Crowe's Nest

Something I learned today:

2012-01-27T19:45:00.001-07:00

Have NO expectations for people, otherwise you just end up hurt, angry, sad, bothered, annoyed...

you get the idea.

Christmas 2011 in Pictures

2012-01-22T21:02:00.004-07:00

Christmas 200

2012-01-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

laughing

2012-01-10T20:42:00.001-07:00

Quick Catch up!

2012-01-06T20:28:00.003-07:00

-Christmas with the family was wonderful! We celebrated a week early with the Crowes' and then left for California to be with my side of the family. We had such an awesome time.

-My parents and my younger sister, Skye, came out for a week to hang out. They left on Tuesday and I was soo depressed. It was just so quiet and lonely without them.

-We finally blessed Ryu last Sunday

-Poor Ryu has been sick, which makes nights even tougher

-Kasia started dance class yesterday. It was cute and frustrating at the same time. She had some moments where she would get super frustrated, but also moments when she was truly enjoying herself. The class is a tap, ballet, and tumbling class.

-She starts preschool on Tuesday. It's a Spanish immersion preschool twice a week.

-I've been back to work (not full time) for a month now and I'm really enjoying myself. Only have about 4 clients and will maybe take on a couple more. Definitely has been nice to get out and train again.

New Years Resolutions:
1) Brush my teeth at night. (Remember I mentioned almost two years ago I have problems with it) at least 4 x a week. I know I won't do it 7 days so I'll shoot for 4.
2) Lose 15lbs by end of March--cliche, I know, but I still have baby weight from Ryu I'd like to lose. To do this, I'm changing up my eating again. Super, Super healthy!!! No Sweets/Sugar and no white flour. Lots and lots of lean meats and veggies. Lots of H20
3) Master couponing!

Pictures and Videos to come.

All I want for Christmas.....

2011-12-19T08:33:00.001-07:00

is for Ryu to sleep through the night.

I'm tired.

Temple Square

2011-12-13T07:42:00.001-07:00

2011-12-10T10:29:00.005-07:00

2011-12-06T08:37:00.002-07:00

Can I have my long hair back? This stage is not very fitting for me. I can't do anything with it and it just looks yucky. I just want everything to be the same length already. Still don't regret shaving my hair off! Just having a tough time growing it out. I knew it'd be tough though.

Ryu is still waking up at night, but is fairly predictable. Around 11 and then 3ish...last night was 4. He still wants to eat, which is fine because I've realized that when I get up to feed him, I'm hungry too!! He goes down for his naps and bedtime really, really well. (As I'm writing this, he's upstairs fussing! Probably or his binky...yep, needed his binky) And the past 3 days he's taken a 3 hour nap (12-3)! He's a sweet, sweet baby with the most incredible smile. ANd he's super ticklish on his neck!

While Kasia still has her moments, it seems like she doesn't have as many dramatic moments. She really is a sweet girl. She can be very domineering and a little bit of tease with other kids though, especially younger ones. We're constantly trying to work on sharing toys when other kids come over. It's such a tough concept for her and for many her age, but I'm sure she'll get it eventually.

We'll be blessing Ryu (finally) on January 1. My parents and younger sister will be coming out right after Christmas to hang out for a bit. Yay!! Wish we had an extra room for all for them, but the living room floor will have to do!

I've been hearing a lot about bullying lately and it really tears at my heart. Why are kids so cruel to each other? Wait, why are adults cruel to kids? I saw a story on the news about a teacher and a teachers aid saying cruel, cruel things to a girl who had some developmental issues. Very sad. I hope my kids are NEVER on either side of the bullying. It would seriously just eat me up.

2011-12-06T08:17:00.001-07:00

Monday Night Musings

2011-11-28T19:44:00.002-07:00

Well, I'm officially done nursing and it's bittersweet. I just wasn't makin enough and couldn't' get that little boy to nurse on my left side so it barely made an ounce. He downs 6 ounces of formula almost every 3 hours and I was not even coming close to making that in my right side.

He's still not sleeping through the night, but he does have longer stretches every now and then. It seems most of the time it's every 3 hours on the DOT though!! I've enlisted my hubbies help because I was starting to go a little crazy.

We didn't make a Thanksgiving meal this year, but I sort of regret it. We went out to eat with the Crowe family to Cracker Barrel, and while the food was decent, it didn't even come close to what we could have produced. Although, their green beans were pretty dang good and I HATE green beans.

I'm having a tough time feeling comfortable in my ward. I guess I haven't felt totally welcomed yet. If I weren't a strong member to begin with, I think it'd be easy to get lost.

Can't wait for December 21st. This is the day we head out to Cali for Christmas with the Stoddards! SO excited!!!

So i really want to start getting into couponing (not a real word, I know), but it seems so overwhelming and I don't know anything about it. Someone tried to explain it to me, but it seriously went over my head. Any of you out there know how it all works. I totally want to become one of those Extreme couponers from TLC...seriously. hahah!

I have a lot of great pictures and videos that need to be shared so I will get on that asap

MONDAY!

2011-11-07T20:50:00.002-07:00

Daylight savings is dumb. It seriously messes up schedules, especially with children.

I had Ryu "cry it out" for about an hour tonight. His cries weren't bad though. He just sort of whimpered. I'm hoping he can stop depending on the binky so much to help him sleep because I'm so over going in there and putting it back in his mouth!

Today is my hubby's 30th Birthday! I am married to an older man...for only ten more days and then we're the same age again.

Dishes, laundry, cleaning=never ending (is never ending two words or one?)

Good night!

Forgot...

2011-11-01T08:18:00.004-06:00

about Monday's Musings, but it was a busy night with Halloween.

