Girls

I grew up in a family of all girls.





It. Was. Awesome. (right, Dad?)





Granted, my sister and I had our fair share of "cat fights" during our teen years, I wouldn't change it for the world.





You want to know why? My mom and my sister are my two best friends.





Growing up my mom always said, "Friends may come and go, but family will always be there." Why are moms always right?

This picture was taken on our last girls trip, five years ago in New York City.

I am SO excited for this weekend/next week because I get to go on a girls trip with my mom and sister! We are going to Arizona and I can hardly wait. You know what makes it even better? It's going to be in the 80's...jealous? You should be. :)



We're going to go shopping.



We're going to go see the Grand Canyon.



We're going to go shopping.



We're going to drink wine by the pool.



We're going to go shopping.



We're going to get massages and facials.



We're going to go shopping.



We're going to relax.



We're going to go shopping.



We're going to have dance parties and laugh til we cry.



We're going to go shopping.



But most of all, we're going to enjoy every second we get to be together and the blessing God has given us...each other.

Did I mention we're going to go shopping? ;)



Thank you Lord, for my Mom and my Sister.


Hug your sister today. Biological or not. :)

Love,
K


PS- In my last post when I wrote "bumbed" I really meant "bummed". Silly me.

My Baylor Bears

Poor Baylor Bears. They didn't have a very good night last night. If you haven't heard already, one of our best players, Perry Jones, was suspended a few hours before the game yesterday against Oklahoma. It makes me really sad because we LOVE our Baylor Bears. It also makes me kind of mad because I think the NCAA can be full of (well, "stuff") sometimes. While I'm not going to sit hear and be that fan who makes up ridiculous excuses for their team's mishaps, I honestly don't think Perry had bad intentions. But, if they were I'll be the first to admit it's not okay. If we knew the whole (honest) truth I could say more, but we don't.

So for now, we're just bumbed. Here's to a better season next year!

Speaking for myself, I'm not a Baylor fan just for their athletics. Obviously, if that were the case...I probably wouldn't be a fan. ;) Baylor is WAY more than just athletics and only those who are a bear can really understand that. There truly is no other university like Baylor. I could go on and on for days about how much I love that place.

I met my best friends at Baylor.

I made some of my most cherished memories at Baylor. (Not to be confused with...wisest choices) ;)

I had INCREDIBLE professors at Baylor, who treated me like family and challenged me.

I met my husband at Baylor. :)

I told you, I could go on and on for days.

If I started bleeding right now, I would literally start oozing green and gold.

Thank you mom and dad, for not only funding my education ;) (which I am eternally grateful for) but for encouraging me to get outside my comfort zone. For believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. Thank you for raising me with the thought that I could get accepted to and attend any college I wanted.

My prayer is that one day we will be able to the same for our children. Although, let's be honest-I'm going to secretly hope, wish, and pray that they will be Baylor Bears. And until they're old enough to understand I will be dressing them head to toe in green and gold. (maybe Arkansas red, if the in-laws are lucky. maybe.) ;)

SIC'EM BEARS!

Love,

K

Garden

Spring is almost here! Are you excited? I sure am. Mr. Groundhog says spring is coming early this year. I guess that means I better start preparing for the approaching change of seasons.

Hello Lilly's, so glad you've decided to join us! We sure have missed your pretty face.

YUCK! I don't know what kind of bush/tree thingy this is, but it. is. UGLY. And it's in the front of our house. Not cool. It's pretty for about 2 weeks out of the year, when it gets small white/pink-ish blooms on the branches-that's it. I would LOVE to replace it with a Crape Myrtle.

Like this one! OOhhhh Ahhhhh, pppuuurrddy! You should see the Crape Myrtles in my Mom's and Granny's backyards. I don't know what their secret is but I hope they share it with me! (wink, wink- hint, hint...Mom)

Here's where I am thinking we will plant our vegetable garden. Our backyard doesn't get much sunlight because of all the HUGE trees, but this little spot does get sun. The arrow on the right is pointing to the last three pieces of our firewood. We've used the rest of it all up. Brr, it's been a cold winter.

I would like to take out that old bench that the previous owners left and refinish it. Surprisingly, it's in good condition, just needs a new coat of paint. I'm going to paint it green and gold, just like the benches and swings all around Baylor's campus. I think it will go perfectly in our basement, right next to the ping pong table.

For our garden I'm hoping to grow the following: tomato, squash, cucumber, lettuce, green beans, pumpkin, carrots and herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, chives-the usual. Maybe try some lavender as well.) Do you have any tips or suggestions for me?

I'll have to be careful with the wildlife in our backyard. Rabbits, snakes, squirrels (one of which I'm pretty sure is albino. creepy). I catch this guy roaming around sometimes. I wonder if he was the mastermind behind our tomato thief last year? I think he's our neighbors cat. He has never bothered us-but if he starts eating my veggies...I know where my husband keeps his .22! Just kidding...I think. ;)

Happy (almost) Spring!

