Update on the Crowleys

Okay.. so I don't have any cute pictures to display.. sorry. I will work on it. but I noticed in a moment this morning that I haven't posted anything in over a week. So here is why....

The kids got their first cold/flu of the season! Grayden started, and then he shared with Johnnie and Emma. We've been battling this fog in our house for over a week now. And Finally we can see the light! AMEN!! :) We had a few rough days... Grayden had some fevers, which increased his seizure risk. Johnnie, well, lets say.. we are still working on teaching how to blow his nose! YUCKOS!!! and baby Emma - She got her first official cold! Poor thing! She couldn't breathe and eat at the same time and BOY was she MAD! She would try and try... but then she couldn't breathe.. then she would start screaming! I think this last Tuesday, she screamed for about 3.5-4 hours straight! My mom and I took turns on rocking her and trying to help her out but she was not a happy camper! She finally fell asleep on my chest while I was rocking her. We did alot of praying this week for them and alot of cleaning, trying to get the bugs out of both of our houses! We've been blessed by my parents taking such good care of our children in their time of need, so we, Brian and I could still continue to work, so we would have a roof over our heads. At times like these, I trust God for His healing and for His purpose of where I'm supposed to be. I have a hard time being away from my children, but know it's necessary at this time in our lives. Continue to pray for us and healing in our house! We are all doing much better, just tired little ducks. - And as Johnnie says... "Duc! Duc! - QUACK!!! QUACK!!!"

God's will...learning to obey in all things.

Sometimes in life we struggle with God's will or listening to him speak to our hearts... STOP... take a minute to open your heart to what He is saying. Trust me, this is something I struggle with on a daily basis... boy do I! God loves us so much. His love is sooo amazing that you can't even wrap thoughts around it! He will out love us any day of the week. He KNOWS the BIG picture. And when we think we do, He will change it. When you stop and listen to His calling, His will for you, even if you are saying... "You got to be kidding me God, I can't do that... " DO it! He will bless you for it! I'm learning to trust him more and more. Even when I have 3 kids screaming in the back ground, it's been a rough morning or whatever. I still NEED to OBEY Him! He will see me through the day. When I think I can't give anymore cause my patience is gone, He will give me more patience. He will give me more love and mercy and grace. Remember to stop and listen to Him. Listen to the Holy Spirit speak to your heart. Maybe in your struggles, you might not see it, but maybe He's using it to bless someone else. Trust that He knows better.

Love you all! Praying for God's Blessings to you! C

WE Survived COSTCO with 3 kids!!!!

Have you ever been to Costco on a Saturday?!? If yes, then you know the chaos that it can be, just walking through by yourself. Today Brian and I were crazy enough to try it with three kids! Yeah, I know, have we lost our minds!?!?!

We went there today, needing some basic supplies, but also a BIG shopping trip. We've learned that it's better to put each kid in a cart, double on one. and just go for it. It's going to be crazy, no matter which was you do it. We packed all the kids into the van and got the van unloaded of all the junk to fit the boxes of stuff we got from Costco, hoping we would have enough room in the end. We planned to eat lunch there and do our shopping. Away we went. We get there, and Johnnie is esleep. Now, if you know anything about Johnnie, you don't wake him up fast, BAD BAD BAD... he's a grumpy wake up job! So we have to wake him up to get him in the cart. We put coats down in the cart, hoping he would go back esleep...yeah, wishful thinking! Emma goes into the other cart... and Grayden decides he wants to walk. The parking lot is busy and full of people walking around, cars whizzing in and out. and we get all the way up to the door, and have to search for our Costco cards. Brian discovers he's left his wallet in the car, off he goes to get it. I'm stuck with 3 kids and two carts... Johnnie is waking up and throwing stuff out of the cart onto the ground. I'm still waiting...and Johnnie is still getting grumpy.