This little boy is no where close to sleeping through the night. No matter how much I feed him before he goes to bed, we wakes up 3 hours later to eat again. Ahhhhhh!! Can't I get like 6 hours already? Habit?? Any advice from you expert Mom's out there. Is it too early to start letting him cry it out. It's tough because maybe he really IS hungry. And last night I swear he woke up like every two hours to get his binky back or to be fed at some point. I'm going slightly crazy and I'm so sleep deprived.

Can't believe it's November first. I'm almost 30!!! Woah. Bring it on! The twenties were pretty dang good. I think I'll go have Cheesecake Factory for my birthday dinner and get the chicken Bellagio!!! Yum.

I've started training and old client/friend again and boy do I miss training. I really enjoy working people out. I'm hoping that during the spring I can start up a boot camp again.

I'm tired. I can't go on. Goodnight.

Sucking my fingers just like my sister!!

2011-10-26T20:15:00.001-06:00

I've only seen Ryu do this twice. I wonder if he'll pick it up because of her?

Monday Night Musings

2011-10-24T20:54:00.004-06:00

Thought I would start a new thing seeing as I'm not that great at blogging anymore.

Monday night I'll just write whatever comes to mind.

I can't wait for the middle of the night feedings to be over. Seriously, I don't remember hating them this much with Kasia and it's because I new I could sleep whenever she slept during they day, but now that I have Kasia and Ryu there is no way I can catch up on my sleep. He truly is a sweet baby though and I absolutely LOVE his smile. Hopefully, he can start sleeping through the nights soon. Kasia started at about 3 1/2 months, but I know every baby is different.

Trying really hard to get Kasia into preschool soon. She needs someone who can devote some time to learning and I just don't think I have it in me to do be super consistent with her. I want her to get some social time with other kids too. She sure is growing up though and she is EXTRA SASSY.. I can't believe she's going to be three soon!!!!

Having two kids means not a lot of time for Kjell. So I make sure I get my gym time scheduled with day care and get my booty there so I can have some Kjell time. I tell you what....getting back in shape is harder this time. A lot harder. Still have about 15 pounds to go to get to my pregnancy weight, but eating like I have been eating isn't going to help me in that area!!! It's time to get rid of the sugar and go low carb again. Not sure when I'll start that though. After the holidays???

So I've always had mixed feelings about Visiting Teaching. I've had good experiences, but I've also had bad ones. Bad companions, boring visiting teachees, or ones that just never call me back, or ones that I just didn't click with. I understand the purpose of Visiting teaching, but sometimes I don't feel like doing it and sometimes I don't care to be visited. I've yet tobe visited by my visiting teachers in my new ward. On Sunday (remember there is still a week left in October and even another Sunday), my visiting teachers dropped a plate of cookies off on my doorstep with a note saying, "sorry we missed you this month!" What? Are you kidding? No phone call, just a plate of cookies and you didn't even knock on the door (we were home!). They've still got a week to call and try to make a visit and instead they bake some cookies and leave a note like that. Lame. simply lame.

Peace out. I should go to bed.

Some Recent Favorite Pictures of mine

2011-10-21T09:11:00.004-06:00

3KRun/ Walk and Fitness Challenges

2011-10-07T08:32:00.002-06:00

Calling all moms, future moms, or people who love their moms...we're doing a 3K Run/Walk Race, and fitness challenges. All to promote women's health, and to show our support for the ladies in our lives.

***Cost- $10 (bring it to the race) If 10 is too much then donate whatever you can!

REMEMBER:
1. RSVP that you're coming by posting a comment
2. Don't forget your $10 on race day to help us cover costs and to be donated to the Orem Women's Shelter!
3. Invite all of your friends to join in the fun!

Saturday, October 15
8:30am-10:ooam

Kiwanis Park
820 N 1100 E
Provo, Utah

I'll be putting on one of the fitness challenges so hope to see you there.

Absolutely

2011-09-25T16:13:00.002-06:00

loving my time here at home with my family, but definitely missing my hubby!!

Headed to the beach tomorrow!!

2011-09-17T21:41:00.003-06:00

Okay. So my tough week went like this:

was feeling overwhelmed with taking care of two kids...Kasia really has been a struggle lately. Everything is a battle with her from what she wears, to what she wants to do, to how much she's going to eat, to whether or not she'll take a shower or a bath (she prefers baths), etc. She's so defiant and is having a hard time listening/obeying. I feel like I've been super mean and grumpy with her because of this and it has made me feel sad.

got mastitis in both boobs. Booooo! totally drained me and was not fun. Think I got it because I've been stressed and fatigued.

My milk supply decreased (on my left side) and I got super depressed because I thought I wouldn't be able to breastfeed anymore. Long story short, I fought through it and have made it work. While my left side produces less (this happened with Kasia too), I still get a lot out of my right and so far it's working.

Headed off to California tomorrow morning to hang out with my family. I've got a little bit of anxiety thinking about traveling with a toddler and a newborn. Wish me luck!

2011-09-14T21:44:00.004-06:00

i

This 2 1/2 year old is definitely giving me a run for my money. These are some shots of her with my camera taken by her. Some of them are kind of artsy! She usually grabs my camera and says, " I wanna take a smile" (she calls a picture a smile), then she precedes to take a thousand pictures with my camera and I have to go through and delete a ton of them.

I owe you all a post about my week last week, but ti's 9:47pm and my little guy is asleep, which means I need to go to sleep cuz he'll be up in about 3 or 4 hours.
peace out.

What a week....

2011-09-09T12:39:00.002-06:00

but I don't have time to write about it now.
Let's just say I am definitely experiencing some things I never thought I would.
It's been a tough week.

I'll be back.

