"No planes, but buses, trains and automobiles"

This week I had split day gigs in CA, which allotted me the opportunity to pick up the car in OC that has been sitting there since Mike went to the academy in TX. Airfare has skyrocketed so I opted to take the Greyhound since it was so affordable. I was prepared for the worst. Ready for smelly people, weirdos and a dirty vessel. To my surprise none was the case. The passengers were mostly elderly friendly travelers and foreigners. I got off the bus in Santa Ana at a quaint little refurbished train station that reminded me of the stations of my youth. There is just something about a train that I really dig. It takes me back to my days of riding the train between Needles and Winslow. I spent many a trips in the viewing car, the dining car and curled up in my seat. I rode the train alone at a pretty young age. My dad is a railroader and he always knew the conductor on Amtrak, who would assure my safe passage. Maybe that is why travel seems to come so easy to me. Someday I'd love to take my family on a train trip.
I rode the MetroLink. Yes, just a few days after the tragic MetroLink crash. On a different line though. Its a wonder more people don't use the train, it was so clean and super fast. It took literally minutes to ride from Santa Ana to Laguna Niguel, too short really, I was having fun.
After a good night's rest at Glena's place. Which was so much better than staying alone in the man-hole. I don't know how my honey does it. I was off to Carlsbad for my gig. I just couldn't fathom staying in CA alone until Sunday, so after work, I opted to drive home to the kiddos.
Thank goodness for audio books, they make the trip sooo much easier. I've been listening to Eragon and Eldest, even better the second time. Now I have to turn around and come back as I have to get a client ready for the Emmy's.

"I want to ride my BICYCLE!... BICYCLE!"

(sing the title in the style of Queen)

In the sweltering summer heat, my kids opt to stay inside as much as possible. Leaving their bicycles to rust and dust in the garage. Now that the weather is softening bit and school has started, the bikes have been brought out once again.

Grandpa Teddy is the Bicycle Grandpa. He has furnished his Grand kids with all of their bikes. Beginning with Zachary's toddler bike and now with his mountain bike. With Mike in Dallas it was up to me to get this thing rolling. I felt like a total failure when the front wheel was catching on the frame of the bike! But luckily or unluckily the first bike was damaged, I wasn't incompetent. So we exchanged the bike for an assembled one on the floor at the store. Doesn't he look great? Zachary particularly likes the Bronco colors on the bike that Grandpa Teddy picked out for him.

Raegan is also on a Grandpa Teddy bike. Her purple Spy Girl ride! She's still working out her wobbles. They've been riding nightly around dusk when the temperature is perfect. The three of us went on a ride together. I wish I had a picture of me riding Zachary's pimped out bike with the silver banana seat. I know I looked funny! I felt it..

Whats your reading position?

I like to curl up on the couch under a lamp and read. Zach likes to read lying in his bed.

My mom has recently discovered the ease of audio books..

And Raegan... likes to read in a creative fashion..

sneak peek

CrabTobHux 2008 Halloween invitation... Hocus Pocus anyone??

Wigs and Makeup by me, Costumes (left to right) by Jason Bennett, Auntie Carolyn and my Mom Alicia.

Tortise here...

Time to play catch up! Little behind on the family blogging! Things are in high gear these days with all the back and forth to O.C. and school starting! August was a total blur, I didnt post a thing!

We made one last trip to Mike's place before school started. So we finally went to the beach, and oh how beautiful it was, the kids had a great time frolicking in the waves and digging in the sand.

On the way out we had a glitch in our new arrangements. Our nanny situation fell through and so Mary's mom (Nana) saved the day. She came to Boulder City from Winslow AZ to help me hold the fort down. She had a great time spoiling Zach and Rae and they had a great time getting spoiled. Especially when I was working in L.A. for a few days.

I'm such a lame mom, I don't have first day of school pictures, I may have to stage some. I am totally guilty of that you know. More soon!

Voyager...To Boldly Go

Captain's Log Stardate 08.16.2008

Vessel Taurus departed from port on an emergency family vacation due to reports that 1st Officer Crabtree will soon be promoted to Captain in a few short weeks. The Crabtree crew arrived in the Los Angeles area at approximately 2 pm and commenced scouting the area for viable commuting stations. The situation was bleak, so the vessel headed south to San Diego to dock at port McFarland, run by the insatiable Auntie Ginger.

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Captain's Log Stardate 08.17.2008 & 08.18.2008

The Crabtree crew began emergency family vacation mission at Sea World San Diego where they studied and inspected numerous creatures.

