The Crandalls

Grace is Growing....

2012-01-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

Our little Gracie is growing so much! Every day we are amazed at how she is changing and becoming bigger and better! She is now off of the intense breathing CPAP machine and she is on a regular nasal cannula (which means she is breathing room air, she just needs some pressure in her nose/throat to remind her to breathe!).

She is such an angel. She is awake more and more during the day and night. She wiggles her little arms and legs and looks around with her gorgeous big eyes. She loves her daddy and pops wide awake when she hears his voice. She loves to snuggle and cuddle while she eats or just while she sleeps. This week she has started orally feedings and she has taken to it like a fish in the water! We are thrilled because this is just one step closer to getting her home!

What an angel. We love her so much and we are so proud of her.

Precious face!

Chillin' out after eating. Look at that cute outfit! {Thanks Justina!}

SHE LOVES HER BINKIE!

New Pictures of Grace

2011-12-22T20:27:00.000-08:00

My Dad's Ring can go all the way up her arm and leg!

Proud Papa holding his little gal. She is hooked up to lots of things...but she is one good sport.

We were able to put this cute polka-dot bow in her hair. I've wanted to do that since we found out we were having a girl. :)

An Update on Gracie Larue

2011-12-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

Firstly, let me express that miracles have taken place in our lives and in little Grace because of the faith, prayers, and tenderness shown by so many of you. We are so humbled by the goodness in people, and the powerful prayers that have caused blessings to come down up Grace and our family in the last 11 days.

Grace is doing so well. I cannot believe how wonderful the results have been on some pretty scary tests. She was expected to have holes in her heart...but the tests came back negative. She has a healthy and fine heart! Because of the blood transfusions and how small she is, she was expected to have brain bleeding, but those tests--so far--have come back clear and healthy. Her little brain is just fine! Her white blood cell count was dangerously low, almost non-existent, and through the fasting and prayers of our precious family and friends she now is RIGHT where she needs to be. It truly is a big tender mercy.

She is getting weaned from her ventilator a little more every day. We hope to have her off of it soon, but she is having a few problems maintaining pressure in her lungs. She is very small and will just need to learn how to do this on her own before we can move her to a different breathing machine.

Grace is a fighter and we love her so much. One of the nurses nicknamed her Gracie Larue because she wanted her to be named Suanne Larue {after her own name and a mixture of her daughters' names}. It is a cute and silly name that is kind of sticking over there. :) She is our Christmas Angel and we are so blessed that she is here, alive, with us!

{She can be swaddled now because she pulled her huge IV out of her arm and they didn't need to put it back in yet.}

Grace

2011-12-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

"...Divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ...."

Grace Crandall
December 4th, 2011
8:21 pm
1 lb. 13 ounces
13 1/2 inches long

My Beautiful Cousin's Fall Bridal Shower

2011-10-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share some fun pictures from my cousin's bridal shower. Katie is such a beautiful person...inside and out. I have never met a more vibrant, humble, grateful, and fun girl. She is like a little sister. We had a bunch of people show up to support her and it was a lot of fun! We had a bunch of soups, breadsticks, and fall desserts...yummy fall foods! What a great way to celebrate Katie falling in love. Love you Katie! :)

A Little Help

2011-10-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Now that we know we are going to be having a precious little girl, I need some help! We are stuck on names! :) We are having a hard time coming up with ideas! Seriously! I want something classic but fresh. For example: we love the name Grace (Gracie), but that one has been a little trendy lately. You know what I mean? I am open for any suggestions. I don't want to steal names, I just need some help! Sound off!

It's A.....

2011-09-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

A Thought

2011-09-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

As time seems to slow down a little bit in Autumn, I find myself thinking more. I am thinking about God, His purpose for me; my family and what I should be doing more with them; School-I miss it so badly {learning} and of course {at times} teaching too; The new baby; The youth and all that they have to struggle through every day; What I want to be when I grow up; Where I'll be in two or three years and what I'll be doing; People who need help in my ward and just around me...

Wes used to tell me to "Stop Thinking!" because I'd start worrying about things and most of the time you just can't have control of most of the things you think about...but I think it's good for the mind and soul to think often. I have missed it. I have missed deep pondering because I have let myself get too busy and then fall out of the habit of truly thinking about things that matter.

I don't know...maybe I am causing more trouble for myself....But doesn't everyone need to THINK?!

New Baby

2011-09-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

I'm just putting up random pictures: I do NOT know the Gender of my baby!
I just need to say this and I'm not sure exactly how it will come out: but I am SO STINKING EXCITED TO HAVE A NEW BABY! I had a panic attack a few weeks ago about going through labor and delivery again. That required some strong mental muscle to force myself to deal. But then I woke up the next morning with butterflies in my tummy and a huge smile on my face. I can't wait for this new little spirit to join our family and rock our world!

My grandma Brewer was in town the other night and she said our family prayer one night. She prayed for all of the grandkids who were pregnant {there are four of us, due around the same time!}, and for the special babies we were carrying. She prayed specifically that we would be blessed because we were making the decision to bring Heavenly Father's children into good homes with loving parents, and the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. I was really touched by her humble and sincere prayer and it got me thinking about my role as a mother on a much deeper level than I have in a while. Maybe it was because of the difficulties and challenges I had while carrying and delivering Cache, but I will never take the miracle of life for granted again. It truly is a miracle and a blessing that we have no control over. God is a wonderful and loving Father to allow us to be parents and to allow us children who are so prepared and strong when they come here.

I know God gives us different challenges and trials and we all make choices about life and children and they are quite personal and quite right for us if we are listening. I just want to say though that I am so happy for the challenges children bring. They teach me how to act more like Him and show me how to love more purely. They make me laugh out loud {like when Cache floods the kitchen and then almost cracks his head open slipping in the water} and tear up and cry, but they are so wonderful. I am so thankful for new babies and the family that I am creating now!

Two

2011-08-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

My baby is two. Can I be a bit melancholy? Two is not where I thought he would be. It goes so fast. Time races by every day. I get so excited that he is learning new things and doing new things, and then I stop and think: but he is growing and will not be doing the old things any more. I am beginning to see what parents say everytime: cherish this stage because it is gone so fast. And it is.

My Cache is my miracle. I sit here today with so much gratitude and love in my heart. He really shouldn't be here. We had so many complications....were almost positive that he was gone a few times. And yet, he is here. God has blessed my life with more richness, more beauty, more humilty, more joy than I could have ever done on my own. This baby Cache is a gift and I cherish Him. He is my light and my life. He is the reason I get up when I am sick, and the reason I stay up a few extra hours with him running around the house at night. I love being with him.

My sweet boy had a wonderful birthday. He walked around saying, "Two Two," all day and holding up five fingers. He loves his new "bi" (bike) and his many tractors and finger puppets.

I pray that I will always remember this little two year old and his funny quirks. Because I know tomorrow I will be sending him off on a plane to his mission and then watching him take his own beautiful bride to the temple, and quite honestly, I just can't stand the thought. Here are some pictures of his big day!

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Cache and His Bracelets

2011-08-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

Cache loves my hair elastics! He calls them his bracelets and he puts them on his wrists and prances around with them. He will take them out of my hair every time I pull it back. He has recently started using them for other things too....

I am a Child of God

2011-05-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

Pictures

2011-05-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Just needed to show you a few of my favorites from some of my recent photo-shoots. I don't like to do this often, but I just couldn't help it. :)

My baby and the Hose

2011-05-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

'Nough said.

stuff

2011-05-02T09:50:00.001-07:00

So..It's May and I have the Spring Cleaning Fever. The problem is, I need some help organizing. Who can give me some tips for the garage, kitchen, master bed, and laundry room? What do you guys do to keep those rooms nice and tidy?

Easters

2011-04-25T14:40:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to post a few pics of my lover baby on Easters!

NEW YORK NEW YORK!

2011-04-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Just needed to tell you that I fell in love with New York. I was able to go there (for the first time) for five days on a High School Fashion Design Trip (my mother-in-law is the fashion design teacher). It was beyond description in my eyes. I need to give you a lot of back-info, but because it is boring, I'll shorten it: I'm a people watcher/place observer and It was fascinating to watch this completely different culture going on. I guess you could say this was a big taste of what the world is really like.

First things first: I fell in love with the old buildings and the super high skyscrapers. I love the way they make you feel so tight and closed in (I know most people don't like that). You feel snug or cozy. :)

The fashion design schools we went to and the designers we met were insanely talented and very interesting. I think some of the girls were surprised at having so many gay men around them too. haha. But my favorite place was THE HAT SHOP. This lady has custom fancy hats all over and she told us about her business and then let us all try one on for a "photo-shoot". She was hilarious and very bright, not to mention she challenged the girls' thinking, which I think was refreshing and also good for their little hearts and testimonies (she made me evaluate some stuff too!).

I loved the culture going on around me and seeing people in a hurry to get their lives over with. It was surprising and also quite contrasting to the "po-dunk" life we sometimes live around here. I kept thinking: what is the purpose of these people's lives? Just to rush to work? Rush to shop? Rush to hang out with friends? NEVER SLEEP and then rush back to work? Truly, I had a life-changing experience watching all of these people in their daily lives. (But to save you some crazy long typing and metacognition, I will just let you email me if you want to chat about it!)

The subways were insane and we ventured out on our own a few times on them. They were really fun and quick...but easy to get lost on. We went to church Sunday and I had to lead everyone to the building (it was in the Temple! One side was the church, the other side the temple. Gorgeous!). I was nervous and messed up a bit but we got there with 10 minutes to spare.

We saw all of the tourist sites and classic New York things. I think the best part was we would see things from the movies everywhere we went. And they really were that beautiful, that amazing, that well-groomed (or not that well-groomed), and I was star-struck.