What I've been up to

2011-08-25T11:24:00.003-06:00

So in the past month I have:

1) Had a baby

2) Drove to Arizona two days after having a baby to attend my institute and graduate from my Masters program

3) Closed on a townhome in Orem one day after getting back from Arizona

4) Packed up our things (with the help of my in-laws and sister), and moved while trying to attend to a toddler and nurse a newborn

What was I thinking?

Actually, it's all gone smoothly. I feel really blessed that my delivery went well (I felt even better after Ryu than I did with Kasia), travel down to AZ went well (except for an emotional moment or two when I was dealing with EXTREMELY sore nipples), the institute went well even with having to leave every couple of hours to nurse, and moving went better than expected.

The director of my program even had a little room for me and my hubby so I could nurse!! Graduating feels so darn good. I'm glad that this all worked out. My awesome parents drove out from California to AZ to come for graduation and to meet their first grandson. It was so great to see them and it was such a nice gesture to come out and support me. LOVE THEM!

Loving my new place. More space, bigger kitchen, good location.

Ryu is a rockstar. Seriously such a mellow baby. Cries when he wakes up to eat and gets fussy when he's gassy, but that's about it. And the past two nights he's been going strong for 5 hours! Yes! But, I still had to get up and pump.

Shout out to Skye, my little sister. She was here with me for about a week and was of so much help. Babysitter, housekeeper, builder (she put together a lot of our new furniture), and just kept me sane. I'm sad she had to go.

Handling a toddler and a newborn is no walk in the park, I tell you. Whew! I'm surviving though. :)

2011-08-07T23:12:00.000-06:00

Pics!

2011-08-01T19:56:00.001-06:00

Ryu Everett Crowe

2011-07-29T19:24:00.002-06:00

Ryu Everett Crowe 8lbs 11 oz, 20.5 inches. He came super, super fast!!!

I started feeling contractions around 7:30ish while putting my daughter to bed. I felt like I had to go number two, but when the feeling started happening really quickly and often, I thought maybe this is it!

I was very skeptical because my contractions last birth were started by Pitocin. My own contractions this time were totally different. I told my hubby and my sister, and they too, were skeptical. They were coming pretty quickly so I called my midwife and got everyone up and ready. Got to the hospital last night at 9:25pm where they found I was dilated to an 8! He was out at 9:47pm! I delivered on my knees with my big, white butt hanging out!! :) It was a very incredible experience. Hard, uncomfortable, and out of this world painful, but it was awesome. I felt really good afterwards!

Ryu is amazing. I'm so in love with him. Kasia is too. She's been so cute with him. He sure is making my nipples hurt though!!! Yay for breastfeeding.

Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers; we've decided for sure that we're going to head on down for AZ and get my school stuff out of the way! Wooo!!

Can't get my pictures to load, so I'll try to do that tomorrow!

Good night!

Update

2011-07-11T14:32:00.002-06:00

So i can breathe. I've been able to for the past week thanks to seeing a doctor at the InstaCare!! He told me in a stern voice, "you need to stop the Afrin." He gave me an antiobiotic, flonase, and told me to also take Zyrtec....I've been good for a couple of weeks now!

One more paper to go and then I'm done with school! I have almost talked myself out of writing it a few times, but there's no way I would let myself not do it. It's just about a topic that I'm not totally comfortable or familiar with.

My Momma and my sister, Skye, are in town until I give birth. Well, we'll see how long they can stay...i think they are getting bored. We also don't have ton of room in our little place so it gets pretty tight and cozy! Thank goodness for in-laws upstairs who have more room.

I'm 37 weeks today and am soooooooooooooooooooooo READY!!! My body is uncomfortable and achy, my feet and hands swell at random times of they day, I'm super hot, this little guys is up in my ribs constantly, and I think he has decided that my bladder and cervix are fun to head bang against. I'm hoping that he comes before the due date, lets say tomorrow? It can't be today because I'm going to a Harry Potter party tonight at 9 and then a midnight showing!! wahhooo!! And I'm going with my sister who showed me the first Harry Potter movie way back when, so it's only fitting that we're finishing it off together.

For now, we're still planning on going to AZ for my institute and graduation, but a small part of me hopes it doesn't work out...I really don't want to have to drive there to an even hotter place and try to balance a newborn (if he comes early) and all the school events I have to attend. But, it is just a week long and I'd rather get it done than postpone it for a year.

Kasia has suddenly become afraid of the dark! She really had a tough time last night.

i can't breathe

2011-06-22T14:20:00.002-06:00

oh my goodness.
This happened to me last pregnancy too. My husband thought I was crazy when I told him that it's because of the extra estrogen that my body is producing...I'm not joking. At first it's brought on by a cold or sinus infection and I had a cold well over a month ago. And now for the past 3 weeks, I've been unable to breath normally.

I am so congested and again the only thing that is saving me is AFRIN. But, I've totally gone past the 3 day recommendation for usage (I'm well over a week now). Hey, I want to be able to sleep and nothing else is working.

Mucinex D--Nope
Humidifier--nope
Sudafed--nope
Netty Pot---Nope

Any helpful tips before I cut off my head?

Fun Times

2011-06-13T21:55:00.002-06:00

Some fun stuff we've been doing:
Real Soccer game, Summer Fest, hanging out at the park:

32 weeks

2011-06-13T21:27:00.002-06:00

This gray shirt really makes my belly stand out! :) My belly looks humungous !

Well, I'm definitely in to the 3rd trimester. Very uncomfortable, waddling, heartburn, difficult sleeping, difficult moving...yay for pregnancy! :) I'm excited to meet this little guy.

I think this little boy is going to have a Japanese name. JC served his mission in Japan and is a fan of the name Ryu. They pronounce it differently in Japan, but we'll pronounce it like Ry-u rather than rolling the r and basically forgetting the y.

Ryu Everett Crowe

Can't forget about ROME!

2011-06-13T21:22:00.002-06:00

Rome was AMAZING!!