This particular creature had a fondness for Ensign Raegan Crabtree, it seemed to sense an alien bond with her that was irresistible.
One surprise discovery was "Finding Nemo" we did not expect to happen upon these creatures on this planet, we were under the impression they could only be found on the planet Disney.

Ensign Crabtree was also enthralled with these feathery pink creatures who had the amazing ability to stand upon 1 extremity for hours on end.
Ensigns Zachary and Raegan decided that the creature "Manatee" was a favorite on the planet Sea World.****************************
Captain's Log Stardate 08.19.2008

The Taurus vessel set out on another scouting mission this day with success. After hours of disapointment the crew happened upon a dwelling for a new Crabtree station in Coto De Caza Ca. All the amenities are suitable, location, price and commute, it lacks a mess deck but Number One feels he can make due with a simple replicator (or microwave).

Because of the success of the new station scout, the crew was rewarded with a visit to the Orange County State Fair.
Because the crew was unable to adapt to the weather conditions in this sector the outing was cut short. We were cold.
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Captain's Log Stardate 08.20.2008 ~ 08.22.2008

After a pleasant visit with our incredible Captain Ginger McFarland and Ensign BreAja it was time to change stations since additional preparations had to be made to secure the new Crabtree Station.

In appreciation and celebration of Captain Auntie Ginger's birthday we had a final treat of Oreo Cake and candle blowing. (Happy Birthday Auntie Ginger, we love you!)

Later that day we arrived at Captain Aunt Glena Donaghy's station to port. Once again we were met with incredible hospitality and love. It was wonderful to catch up and hang out with the Donaghy crew.

The Crabtree and Donaghy Ensigns formed a new familial bond. Ensign Cousin Lauren has been voted favorite teenager by Ensigns Raegan and Zachary.
Ensigns Zachary and Raegan also enjoyed the company of creature Sammy, who so kindly guarded them overnight by sleeping between them on their comfy air mattress.
On our final day after numerous hugs and goodbyes, the Taurus vessel arrived safely at the B.C. Crabtree station. . Thank you to our wonderful hosts, we love and appreciate you. We are looking forward to numerous future encounters from the new Coto De Caza Crabtree station.
Seriously...Love Ya!!
Captain Mary Crabtree

the next Crabtree Chapter

Well as most of our family and friends know, about 4 and a half years ago Mike took the plunge and went back to school. As tough as it was, it was just as easy. It was truly meant to be, things just worked out. I think we became a happier family as we traveled this road. Mike graduated back in December with a degree in Public Administration. Wha??

What some people don't know about my husband is that he is very concerned with our government and follows all the information that he can get his hands on. Always, he is politically correct. He will never share who or what he votes for and finds it to be a very private matter. He loves to debate the issues and just when you think you know where he stands he throws you for a loop.

Anywhoo with the state of our country these days, finding a job has been quite difficult, particularly within city, state, county or federal government, which is the area he studied for. Cutbacks-Cutbacks-Cutbacks.. We had a glimmer of hope about 4 months back when he was able to take a federal test, but as the weeks passed that glimmer began to fade, then 2 months after the testing he was given a "tentative" job offer. Well it was something since he was over qualified to mow lawns for the city. So finally after FBI background checks (thank you to our friends who cooperated with Special Agent McCoy showing up on their doorsteps), drug tests, acceptance letters etc. it has become official "MIKE HAS A JOB"
There is a catch tho... its in Laguna Niguel California!! Now this could be the most expensive place to live in the Los Angeles area. So rather than uproot our family from B.C. we've decided he will commute. Ugh!! I know... but whats a little more sacrifice.. we hope and pray it will be worth it.
In an effort to have a little family vacation time before he departs we sped off to San Diego and also hunted for a reasonable place to stay not too far from where he will be working. Literally impossible I tell you. Rent in the Laguna Niguel area is about as much as his entire salary. We've been searching online for weeks and anything that was too good to be true...WAS. Lots of places in Anaheim, but too close to Disneyland for Mike's comfort. So as we were combing the area without a place to go, I was inspired to stop and get a newspaper, even though I'd looked at it online the night before. There was an ad that again seemed too good to be true. We followed up on it and it looks as if it is going to work out. Not counting the chickens though, the incubation period isn't quite over. .... I'll keep you posted...

UDATE: We signed the lease!! Who would ever think one would be excited to rent a studio without a kitchen for less than $800 a month! California thinking can be soooo warped!