The Crosslin's

Rare Moments

2010-01-08T14:01:00.001-06:00

These Pictures are rare to get!! Over this past year there have been so many things that happens within a family-- as I look onto this new year I am reminded that my dad will be turning 80. That is right my dad is old :-) I am 30 now and Most of you reading this just have grandparents that old if you are blessed to still have them with you. So my dad will be 80 and it is hitting me hard these days. My dad is a good hearted man and when I see him with my children it brings a smile to my eyes. We purchased the book from Hallmark that you can read the story, Twas the night before Christmas and we had my dad read it to the boys- so for me I am capturing him to be in their lives for as long as I can. He is happy with my boys and he smiles the most when he spends time with them. I am thankful that he is a major part of their lives and spends as much time with them as possible I know that he will not be in their lives forever but they will remember what a good grandfather he was and they will remember that he was there and that he loved them so much.

My boys

2010-01-08T13:52:00.000-06:00

Christmas this year was beyond fun!! The boys are at an awesome age and to just see their faces and expressions and their genuine comments are so priceless I wish I could capture them forever!!! Melia with The Cherry Tree 123 made the boys their shirts for Christmas this year-- I thought they were so perfect!!! Thank You Melia

This sign I honestly saw on another blog and to be truthful cannot remember which one but I honestly had to have it so I went to DaySpring online and purchased this for our home and I believe I am going to leave it up all year long!!! It is so pretty in person. I love seeing ideas from everyone else in this blog world, so thank you for all your ideas out there :-)

From our to home to yours.... We hope you had a Woderful Holiday Seaso!!

2010-01-08T13:44:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!!

More from the Hilton Head Wedding

2009-12-27T21:51:00.000-06:00

My handsome boys!!! I am so proud of them!!!

Well it is a pic of us :-) I had to crop one our family pics b/c Jason and I managed to not get a pic together the whole weekend- maybe he planned that???

My family!!!!!!!!!!!!
I couldn't tell you the last time this has happened a picture with us all in it!!!!
My brother and his wife Maggie, My mom and dad, Dayne, me, Tallan, and Jason
Not too bad............. more to come!!!

Finally trying to get pics posted!!

2009-12-27T21:38:00.000-06:00

These pics of my boys are from our trip to Hilton Head back in October for my cousin's wedding. It was a treat for us b/c we got to spend a couple days on the beach and celebrate her wedding all in a weekend!!! We welcomed a new family member and I think he fits in just fine :-) Welcome Adam!!! But my boys love love love the beach and I only wish we could get their more!!!!

New Song and Video

2009-12-12T13:52:00.000-06:00

I just posted a new video and song on my playlist. Our pastor's wife played us the Casting Crowns video of Slow Fade a couple weeks back and honestly I had probably heard of the Casting Crowns but not listened to them. Watching this video brought tears to my eyes, b/c it doesn't have to be what is happening in this video that takes your life away from God it can be anything- so I say be careful of what pulls you away from the Lord and remember your walk with him today and work hard to keep yourself in his path and his light- he is always there it is our decision on what path we choose. If you haven't seen the video please watch it!! Hope you enjoy
(you may have to pause my playlist on the bottom of the blog to only hear the video)
Thanks!!! Walk with a prayerful attitude!!

Operation Christmas Child!!!!! It's that time again!!!

2009-11-01T15:46:00.000-06:00

Operation Christmas Child

2009-11-01T15:45:00.000-06:00

It is that time of year again!!!! I am posting a link about the Operation Christmas Child Project that is starting now!! There was an announcement at our church this morning with what to do inside of our bulletin. The best thing is to see the videos and what these gifts mean to other children. This year it will be very rewarding for Jason and I to try and explain why we are doing this for other children to our kids! Hope your church is participating in this program and even your kids preschool's if not the title will take you to their link!
Thanks!!!

Recipe... all the credit goes to Paula Deen!!

2009-10-29T16:45:00.002-05:00

I somehow stumbled upon this recipe while on Kelly's Korner blog and OH MY GOSH it is wonderful and awesome!!!!! If you love shrimp this casserole is great and easy and even better the next day, enjoy!!! Paula Deen's Wild Rice and Shrimp Casserole

(Photo and recipe are by Paula Deen)

I took a picture of the casserole I made and deleted it somehow. This is REALLY good. If your husband is like mine - he won't eat anything with the name "casserole" in it so I just called it Wild Rice and Shrimp Supreme and he liked it.

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package wild rice

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

1 (10 3/4-ounce can) condensed cream of mushroom soup

2 cups grated sharp Cheddar

Salt and pepper

Directions

Cook the rice according to package directions minus 1/4 cup water. Drain and cool.

Bring 2 cups water and 1/2 tablespoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan and cook the shrimp for 1 minute. Drain immediately and set aside.

Heat the butter in saucepan and saute the pepper and onion until soft, about 5 minutes.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the rice, soup, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, shrimp and vegetables. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well. Spray a 9-inch square aluminum cake pan or an 11 by 7-inch glass casserole dish with vegetable spray. Place the mixture in the pan and top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly.

Twice as Nice Consign Sale

2009-10-21T14:52:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share with everyone a new consignment sale going to happen here in Manchester in November. If you click on the title of this post it should take you over to the blog that Mae Anne has created. It will also be advertised in the paper, radio, flyers, facebook, etc. Thanks so much and let me know if you can consign!!

Twice as Nice

Children's, Teens, Women's & Holiday Consignment

Accepting Fall/Winter Children's, Juniors, & Women's Clothing,

Toys & Accessories

Accepting Dates

Sunday, Nov. 1 2:00-6:00

Monday, Nov. 2 2:00 - 6:00

Tuesday, Nov. 3 2:00 - 6:00

Pre-Sale

Wednesday, Nov. 4

Volunteers 10:00

Consignors 11:00

Public Sale

Wednesday, Nov 4 12:00 - 6:00

Thursday, Nov 5 10:00 - 6:00

Friday, Nov 6 10:00 - 4:00

1/2 Price Sale

Volunteers - Friday, Nov. 6 4:00

Consignors - Friday, Nov 6 5:00

Public - Saturday, Nov 7 9:00 - 1:00

Pick up 4-8 on Saturday

Location: Hillcrest Baptist Church Gymnasium

4361 Woodbury Hwy, Manchester Tn. 37355

More Information

Mae Anne Hale @ maeusa@ymail.com

Jennifer Wofford @ woffordjennifer@yahoo.com

Dayne... FSCP Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-07T21:16:00.000-05:00

Well yesterday Dayne and I went on his preschool field trip to the wonderful Cedarwood Pumpkin Patch. We had so much fun!!! Our special day together. But these are literally just 4 of the pics I took- I have so many but just wanted to share my growing boy with you all-- he is getting bigger and bigger everyday!!
In the first pic is Dayne with his cousin Nate- their faces spell trouble!!!!

The Lyrics to my fav song!! :-)

2009-10-07T13:44:00.002-05:00

I run from hate
I run from prejudice
I run from pessimists
But I run too late
I run my life
Or is it running me
Run from my past
I run too fast
Or too slow it seems
When lies become the truth
That’s when I run to you

Chorus
This world keeps spinning faster
Into a new disaster so I run to you
I run to you baby
And when it all starts coming undone
Baby you’re the only one I run to
I run to you

We run on fumes
Your life and mine
Like the sands of time
Slippin’ right on through
And our love’s the only truth
That’s why I run to you

Repeat Chorus

Repeat Chorus

© 2008 Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. / DWHaywood Music / RADIOBULLETSPUBLISHING, BMI (All rights admin. by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.), Hillary Dawn Publishing / Shaw Enuff Songs, Inc., SESAC (All rights on behalf of Hillary Dawn Publishing and Shaw Enuff Songs, Inc. administered by Multisongs, Inc.), Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC / Tomdouglasmusic, BMI (All rights on behalf of Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC and Tomdouglasmusic administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 8 Music Square West, Nashville, TN 37203.) All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.