Brian arrives and we go inside. Away we go... we start to shop, and I figure out, I've left all the coupons at home! GRRR... the whole reason we came to Costco, was to use the coupons. Good deals. So I ask Brian to go up to the membership desk and see if they have any left up there.... Again, I'm left with 3 kids and 2 carts... Grayden is running around, getting into everything. People are trying to get around me and the two carts. Grayden keeps blocking their way...and Johnnie is still throwing stuff out of the cart. Mind you, by this time we are in the back of the warehouse... still waiting for Brian. Then when he does get back... Grayden needs to go to the potty. We are still in potty training and wearing "Big Boy" pants, so the last thing we need at Costco is an accident, if you know what I mean!?!? - so off daddy and Grayden go to the potty. I'm stuck again with 2 carts, and 2 kids. Emma is talking.. Johnnie is fussing and trying to grab things off the shelves. And no matter what I do, I find myself in the way. It's a typical crowded day at Costco.

Daddy and Grayden come back. After going a few yards, we decide Grayden needs to be in a cart, cause he's all over the store and we are having a hard time controlling him. He's NOT listening! Johnnie was put in the front of his cart. We tried putting Johnnie and Grayden together... but after a few isles.. YEAH - that didn't work! They were being brothers and picking on each other like crazy.. after the 15th time of telling them to stop.. and people looking at our caravan of two carts and three kids, like we were crazy.. We moved Grayden to be with Emma and continued to shop. I had Johnnie and Brian had Emma & Grayden. Johnnie through himself a royal fit about zipping up and down my zipper on my jacket. If I moved away where he couldn't reach it.. he would start screaming!! Please draw more attention to our caravan!! --- Grayden wanted to stand up in the cart... and towards the end.. Emma was crying and wanting a diaper change and a new bottle. which we left all the bottles out in the van. Brian still can't believe it that we took probably 2 hours shopping. and spent an obscene amount of money! Thank goodness for the coupons. and we won't be shopping for a while. We didn't get lunch there either.. we were DONE, by the end of the trip. just wanting to GO HOME! the parking lot was another adventure, with people not looking where they were driving and almost running into the carts with the kids. some lady hit our van with her door and didn't even apologize... we barely got our stuff in.. we had to change things around in the van 3 different times to get the door to shut... yeah, all I can say is we SURVIVED our trip to Costco!!! --- now the chore is putting all the stuff away.

oh.. I forgot the part about Johnnie having a bloody nose and trying to clean that up. And don't forget all the food samples and sticky fingers and throwing food on the floor. - WE had a GREAT TIME!!! :) Can we do it again?!!??! PLEASE!!

6 things I’ve learned this year (in no particular order):

Okay.. so I'm learning about this "Tagged" thing. new to to this.. so bare with me. but I liked one that came across... and it has good purpose of God reminding me of what to be greatful for throughout this year.

6 things I’ve learned this year (in no particular order):

* I've learned more about Epilepsy this year - I've learned that people are scared of what they don't know. And that if you educate someone - God will do the rest.

* Speaking of Epilepsy - I've learned to trust God more with my life and the lives of my children. That He will put into their lives the right Dr's to help with their health through out their lives.

* Over the Summer - I learned to trust in God's provisions for our family. That He is the Mighty God! and He is our provider! Not my husband or myself. God.

* God's love in unending... and when you think you don't have enough.. He gives you more! It's amazing how we can love... And we need to love each other more like Christ loves us.

* I knew this last year.. and the year before.. but now going on what 3-4 years now.. I LOVE MOPS!!! We mothers are blessed to have such an amazing group of Godly women meeting together to help and share our joys and sorrows of being mothers. What an awesome thing God has brought us together to be blessed by each other!

* Most import this year... I've learned to lean more on God and not my own understanding of things. God has a much bigger plan that I could ever come up with. And even though mine seems good at the time in my head, God knows better and has the BIG picture in mind.


Just a few lessons learned this year.. what about you? What has God taught you this year?

Thanks Ray for sharing yours with me and others.

I'm Mommy now... :)

We've been working with Johnnie... aka "OOoooo Ooooo" for months now on saying mommy... He's said it dozens of times before, but somewhere over the summer months he decided, even though I think he knows I'm mommy, to call me daddy! "DADDY DADDY!!" --- "I'm NOT Daddy! - Call me MOMMY!!" --- wouldn't do it! grrrr. but finally in the last couple of days, he is starting to call me mommy again. I LOVE it! He's soo cute with his little smile when he says it. It's been in HIS timing... and it's like he's got his angel smile on saying, I know your mommy.. but I was just testing you! hee hee. :) - what joys are kids are to us.

ps... the picture is old.. but he's still a cutie. :) Mommy bias.

