Bella

Death seems to have found us again.

She was a good ole' dog! We are going to miss her.

Will Rogers said,

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."

I have it on good authority dogs are present in heaven!

Heaven gained a good dog today. She belonged to the E. Family. Eden said, "Why does everything I love have to die?" I assured her that Grandpa would take good care of Bella. It didn't change how many tears fell.

When ever it rained hard and lightening and thunder shook the earth, Bella would escape and run to seek shelter. She'd claw through her pen, she'd claw her way out of anything to find the inside of a house.

One day I was headed up the road and I spotted this dog running. I drove by and thought to myself, "Wow, that dog looks a lot like Bella!" Since I live on the opposite end of town, I never dreamt it could really be her. I got a phone call not long after and sure enough, it was Bella and she was making her way to my house. It wasn't the first time she would show up and beg for cover. She was a remarkable escape artist.

Going to miss you Bella!

Smile

Hi, my name is Caleb and I  learned how to smile. This is the first picture I ever smiled in.  

When my mom talks to me, my whole face lights up like a Christmas Tree. Well, she is the prettiest lady I ever saw. She loves my smile and when she sees it, her face lights up too.

I really like that I know how to smile now. Everyone tries to make me do it. People are like that ya know, everyone likes a smile. 

You'll be seeing more of me and my smile! My grandma loves to take my picture!!! She thinks I'm cute  as a button. I think it's my hair. She's gotta thing for my Donald Trump Hair! And she loves my smile.

Ok, I'll be seein' ya. Don't forget to smile today. This smiling thing is AWESOME!!!

Kidisms

A few weeks ago on Facebook Kaedell started giving us some daily clever conversational excerpts from her kids. We have a private group on Facebook called "Fam Damily."  It's a place where anyone in our family can post something and only our family can see it. It's awesome. 

Since Kaedell started posting these little pieces of wisdom from her kids, I've given them names. I like to call them my "Grandkidisms" and now I look forward to them everyday and so does everyone else. 

Send all Grandkidisms to Grandma ASAP! I'm going to make a book of them!

Yesterday we got a Corbinism!

Kyle: (Tucking Corbin into bed) "Goodnight Corbin. I love you. Thanks for being such a great kid."

Corbin: "You too dad!"

Kyle: "I'm not a kid."

Corbin: "You're Heavenly Father's kid!"

Some pieces of wisdom just don't come to us in a manner that is any finer than that.

To quote Kaedell, "How our children continually remind us of things that are most important!"

Thank you Corbin for reminding me who I am today! Love YOUR WISDOM! Love YOU ---little boy!

A New Little Bird Has Flown Into the Nest!

There's a new little bird in the nest. 

He flew in just a month ago.

He's sweet as can be!

Adorable right down to the bone.

And I'm so excited to be a grandma all over again!

I now have eight grandchildren!

8 little Grandcrow's running around this nest.

Say hello to 

"Caleb Glade"

I can't remember how long he was or how much he weighed??? Seven, something...

It doesn't matter because his weight is in my heart and that's unmeasurable!

And the only length I care about is that he is going to be part of my life for eternity!

I could not do with one day less!

Eden and Corbin are so excited to have a new baby brother!

I'm just excited I get to hold another baby and I get to sleep through the night!

Caleb is going to be well loved!

We already fight over who gets to hold him first. 

It is said that "A baby will make 

love stronger,

days shorter, 

nights longer,

a bank balance smaller,

home happier,

clothes dirty,

the past forgotten,

And the future worth living for."

Kaedell came over and we had the funnest photo shoot ever. I can't wait to see all the images she captured. I hope she'll add them here. Tonight I have been working on pictures all night. I get so aggravated and upset at my work.  I'm never as good as I want to be. I did however find the above image and in my eyes, it's a keeper.

There is something wonderful about a baby. Something unexplainable! Perhaps just the fact that babies in and of themselves are a sheer miracle when you think about it. From start to finish the entire process boggles the mind. When you are young, you can't imagine your life with children. When you are old, you can't imagine your life without them! I am old and I feel just like Winnie the Pooh when he said, "If you live to be a hundred, I want to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you." He was talking to his best friend Piglet. I am talking to my children and to their children, etc. etc. etc.!

When I look at the above picture I think about the day I held Kaedell next to me. What a sweet and sacred time in my life. Now she holds little Caleb and suddenly life just got even sweeter, sweeter than I ever thought it could be.  Life is an amazing journey. And I have God to thank! I have to tell you it's true, when I kiss this baby I feel the taste of Heaven.

