Blessing Carly

          Carly Jean Crawford, daughter of Newton Ulysses Crawford III (aka Sonny), granddaughter of Barbara Ann Crawford and Newton Ulysses Crawford Jr. (Granny and Gaffer), great-granddaughter of Willa Juanita and Newton Ulysses Crawford Sr., sister of Newton Ulysses Crawford IV (aka Little Sonny), niece to multiple aunts and uncles, cousin to 20 plus first cousins, you come from a large family and a great heritage of growing up on a century farm. Like the generations before, you are creative, intelligent, athletic, beautiful, hardworking, and simply remarkable.

          We cherish our memories with you: playing spades (don’t bid glasses, no matter what your dad or Fred say!), planting seeds in the garden, decorating Christmas cookies, having fun at VBS, celebrating so many holidays and birthdays, watching your athletic games, listening to your concerts, hanging out at the river, canoeing on float trips, attending church services at Bado, swimming at Crawford camp, going to drive-in movies, ordering drinks from Sonic, morel mushroom hunting, eating homemade dinners, making kebobs for your dad to grill, and so many more.

          Even though you participated in numerous sports and academic activities, you are graduating in the top few of your class. From basketball, softball, and track to band, choir, and math/science club to homecoming queen during your sophomore year to student council, scholar bowl, and National Honor Society (and so much more), you led the way as a strong student and an outstanding young woman.

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Congratulation to the best person I know. Thanks for all you do. 
Love, Dad

The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

Carly,

I have been blessed with the honor and privilege of sharing my life with yours. I have loved every minute that I have spent with you. I have enjoyed every game, concert, program, every meal we have had together, and even prom and homecoming dress shopping. Participating in your senior nights and going to Hunter’s games and bringing you home from your games have been very special memories that I will never forget. I am especially proud of all that you have accomplished through hard work and good choices. You are amazing!

I now pray that you will enjoy college and will find the purpose that God created for only you to fulfill. I love you very much! Love, Granny

For you are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that you should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Carly, You are an amazing young woman! Incredibly smart, adventurous, and extraordinary.  You have finally finished a huge chapter in your life. As you begin creating yourself as an adult, you will learn so many more things that will help you grow as a person. You are already such a lovely person, and I can't wait to see what you make of yourself next. I love you. Laina xoxo

We are all very proud of you and can't wait to see what you accomplish next. Love, Tom, Amanda, Brett, and Cale


Congratulations, Carly Barley, Car Bear, Maggie, Carl, Carly Bear, Buggy Bear, Cake E.  Love, Serena

Carly,

You truly are such an incredible person. I have watched you turn from the cutest, strong-willed, chubby-cheeked baby into a beautiful, strong, driven woman. You were faced with so many obstacles in life, and you overcame them all with a smile on your face and a heart for helping others. I have a deep admiration for your amazing strength in life and have loved watching you excel in sports, school, and in loving others through relationships. Continue this next journey with a smile on your face, a fire in your belly, and your heart full of love and you will do such amazing things. These are some verses that make me think of you:

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25

God is within her, she will not fall. Psalm 46:5

By the grace of God, I am what I am.  
1 Corinthians 15:10

I truly believe that you mirror each of these verses in your life today, and going forward, you will continue to honor God in this way. I am so proud of you, and I believe in you more than you know. I can’t wait to see all of the amazing things you accomplish in life! I love you, Car Bear! Love, Jill

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

You are standing at the beginning of your life as an adult; your whole future is ahead of you, and we can’t wait to see what amazing things you accomplish. As you step into your future, continue being kind and listening to your heart and trusting God. As you have done the past four years, continue playing hard and going for what you want. We believe in you, and we stand beside you, always.

Our prayers and love are with you as you journey into the next phase of your life. We are proud of you. We love you. We wish you blessings and a long life of joy, prosperity, and dreams coming true.

Love,

Your family