GETTING READY FOR JOSH TO LEAVE
and
ENJOYING THIS FRESH LITTLE BABE
Jackson continued to call Ruby his "Best Friend" as the days went on.
He has such a special love for her!
As she continued to grow--- and I continued to be too busy getting Josh ready for his mission, I looked over one day, and realized- I had been missing these sweet moments-- and here she was getting big already! So I grabbed my camera to capture this sweet little girl growing way too fast!
Ruby's ear-- is sure awesome! I love that it has an extra crease in it!
She will always be super unique- Love it!! :)
And these little feet were already so big! Love those tiny toes!!
And the kids thought-- My bows were way too boring. So- they grabbed the big giant ones :)
A bow almost as big as her head :)
I actually got this super sweet hat for a photo prop (the things you buy while you're on bed rest :) This wasn't quite the picture I was hoping for :) I'll have to try again later :)
We were also given other photo prop gifts. Unfortunately-- I totally didn't have time for this-- and she grew out of them before I even got any good pictures :)
I especially like my attempt with the hat below :)
Love this sweet little girl!!
When double chins are cute!!
She was not in the mood :)
One of her first outings to church- all dressed up! I couldn't help but match them :)
JOSH'S MISSION PICTURES
I tell you…… I love photography! I love seeing everyone else's pictures!! I love even studying and learning different techniques and ideas! But for some reason-- the times I need pictures taken are the times- I am so busy. It seems I'm trying to squeeze in a photoshoot with no time-- and I forget all of the fun ideas! So-- my pictures are never that great. Oh well-- at least I try.
So-- here is a little photo shoot we did with Josh - as he was getting ready to leave for Chile.
I am so grateful for this Boy!!! It was seriously so busy with a newborn, and mission prep… But- Josh was amazing in preparing, and getting everything organized. He had each day lined out for what he could do, and what he absolutely needed me to do. It made getting him ready so much easier!!
In the midst of this-- Maddie came running in one day from outside to announce that our orchard trees were finally producing fruit!!!! Woohooo! It only took 7 years :)
And the harvest began!
Josh's Farewell Sept 14, 2014
We were definitely feeling the love! Our hearts were full of gratitude for all of our awesome family who came out to support us! We made it into a huge party weekend!!!
SO. MUCH. FUN!!!!!!!!!
We even burned the cookies for Bry :)
Nothing like sitting around a table with some of your favorite peeps eating chocolate chip cookies and playing speed scrabble! Good Good Times!!!
Allie is my right hand these days! She is the perfect age to help with so much!! I am forever grateful for her willingness to jump in!!
Best of Times!!!
We even got to celebrate Tanner's Birthday!!!
Grammie brought all the kids their "Unbirthday gifts!" Woohoo-- so fun!!
Ha Ha--- These two!!! I love Maddie's face :)
Seriously the best weekend!!!
We even had the whole side of the RS room full of our favorites!!!
Seriously -- We just couldn't be more grateful!!
And….. Josh's awesome friends drove all the way from BYU and surprised him at the church for his Farewell!
Julia and Lauren-- some of his best buddies!!!
His amazing Cousins!!!
LOVE everything about this! :)
Awwww----- Such lucky kids to have each other!!
Originally we weren't planning on doing Ruby's baby blessing along with his farewell. Cuz….. Well-- because that is pretty embarrassing!! Then at the last minute Josh said-- why not?? So- we did! So grateful for his awesome attitude about things!!!
So we ended up having a Triple Header! Farewell, Baby blessing and Maddie earned her Young Women medallion! Seriously-- an amazing day!! We are SO grateful!!!
If you'll look back on the pictures--- this looks like a similar picture about 10 years ago! Josh shared his baptism day with Allie's baby blessing- and he wore a little suit. Almost looks the same! What an awesome kid to share his special days!!!
He gets it from his Grandparents! He has quite the heritage to live up to!
They are amazing examples to us all!!!
And then the goodbyes :(
That was hard--
Seriously- we felt so much love! Heidi and Ammon from Reno
Raeanna from Arizona
Meemaw and Grandpa and Steph and Camila from CA, Jeff and Becca from Denver, and all the Utah crowd! So much love, so much happiness-- we are Grateful!!!!
The sweet, quiet moments nursing gives you. Thankfully I have little photographers that capture these moments!
The next week- we ventured out on our last family trip before Josh left. He decided he wanted to go to a BYU game before he left- and spend some time mountain biking etc. So we were off to Utah!
This girls first road trip :)
Of course we were packed to the hilt-- and there wasn't much room.