Welcome to the Crow's nest little Caleb Glade! You're beautiful! WE LOVE YOU! Always and Forever little boy!

Happy Birthday Kyle

Grabbing a picture of Kyle isn't easy!

You can see it in his expression can't you?

"Don't do it, 

Don't point that camera at me."

I know that's what he was thinking

when I snapped this picture.

Now if he has a kid with him, he's totally up for the shot.

Kyle is a great dad. 

He's a great husband too,

And he's an awesome son-in-law.

I wish I had a picture of the Dive Light he just got done designing. 

I'm going to get one of those. 

A picture and a light.

He brought it over one night. 

When he turns it on,

 it's bright enough to light your way to China.

We've had fun with testing it out at Lake Powell 

Kyle is an entrepreneur.

He's always designing something.

He runs his own business. He and a partner.

Together they just moved shop and now he's a little closer to home.

If you need anything designed or machined then Kyle's your man.

I haven't had a chance to tell him yet,

But I hope he's having an awesome day.

I also hope he knows how lucky I feel

to have him in my family.

So today, all of us here at the Crow's Nest wish him

a great BIG Happy Birthday!

We love you!

More Updates

I love this family picture!

Everybody wants an update on the side of the blog!

Kaedell reminded me her children have grown a bit.

Looking good in your Bear Lake blue!

Update complete!

Happy Birthday Doodle Bug

She's three today! This little girl is a clone of her mother. Her long flowing white hair and her crisp spunky bold personality is just a repeat for me. Every time I watch Eden I get the biggest grin on my face because it's like I get to live Kaedell's childhood all over again. Oh the joy, I love every minute of it.

The other day I called Kaedell up and I could hear Eden in the background issuing her commands. "No mom." I heard her say with her stern little voice. "I'm going to pick it out myself." I just sat back, closed my eyes and reverted back in time about 28 years. It was awesome. I could see Kadie Bug with her white toe headed curls. I could see her face, her mannerisms, I could hear her voice, hear her issuing instructions to Emy and Seth. It's great to see self determination in your children. It's even greater to see it in your grandchildren.
When Eden gets something in her head just move yourself right out of the way. Seriously! And don't take any time doing it. Just clear the isle honey, cause she's coming through and she's going to accomplish whatever it is she has sets her mind to. And I want you to know, she's just like her mother.

Eden loves chocolate. I've never in my life seen a kid that loves chocolate like this girl. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to be exact. In honor of her celebration today, Kaedell is baking her Reese's Peanut Butter cup cupcakes. I think you'll see this recipe on the recipe blog here soon. Um can't wait.
A few weeks ago Kadie and Kyle were getting ready to go home from our house. Kyle had ridden his motor bike over and Corbin had rode with him. As they got ready to leave Corbin informed Kaedell he didn't really want to ride home on the bike. You should have see Eden's face when she heard Corbin announce that his seat on the bike would now be unoccupied. She went ballistic. Suddenly she was jumping up and down and clambering at the top of her voice that she wanted to ride home with her dad. She ran for the helmet and the goggles and she fastened them on her head as fast as she could.

When her and Kyle finally climbed on the bike I grabbed the camera. It was almost dark but I couldn't miss the moment. I laughed after taking the picture. I predict that when Corbin gets big enough to ride a motor bike, Kyle is going to have to buy two bikes, not just one. And he's going to have to buy two of everything when he goes for the gear. And when two kids pull up next to their dad's side, all of them with their engines roaring, you're going to think Kyle has two boys. But then they'll stop for a rest and when they remove their helmets, blonde curls will come spilling out all over the place and you'll see that one of them is the cutest, spunkiest little girl you've ever met.

Happy Birthday Doodle Bug. Grandma loves you so much.

You are the best of life's energy and such a little blessing to everyone.

Happy day little girl! We love you! Squeeze (grrrrrrrrr)

Happy Birthday Beano

I am trying to keep up with birthdays this month! August is jam packed full of birthdays as you can see. When I was hunting for pictures of Corbin, I found this one. He's just a little tike, but I love this picture. It always makes me grin!

Today I got to take Corbin out for his birthday. He is such a funny kid. Right now he is seriously into Legos. Kaedell is going to have to build another room on the side of her house just to store the Legos in.
He climbed right in my car and buckled himself up, then he promptly told me where to drive.
"Grandma," he said. "Can we go shopping at Walmart."
He proceeded to tell me Walmart was a really fine store well stocked with Legos and that he had perused the place days prior and he knew just what he wanted.
Wow, I was impressed.  

