Easter Sunday

Ilah - made her own dress - Go Ilah!
Taysom - thinks she looks "chesty" in this dress... What are your thoughts :)
Henry - is trying to get into the Guiness Book of World Records for biggest smile!
Tucker - is holding his beloved "Frances" (the little zebra he got for his b-day... no relation to Grandma Wallace :)

My Dad - Talking 'bout My Dad

My dad is a super hero! Really - When I started doubting that fact, he was forced to show me his buttons... Who cares about his buttons you ask? Well, they have the Superman S insignia on them. Pretty cool, huh!? Everyone knows that only super heroes are allowed to buy the Superman brand!

Even though I haven't seen him do it, I know my dad can leap small buildings and all that other cool stuff because he proved his 'superness' regularly as I grew up. He can always bust off whichever child is hanging on for dear life during "Bustin' Bronco." He always knows when someone had used his brush/comb. He can clean a carpet better than anyone. He's never sick. He has a special money tree where he goes to pick bills when needed. He doesn't age. And I know that all of those Saturdays when he was "playing golf," he was really either training or saving the world!

As incredible as all of that is, however, his best super powers are things I've noticed as I've grown older and wiser. They are things like his testimony, his love and compassion, and his ability to connect with each grand child. Pretty powerful stuff if you ask me.

You are the best dad for me, and I love you!!!!!

Earlier this year I had my class write about a childhood memory. I wrote one with them as an example. I thought since it was about Dad, I'd share it here. Obviously I took some liberties with the details, but I'm sure all of you will have some form of this "Dad Memory" too.


Crosby Bed Time Routine

"No not the dryer, Dad," I screamed with laughter. Dad continued to lean toward the dryer until I was laughing so hard he began laughing too and asked again, "Where is your bedroom then?"

This was a weekly ritual that I enjoyed growing up. My dad loved to play this game with each of us kids. When it wasn't our turn, we still loved watching from the sidelines as he carried our brothers or sisters throughout the house guessing at their bedroom locations. Amazingly, it never got old!

Carrying me in his arms I felt safe, secure and loved. I knew that he would listen to my pleas and eventually find the right room. It's funny how I truly believed that I needed to help my dad find where my room was.

After the laundry room Dad walked to the kitchen and started leaning toward the dishwasher. "No," I shrieked, "I don't want to sleep in there." Smiling broadly, holding back laughter himself he simply asked, "Where is your bedroom then?"

I thought I'd given him the best directions... After all I knew how to get to my room, but without fail we would end up in the bathroom. Bending down to place me in the tub I'd flail my body yelling, "No, don't put me in the tub! This isn't my bed!!"

"Oh, it isn't?" he'd question. "You must have meant here." He’d say as he lifted the lid of the toilet.

"Agh… no, no, no... just go out to the hall and take me to my room."

My dad started getting better with my directions. We finally made it into a bedroom… it just wasn’t mine. I figured this out after I saw the John Stockton poster on the wall.

I gave him some more directions. I said, “Go down the hall to the right.” Thinking there’s no possible way for him not to make it into my room this time. A sharp knock against the head proved me wrong. I guess I meant left. Soon, my impatient mom would call out, “It’s BED time.” Some how my dad would conveniently remember where my room was and promptly carry me to MY bed. After I was tucked in, I would smile as I remembered the trip to my room.

It was a sad day, when Dad no longer carried me too bed. Being the oldest, I was always the first to grow too big for childish games. I still loved watching my brothers and sisters experience the fun… albeit a bit jealously. I couldn't stop myself from telling them that Dad really knew how to get to their room… spoiling just a little part of their fun.


Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

It's a Wonderful Life

Through the years we've gotten a little older, a little grayer, a little bigger and hopefully a little better.

17 Years

About 23 years ago I met someone who made me feel incredibly good about myself. This person balanced out my high strung personality with his laid back, mellow attitude. He managed to get past all of my FLAWS and find some things he liked about me. He became my best friend, my biggest support, and my husband (17 years ago - April 10, 1992).

