The Crabb Family

A New Year

2012-01-05T22:29:00.000-06:00

Has it really been over four months since I posted last? Yes, yes it has. Yikes! Where does time go these days? We have been keeping plenty busy with our precious girls and definitely enjoyed the holidays and Christmastime this year as Emily was more into it this year. She was very excited and intrigued with the many packages, those that were hers and everyone else's as well. It was a fun day for everybody. Annie is growing fast and becoming her own little self. She is a sweet baby, calm most of the time, and aside from a few little bumps in the road (a growth spurt I think), she is a good sleeper. As 2012 starts I'll give a little update on what my girls are up to these days...

Emily:

-Loves ice cream (or to talk about it anyway...Any time we ask her where she is going, her response is aways 'I Keem')

-yogurt and cheese...probably her favorite foods

-Ducks or 'quack quacks'

-Books

-Dora

-Mickey Mouse

-Pretend play...house cleaning, cooking, driving her car, being a little mommy...so cute

-She is potty-trained!! Yay. Pretty proud of her and that accomplishment. (She still wears a diaper at bedtime, but thats it!)

-Talking, Mocking, Jibbering, and figuring out how to put sentences together

-Yellow, everything is yellow

-KidFirst...she goes to 'school' on Thursdays and loves it

-Being a big sister...she loves her sister Annie

-Bathtime

Annie:

-Milk...enough said

-Some solid foods, I've introduced bananas, apples, pears, peaches, squash, carrots, and peas. She prefers the fruit...the obvious choice since it's sweeter

-Baby-dog, her favorite toy

-Her paci

-Listening to music, mostly the 'Lullaby Radio' on Pandora-usually calms her down and she tunes in to it

-Laughing and watching big sister Emily

-Being held...of course that always calms her down too!

Having two little girls so close together is fun, challenging, tiring, and above all, a blessing. They are sweet and love eachother which is all I could ask for. I look forward to this new year and watching them continue to grow and change daily! Emily will be 2 in just a few weeks. This is really hard to swallow and really amazing at the same time to see how she has become an incredible little girl. We continue to count our blessings and pray daily that God will teach us to love how he loves and parent how he desires us to. Jeffery and I celebrated our FIVE year anniversary on December 30. We look forward to many many many more!

As you read this, I pray that your 2012 is full of blessings of God's peace, protection, and provision always. And that we all will acknowledge daily how great and mighty is our God.

Here are a few pictures from our busy, wonderful Christmas 2011!

Cool weather = Cool day at the park

2011-09-07T16:14:00.000-05:00

The cooler weather has been a nice prompt to get outside more! The girls and I went to the park and had a great time on Monday. My mom was able to go along so two strollers wasn't too much to handle. We were able to walk for a quick exercise and then let Emily play on the playground. Annie loved it too...as seen from the pictures below!

I don't know when and how Emily got so big and so funny. She is a big girl and makes me laugh all the time. She is a joy and really had a fun time playing.

My girls

2011-09-03T10:51:00.000-05:00

These are the precious faces that keep me busy! But we are having fun everyday figuring eachother out better and better. Annie Sarah is 3 weeks old already and starting to become her own sweet little person. She is in a pretty good routine now and sleeps good for me at night. Emily is doing great with her. Her aggressiveness has pretty much subsided. Praise the Lord! She loves her sister and even says 'Annie' a few times a day if I'm lucky and listening at just the right time. I am blessed, happy, and oh so thankful for my girls.

John 1:16 From the fullness of HIS grace we all receive blessing after blessing.

Emily and Annie

2011-08-23T13:23:00.000-05:00

Things are definitely different around our house with the precious addition of Annie Sarah. Different but better for sure. Emily is adjusting (all of us are) well to her little sister. She has become much sweeter in her interactions with Annie and less aggressive. That is an answer to prayer. She wants to love on her all the time, give her a paci-even if she is sound asleep she really wants to push it in Annie's mouth, hold her, touch her feet and toes, and read her books. One thing she does NOT want to do is say 'Annie'. It is the funniest thing because she has yet to say Annie consistently. Jeffery got her to say it once and my mother in law too, but no consistency because Emily, for now anyway, prefers to call her 'baby'. We say 'Annie', she says, 'Baby', over and over and over. Funny girl because I know that she is capable of saying it. I have enjoyed getting used to the days at home with two little girls. It is not as intimidating as I thought and has been an easier transition. I feared that Emily would feel neglected or left out because of added attention that must be given to Annie, but it really hasn't seemed to bother her. I guess I'd forgotten how much a new baby sleeps and is content to do just that for hours at a time. So while Annie sleeps in her swing, or her lamb seat, or wherever, Emily and I can still carry on with the things and routine we are used to.

Annie is still doing great. She sleeps alot throughout the day still but has about 2-3 hours total of good awake time a day. During that time we talk to her, read her stories, go outside (only for a few minutes though in this heat), listen to music, and play with big sister's toys. She sleeps great at night so far. She always sleeps a three hour stretch at least-but often she stretches it to four hours. So I am great with that. She is a good eater as evidenced by her one week weight last week at the Dr. of 7 pounds, 9 ounces. Up from her birth weight of 7.1, Dr. Stagg says she is doing just great. She was slightly jaundiced but nothing too high to really worry about. She has been spending a few hours in her diaper in the window getting a little sun-therapy to help with that. I can tell it is getting better. We will visit the Dr. again this week to see where we are now.

Emily is going to start going to 'school' this week! Really just mothers day out at KidFirst at our church starting Thursday. She is used to the facility from being there at the nursery, but will have different teachers with her than those she is familiar with. It will be fun and good for her to have interaction with other kids her age and to have a consistent routine of going. I am looking forward also to having a day of 'alone time' with my sweet Annie. It will be a good change for Emily.

My heart really is full and my home is filled with joy because of the great gift we've been given with our second daughter. What a blessing and a constant reminder of God's love over us.

Window-Sun bathing beauty

I love catching these first little smiles

Being a patient, big girl at the Pedi Clinic

It actually rained here over the weekend, not a whole lot, but pretty hard for about 30 minutes. We are thankful for every drop and continue to faithfully trust that God will send more.

Emily loved it, she had a BIG time splashing in, riding her scooter in, and even drinking the rain water!

Annie's first trip to Sunday Morning church-Pretty in Pink

Sisters. Love.

That's all He had to say

2011-08-18T08:17:00.001-05:00

John 12:47-50
The Message (MSG)
47-50"If anyone hears what I am saying and doesn't take it seriously, I don't reject him. I didn't come to reject the world; I came to save the world. But you need to know that whoever puts me off, refusing to take in what I'm saying, is willfully choosing rejection. The Word, the Word-made-flesh that I have spoken and that I am, that Word and no other is the last word. I'm not making any of this up on my own. The Father who sent me gave me orders, told me what to say and how to say it. And I know exactly what his command produces: real and eternal life. That's all I have to say. What the Father told me, I tell you."

I don't normally read from The Message translation but today wanted to reread what our pastor shared last night and decided to see how The Message said it. I was reminded in the above verses of how our God is so not dependent upon us but still chooses to bless us and show his favor to those who seek him. He came to save, not to condemn. He came to share love not to spread dissension. He came to fulfill that which the Father God had commanded him to do. And that's all he had to say!

A new baby...a new adventure

2011-08-16T15:19:00.000-05:00

Annie Sarah Crabb

August 12, 2011 at 4:43 pm

7 pounds 1 ounce and 20 inches long

She is here and she is such a sweet blessing to our family already. Thankful for God's protection bringing her into the world. It was a long day, but a good day. We are very thankful

Our first 'Family of FOUR' picture

Happy Mama

Showing her baby sister off at home. Proud Emily.

This is what she likes to do most all day...she is very calm and peaceful. Annie is a good eater and a good sleeper. I feel very blessed. The transition from one to two has been alot smoother than I anticipated. Thanks to so many who prayed over this transition in our lives. God is faithful to answer our prayers. I am feeling good and adjusting well. I have much more energy than I thought. Jeffery, of course, is in love with his newest girl. So sweet. He is a big help but also has been able to get back to work during this busy time there. I am thankful for his dedication to taking care of this family. Emily is not sure day to day what to think about Annie. She has figured out now that Annie is here to stay and definitely a part of us now, but she has to be watched VERY closely around her. I know she doesn't mean to be too aggressive, she just is. So its repetition of 'be sweet Emily', 'soft love Emily', 'NO NO NO Emily'...you get the idea. But I'm sure she will get better and better with Annie as the days go by.

Still the prettiest blue eyed girl I know.

Summer fun

2011-06-23T15:52:00.000-05:00

I love that smile. Emily loves swimming. She really has no fear when it comes to swim-time. We have had lots of fun the past few weeks getting used to the pool. It is also a nice way to cool off too during these hot days. We have been staying busy and doing good. Had a fun last weekend celebrating my dear friend, Caroline's, beautiful wedding in Dallas. Jeffery and I enjoyed some time alone away from home and saw so many friends! That will probably be the extent of my summer traveling since I am due in 8 weeks. Crazy. People told me that this second pregnancy would go by faster than the first and it certainly has. I can't believe that we only have a few days of June left then onto July. August will be here before I know it. I am feeling good, just pregnant and beginning to have heartburn with EVERYTHING. Oh well, I just remember how quickly the heartburn left after Emily was born and I trust it will be the same this time.

I have been reading the Psalms lately and today the truth and power of Psalm 23 has stood out in my mind. A Psalm that many of us know by heart and have heard or prayed so many times, but how comforting to claim it's truth and promise.

'The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all of the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' Psalm 23

Hot.

2011-06-02T14:38:00.000-05:00

Not complaining, just saying. It is starting out to be a HOTTT summer. Me, this pregnant belly of mine, and Emily will be spending a lot of time at the pool (Thanks Mom :) ) this summer.

Emily in her swim-gear when we went for a little swim earlier this week. No, she doesn't always swim topless. It is just easier when its just the two of us!

Beating the heat is okay with a yummy dessert like this. I tried this 'Blueberry-Peach Crumble' last week per Jeffery's request. The recipe comes from Barefoot Contessa and YUM, it is GOOD. Of course even better with a grande scoop of ice cream on top.