I really like a kid that knows what he wants. I told him so and then I drove there straight away.
We walked in and he pulled me out a cart and then we headed straight to the Lego isle. When he saw the giant Legos for little tiny kids, he informed me they were dumb and he didn't want any of those. "Ok," I said, and I told him to lead on.
That was about when we turned the corner and hit the mother load. Corbin quickly glanced over all the boxes and the many different styles. They had Legos galore, which consisted of anything from Toy Story Legos to building your own giant airport.
He picked out a Star Wars Lego set that cost 98 dollars. I was choking a little when I told him he had to choose a box where the number under the box started with a "2." He somberly agreed, but not without a big giant sigh clearly filled with remorse. Two seconds later he zeroed in on a smaller Star Wars battle set and sure enough the number beneath started with a "2."
He made the decision so fast I almost couldn't grasp it. "Corbin," I queried. "How in the world did you pick that out so fast?"
He gave me one of those looks, specifically the one where his mouth gets all twisty and his eyes go into a glazed over glare. It's as if his whole body was screeching at me, "Are you for real?" Then his face came to a standstill like, "duh," and he stammered with an upbeat sarcastic vibrato, "Grandma, this is the only box that has Robots in it!" His hands started to fly as the word "Robots" came out of his mouth.
It all made sense now. How stupid of me. I clearly understood and wondered how I could have been so blind?

In Corbins pint sized world life is all about the guys! The photo taken above by Kaedell clearly shows you just what is important to a five year old.
Well, Corbin, you are one fine boy and grandma loves to watch you play. Corbin is a kid that can entertain himself for hours providing you give him some action figures. I have a picture that I've tried to find for three hours now. I give up. The picture was taken at my cabin and everywhere you look there are action figures hanging all over the place. From the cupboard to the decorations, there are little green ninja turtle men suspended everywhere.
Well, I hope you had a great birthday Corbeano! I sure had fun with you today! You are such a cute little boy, good as gold, and everyone loves you! Grandma loves you so much.  I can't believe you are 5. Happy Birthday bud. Squeeze!

Should have been posted on the 24th ---Sheesh!

Happy Birthday To The Bug!

I stole this picture from Kyle. He is the composer and the photographer of this beautiful picture. And he captured my beautiful little daughter so nicely, I think he should pick up the camera more often, don't you? Kaedell has grown into such a beautiful young lady, a beautiful person in every way, and I'm so thankful she is beautifully mine!
As I looked through a million photos I have on my hard drive, trying to find a nice picture of my sweet daughter, I discovered my daughters always have a child in their arms. Every photo, always a cute little face in the arms of their mother. I'm going to have to re-think my picture taking!

As I looked for a picture of her all by her lonesome, I didn't have much luck finding one. I did however, soon stumble onto this photo of Eden and Kadie and I had to smile when I saw it. Looking at this picture takes me back in time. Eden is a clone of her mother.
Yesterday I asked Kaedell how old she was going to be today. I could have figured it out all by my little old self, but it was much faster to simply ask her instead of trying to remember; it was much easier than counting in my head. Can I tell you, 31 years have trailed by in the blink of a an eye. And I'm down right sad they're gone! That's another reason I loved this picture. It reminds me of all the years I enjoyed raising my daughter. Yes, 31 years of pure enjoyment.
Kaedell was a piece of cake to raise. Sometimes I think in all reality she raised me! She grew me up into a good mother. It's terrible we have to practice on our kids. I have so many good memories of her growing years. Even the time she gave me a black eye, I deserved it and it taught me a good lesson. I can see my beautiful daughter in a million different memories. They live in my mind and my heart and they are sweet and rich with meaning.
Today though I hope she has a wonderful day. I could go on and on for hours about all her abilities and talents, all the good things she does each and every day. She is so vibrant and alive with strength and capacities in a million different areas. There isn't anything she can't do. She's a talented little girl!
I feel so lucky I get to be her mother, because it's a privilege! And I have to say, I'm so thankful she lives close by. My Heavenly Father knew I needed some kids to be close by. I wish all my kids lived closer. Remember I'm the mother who hates it when my children leave home! I'm also thankful today she's my best friend. I'm thankful she will jump in and do most anything with me.
So Happy Birthday BUG! We all love you! I love you! Have a wonderful day!

