Easter

Here are some pictures from our family Easter gathering this weekend. Phil came home from Arkansas and surprised us! What a sweet gift to get to hang out with him and Kaleigh! We just love them. Enjoy!



Guys. This is serious. Go get your record books and a pen. Okay. Now right down April 23rd. 2011. Why? Because that is the day Jonny wore a really bright, red/orange/pink/we're not really sure what color shirt all we know is it was really bright for him, shirt. Whew. Did you get that? Good. Cause' it's IMPORTANTE!



Caleb wasn't particularly in the mood for a photo-op, but that's ok-we grabbed him anyway, against his will, and forced him to take a picture with us. Love you Cawuuub!



Bro's. If you don't know the Crabtree men, boy, you're missin' out.

That is all. Adios, amigos!
(Man! What's with my two spanish refrences?!) Weird.

Love,
K

Bandit the Dog

Bandit. Where do I begin.

He ate gum and random treats out of my purse on a regular basis, and was the best ball finder/hider, player, catcher, dog I'v ever seen. Although I've only known him a few years, but I sure will miss him and his oversize velvety ears.

Bandy, as we call him, was my husband's family dog for 13 years. Bandit had been suffering from congestive heart failure, among other ailments, for a few months now. And sadly, today, it was time for him to be put to sleep.

It's NEVER an easy thing. In fact, I think, it's one of the tougher things someone can endure over the course of their life. I'll never forget the day my Dad called while I was in college to inform me that he and my mom had decided to put our precious family dog of 14 years, Lilly, to sleep. I spent the latter part of that week, curled up in a fetal position- sobbing, snotting, and slobbery all over my Bed, Bath, and Beyond comforter set in my dorm room. My roommate at the time, (hey Danielle!) was so understanding and sweet-and Jonny, he got a taste of just HOW emotional women can be. I didn't care, I just wanted Lilly back. I just wanted to hug, smooch, and squeeze her tight one last time. Man, it sucks just thinking about it, BIG TIME.

What is it about dogs that captivate us so much? I don't know a single person who doesn't have a dog story to tell- and if you don't, I'm gonna be honest, I think you're weird.

To be quite frank, I think owning a dog adds years to your life. (after they're house trained of course) I tell my husband that often. I suppose that could be said for lots of pets, but I'm biased towards dogs.

John Grogan says it best in his famous book, "Marley and Me":
Warning: Grab a tissue before you read...

"A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary? "












We'll miss you Bandy!

"A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller

Is the book we're reading in our small group. Although, it's not your "typical" bible study read, I think it's starting to get good and I had to share a little snip-it with you. I can't tell you what the books about because it can't really be summarized, but this last chapter we read Miller is writing about his Uncle's funeral.

Maybe it's because I SWEAR he was writing about my Uncle Will...but this chapter really got me thinkin'.

Here's what he writes at the end of the chapter.

"My uncle told a good story with his life , but I think there was such sadness at his funeral because his story wasn't finished. If you aren't telling a good story, nobody thinks you died too soon; they just think you died. But my uncle died too soon."


OH. MY.

I want to tell a good story with my life, what about you?

Just food for thought.

Happy Hump Day!

Love,
K

GREAT NEWS!

I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL!



Here's the proof! Yes I look tired, that's because I am tired. ;) Annndd, my contacts are sucking big time. Feels like they're on fire, but that's a whole'nother story.




Sending back my acceptance letter and a big fat check to reserve my spot. Okay, it wasn't that big...



My precious hubs surprised me with a beautiful plant after I opened my letter. He was the one who picked up the mail and said he was "banking" on the fact that the envelope was big and heavy. Logical thought. :) He got me this pretty plant because he said I need something pretty and peaceful to look at while I study. What a thoughtful guy.

PS- The picture doesn't do it justice.




SO!!! On another note! There's lots going on around here. I've got two more weeks left of nannying Caleb. While that's happening we've got the following things going on: Easter this weekend, garage sale next weekend, and I've got a hefty list of things to do before I start school. One of which is setting up an office area for myself in the basement so I can study. I found a few pictures of spaces that I love and inspire me in creating a study space. What do you think?


LOVE the color scheme. The "therapist" lounge chair added to the affect. ;)



Rustic, but clean and simple.

This one is my FAVORITE! Yep, it is.

I'll keep you updated. I'm sure whatever I set up wont be near as awesome as these spaces, but it's great for inspiration, yea?


Thanks so much to everyone who was praying for us and support us. You guys mean the world to us and we are so blessed by each and every one of you!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Love,
K

Jonathan...Crabtree

Oh. My. So, one of my latest projects around the house has been sorting through boxes filled with Jonathan's childhood. Allow me to explain. Almost 1 year ago, his parents moved...and with that move we inherited ALL (and I mean ALL) of his "precious belongings".


That being said, several months ago I organized our basement because you could barely walk through it without running into some box that we had yet to unpack since moving in after our wedding. I made a whole wall (A WHOLE WALL FOLKS) devoted to these boxes of his things. He said he would go through them and narrow down what he wanted to keep and the rest we would trash, which...is a HUGE step for someone who is a pack rat. :)


However, I decided I'd make it easier on him-I'd sort through his things, organizing in various "piles"-making it easier for him to sort through. I love organizing, you see...and I'm good at it.


