TODD and ANNIE

A Man's Man

2011-11-15T15:42:00.000-08:00

So it all started with growing a beard about a month ago. Actually, it all started with a lucky (expensive) permit.

Then came the beard. And lots of anticipation and preperation for....the big limited entry elk hunt!

Let's be honest, me trying to give the long, exciting details of Todd's hunt would be like Todd trying to give the long, exciting details of childbirth. Completely unnatural and inconceivable. So the short of it from me is....

They had the adventure of a life time.
A true "man's man" experience!(Complete with a discovery that lead to a police investigation over a case that has been unknown for years! Seriously!)

Thanks to the guys who went to help him out and an even bigger shout out to the wives that shared their men!

Happy to announce....

2011-10-31T12:59:00.000-07:00

It's a girl. A girl.

I could say the words over and over.

April 5.2012.

xoxo

Summertime and the living is easy...

2011-08-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Unless, that is, you have been so busy it has nearly come and gone and you don't remember what you did! That is about what our summer has been. A whirlwind. We started early on with some serious landscaping, which involved an entire sprinkler system (nice work uncle Vic!), lots and lots of raking and rock picking up, putting in borders, moving around top soil and hydroseeding. Pray for our nearly half acre lawn that by next spring it will look like a lawn, not a field!

We have fit in a few vacations, but not as much as we would like. My highlight was D.C. as mentioned earlier. Beyond the usual tour of our Nation's capitol, my new must see is Monticello. You won't be disappointed!

Atticus has become a little boy this summer! I absolutely love this stage. It is beyond busy and exhausting but oh. so. cute.

We did find the time to hike the Oakley trail. It is kind of fun to see your hometown from above. Atticus enjoyed the ride. And he was thrilled to see that grandpa found a jellybean growing in his ear.

This picture was early June and he has grown so much since!

Our baby boy is seriously transforming into a little boy. He speaks in nearly full sentences now which is so weird to me! I love it when he catches me off guard. Like when I sneeze and hear a little, "Bless you mama" from the other room. He is so full of life and has such a sweet, curious, happy disposition.

Leavin' on a Jet Plane...

2011-07-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

Just a few more days and I will be visiting here...

To see her...

Feeling free like this...

Free because I will not have a diaper bag hanging on me and free because nothing reminds me of the liberties I enjoy every day like a trip to our Nation's Capitol! That is right. I am leaving Todd with Atticus. I guess I should say I am leaving Atticus with Todd. Otherwise, it sounds like Atticus is the one in charge. Either way, it feels strange to be leaving my boys but I can't wait to see my sister and visit one of my most favorite places on earth. We live in an amazing country!!

Words I wish he didn't know...

2011-06-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, life throws a curve ball. Sometimes it is to keep it exciting, sometimes to learn a lesson, sometimes to wake us up, sometimes for reasons unkown. Last Thursday we had one thrown at us, and I feel it was for lesson(s) to be learned.

Lessons I learned:

There is a first for everything, so be prepared. He had never climbed onto the counter before, so I turned my back to a hot stove.
Nothing in the world is as important as he is. Slow down, stop trying to do it all. Distraction is deadly with a toddler.
Watching your child in real pain is nearly unbareable. Enough said.
Don't wait for a scare to renew your deep gratitude for what you hold dear. The thoughts of how bad it could have been make me sick.
Accidents do happen, forgive yourself All the love in the world doesn't ban heartache from happening....now and then.

Lessons he learned:

The real meaning of hot. Luckily the stove had been off for a few minutes, or this lesson may have been a little too harsh.
The words "burn" and "bubble ouchy" (blisters).

I am grateful for prayer. I am grateful for Priesthood holders. I am grateful it wasn't worse. I am grateful he is on the mend.

I promised myself when I started this blog it would be real. Not for show, not to impress. Well, here is real life as a mom. And this mom is grateful for the lessons we learned.

This took me back....

2011-04-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while if I have a hard time falling asleep, which is not very often, I will listen to my ipod. A few of my favorite artists I could listen to day and night, over and over are Sara Bareilles, Nora Jones and John Mayer. Well, the other night, I thought I would mix things up and put my ipod to shuffle. I turned off my lamp, closed my eyes and hit play. Low and behold I heard this....

Not just any Nsync song but the song....God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You. I have to admit, it put a smile on my face and took me back to my younger days. It is so funny how music will do that to you. Now I know you are probably laughing at me, thinking less of me or seriously questioning my taste in music but come on... this was a good song.

****Unless you are in junior high and slow dancing with a member of the opposite sex, with straight arms, 2 feet away from each other, taking baby steps. Then this is a painfully long song.

I will warn you....

2011-04-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

I heard many different warnings from people about having a boy....

But no one warned he would steal my heart.

We have a walker!

2011-03-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

We may be nearly 16 months but we finally decided to walk! And he finally is getting more than 4 teeth. We have been a little behind in those two departments, making me feel like I still had a baby, but having this little person walking around my house suddenly makes me wonder where my baby went! It is so cute though. Don't mind me...it was a Saturday morning. It is only appropriate I am still in pajamas with no makeup on! He is the star here anyway!

I love his little head bobble midway across the room. It was a good save!

One of his newest tricks is to fold his arms for prayers...oh and slap his bare belly!

I know to some people, they look at a post like this and think "ya ya, I am so sick of moms thinking their kids are so special! All kids do this stuff!" But it is such a different story when you witness this little being from before birth grow and develop. Every new word, movement, understanding is a miracle in your eyes!

Happy President's Day...