The Vatican, St. Peters Square, all of the fun Piazzas, the small streets, the Colosseum, the Forum....Amazing.

I loved it. JC loved it.

We were a bit disappointed with Italian food though (the pastas and pizza). My pizza kept getting better with each purchase however. And, GELATO was the best part of their food. I think in one day we had it three times!!! :) The pistachio and hazelnut were my faves.

Awesome Videos of Kasia

2011-06-04T08:29:00.007-06:00

Best Friends: Felicity and Kasia

2011-06-04T07:23:00.003-06:00

Personal Training

2011-05-28T17:56:00.002-06:00

My boss is letting me charge my own amount, which is awesome because that means a better deal for clients and I get paid more; however, now I have to pay rent so I'm looking for more clients to help me out!!

You know you want a personal trainer! :) Get healthy, get fit, learn some new moves, etc. etc.

Right now my price is 25/h, but I'm willing to negotiate! :)

Call, email, do you what you gotta do if you're interested.

Why does it seem that....

2011-05-18T07:59:00.004-06:00

the most common words and phrases out of my mouth to my daughter are:

"no!"
"please don't' touch that"
"careful"
"Kasia, please come back"
"You need to get down, please"
Kasia, it is not okay to act like that"
"don't hit Kojo!"

Is this normal? :)
I'm sure it is. That girl just never stops going. Always finding something new to get into, jump on, open, destroy, write on, while still finding time to harass Kojo and overreact when she is unable do something on her own and needs immediate help.

However, she does hear a lot of this:

"i love you"
"You're cute"
"You're funny"
"Let's cuddle"
"You're wonderful"
"You make me so happy!"

Plus, she gets lots and lots of hugs and kisses from us.

Marisol Luna

2011-05-10T11:57:00.002-06:00

Two years ago I changed my phone number to avoid any phone calls from a girl from my mission. I know, it sounds heartless, but this girl is annoying, mean, cares only for herself, and I didn't like talking to her. Plus, she always chewed me out for not calling her back. So I was done and changed my phone number. Now I'm not so sure it's been worth the 15 dollars.

Instead of these crazy phone calls from Anna, for the past two years, I've been getting phone calls form collection agencies for a women named Marisol. I can't even count on my hands and toes how many times I have said, "no, I'm not Marisol. You have the wrong number." Through their tone, I can tell they are doubting me. I've also called about 10 companies asking to be removed from their records because I am not her. They're really persistent.

The guy who called me today said, "you're not Marisol? Cause she's going to be arrested on Friday." I said, "Too bad for her, but I'm not her." Then he preceded to ask me if my social ended in _ _ _ _. Nope, sorry dude. I'm not her. Stop calling.

Needless to say, this chick is in some deep financial trouble, or so I've gathered over the past two years by numerous people calling me from lawyers offices, collection agencies, and many other companies. I almost wish I could witness it all go down on Friday if she really is getting arrested.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T17:29:00.003-06:00

Shout out to my mom who just rocks my world! You truly are the best and I love you!

Shout out to my MIL--I'm glad Jonathan has a mom like you. I couldn't have asked for a better MIL.

Kasia and her yellow skirt/top

2011-05-05T21:34:00.001-06:00

she's obsessed with this outfit and would probably where it everyday if I let her.

She's also obsessed with sitting in bumbos.

Easter 2011

2011-04-30T20:58:00.000-06:00

Pictures of Pregnancy

2011-04-30T20:53:00.004-06:00

Me at 21 weeks, which is when we found out the gender.

Me at 26 weeks, which was taken tonight!

Picture update of Kasia and all of her doings!

2011-04-30T20:42:00.004-06:00

It's 3:00 am....

2011-04-24T02:57:00.002-06:00

and I'm having trouble sleeping because:
1) I keep having these intense labor dreams
2) I'm also having some heartburn
3) baby boy keeps moving
4) Just can't seem to get comfortable. They say to lay on your side (left side in particular), but my ears start to hurt, especially my right from sleeping on that side so much.

I posted this on Facebook, but thought I'd share on here as well. Tonight after I put Kasia to bed I heard her through the monitor say, "new shoes" a couple of times. I bought her these cute sandals from Target yesterday and she's been obsessed with them since. So I knew as soon as she said "new shoes" she wanted them. So I went in and she asked to sleep with them. And of course, they couldn't just be right next to her pillow, they had to be underneath her blanket. Then at about 2:00am, JC and i heard her crying...guess why. One of the shoes fell off the bed and she wanted it back. :) JC went in and got if for her. Hilarious!

So, the Springville condo fell through for a really ridiculous reason. Nothing that we could have prevented. Fannie Mae has a policy in place in regard to condos that affected us, which I still don't fully understand so nobody can fund our loan because of it. I was definitely bummed out for a few days. I'm good now, but we have to start our search all over. I'm just hoping we can get into a place before this baby boy comes. Our apartment is just too small already and I'm gonna go crazy if I'm cooped up with a newborn and a toddler with minimal space.

I guess I should try to go back to sleep.

POLSKA!!!

2011-04-21T12:19:00.001-06:00

It was so dang wonderful to finally return to Poland after almost 7 years. Jc's favorite place was actually Poland because it wasn't as touristy as London and Rome :) It was great to revisit some of the sites, eat Polish food (YUM!), and see some old friends. Loved it! In Warsaw we stayed with The Zelewski's and were treated like royalty. They fed us, chauffeured us around town on Sunday, and even gave us THEIR bed!! Sylwia is an amazing cook, too.

In Krakow we stayed at the Batory Hotel, which was so dang cute and just a 5 minute walk to the Rynek (town square). Julie, I thought of you often as we walked around Krakow.