Kreativ Blogger

2009-09-27T14:55:00.001-05:00

This was a complete shocker!!! Thank you Rebecca (http://claunchfamily.blogspot.com) !!! She nominated me for this Kreativ Blogger and what a wake up call for me b/c I have totally slacked on my poor blog!!! I have recently been trying to stay up to date on the preschool blog that I have working on. So thank you Rebecca for getting me going again!!!

Here is What I am Suppose to do:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.

5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they've been nominated

Seven Things That People May Not Know About Me??????????? (kinda hard to do)

1. I love being a mom to my 2 favorite men!! They keep me grounded, honest, and turning into my parents everyday.

2. I have in the last 2 months have started working with the youth at church on Wednesday nights!! Huge step for me- had to climb out of my shell and go to the uncomfortable zone :-) High School kids kinda scary, but I just keep telling myself and them, I have been there and may have done it or saw it or know someone who has done it :-)

3. I found this out recently- I thought the people around here that see me all the time knew more about me than I guess they do- so I have 2 jobs 1. a nurse 2. work with Jason with our business (so sadly I work 5 days a week, but 3 of those days I do have flexibility)

4. I wouldn't know what to do with pink in our house- Jason wants another child and he would love a girl, but I am pretty attached to all the tractors, trains, sports equipment in the house

5. I wish I could snap my fingers and my house be 100% organized from top to bottom and all the 'crap' that has been in this house for the last 3 years that I haven't looked at or touched would be gone-

6. I feel like I run around in complete circles most of my days and really wish I could stop that feeling

7. Really wishes I didn't have to work one of the jobs I do b/c I really want to be home more with my boys and feel like we have more of a life than we do other than the 'have to do's' that show up on the calendar.

Now the next 7 nominees are.............................................

1. Elizabeth Hazlett http://chucklizcarter.blogspot.com Elizabeth is an awesome mom to 2 sweet boys that I really think our 2nd's are twins deep down :-) Her blog is always updated and cute. She is a good friend from college- who puts up with me never seeing them :-) Love ya!!

2. Jennifer Jones http://jennifer-thejones.blogspot.com my dearest friend!!! We have been friends since our early college days and we have never left each other. She needs to get our whitewater rafting pic off her blog as the first thing we see :-) Love Ya!! Our boys are the same age and we love you guys dearly just so wish there wasn't an hour b/w us but that is ok!!

3. Heather Ashby http://ashbyclan.blogspot.com Heather and I have been the 2 great PRN's together for what 4 years now :-) What would I do without you at work????? Love ya!!!

4. Samantha Garbes http://garbesfamily.blogspot.com Samantha and I and Elizabeth and Cindy- all were in nursing school together and what a blessing that we have kept in some contact all these years later!!! Samantha always has a cute blog, but dumb me forgets sometimes to log in so I will go weeks without seeing the new updates with her daughter!! :-) my confession sorry

5. Cindy New http://moosetracs.blogspot.com Cindy is expecting her precious baby girl soon!!!!!!!!!! She looks great and she has been keeping us all updated since she left us and moved to Arkansas.

6. Kari Whaley http://thewhaleywall.blogspot.com Ok Kari here is your chance to update your blog too. :-) Kari is the wife to our crazy youth minister at the wonderful FBC in Manchester. She is an awesome woman with 2 great men in her life :-) (I included Scott, but we can change that if needed) ;-)

7. Heather Luttrell http://luttrellfamilytennessee.blogspot.com Heather is Jason's cousin and I am recently knowing thru snooping on the blog land that they have a family blog too!!!!

Congrats to all the nominees :-)

My New Project

2009-08-27T15:00:00.006-05:00

My new project!!! Well as you all know Dayne has been attending First Steps since he was 18 months old and next week puts him in the Pre-K class!!! I am very excited for him but also know that it means he is growing up and soon Kindergarten. But I have also gotten the privilege to be on the committee for the preschool and that has allowed me to be so involved and my good friend is the Director. So I decided to start a blog for preschool and I am sharing it with you guys. It still needs some work and some 'tweaking' but after the open house tonight I hope to have a lot of pics up and gets some slide shows going as well. I want the blog to be a 3 column layout and I am using one from LeeLou Blogs but not really loving all their free layout styles- does anyone have suggestions on what to do to the blog so when I go and change the backdrops for the seasons that I don't lose all our info?? I am still new to the 'fancy' blogs and I am trying not to have to purchase anything right now- that may not work but please leave me suggestions on what to do and please go check out the preschool blog especially over the next week or so and give me ideas or pointers or suggestions.
Thanks everybody!!!

First Steps Christian Preschool

Family Vacation 2009

2009-06-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

Us again!

Here is the family.....
Christa, Scott, Taylor, Richard, Linda, Jason, the boys, and me.... we were missing Karen and Justin but of course their honeymoon was much more important than staying with us for the week :-)

My boys again!!!! I don't know what got into Dayne but all my pics of them sitting here were of him laughing! Still has his dimples too after 4 years!!! Watch out girls..............

Our Family Vacation 2009

2009-06-27T20:11:00.000-05:00

Here we are as a family after Karen and Justin's wedding!!!

Jason and I getting a rare moment together (the kids would not cooperate for their pics)

My cutie boys!!! I am very partial sorry, but they were full of life and so much fun on this trip and they both have huge personalities that came out!!

Another Family Pic..... wow I should go on vacation all the time to get all these family pics done!!!

We are heading to the Beach!!

2009-06-17T10:42:00.002-05:00

Well Tomorrow morning we will be here at the Marriott Ocean Watch!!!! I am so excited we are going on a vacation, but it is also more than that- Jason's sister Karen is getting married right on the beach!! She and Justin are getting married on Saturday night and we can't wait. Dayne cracked us up the other night when he asked his KK if he could be her 'Ring Master'- so she said yes and we will just have to see how that works out. But we shall be out of touch for a week and I know we are all ready to go! Have a wonderful week and hope to have tons of beach pics when we get home!!!

Well.. I know........

2009-06-03T22:08:00.002-05:00

I know another stretch of bad blogging, but you will be impressed at how much I did tonight!!! Just keep scrolling down so you can see all the kids pics I added tonight! I also added some new music, I hope you like it- My brother and Maggie danced to Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison and I don't know why but I have fallen in love with this song, so it is long I hope you enjoy it!!! I have more to do but going to call it quits tonight. Have a wonderful evening!!

More Fishing

2009-06-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

I believe this was his first fish! He actually caught the first fish on the boat even before his Pa Pa!!!! Way to go Dayne!! Now whenever we drive to Chattanooga he keeps asking when he is going back b/c they went to Nickajack for their fishing experience. I am so proud of him and what an experience for Dad and Grandpa!!!! (mom would have loved to be there, but I am thinking that I am going to be out on a lot of these trips)

They saw this Crane and Dayne was very excited!! He showed me all the pics they took of it ( I hope this is a crane, b/c that is what we are telling him)

Dayne's First Fishing Trip

2009-06-03T21:58:00.000-05:00

Can you see the excitement on his face????? Jason, his dad Richard, and Dayne went fishing over Memorial Day weekend and oh my Dayne had a blast!!!!!!!!!! He loved the boat b/c as he says it goes 'SUPERFAST'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was his first trip out on the boat and his first trip fishing, mind you daddy is taking these pics and the life jacket should have been zipped up but wasn't for some reason, thank you Jason- glad I wasn't there to get you :-)

Dayne's Preschool Program 2009

2009-06-03T21:52:00.000-05:00

Well another year of preschool is over. This is really hard for me to even type about or try to explain. During the year we just go thru the motions and every Tuesday and Thursday we go we pickup we talk about the day and all over again the next day. But he is now 4 years old and if you sit back and look from a mom's standpoint when September gets here he goes into the Pre-K class. I am finding that I am not one of these parents that can't wait till the day her children are out of the house. My first born son is 4 years old now and has completed another year of preschool and very soon he will be in kindergarten. I know I sound all crazy but it is just hard to watch him grow up so fast. He loves preschool and does so well that I love it!!! I have learned the ropes of preschool as a mom and what to do and what not to do and what you are expected to do and how to be active and a part of everything and I am so glad that I have done those things. His class was great, we learned a lot during this past year, we learned how to deal with children who are a lot different and children you hit too much and Dayne learned truly about being friends with other kids. That is sad too b/c there will be children that he got close to that will not be coming back b/c they are going into the county school system's pre-k programs. Our life is a crazy life- most of you know I love Jon and Kate plus 8, (right now I am having issues with her and the show :-) ) But when they say in the intro it may be a crazy life but it is our life- I need to steal that saying and say that about us. So to watch another year pass and to know that next year Tallan will be going to preschool and that Dayne will be in the pre-K class just hits a spot that makes me reminisce.

