To Be Resolute

So, on Sunday I gave a talk at church on resolutions. I am not a big resolution maker.  I tend to always lose motivations and focus.  I start reading other peoples blogs or looking a their pinterest boards and feel an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. I am not sure why I find it so hard to be content with who I am and the contributions that I have to make to the world.  It is impossible to be in this time of year with our thinking of these things. Where am I going? Is my life headed in the direction that I want it to go?  Am I becoming the person the Lord intended me to be?

Anyways I digress... RESOLUTIONS.... that words is kind of heavy, I prefer goals.  But, because "Goals that are not written are just wishes." I thought I would put a few things in writing.

So, the first and most important goal for me that I learn to parent my children with out raising my voice. I yell at my children often. I taught huge classes of 1st and Kindergarteners for years and never raised my voice. Yet three loud and rambunctious little boys can make me turn into a growling bear, at a futile attempt to "control and correct them." I have a lot of plans as to how I am going to put this goal into action.

Second is a financial one....it can be summed up in one word: Quickbooks

Lastly I have a short list of things I would love to accomplish:
Make someones life better
Make something beautiful
Enjoy something special with each of my children
See something new
Learn something new
Meet someone new
Do something just for me
Do something just for Logan

OK maybe not such a short list, but hay we have to set lofty goals and aim high. 

The Highlights - The Kids

2012 Had many memorable moments....I guess I will just run down the list from bottom to top. The are all still at home with us everyday and so little that playing is what they do best.

Kendall - Born in February a week late and at a whooping 9.7 pound she was ready for the world.  She was and remains the sweetest baby we have had.  It might be that she is dressed in purple from head to toe most days, but who knows. When she was a bout 3 months it became apparent that she was not making her milestones.  So, we took her to see the doctor who referred us to a specialist. To keep this post reasonably short, I will leave Kendall's issues for another day and another discussion.

Matthew - He has more energy than any boy should have in one body. We are pretty sure that he is going to go to college with the "quack-quack".  He love all things that are ball and all things ducks. Maybe he will play ball one day for the UofO. This year he had his adenoids out and he is finally sleeping through the night. That was an ordeal as 2-year olds just do not reason well when they are in pain.






Andrew - Dinosaurs...if Andrews life could be summed up in one word it would be dinosaurs. He wears dino clothes everyday, sleeps with dinosaurs, everything that has a dino on it belongs to him. He loves all things Dinosaur.  He has a very sensitive souls and is learning how to get his feels hurt less. He loves his sisters so much and always wants to be near her.

Aaron - Hard to believe that my "baby" turned 5 this year! He is doing lots of amazing work in learning and growing. He is still not a fain of "formal" school, but I can usually get creative enough to make if fun.  He like traveling and trying new things. He has his dad's spirit of adventure and my red personality.  A bit strong willed, but it is worth the work to see the little man his becoming.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Well, 2012 is behind us and on we move to 2013. I feel like there is so many wonderful things in store for our family.  I haven't blogged in a VERY long time.  But, I thought I would see how well I could do at writing a bit about our crazy life....Since our last post we have had another baby (yes, it is a girl :-), opened a second school and continued to live the crazy life.  Kendall was definitely the highlight of 2012!  Our little princess joined us in February.  She is amazing and challenging all in the same breath. So for now I have to sleep, but tomorrow I will tell you more about life and learning with all the munchkins!

Thankfullness

Gratitude is one of the fruits of the spirit that I tend to lack. I am usually a glass half empty kind of person, and I tend to see what has not been done, over all that has been accomplished. So, I thought I would list some of my blessings to remind myself, when I read back through this (yes, I am probably the only one that reads my blog :-), of how blessed I really am!

My BLESSINGS:

** My husband -

He is an amazing husband who loves me and supports me in all I want to do. He is a superb father and an amazing asset to our business.

** My Sons -


Each is so uniquely different and amazing. They bring so much joy and perspective to my life. I can not imagine what my life would be like with out each one of them.

** My knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ -

This is one of my most favorite images of the Savior.


Here is the quick of the rest of the list as I hear little voices:
** A Home to Build a Family In...I love our home :-)
** Modern Technology (Computers, Washing Machines and Phones (especially)
** Friends and Extended Family that bring Joy and adventure to my life.
** Girlfriends that remind to to lighten up and have fun.
** Day planners and calendars to reflect on how much we have accomplished
** Babysitters (Molly :-) That allow my husband and I to get out for a few hours.
** Good books that allow me to sneak away for a few hours (or minutes) to a new world.
** The movies that are made from books, so that I have an excuse to pay a huge price to go see a movie in the theater and hold hands with my husband.
** Big bath tubs!
** Good music that makes my heart joyful (and Youtube to have it free!)
** A business that is thriving and growing.
** Being with my children through all their milestones and helping them learn and grow.

I am sure I will think of more and add them soon!

