Our Grand Adventure

My Cup's Half Full

2010-04-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

More Wet than Dry, More Playing than Fighting,

More Running than Walking!

So we started swim lessons a couple of weeks back. I was so nervous as Beth doesn't even like to get her hair washed. She did amazing! I marveled at the first lesson - they spent 1/2 an hour simply splashing each other - and learning techniques such as wiping your own eyes - Brilliant! It got me to thinking....I spent most of Spring Break saying, now Beth don't splash me, please don't splash, grown-ups don't like to be splashed. What message was I sending? It has me thinking about other things I do and the messages they may send. Could I ever really teach her to love water - if I refused to let her explore as kids need. Simplicity!

You can see how proud she was of herself! Mommy of course was too - I was amazed she was more wet than dry...I don't think she has ever been this wet - and still smiling!

Go Beth!

I have been noticing lately how much fun the girls have been having together. Yes they still have the occasional sharing match - and the yelling and tugging starts! More often than not, they have been playing so nicely together!

I caught them playing tea party with their animals! I love simple moments of sisterhood such as this.

Their re-arranged room - bunk beds came down, and the crib went out. Cindy is in her big girl bed! We took the bunks down as we were afraid they were still too young for one to be on the top.

Roomies Forever!

And last but not least...Jeff and I ran a 5k in March! Jeff can easily run that far - and does it often. I have been working pretty hard to get in shape. I am not really a runner - but have been dreaming about it ever since I had Cindy. I was in the hospital - after a c-section - thinking to myself, I just want to run! I didn't know where - but the fact that I couldn't made it all the more motivating. Almost three years later I am acting on my plan. I don't have as much opportunity as I would like, but I do walk with Cindy & Beth in the double stroller and Howie in the Snugli...now that's a picture. I will get one at my next walking group.

I finished!

This was a fun "date" for Jeff and I. I went to the race just proud that I had decided to do it, and my expectation was to simply finish. I was happy with myself that there was definitely more running than walking. When I crossed the finish line - what a shot of adrenaline!

sister

Spring Break Con't...

2010-03-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Green Hot Chocolate to start the day! Yummy!

Thank-you Grandma Sally and Papa.

What a natural Auntie is...we love coming to visit on her birthday!

Bethy found her comfort zone in her ring. Last year she found she could get around a pool quite well with her swimming ring. This winter she has become a bit more apprehensive in the water. We signed her up for swim lessons and they start next week. She is quite concerned. Everyday..., "are swim lessons today?" I was beginning to get afraid she just wouldn't go...but today she told me very matter of factly...,"mom we are just going to have to take my ring to swim lessons. Does that sound like a good idea?"

On our 3rd swim in two days, Beth upgraded to water wings! HUGE step for Beth. Last year she wouldn't even let me put them in the pool bag. She has seen other kids in them and doesn't like the look of them. At the pool at home, she doesn't even like the graduated zero entry ramp. She was so proud of herself - look mom I know how to swim - I know how to swim now...We don't need swim lessons. Hmmm...didn't have the heart to tell her they were going to try and teach her how to put her head under water...baby steps!

Howie enjoyed the sun - loved the pool - and looked so darn cute in his baseball cap and swim trunks! He even managed to nap.

Cindy on the other hand was not a fan of the pool! She hated the bugs...there were flies, ants, and mosquito eaters...She SCREAMED - and couldn't really recover.

From there...

She didn't like being cold - when she got out of the pool...

Or hot and hungry when she recovered...

I hope she has some fun, we will just have to find her thing...

I think we found it! Like mother, Like daughter. She's my little shopper ;-).

To be fair...my little sweetie did have some fun in the pool. The others were just too funny and captured her overall mood.

It's Spring Break...Do You Know Where Sarah Is?

2010-03-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well, she sure isn't in Flagstaff, as this is the weather she left behind. This is the time of year we search for swimsuits and sunscreen and head down the warm country! Bye Bye - Snow - Cold - Wind - and Jackets!

I love that we can live in a place that my kids can experience all the fun of the 4 seasons, but we are just hours away from higher temps - Grandma Molly - Auntie Keely - Parks - Pools - and Malls! I told Jeff, just the other day that I couldn't have a job where I didn't get Spring Break...even though I am just home with kids, lessons stop - book time at the library stops - Mops stops - It is just such a nice break! Sad that Jeff doesn't always join us, but have come accustomed to our tradition of heading to Tucson for sun and to celebrate Auntie's Birthday...

Back in the Saddle

2010-02-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

It has been so long since I have done any form of update...honestly I stopped as I thought no one was reading, but have heard from a couple of people that they love to follow blogs, and were enjoying mine as well....sorry for the hiatus, but I will attempt to update more. Is that one more resolution? This year, more than any I have found myself faced with resolution after resolution...lose that baby weight, manage finances better, save, budget, be more organized, keep a cleaner house...overwhelming to say the least. I was faced with so many challenges I set up for myself, I feel I kind of just shut down...bottom line, is I can shut down, but the world around me just keeps going on. Kids grow - life happens - and I am missing out on beautiful moments because I am worried about what I think I SHOULD be doing. So...let's get back in the saddle!

