Here's Eli & Michael enjoying a little song and dance while watching Michaels' least favorite movie - Barbie in Swan Lake (Elizabeth's fav). I guess he's got to entertain himself some how :)
When I think about all my Savior has done for me, it's humbling. My feelings for Him are stronger than any other, yet so very tender. I love this man...my God. He has saved me from myself. And I love Him. I am grateful for this time of year because the focus is on His life, death, and resurrection. HE LIVES!!! And I hope to live each day for Him. And in quiet moments, that's what I think about when I watch my children. I remember Christs' love for me is something that I need to show them.
Here are my angels, gathering eggs in our yard. I thought Michael was going to laugh himself silly he was so excited. Elizabeth on the other hand was very content with an egg in each hand. It was a fun day =>
Brian rode in his first road bike event on Sat. March 15th called the McClinchy Mile. He rode 80.6 miles in 6 1/2 hrs!!! OK. I'm impressed! I meant to take a pic of him, but the camera was on video and didn't quite get what I was after. But I included his rider number. He was very proud and excited about this accomplishment. He's hoping to do the STP (Seattle to Portland) in one day this year which is just over 200 miles, so this is a great boost for that goal.
Ok. Don't be mad! Yes, I did more painting, (and will continue w/ the kitchen/dining rm, family rm, & the boys' rm). I painted the downstairs bathroom, but I have this fabulous mask that keeps the fumes out - so no worries! I just can't help myself. It's amazing the difference a little paint makes to a room so now I'm on a painting frenzy. So - the bathroom is this lovely "seafoam" bluish/greenish color. I'm doing an Oregon Coast theme in there (to honor Brian's mama who's fav place was just that). I have the lighthouse picture my mother did for Darla (w/ chalk I believe) and gave to her for her bday. We inherited it when Darla passed away, which I'm really thankful for. So that's in the bathroom, and I'm going to be getting some shelves to put seashells, agates, and that kind of stuff on. It should be fabulous when it's all done :) I'll post pics of the other rooms as they are completed. We bought all the paint. It's just a matter of time!
His special day finally arrived! 3 yrs old and lovin' life! We had a fun day. We took the kids to the Seattle Aquarium which was cool. Michael was way over-excited with the experience. He was running around like a mad man, pointing and laughing and shouting, "Wow! Look at this!" at every exibit. It was fun to see him so happy. Elizabeths favorite part was the giant glass 'o' that you could walk through that had jelly fish going around and around. And of course I forgot the camera and had to pay $15 at the gift shop (what a rip!) for a disposible. Those shots we'll post when I get them developed. And Grandma & Grandpa came for dinner and cake and that's always fun.
I've been reading in people's blogs how the hubby and wifey-poos met and it really makes me want to have a flash back of my own and share "our story". It's one of my favorites after all => It all began... because Brian's momma loved to play match-maker, bless her heart! I was working with her at the time, and being one of my mom's closest friends, she knew the ends and outs of my life and consequently my ending marriage. Her oldest boy Brian was going through the same thing and so she suggested we become email pals. He was in South Dakota, getting a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and like me, needed to know that there were others that have gone through the same painful ordeal. With in 3 wks we decided we wanted to be married, but recognizing this as your classic rebound, we stayed just friends instead. Over the next 2 yrs we drifted apart. When Brian finished school in May 2003, he moved back to WA, and he looked me up. I was still single with absolutely no interest in dating after some real humdingers over the past couple years. But Brian has charms you would not believe! He brought me flowers at work. He filled my car with balloons and a stuffed animal puppy for my bday. He stopped by at my work when he was working close by to bring me lunch. He took me to dinner. We went hiking. We went swimming. All of this "just as friends" at my insistance. But that kind of thing doesn't really work, and before long I was head over heels for this new beau - Brian Steele Crosby. We "hung out" for a total of 2 months and finally it hit me that this guy had the right idea. I couldn't imagine life without him. 3 wks later we were husband and wife. I really don't think there is anyone in this world that is happier than me, or as blessed. Brian and I are still blissfully wedded and even though we continue to have our share of trials, we draw closer through every one. We are now expecting our 3rd child together, and with Brian's other 3 children, we have the cutest bunch of kids anyone could ask for! Life is good. And I KNOW without the Lord, none of it would be possible. He is our strength and his promises are absolute. I've seen them again and again.
Here's a couple pics of my adorable younglings. They are getting so big!!! MICHAEL is going to be 3 yrs old on Monday and Daddy got him his first bike (sshh - don't tell). It's a 12" with training wheels. I can't believe he'll be big enough for an actual bike. He's saying more things, but he's still got some work to do there, but he can name most of his colors and count to 7 before he goes back to 1 again. And he's starting to sing the ABC song and really liking learning about the alphabet. ELIZABETH will be going to nursery next month - my baby! It will be fun to have her and Michael in there together for a while. Her big brother does a good job looking out for her, especially around other kids. That's HIS "bebe". She can run around the house almost as fast as Michael now and they love to laugh together and play. Michael actually got upset a couple days ago because Elizabeth didn't want to play airplanes with him right then. He was sitting on the floor crying, holding out her plane saying, "Airplanes, Bebe! Come on, Bebe! Please!" The actual BABY in my tummy is 14 wks now and I'm scheduled to have my ultrasound April 9th. I'm very anxious to find out the gender.
