Stomp

Here's a vid like I promised from the Stomp I got to see in New York with Leslie and Alex. They were using water cooler jugs to make beautiful music.

American Idol Top 10!

tonight's the night. who do you think did best, worst? who will be voted off? we welcome all comments.

Easter/Update

I have been really bad about taking pictures of Lilia. After those first pictures I only took two pictures of her until yesterday. Colby and Eva still love her so much she can't get a decent nap. (As I'm writing this they won't leave her alone in her swing!) She has really fair skin. In those first pictures of her I posted she was a little jaundice, so it made her skin look darker. She might be lighter than Colby, and her hair is lighter than both Colby and Eva's. I'm still suffering from sleep deprivation, but not much I can do about that. At her two week appointment she was back to her birth weight plus some! 7 lbs 13 oz and 21 1/2 inches. They measured her 19 1/2 at the hospital, which I just figured had to be off...because there's no way she's grown 2 inches in 2 weeks!
On Saturday we went on an Easter egg hunt at Ross Park. There were so many people Colby and Eva only got 2 eggs each, but they had a good time and got to see the Easter Bunny. I accidently cut off his ears in the picture, I wasn't paying attention to that part. We had some delicious eggs benedict for lunch after church on Sunday. I meant to take pictures of the kids in their Easter clothes after church, because we somehow ran out of time before.......BUT Colby drooled some chocolate on his sweater and then I took off Lilia's dress before I thought to take a picture of her. The kids had a great time with their Easter baskets. I hope you all had a great Easter. Love you all!

As easy as riding a bike...

Grace learned how to ride her bike today!!  Ray took the training wheels off a few months ago when she asked him to, but then she was too scared to ride without them.  She kept asking Ray to put them back on, but he told her that once they are off you can't put them back on.  That always kindof made me a little sad for some reason, but I knew he was right.  I guess life is full of doing things that are hard, but for the best for your children.  Anyway, they worked on it a lot for the last couple of days and she is a pro now!!  It's like she has riding her bike all her life!  She stayed out there for a long time to practice and can start and stop on her own now.  Great job, Grace!!  (She didn't get hurt when she fell, by the way :)

Home sweet home

I finally got my tonsils out on Friday. To my most pleasant surprise, the recovery so far has not been nearly as horrible as I expected. (Thanks, everyone, for the prayers!) Being in Pocatello while I get better definitely beats the alternative: hanging around alone at my home in Arlington every day while my roommates are at work. Mom is taking real good care of me, making sure I eat the right things and take all my meds. Plus, things have definitely been interesting around here...

Mom and Dad got a beautiful new chandelier for the entry, and we were able to get it all installed, thanks to Dad's handiwork (although we were up past 1:00AM getting it done). Hopefully these pics will help you to appreciate the intricacies of his home-made scaffolding.


Just in case things didn't hold up, we covered the entry floor with every pillow we could find upstairs. I think there were about 5,280.

Sarah-Dawn managed to convince her boss to let her take a load of cars to Boise, and on her way back to CA she stopped for the night in Poky. (Did everyone know she's a car hauler? She's keeping a journal of experiences and is probably going to publish a book about it when she's done. It's going to be hysterical.) She may have kept me up later than I should have been, but I'm pretty sure she helped with my recovery by just being around.

The next day we went to a matinee of the rodeo with Mom and Colby. We wanted to get a real feel for the event, so S-D and I dressed up as cowgirls. (Thank you, DI.)

(In case you need proof, here's her truck.)

All in all, I'm having a great time being at home. Fortunately for me, mom has been around to force me to rest and remind me that I just barely had surgery. She even put off a Nirtz tournament so I could go to bed. (Now that is love.) We'll save that one for after Colin and Lori arrive.

The Big Apple

Just wanted to say hi to everyone. No kids...so you'll have to settle for pictures of the boring adults. ;-)

I was in NYC for work last week, and Abby and Alex joined me for part of the trip. We had a great time. We walked for miles each night to find the perfect places for dinner, but it was worth it. We ate some amazing NY/Italian pizza, great Thai and some killer hot dogs with banana and coconut juice.