Tuesdays and Finding Blessings

Have you ever noticed how blessings are sometimes hard to see when you are close, but with a little but of space (time) and perspective (wisdom), we can see blessings all around us. For example, I am only just now beginning to see Tuesday's as blessings in our families life. Logan has been Young Men's president now for over 8 months. Usually I would find Tuesday's to be my challenging days. It means me putting the boys to bed by myself and cleaning...etc. However, it also meant about 2 hours (more if he played basketball after :-) to do whatever I wanted. Do I use this time productively, well that is to be debated, but the idea is I have. I guess I am still working on being a glass half full person that seeing the blessing as they arrive. I really want to be that kind of person.

I am still working on my parenting perspective. I can not see the blessings in the screaming tantrums, the sleepless nights or potty training. The blessing is I guess that I have those issues to deal with at all. That means I have healthy, normal kids that have not BIG issues. But in the middle of the 50th tantrum of the day it can feel like everything is BIG! I am determined to find the blessings sooner than later. I have begun to write them down when they come to mind so I can remember that the Lord sends his grace and mercy everyday through little acts that bless our lives.

Thoughts

I will not try and "catch" up on what has been going on in our lives. TOO much has happened and I haven't written in oh so long. So, for the 3 people who might actually read this I will give a brief update.

Logan --> Is working away here in our school. He loves it and I will probably never be able to kick him out now :-) He has been serving as the YM president in the Spanish branch for about 8 months now. It does mean Sunday's are a little more challenging at the Crozier house, but it all works. He is working on taking classes in child development for our business.

Aaron --> Has nearly mastered potty training, is smart as whip and VERY active. (just a mommies opinion) He is always investigating and thinking, but he has the light-hearted nature of his father. He loves to laugh and be silly.

Andrew --> Just turned two! I can't believe how fast time flies. He is so articulate and can talk better than even Aaron could at this age. He is not the most patient of boys, but he thoughtful and LOVES!!! his little baby brother.

Matthew --> He is our most laid back and cheerful baby. He requires less sleep than the other boys, which can be frustrating. But, it is hard to be made with him when he is so happy.

Now me :-) I am working very hard this year in building a very successful and thriving business.
I have been taking a year long course (Sept. - Sept.) on building a childcare business. It is filled with so much information that I just fee so blessed. It is really nice to be in "school" again and to get a plan and a focus for our business. Doing all this while have three little people is rewarding and challenging. I remember my blessings everyday. Mostly that we spend everyday together as a family. I get to grow and learn and become a better person, wife and mother. What a blessing!!

I will post a couple of pictures of some of the fun things we have done since Matthew joined our family:



Lego Land :-) On our trip to Cali.

Petting Zoo at the Rose Festival

The beach on a COLD day in April

Matthew's blessing day!

Trip to Tillamook camping and the aviation museum.


More fun this summer and into Fall!

Schools Out....Let the summer Begin (Wait what is all this rain!!!)

Preschool was officially over on the Thursday before Memorial day, but it took us nearly 3 weeks to get a dry day to have the graduation and BBQ! But, finally we were able to have our first graduation. It was super fun with all the families. This has been a tremendous first year. We are so excited for next year. We have only one space to fill in the 4's class and a couple of day care spots! It is amazing to think of how fast our little school has grown.


Once school was out, I was ready to hit potty training full force. He still needs to be reminded to go...if he is playing or outside. #2 is a bit of a challenge, but I bribe him with mini candy bars and that seems to be a great incentive. We installed a really cool built in potty seat, which is easier to clean. We figure we will at this potty training thing for awhile


We had a fun time at the Rose Festival, although it rained and rained.




Now we are on the count down to our Utah/California trip...more on that to come.

Life Raising Three Boys

Life on Sunday was a prime example of how life can get just a little crazy sometimes. We woke up to find that Aaron had thrown up all over his bed. Logan had to sing in the choir at church and I had a lesson to teach in Relief Society. So, we decided that he would run to church and sing in the first hours, then drive home and switch cars with me for the third hour. Well, Sacrament was a special occasion as the current and past Stake presidents were speaking....so it went for 2 hours!!! He still made it home and than I made it to teach my lesson just in time. I than rushed home and we went out to my mom's house to celebrate my brother's birthday (45 minute drive). Had a great time for a couple of hours. Than headed home...thought everything was great....until Aaron proceeded to vomit all over the hallway! So, bathed and in bed there has been no further sign that the boys are sick. But it was one crazy day!

I really love raising these three little men. It is amazing how they take me by surprise. I tell my boys every time I get them dressed that they are "Handsome, Smart and Strong".... I started to tell Aaron on Monday...I said, "You are Handsome...and he interrupted and said..."and I am smart and strong and I obey my mother and father." I wanted to say "OH really ;-P" But I refrained and said, "You bet you do buddy!" Aren't toddlers that greatest!

Spring has Sprung

Spring has been such a fun time in the Crozier House....

At the Yamhill County Historic Festival. Aaron loved riding on all the old tractors and seeing the horses plow the fields.



