Crane's Nest

Guess who just changed our life forever!

2012-01-24T05:44:00.001-08:00

We make kids with crazy hair...

2011-11-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hazel's Blessing Dress

2011-10-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

We blessed Hazel a bit late at four months old, but it worked out great because she finally fit in her blessing dress! Asher, Hazel, and I visited Utah to see my side of the family while Mike took his big comprehensive exam. (Side note: HE PASSED! Now on to his disertation). We had a great time seeing everyone, although we did not get a chance to get together with Aunt Betsy and her clan!

We thought about blessing her in Utah, but wait, Mike was still in Chicago. After Mike finished his exam we decided to take a trip to see his parents in Philadelphia and relax before he starts into his disertation and before I head back to work in November. So long strory short, we blessed Hazel today in Philadelphia and wanted to share with you all a video of her in her blessing dress. We are loving this little sweetie and all her smiles.

The Latest

2011-08-10T04:52:00.000-07:00

Hazel at a skinny five weeks:

Asher, the mostly supportive big brother:

Documenting how we had to use our beach umbrella to protect all four of us as we nearly got drenched while walking home from the beach. I am sure we were quite the funny sight on the sidewalks of the southside of Chicago :

Tummy time with and without big brother:

My favorite & most recent at eight weeks:

She is quite smiley (began around five weeks) which is a surprise because Asher was very scowly for a long time.

Belated Post, On-Time Delivery

2011-07-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hazel Lorraine Pope: Born June 13th, 2011, 1:02 a.m. 6 lb 6 oz. 18 3/4 inches

I was scheduled for an induction on June 13th (a day after my due date) at 10:00 a.m. because my mom and mother-in-law had both scheduled their flights. I did not really want to be induced but I also wanted to make sure that baby sister arrived around the time that my mom was coming into town. Let's be honest, we needed to utilize all of our help! :)

I felt like I had been having contractions for weeks, so I wasn't sure that I was really in labor on Sunday June 12th (my actual due date) until that evening when my contractions became quite painful and regular. We called our friends Jason and Alicia and they frantically rushed down to our neighborhood. Mike and I were surprisingly calm...Mike had even composed a detailed list of Asher's routine for the following day. Mike and I continued to stay calm as we got stuck in unbelievable traffic near Soldier Field (the stadium where the Chicago Bears play) due to a Mexico soccer game. When we finally got downtown, we got stuck behind two different horse and buggies...really?! Once we found parking and made our way into the hospital, my contractions were about four minutes apart. Still we were calm, which is now funny to me because Hazel was born just four hours later at 1:00 a.m. I even had to ask the Doctor to wake Mike up because we did not anticipate that things would progress so quickly, and that I would only have to push for three minutes. Luckily, Mike roused himself up for the event. :)

We are so grateful that everything went smoothly and we love our little Hazel. Big brother Asher is doing well and loving Hazel, although the first week was a bit tough. We cannot believe that she is already five weeks old!

Also, we are so grateful for the help of my mom and my mother-in-law.

The Final Countdown...2 days until my due date.

2011-06-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Due June 12, 2011
I can actually say that I am ready to have this baby!

Having a Girl!

2011-03-04T20:07:00.000-08:00

Well, yes, this is a bit belated, but I thought I would make it official that we are expecting a little girl! Mike is excited, but doesn't believe it for some reason. He felt that the ultrasound was inconclusive...even though the ultrasound tech said it definitely was conclusive! :)

Asher knows that we are having a girl, and that he will have a little sister, but he still thinks he has a baby in his tummy...and recently mentioned the baby in Mike's tummy too. Hmmm. We have some work to do.

I suppose I can finally stop dressing Asher like this....

P.S. We are very excited to have Emily, Maren, and my mom come and visit this week!

Guess who's....

2011-01-12T20:31:00.000-08:00

with Pope baby #2.

Due: June 12

18 weeks along. Prego. Chunky. Feeling great!

And not quite as "original" this time. :)

Funny Sayings

2010-12-19T20:16:00.000-08:00

**I often ask Asher the question, "Who do I love?" and then he proceeds to answer with little sweet answers which normally include Asher and Daddy. I asked him the other night and this was the order of his answers:

1. Mama

2. Dadda

Waiting for him to say Asher, I said, "Asher, who else do I love?" He thought for a moment and then answered, "Puter!" Puter means computer, as in my laptop. Sad, funny, and true.

**Asher has recently started to get some attitude. While Mike and Asher wrestle, sometimes Mike will fake nibble on his back, and Asher shouts, "Daddy, no bite me!" He will also say to me sometimes when I am changing a diaper or putting on his pajamas, "Don't touch me Mama! My body!" which I then inform him that I am his Mama and birthed and breastfed him so yes, most definitely, I CAN and WILL touch him! :)

**As winter is upon us, getting ready to leave the house entails a lengthy process. In our family, when we are finally ready to go, we often say, "Let's do this!" so now, once Asher is all set in his carseat or stroller he shouts, "Let's do this, Dada!"

**Asher has said this multiple times in the last few days, "Let's watch football Dadda!" I wonder where he gets this!

Asher's 2nd Year Glamour Shots!

2010-10-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

Can you believe we have a two year old! Asher's babysitter took these great pictures of Asher and her daughter, Liv. Thank you Heather!

And, I'm normally not one for little kid lovey-dovey pictures, but, seriously you guys...how funny and cute is this! We are hoping these two will get married one day!

It's Kind of a Big Deal!

2010-10-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

All key indicators point that Rachel (my older sister by 2 years) and her husband Richard Martinez (and little Victoria and Reed) are moving to our neighborhood in Chicago approximately five blocks away! We will let Rachel confirm as to whether this rumor is actually true!

Also, we had a great time having them come and visit and look for apartments. We will see them again in less than a month...very exciting!

Left Hanging

2010-08-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

I heard a cry for help from Axel when we were at the park last Sunday and I ran to his rescue as he was stuck hanging from the rings. I then paused prior to helping him to be sure we got a few pictures. Documented proof of being a bad aunt. :)

Raid and Chemo: Friend or Foe?

2010-07-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

This is an article I wrote for a new Oncology study we're working on and many of you have helped me through the hell this little beetle has put me through so I thought I'd share.

Recently I found a beetle in my home. It was large enough that I actually HEARD it running on the tile floor. After attempting to trap it with Tilex-soaked napkins (as I had no Raid) I spent the night in absolute fear for my life and jumping at any little noise.

The next day I could not stop imagining the huge black pest roving through my home as if it owned the place. That night I returned home armed with lemon-scented Raid. I found the beetle and he died shortly after a brief swim.
However, to err on the safe side, I then unloaded the entire can in my home. Operation successful — I went to sleep knowing the beetle was dead in a Ziploc bag. The next morning I awoke nauseated having slept in my 700 square-foot home breathing an entire bottle of toxic lemon-scented Raid.
Like Raid, oncology treatments of radiation and chemotherapy in controlled doses can be effective and safe, but mess up the dose and you’re in a deadly situation.
With so many potential risks involved in utilizing radiation and chemotherapy to treat patients, physicians absolutely need a solid product. What do you think is needed for a complete system? Is there a vendor who has the functionality that oncology demands?
KLAS is conducting an oncology study, and we’d love to hear your thoughts and needs.

Another Helping of Asher

2010-06-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

Remember how Asher helps with the cooking, well, he also does the dishes:

He even helps Mom exercise:

Notice that Asher is in his Razzle-Dazzles (Mike's word for this type of workout shorts). Once I or Mike put on our Razzle-Dazzles, he insists that he joins in the Pope team uniform.

Missing....

2010-05-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

With the holiday rolling in I am feeling a bit nastalgic for memorial days past. I'm missing my sisters. Thought I'd share a couple of thoughts of each of them:

Rachel: brought home as our Christmas gift and easy from day one. A favorite memory of her is watching her smile slyly after Amanda shoved her into the closet. I also remember finding her hiding in a closet with her eyes filled with tears. She didn't like crying in front of people. I still can take almost anything but watery Rachel eyes. She's adventurous and has been bringing new things and experiences to us since tennis.

Amanda: driven and focused. She has never not accomplished a task she set out for. She does not tire and researches every decision and move she makes. She was angry at the shows that dealt with highlighted kids, knowing all too young how amazingly talented she is. Road trips with her singing crystal gale make me laugh out loud.

Maren (Aka house cat): I was finally getting the sister thing down. I remember standing in the library with my fingers presses gently on your eyelids trying to induce sleep. You were charming and loved easily from the start. I've never doubted you loved me. You are funny and tough and more laid back to us than you really are. I still have pjs for you.

