Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Helena, MT
For those of you that don't know, Nathan has accepted a residency in Helena, MT. We will be moving there this summer. The residency is at the Archie Bray Foundation. If you want to visit the website it is (www.archiebray.org). They provide studio space for nathan to work, and connections in the art world for him to begin his amazing carer. It is so exciting to have direction. Nathan is such a hard worker and a great artist that these next few years in MT are going to be remarkable for our family. I am excited to see were his art will take us and the MONEY it will bring.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
MAY 2008
I have been waiting for this month for two years. NATHAN GRATUATES. I am so proud of my Nathan, he has worked so hard to become the artist he is today.
This month is a busy one.
20th: Nathan's big show
23rd: Nathan's last day of school
24th: Linda comes into Town
26th-28th: Nathan's taking me to CapeCod with out Braxton
30th: Brent comes into town
31st: Nathan Graduates
I will do my best to keep you up on every thing. I am going to try harder to write in my blog more often. I actually have things to write about this month.
This month is a busy one.
20th: Nathan's big show
23rd: Nathan's last day of school
24th: Linda comes into Town
26th-28th: Nathan's taking me to CapeCod with out Braxton
30th: Brent comes into town
31st: Nathan Graduates
I will do my best to keep you up on every thing. I am going to try harder to write in my blog more often. I actually have things to write about this month.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
I'VE BEEN TAGED
A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
10 years ago: February of 1998. I was a senior at Dixie Heights high school. I had just been accepted to EAC and Weber. At that time in my life choosing between those two collages was the biggest and most important decision I ever had to make. Only if I could go back to the simpler days.
5 things on my to-do list today:
clean the house
read scripture
workout
read my book
spent time with Braxton
Snacks I enjoy:
chips and salsa
crackers and cheese (which I can't eat any more)
any thing with sugar
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
pay off our debts
give to charities
give to my family and Nathan's
buy a house and hire some one to decorate it
hire a cook
hire a maid
travel the world
build a log cabin big enough to hold my family reunions
buy a home for mom and dad at lest 3 hours away form their children and pay for them to go on as many missions they want to. And an RV for dad to travel.
*I have thought about this before*
3 of my bad habits:
Procrastination
comparing myself to others
leaving the sponge in the sink (according to Nathan)
5 places I have lived:
KY - Frankfort, Ft. Thomas, Erlanger
IN - Terre Haute
NE - Omaha
UT - Ogden
CT - Norwalk
NY - Bronx, Manhattan
RI - Providence
5 jobs I have had:
Daycare worker
Dental assistant
Sp. Ed. Teachers assistant
mother
5 things people don't know about me
I am stating school in the fall
I don't like to sleep in a bed thats been made
all my socks seem to have holes in them
Braxton and I do dance routines
I tag Jermey, Mark, Julie, Dona
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
10 years ago: February of 1998. I was a senior at Dixie Heights high school. I had just been accepted to EAC and Weber. At that time in my life choosing between those two collages was the biggest and most important decision I ever had to make. Only if I could go back to the simpler days.
5 things on my to-do list today:
clean the house
read scripture
workout
read my book
spent time with Braxton
Snacks I enjoy:
chips and salsa
crackers and cheese (which I can't eat any more)
any thing with sugar
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
pay off our debts
give to charities
give to my family and Nathan's
buy a house and hire some one to decorate it
hire a cook
hire a maid
travel the world
build a log cabin big enough to hold my family reunions
buy a home for mom and dad at lest 3 hours away form their children and pay for them to go on as many missions they want to. And an RV for dad to travel.
*I have thought about this before*
3 of my bad habits:
Procrastination
comparing myself to others
leaving the sponge in the sink (according to Nathan)
5 places I have lived:
KY - Frankfort, Ft. Thomas, Erlanger
IN - Terre Haute
NE - Omaha
UT - Ogden
CT - Norwalk
NY - Bronx, Manhattan
RI - Providence
5 jobs I have had:
Daycare worker
Dental assistant
Sp. Ed. Teachers assistant
mother
5 things people don't know about me
I am stating school in the fall
I don't like to sleep in a bed thats been made
all my socks seem to have holes in them
Braxton and I do dance routines
I tag Jermey, Mark, Julie, Dona
Practicing the priesthood
Yesterday morning Nathan was going to give me a blessing, and so we talked with Braxton, so he would understand to be quite during the prayer. I was sitting on our bed with Braxton right beside me. As Nathan placed his hands on my head and began to pray, Braxton quietly stood up and placed his hands on my head next to Nathans. He was still and reverent through the whole blessing. Afterwards he gave me a big hug. The things our little children do, can amaze us. I pray that he will always have such a gentle spirit when it come time for him to hold the priesthood.
