Knight

I went to the Renaissance Fair with a few of my sisters on Saturday. Never a boring moment there. Check out this adorable little (not so little) knight. Awesome! I think I ate more there than I did on Thanksgiving, more awesome! The odd people all around and the whole experience of it all is one of my secret indulgences. Wanna go back already.

Hiding

Sometimes I wish I could hide in a cupboard as well but somehow I don't think it would be as cute or acceptable.  At least I can appreciate that my pipsqueaks can play together and enjoy hiding together even if one doesn't fully grasp the fact that just because she can't see us it doesn't mean we can't see her.

Personality Overhaul

 We have a whole lot of personality boiling over at our house. When I look at the kids it really is difficult to accept that they are growing up with or without me. Bret and I laugh at all of our own characteristics we recognize in them. Kingston loves to sleep in like mommy and London is awake at the sound of a pin drop. London is wildly creative and a free bird like me and Kingston is out right brilliant like his dad when it comes to reading and writing. Kingston is a picky eater like Bret was and London will eat just about anything like me even if it's hardly edible. 

One of my favorite things about this stage in our lives is watching the two kids interact and banter together. Kingston has whole heartily accepted the role of big brother and has no hesitation commanding obedience from Lo Lo. London likes to dish it out right back by pestering Kingston's toys or taking his food. In between all the bickering there are some really sweet and tender moments they share together that I feel so blessed to witness. But most of the time it's just a lot of harassment and nitpicking. Then there is the level of stubbornness from all parties of our household. That's great entertainment for anyone not involved.  I feel really grateful that my kids can be so independent but still need me and want me around as well.   It's working out fabulously with my business and for those not so great moments when I think I am gonna lose it Bret's comes to the rescue just in time. 

Both kids have taken a liking to technology (another trait from me). They are more than capable of navigating a phone, ipod, camera or computer.  It's a little disconcerting to witness bc they are so young to be so interested in material things but on the other hand they are learning so much and so quickly. Both of them also love to be in the lime light. If their is a camera in site they both start posing and saying "CHEEEESE!". A bunch of cheese-balls indeed and it's adorable. And so with the help of my favorite app and my phone I will be documenting these silly faces for the next month. They kind of got jipped on pictures last year bc I was so overwhelmed with work so I'm deciding to turn the tables and post a minimum of one picture a day with a daily note of the Crosby happenings. Wish me luck! Actually, better to wish me time and organization bc that's what I will be needing to keep it real. Here goes it!

 

{photostrips taken using the Incredibooth app for the iPhone} 

Picking Oranges

Last Sunday we took the kids to uncle Brian's and aunt J'net's house to pick oranges. It was one of those perfect days with perfect weather. Briand and J'net are always so sweet to let us come and raid their trees when they are ready and ripe. We were greedy, VERY greedy and loaded up our car full of citrus. The kids played in the tree-house and jumped on the trampoline. Brian let them feed the chickens and chase them around the orchard. London helped herself to a carrot from their garden. We also got to take home some broccoli fresh off the stock which was heavenly. It was a lovely day.

 

 

 We have been enjoying the all you can eat orange menu at our house, plus quitting DP has been a cinch now that I eat 5 to 10 oranges a day. I was bragging to Bret that I am over 14 days sober today (from dr pepper that is). Hooray for oranges and go me! (side note: Bret hasn't had a drop of any kind of soda for 51 days. One of his many strengths is the ability to commit to something and of course he avoids the temptation. Good for him.)

ps. aren't those images cool? I used a new app on my phone and I LOVE it. I don't even need to crop or edit. So cool!

I Remember December

Thought it was about time to get started on my resolution to post more on our family blog this year. A picture is worth a thousand words so this post is worth at least 12,000 words. I realize this is lazy blogging at it's finest but thought you'd appreciate it against the alternative which is of course a 20 paragraph post explaining all the activities we are doing in the following pictures. You're welcome and happy "reading"! 