It didn't seem to bother Jackson though--- he was just delighted to get to play on the I-pad. An almost never event around here.
Since we really wanted to spend quality time together-- we opted to stay in a condo in Park City. It was delightful-- and so much fun to hang out in that fun city!!!
We even got out on a ride! My first one in two years. Sheer heaven! I love being with my kids doing the things we all love!!!
And it didn't hurt that the colors were amazing!!!!!
Good times together-- loving every minute of it!!!
The next day was the game. Jackson just couldn't get enough of all this BY-U stuff! He was in heaven!!!
The best was running into Cosmo after the game.
So much excitement- he could hardly control himself!!!
At this time- BYU was doing amazing- so the game was super fun!! It was a white out- so we - all had to get new white shirts :)
This little one wasn't loving that much though. The heat, and loud noises were a little much! So- we spent most of the game out in the stadium hallways. She was so cute- I didn't even mind!
Binkie strap bought by her big brothers :) They just couldn't resist!
And this boy- just loved that we weren't in our seats.
That meant he was able to stand up and take it all in! 
One of my favorite shots of these cute kids!!!
Sunday Morning we ventured out to a Park City ward building- only to find out that every single church was full and in the middle of the Ogden Temple Dedication. So-- we were sent away. This was weird- it's not too often you aren't allowed to just walk into a church. So- we decided to go home and have our own. It ended up being a great awesome time to share testimonies, and scriptures-- along with a great lesson from Mark.
Zack really loved it :) And- Maddie just might be asleep :)
Since we were in Utah-- The Utah fam was so nice to invite us over for Sunday dinner. It was priceless for Josh to have one last evening with them!! 
Here he is holding a super important Book of Mormon--- that is super vintage. I just can't remember who's it was. I will have to ask Grammie.
After our Sunday fun at the condo.
Ruby's bed :)
Love my little Cougars!!!!!
And these two--- are just adorable! I love their little relationship!!!
While in Utah- we took advantage of being all together and got some family pictures taken. I am so postpartum big - so not sure I want these up anywhere. But-- I thought the kids and Mark looked so good!!
A deer just happened to hop by behind us:)
Such beautiful Kids!!!
Back on the home front……Jackson was all geared up with his $3 Captain America shoes (he got for a prize) and his Hero back pack. Although I have hidden those a million times- cuz they are so hideous…… he continues to find them. :)
Josh- coming home from a fun day of work as the sterilization tech. Way to go Josh!!
Calvin Baer-- dressed up to ask Maddie's friend Madi to Homecoming!
Oh the adventures of Teenagers :) Here is Maddie getting asked to homecoming! "Canoe go to Homecoming with me." :)
Theres nothing like literally being the back seat driver as Maddie shoots the breeze with Cambri-- explaining all the details of the upcoming dance. We were headed to answer Mitchell Bashford for Homecoming-- and the girl really hadn't driven much. It was all I could do to not move up front on top of that console :)
With a big bucket of Corn Dogs-- Mitchell's favorite!
Madi and Maddie getting ready for the Dance!! Such beautiful girls!!!
Beautiful girls-- Inside and Out!!!
Her fun Group!! Maddie, Mitchell, Erika, Tyler, Madi and Calvin
Mitchell is one of Maddies best guy friends-- they have so much fun together!!
Life with these two is pretty fun!!!!
This was the best surprise to get in the mail!!! Josh was totally excited to get the "Gib Dox Family Tie"
I love this tradition! This is a tie- that has been signed by all of his cousins (and Grandma) who have served a mission. With their favorite scriptures- and encouragement.
I love that they started this! Best idea ever!!!!
A beautiful day in the Denver Temple doing baptisms! This was such an incredible day! One of Josh's last wishes was to all go down to the temple together. He had been working in the temple the last two months as an ordinance worker. Wow- what an incredible experience. I used to look forward to Tuesday nights when he got home so much! He would leave around 9am and come home around 10pm. As he walked in the door- he could hardly wait to share all the neat things he experienced- and learned. Obviously- he never talked about anything he wasn't supposed to -- but he would share how much his testimony had grown that day. He especially loved working with all the hard of hearing elderly men. He said- they told the best stories ever as loud as can be :) We are so grateful the church allows this experience! Such an incredible opportunity to prepare even more for the mission!
So-- on this day- we had planned on Mark staying out to watch the kids (since he had recently been there.) However-- as we were walking in the temple we ran into some friends from the stake- who offered to watch our kids. WOW! The Hunts are incredible! Nathan (dad) even took off his shirt and tie for mark to wear. Seriously- one of the most meaningful days ever!! We had a powerful experience all together that Saturday before Josh left on his mission.