2011-02-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I will be grateful for the men who have served the United States of America as President. While I don't respect them all equally for their policies or leadership, I am grateful for the service each of them have rendured in our behalf. It is no easy thing to be the President of our great Nation. Whether you consider yourself "political" or not, I hope you think of your favorite President and why you respect his legacy. Then go and live it.

Ronald Reagan

All great change in America begins at the dinner table.
-Ronald Reagan

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
-Ronald Reagan

Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
-Ronald Reagan

I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life.
-Ronald Reagan

Isn't it ironic...don't ya think

2011-02-04T13:45:00.001-08:00

Me joining a book club would be like Todd joining Weight Watchers...highly unlikely and almost contradicting. Not that there is anything wrong with book clubs, or Weight Watcher's. It's just if you don't swim, it's not natural to join the swimteam, you know? Soooo...here is the ironic part. One of us did join the club. I won't leave you guessing which one of us it was.... me. I joined a book club.

I don't read. I could count on my one hand the number of books I have VOLUNTARILY read in my life. (School can't count.) The irony in that is I LOVED every single one of those books and finished them in no time. So why don't I read? Good question. All I know is I have 378 pages to read in the next few days before the big gathering. Intimidating. I have forewarned the gals about my dillemma with joining a book club and they all swore they wouldn't kick me out if I didn't get the books read in time. We shall see. If they do, I guess I will join Atticus in his book club.

THE BABY BOOK CLUB

24

2011-01-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

Starting the new year off with a whole new age is kind of fun. It always makes me reflect on my blessings of the past years. This time I came up with a lot, 24 infact. So here are the top 24 highlights of my life, or shall I say blessings:
1. Being born to goodly parents
2. A magical childhood in Oakley
3. Christmas vacations in Mexico
4. Belonging to two wonderful exteneded families
5. Experiencing a family band
6. My membership in the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
7. Wonderful highschool friends
8. Moving away from home
9. Marrying Todd (*Thanks to our dear friends Adam and Kenzie)
10. Learning to live on next to nothing with Todd :)
11. Graduating from college
12. A belated Hawaiian Honeymoon
13. Getting a "real job"
14. Traveling to Europe
15. Buying our first home in Oakley
16. Remodeling
17. My first positive pregnancy test
18. Quitting my "real job"
19. Giving birth to Atticus
20. Teaching violin and guitar from home
21. My husbands employment through a rough economy (truly blessed)
22. A rekindled friendship
23. Good health
24. The blessings of being a mother

Life has been so good to me. I see the Lord's hand in everything our little family has been given and I am truly grateful. I am grateful for my friends and family that made this birthday a special one! Nothing like thoughtful cards and gifts from loved ones, a homemade birthday cake, a relaxing pedicure, a long day of skiing,an evening of shopping without complaints from your husband and a homecooked meal from mom on your birthday! Love you all.

4 Years and counting.....

2011-01-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

Todd and I celebrated our 4th Anniversary on December 27th! Pretty amazing. Chris and Lizi joined us seeing how they were celebrating their 3rd the day after. We tried out the infamous Ruth's Chris.

Can you believe it?

2010-12-25T23:57:00.000-08:00

Our baby turned ONE on December 6th!

He was the most careful cake eater I have ever seen! I love these pictures because it sums up our baby boy. He is happy, sensitive, curious and sweet. We thank our Heavenly Father daily for sending him to us. The first year has been full of love, blessings and laughter. I can't wait to see what our future with Atticus holds. Happy first Birthday!

Happppppy......

2010-11-25T08:56:00.001-08:00

Halloween, yes Halloween. I realize I am posting this Thanksgiving morning, but what can I say. We are a little behind! Maybe we will take a picture today and post it for you on Christmas. While I am at it, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! My favorite holiday. Lots to be grateful for today. Love you all!

Photo Shoot with Mom

2010-09-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

I am more grateful for my sweet baby boy everyday. Grateful for his health, grateful for his presence in our home, and grateful for the humbling experience of being his momma. Happy 9 months Atticus!

Bouncin' Baby Boy

2010-06-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Chillin on grandpas shoulder.

You don't have to work to hard to get big smiles from this boy!

Atticus thinks his daddy is the funniest person on earth. Check out these adorable giggles! It is my favorite sound in the world. I love when he gets that serious face between his bouts of laughter!! I dare you to watch this and not smile. I think it is impossible.

Atticus 5 months

2010-05-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is actually a picture of Atticus at 4 months old but we have a video that we will be posting shortly!

Bon Appetit!!

2010-05-17T16:54:00.000-07:00

This amazing fruit tart was made by my friend Lizi. Ok, I helped beautify it by putting some fresh fruit on it, but I am just the sous-chef. She is the real deal! If you don't own her mom's cookbook, you need to! I truly don't know how I lived without. It is filled with the most simple, but incredible recipes. I promise you will love it!!! If you buy it, I will let you know what recipes have been my favorite so far. More than anything I love what she stands for in her book. She is all about getting families back to the dinner table. She makes you feel capable of being superwoman, getting everything done in your day and still having a fabulous dinner ready when your man gets home. She has a theme night for each day of the week, and on each recipes she has some great conversation starters to have with your kids. Going by the 2 week meal plan really does help you save money too. I am so glad she put forth all the effort to make her cookbook, because I truly love it!

Atticus Has A Question...

2010-03-11T15:43:00.001-08:00

"Can someone explain to me how I am ALREADY 3 months old?"