One thing I loved was going to Wicked on Broadway, meeting a Radio City Rockette, Rockefeller Plaza, little cafes and shops, and the night life. So fun. I bet we didn't go to bed before 1:30 any night we were there. It truly is the city that never sleeps.

I'm already saving my money so I can go back. So... who's with me?

A Story In Pictures

2011-04-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

***Preface to those who do NOT live in Utah.*** We have had some beautiful weather and Cache and I have been outside a lot the last week or so. But on Sunday, we woke up to the heaviest snow we have seen in a while. There was quite a bit of it too! Now you will see what I saw, as I started out to take a lovely picture of the barn across the street.

Migraines... The Bane of My Existence

2011-03-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here's the scoop. I am a victim of my own body. Haha. Sorry to be dramatic, but sometimes it feels like that. I suffer from severe migraines and I am not exactly sure how to get them under control. Some days/weeks/months/years are great and some are horrific. And I mean horrific. I vomit, lose my vision, have extreme pain, sensitivity to light and sound, numbing in one side or the other of my body, etc.

I know some of my triggers: stress, no food, no water, no sleep. I can control these things and I usually do quite well with balancing them. I also know that hormones reek havoc on my brain and that is something I cannot control.

So I am posing this question: What should I do? Anyone have advice? So far I've heard yoga from my mom and that is about it. Bring on the wisdom! I am looking for anything that I can do to get rid of these things once and for all (or at least cut them back) because they rule my life and take me away from important things (LIKE CACHE!). :)

Confessions

2011-03-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

So...I think I need to confess a few things. This isn't like a sinner in church going to the preacher either. Just getting some things off of my chest in order to see things clearer. I think sometimes I need to reconcile what is realistic with what other people want or expect of me, in order to find peace. :)

1. I sometimes stay in my sweats all day long. When I say sometimes, this isn't once a month either. Try once a week. I love it. Even if I am dressed, I usually put on sweats around 5 or 6. Can't help it.

2. Instead of being the "perfect" housewife, I usually don't do chores all day. Cache and I read and play for most of the day. We cook and make a lot of messes and we laugh our heads off. And (gasp) I don't feel guilty about it. Or maybe I do. That's why I have to confess it sometimes....IDK.

3. Truthfully, Wes is the most honest and supportive man I have ever met. Ever. He makes me feel like I am the most on-the-ball, motivated, and talented girl in the world. Even when I am in my sweats playing in the mud with Cache. How did I get so lucky?

4. I love projects and crafts. I get super excited and motivated to do something and then I begin. I hardly ever finish something. It can take YEARS for me to finish a project. Imagine my house right now full of half-done projects....YIKES.

5. If I had my way, Cache and I would be with Wes working almost every day. I love being on the horses, in the truck, feeding hay, anything. As long as we are with Wes. It makes me feel like I am actually accomplishing something bigger than myself. Plus I'm outside, plus I'm with "the boys". Maybe that's why I like it so much.

6. I talk a lot and listen too little. Stupid mouth.

7. I LOVE root beer floats.

8. As geeky as this sounds (and it is geeky) I own a pen collection. I love pens. I get them for Christmas and Birthdays. When I go to a store that's my favorite isle (along with other office supplies). I even will wait around for an hour to get a free pen from a company I don't even care about. I JUST NEED THE PEN!

9. I have a problem with swearing. Wes is helping me out with this. Cache learning to talk is a great motivator as well.

10. Sometimes I miss teaching so badly that I want to cry...but then I would miss Cache so much that I would cry. Plus, I feel guilty when I am at work all day away from Cache. Is that normal?

11. I text about 4500 texts a month. OBSESSED!

12. Even if I am sad, I have a really hard time crying. I don't know what the issue is either. Sometimes it feels SOOO GOOD to cry.

13. My calling and Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ mean more to me now then they ever have before. The more I reflect and realize the deeper meaning behind our Father's love and His purposes, the more I realize I need to step up and be more obedient. It's almost like a light bulb has come on and I recognize what I should be doing on a different level than I ever have before. I can't explain it. I just feel it. Oh well...I tried to confess this one. :)

14. I still wear my glow in the dark retainers at night. Wes has matching glow in the dark ones. We are the dragon-geek-nerd couple and we look hott in them.

15. As fun as it sounds, I can't jump on a trampoline any more. Cache destroyed my bladder and I have issues. Wonder what will happen after a few more kids. I'll have to wear pull-ups to the grocery store.

My Din

2011-03-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

My sister just got back from her mission in Virginia. I need to say that she is one of the best people I know. She came home with such a spirit about her (which I hope all missionaries do) but it's more than that. I just want to be around her 24/7 she is so full of what is right and wants to be better. She has goals and ambition, and most of all: the Spirit, so strong. I just soak it up...I forgot how good it feels to have the Spirit with you all of the time. I need to do better.

Lindsey is very witty and she can joke and laugh with the rest of us, but she has this peace and love around her. I think it is from serving others so well that she is now so calm. It rubs off. No one wants to offend that awesome feeling she brings with her. I was talking with her the other day and she said, "Everyone keeps telling me I need to do things on my own time. But, Nikki, I don't want to do it on my time, I want to do it on the Lord's time." Yes. I started crying! She is so good. She has helped me remember what is important and what I should be doing and focusing on.

Thanks Linds...you're an amazing sister.

Florida!

2011-02-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

Wes and I went with the Farm Bureau to Florida this year. We were taking classes on improving the ranch. Was it a blast? Yes. What is more attractive than a bunch of farmers, ranchers, and dairymen in their wranglers, boots, and ball caps? :)

Truly though...I've never been to Florida like this and it was fun. We met some great friends and had a blast going to the different amusement parks. I have to say: Disney world, overrated. Universal Studios: Rockin. I LOVED HARRY POTTER WORLD! It was amazing and they did such a good job with the candy, shops, souvenirs, and RIDES! It was very authentic. The pictures in the castle talked to each other. Dumbledor moved around and lectured us. Remarkable. They had magic wands, crazy candy, and butterbeer (amazing!). The dragon challenge ride was my favorite. I dragged Wes on it over nine times. Sick! If you haven't been there...make it a goal. GO NOW! :)

I am an Adrenalin junkie so this was my favorite part: HUGE AND CRAZY roller-costers. So fun. Anyway...here are some pics.

My little Cowboy

2011-02-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

The debate between Nurture and Nature has been on-going for sometime in the education world. How much of a child's personality, likes, dislikes come from his surroundings and how much just comes with him?

I have to say that I am a strong believer in the nurture aspect of a child and so I try to be more careful with how I act, what I say, etc. But this little Cache has challenged some of my beliefs. The kid is a cowboy by Nature! :) He loves being outside, chasing cows, clomping on horses and four-wheelers, riding in tractors and backhoes (which he can now say very well). The kid was born to be on the ranch. I love him so much and I can't get enough of his little adventerous spirit.

SENIOR PICTURES!

2011-01-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

If you know any Seniors who need some great senior pictures taken, will you show them to my website? I'd love to take some fun portraits for seniors. :) I am running a special right now too. nykelecrandallphotography.com

Love you all!

New Shoes

2011-01-22T16:18:00.000-08:00

I got three new pairs of shoes for my birthday day this year. Am I obsessed? YES! Nothing feels better than putting on a new pair of shoes and strutting (or running, or mucking) around. :)

I do have to say that one person is enjoying my new shoes a little more than I am this year. Cache. He will put on my shoes wherever we go. HE LOVES SHOES. He clomps around in any size shoe, as long as he can get it on his foot! (The best is when he tries to walk in Wes's size 13 shoes!) Cache is very conscious of fashion too because he knows who is wearing what shoe and he can bring you the shoes you just took off, even if he doesn't know you.

The kid is a pro at his kicks. I think I might have new competition for wearing new shoes out and about.

We Seek After These Things...

2011-01-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever read the 13th Article of Faith? I mean really read it? I can honestly say that I haven't. Until now. I have had the amazing blessing to be in Young Women for two and a half years now. That's a pretty long time...and yet, it isn't. There's so much to be done and so much that can be done in a year. But you have to work for it. I have met some amazing women who are working hard to bless the lives of the youth. But my favorite part of young women is the YOUTH. I love them. From their smiles to their various talents to their strong spirits to their weaknesses and insecurities. Everything that they have makes them beautiful. They are such awesome instruments in the Lord's hands.

The theme this year for Young Women (and young men) is the 13th Article of Faith. I love the idea of seeking after virtuous things. It is NOT enough to try and avoid the bad things around us, we need to be seeking after the good, virtuous, benevolent things that God has placed on this earth. By doing so, we can help lead others unto Christ. That's what I need to improve on and I hope that I will. I want to lead others to Christ by all that I do and say. I want to make sure that I am planting within me a PURE desire to follow and obey the Lord. I want to make sure that I am doing the things He asks of us because I understand what they are and why they are important. It is vital that we don't just go through the motions, but that we truly understand our worship and WHO we worship, and why.

I love my callings with the youth and I have been so deeply blessed by my associations with them. They strengthen me daily and help me stay focused on my goals and my Heavenly Father.

Just Sit Back and Laugh

2011-01-06T09:19:00.001-08:00

HoHoHo! Merry Christmas!

2010-12-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some mug shots for Christmas. Please ignore the fact that Cache came downstairs on Christmas Eve, saw his car and played for it for a few hours before heading to bed. We are bad parents. So what? The kid was in heaven! Then Wes finished putting things together in time for Christmas morning! We spent Christmas Eve with the Crandalls this year. We had an amazing Christmas dinner and then spent time playing games and talking and opening new slippers and PJs. We also got to see them first thing in the morning.

