35

Last Saturday I celebrated my 35th birthday... and I feel pretty good about it. No, it isn't an age that I ever anxiously awaited (as I did with 16, 18, etc...) but I am happy with where I am. So here starts another list to share 35 things I that I am thankful for today.

1. I have a warm cup of coffee in a Winnie the Pooh mug (a mug that was given to me as a gift by one of my first 2 year old students).
2. When I look outside my office I see a grassy soccer field and colorful trees.
3. I have a window in my office (yes... I admit I am writing this during my lunch break at work).
4. My son wakes up with a smile on his face and a cheery "Good Morning" greeting.
5. Our neighbors are kind and enjoy each other.
6. My husband celebrates my birthday in ways he knows I like.
7. The season of fall is here.
8. We live only 30 minutes from Lapham Peak which offers awesome hiking (and fall colors as seen in these pictures).
9. My hair is curly again.
10. My family is healthy.
11. I am able to run which helps me keep up with the littlest runner in our family.

12. My girl friends still value annual get aways.
13. My aunts and uncles along with Michael's extended family continue to be connected to us.
14. Rummage sales and re-sale shops are hip again.
15. I don't need to cut coupons anymore since Aldi is cheap enough.
16. Tears and laughter come easily.
17. I think I can pretty readily embrace change.
18. While our calendar gets quickly filled up with obligations many of these offer opportunities and outings.
19. Our home has a fireplace.
20. I am quite good at Scrabble.
21. Live streaming music is possible from out of state stations.
22. My basement actually looks somewhat tidy (unless you look towards the front of the house).
23. Digital TV really has improved our reception.
24. Rachel Ray taught me how to make a rue.
25. My book club helped me learn all of the incredible traits of Julia Child.

26. Michael is my husband.
27. Mehandis is our son.
28. Mehandis seems pretty excited about "Little Sister" whom he frequently says he is saving or giving things to (no we do not know if it will be a sister or brother... but he has decided).
29. Martha Stewart has awesome paint color combos.
30. All of our rooms are already painted, so only touch ups really needed now.
31. Our neighborhood has great curb-side give aways.
32. My recent DMV picture turned out well (at least they told me when to smile - sorry Peter).
33. I have friends who celebrate me and my quirks.
34. All of the experiences I have had have led me to what I have.
35. There is much to look forward to.

Outside Fun with Friends

We are so lucky to have had incredible neighbors move in next door to us last winter. Although we didn't really get to know them until the temperature warmed up later in the spring... they are a great addition to our block and as friends to our family.

Mehandis and Brooks are close in age and due to living in close proximity, easily share their toys with one another. Most of these toys tend to be trucks and cars... which are all now pretty dented up. You could never guess why?

Here are the boys sporting their "hunting vests" during our recent block party. The only "hunting" that was done was by Michael and I who kept trying to catch Mehandis up and downt he street :)

Here's to more inside time that is soon ahead... but warm friendships that will continue.

Another Acting Session...

It is the appropriate time of year to talk about "Scary" things... with Halloween coming up. However, Mehandis really likes to bring up the topic of feeling scared, something looking scary and scaring others. I think it stems from a Curious George Costume Party book, wanting to relate the story over and over again - versus truly feeling frightened all the time! Anyhow, in an attempt to change the subject Michael and I started calling out other emotions and the results are pictured below. Surprised!!!

So sad :(

Mmm... hungry.

Happy :)

We didn't realize he had these looks down so readily to be able to do them on cue. Sleepy, shy, grumpy and silly are also easily evoked. I believe the request for auditions will come any day now.

Check out who Mehandis is practicing getting into character for Halloween?

We are practicing him tolerating the hat... so whenever he watches the related DVD, the rule is he must wear the hat. Hopefully he won't need the DVD playing to make it outside in full costume come trick-or-treat time!

And the winners are...

There are a several categories of winners to give credit to... for the 2002 Trivia Contest.

Quickest Delivery - Peter M.
2nd Place and Accurate - Dad
Most Creative - A TIE - Joanna & Rebekah
Late Arrival yet Accurate - Uncle Gregg

Thanks to all that played ;)

Kudos go out to "Uncle Brad and Auntie Jo" who were number one with Mehandis this past week!!! Not only did they let our little man play with their train set outside... but had more track than Mehandis had ever laid his eyes upon.


He and the track were akin with the Energizer Bunny. They kept going and going and going and...

Hooray for their long driveway and opportunity for extended playtime!

