HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!

We hope your birthday is a great one! First, here are a few messages from some of your biggest fans...

 

"Dear Daddy,

I love you so much that it's almost too much. I love it when you play soccer with me outside, and you try to tag me with the ball, but sometimes you didn't. I love it when you take me to the library or to the store that gives free cookies. You are very nice and I really like how you do stuff for me.

Love,

Caleb"

 

Dear Justin,

I know I tell you this all the time, but you really are an incredible husband and father. I am so very blessed to be able to spend my life with you. Thank you for "loving me the way I am." I love you just the way you are too!

Love,

Michelle

 

Happy Birthday to a fabulous son.

Who else would let his mom live with his family?

XOXOXOXO,

Mom

 

 

And as tradition...a few old pics to go along with some things I want to thank you for:

 

Thanks for all the times you read to Caleb, or help him in other ways.

 

Thanks for letting both of us harass you in so many ways.

I mean, really. We have bugged you a lot. At 6 a.m. sometimes. 

 

Thank you for making me laugh every single day since I've known you.

 

Thank you Justin Crocker, for all of the times you have cooked meals, etc.

You're amazing.

 

 Thank you for being a family man, and an all-around charming man.
(Pics right before we started our family together.)

 Wow, what a ride it's been!

 

 

HAPPY 35th BIRTHDAY!
WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN TELL!

 

**********

 

 Last of all, a couple of inside joke youtube vid's for Justin:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I
Because he loves this song/video, and I laugh about it, but turns out it's a really cool song with an awesome story.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR7-N_enqvI
Because I decided I was going to record Caleb and I singing this song with his guitar for Justin's birthday, because I think the lyrics apply to us. Turns out I did record it, but chickened out on posting it here. Maybe if we can cut it down to 10 seconds. Maybe.

Back to November

Happy belated Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas! Especially the Merry Christmas part, because Santa delivered and I finally have a camera. Hence the tons of pictures!

And way too many of me because Justin just grabs and snaps! Especially when Caleb is nowhere to be found! Luckily there are a few of the two of them too.

 

Thanksgiving Dinner at my Mom's:

 

 Caleb loves his jello!

 

 

Apparently K.J and I were the only ones that knew Justin was taking a pic.

 

 

So then he told everyone to say cheese.

But how do you do that when you're chewing?
Chipmunk style.

 

 So actually we got my camera on Black Friday, so these are still on Justin's phone. He sent this one to me in size small. I'm glad.

 

 

At a Black Friday sale, I found feety pajamas for Caleb and couldn't talk myself out of them as hard as I tried! Then I took some pictures and tinkered with the lighting, etc.

He is still my baby, and I love it.

 

 

So apparently our new camera has a feature that makes you look
super tall and skinny. Even if your wearing horizontal stripes!

 I know, you're jealous. Or maybe you're just laughing hysterically at this pic like Justin and I did.




 

 

 

Here are a few pics from the Densley Christmas party (Alison's side).

This one is with our 3 month old neice, Azlynn.

She's wearing the Santa outfit that I gave Paulette for her a few months ago. 

 

 I don't cook much anymore, but this is the huge salad that I made for the Densley Christmas party.

 My family said it was delish! I'll just take their word for it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a great time. Especially Caleb, who you'll notice is running around instead of stopping for pictures.

This is the exact same thing that happened last year!

What is Christmas without traditions, right?!!

Seal Lingo

When you don't have a camera (getting it this week!), you have to get creative with your blog. Today you get to learn a little bit of "Seal Lingo."
What you might hear at our house, and what it might mean.....

Plus, what's a post from me without any great old pics?!


 

 

"Caleb, you need to eat that in the kitch." 

Duh on the meaning.

 

"Caleb, please clean up your restaurant."

 The kitchen chair he sits on and stool he puts in front of him with his food on it. He pulls it to the edge of the kitchen so he can still eat in there, but watch Sprout on the front room TV too.

 

"What-ev." and "What-ev to your what-ev."
 When Justin and I are joking around which we do a lot. Dumb, I know.


"Good job, Bug."
Our term of endearment. I mean, "bud" is overused, right?