So to all of you... Come home soon. I miss being an older sister.

Crafty Cranes

2010-05-17T15:32:00.001-07:00

Below are some things we make:

Kids: by Rachel
Hats: by Emily

Chicago...My kind of town

2010-05-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

The longer we are here in Chicago, the more we love it. Maybe I am feeling this way because we've just survived a long cold winter and spring seems to have arrived. AND maybe I am trying to persuade some of you to come and visit us! Anyway, here are a few fun things to do in Chicago:

The Dyeing of the Chicago River for St. Patrick's day...yes, it really is that green.

The Lincoln Park Kite flying festival:

Picnics at Lake Michigan:

And, if these fun events are not enough to entice you, then perhaps you would like your own personal Chef named Asher! His specialties are lukewarm milk, (mangled) bananas, grubby quesadillas, and fistfuls of Nutella/butter.

Oh, and he also bakes:

Front Desk, this is Maren, how may I help you?

2010-05-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

How cool am I???

You are looking at a proud Holiday Inn employee! We even get to wear these awesome uniforms. The scarves are my personal favorite.

p.s. don't forget to check out how high waisted my pants are!

2010-04-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Emily, we hope you had a great day! You are so amazing and so helpful! (to all of us).

We appreciated having you with us when we had visits to Doctor Noyes and then again for the day of surgery at the Huntsman. You know all the right questions to ask and it was so comforting to have another person listening to all those directions when we came home. Thank you!

I love spending time with you, and cooking with you, too. We had fun times with new recipes and new "gadgets"!

It was a snowy day like today when you were born. What a sweet blessing you have been!

my dear emily

2010-04-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Today is Emily's birthday. Oh how I wish I were in Utah to surprise her at work and take her to lunch, or shopping at Nordstrom's!
I have really really loved living in Oklahoma, but the hardest part is being away from family. Especially Em.
Not many people are lucky enough to have sisters like Emily. We have had so many amazing times together! Here are just a couple of my favorite Em memories.

ER, Friends and Taco Maker Thursdays. No one can flirt their way into more free crispitos than Em :)

Going to Salt Lake and staying with Emily. Always knowing I'd have a spot in her bed and that "my pajamas" would be there waiting for me.

Shopping with Em is the best. She really knows her stuff! She was always willing to go with me to find the perfect shoes to go with a dance dress, or to advise me on wedding make up. She definitely has good taste!

Playing the train game. nuff said. She always beats me, but it's always fun.

CANCUN. Seriously, one of the funnest trips of my life. So glad we could go together.

Emily is the kind of person who is always doing something for someone else. If she's not bringing something special for someone in the office, she's up in Kaysville hanging out with Cam, Addison and Axel so G and C can have a little break.

Emily, you are such a wonderful person and there are so many people who love you. I love you.

I call it a COME BACK!

2010-03-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

Look Mom!

All it took was almost 3 months of nursing and I brought it back. That's not one, but TWO healthy leaves!

Nutella

2010-03-04T18:17:00.001-08:00

I was in the next room working, and Mike was "in-charge," but apparently "in-charge" means allowing Asher to snuggle down in his blanket with a tub full of Nutella! Somehow Asher pulled it off the kitchen counter, opened the jar, and feasted. We couldn't believe it! So funny.

Asher's Glamour Shots

2010-02-26T07:19:00.000-08:00

While I work on Tuesday and Thursday in the office, Asher goes to visit his friends Liv and Heather. We have been so blessed to have so many amazing women live nearby that have babysat Asher. Thank you Katie, Heather, Elise, and Melissa! And to our subs Melanie and LuAnn. Anyway, Asher has really loved playing with Liv, and Heather is taking a photography class and took these cute pictures of Asher:

Thanks Heather!

Seven Ways you know you have a Toddler:

2010-01-23T13:35:00.001-08:00

1. Your suitcase becomes inhabited by a 30 pounder:

* I know that not all toddlers are nearly 30 pounds, but I am just working with experience people!

2. Your bathroom time is not only interrupted by someone, but also his toy table:

3. Your trash can becomes a new place for socks or various other nondisposables:

4. Small items just seem to cover your floor at ALL times, no matter what you try and do about it. :)

5. Your lower shelves are not longer a place for books:

6. Instead of finding something wrong when he looks in the mirror, your thirty pounder just seems to LOVE himself. And you have a bag full of dirty diapers hanging from your door. Gross, I know.

7. And finally, Dad's quick shower turns into Asher's unsupervised baby powder extravaganza:

P.S. I love the little footprint in this one. Even with all of the above, I think I wouldn't mind freezing Asher in time.

A long time!

2010-01-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

First of all, congratulations to Gardner, my oldest brother, and his wife Crista, and their children Cameron, Addison, and Axel on their new baby boy!!! We are so excited for a new baby Crane.

Yes, it has been a few months, and it may be a few more before my next post, but that's just how the Popes roll.

We had a great and busy end to 2009.

Asher and I (sadly Mike had to stay home and study) were able to share Thanksgiving with my family in Utah:

The girls in all of my mom's aprons

Cameron and Addison in their cool school shirts

Gardner & Crista

Maren, Grant, and Dad

Asher and Axel: man talk

And we were able to gather with Mike's family in Billings, Montana for Christmas. It may have taken us 2 1/2 days, 3 missed flights, one Asher throw-up on a flight, a desperate, unsuccessful search for a sippy cup in the the ENORMOUS mall of America, and one unplanned night in a shady hotel to get there, but it was definitely worth it. We had a great time.

Visiting our friends, the Trendlers, in Minneapolis during our second day of our prolonged layer-over. So fun to see them though.

Big cousin Joe showing Asher what Chucky Cheese is all about.

The Popes and the Nyes... and yes, the Nyes are attempting to steal children.

A shepherd with his little uncooperative sheep

Now back to the cold, harsh reality of a Chicago winter in January. Wah, wahhh.

Good Luck House Cat!

2009-12-21T23:48:00.000-08:00

Tonight we sent Maren and Grant off to Oklahoma where they will settle in and finally begin a really settled life. We were all so sad to see them go and its exciting and heartbreaking at the same time. I'm looking forward to hearing what adventures they have and wanted to wish them good luck on their journey. I thought it might be nice to re-count some of our favorite Maren-isms to help her on her way.

1 - One time Maren and I were driving home from Layton with freshly baked cookies she held on her lap (she was maybe 12 at the time). I took the on-ramp too fast and finally once we were safely settled on the highway again Maren stated: I literally almost tossed THESE cookies.

2 - Maren would come stay with me during college weekends and once we went shopping at Nordstrom Rack for jeans.... She was open to trying anything on and was always surprised at how cute each pair looked on her.

3 - When she was little for some reason mom and dad would let me take Maren anywhere with me and I always remember not wanting to go places unless her cute little 3-4 year old self would come along. People just loved her immediately.

4 - After I'd moved to Salt Lake from Ogden I was at home one time and for the first time in my life experienced some "attitude" from Maren. When I asked her about it she cried and said we'd promised to watch ER together on Thursdays...

5 - When Maren was a baby she had a hard time falling asleep and I'd take her in the library and gently massage her face and then hold her eye lids shut... In my young 14 year old mind I thought that it was helpful...

6 - One Christmas Maren made me a journal. It had all my favorite things pasted into it and I can barely stand to write in it unless its really important.

7 - The trip to Hawaii and our ride in the rental car when I realized she actually does make crumbs.

8 - Any time that Maren would show up at my house without anything. She would just show up and hang out and I was just super glad to have her around. I kept pajamas and anything else she might need just on the off chance she'd come... She would be happy with whatever the plans were and just hang out. Like a house cat...

We love you Maren and I'm so proud of your grown up self! Good luck in Oklahoma!

The Grapefruit

2009-12-07T00:42:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have already heard the big news, buuuuut Grant convinced me to try a Grapefruit a couple of nights ago. I have to admit, I didn't mind it too much.

I must really love Grant right?

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-11-15T21:52:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday MOM!

I am of the opinion that I was given the exact mom I needed. You are my best friend and my biggest strength and one of the funniest most honest people I know. I had a couple of memories I wanted to share:

1 - Shoe shopping with my mom and her sisters and lunch with them afterwards while they laughed through stories of growing up and if I closed my eyes I couldn't tell which one was laughing.

2 - Laying out on our back lawn when I was little... It was the first girl time I got to spend with my mom. We'd put on our swim suits and take towels out back and just relax... I was only 3 or 4 so it couldn't have been all that relaxing for her!

