The Crowell Family Site

Ok, so I realize I’m not all that consistent about updating this blog,  which I know must be a frustration to the two of you that check it religiously everyday. And for that I apologize. All I can say is that life is getting in the way right now and with the kids home all day, my breaks are used for errands, housework, reading, or blessed sleep.
And while I am aware some of you may actually care to know the mundane happenings in the Crowell household, my literary senses just don’t allow me to write a note about how many loads of laundry I did that day, or how often I told my two precious bundles of joys to stop playing with their food and just EAT it!! (And yes, I’ve even thrown in the starving children in China bit..doesn’t work any better now than it did when my mother tried it on me, but thanks for trying Mama!)

I must hope you guys expect a little more from me than that. Plus, I have to say it’s a little easier to keep up with everyone, now that I’m a Facebook junkie.. (yes, I’ll admit it, and my family needs to get on board!)

Never fear though. I’m not quitting altogether. I still think there are wonderful things in my life to write about. Things the Lord is and has and will be doing.  Ways I am seeing my children and husband grow.And of course the uncommon, out of the blue happenings. (like paper towel- gate)

I just think I need to take a step back for a few months and concentrate on these aspects of my life, so that when the fall comes and I have some days to myself, I can be more prepared and willing to share what’s on my heart and mind.  Therefore,  I’m not going to ask you to wait for me..but if you feel like it, mosey on over here come September, and I’ll begin a new start, with some new thoughts, ideas, and comments I’d like to bestow and hear from you all  as well!

Have a wonderful, blessed summer ya’ll. Remember to praise the Lord for every breath you are given and every trial, triumph, and decision you face.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,  who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Filed under: The Blogs on June 1st, 2009 | No Comments »

‘Ology

THE RULES: Once you have been tagged, you are supposed to wipe out my answers and supply your own. After, choose some people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If you were tagged, it’s because I want to know more about you. To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note along with your answers, Publish it, go back in and edit your Note and then tag a bunch of people. Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by “ology”.

***********FOODOLOGY***************

1. What is your salad dressing of choice? Ranch, and pretty much only Ranch.

2. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? A tossup between Houston’s and Cheesecake Factory

3. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Hamburger and Fries

4. What are your pizza toppings of choice? I love onions, olives, peppers, mushrooms, basically most veggie lovers variety.

5.What do you like to put on your toast? I don’t really like toast, but if I must, then I like Apple-butter.

***********TECHNOLOGY***************

1. How many televisions are in your house? One small 25 inch..and we like it that way!

2. What color cell phone do you have? Standard gray

4. Have any idea how may Megahertz your computer has? What the crud is that?

***************BIOLOGY******************

1. Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right

2. Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Just my wisdom teeth and my babies!

3. What is the last heavy item you lifted? Probably one of my kiddos

4. Have you ever been Knocked unconscious? If I was unconscious, how would I remember?

************CRAPOLOGY**************

1. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? Kinda mixed on this. I think I would want to prepare  myself and enjoy my life to the fullest with the knowledge. Yet at the same time, I think I would obsess about it, and maybe not knowing if this day is my last would benefit me more when it comes to appreciating each day I am given.

2. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Something less common and more elegant sounding..as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more attached to my middle name, Gail.

3. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Right now, there’s not much I wouldn’t do for 1,000 as long as it’s legal, ethical and safe!

************DUMBOLOGY******************

1. How many pairs of flip flops do you own? About 8-9 pair..I love em!

2. Last time you had a run-in with the cops? Haha! See my previous blog about how to get someone arrested over Paper Towels..

3. Last person you talked to? My honey!

4. Last person you hugged? Cora

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************

1. Season? Winter

2. Holiday? Christmas

3. Day of the week? Saturday

4. Month? December

***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************

1. Missing someone? Sure!

2. Mood? Contemplative

3. What are you listening to? My daughter playing on the floor beside me.

4. Watching? My computer screen

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************

1. First place you went this morning? Haven’t been anywhere yet.

2. What’s the last movie you saw? Star Trek..and yes it rocked, and YES I would see it again.

3. Do you smile often? I think so!

***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************

1. Do you always answer your phone? 80% of the time

2. It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? It BETTER be someone with a really good reason, whoever they are. I treasure my sleep..