FINALLY FRIDAY!!!

I can not say how glad I am that it's FRIDAY!!! And as my father often says.. "It's Friday and Sunday is coming!" - PRAISE GOD! :)

This week has been a whopper of a week. And with all of God's Blessings, I'm glad it's Friday and it's almost OVER!! YEAH!!!! YEAH!!! YEAH!!! Thank you Lord Jesus for bringing me through this week. It's been a tough one. If I could sit on your lap right now, I'd like a hug too! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! I hope that you have a WONDERFUL day! :) I love you very very much! You are an awesome dad and grandpa! SUPER BIG HUGS!!!! :) LOVE YOU MUCH!

Asking for Prayers

Okay. I'm on a quick break.. so this is gonna be quick! Pray for me today. Pray for Brian today and for my children. and my parents. Just pray for all of us. cause today hasn't started good. yesterday didn't end good and today hasn't started good. and it keeps going. I'm trying my best to have a better outlook on it. but not working as well as it should... so for now. I'm praying alot and just trying to breathe... cause there is nothing more that I would like to do then to go home, crawl back in bed.. eat a tub of ice cream and wish this day never happened. prayers please.

THANK YOU TO ALL!!!

Okay.. call it post partum blues.. call it just hum bug... but I've been. and I just want to thank all those out there praying for me today and the birthday wishes.. and making me feel special when I don't feel so special. I appreciate it very much. I feel loved today. and Thank you to all for that! :)

Ps.. Ray - I'll always be older!!! hee hee. :-P I just don't think that makes me the wiser one.

LOVE TO ALL! And God's Blessings!!! :)

Celebrating my Grandma....

Okay.. so tomorrow is my birthday. yeah yeah yeah... just another ordinary day. I feel ordinary. I don't feel special. I'll get up early tomorrow, do my normal routine.. and the day will be done with no surprises.. no great thing.. nothing. It's just another day. I've had a hard time with birthdays for a while now. 11 years ago tomorrow, my birthday changed a bit for me. My grandma Nielson passed away on my 20th birthday... and ever since then, I've had a hard time celebrating mine. But several months ago, my mother reminded me that I shouldn't dwell on her death... or how much I miss her, cause I do miss her something terrible. But that I should remember her for all the laughter and smiles and love that she gave me and my family. She was an incredible mother and grandmother. I know have 3 kids and I struggle. I can't even imagine her with 12 kids and the struggles that she went through. She always said, lifes problems could be solved with a cup of tea and some cookies or crackers. I got my love of tea from her and my father, passed down over the generations. My father's birthday is in a couple of days... 67 years ago.. she was pregnant with him... he was number 10 of the bunch. I can't imagine. The trust she had in the Lord. Thank you Grandma for loving me and for loving all of us. for teaching us sooo many lessions in life. I miss you so much. I will always miss you. I will try to remember those good days. and celebrate your life better. Thnking of you always.. I can't wait to see you in heaven. Love you always and forever, Cari.

To All My Fellow Mothers Out There.....

I ask one simple question... Why couldn't motherhood come with a MAID?!?!?!? Huh? Why is it that as soon as we become a mother, we become a professional maid? God, seriously, we need to have a little chat. I know you are listening to me... I know I rant and rave a little, but please understand, as mothers, we have a BIG job... could you not have put in the motherhood degree "One life long FREE maid service" to new mothers... Why is it that on top of raising our children, do we have to be the SUPER MAID!!! SUPER MAID to the rescue!!!! Wouldn't you all agree mothers, that half of our duties of being a wife and mother is being SUPER MAID!!?!?!? Maybe not half, but it sure feels like it sometimes. It's never ending?! NEVER! ---- okay.. so in ALL things give thanks to GOD!!! -

"God- Thank you for giving me the skills to be everyones SUPER MAID!!! - for training me young as my parents called me... "The White Tornado" - Thank you for giving me more patience, cause I'm gonna need it, to deal with all the messes. From the little ones to the BIG ones. Thank you! - Amen! "

Sleepy Blessings...

