Author

Kelly Crawford

Hello! I’m Kelly and I’m glad you’re here. I’m a wife and mom, just like you. I get it. I know how hard the days can be, and how you might feel like you’re spinning your wheels or that no one sees or appreciates your work.

Uncategorized

Trying to Get Organized…The Baby’s Room

by Kelly Crawford March 20, 2009

written by Kelly Crawford

I have to admit, my favorite part of this clip is Avalee’s little “confession” which is so typical of her quirky personality 😉

My tip for bedroom organization? (That is, the tip I *know* but don’t do…)

Make a habit of quickly getting rid of clothes that are ruined, too small or otherwise not worn. Also, a good seasonal system is a must (pass one along if you have one!) I start out with good intentions–a box labeled “winter”, and placed in the top of that child’s closet, but somehow I don’t think this system is working very well.

P.S. I’m serious about needing the decor advice!

March 20, 2009 33 comments

Uncategorized

Trying to Get Organized–The Refrigerator

by Kelly Crawford March 19, 2009

written by Kelly Crawford

I had to chuckle when I realized on the last video I said I’d be sharing “tips”…this is more of a survival-type cleaning rather than a cute little series where an organized mom shares her organizational expertise–I’m so not that woman!

So the tips I do share will likely be tips I *know* to do and doeth them not.

The refrigerator wasn’t the most exciting area, but I figure I’ll slowly desensitize you to the messier parts of my house 😉

My tips for keeping the refrigerator from walking off?

Designate one day of the week to do a quick cleaning, instead of waiting until it’s such a major job. This goes for every other area too, but the fridge is a good, small place to start.

Have a “left-over” night. This is a frugal tip from the Tightwad Gazette and actually serves to help keep the fridge tidy too. Choose one day of the week that you pull out all the left over bits and make it a meal!

If it’s still good but doesn’t fit into the left-over meal category (like chicken broth, maybe), label and freeze it.

By the way, I will NOT be posting the “25 or so more areas” 😉 in case you got nervous.

March 19, 2009 13 comments

motherhood/family/parenting

Let’s Get Organized!

by Kelly Crawford March 19, 2009

written by Kelly Crawford

I envy those of you who have discipline and order in your veins–it’s not in mine. A friend asked me the other day, “How do you do it all“. My surprised response? “Oh my goodness, I DON’T!

I feel like my life work comes in waves; I focus on projects in spurts of time, so that other things often get ignored–like my house.

Don’t get me wrong–we “clean”. But with a big family, cleaning house involves more picking up than anything else, and it seems we hardly ever get past the surface.

So, when my sweet, steady, biggest-concern-of-the-day-is-clean-underwear husband gently asked me, “Honey, what can I do to help you?” I knew that was my sign.

In God’s providence, he sent Olivia again, my “house cleaning angel”, just on the exact day that I woke up resolved to be a better manager of my home. She, I, and my daughters got to work (the boys went with Dad to artificially inseminate the cow–eh, maybe that subject on another day.)

Of course an event like this can’t be left unblogged ;-D So, while it may be TMI for you (Aaron said, “Are you sure you want to put this on your blog?”), I thought I’d share a sneak peek at a few areas we tried to tackle. I’ll spread them out over several days to keep from boring you to tears. I’m hoping you’ll find some small inspiration (and relief)???

(By the way, the classical music playing in the background wasn’t planned for the video 😉 It’s what my daughter does when she needs cleaning inspiration.)

March 19, 2009 14 comments

marriage

A Husband’s Love Continues to Grow…

by Kelly Crawford March 18, 2009

written by Kelly Crawford

I enjoyed, in this letter, hearing the husband recount the specific attributes his wife possessed that endeared him to her. Note how foreign they are to the characteristics that the typical young girls of this day are trying to cultivate….

And note his growing admiration!!!

A far cry from the common, feminist notion that women were once little more than “slaves to their men”…let’s seek to evoke that same rapturous love from our husbands by our sweet conduct (I have a lot of work to do, how ’bout you?)

Letter from a civil war surgeon to his wife:

Brandy Station,
Sunday night, Nov. 1 [1863]

My dear Mollie
I rcd a letter today from a very handsome lady to play cupid. Although not accompanied by her likeness yet her image was so indelibly impressed upon my mind that the likeness itself could not recall the features more vividly than they are impressed. I first met her in a village in Western Va when I was about 17 years old and she 8. I afterwards saw her frequently and occasionally was in her company, and nonwithstanding the disparity of our ages, I became so favorably impressed with her fair face and gentle manners that I frequently said to myself that I wished she was older or I younger.

In 3 to 4 years she had grown so much that the disparity in age seemed to grow less. Never did a lady witness the budding of a flower with more requisite pleasure than did I the budding of that pretty little girl into womanhood. She made much of my thoughts while in Mexico and more upon my return home. While at the University of Va., I not infrequently found my thoughts wandering from the dry textbook to contemplate by the aid of memory the features and form of this little girl.