3 - In middle school when I desperately wanted straight hair and she would get up so early and spend hours trying to help me blow my hair straight - for those of you with curls this was in the days prior to good product or straighteners.

4 - The days I had dance right after school and she would pick me up and drive me to dance while I hid below the windows and changed into a leotard.

5 - Late nights playing games when if we convince her to stay up long enough she gets super punchy and funny.

I love you mom! Thank you for being so good to all of us and making each one of us feel like your favorite.... or is that just I really am your favorite?

Our Uncle Gordon

2009-11-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

Our Uncle Gordon, the husband of my dad's sister, passed away on November 2, 2009 after battling Leukemia. He has always been a great and brilliant man. My cousin Rand shares a little about him and their difficult experience here.

I just thought I would share a recent memory that I have of him. When Maren was married in the summer of 2008, my Uncle Gordon was in remission and was in attendance at all of the days festivities. Maren's reception was outdoors on a golf course that did not typically handle weddings. Needless to say, there was a lot of set up and take down for the beautiful event. My sweet Uncle Gordon insisted on staying until the very last lantern was taken down and last chair folded, even until the midnight hours. He could have used one of thousands of excuses; however, he was there even when the sprinklers came on and began to soak us all. Yes, just one small example of how he has always been a great and brilliant man. I love the Lewis family and wish I could be there to show my support this weekend.

Asher's Halloween

2009-10-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

First, Asher decided that he just had to wear a turtleneck and tights, or we'll call them leggings... does that make it any better? :)

Then, we decided that Asher had to be something that he really, really loves. So...

Asher was a banana!

Thanks Aunt Emily for the great hat to make the bitter Chicago winter less bitter!

Cell Phone Plans

2009-10-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

Cool phone huh. Well, folks, we have hit that two year mark again for deciding what to do for cell phone carriers. We've had AT&T for years, I just thought I would check to see what carriers everyone uses for mobile-to-mobile purposes. Also, what you have found works for your family and what hasn't. We are looking for about 700 minutes with a very small (like 200 or less) text messages. Also, does your plan have your favorite five, etc? Any help would be great! And remember to let me know your carrier!

Our Aunt Mary

2009-10-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, our Aunt Mary, my mom's sister, who has been battling cancer, passed away. My mom and I were discussing how glad Mike and I were that we were able to visit Aunt Mary and her husband, Monte, in Kanab a few years ago. I am so glad that Mike was able to remember so many details:

As a fairly newly married couple Amanda and I took our first vacation together after school let out in 2006. We planned a trip which included hiking in Moab, exploring the ruins at Mesa Verde, seeing the Grand Canyon, and a stop in Moab to visit Mary and Monte. By the time we got to Kanab we were both in need of a shower, a good night of sleep, and some additional conversation partners. Mary welcomed us into their home, fed us, took care of us, and was genuinely interested in hearing about our most recent adventures and what we were doing in our lives. When I said how much I loved Mesa Verde and things related to Southwest Native Americans, Mary perked up and asked, "Do you want to see some arrowheads?" I replied that I very much did and I was expecting perhaps one or two arrowheads. Mary left the room and came back with several show boxes full of arrowheads and pottery shards. She grew giddy as she told the story of how she found each one of the artifacts and as we talked more she asked, "Do you want to go and hunt for arrowheads tomorrow?" We both replied that we would love to do just that. The next morning Monte and Mary fixed us a classic country style breakfast and then we headed out in Monte's old Jeep to first inspect his cattle and then start out on our treasure hunt. Mary gave us both sticks and explained that it was easier to use to the stick to turn over potential arrowheads rather than to stoop over and inspect each one. She was obviously experienced at this treasure hunting hobby of hers and she was thrilled to be showing us how to do it. We hunted for a few hours and didn't come upon any arrowheads but we did see hundreds of pieces of shattered pottery strewn all over the bluff which we were traversing. Mary assured us that she was almost always successful in her hunts but that today must have just been unlucky. To us it didn't matter, we were just happy to be in on the adventure and to have a few hours for Amanda to catch up with her aunt and uncle and for me to get to know them a little more. Whenever I think of Mary the image that is marked in my mind is her infectious excitement and laughter as she showed off her treasure to us and how willing she was to let us join in her somewhat illegal little obsession. Amanda and I still talk about that trip and how much fun we had with Mary and Mont and we have more than once remarked that we hope that we can be as hospitable and welcoming to all who come and visit us.

Guess who turned One!

2009-09-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

We had a little party for Asher, and I was surprised at how much Asher LOVED it...

Of course we had to strip him down before he ate his first cupcake...

Initial apprehension...

But was there every any doubt...

this boy LOVES his cupcakes! Not a lot of crumbs left to clean.

He loved opening his gifts...

Left over Cupcakes: blue ones for the little kids and chocolate Nutella ones for the big kids (Nutella in the frosting and inside!). ***A little disclaimer is that I never bake such fun things so I had to share due to my excitement!

We just can't believe a year has passed so quickly. I guess we'll keep him. :) Our only wish is that we could have had you all here!

I miss these kids.

2009-09-27T22:53:00.001-07:00

Asher's First Part...

2009-08-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

We finally tamed his crazy hair for these pictures. Grandpa Crane & Pope eat your heart out!

Asher's Two Favorite things:

2009-07-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

His dad and eating.

One funny thing is that we were at church in Relief Society and Asher was being so good. Then one of his friends was given a bottle by his Mom. Not just any bottle, the same kind that Asher LOVES to eat/drain from at home. Asher started yelling and frantically trying to get their attention , especially because his friend really wasn't even interested in the bottle, oh, but Asher sure was!

Another funny thing is that during the final prayer at church Asher was just done, we probably would have packed up, but we were almost done... He was just so wiggly and I was squinting my eyes to look at him and smiling. Then he leaned closer to my face and gave me a huge smile while squinting his eyes too.

Insomia Relief?

2009-07-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

dear sleep,
please come back to me and let me enjoy you at night. tossing & turning & gazing at the ceiling is so boring.

dear new clean & crisp sheets,maybe you will help me sleep better? i'm counting on you...

dear Garden State Soundtrack, when I can't sleep at night I run through your songs in my head. Especially this lovely tune by Remy Zero.

A few pictures

2009-07-10T08:22:00.001-07:00

My friend Danielle, who sadly just moved from Chicago, took some pictures of us at the Osaka Gardens near our house that I didn't even know existed! In order to not have to upload any pictures, yes lazy I know, here is the link to a few of them. Also, she will be in San Diego, so anyone nearby should definitely contact her. Thanks Danielle!

http://www.redpearlphotography.com/rpp/RPP_Blog/Entries/2009/7/2_The_Popes.html#

P.S. In order for the lighting to be good for the pictures, we had them taken near Asher's bedtime which means a few less smiles from the bug. :)

Our Little Eater...

2009-06-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

How does a baby go from looking like this....

to this...

or this...

because he LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to do this...

Just in case you were wondering....

2009-05-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/getback-goonies.html

P.S. my favorite was always chunk.

Tulsa Update

2009-05-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

Well dears, we have been in our new semi-permanent home for three weeks now (amanda, the title to this entry is for you. tulsa. we live in tulsa).
All of us (Mark, Grant and I) have been really busy since we've been here. Although they have been hard at work getting their business started and I have been pounding the pavement looking for a job, we have still found time to do some fun stuff out here in the Midwest.

1) Grant, Mark, and I drove up to Kansas City to see The Killers with Grant's brother Barry and some of they guys that are selling up there. It was one of the best shows I've ever been to! It was at an outside venue and the weather was perfect. Their whole show was amazing, and picking my favorite of their songs that they performed is impossible, but this one was so great!

(The top picture is of The Killers, and the bottom one is of Grant and I at The Killers)

2) Grant and I ate at The Bourbon Street Cafe in downtown Tulsa (turns out Tulsa is AWESOME) where a live jazz band serenaded us with "I've Just Seen a Face" by The Beatles (not a very bluesy song, but I loved it!) while we ate the cheapest thing on the menu. Burgers. They were still nine dollars each, but heeeeey it was worth it.

3) Grant and I saw the sounds last night at a little tiny cafe called the Marquee in downtown Tulsa. It was way fun, and we were so close to the stage. We even saw a fight break out. Right next to us. Crazy. Their best song is definitely Painted By Numbers. And true to this video Maja Ivarsson was insane. Kicking and punching and flaring her nostrils.

