Before the Storm

I love taking pictures of the weather or just clouds. I feel they are a beauty that Heavenly Father gave us. Here are some of the sky from my backyard, just before the storm that hit Arizona on Thanksgiving evening, the colors are amazing!

Holiday Boutique

My sister in law is doing this...It is aways to drive but she says it will be worth it!

Flashback Friday

This flashback Friday was spend in bed...we all got a stomach virus for Thanksgiving this year Blah...........................I'll try again next Friday.

Phoenix Arizona Temple

The place for the Phoenix Arizona Temple has be announced. Check it out at http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/announced/

I figured it out, it is only 26.5 miles from my house, 26 minutes to drive. So looking forward to see what it will look like, beautiful I am sure!

Wacky Wednesday!

I saw someone do this on there blog and thought it was cute...you take a wacky picture, whether it be of your family or a friend or something you see on the web and tell about it. So here goes!

This is of my oldest grandson Skyler, he was on this kick for awhile that every picture you took of him, this was his face......He really is a cute boy when not making a face.

Getting Close!

So the big day is getting closer....Everyone is coming....we are awaiting the new arrival....and we can't wait to see what all comes with it! Our minds are playing tricks on us as we all try and figure out??? Who is the biggest.......................Ok so you are all wondering what in the heck is she taking about! I am talking about THANKSGIVING DAY!

We always have thanksgiving at our house for the whole family, we will be missing a few members this year but are glad they will be having their own little thanksgiving day.

I hope all of you have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Getting Back To Normal

I was thinking this morning that there wasn't going to be anymore crying at the drop of a pin....and I was saying to myself, I have got to get back to normal! I also than thought, "What is normal?" Is it going on about my very day life, half ready to do what is expected of me? The washing, cleaning, running around like a chicken with my head cut off on a way to busy day? Forgetting something when I walk into a room and then have to turn back around and try and remember what it was. Hoping that I get everything done in 1 day instead of having to put it at the top of my next days list because I couldn't achieve what I was trying to get done! Is it not taking the time to stop and fall on my knees to thank my Heavenly Father for all that he has given me? This isn't normal.....A young man has taught me recently by his amazing example, that it is time to get normal. Take the time to stop and fill my life with the spirit of my Heavenly Father, to love others no mater what with unconditional love, to open my eyes to the scriptures and to let it fill my soul with great promises that my Heavenly Father promised me if I were to live my life to the fullest. To fall on my knees when I need that extra help or whenever I need him. To return with honor to be able to return to him and be proud of myself for I had Endured To The End. I had lived my life well, I had taught my children the right way, I had shown the right examples to my grandchildren, that I had treated my spouse like a king and made a palace for him. I had left my home a place were Heavenly Father could come and be pleased. I am a Daughter of God and I want to make my Father in Heaven pleased with me and my choices. What is normal to you?

Loving Memories

Today was Lorin's funeral, what a wonderful day it was. There was so many that came to remember him and honor him, the stake center was full. We laughed, we cried and we remembered. What an amazing young man my nephew was. My brother gave his life sketch, what a tribute. This young man brought forth a great mission while he struggled for 3 months and now is doing the Lords work as a missionary on the other side. ETTE (Endure To The End) was Lorin's motto and he did that well...

What A Wonderful Tribute

Tonight was the playoff game for Queen Creek High school. Before the game, they let off 62 red balloons and also the number 62 gold inflated mylars balloons. They also retired Lorin football number, 62. Today at school everyone and when I say everyone I mean it, wore Lorin's favorite color "RED". The game was dedicated to Lorin and all proceeds are going to his family. The school also made playoff shirts and had Lorin's number put on the back. What a wonderful tribute to such a wonderful person. I will miss Lorin more than ever, but through faith and living right I will see him again. Thank you Lorin for your strong spirit and example to me. I love you!

