Dog Fund

Who could resist this adorable little thing? Our kids have been wanting a dog for a long time now. So we've done our research and discovered that for what our family is looking for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the dog for us! The love for dogs has gotten to the point that if McKenna is invited over to play at a friends house, but they have a dog, she spends her time playing with the dog and not her friend. Just this past Saturday Bret and the kids were out exploring some nearby trails and McKenna went up to two dogs and introduced herself, "Hi, my name's McKenna." It seems like recently however the need/love for dogs has increased to a whole new level. Somehow every conversation we have ends up, includes, and goes back to having a dog.

The kids even started their own dog fund and combined all the money the three of them had to get it started. As of now we're up to $118. A few days after moving here Bret just happened to owe McKenna one dollar for something she had done and gave her a $100 bill instead...thinking he was being funny and with full intention of reclaiming it as his own. (We had just sold something on Craig's list that day...therefore the cash) But her little eyes got as big as I've ever seen him and soon he found himself surrounded by all three of them squeezing his legs and saying over and over again, "Thank you Daddy, Thank you.!" He didn't have the heart to then make the switch, therefore the $118 and not $18 in the dog fund.

In April this of this past year Elder Robert D. Hales gave a wonderful talk in General Conference about provident living. To read the whole talk click here. In there he related the following principle and experience he had with his family.

"Another important way we help our children learn to be provident providers is by establishing a family budget. We should regularly review our family income, savings, and spending plan in family council meetings. This will teach our children to recognize the difference between wants and needs and to plan ahead for meaningful use of family resources.

When our boys were young, we had a family council and set a goal to take a “dream vacation” down the Colorado River. When any of us wanted to buy something during the next year, we would ask each other, “Do we really want to buy that thing now, or do we want to take our dream trip later?” This was a wonderful teaching experience in choosing provident living. By not satisfying our every immediate want, we obtained the more desirable reward of family togetherness and fond memories for years to come."

So last night at dinner we implemented this principle for our own dog fund. We came up with a list of extra chores that the kids can do to earn money. And then we talked about saving as a family and forgoing activities, outings, eating out or other things that we may want to do and put that money in the dog fund instead. It was amazing to see their enthusiasm. Abby and McKenna both choose to forgo having a birthday party and McKenna even said she would not have a birthday cake and use the money towards a dog. (The girl still needs a birthday cake!) They talked about on their birthday's instead of going out to lunch they can put that money in the dog fund, not seeing a movie in the movie theater, not buying extra treats at the grocery store, Mommy/Daddy dates that are free. It was wonderful to brainstorm as a family and ask ourselves, would we want to do/or have that thing now, or save the money for a dob.

Now on our fridge as a permanent fixture you will find:

Our Dog Money Chore List:

And our money gage to purchase the dog plus all the little extras needed.

As you can see we've got a long ways to go...but we also have 3 very determined kids, one very excited Mom, and a Dad who has finally seen the light! :)

New Focus

Something has definitely been missing from my life these last few months...my Mother's Who Know Focus! With the months in Utah and the move this easily got put to the side for a while.

But no more I say!

So I'm back to it with this area of focus for the coming weeks:

Mothers who know honor sacred ordinances and covenants. I have visited sacrament meetings in some of the poorest places on the earth where mothers have dressed with great care in their Sunday best despite walking for miles on dusty streets and using worn-out public transportation. They bring daughters in clean and ironed dresses with hair brushed to perfection; their sons wear white shirts and ties and have missionary haircuts. These mothers know they are going to sacrament meeting, where covenants are renewed. These mothers have made and honor temple temple covenants. They know that if they are not pointing their children to the temple, they are not pointing them toward desired eternal goals. These mothers have influence and power.

Carthage Jail

We stopped at Carthage Jail where the prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed on June 27, 1844. This was very meaningful for our kids as they have been studying the life of the Prophet Joseph and the early days of the Church in their primary classes. Abby and McKenna were particularly touched and could feel of the reverence there.

We have this great picture of Bret and his brothers in this same spot that Bret's mom framed for us one year for Christmas...this was my attempt to recreate as best I could with my two little guys. Their relationship is very sweet and tender. Especially now with the girls in school it's a joy to see how they interact with each other all day. Gavin will just walk up and spontaneously hug Zachary and Zachary loves having Gavin around (except when he's trying to build a train track!) What a gift it is have a brother.