[Put up the Christmas tree and decked the halls]

 

[Bret participated in Infusionsoft's annual Beard-off]

[Family night at the Mesa Temple Lights, bundled up with hot chocolate]

 

[Kingston turned THREE!]

  

[Saw Brian Regan live w/ Lisa & Barry]

[Learned to play a bunch of new games with the family]

 [Kingston and London meet Santa. London ate 8 candy canes.]

[Family trip to beautiful snowy Utah]

[Christmas in Eagar]

[Bret turned 28... or 29 if you're actually counting.]

[Had a New Years party with the cousins]

I'm very excited to start this new year with my family, especially since we are starting it in the middle of February. Can't wait to see what kind of adventures we have this year.

i like them a lot

 ...my family and the pictures!

 

Courtesy of Sierra Studios Photography. 

Dialogue 12/2/10

Bret: Daddy is going bye-bye, I will be right back. 

Kb: Oh. Where you going daddy?

Bret: To get mommy a drink.

Kb: Oh. A soda pop?

He knows me so well.

Proof

Here's some proof we still exist. Hope you had a beautiful Thanksgiving!

Reoccuring thought

Last night we went to the temple. It was pretty great as you could expect. The experience had it's up and down moments. Down moment: we missed the session with our ward. Up moment: we were there together and we still had a great experience. On our way to our car after the session, we passed an extremely old elderly couple. The husband was decrepit and was bent half way over as he walked. The wife was patiently helping him along by his arm and waist as they had to stop and rest every couple of paces. She gave me one of the sweetest smiles I have ever witnessed. The kind of smile that brushes up against your heart and leaves a tender sweet residue with you that lasts for days. I couldn't help but notice the struggle her companion was having just to take a few steps. I also couldn't help but notice the undeniable glee and happiness dancing across her face and infecting the atmosphere around them as they moved at a glacial pace so patiently and pleasantly across the parking lot. As we were pulling out of the parking lot I caught a glimpse of them once more only a few feet away from where they had been when we passed them earlier. He was still hunched over and struggling and she was still vividly smiling as other couples bustled past them. I felt several things from looking at them. I wanted to help him, or make Bret go fetch their car and bring it to them. I wanted to see them 60 years earlier and witness them when they were our age. I wanted to sit with the wife and absorb more of her smile and her presence. I wanted to pass through my day as slowly as he must do and see all the details around him as he might see. But mostly... I hoped to be next to my husband as long as this woman has been next to hers.

And if I am half as happy as she is I wouldn't mind that either!

observations

i've observed a few trends in the blogging world recently (and when i say recently, i mean it's been going on for a while and i just barely noticed).

1. bloggers photograph what they eat a lot.
2. bloggers take a lot of pictures of their feet.

this observation set cause for me to ponder. thoughts encountered?

1. i have funny looking feet.
2. i need to start eating real food.

this is all i got...

Neener Neener

We have two kids. Still. The male makes this face whenever the camera points to him. He also likes to tell people "you're bad!" and swing from varies surfaces.

The female (often confused for a male due to the lack of locks) likes doing female things like exfoliating her whole body (see below) and indulging in guilty treats and junk food, ie any food.

I like our kids. I'm partial to the female, mainly because I can relate to her passion for food and her tenancy to squeal or throw a tantrum to get food. Bret likes the male because he participates in boyish behaviors such as tooting and making fun of the uncoordinated individuals on Wipeout. It looks like we will own them for a bit longer so I suppose I should improve on documenting their growth and development.

I said I should, not that I would ;)

Royal Red Robin Burger

At the end of my birthday escapades Bret took me to dinner at Red Robin and SURPRISE Lisa and Barry were there with our friends Ryan and Bri. I ordered the Royal Burger of course! I love going out to eat, especially the eating part!

I forgot! Brad on a stick came also :)

I love birthdays.

Broken Arm

"oooouch! OUCH! mommy, my arm... it's broken" That's what Kingston informed me today. Where does he get this stuff? Don't worry, I tickled the broken arm away. Lately King is pretty into watching Wipeout w/ daddy and putting together beginner puzzles, fake sneezing and eating TREATS.