If you click on the collage you can see Dayne performing with his class, Tallan and KK, and Jason and the boys-- but also we sent Dayne that day not feeling good, but you know it was the last day of preschool...... so as his class finished their program he came over to us and laid down on his dad's leg and within 10 min was out and slept the rest of the time, poor guy.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-06-03T21:31:00.000-05:00

Well we keep trying for that one great pic..........

Does Dayne's face tell you anything- he really didn't want to be a part of the pic and as you can see I even gave in and let him change his shirt :-)

Well we tried................................

Being a mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me!! It has changed me in more ways than I ever would have thought. Everyday I thank our Good Lord for them b/c they are truly blessings and miracles and they make me ..............me. I have changed a lot as a person and I think we all do as we grow and age and mature, but my children have changed me in ways that make me a better person. Thank you Dayne and Tallan for making me a better person and for being your mommy!!!!!

Their precious faces!!

2009-06-03T21:24:00.000-05:00

This boy is the best!!! That face just tells you everything!

My Dayne!! He had such a blast and what an awesome big brother he is turning into!!!! So proud of him

I love the fact that this tractor was Jason's growing up and now I have 2 boys to enjoy it!! Finally Dayne is able to pedal the thing, it isn't easy :-)

Boys Being Boys

2009-06-03T21:20:00.000-05:00

Well a few weeks back or so we got all that rain and finally on a Sunday afternoon Jason said that was enough!!!!! The boys had to get out of the house so here they are playing in the rain and having a blast!!!! They had so much fun and so did we just watching them enjoy themselves!!!

My Dayne

2009-05-16T16:49:00.000-05:00

I don't have to say much about this guy!!! He is my man!! My 4 year old independent, ocd child. He makes me -- me. Not to take anything away from Tallan, but he will help mold me everyday like Dayne does. But there is something about your first born child :-) I think it is b/c I see me in Dayne - which can be a problem as he gets older so I will have to tame that. But I love my boys more than anything and thank GOD everyday for them. I keep telling Dayne that as long as I can get my arms around him I will tell him 'I LOVE YOU' b/c there are times now he tries to pull away, so let the embarrassing begin :-)

All About Tallan!!

2009-05-16T15:07:00.001-05:00

Here is our Tallan...........................................

Just wanted to share some pics of him being him :-) He is one character!! He and Dayne are playing so good together now and really enjoying each others time. Til Dayne tells me he needs his 'quiet time' :-) But Tallan is a wonderful child and true blessing.
Click on the pic so you can see his little face in the middle one- thinks he was being sneaky

Here We Are.............

2009-04-26T18:04:00.000-05:00

Well bad blogger again!!!
Here we are at Easter...
Family pic time and there is not one pic of looking at the camera all together- how typical :-)
We are all great and more to come I promise!!

Cake Time!!

2009-03-08T17:39:00.000-05:00

~HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU....

Yes even mom wore a John Deere Shirt!!!

He has been like this since he was small, he gets funny when people sing Happy Birthday and especially to him to my sweet moment for the day!!! I got a minute with Dayne and I know he had a great day!!!!

Have no clue what is going thru his head here but isn't he cute!! And read his shirt 'Dirt makes me cuter' (thanks KK!!!)

Party Fun!!

2009-03-08T17:33:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics of the party---We took so many!!!!
Dayne had a few friends over and I know he had a great time- So
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT CAME AND MADE THIS PARTY SO SPECIAL FOR DAYNE AND FOR USE!! WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Picture Time..........

2009-03-08T17:27:00.000-05:00

You know we try and that is all I am going to say--- why can't 4 people look at the same camera just for a split sec???? Oh well Another attempt not successful

Can Tallan be any cuter????? He is my growing little man-- what a ham he is too. And do you see the little pink girl in the back drop?? That is Taylor sporting her John Deere outfit too-- my niece :-) Hard to believe that she is 4 months old!! (And Aunt KK) =)

My silly boys.........
I think Dayne is over the camera or at least mommy taking pics of him

Party!

2009-03-08T17:21:00.000-05:00

This was the big hit!!!!!
And I can't say a bad thing about it, this was the best thing we have done for a party!! I know we enjoyed it so I hope all the kids and parents enjoyed it and if you are in this area and are interested call that # on the elephant there and use these people!! They were great and renting this was awesome (they have a lot more)

Just more pics of the day and here is the unbreakable pinata :-) Oh my this thing got a beating and wouldn't break :-)

Just more John Deere... Can't get enough of it!!

2009-03-08T17:16:00.000-05:00

Just a few of the decorations around the house.........
All about John Deere!!!!

The Day Arrived!! JOHN DEERE CRAZY PARTY!!!

2009-03-08T17:12:00.000-05:00

Well I didn't want to interrupt you looking at that cake by me typing but can you believe this cake???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I needed to not stress this year over the cake so thru some help of friends and word of mouth (you the know the best way) I found this lady here in Manchester called the The Kake Lady (duh??) Why have I never used her before?? Where has she been all my life or at least the last 4 years???
I have tried to make the kids cakes every year, on Dayne's 2nd b-day a friend made his cake but Melissa is not doing it really anymore for everyone- which is fine- but she did an awesome job!!! So I made Dayne's 1st, 3rd b-day cakes and Tallan's 1st b-day cake--- but no more!! The Kake Lady is my lady!!
I decided I wanted to do something like our grooms cake when we got married all those years ago so my father in law took some time and made he stand and then I demanded from my husband green grass (hahahahahaha) even us can't get green grass this time of year, I even said he had to spray paint it but of course he didn't and yet it still turned out great :-) But I just wanted the cake to be the center of attention and give it a picture perfect setting for the day!! And by adding of course John Deere Tractors to our John Deere Cake what else was I suppose to do :-)

More Preschool....

2009-03-08T16:58:00.000-05:00

Well this is what happens when you are 4---- You don't want a pic with mommy anymore :-( Thanks to help from his buds in class he kept putting his hand up in front of his face as the pic was being taken- so since it is the best one I posted it hehehe

This Dayne again...... being silly........... they were doing an animal dance around the room and not really sure what he is doing here but they had fun!!! What a fun day and fun just kept continuing all week long!!!

Preschool Party!

2009-03-08T16:55:00.000-05:00

The famous green icing John Deere cupcakes!! They were awesome!!

Singing to Dayne Happy Birthday---------

Couldn't resist this pic of Brent, good bud of Dayne, but he was smearing the green icing everyone and all I could think of was his momma is going to kill me-- I stopped Brent from wiping the icing on his shirt, but not fast enough to stop my own child!!!!

Special guests at the b-day party were Uncle Jason and Aunt Maggie!!! We were so excited that they could come on down and spend a few days with us and help us celebrate Dayne's birthday!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Dayne

2009-03-08T16:49:00.000-05:00

Wednesday was Dayne's 4th Birthday and we had a small intimate family dinner at the house (only 12 people but still small) We celebrated Dayne's birthday and then dove into cake and ice cream!!! Happy Birthday Dayne!!!!

My silly boy!!!!

Lots Has Been Posted Just Keep Scrolling

2009-03-05T17:14:00.001-06:00

2009-03-05T17:13:00.000-06:00

Here is our house!! Beautiful Snow Day (but so glad it is gone now)

Dayne and I decided to make a snowman.......... Well every time I got some snow rolled up he would pick it up and throw it at me- so we never made a snowman but we had an awesome snowball fight!!! Such a fun day!

Snow Day

2009-03-05T17:09:00.001-06:00

Tallan wanted to be with daddy!!! And he never wanted off the 4 wheeler til it was time for him to ride the sled and of course I didn't have my camera

And they are off!!