Flashback Friday ~Zoo

Chris and his family came down from Safford to visit so we decided to make a trip to the Phoenix Zoo. Ava had never been before and she loves animals. We had a really good time!

Lorin's Funeral

Lorin's Funeral will be:
Saturday November, 22nd
10 A.M.
@ the LDS Stake Center
2715 E. Ocotillo
(next to Queen Creek High School)

He Will Not Be Forgotten

I just wanted to let you know that my nephew lost his battle with cancer tonight. He was surrounded by Loving Family and Loving Friends. Please remember his family in your prayers for the next while, they will need all the support. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers in behalf of them so far, it is greatly appreciated more than you will ever know.

Pray For Lorin

Written by LeAnn, Lorin's Mom 11/18/08

Last night after x rays of Lorin's chest we found out what we had feared most. The tumors in Lorin's lungs have grown therefore making it hard for him to breathe. This nasty cancer is taking over his body and there is nothing we can do about it. Dr Watanabe talked to Lorin about it and told him he didn't advise putting his body through any more chemo. He is sending us home today with Hospice. This is a very hard thing to face but with the Lord's help I'm sure we'll be fine. Please pray for Lorin not to suffer any more than he already has. He's a fighter and didn't want to go to sleep last night. After midnight he pleaded with us to put him in his wheelchair and take him for a ride. We asked him where he wanted to go and he said "anywhere, just please get me up and get me out of here". We knew that it would be especially hard for him but we did it. We took him down stairs to the cafeteria where he decided he wanted a sprite and lays potato chips. He hadn't been able to eat all day so we got them then took him to a table to eat, but by then he was hurting too bad and wanted to get back to his bed. He never did eat but he thanked us for taking him anyway. We got him settled back into bed but he fought going to sleep until around 3:00 this morning. We had pulled another bed next to him and held him close as I sang primary hymns, letting him know we weren't leaving him and it would be alright. Right now he is still sleeping and fairly peacefully. For that I am so very grateful.

Such Strength

Written by his mother LeAnn:

We had a really rough weekend, mainly because Lorin's breathing continued to get worse which made him very weak. We got him on oxygen so that his levels would stay up but he still struggled. As many of you probably know nothing is worse than struggling for air. He wouldn't let us take him to the Emergency room he said he would wait until his appointment Monday morning. Lorin had decided that he wanted to be made an "Elder" on Sunday evening and was determined to not let anything get in the way. Many times on Sunday we weren't sure it was going to happen but through faith prayers and a blessing he made it and we witnessed a very special and tender ordination right here in our home.
We are at the clinic right now waiting for a bed so Lorin can be admitted to the hospital. He has fluid on the lungs again so we need to get that drained and him doing well before any more chemo will start. They are keeping him comfortable and that is what Craig and I pray for most. We don't want him to have to struggle for each and every breath. That is very hard to watch. He's such a trooper.

Look What She Did!

Madison has been after Bill and I to let her plant a garden since we moved into our house. Well Grandma Jennie gave her some grow boxes and away Madison went planting Tomatoes and Peppers...Today was her first harvest, she picked her first tomato out of the 15 that are still on the vine. She was so excited and I can tell you she is a SUPER gardener! The tomato was delicious, so juicy...Mmmmmmmmm!!!

He Made It!

He made it! Yep, that's right, Lorin finally made it to the football game last night. It wasn't easy and he was hurting pretty bad but he was determined to support his good buddies so he said a prayer then said to Craig and I "OK, I'm ready to do this so let's getter done". We came right after halftime and Lorin had a very warm reception as they led us out onto the field and the announcer welcomed him and everyone started clapping and shouting his name...LORIN, LORIN, LORIN! I have to admit, it brought tears to my eyes. Lorin just had the biggest grin and waved to the crowd. He loved being there and sat on the sidelines watching some great plays (up close and personal). He was hoping to make it to the end of the game so he could slap the teams hands but the pain got too intense and he had to leave when there was about 3 1/2 minutes left. The score was 27-10 and we were winning!! They went on to get another touch down making the final score 35-10 "BULLDOGS" and advancing to the quarterfinals. As hard as it was, he was so glad that he went and wishes the team the best of luck in the next round. Lorin will more than likely be back in the hospital next week so he will have to cheer on the team from there.
I also want to mention that each week they raffle off the game football to earn money for the team but this week they gave the proceeds of $432 to Lorin. On top of that the person that won the football also gave that to Lorin. We continue to be blessed by such wonderful acts of kindness and feel a great love from all of you. Thanks so much! Our hearts are full.
LeAnn