And just for fun! Kinda creepy to look at, but she apparently wants to look like mommy.

*On a more serious, informative note, I had my 28 week prenatal check up today. All is well. I had the Diabetes screen today so my breakfast was the super sweet Glycola Juice drink...delicious...NOT. Hoping that the results come back normal, they did with Emily's pregnancy, so I expect the same. We did not have an ultrasound today but heard Annie's quick and healthy heartbeat. It is now already time for me to start going to the doctor every 2 weeks. Time is flying, it's strange that June is already here. We are getting very excited about meeting Annie.

Stay hydrated, it is hot. Oh, I already said that didn't I!

Landscaping...finally

2011-05-31T22:17:00.000-05:00

It has been quite some time since I posted my ideas and visions for some landscaping in our yard. Well, since I know the suspense has been killing you people, I now have something to report. I have two new flower beds, one in front and one in back, new Saint Augustine grass, lots of cleanup around house and to the existing landscapes, and a big smile that it is all done! My dad and Alvaro are excellent landscapers, whether they knew it or not, and I am so thankful that they helped me out. My dad had some great ideas and he made it happen. Yay!

The front bed, the Azalea bush was the really only viable plant to work with, so it stayed and everything else went. Lots of clean out and a new border was made before planting new plants.

Before the planting took place. We now have 4 more Azaleas, 5 Hawthorn shrubs, Periwinkles, 2 new Knockout Rose bushes, Monkey grass, and 4 Cleyera shrubs. Its alot, but it was needed and its looking good!

After planting. Here you can also see the new 'blanket' of Saint Augustine grass in front of the bed. It makes a big difference, a good one.

This is my backyard herb garden box. Jeffery made this for me for Mother's day. I have Rosemary, Cilantro, Parsley, Basil, and Mint planted. They are growing well. The Rosemary looks a little dinky, but only because I have already used it several times for cooking purposes, so it keeps getting snipped!

The new back flower bed. There was an existing landscape but I did a poor job of maintaining it after we moved to the new house. So, it got a big cleaning and what remained was the two bushes seen and the little Crepe Myrtle that you can see in the far right of the picture. Everything else is new, including the new border and new grass in front. I wanted more flowers in the back so this bed is a little more colorful than in the front. It is also a bit of an experiment to see if the old plants are going to hang on and make it. The roots were weak after all the cleaning, so we shall see. Lots of water for now. There were some Lilies in the existing bed that we hope can be salvaged. They have a lot of growing to do. That is what is right in the middle (barely seen in this pic), but its the tall stems sticking up. Other new plants in the back flower bed are Geraniums, Caladiums, Zinnias, and Gerber Daisies.

Most of this work took place last week when Jeffery was out of town in North Dakota seeing some customers. He was pleasantly surprised and happy to see the changes around here. And I am pleasantly hopeful that I will keep it looking good!

Emily gets a haircut!

2011-05-31T21:39:00.000-05:00

Once again, I know I am a little behind on blogging. So here comes a little catch-up. A couple weeks ago, I decided it was in fact time for Emily to have her first haircut. As I look back over pictures from the last several months, it really has grown a lot. She is not too much a fan of clips, bows, or rubber bands. They always end up out and in the car seat or floor board before we get to where we are going. So, she needed a little trim, shape up, to help with all the stray hair that she won't let me clip back! Lea did a good job to give her a nice little cut, not too much off, but enough to make a difference and keep it out of her eyes. Emily was such a big girl during her hair cut. She sat still for the most part. She started out on her own, but ended up in my lap which seemed to work better. She was interested in what Lea was doing and curious to watch her closely.

Later that day, sporting her new haircut and her two-piece, Emily went for a little swim. She loves being outside, and she loves water, so she was having a grand time enjoying the sunshine!

Her daddy calls this her body-builder picture. I mean...look at that belly! Cuteness.

So fun!

What we've been up to.

2011-05-16T13:23:00.000-05:00

I guess my blogging just takes temporary hiatuses from time to time. Yes, thats what I have been on. But we are still here, still plugging along. Emily is doing great, she is a busy body and becoming such a big girl. So is mommy, now in my 26th week of pregnancy number 2 and doing great. I feel a lot of movement from little girl which is always exciting. I am becoming increasingly excited about meeting her in just a few very short months. I keep telling myself it will be very short because I know it will be VERY hot! I guess I can announce to whoever is reading this blog that her name will be 'Annie'. We have not decided on a middle name, but we are working on that. So, our girls will be Emily Beth and Annie _______ here pretty soon. How exciting. Jeffery is staying busy and making strides at work. I am always thankful for his hard work and dedication to all he does. He is a good man, really good man. :)

We had a wonderful Easter day celebration with our family and friends. We hosted Easter supper here with Jeffery's family and some of mine too. It was a great day. Emily tried the Easter Egg hunting thing, but I think one more year and she will really have it down. It was fun to help her 'hunt' the 5 or 6 eggs she filled her basket with. The week after Easter, Emily and I went with my dad to Fort Worth for a couple of days to the Pate Swap Meet which takes place at Texas Motor Speedway. We got to stay with Aunt Sissy (Lindsey) and Uncle B, and of course Campbell! Lindsey and I took the girls out to the swap meet for a little bit to walk around and see the sights. It was a hot day and a little difficult for Emily to enjoy since she much rather would have been running around, and mean mommy was keeping her confined to her stroller. While we weren't at the swap meet, my sister and I got to just hang out. It was a nice getaway and great to let the girls play together.

This past weekend was my brother, Allen's, graduation from Baylor University! Yeah! Congratulations Allen! Although, I would have liked to take Emily with us to celebrate, it would have been no fun to chase her around the Ferrell Center during the ceremony, so she stayed home with Gran (Jeffery's mom). I am certain she had a much better time playing and not having to ride in the car for several hours! Allen was excited (of course) to be the graduate and we are so proud of him. I tried my baking skills at making him a 'decorative' cake for his graduation. And with the extreme help of my sister in law, Kristen, who did the BU logo topper, it turned out pretty good! I enjoyed making it for him.

May and June are busy busy busy months already for us. Jeffery has a 3 day business trip coming up, we have Diamond C Events, wedding events and weddings, birthdays, and more filling up our calendar for the next several weeks. We are excited to enjoy these last couple months together as a family of 3 before we become 4! As I get ready for Annie to be here, I have been looking back and remembering Emily's first few days and weeks. What a blessing and a wonderful feeling I remember having the first moment I saw Emily and held her in my arms. She was beautiful and perfect, such immediate love flooded me and Jeffery. I know it won't be any different when we see Annie for the first time. God's creation of life is beautiful and perfect. He is the giver of all good things and we praise Him alone for how he is blessing and keeping us. To God be the glory, for the things He has done.

Peace, have a good week.

easter love

2011-04-25T09:25:00.002-05:00

Emily goes to the Zoo!

2011-04-17T22:43:00.000-05:00

Before it gets too terribly hot and I get too terribly big and pregnant, we decided to take Emily to the zoo this weekend. We made a quick trip to Tyler to Caldwell Zoo Saturday afternoon for a few fun hours at the zoo. The weather was great. I enjoyed being outside for a little while. Emily liked the zoo. My mom asked me if she loved it to which I said that 'love would be a strong word, she liked it, hopefully loving it will come in a few years.' She liked the birds. I guess because of their noises and bright colors. As for the other animals, it was difficult for me to spot some of them in their zoo habitat, so I'm not even sure if she saw what we were looking at. She rode in her stroller most of the time that we were there because if we got her out, she just tried to run away. Sweet baby she is, trying to run from mommy and daddy! She loves to be outside though, so she was very content. It was a very fun first trip for Miss Emily...we hope to do it again soon and at a time when she will enjoy it even more!

Emily and Daddy time with the penguins. She liked watching them (well really just one, at that time) swim back and forth in front of the window.

At the monkey exhibit...not sure what kind of monkey this was. You can barely even see it in the picture, but look closely over on the rocks there are two black and white monkeys. Maybe she saw them. Maybe.

My sweet, happy girl.

She stood there forever looking at the flamingos. They were our first exhibit and our last, since they are right at the entrance. She liked this part alot. Funny birds-those flamingos. Pretty interesting to watch, even for me. Some things never change I guess.

Leaving the zoo, eating a snack of animal crackers. Coincidence? Perhaps.

We finished up our afternoon in Tyler with a trip to Target (gotta go to Target when available) and some good Mexican food at Mercados. Fun stuff. We are thankful for a fun day with our fun little girl!

A preview to all things Summer

2011-04-17T21:52:00.000-05:00

Okay so maybe I should have said, "A preview to all things Summer, regarding FOOD" since this post will revolve around food. We love Summer food so to get us more ready for such wonderful things as fresh produce, fresh fruit, barbecues, cookouts, fresh lemonade, homemade ice cream, sno-cones...(the list could go on and on), we have made a few dishes in anticipation for how much better they will be when it is actually Summer. Is it wrong that I (we) get so excited about this. Oh well if it is.

Hamburger done right. What is better than this during summer. This was Jeffery's of which he was quite proud. Cheddar cheese, avocado slices, red onion rings, and barbecue sauce. YUM.

We paired the burgers with these fried green beans. This was a recipe called 'Buttermilk Fried Green Beans' which was pretty good...but I prefer another that I used last year from the Neeley's-courtesy of Food Network. Before about half a year ago, I had never had fried green beans and definitely not cooked them myself. I guess a green bean isn't a veggie you think about frying on a daily basis. But, let me say, they are yum and maybe a little more nutritionally sound than their cousin, the fried potato...maybe...

So, the next few pictures are baked goods I have made over the last couple weeks...but they don't really have anything to do with summer. They are good anytime. Especially when family and friends are involved.

Apple Pie with a Crumb Topping before...

And after...A la mode of course. How else?

This doesn't really relate to summer, its good any time. Italian cream cake. One of my favorites. My sister and Campbell were in town last week for a few days while my brother in law, Bryon, was out of town on business. We loved hanging out with them. I made this cake for family dinner dessert while they were here.

This too doesn't actually relate to summer either, but it was a new recipe I wanted to try out so, while my sis was in town, we tried it. Chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting. Delicious. The perfect balance of sweet and salty...so good.

