Crew 8 Week Photos...

It has taken me a few weeks to upload Crew's 8 week photos. Here are a couple of my favorites.

I haven't had a chance to edit the photos because I don't have Photoshop on my new computer yet. But thought they turned out cute!

Wow-What a Week...

This week was really tiring. Greg was out of town all week for work. This was the first time I had all 3 kids by myself for 5 days straight. We made it through though. My mom came and helped for the first couple days and that was really nice to have her around. The last few days went quickly. The hardest part about the week is Crew had his 2 month immunizations and was really fussy. He wanted to be held constantly. Hopefully Greg doesn't have to leave again anytime soon!

Picture of Crew...

My family has been waiting for me to post a picture. This was taken today. He is 9 weeks and 2 days old.

New Toy...

I am so excited about my new laptop. I have wanted an Apple Laptop for the past couple of years. Our good friends Bradey and Ali have Apple computers and have showed us all the cool features that come with using an Apple. We got home from Christmas and I asked Greg about getting a laptop and he said maybe in April. A few days after being home, our PC started crashing. Greg reluctantly agreed that I could finally order my laptop because he can't live without his ESPN internet surfing. I have only had it for one day and absolutely love it.

All day today Cannon insisted that "I love my laptop more than him."

Menu for 1-13-08

No menu this week.  No Husband = No Menu.  My diet this week will consist of Mac and Cheese, Cereal, Sandwiches, etc.  Kid Friendly are my thoughts, but I will leave you with a favorite recipe of ours! 

P.S.  This is the perfect Sunday dinner.  Put it in the oven before you leave for church and come home to a dinner that is waiting for you!

Sad Sick Baby...

I was so excited to make it through Thanksgiving and Christmas without getting sick.  I jumped up and down with joy in my mind thinking we had dodge a big bullet.  With much disappointment, Crew is really, really sick.  It breaks my heart and is also a big worry when he is still so little.  He is running almost 102 fever without any relief from the Tylenol.  We took him into the doctor today to make sure his lungs sound clear and to see why the Tylenol isn't dropping his temperature.  After a quick lab of blood work, it looks like he doesn't have a bacterial infection, just a virus which I figured since Cannon and I have been sick since Sunday night.  I hope he gets better quick.  I love to hold him, but not when I know he is hurting so much.  Hopefully we both aren't up all night.   

8 weeks today...

Crew is 8 weeks today.  I can not believe how fast time has flown by.  Some of the big milestones in the past two weeks are

-Crew is now smiling (not just on accident)

-Crew is now cooing

-Crew has slept through the night twice (please try to do this consistently)

-His legs are getting chubby

-He plays magic tricks (He fell out of the rocking chair when I was out of the room) Sad Mommy

-He knows how to get his own way.  He loves to be held and knows just the right cry to get me or daddy to give in.

-I am trying to get him to like the cute Nuk binki's instead of the hospital ones.

He has been such a joy.  We love you so much.

P.S. 8 week picture to come~

Crew's Baby Blessing

We had such a wonderful day on Sunday.  I was so emotional just watching Greg walk up to the front of the chapel and then he gave Crew a wonderful blessing.  We had so much love and support from all of our family and friends.  Crew looked absolutely precious in his blessing outfit.  It was just as I imagined. 

Crew is so lucky to have such amazing Grandma's and Grandpa's.  He even still has two Great Grandma's that are alive.  One was able to come to Idaho for the blessing.  He also has great aunts and uncles that were able to come.

Dinner Menu...

One of my goals for the New Year is to try one new recipe a week.  I hope this will inspire me to get my grocery shopping done with an organized list.  Nothing is better than a home cooked meal at the end of the day.   In order to accomplish this goal, I thought it would be fun to have everyone join in and try to share one dinner meal recipe a week on their blog.  If you try something new that is fantastic, please share it.  If you would like to join in and don't have a blog, post your recipe to the comment section, and if you do have a blog and want to join in, please post your blog address in the comment section.  Also, if you have your own blog and want to join in, post it on your blog as well so we can get a lot of people!  Another thing you can do is post your menu for the week, so others can get inspiration!

My Recipe is...