Today we are going to go and visit Lorin. Madison had been REALLY wanting to go and see him. I will post pictures later.

Flashback Friday ~The Crawford Men

This is a picture of Bill and his brothers and father. We were living in East Mesa ( I believe it was 2004, right Stacie ?) and had a get together at Bill brother Mikes house. His wife Stacie takes really good pictures, so she snapped one of all the guys...pictured is from left to right. Mike,Bill,George (Bill's Father),Lewis and Doug.

Lorin

(by LeAnn)

Yesterday was not a good day... but today proved to be much better. A while ago Lorin's room was filled wall to wall with football players coming to bolster him up for the first big playoff game at home tomorrow. Toni Call even made him a sweatshirt to wear that says "We Can, We Must, We Will . . . Bulldog Football", with #62 on it. Lorin was loving that the team and Coach LeBlanc would do this for him and is hoping with everything in him that the pain in his hip will go away just long enough to be able to sit in his wheelchair and come to the game at least for a while. He had quite a grin on his face after everyone had gone and to tell you the truth I don't know how anyone was smiling with as hot as that room got with all those bodies in it but they were all laughing and having a good time. Thanks team Bulldogs and a special thanks to Toni, you are a sweetheart.

Lorin starts another round of Chemo this Monday. Please keep him in your prayers, thanks...

My Kids

After months of brain racking, hair pulling and just loosing our minds...Brittany and I remembered the passwaord to get into my kids blog. So go take a look and see what has changed. It might take awhile to get it all done but we are up and running with new, news!

http://www.thecrawford5.blogspot.com/

18 days!

We are soooo excited! Our son Jamie will be home to Alaska from Iraq. He has been gone for over a year and I am sure his wife and 3 boys will have a wonderful reunion. Wish I could be there also, but I will be able to see him in June of 2009.

We are asking all the family and who ever else would like too, to send a card or a quick note to him to welcome him home; I know Jamie would really appreciate it.

If you don't have his address just email me and I will get it to you. Welcome Home Jamie!!!

Ok here by popoular demand...

My kids that don't live here have been asking me to post pictures of the surgery aftermath, so here goes! It really isn't that bad. I did get up and vacuum the floor today, bad choice but I am going to go and rest after this.

Now in the first picture you can't look at my hair, HEY!!! I said , No looking? You know men, they just can't help when it comes to the hair, but since I can't lift my arms high enough, this is it for now, not sure what going to happen come Sunday going to church...yikes! (I need Diana. to do my hair...)

Hello To The Outside World !

Thank you to Brittany for taking over the last couple of blogs on here. I wasn't able to get to the computer til today. (LA LA MOO!)

I had my visit with my doctor and he said I was doing really well. He took x rays and they looked really good. He also says that the droop in my left eye looks better than it was and that all should go back to normal soon. He gave the ok for a shower! It was so WONDERFUL, I never knew one could feel so good. Now the next task is to get out of this neck brace.
I am still eating mushy foods, jello,mashed potatoes and gravy,mac/cheese, sherbet ice cream, juices. I have lost 5 pds. since the surgery, which is good, so if your looking for a sure way to loose weight, just have neck surgery and follow diet up top! LOL
Can't wait to eat a good burger from Island Burger and Fries! Yum yum........
Thank you for all of you asking and for the meals brought in while I was in the hospital, they were greatly appreciated!