Moms visit
Being out here in RI all alone, it was so nice to have mom here for a week. We were able to go to Newport for a day. It is about 45 min. south of us and is a beautiful tourist town by the ocean. It was so cold that we mainly drove around ing the car. We saw some famous homes and places. We also too a drive on a road the goes along the coast. it is one of my favorite places in RI.
Thank you mom for coming it meant the world to me.
Thank you mom for coming it meant the world to me.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
The Craven Tummy Bomb
The following is the recipe for the patented, trademarked, copyrighted CRAVEN TUMMY BOMB:
1- Cook one pound of bacon. You actually only use about four slices, the rest is to munch on while you are cooking.
2- Take two 1/4 pound (or more if you think you are tough) chunks of sausage (I recommend Jimmy Dean sage flavor) and press each into patties as thin as you can. Place one in a frying pan and fold edges up to make a shallow bowl.
3- Place cooked bacon into the sausage bowl.
4- Crack one or two eggs (again depending on your perception of your manliness or womanliness) into the sausage bowl over the bacon.
5- Place the second sausage patty on top and pinch edges thoroughly to ensure a tight seal and no egg leakage.
6- Cook on low heat as the whole patty is now a couple of inches thick. Do not try to flip it until the egg in the middle has began to firm up.
7- While it is cooking, prepare the scone batter. You should have your own recipe for this or you can find one pretty easily on the internet. Any liquidy, frying batter will do. note: thicker batter will give you a thicker breaded finish, duh.
8- Flip and cook patty to desired doneness and brownness (I prefer a slight charred finish).
9- Remove patty from heat and blot the grease with a paper towel. I usually do not condone grease blotting, however, in this instance the grease prevents the batter from sticking to the sausage. An alternative is to let the patty sit for a minute and re- absorb the grease.
10- With tongs dip the whole patty into the scone batter and place into a pan of 377.5 degree oil, preferably oil that has been used to fry at least ten batches of french fries. It is best if the oil is deep enough to cover the whole sausage pod.
11- When the batter has cooked to the desired golden brown color, remove from the oil and place directly on a plate (no need for blotting this time).
12- Drizzle with hot maple syrup ( or sprinkle with powdered sugar if you prefer, or both) and serve.
*serves one.
*after personal tests the above TUMMY BOMB, consumed in its entirety by me, has had no adverse short term health effects and will soon be endorsed by the FDA.
**warning: not for cry babies or little girls.
This holiday recipe has been brought to you by Nathan Craven, Bon Apetit, er, I mean Good Eatin'.
1- Cook one pound of bacon. You actually only use about four slices, the rest is to munch on while you are cooking.
2- Take two 1/4 pound (or more if you think you are tough) chunks of sausage (I recommend Jimmy Dean sage flavor) and press each into patties as thin as you can. Place one in a frying pan and fold edges up to make a shallow bowl.
3- Place cooked bacon into the sausage bowl.
4- Crack one or two eggs (again depending on your perception of your manliness or womanliness) into the sausage bowl over the bacon.
5- Place the second sausage patty on top and pinch edges thoroughly to ensure a tight seal and no egg leakage.
6- Cook on low heat as the whole patty is now a couple of inches thick. Do not try to flip it until the egg in the middle has began to firm up.
7- While it is cooking, prepare the scone batter. You should have your own recipe for this or you can find one pretty easily on the internet. Any liquidy, frying batter will do. note: thicker batter will give you a thicker breaded finish, duh.
8- Flip and cook patty to desired doneness and brownness (I prefer a slight charred finish).