We also took a tour to Auschwitz. I've been before, but haven't taken a tour so I learned a ton as I walked through the grounds. JC wished we could have taken the 2 day tour...next time.

Poland--I love you!

This Rocks..

2011-04-20T18:41:00.000-06:00

2011-04-20T11:24:00.000-06:00

LONDON....Finally an update

2011-04-15T12:09:00.004-06:00

Places we hit in London:
1. Big Ben/Parliament Offices
2. Westminster Abbey
3. National Museum
4. Tate Modern
5. London Tower
6. Globe Theatre
7. St. Paul's
8. The first Gothic Church in London
9. Hyde Park (loved it!)
10. Les Miserables at the Queens Theater
11. Portobello Market (way busy!)
12. Buckingham Palace (eh, not that exciting)

London wasn't our favorite place out of our trip, but it was still great to see some of the famous places. We did a lot of walking here and were pooped everyday! Les Mis was great, but the voices didn't compare to the original that I'm used to listening to. However, I still got emotional and was moved by the music and story.

UP NEXT: POLAND!

Papa and Kasia

2011-04-06T22:02:00.002-06:00

I just get all warm and gooey inside when I see this picture. I love it!

BOOT CAMP! Starting May 2nd

2011-04-03T20:35:00.000-06:00

My prices will go as follows:

2 days/week= $75

3 days/week= $100

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

9 or 10am---whatever will work best for those who sign up!

@ Rock Canyon Park

Contact me for more information!!

We're having a BOY!

2011-03-28T19:36:00.008-06:00

We are so stoked! Of course, if it was another girl, we'd feel the same way, but since we have one already it does make this moment a little more exciting! :) I was right all along.

Yayy for baby boy!
My due date has also been moved unofficially to July 24th because this boy was measuring big. :) The technician said the midwives will probably stick with the old date because they like to stick to the last menstrual cycle. So it'll definitely be interesting to see what happens.

Here is a 7 minute clip, which is probably really boring for everyone, but us (more for the family that isn't around) of our ultrasound. The best part is at about 5:38 where we find out he's got the goods to prove he's a boy! Actually, the whole ultrasound is great because it shows he's healthy!

I am BACK!

2011-03-28T08:00:00.002-06:00

Well, I've been back for almost a week, but just haven't had time to get on here and update.
I've had to do some catch up with school so everything else has taken a back seat.

Anyway, EUROPE freakin' rocked!!! I'll post pictures at some point during the week. It was seriously an incredible trip.

Today is a big day for two reasons:

1) we find out the gender of the baby! :) So stoked. Still think it's a boy. JC thinks it's a girl. We find out about 4 today. I'll post as soon as I'm home.

2) We start the process of buying our condo. The bank accepted our counteroffer so we just gotta lock it in before anyone else snags up this amazing place. We went out there one more time to get a feel and make sure we felt right about it. AND WE DID!! The kitchen is amazing. Can't wait to show you pictures.

2011-03-08T21:45:00.001-07:00

Kasia is obessesed with this cat.

2011-03-08T21:39:00.003-07:00

Kasia's most favorite living thing in the entire world is this cat. Seriously. Most the time, the first thing she asks for in the morning is Kojo.

Kojo, on the other hand, tries relentlessly to get away from Kasia. Most of the time she can get away, but when Kasia has tackled her and has her pinned down like this, the cat just can't win.

Kudos to Kojo though. She puts up with Kasia really well and has only scratched Kasia a few times.

It's the final countdown.....Europe

2011-03-08T12:00:00.002-07:00

10:45am our plane leaves tomorrow for London.

I probably won't sleep very well tonight.

I'm so excited!

Yet nervous.

Sure am going to miss Kasia.

I'm sad I don't speak Polish that well anymore. I keep trying to have these conversations in my head that I know I'll have with people, but there are so many words I can't remember. And it's not just the words, it's the grammar. That stuff is completely out the window. ugh. sad.

This trip is going to ROCK!!

I may or may not post at all while I'm gone, so if i don't, get ready for a massive update when I get back!

Bon Voyage!

a day at the park

2011-03-04T07:40:00.005-07:00

Guitar for Sell!

2011-02-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

I was ambitious once and thought I'd learn to play the guitar. That just never happened!! Would love to get it off my hands.

$100.

Comes with case.

Montana Guitar

Update!

2011-02-21T21:10:00.006-07:00

Just had to post this letter from the director of my program. I Let her know that I am planning on coming down for that week of school and graduation and will deal with whatever comes my way....I feel sooo relieved by what she said!

Thanks for the email and the update. Of course it is completely your choice as to whether you decide to attend or not. If you have already delivered, you will certainly have the opportunity to take breaks as needed. If you have not delivered, we will be crossing our fingers that you make it through the week and back home!

If you do happen to deliver mid-week, we will deal with it. You will not be required to attend again next year. I hope this helps and keep me posted.

Also, be sure that Darin knows what you decide to do and that your ADP matches your plans.

Talk to you soon.

By the way, I heard the heartbeat again today and it was beautiful! I have also scheduled an ultrasound for the 28th of March!! So the vote is now on....BOY? or GIRL?

I still think it's a boy.

Happy Birthday, Sister!!

2011-02-18T07:38:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday to this beautiful girl today!!

Skye, I'm so glad you were born today!!

S-smart (TA in a stats class, getting her masters....need I say more?)
K-kind (Such a loving and giving person)
Y-youthful (the best I could come up with for the letter y!)
E-entertaining (she's so much fun and such a goofball..this girl knows how to have a dance party)

Kasia loves to exercise

2011-02-17T22:00:00.004-07:00

After coming home from the gym where she knows mommy exercises, Kasia wanted to put back on her shoes and do some of her own exercising. So she started running back and forth through the kitchen, and then I got her to do some squats and push-ups. It was too cute.