Update on Me...

Everything is going good & I am home now. I am starting to eat soup and drink juice. They have put me on some good drugs. I only take them when I am in alot of pain. If anyone would like to come by or call that would be great to talk with you. Just please call first to make sure that I am up... Thanks again for all the prayers and food...

Surgery

The surgery went well. I've been able to sit up today and started eating mushy foods. I don't know if I can go home today but hopefully tomorrow... I am at the Thunderbird Hospital in Room # 373 if you want to call and talk... Thank you for all the prayers and food that has been given to us...

Early Flashback Friday...

Here we are again, it's not Friday...LOL

I have chosen to put different baby pictures on here see if you know who they are?

Take a wild guess.....

Here we go again!

Well we are going to try this again...Tomorrow morning is when I go to have surgery on my neck. I will be coming home on Wednesday sometime, if all goes well. I won't be able to talk for about a week, which when I told Bill he started to say, " Well that means that I," and he stopped. I think he did because of the look I was giving him, I also told him not to finish that sentence. LOL

I will have Brittany come on here and give you all an update to how I am doing. Thank you to all of you that has been here for support! Love to all.....

Happy Birthday

A very Happy Birthday to my nephew Brandon who is on a mission. It won't be long before he is home. We miss you, but know you are doing the Lords work. So Happy Birthday Elder Merkley from all us Crawford's!

(sorry the picture isn't that great, he is a good looking guy!)

Lorin came Home!

Lorin was able to come home the other day...he is so happy to be home! As many other family members are glad to have him home. We haven't been able to go see him yet, due to Madison and the girls having the sniffles. Hopefully it will be soon, we miss him sooooo much!
There is a a blog site set up for him. http://www.lorinmerkley.blogspot.com/
There are pictures and fundraiser information. There is a fundraiser run (London's Run) on January 31, 2009, if I am entering (2 mile run) you can too! www.londonsrun.org
Again thank you to all of you that have written or have had Lorin and his family in your thoughts and prayers, it is appreciated more than you know. In the picture is my oldest brother Craig and my nephew Lorin.

It only took over a year....Ha Ha

Ok no laughing! It only took me over a year to get a curtain in my front bathroom. I wanted my front bathroom to be elegant and pretty, but when it is also Madison's bathroom I had to compromise. So we went with flowers. Well today I finally got my curtain put up (thanks to my mother in law for her sewing skills!) It matches the shower curtain, I think it looks pretty nice, now it will get painted with in the next year after I decided on a color....ha ha ha ha

Double the Birthday's

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Zoe's birthday was yesterday (Halloween) and Audriq's birthday is today!!! They are growing up so fast...Grandma wishes you both a BIG HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY!

Still in Hospital - Lorin

Written by LeAnn:
The blood and platelets didn't get here until after 7:00 last night but Lorin still wanted to go home when they were finished even though it would be late. Craig and I were fine with waiting if that meant he could all be finally at home together once again. They got started with the transfusion and Craig and I packed his room and took everything down to the car, then tried to get a little shut eye while we waited. He was finished around 1:00 am but when she took his vitals one last time he had spiked a fever. Knowing we wanted to go home she took his temp several times with different thermometers to make sure it was correct, which it was. Needless to say he was not able to come home so I sent Craig home to get a little sleep before going to work.
We thought we would be coming home this morning but after taking blood, his white count was way too low and they said it is to dangerous, so he couldn't go home today. I can't tell you how disappointed he is, it breaks my heart to see the sorrow of once again missing out on a game and "Halloween" (the one thing that he has looked forward to since he came in this time). I'm not sure where all the tears are coming from but I definitely should have lost some weight by now, maybe even anorexic!!!!! If his counts go up by tomorrow then he will possibly be able to go home then, but we're not counting on it. Bulldogs Lorin is rooting for you and wishes you all the best tonight. Give the other team a scary finish and have a Happy Halloween!