I LOVE finding collages like this that Allie made on my phone :)
And that morning (right before the temple) I made the kids sit through one more photo session. The idea I had for the picture was above….. I loved the fresh feeling of it-- and casual but nice look. I especially loved the gray back drop. However it didn't quite turn out that way. Bummer! It seemed a little too pink and purple for me (I couldn't find the perfect clothes-or the right look)-- and our casual shoe/ no shoe thing- got cut off. Bummer. The kids individuals look amazing though-
and Desiree does an amazing job with light.
And…. My favorite!!! I love these kids so very much!!! I love their love for each other-- and I especially love that Josh and Maddie kind of look like the parents in this.
HaHa -- not really-- but kind of :)
Love this girl!!! Isn't she so beautiful!??!! So often she is my right hand man. The perfect attitude and age to jump right in and help me with EVERYTHING!!!!! I especially love her photo skills :) "Selfie time." He He-- she is awesome!!! She made all these below :)
Meanwhile-- the temple was moving right along.
Every single time we pass it we either get out and take a pic- or take a drive by.
We are SO incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity to watch it go up!!
Figuring out the nursing situation with this girl! She screams all day and all night!!! I've tried not eating so many things--- it's not working. She just has straight diarrhea. So--- they want me to try a special formula. Uuuugggh!!! But I kept going-- I was often found in my Super man cape -- (nursing shield) It's especially awesome when Josh, Maddie and Zack's friends come over. I know they thought I was a freak! :)
Jackson loving this girl-- even when she screams. I tried and tried to get a cute pic of her in this sweet outfit from Meemaw and Grandpa-- but she kept screaming!! uuuuggh!!!
There were a few quiet moments-- in between cries where she just looked up at me with---
"Can you help me?" I felt so bad!
All while trying to figure out this whole situation-- The older kids were trying to get settled into new teachers, and classes. Some of them not so good- that we had to work through. And-- the most on our mind- was preparing Josh to leave for Chile!!
Nice pic below from Jackson :)
We visited countless stores to get all the final things (this was after the big utah shopping day.) It's amazing how many little things we had to gather. One tip someone gave us was to ensure he brought a sleeping bag for the freezing days- in the Andes. So-- we were on the hunt. Thankfully we found this awesome bag!
And--- the last week before he left-- we really packed it in. Josh had a few wishes…..
One of them was one last stop to Cinzetti's-- one of the kids favorite restaurants!
Along with a hike up to Horsetooth falls
I LOVE this hike together as a family!
Only one week before Ruby was born Mark and I were in this exact spot- when we looked over and saw a Black bear-- CRAZY!!!
Running down the mountain!!
Josh was so awesome to take the kids golfing too!! I loved his desire to spend time with the family. He didn't even care about seeing friends-- but really just focused on making memories with us all!
A final request for--- Mint Mud Pie! One of his favorite treats!!
One final round of speed scrabble!!! We were truly trying to fit it all in!!!!
And…. in the midst of all this--- Maddie tore the muscle off her bone AGAIN!!!! I seriously couldn't believe it! She was out another season- and wondered if she should ever run again.
Random shot someone sent me from their last Guatemala trip--
I thought Mark and Maddie looked so cute!!
Conference just before Josh left.
And--- THIS GIRL STARTED SMILING!!!!! It was a grand old day!!!!
Allie was off to ECO week! I have better pictures but can't find them :(
Josh was so sweet to think about making sure the little kids would remember him. So- we were trying to think of something that would help them. Aunt Heidi J. had a great idea that Clayson had done---- to build a bear and have him record his voice in it. So- we put that on the list- and got it done.
Jackson was in HEAVEN making his Josh Missionary bear!
We had just come from the missionary transfer breakfast (had it at the stake center since I was still fresh from having Ruby) so we were all dressed up.
These bears are treasured around here! Full of a cute message from Josh- telling them how much he loves them and wishes for a great day!!! So sweet!!!
The excitement could not be contained!!!!
Sweet Ruby is growing up!!! Propped against the couch- and loving sitting up.
I caught Josh (while nannying :) soaking up every minute with these two little ones!
Sweet little one trying to hold her head up!
A trip to the pumpkin patch to prepare for Halloween!!!! This boy was one excited kid!!!
Conference weekend (sorry- these are a little out of order :-/ )
Soaking up a relaxing weekend with our WHOLE ENTIRE FAMILY HOME!!!!