He loved the sled!!!

The Boys and The Snow

2009-03-05T17:06:00.000-06:00

These are just a few of our fun day in the snow!!! We got a sled from Jason's parents and got the 4-wheeler out and had the best time with the boys- Dayne absolutely loved it!!!

Maddie and Murphy

2009-03-05T17:01:00.000-06:00

Here is Murphy, our male lab.......................
He loved the snow and we think had more fun than the boys!!! He would jump and roll and never stopped til we came inside
Here is our Maddie!! She will be 9 next month. Getting old.... She is our queen and she rules the house! But she enjoyed the snow too, never stopped and just followed us everywhere!

Just some nice pictures

2009-03-05T16:57:00.001-06:00

Here is an idea of how much was up against the garage....... Jason's truck is big big!!! So here is a pic of his tire in it- that was all that there was in our subdivision was Jason's tire tracks

These are the trees across from us in the empty lots..... they bump up to a creek and it is so nice to not have anyone living across from us!! But in the early morning hours it was so peaceful to take some pics of the trees and all the snow

The Big Snow!!

2009-03-05T16:53:00.000-06:00

We get a phone call Sunday morning around 7am--- That to start off the morning was not expected b/c we were all sound asleep- even Tallan that was his first full nights sleep in 3 nights. So be awakened by the phone was not so nice. But it was my mom and she was so excited on the other end of the phone- She apologized but then quickly said look outside we got snow!!!!!!!!! I didn't really believe her b/c I didn't really think we were going to get any snow :-) Well Dayne and I rush to look out and couldn't believe it- you couldn't see the grass you couldn't see the road I got really excited and had to wake Jason up (that means he has to get out of the bed to fully comprehend what you saying) So that is how we started Sunday- Our Church was cancelled for the day and we started planning all the fun we were going to do!!!

Here are Dayne's footprints in the snow- I barely had him dressed and he was out the door - I couldn't stop him!! He was so happy!!!!
This was the first 'real' snow we have gotten in his lifetime, I can't remember the last time we got over 10 inches of snow

Just some quick pics of our backyard- the table and the swing set- you can't see the outline of the swing set area and those boards are at least 6 inches deep :-)

So what an awesome day we all had!!!! But so glad that it is gone today :-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAYNE!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-03T22:58:00.000-06:00

Here is Dayne @ his 2nd Birthday!

Here is Dayne last year when he turned 3..................

Happy Birthday Dayne!!!
We Love you so much and more than you will ever know!! God blessed us with you and you have blessed us each and everyday!
Happy Birthday

A Much Needed Day Away....

2009-03-03T22:35:00.000-06:00

On this day we took a drive down to Chattanooga to spend the day with Jenn and the boys--- Well as many of you know me I am normally late to everything I do for some reason and or another, BUT on this particular morning I did everything I could to be out of my driveway by 9am............................. and guess what we made it out before 9am =)!!!!! We got gas for my car and hit Starbucks and then continued on I-24 for 1 hour and 20min. Well since we were doing so good on time as I exited exit 11 off of I75 I thought Jenn and Chris have taken me another way to their house I can do that instead of hitting all the red lights (only about 3 or 4) Well my cell phone rings as I make that dumb turn right and it was my mom-in-law--- She was talking away and I was trying to respond and look for this one road to the left ( See I do know what I am doing!!) Well then I realize I have gone too far so seeing traffic I proceed to pull over on the side of the road to wait to just turn around-- well a very nice police man on his motorcycle pulls up next to me and asks is everything ok- well I still have my mom-in-law on the phone and I am trying to be polite to her and the police officer and so I just had to hang up the phone- I very graciously said I think I missed my turn and he wanted to know where I was heading so I start blabbing my mouth at I know where I am going I just decided to try a new way but if I just turn around I will know where I am going... Me talking too much what else is new....... So he very graciously says well if you just follow me I will take you right where you need to go- I thought great!!!! Nice policeman I wasn't speeding he is bored?? But yes I will follow him-- Mind you I am still on time!!!!!! Big kudos to Deana for being on time for once
WELL.........................

As the nice policeman walked away from my car I could see him then turn and walk back toward my car?????????????????? He then started looking in the backseat window where Tallan was sitting in his car seat... I for some reason roll down Tallan's window as I am asking the nice policeman 'Is everything ok????' And he then puts his hand inside my car and touches Tallan's car seat??????? He then informs me that I do not have my son tight enough in his seat-- well guess what I do- jerked that strap so tight that Tallan became tight in his car seat very quickly- then he keeps looking at Tallan's car seat and starts asking me questions--- Then the words come out- Well I could give you a ticket for this =( NO NO NO NO I was on time and made a the wrong turn and now I am talking with a very nice man but he just said those words that could have just ruined my day- do you guys know how expensive tickets are when they come to your children??????

So we then start talking about what all is wrong with my son's car seat....... Then he says do you have time- can you follow me to the police station and I can help you install this seat properly--- Well what was I going to say after he said he could give me a ticket?? Duh-- follow him
Well I call Jason quickly and that stirs him up b/c as you know my husband put those car seats in and he prides himself on those car seat installments and what in the world could be wrong with them??? He installed them- Then I try to text Jenn really quick b/c I was only 5 min from her house and I told her I was going to be there in a matter of minutes and I still haven't arrived yet but I guess in my trying not to be on the phone at the same time as talking to the policeman I pushed save not send so she never gets my text- And then I have to explain to Dayne that we are taking a shortcut to Cooper's house and we are going to go to the police station...... well that didn't go over well at all with him.
So after 1 1/2 of me learning what we had done wrong with our car seats and my children running all over my car and getting to know this nice policeman and Tallan calling OnStar Emergency and trashing the already trashed vehicle my car seats are installed to the highest of police standards and I dare anyone to question anything about my car seats now b/c I had the TN Training Police Officer teaching me how to properly install my car seats-- He did credit my husband on how tight our seats where despite the wrongs step we did
But as I pulled out of the Collegedale Police Station to only make a right to then make a left at the light to go only a mile or so and turn left onto Jenn's road did I say I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRY TO TAKE A DIFFERENT WAY TO ANYONE'S HOME I KNOW!!!!!!
I called Jenn to tell her to put the boys out front b/c good ole me got a police escort to her house and police stickers to give the boys...
What a day!!!!!
And remember I was early leaving my house I was ON TIME and guess what I ended up being over an hour and half late.........

Crazy story but thankfully we had a great day with Jenn and the boys and we so needed that visit!!! Thanks guys!!!!
As you can see from the collage way up there the boys had a great time too!!! We love seeing them and spending time with them!

Preschool Valentine Party

2009-03-03T22:08:00.000-06:00

These 2 pics are from the kids doing this tootyta dance??? Dayne loves it he does this at home with me all the time and I just laughed while the kids did the dance- he will kill me one day for these pics!!!

Well not the best pic, but Dayne never really smiles and this is so bad of me but oh well- my and my valentine!!!!

My John Deere Boys!!

2009-03-03T21:50:00.000-06:00

Here is some pictures of the boys from about a month ago. On this particular day we took the boys over to Jason's parents house so they could be on all the John Deere Toys =) The tractors, the gator, out in the woods all the good boy stuff to do. Well I also took pics for Dayne's b-day invitations. YES I SAID IT..... actually Dayne's birthday is tomorrow and my first born son is turning 4!!!! Isn't that crazy... time has sure flown by and I know I have said it before but the changes he has made over these past 4 years is crazy-- He is becoming such a boy/ a child-- not a toddler not my baby anymore. I still get my hugs and my kisses and my special moments but I can just see how he wants his independence and how mom just doesn't fit at sometimes during his day. I keep reminding him that no matter how old he is he is my baby =) Then he yells BUT I AM A BIG BOY!!!
Oh well- Tallan is a little stinker and a trouble maker, and he loves his brother so Jason and I have our hands full!!!! I will be uploading pics tonight and if I can do it I will post more but I am getting back slowly but surely.

Hey Everyone!!!