Also, one more picture for the road. Here's the Midwest Pest boys on their first day!
The middle guy is their technician Dallas. He was one of Mark's high school buddies, and we're working on getting him baptized!

p.s. I know we don't have kids to blog about or post picture of yet, but I hope you guys still like it :)

We're just jealous.

2009-05-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Mike, I thought you might enjoy this one too.
and really... we're just jealous that we don't have the brains (or determination) to pursue our education further.

Don't make fun of grad students...

2009-05-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Confirmation of my deepest fear.

I feel so exploited. And slightly less idealistic.

Sisters!

2009-05-09T00:35:00.000-07:00

I miss you guys! Will plant flowers for mom all alone! How sad. Poor emily right? It will be a strange day without you girls... For the first time all of you are gone. Any ideas or hints for a rookie like me? We'll miss you like crazy but I know you'll have a wonderful day.

Much Needed

2009-04-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

Bad haircut got Asher down?

Soooo....

Asher got his first haircut!

Look... he's happy now!

One depressed baby...

2009-04-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

Too bad! Asher was apparently a huge fan. Well, at least they beat UConn....just kidding Richard & Rachel, or should I say Reed & Victoria.

Wisconsin!

2009-04-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

We took our first trip to Wisconsin. It was only 1 1/2 hours away, but it felt like a different world. We enjoyed walking around the small little touristy town of Lake Geneva. It was beautiful. Does it make us low class that one of the highlights was having the hotel not only a block from the lake, but maybe even more importantly, such easy access to the Wal-mart! Honestly, call us city kids but to be able to drive two blocks and get baby food for $.34 a jar...come on, now that's worth the trip! :)

WHOOPS!

2009-04-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

A funny thing happened today at BYU.
On the front page of the Daily Universe there was an article about general conference and an accompanying photo of President Monson and the twelve apostles sustaining Elder Neil L. Anderson. Under the photo is a caption that reads like this: "Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostates and other general authorities raise their hands in a sustaining vote."

WHAT?!? I was sure that I had read it wrong, but nope, I hadn't.
I'd post a link to the actual article and photo, but there isn't one since they recalled all of the papers. I happened to be one of the "lucky" students to get a copy because I pick up my paper before my nine o'clock class which was before the error had been caught.

The Daily Universe pulled all of the papers off of campus and issued a formal explanation and apology here.

nice one BYU. nice.

My new favorite commercials.

2009-03-29T23:31:00.000-07:00

Usually when a commercial comes on I immediately change the station. I have two exceptions.

This .

The Moody Blues are great, and for 30 seconds I feel like I'm in another world.

and...

this.

It just cracks me up. I'm not really sure why. Just does.

Happy birthday dad!

2009-03-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my favorite man in my life. A thank you to him for all of the amazing things he's brought into my life. Dad has loved us more than any father has. He has loved being a father and a husband more than anyone I know. He has not missed a single piece of our lives whether pleasant or unpleasant. He has cheered with us at games and clapped at various other activities which would not have been his first choice. He has cried with us and worried with us and in many cases saved us. He is passionate about all of us including our new family. I love knowing that in difficult times he will be there and in happy times he will feel joy with us. a few of my memories:

At five I packed my small barbie suitcase to run away and most likely I made a big show of it. I wouldn't have gotten far, but he chased after me down the back hill and begged me to come home. Made me believe he needed me. we walked back home hand in hand.

Growing up my toys would break. I'd cry at a wheel off a babby buggie only to have it repaired the next day.

As a young family he ouyfitted us all in skis and took us skiing several times even though it was even his first time too.

He taught me to love music.. best memories of him putting on a Simon and garfunkel record and relaxing while I danced in my nightgown and Gardner beat on a leather drum.

the dance costumes and dance recitals which he attended along with the old bully video camera.

The teams and teams of junior jaZz he coached year after year.

The times he knew to stay up late if we were sad or injured.

The letters that got me through my loneliness at byu.

Even now his ability to still take care of us all.

The funny memories of his humor whether in switching off lights and pulling moms head into his sweaty post run shirts.

I have learned to love and show it from him.

Please add what you can.

Crista

2009-03-19T19:04:00.001-07:00

Today I was kinda bummed to come until I remembered that crista signed us up for a writing / publishing class. Just one of the many, many things I love about her is that she finds things to do and then DOES them. Everyone in our family has benefitted from her ability to plan. I am so excited for the class! Okay I am a litle overly excited!

Thank you crista!

This is what happens when a baby forgets how to sleep at night:

2009-03-17T18:29:00.001-07:00

He's gettting a little bit Fat!

2009-03-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

Can you believe Asher is five months!

What's a mom to do with this crazy hair! He loves his new toy, and really gets his game face on!

Dad & Asher.

Thunder thighs...

Life in the Wind blown city...

A happy, chubby 4 months.

My Little Burrito

2009-02-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

The big question is when to end the burrito? Asher has done really well with being swaddled every night. He is now 5 months old (old picture)...woo hoo! Wow. He is starting to break out of his swaddle at night. He then often wakes himself up. Anyway, my question to you mother's and friends of mother's or anyone that likes burritos, when did you stop swaddling and how did you make the transition?

P.S. I've also found success with kiddopautamus swaddle wraps (aka baby straight jackets), but I think we shrunk it in the wash yesterday and it didn't work last night! Who knows.

AT LAST!!!! Here are some pictures from Maren's wedding

2009-02-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

But for the funniest picture of the wedding you'll have to look at my blog. : )

The only Blond Crane's Birthday

2009-01-29T20:23:00.000-08:00

So this is late, but I wanted to post a couple of my favorite things about Amanda...

1 - She is competitive. Those of you who know her will laugh... But this is such an amazing quality in Amanda. In younger years it was a challenge for her and now its just an amazing assett.

2 - She is emotional. She truly loves. I have always been able to feel this from her almost like she is a radiator. I am grateful that I can feel it from Chicago still.

3 - She is an incredible friend. Amanda has never compromised her friendships. EVER. She has always had a select few who can count on her no matter what. In these relationships she does not put herself first.

4 - She is the hardest worker I have ever met. There are times when she has been up against deadlines or expectations which make me cringe and yet she pulls off results with flying colors.

5 - She is nervous about change and things she doesn't fully understand. For those of you who know her let's think back to pregnancy...

6 - She is hard on herself but she will give everyone else all of the understanding in the world. She is loving and understanding of everyone but herself. I wish at times she could see herself through anyone else's eyes.

7 - She used to lose her temper (as many of us Crane's do) but she has worked very hard to overcome this and I love nothing more than looking over and watching her in a situation where its warranted to lose her temper and I see her eyes set in that defiant amanda way and then she smiles.

8 - She has the world's most amazing smile. She has big beautiful white teeth and the most amazingly wide smile. But what I love most is that even that did not come easily. She thanks me for a rug I gave her a bazillion years ago almost every time I see her.

9 - That brings up how grateful she is. She is grateful for everyone and everything she's ever been given and yes, that includes braces. On numerous occasions I have heard her thank my parents for this.

10 - Amanda is athletic, but she has always been a better athlete than her genes dictated - which goes back to hard work.

11 - Amanda is such a great sister. I don't think anyone would disagree. I love every minute of being her sister from watching her compete with Crista in Junior Jazz to watching her hold Asher. She is completely sharing in her joy and has allowed us all to experience with her.

12 - Amanda is an amazing mother. She worries constantly about Asher and researches and asks constantly in order to be the best mother she can. I love watching how she approaches motherhood like every other thing in her life. She will work and work and work and research and worry until Asher has the best mom in the world. What a lucky little boy.

My little blonde sister... I am so proud of you. I absolutely love the person you are. Thank you so much for letting me be such a great part of your life. I miss you.

My Boys

2009-01-23T16:07:00.001-08:00

Two posts in one day...Asher must be taking a super long nap. I love this picture of my boys. I know Mike doesn't love to have a lot of attention on him, but hey. Yesterday was Asher's four months check up and also a day that I was to be in the office. Mike was a sport and took Asher to his appointment. During the trip Asher had two shots and two blow-outs...some quality Father-Son time was had by all! When I came home the house was clean, dinner was on the table, and ALL of the dishes were done. I really appreciate him and his love for Asher.

(Quick note: Asher was not as fat as I thought he was. He is 25 percentile in both weight and height; however, a whopping 75% in head size! The doctor says he is just fine on all accounts.)

A Great and Crazy Holiday Season

2009-01-23T15:19:00.000-08:00

I am always a few weeks behind, but I thought I would finally post a few pictures of our holidays and add some commentary.