Ruby's first General Conference-- Sweet Sweet Girl!!
Our Traditional Conference Cinnamon Rolls! Wow-- there are a lot of Pictures of Josh on this post :) I guess we were trying to capture every last minute of everything we did!!!
Josh- hung up his badge- as an MTC Cafeteria worker-- He loved that Job! Great place to work before your mission. The best part was that it got him up early-- and he was able to see what MTC life is like.
Cute Pillow from the Van Tassells!
And this boy- can't handle pictures taken of anything- unless he's involved :)
Such a cute -- happy spirit!!!
So- in keeping with the Crane tradition we decided to take Josh on a little trip before he left. So- he got certified to scuba dive, and we were off to Cozumel!! It was all great- as we had planned to bring Ruby (she even got a passport ordered when she was one week old) However- just before we left, our friend Tyler Keate said- that wasn't the wisest thing to take a baby out of the country without immunizations. So--I freaked out and almost stayed home. My friend Kim was so super thoughtful-- and begged to keep her! I couldn't believe I let her! I was so torn between spending this last moment with Josh, and being with my baby. So- I decided to go-- but just for a couple of days. Just enough to dive with him and be out of the water long enough to fly. It all worked out perfectly-- and I was forever grateful for the Keates for taking such awesome care of her!!!!
And so here we are -- waiting outside the rental car company- ready for a sweet Cozumel Vacation!!
Beautiful dives (even though I threw up AGAIN under water!) It was incredible to be all together! And of course- Victor (our dive guide) did a fabulous job showing Josh all the coolest things! We literally (no exag) saw a few 9 foot sharks, Eel, Sea Turtles, Baracuda, Blow fish, The most amazing colorful fish, swam through caves and saw so many amazing creations. I seriously was in awe! Everytime I'm down there- I am more amazed at all of Heavenly Father's creations! Even gorgeous water flowers down there. It truly looked like finding nemo!!
The infamous Taco Shop :)
Golfing the beautiful Cozumel Course
Looks like I should have written-- "Selfie Time" on that shot :)
While walking to the ice-cream shop--- we walked pass The Fish pedi place.
We just couldn't resist!!!! Mark wasn't all that into though-- but Josh and I loved it!!!
The temple "teepee" sat there for a couple weeks-- everyone was anxiously awaiting it to go on top!!
Josh's last day of Work
All the staff told me- he was an incredible Sterilization Tech!
And this might be one of the sweetest moments ever ---
I LOVE to walk in after taking care of all the other kids- to see this! He is going to be an amazing Dad! 
Zack and Hunter singing in the Choir! Zack did such a great job-- and made All-State!!
He's becoming known as Troy Boulton (from HS musical) around here :) Bball and singing-- WAY TO GO ZACK!!!!
His awesome friends in the choir-- all from church. Hunter, Bridge, Brooklyn, and Thomas.
I love these kids!
LOOK WHO'S 17 YEARS OLD!!!!
Where has the time gone?? I seriously can't believe she is already 17! Josh was originally supposed to leave Oct 22. We didn't realize that that meant he reported the 22nd. So-- he ended up leaving on the 21st. Which meant Maddie shared her special day- with Josh's special night-- as he was set apart. Maddie was so amazing with this-- she didn't even care.
MADDIE……..
We had an amazing night celebrating both of them. It started with a fun night out to dinner at BJ's restaurant (Maddie's choice.) Afterwards- we came home to open presents-- and have cake and ice-cream. We made her big cake on Sunday- and her actual bday she got her favorite ice-cream of all time. Sweet Cream and Oreos! Look at this cute girl!! Wow-- I love her with all my heart! She has one of the biggest hearts I know, and I think her strongest attribute is her obedience. That is a pretty amazing quality to possess! We love that she's an open book like me--- and pretty much tells everyone anything she's thinking. Hey--- at least there are not surprises :) She is going to be an amazing leader, and mother some day, I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the help she gives to me!!! Even with her busy schedule-- she runs in the door to hold Ruby- and you should see her in church. She is right there- to help with everything. I couldn't do it without her. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MADDIE!!!!!!!
Her future's so bright--- you better wear shades!!!!!
After her celebration---we had a little RDP (Random Dance Party) and then wound down by watching our new and latest music video-- "RATHER BE!" I wish it would load here- but it won't. So ask to watch it….. it's pretty sweet! I spent most of the day- editing it- so it would be ready for Josh to see before he left. We all laughed and cried our way through it!!!
