A tribute to the Dad's in my life

A tribute to the dad’s in my life. First I would like to take a few moments to honor my dad. My Dad is my hero and I love him very much. He has always been there for me, and can do anything. Ever since I was little I have trusted my dad to help me through the good times and the bad ones too. He has inspired me to shoot for the star’s, to work hard, and to never give up. As I have grown I have even come to appreciate him more. His quite example of being honest, having a strong work ethic, serving others, and love has been an inspiration to me in my life. I am so grateful for the woman I have become for being raised by such an amazing man. I am so lucky everyday to have a dad like him. Second, I would like to take a few moments to let my brother know how proud I am of him. He has grown into such a wonderful father, and it’s a beautiful thing to see him interacting with his children with such compassion. Although, the road for him has been rocky he has been able to overcome obstacles in his life. His love and devotion has touched my life, and I hope one day to have the love and courage. I am so lucky to have a brother like him. Third, I would like to honor my brother in law. He is such a caring individual and love’s his children so much. I’m so grateful to know him. Lastly, I want to honor my grandpa’s for raising such wonderful children. I was unable to get to know my grandpa’s, but what I have heard about them has brought pride to my heart. There influence has effected many generations. I also want to give a shout out to my uncle’s who have also touched my life. Although this is late….Happy Father’s Day. I love you all!!

I have also attached Pictures of my recent visit. We celebrated my mother’s birthday, Isabelle’s, Caroline’s, and Jonah’s 2nd birthday, and Father’s day. Kristin, Mathew, Gavin, and I had our annual sleep over. It was fun. Kristin kept saying “whoever thinks this is the best sleep over ever raise their hand.” And all the kids would yell "ME." Isabelle and Jonah were so excited to see me that they fought over me. Isabelle got so mad at one point because I was holding Jonah and not her. That she threw herself on the ground and started throwing a fit. She didn’t stop until I picked her up. Then on Sunday before I left Quentin said, “Crystal, I love you sooo much.” I said I love you too…he said “I love you first.” I happy to know that I am still the favorite aunt. It was so good to be with my family.

Pictures

Going Crazy or something like that !!!

Seriously!!!

For the past 6 years I have worked a forty plus hour work week, volunteered with special Olympics and big brother/big sister, and done other activities to keep me busy. For the past two weeks I have only worked 15-20 hours and it's killing me. I decided to hold off in volunteering somewhere as school starts in two weeks. I know that I should enjoy my time relaxing, but it's driving me crazy not having anything to do. I guess I could make a quilt or do scrap booking to pass the time. All this free time is making me go crazy.....I know I'll eat my words in a couple weeks.....as for now....I'm so bored.

To the Mom’s in my life.

So, I went home this weekend for Mother’s Day, and I have to say that I love moms. Especially mine. I have been thinking a lot lately about the Mom’s in my life and I just want to take a few moments to honor them. My mom always makes me laugh, and is the most amazing woman ever. If I could ever be like anyone in the world it would be her. My mom has always been there for me, and always knows what to say to make me feel better. She has taught me so much about life, and I am so grateful for having such an inspiring person as my mom. The next mom I want to honor is my grandma. I miss my grandma so much, and I have thought about her a lot lately. My grandma raised 10 beautiful daughters who all turned into wonderful moms, and 4 handsome sons. My grandma lost her husband when my mom was 16 and raised 8 by herself. If there was anyone I have gained strength from it is her. She had a way of opening hearts and stepping in….she was funny….loving….compassionate……….and was one of the most Christ-like people that I knew. I miss her every day, and only hope that one day I might gain her strength and compassion. The next mom I want to honor is my sister. My sister is such a great mom to her children, and has been the best sister a girl could ask for. She always has time to listen to my petty problems, and is stronger then she will ever know. She is beautiful and intelligent, and I hope she one day realizes the potential that she has. I love her and hope one day I can be half the woman she is. The last Mom I want to honor is my sister-in-law Tiff. She has such a big heart, and has helped my brother so much. Tiff is so smart and is such a wonderful mother and step mother. Tiff has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen, and she uses her love to influence people to be better. I know she will go far in life, and I hope one day to have half the heart that she does. Today I am so grateful for those women in my life who have made me better. I love you!!