Summer will bring ALL sorts of good things. For me, the biggest thing will be the addition of baby girl # 2 (which, yes, at this time remains nameless as we haven't yet decided on 'the' name for her). But along with that, I am certain lots of good food will be mixed in...I will share more as I eat more.

Encouragement

2011-04-12T09:33:00.000-05:00

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord's great love we ate by consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "the Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:21-26

Weekend Highlights

2011-04-03T15:38:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful weekend it has been. We enjoyed spending lots of 'outside' time in the sunshine.

Emily loves riding her 4-Wheeler. She is not very good at steering...but she is trying to get that down.

I am pleased that this Azalea bush came back into bloom this Spring. It adds a little color to the front yard for now...We are still in the process of getting some landscaping done. Hopefully soon!!

And perhaps, one of the highlights of the weekend was this wonderful 'Praline Cheesecake' (recipe courtesy of Mrs. Paula Deen via Food Network!) Again, while doing laundry on Friday, I flipped across 'Paula's Best Dishes' on Food Network and this recipe caught my eye. At the encouraging and prompting of my sister, I have decided to begin to share some recipes on the blog. Some will be my own, others shared from my friends like Paula, but I will always give credit where credit is due. For those of you that might not know, I love to cook. I love to try new recipes and make up new recipes from time to time. I guess its my hobby. The only bummer to my hobby is the clean up process, but most of the time, it is worth it. With this cheesecake, it definitely was.

'Cheesecake with Praline Topping'

Crust Ingredients:

1 stick butter, melted
1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 Tablespoon sugar

Cheesecake Ingredients:

2- 8 ounce packages softened cream cheese
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Praline Topping Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
2 Tablespoons corn starch
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix the melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs until well combined. Using the back of a wooden spoon, press the mixture into the bottom and up about one inch of the sides of a nine inch spring-form pan. Set aside. And go ahead and set the oven temp at 350 degrees.

Cream the cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla together until well combined to a creamy consistency.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl for all the goodness. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes, watching closely checking for need of turning during baking. Make sure the middle is set firm before removing from the oven.

Removed the baked cheesecake from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool. After a few minutes (10ish), pop the springform part of the pan off. While cooling, work on the praline topping-the BEST part.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until thickened, being careful not to burn.

Remove mixture from heat and stir in the chopped pecans (I used more like a cup rather than 1/2 cup...) and vanilla.

Ladle this mixture generously over the cheesecake letting it run over the sides. Spread pecans if necessary for an even consistency.

Although it looks great to eat right now, probably best to allow to cool at least to room temperature before cutting. Serve and store any remaining in the refrigerator.

ENJOY!

On Friday evening, my parents watched Emily for us so that Jeffery and I could go on a date and do a little shopping. It was a great night out in Texarkana. We ate at Olive Garden, yum, and did some maternity clothes shopping afterwards. Thats always fun too, I guess! I did find some good buys-including an Easter dress. That was my main goal. Emily even spent the night out! Since we got home late, my mom volunteered to just keep her overnight. She had a fun time, slept great there too, and I retrieved her Saturday morning. It was kind of weird waking up Saturday morn without her here, but all is well! Thanks to my mom and dad for being so kind. They got the other half of the cheesecake as payment! Ha!

Another highlight of the weekend was receiving this in the mail on Friday afternoon! We love coffee, and we really love coffee from 'Cafe Brazil'. Wish we had one closer than Dallas. But thank goodness for the WWW because we can order when we need coffee! This is a TWO pound bag. Lots of goodness. Jeffery took this picture because he was proud of it's arrival. He opened it this morning before church and we both thoroughly enjoyed our cup of morning coffee.

I'll close this post with a few thoughts of what our Sunday school class has been studying recently. 'Lies about God'. The 'lie' or 'myth' discussed today is that, 'God is who I want him to be.' The truth to this lie is that, "I am who I am." Exodus 3:14. In discussing this today, the question in my mind was, 'Who is God to you'? 'Who is God to me'?

Society does tell us that He is whatever we want him to be, whatever we need at a specific time or a specific day or situation. Is he the God of all areas of our lives, or just the God of certain ones like our health, our friendships, our wealth, our future...Just something to ponder. It is my prayer that I will be conscience of who God is to me, not just today since we studied this, but all the time. God is constantly seeking us, a deeper relationship with us, an intimate, growing relationship with us. Will we allow him to be God over all aspects of our lives. Our idols (mental or physical) could never compare to the GREATNESS of our God.

Thank you for your Greatness Oh God. Thank you for your unchanging, everlasting nature. Thank you for seeking me. May I seek you and find you when I seek you with ALL of my heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Have a wonderful day wrapping up this wonderful weekend. Peace.

The things pregnancy does...

2011-04-01T21:53:00.000-05:00

Crying comes more frequently to a pregnant woman. Others would agree, I think! So today, while doing laundry, I was flipping channels and came across a classic episode of 'Full House' on ABC Family. Let it be said that I bawled like a baby as it aired. Silly silly pregnancy hormones. I will say that it was a touching episode, the one where Stephanie is faced with the decision of telling or not telling when her friend confides in her that his father abuses him, but still, did I really need to cry?? I have probably seen that episode 10 plus times since it's original air date in 1993!!

Anyhow, I pulled my emotional self together, finished folding the laundry, and carried on with my day.

That's all. Have a beautiful weekend. Don't cry during 'Full House'.

Toddler...

2011-03-28T15:04:00.001-05:00

I guess it is correct to now call Emily a 'toddler'. Hard for me to grasp that she isn't really a baby anymore, but I can still call her MY baby, which I do all the time! But I guess the fact that she is walking, talking (her own language) and she is almost 14 months old now...she in fact is a toddler. I guess this momma just needs to accept it that she isn't the tiny, helpless little babe I brought home from the hospital yesterday. Oops, I mean over a year ago! Where does time go seriously.

Emily is truly a joy. She has her moments lately since she is developing her little attitude and her independent nature, for which I am trying to be consistent in my word choice and actions for discipline, but the majority of the time, she is a joy. I have been talking to her about the new baby, her sister. I don't think she gets a word that I am saying but I am hoping that repetitive telling her will somehow make it stick that she is going to be a big sister. I am thankful that in less than 5 months now I will have that tiny, helpless, babe back in my arms and in the house. It will be fun, hard, tiring, exciting, the list will go on and on...

I have also been talking to Emily about learning to use the big girl potty. I know she is only 14 months, but again, I am hoping that repetition in 'practicing' and 'sitting on the potty' will stick and she can be potty trained sometime before too terribly long. ANY words of advice from other mommas or whoever, is very welcome and will be much appreciated. Funny story about this potty training adventure. I bought her a training potty last week at Target when we went to visit my sis. I placed it in her bathroom by the big potty. Before bathtime/bedtime I have been sitting her on it and just waiting to see what happens and talking to her about what is supposed to happen. The first night we did this was last Wednesday night and I kid you not, after about 20 seconds of her sitting up on her tiny throne and me having to re-place her up there a couple times, she tinkled. I was surprised and shocked. I clapped and praised her, she laughed at me and clapped her hands too all the while probably thinking 'You're crazy mommy!' I know she didn't and doesn't understand what she did, but it was a big deal to me and I hope for more days like that to come and for an understanding on her part to figure the potty training bit out. Definitely coincidence that it happened that way though I'm pretty sure, since Thursday night we did the same thing and right after no action, I put her in the bathtub and watched her immediately tinkle! LOL. Give it time, Leah, give it time!

She is in to everything!

She LOVES her sleep. I find her in all kinds of positions in her bed.

Another sign that she is a BIG girl...Pig-tails! Her hair is really growing. It's out of control most of the time. She does not care for bows at all, but if I can get a rubberband in it while she is distracted with something else, she usually doesn't mess with it (right away anyway)!

I love you Emily baby!

The Everlasting God.

2011-03-28T14:08:00.000-05:00

How does the human mind comprehend the concept and the truth of the everlasting God. Eternity cannot be measured, yet the Everlasting God inhabits eternity, continually fulfilling His word. Halleujah, I say! From Genesis to Revelation we can read about man's encounters with the Everlasting, from kings to tax collectors, rich to poor, saints and sinners, the people were impacted for eternity. And the truth and goodness of the stories of the Bible are that they still happen today. God is present and alive and well in us to continue giving us the benefit and the joys of his Everlasting nature. There is one God, none other can claim his Deity. His property is eternity. His Kingdom is eternal.

   Isaiah 40:28 'Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the Everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.

   Psalm 90:2 'Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.


May the peace of the Everlasting God and the comfort of that promise dwell among us this week. Have a wonderful week. Stay warm in our silly TX weather! Come back sunshine!!

Waiting on God.

2011-03-26T08:32:00.000-05:00

Waiting on God means the promise of this...

'You have made known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your rights hand.' Psalm 16:11

Have a beautiful weekend.

God's hands.

2011-03-24T17:05:00.000-05:00

Today I have been pondering God's Hands. During my bible study time this morning, the verses from Isaiah 41 stood out to me and made me think...

¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

¹¹ “All who rage against you

will surely be ashamed and disgraced;

those who oppose you

will be as nothing and perish.

^{¹² Though you search for your enemies,}

you will not find them.

Those who wage war against you

will be as nothing at all.

^{¹³ For I am the LORD your God}

who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

I will help you.

The picture of God holding my right hand stood out to me and made me begin to think about how He really does hold our hands. How His hand really does guide our steps when we seek it and how His hands form us from the very beginning. All these thoughts had me seeking more verses regarding 'hands'. I wasn't at all surprised to find several (like 30-40) references just in the back of my Bible concordance. I know that is a condensed version, so I looked in my Strong's Concordance of the Bible and there are EIGHT pages (and they are BIG pages) of references referring to the word 'hand' or 'hands'. Now, I know that all of the references listed are not referring to God's hands, but suffice it to say that there is quite a bit of talk of hands in the Good Book. Some of the verses that I looked up and that struck me today in reflecting on the way that God holds my hand were,

Isaiah 62:3

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Isaiah 49:16

Behold I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.

