Passing on Memories- Madame Alexander Dolls

My first doll, "Degas", which I received on my 1st birthday!

My mom recently found all my Madame Alexander Dolls that we have been moving around in an old toy box since I was 16 (that is a long time). They have gotten a little flattened and smushed, but they still bring back so many memories. Madame Alexander Dolls have been around for decades (long before American Girl Dolls) and each one has a name and a story. The dolls I collected were the 14 inch dolls and used to line my bedroom on a shelf!

A few of the 19 dolls in my collection

Since I do not have daughters of my own, but have many friends with wonderful girls (who I love like my own) I thought I should share my dolls with them. I planned on saving one or two for future granddaughters, but realized that there was more than 2 I wanted to keep (I kept 5). Also, since they were my very first dolls, they are much older and more worn looking.

Here are 4 of my first dolls Lucinda, Renoir Girl, Degas and Rebecca
Another favorite of mine "Madame Alexander"
she has a hidden pocket in her petty-coat with jewels

I have already given a few away and look forward to delivering the rest to my special little girls in my life. I will try to post some pictures of the girls with their dolls too.

Happy Father's Day Dan!

Today we celebrate Father's Day. We here in the Crout house think our dad is the best. Dan is an amazing man and we wanted to honor him today.
After breakfast in bed we are going to see Toy Story 3 as a family. We don't usually have Ryan on Father's day, but this year was special! Look at that proud papa with all his boys!!

Nathan says, "I like wrestling with him and snuggling too."

Jason says, "I like to wrestle him in the morning. I like to kiss him and hug him"

Ryan Graduates!

Ryan graduated from Beckman High School today. What a proud day for his parents and all who have the privilege of being in his life. The ceremony took place at Tustin High School at 3pm. After the ceremony we all went to Claim Jumper (Ryan's choice) for a dinner celebration. There were 16 of us in all- Ryan's mom and dad (plus their spouses and children), grandparents, uncles and girlfriends were present!!

Dan, Ryan and Heather
(proud dad and mom)

Ryan and his 4 siblings
Nathan, Laurel, Jason, Cairo

Daisey and Ryan

Heavy Sigh..........

This is me speaking from the heart- I have been struggling with my kids lately. I think I have been so worn down by all the energy and emotion that it takes to be a mom that I have been failing them (and me). Although I pray daily for God to give me the strength to be the kind of mom I want to be- I still fall very short.

Now, those of you who have known me for a long time know that being a mom is what I have wanted to be since I was old enough to talk- I wouldn't trade this life for anything, but it doesn't mean it isn't the hardest job ever either.

Before I share my struggles with them, let me say that I love my children with my whole being and that they each have so many wonderful, endearing qualities about them. I could go on and on about all the things I love about them and wouldn't want to change about them, but it just seems that the bad are outweighing me enjoying the good in them.

My struggles with Nathan stem from his ADHD and all that that entails. We were having success with the meds, but lately they don't seem to be working. We have stopped and will be seeing the doctor tomorrow to see where we go from here. Dan and I feel like he shouldn't take it this summer (gain some needed weight) and have him begin again in August- but we will see what the doctor thinks. Nathan complains about having to do anything related to school (spring fever or ADHD?) and often doesn't like the food you put in front of him (picky, picky). Nathan also seems to have reverted to a lot of his toddler behavior (simple minded and destructive) . I take partial responsibility for this since I haven't been on top of it and now it seems to be out of control. I don't know if this is ADHD related or him just regressing.

My struggles with Jason are with his strong will. He doesn't like to be told what to do, he wants to do things his way and he hates losing. Not good behavior for going into Kindergarten. His emotions are also hot and cold. One minute I hear, "you are the best mom I ever had" and then I get, "I am so mad at you, I don't like you". Honestly, I have let the good and the bad just go in what ear and out the other so that I am not effected by either (not good and totally avoiding the problem).

So, after praying and talking to some good friends, Dan and I sat down with the kids today and talked about how things have been and where they are going from today forward. For each behavior(s) that they struggle with we are starting new behaviors. We have told them what is and isn't acceptable and what the consequences (or rewards) are for their actions. The one thing that seems to work for them as far as consequences are is "screen time". They love watching movies and playing on the computer (or the DS for Nathan). Time will be taken from them when they don't do the things we agreed on. I am prayerful that this will work and that we build some better habits and behaviors for now and for life!!

A Chapter Ends

Today was Jason's last day at preschool. Not only was it his last day, but it was my last day too. I have been a part of Irvine Community Nursery School for 4 years now. I served on the board for 3 of the 4 and made some forever friends.

Ms. Donna and Ms. Tanya have been wonderful teachers to both of my boys and we will miss them very much (of course, we will have to visit from time to time).

Ms. Tanya and Jason

Ms. Donna and The Crouts

"Hungry, Hungry-I am hungry. Table, Table- Here I come. I could eat a goose, moose burger, 15 pickles and a purple plum."- our ICNS snack song

A Fun Day with Friends

Today we got to spend the afternoon with my sweet friend Carrie and her two boys. We traveled down to Vista for the afternoon and evening since there was no school in Irvine (thanks to the furlough days).

A little Nintendo DS time- Nathan and Burke

"No Flash Photography"- Jason and Derek

I learned a new game (to me) called Bananagrams and it was sooooo much fun. I don't think I stopped making words (unless I was telling my kids to stop doing something they weren't supposed to be doing).Carrie is my dear friend whom I have known since I was 13. We have shared much of our life together and have especially enjoyed being moms together. Being with her is like a drink of cold water or a cleansing breath- she makes my heart sing and puts a smile on my face- I love her dearly!!

Blueberry Picking

Today I joined 4 other families to go blueberry picking. 5 moms and 14 kids loaded up into 3 minivans and drove an hour to Temecula for a little adventure. My kids didn't even ride in the same car with me and Jason managed to ride in each of the 3 cars.

We visited The Temecula Berry Co. which was amazing. There stood rows of beautiful blueberry bushes that begged to be picked. I didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised at how easy the ripe berries were plucked from the stems. We ate almost as many as we bought (is there a rule against this? If so, don't tell me). The kids had so much fun running around and seeing who could get the biggest ones. It was a beautiful day!!We left there and headed to Tom's Farm in Temescal Canyon. We stopped off for a picnic lunch and let the kids run around while we mom's chatted in the shade.

By the time we got back home the boys were tired and ready for some inside time. I on the other hand felt compelled to make something with our fabulous blueberries ($5 per pint). I Googled blueberry muffins and found a great recipe. Muffins are a sure thing in my house and I knew that everyone would eat them and love them (and they did).
I made these babies from scratch and had so much fun. They tasted as good as the look!! I can't wait to make something else (or just eat) with our basket of berries.

I think this was an adventure that we ALL want to repeat next year!!