The Cranford Family

Beating the Heat!

2010-06-27T22:40:00.006-05:00

Playing in the sprinkler on a hot sunny day...

I think she had more fun draging the water hose all over the yard and filling up her bucket full of water and then dumping it down her belly :-).

Asher trying to stay cool in the only shade spot!

An Ordinary Day...Just a Swinging

2010-06-17T23:31:00.006-05:00

Asher 9 months...first time in the swing
Amesley 9 months...first time in the swing
Growing FAST...Amesley 32.5 months

Asher 9 months

Amesley 9 months

Growing FAST...Amesley 32.5 months

We can get so busy in the "ordinary day". That we fail to see THIS is what life is all about...enjoying the blessings God has given us and glorying in Our Great Lord and Savior.

This video blessed me, and helps serve as a reminder of the "ordinary moments" that make up our lives and how we should treasure them now before they are memories of bygone days. Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0&sns=em

A friend of mine sent me this excerpt from the The Flourishing Mother Blog(http://flourishingmother.blogspot.com/) awhile back and it is a great reminder to remember what is important in life. See excerpt below:

I can serve all the healthy and organic food to my kiddos I can possibly serve, but if I have not love I am "a clanging symbol."

I can preach "mini-sermons" to my kids when they "mess up" every. single. time. --but if I have not love I am "a clanging symbol."

I can home school my children, keep a clean house for them, and read the Bible to them every day--but if I have not love I am "a clanging symbol."

Instead of condemnation...choose grace.

Instead of control...grace.

Instead of rules, choose relationship....grace.

In all things...grace.

This is my prayer:

Lord may I remember...I love because you first loved me

Lord may I remember...life is but a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow

Lord may I remember...to glory in my Redeemer, who paid it all at Calvary.

Lord may I remember...to rejoice in all, I say it again REJOICE!

Lord may I remember...to soak up all these precious times.

9 Months with the Doggie

2010-06-17T22:14:00.003-05:00

Crawling Away...

Meeting Great Me-maw Irby

Lots of new things going on this month...

second tooth is in
tasting finger foods like cheerios and Puffs
took a 12.5 hour car trip to Atlanta, GA for Cousin Courtney's Wedding
Met lots of new family...Me-maw Irby, Uncle Allen, Aunt Ginny, Cousin Eric, Cousin Courtney and Cousin Adam
Jibber jabbering all the time and making boy noises like a bear "growling" and a car "motor"
Crawling everywhere! When you are crawling you make a whistling noise :-)
You are 17 lbs 9 oz and 27.5 inches long. You are wearing a size 6-9 month.
You love to make a "fish face"
You love to be held by mommy and now when you want Mommy to hold you - you come crying and crawling to my feet to be picked up.

We are going to miss you Abby...

2010-06-09T00:15:00.007-05:00

Christmas 2009
Amesley and Abby 2008

Christmas 2005

Mom and Abby

Dad and Abby

Abby passed away June 6, 2010 at the age of 8.5 years. Up until about 10 days earlier she had been a healthy dog. She went into the vet on May 27th after vomiting all night. The vet thought she had pancreatitis. On Friday, a specialist was called in to perform an ultrasound; however, all the test run on her were inconclusive. Her platelet counts were very low which may have indicated a possible lymphoma.

We have lots of memories with Abby over the course of the passed 8.5 years. The last few days have been tearful. We have been remembering all of our great memories with our "bruiser" as we called her. We will greatly miss Abby...

sitting on the couch with me as I do my bible study

laying under the desk at night as we work on our computers

scooting on her belly across the floor

running to the kitchen at the sound of a cereal bag opening or the refrigerator opening
barking at the trash bag as Wayne shakes it to put it in the trash can
chasing squirrels in the back yard

dodging "landmines" in the back yard:-)

sunbathing in the window or at the storm door

greeting us at the door as we arrive home

watching out the storm door as we go out to get the mail

barking at the doorbell or the people who walk by

waiting at the kids door as we lay them down to bed

cleaning the floors under the kidos seats :-)

squeezing between the cabinet and my legs as I cook to make sure nothing falls on the floor

squeaking a toy as if to say "let's play"

playing chase around and around the couch

giving you your weekly "Tuesday Bath"
running after "tissue paper balls" at birthday parties and Christmas

snoring and making noises in her kennel beside our bed at night

WE LOVE YOU ABBY!!!!!!