John 10:27-30

My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me and I give them eternal life so they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hands. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My hands. For I and my Father are one. (Jesus' words)

Wow, so since the Bible tells me these truths that my name was inscribed in His palms, that I am a royal diadem (a diadem is a type of crown, specifically an ornamental headband) in His hands, and that NOTHING could ever snatch me away from His hands, what am I doing with my hands to show gratitude and praise for these promises? Something to ponder...

Psalm 47:1

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

1 Peter 5:7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

1 Timothy 2:8

Therefore, I want men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Lord, thank you for your hands, for your mighty and powerful hands. Thank you for the visual image you have given me to see this real today. May my hands give you glory, may my hands lift you up.

Sweetness. Best cousins.

2011-03-24T08:02:00.000-05:00

Emily and I spent the earlier part of this week with Lindsey and Campbell. Isn't she precious! We wish we could see eachother more often but we always enjoy our days together! The girls had fun playing and me and Sis got some good shopping time in! Thankful for sweet time we can spend together.

They're best cousins. For sure!

Dreaming of landscapes...

2011-03-22T16:15:00.001-05:00

I most definitely do NOT have a green thumb. I have been successful at times in the past with keeping some things thriving, but for the most part, NO. I wish I was better. However, we are in the process of working on ideas and thoughts of doing some spring landscaping around the house. We have a new house (as of September) and we (well me anyway) would like to make people smile when they drive up to our house! So here are a few pretty pictures that make me smile and what I envision that my yard could look like...possibly.

This is a joke...please people...Seriously.

Although I do not have a fountain/river thingy in my yard, this is

a pretty picture. Nice color scheme I think.

A couple ideas for how I'd like my front beds to look like, maybe with more pink and purple and yellow though, and fuller throughout-and probably minus the river. Think I could just copy and paste??

I'll keep you updated with how our progress comes along...Hopefully this weekend we will get some stuff going!! YAY. I'd also like to plant an herb garden...anyone have any thoughts on this??

Our life lately...

2011-03-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

   Even though I am not sure how many people even read this blog, I am ashamed and a little embarrassed that I haven't even updated anything since October! Wow, time flies. 2010 was a wonderful year all around, especially and most importantly with the newest addition to our family...Emily. She, now 13 months old, is doing great and growing everyday. Funny that she is already somewhat outgrowing her 18 month outfits and I just bought alot of 2T summer clothes. She isn't a baby anymore, but a little girl now! She is so fun.
   2011 has started off wonderfully as well. I found out in late December that Emily will be a big sister in August! This was exciting news and I look forward to watching Emily meet and interact with her little SISTER. Yes, we will be having another girl and I couldn't be happier. My girls will be 18 months apart, so fun! I am feeling good and have had an uneventful, healthy pregnancy thus far. So thankful for this. Jeffery is busy, which is a blessing, and working very hard at Diamond C. We are continually thankful for new opportunities and experiences for him at work. He is making strides, and I respect him a little more everyday.
      I want to try to do MUCH better keeping the blog updated, especially as we prepare for baby girl #2. So for now, let me share some pictures from the last several months of our lives. God is good, we are blessed and will keep on thanking Him for the good (and even the bad) in our lives.

Happy Halloween 2010. Little Ladybug Emily.

Emily's Dedication Service at church in November

Hot Chocolate Cake with Homemade Marshmallows to welcome in the Holidays!

Emily's First Christmas

Christmas Eve 2010

Christmas Day 2010

The first of MANY snow days this winter that Emily experienced!

Happy Birthday Emily! February 10, 2011

Emily's Cupcake Birthday Party

What a WONDERFUL Year!

Crabb Family Ski Trip 2011-Trying on ski boots for the first time

I will blog again...soon. Promise.

2011-03-20T22:07:00.000-05:00

So behind...

2010-10-21T21:58:00.005-05:00

Emily, 8 months old now!!

I realize that I am very very very behind in blogging. I can't really even remember the last time I sat down to blog. I miss that. I enjoy sharing what is going on in our lives to our few readers (I guess I have a few...). Well to whoever reads, I am sorry for being so behind.

We have had alot going on, biggest thing being that we have moved!! Yes, and I am sorry that I don't have any pictures to post at this time, but I will one of these days. (Judging from my record of previous posting, that could be months away! haha) We are enjoying our new home and we feel very blessed with the unfolding of God's plan for having us here. I was concerned with how Emily would transition, but she has seemingly not been affected at all. She has really always been a good sleeper and moving to a new house, in a new room didn't seem to bother her one bit. I was thankful for that! Jeffery and I both have been busy at work as well. I have been working more days than usual the last month or so. Emily still LOVES her babysitter, Obdulia, and I am so happy to have her. Jeffery stays busy at Diamond C, which is a huge blessing. He is out of town right now at business meetings in New Mexico. We meet up tomorrow in Waco for Baylor Homecoming...Emily's first, I'm excited!!

So about Emily now...she is doing super. She is 8 months old already (on Oct 10). I can't believe how fast time has gone and that in less than 4 months now, she will be a year old! She is a happy, happy baby and such a joy. She loves to eat and she eats pretty much everything these days! I am still nursing her, but not nearly as often. She eats what we eat, in moderation, and likes about everything. It is fun to watch her try new things and watch her reaction to different foods. She is on the go, go, go! She has still not mastered the crawl up on hands and knees. She can army crawl anywhere though! She is fast and determined when she wants to get somewhere. She has started pulling up on tables, chairs, couch, the bathtub, my leg, whatever! She likes to wedge herself in odd places, as seen in the picture. If I leave her somewhere, even for just a minute, I most often find her under something, or between something, or in something...well you get the picture. She is a little mischievous one! We really are so blessed by her and realize what a great gift that being a parent is every time she smiles at us. Sweet baby!

A couple weeks ago at the Titus County Fair...She was really tired here!

The joys of my life! I still think she looks so much like him!

Best Cousins...Emily and Campbell

One of her newest hiding places...she went there three times today over and over!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

2010-08-26T14:16:00.003-05:00

So as of now, Emily has...

1. Two teeth! The first one came through last Thursday and then another followed quickly behind on Sunday. She has been a little fussy and snotty because of them (I am assuming). She has ran a low grade temperature too. Overall, she is doing well with the teething business so far. They are two sharp little teeth, thats for sure! Not looking forward to biting!

2. Enough hair to wear a bow or clip without a headband. This is a big deal to me since I was a complete 'baldy' until I was about 18 months old. Maybe I'll post a picture of that (if I can get one scanned in) to follow, just for laughs. I was thrilled to hear when Emily first arrived that she had a head full of hair and now it has grown long enough to hold a bow. She seems not to even notice one clipped on her head, which is nice, because she had learned to pull the headbands down and wear them as a necklace. I guess she was to make a fashion statement already!

Hard to believe how fast time flies by, but happy and blessed to report that my baby girl is doing great...God is good. Blessings to you and yours...

hello again!

2010-08-17T13:50:00.003-05:00

I know, I know...it has been forever since I have visited this thing called blogging! We have had a busy, wonderful summer and especially a busy month. My sister's precious baby girl Campbell was born on July 20! Yay! Emily had her 6 month birthday last week...wow how time flies! We have been enjoying lots of fun family time and trips back and forth to Keller to visit baby Campbell. Emily is doing great, she is extremely happy, mostly calm, a great sleeper, a GREAT eater (17 pounds proves that), and overall she is an incredible blessing.

I have been reminded and refreshed of how awesome the responsibility and privilege of being a mother really is. As I have said before, I never thought I'd be one to gush and gush about how quickly time flies and how the 'grow up so fast'. But how true that really is. Especially with my sweet new niece, who at only 4 weeks, is still so tiny and fragile and needs so much support still, it is hard to remember when E was that little and couldn't hold her head up, reach for things, laugh and smile at us, make good contact with us, etc. They grow and change daily and it is an honor to be able to watch and witness every minute of it. I am starting a Moms In Touch group for young moms in my church and in our community. If you are not familiar with MIT, I encourage you to visit the website to get the dish on it. (www.momsintouch.org) The main focus of MIT is to pray, specifically and fervently for our children and schools. I know that Emily is far from school age at this point in her life, but how awesome that I can go ahead and start praying for her teachers, her schools, her friends, and her decisions later in life. MIT focuses on praying specific scriptures over our children. I can already tell that this will change my view of scripture and my own personal prayer life. I am so excited about this ministry. I have been praying and seeking ways to serve and to be more involved with other moms, and God has been faithful (as always) to answer.

My biggest prayer, even now, is that Emily will have a heart for the Lord and that Jeffery and I can be faithful and disciplined to model our love for Christ by the ways that we love her, serve her, and parent her. What a privelege to be a parent. We couldn't be more blessed...

Emily is...

-17 pounds

-eating solids 2-3 times daily (but still nursing too)

-smiling & laughing all the time

-rolling all over

-trying to crawl...just not quite

-sleeping from 8-5 pretty much every night then back to sleep til about 8 again

-figuring everything out, EVERYTHING goes in her mouth

-precious, precious, precious

two in one

2010-07-06T17:53:00.003-05:00

Today Emily...

-Rolled from back to stomach, over and over and over! She has been rolling from her stomach to back for quite a while, but just today figured out to go the other way.

-Sat up. She is still a little wobbly, but is definitely getting the hang of sitting up by herself.

Such a big girl!

a weekend away

2010-07-05T13:28:00.004-05:00

I am hoping that everyone had a fun, safe fourth of July weekend. Jeffery and I had a fun getaway to Dallas Friday and Saturday. Our family (Lawrences) all got together at my grandparents house in Dallas on Saturday afternoon. Jeffery and I decided to head to D earlier and meet up with everyone else on Saturday. My mom graciously (and excitedly) accepted the task of keeping Emily for the night. It's never easy to leave her, but especially Friday, I did get a little emotional leaving her and even shed a couple tears as we hit the interstate headed West. I don't worry about her, its just hard...and especially hard since I am still nursing her. I knew she was in good hands and I got over the moment of emotional'ness' by the time we got out of the county! Jeffery has been in need of doing some shopping and willing, so we headed that way. We spent Friday afternoon shopping in Allen, then headed into Dallas for our amazing dinner...

