eye for Darrin! It was delicious! We had a great time cooking and spending time together!

You Win!

2009-02-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

Now you too can be a winner like me! Thanks Aubrey! Lucky you!

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog.The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment will win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

Colby's latest Tricks

2009-02-02T19:26:00.000-08:00

Colby loving the first time being in a swing. He is so relaxed and loving life. My favorite thing that Colby does is his headstand. He will crawl a little, do a head stand, crawl a little more do another-It's the cutest thing in the world!

Play Time

2009-02-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

Last week my mommy was able to spend the weekend with us. I just loved having here here. No, it's not just because she woke up with Colby every morning- that was just a BIG plus! We where able to explore Rancho, visit some fun shops and we went hot tubbing every night. I had a blast! On Saturday we went back down to Laguna and found a great beach called Treasure Island- it's situated right by a super swanky resort. This is now my new favorite beach.

Laguna Beach

2009-01-10T22:15:00.000-08:00

We decided to explore Laguna Beach. This weekend was the first time we ventured there. Laguna is gorgeous. Now that everything is getting green again it even prettier. The hills are right by the beach and it is gorgeous with all of the houses and quaint little shops. We were able to find some great beaches that we will be excited to show family and friends when they come visit. Today it was 78. The temperature was perfect and after a week of having a sick baby it was nice that Colby was in such a great mood. We love exploring and trying out new areas.

Daddy's Boy

2009-01-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of my boys playing on Dads lunch break. I'm so thankful that we found a place so close to his work, we love when he comes and visits us during the day. I love seeing Colby light up when his dad comes home. Colby is becoming a daddy's boy. He is all smiles and giggles when Darrin is around. The other day Colby started crawling towards Darrin as he left the room when I was right there playing by his side. I must have trained him wrong! :)
Colby now has started talking, no not real words but he loves talking. After he eats he sits on the floor and entertains himself for at least 10 minutes with himself talking. The only real thing he says that is "Dada" he loves that word. Now I know all those nights of whispering mama ended up not working.

SALSA PICANTE

2008-12-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

Darrin and I received a fabulous Christmas gift- a Bosch! With that said we have been using it the last few days. Darrin got ingredients to make super hot salsa-there was like 15 crazy looking peppers that I have never even seen. Just to paint you a picture of the upcoming scene-our kitchen and living area are in the same vicinity, there are no walls dividing the two areas. Darrin was making his salsa and I went to the kitchen to make some dinner and about 10 seconds later I started having a horrible coughing attack (not from a sudden onslaught of the flue) the peppers from being cooked on the stove made the air super thick and made for "spicy air" I don't know how to describe it. I couldn't breathe. My shirt was up over my face to cover my nose and mouth for most of the night. Darrin even had to bring up our huge fan to start airing out our place. He was even having coughing attacks. This has never happened before, I can not believe he could even eat the salsa that we couldn't even breathe in. He is insane! The air was so thick from the peppers cooking that it hurt to breathe. I can't believe any person can eat salsa that almost kills you to make!!

Splish, Splash....

2008-12-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

Grandma thought of the best thing in the world, I figured not to bathe Colby and be lazy so my mom would offer to bathe him everyday for me. She gave him a bath in the sink! I thought it was crazy, I have never done that, he is always in the bath tub for his baths. He fell in love with the sink. He sits up so he can splash around and it is the perfect size for him. This way it is way more secure so he does not fall over. He loved him bath time. Thanks Grandma!!! Also, ever since Colby was born he has been a morning boy. Darrin and I are not but he loves waking up early. I have taught him to stay asleep until 7 but I would love just one more hour, not happening. But I really can't complain he is a great kid, if that is his only downside I can handle that. The best is Granpda is a morning person so everymorning I would walk upstairs like a zombie and grandpa could play with him in the morning. They had great fun, he loves his grandparents!

P.S. He can hold his own bottle! That is the best news ever. I have so much freedom! Also he had his six month checkup and he is 99% in his height and his noggin and 87% in his weight! He is so adorable, just like his daddy!!