So Brian's been sick all week, and Grayden has been taking advantage of it. Brian's been sleeping downstairs on the couch, trying his best not to get the rest of us sick.. THANK YOU HONEY!!! :) - Anyways, Grayden, has been soo sweetly asking to sleep in Mommy's bed for the last several nights. and once again as daddy was tucking mommy in for bed, he came and asked.. "Can I sleep with you mommy... I missed you today!" ---ugh.. my heart melts and I cave, and he's in the bed with me. Daddy then tucks us in and says.. "Don't get too comfortable Grayden, tomorrow, it's Daddy's bed" - Brian's feeling better, and he wanted to take one more night on the couch to make sure he wasn't going to give it to me or the kids but I think he misses his OWN bed. - Grayden sweetly said.. "Okay Daddy." I love how they can share me... But I love being the mommy, and being able to so sweetly and innocently cuddle with my little one. To share that time, as he says his prayers and holds my hands... and drifts off to sleep. In the wee hours I wake.. so watch him sleep, and I know I'm blessed.

The Power of Prayer....

HI Everyone.. so I'm lifting up a pray request... I've worked a hard week, and don't get me wrong. I enjoy working.. putting in a hard days work. But I miss my children ten times more! So please pray for this. for God's provisions in our family. Also please pray for healing within our family. Especially Brian and I with our backs. - I'm having a bit of a rough day. It took me 30-45 minutes to get out of bed this morning. I'm hurting so bad it's not funny. and drugs are not helping. Please pray for my healing. and relief from this pain. It makes it hard to do things when you really just not want to do anything. But life most go on! Just because I want to stop doesn't mean my 3 kids want to. So please pray for us, as we go about our lives. --- gotta go. I hear a cute little voice screaming... "I STUCK!!! I STUCK!!! ME OUT! ME OUT!!! PEEEEAASSSSEEEEE!!!! I STUCK!!!" - off to be SUPER MOMMY!

Just some Pictures... :)

Emma Grace - cute as a "Lady Bug" !!! Johnnie & Grayden @ Nana & Grandpa's back yard in the wagon. They love to ride in the red wagon! Johnnie is wearing 2 hats by the way. :)
Their first picnic outside at Nana's table! They had a lot of fun!
Just a few pictures to share with you. I'll try and keep them coming. I hope you all are doing well. We are doing good. We are just tired and ready for the weekend!

A day in the life of the crowley household...

Alarm goes off 3 am.. now, mind you, I've already been up in the middle of the night to pee, once or twice.. can some one please tell my bladder, that I'm NOT pregnant anymore, and we can hold til morning light PLEASE!!! - anyways, Alarm goes off at 3 am. - which one you say, we have 3 alarms programed at that time. Brian's goes first, then mine. and then the one that says.. okay GET your LAZY bum out of bed and come and turn me off. - it's in the spare bathroom! - Brian gets that one. - I HATE that one! TOO LOUD!!! especially, at that hour. but you know what...if it wasn't TOOO LOUD - Brian would sleep through it EVERY time! - so he gets up, takes a shower, then I get up 15 minutes later. - today was trash day. so after he's dressed and done. he does trash. we get the kiddos up. Brian had to be at work early today, so he left before me. (We usually carpool in together.) So that means, I get the kids to all packed up and ready to go on my own. Head off to Nana & Grandpa's house to drop off by 445am. and off to work.

