The Sirens - In Memory of Gus, our beloved Pug

My friend I'll walk right by your side

For naught can hold the rising tide

We'll comb the beaches you and me

The sirens sweetly beckoning

The waters lapping at our feet

Eroding time out from beneath

Our footprints fade and disappear

As if we never ventured here. 

Yet many've been this way before

And walked this lovely, lonesome shore

The horizon looming far but near

Time crashing on the cliffs so sheer

And if you tire I'll carry you

And hold you close as good friends do

Or if you prefer we'll sit and rest

I'm in no hurry to end this quest

And as we stroll we'll reminisce 

On every hug and every kiss 

And in the silences between

I'll be the rock on which you lean

My friend, I won't abandon you

I'll be there till this journey's thru

To comfort you and ease your fear

To hold you as your time draws near

You see, your love has been a gift

Of which I received the benefit

The love you give is so complete

There is no love that can compete 

And while I try not to be sad

The thought of losing you hurts bad

I see the burden that you bear

Your tired limbs and confused stare

If i often sweep you off your toes

kiss your face, your head and nose

It's because I want to hold you close

While I still can and you still know. 

I watch the tide waves come ashore

The beach a sliver of what it was before

Your sight now cast on distant sands

You're destined for another land 

And somewhere deep inside I know

The time has come to let you go

Your home's no longer in this place

There is no fear in your sweet face.

I watch you sail into the blue

Until my eyes lose sight of you

I turn to make the trip back home

And yet I know i am not alone

The journey's done, the day's at end

But I know I'll take this walk again

It's not my first and not the last

I'm familiar with this solemn path

It's a privilege I gladly bear

For each life I've been allowed to share

I only pray when it's my time

You'll meet me on the other side. 

Gustavo the Great II

AKA Gus

12.07.02 to 11.25.15

A letter to Zorro, If I Had Only Known

If I Had Only Known

December 17, 2014

Zorro, RIP my sweet Boxer Baby

If I had only known

It was the last time to hold your hand,

I’d have held your paw each time you asked

Upon your sweet demand.

If I had only known

It was the last time to kiss your nose,

I’d have showered you with smooches

From your ears down to your toes.

If I had only known

It was the last time we would play,

I’d have thrown that ball a million times

Again for you that day.

If I had only known

It was the last time you’d romp me out of bed,

I’d have thrown the covers over you

And snuggled in with you instead.

If I had only known

It was the last time you’d see your friends,

I’d have let you race them endlessly

Up and down the fence.

If I had only known

I’d have not sent you away,

I’d have kept you right beside me

So you could feel so safe.

If I had only known

You were going to be called home,

I’d have told you who to look for

So you wouldn’t feel alone.

If I had only known

You’d never walk back through that door,

I’d have bargained with the Devil friend

For just one minute more.

If only I had known, oh friend

If only I had known,

I’m sorry friend, forgive me friend

I wish I would have known.

If only I had known, oh friend

Now knowing what I know,

I’m sorry friend, I love you friend

I had to let you go.

Too Long

Amigos,

It's been way to long since I've posted. The only reason I thought about posting is because Clifton asked me the address of the blog. So I had to look it up to give it to him. And now, I'm posting.

Yesterday was our 9 year wedding anniversary. Has it been that long? Yes. Yes it has. I got some pretty flowers and Brian got football shaped drinking goblets and a football shaped chip and dip tray for the man cave. We also went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

We recently vacationed in San Diego California -. Kellen's first vacation with us. He loved the airplane - so much so that I think he talked NON STOP (I was a bit annoyed I admit it) for the whole flight. The fact that he was talking THIS LOUD was completely lost on him. I told him to hold his nose and very gently blow to re-pressurize his ears - he immediately said Ow! and then in horror exclaimed what is that loud noise? (that would be the engine right behind us kid). We had a great time - stayed at the Holiday INN right across from the beach. We went to the San Diego Zoo - absolutely gorgeous.

 

We went to Birch Aquarium - that place rocked. I could stand and gaze at those aquariums all day - they are mesmerizing. We got to touch sea stars and sea cucumbers (note: sea stars are very rough to the touch. Sea cucumbers are extremely soft and squishy! Who knew... We got to see a video of a male sea horse giving birth. They look like they are sneezing and then the little baby sea horses appear to come out their belly button (technically I guess it's a pouch). I'm thinking all male species should be in charge of giving birth.

We took the ferry to Coronado Beach one chilly evening and visited the beach at Coronado a different day. So pretty and the weather was very nice. The sand was so white and soft which I'm sure the rental car company appreciated. Brian and Kellen frolicked in the surf while I checked my emails and facebooked.
 We took the Coaster, a train that follows the coast; we hiked in Torrey Pines; we ate Swordfish and Mako Shark. It was a really fun vacation.