Cache was so fun! (I woke him up because I was very excited for him to see what he received!) He didn't understand the concept that more presents were awaiting him. He just opened one and got so excited and played with it for hours. What a good, content kid. :) We were severely spoiled by both sides of our families and Wes spoiled us as well. I hoped we got him something that he wanted...Santa has a hard time keeping up when Wes buys himself most of his gifts. Oh well! We feel very blessed this time of year (and always) for the wonderful loved ones were are surrounded by. We have amazing families and pals and we know that they are the reason for our happiness! Love you all. Merry Christmas to all and a happy New Year!

Chase said we were lucky. We got a Baby in a Box for Christmas!

The "Lee" Brothers. (ug-Lee!)

A LOOOOONNNNGGGG winter's nap!

Auntie Caryn and Cache have matching PJs! Footies!

So you Think you Can Dance on the Wii!

Christmas Cheer

2010-12-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my amazing friend, Jessie's, advice, I have been trying to focus on others a bit more. We had a Brewer Surprise Holiday Party the other night. We had dinner, treats, games, and a holiday movie. It was really fun and the best part was, Wes and I dressed up as Joseph and Mary (Cache was the angel) and told the Christmas story. Then we kidnapped the Brewers (my family) and brought them here for fun! Here are a few snapshots from the evening. It was a TON OF FUN!

Thanks Jess and Merry Christmas Everyone. I love you and I am so grateful for you!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

So I've found myself being quite the grinch this year, and I can't really put my finger on the reason for my lack of holiday cheer. Wes has assured me that the quickest way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear; this only lasts for a little while though. Cache is another great source of joy and life...I am so grateful for him and his happy little personality! But in the quite moments when he is asleep, I find myself drifting toward grinch-y-ness again.

I have really been trying to focus on the Lord and His special and humble birth. I really think this will help me. It has brought me more peace than any other year. At the same time, I feel that Satan is ON MY BACK and trying everything he can do to make me depressed, upset, anxious, and rude this season. So...with that in mind....can anyone share how they keep the Christmas Spirit close to their heart during this season? I could really use some help....

HAPPY THREE YEARS LOVER!

2010-12-16T16:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Wes,

I can't believe another year has gone by in our marriage. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for memorizing a song on the guitar yesterday and then playing it and singing it for me. What an angel. I honestly was brought back to high school days (you were one hott tamale playing "Buttercup" in Mr. Springville)!

Thank you for taking time to talk to me and listen to me. I can tell you anything and I know you will try to understand what I am trying to say and what's in my heart. You are the best at making me laugh and comforting me when I am down. I love your happy smile and your optimistic outlook on life. Your goofiness is something I cherish (even though many people don't get to see it!).

I am so grateful for the worthy priesthood holder you are. I love watching you with Cache. You are such a good dad who tries hard to teach and lead by example. I appreciate your willingness to be a conscious dad. I know Cache adores you and tries to be like you whenever he can. He watches for your laughter and approval on a regular bases now. :) One thing that always touches my heart is how aware of me and my needs you are. You are always serving me in some way: doing the dishes, helping fold laundry, bathing Cache, helping with my pictures...this list could go on for a while. Thank you. It means the world to me!

I love you, Wes. I can't wait to be with you for 100 more years and then into the eternities. :) Love,

Me

{Reflections on Learning}

2010-12-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

I've had a few days to think about my education and the blessings that have come from the chances I had to pursue English Education. I can't think of any other job I would rather have than teaching (besides being a mom) and I am so lucky that I had the opportunity to do it.

I think I am always going to be a life -long-learner. I had the amazing opportunity to get my reading endorsement (which I just completed! Yeah!) and this has taught me so much about different children and their talents and skills and disabilities. I think the thing I've learned the most through all my education and teaching is that everyone just needs a little love. Love can make people open up and start anew and find power and confidence within themselves that no form of pedagogy skill can inspire. I think that's THE REASON I loved getting better at my job. I got to love those kids every day and learning new skills just made it easier to help them and love them.

So...next on the agenda? I don't know. I think maybe a masters in educational pedagogy? Maybe learning how to sew a decent quilt? Skills that will help me be a better wife and mom (like cooking and getting laundry folded on time?)? My passion is people and learning. I find myself constantly wanting to master new things and understand and learn how things work. I can't picture myself hanging tight for too long. :) Somedays I am crazy because I don't just sit still...but I think that's the beauty of the gospel as well. We get to take everything we learn and understand with us into the eternities...so it's kind of fun to fill up my brain with as many different subjects, ideas, and topics as I can.

Why am I writing about this? I don't know. It is neither organized nor revised (shame on me, right?), but I think I just needed to express my love and gratitude for a Heavenly Father who allows us to develop and use our talents to help others in this world. My teaching has hopefully touched lives. But I know the skills I have help me in my marriage and with Cache everyday. I hope that as I continue to learn new things that I will be better able to inspire, lift, help, and encourage...MOSTLY LOVE...those around me every day. Anyway...there you have it. :)

I am such a 'tard

2010-11-30T12:08:00.000-08:00

I was decorating my tree today. I couldn't find the little gold and silver hooks I use to hang the bulbs on the tree. I vaguely remember Cache running around with the bag and thinking, "That's sure cute. He's having Christmas Spirit." Rather than spend a whole $.98 cents to get a new box of hooks for the bulbs, I snatched the paperclip jar from the desk. Same thing, right?

Now I have bulbs hanging from the tree by multi-colored paperclips. Best part? I am putting the extra stuff and containers away and there sits the hooks, nestled in their plastic bag. NEXT TO THE TREE. Whatever. I'm not redoing the bulbs.

FAMILY PICTURES! {again}

2010-11-26T18:24:00.000-08:00

There are years that have pictures and years that have none. This is a year of pictures. I don't know why, but we are all in the mood to get our family pictures taken! :)

Wes's brother, Chase, returned from his mission a week before his other brother, Rhett, left for his. I think we needed to make the most of the family being together and so we took Crandall Family Pictures! Fun!

We had a beautiful gal named Lizzie take our pictures. I think that the funnest ones are the ones that captured our family in our Klim jackets. We love snowmobiling together, so it was fun to see us all together in them. I love this Crandall family that I married into! I am very blessed.

Our family in our KLIM snowmobiling jackets! SNOW BABY SNOW!

Whirl-wind Week!

2010-11-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

Wow! This last week and a half (possibly two weeks..I can't remember) have flown by! We have had a lot going on in the Crandall family! First things first: Cache's Uncle Chase got home from his mission. He was serving in Indiana and he is fluent in their native language: NASCAR. We are so proud of him. The whole family (and some friends) went up to the airport to greet him.

Then we headed off to Disneyland for three days of fun in the sun. It really was a blast. Cache liked the cracks and gum on the pavement more than the rides and the characters, but we aren't complaining. The kid was an angel on the plane, in the park, and sleeping at night. Awesome! We had a blast going on rides and seeing the Christmas stuff taken out. It was VERY magical. No wonder I love that place so much!

Then we hustled home for a double feature in Church on Sunday. Chase had his welcome home and Rhett, Wes's other brother, had his farewell. Rhett is serving in the Dominican Republic West mission (I think I left the real name out. Sorry!). They both did a great job and we had a full house those few days.

Finally, Wednesday, we said goodbye to Rhett as he entered the MTC. We sure love him. He is a solid kid with a good heart and a strong testimony. I think he will do awesome on his mission. But man will we miss him! He was my little protector when we went snowmobiling. He'd stick with me and if I got stuck, Rhett was always the first one there to help me out. :)

What a great week. Now I need a nap! (And my mother-in-law needs a FEW!)

WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!

2010-11-07T07:15:00.001-08:00

I don't have pictures yet nor do I have any experiences, but when I get them after this next week, I'll TELL Y'ALL! :) I am in heaven. I am so excited. xoxoxo. Ciao.

{Happy Halloween!}

2010-10-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to begin with, but I have to say, IT ROCKS WITH KIDS! Cache had no idea why I was shoving him into a baby elephant costume, but he sure loved running around with the other kids, eating all sorts of candy, and staying up late! It was a blast! And everyone had to love on the baby elephant! It was raining, but we visited all the grandparents for some special trick-or-treating! FUN!

Our friends Brock and Nesha put on a fun halloween party for adults on Friday night. We all dressed up and went to a scavanger hunt. We had to locate things like: a gravestone from the 1940s, a vampire, a giant pumpkin (and smash one! I felt so bad. All I could see was some little kid crying because we smashed his pumpkin!), etc. It was a blast. Love love love Halloween.

{Just for Fun}

2010-10-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

My BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED mom works with this AMAZING lady named Angie. Angie is opening up a consignment shop for prom dresses to be rented out. (Which, btw people in the Springville area, can earn you money if you let them use your dresses! Just let me know if you are interested.) Some of her lovely models decided to dress up and I was able to take some FUN FUN FUN pictures. I will post more when I have a minute...but I just wanted to show you a few. I loved doing this! :)

I DID SOMETHING AROUND MY HOUSE!

2010-10-25T17:14:00.001-07:00

I just have to say: I am so proud of myself because I actually did something around my house today. I folded clothes, vacuumed, and did dishes. My house is still a disaster and a warzone...but I must say I feel SEMI-productive (so no one rain on my parade). Oh the pathetic house-wife that I am.

Oh yeah...and Cache is dressed today. Just call me superwoman.

{What did we do Before the Cricut?}

2010-10-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

I have to ask this because I have made some of the cutest and funnest things from the cricut. I don't even own one. I usually ask my aunt or my beautiful sister-in-law if I can borrow theirs. But I love the cricut. I made the cutest pumpkins for my young women this week and THEY WERE SO EASY!

I bought black vinyl at Roberts and then, using the amazing Cricut, cut out spiders and ghosts. Then I simply put them on the pumpkins as little cut-outs. It was that easy. Who needs to gut a pumpkin and stab themselves carving it? Not I. I am using the cricut to make my Halloween Jack-o-Lanterns. I also made cute little owl cards to go with them. Anywho...am I lazy? Yes. But am I grateful for the Cricut. Yes.

Fall Break!