Lo just says "no" a-freakin-lot to everything and allllllll day long but fortunately there are enough "peas" (please) and "ganku" (thank you's) to make up for it. I also call her Miss Messes because she can destroy 2400 square feet in record time. oh goody. London has a toothbrush fetish and a radar for them so if she is near by lock yours up or she'll find it. She also likes making ugly messes, climbing, falling, coloring and TREATS.

Lo got this romper from Polka Dot Posh and got to wear it for just a minute before we exchange it for a bigger size.


Camera is still missing so I only have pictures from my phone. Kingston wont hold still enough for me to capture him without a flash. Looks like we need to face the music and buy a new camera. Frown.

Update

The update is that our camera is missing and it's too hot to do anything so not much is new ;) We did have our 4 year anniversary last week. I'm finally starting to realize that no matter what I do Bret is going to stick around. Poor thing. Anyways, sorry for the lack of interesting material but I will share this video (big surprise).

Just watch it. Geeze!

The Man

My Man to be more specific. He's the greatest. Swell enough to get me to blog again (So there, May 28th post.)

Today The Man stayed home for work. Not so The Man could relax but so he could help his panicked, stressed out, whiny, complaining, grief stricken wife with my bizzzz-ness. It was a rough night last night and The Man stayed up later than me for the 1st time in ages finishing what I couldn't face a moment longer. The Man lived through my relentless panicked cries of stress and worry and welcomed me this morning with happy words and cheerful sing song affirmations. The Man fed the kids and called tech support, and spent most the day testing every little nook and cranny of the new site, and even used my hamburger phone even though he hates it. The Man is a determined little genius and refuses to get discouraged which is exactly what I needed today. The Man took me and the kids outside to play in the rain and got soaking wet. The Man made mysterious phone calls which sounded like a suspicious surprise to me. The Man didn't say a word when I had more than 4 glasses of chocolate milk today aaaand a chocolate milk shake aaaand a Dr. Pepper. The Man rubbed my shoulders, fed the kids lunch and dinner, and got them ready for bed. Here I sit listening to The Man read books to my children. His voice impressions and sound effects make me smile. The Man can't help but to do everything whole heartily. I call him "The Man" because he's the only MAN and I love him!

-ily



it doesn't hurt that he's a dish too!

Reading is Good

I've had this grand idea to read 1 book per month for a while now and I am finally getting around to actually doing it. It's been so easy to convince myself there are other things I'd rather do I guess. BUT NO MORE! I hereby officially commit to read one book per month and then blog about it and give a little review, aka a book report on it. I might even go crazy and read one business-type book AND 1 religious book per month, but I'm only committing to you 1 for now. We'll see though.

My 1st book I read was in June and is called Conquer The Chaos - How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy.

It was written by Clate Mask, the CEO of Infusionsoft (where I've worked for the past 4 1/2 years) and by Scott Martineau, the founder. These guys are class act leaders who I admire and respect very much.

So here's what I thought: Section I called The Quest for Freedom talked about why entrepreneurs revolt against "the man," how and why chaos enters the small business, and that if the small business is to survive, it must grow. I thought this section was a little too much fluff for me, but I'm sure small business owners will identify very closely with this discussion. To me this section was only the appetizer when I was hungry for some meat and potatoes.

Section II titled Mindset Strategies: Achieving Balance was a very pleasant surprise. It presented the idea of investing in emotional capital before and during the process of becoming a small business owner. It says your emotional bank account is even more important than your financial bank account and is ultimately the strength of your business. Wow, what a profound thought that I think many entrepreneurs overlook when they decide to go into business. The inherent chaos that quickly consumes the business can easily dissuade an entrepreneur that has not invested sufficiently into their emotional bank account. You've gotta be in the right state of mind to jump up out of bed every day to face the challenges owning a small business presents. I think this topic was my biggest take-away from the book.