Cousins Josh and Lauren celebrated their birthdays during that evening and Mehandis barely took a few bites of cake before he needed to be reunited with their train set.

Upon his arrival home he quickly declared that he needed, "More track. Please Mama, please!". So we got on the horn with Joanna and Brad... they soon delivered :)

This smile says it all. Mehandis was so thankful for his new track pieces... he played on his own, designing stations, bridges and junctions, at least an hour every night the rest of the week.

He is trying to say "Happy!" here. Thanks again... his happiness is quite contagious.

We are 28! Or at least I was in 2002.

In honor of reaching 28, on the unofficial waiting list for a little brother or sister, I am posting a history challenge. Either email me with your answers or post as a comment. Winners will be announced!

Fill-In-The-Blank for Events in 2002

1. President George Bush faints after choking on a _____________.

2. __________ wins soccer World Cup.

3. Accountacy and auditing scandals engulf _________, _________ & other US businesses.

4. Swiss voters vote in favor of joining the __________.

5. Funeral of HM Queen ___________.

6. Winona Ryder convicted of ____________.

7. Michael Wolaver turns ____________.

Good Luck!!!

"Fall Fun" with Family and Friends

Thanks to family and friends I had the opportunity to participate in an awesome fundraiser last weekend. It was an event organized by our group of friends at church, with the mission of raising money for our city's food pantry as well as contributing towards our church's various outreach meal programs. We invited hundreds of families to join us at a local park for food and fun. Lot of food and lots of fun it was!

Prior to the event we had around 250 RSVP's of attending. This required much brainstorming as how and what to feed, given there was no electricity at the park. Fortunately we have some very organized and motivated friends, resulting in multiple spread sheets and much enthusiasm.

Given that Michael was out of town for the weekend, my parents were great to watch Mehandis prior, during and following the event. Couldn't have done it without them!

Prepping with Cory, Mike and Jane about 2 hours before our start time.

About an hour and a half of the time was spent slicing 100's of donated rolls. It was amazing to see all that companies, stores and individuals donated.

Paul with lots-o-crocks.

We were all so thankful for the beautiful day... couldn't even begin to think what Plan B would have been if it rained.

Between the raffle tickets, bake sale, purchase of dinner/drinks and donations we were able to raise our goal of... $5000!!! Amazing. Curt, Kristen and Carri are seen below announcing the many winners of the raffle. Everyone did such a fantastic job. I truly can't wait to do it again.

I unfortunately could not stay and help with clean up, following our fundraiser, as I was heading to Miami that evening. A little Miami in Wisconsin that is! Friends, Dara and George threw their annual themed summer party. This year it was "Miami Vice", that should at least partially explain some of the outfits that follow.

Our hostess serving her signature drink, "Moon Over Miami".

Didn't have to worry about it being too dark for this photo as many of our outfits are bright enough! A very unique night with very many Crocketts :) Wonder what next year will bring?

Goodbye Summer... Hello Autumn!!!

Gotta get in our summer camping trip while summer is still pretty fresh in our minds. I do believe that today is the first day of autumn... but I am celebrating that we can still be wearing sleeveless shirts and sandals. Not bad!

The last week of my summer break we took a week long camping trip with many of Michael's extended family. We had parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings join us in Leelanau, Michigan.
Our tent, housed with a pack and play for Mehandis's "room", worked out pretty well for us once again (minus the sandy sleeping quarters and broken zipper). Mehandis loved his hunter orange camping vest... and hammed it up for the camera!

Here Michael is in the dining quarters with Aunt Rita. We did pretty well with our campfire menu. I think that the Chicken Parmesan was my favorite meal. Actually the burrito (almost) the size of my head beat everything else out... but that was store-bought pre-made on a rainy day in Leland!

We are a family of campers and of Subaru Forresters. Can you make out the three in a row?

I think Mehandis is doing a yoga move here.

On a nature walk with Cousin Julia and Aunt Rita.

They enjoyed walking in the stream as well. No need for Mehandis to take his shoes off as he went shoeless 95% of the trip.

Ahh, the fatigue sets in. Time to cuddle up!

One of the two beach days in Empire. Here is Michael's cousin Kelly with Jack and Katherine. We enjoyed conversations, laying in the sun, listening to Uncle J.R. and Dad play the guitar... and eating PBJ.

Of course we can't leave out the endless fun that Mehandis had swimming the day away!!!

I do believe that the saying "Lazy Days of Summer" does not apply to our family!!!