It's OFFICIAL...Asher is moblie!

2010-06-03T21:57:00.004-05:00

Mom, you better put on your running shoes. Now we have two busy bees :-) Asher started crawling all over today! Prior to today he would crawl 1-2 feet and then flatten out on his belly...now he is going from one room to another!

Amesley's First Hair Cut

2010-05-12T22:49:00.004-05:00

Before the Cut

Getting it cut!

The Finished Do

After the Cut!

Amesley got her FIRST hair cut yesterday. We went to a place called Pigtails and Crew cuts. As you can see in the picture, she was able to select if she wanted to sit in a firetruck, police car, plane or a taxi while she got her hair cut. Amesley was very still and quiet during the hair cut...this could have something to do with the sucker in her mouth :-)

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-12T22:20:00.003-05:00

Remebering the years we prayed that God would give us children- and praying I will never forget those years of waiting on the Lord. Thank you, Lord for THE MESSAGE COLIN SMITH gave, which provided a precious reminder of learning to wait.

He said:
"If there is one thing in your life that you particularly long for and it is not yet there and may never be there. That more than anything else is the place where you can demonstrate that you Love God for God and not just God for His gifts. In the abundance of what God has given to you, take the one thing you long for the most and offer it to Him as worship and it will transform disappointment into praise. It will make a great change for the Glory of God at a deep place in your life."

I thank God for the sweet blessings He has given us, in Amesley and Asher. I am a living example of this verse "He makes the barren woman abide in the house, As a... joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 113:9) Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow! Thank you Lord for shaping me into your image through trails...may I find great joy in trails of life!

8 Months with the Doggie

2010-05-12T21:55:00.006-05:00

Asher has many new accomplishments this month...

attempting to clap

saying "Ma Ma"

first tooth-right lower incisor

first ear infection

playing peekaboo by holding your cloth diaper over your head

not crawling yet but up on all fours and rocking...look out!

you are enjoying books more...you think they taste good too :-)

Spring Time Fun with Amesley

2010-04-08T11:31:00.009-05:00

Decorating a cookie with gum drops and M&M.

Licking the sprinkles off my fingers.

Look at my pretty egg.

Enjoying the finished product. YUM YUM!! Thanks Meems for sending my cookie decorating kit. Luvs you Meems!

Drawing circles on the sidewalk and hopping in and out. Amesley says, "hop-it, hop-it."

Enjoying a Popsicle on a warm spring day! Thank you God for the beauty in creation!

7 Months with the Doggie

2010-04-07T21:39:00.007-05:00

Yesterday-Asher turned 7 months old! This month he has been enjoying the world of food. We have worked our way through the veggies and just this week we've started fruit. The only thing he has turned his nose up to is the rice cereal...can't blame him it taste like cardboard to me :-) I have been making Asher's baby food. I didn't do this with Amesley because the thought of it just overwhelmed me. However, I have found it to be fairly easy and nice to have the food frozen in portions sizes that we use. He is also trying to learn how to get the liquid out of a cup. He has not figured out the tilting it back yet...instead we just chew on the spout.

Asher is now sitting and even able to catch himself sometimes when he falls to the side. He is also getting up into all fours and staying in that position for 1 minute before laying back down. Asher loves to stick his tongue out and spit. He is very aware of his environment now and becomes upset when mommy leaves the room. Asher loves his sister, Amesley. When he sees her or she talks to him he smiles soooo BIG. I pray this love will continue to grow as they grow older. Thank you God for our "Little Asher Man"!

Yum...Yum Rice Cereal

2010-03-07T23:25:00.004-06:00

Asher was very excited to taste his first bites of food. He was so intense. He would grab the spoon from me as if to say I was not feeding him fast enough.