We saw Stomp, which was really cool if none of you have ever seen it. I think we'd all highly recommend it. We rode the subway all over the place, which is an adventure in and of itself. Seriously, some of the guys we saw break dancing underground were probably some of the best I've ever seen.

And of course, there's always shopping. Abby bought some very cute Levi's (finally!!) that make her look like a size 2. And Alex bought some as well that make him look like a size... He also got a really nice "Coach" bag for his sister. New York will never be at a loss for fake goods.

So, that's the update from the kidless crew. I leave again on another work trip this Sunday night. This time it's to Argentina and Brazil. Alex is meeting up with me in Sao Paulo for a few days and then we'll make our way down to Rio de Janeiro. I do feel blessed that we have the time and the means (my job + frequent flyer miles) to do this stuff. I know it won't always be this way, and I'll be more than happy to give up constant travel when the little ones come. I'd much rather be posting their pictures.

Love you all and think of you every day!

I want to see kid pictures!

How are everyone's children? I would love to see some recent shots. I know I am old now, because all I really hope to see when I sign-in is pictures of the sweet ones. Anyway. Here is Valerie's easter picture a lady I know took at her studio yesterday. She has a sweet Nikon D80. I must have one of those one day.

I will post a picture of "Spike" after my next ultrasound on April 8. Pretty crazy- that will be three by 13 weeks...

Another one...

This Macaroni and cheese is EXCELLENT and does not require making (my most-dreaded) white sauce. I like it because it is cheesy and yummy! I topped it with a good 1.5 cups of cheddar because that is my favorite part, but little did I know... Me being in a delicate condition, I could not eat the cheese, so Matt got doubles (FYI- that is the Man Sandwich and Mac and cheese with no running for Matt this weekend, he is in a weakened state, losers!)


I only could eat a serving the length and width of my Pampered chef spatula, minus the yummy topping and Valerie ate about the same portion size. One guess as to whom ate the rest... BTW, I halved it (1 cup heavy cream + 2 eggs). There are only 3 of us...


It is good though, I promise...

My Mama’s Macaroni and Cheese

1 16 oz. pkg. macaroni noodles, cooked in salted water

1 pint of heavy whipping cream

At least 1 lb of medium cheddar cheese

about 1/2 lb. of muenster cheese

3 eggs, beaten up in the whipping cream

about 1/2 stick of butter….butter is better than margarine

Boil the macaroni until tender. Taste it, and if it’s too salty, just rinse the noodles under running water right in the colander.

Melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in the bottom of your casserole, and put one layer of noodles in. Layer about 1/2 of the cheddar cheese, muenster cheese and a few pats of butter on this layer. Put another layer of noodles and then another layer of cheese and a few pats of butter. Mix the eggs up with the cream and pour over the entire casserole. Dot with any additional butter on top.

Bake uncovered at 375 for about 20 minutes and check it. Slide the back of a spoon down one side of the casserole, and it should be congealed….not runny at all. If it’s still runny, continue to bake and check it about every 5 minutes until you get the custardy consistancy. Serve hot….if you wait until the cheese cools off it’s not nearly as good.

Arvilla Rides Again

So, Mom and I went to the movie last night - "Bonneville" with Jessica Lange starring as Arvilla, a grieving widow who makes a trip with a couple of friends, Kathy Bates and Joan Allen (one a jack-Mormon and the other active,) from their home in Pocatello, ID to Santa Barbara, CA, in a Pontiac Bonnevile convertable. Pretty good movie, with some scenes (mostly highway) of Pocatello, SLC, and other areas of Utah. Lots of references to Mormons, Pocatello, and Arvilla. Pretty good. Worth seeing. See the link below.

http://www.bonnevillethemovie.com

The screenplay writer (name of Davis) is apparently from Downey, ID, and I thought for a while that he might have known my mother, and thereby named the main character after her. I've known of only one other Arvilla. But, I see on the website that he created the characters after his own grandmother Arvilla, and a couple of her friends, one of them named Criddle (Kathy Bates), and thereby, likely related to your Mom (through Great Grandma Criddle-Christensen). So the movie character Arvilla was obviously not my mother, since I have no Davis relatives. Anyway, I thought you would find this interesting and nostalgic.