Chicken with Mushroom Gravy

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup milk

10 oz. package mushrooms (Sliced)

1- 4 oz. can diced green chilies (Do not drain)

1 envelope Italian dressing mix

1 oz. package cream cheese (cubed)

In a crock pot, put chicken in bottom.  In separate bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, mushrooms, green chilies, and dressing mix.  Stir well with whisk.  Pour over chicken and cook on low for 4 hours.  Add cubed cream cheese and cook for one more hour.  Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.  We like it with mashed potatoes.  Enjoy!

My menu for the week

Monday-Chicken with Mushroom Gravy, Potatoes, Corn

Tuesday-Grilled Ham and Cheese and Tomato Soup

Wednesday-Leftovers from Monday

Thursday-Spaghetti, Breadsticks and Salad

Friday-Out

Saturday-Out

Sunday-Orange Chicken and Rice (This is my new recipe I am trying.  I will let you know if it is good)

Big Weekend Ahead...

After a rough week of recovering from Mastitis, we are approaching a big weekend.  We are blessing Crew this weekend.  I am so excited for Sunday.  What a special day.  Crew has been such a sweet baby and a great joy to me.  I am thankful for him.  It will be fun to have family in town for the weekend.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

100th Post...

Wow, I can't believe this is my 100th Post.  Here are 100 frivolous facts about me...

Download 100th_blog_entry.doc

Goals...

Last night I was talking to the kids about setting goals.  I asked them if they new what a goal was.  Cannon excitedly said he new what a goal was and went on to say, "It is when you kick a soccer ball into the net."  I couldn't stop laughing.  Maybe that is the approach I will take to goals this year!

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008...

Wow what a year!  We all stayed awake until after midnight last night except for our sweet Cannon.  He is just like me and craves a good night's sleep!

Top 7 highlights of 2007

-Greg and Emily went on a cruise with friends to the Bahamas, St. Martin, and St. Thomas!  We had a great time and enjoyed a little vacation from the kiddies.

-We went to Disneyworld and on the Disney Cruise with the Wolthuis clan!

-We went to Park City and celebrated Grandma Healy's 95 birthday.  She is truly a sweetheart and a big piece of heaven in all our lives!

-We moved into our new house and are loving the neighbors, extra space, and big garage we are now calling home!

-We welcomed our 3rd child Crew Healy into our home on November 14th.  He have truly enjoyed him and look forward to all the years to come!

-The boys have truly loved to play sports this year and Greg and I have enjoyed watching them excel and learn.  They spent many hours in the front yard this summer playing football and T-ball.  Cannon played soccer for the first time through the YMCA and Colton played soccer, football, T-ball and basketball on city leagues this year!  What fun.

-Health and happiness.  We are very lucky to say that 2007 passed with many wonderful memories.  We have truly had a blessed year.  We are so thankful for our family and friends that bring love and warmth to our hearts. 

In 2008 I would like to

-Read my scriptures nightly and read to the children as well

-Faithfully hold Family Home Evening

-Say meaning prayers morning and night kneeling

-Try one new recipe a week

-Continue to learn patience with my children

-Spend many qualities hours with my children

-Learn how to take better pictures with my new camera

-Continue to update my blog

-Try to give service to someone in need once a week

-Hold Crew as much as he will let me without complaining because time passes way to quckly.  Colton and Cannon will barely hug and kiss me now!

I am glad to post my goals and hopefully this will help me stick to them!

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008!

Pictures From Christmas...

One of our favorite things to do during our Christmas Eve party is sing MUST BE SANTA.  Here are some of the singers caught in action!

One of our favorite traditions is painting Christmas cookies.  I have been doing this since I was a little girl!  I am glad that my boys are doing it now!

Greg was in charge of the camera because I was holding a sleeping baby, but here are some pictures of Christmas morning at the DeVries home.  We went there for breakfast and opened presents.  We always enjoy are time at Grandpa and Grandma D. home, but one of the boys highlights from this day was being pulled on the sled behind the snowmobile.  Thanks Grandpa for the fun! 

This picture is adorable...

Colton was so excited that Santa stopped in Idaho Falls and brought his Denver Bronco's stocking to Utah

Cannon was excited because Santa used his hat for his stocking!