I started work this morning at 530. mind you.. I was off for several days, so I'm getting back into the swing of things. It was a busy day yesterday, and we have one person off on medical leave, so we are busy to start off. Crazy busy day... long story short - I didn't get off til 645pm tonight. my feet are soo tired, they could cry on there own since, I don't have the energy to cry anyways. I called mom and dad several times today, checking up on them, and if it wasn't one kid screaming or crying, it was another. Poor mom and dad. I think today, was one of those days, you think about duck taping your kids. - I call hubby, on the way home ( he already got off @ 3 pm and came home to get the kids and take care of the house/dog - who had knocked down the babies room door and pooped in there!!! GRRRR-) and He was having a moment too. - Emma was screaming her head off from the time he picked her up til the time I got home - a little after 730pm or so. Johnnie was pushing his ever lasting button. and Grayden - well. He was just being Grayden. - I get home. and Emma is quiet, Johnnie is quiet, and Grayden is quiet. What's the problem - haha...I wonder? what's everyone's problem, I don't hear any screaming or crying... the reason why?!?!??! - Johnnie was passed out with his dinner plate on the floor and his head on the dinning room table, Grayden was quietly eating his grilled cheese sandwich. and Emma was asleep in her chair. Peace... if only for a moment. - Yep - moment over. Grayden pee'd himself again. - twice by the time I put him to bed. - don't ask.. we are still working on the whole potty training thing! WORK in PROGRESS!!! seriously. - yeah - he had a shower tonight. Emma was woken up to take a bath- yeah that p'd her off. But at least she smells good. Johnnie. fought to come upstairs and go to bed. but the minute his head hit his pillow - out like a light! So everyone is in bed. and I need to go too. I wanted to get some baking done tonight. but yeah, that didn't happen. I guess tomorrow is another day. - wait- we are doing this all again tomorrow - UGH!! why? oh and if we are going to do it tomorrow - can we have dinner before 930pm. don't get me wrong.. but I'm soo tired and Brian's so tired. sometimes. I wonder why we even bother. my head on a pillow sometimes sounds better then food. but if I don't, I don't seem to have the energy to do it all over again tomorrow. Thanks to Tylenol.. I will try it again in the morning. - and that is another day in the Crowley home. There's got to be a simpler way of doing things. Shorter too.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Okay, so my mother might hate me for posting a picture of her, but I wanted to stop and say Thank You to her!

Happy Birthday Mom! May you have a wonderful day! And I'm not even gonna say how old you are!! okay.. maybe like Grayden said this morning.. 29 again. :) naaahhhh. :)

I want you to know, how much I am blessed by you and how much I appreciate all that you do! For taking care of my WHOLE family... even as we've grown, you have gracefully helped (even if I do have to sign a contract to have a date... I don't mind, I understand.) hee hee. :) I love you very much. You've taken your time and love and not only given them to me but to my children, over and over again. Thank you for all that you do. I appreciate it very much and I'm blessed by God for having you in our lives!

Could you not look into these eyes for the rest of your life!?!?! Seriously! He's growing up sooo incredibly fast! Way too fast! This picture is from a mini photo shoot that a good friend of ours took. She blessed us with her talent of taking pictures and managed to capture the essense of Grayden. Which very few can get on camera. So we are blessed by the time she took and the wonderful pictures as well. :) Pictures are worth a thousand words...

Matthew 10: 13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant, He said to them, "Let the little Children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not recieve the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" And he took the chldren in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Two sickos don't make a well person...

A Note from the Crowleys... please keep us in your prayers as we have unintentionally envited our first cold of the season to pass through our household! Yep, Brian & I have a lovely head cold that has taken over our bodies and is playing with our heads! Please pray for our quick return to health and my parents as they watch our kiddos during this time, so we don't spread it further.. especially to baby Emma.

Thanks so much, Cari.

ps.. I would send you all out a hug... but don't want to spread the germs.. hee hee. :)

Sleepy Heads

So this week, I started back to work. I thought I would share a few of the photos from "Lazy Hound baby sitting service inc." - Aka - Grandma's and Grandpa's House. The kids get up every morning at 415 am or there abouts and go back to bed at my parents. Theses are few shots of them sleeping. One day they slept in til 945 am.... I only dream of sleeping that late! And they get their royal treatment there, breakfast to order... pancakes one day, french toast the next. Oh the life! :)

Above photo is Grayden, sleeping on his belly/side as always. He's getting to be soooo long! Emma - Aka "Princess Two Fingers" - yes.. you read right. She is affectionately called that, cause instead of sucking on her thumb, she sucks on her two fingers... always! And last but not least, Johnnie, with his bum in there air sporting his dinosaurs pj's :) and don't forget, he's got "Dog" and "Pooh" is death locks close by! :) He goes no where without them!

Happy Anniversary!!