We don't do it too often, but when we are in the big city, we like to try out new, fancy restaurants. We thought first of going to one of the great places we have been before (Nick & Sam's, or Suze Restaurant), but decided to try a new place, and we are glad we did. Abacus was the choice for dinner Friday night. It is in Dallas right off of 75 and Knox/Henderson. Let's just say that it met and perhaps exceeded all of our expectations. The cuisine is characterized as 'World Cuisine' with dinner options ranging from fresh sushi to prime steaks. The executive chef even defeated Bobby Flay on 'Iron Chef America'. Pretty impressive since we all know that Bobby is good!

So let's just say, I had no problem clearing all of my plates. Starting with a Hawaiian Sushi Roll which was similar to a traditional California Roll but also had fresh Hawaiian Ahi Tuna in it. Yum! I've never been too much of a sushi fan, but this was really good, very fresh, and I could definitely go for it again! Dinner was wood roasted beef tenderloin served with truffle potatoes and fresh summer vegetables. Again, Yum! Jeffery went for the filet and he said it was the best cut of meat he has ever had, and I agree. I had a couple tastes of his...it was like butter. Delish! Dessert was called 'Rockin Roll', a chocolate-mascarpone roll with an espresso gelle drizzled with caramel and garnished with a pecan praline crisp. Yes, I ate all of that too. Jeffery told me when we sat down that it takes 20 minutes for the brain to catch up with the stomach before it says...Whoa, I'm full. I was pretty past that when we left, but hey, you only live once. All this to say, Abacus was great and if you are looking for a great meal, a inviting and relaxed dinner, you should try it out.

We had a fun time at my grandparents on Saturday. We got to see Lindsey and Bryon and my niece (almost here...Lindsey's due in about 3 weeks!!) My parents brought Emily with them to Dallas, everyone loved seeing her and getting to know her more. Mom said Emily was great Friday night. She said she didn't even miss me! I am thankful to have family here close by to help out so J and I can enjoy some special time together.

I'll close with something that has stuck with me after hearing it a church yesterday. The expression God Bless America has obviously been used a lot this holiday weekend. Pretty common lingo and appropriate for the celebration of our freedom. But God does not have to bless us, He does not owe us a thing. But as His children, I do hope that my (our) actions and my (our) choices are a blessing to Him...

Have a happy week.

baking...

2010-06-29T11:49:00.005-05:00

So, if you didn't know it, I love to cook. I love to bake, I love to experiment, I love most of all to eat :). I have been trying out several new recipes (mostly desserts) this week. I have used fresh citrus fruit in honor of the summertime! Sometimes it gets hard to make it all happen when I need to be at the stove constantly whisking a filling or what not and I have a crying baby, but I manage. Emily likes to sit in her bumbo seat and watch me cook. I tell her everything that I am doing in hopes that she will understand (ha, LOL) and share joy of baking with her momma when she gets bigger.

I have been contemplating and thinking alot about starting to bake and cook for people. I would love to have a bakery or even open a restaurant, but I'm not sure that I am up to that at this point in my life. I have ideas to cook good home made meals, stuff like 'lasagna, spaghetti and homemade meatballs, chicken pot-pie, chicken & dumplings' and more, and offer it to families who would like to put some fancy home-cookin' on their tables. I would also love to bake sweets to go along with the meals. Ranging from cookies to layered cakes, I have several recipes I can offer. What do you think...I'd love to see some feedback. I sometimes feel like I am typing this blog to no-one because I seldom get comments. So, if you are in the area and this would be appealing to you or to someone that you know, give me your thoughts...and we will see what happens!

This week, my goal is to bake a new dessert recipe each day that I have never done before. Yesterday it was 'Fresh Orange Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting'. It is a Paula Deen Recipe complete with lots of butter, cream cheese, and sour cream! (You know you can't go wrong there.) It came out great and looked good. I was honestly a little disappointed though when we cut into it that it didn't taste more 'orangey'. It is a delicious, moist cake and the frosting is great, but it only has a slight (very slight) hint of orange. So, if I bake it again, I will have to make some adjustments to the orange content. Jeffery suggested that I make an orange curd filling to go between the layers instead of putting the frosting between layers. It's a good thought!

Today, the trial recipe was 'Lemon Meringue Pie' from my FAVORITE cookbook. It has a veryyy tall mound of meringue. The filling smelled very lemony. I just hope it tastes it and doesn't disappoint like the orange cake. It is out of the oven and cooling at the moment. We will cut it later. I'll let you know how it tastes!

Tonight for supper...Chicken & Dumplings...I better get busy!

My growing, changing Baby Emily

2010-05-26T10:45:00.003-05:00

Emily is 15 weeks old today. That is crazy to believe but we are having so much fun with her and she is such a sweet blessing in our lives. She is growing everyday and changing every time I look at her. What is she up to these days...

-She loves back time and tummy time, she is starting to roll over and she likes to play with toys laying on her tummy

- She sleeps all night, from about 9 to 5:30 :)

-She laughs at us, she is so cute when we get her to giggling. I think her laugh surprises her. It is a deep chuckle but so cute!

-She loves to be outside! We go on a walk every day, sometimes 2 or 3! And we sit outside

on the porch swings alot. She loves to look around.

-She is very alert. Definitely recognizes us. She follows objects. She can spot a

TV if it's in the room. She might be a TV junkie!

-She is starting to NOT like being in her carseat! This is a little bit of a bummer because we

go go go alot, but hopefully it will pass.

-She holds her head up very well and is starting to try to sit up...not too long til she does.

-She is loved more and more everyday!!

Last weekend, Emily, my mom, and I went to Ft. Worth to see Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Bryon. Lindsey is 31 weeks now and had a baby shower Saturday hosted by some of her church friends. It was very nice and Lindsey is becoming more and more ready for her baby girl. We get to go back next weekend for another baby shower! Looking forward to that!

This weekend Jeffery, Emily, and me are going on our first family camping trip! We're going with some friends to Hot Springs to camp on Lake Hamilton for Memorial Day. We are looking forward to it and hoping for a fun, warm weekend. Maybe I can get some sun!!

2010-05-25T10:07:00.005-05:00

Isaiah 40:10-11, 28-31 "See the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young...Have you not heard? The Lord is the Everlasting God, the creator of all the Earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and power to the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will find new strength. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not become faint."

How Great is our God. I am feeling especially aware of His presence and His blessings in my life. I am so thankful that we serve a God who loves and cares for us supremely, so much more than we can fathom. Last week, family discussion involved the greatness of God and the abilities of God. It is pretty amazing to think about His capabilities. They are endless and something that we will never fully grasp or comprehend. Psalm 139 reminds me of that. Who are we to limit a sovereign God. J and I were talking about the meaning of 'sovereign' the other night. It is used commonly in talk but I guess both of us needed to be reminded of what it really means.

Sovereign: one that exercises supreme, permanent authority

I think it is important to remember too that God's sovereignty also reflects his independence of us. God is all powerful, all knowing, and all present. Who are we to limit God's power or expression.

Just a few of the biggest blessings in my life right now are: My wonderful, caring, hard working husband Jeffery. I am thankful everyday for the husband he is to me and the leader he is to our family. My sweet baby Emily. She is healthy, happy, and growing and changing everyday. She is such a sweet girl and a true blessing and wonderful addition to our family. My family (Crabb, Copeland and Lawrence, McKellar) and each person who has influenced, encouraged, and loved us and does all these things on a daily basis. Our Church family and opportunities for growth therein. The gift of being a mother and the challenges and rewards that gives me everyday.

God is good. I hope that you will reflect on his sovereign nature and the Good he has placed in your life. Praise him in the good and in the bad.

my cute sister and niece

2010-05-11T09:47:00.002-05:00

Emily already realllly loves her new cousin! She can't wait to meet her!!

She is almost here!! Lindsey is 29 weeks now and so dang cute pregnant! We can't wait to meet our new sweet niece and Emily is super excited to meet her cousin. We love you Aunt Lindsey. You are the sweetest pregnant woman and will be a great mommy!

Three months now!! I can't believe that yesterday was Emily's 3 month birthday. She is growing fast and changing everyday. What a blessing the last three months have surely been and we look forward to what else is in store for us and for her sweet little life. I've been looking at all of her pictures from day one til now. Sometimes I can't even see the same baby...she has changed alot, but gets cuter everyday. She smiles all the time, sleeps great, has a routine down (mostly), and fills each day with something exciting! She is truly a joy and the sweetest thing in my life. God is so good.

Fun times in Fort Worth

2010-05-07T22:17:00.004-05:00

Emily and I went to Fort Worth last week to visit Lindsey and Bryon! Actually, my dad took us since he was headed that way to the PATE Swapmeet. He goes to this swapmeet every year. Lindsey, Allen, and I used to always go with him and now Emily got to go with him!! We stayed Thursday and Friday night with Lindsey. Emily did great. She slept super, all through both nights! She has got the sleeping through the night down now! That is such a nice thing! She is a good baby.

We had fun with Lindsey and Bryon's friends Thursday night at a little outdoor concert with a friend of theirs who plays in a band. Everyone enjoyed meeting Emily and she lovvved being outside in the middle of all the action. Friday Lindsey and I headed to PATE with her (its at Tx Motor Speedway). I had the stroller so we just walked around for a while with dad checking out old car parts, motorcycles, and lots of other stuff!! It got pretty windy and rain was threatening so we didn't stay too long. When we left, sis and I got to have some quality time and Emily did good running errands with us. Allen even came to Fort Worth Friday so it was an extra treat to be able to see him too. It was just a fun weekend all around. Emily is a good traveler, I am thankful for that.

Since our little trip, we have had a good week. I have started working some PRN (as needed) at the hospital. I worked only Tuesday this week. Emily likes her babysitter, Obdulia, and does great on days that she goes to her house. I am thankful for her. She is sleeping through the night consistently now and on a pretty regular schedule. She still likes to eat at least every 3 hours during the day. I have started giving her some jar foods and an occasional mashed banana. She is messy but she likes it! Not sure how much she weighs now but I'd guess close to 13 pounds. She is happy and healthy!

2010-04-25T22:19:00.003-05:00

Emily at 10 days old...

Emily at 10 weeks old...

Our happy family!