So today I was sorting through what I assume was a box from his middle school days. I found a poem he wrote (and with his permission) I just HAD to share. He asked if it would embarrass him, of course I answered no, but we'll see. :)


I remember writing one of these poems myself (although I guarantee you it's not nearly as precious or awesome). It's one of those poems where you start with your first name, in between you write things about yourself, and end it with your last name. Ringing any bells? There's probably a name for this particular type of poem, but I don't recall things like that.


In parentheses I'm going to guess who or what he's talking about. :) Humor me.


HERE GOES!

"Jonathan

With chestnut eyes that wonder far and wide, and stands high with his towering friends. (Ben, Darren?)

Curious with a mind that can never be satisfied, sensitive with a heart that can never be tamed, humorous with a personality that can entertain a crowd or hide in the midst of others.

Brother of computer genius (Paul?), Champion runner (Isaac?), and annoyingly filled with excitement (HAHAHAHAHA! Phil?)

Son of master craftsman and divine care (I started tearing up here...)

Who loves to run with endurance, talking on the Internet with friends (aka girlfriends, I'm sure), and scrumptious food (what kid uses the word scrumptious?!)

Who fears loneliness without a friend to confide in, past events that remind him of sad moments, and imperfection that drives his mind wild. (His mother told me once she use to have to tell him to STOP doing his homework....I KNOW, right?)

Who needs a friend to listen, a good laugh, and a Bible to read.

Who wants to be liked, to set an example to many, and to get straight A's. (I confirm, all the papers I've seen so far, all A's...it's sickening I tell you.)

Who remembers long car rides to Colorado, and a life changing missions trip in Guatemala.

Who believes life can be great as long as you make the most of it.

Crabtree Are you crying with tears of joy at this preciousness yet?!


If not...here are some pictures to help.

Oh, man. I can't handle it. Don't you just want to squuueeezzzze him and pinch all his chubby baby fat rolls?! I know I do.

Cutest. Kid. Ever. (besides me...of course.) ;)

Little did he know that the next time he'd catch a fish...would be with his wife. :) (years later, clearly)

I'm sorry, babe. I had to. :) You pulled off the "awkward stage" fairly well.

I laugh every. time. I see this picture. He's either thinking (and pardon my french folks) a: "ugh...why are you taking my picture?" or b: "Oh yea...check me out, I'm a hard ass."

Not gonna lie. One of the reasons I married this guy is because he's an eagle scout. Not only that! But, he's a fire builder. Whatever that means, but I know you to do some cuuurrraaazzzyyy shiz to get the honor. Bad. To. The. Bone. (As my father would say)

Plus, he puts that other kid TO SHAME with his muscles.

One of my favorite pictures. Jonny with his brother, Phil, and their Dad at the top of Philmont. Only crazy cool people do stuff like that.

Dangy. Pangy.

Those are some toned muscles you got there, darlin'.

Welp, I hope you've enjoyed this time with me...taking a look into how precious my husband was when he was a wee little man. Not gonna lie...I snagged me a good one!

Happy Hump Day!

Love,

K

PS- We just booked a cruise. It leaves in a month. No big deal.

Jesus Culture - Come Away

If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I LOVE music. No particular genre. I just love music. To me, music may be the sole thing that can move me in a way nothing else can. I am, by no means, musically gifted or inclined. I'm not a great singer. I played piano for a few years when I was little, and in Jr. high I played the flute. That's about as deep as my "knowledge" for music goes.


My mom majored in music education in college, and one of my favorite things is when she sits down at the piano and just...plays, for no particular reason, but to play the piano. So many memories of my childhood include driving in the car with my dad, just...listening to music. Maybe that's where my passion for music stems from, who knows.


I think everyone has something that moves them. For some; it's sports, art, or simply a good conversation. But for me, it's music. A good song never fails to give me chills.


There's a song we've been singing at church the last month or so that I just love. It's a simple song, but says so much- especially during this time in my life. It's called "Come Away" by JesusCulture. I know nothing about JesusCulture and have never heard of them until yesterday when I googled the lyrics to the song we had been singing at church. One thing that I think this song makes such an impact because instead of your typical worship song where you're generally singing to God...this is a worship song written in the form of God speaking to you.


Enjoy.


"Come Away"

Come away with me,
Come away with me
It's never too late,
it's not too late
It's not too late for you

I have a plan for you
I have a plan for you
It's gonna be wild
It's gonna be great
It's gonna be full of me

Open up your heart and let me in






Love,
K

Lashleigh

In mid-March, after my trip to Arizona, Jonny and I hopped in the car and headed to Waco, TX for the wedding of two of our dearest friends. Lashleigh. Oh, sorry. I suppose I should explain. Lashleigh is their celebrity name, Ryan Laschober (aka Lash) and Ashleigh Reuter. All I know is, you have to pretty much be super awesome to have a celebrity couple name. End of story. Well, not exactly. Let's go back and relive the wonderful weekend. Starting from the beginning! PS- All these pictures were taken on my phone, so sorry for the poor(er) quality. We got to Dallas around 1am on Friday. Lucky for us, we got to see Jonny's brother, Phil-who happened to be passing through Dallas on spring break. (He got to go on a cruise! Not fair.) We went to breakfast at cafe Brasil. Delish.