2010-10-18T08:48:00.001-07:00

We loved fall break! Our family went up to my Aunt Kristie's cabin and we just relaxed. We four-wheeled, ate, watched movies, ate, sewed, hiked, walked, ate, shot guns, had fires, and ate. It was a blast. I love spending time with my precious Gramma, cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, and parents--and of course Cache and Wes. :)

We also celebrated my dad's bday while we were up there. Man I am so blessed to have him as my dad. He is such a good man who tries hard to do what is right. He really wants to make a difference and serve the Lord. He has taught me so much. He has loved me so much. Happy bday dad!

Cubbies and the Spout Hat

2010-10-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

Cache is the love and light of our lives. I'm not lying either. This kid has one magnetic personality. He will be a big people person one day. He makes the most animated and realistic expressions. You can tell right away when he is happy, sad, confused, angry, joyful, tired, etc. (You'll see some of these in a minute.)

Lately, Cache has been going through a cubby stage. He loves forts and cubbies! I find him in the funniest, smallest places because he likes to crawl in them and then play in there with his cars, trucks, books, and fingers. When I pulled out my Bosch to make Orange Julius the other day, he climbed on in the cupboard and played the morning away. During Conference, my brother had an old box that he was playing with and Cache played with him for a while. It was darling. He is 100% boy. It's just built in, isn't it--all you mothers with boys?!

Because the weather has turned violently FREEZING (ok...it's only 50 degrees, but it's a violent change!) we had to get Cache a little fleece hat to wear when he goes running with me and when he plays outside. It has little ear flaps and a little spout/sploogie thing on top. He looks so cute in it! Cache has never really liked hats, but he loves this one. He leaves it on all of the time...even baths and nighttime. We laugh because he doesn't mind when it's off, but he also doesn't mind when it's on either. He looks like a little man in it.

Family Pictures

2010-10-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all!

The last time Wes and I had family pictures taken was when we were engaged! Isn't that horrible...it's been three years! Not to mention we've had a baby since those last pictures. So we finally decided to get some family pictures taken so that we could mark the progress our family has made.

I think the fall leaves look lovely and I have the most handsome husband and baby in the entire world! I have been so blessed to have the eternal family that I have. My baby is one strong spirit and we are so blessed to have him in our family. Wes is a wonderful and loving husband and father and I know I made the right choice all those years ago (lol). :)

HALLOWEEN! crafts

2010-09-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

I had homework to do tonight. Obviously I did everything in my power to avoid it. I got crafty. I have had this little crafty vibe for the past few weeks. It's weird. I like it. I want to make things.

I love FALL AND HALLOWEEN. For some reason they hold some of my best childhood memories! I love the feeling of new teachers and lockers and pencils and school supplies. Cozy weather, football games, leaves, and candy. Everything about Fall says new, maybe because of the new school year, or maybe just because I am a weirdy.

My friend Cassidy made the cutest wreath the other day and so I asked her for left-over materials and made one too. I made one for my mom too because she always makes stuff for me. Speaking of which: she made me the darlingest (word?) fall table runner for my kitchen table. So I also had to make a Halloween table runner because we had gno with sewing last Thursday. I decided to stock up on crafty for a while because I have been so low on it for years and years and years. Anyway....here is what I have done! Enjoy!

(Excuse the pics: some of them are from my phone!)

You are Doing Better than You Think You Are

2010-09-14T20:03:00.001-07:00

On Sunday we were really privileged to have Sister Julie Beck (General Relief Society President) speak to us in stake conference. Her message was dear to my heart and the spirit bore powerful testimony that I was one of the people who really needed to hear what she had to say.

Sister Beck began the message by tearfully thanking the women and mothers (and all people) for their efforts in behalf of the Savior. She acknowledged that life is hard and that "You are doing better than you think you are." What comforting words to hear from such a powerful and sweet woman! She told us that God recognizes our needs and silent struggles and we are doing well in the efforts we are making.

Then, she said, "As a stark contrast, we could be doing better." I was a little surprised by this turn of events, but Sister Beck was very inspired in her message. Though she spoke of many things we can improve on and become better at, one thing she said concerning young mothers really struck me and brought a flood of affirmation from the spirit.

"Young mothers should limit their time spent in front of the computer." She talked of how she has unexpectedly wasted hours online and that if we are not careful, we can go days without truly nurturing and loving our children.She talked of how we need to truly nurture and love these strong and faithful spirits from God because "they are too valuable to ignore." This struck my heart and made my soul sing with truth. We can all do better. We can all give more to our children to love, nurture, and build them into the faithful young servants that Heavenly Father needs.

This talk helped me to assess my own life and to make some improvements. It also made me further appreciate the beautiful effort men and women are putting forth every day. Remember: you are doing better than you think you are. Love you.

School Days

2010-09-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Man! I forgot how hard school was until Cache started studying with his uncles. He loves doing Drivers Ed and Chemistry with Coleby and he surely is tough enough to wrestle (and smooch) Mckay for P.E. It is hard work going to school, but Cache is up to the task!

Cache

2010-08-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

My little man is rocking my world right now. I love that dude. He has started sleeping 12 hours a night! I can't even believe my luck and sometimes I want to just scream with joy. Of course, now that I wrote this, he'll be up all night tonight, but I don't care. He is so fun. He can say "dog" whenever we see one or hear one barking, and he loves "cars!" He loves driving them, riding in them, and especially zooming them around the floor. He is so smart and oh so fun. Cache is such an ultra boy. He loves anything outdoors, noisy, and intense. He sometimes gets a little spooked, but not for long. He loves tractors, motorcycles, soccerballs, horses....you name it. I can't wait for him to start walking so that he can further explore his little world. xoxo love you Cache.

New Website

2010-08-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get things up and running with my photography. I have a website which makes me feel official. It still has some kinks and it is definitely far from perfect, but at least it is working for right now. It was a lot of work! It will take a lot of work to come too. That's ok.

One thing I've realized is that my style of editing isn't exactly what everyone enjoys. I've had to scale back a bit from the abnormal brights and funky finishes because most people aren't as "artsy" as that. I think it's good that I keep getting feedback and critism from others because, at least I hope, it will make me a better photographer and editor. Check the site out if you want and give some feedback (I think you'll have to do it here or on my facebook page). I have to keep my own style and flare to make this mine, but I do enjoy extra eyes catching things that I might not have noticed.

Xoxox

Nykelecrandallphotography.com

Giggle

2010-08-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

I was driving home today and I decided to stop by Krispy Kreme. I haven't had a doughnut FOREVER and I wanted a big DOZEN yummy tastes of one. I found myself with the box of doughnuts in my hands as I am pulling out, Cache asleep in the back seat, and I am selecting a marvelous Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled doughnut. I turned onto the road and took a big bite. I found myself giggling outloud in delight. The doughnut was that good! I can't believe food can bring me that much pleasure....but it does. I was acting like a four year old eating a krispy kreme for the first time. Rad. Release the inner child.

Wyoming

2010-08-20T10:19:00.001-07:00

I'm always talking about "going to Wyoming" and I realized I have never detailed what that exactly means. Wes has to change the water in the various fields we own up there so that the grass keeps growing and the cows keep eating. :) Sometimes we move cows, sometimes we build fence, but most of the time...we just relax. I think I man the house so that an infestation of rats and mice don't take over. That's my role. We actually spend a lot of time up there since Wes's sweet Grandpa passed away over a year ago.

Then during the fall, Wes's whole family is up there enjoying the cooler weather. We work the cows and eventually ween them and send them back to Utah, so it's a big task. Wes's dad was up with us part of the week this week and Cache loved playing with him. When Wes and Calvin would go to leave, Cache would scream and bawl because he thought he was one of the big boys.

Wyoming will always hold a special place in my heart because it is such a HUGE part of our lives. When Wes and I were freshman in college, he took me to the Wyoming ranch for the first time. I think that trip was when I started falling in love with him. It was a rare thing to see an entire family working hard, side by side, and enjoying it! Plus, Wes was a real-life COWBOY! I continued to go with his family even when Wes was gone on his mission.

Then after we were married, the first summer we spent in Wyoming was magical because I was really a part of the ranch now. I learned how to open all the different kinds of gates which brought me great pride (though, now I come to think of it, I think Wes just didn't want to get off of his fourwheeler), I learned how to change the water and build dams, and I even tried my hand at roping a fake cow in the horse pasture.

My second summer I was GREAT with child and still enjoyed Wyoming, but maybe not as much. I was fat and huge and was terrified of the mice. I think it was because I couldn't move away from them fast enough. I'd have to tap two sticks together or make weird noises to scare them away so that I could go to the bathroom at night. But I still enjoyed being up there.

This summer was different again. Cache joined the ranks and we have had a blast with him up there. His wonder and awe remind me of my first time on the ranch. Wes is always telling me about stories and memories he has from up there with his cousins and family. I hope my kids have that same great memory pool to chose from. :)

Top Sixteen Things I love about Wyoming:

16. Wes helping me with dishes at every meal. We talk and laugh the whole time.
15. Rainstorms. I cuddle up in the house all day.
14. The Kirby vacuum. The thing's 4000 years old and it's sucking things up like it was built yesterday.
13. Lazy Mornings!
12. Jack the dog playing "peek a boo" with Cache while we are in the fields.
11. NO MAKE-UP!
10. The mice (especially when they are in the trap)--We found one in the bathtub this time.
9. The air (sweet and usually mildly windy).
8. Time fades away. You don't know if you've been up in Wyoming for a day or six weeks...it doesn't matter.
7. Sunsets, sunrises, sun days. Gorgeous view. Always.
6. Fourwheeler rides. We can spend hours together on the fourwheelers. Cache LOVES THEM! (he thinks he can drive, but his arms don't reach both handlebars!)
5. I actually cook good meals. I enjoy doing it.
4. I have time to tickle, snuggle, and play with Cache and Wes. All day.
3. Reading time! I get a whole book done when I'm up there.
2. Grandma Dolores' stationary. She has gold "C" seals that I can put on my envelopes, people!
1. A reminder that family and nature is a miraculous beautiful gift from God.