9- Remove patty from heat and blot the grease with a paper towel. I usually do not condone grease blotting, however, in this instance the grease prevents the batter from sticking to the sausage. An alternative is to let the patty sit for a minute and re- absorb the grease.
10- With tongs dip the whole patty into the scone batter and place into a pan of 377.5 degree oil, preferably oil that has been used to fry at least ten batches of french fries. It is best if the oil is deep enough to cover the whole sausage pod.
11- When the batter has cooked to the desired golden brown color, remove from the oil and place directly on a plate (no need for blotting this time).
12- Drizzle with hot maple syrup ( or sprinkle with powdered sugar if you prefer, or both) and serve.
*serves one.
*after personal tests the above TUMMY BOMB, consumed in its entirety by me, has had no adverse short term health effects and will soon be endorsed by the FDA.
**warning: not for cry babies or little girls.
This holiday recipe has been brought to you by Nathan Craven, Bon Apetit, er, I mean Good Eatin'.
Christmas Gifts
Braxton is in love with his PJ's (nammies). He refuses to take them off (ever). So we would like to thank Grandpa for the Pajamas, it will save us on doing laundry. As long as I have known Nathan he has always wanted a pair of PJ's with feet. It has taken eight years, but I have found them. In Las Vegas they make them for adults. It was a great find and Nathan Loves them. Braxton loves that they both have nammies.
Among other gifts Braxton received a Tickle me Elmo from his aunt Amanda. He dances with it and gives it hugs and kisses. When he is not playing with it he is playing with the train set Grandma gave him. Thank you both for all you do for him. He feels your love.
Nathan made me some jewelry out of clay, they are beautiful. I am so grateful for my family. Our home is filled with so much love. Nathan is an amazing artist but an even better father and husband. I love him so much and am grateful for the love he gives me.
Among other gifts Braxton received a Tickle me Elmo from his aunt Amanda. He dances with it and gives it hugs and kisses. When he is not playing with it he is playing with the train set Grandma gave him. Thank you both for all you do for him. He feels your love.
Nathan made me some jewelry out of clay, they are beautiful. I am so grateful for my family. Our home is filled with so much love. Nathan is an amazing artist but an even better father and husband. I love him so much and am grateful for the love he gives me.
Christmas Eve Party
Last night we went to a christmas party with some members of the ward. It was at the Coates home. Brother Coats is sister Mary Ann Brough's brother. It is such a small world and even a smaller world in the church. We had so much fun, other than the great food, there was singing and laughter. It has made me want to start a christmas tradition of hosting a party with friends, family, food and singing. Maybe next christmas we will be in UT and we can get every one together.
The Coates have a dog and Braxton was following it every where and barking at it. The dog was very loving and patient with him, but when Braxton put his cookie in front of the dog he snatched it right out of his hand. Braxton started to cry and all he could get out was "cookie". On our way home he was quite and we looked back to see if he was all right, he looked back at us and said "doggie" then he bowed his head and in a sad voice he said "my cookie". It was so adorable.
The Coates have a dog and Braxton was following it every where and barking at it. The dog was very loving and patient with him, but when Braxton put his cookie in front of the dog he snatched it right out of his hand. Braxton started to cry and all he could get out was "cookie". On our way home he was quite and we looked back to see if he was all right, he looked back at us and said "doggie" then he bowed his head and in a sad voice he said "my cookie". It was so adorable.
Explanation of Braxton being cute
One day Braxton started to wear a pillow on his head and calling it his hat.
Braxton eating a snack in the kitchen. He loves to cheese it up for the camera.
One week ago it snowed about two feet in three days. We loved it, but Braxton had pneumonia and was only out in it for a few minutes before he started having a hard time breathing. This was the only picture we got.
I entered the kitchen to find that Braxton had emptied his toy bin, turned it upside down, and placed his stool on top of it. Climbing to the top he was able to reach the granola bars from the top of the fridge. I was amazed and horrified. His effective reach went from four feet to about six feet in a matter of minutes. He jumped down and exclaimed with a huge, satisfied grin, "I did it! I did it!"
Sunday morning shave. Braxton really hated it.
Braxton loves me to do his hair but he would not let me take a picture. I promised that he could watch a video if he would just look at me and this was the face he gave me. He is such a ham.