Friday night after the rehearsal dinner everyone met up at Dancing Bear. (A local pub we use to hang out at in college.) I finally got to see my BFF, Becky, after 8 LONG months of separation. It. was. wonderful.

Saturday morning while the wedding party was doing their "thing" we walked the beartrail (aka BT) One of our favorite past times. It was very nostalgic.

Note: The BT goes around the entire campus, and is actually about 2.5 miles. It has mile markers throughout the trail, we just happened to take a picture at the 1 3/4 mile marker. :)

Oh. My. Word. If I actually had the words to express to you how much I love this place, I would. But, I can't. That's how awesome it is.

Around lunchtime we met up with Emily and Allison! ANNNNDDD decided we should go visit my little from tridelt, Callie. Callie just happens to live in the same house we did in college! Naturally, we had to take a pic. Missing two roomies: Lauren and Lindsey. :(

As we were sitting in the chapel waiting for the ceremony to start I got chills. Here I was...at one of my favorite, most cherished places on earth, in a beautiful chapel on Baylor's campus, about to watch two great friends get married, surrounded by more great friends. We are truly blessed.

The wedding ceremony was beautiful. Ryan and Ashleigh are truly perfect for one another. The Laschober family has always treated Jonathan and I like family, we are so blessed to have them in our lives.

This is Geoffrey. Not only is Geoffrey a dear friend of my husband's, but he's like my older brother.

The reception was at an old mansion in Waco. The afternoon was beautiful and perfect.

I love her. I love her. I love her.

Love.

These guys spent WAY too much time together in college; between all the "studying", and Frisbee playing. The result? The best of friends.

And....?

Not only was the reception beautiful, but they were also filming scenes for the new version of "The Great Gatsby". Oh, you didn't know they were making a new version? It's true. :)

If this picture doesn't scream "perfect love" to you, then you're not human.

Lashleigh, we love you guys SO stinkin' much. Thank you for making us a part of your special day. We are so stoked for you guys and can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for the two of you in the future. You guys are going to bless so many people through your marriage and life together.

Sunday morning tradition. Meet in Dallas at Le Madeleine for breakfast. :) This makes me happy. I'm so glad I got to see Lindsey before we had to head back to KC.

The end.

Love,

K

Update: Garden Project

Woohoo! Aren't you excited about another garden post? I know I am! Last weekend we worked our little buns off in our yard. Whew! It's a lot of work! Especially since our yard (mainly our backyard) is pretty much a forest. We live in an older neighborhood; so all the landscaping and trees are really grown up; which is great for the fall- not so much the other seasons. ;) Now I know why Jonny would come in from mowing the lawn during our first summer and say something like, " Ugh. We live in a forest!" or "Guess how many snakes I saw today?" or " I hate weeds!" :) Love you honey! Saturday I worked in the yard/painted our fireplace screen (pics of that to come!) while Jonny got to go target shooting at the range with his Dad and the boy he mentors, Delshawn. ( Delsean? Delshun?) He was a very polite young man, I'm so glad we finally got the chance to meet him! Sunday after church we ran errands and built our raised garden bed! It turned out wonderfully! I'm so glad I'm married to someone who can build things and is good with numbers, because I. Am. Not. I mainly played in the dirt while Jonny worked, but I did help some! ;) The mastermind behind the creation. Look at him. Safety goggles and all. He's so cute! SAFETY FIRST! I'm sure he would appreciate me explaining that he was using a circular saw, (at least I think that's what it's called) so there was dust and debris flying this way and that. Lila was definitely the most help of all. Thuuurrr she is!! Isn't she a beaut? Just wait til there is stuff sprouting up. I can't wait.

And then the sun set on the Kansas horizon. Lovely.

Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!

Love,

K

Before and After

Lila has looked like a homeless dog for the last few weeks. Okay, months. But, not anymore! :)

Poor Lila Bear before.

AND.....

AFTER!!! I think she lost 10 pounds. She loves her new summer do. Now she curls up in a tiny ball right on your lap. :)

Love,
K
(and Lila, too!)

Country Music

Did you watch the CMA's last night? I sure hope you did, there were some great performances. It reminded me why I love country music.

If you didn't see it, all you need to know is that Miranda Lambert rocked it. Her song, "The House that Built Me" won several awards. I think the success of the song can be attributed to the fact that so many people can relate to the lyrics. I get goosebumps, everytime. So in the spirit of the award winning song; here are the lyrics, along with a couple snapshots of the house that built me.

"I know they say you can’t go home again
I just had to come back one last time
Ma’am I know you don’t know me from Adam
But these handprints on the front steps are mine




Up those stairs in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
I bet you didn’t know under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard



I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself




If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me




Mama cut out pictures of houses for years
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
Nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama’s dream




I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself




If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me




You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am




I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me"


What builds you?


Love,
K