It's heaven. I truly love Wyoming.

Tyler, Jen, Kaysia, and Ryder

2010-08-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to be asked to take my cute cousin Tyler's family pictures this morning. It was so scary because this one was "for real"...they actually wanted me to shoot their family pics. But it was also super fun because I was able to put my practice to work (and I guess to more practice too).

Tyler and Jen are seriously beautiful people. Tyler has the shyest, sweet smile. Jen has a radiant glow that makes every picture look amazing. They made two seriously beautiful kids. They have darling personalities and little spunk that only kids can have. As I watched them this morning, I kept thinking how innocent and wonderful they make life. They are simple and that is one thing that makes them so beautiful. Kaysia was driving in the car with me to the pictures and her parents were following in their car. She asked me, "Is my mama coming?" "Yes. She is right behind us." "Oh good. She is so cute. I just love my her so much." I could not keep from tearing up and the sweet love she has for her parents. Cute.

These are just a few of the shots that I took (there were 5 gazillion! Click here to see more) but I wanted to let you see a preview. I want to start picking up families, kids, couples, etc. so it's fun to have this little family's shots under my belt. I loved capturing their family in these pictures. I love the Pratts.

CACHE IS ONE!

2010-08-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

My little guy is big now. I classify one as big. I can't believe the miracles that have happened as far as getting Cache here and then watching him grow, progress, learn, and develop this last year. He truly is a healthy and amazing baby. Every time I see him I think of Heavenly Father and how much He loves us and wants us to be happy...the answers always seem to be in our children.

We had a little get-together for Cache's birthday. It was last minute and unorganized, but I have another year to get on the ball, right? The best part was Cache wanting to eat his candle more than his cupcake and his refusal to touch the wrapping paper and tissue paper (isn't that the best part?!). He is the light of my life and Wes and I feel like he has forever changed us for the better.

Happy Birthday Baby Cache! I love you.

Cool Things Cache Can Do Now:
Stand up for a few seconds on his own
Chew through a whole slice of Watermelon (YUM!)
Stand (and terrify his mother) in the bathtub
Blow bubbles in his drinks
Laugh out loud when Uncle Kade beat-boxes and makes him dance (Movie coming soon!)
Push trucks and cars around
Help mom with dishes
Give big hugs and kisses
Crawl faster than a crab on a hot day
Feed himself
"Read" books by turning the pages and slapping the people/things on the page
Go on tubes behind the boat
Stand up and turn around in the stroller (mom almost wet herself)
Drive the big truck and tractors with Daddy
Put his own arms in his shirts
Go on the fourwheelers
Carry a cheeto puff in his mouth from the kitchen to the family room. No hands!
Wonder what kind of madness Barney is while his mom tries to bounce him to the songs
Wake up three to four times each night. Still.
Type on the computer
Text people
Pull clothes out of the washer and drier (He's just trying to help I'm sure.)
(Un) load the dishwasher
Be quiet during prayers (most of the time)
Fill everyone who meets him with joy

Thanks

2010-08-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone. Thank you for the suggestions on the photography. I needed them! Sometimes you get one track-minded and you forget that there are other features to use. So thank you. As you can see I need to improve a lot, but it's been quite rewarding to learn and try again and again. So I'll keep doing that.

I'm off to girls camp for a few days this week and I am really excited. I have an amazing ward and I am lucky to be serving with the young women at this time. I'll post some more pictures when I get back. Pray for Cache. He is with Wes this week. :) Joking...love ya all.

Being Brave

2010-07-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I am trying to be brave and start up one of my interests: photography. I have been taking a few shots here and there, practically begging people to be my subjects and models. Thank heavens I have wonderful family members who graciously endure a photo session with me for an evening of their lives. :) It's been challenging and super fun, but I'd sure appreciate some feedback (honest but not too brutal) before I start my own site and try to get more people on the books. If it doesn't work out: oh well. Life goes on and I can always learn to knit.

Loveage

Lake Powell and Park City

2010-07-21T15:54:00.001-07:00

Hola!

This last week and a half has been super fun! Wes and I were able to leave Cache with my family for four days so that we could go to Lake Powell with his family and our friends. Honestly, guys, it is my heaven on earth. I love Lake Powell. It is so fun and also so relaxing to me. Some of my best memories are from there.

This week we were able to go to Park City for one night with my family. We have our cousins from Oklahoma in town along with the regular cousins, cousins from Florida, and cousins from Canada. Can I just say it is one big party?! I love it. So we went to stay up there just for a little break and some fun shopping, swimming (Cache's first time in a pool!), and laughing. I love my family and I love summer time. It's the best.

You will notice that Cache had more fun in his sink pool than the swimming pool. We are easy to please. :)

My New Bathroom

2010-07-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I promised pictures so here you go. I am not quite done because I hope to change the counter tops and flooring at some point *(and add red and black towels)* but it is mostly finished! Here you go!

BEFORE: ugly peach-tan walls with no flava. The knobs were old-school too.

AFTER: A "London Mist" Grey on the walls, black and red accent colors, with brushed nickle hardware. (I still need to frame the mirror with molding too!)

Oh no. Cache can climb.

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

Enough said. I came to the stairs just in time to see Cache turn and almost die. I caught him. Our lives are ten times more complicated now.

I love America

2010-07-05T19:54:00.001-07:00

I am so grateful for this wonderful country that we live in. I know that God divinely inspired the brave men and women of this country to fight for a free place that is home to all of those with a dream and some hard work in their bones. I am so grateful to live here with the family that I have and with the opportunities and choices I have available to me.

This fourth of July has been super fun, with many family parties on both sides of the family and the chance for Cache to watch his first fireworks. HE WAS MESMERIZED! :) I'm so blessed to be able to raise my kids in this great country. God bless the USA.

Update

2010-06-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hello! I just wanted you all to know that the porch is painted (thanks to the help of my lovely sister-in-law, Caryn!) and the bathroom is painted. I am almost complete with all of those projects. That didn't take as long as I thought it would. :) I thought since home improvement can ONLY be SOOO entertaining, I would just update you on the summer so far.

Wes and I have been back and forth between home and Wyoming again. Living in Wyoming is very relaxing and carefree--but it can get lonely too. I guess that is why we switch weeks because we just need a good mix of life. Cache loves Wyoming because he gets my undivided attention all day long and also because of his new favorite toy: The 4-Wheeler. He loves getting jostled on that bumpy ATV. He also loves to hold the handles and "steer" while Wes and I are trying to keep us from going into a ditch. One thing is for sure: he just keeps getting cuter as the days go by.

It's about a three hour drive from Wyoming and usually Cache sleeps on the way home. Wes and I time the water and chores to leave at his nap time and then take off. Well, Wes and I drove separate this time and I thought I was right on schedule for Cache to sleep the whole way home. Of course, he only slept twenty minutes. And screamed the entire rest of the way home.I tried everything! The only thing that worked at the end was handing him oreos to try and keep his mouth busy. I was at the end of my rope when I pulled into the drive in Springville and then I had to take care of him alone for the rest of the day. Thank heavens he looked like this when I got him out. How could I thrash this? :)

We have had a lot of fun at different events such as the Art City Days Parade, family bike rides, the Children's Museum with Emery and Quinlee, and just a lot of family time. We also went boating for the first time with Cache. He wasn't sure if he liked it, but the second time we went for seven hours and HE LOVED IT! He liked to splash in the water and he loved tubbing with Wes and I. We liked the surfing too. :) Love you all! HAGS.

Home Improvement

2010-06-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

Heaven bless (and curse) the Home and Garden Channel. I am addicted to a few of their shows that are always showing me how to "quickly" and "easily" improve my home. These include: Color Splash, Divine Design, and my personal favorite-Get it Sold. That one is all about staging homes and getting them to look amazing in "no time flat." I am always awestruck at the 5000 square foot room they paint in a 1/2 hour. This false advertising has gotten me in trouble more than you will ever know because I buy the vase they use or tape off the room for painting as they suggest and then I am too tired to find a place for the vase or to even start painting. So much for "quick and easy" projects on HGTV.

It's horrible too because they always show you these immaculate and wonderful finished products and they just show you enough of the work that went into it that you understand how to begin the project. But you never realize that the camera sped through the job at mach speed until you start yourself and then you are stuck with a half-a*# job if you don't finish. But I am tired and my arms hurt and my head is sick of inhaling paint thinner and dust. Oh blessed HGTV.

So now I am halfway through painting my porch and my downstairs bathroom and it isn't looking like they will get done any time soon. (The guests will have to use the upstairs bathroom I guess.) :) Someone send me David Bromstad or Candice Olsen or Sabrina Soto! They can get the job done faster and better than I could ever attempt. Hey...this isn't a bad idea at all....hire it out.....

World Cup Madness

2010-06-19T10:35:00.001-07:00

My family has been a big soccer family ever since I started playing high school ball. I guess, being the oldest, my brothers wanted to be just like me and play the best sport ever. (rrrrriiiiigggghhhhhttttt.) Of course, they have far surpassed any skills I thought I had and are dominating continually on any soccer field they enter. Lindsey didn't care, so she just ran cross country. Even Wes picked up some futball moves on his mission to Argentina where they still tell legends about Maradona and his sketchy "hands-on" goal. (Click there to see it.) Wes should have converted him. ;)

So what better way to spend our time than to watch the FIFA WORLD CUP 2010?! It is seriously the most fun I have had in a long time. The different matches send us into a frenzy about which team is the best and who will win and who is the best looking-Ronaldo-(I am the lone participator in this activity, unless Sari or my mom is present).We love USA and though we want them to win, we doubt they will make it all the way so we are always shuffling between Spain (they are stinking it up though!), Argentina, Portugal, and (GASP!!) England.