Super awesome Music Video Here-- but not here :)
This was one final shot we took a few days later- with all 6 kids. Just before the setting apart-- Josh posted this on Instagram. LOVE IT!!! I love how much they love each other--- and the sweetness of this whole experience!!!!
And then it was time.
The time we weren't looking forward to at all. Time to set him apart. It was actually kind of nice that Mark is the Stake President- so we didn't have to rush off to the stake center. Instead- we celebrated Maddie, watched the movie, and then around 10pm we all went and got dressed for his setting apart.
It was truly one of the most spiritual blessing's I've ever been a part of. So many promises and blessings. POWERFUL!!! I love that after the blessing- Mark had Josh pull out his mission journal, and write everything he remembered from the blessing on the front page. Then-- we all went around the room and told Josh the things that we had heard in the blessing. By the end of it-- he basically had the blessing written out for him- to remember and read throughout his mission. It was incredible!!!
I loved that he just held and held and held this little sister of his. This was really hard for him- to know he wouldn't be part of her life for the first two years. I admire his desire to be close to them so much!!
Wow--- I'm getting all teary just writing this-- and it's 6 months later!!!
And then….. The day finally came. One last shot on the front porch before we lost it in the car and in the airport!
HOORAH FOR ISRAEL!!!!!!!!!
We looked out our window every day to see if the teepee was up hoping it would before he left. But nope. Well--- we happen to look out that morning- and WOW-- It was Up!!! So we hurried and ate the "Big Dutch Baby" and headed out the door to take a picture by the temple on the way to the airport.
SO much LOVE….. So much GRATITUDE….. So much HAPPINESS!!!!
Arriving at the airport
I love Delta's check in-- Pretty cool!
One last family picture before our boy would be off to CHILE!!!!
Ha Ha-- everyone looked at us so funny in our Chile shirts! One man even asked us (as we had our backs to him- while Josh was checking in- where he was going.) We all turned around and he said "OH CHILE!!!" Ha Ha-- I couldn't resist!!! So fun to all wear that Chile shirt with pride!!!
LOVE this!!!
And then-- the much dreaded goodbyes!!! :((((((((
You can tell this is our first missionary-- We all didn't know how to contain ourselves-- and I'm sure were WAY TOO DRAMATIC!!!!!
This kills me :(
AND THEN…..BRACE YOURSELF for the ugliest picture ever!!!
For Real???? I DID NOT LOOK LIKE THIS DID I? I ONLY POST THIS BECAUSE -- IT GIVES US ALL THE BEST LAUGH THESE DAYS!!! HA HA-- I was clearly Post partum- right?? That face is HIDEOUS!!!!!! HOW EMBARRASSING!!!!
And he was off--- Leaving the USA- and on his way to CHILE!!!!!!!!
Seriously- with all the sad hearts-- more than anything were GRATEFUL HEARTS!!! So incredibly grateful he is worthy and able to serve! Such a huge blessing to have a missionary out!!! Josh is doing amazing. We have truly felt the love and peace of him being gone-- and LOVE all of his letters.
After waiving goodbye from up above security. The kids and I RACED down the stairs to see if we could see him through the glass above the stairs.
We made it!!!! I LOVE this picture-- as he looked up to see us plastered on the glass--- banging to get his attention!!! Waiving-- blowing kisses and giving a few Hoorah For Israel-- shouts!!!!
GO JOSH!!! HOORAH FOR ISRAEL!!!!
We captured EVERY. LAST .SECOND :)
AND just like that he was gone!!! One of the hardest days of my life! But-- I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!!! So grateful for his goodness and desire to serve. We have truly felt
SO much LOVE….. SOO much GRATITUDE….. and SOO much HAPPINESS!!!!
We are forever grateful for this awesome kid- who we learned so much from!!
He is one of my greatest examples!!!
He is an amazing Missionary!!! WAY TO GO JOSH!!!!!!
The ride home was a long one. We listened to Glorious a hundred times--(came out right before he left- and the whole family just loved it!) The hardest was looking in the back seat to see the kids just silently crying. That was HARD. But-- it's all good now. We got home-- and had a somber day-- and then we heard from him from the Atlanta Airport--- and then an email that he made it to the MTC-- and seriously all the stress and worry was gone! We were so happy he was there and ready to serve!!!
Cute Ruby-- Sporting the "I love Chile" shirt!!! She was feeling a little somber herself-- and started sucking her thumb :)
And this might be my favorite collage Allie has ever made.
"JUST THE 5 KIDS KNOW!!" :) With all sad faces---except Jackson who had no idea what was really going on.
Ha Ha--
LOVE IT!!!!