Braxton eating a snack in the kitchen. He loves to cheese it up for the camera.
One week ago it snowed about two feet in three days. We loved it, but Braxton had pneumonia and was only out in it for a few minutes before he started having a hard time breathing. This was the only picture we got.
I entered the kitchen to find that Braxton had emptied his toy bin, turned it upside down, and placed his stool on top of it. Climbing to the top he was able to reach the granola bars from the top of the fridge. I was amazed and horrified. His effective reach went from four feet to about six feet in a matter of minutes. He jumped down and exclaimed with a huge, satisfied grin, "I did it! I did it!"
Sunday morning shave. Braxton really hated it.
Braxton loves me to do his hair but he would not let me take a picture. I promised that he could watch a video if he would just look at me and this was the face he gave me. He is such a ham.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Trick or Treat
Halloween was a blast. Braxton was Tigger. We went with some friends from church in their neighborhood. Ours isn't the best neighborhood to be going from house to house in the dark. Once Braxton had been to the second house he knew the idea of what to do. He literally ran from house to house. There were some older kids with us and they would reach the door first and as the adult would hand out candy to the older kids Braxton would walk through them and start taking candy out of the bowl. Some times as soon as they would open the door Braxton would walk right in. He was so cute that no one really cared.
Rhode Island
It is no secret that Nathan and I don't like Providence. We would never live here after school. The people are not friendly (excluding friends from church) and the driving alone would make you go insane. But the other day Braxton and I were making our monthly trip to supper Walmart (30 min. south of providence) and on the way we changed our minds and went to the beach instead(50 min south of providence). The drive to the beach was so beautiful. The trees are all different colors and they line the streets, it took my breath away. As you get closer to the ocean they have these cute little towns that are right on the bay and these fishing town that serve the best clam chowder. I never liked clam chowder until I mover here. Even though it was to cold to go into the water we had so much fun. I think I have to take back a little of my negative attitude about New England, it is actually pretty amazing. Don't worry we still won't live here after school.
Friday, October 26, 2007
I finally did it!
I have a blog. I know so many of you have been telling me for months to create one, so here it is. I dont feel like I have much to say but I promise to keep you updated with the latest Craven news. love ya all.
Computers frustrate me!!
I have been working on this blog far to long with nothing to show for it. We have a Mac and I just can't figure it all out. It takes forever to download images. I am so fustrated. I am trying to make a slide show of Braxton for the blog and I dont know how. I am up for any suggestios. Thanks
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Who am I not to be?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not
our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson
I came across this quote the other week and I can't get it out ot my mind. I have realized that I ask myself these questions all the time. Who am I to be beautiful, talented, smart? Ever since I have become a mohter, negitive thoughts about my selfworth seem to creep in more than they use to. Here I am doing one of the most important things that our Heavenly Father has commanded us to do (procreate and raise children in the gospel). And I find myself lacking. Lacking in purpose, rightouseness, love, patience, happiness, selfworth.
Please don't think the worst, I am very happy in my life and I am surounded by thoes that love me (even though we all live far apart). This quote has reminded me that I am a child of God and I need to see myself through his eyes. I am Beautiful, smart, talented, and a good mother. Its wierd how it is even hard to wite those positive things about myself, but I am excited to start beliving that our Heavenley Father truly has some amazing things ahead for me in my liffe. I want to start living up to my full potential.
our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson
I came across this quote the other week and I can't get it out ot my mind. I have realized that I ask myself these questions all the time. Who am I to be beautiful, talented, smart? Ever since I have become a mohter, negitive thoughts about my selfworth seem to creep in more than they use to. Here I am doing one of the most important things that our Heavenly Father has commanded us to do (procreate and raise children in the gospel). And I find myself lacking. Lacking in purpose, rightouseness, love, patience, happiness, selfworth.
Please don't think the worst, I am very happy in my life and I am surounded by thoes that love me (even though we all live far apart). This quote has reminded me that I am a child of God and I need to see myself through his eyes. I am Beautiful, smart, talented, and a good mother. Its wierd how it is even hard to wite those positive things about myself, but I am excited to start beliving that our Heavenley Father truly has some amazing things ahead for me in my liffe. I want to start living up to my full potential.
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