So much has happened since Atticus was born that I realized I haven't blogged about. We've been skiing, we went to some concerts, our house flooded, we had a 3 year anniversary, I picked up 8 violin and guitar students (all cute as can be), we celebrated my 23 birthday..... but none of it seems quite as exciting to me as baby! Sometimes, I have to make myself get up and walk away from this baby boy because I can't stop kissing him, I lack the self control! He just gets cuter everyday.

A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.

More Home Makeover

2010-02-18T21:01:00.000-08:00

So here is a long overdue post. We have taken a major break from remodeling since we had Atticus, and just dove back in last weekend, painting the kitchen. But below is some work we did pre-baby.

The picture above is the original nursery. Our bedroom basically looked the same.

And here is the new nursery! I think Atticus loves his room, which was finished just in the nick of time. Technically it is actually not finished, there is a mirror that goes on his dresser we still need to refinish. But compared to what we have done, that is nothing! My paint selection always worries Todd, but in the end I think he is happy. I love the color in Atticus's room. It is called Mermaid's Net, which fits. Jane and I agree that the ultimate job would be naming paint colors!

Many wee babes have slept sweet dreams in this crib! It originally belonged to my cousin Whitney, who is now 24. (Can you believe we are that old Whit?) I think atleast 5 babies have slept in it since. Kind of fun, I think!

This is our new bedroom. It originally looked just like the other one with white walls and nasty old tan carpet. Literally every square inch of our bedrooms have been remodeled. It was a lot of work, but I am so happy with the finished product!

Oakley is a winter wonderland right now and it is so beautiful. This is the view out of our back door. I am loving winter this year. Part of it is having this sweet baby boy to just sit inside and snuggle with, and not feel guilty about staying indoors. The other part is that my yard is covered up with snow, hiding the loads of yard work we have coming our way this spring. There is an endless checklist of projects around this house! I don't know if I could buy an older home again, just because I know how much work it is to turn it into something you want. It exhausts me just to think about it. But I am SO glad we bought this house. It has been an adventure and I have loved putting our sweat and tears into it and seeing the outcome.
***And a shout out to Jane, Abby and Kati. Thanks for being Todd's construction crew while I was pregnant (and plump, Todd wanted to add). You were a huge help! I was just huge ;)

2 Months...Already?

2010-02-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

So....I swore to myself I wouldn't only talk about my baby on my blog. So far, I have failed miserably at that goal! I promise Todd and I are still alive and doing well. Atticus is so much more fun though, and twice as cute to look at! All I have talk about regarding me and Todd would be our house flooding and more construction on our house. Nothing too interesting. Soon enough, I will get some pictures of the newest remodels going on, but for now, I want to talk babies again. Somehow, it has been 2 months since Atticus was born. Crazy. He now weights 11 lbs. and is 23 inches long.

This baby boy has beautiful eyes.

Let's be honest. Motherhood isn't always a bed of snuggles and sweet noises. I don't know how I got this picture, but when I found it on my camera it absolutely cracked me up. Just imagine the sound effects to this picture ;)

I love being a mom.

Do you need a love?

2010-02-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

You've come to the right place. Atticus is such a snuggle bug. I love it! He has started smiling and cooing to himself, sooooo adorable. Baby sounds are seriously the sweetest sounds on earth, and in heaven, I am guessing!

Thankful

2010-01-25T14:34:00.000-08:00

Recent stories and experiences I have heard make me so grateful for my healthy, happy baby boy. It is a blessing and it is hard to understand why babies have to hurt or in some cases pass away. My momma heart aches for the parents that have to go through that. I have never felt this much love for such a small person.

Baby of Mine

2010-01-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you a little something about this baby of mine. A binkie and a tight swaddle works, everytime.

If not, then a quick snuggle and he is happy again. He is so sweet! I think I could have ten like this baby (but that won't be happening)!

God Bless Us, Everyone!

2009-12-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We have so much to be grateful for. Love you!

Atticus Todd

2009-12-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

Hello loved ones! I guess it is time you get some details of the birth of our baby. If your not into details, skip ahead. (Don't worry, I won't get too detailed ;) The labor and delivery went perfect in some ways, and not so perfect in others. It all started just as I wished it would, but totally did not think it would happen. My water broke at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday the sixth. I woke up Todd and we headed to St. Marks Hospital in a snow storm, of course. We got to the hospital and I held off on getting an epidural until close to 11:00 a.m. because the nurses said it would slow contractions. Which it did. (* I have to make a disclaimer before you read this, specially if you have never had a baby. My experience with an epidural was not typical, so don't think that it is! I still think an epidural can make labor a much more enjoyable experience for most who choose that route. Ok, moving on.) Once I got my epidural, my contractions started spacing out so they put me on petocin. It didn't take too long for me to realize the epidural had some issues. My legs were getting very warm, tingly and finally completely numb, but unfortunately it was just my legs, which I became very aware of when the nurse my put catheter in. For about 4 hours, things were very miserable. The epidural was numbing my legs to the point where they literally could have chopped them off and I wouldn't have know it, but I could still feel most of the labor pains and the catheter, which they finally just removed because it was hurting so badly. I was starting to wish I didn't have the epidural because I couldn't even move positions or anything to try and relieve pain from the contractions. The nurse was mad at the anesthesiologist, and wanted him to re-do my epidural, but at this point I was feeling very ready to push. Only problem was, I couldn't even wiggle my toes. But we decided to go ahead and start pushing, the nurse holding one leg up and Todd the other. After two hours of pushing, and really not getting too far, the doctor (who ended up being a male on call doctor) decided to do an episiotomy. I was not happy about that, but he talked me into it when he gave me the other option of pushing for another 2 hours and most likely tearing anyway! So I agreed. Only problem was, I could feel it, of course! So he gave me some topical shots and did the episiodomy and our baby came within minutes. I can admit now the it was a good call on the doctor's part. Atticus was born at 6:15 p.m. Sunday night.