Crew and I enjoyed watching everyone open their gifts

My Dads favorite gift was his boble head of Monk

Christmas would have been an absolute let-down without the boys receiving their WII.  They waited until 9:30 p.m. Christmas night to open this gift.  I think they were excited!

We had a wonderful Christmas! 

Just A Quick Update...

Our holiday vacation in Utah has passed by so quickly.  I can't believe we have almost been here a week and we have not done half of what we had on the agenda.  So here is a quick recap of our week.

Sunday...We arrived Sunday evening just in time for our annual Christmas Eve party with my Mom's family.  We always have a great time together.  On the drive down from Utah, Colton said the present game we play every year is one of his highlights of the year.  We ate yummy pasta, had a short spiritual message, sang songs, and exchanged gifts. 

Monday...Christmas Eve.  We hung out at my Mom's most of the day and then went to Texas Roadhouse with Greg's parents and brother Steve.  Then we went back to his parent's house and enjoyed playing a few games.  It was a snowy day and I kept saying, "Please let it snow more!"  We had a wonderful low key night and put the kids to bed early. 

Tuesday...Christmas.  We had a wonderful Christmas morning.  The boys were excited that Santa came and Colton was especially excited that Santa stopped by the house in Idaho Falls and surprised him with his Denver Bronco's stocking.  However, the excitement shortly came to a halt as Colton would tear a tiny piece of paper from each present and when he saw it wasn't a WII, he would put the wrapping paper back up on the gift. He tried to be gracious and happy, but his body language and sadness in his eyes told us differently.  After we opened all the presents and went out to get into the car to go to Grandma and Grandpa DeVries' home, he said, "I still have two chances to get a WII.  One at Grandma and Grandpa D. and one at Grandma Grandma's."  Our Christmas Morning turned quickly into a nightmare and we ventured down my parent's (hill) driveway and came towards the bottom of the hill and Greg lost control of the car on the icy hill and the car went off the hill.  The fence post and barb wire stopped the car from rolling, but we did not know that one tire was completely off the ground.  I got out quickly and got the kids out of the car and Greg climbed his way out.  We had to cut the barb wire and my uncle pulled the car out with his truck.  We are very lucky we didn't roll and no one was hurt.  It was a very terrifying experience.  Since the accident, the boys are scared to drive up and down the hill.  But, we had a great rest of the day.  We had a wonderful breakfast at Greg's parents and the boys spent most of the afternoon out in the field on the Snowmobile and sled.  Then we rounded out the night at my Grandma Char's house and had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed spending time with each other.  To top the night off, we finally received the WII (Brittney's brother brought it up from Provo Christmas afternoon) for the boys and surprised them with one last gift at 9:30 that night.  They opened the WII and Colton could not stop smiling.  I am so glad that he had a wonderful Christmas and got his WII.  Thank you KSL.com because we had been looking every where for one.  The boys kept saying the elves would make them one and not to worry.  Don't we wish it was really that way!

Wednesday...We spent most of the day addicted to playing Guitar Hero and then we went to Cafe Rio for dinner and played games with the family.

Thursday...We spent the day shopping in Salt Lake and then went to PF Chang's for dinner and played games with the family.

Friday...We are off to bowling at The Junction.  (Colton and Cannon's favorite place to go in Ogden)

Saturday...Packing up to go home and party with cousins.

Wow, what a jammed packed week.  We will need a vacation from our vacation.  But, the memories are wonderful that we make every Christmas.  We are thankful for our very many blessings!

Keep watching for all our pictures to post when we get home from Utah!

Go Cougars...

Tonight was the BYU bowl game.  We can't believe they actually won with the blocked field goal at the end.  Here are some of our pictures!

Our Christmas Tradition...

Our little Christmas tradition is going to a steakhouse to eat as a family and then taking the kids to sit on Santa's lap.  This year we did it a few days early because we are going to be in Utah on Christmas eve.  Here are a few pictures from the evening.

Cheeseburger Soup...

There is nothing better than a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter night for dinner. Also, you can't beat the yummy leftovers you can warm up for lunch the next day. Soup is a great way to feed a big holiday crowd! I got this awesome recipe from my good friend Amber. Ever since we had it for the first time, it has become one of our family favorites.