Has it really been 17 years?

Mike and I haven't been the best example when it comes to celebrating our anniversary. As most of you know, Tucker was born 3 years into our marriage on our anniversary, and well... our anniversary is often pushed to a later date and then forgotten as life continues to rush by at lightning speed. This year wasn't any different. We are planning on doing something at a later date - nothing extravagant. We're pretty simple. Of course someday I hope we get to do something extravagant... maybe on our 25th anniversary...

Mike has so many wonderful qualities I often feel inadequate, but he makes me laugh EVERY day. Most of the time it is a shake the body guffaw, laugh until you cry laugh. I need that almost like I need air to breathe. So when he does things I don't appreciate, my famous saying is, "It's a good thing you make me laugh!"
And it is :)

One of my mom and dad's "songs" was by the Oakridge Boys called, "Little Things":

It's the way you kiss me when we're walkin' down the street
It's the words you whisper when we're driftin' off to sleep
A certain way you touch me, the way you say "hello"
Baby it's the little things that make me love you so.

The way you pour your coffee in the early mornin' light
The way you call my name out in the middle of the night
How you sit for hours singin' with the radio
Baby it's the little things that make me love you so.

It's not the memories or all that we've been through
It's not the distant dreams that keep me coming back to you
It's not the promises that keep me warm at night
It's just the every day, it's just the safe and sound, it's just our home sweet home.

And when we're old and gray now and the kids have gone away
We're alone together I may turn to you and say
There's something I forgot to tell you and by now I think you'll know
Baby it's the little things that make me love you so.
Woah woah, Baby it's the little things that make me love you so.

Walkin' in the park, kissin' in the dark
The little things that baby makes me feel alright now
Baby it's the little things that make me love you
Baby it's the little things that make me love you so

So True!!!!!!

17 of the "little things" I love about Mike:
1. his sense of humor
2. when he sings (esp. when it's just to me)
3. when he tickles the back of my arms or scratches my back
4. his laugh
5. the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles
6. when he plays catch with the boys or basketball or any sport
7. that he cooks for me EVERY day!!!!!
8. his willingness to do the late night pick ups
9. when he teaches us at scripture study time OR listening to his lessons if/when I get lucky at church.
10. when he writes me notes
11. his before school stop in my room for a hug
12. his creative intelligent mind
13. his patience
14. his arm around my back when we're sitting in the pew at church
15. that when he sets his mind to do something, there is no stopping him.
16. his clicking noise that he makes right before he is about to say something important/ interesting that he's been thinking about
17. that he loves me and our family!

It's just the every day, it's just the safe and sound, it's just our home sweet home.
Baby it's the little things that make me love you so.

Happy 17th Anniversary, baby!
I love you!!!!!!!




Next Post: Mike and Jenn through the years in photos~ That ought to be interesting!

Hooray, Yippee, The Pooh Will Soon Be Free!

Tucker's computer applications class was assigned to create a movie trailer.
This is what Tuckman came up with:

Do we have a budding producer on our hands?

Tucker Turns 14 -

In honor of Tucker's recent birthday:

Fourteen Facts About Tuckman ~

1. Favorite Song: "Road Man" - a reggae flavor

2. Over 6 feet tall (6' 1")

3. Likes to toot his horn (literally)

He recently earned a superior rating on both his solo and and duet at the solo and ensemble competition.

4. Can "drop" his opponents on the spot

5. Favorite Color: purple (I think - )

6. Avoids most vegetables - will tolerate salad with ranch dressing and possibly broccoli - somewhat enjoys squash and other veggies when battered and fried.

7. Eats at least 10 eggs per week

8. His dribbling is the heart beat of our home :)

I start worrying when I don't hear it and Tucker is home.

9. Talented writer

10. Has a quiet, yet awesome sense of humor and can laugh at himself to boot!

11. Would be a fantastic spy because he is extremely hard to read.

12. Is the master at avoiding conversations - esp. with his mother :(

13. Creator of "squirrel man"

14. Is BOSS!!!!!!!