2009-02-21T16:36:00.002-06:00

Well on this post I am just going to type out some stuff- I acknowledged to Jason the other day that I am being a horrible/slacker blogger and I need to get back on it and so here I go!!!!

Life has been crazy and busy and that is usually my same excuse, but here over the last month we have reached our high on the stress level. Our business is going day by day and we are as we tell everyone making it, but over the last few weeks after months of discussing Jason and I have had to make very hard decisions. Most of us have employers and are employees and I don't really think that we think about what our employers are going thru. We have had to make pay cuts and reductions in hours and are just asking our guys to hang in there with us and if they can't we understand. We have lots of work coming we just have to get to spring first :-) I have never seen my husband at some of the low points that he has been too lately. Our guys each has a spouse or significant other/ kids one or more/ and families that they help support--- That is on our shoulders big time and it is killing us!! We strive ourselves on saying that we are like a family up there and never thought this would happen. So right now we are making it and I thank God everyday for my nursing job as our extra but we just need an improvement in the building/construction side of this economy!!!

The boys have been great but sick a lot here lately and finally they gave it to Jason and I :-) But we are all getting over it!!!!
We got to experience close to us a case of child abuse and I have never felt so bad in my life- after the details of what happened came thru I just went and hugged my boys and thanked GOD for giving us the strength and the ability to raise our boys and then lifted up that little boy to God b/c even though today weeks later he is doing better his home life is no better. We are not suppose to question God or ask Why but it just breaks my heart that infants/children are abused by their supposed loved ones. I offered our home to the baby for a 'safe home' but you know DHS they keep within the family and nothing has changed. I am just having a hard time with the whole thing and still can't wrap my brain around it.

I want to share with you all a blog http://ezandccox.blogspot.com
This blog is our Pastor's son and daughter-in-law's blog- their son as you can read is in Vandy right now and is having some struggles- their son's name is Cooper and he needs our continued thoughts and prayers!!! A man of God even struggles sometimes and watching how our pastor and wife have handled this situation with their precious grandchild is an awe inspiring and testimony in itself. How his mommy is writing about their experiences shows great strength- They need our prayers!!

In January I joined a Masters Swim class @ our local Rec Center and it has been the best thing that I have done for myself in a long time!! I have never even as a child had swim lessons, when I decided to start swimming I just got in the pool and started didn't know what I was doing. I would ask the lifeguards to help me (who I thought wouldn't laugh at me) and just try and try and try to keep going-- well now I can swim!!! Our Masters Swim Coach/Instructor is awesome and she has taught myself and I know others so much in such a short time. Swimming is by far one of the best exercises you can do!!!! My little inner competitor is starting to come out when she makes us do sprints down the pool, so watch out :-)

Dayne is going to be 4 very soon!!!! I am having a hard time with it- I have a hard time with every birthday but I can see the changes so much and his independence and his abilities- Just hard on a mom to watch him grow up so fast!! But watch out another John Deere Crazy birthday :-)
Tallan is my angel- my little Jason Crosslin twin!!!!

Well I will stop on all of this and will post my pics very very soon!!!

We are still here I promise!!!

2009-01-31T13:36:00.000-06:00

I don't know what has happened to us since Christmas but I am just uploading all the pics from Christmas, New Years, Engagement Party, the Circus, and today's latest...... Sorry for my absence but we are here and doing good. There is so much to share and so much to tell and I will get back on track right away!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-24T14:26:00.000-06:00

Here are my boys from this morning!! After they got a bath we were able to get them into their Christmas PJ's for a pic in front of the tree. I told Dayne that Santa needed to see how big they have gotten and what their PJ's looked like. I know that is bad but with a little help from Jason I was able to get a couple really cute ones.
We have been under the weather here since last Friday it seems and to not go into detail we have all had a form of the stomach virus. Most violent was for Jason and I but the kids are great.
I am praying for a 'sick free' Christmas this year. Last year Tallan was diagnosed with RSV just a few days before Christmas. How time changes in one year!! We are so blessed this year and so much has happened to us but we just thank God for every moment and everything in our lives and thank God for our wonderful boys. They make Jason and I who we are today.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and safe Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas!!! Love to All

I've Been Tagged!

2008-12-03T22:40:00.003-06:00

This picture had to be taken right after Dayne's 3rd birthday! He got that plane from my brother and Maggie and as you can see in the backdrop there is little bro trying to get in on the action. Poor Jason~ he must have just gotten home from work or something.
Yes I have 'trailer park' children- Dayne pretty much only wears UT stuff or John Deere and when the weather is nice Tallan was mostly down to a diaper :-) Poor Murphy I cut off his head, our dog :-) Funny pic!

I was tagged by Rebecca to do the following:

1. Choose the 4th picture folder on my computer

2. Choose the 4th picture

3. Explain the picture

4. Choose 4 people to do the same

I TAG......

Elizabeth Hazlett
Sara Liner
Heather Ashby
Samantha Garbes

Just a few more

2008-12-03T22:35:00.000-06:00

Here is the small tree in our bedroom~ I had too many ornaments left over b/c of how our main tree was done that I went to Wal-Mart (where else) and got this 6.5 ft tree for $35- pre lit- I couldn't beat that- b/c after the other tree I am not putting anymore lights up- I would say that this one is more 'country' but I love the reindeer sorry you can't see them that great

Here is the tree that I borrowed from my mom- it is in my office at home- just more decorations!!

Couldn't resist this pic of this boy!!! He is a terror and into everything- This face says it all!!!
I will try and take some pics of the outside of the house soon, Jason did a good job!!!! I should show off his work :-)

More Christmas Tree Pics

2008-12-03T22:23:00.000-06:00

Here is another ornament that I got- I got 2 so maybe one day the boys will want them for their own tree- I really like these silver ones- just a little different

Dayne being silly!! Mommy trying to get a pic

Here are 2 ornaments that I had made thru snapfish, I made one of me and Jason too but it is on a different spot on the tree- my boys!!! I am trying to make things that they may want one day?? We will see.....
Here is a pic of my helper! Dayne only wanted to decorate trees and oh my - my nerves couldn't handle him on the big tree so he helped me decorate the office tree, his tree, and Tallan's tree-- He is so ready for Santa- every morning he wakes up and asks why there aren't any presents under the tree- silly boy

Christmas is getting close!

2008-12-03T22:19:00.000-06:00

Well here is our main tree in the house- I love it and I hate it :-) It is 9 feet tall and Jason only brings it out of the attic and the rest is up to me~ so anyway, my hands are still healing and I didn't fall off the ladder, but here it is ~ I did it a lot different this year. You can't really see everything thru pictures, but you can always come on by and see us :-)

Here is our Mickey Family Vacation ornament that we got @ Magic Kingdom- just a small remembrance of our trip!!

The Tree of Life

2008-11-26T19:28:00.000-06:00

This to me was so amazing..........
The Tree of Life!!!!
I love these pics

Our Safari Ride thru Africa

2008-11-26T19:26:00.000-06:00

I have so many pics of the safari ride, that I can't post them all, but this was by far my favorite thing of the whole trip! The animals were awesome!! We got so many great pics too. Just a few to share

Day 1 of our Orlando Vacation!!

2008-11-26T19:15:00.000-06:00

Day one started with breakfast in Animal Kingdom at the Tuskar House. WOW!!! Is all I have to say!! We had a great time and despite not really getting to eat that much the characters were great and the boys loved every minute of it!!!
Here is Donald!!

MICKEY MOUSE!!! Even as a child I don't have any pics of me and Mickey Mouse! I was so excited, but I know it was for the boys, but us adults had a lot fun too!!

Here is a great pic, but my wonderful hubby was the picture taker for a change- strange to be in pictures

Daisy!!! She was awesome!

Have I Told You Lately How Big He Is??

2008-11-16T15:47:00.000-06:00

Here is Tallan from last night-- He is getting so big!!

Many Faces of Her Daddy!!

2008-11-09T16:22:00.000-06:00

Scott was in such Awe of his daughter!! What a day for him to become a daddy to a little girl!!

