Reasons to Celebrate

We are losing our internet today, so I had to sneak this in amidst the chaos of packing boxes. I need a break!
We've grown so much as a family in our short four years here. I'm getting a little sentimental. May 7 is graduation and it's also our anniversary...7 years!
Here's just a couple pictures of our journey starting out in Pullman.(Graduation from USU)
(White Coat Ceremony beginning vet school)
(Vet school open house 2008)

(Cute boys)(The arrival of Macey our Pullman baby...best hospital ever)
(Summer 2009)

(Aug 2010 in our Pullman wheat fields)

(Dec 2010)

Last but not least, I'm so proud of Ben. He is one of the most dedicated people I have ever known. I have loved the last seven years and look forward to many more! Happy Anniversary and CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Crosland!!!!!

Making a Marriage Fly

“To be married in the sense that God expects us to be married, we must fully invest all that we have and all that we are in this person who has been bound to us through the power of the holy priesthood,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declares. “Of course some days are going to be more difficult than others, but if you leave the airplane’s escape hatch open because you think even before take-off that you may want to bail out in mid-flight, then I can promise you it’s going to be a pretty chilly trip less than fifteen minutes after leaving the ground. Close the door, strap on those seat belts, and give it full throttle. That’s the only way to make a marriage fly.”

Love it! Put your whole heart in!

Dear Vet School Wives

(and wives of students:)) Some friends of ours, who graduated 25 years or so ago from vet school here at WSU, wrote this letter to us four years ago, at the beginning of our vet school journey:

"We are so happy for you both. These next few years are going to be the hardest and the best! You will look back on this time with fond memories. You will grow closer together and solidify who you are and who you want to become. You'll be amazed at how your testimonies will grow as you put your trust in the Lord. Enjoy this wonderful time together. Keep a journal and take lots of pictures!"

I love it and thought I would share.

Easter in Pictures and Other Events

Easter events were spread out over a few days...here they are in one giant post. First, we dyed easter egg monsters.

We had a few easter egg hunts. One done by the city (5 minutes of pure chaos!), and a small friend one in our complex.

On Easter Sunday Cody came running into our room early that morning and said "There are dragons on our table!" They got dragons in their easter baskets (randomly!). The only thing better would have been a remote control, flying, shooting, winged spaceship. That is what Cody really wants someday:)

Cody's preschool group went on a field trip to a farm. Unfortunately there was a freezing cold wind so we didn't stay outside long, but we got to go in the barn and see the chickens and saw the cows. They each got to get an egg from the chicken house and pet the chicken. Macey really loved the chickens but would only pet them once, and not for the picture:)

I don't know if this short video is even going to work, but this is Cody, Ben and Macey wrestling. One of the (many) TOP reasons I love having Ben home. The other night, as I was about to go crazy from grumpy children at about 6 Ben walked in the door and it was INSTANT happiness for everyone. He played and wrestled with the kids. I conversed with him in a refreshing adult conversation. I cleaned the kitchen after dinner. He bathed and got the kids ready for bed while I relaxed. It was a PERFECT night.

Not to get off track, but a quick side note. If you are not appreciating your husband, send him away for a few days (or in our case a month:).  I truly think it's important to know you can do it by yourself if you have to. You gotta know that; have a little independence. Having said that, I so appreciate what Ben does for our family, he is amazing!

Best Day in a Month

Today has been a blessing. First, Cody and Macey had friends to play with while my friend Chelsea found out if she's having a boy or a girl (...I'll let you find out from her:)).
Then she took Cody during Macey's nap (and Macey actually took a nap, she woke up at 5:30 so it's a good thing). I seriously haven't had a break during the day in so long it was like a piece of heaven.
My nephew's heart surgery was a success today. I know it was a stressful day for them, but such an important hurdle to cross and we're glad it went smooth.
THEN my friend Michelle had us over for dinner. Delicious and fun!
THEN my friend Emily came to play with the kids before bed. They built a fort and read books.
I'm not sure if everyone thought I had almost lost my sanity or if this was Heavenly Father's way of saying Look, this hard month is almost over, you can do it!
Ben is coming home around midnight on Friday. I CAN'T WAIT.
He has done an amazing job working at the clinic in Montana. They have loved him; I knew they would;) He just loves it because he loves working and he loves working with horses.

This is why I'm sad to be leaving Pullman. Let's face it. You don't come to Pullman for Pullman itself, you come here for the people, who are some of the best on earth and I don't want to leave them!

WHAT a week

I'm so happy/grateful to say that everyone in my family is doing well
This week my brother in law was attacked by a man of war while snorkeling at the beach (they live in Florida...I guess it does have a few drawbacks after all!).




Then later that night my parents were hit by a drunk driver. Luckily they were not hurt, just some minor whiplash.


Today my sweet little nephew had his open heart surgery to fix two holes in his heart. It went well. This is him pre-op. He looks so precious.