3. If you could change your eye color what would it be? I like my green eyes.

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? I don’t. Just a plain Diet Dr. Pepper for me, thanks.

5. Do you own a digital camera? yes

6. Have you ever had a pet fish? Not that I can remember.

7. Favorite Christmas song(s): Carol of the Bells, Oh Holy Night, Santa Baby, and a slew of others..I love Christmas music!

8. What’s on your wish list for your birthday? To be in a smaller clothes size.

9. Can you do push ups? Not on purpose.

10. Can you do a chin up? See previous answer.

11. Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Depends on the day.

12. Do you have any saved texts? Yep, some pics and sentimental messages from family members and a password reminder from AT&T.

13. Ever been in a car wreck? Minor

14. Do you have an accent? I don’t think so, but apparently Yankees think differently..

15. What is the last song to make you cry? I can’t remember.

16.Plans tonight? Just staying at home with the kids while Lance works late.

17. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Yes! It usually precedes a revelation the Lord wants to teach me.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday. A pair of jeans for Lance, some camis for myself, and some nail polish in this cool blue color I’m wondering if I’ll be daring enough to wear.

19. Have you ever been given roses? yes

20. Current worry? The usual. Money, weight, kids, economy, etc. I need to place my hope in the one who knows all, though and He will guide me in paths of rightousness.

21. Current hate right now? Our credit card and my weight.

22. Met someone who changed your life? definitely

23. How will you bring in the New Year? I’m not sure how I’m ringing in the weekend, much less 6 months away!

24. What song represents you? “Refine Me” by Jennifer Knapp

25. Name three people who might complete this questionnaire? {these q’s are just annoying}

26. Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? I’ve thought about this many times and I have to finally say no. Although it would be nice to have do overs, I think where I’ve been has led me to the here and now and I wouldn’t want to change that.

27. Have you ever dated someone longer than a year? Not until Lance.

28. Do you have any tattoos/piercing? One tatoo, and my ears are pierced.

29. Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? I better be!! (You listening honey?!!)

30. Does anyone love you? Yep

31. Ever had someone sing to you? Yes

32. When did you last cry? Sometime in the last 2 weeks or so, I’m thinking.

33. Do you like to cuddle? Only for a bout 5 minutes, then get off of me.

34. Have you held hands with anyone today? No

35. What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school? My parents went through phases of Oldies, Country, soft Rock, and Christian, so I had exposure to all these genres.

36. Are most of the friends in your life new or old? a good mix of the 2

37. Do you like pulpy orange juice?ABSOLUTELY NOT!!

OKAY, So, grab this ‘Ology and let us know you posted it so we can learn all about you

Filed under: The Blogs on May 14th, 2009 | No Comments »

Has included the following incidents:
1. My hubby found 3 dead baby birds( dumped from their nest) by his car door Monday morning. The neighbor and he managed to put the still-living 4th one back in the nest.
2. Our passenger-side door on the Vue, that we paid a couple hundred dollars to get fix at Christmas, is not opening from the inside again. And the passenger window is still broken, so you are basically trapped until someone lets you out.
3. My husband got back the estimate for his dental work. Three hundred smackers  and that’s with insurance! (I obviously need to go into dentistry)
4. The motor blew in our living room ceiling fan. It’s a 15 foot ceiling so we have to purchase a special extension..looking at over a hundred bucks for that.
5. Yesterday we somehow acquired a very nasty spyware virus that shut down most of the computer and took Lance all night and today to fix.

Can I wish it was Saturday already?