'And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. Simply because you are my child and I am your Father' 1 John 3:1

2008-11-09T16:15:00.000-06:00

Enough of the pictures is probably what she is saying!! She just came into this world and all we have done is picked on her and taken pictures of her and passed her around. She needs a break. Our little princess is tired :-)

'You are fearfully and wonderfully made' Psalm 139:14

More of Taylor

2008-11-09T16:12:00.000-06:00

Very tired but happy and proud Mommy!!

Trust me she is as cute in person!!!

Here is she again!!! She had a rough time coming into this world so excuse her non bathed face yet.

'I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live' Acts 17:26

Taylor Faith McBride's Birth Day!!

2008-11-09T16:06:00.000-06:00

Here are the proud parents before all the excitement happened.
Scott and Christa McBride
Christa is Jason's Big Sister!!
And on this day Thursday November 6th was the day that their daughter was born.

At almost 7pm Miss Taylor Faith McBride entered our world!
Christa was a trooper and so was Scott, but she labored for over 12 hours and finally her precious gift from God came into her life.

Can you tell that is a proud Daddy!!

Dayne

2008-11-06T06:28:00.000-06:00

Just a few pics of Dayne!! All these are the pumpkin patch from his preschool class field trip. He had a great time!!! But he is my cutie!!

Just a pic

2008-11-06T06:21:00.000-06:00

This is Jason and I when we were in Knoxville for the weekend-- Just a pic of us :-)

Today is the Day

2008-11-04T15:34:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to say that I hope you all voted today or maybe early voted. Either way this is one of the most important elections that we have been a part of!!!! That is our right and we need to express our right to vote. Many many men and women have sacrificed their lives for our freedom and like it says on the moment in Washington D. C. "Freedom is Not Free"-
So hopefully you all voted!!

Dayne and his mom!

2008-10-30T20:26:00.000-05:00

Here is Dayne and I at the pumpkin patch! We had a blast!!

Our First Pumpkin Patch!!!

2008-10-26T22:27:00.000-05:00

Here are the boys on guess what a Tractor!!! Of all the things there my boys find the tractors. That is okay look how big Tallan is getting!!!

2 family pics- and well neither work out really great- Dayne was in one of those I am not going to cooperate moods, and all b/c mom wanted a great pic- I shouldn't try so hard!

Here they are again! They loved the pumpkin patch and we were lucky to be able to go twice. So I will post more soon!!! But it was a great evening and the boys got a hayride, bon fire, and so much more-- and of course our pumpkins

3 Boys!

2008-10-16T16:30:00.000-05:00

Monday night we got a real treat!! We had our first slumber party!! For boys of course.
We had the opportunity to watch Cooper for Chris and Jenn and what a treat for Dayne. While I was on my way home from work talking to Jason I could hear the boys in the background having so much fun. When I got home I couldn't believe all the energy they still had. Cooper and Dayne don't get to see each other all the time but oh my when they are together they are inseparable. Let me just tell you that they crashed Monday night and so did we. Tuesday morning up and going bright and early and they never stopped all day till Cooper had to go home. I am so happy we got to keep him, we love him so much and I know Dayne had so much fun!!! Tallan tried, bless his heart, he tried so hard to keep up with the big boys!!
I am so thankful to our wonderful Lord that Hudson is doing okay!!! He just needs some healing time now!!! Chris and Jenn have been thru so much here recently but what a precious child Hudson is and what an awesome family they are!!! We love you guys and I am so thankful that Hudson is doing better and thanks for letting us watch Cooper (hope he had as much fun as Dayne )

Wonderful Afternoon!!!

2008-10-12T16:39:00.000-05:00

Well click on each pic to read my captions. Today was such a wonderful afternoon that after we got home from church we outside to play!
Here is our future baseball players!!! Daddy is very proud that both boys love to play or attempt to !
Here is Tallan learning how to hold the bat. Too cute!!!

Dayne loves to hit the ball unfortunately he missed this one pitch, but he is getting better!!!

Trouble, can you see it. What a cutie!!!!

Our New Addition!

2008-10-11T23:36:00.000-05:00

Well we have wanted to do this for a long time and just didn't know if we had the means or if we would be able to find the right person. Well we were able to fulfill both!!! This wonderful man by the name of Patrick, he has his own construction business did our wonderful screen in porch!!!! We are in love and I never want to come in now.

We loved our open porch, but if you have visited our house it is a little drop from the top of the porch to the rocks in the landscaping. Dayne has actually been thankful a few times that the bushes caught him on a few falls. Tallan makes me very nervous! This isn't all for him but I feel more comfortable having the doors open now and just letting the boys go.
And the back porch feels so much bigger now!! I can't believe what change it has made!

This is still not finished product, I will try and remember to take pics of the finished product in the morning, but just wanted to share. We are so excited and so happy with our addition to our house. We have been here now for 2 years, hard to believe that so much has happened in our lives over the last 2 years. But we are slowly getting our home how we want it!

Baby Shower!!!!

2008-10-11T23:27:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics of the decorations. I thought they were cute :-) It is very different buying and decorating for a girl!!!! But I really enjoyed putting this shower on with my sis in law Karen. Thanks girl for our time together and all the wine we drank!!! Hey you can do anything after the 2nd bottle is open! :-) Martha Stewart didn't beat us!!! I forgot to take pics of our Martha Stewart project that I roped Karen into, so I will remember to next week.

This is Christa (Taylor in belly), Linda (my mom in law), Karen (my partner in crime) and Me. I didn't get the memo on my clothing choice :-) We had a great time and we can't wait to meet Taylor!!!!

Pic movie from baby shower

2008-10-11T23:09:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I was able to post this video~!!!!!! But here are some pics from the baby shower today for sis in law Christa. She is due next month and will be having a little girl Taylor Faith McBride!! Can't wait to meet my niece!!!

I hope that you can hear this man!!

2008-09-30T15:13:00.002-05:00

I hope that many of you can hear Dave Ramsey- if you are not local then please find him on itunes, go to his site and listen to his shows, or find him the other radio thing that I can't think of the name. But his site is www.daveramsey.com
Then on his front page click on the box that says Urgent 3 ways to fix Our Nation's Economy. But if you don't have time then just read below then go visit his site.
I have learned so much from him and Jason and I try really hard to follow his plan.
We all need to get smart with our own money situation and we need to take control -- we do have a voice with the people we elect and we have the right to vote or not.

We are at a crucial time in our country's financial history. We need everyone's help! Here are 3 steps you can take that will change our nation's future:

Pray for them to resist a spirit of FEAR and to embrace WISDOM. Even if you don't like them or agree with them, pray for them and tell them you are praying for them. There is a spirit over this problem that must be broken. Also, most of the media personalities are afraid as well and that is affecting their reporting. Pray for fear to be removed from them; they are making this worse.

Send The Common Sense Fix to your Representatives and Senators and tell them how you expect them to vote, and that if they put this nation in $700 billion of debt, that you will vote them out. It's their job to listen to us! (Whichever presidential candidate or political party that champions this plan from their leadership down will likely become the next president. That is because this plan fixes the crisis while going along with the wishes of the vast majority of Americans.)

Read the PDF
Copy the text file

Send it to your Senators and representatives.

Send a link to this page to everyone in your address book and tell them to urgently follow these 3 steps TODAY. The more people we have supporting this and contacting their elected leaders, the more likely we can turn our economy around!

More Info:

Find out how your state reps voted for the $700 billion plan

Hear Dave rant about it

Our Weekend Away!!

2008-09-23T22:01:00.000-05:00

Here is Jason and I.......
We had a great weekend this past weekend!! We went up to Pigeon Forge without the kids and had a great time! We always miss the kids greatly when we are gone, and trust me this doesn't happen very often. We wasted our time and went to the TN Florida football game. I think I stopped watching at halftime. Normally I am the crazy lady screaming and hollering and giving high fives and all that, but this game I just held my head in my hands, but a very powerful moment was at halftime to hear over 100,000 people boooooo was sad. I hope that they were just booing the coach but I know the players heard it and so did Florida and I hope that they can turn this around but oh my they play Auburn this Saturday.
But anyway- we had a great time, I love going to Pigeon Forge just for the reason that it is close to home and kids can do stuff. But let me just plug this place- RiverStone Resort and Spa- you guys have to go. It is in Pigeon Forge at the Dollywood light. The condos are great and the spa is awesome!!! So there is my plug, go there and enjoy it. We were in a 3 bedroom and even if the kids were with us we would have had plenty of room!!!