Nauvoo

Spending a day and half in Nauvoo, Illinois where the early Saints experienced so much was a highlight for our family. We couldn't have gone on better days. The weather was a little overcast, not hot and sticky and it was not crowded at all. In fact every house we went t,o we were the only family there so we got personalized tours. It was wonderful and our kids really learned a lot. In that day and a half we were able to take in: 2 plays, the oxen ride, Pioneer Past Times, the Temple, the Brickyard, the Blacksmith shop, the post office, Wilford Woodruff's home, Jonathan Browning's home, the printing press, the Family Living Center, the Visitor's Center, Stoddard Tin Shop, and The Trail of Hope. It was a full day and a half but wonderful! We all left very touched how each and every missionary took the opportunity to testify of the importance of following the living prophet. It was hard for those early Saints to leave beautiful Nauvoo and all their belongings, but they did so because they were following the Prophet of God and by so doing they were blessed. We too will be blessed as we follow the Prophet today, even Thomas S. Monson.

Rewind

Now that we are all unpacked, settled, and before I hit some major painting projects next week I wanted to take a moment and capture our drive cross country.

It was a lot harder then I imagined it would be to leave Utah. 7 out of the 10 years we have been married has been spent living outside of Utah and we've always been really happy where ever we are. But spending two months in Utah this summer with our kids being older sure did give us a taste of how wonderful it could be to live by family. We all had a blast this summer and were sad to see it come to an end.

Definitely miss the view of the Provo Temple and Utah Valley

Definitely miss family: I can't believe I let the entire summer go by without getting a really good picture of my parents and the kids. We took this picture the night before we left, just minutes before bedtime...as you can see Gavin was not having it and soon found himself exactly where he wanted to be, bed!

Thank you Mom and Dad for such a wonderful summer!

One of the many pit stops along the way...I think this one was somewhere in Nebraska (now that is a long state...almost as long as driving through Texas)

The first day we drove 18 hours all the way to Iowa City. It was a LONG day and I was amazed at how well the kids did. Not only were they great that first day, but the other driving days as well they were incredible. By the end of the trip there had been no fights and no real complaining.

Gavin had a few hard moments as any 15 month old baby would, but I truly believe that he was blessed and comforted by unseen angels. It was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. And other then those few moments he was remarkable good. It was quite sad when we would stop somewhere, and as soon as we started heading back in the direction of the car he would start crying. Poor Baby. It took him three days here in Virginia to finally recover from his car phobia.

One of the great stops along the way was an unexpected and unplanned stop in Burlington Iowa where Bret spent a few of his childhood years. We made this short detour as we headed to Nauvoo, Illinois. Part of the reason this was so great was Bret spent about 20/30 minutes recounting some funny stories from his childhood and the kids LOVED it. Wish I could retell them like he did, but here goes an abbreviated version for posterity's sake...

• Once out of anger towards his brother Mike, he pinned him to the ground and forced him to eat his buggers...yes that is Bret, picking his own nose, and feeding it to Mike. Gross!
• It is while living here that Bret remembers having his first experience having his prayers answered. He got lost walking home from school one day and remembers saying a prayer to Heavenly Father that He would help him find his way home. It wasn't long after that he found his way home and was grateful for a prayer answered. He was around Abby and McKenna's age at the time.

While living in this house Dave and Pauline brought home Jeff, baby #6.

We also loved seeing the church that he was baptized in. This was especially neat as Abby will be baptized next month.

Little Hands and Little Toes

My baby is growing up way to fast and seems to be changing and getting bigger every day. I couldn't help myself tonight when I saw these hands and toes sticking out of the crib. Precious.

First Day of School

5:45 a.m. Mom's alarm clock
6:20 girls alarm clock


This morning came as much as I wished otherwise. The girls are ready for school and are a mixture of excited, nervous, anxious...all those feelings that come with not only a new school year but also a whole new school, new teachers, new rules, new friends.


It's only 8:30 and I miss them already.

Happily school is out at 2:15.

McKenna: Definitely ready for her first day of First Grade

Abby: (who has decided to go by Abigail at this school)

My grown up, big girl, third grader!

Don't forget Dad! While his first class was yesterday it's off to school for big and small!

Once again...grateful beyond measure they have each other!

