the CROWELLS

They are all wonderful things surrounding me on Mother's Day! It was so beautiful for Mother's Day here in the UK to land on General Conference Weekend. After listening to inspired leaders' messages I am always uplifted and feel empowered to be a better wife, mother, and daughter. I think Sister Steven's talk was one that hit me the most when she said children, "come to families as precious gifts with a divine nature and destiny." The pansies are pretty, licorice lovely, but my children are the sweetest, most precious gifts in my life.
I certainly have had moments where I want to blow through the roof with frustration, toss my hands up in the air, and give up; but, having an understanding that they are each Heavenly Father's children with "divine nature and destiny" helps me to reach beyond myself and help them become who they were meant to be. Our children and their humility, obedience, and trust really are "a key" to helping us become like our Heavenly Father. Thank you Sweeties, for helping me be a better person.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Sneaky Spence

Just like that, Spencer is 6 months old! How can he sneak up six months! I'm telling you, this kid is full of surprises.

There's a song here in Woodbridge {which I thought was popular--guess only well-known to our group of library friends}: Zoom, zoom zoom, we're going to the moon. After you sing, "Zoom, zoom zoom; we'll get there very soon," you count down from 5 and lift up your little (or husky) babe, blasting him up to the moon like a rocket {at about "3" I prep myself for take-off}. This boy continues to eat and grow like a champion. This cute butter ball loves his toes and eats them whenever he can. Although he has two bottom teeth, I can never catch his smile on camera! One of these days..
Sixth months brought lots of hand-mouth coordination. This includes reaching for Elsie's hair whenever he has the chance {we see a tease in the making}.

Since the last few months have slipped by, we need some updates of Mr. Spencer. At five months, Spence was "blowing raspberries" and drooling like we've never seen. Not a huge fan of tummy time as it only lasted for about 5 minutes. He preferred sitting propped up with the Boppy and practically folding in half, reaching for his toes.

Besides discovering the back of his head and ears with his hands, four-months = need for real food for Spencer!

He was more than ready.

Oh, Spencer.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Four-month Fancy

I love four months.

Sparkle in their eyes.

Connect and begin to take in the world {or their thumb}.

You know they're smiling at you.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Lucky

We were lucky to have some leprechauns make a surprise visit to our house early last Thursday morning! Thank you, leprechauns for sending lots of green for us to celebrate with! Elsie wasn't quite sure about the green milk at first, but once she knew the leprechauns turned it green, she wanted more!
I think these shamrock green bell pepper and egg will become tradition. :)

It's safe to say we each had at least two {okay, maybe three} bowls of the magic.

We leprechauns busied ourselves by making some rainbow cakes {derived from these delicious Rainbow Cupcakes} my friend and her little guy made .

The fact is, I only had a 6-muffin tin {meaning 3-4 rounds of baking} and making 6 smaller cakes seemed just right for our busy day. :)

What would the day be like without a hearty, Irish meal. Here's to Irish genes making perfect Irish Soda Bread. We chiseled through maybe a quarter of that hockey puck! Better luck next year. :)

Mischief written all over.

And we're lucky to have him.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

A Blessing

We blessed Spencer at three months and it was a good thing as he barely fit into his little white tux! He dramatically outweighed Elsie at three months and continues strong. There must be some Dutch-recessive in this little boy. His little collar didn't really have a neck to hug, so it became a piece of "tasty" silk for Spencer's little tongue to feel.

Spencer was blessed at our chapel in Ipswich surrounded by good friends who have become like family. We felt very fortunate our friends Poppy and Johan could be there.

Spencer's blessing day couldn't have been more beautiful. A snowstorm passed through the night before, leaving the ground dressed in white for his blessing day. The drive to church under the umbrella of snow-covered trees and view of untouched pastures was absolutely breath-taking.

Corey gave a beautiful blessing--feelings which are tenderly treasured in my journal. It always seems as though reverence immediately enters the room as priesthood holders encircle a baby and heaven feels that much closer. What a gift life is. What a blessing you are to us, sweet Spencer.

A Little Mingle Before the Jingle...

Melt the cheese, I know; but I honestly couldn't resist the title!
Abby, Sally, Pod (credit for the overview shot), and Georgie (poor Rory was ill and Henry stayed home to care for him) invited us over for some sponge cake, sandwiches, and minced pies just before we left home for the holidays. Nothing felt so cozy and comfortable. Sitting together for a chat inside a toasty-warm home sheltered from the outside bitter cold made me even more excited for the holidays! Elsie and Grace shared some cake (well, I believe Elsie ate both pieces of cake). Sally made a beautiful sponge cake and shared with us the most delicious minced pies. Honestly, I can not get over them. When Christmas comes around this year, I will be out to get these pleasant little pastries to take home and share with family. Thank you dear friends for the relaxing afternoon mingle and memories.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Jumpin' into 2011

Well, thank goodness we're welcoming 2011 now instead of in June! :) A little jumping with the kids (love E's sock in this picture--used to laugh so hard as a kid when socks would end up this way) and some jive lessons from Graham got us all pumped up to celebrate the new year.

Of course, what would the old year be like without a foam fight and some jumping around in the pit?!

Thank goodness the girls brought along some trendy clothes (and good food of course) to dress up 2011.

What better way to ring in the new year with good friends and family. Cheers to the Crowells and the Holbrooks.