Aren't they cute!!!!

My in-laws!!! Had to make them laugh.

The County Fair

2008-09-23T21:44:00.000-05:00

The Coffee County Fair!!! We always go at least one night and we always have such a blast. Dayne is getting to the point that he loves all the rides and the animals- Daddy gets to do all the fun stuff and poor Tallan isn't big enough to ride, we put him on the carousel and he wouldn't even let Jason put him on the horse. He is too cute.
In the pics above Dayne got to go on everything- in the Teacups he is with our neighbors daughter Ashley- who I can safely say Dayne really likes Ashley and her sis Savannah!! We are so lucky to have them behind us. Tallan and PaPa fishing- I think PaPa had more fun :-)
We will have to wait again till next year to experience the Fair!!! Can't wait :-)

Dayne's Artwork

2008-09-23T21:14:00.000-05:00

Here is my son's artwork :-) Dayne's entire class did these scarecrow faces and they were entered into our county's fair--- my son never wins but he does such a great job!! I am very proud of his face :-)

My Life Has Changed!

2008-09-18T22:05:00.002-05:00

Well today my life has changed.....
To save you all the unnecessary need to hear all my woes. I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. YIPPEE
This is a diagnosis that I was really hoping was just a far off thought and that all my problems were just my gallbladder. Well I don't have a 'normal' gallbladder but I am glad I just didn't jump in an say take it out. I don't know if any of you reading this have celiac disease or know someone who does have it. But if you have any insight for me please send it my way. I am upset, depressed, laughing, I don't know what I am thinking actually. I was very selfish this evening and just said THIS IS NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!! Many of you know me and know our family- we love food, we eat, we are not bashful, and I love to cook. So I guess everything changes today!!
When the doctor called me this morning I didn't know what to think, I did not believe that he had my pathology reports back to fast. But there were some key signs that he saw during my EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) yesterday that lead to him believing that I have this disease or allergy or whatever the right word is and I also have a hiatal hernia too. FUN!
So please pray for me- I need strength, I love food so until I grasp my head around this new diet and lifestyle I need some help!
So I am asking for help from all of you and all that you know to help lead me in the right direction.
Thanks to all an have a great night!!

The other 2 kiddos

2008-09-13T22:12:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I have really ever posted pics of our other children. But here are a couple pics of Maddie and Murphy. They are both yellow labs and are the best things ever to our family despite my frustrations with them. Maddie is 8 years old now and she is the queen and if any of you have ever had a foot dog she is that dog! Murphy is the male and he is 4 now. He is a very good dog. Very protective and very timid. Please do not just sneak up on our home and all men beware!! But these two dogs help make our family and also help protect us. Tallan loves them!!! Dayne does better with Murphy than Maddie, like I said she is the queen and she does what she wants :-) But if you ever need extra facial licks or to have your feet warmed please stop on by!!

New Pics

2008-09-13T21:58:00.000-05:00

Here are the boys from the other night. Here recently Tallan has taken a huge interest in the gator that Dayne has wanted nothing to do with. But thanks to little bro we are now on the gator everyday and they are having loads of fun. Tallan just hangs on and we have him so tightly strapped in~ But they are too cute together

Please keep scrolling down... I have added a lot!!!

2008-09-07T15:44:00.002-05:00

Just a Few Questions.......

2008-09-07T15:31:00.005-05:00

Here are a few questions to you all in this blog world~~~~

1. In the next 12 months, will you and your family, or anyone close to you going to be taking a vacation?????? Of any kind?

2. When you travel now, do you ever book your travel online?? Like Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz?

3. When you book online and pay for it, do you get 60% of the commission that that transaction has generated rebated back to you???

4. That is a personal vacation right? Not a business one? So you are not able to write that off on your income tax, right???

Answer those questions to yourself and if I can show you a way to book that travel the same trip, same time, same place- probably get it cheaper- and you get 60% of the commission generated on the trip rebated back to you WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED?????

Do any of you out there reading this need another form of income coming thru your house right now?? Do any of you or anyone that you know need a Plan B???? Any of you stay at home moms that want something to do and this is not a product :-) this is recess :-)
You don't have to leave a comment but I would love for you to or e-mail me and I will share this with you all!!
Thanks
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Another Preschool Year Starts!

2008-09-07T14:11:00.001-05:00

At home before we headed out the door for another preschool year. Dayne looks thrilled doesn't he--- he is not the most cooperative with pics at home. But I will say that he was so excited that we had no problems that morning and off we went and on time we were! That says a lot!!!

We got to preschool and he was so excited to get in to his class, but here is he is with his big boy backpack and lunch!

Dayne had a great first day and week! Another school year has begun and my little one is growing up so fast!!

New Pictures

2008-09-07T14:04:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was Jason's Family Reunion- The Willis side...... Very large family and despite the heat a great turnout.
Here is Dayne and his cousin Blake playing in the dirt..... boys :-)

Here is Jason's cousin Joseph with Tallan- Tallan wasn't feeling the best, but the apple juice and the tractors got a smile out of him.
We don't get to Joseph and his wife Terri much, they live in the D.C. area- but it is always great to see everyone!!

Me and the boys!! Yes we are on a tractor! Where else do my boys want to be..

Our family

2008-09-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Oh How He Changes!

2008-08-23T16:52:00.000-05:00

There is a country song by Trace Adkins, You're Gonna Miss This.....................
Well I totally understand that song and for me the song is a tear jerker in a way. This is my baby, he is over a year now and how we can't stop time I at least have these pictures for ever! He is such an angel and such a great child and son and I know that he is going to keep up us all our toes!

My Little Artist

2008-08-23T16:36:00.000-05:00

Okay don't be alarmed they are not aliens :-)
Dayne loves to go out on the back patio and draw the members of the family....
So I don't really know who this is suppose to be but I am very proud of my child's ability right now!!!
(I darkened the pictures so you could get all the detail :-) )

I really don't know what this is

Just look how good this is- we have a head, 2 eyes, a nose, a mouth, 2 legs, and 2 arms- no body but that is okay

Outdoor Fun!

2008-08-23T16:32:00.000-05:00

Well the boys are beginning the early stages of learning how to play together. Tallan wants to be with big brother all the time and big brother only wants little one around when he wants him. But here are some precious brother moments :-)
Tallan is getting very brave and has no fear right now.

Dayne is just too cute and do you see the dimples still there on his cute face since birth!

Just having fun together

He thinks he is big stuff now~
I keep telling him that he is my baby my big boy my everything- He tells me he is not a baby he is a big boy and for some reason he thinks he is 5~ I guess I now understand other moms of much older boys who have such a hard time with them growing up and doing their own things :-) Everyday gets harder as he persists on growing up

A few pics

2008-08-22T17:37:00.000-05:00

Here is Tallan being him, getting into all the drawers in the kitchen- Normally the entire kitchen floor is covered in items from the drawers. He thinks it is cute!!!

Mister lazy- having his snack in bed. This child can come up with some of the craziest things. This particular day he said that he was tired from all the crying he had done that morning while we were out so he needed to lay down in mom and dad's bed and take a rest. You have to love him :-)

Today in the car he put his hat on like this and I wanted to take his picture, well he wasn't too thrilled with that idea so this is what I got. He was too cute! Earlier today he dressed himself back up as a cowboy (that was what he was for this past Halloween) but he kept on his shorts and t-shirts. I really wish I had a pic of that.
Well I promise to get back into blogging. We have had a lot going on and I have just fallen behind, sorry. But this weekend we are taking the kids to go see the Backyardigans at TPAC on Sunday. So I will have the camera ready for lots of pics and get those posted asap.

That Says IT!!!!

2008-08-10T22:55:00.000-05:00

OH WOW!~!!!!