Abby and Ms. Carew

McKenna and Mr. Squires

And then there were two!

There couldn't be two better boys to spend my day with!

Twas The Night Before School

Twas the night before school when all through the house,

No creatures were stirring, except Daddy's mouse;

The cloths were laid out on the floor with great care,

In hopes that the first day soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While vision of Monkey Bread danced in their heads;

And Dad with his book and I with my blog,

Had just settled down like two bumps on a log;

When in my minds eye I envision tomorrow,

And I pause, take a breath, as my heart fills with sorrow.



We'll drive to the school with excitement and cheer,

We'll walk through the halls and push out the fear;

With camera in one hand and hers in the other,

A kiss and hugs and a quick "Goodbye Mother"

I'll drive home alone while tears fall it's certain,

I'll pull up the driveway and glance at the curtain;

When what to my wondering eyes will appear,

Zachary and Gavin filling the sad heart with cheer.



Yes it's true I'm that mom who cries every year on that first day of school,

Wishing and longing for no schedules and more time at the pool;

Now Abby! Now McKenna! Now Zachary! Now Gavin!

Onto homework and schedules, school starting it's fall,

They dash away, dash away, dash away all.

Childhood is fleeting you grow up so fast,

In the blink of an eye all these moments are past;

Please remember I love you more then you know,

I'll say it over and over and make a big show;

So your heart wont forget it these years as you grow.



So come sit on my lap and cuddle with me,

Take my hand and I'll squeeze it--the number is three;

Tomorrow will come as much as I dread it,

My girls will be gone, don't like it one bit.



Grateful I am to have two still at home,

To play with and laugh with and watch them go roam;

And so I exclaim, ere I turn out the light

Happy First Day of School, and to all a good night.

Bites, Bites, And Stings

After two days here in Virginia....

Abby: 23 mosquito bites
McKenna: 29 mosquito bites, 6 bee stings
Zachary: 18 mosquito bites

Must be somthing about that Texas blood! Their poor little legs!

We're here!!!

We survived our drive across country all in one piece, everyone still friends with each other and all still happy. (More on those adventures later.) A week ago today we moved into our new home here in the Charlottesville area. And so far we're really loving it. We have great neighbors, lots of kids in the neighborhood, and people from church couldn't be more welcoming. Last night was Meet the Teacher and I think we're really going to like the girls teachers. Abby has Ms. Carew and McKenna has Mr. Squires. (She was a little nervous about the "Mr." part, but people we talked to say he is absolutely wonderful and so loving, so she's feeling better about it.)

We're still unpacking, getting our Internet figured out, painting, working out all the other kinks, and trying to enjoy the last few days of summer...when I have more time on my hands there is a lot to catch up on.

Not Cut Out For This Job...

WARNING...THIS POST IS NOT FOR LITTLE EYES!

I have officially earned the worst tooth fairy award. It all started 6 months ago when Abby lost her first tooth. Most children loose their teeth in kindergarten and get to put their name on the big paper tooth on the wall...or even in first grade where they still make a big deal about it. But not Abby. She had to watch McKenna loose teeth even before kindergarten and wait until she herself was half way through second grade before she lost her first tooth. It happened on a Friday in December and what a happy day for her. She couldn't wait to go to bed so she could have that all anticipated visit from the tooth fairy. This is where me, the bad ,comes into play...that night Bret and I went to a dinner party for my gourmet group and got home late. Sad to say but I forgot all about my oldest daughter and her lost tooth.

The next morning she awoke me in tears and my heart sank. I tried to cover it up by saying that sometimes the tooth fairy is very busy and if she doesn't make it the first night she definitely will the second. I thought I had done a good job of covering my tracks...thought being the key word there. Later that day while running errands with Bret she said, "I know the tooth fairy is really mom...and mom FORGOT!" Abby didn't even get to enjoy the magic of loosing her first tooth. I ruined that for her. But what a learning moment for me...I was never going to forget again!

Now here we are in August. We're in the middle of our trip across country and arrived at my brother's house in Indiana last night. McKenna has had 2 loose teeth for a while now and pulled one out last night. In all the fun and excitement with cousins the tooth got lost. Not to worry, I tell McKenna, we can write her a note and she'll understand.

Well guess what....