 

"It's time for Slumber Party!"
Our special mommy and Caleb time right before Caleb goes to bed. We lay in his bed and talk, but lately we use a flashlight to shine on his sight words which are on his dresser and the ceiling. He's learning so many new words!

 

"Good night Toybox!"
Caleb and I say this right before he goes to sleep every night. He started it, and I'm not even going to try to explain, b/c it's too silly for the normal brain.

"Fruity Pop" and "Fruity Shake"

Fruit smoothies that Justin makes almost every day. Caleb usually drinks it as a Fruity Shake, but sometimes I pour it into our popsicle makers and turn them into Fruity Pops for him. Yum.

 
 

"Whuss that?? Iss Gamma. Iss scary Gamma!"
 One day when I was video recording Caleb when he was 3, he said this when he heard his grandma walking up the stairs. Now it's one of several things that we repeat a lot. All of us, including "Gamma". Can you believe the sense of humor on this kid is, even at age 3?!
I should really post the vid because it is hilarious!!

 

 

It seems to me that Caleb got both of our ridiculous senses of humor!!!
"Good job, Bug!"

Halloween Hoopla

PREFACE: A couple of months ago our camera broke, so please excuse the fuzzy cell phone pictures, compliments of Justin. For Christmas I am asking for a camera, and Santa said he might bring it really early, like hopefully next week, so we can get pics of the holidays!

 

**************

 

The weekend before Halloween we/I had things going on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, AND Monday night! This included a Girls Night @ Leatherby's, School Carnival, Ward Party, Two birthday parties, and then one night off before Halloween!  

This pic here is at Caleb's school carnival. He had fun, but probably shouldn't have started off in the Bounce House with this HOT Tigger costume. The hat came off real quick!  Although I knew his Thomas costume would've been an even worse idea at the carnival! So big and cumbersome!

 

Here we are at the ward party. The truth about this adorable costume is that anywhere we went, it lasted 5 minutes or less before it was taken off and stashed in the corner of the room. Or on Halloween night, after about 5 houses, it was taken off, and Justin wore it. (So funny! Wish I could've taken a pic!) Anyway, at the ward party, Justin dressed as Where's Waldo. Can you find him in this picture?? 

 I drive a big truck everyday (thanks to Justin!), I mostly listen to Country music, and I dream of living in a cottage in the country someday, so a Cowgirl costume seemed really fitting for me! A few weeks ago, my mom lent me the key pieces to my outfit. (Everything but my shirt and jeans, which are pieces from my closet that I wear regularly.)

 I felt really happy wearing this, I must be a hick at heart, ha, ha!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday MOM! She turns 60 today and I wanted to dedicate this post to her. So here are some messages from her 5 kids, 3 son-in-laws, and 13 grandkids! We are going to present it to her tonight at her b-day party, on the TV (if dad hooks it up for us!) Can't wait!

 

Connie Haddon, Rick Haddon

 

 

BROWN FAMILY

 

From Krystal:

Happy Birthday to my wonderful mother! I am so grateful to have been born into your home and been taught by your example. We were taught in the morning as children with things like Devotional that showed us the importance of scriptures and prayer and church songs. We were also taught by the things you didn't say out loud, but did everyday. Our home was clean and dinner was always a family event. I appreciate the structure you offered with chores and homework, and I even more enjoyed the unstructured time. When you would play Barbies with me, or do rock and sing on the rocking loveseat. I learned so many Hymns and primary songs, and I love them. We sang the fun songs, too and they made lasting memories. You made lunch for our Dad every morning and kissed him openly in front of us when he would come home. We knew how important your celestial marriage is to you. At Christmas you always had things made near the doorway to give away as reciprocal presents when gifts arrived to our family. I thought that was so great! Your hands are always busy in doing or making good things. As an adult you have become more than just my mother, who helps watch my children and offers wisdom when I need it, you are a beloved friend. I am glad you have learned so much about health, and hope it affords you many many healthy years with Daddy and with us and your grandchildren. I love you so much! I am proud to be your daughter and hope your Birthday and the coming year are incredible!!

love, Krystal

 

 

From Tyson:

Have a wonderful Birthday Grandma! I always have fun on Christmas Eve with all the traditions we do at your house. You are a good example of faith, I will try to be as faithful as you. I love you, and hope you have a great year!

love, Tyson

 

 

From Brayden:

Happy Birthday Grandma!! I hope you have a nice day today. Thanks for all you have done for me. I am always excited when I get to go to Grandma's house, because I love being with my extended family. I really love your cooking. I love you Grandma, Happy Birthday!!!

love, Brayden

 

 

From Alyssa:

Happy Birthday, Grandma!!! I love going to your house whenever I am able to. I think you are the most wonderful grandma in the world! I hope you have a really great birthday! I enjoy making things with you, and playing games with you. I love you!! I enjoy the times you babysit me. I think you are beautiful and I like all of your pretty things.

love, Alyssa

 

 

From Logan:

Happy Birthday Grandma! I like the days you watch me better than the days I go to Buddy Bins. I like playing with you Grandma. I like to hug you. I like taking naps at your house. Thank you for being a nice Grandma. I love you!!!

love, Logan :)

 

BISHOP FAMILY  

 

 

From Sheila:

Mom, Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great one. Thank you for being our rock. You've always been there for us with never ending support. You are a shinning example of what a faithful LDS woman should be, and have been always constant and never wavering. Thank you for your friendship & the understanding advice you've given us over the years. Thank you for everything.
Love Always, Sheila

 

 

From K.J:

Connie, Thank you for being such a good mother in law, for being good to your grand kids, and you've always been there when we needed your help.
Happy Birthday!
Love, KJ

From Kisha:

Grandma, I love to spend time with you! Im grateful for your cooking and for what a great example you are to me. I love our family traditions like pool parties and shares our testimonies on christmas eve. I love you grandma! Happy Birthday!
Love, Kisha

 

From Kyler & Gavin:

Grandma, I like it when you rock & sing with us and read us books. I love going to your pool to swim, to swing on the swings and slide down your slide. It was really fun to slide on the slip and slide this summer.
Happy Birthday!
Love, Kyler & Gavin

 

 

SCOTT

 

From Scott:

Reasons to love mom even more. She is very loving & kind mother. The great love for the gospel that mom has expressed and shown. A great woman to be around. Happy Birthday Mom!
Love, Scott

 

 

SEAL FAMILY

 

 

From Michelle:

Dear mom, you are one of my greatest friends! You are such a good person; I know that  you love each of your children and grandchildren so much! I appreciate that you invite all of us over on Wednesday's to spend the afternoon with you. I look up to you in many ways. You are such a good example in the gospel, you have a really fun personality, you love dad so much and plan such fun dates and trips, concerts, plays and festivals with him. You raised us each so well, and it's because you cared so much and worked so hard with us while we were children. Thank you for all of the times you have been there for me when I have needed you. And thank you for being such a giving person. I love you so incredibly much!

Love, Michelle

 

 

From Justin:

Happy Birthday Connie! I'm sorry that I had to work during your party. I hope you enjoy the chocolate cake that Caleb made you. Thanks for hosting so many wonderful family get togethers! And thank you for all of the ways you helped Michelle while she was so sick. I know it wasn't easy, but it was so nice to have some help. You've been a great mother-in-law.

Love, Justin

 

 

From Caleb:

I love that you invite me to your house and I get to play with the other grandkids. I am sad when I can't come on Wednesday's because of school. I remember when you would come to my house, sit me on your lap and sing songs that you made up about my favorite stuffed animals. I really love you Gromma!

Love, Caleb

 

 

KIEPER FAMILY

 

From Cindy:

"Mom has influenced my life in every way. Because of her, I am raising my children in the gospel. Because of her, I have a true testimony of the church, of our prophet, of the Book of Mormon, and of the atonement of Jesus Christ. I admire her relationship with the Savior, and don't know anyone else with such great gifts of inspiration and revelation. I also appreciate how much she cares about my family and my children. She is so sweet with my kids; I want to be a cute grandma just like her. Love you, Mom!"