Hello ALL! - DO you see this Handsome Chef right here!?!? - That's my Hubby hubba! :) It's hard to believe but we have been married now for 9 years coming up this week and I wanted to stop and take a moment to tell you all how much of a wonderful man he is! Okay so like his father, he might have a rough exterior and you might think he's a bit of a grizzly bear, but if you take the time to know him you would find he's the world's best Teddy Bear! :) He's an awesome husband and wonderful father/daddy! God has blessed our marriage ten times over and I am so greatful for that! THANK YOU LORD!!! We've now known each other 10 years and hope and pray to spend many more decades together, old and grumpy on the porch watching our crazy grandchildren play in the yard! Okay a bit of day dreaming there. But I am blessed to have a husband that loves me as much as the first day we met. I love you Brian Crowley! Thank you for the last 10 years and here is to many many more!

We've survived!!!!

WoW! I can't believe we made it this week! It was a long week but a fruitful one at that. I started back to work, with God's grace and mercy, I survived being away from the kiddos. My heart hurt a bit but after calling my parents numerous times to check how they were doing, I made it through the week. Both Brian and I are very tired today, and I think the kids could use a nap too. Maybe we will all take a nap. :)

Well, Grayden had his second Awana's group this week. He's really enjoying going and already has his bible verse down pat! :) YEAH GRAYDEN!!! :) It's been fun watching him start what he calls "School" His favorite bible story right now is, Jonah and the Whale. He tells it with such excitement. Oh the faith of a child! I LOVE IT!!!

Grayden also went for his testing today with the Kent school district. Brian was able to take the day off and go with us. What a blessing that was. We were able to talk to several people that will be working with Grayden as he begins his journey in education. He did really good with the testing. We will be going back for further testing on the 29th of this month and to meet with the school psychologist as well. The next set of testing will be more detailed on 3 different areas, fine moter skills, behavior and social skills. Please keep him in your prayers and us as parents as well. As we will be learning new things and making some decisions for the future for Grayden. May God's hand be in all things.

As for Johnnie - he's Johnnie. He's still ---- "I STUCK, I STUCK!!!! ME OUT ME OUT!!! " to everything. but is very much so our little helper. He wants to help with everything. and is such a joy. He's managed this week to get two fat lips. earlier this week, he put his teeth through the lower lip.. and this morning, he split his gum/upper lip on something else. He's a rough and tough kind of guy! so I'm sure there is more to come.

Emma - well, the princess is doing well. She's talking more and more and loves to be around her brothers. She loves to watch people and will follow them all around the room. She's our little angel.

I'll be posting more pictures soon.

We are being blessed by an evening alone tonight. My parents agreed to watch the kids, so we can spend an evening alone celebrating our anniversary! 9 years!! It's hard to believe it's been that long! But what a blessing we've been given! Our love is stronger each and everyday. and Blessed by God! tata for now... I need to get the kiddos stuff together so mommy and daddy can go play tonight! --- quiet... we are going to have a quiet house.. what do you do with that? mmm....

From a Mother's Heart...

As some of you know, with a saddened heart, I'm going back to work tomorrow. The last 8 weeks have been some of my most fondest memories and times. I love my children so much and will miss them whole heartingly.

Why is it that this world has gone to a state where we have to be a two person income just to make it? Where did the value of having a family go too? To having a mother be at home with her children? To giving jobs and the means for husbands to make enough in this world to support their families so the mothers can be home with the children. For the mothers to be home, sharing those moments and bring them up with good morals and values. To instilling the word of God in their hearts. Showing them how to do everything.. from taking their first bites, to walking, to talking... and much much more! My heart grieves for this loss. The loss that I will miss some of these moments. I know that I need to go back to work, for financial reasons but my heart is at home with my babies. Where I should be.

Please pray for us tomorrow. Pray for my children. I know they are in wonderful hands with my parents, who love them as much as I do.... but it can not replace my love for them... or that I should be there. I am greatful for my parents, for the sacrifice they have made over the years to be there for them. To teach them and love them, like no other childcare could or would. Pray for my children, that they would have a easy transition into mommy not being there when they wake up in the morning.... and spending all day with them. Pray that they will one day understand why. Please pray as well for me, as I do go back to work. That it's the right decision...that it's God's will. I trust in His will, even though I don't understand it. That if He truly meant for me to be at home, that He would provide a means for this. Pray for my heart, as it hurts. Pray that I can do my job with the best of my ability. That I don't grow bitter in this decision. Please also pray for my husband...as he goes to work and is trying to make a better living and do his best for his family. Pray that he does not grow bitter as well, cause he can not provide for all our needs as he wishes... Only our Savior can provide for our needs. He IS the provider. Please lift our whole family up in the coming days, as we carry on in life and return to our normal routine and dream of the weekends, when we can be home with each other as a family all day.