THE TOOTH FAIRY DIDN'T LEAVE ANY MONEY! AGAIN!!!

Sweet McKenna thinks it's because she moved her pillow before she went to bed so the note was not actually under her pillow. Happy and relieved to have not ruined the magic for her.

So you can see it's a well deserved title...worst tooth fairy! You'd think I'd learn. You'd think I'd remember. Maybe I'll get all this forgetfulness of my system before Zachary and Gavin start loosing teeth.

Ready or Not...

Here we come! Five hours and counting until be begin the 2,083 mile drive across the country.

Last minute errands

Packed car in a tetris like fashion

Fathers Priesthood Blessings

Sad goodbyes

We're off on our new adventure in Crozet, Virginia!

I know this is a pretty boring post for something so monumental in our lives...but I'm too tired to think of anything profound or meaning to say right now...I'm sure that will come later as I have hours and hours to think about what I could and should have written!

Monday was a perfect summer night to spend at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. When we come to Utah this is usually a winter outing to see the Christmas lights, so it was wonderful to have nice warm weather! Our kids love coming to temple square and seeing up close the temple where we got married.

The flowers were beautiful!

Walking around the visitors center is always a special experience. Especially walking up the ramp to go see the Christus. This was a tender moment of the kids and Grandma Great taking a moment to teach them about their Savior's love for them.

We were walking around the temple and walking up these stairs to take this picture when Zachary turned to me and said, "Mom, when you touch the temple, the temple touches you back." I was a little startled because after he said that I remembered one of the General Authorities saying that at General Conference in April. I thought maybe he and Bret had a conversation where Bret had taught him that thought. Come to find out Bret didn't talk to him about that and sweet little Zachary remembered that all on his own. We were driving home and asked him what else he remembered and he said, "Remember, the apostle, not President Monson, said when he was a little boy he and his dad were driving in the car and they got lost. But they weren't really lost because they could see the temple and his dad said, 'When you can see the temple you're never lost.'" We were amazed and realized what a sponge these kids really are. We have General Conference twice a year and each time we spend 8 hours over the span of Saturday and Sunday listening to our Church leaders. Our kids always watch with us and I try to make it fun by having yummy treats and Conference Bingo, but I always wonder exactly how much they really hear and how much is sinking in. Come to find out my little four year old listened and remembered something I had forgotten. How grateful I am that his own little testimony is strengthened from sitting at the feet of the Prophet and Apostles. And it's also reassuring to know that while I may wonder what they are really learning and feeling, things are being heard, being felt, sinking in, and helping them grow. The talk he remembered is "Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples" by Gary E. Stevenson and you can read it here. So while this picture is a little blurry, I'll always love it for the experience that goes with it.

I love the Salt Lake Temple!

Grandma Ruth

Monday night we went up to Salt Lake to have dinner with Grandma Ruth and take our kids to temple square. Grandma prepared a great picnic that we took across the street to a little park. It is wonderful to see my kids develop a relationship with their Grandma Great and it's wonderful to have her in their lives.

And of course no visit to Grandma and Grandpa would be complete without a little ride on the scooters.

Bear Lake

July 25-30 we went to Bear Lake with Bret's family. All but one sister and her family were able to make it. (Traci...we really missed you!) The funnest part of this years reunion was all being in the same house. It made for some fun games, great talks, danger ball and late nights.

Monday we spent at the beach. We all shared a jet ski and had a blast on the water trampoline.

The kids had a blast playing in the "muddy" sand. The cute girl in the middle is my niece Claire who is two months younger then Gavin.

Monday night was the anticipated Crane Talent Show. This year our family did some good old classic skits...including "Water" which apparently gets down at Scout Camp a lot. It was perfect for Zachary to be the one to pull out a comb with his long thick summer hair.

Tuesday we spent hanging around the house, down at the pool and tennis courts and playing some fun games on the green open field.

For those of us that were left on Wednesday we drove up Logan Canyon and did an amazing hike. We probably hiked about 5 miles. The kids did great. The wonderful thing about this hike was all the beautiful wild flowers along the way. It was one of those hikes were the destination is not what makes it, but the entire path.

At the end of the hike we played around in the little lake long enough for Bret to catch a fish with his own hands and for a snake to swim by our kids who happened to be out about thigh deep. (Yes, there were screams.)

Thanks for the great week Crane Family!