Simply Craig

Every year the kids look forward to carving pumpkins with Grandma Kelly. She always plans something special for each Holiday. Here are a few photos of their Annual P U M P K I N C A R V I N G Extravaganza.

Do you ever get tired of the same old curls and french braids ? I do! I came across this blog: ADOPT A 'DO CUTE GIRLS HAIRSTYLES and thought I could learn how to spice up my little girl's hairstyles. Just thought I'd pass it along. My favorites so far... the fall through french braid and the twist back side ponytail .

Yesterday the school nurse called to say that my daughter was complaining of a belly ache but had no fever or other signs of sickness. After speaking to Bree I felt that she could make the last hour of school. I assured her that I would be there early, waiting in the parking lot just in case she got any worse. I didn't receive another call and she didn't come out early. But as soon as I saw her I knew she wasn't her normal self. This youngster gets super cranky when she's not feeling well. And I made myself available to listen to everyone of her complaints. Later that evening when I expressed that I wasn't feeling so good and might be coming down with something myself, this same little girl threw her arms around me and said, "I'm so sorry that I was whining to you about everything. If I knew you were sick I wouldn't have. If you need someone to complain to, I'll listen!" I felt honored that she was so willing to be there for her mother. And wa...

WOW! You guys were so kind when commenting on the previous post. I suppose it's because you are friends and family. This story was covered on the news last night and also posted on abc 15.com http://www.abc15.com/news/local/story/Burglars-pose-as-home-buyers-steal-30-000-worth/0t7Am63x50yGPhY8uk3-pA.cspx The comments made here by complete strangers were quite the opposite!

We lost thousands of dollars within minutes. No not in Vegas last weekend but in our own home Thursday late afternoon. We were headed to the lake for one last wake board run this season. As we were launching the boat, B.T.C. received a call on his cell phone from a female agent asking if she could show the house. It seemed routine enough so we agreed. We returned home to find that the front door had been left unlocked. UNUSUAL so B.T.C. called the realtor back to inquire. NO RESPONSE! We woke up Friday morning and realized that an envelope full of cash was missing. B.T.C. once again called the number back. NO RESPONSE! Reality struck as I went to put on my wedding rings (My original and my new one that B.T.C. bought me this year for our 15 th anniversary). They were missing. We had been burglarized! I began to search the house and look for valuables and wasn't surprised to find that they were all missing. My cash box that I keep my tithing, spending$ etc. had been emptied. All ...

We enjoyed our stay at the BELLAGIO with lots of good food, shopping and entertainment. The view from our room You know you got a good man when he's willing to lug around the camera equipment (on his back) without one complaint. The dancing fountains were pretty spectacular! We met up with my (starting from the left) sister, mom, sister-n-law, and niece My brother Matt and hubby B.T.C. Meeting up with the family before going to see the Cirque du Soleil show The views at night are amazing. I tried to hold it steady while capturing these shots without a tripod.

I have been asked by several of you how I make the pictures on my blog bigger. There are other ways of doing it but here’s what I do. You will need a place online to store your pictures. I use Photobucket, it’s FREE! You can find it HERE . To sign up click the green box titled join now. Upload your pictures by selecting “Albums and upload” from the drop down menu. Next, under the blue box titled “Upload images & videos” you will see this: ( more options ) click to size your pictures ( I use Large 640 x 480) Now you are ready to find the file you want to upload by selecting “Upload images & videos” Simply highlight the file and the upload will begin. Once it’s done you can add a title if you would like. Then select “return to album” The picture itself will have its own pull down menu. Go to “Direct Link” and highlight the link and copy it. (right click and select “copy”). This is the link that you will paste into your blog. To paste to your blog you simply follow the same proc...

Recently, I watched a video by Stephanie Nielson that left a lasting impression on me. Her perspective changed mine. Since then, I've found myself embracing motherhood a little more fully and appreciating the countless ordinary moments that fill each day. Somehow, life has seemed to slow down. I've tried to be more present while holding my children a little longer... Bathing little ones... Packing lunches... Washing sticky faces... And doing all those small, repetitive tasks that can so easily feel ordinary. This morning was a perfect example. As I pulled into the school drop-off line, I handed out the usual hugs, kisses, reminders to  "Do your best,"  and one last wave goodbye. Just before Wesley climbed out of the car, my little soccer star—the one proudly wearing  #2 —leaned back in and said, "Mom, can you please wash my soccer socks, dry them, and bring them to the school office by 11:00? I need them for tonight's championship game!" Before I could e...

It was time for piano practice. Apparently, Breeley had decided that if  she  didn't want to sit on the piano bench... Maybe someone else could do it for her. Keelo. Her faithful stuffed Rottweiler was carefully positioned on the piano bench, looking every bit like he was ready for his lesson. Nice try, sweetheart. But piano practice only counts if  you're  the one sitting at the keyboard. I'm afraid there are no fill-ins allowed around here. Keelo will just have to settle for being the world's cutest piano audience. Maybe one day he'll learn to play... But until then, he'll have to remain a very quiet observer while Breeley does all the practicing.