Polar Express

For those of you who have not been on the Polar Express, I strongly recommend it. It was an awesome experience that made me melt every time my little Cman smiled and looked with wonder. He was extremely excited, overwhelmed, and busy during the train ride. He loved it and so did we. Thank you Grammy and Poppy for thinking of this wonderful thing to share as a family. Here are some pictures of the Cman having loads of fun!!

Christmas Program

This year was a first for us. Trinity is a private Christian school, which is totally awesome in more ways than one, and Crawford got to participate in his first ever Christmas program. It was fun to see him so excited. I was backstage with my class, and he was back with his class, so I got to see him practice. It was so much fun. He did good from what I could see on stage, but daddy was so busy watching him, he stopped taking pictures. So, can you find him? He is the really cute one! :)

Christmas parade-Marshall style

In Marshall, there is a courthouse that is known as one of the most photographed courthouses in the U.S. when it is lit up at Christmas. It is amazing! I remember coming here a couple of times as a child and looking at the lights with my parents and grandparents. Now, as a parent, I am glad we live here. It is so neat to walk on the brick streets of downtown and listen to the sounds of Christmas. There are people iceskating on the rink that is up from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, lighted store fronts and much more. This past week was the lighted Christmas parade and Crawford loved it. Last year, we were in it riding with the grand marshall. This year, we decided to watch. It was very neat to see all of the lighted floats go.Here are the only pictures I got to take because I was so busy watching instead.

Crawford #6 Thanksgving fun

Here are a few pictures from our Thanksgiving. We had a great time, camping with my parents. It was a busy, yet relaxing week off. It started last week with Crawford's and my school's Thanksgiving program and went on to camping with Lolly and Grumps at Lake Hawkins. Hope you all had a wonderful week.

Crawford #5--boys will be boys

After some much needed rain, what is a little boy to do??? Except...go inside, put on his rain boots, and play in the one mud puddle he can find. He had so much fun and went right into the shower when he was finished, but it was so fun to watch. He is definitely all boy, no questions asked.

Crawford #4--Halloween

For Halloween this year, we traveled to Van to do the down town trick or treating with my mom and dad and my brother's family, my older cousins family, and the whole town of Van. It was lots of fun, loading up in the back of Grumps' truck and hitting the road. First stop was Mamaw Libby's and she met us outside so we didnt all have to unload. It was lots of fun and Crawford loved spending time with his cousins. Crawford went as Captain Jack Sparrow (minus the earring and eye patch real quick), and Ellie was bat girl, Asher was batman, and Baby Brooks was Robin. (Too cute). We had lots of fun and got lots of candy.

Crawford #3...with pictures...yay!

Okay, so I know I am almost a month late, but I have some pictures from Halloween and our Sock Hop at school to share. Being a Christian private school, we don't really celebrate Halloween, so instead we had a 50's sock hop celebrating the 50th day of school. The kids got to dress up like they did in the 50's (glad I have a boy, it was easy), and they got to boogie down poodle style. Here are some pictures from that great day. And, can I add...I love my job. It is so fulfilling in every way.

Camera on it's way back...finally!!!

I am pleased to say after checking my email, I will have our trusty camera back on Tuesday. We used another one for Halloween and will have those pics up soon. See ya then!!!

CAMERA PROBLEMS....STINK!!

Okay, so...our camera has malfunctioned to the degree it had to get sent off for repair (UGH!!)...and our other great, awesome camera is one that actually has film that has to be developed, so...no pics for a week. Yes, it could not have came at a worse time since it is Halloween and a fun week at school, so I will try to finagle Jason into letting me buy a cheap camera for the week to have pictures. But, our camera should be back in a week. YAY!!!