The entire experience is so unreal. The minute that baby is handed to you an unexplainable feeling takes over. I think it would be impossible not to cry!

Daddy gave him his first bath, I love how Todd is just staring at him adoringly.

Going Home

Sleeping with Daddy. I could not have done this without Todd, which is how every wife probably feels about her husband after delivering a baby. I can not imagine not having his support. He did as much as the nurses did, and renewed my energy when I needed it most. I love you Todd, and baby Atticus!

Now He's Really Here!!!

2009-12-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

Annie will definitely post more pictures of this guy but I had to put this one up. This is right after his first sponge bath at the hospital, about 1 hour after delivery. I have no idea who he looks like, and I don't know where he got the light brown hair. He is 7 lbs 5 oz and 18 1/2 inches long. His name is Atticus Todd Crowther, and he already makes us laugh. We actually just got home an hour ago and Atticus and Annie are doing great. There will be more to come shortly. All I can say is that the creation of a baby is a true miracle. Little Annie is a trooper!

He is here!

2009-12-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

Just kidding! Ok, I know that really isn't funny, but I have to keep a sense of humor right now. The doctor says she won't induce me until the 11th, and it may easily take that long. Not what I wanted to hear, so I had to have a little fun with you. BUT....I had lunch today at my favorite Chinese restaurant and this is what my fortune cookie said. Drum role please....

"Your efforts are budding - results will appear soon."

How appropriate? I think those things really do work.

The Change

2009-11-30T12:18:00.000-08:00

Well, we are in the thick of the waiting game now, and I don't think I could be feeling more emotions at one time! I am guessing that having a second baby is very different. You kind of know what to expect by then, and you at least somewhat know what you are doing. And on top of that, "THE CHANGE" has already taken place. Incase you are wondering what that is, it is the thing everyone says to you before your first baby. "Oh, life is about to change, you have no idea!" I have to admit that statement is kind of funny to me! Mainly because, I do know my life is about to change. Isn't that why people decide to have children? And maybe there are only good things meant when people say that, which is what I hope they mean. But I have to admit I don't like it when people make "the change" sound like a negative one. I hate hearing people say things like, "You think you want him here right now, just wait two months. You will be wishing you could put him back!" Really? I think like everything else in life, it is what you make it. There is always a choice.

So a few things I have really come to realize during my pregnancy:
* My husband is even more amazing than I thought he was. Yes, it will be a change, but there is no one else I would rather go through it with.
*Next time around, I am going to enjoy the second trimester a little bit more.
* Babies are THE GREATEST BLESSING God gives us. It is seriously a miracle.

We'll see what the doctor says tomorrow. Please come on time baby, we are so anxious to hold you! You are so close, but so far away right now!!!!!!

Wedding Bells

2009-11-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

My bossom friend tied the knot!

And wasn't she a beautiful bride? Congrats Mandy. I love you!!!

Baby Bump

2009-10-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

Here we are at 32 weeks and feeling great. As expected, there are many sleepless nights, moments of discomfort, backaches, fatigue and even some new nausea setting in, but overall I am feeling healthy and happy. I love to feel a little elbow or heel in my side and his hiccups are becoming a regular thing. Down to about a month and a half left, yay!

Autumn Thoughts

2009-09-23T13:38:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite time of year. I love feeling the chill in the air, which means I can wear sweaters and boots. (Or maybe just boots since my sweaters won't be fitting me!) I love the fall colors. They are the warmest, homiest (that word is for you Kate) colors. I love the produce, namely, peaches. And guess what I did...I bottled my own peaches last week. Eight jars to be exact, and next year I plan on atleat doubling that. I love the excitement in the air, because fall means Halloween, pumpkins, Thanksgiving, snow and then Christmas! Oh, and one more thing this year for us, a baby! I can't believe how fast it is going. I am 30 weeks now. I will try to post another picture soon, if I ever remember to charge my camera and actually take a picture. There is still so much to do, and so much going on. I have been so busy and stressed I have to remind myself to stop and enjoy my pregnancy and the little body inside of me moving around. Between working full time, remodeling our house, being 7 months pregnant and keeping up with all the other pressures of life, time just seems to be flying. It is all becoming very real now. Watching Autumn sneak in and change the fall leaves is like a small reminder to me daily of the major changes that are headed my way in life. Most days are a mix of excitement and anxiety but overall I can't wait for us to hold our baby and kiss him and bring him home. It will be the most memorable December of my life, I am sure. For now, I am grateful for the fall time and the calming feel it gives me. There is certainly a lot to stress about in life. Every one of us has our lot to carry, so stop and take a deep breath today and soak in fall. I promise it will make you feel better!

Call Me Cook

2009-08-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

So about once a day, I get an expression on my face that looks like this:

And I am asking myself this.....
"What am I going to make for dinner?"

Sound familiar? Well if so, it is time for you to visit my brother Jake and sister-in-law Amanda's website: www.callmecook.com. It is full of tried and tested wonderful recipes. It actually gets me (a pregnant, tired, usually cranky by dinner time girl) excited about cooking again. Who isn't in need of some inspiration now and then?

Beautiful Bride

2009-08-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

July 31, 2009 was a good day. Congrats Whit and Tyler!

Girlfriends. Kenzie, Whitney, Whitney and Annie.