Here is my symbolic saddle - it was mine when I was a girl and we have it in our house on a stand that Jeff built for it! What a great reminder that life goes on!

Beth is 5 now - my big girl who will only wear clothes that have the number five in the size tag - she is so proud! Cindy is 2 - and still going on 5. She talks so well and has so much to say! She uses all the phrases her big sister does, "He mom, I have an Idea." I think that is my favorite! Howie is now 7 months and has four teeth! When did this happen? He is still so happy, and cuddly, but growing way too fast! Here are just a couple of my favorite pics from the past few weeks.

A question for you...Did you notice the three happy kids playing first - or the mess first! I always see the kids playing happily, but am committed to working on the mess! And in all honestly it was hard to find a picture showing a messy room, and not because I don't take pictures! A little pat on the back!

Now that Howie can sit - he loves getting in on the action!

Our annual Valentines celebration - a heart shaped pizza - crush soda - and chocolate!

And the most important things - hugs - kisses - and snuggling!

Well thanks for reading and looking! I may have gotten a bit personal - but it feels good to confess your true feelings! In our Mops group I have been using a phrase that we as moms need to be authentic with each other. Being a mom is hard - but there are oh so many joys and blessings at the end of each day!

Two Hippies and a Soldier

2009-08-23T14:50:00.001-07:00

One of my friends commented on Howie's camo photo that he is ready for Iraq - this simple statement got me thinking all week....no one has ever said that about my girls. It is a possibility that any one of them may decide to join the military (I would actually bet my money on little Cindy -she has an adventurous spirit like her daddy), but for some reason it seems more real with Howie. Strange how society molds us. The kids are growing ever so fast. Howie's first smile was yesterday! Me and the girls were singing, "Under the Sea," from The Little Mermaid. His little smile is so sweet to see.

The girls blowing wish balls - they love this activity. They can spot a wish ball 1000 miles away. Whatever their wishes are, mine for them is that they always feel loved.

Beth the tree climber. After church, she runs for these small trees. Perfect climbing for her height.

Cindy found the wish balls first, while Beth was climbing. She was very content to find her own, sit down next to her box of raisins and make wishes. Hope all your dreams come true Cindy.

My little man in his camo - wow gender stereotypes sure do start early. No worries bud, there will be plenty of wish balls and tree climbing in your future. I know your sisters are so excited to teach you all their tricks! Everyday Beth asks if we get to keep Howie forever - I think she is afraid he is just visiting like her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Nostalgia

2009-08-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

We love that when any of the Craven's come for a visit, they inevitably notice Grandma & Grandpa Cravens rattan couch set. It is one of our favorite pieces of furniture, and reminds us of loved ones and simpler times. We arranged for a photo op of Matt & Jeff with all their children, and just one of all the cousins. Such fun times!

Kids in a candy store!

Cindy put her baby next to Howie.

Grand Canyon Trek

2009-08-02T16:09:00.001-07:00

Matt & Jeff - Two brothers quickly grabbing their squirrely kids for a photo-op.

4 of the crazy Craven cousins posing for a photo - Uncle Jeff was acting like a monkey behind me to get the attention. Pretty impressive if I do say so myself - all 4 looking at the camera, and sitting down. (Not attempting to run towards the "giant hole." )

Forced march - constant head counts! Made for very tired parents at the end of the day.

The three girls taking a break - eating raisins. Notice Sean's absence.....he was on time out for not sharing

raisins :-)...Apparently, raisins were the snack de jour.

Posing for a picture - notice Cindy's absence...She was being held by daddy. The giant hole scared her.

Even Howie made it! I told him people wait their whole lives to see this natural wonder, and he saw it when he was 11 days old. What a little trooper!

The end of the day - headed back to the car - Although tired, overall I would say a very successful trip. 9 people headed out to see this wondrous and dangerous landmark, 5 of which were under the age of 5, and at the end of the day 9 returned! Happy times and great memories were made!

Bouncing Off The Walls

2009-08-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome Baby Howie

2009-07-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

Jeff and Sarah waiting for delivery.

Right after delivery - 7:51 AM; 7 Lbs 1 Oz; 20 Inches

Mama and baby

Proud papa and little Howie.

Cute little boy - such alert eyes.

More Summer Fun!

2009-07-13T16:29:00.001-07:00

A few fun shots of the Cravens enjoying the end of June and July - we are all excited getting ready for baby Howie - Beth has even asked..."What is taking him so long?" My sentiments exactly. Beth at the end of her Vacation Bible School!

The girls on their new swing set.

Dad snuggling with his girls - awe how cute....and don't forget his first girl Dixie!