My doctor mentioned that a fun way to document your child as he grows is to take a picture of your baby and the same stuffed animal every month. I also added the idea from my friend Leah to have a card with the number of months old. I prepared the card; however, I forgot the card in this picture, but next time!

While in Utah, we blessed Asher at my parent's church. He was a trooper and did not cry or mess in the blessing outfit like Maren did when she was blessed (just giving a shout out to you Mare!)

Santa brought all of the grandkids Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve. They were all so excited.

I love this photo because it depicts how out of control a Christmas can be at the Crane's. Notice first that Maren is Mary and VERY pregnant....hmm. Also, shockingly none of the little girls wanted to be Mary, what is that! Cameron looks festive as a shepherd with her green cast. Mom's watch must be reflecting causing an illusion of a halo over Victoria's head. In the mean time Victoria takes the lead to educate Addison on how to be a little angel, and Addison obediently listens. And to top it all of...

a screaming baby Jesus!

I like this picture of my mom and dad on Christmas morning...they just look so happy. I also love how Asher is bound and determined to be apart of the photo.

One last picture. A four generation photo with Grandma Martinez.

Back in the FREEZING FRIGID saddle again

2009-01-15T03:56:00.000-08:00

Not to complain too much, but I just might. It's 5 in the morning and I am feeding Asher and preparing for my second day back to work. It is going to be a high of 0 degrees today, which apparently feels like -19 degrees...for fun. Oh, Chicago in the winter. On a better note, for those of you that don't know, my work approved for me to work just two days in the office and a part day from home and still receive my benefits. It's worth a shot. I have a great babysitter that I go to church with that lives just upstais from us. AND...I was greatly surprised that after all of my worrying, my first day back went well for everyone, most importantly Asher.

MAC FUN!!

2009-01-13T19:14:00.001-08:00

Who are these crazy people?! These pictures made for a lot of laughs at the Crane Household over Christmas! Enjoy!

Happy Late Birthday, Grant!

2009-01-12T17:19:00.000-08:00

Grant's birthday was actually January 6th, and we were on a cruise in the Caribbean, soooo this post is pretty late. Better late than never right? Grant is now 24! As the newest member of the family, many people may not know a lot about Grant, so I thought I'd share some interesting facts about him, and also some of the things that I especially love about him.

1. Grant LOVES to dance. Get him out on the dance floor and he turns into a crazy, dance machine.

2. Grant has the most perfect skin I've ever seen. It makes me so mad. He never washes his face, and yet his face is flawless! I don't get it..

3. Grant snores like a freight train. yep.

4. Grant just happens to be the best basketball player I know. I think I knew I loved him when I saw how hard he could dunk it. I still get shivers when I see it! hahaha! I love to watch Grant play, but I get a little worked up. I guess I get that from the Crane side.

5. Grant's two favorite movies are Rudy, and The Man From Snowy River. I think if he could switch me in for Jim Craig he probably would, but how wouldn't?? I mean, it's JIM CRAIG.

6. I think Grant is the very tallest person in our family. Extended family included (if anyone knows of one 6'5" or taller feel free to speak up!) Between the two of us, there is no high shelf or cabinet that we can't reach..

7. Grant is the best public speaker/salesman/story teller I have ever met. He could sell a rain coat to someone who lives in the desert?? (I was having a super hard time thinking of an example) When Grant gives talks in church it is a sight to behold. The congregation lingers on his every word. They laugh. They cry. And then I have to follow him. It's bad news for me.

8. If Grant could eat one thing for the rest of his life I think it would be Cheddarwurst hotdogs, and I don't blame him. Those things are delcious! They are plump juicy hotdogs that have just the right amount of cheese inside. mmmmm!

9. Grant is a cowboy. He grew up on a ranch helping with the cattle. He rides horses, and listens to country music (sometimes) and can drive a tractor with the best of them!

10. For some crazy reason, Grant loves me. This is my favorite thing about him. I can't imagine my life without him. He is my best friend, and I'm so glad he puts up with my craziness!

Happy Birthday Grant!
I sure love you.

As Crista and Gardner's friend says: This is how we roll!

2009-01-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

cameron's gum

2009-01-06T21:02:00.000-08:00

cameron and I share many common interests. One of which is gum. It's often the topic of conversations: new kinds, when to eat it, how much is too much, and sometimes bad occuremces that involve gum (let's face it... They happen).

Last Sunday I was at Gardner and crista's and c offered me a full pack of gum. I told her I'd take just a piece. She fought me a while telling me how I always give her gum or how she had too much. I think she also said how it would, "make her happy.." I thought I'd won this little battle until the next day. I opened my purse in search of keys or chapstick or whatever and there, hidden and sneaky was cameron's pack of gum.

Yes... She won and it causes me to ask how was I duped by a six year old?

Thanksgiving!

2008-12-16T14:26:00.000-08:00

I first just want to say that I am SO thankful that this post that was nearly completed wasn't just deleted when my computer crashed a minute ago!

Okay, now for the real post...

Just as Rachel and I and fams are ready to head out to Utah for the holiday season (tomorrow...whoo hoo!), we finally are making posts about Thanksgiving. Mike, Asher, and I flew to Philadelphia for Thanksgiving to see Mike's parents and sister Jaclyn and Rachel, Richard, Victoria, and Reed drove down from Connecticut. To see the fun pictures Rachel and her family took, visit her blog. Mike's family was so excited to have them come and we just all had a great time together. Victoria and Reed were so sweet the entire time. We went on a walk at Valley Forge on Thanksgiving Day, shopped at some really great outlets with no sales tax (a stark contrast to Chicago's 10.25%), and played games (Mike's mom even made Richard play and it was pretty funny!). I am very grateful for marrying into the Pope family and it was fun to have the Martinez's get to know them better. Anyway, here's a few pictures of our trip...

The Sweet Martinez family on our walk at Valley Forge

A three generation photo, unfortunately blurry...but doesn't Mike look handsome! Oh, he will be embarrassed that I added that!

Asher's first documented smile...I told you guys that he actually smiled sometimes. Okay, maybe Mike poking Asher takes away from the authenticity, but I swear he really does smile!

What a great Thanksgiving...now I'm can't wait for Christmas!

Cameron's Arm...

2008-12-14T22:40:00.000-08:00

So tonight Cameron broke her arm jumping from her bunk bed. I sat by her tonight and listened as she sat with her arm propped up... Things she was concerned about just hours after breaking her arm:

1 - as soon as she was settled she said she needed to go upstairs because she had a surprise for me. Crista went up instead and came back with a beautiful card she'd made for me and a little present that I opened to find two dollars. I almost cried because she and Addison have been saving to buy a barbie doll house. She wouldn't take it back and finally we settled on using it to get a treat together.

2 - she wanted to be sure she was going to be able to go to Addison's singing concert tomorrow night. She knows this is a big deal for Addison.

3 - she was concerned about Addison's eye which has been bothering her.

4 - she was concerned about not deserving to get blessed to heal quickly because she feels like she made a bad choice in jumping off the bunk bed. She loves her Heavenly Father and believes strongly in his ability to heal, but also has an astrounding sense of fairness.

5 - when dad called to tell her he was sorry and see how she was doing she was very sure to console him and make him believe she was ok. Even saying at one point, "don't worry about me."

I know I'm her aunt, but I can honestly say that the unselfish attitude she shows even when injured is shocking for her age. I just can't believe how sweet she came. I will also say that the whole time they were at the hospital Addison was busying herself making little gifts and cards for her. I love how they take such good care of each other.

I can't believe how loved this little girl can make me feel. Even when she's hurt. I swear if I could bottle the way she makes me feel I could solve the world's problems.

Wisdom Teeth

2008-12-11T22:40:00.000-08:00

So I just want to say that in trial we learn who our best friends are. I was so worried when I learned I'd have to get my wisdom teeth out and worried about who would help me... I never knew how many options I had. Crista offered immediately to do whatever was needed and that on top of her three children. Gardner stepped in as well. However, I have to say that it was so easy and natural to accept dad's offer. All of you know that whenever you need him you're never let down.

Early Tuesday morning he picked me up at home and drove me to the surgeon's office and then gave me the sweetest blessing - which I needed for more than just the upcoming extraction. I immediately felt the first calm of my whole season... He brought a book (or I should say two portions of a book - ha ha) and sat patiently in the waiting room. As they put me under I knew that I'd be fine as long as he was there.

