Sneezing vs. the Mascara

I hate sneezing right after I put on my mascara! I did that again this morning and the mascara never wins. Instead you open your eyes to raccoon eyes. Mascara is above your eye, below your eye, and your eyelashes are all stuck together. Basically you have to start all over with your eye makeup. If there was just some way to post pone that sneeze for a minute or two the mascara might have a chance.

Is it time yet?

The girls got off to school this morning at about 7:40. Shortly thereafter at 8:45 Zachary was sitting on the front steps waiting for them to come home. I feel your pain buddy, I miss them too. In his four years of life he has always had a play mate. And last year when Abby was at school all day he and McKenna developed a great friendship. How will he make it through the day without his sisters? I know how he feels though, I find myself always checking the time to see how close it is to 3:00...not close enough.

"Mom, is it time yet for the sisters to come home?"

Zachary sitting on the front steps waiting for his sisters to come home from school.

Second Day Woes

Oh why can't kids just be nice to each other?! So today was the second day of Kindergarten for McKenna, but the first full day. When she came home yesterday she told me all about a little girl that she made friends with and she was very excited about it. Making friends has been a big concern of hers as she starts school. Today I pick her up and in talking to her about the day she told me that she went to stand by this same little girl in line and the girl turned to her and told her she couldn't stand by her and she wasn't her friend anymore. How could someone say that to my sweet little McKenna? McKenna said, "I guess she just found a new friend." I told her that the little girl was missing out on having such an amazing friend because McKenna was the best. In spite of this she had a wonderful day and loved her first real day of Kindergarten. I admire her for not letting this ruin her experience. What a great example, I always learn so much from my kids.

Back to School

The dreaded day has arrived. The girls are back in school and I'm so sad. Yes, I am one of those mothers that cries on the first day of school, the days leading up to the first day, and even a few days after the first day. I have had such a great summer with them home and around all the time. I am really going to miss them. I have LOVED not having a schedule, being able to stay up late with them and all sleep in, and doing whatever we wanted during the day. And now McKenna is in all day kindergarten. I am going to miss her so much!!! She is so much fun to have around. So full of life and energy and joy. She is so helpful with Gavin and around the house. I cry just thinking about how much I miss her. We had a sweet morning and everything was going smoothly. We knelt down for family prayer and McKenna asked me to say a special prayer for her. So as I was praying about each child individually I started crying when it came to McKenna. I really didn't want her to see my emotion because she is so excited. But when I opened my eyes she had tears in her eyes too. She gave me a big hug and said, "I'm really going to miss you mommy." Last night when she realized that she was going to be at school during Gavin's doctor appointment this week she teared up, grabbed both of his little hands and said, "Oh Gavin, I wont be there to hold you hand when you get your shots. I'm sorry buddy." She is such a light in my life and I miss her already. Of course I miss Abby too and I cried about her going back to school, but there is just something about sending that little 5 year old off to kindergarten. I pray that she is able to influence others and not be influenced upon (unless of course it's for the better.) I know growing up is part of life, but why oh why can't I freeze time?

McKenna was all ready for Kindergarten with her Hannah Montana backpack.

The cutest 5 year old in Kindergarten!

Abby is so excited for second grade!

I'm so glad they have each other.

It was the sweetest thing. While walking into the school the first morning the girls automatically reached for each others hands. What a blessing it is to have two very different girls who love each other and rely upon each other so much! YEAH for sisters!

We had a great first day of school party. There were twelve girls in our home to celebrate the first day of school with us. I love making this pencil cake on the first day of school each year and celebrating with the kids. We ate the cake and ice cream and played some fun games. Everyone shared their favorite part about the day and really loved being all together. Let me tell you though, 12 girls have A LOT of energy!

Joining the world of bloggers

Here we go, the Crane Train is finally jumping on board the Blogging Train. Thanks to Julie S. for helping me get this started! I have a lot to learn but am excited. So bear with this work in progress as I embark upon this new adventure.

Sisters Day

This is one of my very favorite traditions! Sisters are a precious gift and definitely need to be celebrated. (We also do a brother's day, but that's not what this blog is about.) I have been so blessed with two amazing sisters and wonderful sister-in-laws. I would definitely not be who I am today without their examples and righteous influence. Not only have they helped me become who I am but they are helping me become who I want to be. I am so grateful to see the special bond of sisterhood between Abby and McKenna. These two are very different, but amazingly close. I've come to a realization lately that I am so blessed that they get a long so great. I think that I take that for granted a lot. They truly are the best of friends and attached at the hip. Here are some of my favorite sister quotes.

"How do people make it through life without a sister?"--Sara Corpening

"She takes my hand and leads me along paths I would not have dared explore alone."--Mava V. Patel

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."--Marion C. Garretty

"There is no better friend than a sister. And there is no better sister than you."

"A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life."--Isadora James

"A sister is a forever friend."

We started out Sisters Day with breakfast in bed. McKenna wanted Captain Crunch and Abby picked cinnamon rolls. YUMMY. Amazingly there were no spills! Then they opened a little present. This year we gave them Best Friends angel bracelets.

The girls were kind enough to share their special Sisters Day with our Crane Olympics. But after we were done with the Olympics we still tried to make it special for them. We painted fingers and toes, did their hair with glitter in it. We had a dance party. But the best part of all was when they shared what they loved most about each other. Abby said she loved how McKenna always shared and tried to make her happy. McKenna said how she loved that Abby always wanted to play with her. I love my two beautiful girls and I am grateful more than words can say that they love each other so deeply. I pray they always remember what a special gift they have in each other.

Crane Olympics!