Team Pictures for Basketball

2011-02-17T21:51:00.003-07:00

Here are the sophomores I coached this year. Basketball is now over, which is good and bad. I love coaching, but it does take up a lot of my time. Probably won't be able to coach for a long time since baby number two will be about 3 months when the next season starts. Way too stressful to try and make that happen so it's so long basketball for awhile. But I will for sure be checkin' up on these girls next year to see how they've improved.

2011-02-05T12:57:00.001-07:00

javascript:void(0)

Kasia's 2nd Birthday

2011-02-04T08:42:00.008-07:00

I'm a bit late posting these pictures and videos of Kasia's big birthday, but better late than never.
We sang to Kasia in morning, then had a fun tent party together after breakfast, and then a big bash with some friends later on that day. Can't believe this little one is 2!! Love her more than I have ever have!

2011-01-31T12:27:00.004-07:00

Okay, kind of a weird post, but my sister sent this to me and it reminded me that when I die I do not want to be put in a casket and put into the ground. I actually want to be cremated and have my ashes thrown into the ocean somewhere.

I have a hard time with concept of graves and cemeteries and find it strange that we go visit these sites where the bodies are buried. I mean the soul/spirit of the person is no longer there and for me I don't find any solace in this practice/tradition.

2011-01-20T22:35:00.002-07:00

Thanks for all of your comments and advice. I truly appreciate the encouragement.

I will definitely keep praying about it, but as of right now I have decided to get my butt down there come August with or without a baby and just take the risk. However, I know that as I get closer to that due date, things could change and still might have to postpone.

I know that I could actually plan an induction to just have the baby early, but that goes against all my desires to have my body do what it was made to do on it's own. So, as of right now, I'm praying I'm a few weeks early or a week late!! :) Let's just hope this baby doesn't make it's appearance while I'm in the middle of class!

My dad said he'd send my Mom with me, plus Jc will be there so i'll have lot's of support if that baby comes early. :)

What would YOU do?

2011-01-18T11:43:00.003-07:00

Okay, as I mentioned with the post that announced my pregnancy, I will most likely have to postpone my summer institute class, which is only a week long, as well as my graduation. The class is really about coming together with your classmates and professors and basically discussing a lot about the current topics of human movement/exercise/fitness, also listening to a few presentations, which I could be chosen for, and a doing a project or two. Roughly everyday is from 8-5ish with breaks, but not all days last that long.

I absolutely do not want to postpone this class or graduation. Mostly for closure purposes.

Call me crazy, but I think I'm going to chance going down there 40 weeks pregnant, with the possibility of giving birth down there, OR count on an early delivery, and deal with a newborn for that week. Of course, I will have lots of help from the hubby and hopefully my mom or my mother--in-law....they don't know this yet. :)

What would you do?

A friend who just graduated said I could totally pull it off if I deliver early.

I'm so torn and it's really stressing me out.

I could just forget the stress, and wait an ENTIRE year to finish my masters, but come on, who wouldn't want to just finish!!??

2011-01-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” ~Buddha

OH my Goodness.....

2011-01-10T11:14:00.002-07:00

This just happened 10 minutes ago.....Kasia goes to her room and i notice after a few minutes it's wayyyyyyyy too quiet.
Oh man....
She get's into Bag Balm....that stuff is not easy to remove.

Tried giving her a bath, but the stuff is still caked in her hair.

For Grandma Stoddard

2011-01-10T11:10:00.002-07:00

One of Kasia's favorite Christmas Toys. Thanks, Grandma Stoddard!

Give me your eyes

2011-01-07T10:34:00.004-07:00

Heard a song today on my Pandora Christian station and was really touched by it and its chorus.

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see

Sometimes I get so wrapped in my life that I forget to look for those who really need help. I'm blinded by school, basketball, driving to and from places, cleaning my house, and it's selfish, but hard to find a balance, don't ya think?

I hope I can have God's eyes at least part of the day and the compassion He is so willing to give to everyone.

Christmas Festivities

2011-01-07T08:16:00.005-07:00

Pictures from our Christmas and the Christmas dinner and presents for that family!

Just have to brag....

2011-01-05T19:32:00.002-07:00

Ive mentioned this in a previous post a few months ago, but we're going to Europe in March!!!

I'm way beyond excited!!

I bought our round trip tickets to London last night. We get to stay for free in London because my in-laws are at the BYU Center for 6 months.
I just got hooked up from a friend in Warsaw, Poland. She's invited us to stay at her place for free for two nights!! !:)

And now, I just bought our hotel in Krakow, Poland for a decent price! Krakow is where Schindler has his factory and it is very close to Auschwitz. It has one of the most wonderful town centers with amazing shops.

Next up is our hotel in Rome. Jealous yet?

IF any of you have any great sites to see in London or Rome, please share! I'm still working on all of those details of where we're going to visit, what we're going to see, etc. etc.

WOoooooo HOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

B is for.....

2011-01-02T15:25:00.002-07:00

BABY!!!

Yep, baby number 2 is on their way. Due sometime the first week of August.

Part of me feels like I'm betraying Kasia somehow. Isn't that weird? Also, is it really possible to love this new addition as much as I love Kasia? And another thing, this new baby better be as cool as Kasia!! He or she sure has a lot to live up to.

BTW, I think it's a boy.

I've been feeling great, just tried and RAVENOUS!!! I want to eat, eat, eat, and eat some more.

9 weeks and counting.

The downside, as if their really is a downside to having a baby....is that I have to postpone my Summer Institute, which is a week long class and my graduation in August!!! It's down in Mesa and there is no way I can make it seeing as I might be delivering at some point during that week.

:) Yay!!! I'm excited.

2010-12-27T19:49:00.002-07:00

This past weekend was a blast. I love Christmas. I love family. I love good food. I Love giving. I love my Savior and that He is why we celebrate this holiday.