After, he drove me back to O-town and dropped me off at home once he'd settled me on the couch, only to go back for my prescriptions. Before he left he turned up the heater in the game room so it'd be warm for me. He came home with a shake and all of my pills and sat and quietly read until I woke up again. Then he scooped some shake and set out my pills and settled me back on the couch. Mom called on the way home from work and made a special trip to the grocery store for yogurt and mashed potatoes and anything else I could dream of. Later that night they watched tv with me and made sure I'd eaten again.

The next day he came home from work to eat lunch with me and then left work early to bring me back to Salt Lake so I could work the next day. I should mention that in all of this he carried the bags I'd over-packed and opened all the doors. I love that he's such a gentleman even with his daughters.

The other thing is that dad is just so easy to be with... especially when you don't feel well. He spoils you and makes you feel pretty and loved even when you're puffy and swollen and probably (especially knowing me) complaining.

I also received numerous calls that whole day from all of my sisters - ALL of them - checking to see how I was doing. Crista, Rachel, Amanda, and Maren, I still don't feel super great, but to be honest I feel better than when I had wisdom teeth. Its not often in life we get chances to be loved so much.

Thank you all for loving me so much! In all of this I also want to point out that being helped by dad reminded me of the tens of thousands of times in the past when I've needed him and he's pulled through and not even made it seem like a big deal. He forgets to remind you of the sacrifices he makes when he's helping. Not once during those wisdom teeth days did he make it seem like he needed or wanted to be elsewhere.

Guess who's got pink eye??

2008-12-03T15:08:00.001-08:00

me.

Loving not being pregnant

2008-11-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

I was looking at some of our pictures and this picture just reminded me of how happy I am to no longer bo SO pregnant. Notice how swollen my sad feet were and the white arc in the bottom of the photo is my belly! Funny huh!

Cute Little Bug!

2008-11-09T18:57:00.000-08:00

I figured I should try to get some nice pictures taken of Asher while he is still so little. My friend Danielle in my ward is an excellent photographer and took some pictures of me and Asher. I just included the picture link below to her website where you can see a few. Asher is definitely the cuter Pope in the pictures! I hope you enjoy!

Picture Link

First halloween as a married couple

2008-11-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

This week at school was out of control (well, pretty much every week is out of control. Grant is taking 17.5 credits and I am taking 18), but it seems like this week was the MOST out of control so far, so I promise we didn't even think about Halloween until Friday at about 5pm. Suddenly I decided that we couldn't just NOT DRESS UP. So we booked it to our nearest Gen X clothing store and ended up like this:

If it's not already apparent, Grant was a thug, and I was his trashy -possibly latino- baby mama. I tried to get the latino part across with my lip-liner. (By the way, those pants were the best find of the night!!) My shirt is supposed to be a Pepsi shirt, but it says "Sexi" on it. Waaayy gross. We complete Grant's look with some three-dollar magnetic earrings. I think it was a nice touch.

The best part about this is that we went to a party with a bunch of our single friends, and I think that about half of the people who saw me actually believed I was having a baby. I'm sure they were thinking to Grant ,"Why would you bring that, HERE?"

I just love Halloween!!

also, you should all listen to these good tunes:

When U Love Somebody - Fruit Bats
Our Swords - Band of Horses
aaaand
Ottoman- Vampire Weekend

For the Grandparents and others that are not sick of baby pics!

2008-10-30T13:51:00.001-07:00

As most of you know, we live in Chicago and my parents live in Utah and Mike's in Philedelphia; therefore, we are posting some extra pictures for the grandparents, particularly the ones that are not on facebook! :) Yes, I know, I finally sold out and joined facebook a few months ago due to Maren's harrassment...but secretly I can get sucked into and enjoy the time waste we all call facebook.

The Family...it's funny to go from a couple to a family...wow, I suppose we are growing up.

Big boy clothes! I thought they looked so cute, even though a bit big!

Asher and I like to meet Mike at campus sometimes and walk home together. Sadly, Chicago is starting to get cold so we had to deck Asher out in his "I live in Chicago" gear, yes the scowl included. Rachel gave us this stroller after she needed a double-wide so it is a bit big, but works well with a swaddle job. The stroller also doubles as his preferred place of rest as he dislikes his bassinet and crib. Yes, he indeed sleeps in his stroller every night. Are we bad parents for that? Probably.

Asher apparently was too tired to eat. Honestly, too tired to eat...you're a Crane/Pope!

Typical First Time Parents...

2008-10-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

So Mike and I have been married a little over three years now, and I am pretty sure we have taken more pictures in the last three weeks with Asher than in our entire marriage. We are really loving our baby Asher and thought we would share a few more pictures.

Asher loves to hang around in my bobby...I think he looks like a little hedge hog.

Here he is hanging out with his daddy after he has been fed.

No, we do not style his hair. Asher is all naturale; however, notice his frosted blond tips!

Asher all snuggled up after bath time. I am always tempted to snuggle him more after his bath; however, I've learned my lesson that Asher with no diaper means no fun for Mom and her clothes!

foooootball. continued.

2008-10-16T00:11:00.000-07:00

Not really sure what happened to that last post. I'm obviously a rookie at this.
anyway, those were from the byu vs utah state game up in logan. Me, grant, dad, mom, emily, gardner and crista all went up, and had a great time!

The next pictures are in Provo at the byu vs new mexico game. I'm not sure if you can tell from the pictures or not, but we were freezing...to death!

Go cougars!!

The Many Faces of BYU Football...

2008-10-15T23:49:00.000-07:00

Grant is a byu fanatic. Big time. Even saying that is an understatement. We've had a lot of fun this year going to all the games, and it sure helps that they're undefeated!! Tomorrow night is there biggest game of the season so far, and in honor of that I decided to do a little recap of our adventures at some of the games.

To the Best Aunt

2008-10-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

All of Asher's aunts are extraordinary, but I thought I would just post about one in particular. Emily and Gardner, Crista and their family sent me these while in the hospital...

They were so beautiful and completely unexpected. Thanks you guys.

Also, Emily put together sweet little bags-o-fun for Cameron, Addison, and Victoria to keep them entertained at Maren's wedding. She even gave them fun little digital cameras! Can I have a bag-o-fun too?

And, most of us know that anytime you need a doctor, you can call Emily and she can find you the best! I was looking for a good pediatrician so of course she made a few phone calls and did some research and found us an excellent doctor that practices just blocks from our home. This was a huge relief especially since Asher was born a week early, and Emily was the only contact we had with our pediatrician. Thank you so much Emily and I think we would all agree that you win the best aunt award!

A Beefy 7 lbs 12.5 ounces!

2008-10-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

During my stay in the hospital, a pediatrician informed me that Asher lost 10% of his birth weight. For a first time mom, this caused quite a bit of stress! I was so relieved to have a weigh-in today at Asher's 1 week and 5 day pediatrician visit and to find that he had gained all of his birth weight back plus a whopping .5 ounce! I attribute the success to the women below:

My mom came to Chicago and stayed for a week and a half! We couldn't have done it without her!

Mike's mom flew in the day my mom left! She also has been so great! Mike and I greatly appreciate their help both emotionally and physically! :)

Tutters!

2008-09-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to add a few of the funny things Victoria has been saying lately.
1- After visiting a local farm she said, "Mom, next time we go see the cows I really want to squeeze their tutters!". I could not stop laughing. First that she wanted to milk the cow and second that she said tutters.
2- The same visit we scared some pigs and they barked. She said, "Mom, pigs say oink, oink, not woof, woof. What's wrong with those pigs?"
3- She had a hang nail and with a disgusted look on her face she said, "Mom, look at this crazy tony-tail."

She is a hoot!

Asher Crane Pope

2008-09-26T15:28:00.001-07:00

So here is Asher Crane Pope! He came charging out at 8:30 am on Thursday morning at 7 lbs 12 oz, 21 inches in length, and a head covered in almost inexplicably dark hair. Amanda and Asher are both healthy and adjusting well to their new roles in life. We appreciate all the prayers and well-wishing offered on their behalf.

Surprise!

2008-09-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

My friends at my office today surprised me with a baby shower! I thought I was going to a meeting and then when I walked in the conference room, it was filled with all of my friends shouting "Surprise!" It was sooo nice of them! I was completely surprised. I have only been in this office a year, but I feel that I have some really great friends here. Anyway, I thought I would post a few of the pictures...

What a cute cake huh!

What a bunch of nerdy accountants huh! Just kidding. They are sooo great.

YOGA and the Crane's...

2008-09-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that my "Downward facing Dog" is something the rest of my yoga class finds humor in? And that if my yoga instructor says "heels flat on the floor" one more time specifically to me I might just pick up my mat and cry my way out the door! UGH... Any advice? If I ever do get my heels and hands on the ground at the same time I'll take a picture and post it, but seriously... don't hold your breathe!