Dad

March Madness

Anyone want to do a NCAA Mens basketball bracket for the tournament? I have created a group on espn.com. I would love to encourage all to participate! Even if you don't know one thing about mens college basketball. It is still fun. Dana and I have been doing them the past couple of years, and it has been a lot of fun.
You might even find a couple teams you want to cheer for, or boo, BYU?, Boise State?, Oklahoma? Duke? Virginia Tech?(Oh, wait. Maybe VT in the NIT)
Maybe the winner could get one of those awsome looking manwiches.
Anyway, here is what you do:
Go to: http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/frontpage
Sign up for a free account.
Once signed in, go to the "My Groups +" Tab above "My Entry"
Click on "Create or Join a Group"
Search for "Croshaw Clan"
Password: croshaws
Then you can fill out your bracket and have it posted to the group.
Hope to see your bracket!
Jason

American Idol top 11

onto a new week. comments?

Man work deserves MAN MEAL

So this morning, Matt and I went grocery shopping, and upon our return I mumbled out loud how awful the front yard looked. It is covered by brown/white/grey grass (which we cant do anything about) and the beds were full of hay-like grass and weeds and the mulch looked terrible.

So, while I set out to be a good daughter and fix my mom's webpage (which took forever and really tried my patience), then go for a run/jog/walk (first time in oh... 9 months), Matt was still working hard, so I decided to make him a treat that I have heard, he will think is heaven on earth because now our front yard looks much better, even the neighbor came over to comment. I wish she would have taken the bird with her, man is Sydney annoying.

Valerie and her friend pitched in until Valerie broke her Crocs (only her FAVORITE SHOES :-/) then replaced then with flip flops and proceded to attempt and sever her big toe with a shovel (to which I gave my standard, must-not-freak-her-out-by-panicking response "Why'dja do that?!"



So, Matt is currently eating his treat and keeps saying "mmmmm." My sources were telling the truth.

As for me, I stay away from cow for the most part, but I think Valerie will like it, she can try it when she is done playing with her friend next door.




Man’s Favorite Sandwich
2 to 3 pounds cube steak (tenderized round steak that’s been extra-tenderized
1 large onion OR 2 small/medium onions
4 French/Deli rolls
Butter, man
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
Worcestershire Sauce
Tabasco

-Slice onions and cook in 1/4 stick butter until soft and light brown. Remove and set aside.
-Slice cube steak against the grain. Season with Lawry’s.
-Heat 2 TBSP butter over high heat (in same skillet) until melted and beginning to brown.
-Add meat in single layer. Cook one side until brown, then flip and cook until brown, about a minute on both sides.
-Add 1/2 cup (at least) Worcestershire sauce, 5 to 6 shakes Tabasco, and 2 TBSP butter. Add cooked onions. Stir to combine.
-Butter halved French rolls and brown on skillet.
-To assemble, lay bottom half of French roll on plate. Place meat mixture, followed by a spoonfull of juice from the pan. Top with other half of roll, cut in half, and devour!

And go get on the Stairmaster. Now.


He has lost a ton of weight since December (even his doctor congratulated him) and I dont feel like barfing- I think that run/jog/walk helped and he worked really hard. So this recipe is for the ladies to make when their better halves are in ultimate deserving mode. It is really simple and it smells great. Oh yeah, I added mushrooms to the sauteing onions and muenster cheese (wish we would have had provolone...)

Happy Birthday Big Guy! March 16th

Lilia's Twin- my nephew, Gavin

Gavin is my littlest brother's (not literally, he is a giant) baby. He was born 2 hours after Lilia, but definitely not after one push. His wife was induced 26 hours before...

He is a cutie- on my side, we have now 3 nieces and 3 nephews (but with Valerie it is 4 girls and 3 boys)... I am sorta hoping for a drama-free boy, but girls clothes are much better. Either way, I will be thrilled completely.

Anyway, here is Gavin Reed Scott.

