The Crandalls: May 2013

I’d almost forgotten about this blog, until Alan reminded me that I haven’t posted any family news in forever. So, here I am, posting family news, and feeling very glad that Alan reminded me to do so. There has been so much that’s happened since I posted eight months ago, so I’ll just recap some memorable things that have happened lately.

* Dray has changed so much these last few months! At 3 ½ he loves to jump on the trampoline, play computer games, and draw on his Magnadoodle. He’s pretty much one of the big kids now and wants to do everything they do. His speech has improved in leaps and bounds (he’s been taking a weekly speech class) and we can understand what he’s trying to communicate to us. He recently learned to read simple words (cat, sat, dog, etc..), knows his colors in Spanish and English, and can count to ten in both Spanish and English. He loves to learn! Unfortunately, he won’t be starting Kindergarten until August 2015. I’m looking for an affordable preschool to enroll him in this fall. His favorite foods are pizza, mac-n-cheese, V-8, and Gogurt. His favorite show, hands down, is Team Umi Zoomi. He's a very snuggly and loving kid. He often says, "I will never quit loving you!" and throws his arms around my neck. I love it.

* Alan has done well in school this year. He recently came home with straight A’s, earning a place on the Principal’s Gold List and won an award for reading 2 million words this year. He was able to choose a special prize, and chose a kitten poster for Ellie’s bedroom instead of something for himself. He is conscientious, kind, and hard-working. At a recent school choir performance, a girl in his class came up to me and asked if we were all as quiet as Alan. I informed her that he definitely isn't quiet at home.

* Ellie, who also earned straight As, was recently awarded the 3^rd grade character award. Her teacher read aloud a special poem about her at the end of year assembly. She loves to play Minecraft, gawk at photos of cute kittens, sing, and jump on the trampoline. Last week she sang a solo at the school’s night of excellence (a part of N.Y.C. from Annie.) She is sweet enough to play house and Monster High dolls with Dray every so often.

DISCLAIMER: I feel like I am bragging excessively about my kids, so I must throw in the fact that they fight just as much as any other kids and eat way too much candy. Also, Dray has been chasing family members around trying to toot on them.

* I’ve been kept busy with lots of fun projects lately. Since the end of January I’ve been able to act in commercials for Peter Piper Pizza, University of Phoenix, Everyday Health, VirTra and Arizona Power Supply, as well as act at a live event for Farm Bureau Financial Services. I’ve gone on lots of auditions, and learned a lot of really interesting things on set. I’ll never look at commercials the same way again. Now I understand that a 30 second commercial isn’t just a 30 commercial; it’s hours and hours of shooting, adjusting lights, changing scripts, re-applying make-up, changing clothes, and readjusting microphones. I have to say though, the on-set catering has had some of the tastiest foods I’ve ever eaten (hello parmesan grilled eggplant with basil chicken and buttery rolls! ) I’ve been called in to audition for a movie next week. First movie audition (gulp). Cross your fingers! I never thought that at 35, I’d have such an interesting, fun part-time job! Also, if you haven't already visited the frivolous, superficial style blog that Abby and I created, check out www.wearitworkit.com

* Ken has been busy lately with work, cub scouts, and as a priesthood teacher. He has a thick, Tom Selleck-style moustache that he’s been growing for his Comic Con costume (much to the amusement of his friends, family, and acquaintances.) I can’t spoil his surprise and write who he’s dressing up as, but I’ll post photos of him in costume soon. You will not be disappointed.

In other news, tomorrow is the last day of school and I am so excited! I figure if you have one kid home, you might as well have them all home. Dray is really looking forward to having Alan and Ellie around, and I’m looking forward to not helping with hours of homework every night (and of course, spending time with my older kiddos.)