Oh the Fat Feet!

2008-09-09T09:39:00.001-07:00

So you know how sometimes when you are pregnant, you are never sure just how much bigger you are until you try on a shirt or pants that no longer fit. Well, I've slowly changed my shoe selections due to the mark that my "buckle-around the ankle dress shoes" would leave on my ankle after a day of wear. Mind you I used to buckle them at a tighter bunkle, but the mark was left at the loosest buckle! So now I have been wearing slip on strappy dress shoes. Well, yesterday I looked down and realized that my overly chunky feet had actually broken one of the straps on my last resort shoes! This is just my feet I'm talking about; my chunky ankles are another story! Well, luckilly only three weeks left! Wow, how time has flown.

Congratulations Richard and Rachel!

2008-08-09T09:54:00.001-07:00

For those of you that have not heard, Richard was accepted into an MBA program at University of Conneticut! They have already moved out of their place in San Antonio and are staying with his parents for just a few weeks before the trek to Conneticut. We are all just so excited for them! I know Rachel has been super busy, so I thought I would spill the news. I am sure Rachel will add more details about when school starts and where they are living when she has the time. Congratulations you guys!

Happy Birthday Gardner!

2008-08-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

August 6th! Its his birthday and most likely he's sleeping on a cold, rocky, ground and most likely realizing that he might have overestimated his toughness... which quite frankly would not have been the FIRST time!

So super quickly I thought I'd list some of my favorite memories of him:

1 - The time he used a slim jim to break into my car in the pool parking lot at high school when I'd locked my keys inside... oddly it didn't take him more than two minutes to pop that lock right open.

2 - The time I came crying to him at auto shop when I thought my car had been stolen from the high school parking lot. Long story...

3 - The time he and my dad were racing their chevelles on back roads in Payson and they fought over which one had to carry the "dead weight" aka me.

4 - Any time when we were kids and I was cool enough to be involved in whatever was going on (clubhouse building, random schemes, and rock throwing contests).

5 - In middle school at Christmas when he gave me a black guess sweatshirt and probably didn't even realize how important it was at 12 to have it. More important later in life when I realized it was purchased with lawn mowing money.

6 - The time I somehow wedged my car against the side of the garage without scraping it while backing out and even though he and his friends were in the front yard he just quietly backed it out without making me feel dumb.

7 - The time some of my friends tried to toilet paper our house while I was gone and he and his friend stole their keys out of the ignition and made them clean it up.

8 - In college when he invited me over to eat some sandwiches he'd swiped from an MBA event and while I ate it he mentioned that he thought he saw mold on it (teasing about the guacomole). But realized it was too late to reverse the joke as I ran down his hall to the bathroom gagging.

9 - The time he somewhat willingly drove his car with Nana in it at the Payson Parade.

10 - The time he'd snooped in mom's journal and told me about Maren being on the way before our parents did.

11 - Anytime he'd say to Maren about highschool, "so do you ever hear anything about me over there?"

12 - Anytime he's telling a story that might involve speed or an engine sound - his sound effects and ability to tell a good story are unrivaled.

13 - The time he got home after curfew in high school... that's all I'll say on this one.

14 - After his mission when we went on a double date.

I could go on! What a crazy, perfect brother to have! I hope his day was really perfect!

Preg-Duffer...

2008-07-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is what Mike has to look forward to after a long day at the library!

1. One day I arrived home after work looking like this...

Due to my obstricted view caused by my baby bump, and after a half hour commute of walking through downtown, catching a train, I arrived home with my sweater so carefully buttoned askew!

2. Three nights ago, I arrived home looking like this...

I was rushing to catch the train and I took a pregnant nose dive right in the middle of the crowded downtown streets. Don't worry, I am fine and so is the baby; however, I am sure my flop made for a good story at many a dinner table! Out of control!

Maren & Grant visit us in Chicago!

2008-07-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally uploaded some pictures and here they are! Maren and Grant came and visited us in Chicago a few weeks ago. We were so excited to have them come. We had such a great time visiting Lake Michigan (which is just a few blocks from our house),

squeezing through Taste of Chicago(a festival downtown featuring various Chicago restaurants with shoulder-to-shoulder people), traipsing all over Chicago (which was bit easier before I was seven months pregnant),

and finally eating at our favorite Chicago deep dish pizza at Gino's East. All of this and the only picture we have of all of us together is in our apartment!

We had a great time!

Other various pictures...

2008-07-07T09:11:00.001-07:00

Carthage jail

The St. Louis Arch

..and Grant

before my camera completely stopped working :(

Grant in front of the Nauvoo temple

Grant in front of the statue of Joseph and Hyrum

Me and front of the Nauvoo temple. too bad we couldn't get one together!

haha, there we go!

Fourth of July fun!

2008-07-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow I leave the mid west. Sad. I've had such a good summer here with Grant and his family. Since coming out here I've been to Oklahoma at least 3 times, Arkansas twice, and Missouri on an almost daily basis (we live in Kansas). We also got to drive to Chicago to see Amanda and Mike! That trip was such a blast, and now I have also been to Illinois.

This last week was so so fun. On Monday the day after getting home from Chicago we drove down to Rogers, Arkansas where Grant's brother Barry lives. He took us to the gym every day where his wife works where the guys played ball and I got to work out at such a nice place! On Wednesday I got FOUR sales (the highest I've gotten this summer) and then on Thursday we got a couple too. Thursday night all the salesmen from all the different offices met in Rogers and we went to the Rodeo of the Ozarks. It was way fun! And we all dressed up like cowboys, Grant even bought me my own hat :)

On Friday we drove to Oklahoma City to where three of Grant's brothers live (Bryan, Aaron, and Dennis). We had a big barbecue, played volleyball, and just hung out. Then later that night we went to downtown Oklahoma City to a place called Brick Town. We watched the huge fireworks display from on top of a parking garage. Front row seats! Then we went back to Bryan's house which is way out in the country where there are no neighbors around and we had the best home made fireworks I've ever even heard about! Ya know, in Utah they don't even let you buy stuff that gets off the ground. It is for sure not that way out here. These were practically professional fireworks being shot off by a bunch of people who are obviously not professionals! We ate homemade ice cream and enjoyed the show late into the night, even the kids got to stay up! It was for sure an all-American holiday.

Saturday Grant's parents made everyone a huge breakfast for 50 + people. Later that day me and Grant got all dressed up and Grant's mom, Michelle, Bryan and Bryan's daughter took us to this really pretty bridge and wooded area to take engagement pictures! It was so so nice of them, and really fun! They took over 130 pictures. These are the two we like the most. Which one do you like the best???

We also got some pretty crazy ones too! haha the non-photogenic Crane really showed through in a lot of them! haha amanda, I won't forget my roots!

This last one is my favorite I think! The rest of Saturday was so fun, we went skeet shooting and then the WHOLE gang went to an indoor swimming and diving place that was rented out for us.
All in all, a good trip and a very good end to my trip out here.

Various Reasons for the Death of the Blog

2008-07-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been over a months since any posts have been added to our family blog, and I suppose a family update and explanation is in order.

1. Most of the family including Mom, Dad, Emily, Gardner, Crista and their children went down to visit Rachel and Richard (see their blog for pictures) and their family in San Antonio for R&R's new little baby Reed's baby blessing. I suppose this may partly be the reason for the death of the blog.

2. Maren has been working as a pest control salesman in Kansas City, Missouri. She and her fiance (who Mike and I just think is great) were nearly hit by a tornado while living in tornado alley. She will have to write all about this...pretty crazy.

3. Maren and Grant also came and visited us in Chicago! We had a great time! They seemed to love every thing we showed them which just made us so happy also. They loved our favorite Chicago pizza and Lake Michigan. I will post more about this later.

4. My main reason for allowing the blog's death was I just took my last section of the CPA exam on July 2. I've passed three sections and just had the beastliest section left. I really want to have it all out of the way before our baby boy adds a bit of excitement to our lives. I just pray I passed because studying for the exam has made my life pretty miserable there for awhile. Mike pretty much picked up all of the slack at our house, but he is happy that I am actually "fun again." I am amazed at how normal life is just such a wonderful thing. Hopefully the blog will now be alive and well!

Donut Donut Donut!

2008-05-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Victoria has been up to her usual tricks and I thought I would fill you in on them.

The other day we were in the pool and trying to catch Richard, so I thought it would be funny to make the Jaws sound. You know. Duna, duna, duna, duna and you get progressively faster as you get closer to your prey. Well, now Victoria chases you and says, "Donut, donut, donut, donut". It is so funny!