To end on a positive note, here is a conversation my son and I had at the grocery store Monday afternoon. (We’re in the frozen food aisle. )

Caleb: I’ve eaten 4 people so far! (acts like he’s chewing really hard ) And there’s another one, which makes 5!

Mommy: What do you mean, you’ve eaten 5 people?

Caleb: I’m a T-Rex, and that’s a carnivore, so I eat meat. Which means people. (naturally)

Mommy (thinking this would be a good time to discuss the merits of other white meats, like say pork or a nice piece of chicken breast):O-kaayyee..(grabs some frozen broccoli from the shelf)

Caleb:Mooommyeee!! I can’t eat that! I’m a MEAT-EATER!! (as other patrons look at us in bemusement..or was it irritation?. I mean, no one likes to be eaten…)

Mommy (bending down to look her little T-Rex in the eyes): Well, you better become a plant-eater, because you ARE eating this broccoli tonight.

T-Rex (after careful consideration): I think I’ll become a brachiousaurus after my nap.

Mommy: Good idea, kid.

Filed under: The Blogs on May 5th, 2009 | 5 Comments »

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

Looks like Fort Wort ISD and other surrounding  ISD’s  near us are closed til May 8th and even longer. Plus the state is granting them waiver days so they don’t have to make it up in the summer!

Part of me is thinking ,”Wow, where was one of these pandemics when I was in high school?” Just kidding..seems I have a bag full of tasteless jokes this morning folks. Don’t worry, I’ll be here all week..da-bum-bum.

No really. I’ll be here ALL WEEK.  Because if this non-stop pouring rain wasn’t deterring the plan of a family outing, then the thought of a mob of potentially flu-ridden youngsters mad with hedonistic bliss at being let of jail early, pretty much cinches the deal.

I guess I better start breaking out the crafts and board games..shudder..

Filed under: The Blogs on April 30th, 2009 | 2 Comments »

Apparently it’s not that hard, even when that’s not your intention. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

After a fabulous weekend in San Antonio with my ETBU girls (of which I have no evidence pictures, because I left my camera at home) it was time to get back into “Mom” mode and go grocery shopping for the family last night. So I’m loading up my groceries (around 10 pm), and as I pull away to the end of the parking lot, I look back in my rearview mirror and notice I left my paper towels on  the bottom of the shopping basket. As I u-turn I see this young dude snatch them up and put them in his car. (He was parked beside my spot.)

So I parked my car in the same spot I was in previously and nicely ask the gentlemen to give me my paper towels back as I was just down the lane, saw him put them in the car and would like to have them back. (they were 8 bucks!! the Brawny kind!!) Whereas, he proceeds to get very nasty and tell me that since I left them on the basket,  now they’re his. To which I reply that unless HE has a receipt showing he paid the money for them, they are NOT his, as they are merchandise he took that he didn’t pay for and I have proof I did. When he still didn’t budge, I informed him I would go get the security guard at the front of the store to come over and settle this. I guess he didn’t think I would really do it, because he kinda laughed and said, ” Go ahead.”

Obviously, this criminal didn’t know who he was messing with. Now it became about the principle of the matter over the paper towels. So I’m thinking, “Ok, I’ll get the guard, show him my receipt, match the ID numbers, get my paper towels back and this will all be over, right?”

Oh no. As the guard and I are walking back we see the guy running to the other side of the parking lot (with my paper towels!!!) and proceed to throw them over the fence of the apartment complex next door to Wal-mart! When the guard ran after him to confront him, he tried to say he threw a cigarette over the fence. Although us and two others saw differently. 

Sooo, this is the point when things start to get out of hand.  It appeared the guard couldn’t get my personal property back from the private property they now called home, so he calls the cops. Meanwhile he goes to get the general manager, all while this idiot stands in front of me,  taunting me by saying we have no merchandise on him to prove he stole anything.  (because 4 witness acounts and the simple matter of looking over the fence at my paper towels wouldn’t prove anything..he was a real genius, this dude)

By this time 20-30 minutes has passed and I’m getting worried about my groceries. As the manager and guards come out, the gentleman in question tries to make some excuse to go back in Wal-mart, but they follow him to the front of the store and stay with him til the police arrived to make sure he didn’t leave. All I’m wanting are my paper towels, a refund, or a replacement . But in order to do that, a report had to be made by me and the store to the police.