Happy Anniversary

It's happened; I can barely remember my own anniversary, and now I am forgetting my childrens' . . . well, sort of. Today I really wasn't coherent as to what the exact date was. I knew it was Saturday, I knew it was some day in May, but that was the extent of my knowledge concerning what day it was. Today I was located in Portland, Oregon. I was up early, packing to come home. I wasn't thinking about anniversaries, I was riding on a bus in the pouring rain, fighting crowds at airports, all the while thinking as far as a trip is concerned, I got ripped off, because it was way too short!
When I got home I tried to call Kaedell. If I had a nickel for every time Kadie doesn't answer her phone, I'd be a millionaire. She did not answer, and I was not surprised.  Later on my phone finally rang, and that's when she informed me she had a good reason for not answering her phone, "Mom, it's my anniversary!"
"Is today the 22nd I retorted?"
"A . . . ya, mom!" was her quick response.
I went into my lengthy apology for not remembering what day it was. I know Kadie and Kyle's anniversary is May 22nd. I just need someone to remind me when May 22nd is finally here. I guess this is where I should insert, "Good hell", and go into some lengthy exasperative description of how pathetic my memory is getting!
Kadie and Kyle have been married 8 years. I was hunting for a picture of them both together and found this one. What a handsome couple! They just look like a match made in heaven. And that's because they are.
I still remember the first time Kyle knocked on my front door. He was coming over for that so called, first date, and with the cutest girl in PC, I might add! Later that night after he brought Kaedell home, I remember kidding her about how cute he was. He didn't take me long to figure out Kaedell thought so too.
From then on, every time the phone rang Kaedell was up and to it in two rings. We were sitting at the bar one night eating super and the phone rang. I've never seen Kaedell move so fast in my life! I thought she was going to fall down and break something as she scrambled to her feet to race over and grab the phone. It was comical and we were all teasing her and laughing. I won't even go into the look on her face when she saw "Ellis" printed across the caller ID.
You have to know the Crowther's. We really don't believe in answering the phone. We avoid the phone like the plague! Usually we have to pay someone to even go over and remotely look at the caller ID. So when I tell you Kaedell got so excited about Kyle calling her, this is no exaggeration!
I had seen Kadie with a lot of different boys. And from the first time Kyle showed up on my door step, I had a hunch he was going to be the lucky guy who snagged up the most wonderful girl ever! And this is where I want to say we got ourselves quite a catch too, because Kyle is a wonderful guy and a wonderful son-in-law.
Together they are the cutest couple and they have added two cute kids to this beautiful union. Who your children marry greatly impacts your family. I'm thankful for Kyle and the importance he places on being one with the Crowther's. He is as much of a "Crowther" as he is an "Ellis." I love that about him! I've long known the Ellis family and I can't think of a greater family I'd like to be connected too. Kyle is an extension of a a wonderful family that I'm happy to have grown up with, to know, and to love. I am so happy they raised a really great son. Kyle is a great asset to our family and we are lucky to have him and together he Kaedell make quite the couple! I'm so proud of them both!
Happy Anniversary you two! You are a blessing to the Crowther clan and we love you!

Happy Birthday Kyle

Kyle is a hard one to get a picture of. He loves dodging the camera. I teased him this morning in a text message that I was looking for the picture I've posted here on the blog of him a million times. It's a picture he just loves (not). And I teased him that I was going to find it and post it once more. Lucky for him I'm getting so many pictures I can't even find that picture.

Kadie helped me out with the above photo. Sadly, I learned today and with Kate's birthday that I really need to organize my pictures.

Today though I'd like to take a minute and wish Kyle the best birthday ever. And I just want to thank him for being a great addition in the 'sons' department!

As you can see from his working apparel he's wearing here in my kitchen in Bear Lake, one of the things I love about him is his willingness to get in and help with just about anything!
Besides being a terrific father and a superb husband to my little daughter, Kyle is just a great guy period!
When a mother adds to her family, most mother's hope the person coming into the family comes with lots of love and a willingness to give that love genuinely back in rich abundance. That's what I love about Kyle. He makes it a top priority to be one of us. And when you are around him you know it's important to him.

Well, Kyle everyone here at the Crowther house wishes you an awesome birthday. Thanks for loving us the way you do and for always being willing to help. I especially appreciate that help you so willingly give to me personally. I could ask Kyle for help with anything and he'd show up ASAP!
Thanks for being a wonderful part of our family and for being the great person that you are.
Happy Birthday! We love you!!!

Fun in February!