Another Mindset Strategy discussed is called Disciplined Optimism which is 1) an undying belief you will succeed 2) while confronting the brutal facts of your current reality 3) and attacking those facts because you want to, not because you have to. This idea could also be known as the Stockdale Paradox which the book mentions here. It's all about finding the right balance between knowing you'll end up on top, but also understanding there's a steep hill in front of you and it will require hard work to ascend to the summit.

Section III is all about Systems Strategies: Controlling Speed. This is what I thought the entire book was going to be about; the nuts and bolts of putting in processes and workflow strategies to begin to own your business instead of your business owning you. It talks about the importance of centralizing your data, following-up with your customers and prospects, and automating manual and repetitive processes. I was surprised that Clate and Scott didn't tout Infusionsoft more during this section, because frankly, this is exactly what our software is designed to do for a small business. During my years at Infusionsoft, I am 100% confident that using the software to accomplish the 3 systems strategies mentioned above will indeed Conquer The Chaos in a small business.

The last section is a quick reminder to the now Liberated Entrepreneur to not return to the old ways of doing busines and what to do now that you have found your freedom.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to all entrepreneurs who are tired of being overwhelmed by their business. Of course there is much work to be done, but the principles and strategies learned here will definitely give the business owner clear direction and a pathway leading to success.

I read this book with my wife's business Whippy Cake in mind and I am excited for her to read this book (no babe, this little summary does not count) so that we can really start to implement these ideas into her business.

Ok, first review complete! I've already read another book that I will blog about probably next week. This month I'm currently reading Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Anyone care to join me? :)

Why I don't blog...

that was a tricky title because I am blogging right now so technically I do blog. Got ya!

I haven't been blogging frequently because not much is going on.

Bret works and has been watching the Suns in the playoffs at Barry's house {we don't have cable. sorry Lisa}

I have been working and managing the house and kids. I did have 2 full nights of sleep IN A ROW this week and I made some huge progress at work with the help of some fantastically amazing ladies.

The kids have been working... against my efforts to keep the house clean and be productive.

London is turning into Kingston. Heaven HELP us all! The only difference is she is so clumsy she ends up hurting herself more than anything else. She has become a canvas of bruises from all her falling and bonking but she is still successful in her efforts to leave a trail of destruction and chaos. Awe, so sweet.

Kingston has been attached to me every second of the day with bronchitis, pneumonia and an ear infection. It's incredibly sad but I sure do enjoy the hours of snuggling and cuddling he has surrendered to. All I can say is "My poor baby!"

I hear my patient crying now so that's all for now.

C is for dog

I know you are all dying too see Kingston play with his alphabet letters.

I love the way he talks... "yetters!"

Video Blast

Since I work through the internet a lot of youtube videos pass through my in-box. Here are a few of my favorites I've seen recently.

Just saw this one today on my customers blog all the way from Norway. I might be weird but I feel so envious of the individuals who got to participate in the making of this video. They look so HAPPY, it just makes me so happy to watch it, especially the janitor. The pink glove dance has started a trend on youtube and I was happy to see so many people enthusiastic about the cause and eager to make their own videos. Nothing short of AWESOME!


My daddy sent me this one. It's one of those videos where you doubt it can be "that" cool but then the coolness comes out and slaps you in the face over and over again. AWESOME all the way through to the end folks!


This video made it's way all the way around Bret's office at work and then to me. Mother, father AWESOME! When baby number 3 makes a debut I will rally for my own swagger wagon for sure!


and here are some oldies that I just NEVER get tired of....

kumquat


Shameful, but this one is memorize by now.


I like em too.


My little Croissant! You have to click {HERE} to see this one. Best and only good video by MadTV.

I'm stopping now, but you are welcome for wasting your time.

Free to a good home

Free to a good home:

• 2 year old male
  
• eats pizza, cereal, milk and treats
  
• very playful
  
• needs obedience training
• not housed trained
• keep away from small animals and children
  
• comes with soap and toys
• diapers not included
  

just kidding! We love him too much to give away for free. He's at least $100 ;)