Crew 5 Weeks...

We are still loving Crew so much. 

Frozen Fruit Salad...

This is a great side dish with any meal. It is fun to serve because it is still frozen which makes for something different when it comes to side dishes.

Hot Dip...

This is one of our all time favorites. This is the perfect beginning to every family party. Everyone standing around the crock pot and dipping their chips, shooting the bull!

Santa Letters...

On Saturday we went to drop off our Santa letters.  In town they have a drop box that you can put your Santa letters in and then they will write and mail a letter back. 

Well, before we left to take our letters, we were trying to take our family picture and Cannon was throwing a fit and said he wouldn't be in the picture.  So, we called Santa.  Santa said that if Cannon didn't take pictures he wouldn't be able to bring him presents on Christmas Eve.  After the phone call he cooperated, but when it came time to take the letters he said, "I am not going, I hate Santa."  Then he found out the real Santa wasn't going to be there, so he came. 

 Such drama!

Trying to smile...

This is what happens when a smile goes wrong.  The word here is trying!

Christmas Card...

2007 has been quite a year for our family.

Greg is beginning his 7th year with AstraZeneca.  He still enjoys selling drugs!  He has been trying to stay fit this year by getting up at 6 a.m. to play basketball and he also played on a flag football team this fall.  He is still trying to relive his younger years, but soon found out that his body isn’t so young anymore!  He is still serving in the Young Men’s in the ward. 

Emily had a hard year.  She spent many hours sick and in bed due to pregnancy, but the reward was our sweet baby boy Crew!  She still enjoys staying home and taking care of the kids.  In her spare time she enjoys spending time with the family, going to lunch with friends, blogging, watching her shows on Tivo, and shopping.  She is also staying busy serving in the Relief Society Presidency in the ward.

Colton started 1^st Grade this year.  It has been a nice break for Mom to have him in school all day.  He is doing great in school, but his life revolves around sports.  He loves to play sports, watch sports, and even plays all the sports games on Nintendo.  Welcome Emily to life with boys!

Cannon has had to adjust to life without Colton being around all day.  He gets very bored being home with Mom all day.  He is also trying to adjust to Mommy having to give attention to Crew during the day.  He enjoys preschool, playing with his friends, and playing sports with Colton. 

Crew was born on November 14, 2007.  He weighed 8lbs. 2oz.  He is a healthy and happy baby.  We are so lucky to have him in our home.

Some of our highlights for the year are going on the Disney Cruise, camping, Park City, and Crew’s birth.  We reflect during this holiday season on all our many blessings.  We hope this letter finds each of you happy and healthy.  We wish you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

    

Crying...

I am literally sitting here at my computer, crying and attempting to type with one hand as I hold my precious little Crew and realizing that my arm is feeling tired and heavy from holding him.  Crew is only 4 1/2 weeks old and he is getting bigger and growing and changing every day.  Why does this make me sad?  Well I have been sitting here pondering this, and this is my conclusion. 

-It took us over a year to conceive our precious little boy

-He doesn't talk back

-He sleeps most of the day and night

-I can hold him and he cuddles into my body

-He is a Mommy's boy already (O.K. a Daddy's boy too)

-I laid in bed last night listening to Greg sing to Crew and rock him (It melted my heart)

-Having a baby reminds me of the true miracle life is and strengthens my testimony

-I love being a Mom

Crew 4 Weeks...

4 weeks, it has gone by so fast.  I really want to freeze time and keep him this age for at least a few more months.  Today we went to the doctor and Crew weighs 9 lbs. 8 oz.  Wow, he must be drinking cream instead of milk.  The past few weeks have been great.  I have loved every second of having Crew in my life.  Crew so far is a very good baby.  He is sleeping so well at night.  He is only getting up once.  He loves bath time.  He especially loves when I get him in the big tub with me.  He loves to be held.  He loves his blankets to touch his face when he is trying to go to sleep.  I feel like I can really tell what he needs when he cries (hungry cry, sleepy cry, and when he wants to be held.)  Our family is so blessed.  We thank Heavenly Father every day for Crew.  Greg and I are lucky to have 3 amazing boys in our lives and I am lucky to have 4 amazing boys in my life.   