Another month come and gone. I am looking forward to March and more importantly--SPRING!!! I don't know about everyone else but we are tired of being indoors all the time. I have a strong case of spring fever! We didn't do much during the month of February, but here are a few highlights.
Went to Time Out for Women with my mom and Emy. It was an amazing weekend. My favorite violinist Jenny Oake Baker was the featured artist on Thursday night. I could listen to her play forever. I loved all of the inspiring speakers and can hardly wait to go again next year. It was so uplifting!!!
We try to go and visit Grandma Blanch as often as we can. A few weeks ago my mom was watching Corbin and Eden and asked them if they wanted to go with her to take dinner to Grandma Blanch. Corbin looked up at my mom and said, "Is she still alive?"--Don't you love the things kids say? We had a fun visit with Grandma. I just had to take some pictures and she hates having a camera in her face. "Why would anyone want a picture of this ugly old lady?" I kept telling her that she has always been beautiful to me. I love her and hope she sticks around as long as she can.
Art Project--We made these Dinosaurs out of paper plates and construction paper. Corbin and Eden LOVED painting them.I started teaching Corbin how to play the piano in September. He is doing great and completed his first book a few weeks ago. I LOVE teaching him and it is so fun to see him learning and practicing. I can't say that it is easy though. I have to really be dedicated and sit with him every day while he practices and learns new songs. We have fun and if there are silly words to the song then he always wants me to sing along while he plays. We usually end up laughing. Great job Corbin! I am so proud of you. Keep working hard and you are going to be really good someday!
I love you!

This is usually how it starts out. All business and very focused.This is usually how it ends up. Laughing and being silly. Once it gets to this point, there is no going back to serious and focused.

Sleeping Beauty--I was playing the piano one day and Eden crawled up on the chair and just fell alseep. Ahh...the sound of silence is bliss once in awhile:)-I love the light in this picture.

Fun weekend at Bear Lake!

The kids are ready to go outside and play--please come soon Spring!!!:)

Dec Ellis Update

Wow! What an exciting month filled with parties, food, family, friends, more food, more parties, wrapping, shopping, treats, more shopping, more wrapping, and more food and parties!!! I'm exhausted! I love Christmas time and the whole spirit of giving that naturally comes this wonderful time of year. I think others tend to be a little more thoughtful, a little more happy--unless you are shopping at Walmart, and a little more Christlike. I am always sad to see it all come to an end, but find myself always looking forward to a new year and what will come. So, here's to 2010--may it be filled with many happy memories and wonderful growing experiences!
Here are some pics of our Holiday month!

Corbin helping decorate the Christmas tree.


Bella is wishing for spring weather. That is the look of one lazy dog!!!


Corbin painting a work of art. We do a lot of art projects when it's cold outside!


The annual Crowther family Christmas party. This year my aunt Laurie was in charge and we did the nativity. She got everyone involved and it was fun. Goose was the inkeeper and Seth was the lead shepherd over all the little sheep!



Christmas sugar cookies!!! Yum, Yum, Yum!


I succumbed to the pressure and let Corbin drink Mountain Dew on Christmas Eve! He drank the whole can. I guess you could say that I am the meanest mom in the world because I very rarely let my kids drink pop and the only time I buy the stuff is once a year--Coke for Kyle on Christmas. Dental Hygiene taught me way too much information about soda pop and it's effects. Gavin is the Mountain Dew man and he was thrilled when Corbin chose that as his drink of choice for the party!


Christmas Eve was at the Crowther house this year. It was fun--as always! A night filled with laughter, presents, food, candy, money:), more food,a spiritual message, and a gift for our Savior. Dad, your pulled pork was amazing!!! Such a fun night with the people you love the most!


This is Eden saying goodbye to our little elf Jack. On Christmas Eve, he flies back to Santa's Workshop and won't return again until next December. Eden has probably asked me 5 times where Jack is since he left. Her and Corbin LOVED waking up every morning and searching for Jack. He was fun to have in our home. See ya next year Jack!


Merry Christmas Eden! She got a kitchen and I made her the adorable chef hat and apron to go with it. Thanks Valerie!!! (my wonderful friend who gave me sewing instructions through the whole process) You are the best! Eden makes me food everyday! She loves her kitchen and so do I:)


Merry Christmas Corbin! Santa brought Corbin an awesome castle and a whole bunch of knights and dragons to go with it. The castle is almost as big as he is.


Eden LOVES animals. Her stocking was stuffed with these cute little critters!


Let's cook something up Grandma!


Well, here's to a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!