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!

A plea from the kitchen!!

Now that summer has arrived and business has slowed, I find myself preparing more meals for my family! Mike has been a great sport but I swear, if my children roll their eyes and say "blech!" one more time at the dinner table!! I will pull everyone of my hairs out of my head with tweezers!! I realize this is my fault, as a working mom my children have become acostom to their father's cooking these last 4 years. But really, a person can only have bean burritos and rice so many times!! Chicken nuggets, cheese burgers and pizza?!! Gag me with a spoon!! (I 'm dating myself ;) I used to think of myself as a decent cook, but lately my gourmet ego is in a shambles!

I have been torturing my family recently by trying new recipes to liven up dinner. So far I have had mediocre reaction. Martha Stewart is failing miserably here!! The only recipes that the kids will injest so far have been from my friend's kitchens.

So to all of my friends I am asking you sincerely for your help, not as a chain letter and all that other hooo ha! Real help. Will you please share a recipe with me that is a hit when you make it?? A hit with kids would be great, but a hit all around would be best! We all have one. I am even willing to share my secret Cranberry Apple Salad Recipe with you or any other that I keep in my vault. Pretty please!!

Celebrate Good Times come on!

Well happy Independence Day everyone. We'd like to report a successful celebration for 2008! We got up early enough to make it to the Boulder City parade. It is a very political parade I must say. So one can get loaded with political paraphernalia. But at least there is usually candy involved.We were lucky enough to join the Tobler family in their sweet spot on the parade route, sans our Tobler family (on vacation in Idaho). We figured their group was short a few family members so we moved in on the vacancy. It turned out to be just right! There was a cool breeze, we had some shade and parade action. Raegan wanted to be closer to the street for candy collection so she had a "cute little girl" set up that worked magnificently. She looked so endearing candy was hand delivered to her in large quantities while other children had to beg and scramble in the street.The parade is divided up into non-water entries and water entries. Meaning "WATER FIGHT"! And boy do the Toblers know how to water fight! They come prepared with an arsenal of water and water shooters. We brought an umbrella due to past experiences with enormous water trucks and such. Mike was "sharing" a shooter with Raegan for about a minute and she jumped into the action with the "big guys" like a real trooper. Zach was inclined to protect those of us who weren't all that excited about getting soaked. And SOAKED is exactly what Rae was and she was proud of it! After the parade we retreated to the coolness of home and basically vegged and napped. Then we were invited to our buddies home, Kathy and Tom Ely. They live down the street from us and have the largest back yard on the block with a pool. The water was perfect and the crowd developed into a full blow party and barbecue. After food festivities we made our way to the Veterans Memorial Park, and managed to score our usual cool spot, where the fireworks are all but in your face. We love it that way.
We topped the night of with firecrackers in front of our house. We live on the 4th of July Party Street, I tell ya! Our neighbors on either side of us had gobs of safe and sane works. Mike was having firework envy. Another of our favorite families joined us for all of the firework fun, the Cox's.

We are so blessed to live in a country where we are free. I am grateful for the church and mostly for its members who are such great friends and family members.

Talkin' bout a "Heat Waaave"

As the summer heat rolls around, business slows as does the fun.. It's just too stinking hot in Vegas to do anything but find a puddle of water to sit in and and try not to get sunburned. Because business is so slow our budget tightens. It makes for a difficult summer, with all the time in the world and no money to do anything. One has to get creative to keep the family entertained. Here are two low cost things we have found to be fun so far...
Black Mountain Aquatics Center in Henderson. This is by far the kid's favorite thing to do, they have a big kids slide and a little kid's playground. You can bring in your own lunch and refreshments and the entrance fee is a mere few bucks if you buy a pass.

Boulder City Library. This year we have discovered the convenience of the Library and it's movie selection. If you get yourself an online pin you can request just about any movie you can think of and no matter the location of the DVD they will send it to your local library for... guess?? FREE baby! We have been going back in time renting entire seasons of The Munsters, The Addams Family, Bewitched and I couldn't believe my kids actually enjoyed the Partridge Family. They also have an extensive Disney Classics collection, we've recently seen the Incredible Mr. Limpet, The Gnome Mobile and the Cat Outer Space. Our online book bag is full of other fun titles, just be careful not to request too much at once or you'll have 17 movies to get through in a week!

So, what does your family do for everyday summer entertainment?? Suggestions please!

"The Greatest Show on Earth"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls... welcome to

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth!"
What a weekend! Mike's bestest friend in the whole wide world (aka Rick)was in town! The Shumway's came to Las Vegas for a get away. How nice it was to see Mike enjoying the company of his "Old Bro". Zach and Rae had such a good time hangin with the Shum Kids, they really fit in with each other. I was workin unfortunatly and didn't get to hang as much, but what little time I was able to visit was nice. It may have been nicer if we could have met up at the beach or something, Vegas is really not much of a family get away. Thank goodness the Circus was in town. Everyone really enjoyed it I think. The elephants, the horses, acrobats, daredevils and those kooky clowns are always a hoot. The only downfall was the price of refreshments, and you think Disneyland is bad, ever paid $12.00 for cotton candy?? Okay so it came with a paper hat, but really??All in all it was fun fun fun! And so good to see my blogger buddy Jeanette! Wish we'd have had more time... Come again soon..

CrabTobHux Camping 08

Last year we were invited to be a part of a new tradition of camping out the first weekend after school is over with the Huxford and Tobler families in beautiful Eagle Valley, NV at the Horsethief Gulch campground. We Crabtree's have never considered ourselves to be the camping types. But we survived the first year due to the camping preparedness of the Tob's and Hux's. This year we actually had our own tent and large ice chest. Wooo hooo! Zachary and Raegan had a blast the first time and insisted we join the fun again this year. Because of my wacky schedule and prior commitments we didn't think we would make it. But circumstances changed and bumbled around and the weekend freed up. I suppose you could say we were meant to go.

We arrived Friday afternoon and set up camp. The Huxford's hitched up a trailer and so graciously added our gear to theirs, as the old Taurus could in no way handle the load we needed to make it through the weekend. So the kids biked around the campground and the lake and hiked up and down the valley we were in. The Tobler's walkie talkies were not only great for safety but also fun for adventurous imagination games. We ended the night with a dinner of burgers and dogs, an awesome dutch oven cobbler, campfire songs by Bill, Claire, Rachelle and Andy (heard by the entire campground) and not to mention roasted marshmallows.Saturday was spent biking, fishing, hiking, playing board games, relaxing with a book and kayaking. We ate like camping royalty, thanks to the talents of Rachelle and Amy. They planned some amazing feasts, Mike said he had never eaten so much food on a camping trip in his lifetime. I am so spoiled now I'm not so sure I would ever be able to camp without them.On our last day, there were final attempts to catch fish. The Huxford's scored big all except for Bleu who only caught a dirty sock. But hey, socks are harder to catch than fish, right?? Even with great looking casts and biting bait, we managed to only catch lake weeds :-( Maybe next time. Raegan did catch a ladybug and she didn't even need a pole! On our way home we stopped at Cathedral Gorge to take a group picture and explore the caves and crevases and climb the crags. Its a very unique place and the kids love it.We want to extend a heartfelt thank you and much appreciation to our good friends who are more like family, the Huxfords and the Toblers, for all of their help, understanding and support on the camping trip. We love you guys!!