After I completed my studies, I traveled in the west and expected to find a home in some western state, but not finding a place to suit me, together with the persuasions of that fair face, induced me to return.

I entered, as you know, actively into the pursuit of my profession with the determination to make at least a fair reputation and tried to withdraw my thought from everything else, but I found this little fairy constantly and pleasantly intruding into all my plans, whether of pleasure or interest. At this period she met me politely and respectfully but seemed to grow more distant, coy & reserved, so that I frequently thought that even the ordinary attentions of common politeness & courtesy were no special source of pleasure to her.

In a few instances when she has arrived at about the age of 15 this shyness and reserve seemed to be forgotten, and I would pass an hour or two in the enjoyment of her company with great pleasure to myself and I imagined with at least satisfaction, if not enjoyment, to her. I began to think that my happiness was identified with hers. I began to pay her special visits or at least seek opportunities by which I might be in her company. I sought her society on pleasure rides and thought it not a hardship to ride 65 miles in 24 hours if part of the time might be spent with her. She always exhibited or observed the decorum of modest reserve which might be construed into neither encouragement nor discouragement.

After the delibertation & reflection which I thought due to a matter which involved my happiness for life, I felt that her destiny and mine were probably intended to be united, and that all the adverse counsel which I could give myself could bring no objections. I felt that I ought both as a matter of duty and happiness give my whole life to her, who for 9 years had my attention and devotion, though concealed love.

After a few little billets and interviews, and with a full declaration of the love I desired to bestow, I received a measured and loving response and was made most happy in the anticipation of the celebration of the nuptials fixed at some 6 months hence. This time glided nicely & happily, though not too rapidly, away from me. The hours of leisure were spent with her and my visits were always welcomed with that cordial welcome, that maiden modesty, so much to be admired. Tis true that on one occasion she did rest her elbow upon my knee and look with confidential pleasure in my face and made me realize that indeed I had her whole heart.

Suffice it to say, the happy day of our marriage arrived and since then, hours, days, and years of time, confidence & happiness passed rapidly away, and only to make us feel that happy as were the hours of youthful days, they compare not with those of later years and perhaps even these may not be equal to that which is in reserve for us.

I dont know how much pleasure it affords you to go over these days of the past, but to me they will ever be remembered as days of felicity. And how happy the thought that years increase the affection & esteem we have for each other to love & be loved. May it ever be so, and may I ever be a husband worthy of your warmest affections. May I make you happy and in so doing be made happy in return. A sweet kiss and embrace to your greeting.

But maybe you will say it looks ridiculous to see a man getting grayhaired to be writing love letters, so I will use the remnant of my paper otherwise…
Yours affectionately H Black

March 18, 2009 8 comments

marriage

In the Mood for Love

by Kelly Crawford March 18, 2009

written by Kelly Crawford

I’m in the mood for love…well, love letters 😉

I love reading love letters of the past, written to wives from their husbands. Contrary to the popular opinion that “most women in history were degraded, treated like door mats, etc., etc.”, we see a glimpse of love so rare, that the happiest among us would be shocked to receive such a letter from our husbands!

I think the letters stir in our souls, too, a desire to be our husband’s best friend; that part of him that no one else can replace; that one essence in his life that he should hardly be able to do without.

To me, it’s a beautiful reminder of what God intended between a man and a woman united in marriage.

Maybe I’m just a weepy romantic in my pregnancy days, but I still think there is deep pondering in these letters! I may post several over the next few days.

Here’s one from Napoleon to his wife Josephine:

In addition to being a brilliant military mind and feared ruler, Napolean Bonaparte (1763 – 1821) was a prolific writer of letters. He reportedly wrote as many as 75,000 letters in his lifetime, many of them to his beautiful wife, Josephine, both before and during their marriage.

“I wake filled with thoughts of you. Your portrait and the intoxicating evening which we spent yesterday have left my senses in turmoil. Sweet, incomparable Josephine, what a strange effect you have on my heart! Are you angry? Do I see you looking sad? Are you worried?…

My soul aches with sorrow, and there can be no rest for you lover; but is there still more in store for me when, yielding to the profound feelings which overwhelm me, I draw from your lips, from your heart a love which consumes me with fire? Ah! it was last night that I fully realized how false an image of you hours.Until then, mio dolce amor, a thousand kisses; but give me none in return, for they set my blood on fire.”

March 18, 2009 10 comments

christian living

Letter From Jonathon Edwards to Sarah

by Kelly Crawford March 18, 2009

written by Kelly Crawford

Tradition has it that this letter from Jonathon Edwards to his future wife, Sarah, was written in 1723. This would have put Sarah Pierpont at age 13, and Jonathan Edwards, at 20 years of age. Although they were not married until 1727, Jonathan was clearly smitten by young Sarah.