Time is flying by. I never thought I would be one to say that, but truly, it is crazy that Emily will be 11 weeks old this week. Thats almost 3 months! She is growing and changing every day. She is definitely becoming much more aware of her surroundings. She smiles at me and J all the time, which makes our hearts smile. We are very blessed and overwhelmed with God's gift to us with Emily. She is a sweet, happy baby and we are so thankful.

Emily's Sip & See

2010-04-09T10:04:00.003-05:00

Emily was the star of the day at her Sip & See, hosted by some of my greatest friends here at home. Thank you all again. She had fun at her party!! And looked pretty cute too. It was so fun to see friends and let everybody meet and play with Emily!!

our first 'family' easter

2010-04-09T09:51:00.004-05:00

Check out that belly!!!

Our First Easter with our Baby Girl!

Easter was fun this year. Emily, although she didn't really know what was going on, looked precious and had a fun, full day of family time at Aunt Caroline's house with all her cousins and everybody who loves her. It will be fun next year watching her join those boys for the egg hunt!!

Happy Easter Weekend!

2010-04-01T09:24:00.004-05:00

We are looking forward to a fun first Easter for Miss Emily Beth. Even though she can't tote her Easter basket around and hunt eggs this year, we will make it a good one for her. She is smiling because she gets to see Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Bryon, and Uncle Allen verrry soon! It has been too long. We are excited that we will all be together this weekend.

Happy Easter to you and yours. May your family remember and celebrate the goodness of this special day and the awesome sacrifice that God made for all people. Remember the power of the Cross. He is Risen. Praise the Lord.

'For God so loved us that He gave his only son, that whoever chooses to believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.' John 3:16

I like yo baby...

2010-03-23T08:43:00.003-05:00

So Emily went on her second shopping trip last week. Aunt Lindsey came to MP and hung out with us since she too (along with my mom) was on Spring Break. We spent time with her Monday and Tuesday here in MP then Wednesday we headed to Dallas to shop and then return her to Uncle Bryon later that evening. We shopped at Northpark, our favorite mall and she did great! We had a fun time. Once again, she is gonna be good at this shopping thing.

We met Uncle Bryon sorta midway between Keller and Dallas for supper and to say goodbye to Lindsey. We ate supper at Cheddar's. Uncle B held Emily most of the time. She stayed awake the whole time but was very content. Question: Do all Cheddar's restaurants have those big bladed wicker looking fans in them? Emily definitely enjoyed focusing on them on the ceiling.

Anyway...the title of my post. I took Em to the bathroom for a diaper change there at the restaurant. When we came out of the stall there were two little black girls playing around in there. Super cute. They came up to me and E immediately and started eyeing her and patting her saying, "I like yo baby" over and over. They were so cute and I've had that in my head ever since.

I like my baby too.

Oh how I love this face

2010-03-16T22:15:00.003-05:00

Emily is doing great. Five weeks old already and really growing. We went to see Dr. Stagg today and she weighed...10 lb 2 oz!! He was pleased and said she is doing just great. We are so very thankful. She is a sweet girl.

happy birthday to me...

2010-03-16T22:10:00.003-05:00

Thank you Jeffery for making me this beautiful, wonderfully good birthday cake!!!

Tuxedo Cake...Recipe of Rebecca Rather's from 'The Pastry Queen' Cookbook. A great cookbook!

One Month!

2010-03-10T13:39:00.003-06:00

February 10 to March 10. Its crazy to me that only 4 weeks ago at about this exact time my labor with Emily was becoming pretty intense and we were well on our way to welcoming her into this world. It has been a wonderful month. We are having so much fun with our sweet Emily. She is doing well. She eats good, sleeps good, and is very content. Of course she has her moments but overall she is doing great. We go back to the pedi clinic next Tuesday and I'm anxious to see how much she has grown. 2 weeks ago she weighed 8 lb 2 oz, I'm ready to see how much that has increased.

NAP TIME...SUPER RELAXED

I celebrated my 25th birthday yesterday...weird to say that I am 25 now! It was a good day, nothing real exciting but as always its good and sweet to be able to hang at home with little E. We went out to lunch with J and my dad which was nice. Later in the day J and E gave me my birthday presents...

J got me this very pretty platter set up that has multi uses. It cab be used as a serving platter for appetizers(minus the dome) or as a cake platter (as shown), which will be very handy for when we make our pretty cakes...can't wait to see one under that dome! It is beautiful, I love it.

and from Emily, a pin for me. I told J if I get this then she def needs one that says #1 BABY!

It was a great day and today is a great 1 month birthday to Emily. We remain so thankful for her life and for God's plans for her life, even now...

2010-03-07T14:10:00.004-06:00

Well, Emily and I made it through our first week without dad here. It wasnt fun without him but she did really good and it went by faster than I thought! Emily is doing great, she is growing snd changing everyday.

We ended the week of him being gone by going on Emily's first out of town trip and her first shopping trip! My mom took off to go with me and E to Ft. Worth to visit L & B and to pick up Jeffery at the airport Friday. Thanks to Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Bryon for letting us come and stay Thursday night and to Lindsey for taking off also to spend Friday with us. Emily did good on her first shopping trip. She is gonna be good at this! I had fun shopping but I found myself having more fun shopping for her and looking at little girl stuff rather than big girl stuff for me. I guess this is what happens when you become a mommy!

J was surprised to see how much she had grown in a week when we picked him up. I guess I don't notice it as much since I was with her all day everyday. She is becoming more and more alert and aware of her surroundings. It is fun to watch her recognize our voices and presence.

We are certainly glad he is home and aren't ready for another week without dad for a while!!

a beautiful saturday

2010-02-27T21:32:00.002-06:00

Psalm 118:24 Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Today was a beautiful Saturday. We enjoyed a restful, relaxing day. J is leaving tomorrow for the National Trailer Convention in Reno, Nevada tomorrow, so it was nice to have a day together just chilling! We tested out Emily's 'travel system' and went for a walk. She slept for the majority of it, opened her eyes only when the wind blew in her face.

Emily is definitely growing and changing everyday. She is so fun to watch. She finally decided that she likes a pacifier. I was kinda against giving her one in the initial days, but since its been a couple weeks now, I'm glad she will take it. She is a calm, happy baby. We are thankful for that. She sleeps good at night. I still just get up one time with her usually between 3 and 4 AM. Not bad. At the Pedi clinic this week (Monday) Dr. Stagg said she is doing great and looks great. She weight 8 lb 2 oz! She is a healthy girl!

So Emily and me will be without J for a few days this week...not looking forward to it with a smile on my face or anything, but I know the days will pass quickly and we will be very happy to see daddy when he gets home. Pray for his safety during his trip. I'm a little jealous because in addition to his convention, he gets to snow ski while he is there! I've missed that this year. First time not to ski since I was 5 years old!!!

one whole week...

2010-02-18T10:55:00.003-06:00

Emily is already one week old. Time is going fast! She is doing great and Jeffery and I are having so much fun with our little girl. She eats alot and is sleeping pretty well. She usually goes down between 9:30 and 10:30 then wakes up about 3-4 hours later. So getting up once through the night has been nice. She usually wakes up about 7:30 in time to eat and see daddy off to work. It is amazing to look at her little face and see how she is already changing so much. She is becoming more aware of voices, lights, sounds. Its neat to watch her reactions.

It is also amazing to see how quickly things return to normal. I am feeling great. Heartburn is TOTALLY gone, which is such a wonderful relief. And my normal body is returning faster than I expected! She is a sweet girl and we love her so much!

Staying home and being a house-mommy has been great so far. Emily usually wakes up around 730 and is awake for a couple hours before she is ready to take another little nap. We have seen J for lunch every day. Twice we went to Diamond C. She did good going out and getting to meet people. In the afternoons she has been taking a little longer nap like between 2 and 3 hours before she wakes again and daddy gets home. We have had a few visitors everyday. Sometimes she is awake...sometimes not!

We are doing great and I am so thankful for this special time watching this little girl grow even now. God is good. We thank Him for the good things He gives to us every day.

Emily Beth Crabb

2010-02-14T23:32:00.004-06:00

Our Happy Family!

Emily Beth Crabb was born on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 6:40 pm weighing 7 pounds and 6 ounces. She has lots of dark brown hair and she is just beautiful. Thank you for your prayers, your love, your excitement that you have shared with us over the last several months. Being a mommy is wonderful. It is wonderful to watch J be a daddy. He is soo sweet with her. We feel truly blessed and amazed at the precious gift she is.

She is healthy and happy, a very content baby. We are adjusting very well. We even took her to church today and she did great. We had a wonderful service in our new church building this morning. God is good and I know that He is already beginning to do great things through our move into the new building.

Waiting for Emily.

2010-02-09T12:11:00.005-06:00

He is jealous for me. Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree. Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy. When all of the sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory. And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me... Oh how He loves us, oh, oh how He loves us. How he loves us so...

And we are His portion and He is our prize. Drawn to redemption by the grace in his eyes. If His grace is an ocean we're all sinking...He loves us, Oh how He loves us!!

I love love love this song by David Crowder. I love to turn it up loud and take it all in. He loves us and we love because (and only because) He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 I feel overwhelmed with the Father's love for us. I guess especially during this exciting time of preparation for Jeffery and me. We are excited, nervous, anxious, but most of all ready to meet our little miracle, Emily. I said I wouldn't say it, but time did go by pretty fast and I can't believe today makes 40 weeks! Wow, thats a long time.

I pray mostly for her health when she enters the world. That she will be well and happy. I think back to our wedding 3 years ago and how emotional J and me both were that wonderful day. I know when Emily comes it will be no different. I just feel very blessed and even though I have my plenty of questions and concerns, I feel totally absorbed in the goodness of God and the provision of His hand. Thank you for taking this journey with us and as this part of it comes to an end we just ask that you keep praying for us and for Emily. I am so excited that we're going from 2 to 3. God is good.

I spent the day Monday making cookies to celebrate our little 'E' arriving soon!

Come see us for some!! :)

40 weeks...and ready!