Adam, Todd and Jordan.

Baby Update and More

2009-08-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

So I guess it is time to post some pictures of pregnant me. We realized a few weeks back we hadn't even taken a single picture of me pregnant yet so we took my first one at about 18 weeks, which is the one below.

So here we are at nearly 24 weeks and counting. (Please excuse the messy, undone hair!) I can't believe how much he has grown in the last few weeks, which means I also can't believe how much I have grown in the last few weeks.

Here are some things I love about being pregnant:

* I love to feel him kicking and moving. It makes it all real. Todd thinks it is fun to shine a flash light on my belly because baby pushes back on the light. It is their little game.
* I love it when he gets the hiccups. So cute!
* I love seeing other peoples sweet babies and knowing soon enough we will have our own.
* I love hearing his heart beating.
* I love to see peoples smiles when they see a pregnant belly. There is something about it that people are drawn to (obviously more women than men!). It is even fun to have strangers ask how far along I am, except for Todd's coworker who asked him if I was having the baby really soon. Hmmm....NOPE.
* I love just thinking about the fact that I have a little person living inside of me, depending on me. I think it is the neatest thing I will ever experience in my life and I feel blessed I get the opportunity.

Now allow me to make one or two little complaints about being pregnant:

* Insane muscle cramps in my calves. I had heard some people say they experienced these when they were pregnant, and I have now joined the club. Altering my diet a little has helped lately, but I wake up afraid to stretch out my legs at all!
* Maternity clothes. Enough said.

But overall, I feel like I have had a great pregnancy so far and time is flying. December 5th will be here before we know it and there is still a lot to do before he comes.

Some other things have been growing around our house besides me and baby. Todd picked this entire bowl of cherries off of our very own cherry tree in our backyard! I am so happy it actually grew cherries because my favorite dessert in the world is homemade cherry pie with vanilla ice cream. And the great thing is you can freeze these cherries and have cherry pie all year long. Yeah!

This lovely flower randomly grew on the side of our driveway. I liked it until we found the huge, bright yellow spider living on it! Have you ever seen a spider like this in your life?

Our Home Makeover

2009-07-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

So I finally gave in and took some pictures of our house. We are getting closer to finishing the projects we have begun, and then have millions of projects waiting, but we have made some progress. This entire process is fun, stressful and very tiring. I don't know if I could do it all over again because now I know just how much work it is! That being said, I have to say there is something very fulfilling in creating your own little nest! Todd and I (and really mostly Todd) have done all the work by ourselves, except for the granite countertops. Those were magically there one day when we got home from work, which felt so nice to just have something done by someone else when we got home, even though we paid the price! So here is a sneak peak of the Crowther house hold.....

BATHROOM BEFORE... (lovely!)

BATHROOM AFTER... (still not totally finished)

KITCHEN BEFORE... (thanks brother Rob, who came and steam cleaned our tile)

KITCHEN AFTER... (also not totally finished yet)

This picture doesn't do the kitchen justice, first because you can't tell from this picture that those cabinets took 3 months to refinish but second, because you can hardly see the cute backsplash Todd put in for me. It is a tan stone in a brick pattern and it turned out so cute! He did such a good job tiling the backsplash and bathroom shower, considering it was his first time ever tiling.

And there you have it! The kitchen still needs painted walls, crown and base board and a few other touch up things and then it will truly be finished. The bathroom also just has a few finishing jobs to do, but for the most part they are done and it feels so good! Our next projects will be our yard and a nursery for baby. Oh boy, there is so much to do still! And by the way, this doesn't excuse you from coming to visit us in Oakley!!!

AND IT'S A......

2009-07-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. YAY for a baby BOY! Bring on the snakes and snails and puppy dog tails! And can I just say that ultrasounds are the most amazing thing on the earth?

Happy Holiday!

2009-07-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July everyone! This is one of my favorite holidays. I love my country. I love what America stands for and still stands for, FREEDOM! We are all so blessed to live in America, so enjoy whatever you are doing and whoever you are celebrating with!

OH AND P.S..... We find out what baby is on Tuesday, so check back soon. My bet is a boy, what do you think?!

Happy Birthday Todd!

2009-06-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

So I am a few days early but I won't have time to do this on his real birthday, which is Saturday June 20. He is turning 26, seriously? So old! I just wanted to list 10 reasons why I love Todd.

1. He is so in love with me. I realize that sounds conceited, but I love that Todd loves me. I love that he wanted to date me bad enough to hang in there through multiple break ups. I love that he wanted to marry me so much that he proved he would do anything for me. And now I love that he loves me enough to look past my flaws and still want to make me as happy as possible. It is the best feeling to feel so loved!
2. Another reason I love Todd, he makes me laugh and usually he isn't even trying to. He has a great sense of humor but he also has a cute personality. One of my favorite recent smiles he put on my face was when we were shopping and he revealed to me in all seriousness that one day when he retires, he wants to work at a sample stand in Costco!
3. Todd has a humility about him. He has nothing to prove. He isn't above anyone or anything.
4. Todd is always the first to apologize.
5. He is a hard worker. He comes home from work and starts to work on our house. He enjoys accomplishing things.
6. He is a handy man. In the last few months he has shown me some skills I didn't know he had like cooking, plumbing, tiling and much more. (If you ask him he will tell you everything he knows he learned from working at Lee's Deli ;)
7. He is patient, specially with a pregnant wife. The other day I started making cinnamon rolls and I got so angry with my sticky dough I nearly lost it! He came into the kitchen, calmed me down and saved the day! Who knew he knew how to make cinnamon rolls?
8. He is an optimist. He keeps a smile even when he has a right to be put out or sad. He finds a way to laugh in situations I am usually more tempted to cry about.
9. He will be a wonderful dad. I love that he asks me to read to him about what is going on with our baby each week.
10. He is my best friend. Everything he does he does with me in mind. He has provided with me more than I could have dreamed of at this point in life. I love being with him. Everything is more fun with Todd.