The family that I took dinner and presents to with the help of many friends and family were so grateful!! I hope to make that a tradition from now on. What a great experience it was gathering the necessary items for this family. I also cooked a turkey for them, which was only my second time cooking a turkey. It smelled so good and looked so good, I decided I'm going to make one again this Sunday since I didn't get to try it. I kind of wish I was there to see all the kids opening their gifts!

Hope you all a great Christmas with your families!

Pictures to come.

Invitation to all.....

2010-12-18T11:25:00.003-07:00

Hey Friends,

If you're hanging around during Christmas, I would like to invite you to help me provide an awesome Christmas meal to a family in need. I'd like to also provide presents for this family that have been homeless on and off for the past year. They just moved into a home and are still unpacking, but the Mother is stressed beyond belief about providing for her children. 4 kids under the age of 10. If any of you are going to be around and want to help, please call me because I definitely can't do this on my own. I've got some volunteers already at work for the meal and cloths/toys, etc, but there are some gaps I still need to fill!

So please, if you are willing and would love to help, contact me!!!

This is an awesome way to spread God's love and participate in the Christmas season in a different way.

2010-12-14T18:04:00.001-07:00

From a different angle

2010-12-12T15:45:00.003-07:00

2010-12-10T10:55:00.004-07:00

Dancing with Grandma Stoddard.....this was also the day that BYU lost to Utah if you couldn't tell.

Vegas, Gpa & Gmas House

2010-12-10T10:37:00.004-07:00

Kasia and Santa

2010-12-09T11:10:00.003-07:00

Kasia loved dancing with Santa, but she DID NOT want to get on his lap. JC has a better version of Kasia dancing with the man in red, so I'll post that soon.

Raw Peppermint Brownies

2010-12-06T19:48:00.002-07:00

Can't wait to try this:

1 c. almonds ground into flour

½ cup agave nectar

½ cup cold pressed coconut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

Blend together.

Slowly incorporate:

½ cup cacao

6 - 8 drops peppermint essential oil

Do not over mix or heat.

Press into a square pan and let set in freezer. Stores in freezer or refrigerator. Serves 16 1” square pieces of brownie.

Tom Cruise's thoughts on Home Teaching

2010-12-02T08:52:00.001-07:00

Day 29, Day 30

2010-11-30T09:46:00.002-07:00

Day 29-In this past month, what have you learned?

I have learned that I'm pretty disciplined and have a lot of will power. Doing the no sugar and low carb (no white flour) eating plan was challenging but i mastered it and am very proud of myself. I've learned a lot about nutrition in the past two months and really want to continue this change of lifestyle.

Day 30-Your favorite song

27, 28

2010-11-29T18:17:00.002-07:00

Day 27-Why you are doing this 30 day challenge

Thought it'd be fun to spruce up my blogging. It's been a fun way to express myself in different ways and let you all get to know me a little better!

Day 28-A picture of you from last year and now-how have you changed?

The biggest way I've changed is my hair!!

I usually consider myself a pretty positive person, but.....

2010-11-29T09:13:00.002-07:00

I really hate snow. Last night we came back from California and should have been home at 6:30ish. But instead it turned out to be 9:30 because of the darn snow and bad roads. Plus I was sick (still am) with a nasty, nasty cold. So having to sit that long while feeling miserable was simply not fun.

S-sucks
N-never any fun
O-overrated
W-would you just stop falling?

...i don't like snow.

California pictures and updates coming soon!

Day 25, Day 26

2010-11-27T16:58:00.002-07:00

Day 25-What I would find in your bag

Chapstick, water bottle , gum, tissue, tampons, diapers, wipes, pens, coupons, wallet, a little notebook, phone, gum wrappers, sunglasses, lotion, some sort of snack like a protein bar, apple, or bag of nuts.

Day 26-What do you think about your friends

My friends rock and they are so intelligent. I grow smarter just being around them. :)

Day 24- Letter to Parents

2010-11-25T09:06:00.001-07:00

Dad and Mamusia,

When I think about you both, I think of the word sacrifice. I'm sure there have been so many things you have wanted to do in your life, many places you have wanted to go, and many things you have wanted to buy, but instead you gave me so many opportunities to play sports, play the cello/saxophone, dance, go to Hawaii where you helped pay for a trip to see a boyfriend for a week, and subsequently helped me fly back home after each year from BYU-Hawaii when I was in school there because I really didn't have any money. You sacrificed your time to come support me at my sporting events, concerts, and other random events. You stayed up late to help with assignments, woke up early to get me to seminary when I didn't have my license yet, and come March, you'll be coming up to babysit so JC and I can go frolic and play in Europe.

You guys are FREAKIN' Amazing and my life wouldn't be the same without you.
Thank you for all you have done and are doing. Thank you for your love and thank you for being so good to Kasia.

Much love,
Kjell Lynde

MIA

2010-11-22T19:26:00.001-07:00

Going on a short hiatus right now because I'm on vacation in California with my family!

I'll be back!

So bugged

2010-11-18T21:12:00.004-07:00

Without going into all the details of all the crazy/sad/frustrating drama that has been happening the past year in my family (on my side), I just want to say to all my blog stalkers and friends that family is the most important thing you have in your life. Please forgive and move on. Please don't give the silent treatment to your own family. And if you come from a dysfunctional family and married into a semi-dysfunctional family, don't try to make your in-law family as dysfunctional as yours. Please don't let your mother/mother-in-law find out from little junior high kids that her daughter-in-law and son are expecting a baby. Please remember that when it comes right down to it, family is EVERYTHING. And please remember that your siblings, parents, brother/sister-in-law will make mistakes and that you should sincerely forgive and move on. It's so not with it to hold on to those silly mistakes. It's just damaging to the soul and to relationships.