The girls playing Simba's adventure on V-Smile -

Cindy enjoying baby Howie's bassinet - they love his toys as well!

Before I Really Have No Time....

2009-07-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

Here we are days away from baby Howie being born - so much has happened over the last few weeks and have been meaning to update forever! It is July 13 - since the last update Cindy has turned 2, we went San Diego to see dear friends, put up a new swing set, and just enjoying everyday life as we know it!

Cindy's Big Day! Shrek - her favorite character at the time!

Our Trip to San Diego - Had we realized how easy the drive was we wouldn't have waited 6 years to return. A bitter sweet time for us, as Jeff went for a funeral of a Pilot he flew with in the Navy. We thoroughly enjoyed our old stomping grounds and think the girls were born to live in So Cal.

Cindy's Baby goes EVERYWHERE - and she has gotten good at mastering holding the baby and completing whatever task she wants to do!

We were able to visit our dear friends Marnie and Lewis! We were on their roof deck, and Jeff took the picture from their yard. The girls loved seeing the city lights and planes from so high. We loved catching up after many years!

Front Yard Flowers

2009-06-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Today marked the summer flower planting season! Jeff and the girls worked hard to get one of the planters done. Well, Jeff worked hard.....and was able to finish and the girls both thought they contributed!

Beth helping Dad!

Cindy Helping Dad!

Beth climbing on Dad. He has become accustomed to completeing all sorts of tasks with two little monkey girls climbing on him! What a great daddy!

The girls got bored.....so they wandered to the edge of the yard to chat with Mr. Jerry....who graciously talked to them while he worked on his house. Bethy talked his ear off! Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Kathleen are the girls new best friends.

My Girls are Growing Up - a Reflection of May 2009

2009-05-31T18:30:00.000-07:00

As May has come to an end, it has been a monumental month for the Craven family. Although ashamed to admit that my 4 1/2 year old still even had a passy, we gave it up this month. It was a teary moment for both Jeff and I. Not because we were so attached to it, but because little Bethy was so brave and it marked a milestone -- our little girl was growing up. It was just the first of many moments in her life that we as parents will be so proud of her -- and she won't even necessarily know. We took her to Build-a Bear and had her put it inside a special bear. Then she would have a memento that carried with it something so important to her from her babyhood. Additionally, right around the corner Cindy will be two. I looked at her today with all that spunk and tenacityand realized she is not a baby anymore....she is a toddler. She invents her own games, speaks her own little mind, and asserts herself to all those around her. She is sweet as can be, but adds a little spice to everyone's life:-). We love our girlies so much! Everyday we are so proud of them. Sad to see the milestones pass, but always looking forward to what new experiences they will bring to us!

Vegas

2009-05-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Vegas....we had a blast at our favorite little spot Sam's Town. It feels so good to get away - even if only for a few days. We had fabulous weather, enjoyed the pool, and the many attractions. Beth is becoming quite the brave little "swimmer." Cindy prefers to sit on a lounge chair or on a step....quite a difference from the dare devil we had last summer. By the end of the trip they were tired and ready to come home - we should have some great naps and early bedtimes in store!

Beth's First "Real" Haircut

2009-05-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

With summer approaching and the impending arrival of Baby Howie.....we took Beth for her first real haircut. Mornings had become a major struggle, and with the heat we thought she would be much more comfortable with shorter hair! So far so good......my favorite quote when she was getting her cut....."Wow Mom....Now I am like Grandma Sally with all of my clips!" She was thoroughly exctied! Here is a during and after shot!

The Men's Den

2009-05-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

For all of you that have been wondering how Baby Howie's Nursery would turn out...here are some pictures. Jeff put his soul into this room and achieved amazing results. We were both sad to see Beth's room become transformed (it doesn't even look like the same space)...it was the first room we ever did for our children - and tearing it down brought back many memories. I took pictures of the same corners - looks pretty different. We are both excited as our family continues to grow and change. Beth and Cindy are adjusting pretty well to their shared room -- Cindy thinks it is AWESOME and Beth thinks it is fun some of the time.

May in Beautiful Flag

2009-05-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

As each winter comes to an end, I am greeted by the wonderful weather of the beautiful May days we have here in Flagstaff. As we travel around our beautiful town, I hear the echoes of neighbors.....my that was a long winter. Indeed it was, but we made it and are now enjoying the beautiful pre-summer days. Windows open, screen door open, shorts on, flip-flops on...This is definitely my favorite month in beautiful Flagstaff. Our resident nature lover is fully enjoying this time of year too! He once again bought the girls catterpillars that hatched into butterflies over the last month. We let them go in our yard yesterday. Here are Jeff and his girls releasing them into our front yard.

Front Door Birdies

2009-05-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

As it turns out, I don't get to have my front door open as much as I would like. A little birdie decided to make a nest in my winter wreath, which will also be up for the foreseeable future. It sure does add to the feeling of spring watching the mama bird care for her babies.