February 10, 2010

2010-02-01T21:59:00.004-06:00

Another good check up today with good news. I am 39 weeks now and starting to make a little progress on my own but Dr. Moore still doesn't expect that she will come in the next 3 or 4 days anyway. So, we will be hanging in there and waiting to see what happens on Wednesday, 2-10-10 which is my original due date anyway. We would love to meet her sooner, and maybe we will, but I trust that she will come when she is good and ready. I am thankful for good news and pretty amazed that if not less, I only have 8 more days until due date. It has been a great pregnancy overall. Not that I have any other to compare it to but I feel blessed and fortunate to have had a good 9 months. As I look back now, it did go by pretty quickly. Of course, it came with its ups and downs, discomforts, aches and pains, but for the most part, it has been and is a joyous time. I look so forward to holding her and seeing her sweet little face but I do think I will miss the feelings of her squirming around inside me. This part has been the most remarkable and enjoyable. Pregnancy is truly a miracle and definitely one of God's greatest designs in my opinion. How honored and blessed I feel to be a part of His bigger picture!

So start/continue praying for us please. Pray that the next few days will be restful for me and J as we get ready for life-changing (for the better) times very soon ahead. Pray that Emily will arrive healthy and happy. Pray that I will be healthy throughout labor and delivery. Most of all, pray that God will be glorified throughout this joyful time in our lives. Thank you for sharing this time with us.

In the meantime, in my waiting time I have been cooking alot. J and I both love to cook and since I probably won't feel much like whipping out a big meal real soon after baby comes, I'm taking advantage of my time at home and getting it done! J helped pick the menus for the week...he is always good at that! :) Tonight we had Chicken Pot Pies for supper. I have made them once before from a different recipe. This recipe was very lengthy and time consuming but we both agreed (especially J) that it was worth it. He took progressive pictures for a visual of tonight's meal! I made a Pound Cake served with fresh whipped cream and blueberries for dessert. J says he can't wait to eat pound cake for breakfast tomorrow! Hey-whatever makes him happy!

Before...
During...

After...

'Million-Dollar Pound Cake'

Stay tuned for news about our baby girl! I will keep you posted. Have a great week!

Farewell...

2010-01-24T21:23:00.003-06:00

As a farewell/thank you to my friends at work I made two cakes to take to work on Friday. They were a hit and were mostly gone by lunchtime...no surprise! Nurses can eat! Jeffery was super helpful in the assembly of the cakes but I did all the baking! It was fun and I think everyone enjoyed them!

"Outrageous Coconut Cream Cake with Meringue Icing" ... Very Yummy Cake and fun to make too

Perfect Chocolate Cake with a creme fresh filling

all things baby...

2010-01-24T16:45:00.007-06:00

This week was my last week at work. Monday officially starts my maternity leave. Yes I know I still have a couple weeks til due date, but I am happy to begin my leave and have some time to continue to get ready for Emily. My friends at work hosted a very nice baby shower Wednesday for me. I got lots of great things. It was kind and much appreciated.

The 'Religious Bear' I got from one of

the other nurses I work with.

She was so excited about giving it to me!

It sings all 4 verses! We love it! :)

Yummy cake at the shower with Emily's sweet name on it!

Emily's room is finally done (for the most part!). We bought her crib quite a while back and for a while weren't really sure what we were going to use as a changing table. So my dad built one for us and made it look pretty darn close to the bed. I also had a rocking chair that my dad made for me too several years ago recovered in a new fabric. It turned out great. We have been blessed by so many people giving us clothes, diapers, baby gear, etc. We are pretty much set. Now we just need baby! We know that she will come when she is ready though!

This dresser setup was in my mother's room

growing up...adds a nice touch!

Pictures of our moms hang over

the rocking chair...

Proverbs 22:6 'Train up a child in the way she should go, so that when she is old, she will not depart from it."

This verse has been on my heart for much of this time carrying Emily. I am excited about the opportunity and the challenge of being her mother. I am excited about telling her about Jesus and His great love for her and for His people. I am excited about modeling a Godly example of a 'Christian' family as Jeffery and I learn this parenting task. So that, as the verse says, she will not depart from it when she grows up. And I know that time will come sooner than I can even imagine. Please pray for us, pray for me in these last few days before she arrives, pray for Jeffery as he remains so busy but continues to be excited and more ready everyday to become her dad. And most of all, pray for our little girl, that she will be healthy and happy and see and know that she is loved from the minute she is born.

God is good, we praise Him for the good things in our lives. Have a wonderful week.

Almost...

2010-01-12T19:55:00.003-06:00

We are getting very close to Emily being here! I am 36 weeks now, had a good check up this week, and am starting to feel very ready to meet our little girl. I guess I am definitely starting to 'nest' since everyday I find myself doing something else to get ready. I've been cleaning, washing, and organizing lots of stuff around here. Her nursery is finally coming together (I'll post pics of that soon) and looking good. I had a wonderful baby shower last weekend hosted by some great friends. I was overwhelmed by the kindness of so many of my friends and family. We feel very blessed. Emily has some super cute clothes and some great baby gear awaiting her!

I am feeling pretty good and still working for another 2 weeks. Work is good, we haven't been too terribly busy so I am able to sit if I need to and there is plenty of help around if I need it. I am thankful that I am still able to work and feeling good at it. I hope that the next few weeks will fly by because I am reallly ready for Emily to be here. Thank you for your prayers as we get closer. We trust God for His good timing and provision as her birthday gets closer!

Lots of stuff for Baby Emily!
Mom and sis!
Sweet Baby Girl Cake!

A Merry Christmas it was...Welcome 2010!!

2010-01-04T21:06:00.003-06:00

It feels really weird saying 2010. It is crazy how quickly time passes these days. I know I have said that over and over in my previous posts but it really is hard to keep up sometimes. Christmas was wonderful. We have a great family, both sides, and had fun entertaining all of the 'Crabb' clan at our house Christmas day. We spent Christmas Eve with my parents and missed out going to Dallas to 'Lawrence' Christmas day since we alternate years. (gotta do that stuff when you get married!) I am excited to think about next Christmas when we will have a little family of our own and Miss Emily will be tagging right along with us.

Jeffery and I celebrated our three year anniversary on December 30. Once again, it is crazy that 3 years have passed already! But they have been wonderful as he is wonderful. He surprised me with a little get away last week. We went to Fredericksburg Tx and spend a few days in a little Bed & Breakfast for our last getaway or our 'babymoon' before baby comes. It was great, we had so much fun. Fredericksburg has a ton of really cute shops and even though we didn't buy much, it was fun to browse and just have that time away together.

God is good to us, all the time. We thank him for the New Year and for the good things He is going to do in and through us in 2010. The biggest joy will be the birth of our daughter. I hope that you will continue to pray for us and pray for me as the days get closer to her birth. I feel really good most of the time. I am definitely noticing more and more that I am not as small as I used to be and I don't like the tight feeling in my feet when they decide to swell up, but seeing her will be worth all of the discomforts. I am so excited.

Happy New Year. Praying that God blesses you and uses you in BIG ways this year...

A time of Celebration

2009-12-22T17:55:00.003-06:00

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

We teach 3rd grade Sunday school at church. This is our first year to do so. It has been fun and we have a good group of kids. Sunday we talked about the birth of Jesus (duh) and how it was a time for celebration and the Wise Men came seeking this baby to bring him gifts to show their love and respect for the awesome thing that God had done. It was a good reminder that Jesus is truly the reason for the season. Although cliche, it is so true, and important to remember that our real holiday lies in knowing Jesus and knowing the great miracle God gave us in the form of the baby.

We have been busy busy the last few weeks. I can't believe that Christmas day is already on FRIDAY! It is really crazy how time flies by. I remember being younger and thinking time practically stood still at the holidays, but not now...its hard to even catch a breath and take in the days for them passing so quickly. I certainly feel like I have much to celebrate this year. God has been good and to Him I give thanks. Jeffery and I will celebrate our 3 year anniversary next week, this for which I am most thankful. He is a good man, a wonderful husband, and I am so excited to watch him become a daddy so very soon. We are looking forward to celebrating the birthday of Emily in just a few more weeks. I am 33 weeks today, so technically 7 more makes 40, but time will tell when she decides to enter our world. I am filled with excitement, some nervousness (I guess and hope thats only natural), and joy in knowing that she will be here soon.

I wish you a Merry Merry Christmas and hope that you will remember to celebrate and give thanks to God for his greatest gift and do all things with a thankful spirit.

Post Thanksgiving

2009-12-01T20:15:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. It is always fun to have family and friends close by and to just have some chill time. We are thankful for so many things and the holiday season always helps to bring things into perspective. Me and the boys (Jeffery, Bryon, & Allen) went to the shooting range Saturday. It was fun to shoot since I haven't been as regular as I was back in the spring. I still did pretty good...for a pregnant woman. After Emily comes I will have to get back at the practice! Saturday we went to watch Baylor play Tech at the new Texas Stadium. Very cool and a very good game too. I was proud of the Baylor Bears.

29 Weeks and Pre-Thanksgiving Pics

2009-11-26T10:16:00.002-06:00

Our Pecan trees have been and are continuing to produce really good pecans so far this year. We have already filled up the entire wheelbarrow and many buckets. We're thankful for our little helpers from across the street (our nephews Logan & Coen) who come over often to help us pick up pecans. They really love it when Uncle Jeffery shakes the limbs and it rains pecans! Needless to say, we have alot of cracking and shelling to do!

We have done a lot of baking this week for various things. Our Sunday School bake sale fundraiser was a big success and these are the goodies we prepared for that, minus the carrot cake which was in the fridge...

I am now 29 weeks and it shows!! Pregnancy is fun, Emily moves a lot, its really fun to look down and see it now when she kicks, rolls, and punches. We can't wait to see her cute little face!

With family and good friends in town for Thanksgiving, my dad hosted a bonfire Wednesday night. We had fun roasting hot dogs, eating good chili, making smores, and catching up with people.

Have fun with your families and friends on this Thanksgiving Day. God is good, remember to give Him the thanks for the good things he has done and is doing.

We Give Thanks...

2009-11-22T20:50:00.002-06:00

We give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13

This Thanksgiving season in particular, I feel very thankful. Thankful for the blessing growing in me and the joys that will come with motherhood in just a short time (less than 80 days now). Thankful for the wonderful family that we have and for the ways that we are challenged and blessed by them daily. Thankful for my wonderful husband, for his constant support and love for me, and for his excitement about becoming a dad. Thankful for our church and the opportunities that we have to serve. Thankful for new friends. Thankful for the reason we celebrate these holidays...Jesus, and His wonderful love for us, even as undeserving as we are.