Crawford #2

Okay, Okay...good thing I changed the title to "Crawford" huh?!? Let's see...whirlwind week.
Last week, Jason had his septo/fess (fancy words for sinus and nasal cavitites cleared of alot of polyps and nasty infected ooze). So, it has been really crazy at our house. I have a picture of him, but he threatened me, so it's not on here (Mrs. Sherry, feel free to share if you want). He is (I am happy to report) feeling much better this week. He started his 2x a week allergy shots and also is still under doctors care for at least another week, so no work, no travel, no nothing!! I think the couch is formed to his rear right now (against his will, he is being a tough patient). He wants to do things and Crawford doesnt understand why he can't play football every night. So, it's kinda hard around our house right now. We were suppose to be heading down to Houston for a wedding this weekend, but the doctor said that is a no-go, so we will miss you guys we were suppose to see. Looks like we will be home bound for another week or so. Crawford is having a great time at his new school and no longer asks about his old daycare. He still isnt crazy about the uniform, but that too will pass (I hope!) So, hope you are all having a great day as I am having a wonderful day with Crawford.

"Crawford #1"

It was recently brought to my attention that "Tuesdays with Crawford" just wasn't working out for me (thanks Sherry), so I have renamed my blogs..."Crawford"...that way if it is Sunday at 11:59 pm, I won't have to lie about it being Tuesday at 8:00 am. So, here it goes..."Crawford #1"

This past week was a big one for our Crawford. He started school at Trinity Episcopal Preschool. This is a private school, where, thankfully I am a teacher so he gets a better tuition rate. I didn't know how he was going to be since he was now going to have to wear a uniform and have to go to school at a certain time each day (we had gotten laxed at his other day care not taking him until later in the mornings). He also has to sit through chapel on Thursdays, wear NO cowboy boots or baseball pants, and Learn...yes, I said learn. Oh my...what a pity huh...the boy is going to actually get an education now. We loved his other daycare and his teacher, but it was not very educationally based, which worried me. So, now I know he is getting a great education because I know the curriculum being used. I get to see him throughout the day and have only heard his name once or twice being called so loud I can hear it in my classroom. I get to see him in the afternoons and it is so nice to be able to "peek" in on him whenever I want too. He seems to be taking it in strides and making friends fast. He is really enjoying getting to go to "music" class and learn songs about Jesus (which is one of my favorite parts of this school...they teach about Jesus.) It is faith based, so we get to pray, have Christmas parties, and go to chapel every week with a great preacher who teaches a mini sermon. His uniforms will be in very soon (the ones with the official seal of the school) and we have already bought some "dress code approven" shoes for the winter. I had a parent teacher conference with his teacher today, and she said he is right on task...wow..he has only been here a week and I can already tell his knowledge is growing. Every morning he tells me he is ready to go to "mommy's school" because it has a cool playground. So, it has been a great experience and I hope it gets better each day. Until next time...have a great "crawford" day.

Van Homecoming-2010

As we all know, I am from a small town with lots of traditions. One of those is my favorite, homecoming. I have never missed a homecoming (even when I was 2 weeks old and also when I lived in Tennessee) in almost 30 years. I love the hype of the small town, the red and white the town gets decorated in, the mums and garters that are worn with pride, the football team hyped up and everything else that goes along with it. This year was no different. I started making garters for Crawford, Asher and Baby Brooks about three weeks ago, and didn't finish them until late Thursday night (yes, they needed to be ready for Friday). Homecoming time came, and the kids all looked great in their red and white, the field and stadium was decorated to the max, and then....lightning! So, after about an hour and a half delay, everything got back on schedule and the game went on. Yes, the Vandals lost...barely, but it was still a great game. I can only hope that one day we are in a town that still makes a big deal out of homecoming.

Tuesday's with Crawford #19--family reunion fun

Last weekend (September 11th), we made a trip to Magnolia for Jason's mother's father's side of the family...reunion. The Kacal's (or cot-zel's as we later learned it is pronounced) came out in drones for this party. Liz and Walter had it at their party barn and boy, it was a party. We had tug of war competitions, tons of laughter, lots of memories shared and made and alot more. Friday night the sister's were up making kolaches for the contest and Saturday, the fun began early as the first people arrived. Crawford enjoyed it and it was great meeting members of the extended family, even though Crawford chose to hang out with "his" Trevor. He thought it was okay for other people to be there, but not on "his" swingset and "his" monkey bars. It was a great time had by all and we can't wait for the next one. (Even though we are all still re-cooperating!!!!!!)