God's Blessings,

Cari

Little ones adventures...

So this morning.. my little man, Johnnie is enjoying the adventures of little kids. :) exploring and trying new things, which can be scary for moms.. or just plan funny watching! So this morning... as frustrating as it is... I still have to enjoy it from the eyes of a 2 1/2 year old boy! He has discovered the joy of a stair rail... okay for must of us, we use it to hold onto when climbing the stairs.. and if we lived in a different house, he could possible use it to slide down on, what is classically known in the movies. But my little guy has discovered a new use for it! As he's trapped in his room ("I STUCK! I STUCK!!) - he has figured out that you can just barely reach the stair rail from his door. With a curiousity mind, he's learned that it makes a good launch pad for toys! Especially cars or those little round discovery balls that you see from fischer price. :) so what am I hearing at the current moment, Him launching them down the stairs!!! INCOMING!!!! Frustrating as it is as a mother and seeing all these toys fly down my stairs.. to see the joy on his face as he launches them down.... it's as they say.. PRICELESS!

Remembering those that have gone before us....

I wanted to take a moment and remember those that have gone before us. And those families that feel their loss no less than the first day 7 years ago. We all remember that day, when our world changed a little more. When the devil tried to take reign, only to make us Christians stronger in our beliefs. God reigns on High! He always does. I was reminded again of that today, as I read a blog of another friend. Our God reigns on His throne, each and everyday! He was with us through our sorrows that day, and each and everyday since. He gives us blessings each and everyday too, reminding us of His amazing love. May we remember those who have lost their lives, but rejoyce in God's amazing promise to us of His GREAT kingdom that He has gone before us to prepare a room. A room for each and everyone of us. Where there is no sorrow or pain. But God's great love and blessings. Take a moment today and pray for those that did loose their lives that day. Pray for their families as the continue on. May each one of them know of God's love. Take a moment as well to pray for your families, and know that you are blessed.

Praying for you all today!

Hugs,
Cari.

Our Growing Family!

As I try to figure this blog thing out, bare with me. It's all as they say "Greek" to me! - The sad thing about it all, is my 4 year old could probably figure this out quicker than I can!! And if you doubt that, You don't know my 4 year old!

Okay.. so I thought I would start with a quick update on the family. Kind of like a mini Christmas letter but in sept. (does this mean that I don't have to write a Christmas letter this year?! - naaaa.. I can't get out of it that easy!)

Brian - Well, my sweet hubba hubby has been working his little bum off at microsoft all summer. He's soo good at what he does. And for those of you that don't know.... No he does not do computers for microsoft.. he's in the kitchen slaving away so those crazy microsoft people can have food in their bellies! And Boy does he cook for them! Brian recieved his culinary arts degree back in 2006 shortly after we had Johnnie. He's been working hard ever since then trying to make a name for himself in the culinary world! And he will do it too! (Yes, ladies.. he cooks for me at home! --- I'm LOVIN it!) Continue to pray for him in his career as he grows into the awesome chef that I know he is!

Cari - wait, that's me... mmm, what do I want to say about me. well, I recently had baby number 3! I know. I know.. I'm crazy! But I wouldn't change my life for anything! I LOVE my babies! And yes Momma Crowley, they are all my babies, til they day I die! So get over it children! I'm gonna be callin you babies FOREVER!! So this summer, I've had the previlege, (thanks for all the support friends and family) to stay home with my kiddos for 2 whole months! We've had the chance to go to the park and have play dates. Have our first photo shoot! (You ROCK Miss Shelly!) Enjoy getting to know each other all over again. It's sad to say, but next week, I will be heading back to work. I will miss my kiddos. But I know, they are in good hands with my parents. THANKS MOM AND DAD! - Please pray for me as I go back to work. That the transaction into our normal daily lives is a smooth one. That I can have peace about it. That my kiddos will know that we love them, even though we are far away during the day. That this be God's will for all of our lives.