Happy Birthday Todd!

Guess what...

2009-05-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

We heard the heart beat today.

I don't think I've ever heard a better sound, I couldn't stop smiling.

As Promised...

2009-05-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

So here are some pictures from our trip to Europe. It has taken a while to go through and cut down from 700 to 350 (still too many but how do you delete them!) This makes me want to go back. Hopefully it will make you want to go, everyone should visit Switzerland in their life!

Starting off with my favorite part of the trip, skiing the Aqui Di Midi in Chamonix, France. UNREAL! You extreme skiers would be in heaven. You take two trams to get to the top, the second being the steepest tram in the world!

Most people use a guide to do ski this resort because there is no ski patrol. There is only 1 run and it is 14 miles long. Along the way, you are skiing on a glacier, so there are deep cracks all over that people can fall into if they aren't careful.

You get off the tram and then hike with your skis down this trail you can see behind us. There is a small rope to hold on to and below is well over a 1,000 foot drop! Yikes.

Then the day begins, skiing down this one run with views you can't even believe. This picture is a glacier waterfall that you ski down. Check out those peaks up behind our heads. The Alps are insane mountains. And you should have seen where some of the skiers there were coming down.

Since it was spring the glacier was melting (not that it ever really totally melts). We could hear it crackling. Kind of an eerie sound. This is my mom and I by a glacier pool. If you haven't ever seen my mom ski you are missing out. She is amazing on skis!

There are castles everywhere, in every valley on every mountain side.

Beautiful buildings in Lousanne, Switzerland

Skiing Verbier, Switzerland

Lauderbrunen, Switzerland, one of my favorite towns. You have to take a tram to get to it, there are no cars here.

This is a typical swiss chalet. They are so neat and detailed.

I ran into the Hunchback on top of one of the Cathedrals. He is uglier than they say!

Smart cars, everywhere!

The Castle Chillon

And ahhhhh.... the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Anecy, France. This town was like Italy with water canals.

And there is a small taste of our Europe adventure. There may be more to come so stay tuned!

Coming soon...

2009-04-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

Pictures! So we have been home for about 2 weeks now and I still haven't posted pictures of Europe. Sorry, those who have asked! I promise I took pictures. Infact, that is the problem. We took over 700, so I am in the process of going through them all and narrowing that down some. I will get some posted soon, but for now I will let you know that our trip was absolutely amazing! Some of my highlights were:

* Seeing the real Swiss Alps (the Matterhorn, Mt. Blanc, etc...) They are stunning.
* Exploring castles (aging back to 1100, unreal!)
* Skiing in Chamonix, France (True extreme skiing! Pics coming!)
* Beautiful swiss chalets
* Swiss chocolate and yogurt
* Roman Ruins in Italy
* Cobblestone streets and incredible cathedrals
* Gourmet food
* Markets
* Staying in Torgon (an adventure, that is for sure!)
* Swiss culture...they are very neat and orderly. Every wood pile is a work of art! They build cities on mountains you wouldn't even believe and tunnels through anything. They are amazing.
* And last but not least... Spending time with mom and dad. They were a blast to travel with!

So after that adventure, we are back at it working on the house and going to work each day. I can't believe we have been there for 2 months now. Things are starting to feel more like home and we have made some progress. I really want summer, but at the same time I still want snow on the ground because we have a lot of work to do in our yard, which we just don't have a lot of time for at the moment. But the kitchen is getting very close to being done and it looks great. Todd is amazing. After a full day of work he comes home and starts working again. He has really done a lot of it all on his own and I love how it has turned out. I am tempted not to post pictures of the house, because we would love some visitors! It was great to have Seth, Lindsey and their sweet baby Rae on Saturday. Thanks for coming by, it was so good to see you! If you are ever around Oakley, make sure to call!

2009-03-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

Bon Voyage!

Daddy Daughter Dates

2009-03-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

Every dad should take his daughters on dates. Nothing can make a girl feel more special than a night out with her dad. A few days ago Todd and I went out to dinner (something that has been happening more frequently due to our kitchen makeover, pics coming soon!!), and there was a little girl sitting behind us with her dad. The conversation went like this:
Daddy asks: I hope you are nice to everyone at school.
Daughter says: Oh, I am daddy. I am SO nice to everyone.
Daddy asks: What did mom pack in your lunch today?
Daughter says: Strawberries and a croissant. Oh yummy. Daddy, if you were a croissant I would eat you up in two bites!!!
Daddy: (chuckle chuckle and a big kiss on her cheek.)
That is why daddy-daughter dates are so important.

First Time

2009-03-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

So far, the year 2009 has been a year of firsts.
For the first time in my life I...

Turned 22 years old (and celebrated it with my parents in a bar, probably a last, ha ha)
Went to a Vienna Boys Choir concert (incredible and inspiring)
Bought a house (and payed a mortgage, scary!)
Had water back up in the basement of my new house :(
Dug up our sewer line and half the front yard to fix the house (a tree root was growing in our pipe, no wonder it was backing up!)
Remodeled (still in the process) my own kitchen (which meant learning how to use a nail gun, etc...)
Actually ASKED Todd to take me to HomeDepot for Valentines Day (his dream come true)
Will be going to Europe in 2 weeks,

(Switzerland to be percise)

ALL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE!!! And it has only been 2 months. I wonder what else 2009 will bring?!?!?!?!