We have a fun-filled full week ahead. My sister will be in tomorrow...for the whole week!!! I am super excited about that. My brother and brother-in-law will be in Wednesday. We will all 7 be together Thursday for a great Thanksgiving day. It will be smaller than usual, but I am looking forward to it. We will be doing lots of baking and cooking this week. Our Sunday School class is hosting a 'bake sale' to raise funds for some needy families in the area. It is Tuesday at Herschel's Restaurant if you have time to stop by and support. We have been working on our baked goodies already!

I remember back around weeks 15-16ish of this pregnancy thinking it was creeping by and February would never get here. Well, now I look back and I really am surprised at how quick time has gone by. I will be 29 weeks on Tuesday...wow. I am definitely growing, seems like by the day, and I feel very pregnant! I feel good though, no complaints. I haven't swollen (yet anyway), haven't had anymore nausea, haven't had high blood pressure, or any of the other bad symptoms of pregnancy. Now, who knows what could come, but I feel very blessed and good at the present. God is good, His love and grace amazes me...

If I don't post again before the big T-Day...Happy Thanksgiving to You and yours. May you really take time to consider all the ways you are blessed and all the things you have to be thankful for. And mostly, I hope and pray that you will experience the love and comfort throughout this holiday season of our great and mighty God. He is the creator of all, He is the sustainer of all, He is the Redeemer God.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm!

2009-11-03T21:01:00.004-06:00

This has been Jeffery's motto for the past couple of weeks. I have been a little out of touch to blog world lately...we have been busy. J is staying busy at work, which is good and always a blessing. Someone or something has lit a fire under him and he is even more motivated than usual to prosper and do good things at work. He has challenged his office employees to be at work every day at 7:50 for a morning round-up 'pow wow. He is usually there before then anyway but just being extra careful to get up on time and get out the door. It has been good for me too (some mornings) to get on up and get ready to go to work myself. I am thankful for his motivation and his desire to be the best and most efficient leader that he can be.

He had 3 outside salespersons in town Sunday and Monday for some training and meetings for new stuff at Diamond C. We enjoyed hosting them and we cooked a yummy southern meal Monday night for 12 people in all. Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes and gravy, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Salad, and Rolls with Apple Pie and a Brownie Turtle Trifle for dessert. Lots of food, but lots of fun to have a good home cooking rather than going out. I had good intentions to take pictures of our prepared dishes, just didn't get to it. Just imagine for me... :)

So as for me and baby, we are doing good. Growing and moving alot. By the way, our little girl's name is Emily Beth Crabb. Emily for J's granny and Beth after my middle name. She is active, mostly in the evenings when I am being still. I still think that feeling her moving around in me is just about the coolest thing ever though. I feel so blessed and even more excited as the days pass. We are almost into the 7th month now and have just 98 days to go until due date. Very exciting!! I am steady growing and there is definitely no denying that I'm pregnant. Tomorrow morning I have an appointment to do my glucose tolerance testing at Dr. Moore's. I have the red sugar drink to drink in the morning then will have my blood tested at about 9:00. Im hoping it is within normal range! I will make it my best effort to post some pictures soon of my belly and other interesting things from our lives!!

**Just as a side note, I am thankful and think we should all say a great thankful prayer to our good God for the positive outcome of our local elections today in MP for the alcohol propositions. Since we live out of the city limits, we were unable to vote in those elections. I was thankful to see that the proposition didn't only fail, but was pretty much defeated.

Have a wonderful week.

Make Room for Baby

2009-10-06T19:47:00.009-05:00

Yes, we still have 18 weeks until due date, but since we have already purchased baby's crib, it is set up and in waiting. We found the crib in Dallas at BabyWorld (great store with great selection). We thought about the convertible bed which can become a day bed, then a twin, then even a full, but decided against it. This is just a standard crib but we love it. I have the furniture from my mom's room growing up that I am going to pair with the crib. We have work to do but still time! J did a great job getting the crib set up, he was as excited as me. As for the bedding, its on the bed too, in need of ironing and some additional add-ons for bows and what not, but its there. That is exciting too. We are having fun planning for our baby girl.

As the title says, we are making room for baby...especially me. For those of you who wanted belly pics, here you go. I am at 22 weeks now and feel like just over like the last 5 days, I've really started to look pregnant and not just chubby in the middle. I definitely don't feel very comfortable in my normal clothes and am thankful for the stretchy bands on maternity pants. I have always kinda dreaded wearing those, but they are actually quite surprisingly comfy.

I am feeling very blessed these days. I think I am constantly aware of God's blessings to me, but often lose sight and forget to be truly thankful. 1 John 3:1 says 'How great is the love that the Father has poured out on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!' How great is that promise, that we are His children and everyday He pours out His love to us. The baby moves around a lot in side of me, which is probably the coolest feeling I've ever had. It makes me so excited about seeing her and holding her sweet little hand. Thank you for praying for us and we look forward to rejoicing and thanking God for the little miracle to come in February. He is good and I wish you all a great day!

22 Weeks

Traveling with Goats and Lambs...

2009-10-05T21:24:00.005-05:00

The Titus County Fair has come and gone for another year. Jeffery faithfully served again as the goat and lamb committee superintendent for the livestock shows and sale. It was a fun-filled, busy, dusty, dirty week complete with plenty of delicious fried fair foods and wayyy overpriced lemonade! There were 21 goats in the show this year and only 7 lambs. All of the kids did a good job. I enjoy being J's assistant and getting to interact with lots of super kids. Never would have thought that I would be right there lining up FFA kids with their respective animals and sending them into the show ring...but life is funny that way...and oh so good.

At the conclusion of the Livestock Auction and Sale Saturday there were 15 goats and 4 lambs that were to be 'bought back' or in other words, sold to a person who will essentially send them in the way of a slaughter house sooner rather than later. I know...kinda sad. Anyhow, these animals had to be delivered to Oklahoma on Sunday and J and I got to make the delivery. So Saturday night these lucky 19 animals spent the night in our driveway, in the trailer obviously, awaiting the trip to Oklahoma. They were actually pretty quiet through the night. Some folks told us that they would probably cry all night, but I didn't hear much of that. We felt kinda bad because the trailer was pretty yucky after several hours of confinement in a small space, but we really had no option until we were able to unload. We left Sunday after Sunday School and headed to the farm of a nice man named Tamen in Colbert, OK with the animals in tow. It was a fun weekend. The livestock end of the fair is always a lot of work but always fun and I enjoy helping J and helping the kids out.

A shot looking into the trailer Saturday night
We made it! Goats thinking about making

the leap into their new home...for a while anyway

Happy goats to be out of the trailer!!

Have a wonderful week.

Our Girl at 20 Weeks

2009-09-24T19:27:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I had my 20 week check-up. Per Dr. Moore, all is well. I am so thankful for that. Praise God for good news. Apparently my little kidney stone scare didn't have too much of an effect on little girl. She is good, moving alot and not being modest that she is a little girl! I was thankful when he told me that she still was a 'she'. You never know...

Thank you for praying for us and for your words of encouragement. We anxiously await her arrival and God's good blessings to come on our family. Have a great day!

20 Weeks and a Kidney Stone...

2009-09-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

Good news...I made it to 20 weeks and am steadily growing. Bad news...We think I have a kidney stone. Yesterday at work I was having a pretty normal day until about 10 am when I got a bad pain on my right side that pretty much brought me to tears and made me so fidgety and uncomfortable I just couldn't do anything to get easy. So long story short, I was admitted to women's unit for the day by my Uncle Morris who happens to be my doctor as well :) for fluids and pain medication. I resisted the pain medication at first, but when I just could not get comfortable for anything I decided I needed it. I rested well until one more pain attack about 2 hours later. I had some more medication and rested well for the remainder of the afternoon. The ultrasound of my kidneys showed some congestion or colic on the right side. Definitive diagnosis for a stone would be shown on a CT scan but because of the baby, the Dr. decided not to expose us to radiation. Since I was pretty pain free from about 2 until 6 yesterday afternoon, besides some soreness and aches, Uncle Morris let me come home and not have to stay the night in the hospital.

Jeffery was great to stay with me the whole afternoon and keep me oriented when the pain meds had me asking the same questions over and over (which I don't really recall). We came home around 7 and I slept well the rest of the night with no more pain attacks. Hopefully the stone has entered my bladder now and it will pass. I will be watching for that...

When we left the hospital J told the nurses that we would not see them again until February. And hopefully he is right!

Changes

2009-09-13T16:58:00.000-05:00

Over the last few months, Jeffery and I have gone through many changes...all for the better. So I decided, why not create a blog and join this cyberspace world to keep people informed? And, thats what I'm gonna do!

We found out in early June, June 3 to be exact, that we are expecting little Crabb #1 and oh so excited were we. After several months of 'thinking about it' and then making the decision to really start trying to have a family, our prayers were answered. I am due February 10, 2010 and steadily growing and adjusting to the joys and oddities of pregnancy. Overall I think I have been fortunate to have a good pregnancy thus far. Of course, I don't have anything to compare to at this point, but I feel good (except for the heartburn at night) and I have had only good reports each time I've been to the doctor. We found out a few weeks ago that we are going to have a LITTLE GIRL which was big news to the Crabb family since thus far there have only been grandsons, 6 to be exact! Little girl Crabb is coming in February, which to me seems like forever, but I know will be here way sooner than I think. We have a lot of preparation to take care of in the next 20 weeks, but we trust that in God's good timing all will come together.

Jeffery continues to stay busy at work and that is a blessing. I know he is working hard and I can see the harvest of his work. God is always faithful to provide. J has been in Kentucky since Wednesday at a trailer convention. He comes home Tuesday for which I am very ready! I don't like the week long trips of him being gone. But this too shall pass...

Psalm 118:28-29 You are my God and I will give you thanks. You are my God , I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.

Have a wonderfully blessed day...

Some pictures from a fun summer...

   On The Buffalo River in Gilbert AR
   The Family before our half-day trip
   Maui, somewhere on the road to Hana
Beautiful Maui