Love,

K

Move.

Before you start freaking out; no, we're not moving. I wanted to take the opportunity and share with you what God is doing in our lives. I chose to title the post "move." because that has been a buzz word for me over the past month. Move. As in, take action. Or as the dictionary defines: to advance or progress; to be active in a particular sphere; to arouse or excite the feelings or passion of. MOVE.

A few Sundays ago, God really started tugging on my (our) heart(s) to start a small group with people from our church. It was during a series titled, "The Examined Life" that two sermons cause me to walk away from church feeling convicted and challenged. The sermons were entitled, "The Generous Life" and "The Redemptive Life". You can see the sermons by clicking here http://www.heartlandchurch.org/index.php/media/video/P2/ if you're interested.

I kept thinking about our wedding ceremony (I know, it sounds weird, but hear me out.) During our wedding ceremony, which was pretty much a blur, I remember one thing very clearly. I remember Pastor Truesdale and Mwalimu praying over Jonathan and I. I had goosebumps. They spoke and prayed so clearly about our mission as Christians and as a married couple. To serve Christ and spread the good news, providing open and loving arms to those in need and using our home as a place of refuge for the wounded and broken. That's it! I remember thinking during the prayer. In fact, if you watch the video from our wedding, you can actually see me nodding my head in agreement. Lord, use us- together as a union.

On the way home from church, mid conversation, I interrupted Jonathan (which I'm not saying is the right thing to do. :) ); "I think we should start a small group."

...

"I was kind of thinking the same thing." He said.

I won't bore you with the rest of the details, but let's just say God has been moving. Are we perfect Christ followers? DEFINITELY not. Do we make mistakes? Everyday. But to me, that's the beauty of a small group. Sharing in eachothers struggles and challenging one another in their walk with Christ.

Last night we got to meet up with a couple we've met through church to talk about starting/leading our small group. God is moving. And I am excited to continually keep you all updated on this new adventure in our life.

On a cheesier note: allow me to share with you one of my sources of strength, courage, and determination. These are my husbands hands. Aren't they handsome? (yes, hands can be handsome.) I remember the first time Jonathan reached over to grab my hand, he was walking me to my dorm one day after lunch. He has perfect hands.

See? As you can probably tell, these pictures were taken on our wedding day.

I love those hands. I love him.

We were holding hands the other day and I couldn't help but think about how much those hands, and the man they belong to :) bless me everyday.

He leads me with strong hands,

Stands up, when I can't.

He never leaves me hungry for love.

He shows me he's willing to fight,

And that I am the love of his life.

(If you listen to KLove, you probably know I altered the lyrics to a song they play a lot.) ;) Sorry, I like my version better.

I hope you know my husband. If you don't, I personally think you're are missing out. Majorly. He is the HARDEST worker I know. The thing that I love the most and annoy me the most about him is the same, his determination. He is kind, remarkably intelligent (and not in a crazy nerd kind of way), compassionate, generous, loving, loyal, and dedicated. I could go on, but I don't want to be responsible for any sort of nausiousness. ;) He's extremely good looking, too. Oh sorry, nausiousness, got it.

Have you told the person you love today, how much you love them? And WHY? Do it. You don't need a special day or reason to tell them.

Love,

K

Sneak Peak (we LOVE visitors!)

This past weekend two of our most favorite people drove ALL the way from Dallas, Texas to KC to visit us! Can you believe it? We have the greatest friends! They continue to bless our lives even though we are separated by hundreds of miles.

I will post more pictures of our weekend later, but Lauren always takes better photos than me. We will be doing a post together soon. :) Enjoy the sneak peak!

Me and Lon with Lila Bear. Such a bittersweet moment as this was about an hour before they had to leave.

Thank you Lauren and Geoff for being such faithful and loyal friends! You bless our lives in ways you will never know. We had SO much fun with you guys!

This time last year, these guys came and visited us too. We just love our friends!

On that note, I leave you with a couple verses that truly express how much our friends mean to us!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10~Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Romans 12:10~Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Love,

K

PS- I'm starting to get better at posting! Aren't you proud? :)

Three Years Ago...

On this day, three years ago, I was scribbling notes on the back of a Starbucks receipt for my "Maid of Honor toast" I was about to make in roughly 3 hours. (I work best under pressure. Okay, I'm a procrastinator). But, more importantly...it was my sister's wedding day! What a joyous day! I will never forget all the memories that were made that day. I especially will never forget the happiness I saw in my sister's and brother-in-law's eyes when they said, "I do".