Thanksgiving Fun

2008-12-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I love Thanksgiving, it is nice being with family and playing games, eating tons of yummy food and of course carying on the fam tradition of Thanksgiving bowling. Every time I go to Boise I have to go to my favorite food joints. The first is Mrs. Powells cinnamon rolls. NO ONE makes them as good. Someday I want to work there just so I can learn the recipe. The dough is so light and airy- delicious! Second, Westside Drive In, a great chef decided to ditch the 4 or 5 star restaurant he owned and opened a gourmet drive through. I always get a #7- gardenburger combo. Seriously, everything on that menu is divine. My thrid fav is Idaho Pizza Co. - my dad found this place. I remember going there with him all the time when I worked with him at Peterson's. There salad bar is amazing and they have great pizza. The flavoring is awesome. Food, food, food! If anyone is heading to Boise you will have to try these out!

P.S. Some of my hair must have fallen out during my pregnancy because now I have these annoying baby hairs that are growing in. Did that happen to any one else?

Cute New Shoes

2008-11-16T21:11:00.000-08:00

I never put shoes on Colby, I think because I don't like shoes I never put them on him. I found these for 3 bucks so I decided to start letting him wear shoes. Here he is diggin' his new tennies.

Scariest Moment Ever!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

We were standing on our ward's main corner, holding signs, letting all the cars now where we stand and reminding them to vote Yes on Prop 8. Normally the Yes crowd has 3 corners and a couple No voters stand on a different corner- tonight we stood at the same corner. Everything was going normal, people are either happy and give a thumbs up, honking like crazy for us or they give a different finger and drive by saying mean things. No big deal, we are used to this. Darrin decides to go stand on another corner with others waving signs while I stayed on the main corner with Colby. On the main corner there is about 20 Yes sign holders and about 8 No sign holders. The Yes sign holders are spread out on all sides of the corner and the No sign holders are in the middle. Yes, it is uncomfortable to be a few feet away from someone who has a different view but everyone is as respectful as they can be.

About an hour into this, a guy shows up late 20's and starts swearing up a storm. He is using the f bomb in so many ways I didn't know what to think of him. He comes up and starts to shove some of the Yes signs out of peoples hands and rips others up. Next, he goes to the No's and starts cussing them out and while doing that he shoves one of the No sign holders so hard that this kid falls backwards on to his back. We are standing on concrete, it looked like it really hurt. Now everyone is dumbfounded are starting to get really scared. All of the guys are trying to tell this guy to calm down, while doing this he shoves one of the Yes guys into the street where cars were driving. Luckily no cars hit him, they all slammed on their breaks. The guy who shoved him looked like he was going to kick him and than a whole bunch of guys were grabbing at this guy and trying to hold him back. Luckily no one was hurt! Everyone was so confused by this guy; he didn't even have a specific side he was upset with. After this happened we were waiting on the police to get down here and figure all of this out while the guys were watching this guy so he doesn't get away. While all eyes were on this guy Darrin ran over and saw the drunk guy's friend back in the background with a switchblade, and kept flashing it like deciding if he was going to use it. Darrin seemed to be the only person who saw the knife so he kept an eye on him until the police showed up. The police took a while to show up so when they got there the cops went for the drunk guy first. Darrin saw the guy with the knife start walking away so he grabbed one of the officers and they ran after him. Once they caught up to him he threw the guy on the ground and started to cuff him. It turns out that the guy must have hid the knife somewhere so the cops could not find it. The cops then took the two guys away and we eventually went home. It turned out to be one of the scariest things ever. Crazy! Even though this was the craziest thing I have ever witnessed I'm thankful that it didn't get so out of hand that someone got hurt. I am glad everyone was okay! All I can say is ONE more day!

Man Bonding....

2008-10-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

Colby has the best seat in the house!

Update on Prop 8

2008-10-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Here is an article we received on Monday written by Frank Schubert. He is the Campaign Manager for Yes on 8.

"Gay activists held a fundraiser on Tuesday night at billionaire liberal Ron Burkle's mansion in Beverly Hills where they raised an astonishing $3.9 million. Even as guests were being entertained by Barbra Streisand, Melissa Etheridge and Mary J. Blige, No on 8 operatives were busy launching a sneak attack on the institution of marriage. They began dumping $3 million into television commercials this week alone. That is on top of the nearly $4 million in air time they already had purchased for this week, meaning they are spending an unbelievable $7 million on air time this week alone!