Six Months with the Doggie

2010-03-07T23:06:00.004-06:00

It is hard to believe that Asher turned 6 months old yesterday...half of a year has gone by since he was born...WOW! This month has been busy with lots of new things to report. Asher is now rolling everywhere! It is his mode of transportation these days. When I lay him down and come back in the room he has sometimes rolled across the room. Asher has also started making lots of "boy" noises...growling and grunting. Asher enjoys sitting up but still needs some support. He can sit unsupported for a few seconds but then crashes :-) His feet are a new toy these days. Asher also loves standing and playing with all the toys in his exersaucer. Asher is such a happy fella and loves to smile. He also loves to get attention by fake coughing and then smiling when someone looks his way. Thank you Lord for the blessing of Children!

I Don’t Want My Children To Be Happy

2010-03-03T23:04:00.002-06:00

This is a great reminder that happiness is found in happenings and true joy is found in God our Saviour Jesus Christ! It is my prayer that Amesley and Asher would be content and holy not seeking after happiness that is only fleeting...Check out this great post where true love for your child is explained http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-dont-want-my-children-to-be-happy.html

A Winter Wonderland!

2010-02-09T11:19:00.005-06:00

We have had quite a bit of winter weather here in Arkansas this year! Over the past 6 wks we have had three different opportunity to see sleet or snow! The most recent was yesterday. We woke up to snow covered houses, yards, cars, and streets. To our surprise, it snowed all morning...often very big snowflakes! We got 2-4 inches of SNOW! Enough to build a snowman :-) After building our snowman, we came inside for a warmer activity...coloring.

Asher's Baby Dedication

2010-02-08T22:29:00.008-06:00

On Sunday Feb 7th, before our family and the BCLR church body, Wayne and I committed to the God-given joy of parenting. We will seek, as God enables us, to teach our children the Word of God (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), and to endeavor to be a model of Christ likeness for them (1 John 2:6). It is our prayer that we will faithfully teach our children about OUR GREAT GOD as we rise up, as we go on our way and as we lay down. We were blessed to have our family join us in this celebration of the life God gave us...ASHER man!

5 Months with the Doggie

2010-02-08T22:04:00.003-06:00

Asher turned 5 months on Sat. He is very busy these days rolling everywhere and sitting and standing with support. He loves to talk, squeal and giggle. He enjoys playing with toys. He also loves to put anything in his mouth...a finger, clothes, cloth diapers, blankets, toys, blocks. Although he loves to suck on his pacy, he also loves to "play" with it. He eats the handle, chews on the nipple, takes it in and out of his mouth...what a GREAT toy! Asher gets really excited and moves his arms and legs and make noises when he anticipates someone picking him up. It is so cute! He is such a blessing from the Lord and we are thankful that the Lord gave him to us!

Amesley's Christmas Dress

2009-12-07T16:46:00.001-06:00

Two weeks ago we put up our Christmas Tree. Amesley is enjoying all the snowman ornaments. But her favorite thing was putting up her "silver sparkle tree" in her room. The best part about the day was letting Amesley climb up on a chair and put each character in the manger as we read the Christmas story in the board book "Christmas in the Manger".

Three Months with Doggie

2009-12-06T22:57:00.004-06:00

It is hard to believe that Asher has been a part of our family for three months already. He is such a joy. He laughs with his whole body. He loves to smile when you talking to him. He is starting to grasp his hands together and roll to both sides. If his arms didn't get in the way I think he could roll over from his back to his belly :-) We love you Asher!

Amesley Says Her ABC's

2009-11-20T22:31:00.002-06:00

Well it has been some time since the last post I know, but I was inspired by two friends who have posted video recently.

Mournfully, Rejoicing Granny Ames' Home Going

2009-05-24T22:06:00.004-05:00

On May 1, 2009 Granny Ames, who Amesley is named after, went to be with the Jesus she loved . She had been fighting lung cancer for just over a year. The service was a great tribute to Granny and the Jesus she loved. One of the most special parts of the service was the solo "Do You Know My Jesus?" As the song was sung it was special to think back about sweet Granny and how this was her mission & prayer for her family...that we would KNOW HER JESUS and believe in The Savior and King who died in our place that we might have life everlasting. Here are the words to that song:

Have you a heart that's weary,

Tending a load of care;

Are you a soul that's seeking

Rest from the burden you bear?