Tuesday's with Crawford #18-Kitchen fun, yardwork with daddy

Okay, so apparently...again...blogger is having a hard time loading pictures...so until it works, this will also be a pictureless post. This Tuesday, Crawford has been enjoying playing with his kitchen set that one of Grammy's coworkers gave him. He really enjoys it, acting like he has a restraunt. He brings us drinks, pizza, hamburgers and any other thing he can think of. It is fun watching his imagination. He also has been having fun with doing yardwork with Jason. He helped Jason mow the yard Sunday, pushing the mower almost all by himself. He is such a little boy, spending lots of time in the dirt with his tractors and his tonka trucks. He also spends lots of time with Suzee, throwing her balls and playing soccer with her. As for Jason, hunting season is officially underway, so he is starting his busiest part of the year. I have taken a job teaching at a private school here in Marshall and Crawford will be attending with me. I am so excited and I think he will really like it also. He will be learning spanish and sign language and all kinds of new stuff and my favorite part is that the kids attend chapel once a week where they learn about Jesus. More about that once he starts, as for now, I hope you are all having a wonderful Tuesday with Crawford.

Tuesday's with Crawford #17

Okay, now that the computer is up and running again, back to Tuesday's with Crawford. These past couple of weeks have been sorda busy. We just got to go to a gorgeous wedding where we welcomed a new member into the Kacal family (Jason's mom's side). Chasity and Justin (Jason's cousin) tied the knot at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Spring, Tx., followed by a gorgeous reception at the Tomball Grand Pavillion. It was lots of fun visiting with family and friends. I forgot my camera (have no idea where my head was when we left), so I will have to wait on the pictures from Liz to come so I can show off Crawford having a blast with his cousins. Lately, we have been really busy exercising...yes, exercising. Jason and I both decided that we are not where we need to be health wise and we want to make sure Craw knows how important it is. So, I have been zumba-ing plus we have been treadmill-ing and all that. It has been great for all of us and we have laughed hard at each other and Crawford has joined in the fun. Also, every afternoon we have been playing baseball in the front yard, well, Jason has been with Crawford and I have been taking pictures of them. So, this week, here are pictures of Crawford exercising and playing baseball. Hope you enjoy them and have a wonderful Tuesday with Crawford.

Waterpark--Roesner Style

When Grammy and Poppy were visting us last weekend, we filled up the plastic swimming pool because it was 103 degrees and we let Craw play in it. He really hasn't shown too much interest in swimming until this year, so now, every chance we get, we let him "go swimming" so he won't be scared of the water. Next year we will either put him in lessons, or have Uncle JJ and Aunt Holly teach him, but he will be swimming. Right now, he is more interested in just splashing around. It has been fun watching him begin to get a little more brave with every pool he gets into, but his favorite is in our backyard, playing in his plastic pool with a slide.

Tuesday's with Crawford #15

Guess what, this week, Tuesday with Crawford is actually coming on a Tuesday, and with pictures. Wow. I actually have a little time tonight and am trying to catch up a little bit. Let's see...the pictures I am adding are from July 4th, 2010 with the Ingram's (my sister in law's family) and the other's are from the art exhibit at the Michelson Art Museum. These past few weeks have been crazy, and I am on my last week of training at Region VII for my alternative certification program, so...my life will slow down for a week or so. Ha ha ha! But, we are looking forward to an upcoming family wedding of Jason's cousin Justin, so we get to see the family. Jason is an usher in it, so I look forward to him having to shave and wear his contacts at the same time. :) He had an exciting day today, he got interviewed on the radio station here in Marshall for the upcoming deer season and deer hunt that will be held. It is available on KHMT.com if anyone wants to hear him. Crawford is doing great, growing like a weed. Right now, it is all about spider man. Suddenly, he wants to eat, breathe and be spiderman. It's lots of fun, but I hope he eventually grows out of the comic book stage (he gets it from his daddy!). So, I hope everyone is having a cool (hahaha) week. See ya next Tuesday for another Tuesday with Crawford.