Grandma Donna gave Victoria the video "Stellaluna". The movie is based on the children's book. Well, we hadn't read the book yet and I started the movie for Victoria as I sat down to nurse Reed. As the movie begins a baby bat is flying with her mother holding on to her stomach. Then all of a sudden an owl comes and the baby starts falling. I started documenting what was happening in the movie to get her interested, when I glanced at Victoria standing in front of me with tears streaming down her face. She ran to me and started crying. The rest of that day she wouldn't let me out of her sight.

Reed is learning to coo and grunt with the best of them! If you smile and grunt at him you can practically carry on a conversation. He is really quite alert and entertaining for someone of his age!

Sidewalks!

2008-05-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I just got home from a pretty frustrating adventure! You wouldn't think it would be so hard to walk 8 blocks up the main road in front of our house to the pharmacy. It wasn't that it was so difficult as frustrating. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of redeemable qualities to San Antonio, but sidewalks are not on the list. We started off this morning happy and smiley and off to the grocery store across the street and then further up the road to the pharmacy. I had seen the pharmacy yesterday and had a prescription to pick up and I didn't think it was that far. ( turned out to be farther than I thought!)
Well lets just say that by the time we made it there, there was no way I was walking back. I had to call Richard to pick us up because I was so frustrated with the whole situation. Victoria had a poopy diaper and Reed was hungry and it was only 11 o'clock and already 95 degrees. But most of all the fact there was no sidewalks was the issue. Maybe to a stroller-less person it wasn't a big deal, but when you are pushing a double stroller continuous cement is a must.
The thought crossed my mind many times to call and complain to someone, anyone that this city is not pedestrian friendly! No sidewalks, no cross walks, no nothing. Richard doesn't think anyone will care, but it sure made for a frustrating morning!
Sorry for the moaning and groaning!

Keeping Us Grounded

2008-05-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

Just in case Maren was beginning to feel quite lavish and gorgeous as she plans her picture perfect wedding, I just thought it would be beneficial to

1. Remind her of the true nerd-family that she came from.

2. Remind her that she too has just a bit of (although covered by modelesque features) nerd in her too!

P.S. For those of you that don't know what this is a picture of, one of our famiy traditions is to reenact the Nativity scene every Christmas. Don't Maren and I look like the greatest nerds ever! Love it!

Mike was actually the one that noticed what a great nerd picture this was. And just incase Mike thought he might be able to be married to me without getting a bit of nerd on himself, I included a picture of him with his favorite Christmas present this year!

Yes, that's right, a GREEK LEXICON!

Hey, Porky!

2008-05-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, yes, this is my huge belly at 21 weeks. Pretty crazy huh! But the baby is healthy and that is what is most important. Anyway, for those that have been asking...here it is!

Almost everyone is right!

2008-05-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought with all of the votes for a boy, that we would definetly be having a girl! But we are having a BOY! You are all right! Except for Leah who blatantly frolics to the beat of her own drum! Our baby boy will make three boys in a row on my side of my immediate family, and seven in a row for my father's extended family. On Mike's side, there will be three boys in a row for his immediate family as well. So yes, it looks like future family reunions just got a little more rowdy and competetive!

P.S. Mike picked the football picture because as he says, "It's not as lame as all the teddy bear ones." We have a lot to learn!

What do you think we are having?

2008-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, tommorow is the day that we possibly find out(if the baby cooperates) if we are having a boy or a girl. Most importantly we will get an update on the baby's health, but it's pretty exciting to possibly know the gender too! Anyway, although I know this is late notice, I would love to hear what people think we are having. So cast your vote now and we will send out large, extravagant prizes to the winners! Okay, the prizes thing was a lie, but we would still love to hear what you think we are having.

P.S. supposedly a Snicker's bar is supposed to get the baby active so they move around enough so the Doctor can tell their gender. Whether this is an old wife's tale or not, a Snicker's it is! Plus, how often do you get an excuse to eat a Snicker's bar!

Engaged!!!!!

2008-04-21T01:57:00.000-07:00

Can you even believe it?!? I'm so excited and happy, I can hardly focus on my finals! haha, but I will. No worries.

This is the picture that Mark took of me and Grant before we went up to the mountain top where he proposed!

We're both so happy, and Grant loves loves loves you all so much! Thanks for all your support, I know I'm kinda young, but I appreciate everyone being so great! I love you all!!

Poor Grant!

2008-04-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday I got out of class and went to meet Grant in a lab in the JFSB and when I got there he was laying on the floor under the computers. He was so sick. He had already thrown up a couple of times. I went and got his car and drove him back to his apartment. He didn't want to go to the doctor, but I was pretty worried about him because he's not a baby about being sick. He was white as a sheet, he couldn't keep anything down, and he was in quite a bit of pain. Finally, I convinced him to let me take him to the emergency room. We had to wait FOREVER to get in, and I didn't know what to do because he was just laying on the floor and he was sweating and it was so scary. Eventually they called us in and they ran some tests and did a cat scan on his belly and we found out that he had appendicitis! crazy! He was not doing very well, so I had to call his mom and dad and his brother and sister. They told us he was going to have to have surgery immediately! His uncle Forest and his cousin came and gave him a blessing and he started to feel a little better. He went into surgery at about 8 pm and got out at 9. He was pretty out of it, but I think he's doing a lot better now. He had lots of people come visit him, mostly cousins (he has 1 million of them) but me and mark stayed with him all the time. I took off finally at 1am. All in all I had been there 11 hours! Mark spend the night with him and then I went back in the morning. They let me take him home today at 1pm.
He's doing well. He can't move too much, but he's being quite a trooper :)
I know mom and dad and em have called a bunch to check how he's doing. Thank you guys so much for your concern and prayers. It was kinda scary yesterday, especially since it felt like I was kind of in charge of him, but I'm so grateful he's ok and that he won't have to spend anymore time in the hospital. I hate being in there again.
Well, I love you all!!

Pictures!

2008-04-08T07:14:00.001-07:00

The Beast!

2008-04-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well, Victoria has finally discovered "Princesses"! Cameron and Addison sent Victoria sing along songs Princess video and she has gone crazy! Oh she likes Ariel, Aurora and Cinderella, but she loves the beast. She lets you know it constantly. Her Dr. the other day was trying to see how her diet is by asking her if she likes a variety of foods, and Victoria responded with, "OH, I love the Beast!" Just today I had to explain to her that it is okay to love more than one thing. We have been telling her a lot how much we love her and her response used to be that she loved us too, but lately she has just been responding with the above response to the Dr. Finally today she understood that it is okay to love Mommy, Daddy and Reed as well as the Beast! So she says, "I love Mommy AND the Beast"

One of my favorite things about her lately is that she has learned to say "Thank you" when given a compliment. So yesterday she said she loved the Beast and I at a loss of responses to that statement commented, "that's because your crazy". Without a hesitation she said, " Thank you". I couldn't help but smile.

Reed is doing great too! He is now a month old and very alert and such a sweetheart. Victoria seems to be adjusting well, as are we all! We love our new addition to our family!

Guess who's...

2008-04-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

Due Date: October 1st.

14 weeks along. Prego. Chunky. Feeling great!

Hare Krishna!

2008-03-31T10:24:00.000-07:00

So Saturday was an interesting day...
The weather was great and I heard about this crazy celebration of Spring down in Spanish Fork at a Hare Krishna temple.
I got Grant, Brooke, Mark and Mark's new girlfriend Chelsea to come and we headed down in the van.
First of all, as we neared SF I could tell that traffic was backed up past the exit. awesome.
FINALLY we park, and we seriously walked two mile until we got to the temple. The temperature was dropping and there were hoards of people everywhere. Immediately some girls came up to us and sold us our "colors" to throw at each other when the time was right.
Then, we went into the temple and got "purification" dots put on our foreheads.

Then we went and found pretty much my entire ward. I still can't believe how many people were there. We danced around to the crazy music and then FINALLY they lit the bonfire.
BAM! It was like a bomb went off. No joke. I couldn't see the sky and I had chalk powder in my lungs and up my nose and in my eyes. It was crazy. We danced around the huge fire . At one point, Grant lifted me up onto his shoulders and together we equaled the tallest living creature of all time. ha!
All in all, a terrific day, but I am STILL finding that crap in my ears, and stuck to my scalp!
Hare Krishna!
oh and how did good ol' Utah respond to our celebration of Spring? It thanked us by dumping 4 inches of snow on us the next day!