Grab some of your buddies/family members and come watch with us. It is the best and we will continue eating it up until the end!

Cache can Crawl

2010-06-07T20:57:00.001-07:00

I need to give some background information for those who aren't in this daily battle. Wes is OBSESSED with golfing. Obsessed. OBSESSED! He goes at least once (usually two or three times) a week. He and his buddy Mckell have gotten new shoes, new bags, new irons, new wedges, new drivers, new tees, new shirts, new golf balls (they'll be needing new sponsers and funding soon). They love it.

I hate it.

It takes my husband away, it takes our funds away, it will take my son away. And so...I have told Cache since he was a wee infant upon his mother's knee: NO GOLFING. So guess what happens? Wes takes Cache up to the spare bedroom where Wes has a putting practice green and he practices with Cache. He teaches him how to putt and then how to hold the ball etc. Cache LOVES it. (oh no!)

The other day, Wes noticed Cache wanted to hold the putter, so he let him stand up and hold it by him. Then he had an idea: Cache should learn to crawl and come and get this. And guess what? All of my failed attempts and trying to entice Cache to crawl for a kiss, a hug, a tickle, a cell phone, a morsel of food, a toy, a book, a candy, $50!! went right out the window as Cache crawled for the first time for the putter. What is the world coming to?! My son will go for a lousy golf club but not for the love in his mother's heart?

Needless to say, I was excited and heartbroken all in one. My son is a golf lover. My husband is a golf lover. Why? Why? WHY?! :) But at least they are both mobile. That's a plus, right?

"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family."~Thomas S. Monson

2010-05-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

Nothing is as constant as change. I feel like this is a motto I am destined to live by and perpetually resist. This last year has been one of the most difficult and, ironically, rewarding years of my life. Everything has changed. 2009, I spent a lot of time with a baby in my belly, begging the Lord to preserve his little life and allow me to be his mother. I remember thinking that this was one of the most difficult things I had ever done because "my heart was on the outside of my body" with my child, even though he wasn't born yet.

Then Cache came in August. I didn't understand hard work before him. ;) He was the blessing Wes and I had been waiting for and he has filled our lives with so much joy and peace and change. We have had to adjust and become less selfish, less "gone" from home, and less spontaneous (it's hard to be spontaneous when Cache needs to be fed, bathed, and in bed before 8:00 pm. LOL.). But it is all worth it. I found myself teaching "part time" with enough work to still be full time. I was in charge of so much more this year at the school, but I never had enough hours to do it all. Student government, website, teaching, going to school. Even though I was running a marathon, the finish line was too far away.

This year Wes and I have been blessed with callings that have required a lot of time and energy from us, and that is a big change from activity day leader and ward missionary . I thought I would be able to chill a little at church, but I know the Lord was trying to teach us amazing lessons through our callings. We have had to juggle and rearrange and learn so much this year. Especially within our marriage. I feel like Wes and I have had to learn how to be in love again, through all of the busy-ness of our lives. It is wonderful and also hard at times, but I know we are growing closer. We are becoming a deeper and more eternal couple with every new change that comes. This is especially true when we try to turn to each other and the Lord at these times of big changes. I am so grateful for my eternal best friend.

Also, my beautiful sister Lindsey left on her mission and that was a huge change for me. She is my best friend and so fun to be with. I still have days where I cry and miss her desperately because she is far away. But I am so proud of her and the mission she is serving.

I guess what I am trying to say is: life is one constant change. It is what keeps us honest and uncomfortable and humble. It makes me rely on the Lord with so much more faith. I need Him in my life. I need Him to direct me and help me through this constant change. Every decision I make seems to have such huge consequences that are eternal and that will effect my beautiful son and awesome husband.

And now, as it is 2010 and the school year is ending, I find even more changes coming to our home. I can't say I am desperately excited for all of them, though in all fairness, I should probably give them a chance. I am just feeling a bit pensive about the beautiful life the Lord has given me and how each season has to shift and change in order for us to appreciate the last season, and grow better in the new one.

I am leaving my job after three years of teaching English. I think I am a bit heartbroken because it has been such a powerful and dominating part my life. I love my students. I feel like I have been doing a work that others might not ever want or get to do. I love the children that no one else loves. My goal has been to make each one feel special, loved, wanted, SMART, capable, and beautiful in their own way. Have I been perfect? Far from it. But I have tried with all of my heart to show that "this isn't about me." I have wanted to make learning and life fun and exciting, and I hope, in some small way, that I have.

My brother, Kade, is graduating from high school and another member of my family will be leaving into the world of mature adults (lol). Kade and I are probably the most alike in my family, which is a good and a bad thing. It sure has caused some big fights in our day (including lots of swears and slaps), but it sure has caused a deep bond as well. We both like to tease and push buttons, we enjoy playing sports and being competitive. We get defensive and angry faster than we probably should. We both like to laugh, write, read, love, and serve. He is such a tenderhearted, good person. He loves the Lord with all of his heart and he tries to serve Him daily.

Kade is so tender with those with special needs at his school. Kade is a friend to those who are lonely or afraid. Kade is a leader through his example. He does some stupid and squirrelly things, which can tick us all off, but he does far more good in the world than even I am aware of. I am so proud of him and I love him with all of my heart. I am truly so blessed to be his sister. He has taught me how to relax and enjoy the world. He has taught me how to love more purely. I can only wish him the best as he heads out to make his dreams real, and I hope he will always know he has a safe place in my heart and embrace.

Cache is growing so big and I don't want to miss out on a moment of him. He is my life and he brings so much joy to our family. He is a strong and wonderful spirit and I am truly blest to be his mother.

This has turned into a mondo blog. Sorry. I guess I just needed to express my feelings about change, and realize that there will always be joy in the journey. I just need to remember to live fully in the season I am in.

Baby Jack Jack

2010-05-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

So almost every time my brothers and mom babysit Cache, he comes home with this awesome fro-hawk. His hair is gelled to the max with this junk called "Glue" and then they spike it to look like a little punk rocker. The cutest part is that Cache is just a round chunk and he looks like baby Jack Jack from The Incredibles. I just love this baby. Check it out:

An Easy Project

2010-04-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all,

Saturday I got together with Cass and Dani and we made these easy cake stands/ treat stands. It honestly took five minutes. The longest part was buying the dishes and then letting the calking dry. and they are cute. So here's what you do:

1. Get a plate/platter you like
2. Get a matching cup/mug/ice cream dish/etc that will fit on the bottom of the plate and could hold it up. This will be your stand once you attach it.
3. Get clear calking from Lowes or Walmart.
4. Attach the cup to the plate with the calking (clean off excess before it dries) and let dry overnight
5. Make a huge batch of cupcakes or cookies and give away (or make a cool decoration in YOUR house).

If you've already seen these, I know I can be behind the times. If not...enjoy!

Correction: three teethes

2010-04-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

I found one on top! That explains his mommy mode. :) (he likes me best when he's sick!)

Cache has teethes

2010-04-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

Guys! Cache has two teethes (teeth-is). He is very good at chomping everything and it makes him even more cute! (Plus, we have had the pleasure of visiting all night for the last few weeks as they were breaking through the skin.) As soon as I can get him to hold still and open his mouth I'll post pictures. Man is this little guy active! He is squiggly and learning to move all over the place. :)

The Alien in the Cupboard

2010-04-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

What is it? You may ask. It could be a very modern decoration for the house. It could be a new type of Japanese plant to use in the garden. Or it could be my long lost sack of potatoes. I opened the pantry the other day (forgetting that potatoes were even in there) and screamed! This alien was growing right by the door. I'm not lying when I tell you I am terrified of the things that grow on potatoes. When my mom used to have me peel potatoes that just had little ones, I had to put on the cleaning gloves from under the sink to even touch them. They were NO WHERE NEAR the size of these tato arms. They freak me out.

So imagine how horrific it is to see this alien potato factory growing in my pantry. I have to shut the door. Wes keeps forgetting to get it out, so I am afraid that in the middle of the night we will all be suffocated and colonized by this alien plant. This just shows you what a wonderful cook and house keeper I am.

Speaking of keeping house: I was vacuuming today and Cache was fascinated/ worried about the vacuum coming closer to him. I could NOT stop laughing as I watched his worried face whenever the vacuum would come near. He just watched it and then would jump whenever it got a little louder. I think this vacuum is his alien potato bag.

MARCH

2010-03-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hola. I have been fairly swamped lately so I haven't updated anything or checked on you either. I'm sorry. But we are alive and well and I am going to check up with you too!

Lately I have been reflecting on how blessed I am to be alive and have the talents, opportunities, and people that I have been given in my life. I have been so blessed. I know that this is the bright side after the winter slump, and I am so grateful for the bright side. Life is a beautiful gift. Most of what makes it beautiful is what we do for others; our husbands, kids, friends, family, students, people in our ward, those we just barely met. I think making life easier, lighter, and happier for others is what brings about true joy.

As a quick update: Cache is eating "real" food like a fiend and he just loves big boy toys. He got a dump truck named Chuck for Christmas that he likes a lot. He also likes other big boy toys. This includes anything that babies should not play with, such as forks, paper, spatulas, soap, mom's homework/books, and bowls of food that are hot. He screams and chats and giggles up a storm. He loves music and does this funky body worm move when he hears it. We laugh so hard. Cache is such a light. He plays happily with other people and he loves exploring new things (places, objects, and especially books). I am in love with this little bubby.

We were able to go to my brothers' soccer matches (in sunny Saint George) a few months ago, which was a lot of fun. Wes got some golfing in. I'll show you his fancy outfit (and Cache has one to match!). We also have had my aunt, uncle, and cousins in town which is a highlight I always look forward to. All rules go out the window as far as bedtimes, regular meals, and planned appointments. We just play with each other and spend every minute we can enjoying memories and making new ones. I love family.