As most of you are aware, we are in our new home. We love it. Mostly. Kellen is having a bit of a time adjusting to his new room. Apparently the windows are too scary. But he's working on it and getting better and better. In fact last night he stayed in his room all night! Success. One of my favorite things about the new house is the deer. I know they are just deer - but the fawns are so precious and I just love watching them! This morning on my jog I jogged thru a couple different groups of deer. They just looked at me and kept grazing, but the little fawns get all scared and start bounding around. Cuteness on wobbly legs! While I know it is highly unlikely due to the dogs I secretly hope that next fawning season a doe will choose our yard to drop her fawn. I envision the dogs chasing off the mom and adopting a little deer they can "fawn" over. And then I can touch one. Hey! Don't Judge Me!!!! Everyone can dream.... I guess that's all I have to say for now. I'll try to do better about uploading stuff - but hey, that's what facebook is for.... Laters peeps. The Mccranski is out.

 

.

Poop - and other news

Hi All,
As usual it has been some time since I last posted. So much has happened to the Mccranskis - but I'll keep it "brief" - this morning we had a breakthru of "grand proportions" - wait for it.... (I did for like 10 minutes).....Kellen pooped in the potty (applause is appropriate).
Kellen is wearing "briefs" - they are so cute - little tighty whities. hilarious. You may be asking yourselves "is he potty trained?" NO he is not. But he is trying and he is mostly successful. It really will be life altering once he is potty trained. We will literally save 10s of 20s of dollars at the grocery store.
Last week was spring break. The elder McCrackens were absolutely wonderful in taking Kellen for two days and two whole nights. And Kellen loves every minute with his GMGP McCracken and his cousin affectionately known to him as Mimi. On Wednesday, Brian and I took Kellen to Sea World - it was supposed to be a reward for the aforementioned potty-trained Kellen, but like so many things in life, we gave in and took him as a pre-potty traning reward. Go ahead and say it Markus, I know what you are thinking - we are weak!
On Thursday Kellen woke up to a new surprise because his Nina Lori came to visit us and stayed with us for a couple nights. He was stoked because he loves to be loved. And he gets lots of love from his family! Thursday morning we closed on a new lot where we plan to build a new home - This will be called from here on out The Sandlot. Kellen's first real estate closing was a smooth transaction filled with diet coke and title company cookies - what more could a kid ask for? After that we whisked him off for yet another tour of the Austin Zoo which he loves. This time he did NOT pick up poop off the ground - so we deemed this a succesful zoo trip. Later that night we took Kellen on a play date with his old friend Lexi. The kids had a great time and Brian and I enjoyed BBQ Chicken with our friends Eric and Jennifer. Good times.
Friday we hung out at home and at GMGP McCrackens house again. It was a lazy day which rocked. Brian hung with The Guyz for Basketball and chicken wings - what more could Guyz ask for?
Saturday saw us partying first with the Rivell Family for Baby Jacob's First birthday party and then partying with the church crowd at a church social. More good times as ususal.
Sunday was low key - gearing up for back to school back to cool and potty training hard core.
That's our life people - relish it - or not. But we think it's pretty great - mostly because of all the other really cool people who make our lives fun.
~McCranskis Out!

The Big One

Just a Funny Friday short story that might make you laugh.

Last night dialogue between Kellen and his parents

Background: Kellen went to bed at 8:00pm. At 9:30 pm he was still up to shenanigans and running out of his room - not wanting to go to bed. He comes out into the living room:

Missy: Why aren't you in bed?
Kellen: (smiles) pulls his pajama bottoms down a bit so Brian and I can see he has done away with his pullup.
Brian: Where's your pullup?
Kellen: I took it off
Missy: you need to go get a new diaper
Kellen: Look! I have a big penis!!
Brian: laughing as quietly as possible
Missy: (chuckling) yes, I see that, but you still need to get a night diaper.
Kellen: heading back to his room all the while pointing out to his dad how big his penis is

Priceless and so darn hard to be mad at him for not being in bed when he's so darn funny.

Have a great day!
~McCranskis Out.

Three Shots

On August 6, 2010, three shots were fired that took you friend.
The hit we ordered tore lives apart, three bullets straight into your heart.
Three shots, the first to ease your fear, Do you know what's brought us here?
Why we are sitting on this floor? And holding you and crying more?

There now friend, it's taking hold. They warned us that it might feel cold.
Your eyes ask us, "What's going on?" A kiss, and then your fear is gone.
The second shot is in effect, you're letting go but not gone yet.
We're still here friend and will remain, until we're sure you feel no pain.