2008-08-10T22:33:00.006-05:00

I don't know if any of you out there are watching the Olympics right now~~~~~~~

But OH WOW!!! The Men's USA 4 x 100 Freestyle relay, I was jumping up and down in the living room. Where did he get it, they beat out France literally by an arm stroke in the right direction. Can't really explain it but it was just so awesome to watch.

Okay just had to share. Wow!!!! I only wish I could swim like that!!!!!! I have all the Olympics DVR right now so cool!

My new adventure!

2008-08-04T22:42:00.002-05:00

I call a lot of things in my life an adventure. This new one I believe is definitely that. I have taken the plunge and bought a travel agency through YourTravelBiz.com. I am just getting started and this is a 'home based business' and I can do this as I can. I want to jump in with both feet and get going but I also have to consider the rest of my life and schedule. I have put both links on the blog now. If you travel and I think we all do then just give my site a chance when you are looking to book your next vacation or travel needs. And if you have been thinking about bringing in some extra income and didn't really know how you would do that then go check out my website and listen to the presentation. My neighbors are living proof that this business is for real and bottom line we all travel! So all I ask is that you give my site a chance like you do Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, or whoever you use. I hope you will find YTB to be better or the same. And for even more insight go check out Marshall's blog, http://www.marshallgilliam.com (he is also my neighbor)
Well I will keep you posted and updated and if anyone is interested just drop by my site or drop me an e-mail. I hope to be able to update you guys on the success of this adventure. Trust me this was not just done there has been a lot of prayer and knowing support from my husband and family!
Just go and check it out, it can't hurt :-)

I Promise We Are Still Here.....

2008-08-03T22:46:00.003-05:00

Well it has been forever it feels since I have posted anything. Life gets in the way a lot and oh my sob story of working and life feels like such an excuse. I will try to get better I promise.
I have signed up for a new adventure in a way -- our Rec Center is having a 'Gladiator' challenge, no not like what is on TV, but a get fit get into better shape challenge. We will be assigned to 2 teams and our coaches are our trainers. I guess we will be accountable for our workouts over the next 3 months. So hopefully periodically I will update you guys on how I am doing. I am a little nervous about the end of the 3 months, there is a competition b/w the teams and there is a list of activities that we will be competing in and one of them is a mini triathlon. I don't run and I don't own a bike and probably haven't really ridden a bike since I was a kid and and I may only be 28 but I feel every bit of that age. I guess I better smoke it in the swimming portion since that is the only thing that I am good at right now :-)
The boys are great and Jason is good too! I promise to get some pics up soon and if any of you reading this are in Manchester then come and join me at the Rec Center over the next 3 months for a 'get fit' challenge you can find me in the pool :-)

Tallan's 1st Birthday!

2008-07-17T21:45:00.000-05:00

One year later!! My precious angel still has his strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. He looks just like his father and that is okay with me!

Happy Birthday baby!!

He loved his cake and was green from head to toe! Thank you to all our family and friends that helped celebrate his big day!!! It is you guys that make our lives so wonderful and full!!

Tallan's Birth Day July 5, 2007

2008-07-17T21:42:00.000-05:00

My Tallan is growing up!

2008-07-17T21:38:00.000-05:00

My baby boy Tallan is now 1 year old! Can you guys believe that? How times fly by so fast in this world. To look on back on this past year is just so amazing. Tallan came into a family that seems to never stop but we are such homebodies! With our business Jason and I stay so occupied. I said to Jason a lot over this past year that I feel guilty and it upsets me as a mom that I feel that Tallan has received the short end of the stick. After Dayne was born I changed my status at the hospital to PRN (work as needed) so I was home a lot and it was just me and him. We just picked up and went and didn't have to worry about too much else. Tallan came after our business and the week before he was born I had to move everything from my office to home and had to find some form of high speed wireless Internet service and had to get the gotomypc.com set up and I feel like a part of me has cheated him. Just 5 days after he was born I was in the office while he was sleeping back to work. We have never hired someone for the office and it will be a long time before we can justify doing that. After I was able to drive again, Dayne would go my moms and Tallan and I would head back to our office to work. As a mom I think we beat ourselves up a lot. Tallan has just gone with the flow since the day he was born. He is such a true blessing and everyday he adapts to the situations that he is put in. We don't have sleep in mornings or stay home all day anymore and it will probably be a long time before we have those again. I am just thankful to God that our family has been blessed in the ways that we have been. I don't know why we have and some days I don't think we deserve all that HE has done for us, but I just thank Him everyday for our life and our family. My Tallan is one, my Dayne is three. This past year has been amazing and I pray all the years to come are as wonderful!

Family Picture Time!

2008-07-17T21:24:00.000-05:00

Here is the Crosslin Family!! Out first beach vacation all together!
From Left to Right: Scott and Christa (baby girl in the belly, we didn't know on our trip :-)), Justin and Karen, My mom and dad-in-law Linda and Richard, and you know the four of us!

Tallan with his PaPa!!

The 4 of us! Trying to take a family picture :-)

My wonderful in-laws!! On this day it was Linda's birthday. We were all able to go and have a wonderful dinner and surprise her with a cake and then we let the kids go to town. They are so gracious and I know that we had a wonderful time and a much needed vacation and it wouldn't have happened without them. They even took the kids out one night to the always famous John Deere store while the rest of us got to out for dinner. Thank you so much! I am already looking forward to next year!

More Vacation.....

2008-07-17T21:15:00.000-05:00

My little angel!

2008-07-13T23:36:00.000-05:00

Loving on his daddy!! Tallan loves his daddy!! In this house with 3 boys I am definitely out numbered but Tallan has taken to his daddy and brother. You can definitely tell that this child has no fear and I don't think that is a good thing right now. He loves his brother so much!!!!

His famous pose right now, finger in the mouth no matter what. It seems like he has been teething for the last at least 9 months :-)
Do you guys see that red/ strawberry blonde hair, LOVE IT!!!! And he has Blue Eyes- What a lock out so I have, very partial!

Laughing and smiling all the time!

We realize now that he loves chocolate chip cookies, who doesn't! Doesn't he look like he has just been caught, Such a sweet face!

My Dayne!

2008-07-13T23:31:00.000-05:00

I am very proud of a lot things in my life but this child (not to exclude Tallan, please don't think that) Dayne is so wonderful and such a blessing. We have our moments and I am trying to learn as a mom to 'put my foot down' or so to speak but he is such a beautiful child and he has such a big and full heart!

If you look closely he has a black eye ( his right). A little parenting advice that we can now give out to others going on vacation. When your 3 year old son says that he has to pee and he takes off for the bathroom quickly well you follow. And when he thinks he is big enough to use the urinal in the men's bathroom with his daddy then you let him, but here is the problem HE IS WET and has on no shoes...... He is a very independent child and when he told his daddy don't help me Jason let him pull up the wet bathing suit on his own, well as he pulled up his suit he somehow pulled himself up too and there went his feet and right into the urinal he went. He hit his right eye socket on the the lovely white porcelain urinal! It immediately swelled and bruised and I was sick to think that it had happened but I am glad he didn't get a face full of urine. Daddy learned a lesson and so did Dayne. But this happened on Sunday of our vacation and we weren't leaving until Thursday. The rest of the week I kept feeling the urge to have to explain what happened to him and try to explain that we don't hit our children. But even with his 1st true black eye he is still so beautiful!

Here is me trying to be a photographer :-) Maybe one day!!!

More Vacation

2008-07-13T23:22:00.000-05:00

My swimming son!

Okay look at this pic, all 4 of us looking at the camera and a smile on our faces!!! However we are in the pool. But we had fun!

Little mister wants to get in to everything. Because there was a total of 10 of us on this vacation by Monday we were able to gather a lot of lounge chairs by the pool. Tallan loved it!! We tried to set him up a play area and nap area under the umbrellas. What a life! He was rocked to sleep in one of the swings by the pool, then laid on a lounge chair with lots of shade but right by the ocean so he had a great breeze then about 2 hours later if we were lucky he was up again and back in the pool. Then all the toys he wanted right there at his fingertips and food too, don't forget that. On his face in this pic is chocolate chip cookie :-)