In this picture we are playing the "Celebrity Game" which requires a great memory, lots of teamwork, and mucho movement. We got a kick out of it.

Anyway...there's a brief catch up. Only 43 more days of school (praise praise praise!). Ciao.

Winter Slump

2010-03-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry everyone...but I have officially hit my winter slump. This is the point of EVERY year when I dread the long yucky weather and the depressing drag of life. I get caught up in my to-do list instead of living, and I often find myself in tears, despite the fact that I am not a crier. I hit it last week and I couldn't pull myself out of it.

BUT! I am on the up and up I think (and I hope everyone else who is feeling this way is too!). I can see sunshine through my window and this week has been less stressful and more enjoyable. I have been able to talk to my hubby, play at Ikea, SMOOCH AND LOVE my bubby and get my house cleaner than it has been in weeks. Those things, coupled with the fact that I am a daughter of God have brought me full circle and I can say that I am kicking that winter slump good bye.

2010-02-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

I need to say it more, but I am so grateful for all of you. Dear friends who support and love us, and then are there to grow and laugh with. I cherish our times together. I feel deeply grateful for my cousins and other relatives that support and love us too. I am so blessed and I love you. I need to do better at expressing that love, and as President Monson says, "Don't let your problems to be solved overtake a person to be loved." I am so thankful for eternal relationships and the promises we have if we will just be faithful and remember that relationships are the most important thing in this world (and the one beyond). Love you!

Up to? Up to?

2010-02-02T14:49:00.001-08:00

For you Disney fans out there, you'll recognize my quote from my favorite Disney movie Sleeping Beauty. I want to be her when I get big. I have been on a Disney streak lately, wishing passionately for Disneyland and the joys it brings. But, since we have been here in Utah, here is what we've been up to.

Wes is still helping the young men in his calling and being an amazing Daddy. He gave a good lesson last night at family night on serving one another and remembering to "do the little things that make a big difference." Then he proceeded to unload and load the dishwasher, put Cache to bed, and help with other things around the house. He really made a big difference by doing those little things. I am so grateful for him and I am so lucky that he is my hubby FOREVER!

Cache is growing soooo big! He is tall and able to sit up in his bumbo. He eats some veggies and other baby foods though he really gags on some flavors (like green beans!). He laughs out loud which is soooo cute and he talks and talks and talks (I wonder where he gets that from?!). He has found his voice and will scream/sing along to any music on the radio, tv show, or general noise. He is the light of our lives and we love him so much. Cache is always getting snuggled, kissed, and tickled.

I am just plugging away at school. I have a student teacher which is nice because then I have more time to study for my tests and do my homework, which usually take a lot of time at home. I am able to get more done when I have a little slave at school. <3 I am still in young women and I love it. I am attempting to work out more consistently, though I can't lie, I like to sleep more than I like to get my buns in gear. Oh well.

So what have YOU been up to?

Belly...

2010-01-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

Hey all.

I need some help. I am just four pounds away from my pre-Cache weight and I am super excited about that. But...my belly is still disgusting. I don't want anyone to vomit, so I will spare details, but it is just a lump of lard that I cannot tame! I cannot figure out how to look like everyone else who had a baby and manages a nice firm body. So, I am trying to ellicit some workouts/suggestions/ideas from you all on ways to get that toned look again. Be brutal and honest. (Please don't suggest a triatholon, Melissa. I just don't want to do that!)

I don't know if I'll have the time or will-power to try them, but it'd be nice to have them in my tool-belt (a tool-belt that fits a nice toned tummy!). Loveage!

Do you want to laugh?

2010-01-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

OK....so a few months ago, my student government started a fundraiser for the Make A Wish foundation. I am really attached to this organization and I believe strongly in it, but that story is for another entry. I was super excited because our junior high raised over $2000 which is an amazing amount of money!!

One of the incentives for raising money was a "Dare" assembly. I might have blogged a little about this earlier--but for certain amounts of money, people had to do different things. We had things like: eat a cow's tongue, shave your head, sumo fight in a fat suit, jump into a pool of pudding, etc. My friends Paige and Britney agreed to do a dance with me if the kids earned $800. Guess what the song was?

Yep...that's right.... All the Single Ladies by Beyonce. And of course, they raised enough...so we had to shake it for the whole school. One of my awesome students from student government, Alex, is a cheerleader, and she made up the dance for us because the actual one is not appropriate for young (or old) eyes. :)

I guess some brave student took out her phone and video-taped us while we were dancing! So if you want to laugh...check us out on YouTube. It's a side view...but you get the general humiliation. Xoxox

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8FjPsopf94

Happy New Year

2010-01-05T19:39:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

I sure hope this year doesn't go as fast as 2009. I swear I just barely celebrated Christmas and New Years for that year. I was really sad that the break went so quickly, but it was sure fun. Wes, Cache, and I went to Saint George over New Years with our good friends: the Brinkerhoffs and the Condies.

We had a great time while the boys golfed, because we ladies (and babies) were able to just chat, eat good food, and do a little shopping. The babies were fun to play with for two days too! (I didn't have to drop Cache off--I could see him all day!) While Wes tuckered out at 8:00 pm on New Years, he still woke up at midnight to smooch me and then fell right back to sleep. The rest of us played games and enjoyed the hot tub while the New Year came in. Thank again Condies and Brinkerhoffs! We love ya.

TWO YEARS!!

2009-12-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

I hate to brag but Wes and I have made it to two years in our marriage this Tuesday. :) Man did they go fast. I can't believe how much I love that man. He is such a good person. Wes is humble and has an honest heart--which means he is always willing to talk about things and work through problems. He is the most amazing father. He loves Cache and truly puts him first. I wish you could see the way they look at each other...they really do adore each other.

I wouldn't survive without Wes. He gets up with Cache in the middle of the night without being asked. He feeds him, holds him, takes him to grandma's every morning, then he does dishes, works all day and still finds time to play around and make good memories. I love him beyond description.

For our date, Wes surprised me with dinner at The Roof in SLC. As if that wasn't romantic enough, get this: He planned the night to be just like the one we were engaged on. We walked around temple square, had a fantastic dinner, and were finally able to have an overdue conversation without baby interruptions (THANKS FOR TENDING MOM!). Needless to say, the night was magical

Baby's First Christmas

2009-12-09T16:43:00.001-08:00

Grandma Brewer got Cache these delicious Christmas PJs. He is growing so fast that we had to hurry and put him in them. I could not resist taking these while he was under the tree. He is the best present ever!

Thanksgiving and a beginning to Christmas

2009-12-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

Well Hello Everyone!

Thanksgiving was great this year. I hope that you can say the same! We went with Wes's family to Saint George to enjoy a fun, sunny week and some good family friends. We had a great feast, PLENTY of down time, and lots of love and laughs. The girls saw New Moon(lucky us), and the boys went golfing. We even went four-wheeling at the sand-dunes (that was fun!).

Wes's friends (that he has grown up with) were there with their darling little girl. Cache hung out with his buddy Emery--and Dani (Emery's mom) was there to show us a great picture of she and Wes when they were the babie's age! Cute. I know I am going to Picture overload you, but trust me, there could always be more.

And THEN.... (Yes of course I have more...I could talk forever--even if no one listened :) )... We have been getting our house Christmasy. I just love this time of year! I know this sounds crazy, but it gives me this magical, sparkly feeling and I can't get over my love for it. It reminds me of the magic I feel when I read Harry Potter; I'm in a new, exciting world where magical things can happen. (Go ahead....laugh...but it's true!) I am a sucker for the great music, the twinkle lights, cuddling by the fire, watching corny movies, reading great picture books, and wrapping gifts. I love the service and love that is so evident during this time of year too. I just want to hug everyone. I do. Really. Come here!

My brothers and I made cookies the other day to pass on the Christmas spirit, and even Cache tried to help. Granted, he just cooed and slept, but he made it well worth it! I just love that little guy and I am THRILLED he gets to have Christmas with us. It just adds to the sparkly magic. Anyway... as we were making cookies, I have never laughed so hard in all of my life. My brother, Coleby, was supposed to be measuring the brown sugar, but it was a bit hard. So he asked, "Do you think three nuggets of sugar will equal 3/4 of a cup?" Then Coleby pretended to pour some spices into the dough. Mckay came up, very worried and commanded, "Don't put Parzalee in to the dough!" We had such a great time. I love my family. So...on that note, I want to wish you a Happy Holiday filled with family fun!

Just Stuff

2009-11-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

Hey! So I just wanted to update everyone on what we have been up to. Sorry...I get so busy that I forget to blog. It's really relaxing and replenishing to me though, so I need to do it more often. It's like venting or taking a long, nice jog through town. It just clears your mind.

This is what our little family has been up to lately. Wes is currently serving as first counselor in the Young Men presidency in our ward. He is pretty busy with teaching lessons and Wednesday activities. He took the boys shooting the other day and let's just say it freaked me out! Not one of them (besides Howard, who is one of my students too!) had ever shot a gun. I kept picturing Wes coming home with bb holes in him from the shot gun. He even called and teased me that he was on his way to the ER. (That didn't go over too well.)

I am serving as the second counselor in our Young Women presidency and I just love the ladies I work with. They are such faith-filled women, who truly love the girls. Let's just say we are all opposites too. Our secretary (who isn't pictured) is so uptight and O.C.D. Our first counselor is a free-spirit woman with a relaxed personality. Me and Natalie (the pres) fall in the middle. We are a perfect match. We have a tiny ward (6 girls--3 from the SAME FAMILY!) But the girls are darling and they are good girls.