Chorus

Do you know (do you know) my Jesus?

Do you know (do you know) my Friend?

Have you heard (have you heard) He loves you?

And that He will abide till the end? (till the end?)

Where is your heart, oh pilgrim,

What does your light reveal;

Who hears your call for comfort

When naught but sorrow you feel?

Chorus

Who knows your disappointments,

Who hears each time you cry;

Who understands your heartaches,

Who dries the tears from your eyes?

Chorus

What a comfort to know that Granny Ames is now face to face with the Jesus she knew and loved. We are praising the Lord that Amesley and I were able to spend a week visiting Granny about 5 days before her passing. We love you Granny and Jesus does too!

Give Thanks to the Lord!

2008-11-12T17:17:00.003-06:00

Over the past several week, the fall leaves have been a wonderful reminder to me of how we see the Lords mighty works even in His creation. My favorite song right now is "How Great You Are" by Phillips, Craig and Dean. One verse of the song speaks especially about the seasons God created so uniquely.

A million snowflakes gently fall, yet not two are the same.

The colors fill the canvas of the season as they change.

And everywhere I look, I see your hand.

Why you would love someone like me, I'll never understand.

And, I'm amazed. I'm so amazed.

How great You are, how small I am.

How awesome is Your mighty hand.

And I am captured by the wonder of it all.

And I will offer up my praise, with all my heart, for all my days.

How great You are. How great You are. How great You are.

I am thankful to God that we see in color and can enjoy the beauty of His creation and that we have seasons to enjoy!

True Women Conference 2008

2008-10-15T21:16:00.004-05:00

Last weekend I traveled to Chicago for a National Women's Conference. This was the first time I left Amesley. It was hard to leave, but I knew she was in good hands.

There were 6,000 women in attendance at this conference. I had a great opportunity to travel with two other dear friends from my church. We had a great time of learning, fellowship, dinning & shopping

We were challenged by John Piper, Joni Eareckson Tada, Karen Loritts, Mary Kassian, Janet Parshall, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and others. Here are a few quotes from conference speakers that are worth repeating:
“Women who stand when everything under them gives way have powerful theology,” John Piper.

“In every situation God is always doing a thousand different things you cannot see and do not know,” John Piper.

“I resolved three things: I will not embarrass my husband, I will not embarrass my God, I will not embarrass myself. Instead of listening to myself and how I feel, I need to talk to myself of the truth,” Karen Loritts.

“If you want your diamond in your engagement ring to really shine, you get out a toothbrush and give that jewel a good scrub. And a real jewel is a lot tougher than it looks. God knows the same is true with us. We are not as delicate as we may think. He is not afraid to give us a good scrub knowing we will shine more brightly for Jesus in the end,” Joni Eareckson Tada.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-08T21:48:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we went to a birthday party at the Schaefer & Collins Pumpkin Patch in Mayflower, AR. Amesley enjoyed a hayride, looking at animals, playing on the playground and picking the PERFECT pumpkin.

Amesleys First Year Video

2008-10-08T21:47:00.002-05:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The BIG ONE one week ago today!

2008-10-05T22:40:00.004-05:00

We had a wonderful time celebrating the first year of Amesley's life. It has been a wonderful reminder that life is a vapor here today and gone tomorrow. We have been challenged to live each day to bring God all the glory!

Amesley loved her party. She even enjoyed opening her gifts. I think her favorite part was when everyone sang "Happy Birthday to Amesley".

Joining the Blogging World

2008-10-05T22:26:00.000-05:00

I want to start journaling to keep up with all the exciting things that happen around the Cranford home. I also want to keep family and friends posted with pictures of the Cranford's. However, most of all I desire to share the things that God has been teaching me as I am on this pilgrimage to heaven. I want to share my struggles with sin, trials of this life and hope in Jesus.