My favorite time of the YEAR!!!

I am such a maw maw when it comes to the holidays. From Halloween until New years is my most favorite time of the year. I love the cooking, and the decorating, but more than that I enjoy the family and friends! So far we have celebrated Halloween, and this year was a little different because all of the boys(excluding Peyton) had halloween with there other parents, seeing as it landed on there weekend. So I have no pics of there costumes, but I do have one of Peyton in his pumpkin costume, and he was so cute, trying to say "trick or treat" Justin as you can see was "Slash" from GNR and man did he rock it!!! And Peyton in his "umkin" costume(thats what he called it)

So a few quick Updates!

Football season is over for Ethan,and Justin. Ethan did really well this year and I saw him grow from a little scared football player, to a tough"Ima lay you out" football player. LOL No seriously I am so glad he got over his fear of being"Creamed" lol. He took last year off, and it truely paid off. They played pinson in there playoff game and lost by 2 points, but we were all so proud of them! Go Skins, and # 55.

his year was Justin's first year of being on the OHS Marching band, and he loved it! He played the bass drum, and marched every Friday night they had a football game. He has made several new friends, and has become somewhat the "popular" kid. lol, I could not be prouder. Of course since football season had started he started drifting a little bit further from me, and I knew something was going on with him, especially since he refuses to leave his cell phone lying around the house anymore. You know what I'm talking about "GIRLS!!!" UH!!! I dont want him to grow up yet. Pathetic I know but sometimes I still see that sweet little fat faced Justin, and its hard for me to let go a little.....Anyways now that I am threw whining.....The skins had a pretty good season, but honetly Im glad its over, poor J-Han(his band nick name) needs this break. Next he will be going to Disney World!!!! Justin Im proud of you son, always remember that!

Trey has done very well this year in football, they are still playing and going to the championship! He is so fired up! This year he played center, and make several great plays(sorry I cant remember the lingo). I am so proud of him also, he has grown into an amazing ball player and I think one day he will play college and may pro football! Who knows it really could happen! I cant remember how many we won or lost, but I feel like the Juniors had a great season, stay tuned for an update on the championship game! Go # 97!! We love you Trey! This is a pic of Trey and his fellow team mate Chad!

I will not give in.....

About two months ago, I had to go back to work. As everyone is well aware of we have a large family, this is no secret. I had originally went back to work to make some extra money for Christmas, our savings for our home,and to renovate a home my husband had inherited. However, within a month of me working due to unfortunate circumstances ,he lost his job. This was an unexpected bump in the road, and we have had to make do with the situation that we are now in. I believe God had a plan for him bigger than he had for himself, and I also believe that He was preparing us, by allowing me to get a job exactly one month prior to Dusty losing his. You know life is hard enough in itself, and I feel like sometimes the harder you try the harder it seems, but I am no quitter, and WE as a family will get through this tough economic time. I have learned in the past few months what it "Truely" means by "For good or bad" and I would be lying if I sat here at this computer and told you, that at times, I have wanted to just give up. But I refuse. I have been through harder times than this, and I know we will make it. Ask my mom and she will tell you , or you could ask my husband, Im stubborn as they come, and I WILL NOT GIVE IN to this attack that I feel like is on my family. AMEN!!!!!!

What it takes....to make this work

Normally, I don't brag on myself, or talk about how I feel like I owe myself this or that. Generally I seek making myself feel better, by seeing my family happy. Recently, I have had to go back to work, and I haven't been at home much. I work long hours, and the pay isnt all that great, but I am so greatful for employment. I get up almost every morning at 5 am get myself ready and go cook for 25 plus something people. During the week I could 3 days, and every other weekend I work really long hours, and it can be very tiresome. Not only on me, but my family(esp. my husband). My husband does the morning shift with the kids, getting them ready, to school, and to child care, and in the afternoons I pick everyone up.Some days we are both so wore out that we hardly have time for each other. He works long hours as well. I get the middle two from school, go home, wait about and hour an a half, get supper ready, get Trey and Ethan ready for practice, then go get Justin from band practice. Then I come home finish my diner, then run the two football players to practice, then go home, eat diner, go back pick up kids, get them fed, and baths, then sometime find the time to clean up the mess that has been made during this rush, then the hubbs gets home. Somedays he is home early and can help me out, most days we need him getting that extra time to help the ol payroll out.Times can get very hard for some, especially with large families. I am not complaining, but giving myself a little pat on the back for holding my own, and not giving up, even though sometimes I wish my kids knew how much me and Dusty do for them, so they would appreciate it more.