Me and My Boys...

I told Greg that I didn't have a picture of Crew and me except one from the hospital. So here it is...
and it is almost impossible to get a good picture of all 3 boys but here it is...

Nativity FHE...

Last night we did our Family Home Evening on the Nativity. I figured after Colton's episode with his show and tell, we better take a night and review the story with Colton and Cannon. After we did a fun little activity, we gave them their own Nativity from Grandma V. to put in their room. I still have the one my Grandma gave me. Mine is very special and I reflect on my wonderful memories of my Grandma Char every year when I pull it out. I hope the boys will have a special place in their heart for their Nativity set.

Colton & Cannon

Colton took his nativity set to school with him for show and tell. When he got home from school and was taking the nativity set out of his backpack, I asked him what he said to explain the nativity to his classmates. He responded, "This is Noah and this is Mary." My mom and I looked at each other completely mortified. He told everybody that Joseph was Noah. Yes, I do try to teach my children. Guess with need a little more Family Home Evening on this one!

When my Mom was here helping with the baby, we were riding in the car and Cannon said "comed" for come and my Mom told Cannon that was not correct English. Cannon continued to say things wrong on the drive and my Mom kept trying to correct him. Finally Cannon said, "Grandma, why are you trying to teach me a different language." Leave it to children to give us the laugh for the day.

I am Obsessed...

I am obsessed with baby shoes. I never really put shoes on Colton and Cannon because they always seemed to fall off. This is a pair of cute shoes that Crew wore the other day!

Baby Crew 3 Weeks Today...

I am fascinated with watching Crew. It is so funny that in a matter of minutes they can change their face into so many different expressions. This is what I caught on camera in about 2 minutes.

Girlfriend's Christmas Party...

I was invited to a girlfriend's Christmas Party on Friday and I had such a good time. The two hostess's put so much work into the night. We started off the evening with appetizers and painted a darling picture frame then put the ribbon on it and the word joy with vinyl lettering. I love it, it is so cute!



Then we went to Johnny Carinos for dinner. We ended the night with dessert and a dessert exchange. We were suppose to bring a yummy dessert with a cute tray and played the number exchange game. This is the dessert and tray I came home with. The cake was super yummy and the cake stand is so cute!



This was definitely a fun night. Thanks Hilary and Shelly!

And a special thanks to Greg for taking care of the new Baby Crew, so I could enjoy my night out! They did great together. Here is a picture of Crew sleeping away before I left.

Baby Training...

After all the helpers have gone home and we are all alone with the baby, we started our baby training last night. Baby Crew loves to be rocked back to sleep after he has woken up to nurse in the night. Last night I was so exhausted after I fed him at 11:30, I couldn't even think about rocking him to sleep. I laid him in his crib and crawled into my bed. After a few short minutes the crying began. I told Greg, "He is fine, I fed him and he has a clean diaper. Let's just let him cry for a few minutes." After 4 minutes of fussing, he was off to dream land and so were Greg and I. He is such a sweet boy. I love him so much!

Two Weeks...

Wow, I can't believe that Crew has been a part of our family for two weeks. We have had many different emotions these last two weeks. Crew has certainly enjoyed making us worry about him more than once. After a short spurt in the NICU and a lump forming on his head, we have said many prayers on his behalf. But, inspite of all the worry, we have loved having him around. Although I didn't exactly plan on having a four year gap between Cannon and the baby, I feel this age difference has really allowed me to be able to give Crew lots of love and attention. I have had the time to really enjoy him because Colton and Cannon are old enough to entertain themselves for the most part. I am so thankful Heavenly Father has given me the opportunity to be a mother to yet another boy. I love him so much and just after two weeks can't imagine life without him. He truly has been an amazing baby. Crew does not cry very much. He is content most of the time. He loves to be rocked to sleep. He loves to be held. He loves to have a bath. Hopefully Crew will stay this way. Sometimes babies can have personality shifts after a few weeks.



I really love this newborn stage except for the nights. I really don't want him to get any bigger. I wish I could freeze time for a little while longer.