Cache is talking up a storm, kicking, laughing, and cooing! I just love playing with him. He can hold his head up and he likes to talk to anything moving or belching sound, including the computer, ipod, and tv. Wes has mastered the bird call that Kevin gives from the movie "UP" and Cache gets the biggest kick out of it. He laughs and laughs when Wes "calls for his babies." This Kevin, is not a girl though. :)

Love you all! We are so Thankful for you and hope your holiday is bright. Happy Thanksgiving!

Quick

2009-11-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

I had to say something great: Cache has slept through the night for two nights in a row and we are in heaven. Now...just because I publicly announced this, he will probably be up all night. But I don't care. He is such a good boy!

This is Halloween

2009-11-05T05:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Sorry it has been such a long time since I have posted anything. Life truly is out of control right now. I teach part time, go to school part time, LOVE baby Cache full time, and then serve in the young women presidency. Wes works full time, tends 1/3 time, and is serving in the young men presidency. Let's just say, we never see each other and we are so slammed with things to do that it is definitely time for THANKSGIVING BREAK! :)

Here are some darling pictures of Cache at Halloween. Please note that he has gone from a gangly 5.5 lbs to almost 15 lbs and his chunky rolls are so cute. He laughs, coos, and smiles like a fiend and we can't get enough of him. Cache hates being alone and he is very smart. Somehow he can always tell when we leave the room. The other day I had to lay him down for a second to get my shoes on, so I propted him up in front of the HGTV channel for a minute. I came back to him staring contently at the screen and (so it seemed) taking vigilent mental notes on how to dress up windows with curtains (see the picture!).

We went to my work's Halloween trick or treat with Cache and I got a bag-full of candy that Cache cannot yet gum through. Being a mom is so rad (in more ways than one!). My good friend Mandy dressed as a whoopy cusion and rocked my socks off with her cleverness. She is so cute. Anyway....take luck.

XoXo

New Pictures

2009-10-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hey!!

I just wanted to add some cute pictures of the Cache man. He is getting so chubby and cute and big. He is starting to smile and coo at us too. Oh I love it! :) (Sorry about the quality of the pictures! They are all from my iphone.)

Wes and I are keeping busy. I am still teaching part time and staying busy with student government and 8th grade English. It is fun, but I miss my bubby boy. Wes is working on the farm still and golfing like crazy. He picked up the sport again from his friend Mckell. They like to go at least once a week and get their game on. It's very nice and relaxing for Wes. Sweet.

Blessing Day!

2009-09-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Today was such a beautiful day! Wesley Cache was blessed in our ward today by his daddy. It was a really special meeting because my grandparents from Arizona came up to be a part of this. Wes did such a good job on the blessing too. He had really thought about what Cache needed and the young man that he will be one day and he gave a beautiful blessing. I must say that this little guy looked very handsome in his white suit too (we just kept praying that he wouldn't poop through it!). Then he was passed around all day long to various loved ones and friends.

Wes and I have been so blessed by good friends and family. They support us in all of the things that we do and we love them all so much (that includes the Condies, Petersons, Williams, Olesens, Lewis' fam (I can't make that plural), Crandalls, and Chandlers--just to name a few. We honestly love and appreciate everyone..we just can't name you all! :) ). We love all of our friends so much and we appreciate their support. Our family is by far the best too. We love them and appreciate the hours of service they give to us. We are truly blessed. We love you!

Update

2009-09-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is Grandma Nila (my grandmother) with Cache.

Cache is getting so much bigger and I just love staring at him (and kissing him and snuggling him etc etc etc). I just wanted to post some more pictures of all that he has been up to. You will see that he has plenty of admirers from both sides of the family. It's funny because we can't decide who he looks like either....one day he is like me, the next like Wes (he can also change in a few moments time). :)

The Adventures of Mommy and Cache (and Dad)

2009-09-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hello. This has been quite a week of adventures for the Crandall Clan. One day, while Wes was at work, he found a dead cow in the field. This is the 5th dead cow in 10 days, so Wes and his dad needed to take it to the lab to see what the problem was. So Wes came in and asked me if I wanted to go on a little ride. I'd been in the house all day, so I said YES!! Little did I know he was recruiting me for corpse duty...

So we pack Cache into the truck and we start down the road. Then Wes starts explaining that he will get in the tractor and I'll follow in the truck and he'll just load the cow up and we'll be on our way. Ok...I thought we were just getting out of the house--but this is the way most of our adventures start.

Well, we finally get to the field where the cow is. Cache has been snoozing peacefully. Wes hooks these enormous chains to the dead cow's legs. Now mind you, this cow is bloated!!! He heaves the beast into the air and proceeds toward the truck that Cache and I are in. This huge, dead, dangling cow is bobbling towards us and I just kept thinking, Please let this fit in the back of the truck. Wes lifts the cow up and tries to get it into the bed. Her limp, dead head keeps whacking the tailgate and I am dying. I just know she won't fit and her head is going to get stuck somewhere on the top of the truck.

Finally, Wes succeeds in getting the cow into the bed of the truck. Let me remind you--she is bloated and all of her legs are poking out in different directions from the bed. So here is a mother and her child barreling down the road, with four giant legs and hoofs wobbling at passerby's. People are gaping as we drive past. This is just the beginning my friends... Now, the stench is quite remarkable. So much so, that Cache starts screaming his head off and I am gagging. Now I am trying to balance a tippsy bloated cow that is rocking back in forth like a turtle stuck on her back, and shush the baby. I can't wait to get out of the truck. So much for "getting out of the house." Now do you see how tough we are? We are cowboys and we start our kids off early. :)

Then....we went to Wyoming for the first time with Cache out of the belly. He did really well for a long car ride. He slept the 3 hours (with a brief pause for nourishment), and then just chilled up in the beauty of the ranch. It was a good week. Cache has started doing this hilarious face as he looks around and tries to figure out the world. In this picture, he looks like mini-me doing his little face. :) We love this little guy!

You Belong with Me...

2009-09-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

(I captured Cache doing the ASL "I love you" in his sleep!)

I don't know if many of you are Taylor Swift fans, but in my family, we really are impressed with that down-to-earth country gal. Lindsey, my missionary sister, listened to Taylor 24/7 and my brothers and cousins (who are like brothers) are always fighting over who is going to marry her. My little cousin Sadie, who is 5, has been singing Taylor Swift for a couple years now, and it's amazing that someone THAT small could know full songs-word for word. No lie.

Well today I came home from an errand and my mom was sitting next to Sadie who was holding Cache. It was the most precious thing because he was fussy and then she started singing Taylor's song: You belong to me.. Cache settled right down and snuggled up against Sadie and went to sleep. It was darling! Family is the best and I am so grateful for them!

The longer I am with this amazing little boy (which is a month tomorrow!), the more convinced I am that he belongs with me and that I have known him a lot longer than just these short months when I carried him and now have him here. It is extremely spiritual looking at your child and seeing eternity. I want nothing more than to be with my family for time and all eternity; it is so important and it means so much to me.

Love you all!

The Square

2009-08-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

This baby thing is soooo much fun, but I am getting kind of tired. :) So I try to go up to bed after I feed the baby (around 9 or 10) and Wes holds him until he comes up to bed. Well...last night I was kind of comatose, but I vaguely remember Wes coming upstairs and saying that the baby had peed on him and then pooped on the carpet while he was trying to get something to clean up the first mess.

So this morning I came downstairs and there was a neat little square on the family room carpet. Please note that the square is made out of (1) desitin (spell?) for sore bums, (2) Two tiny diapers, and (3) the wipes box. I asked Wes what the square was for and he said that he was marking the place where the baby had pooped so we didn't step in it. I about died laughing.

Even though Wes had scrubbed the carpet and gotten everything out, he likes to keep clean, so he wanted to clearly mark the area so no one stepped on it. I don't know how long the square will have to stay there--but all I can say is, I hope Wes puts a blanket down next time he changes Cache. :)

I don't know how something this cute could make such a big mess!

OH yeah...here is our first family picture where I am not dead from labor. :) Love you all!

More Pictures of Baby Cache

2009-08-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

This little guy is sooo stinking cute. Here are some pics that we have been randomly snapping of him. He seems to be growing before our eyes (even though it's been about 2 weeks) and it makes me cry every time I think about it. Seriously. I cry. No lie. I love this little baby so much. And, as you can see from the pics, he is everyone's favorite toy now. :) And, hopefully you can see that he is a pretty chill baby. He is usually just happy to be here and I love that about his little personality!

His daddy is the best dad in the whole world. Wes has been such a hands-on dad--from changing poopy diapers to helping me feed him, I have been truly impressed with Wes. He doesn't get nervous about changing him or holding him... he is just a wonderful dad. He and Cache were dancing tonight to get Cache to wake up and eat. I couldn't tell if Cache was afraid or if he liked it, but he woke up. :) Did I mention that I LOVE MY BOYS?!

INTRODUCING: WESLEY CACHE CRANDALL

2009-08-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

Some might ask: what in the world is he doing here so early?

We would answer: We aren't sure, but he is the BEST thing that has ever happened to us. I guess Cache got sick of watching his mommy and daddy have all the fun without him, so he decided to come a month early. For the longer version of this story, please email (I didn't want to get too verbose). :) Cache was 6 lbs. 1 ounces when he was born and he was 18 inches long. His birthday is officially August 7!

Needless to say this is the best surprise I have EVER had. I love being a mommy. The joys of holding him and changing a million poopy diapers and just laughing at every "cute" thing he does are keeping me on a little high right now. We have a few changes, like: zero hours of sleep and the washer and drier are constantly cleansing some type of baby clothing, but those are some small trade offs for this little boy. I can't imagine life without him. It is honestly the most humbling and spiritual and FUN thing being a parent. (Why do we ever doubt that?)

Anywho...Here are some of his first mug shots. He has his daddy's HUGE LONG fingers...and he looks like a Brewer through his eyes and nose (although, he looks a TON like Wes did when he was born too!). Love you all!