I have found that it takes hard work, and dedication to make this work. Our lives are so busy and at times so chaotic that we hardly have time for each other. We are what holds this family together, and together we make it work. Times have been hard for Dusty and I but we have always managed to pull through. I think its love that keeps the wheels of our busy life moving, and without that Im not sure I would be sane enough to even write about it. So if you are having a busy day, and things get overwhelming take the time to remember why you are doing it. I used to say when I worked full time and was a single parent that I wanted a job that I could work around my family, not work my family around my job. Well I have found just that. So I have learned its not really what you make, but what you make of it. I am so greatful for my family, and all of my blessings that I have been able to catch and hold onto. Thank you for reading........

Ridiculously proud.....

Justin had his first band performance on August the 28th,2009. The Oneonta Redskins played Arab and came out with a victory of 34-33! I have to admit I was a bit nervous watching my child,who I wish at times was still little, being so grown out there on that field at half time. I remember being a kid, and in school anyone that was on that stadium field, seemed so much older than me, now I am so much older than them, one being my child. I know I have said time and time over my posts that I don't want to let go, but I know I have to. After he came off the field, I automatically wanted to run over and get a picture with him, but I knew this would embarrass him, so I paced myself.I waited until I felt like no one was watching, and I could just grab some random person to take our picture. Well to my surprise that didn't happen, and still wanting the picture, I make probably one of the biggest mistakes I could have made, I asked a band member(oops) So being very hesitant(and embarrassed) Justin stood beside me, and the kid holding my camera says" So like are you like one of his family members?" I said" I'm his mother" while looking me up and down and giving this look,( and I'm still not sure if this was a "wow your mom is hot look" or "omg Justin your mom is ugly look") he says"Wow you don't look ANYTHING like my mom" right then I knew. I knew that embarrassed Justin,and the picture was snapped!!! Omg boys are so weird sometimes, had this been his dad, no biggie, but what is it about us moms? I mean are they "Too cool" to be seen with us? I know he is at that age, but all I wanted was a pic :(

Besides all that I just have to say to my son, Justin I am so proud of you. You have proven to me, that you are a very mature child and I am so proud to be your mother. You have an amazing-talent, and continue to pursue your music dream! I love you!- mom

Finding the time....

Just a quick update: Its been a week or so since I have posted anything, I have been super busy. Due to the economy, and the fact that we have such a large family, I am having to go back to work. I have basically been a stay at home mom since Peyton has been born, and it has really been good for both of us, to have that time apart. I started last weekend, and Im doing what I do best COOK! I never saw myself as a "chef" per say, but I enjoy making good food, I always say"Its good for the soul" So I won't be on much blogging, but when I do they will be mainly stories with no photos, my phone is acting up and I cant just upload straight to my blogger. Go figure, and its brand new!!

Ok, now on to the post. I am so proud to be southern, and lately I have really been getting "in tune" with my cooking abilities(hence the paragraph above) and I decided since I cook alot of Peach Cobbler at work, and I have never made it, I would try a tester out at home, and see how successful I was. Well as it turns out, I totally over underestimate myself all the time because it turned out FANTASTIC! For my first try, and actually finding the time, it was a huge success! Thanks all for following, and I will be seeing you soon....

Myspace & Cellphones & Girlfriends....OH MY!

See the kid in the middle, with the black shirt on, yea the "Crunch" junior. Well that's my Ethan. He is trying to be cool waiting on me to pick him up from school today.(Sorry the pic is blurry, took it as I was pulling up ) Anyways, you know I have talked in my earlier posts about "Paying for my raising"; well he is DEFINITELY the one. He gets in the car today and asks me why he still cant have a girlfriend. The rule in our house is the boys aren't aloud to have "girlfriends" until we feel like they are ready. Ethan has been working on me for about two years, and still no success. So he proceeds to tell me today that he really really needs a girlfriend. I asked him why all of a sudden does he "need" a myspace(which he don't have) a cell phone(don't have that either) and a girlfriend. He says its cause he wants to be like the other kids in his grade, you know since hes in the 3rd grade and all. I explained to him, that he has a right to his childhood, and its my Divine right to protect it, so the answer was still"No" I'm sure he is not going to give up on it, and everyday for the next year I will get to hear how Trey and Justin have myspaces, cell phones and girlfriends, BUT its something we will just have to deal with want we.