But even more importantly, for the first time in my life I have really realized how blessed I am . Neighbors, family, and friends have showered us with service and love. Thank you Rob, for steam cleaning my floors for 2 days. You are such a sweet brother. Thank you Adam, Kenzie, Brandon, Josh, Bud, Linda and Wade for helping us in the move. Thank you, Bud (my father-in-law), for spending hours in your wood shop helping me refinish my cabinets and teaching me so much. Thank you mom and dad for feeding us, letting us use your running water and keeping our spirits up. Thank you neighbors for the cookies, visits and notes. Thank you Mike, Dave and Ron for taking an entire day to figure out our water issue. Thank you Dallas for sneaking over and plowing our driveway every time it snows, we know it is you! And thank you to everyone for your kind, small acts of love and service, they have not gone unnoticed!

That is the reason I LOVE Oakley.

There is a reason...

2009-01-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

THEY CALL ME ANNIE OAKLEY!

We bought a house in..............Oakley! Yeah! It finally closed yesterday and we are moving this weekend. If you know me very well, you know that I am a big home body, so I don't know if it is just that Oakley is where I grew up so it feels like home, or if it is the fact that being named ANNIE, I am naturally drawn to OAKLEY?! Either way, I can't wait to live there again!

Sisters, Sisters

2008-12-05T08:57:00.001-08:00

LOVE YOU JANE

Oh no... I've been tagged!

2008-10-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

So now that a few of my friends have tagged me, I guess it is time I do my duty as a fellow blogger and join in the fun. Apparently I am suppose to tell 6 unspectacular quirks about myself and then tag 6 friends to do the same. So here it goes. ( OH, and by the way, if you know more of my silly quirks, feel free to remind me of them in a comment! Since I got married I am suddenly much more aware of my quirks and it is kind of fun when someone points it out.)

1. I have come to realize I have a serious love-hate relationship with sPiDeRs, SICK I KNOW! Words can't describe how disgusting I think they are, and yet, if someone says, "Eww, a spider!" I am the first one there to look at it. Then I shiver and rant and rave about how sneaky and revolting they are. It drives Todd crazy because rather than just letting him kill it, I have to come and express how SICK that is. Why do I do that to myself?

2. I am absolutely fascinated with tornadoes. I hope to witness one, a big one, someday. (Maybe I will feel differently afterward!)

3. I am cursed with a little thing called homesickness. When I was little I would cry when my dad went to work and when my parents went out of town I would do naughty things like cut up my mom's clothes because I was so angry at her for leaving me. ( Me, do naughty things, I know it is hard to believe :) I don't think I voluntarily had a sleep over until I was almost 13!

4. I sleep with a hot rice bag almost every night. There is nothing more wonderful. Infact, I just barely threw away the rice bag Eden made for me in like, 3rd grade? Seroiusly, it was so old but one of the best gifts I have ever been given.

5. I have been SELF-diagnosed with mild hypochondria. I realized this when I took a Human Diseases class and I went home after each class seriously stressed out and convinced that I had every disease we learned about. Good thing I have a logical and patient husband who convinces me regurlarly that I don't have that disease or that, "babe, that is totally normal, your fine." Ha ha!

6. I am turning into my mother (or in other words, slowly losing my mind, in a good way!). Those of you who know my mom's quirky side, know that I am headed down the same road. For example, today when I had just finished teaching a lesson on child abuse in a 6th grade class, I grabbed my bag and was looking back and waving bye to the kids on my way out the door. As I turned around and the door closed behind me, I realized I was standing in their supplies closet. HA HA, I had walked right into their closet and shut the door behind me. I could only laugh as I opened the door and walked back into the classroom full of giggling students.

So there you have it, thank goodness for each of our quirks, it makes life so much more exciting! I tag: Debbie Crowther, Mandy, Amanda Daniels, Eden, Michelle Harries and MeKenzie!

Good as New!

2008-10-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

One of our goals before we moved to Salt Lake was to refurnish the bed set that Todd's grandparents handed down to us as a wedding gift, (yes it has taken 1 year and 7 months to get to this project. Can you believe we have been married for that long!) It was a lot of fun, seeing how it was our first time ever doing this. We decided to do a cream paint, sanded on the edges with a brown stain on the top, which you wipe off before it drys so it just makes it look a little off white and old. Todd was my sanding man and repair man. He is fixing the gashes in the wood in this picture with wood putty (I never knew it existed.) Here is what it looked like originally:

BEFORE

The first time I painted it, I did the white and then used a mahogany stain over the top. The ladies at the paint store didn't remind me that mahogany comes from very red wood, which meant that when the white paint mixed with the hint of red in the stain, it turned out a beautiful baby pink! So cute... if we had a little girl. But Todd wasn't exactly thrilled with having a pink bed set so I had to start over. In the end, it turned out beautiful! For the most part, it was a lot of fun spending days and nights in the garage painting together. (Minus the few arguments that come with marital bliss, like when Todd kicked over my last can of paint...sigh). My vision is to have this furniture in a room with darker walls some day because in our current room it is a little washed out, but oh well. We also painted our bed board and night stand but I didn't take a pictures of them, but it looks really good all together.
AFTER

So a quick word of advice, NEVER throw out old furniture. Older furniture is made so sturdy and is such high quality furniture, it will last forever and there is always a way to modernize it and make it more you. And besides that, it is cheaper and there is just something so satisifying about fixing up something and making it good as new!