We had such a fun day today! I just love the spirit of the Olympics and the kids love watching them, even the ping pong. So today as our Crane Culture Day for the month, we decided to have our own family Olympics. I went to the party supply store in the morning and bought ribbons and made signs for our 10 events. With a little help from the judges everyone won at least one gold. We had such a great day.

Our first event was the Marathon where McKenna took home the gold running a distance of almost half a mile.

Before each event the kids would march around holding the sign for that particular event while we sang the Olympic them song. We had our own version of the Redeem Team for our second event. Despite Zachary's amazing follow through, Abby and McKenna tied for gold each making 15 points.

Even though Abby had impeccable form, it was McKenna's starting run that won her the gold in our Javelin throw

Zachary had a great starting position as he was first out of the blocks for the 50 meter dash up the sidewalk. With a little help from the judges Abby squeaked by McKenna to win this race.

After a great example set by Bret, the kids tested their balance on the balance beam.

McKenna was steady and never faltered once. Zachary showed off his crazy hops and Abby demonstrated graceful elegance. But first place went to Zachary.

After a slight balance check Abby was able to remain on the beam and finish her routine with beautiful leg extensions.

Can the judge win the gold for this amazing form?I never knew I was married to such an amazing long jumper!

McKenna out jumped them all in the long jump winning her another Gold.

Zachary won first place in our cycling event. Yes, his distance was a little shorter, but boy was he determined to finish strong.

After a quick lunch break to refuel these amazing athletes, we headed down to the pool to finish with the water events. Zachary opted out of the water events. Abby demonstrated a smooth cannon ball roll entry. But McKenna won the gold with her beautiful lines as she entered the water.

Abby dominated the swimming events as she placed first in the both the 50 meter freestyle and 50 meter breast stroke.

While Gavin missed out on the earlier events of the day, he woke up just in time to watch his sisters compete in the pool.

I just love McKenna in goggles and that big toothless smile!

The girls showed off their ribbons from the water event.

Later that night we enjoyed our closing ceremonies of Chinese take-out and watching the Olympics on TV. We had to give it up to our three little Olympians. They put forth their best effort and showed amazing sportsmanship. They all have hearts of Gold!

Beware of the Butter knife

Who knew that sweet little Zachary had a mean side? OK, not really a mean side more of a curious side, and that's no surprise. Gavin was in his swing today and Zachary was over there talking to him. All of a sudden I heard Gavin screaming a "I'm in pain cry." I go over to see what happened and I see Zachary holding a butter knife but I couldn't really see anything on Gavin. And then Gavin stopped crying so I thought nothing must have happened because he calmed down so fast. Well about 30 min. later I notice this....a nice long scratch on the top of his head made from that butter knife Zachary was holding. It was like he was trying to press it into his head. There were even parts where the skin was broken. There is no doubt in my mind that that was done out of curiosity and not malice, or jealousy or in a spirit of meanness. So when I realized what happened and talked to Zachary about it he cried and said, "I feel sorry for Gavin."

The first, but I know not the last, injury inflicted upon Gavin from his brother Zachary.

Our little Mutton Bustin ridder

Friday night we went to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo with our friends the Smith Family. When we met to drive over they told us about the Mutton Bustin competition where kids over 4 years old and 55 pounds or under can enter their names to ride the Mutton (big furry sheep). When we got their to enter their names I wasn't too optimistic because there were so many kids and they only picked 8. Nonetheless we entered the kids names. Abby was reluctant, McKenna was excited and really wanted to be picked, and Zachary did it because his sisters were. I couldn't believe it when we went back to check and McKenna was picked as so was Caleb Smith! There couldn't have been a better pick for our family. So after the National Anthem we headed over to gear up and get instructions. Meredith and I didn't hesitate as we signed the consent forms, although maybe we should have a little!

If you don't know what Mutton Bustin is, it's like Bull Riding, except instead of a bull the kids are on the back of a big furry sheep. Whoever holds on the longest wins. Cute Caleb had been practicing that day with his mom as the Mutton. He did a great job.

The kids were all fitted for a helmet and protective vest. Are these things Mutton proof?

I'm not sure McKenna would have been as excited as she was if she had known what she was getting herself into. The kids all lined up and then the parents went out onto the field to watch.

Caleb went before McKenna, but I was too busy watching to get his picture. This is McKenna being lifted over the gate onto the back of the Mutton.

And they're out! I was not prepared for how fast my little girl would come flying out of those gates on top of the Mutton. She was amazing!!! She held on for so long. In fact, she never let go. The Mutton tripped, fell, and rolled on top of her. Bret and I joke that she was holding on so tight that she cut off the circulation and the Mutton passed out. She scored a 8.2 and came so close to taking first and bringing home the prized boots. The girl that won held on a few more seconds and scored 8.7. If the sheep would not have fallen McKenna could have held on longer. I didn't get a picture when the Mutton fell on her because I was too busy screaming. (Now I know first hand why the helmet and vest!) You could tell she was shaken by the experience but in true McKenna fashion she was so brave. I couldn't be prouder of my little Texan.

All participants received a trophy complete with a Mutton on top, a belt buckle and red bandanna. All we need is to get her a nice big belt so she can show off that buckle!

Dad, Abby, Zachary and Gavin all cheered her on from our seats in the stands. Abby was relieved that it wasn't her name that was picked. McKenna was so proud of herself and even slept with her trophy.

After some bull ridin' and some barrel racin' it was time for the calf scramble. All the kids went down to the field and tried to catch the calf. Even Zachary got in on it. You can tell we're city folks though, all my kids had flip flops on. Zachary really tried hard but he kept having to stop and put his flip flop back on when it would get stuck in the dirt.

We had such a great time at the Rodeo. Maybe McKenna will get a second shot at the Mutton Bustin next year when we go. We'll just request a sheep that doesn't trip.