A while back I read an email that someone had sent me, and it said something along the lines of"I am glad my children hate me" Well I do not necessarily want mine to hate me, but if they say they do, that means there usually not getting there way, which also means I am doing my job. I am one of those parents that is not afraid to get onto my children in public. If I have to correct them until they get it right, even if it means doing it fifty times, at least they have that lesson they can take with them. I refuse to let my kids "Be like everyone else" . They are unique in there own way. I feel like with anything and everything being so readily available to kids now days, I feel like its our jobs as parents to protect them.Duh! crystal we all knew that. But seriously, for those of you who know me, know I was fast growing up, and I have strived very hard to make sure that my kids aren't. So Ethan I'm sorry if you cant have a myspace or a cell phone or a girlfriend, but your only 8. And one day you will thank me for this. For those of you who allow this...no pun intended lol

Because every child needs one....

Growing up without a full time daddy was hard on me as a child. At times I felt lost, confused and angry. I couldn't understand why my father wanted nothing to do with me and my sisters. I needed him there so many times:"Father/Daughter" dances, the first time a boy tried to kiss me, and the first time I wanted to hit a boy. lol......My relationship with him has been rocky for many years. I would spend time with him during the summers at the lake, he would teach me how to fish and play cards, then by the next summer, no phone calls, no nothing.....

I am not bitter about this. I just learned alot from him. I learned that I want the very best for my children. And even though my older two boys do not have there father "in the home" with them, they have very great dads! I have been fortunate enough to have and maintain great relationships with their dads, even after separations. My children have never really have had to go through what I did as a child, I made sure of that! Justin and Ethan's dads have such great relationships with them, that I no longer have to worry whether or not they do without that "male bonding" experience. I am truly blessed. You know that alot of people after divorce/separations, never truly have a friendship with there ex's, well I have made sure I have. I want my children to see me and their dads getting along, so they know its not about what did or didn't happen with us, but more so it being about them. Justin and Ethan you have amazing fathers I hope one day you will teach your children what we have taught you.

Now....moving on to my current situation.This is my first marriage and as you know I have another child. He is one of the most amazing men I know. When Dusty and I started dating he took to my kids very well. I was a little nervous because not many men in my life have been involved with my boys, but I knew I could trust this one. Since the beginning he has always been an awesome provider, and a wonderful role model to my children.After having Peyton, and being able to experience having another child with this wonderful man, I knew he would be exactly what I would expect in a father. He works long hours out in the heat,and tries to help me out with things when he gets home. I am so grateful that God sent me a good man, and an awesome DADDY. He is everything I have ever wanted for my children, and for myself. So I would like to pay tribute to the man that keeps this family going. Dusty you are the love of my life, and the best dad any child could ever have. Thank you for always sticking it out, and not complaining about it.Thank you for being exactly the opposite of what I had growing up.Thank you for not giving up on me and our family when at times it seemed easier too. I love you with all my heart, and I will forever be grateful to you. If you have someone you would like to pay your gratitude to, just post a comment!!! Thanks for reading!!!

Because every child needs one! A good DADDY!!!

Back to school!

The kids were really excited about the first day back to school.We had to get up a bit earlier yesterday morning since Trey had another safety patrol meeting at 7 am. I managed to get up on time, even though I have gotten to sleep in a little bit over the summer. They had a good breakfast, and was done in enough time to pace around the house. Trey was ready and excited about safety patrol, he was hoping to help out with the Kindergarton kids. I didnt cry for too long after I dropped Justin out at the high school section, to me it was like his first day of Kindergarton,except this time he didnt turn around and wave at me like his very first day of school. I had that lump in my throat because I knew this was one step closer to him no longer needing me as much as before. He is gainging more independance, and soon enough he will be able to do things on his own, I will make sure Im there to guide him...... ok I will stop before I cry...lol

As soon as I picked the kids up after school, they all three started in on how good the day was. Justin told us about the hustle of going to all 7 periods on 3 different halls,and how all his band buddies would pass him in the hall and say"J-HAN" which is his nick name. He told me he felt"popular" lol.Highschoolers! lol Trey was going on about how he didnt get to help the K's but was able to hold the door open for the bus riders. Ethan said he loves his new teacher! "She is funny mamma" is what he said.



I am so thankful for such bright and outgoing boys, and I cant wait to see what this school year is going to be like, since I have a 7th grader!!!