Day 23-Something you crave for a lot

2010-11-17T21:04:00.003-07:00

1. The beach, warmth, sun, surfing, bathing suits, laying out, sand between my toes, Sunset Beach, Haliewa Eats, Matsumoto Shaved Ice, the trade winds,the Laie Temple, buying coconut and pineapple on the side of the road, island music, Kam Hawaii, Shrimp shacks....etc. I know I've said it a gazillion times, but I LOVE HAWAII!!!

Day 22-What makes you different from everyone else

2010-11-16T21:39:00.003-07:00

I have a birthmark on my left butt cheek, close to the butt crack.

Day 21-A picture of something that makes you happy

2010-11-15T21:17:00.002-07:00

I'm behind! day 18, 19, & 20

2010-11-14T09:18:00.005-07:00

Day 18-Plans/dreams/goals you have

One of my biggest plans/dreams is to have my own training facility for children/adolescents and during the summers turn it into a fitness camp for this same age group. Not a new idea or anything, but I really want to do that someday. I'd like to collaborate with therapists and nutritionists and other exercise experts to create a program that will enrich and benefit this age group.

Another dream of mine is to own a beach house where I can either live long term or just consider it my summer getaway.

I have many more, but these two will work for today!

Day 19-Nicknames you have and why you have them

1. Blond Bomb Tooter Bird Leg Woman---given to me when I was super young because I was really blond, farted a lot, and had really skinny legs. Totally opposite from the present me, well, except for the farting thing...I still fart a lot.

2. Smooth KJ Dom-Given to me as young softball player by my coach, Dave Koontz. He just thought I was amazing when I played and everything i did was "smooth." KJ is basically short for the way my name is spelled. And then Dom is short for Dominique...a name that I frequently used because I liked it so much.

3. K-jell....self explanatory

4. I don't have any nicknames right now....it' d be fun to have one. Any suggestions? What would be my nickname today?

Day 20-Someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future

Well, since I'm already married I'll tell you who I thought I was going to marry. My number 1 attribute that I wanted out of a husband back in the day (besides all the normal stuff) was that he could give me some competition in basketball. He had to be a baller!! Yep, how lame and shallow is that? hahahah. But, as I matured and realized there are other more important things to consider, I let the idea go. Plus, I realized that a lot of jocks were jerks.

JC rocks as my hubby!!! I'm so glad I chose him to be my partner for life. :)

Day 17

2010-11-11T21:55:00.002-07:00

Day 17-Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Hayley Williams from Paramore, Beyonce, Lady Antebellum or some other musician/singer.

I just want to get on a stage and perform and have a gazillion fans screaming at/for me..seeing as I don't have that amazing talent, I would need to switch lives with one of them.

Day 16-Another picture of yourself

2010-11-10T19:26:00.003-07:00

This is one of my all time fave pictures. It's on the Big Island of Hawaii at a place called green sands beach. One of the funnest trips ever with a bunch of my girl pals. You have to hike like 2 miles to get to it and climb down. AMAZING!
Plus. that bathing suit used to be my favorite.

2010-11-10T09:19:00.001-07:00

“Imagine what it would be if, as a national policy, we said

we would be only successful if we had fewer people going
to the hospital next year than last year?
The idea then would be to have such nutritionally dense,
unadulterated food that people who ate it actually felt
better, had more energy and weren’t sick as much
… now, see, that’s a noble goal.”
– Joel Salatin, owner/farmer of Polyface Farms in Virginia,
from the movie Food, Inc.

Day 14, Day 15

2010-11-09T12:11:00.004-07:00

Day 14-A picture of you and your family
The Crowe Family Side
& the Stoddard Family Side

Day 15-Put your ipod or shuffle on-first 10 songs that play

1. Paramore-Crush Crush crush
2. Bon Jovi-Livin' on a Prayer
3. Alicia Keys-Love is Blind
4. Chris Brown-Forever
5. Survivor-Eye of the Tiger
6. Nitti/Yung Joc-It's going' down
7. Alicia Keys-Wait till you see my smile
8. Rage Against the Machine-Maggie's Farm
9. Beyonce-Halo
10.Rage Against the Machine-Take the power back

Happy Birthday, JC!

2010-11-07T20:30:00.001-07:00

The Birthday Boy is 29!!

Days 12 & 13

2010-11-07T07:46:00.002-07:00

Day 12-How you found out about blogger and why you have one

I found out about blogger though my friend, Kyle Stapley. Decided to do a blog to keep my family updated with pictures and such.

Day 13-A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

I haven't been hurt recently. This is a tough one. How about I insert annoyed where hurt is.

Dear gym goers,

I'm so tired of your lack of cleanliness in the free weights area. This isn't your bedroom so why are you leaving your weights all over the ground? Please put them away so the rest of us don't trip and fall. And please, when you're on the bench press or the squat rack remove your weights so other people don't have to waste their gym time cleaning up after you. Just consider it extra calories burned when you take your weights off and re-rack them.

Sincerely,

Kjell Crowe

Day 11-Another picture of you and your friends

2010-11-05T12:24:00.002-06:00

Here's a tribute to some friends in Hawaii.....OH my gosh, I wanna go back!!!

No nap in the afternoon means grumpy and tired by 4:00.

2010-11-05T08:53:00.003-06:00

Kasia fell asleep in her high chair. THANK GOODNESS! That little girl decided not to nap the other day and was a beast by late afternoon.

Kasia loves hanging out with Kojo

2010-11-05T08:52:00.000-06:00

Halloween Pictures

2010-11-05T08:47:00.003-06:00

Kasia was a kitty, I was Rosie the Riveter, and JC was Mr. Clean, but I never got a picture of him in his getup.