Jen- I am SO blessed beyond belief to have you as a sister. But you and I both know we're not just sister's, we're best friends. Thank you for ALWAYS being there for me when I need to whine, cry, laugh, or just talk. I cherish our, pretty much, daily phone calls. I have always looked up to you, and feel so blessed to have an example like you to show me what it's like to be a truly amazing and Godly wife. Anyone who knows you senses your love for Christ and how you seek his will for your life daily. I love you.

Brant- I couldn't have asked for a more awesome brother. I love how you have simply been the perfect man or my sister. God's timing and plans are so perfect. You can make Jenny smile, and laugh like I've never seen before. The two of you truly are, better together. (Que Jack Johnson song...now!) :)

1 John 4:18- There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.

Catching up

Hello friends and family! Let's catch up on what Mr. Crabtree and I have been up to these days. Are you ready? Here we go!

WARNING: All pictures are out of order. :) Gotta keep ya on your toes.

January 8th we married off two of our favorite people in the world, Travis and Lindsay. What an honor it was for us to be a part of their special day. It was a day filled with love, worship, friends, and all things Texas. What a beautiful weekend. Thank you to the Cooper's and Foreman's for their hospitality, generousity and making us all feel like family.
Isn't he handsom? I'm one lucky gal.

Best Friends. We love our Baylor Family. No really. It's kind of out of control how much we love these people.

Mr. and Mrs! Literally on their way out the door from their reception and I realized we hadn't even gotten ONE picture with them all weekend! I'm so glad we snapped this at the last second!

On our way down to the wedding Jonny surprised me with a little birthday side trip to Amarillo. We stayed at a beautiful bed and breakfast and got to do some hiking in Palo Duro Canyon.

Absolutely gorgeous. And, the weather was perfect. :)

Mid-January we got to celebrate Caleb's FIRST birthday. I'm sorry. Did you say one WHOLE year? I don't believe it. Where did all that time go?

Ummm...I'm not sure what's going on in this picture, but what I am sure of is that it's probably hillarious. I think Aunt Katie and Aunt Kaleigh (say that 10 times fast.) are encouraging Caleb to eat more cake. ;)

The birthday boy with (almost) all his Aunts and Uncles. (we missed you Uncle Brian and Uncle Paul!)

Oh. And I turned 24 on the 5th. And guess what I got....

A BIKE!!!! I'm super stoked. Now I can go on bike rides with my sweetie. :) Bikes always remind me of my Grandma honey. One of her favorite songs was "Bicycle built for two". Such a sweet song.

A few Sundays ago Jonny and I took an afternoon trip to the farm. He went scouting while I sat in the car with Lila and read "The Pioneer Woman." Simply wonderful.

My huntin' man. Now all he needs is a black lab. :) oh, and a truck.

CHRISTMAS! No, I haven't forgotten about it. Here are a few pics. (More like several.)

Christmas at the Crabtree's. Caleb got a radio flyer little red wagon from his Crabtree Aunts and Uncles.

Although, He seemed to like the little blue camping cup my mom got for him more. ;)

Three huntin' amigos.


Christmas morning with my family:

Dad got Jen and I bracelets from Tiffany's with a lock charm on them. And my mom got a Tiffany's necklace with the key. Such a special gift that we will forever cherish.

If you don't think that's cute, you must not have a soul.

Me and my honey Christmas morning.

This just in: Dad is officially a fiji. He has mastered the front tuck.

Lucy girl. Her favorite spot, by the fire.

Christmas Eve we celebrate at my Granny's house with my Mom's side of the family.

All the grand-kids. Some are happy, some are sad, some aren't sure how they feel. :)

And every Christmas eve we eat lunch at central dairy. Hot dogs and ice cream. YUM!

At dixon's chili in Lee's Summit for lunch. Best. Chili. Ever.

Jonny and I celebrated Christmas early. We opened presents before we went to go see the Nutcracker, compliments of our friend Karen, who works for the Kansas City Ballet. Thanks again, Karen!

Me and Lila bear in front of our tree.

Oh, and I'm not sure if you heard. But, a couple weeks ago mother nature thought it would be fun do dump a feet or two of snow on us. Thanks mother nature!

Yea, you best be yielding.

And don't worry. Apparently engineers are crazy and go to work when no one else does... Over acheivers.

One Saturday morning Jonny and I woke up to find our backyard filled with beautiful birds. Cardinals, blue jays, robins, woodpeckers, finches. We're not sure why, but it was awesome.

Hi cute little birdie!

Lastly, I want to introduce you to Libby.

I know what you're thinking. "How cool! You got another dog!" Wrong. She was ours for a couple of days until we gave her to a family who lost their dog right before Christmas. She's a gorgeous dog. Half Irish-setter and Yellow Lab. She now lives out in the country on lots of land so she can run and play all day! :)

Thanks for tuning in. Hope you enjoyed catching up with us as much as I did!