Grayden - He's growing OH so big! I can't believe that he's 4 already. He is reading up a storm and loves to run and jump and dance! He's always looking at life with those eyes that are full of wonder. He's going to be my scientist! For those of you who didn't know, Grayden was diagnoised in early spring with epilepsy. It gave all of us a BIG scare but he's been doing really good with taking his medicine and the seizures have been getting less and less. Thank the Lord for that! He's getting tested through the Kent school distrist next week, to see how we can help him grow more and be better teachers for him. Please pray for him, as he goes through these tests. We have alot of unanswered questions, mostly about his growth in social skills. He tends to have a hard time playing with others. Basically, he likes to just play alone. We are hoping the testing will give us incite on why and how we can help him as he nears the time where he will be starting school. We have a huge PRAISE this summer... I think we are mostly Potty trained!! YEAH!!!!! That was a HUGE hurdle. and I think we have made it! Those of you that have gone before us in this journey and/or are going through it now.. know how hard somedays can be. So we are happy to say, We go pee and pooh in the potty! And Yes we get excited about it in our house! I never thought I would be sooo excited about going to the bathroom, but when you start the summer with 3 in diapers.. OH my! THANK YOU LORD!!

Johnnie - So as we affectionately call him... "OOOooo OOOoooo" - he's still going around our little world as our little monkey or tornado, depending on his mood! That boy can turn a room upside down in a matter of minutes! As much of a tornado he can be, he is a love! So shy at first around strangers but such a love when he gets to know you. His favorite words as for right now.. are "I STUCK!!! I STUCK!!! Help ME OUT !! ME OUT!!!" - he screams this usually every morning when he wakes up. we put the baby gate up to his room at night so he won't escape. so in the morning.. we always here.. "I STUCK!!!!" --- with a shortly to follow.. "Milk PEEESSE!!!" -- As for this summer, Brian would tell you he's a momma's boy, but I can't get the word momma out of him. He constantly calls me "Daddy", so you tell me... who's he thinking of!?! Please pray for Johnnie, as he has no fear! He can get into things soo fast.. pray for our patience with him. cause I think he's going to test it more than we know!

Emma - Emma Grace Crowley was born on July 15th 2008. She weighed in at 8lbs 15oz. and 21 1/2 inches tall. She's been a "Pink" blessing to our house! I was blessed to bring her into this world with people that we love all around us. Emma came on her own timing. I was supposed to have a c-section later that day but she decided to come on her own. I was 41 weeks, and more than ready! God blessed us more ways then one during our deliver and afterwards as well. Grammy Paula who had been staying with us got to spend 24 hours with her before she had to go home. (Poor timing on Emma's part) But we were greatful that she did get to see her! And Can't wait to share her at Christmas time as well. It's been fun getting to know little Emma's personality. She's finally sleeping through the night! YEAH!! She will get about 8 hours of sleep but the thing of it is.. I haven't figured out yet that I need to go to bed when she does! grr. bad me! She is a happy little baby! Smiles so big! She's had a little bit of a rough start, with her stomach. But I think we are on the mend. We had to switch her to soy formula. and take her off of breast milk full time. She's allergic to something I've been eating. We are thinking a milk intolerance. So please continue to pray for her as her little tummy heals and she grows! It's been a real joy to see her light up our house. The boys are adjusting well and enjoy their sister!

Dakota - yes. I know it's our dog! But short and sweet, he's still the keeper of the house and our little shepard for the kiddos. (He's a german shepard/Aussie shepard mix) - He's adjusted well to Emma. Is always there when she cries. He keeps the boys inline, especially Johnnie. Johnnie is learning at 2 1/2 to feed Dakota. and LOVES to do it! "Koda EAT!!! Koda EAT!!!"

Well, I think this first post is long enough. But a good update into our lives. :) I hope to share some stories of our kiddos that make us laugh and cry. :) Please continue to keep us all in your prayers! We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us!

Love you all & God Bless,
Cari.