Now this is where I need to sidebar and say something really quick. I have had two run-ins with the Fort Worth police dept (for this incident and some noisy neighbors we had once) and both times they have gone overboard to be helpful, respectful, and trustworthy. So I need to retract part of a blog I’ve said earlier about all police I’ve dealt with on the job being rude and unprofessional .The officers for this dept. have been the much-welcomed exception to my experiences.

Anyway, they arrived pretty quickly and drove to where the manager and I were standing in the parking lot. They asked us where the merchandise was, and where the alleged perpetrator was. (At the front entrance to the Wal-mart. ) So we waited by my car while they went to apparently question him. 

And here is when this thief goes from merely be cited to making his new address a jail cell.

As we watch in disbelief, (we can’t hear anything), while they have him beside the car he starts shaking his head (they wanted him to sit in the car while they talked to us) and then begins SWINGING at the officers!! It took all 4 cops to get him on the ground and handcuffed while he’s screaming and such. They finally get him in the car and then drive over to us. One officer has bloody knuckles, another has scaped legs under his pants and cuts, and the dude in the car looked like he had a black eye swelling from hitting the ground. I was in shock and kept explaining how sorry I was this was all over paper towels, but they were very nice and said he made the choice to escalate and I deserved what I paid for and did nothing wrong. This kid (he was like 19) had no record or anything, and was now going to jail for unlawful detaining, assaulting a police officer, and theft.

Finally, we gave our report and the manager went in to get me some new paper towels. Meanwhile, an ambulance and fire truck came up to the scene to treat the officers and the suspect for their injuries. So here’s my little orange VUE  in the middle of a sea of police cars, officers, firemen, EMT men, all their vehicles, the general manager, security guards, and onlookers.

And all over an eight-dollar, eight pack of paper towels. Only me.

Filed under: The Blogs on April 28th, 2009 | 12 Comments »

I’m looking uneasily at the clothes I’ve bought my son for this coming summer, and even more panicky at the few items I’ve snatched up for school next year. Will they fit? Have I been too ambitious? Dang these off-season sales for making me have to gamble on my children’s growth hormones!!

For I think another growth spurt is on the way. How do I know this? Because my pantry is looking more empty than usual. And why is my pantry looking sparse? Well, lets see…

Caleb’s breakfast: Two glasses of millk, Two poptarts, two bananas, cereal, and a fruit bar.

11:30 am- “Mommy! I’m hungry! Is it time for lunch yet?” (he ate 3 hours ago and doesn’t usually eat til 12:30)

Caleb’s lunch: TWO sandwiches, two helpings of goldfish, a fruit snack, and some grapes..and he’s asking for dessert!!

Needless to say, I’m kicking myself for buy those pants in a 6, instead of a 7 slim…last year this happened, he grew four inches over a 5 month period. I can’t wait for those teen years. Better ask for a raise honey!!!

Filed under: The Blogs on April 17th, 2009 | 3 Comments »

We’ve put up some Easter Pictures of the kiddos in their finery for you to enjoy. Just look in the gallery..and yes, we forgot to take some pictures of Lance and I, but come on..we know who you REALLY want to see! Haha!

Thankfully Caleb’s strep throat wasn’t contagious by this morning, so we were able to go to the early service and worship together as a family.

 Caleb did have to stay indoors on Saturday to let his Strep throat medicine do the trick, and today the weather was cruddy, therefore no easter egg hunt, but that’s ok. They’ll have plenty of years for that.
Instead we got to emphasize the REAL reason for Easter..Christ’s death and resurrection 3 days later. We were given a couple of very good children’s books for this purpose, plus we read the gospel of Luke’s account out of the children’s bible.