SCARY TREND of College Violence

Wow- last year's tragedy at Tech really publicized the lack of adequate security for us on college campuses. Last night during Idol, I got a text then a voicemail alerting of an attack at MBC. So this is REALLY SCARY following the deaths last week of the sweet Auburn student Lauren and the dynamic amazing Eve from UNC-Chapel Hill!

STAUNTON - An unidentified man attacked and robbed a 22-year-old Vermont woman Tuesday night on the campus of Mary Baldwin College, the Staunton Police Department said.

Authorities said the woman was standing outside of Kable Hall when she was punched in the back of the head by an unknown man. The woman, who was visiting a friend on campus, said her wallet containing identification cards was stolen. The attack took place about 7 p.m.

Police said the man was described as white, about 40 years old, heavyset and slightly balding. He was wearing a blue polo shirt and khaki pants.

No arrests were made. Police said the case remains active.

The victim did not require medical attention.

Snow, snow go away!!

Oh, will spring ever arrive. It was just 60 degrees the Monday before the snow storm. The picture of the garage is on Saturday and the other pictures are from Monday. We had a very large drift that accumulated on the right side of the driveway. Colin shoveled 3 times on Saturday and then we shoveled it all again on Monday. He hadn't slept all night either. Needless to say he was very tired and I have a new respect for him for all the times he's gone out and had to shovel. We will be hiring a plow next year if we stay. A snowblower would require someone to run it. Colin isn't around enough and hiring a plow is cheaper. The day we shoveled was nice and sunny, we stayed out for about 2 hours and you can see that Jack had had it. The picture of Jack is Mia's creation and he wore it for just about all day. Poor boy has had to wear purple snow boots all winter. I was sure he would hardly use them but he has worn them quite a few times. Good thing he doesn't care about that thing yet.

American Idol II

Ok, new posts for a new week of competition. After 15 comments, we should start a new one.

Lilia Kate

This is how they did her hair after her first bath...just to show you how much hair she has!! I can't believe it. Just about to go home from the hospital. I forget how TINY they look in their car seats.
Here are some pictures. Colby and Eva love their new little sister so much, it's so sweet...I love watching them love her. She is such a good baby so far. She hardly ever cries and she loves her binky. Our first night home wasn't as easy as the first night at the hospital. She doesn't seem to want to sleep in her bassinet, but sleeps fine if she's laying by her mommy or daddy. We're trying to get her used to her own bed, but she just loves to cuddle so much. :) Wish you could all have a chance to cuddle with her right now...Becky's right, these first few days are the best.

Lilia Kate Delgadillo--March 7, 2008

I have a couple of good videos to download, and if someone can call me and walk me through it, i will put them on the blog. she is adorable. one of my videos shows the clock at 3:07 p.m. we were waiting for the dr. he arrived a minute or so later, and she was delivered at 3:14 p.m. not too bad a days work for dr. ramsden. she gently made her way into the world, not causing too much fuss. she is adorable, as you can see from the photos. my cup runneth over, and we are just getting started with the babies this year. love you all. xoxoxo mom/debby/grandma

The REAL American Idol

I told you Valerie is getting into the show- she was looking up 80's songs (and of course I have them all but jitterbug ;-) and this was her favorite (good taste!)

Recently Heard on The Office

So I think the tv show discussions are a little one sided. We need more parity with our tv show comments.
Here's a great line heard on an office rerun tonight. It's Michael talking to one of his co-workers at the telemarketing place he had to take a 2nd job at:
"What's the dollar worth in your country. Medical school must have cost you like 40 bucks, or a donkey. If I lived there I'd be chief of surgery, or a cowboy."
Brilliant. I need to change my answer on the question thing about who you miss the most to the Office. This strike thing is worse than the baseball strike or the NBA strike. They need to get over it and start writing again.

American Idol

Hi everyone. it seems like there are a number of us who have been watching american idol. i think we should have weekly comments on the show. who is your favorite, who do you think will be kicked off, do you agree with simon, what do you think of paula? haven't seen it yet tonight, but it is on my list. happy viewing. debby/mom/grandma

Obi Kenobi

This was so cute I had to share.



So, siblings, can any of your kids rival that?