The letter spoke volumes to me (and convicted me deeply) about the heart of a virtuous woman who loves her Lord. Is my heart stricken with this kind of devotion to Jesus? Am I transferring this undying devotion to my children? Are my daughters smitten with Him because of my example?

“They say there is a young lady in [New Haven] who is beloved of that almighty Being, who made and rules the world, and that there are certain seasons in which this great Being, in some way or other invisible, comes to her and fills her mind with exceeding sweet delight, and that she hardly cares for anything, except to meditate on him–that she expects after a while to be received up where he is, to be raised out of the world and caught up into heaven; being assured that he loves her too well to let her remain at a distance from him always. There she is to dwell with him, and to be ravished with his love, favor and delight, forever.

Therefore, if you present all the world before her, with the richest of its treasures, she disregards it and cares not for it, and is unmindful of any pain or affliction. She has a strange sweetness in her mind, and sweetness of temper, uncommon purity in her affections; is most just and praiseworthy in all her actions; and you could not persuade her to do anything thought wrong or sinful, if you would give her all the world, lest she should offend this great Being.

She is of a wonderful sweetness, calmness and universal benevolence of mind; especially after those times in which this great God has manifested himself to her mind. She will sometimes go about, singing sweetly, from place to [place]; and seems to be always full of joy and pleasure, and no one knows for what. She loves to be alone, and to wander in the fields and on the mountains, and seems to have someone invisible always conversing with her.”

March 18, 2009 9 comments

feminism motherhood/family/parenting

I’m Not Against Feminists, Only Feminism

by Kelly Crawford March 17, 2009

written by Kelly Crawford

I’ll not post the other Mary Kassian videos (makes the pages load slower) as you can easily get to the other ones by clicking on the next parts from the bottom of yesterday’s clip. I strongly encourage you to watch them.

And though I’ve said it so many times before, still, proponents of feminism seem to take my stand against feminism personally.

Let me say that I believe MOST feminists think that feminism was meant for the good of women. So when I speak against it, it seems I’m “against women” or against those who claim feminism. When in fact, the opposite is true. I’m not against you, only the deception and destruction behind the movement.

After careful study of feminism, I believe with all my heart that its roots are planted in Marxism, a movement started by a MAN, and as he clearly stated, his agenda was to “get women out of the home” in order to break down the family in order to create a socialist society.

“major social transformations are impossible without ferment among the women.” –Karl Marx

He acknowledged that women had tremendous power and influence when they were training their children, supporting their husbands and strengthening their communities. He knew his agenda could not be accomplished until he weakened and/or destroyed that power.

Of course you can’t tell women that, so what happened? A movement was begun to convince women they were powerless in the home but if they could just throw off the shackles of their traditional roles, then they would be able to wield REAL power.

The lie continues, and feminism was conveniently constructed around the false premise that “women are inferior” and needed to be freed.

Unfortunately, there WERE women from history being abused. So the feminists agenda used this as a platform for their message. The truth is, the abuse wasn’t coming from a traditional, biblical view of marriage and home. Abuse exists and continues to exist (feminism has NOT reduced that abuse but increased it) because of sin and fallen man. The fact that there are more broken homes, destitute children, abandoned, abused and exploited women than there ever has been should be enough evidence to conclude that feminism didn’t deliver.

I hear feminists say, “we are only about choice…we don’t try to squelch your choice to be a mother, so why are you “against” us?”

Again, such who speak are not aware of the deeper roots of feminism. Consider this quote by feminist/socialist Simone de Beauvoir:

“No woman should be authorized to stay at home to raise her children. Society should be totally different. Women should not have that choice, precisely because if there is such a choice, too many women will make that one.”

And I said all that just to say…

I am not against the proponents of feminism. I believe most of them mean nothing but good, they are simply not aware of the full scope of the agenda. I speak against feminism only because I care about women, children and families. If you want to attack me for that, then I guess there is really nothing I could say; I’ll have to take the darts.

For some enlightening reading about the roots and history of feminism and Betty Friedan, go to Marxism and the roots of Radical Feminism

“In his recent book Perestroika, Mikhail Gorbachev reflected on 70 years of Russian turmoil: “We have discovered that many of our problems — in children’s and young people’s behavior, in our morals, culture and in production — are partially caused by the weakening of family ties.”

Fem-socialists, hell-bent on achieving a genderless society, are now scheming to repeat the same disastrous experiment in Western society. Naturally, they are hoping that you not hear the story of family destruction in Soviet Russia.

But the truth is there, waiting to be grasped by anyone who cares to see.”