Falling Behind....

Dear viewers (the whole three I have) HAHAHA!!!...I am so sorry for the lack of pictures, blog, and Tuesday's with Crawford. Right now, mama is going to three weeks of training in Kilgore (thiry miles one way 8-5 Monday through Friday) and when she gets home, all she wants to do is play with Crawford. Mama is also constantly looking for a teaching job, so all of her extra time is spent looking for new job postings to get the edge on the other's in this training. SO....I promise I will try to get updates on soon. I am just EXHAUSTED and can't get going. Please keep me in your prayers for a job for the fall. I really would appreciate it!!

Changes...

Well, today is my last day at the Solomon Law Center. I have worked here for a year and a half, but next week I start my three weeks of torture at the ESC in Kilgore for my teaching certificate. While I will miss it greatly, I know that I have to do what is best for me and my family, which is finishing up the trainings required for my teaching certificate. Of course, I still have NO job for the fall, but I know that God is going to put me where I need to be and provide all that we need between now and then. It is bittersweet, because I really love my job, bosses and coworker, but if all goes right, Coke will be DA next year anyway and they will be at the courthouse. Jason says it's my turn to do what I love and get my dream job (teaching), so he is in support of this also, plus it's a three week training. So, with that said, I will miss you SLC, but I will be close by!!

6 Years...wow

Last weekend, Jason and I celebrated our 6th anniversary as Mr. & Mrs. Jason Roesner. We went to the boardwalk in Shreveport, (yes, with Crawford in tow) and had Joe's Crab Shack and then did a little shopping. Sunday, we took Crawford to a Shreveport/Bossier City Captains minor league baseball game. These past 6 years have been amazing and I can't wait to celebrate many, many more!!

Tuesday's with Crawford #14-Crazy Scary!!!

This week, no pictures, and not alot of words, just PRAISE TO GOD!! After a great anniversary weekend with my two favorite boys (spent in Shreveport), we were just minutes in our front door when Crawford came to me spitting saying "nasty." Well, I jumped off the couch to see what was "nasty" and on the counter was Jason's blood pressure pills, OPENED!!! So, Jason put Crawford under one arm, and the rest is a blur to me until I had to witness my poor little 3 year old child in a papoose, strapped down with only his head out, being held down, getting his stomach pumped...through his nose!! Yah, there's a visual for you huh?!? After pumping my helpless childs stomach for more than 30 minutes, they put charcoal down him in hopes that it would pass through his system and get the rest of the poison out. So, we stayed overnight and after his pedi came in and checked on him, a call to poison control, and one very scared mommy and daddy, we got to go home. He is back to his normal self now, running and jumping and playing. Having tons of fun, being a boy. And, yes....all medicine/first aid/anything he could get into...is now in a locked box in a locked cabinet. Let me be the first to say...Jason had NOT been careless with his medicine laying around. It was out of reach, but the little toot got on a chair from the dining room and pulled it down and got the childproof cap off. So, noone is at fault, just praising GOD that Cman is okay and back to himself.

Omaha and the College World Series

Last weekend, we got to experience an once and a lifetime event. We loaded up and headed to the College World Series in Omaha, NE. It was a quick trip, well worth the drive. We are so excited that we were invited to go watch cousin Aaron play in the College World Series for TCU. Friday night was the CWS opening ceremonies where they did the best firework show I have ever seen. Then we headed back to the condo to sleep and get up early the next day to head to the game. TCU vs. FSU. After a long walk to Rosenblatt Stadium and getting into the game, we were at our wonderful seats and ready for the game. After a scary first inning, the TCU Frogs battled back for an 8-1 defeat. It was so awesome getting to experience this and Crawford was in heaven and we can't wait to remind him of it year after year. This is the last year at the historical Rosenblatt Stadium, so it was a great year to get to go. There were tons of people, and the weather was wishy washy, but, it (again) was SO worth it!!