In the middle of the night last night, they began airing a new commercial featuring liberal Democrat Jack O'Connell, the California Superintendent of Public Instruction, designed to trick voters into thinking that gay marriage won't be taught in California public schools. The No on 8 campaign realizes that this is their Achilles heel, and they are going to say and do whatever
they need to in order to confuse and trick voters.

O'Connell slyly but shamelessly misrepresents the law, saying that California does not "require" that anything about marriage be taught in public schools. What he doesn't say is that his own Department of Education reports that 96% of schools DO TEACH the courses that include marriage. The Supreme Court's legalization of gay marriage unquestionably means that young children will be exposed to gay marriage in school, just as they are in Massachusetts."

After receiving this email we realized that our campaign needed more help. Thanks to a great family and awesome friends -WE DID IT! Our Campaign was able to exceed their goal of much needed donations. The money is being used to pay for commercials this week. Thanks everyone for making this possible!!!

Vote YES on Prop 8

2008-10-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

One week until the upcoming 2008 election. The biggest concern for us Californians is Prop 8. Voting YES on Prop 8 restores and protects a traditional marriage between a man and a woman. I have been making calls telling others to go out and vote. Today Darrin and I stood on a major street corner in Rancho holding signs and letting our fellow city folks know where we stand. We have both never felt more out of our comfort zone but we know we are doing the right thing. Some people on the opposing side have been behaving pretty poorly which makes this even harder to stand up for. I know as a mother I will move out of California before someone teaches that being gay is okay to my child. This is not an environment I want Colby or any child in. I do not need teachers telling children that this is appropriate. We are asking for everyones help, you can donate money at www.ProtectMarriage.com or call friends and family who live in California to please vote Yes on Prop 8.

Colby's first Halloween!

2008-10-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

After many debates on the costume that us "Stage Parents" were going to parade our 5 month old child as for Halloween this year, (Baseball Player, Charlie Brown, Sumo Wrestler, Etc.) we came across this little beauty at Downtown Disney. We have yet to teach him how to throw "Hang Loose" signs and talk like a red eyed surfer type with the munchies, but we thought that this was pretty cool anyways.

Stressed? My work has ways of dealing with that.

2008-10-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Many people don't know that glass is extremely strong on the face but fragile on the sides. Most of the glass that we use at D&R is 1/2" thick ( Residential glass is typically 1/8"). 1/2" glass is so strong that you can throw a rock at the face and it will most likely bounce off and only leave a mark. But as you can see in the video, the slightest tap on the corner and the glass (tempered) explodes. This is a 100 SQFT piece of glass that costs thousands of dollars, it was rejected from an Apple job because of a few scratches (left by other people).

Candice and Kayles Wedding

2008-10-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

Candice got hitched! My sister was married to Kayle in the Boise temple. Colby and I were able to fly to there a few days early. We had a blast partying the entire week. I also got to eat at my 2 favorite joints Idaho Pizza Co. and Westside Drive-In. Yummmmmmy! Colby finally met his Miller cousins for the first time. There is 4 now, I don't think the Miller side will come close to the Craner clan. :) Benson is only two months older than Colby- they look the same age and are both soooo handsome. Back to the week-here is some of the fun stuff I was able to do with the fam. Candice flew in super late Tuesday night. We surprised her with a Cocoa candlelight party. We had the table decorated all fancy and used my moms good china. Also a good family friend had a bridal shower for her where she got lots of good stuff. On Friday we were able to get manicures and pedicures with the entire bridal party. We all had a great time and I was able to meet Kayles fam which I instantly fell in love with. Candice will fit in just fine. With the last one hitched I can now say the Millers landed with great in laws and are all very lucky for that.
Saturday was the big day. My grandpa traveled from Rexburg to perform the ceremony. Now he has sealed all four Miller children which has been a great experience. After the ceremony I was able to catch up with the fam at the luncheon which was great. I feel so out of the loop down here. One of my favorite parts about the week- Darrin and I got to decorate the hotel room. Hahaha.(evil laughter) Hopefully they forgive us. :) There was definitely some surprises. (giggle) All in all we had a great time. Darrin was the DJ at the reception and did an awesome job. Most importantly Candice looked gorgeous for her wedding! The newlyweds are doing great!!!!!