Congratulations Brother!

"You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life"

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

"The most rewarding things in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done."

I Cor 15:57 "But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Persevered.  Persisted.  Kept going.  Worth it all."

Prov 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

"Never give up; great things take time!"

Psalm 20:4 "May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans."

"What's hard is good.  What's good is hard!"

Psalm 126:3 "The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad."

"Someday you'll be looking back on your life at the memories - this will be one of those days.  The years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful."

Phil 1:6 "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion."

"Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit."

2 Tim 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.  I have kept the faith."

"My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to, Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small, You never need to carry more than you can hold, And while you're out there getting where you're getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you, And wants the same things too, Yeah, this is my wish."

Spring Ball 14

Carter's most beloved sport has started.  Unfortunately, Colorado ball starts later than Florida, so he will have to miss approximately 1/3 of the season because of our planned trip home.  But, better play some than none at all, right?  He just loves it too much to skip the entire season.

Carter's passion captured

Disappointed

A Rare and Priceless Treasure!

Self-less:  having or showing great concern for other people and little or no concern for yourself.  

Sacrifice:  the act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to help someone else

Faithful:  having or showing true and constant support; steadfast in affection

If I were to have simply relied on Mr. Webster to teach me the definitions of these words, I would not really understand there meaning.  It is only because of "living examples" that I truly know.  I am the rich recipient of many who have poured into me, and today I want to thank just one of those individuals.  I want to bring HUGE honor where HUGE honor is due!  My grandmother (Nanny, as I affectionately call her) is someone I can only hope to emulate.  There are not many who can compare.  She has lived her entire life void of self and completely devoted to the love and care of her family.  She has never wavered from her high calling as a wife, mother, and grandmother.  

It is amazing to me that even while I was being knit together in my mother's womb, God knew my needs, so He picked me to be a Crowley.  He knew the role Nanny would play in helping to shape me and mold me into the woman I am today.  He knew the provision Nanny would bring, and I'm not referring to only material things, but also to the countless hours she has just made herself available.  He knew my heart and how it would be transformed by Nanny's tenderness and compassion.  He knew Nanny's faithfulness would be a source of strength for me during the storms of life.  To give specific examples of how each of these needs have been met would be an endless task.  Suffice it to say that I am forever indebted to her. 

So, on your 80th Birthday, Nanny, may you know and feel not only my deep love and appreciation for you, but also the Heavenly Fathers pleasure with you.  Thank you for your selflessness, for your sacrificial service, for your faithfulness, for your provision, for your hard work ethic, for your patience, and for your unconditional love and care.  Thank you for remaining true to the task God has called you to even though I have been so undeserving at times.  You are truly "a woman of noble character, who is worth far more than rubies.  Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all!"  Prov 10:10-31.  Enjoy your day.  Can't wait to be reunited with one of the greatest gifts God has ever blessed me with - YOU!

The wedding brought a lot of family to Colorado.  Hurray!  Mom was able to stay for an extended time and it was such a joy to have her here.  One snowy day we set off for Historic Fraser Hill to sled, but ended up at our local Rec Center instead.  I was a little freaked out by the road conditions, plus the Rec center saved us hours in the car and lots of money!  

Mom's first time down!  

There goes Carter

Climbing up the hill.  Free ride down, but no lift back up.  

Check out my shoe!  Duct Tape is pretty awesome.

Besides sledding, we saw Frozen on Imax, visited the Denver Museum of Science and Nature, ate at our favorite hamburger and ice cream place, and went to the library for preschool time.  The kids also got to bake homemade cookies and apple pie with Mamaw - forget about the bright yellow egg yolk that ran down the front of the white kitchen cabinets.  One night, Tyler kindly babysat so us adults could go to dinner and to a showing of Saving Mr. Banks.  Oh, we also watched the Anne of Green Gables series a couple of evenings in a row.  Let's just say I saw more movies in a week than I had in years.  A definite highlight for me was shopping in Historic Littleton - a new find.  I actually made a decision and bought some mirrors for my 30th Birthday present.  Although it was mostly all play and no work, we did manage to do some school.  It was so nice to have family here and we look forward to making memories with others who visit.       

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Katrina's Shower

Justin's cousin, Stephen, from the St. Louis area moved in faith to Colorado Springs shortly after we moved to the Denver area.  It was nice to know we had a relative close by (90 min away compared to 1,560 min away).  He quickly found a church family and next came the love of his life.  I'd say the Lord rewarded his obedience!  Here are some pictures from an impromptu bridal shower I threw for his bride, Katrina.  

We usually drink from these jars.  A little lace and ribbon and BAM!  Instant table decor!

Ornaments hang from these homemade glittery sticks at Christmas time.

Games

Bridesmaids

Mom and Sis!

Tyler 13!

I love this boy teen more than words can say and am so grateful for his tender, compassionate, loving, and forgiving heart.  He is one of God's greatest blessings to me and a true testament of how God can bring such beauty out of what first appears to be a hopeless situation.  I sometimes think of his life as part of God's rescue plan for me because I surely don't know where I'd be had I planned my own steps.  God is so very kind!  I am so blessed and honored that God chose me to be his Momma and appreciate how God is growing me in the parenting process - even in the hard times!  Tyler has taught me so much!  I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for my precious son and how God will use him!  Whatever it is, I am confident it will be good.  I pray God will continue to give me the strength, wisdom, and patience to lead Tyler in the ways of the Lord and that he will see the love of the Savior through me.  Tyler, there is nothing that will change my love for you.  May your fear of the Lord always be great!  I am proud to call you son!  Happy 13th! 

Wings, Chips, Pizza, and Soda

Park

A cookie cake per request.

Tyler and Justin went on a father/son trip to celebrate 13!  They stayed at Glenwood Springs Lodge and filled their days with hot springs swimming, skiing and snowboarding (I'm going to try to upload video soon), and the Winter X Games.  Their belly's were filled with lots of yummy food!  I am so grateful they had this special time away.  

The Springs

I think he is in the middle.

X Games 

Duck Nuggets!!