Spokane Bound

Crystal reminded me that I had not updated everyone on the status of our lives since my last post. We are going to be moving to Spokane, WA in the next few months!! It was such a great experience with Sprague, Ray's future employer. When he went in the meet with the owner of the company, Alfie, he told Ray that he wanted him to tell him exactly what he wanted, holding nothing back because he didn't want Ray or his family to feel disappointed with the result. Ray and I had talked about this the night before and Ray decided to ask for more than he was initially thinking in order to make it worth our while. Anyway, he told them what he wanted and they didn't bat an eye, they gave him exactly what he wanted without any arguments!! They were very impressed with Ray and Ray is finally feeling appreciated professionally. We are really excited to be moving back to the west. Spokane is so beautiful, surrounded by mountains and pine trees everywhere. We are SO excited to be only a 7 hour drive from mom and dad, only 5 hours from Cascade :). So now we just have to get our house sold! They are being very flexible with the start date and are willing to give us a few months to get our house sold. He told Ray that he has seen how much stress it causes to have families separated or dealing with the financial strain of 2 mortgages and doesn't want to see that happen with us, so they are being amazingly flexible. I almost keep waiting for the catch. We feel so blessed and really see this as an answer to our prayers. I won't have to work anymore, which will definitely make things easier for our family. So now everyone just needs to pray that we can get our house sold!

PS-many many thanks to Leslie and Alex for watching Grace and Elliot, you have no idea what a relief it was to have someone take care of them who we can trust and who really love them. I think it was an eye opening experience for them!!  Grace and Elliot had so much fun, Grace won't stop talking about it!

Back from the islands

So I finally got to take my vacation on the company dime. Not surprisingly, Hawaii was a trip full of relaxation and clarity. I needed it bad. Yes, I did some work, too, and it was really interesting. Not just because I got to see the difference in caliber between students at BYU-Hawaii and University of Hawaii. My favorite Career fair moment was at UH when some girl walked up wearing a halter top, a mini skirt, and flip flops, and she said, "Hey, you guys have highlighters! These are so dope!" Yeah, real professional. My co-recruiter said some schools won't even let you in the career fair unless you're in a suit. Guess they're a little more lax in HI. I still don't really feel like enough of an adult to be on the interviewer side of the table - I feel like just as much of a kid as the people across the table from me - but I think I faked my way through it alright.

When I wasn't hard at work, I played with my old BYU-H adventure buddy, Ryan. By the end of my trip, his circle of friends was mine, too. We had some beach time, went to a pro soccer game (ahem, Beckham was playing. Cameras flashed all over the stadium every time he touched the ball), we camped out one night, ate at all my favorite cheapie restaurants, and went on a hike I've wanted to do since I lived there: Stairway to Heaven. This hike is intense - it's about 3900 steps straight up the face of a mountain. My legs were shaking the whole way down. Love it. I also got to pay a visit to my old favorite place of employment, the Polynesian Cultural Center. If I wasn't feeling so lazy, I'd figure out how to do the slide show with all my pics. But I am. So here are just some excerpts.

The hike (See the staircase behind me? That is but a small portion.)



At the top of the mountain

View from close to the top (it was all foggy at the tippy top, zero visibility. Oh well.)


I couldn't help myself. These guys were going about 20 mph and we were stuck behind them for miles. You can't see it, but the dude in the back has a vanity plate: BIGOLHG

My favorite PCC show, the New Zealand poi balls. I used to get this song stuck in my head every day when I was a tour guide.

The view from my hotel in Waikiki, where I only stayed a couple nights when I HAD to for work. (I know, it looks nice, but stay away from Waikiki if you can. Too much noise and people.)


Naturally, when Mormons camp out, we play Catch Phrase around the fire!

And we eat birthday cake. And smear it on each others' faces.


The beach where we camped, close to Kaena Point - the most northwesterly point on the island.

Why, oh why didn't we have Banyan trees where I grew up? This is all one tree. The next picture/vid is also part of the same tree. The roots grow down from the branches and plant themselves into the ground.


The vines I'm swinging on are some of the roots that haven't hit the ground yet...