Love, Cindy

 

 

From Joel:

"I love that Mom cares about all of us and wants to be involved in our lives. I enjoy seeing her and like knowing that she wants to see us."

Love, Joel

 

 

From Ethan: 

"I love Grandma because she tickles me and she makes me like a bell and she loves me. "

Love, Ethan

 

 

From Cassidy:

"I love grandma because she is so special. She loves to play the Castle with me. I love you so much, Grandma. Happy Birthday!"

Love, Cassidy

 

 

Alexa loves to give grandma kisses. 
"MWAAAAAH!"

 

HAPPY 60th Momma! We Love You!!!

A Few Simple Highlights

Caleb played his first season of soccer this year. I am sad to say (especially for Justin's sake) that he didn't like it much. For 4 weeks, he had two games and one practice per week. That's a lot for such little kids! There is a happy ending though.....after the last game, Caleb asked when the next soccer season starts! I think he finally started feeling more confident playing, and he decided he likes it afterall!

 

Needless to say, my soccer husband is happy now. 

And I was extremely happy when Caleb took 2nd palace at a kids race at the Woods Cross Track and XC alumni races yesterday. If Caleb chooses track as one of his sports, I will be elated. (Sorry, no pic. I took video only.)

 

 

This picture was taken on a fun hike/walk we took around mirror lake. We went with Alison (g-ma), Paulette & Doug (bro & sis in-law) and the kids. 

 

Oh yeah, this was another small hike we did before we got to mirror lake.
Such a fun time.

A couple other things I'm up to....

In September, I started watching a little boy that's almost 4 years old.  He's a really calm and sweet kid, and it has been really fun. He and Caleb have totally different personalities, but they get along well. Their size difference  and big blue eyes make them look they are brothers when we go out.

A blonde and a redhead. Cute!

 

I am helping out in Caleb's kindergarten class every other week, and spying on him to make sure he is being good. My favorite thing that I've seen so far is that he already has the pledge of allegiance memorized! Whattttttt? Little smartie.

Happy B.day Dad!

Happy Birthday to my dad tomorrow! He is turning 61, and I am taking Caleb to his birthday party tonight. (Justin is staying home because he pulled his back out yesterday and can't move too much yet).

These pictures were taken on my dad's 60th birthday last year.

They somehow never made it to the blog yet!
 

Some of the things I love most about my dad are that he is kind, soft-spoken, a good listener, a caring person, and consistently there when you need him. I try to sneak in a conversation with him when he answers the phone, even if I called to talk to my mom. And he doesn't get upset if I bug him with one of my problems when he's at work either!

 

 

A few of my favorite things I've done with my dad are:

 

 

"Dissy way, Daddy Way" when I was really, really small. Also walking on the ceiling and being a "big sack of sugar!!!" while flung over his shoulder.

 

Singing a duet with him in sacrament meeting when I was about 7 or 8.

So cute.
 

Having him come to my track meets in highschool to cheer for me. He had to take off work early, which he doesn't normally do.

 

 

The way he has bonded with my husband, over their commonalities with their careers.
 

 

The way he loves my mom, and is a good example for how to love.
 

All of the blessings, love, and support he has given me these last few years.

I love you dad, from the bottom of my heart!
 

 

Hope your birthday is great!

Kindergarten Caleb

Caleb's first day of Kindergarten was on Thursday, September 6. He is in the afternoon class of Mrs. Lougy, who won the Teacher of The Year Award last year. Sweet!

Did this monumental day seem like a bigger deal to me or Caleb?

Mmmmm, I'm going to go with me.

 

It hit when preschool got over in the beginning of the summer, the realization that my baby would be going to big boy school. I had some emotional moments, but as summer went on, the sad emotions turned to excited ones.

It was quite a fight to get Caleb to even get his pictures taken so a crooked smile and no eye contact will do.

(With his friend and classmate Spencer)

 

I felt totally fine until this point, when Mrs. Lougy told the kids to say "Bye Mommy and Daddy!" The way Caleb said it was so sweet, and unexpected tears sprung to my eyes. And off they went!

I told Justin as we walked back to the car that I was surprised I teared up.
He said he wasn't!

Guess he's a big boy now. (Sob!)