We are alive...

2008-09-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

First of all, I am sorry for the lack of blogging. I promise we are healthy and happy, but we have also been busy and yes, lazy! We have even done some fun things in the last month, like a water ski trip to Jackson Hole, painting our furniture, getting a new job, moving to Salt Lake and some other things like that but for some reason I just haven't found the time to update. SO...
Yes, I do have a job! I work for Prevent Child Abuse Utah. I am a "prevention specialist." I spend my days at our office or teaching prevention classes on bullying, child abuse, teen dating violence and internet safety in schools and other organizations. So far, I love it! I really love teaching in the schools, which was my original plan as a occupation, so I feel blessed that I found this job which still gives me that opportunity. And yes...
We now live in Salt Lake, YEAH! Utah County treated us well, but I must admit I am loving our new location. We are renting my brother Peter and sister in law Amanda's basement. Which means we get to see them along with our sweet little Liesel on a daily basis. SO FUN!
Life is great and hopefully I will get some pictures up soon, but for now just know that we love you all!

Fun, fun and more fun...

2008-07-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

For Todd's birthday, which was a month ago, I suprised him with a weekend stay at the Zermatt in Miway, along with an afternoon of golfing at the Homestead. I took a golfing class my last semester and I think it helped, a little. We had a great time and certainly enjoyed the little vacation.
I was in love with this bed. I felt like a princess sleeping in it. You can't tell from this picture how big, fluffy and covered in pillows it was.

Time for an update...

2008-07-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

Here it is, finally, a summary of my Washington D.C. trip. We had such a great time and it was so good to see my sister. I think you will know which one she is in the pictures ;) It was really cool to visit our nation's capitol and then celebrate Independence Day a week later. We are so blessed to live in this country. My highlights include of the trip include seeing the temple and the National Museum of Health and Medicine. I have some pictures from that museum in the video!!! Enjoy.

Leavin' on a jet plane...

2008-06-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

OK. It has been a ridiculously long time since this blog has been given some attention. BUT FINALLY....school is coming to an end and Annie is graduating! YEAH, PARTY! And that is exactly what I am going to do. My sweet, sweet incredibly wonderful hubby is flying me out to Washington D.C. with my two friends Mandy and Kati. My sister Jane is a nanny in D.C. so it will be a blast to have her show us around. Kati's sister Abby is also meeting up with us on her way home from Italy, so it will just be one big girl fest. I am so excited and feel like I really need the vacation. We are leaving on Friday, YES!

HE DID IT!!!

2008-04-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Three cheers for the BYU Construction Management graduate!!! Todd has worked so hard to finish school. He has ten times the self control I do when it comes to working and focusing. I am so proud of him. He has been wandering around our apartment lost, looking for something to do. I love you babe and can't wait to see the great things I am sure you will do in the future. Your the best!

Todd and his good friend Trent Colarusso. Now those are some happy men.

Weddings bells...

2008-04-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

This month we have had two wonderful weddings in our circle of friends. The first was Josh and Kristy. We couldn't have been more happy for them. They are two of the most friendly, loving and selfless people you will ever meet. Congrats and we love you!

Then there was the most beautiful wedding I have ever been to in Tetonia, Idaho for Adam and Kenzie. I don't think the setting, the flowers, the food or the bride and groom could have been more stunning! It was a great day. We love you two!

They even had a lane of sparklers when they left the dinner. Could Todd look any more content in this picture? I don't think so.
And with weddings come bridal showers, which means some time with the girls!

Springtime Boarding

2008-03-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

All this snow makes for some great times on the slopes. We haven't been able to get out much this winter with school and work. This is why this is such a mellow video. We just found out that Annie will be graduating in mid June. We are totally pumped and hopefully we'll make it out to the slopes more often next year. Eat your heart out Huish.

ANNIE'S PHOTOGRAPHY

2008-03-02T16:58:00.001-08:00

Taking pictures is one of my passions in life!

2008-03-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

I decided to add some photos from our first year plus some of marriage.

Halloween time. Todd is wearing my mother's old prom dress! Yes, it looks like she could have crossed the plains in it.

2008-03-02T15:57:00.001-08:00

It has been a while since anything has changed with our blog. That is partly due to the fact that Todd has been ridiculously busy with school, work and construction team and I am also busy with 22 credits this semester and work. Some good news is that Todd took 2nd place in Florida with the team of guys on his competition team. I don't want to explain what it was they did so just know he did very well. He also just accepted a job offer from BIG-D Construction in their custom home division, which is very exciting for us both. He already started his job and is loving it, which means we will probably move to Salt Lake this summer, yes! As for me, well, I am probably doing the same thing I was doing last time I saw you! I will be graduating this summer which is all I am focusing on right now. Life is wonderful though and we couldn't be more blessed with good friends and family as always.

Nieces and Nephews, sooo much fun!

2007-12-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

Mason and Landon
Brett

Sweet Liesel

Landon

Our Belated Hawaiian Honeymoon!

2007-12-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

Pearl Harbor- Reminds us of how grateful we should be.

The second half of our trip we stayed in the North Shore with our wonderful friends Seth and Lindsey. It was such a blast and we are so excited for your baby girl!

It all began...

2007-12-19T19:09:00.001-08:00

It all began in November of 2005. Todd and I were set up on a blind date by our friends, Adam and Kenz. I was at Utah State and Todd was at BYU. To make a long story short, after lots of fun, many break ups and an amazing summer together, we got engaged in September of 2006.