Your breathing slows, you're so relaxed; we're devastated by this our task.
We're still here friend we have not gone; the third shot's done it won't be long.
Then with a gentle sigh you leave, and we are left with only grief.
Our sobs are all that fill the room, we're still here friend we haven't moved.

The minutes pass and still we wait, stroking you and cursing fate.
Our sorrys fall on your deaf ears. Friend, do you know that we're still here?
Sad and weary it's time to go, so much regret fills up our souls.
One last kiss upon your face, so soft and still your vacant gaze.

Our tears are spent there are no more, we pick ourselves up off the floor
We file out heads hung in shame, humbled by life's cruel game.
We're sorry friend, we had to go. But just in case you didn't know,
We felt each shot deep, deep within, and stayed with you till the bitter end.

It's been awhile since we've seen you friend, though I swear I hear you now and then
I'm not sure where, and I don't know when, but I'll know you when I see you friend.

For Maximus July 2003 thru August 2010

Happy Anniversary - I Love You

Hi All,

It's been so long since I last posted a blog. Where to start... Thinking back to Valetines Day... I'm totally drawing a blank. Hold on...

Okay - I pulled up my Social Calendar and it appears the following events have happened. March: My sister Jill came in for a visit from the 6th to the 16th-ish - it must have been good times, but I don't really remember much. Spring Break around the middle of March - Brian also had a week-ish long trip to San Jose around that time.

April: It appears Brian went to Taiwan for a few days and then spent a week in China. Good times. My parents went to Montana and we got to keep their silly little dogs. Good times.

May: Brian went to Vegas for a Bachelor party. Good times, I'm sure, ensued. Kellen completed his first "semester" of schooling. on May 30th Kellen turned 2! Yay! We had a dinosaur birthday party which was a success. Wildness and chaos descended upon our home for an afternoon with water balloon fights and slip n' slide fun for the kiddos. Once again, good times were had.

June: On the 5th, Kellen started swim lessons. We were so excited! He was so excited. Then he proceeded to scream his way thru the first 30 minute session. Good times were most definitely NOT had. Interestingly enough, after the lesson, he decided that he had a great time. Hmmm. This apparently was a busy day, because my calendar shows that my sister came back to town and we attended a wedding in Florence. Texas that is. Many of you reading this blog, also attended the wedding so I'm confident in saying that "good times were had" by many people there - as you witnessed. On or about the 11th - I (missy) successfully applied for a passport. I also had a gathering for Ms. Melvin's bday! It also happened to be my sister's birthday that night. It all works out people - see? And...uou guessed it - good times my friends.

July was not too eventful. My other sis had a bday, Clifton had a bday, LeAnn's kids had a bday. Kellen broke out in hives for 3 days, my sister and her husband celebrated an anniversay. Mara also had a birthday. These items are in no particular order mind you. And, it may not be obvious to you, but since there were so many "celebrations" I'm gonna go out on a limb and say people enjoyed some pretty darn good times with family and friends. Let's see, moving on to August.

August: Two more birthdays came and went and along with those came large portions of italian food. Yum. Brian and I took two whole days off work and played. We saw movies, we shopped, and once again, I became convinced that "vacationing" can be very expensive - even when one doesn't travel anywhere. Inadvertantly, we found ourselves sitting around, staring at each other, and then usually deciding to go eat and then spend some money. This tended to be doubly negative effect on the wallet because not only did we spend money shopping, but why would we eat at home when we could go out and buy food, cuz - hey, who want's to cook on vacation? After our couple of days off, Brian's boss decided he should take a day trip to Tucson to "support" some other guy pitching a job. Sounds good to me. Brian and I had to put Maximus to sleep this month. It was a hard decision, but his quality of life was declining and we felt it was best. Very sad times. And I still cry every time I think about him. On the 24th I had lunch with my good friend Markus. We ate and discussed very worldy, sophisticated topics. But the real reason I think he agreed to eat with me is two-fold: firstly, Tatiana is out of town and he is lonesome; secondly, he wanted his football tickets. Okay, mostly he probably just wanted his tickets. Whatever.

It is now September. Present Day is the 2nd, and you guessed it - more birthdays! Brian's mom and my good friend LeAnn are both wiser today than they were yesterday. Happy birthday y'all.

This has been an incredibly - long and probably very boring blog. But one more thing... Monday is Labor Day. It is also our (the Mccranski's) Wedding Anniversary - Numero 7. Happy Anniversary Brian - I still love you. And I look forward to many more Good Times with you. I have included this little serenade for you (that is if I posted the html right - and that's very long odds...)

Missus McCranski Out.

Lyrics Climax Blues Band - I Love You lyrics