Is it really worth it?

Today I find myself a wreck. Love wasn’t suppose to hurt this much. I trusted my heart, and in the end it failed me. Over the past 10 months I have tried to put myself back together again. I find myself wrapped up in these memories I am trying to forget. People ask Why it is hard for me to trust, and it comes back to hurt and heartbreak. When I think of loving someone again………….I am surrounded by question and caution. Is love possible? Is it worth it? I’m just not sure. The last 10 months have been a roller coaster of anger………hurt………regret…………..and then common sense. I was the stupid girl who put myself in a relationship that was ultimately draining…………….and emotionally unstable. I’m sorry for everyone that I have hurt recently(especially an amazing bachelor that will remain nameless) . Right now I’m just debating whether or not love is worth fighting for. No, I’m not giving up on love…… ….. it’s just one of those days. Talk to ya all later.

Best Aunt Ever

When I was little I always wanted to play in the dirt and the grown up’s around me always told me no. So the other day Gavin and I had a bright idea….to build a sandcastle ….so that’s what we did When Quention and Caroline came over they were told by mommy and daddy that they could not play. But wait until aunt crystal gets to babysit….I say, “play dirty all you want”. It was fun to play in the dirt, and the kids had a great time.

The wonder’s of life

So, I am getting ready for my big move to Boise. My last day of work is on Thursday and I start my new job on Monday the 20th of April. My mom’s helping move over on Friday……we will probably drop my stuff off and then come back on the same day. My dear friend Heather is coming from California on Saturday and so I will officially move into my apartment on Sunday. I visited with my professor for my graduate program today, and the odds are that I am going to be really busy come this next fall. The summer shouldn’t be difficult because my classes are at night. It’s the fall that will kill me. I will be taking 15 credits and doing a 20 hour practicum and working of course if possible a 40 hour work week. I’ve calculated the totals and I will have to work, go to school, and do my practicum for 13-14 hours a day Monday through Friday and work Saturday too. I know that I am crazy, but that’s my life……crazy busy. I did it once before and I’m sure that I can do it again. You know what’s even crazier is I’m not freaked out…..I’m waiting for my second guessing myself……..and a panic attack of some sort that hasn’t happened yet. I start classes on the week of June 22. I think the thing I am going to miss most is my family. I have been staying with my parents for the past 6 months and it has been a great opportunity for me to get to know them better. I have also grown overly attached to my nieces and nephews. I don’t know what Izzy will do without her mommy. My niece Izzy calls me mom or mommy(my sister finds it ultimately annoying……and I do too……..I mean is “Crystal” really too hard to say????). I have been trying to get her to understand that I am her favorite aunt Crystal…….and she’ll say my name……..but when she wants me she still calls me mom. Then I follow up by not mom…..Crystal. My mom tells me it’s because she trusts me so much. It will be so sad not to see her as much as I do now…..I just hope she doesn’t feel that I abandoned her. I’m excited for my move though and a great educational opportunity. Oh and update on Jonah’s eye. For those of you I didn’t tell Jonah had an accident a couple of weeks ago at my brother-in-laws brothers house and needed an emergency surgery on his eye. The doctors thought that he would be totally blind or if he could see it would be minimal he got 35 stitches in his right eye. The doctors were also speculating on a second surgery. He met with the doctor today and there is good news he doesn’t need a second surgery and he can see out of his right eye. The doctor doesn’t know how much he can see, and he will need to be put under anesthesia to determine his vision in his right eye(only because he will scream and move when the doctor tries to look at his eye). His right eye also has a bit of deformity to the Iris, but above all he is doing great. He is such a fighter, and has adapted exceptionally well through this crisis. I want to thank you all personally for your prayers for him. Well, I will let you go and keep ya all informed on what happens next.