A playful afternoon...

With it being the last"official" day of the kids' summer vacation, I decided I would take them to the park and for ice cream(of course after the house chores were done). We all needed this day, to take the time to just relax and have a little bit of fun. Its so easy to get caught up in the daily habits we have to run a household, so I told the boys if they would help out we would get a break from the house, from cleaning, and just from everything we are use to doing. It was nice to get out and enjoy the sun,especially since it wasnt real hot.I swang with the boys, and had a nice milk shake. Its days like this I will miss the most when there grown and out of the house. Cherish the little moments in life!(because there only little once)

Im not ready to let go....

Today, as you know from the previous post, was the day we got to "meet your teacher" . My mother in law came over to keep the two youngest boys, while I took the others to the school. As were walking down the hall I notice Trey walking a little bit faster until he was nearly twenty feet away from me.....little did I know he was trying to catch up with his girlfriend. I guess your not cool if you walk with your mom when your girlfriend is around...:(

So after meeting Ethan and Treys teacher, we had to go to the high school to let Justin find his classes and get his locker. As soon as we entered into the "high school" Justin walked a little bit faster, and like Trey he was about 20 feet ahead of me. All through the school he was acting all cool, and mom was no longer needed. I know kids grow up but it has truely been hard for me to let him go. I am a firm believer that he will make wise decisions, and will not give into peer pressure. When I was getting ready before we left, I was smoothing out my hair(which is naturally curley) and it was all crazy, and I asked him"Justin do you care if I wear my hair like this to open house today" His response"Whatever" I am so thankful he doesnt care what others think about him. He is proud to be independant, and not live like others expect him too. I love you Justin, and I am so very proud of you! Good luck in high school!

And were off!

The first day of school is 2 days away, and I am looking foward to days of a little bit of peace and quiet(yea right). The kids are excited and were all a go on supplies, and clothes. Ethan and Trey started there football practices and Justin had his preview into the OHS Marching band. Things this year(Im sure) will be extremely busy for me and my Honda Pilot. Their only little once.

Yesterday was the day Justin and Trey had to have shots, and seeing as Justin needed his 13 year old shot record in order to start school on Thursday, it was very important that I didnt miss this appointment.....well....after running all over town to pay bills, get a new remote from our local phone company(because Peyton demolished my old one) I realized that I needed to call the doc to verify they would have his blue slip ready. They all know me by name, and she said"Crystal his appt was this morning, not this afternoon"I sat in my vehicle and cried my eyes out, how was he going to start school, and how in the WORLD did i get the times wrong?? Because they all know my situation they made some room for us before the doc had to leave, and we were able to get his shot, treys was rescheduled and stitches are finally out! One bad thing, now hes having a reaction from the shot and is puking up his guts!

Today is going to be super busy, Trey has been selected(due to good grades) to be on the "Safety Patrol Commitee" at school, so we have a meeting for that this afternoon. Open house begings at 3 and ends at 6. No football practice today! yay! Gotta go get those blue slips, and get Cade signed up for preschool! I will be busy! Keep me in your thoughts!

What I love about Sundays....

Church, Sunday diner, and an afternoon nap, is typically what most do on Sundays. Seems like in my family, all I ever do on Sunday evenings, is sit in the ER with one of my kids. Well yesterday was another one of those days. Justin come in the house and was telling us how they were all playing ball and he slid into home plate and cute his knee open... Well I rushed him to the er and after 2 hours , 8 numbing shots, and 9 stitches later he is finally better. Its sad when you walk into the emergancy room, and they call you by name, because they have seen us so many times. One of the nurses asked me , "What is it with your boys and Sundays" I told her"Thats what I love about Sundays" lol

Sweet Summer Time

With one week left to start back to school I have to give an update on how our summer has been. We had fun swimming at the pool , and having parties, and friends over. We celebrated Ethans 8th birthday and Justins 13th! The day before Justin turns 13 he decides he is going to get his first peck on the lips. I told him I was already having a hard enough time dealing with him turning into a teenager, but to go and get his first "real" kiss on the lips. I was so brokenhearted. I know these things are going to happen.....but I say he still could have waited one day... So...for his birthday I asked him what he wanted to do, and instead of having a big over dramatic party, he would rather take his girlfriend to the movies. I couldnt tell you what movie it was. A friend of mine and I sat two rows behind them, and all I could do was watch to make sure they saved a little bit of room! Its the inevitbale I know...but sometimes I wish they could stay little forever... Below you will find a picture of his then girlfriend....Lord help me....