We took a weekend and went to Tillmook. We took the boys to the air museum. It was o.k., but I wouldn't recommend it for the price. Not too many planes, and half the hanger is used for RV storage.


The brothers are really learning to love one another. Andrew is the most tender hearted. He gets very excited when ever Matthew wakes up and loves to give him kisses and hugs. He is a great big brother. Aaron is now to the age, where he can choose to be helpful, if he wants to :-)



Well, I really do intend to post more often. The time just seems to slip by me, or on the day I plan to do it, no one naps. I can not believe that Matthew is already 3 months old. Time is going so fast, I wish that I could slow it down a bit. I went to a mother's day weekend at the beach this last weekend and I took just Matthew with me. It was so wonderful to just spend time snuggling him and loving him. He is such a precious little man. He has such a cheerful disposition and a very calm temperament.



Well, the crew is waking up...but I will add more soon.

February Filled with Lovely Things

First of all....

MATTHEW!!!


Yes he finally came, two week late, but beautiful and wonderful. He arrived Saturday the 6th at 7:02 am. I didn't even have my first contraction until a little after 5:00. I waited about 45 minutes to call the midwife and our friend Ashley who came to stay with the boys, while mom was on here way here. We left the house at 6:00, and our midwife followed us, just in case I had the baby in the car. We arrived at the birthing center only 22 minutes before he was born. It was the best birth that I have had and I am never having another baby out of that water again. (Oh, by the way he was 9lb 4oz and had a 14.5 inch head!! He was our biggest baby by far!) Andaluz Water Birthing Center, where we had had him, was amazing. Logan calls it the "Baby Spa", probably because he wasn't doing the birthing :-) But, they really do pamper you! We were so blessed.

Logan's mom was here from the 30 -12 and it was so perfect to have her her to share this special time with us. Aaron loved spending time with grandma, and I was able to transition into having three little ones with a little help from an expert.

Because we had taken the month of January off of preschool (expecting Matthew), we started back with classes the week before he even came!! It was a lot of work, but I think that it kept us focused and organized.

We are so thankful for our growing family! We blessed Matthew on the 28th of February.


We took a great trip to the beach on the last weekend of February. It was sunny and chilly as only the Oregon Coast can be :-)

Some of the Things we do :-)

I don't post here often, as it is kind of more of a "site in waiting" for when the boys are a bit older and we are in the full home school swing of things. However, I thought I would post a few of things we do everyday that are part of our schooling life :-)


We build forts !!


We visit farms and look at chickens :-)



We visit farms and piggy back with daddy.


We read and read and read.


We play outside in snow, rain and oh yeah sunshine.


Our day basically goes like this...
7:00 Wake-up, get dressed and get ready
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 - 10:00 I call it "structured learning time" Mostly it just means things that mommy has made for us to do -- Scripture Activities, reading, coloring, play dough, Spanish and numbers and letter....everyday is an adventure
10:00 Snack
10:30 - 12:30 PLAY :-) (These are basically our free centers everyday....we have upstairs and downstairs activities....dramatic play, blocks, cars, train set, tractor set, writing table, sensory table, play dough...etc.)
12:30 Lunch
1:00 - 3:30 Nap time (Yes everyone take a nap)
3:30 - too dark...OUTSIDE
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Scriptures, songs and bed

OK so that is our day...very busy, but very fun! Right now I have 7 kids that join us for "preschool" on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It is great, because it gives Aaron a chance to socialize with other kids and he really love that. All and all I think he is having fun learning and that is what counts!

Januray

O.K. I thought I would drop a quick update while my two cuties are actually playing quietly together in the living room. The train table is still a huge hit and has amassed hours of enjoyment.

BABY NEWS --> No baby yet...I am now 39 weeks pregnant! I have never made it this far. I am hoping for a VERY healthy baby, seeing as he has had nearly a month longer then this brothers to bake. I really can not complain as this pregnancy has been fairly easy (aside from my completely irrational emotional outbursts :-) Really, I never had morning sickness this time, I didn't gain TONS of water like with Andrew, and no bed rest. Truly I have been blessed. I am convinced it is because Heavenly Father knows my limits and didn't want to push it seeing as I will have 3 boys in 3o months!

THE BOYS --> We had a little snow a couple of weeks ago and I though back to just one year ago when we were snowed it....How time flies!

Last year (17 months) ............ This year (2 years 5 months)


Last year (6 weeks) ............. This year (14.5 months)

I love to see how they grow and grow!!!

MOMMY & DADDY --> I am just playing the waiting game! I still have daycare children, but the preschool is on a break (Because I really though the baby would come in December :-) Preschool starts back up in February, so it will be a busy month if little man decides to join our family late. Logan is in the home stretch with school. He has only 6 classes left and will graduate with his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management on the 27th of June!!! I am so excited for him. He continues to work for the Census and it is really loves what he is doing.


.....more to follow when our little man joins the outside world :-)