March 17, 2009 55 comments

feminism marriage motherhood/family/parenting

Feminism…Mary Kassian…"You’ve Come a Long Way Baby!"

by Kelly Crawford March 16, 2009

written by Kelly Crawford

“Alvin Toffler, the author of Future Shock called The Feminine Mystique the book that pulled the trigger on history. Indeed, once woman accepted this very basic premise of needing and trusting no other authority except her own, personal truth, she set her foot on a path that would take her, and ultimately the whole of society, in a direction diametrically opposed to the heart and the purposes and the ways of God.”

Yvonne Welch, a woman dear to my heart who has had a profound influence on my life, told me of a speaker I needed to hear who was featured on Nancy Leigh DeMoss. (Mrs. Welch has an interview on DeMoss’s show also, if you’d like to look it up.)

Once I started listening, I couldn’t stop. I gathered my oldest daughter to listen with me, and the only words I can think of to describe this historically accurate, intelligent and profoundly important discussion about the impact of feminism are…STANDING OVATION.

Put it on while you wash the dishes, or make it part of your school day. However you need to make time, I think this series is crucial–not only in helping us understand and hold on to truth in a wavering culture, but to help us give an accurate answer to those who question.

Each part is only around 9 minutes long….you’ll be glad you listened; well, most of you 😉

(BTW, she is a professor of women’s studies at a theological seminary, so she breaks the mold of the typical assertions made of women who embrace biblical gender roles….thought some would find that interesting.)

March 16, 2009 38 comments

homeschooling motherhood/family/parenting

Conversation: A Practical Tool for Homeschooling

by Kelly Crawford March 16, 2009

written by Kelly Crawford

I try to revisit my own ebook on relaxed homeschooling from time to time. (Funny how easy it is to forget one’s own advice.)

In Think Outside the Classroom, I tried to offer practical application to the relaxed method of homeschooling.

Even if you are not a relaxed homeschooler, any and all of these methods could be applied to enhance your process of home education.

Some are very simple, like the concept below in an excerpt from the book, but its very simplicity is what causes us to look right over it.

“Conversation.

One of the most basic tools in a parent’s hands for teaching his children is conversation. One of the missing elements of a classroom setting is good dialog. It’s overlooked because it seems so simple, but keep my language analogy in mind.

Dialog, or conversation, is so vitally important to the educational process and to human existence itself. Tragically, the typical American is becoming less and less equipped in this area. The constant access to television, video games, computers and radio keeps us so distracted that we are losing the art of conversation (we can hardly even find a restaurant that doesn’t have a TV in each corner)! Worse yet, as our ability to verbally communicate diminishes, so does our power to defend our faith to the world around us.

As I talk to even my youngest children throughout the day, I try to engage them verbally and intellectually. When we go for a walk, whether I’m with my two-year old or my fourteen year old, I point out as many details about things we see as I can. For example, my two-year old naturally sees the bright red flower, so she stops to ooh and ahh over it. “Fower, mommy,” she says. “Yes, that’s a red clover…isn’t it pretty? I think the colors are brilliant, don’t you? Bees like red clover.” I may go on and on, using different words besides “brilliant”, so she hears a variety of the same-meaning words.

Silly? Think back to how we talk to a child who hasn’t yet learned to speak. We repeat things. And the more they hear them, the more they learn. Use some words that are above your child’s understanding…remember, all words used to be above his understanding! This is a real, living education.

After embracing the importance of conversation for some time, I recently heard Geoffrey Botkin, a father of five brilliant children who are having a huge impact on our culture through writing books and creating media products, say, ‘Most of our homeschooling was accomplished through conversation.’ “

From Think Outside the Classroom: A Relaxed Approach to Homeschooling

March 16, 2009 8 comments

christian living

My Prayer

by Kelly Crawford March 14, 2009

written by Kelly Crawford

Sometimes life just gets noisy…not necessarily with audible sound, but with thoughts and ideas, fears and concerns.

I am trying hard to quiet my heart. To lay it all aside, if only for a moment.

I am passionate about a lot of things. I speak of hard topics, and perhaps I often come across as too harsh, too black and white, or too insensitive.

In my heart, though, I simply desire to be more like Christ. I am keenly aware of how sinful and failing I am. Not in a falsely humble kind of way, but a very real, painful kind of way.

So, I lift up this prayer, from my heart, and maybe you could join me.

“Father, I want you to search my heart, and see if there is any unclean thing there. Help me loathe my sin, yet relish your grace that covers it all.

May I live for your glory, and not for man’s. May I seek your purposes, and not my own. Forgive me for my selfishness, my pride, my laziness in seeking You, and my poor reflection of Your mercy.

Help me love Your Word more than any other book. May I live in a way that others see Your Son-even through all the humanness.

May I willingly submit the clay of my life to your Potter-hands. Make me who you desire me to be, and let me be content to decrease as You increase.

Purity of heart is my desire. Grant me, O Lord, this one thing.”

March 14, 2009 7 comments

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