Better Late than never...

Peyton turned 1! And here are the photos to prove it! We had a blast at the party, he enjoyed his cake, and as you can tell from the pic, he ate all of it!!! I have been so busy the past few months, my posts are a little behind. I cant believe my last child is one years old! I truely know what my mother meant when I used to hear her say"time flies" it really does.

Can I get more tired than this?

My husband works out of town, and its so hard physically doing everything during the day by myself, not to mention after 3 pm when I get the older three boys from school.This evening was a true test of my sanity. After we went to the gym, for my daily exercise and to let the kids play in the pool, I still had so much to do when I got home. We had Peyton's first birthday party yesterday, and I still had cake everywhere to clean up, but I was just having a cranky afternoon. The kids are down, and instead of sleeping I'm venting to who knows, about how hectic it can be at times? Does anyone know what I mean?? lol

Peyton Brooks

Peyton Brooks is one years old as of March 17! We call him, Pey Pey, Peybro(which was inspired by Napoleon Dynamite) lol and of course Peyton. He is my last and final child to have. I believe his is going to be the fastest out of all the boys, due to the fact that he watches all four of his big brothers. He keeps up as good as any toddler can.He is also the one that is most attached to me. Im not sure if its the stage his in, or me being at home with him that causes us to be so close.But in any sense, I think he will grow up and conquer great things. He is so smart and very into everything, and absolutely loves people. I can tell you he will probably never meet a stranger.Its hard with your last child because you want to spoil them, and make them stay little forever, but I know he will grow, and in time he too will walk ten steps ahead of me, like the rest of the boys.

Lucas Cade

Cade, he too came into my life when his dad and I started dating. He is such a sweet boy, and just turned four on Jan 29.He inspires to be just like his older brothers. He loves little cars,trucks, wrestlers, anything boy, he loves! He is defiantly a daddy's boy. Dusty always says he loves it when he comes in from work, and the first thing Cade does, is coming running from where ever he is and says "DAD"!!! Every single time. He adores him. He spends his time with me during the day, helping me with Peyton the baby. He is such a great big bubba.

Ethan Blake

Ethan, is my middle son. He was born on June 25, 2001. This little guy is the one the most like me. Crazy, charismatic, outgoing, funny, silly etc etc etc. I see myself in him so much, it scares me. The old saying you heard growing up your whole life"One day you'll pay for your raising" well I can assure you its with him. Even when he was just a little baby he had a sense of humor that would just draw people to him. Still to this day he does. He loves to play with trains and wrestler's. He is all boy. Occasionally he likes to write letters to everyone in the world, but its ok, cause that's Ethan, or as we call him "Ebo"

Dustin Trey

Trey came into my life in 2006 when me and his dad started dating. He was born April 11, 1999.He is very sweet and at times he is somewhat shy( a quality I think he got from his daddy).He is next in line to being the oldest, and you can usually catch following Justin 10 steps behind. He is a very intelligent kid, always makes great grades in school, and enjoys football anything. That too is something Dusty bread into him at a young age. Although he is my step son, I have never looked at him like that. I love him the same as I would had I given birth to him.

Justin Tyler

Justin Tyler, came into my life on July 15,1996. I was very young when I had him, and after about 18 longs hours of labor he finally arrived.I had never knew what it was like to look at another human being and be completly vulnerable to there every need. He is special to me, because he has my strength. At a young age of 12 1/2 he has gone through more than most kids his age do. I have watched him overcome trials in his life with strength that I always knew he had.

He loves to play the drums, and is actually in a band with some of his buddies.He has been beating on stuff since he was two years old.He carries the title"Older Brother" very well. At times he can be bossy, but he has a very tender heart.

Our Introduction....

Just a quick story on how we ended up with a family this large at such a young age. I(Crystal) had two children from my previous, and he(Dusty)did also. We got married in May of 2007, and not too long afterwards, we found out we were pregnant. So me having my boys full time, and Dusty only getting visitation every other weekend wasn't so bad. We knew every other weekend, we would both have time for each other to be alone.By March of 2008 Peyton Brooks arrived, and mine and his family slowly began to fall right into place. Later on that year we received full custody of his boys, and now we have FIVE BOYS full time! I quit my job to be a stay at home mom, and he currently works out of state. This is the short version.. I hope you enjoy reading our Journey as much as we enjoy living it........