And while they were given Easter baskets, we told them they were from us and other family. I can find a reason to actually talk about Santa Clause (or Saint Nicholaus as we call him) for Christmas. And we keep our Advent celebration separate from the secular Christmas festivities anyway.

But Lance and I find no rythme or reason to make believe in the Easter bunny, so we don’t. It’s not that we go out of our way to say there isn’t one..we just haven’t brought the fellow up, and the kids haven’t asked, so we’re good  for the time being. (at least til next year rolls around!)

And now it’s back to the day to day activities..although I pray that my family will always carry the joy and message of Resurrection Day in their hearts year round.

Filed under: The Blogs on April 12th, 2009 | No Comments »

But at this point it’s the best I can do. Quite honestly, I’m beginning to think my blogging days are numbered. There’s just not enough hours in the day. (and when there are, I’m not really motivated to try and think of a topic, write it, proof it, etc.) The only reason I’m sticking with it this long  is because I still have some stubborn relatives who don’t have Facebook profiles to see new pics and updates.. (you know who you are!!)

So for those still wondering how we’ve been and what we (as in kids) look like, Lance has uploaded some pictures from our recent camping trip to Glenrose with the White family, and our attendance at their daughter Megan’s 4th b-day party.

Please enjoy, and try not to hate me too much for neglecting my blogging duties..you can always get a facebook profile and know all my day to day happenings (in all their exciting need-to-know SAHM glory) if my erratic postings are grating on your nerves. hint.hint!

Filed under: The Blogs on April 9th, 2009 | 3 Comments »

It’s just been crazy around here. Between more sickness, trying to sell the house, register Caleb for school, schedule in weekly playdates, trips to the library,researching our refinancing options to maybe save some money each month, household chores, birthday parties, small group each week,  planning  and packing for camping, and a thousand other things, blogging has fallen to the bottom of the priority list.

Sometime in the near future I will have pics and blog about Cora’s b-day party..but don’t hold your breath! ha!

We ARE excited to be gone most of next week on another camping trip to Glenrose with our friends the Whites. I may turn out to be a camping kind of girl after all! (as long as electricity and hot showers are available!..I have my limits..)

Anyway. I came across this very interesting article and thought I’d share it..seems I may not be too paranoid after all..hmmm.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=948333&topart=luxury

 

 

Read more »

Filed under: The Blogs on March 25th, 2009 | 3 Comments »

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hard to believe my baby girl is three years old today. It seems like only yesterday I was taking her home from the hospital. Nowadays alot of the baby fat is gone, the diapers are a blessed memory (she’s pretty much potty- trained now!..hooray!), and she definitely has more hair (and more attitude!).

She is looking more and more like a little girl every day.

My little angel loves playing dress up, and trying on mommy’s makeup. Her favorite doll is her Ariel barbie and she’ll sit for hours at her play vanity giving Ariel makeovers. Yet she also doesn’t mind getting dirty with the boys (and sometimes dirtier!), plus she’s already getting the hang of riding her bike and kicking a soccer ball. I can tell she’ll be a leader and a nurturer, but Lance and I are gonna have our hands full channeling that strong will of hers into positive channels. However,  I’m looking forward to the challenge, because as each day passes I can observe more and more the possibilities God has given her.

And I pray most of all that each birthday brings with it a closer time to when she can fully understand the death and resurrection of her Savior and how that affects her life, so that she can hopefully become a child of His.

So Happy Birthday my precious baby girl. Your daddy, brother, and I love you so very much! And please understand that while I know it’s bound to happen, (and from what I’m told it’ll happen pretty quickly), your mama isn’t quite sure how I’ll handle all this “growing up” business! So be kind to me!

 

Filed under: The Blogs on March 12th, 2009 | 4 Comments »