16 weeks

Here's the belly shot at 16 weeks. I was waiting to post anything until after this last visit because of when I lost the last pregnancy. Today the baby sounded great, 150 bpm. Everything seems to be fine and we've got our ultrasound scheduled for July 17th, when we'll find out the sex. Happy blogging!

Happy 50th Dad

It wasn't that long ago that this picture was taken on the fourth of July 1980. That's me in the picture, 15 months old, with my dad at the young age of 23. Dad shared with me the other day how turning 50 has really made him reflective. He expressed that even though he is 50, he's still the same "kid" he was when he was ten, he's still the youngest of his siblings, and to be 50 and have 4 1/2 grandchildren is pretty good. He didn't seem depressed like some men tend to get, I got the feeling that my dad is one of the most content men on earth. He is truly happy just being with his family, watching and observing, and always learning. We threw around the idea in January about having a big party for him, but he told us not too, so we didn't. The truth is all he wants is for all of us to be together, just sitting, talking, drinking coffee, playing cards, watching Survivor, telling love stories by the fire, and playing with the grand kids on the beach. I'm sorry we couldn't be there, I wish I was - so from Michigan, Happy Birthday Dad, I love you!
This picture is missing our precious little Avery, well, she was in Ange's belly, so technically, we were all there! This was the Shore 2006 - what a great family - I love and miss everyone.

My mom was. . .

I surrender! I give up, well, I gave in! I will openly admit, for all of blog land to see, that my mom was. . .RIGHT! I know, I know, this is a toughy! Come on, lets be honest. How many of us EVER want to admit that our mom is right about something. I have a tendency to disagree with my mom, just for the sake of arguing with her. This admission isn't that big in the context of a life changing decision, just one that I've been fighting for, oh, six years. Anyone that knows my mom, knows that she is a bargain shopper. She was once seriously addicted to Goodwill, where many of our wedding decorations and her Christmas ornaments came from. She has limited her time there in the last couple of years. She is the one who taught me to go straight to the back of a store to the clearance racks first. I can remember going to Sams Club with her as a kid and heading to the back corner of the store first thing to find the reduced items. She no longer shops at Sams Club, but always calls me with a "great deal" at the store, ANY store! One of her all time best finds was Aldi Stores. You all know and love them too right? Well, I'd been in them many times while visiting NJ, and was not all that impressed with the selection (it's not a one-stop-shop), and the cleanliness of the store. So, no matter where I've lived, I have never once stepped foot in an Aldi store. Not only for the reasons stated above, but mostly because my mom kept telling me I should shop there, and to spite her, I wouldn't. This has not deterred her from calling me with deals at Aldi, and now I am grateful. We have been pricing pools for the last couple of weeks, trying to decide if we are going to buy a bigger pool that Josh and I can swim with the kids in, or go for the typical pool, that's great for the kids, but not so great for mom and dad. Mom called me the other day and said that Aldi had a really great pool on sale for 20 dollars and I should check it out. "OK mom, thanks for thinking about us." Well, this week has been hot and beautiful, just right for a pool. So, today after VBS I drove to Jenison, and stepped foot in the Aldi there. I was impressed from the time I walked in. "Clean, check!" "Good selection, check!" "Pools for 20, no 18.99!, check!!!!" I was really happy with the size and especially the price of the pool. Most other pools that size run for 29.99-39.99, depending on where you look. So, mom, you were right. I might even start shopping at Aldi!
Garrett and Esther enjoying their new pool.
A good view of the pool and of Garrett chillin' on the side.
Olivia posing again, are you surprised? She's not wet in this shot, but swam for 2 hours before this! I know you like Esthers wedgie!
Josh getting a shot of me this way, "Hey Jess. . ." and I, like and idiot, look over! But I'm not ashamed to put those pictures on the blog, unlike some people I know!
Josh hiding from the camera, look familiar?? This time Olivia was trying to help get the shot, and Garrett took the picture. I'm happy to report that no one got hurt in the scuffle. (The camera was given to us from our pastor and his wife who got a new one recently, thanks David and Becky!)

Power in the Back!

Garrett hooked himself into the booster seat the other night and was saying, "Power in the Back!" It was hilarious! If you can zoom in on his face in this picture you'd see the snarled look of meanness on his face. Also take notice of the slippers he has on, one is spider - man, the other, pooh. . .this super hero's got a strange get-up! Garrett, saving the world one "back" at a time!
On a sadder note, this is the last photo that was taken by our camera. I was trying to get a picture of Josh, and Garrett was trying to help by fighting with him so he couldn't get his hand up in front of the camera. In the chaos Garrett hit the camera with his hand and broke the lens, and as you can see, really hurt his hand. And look how good Josh is at comforting his son, holding him in front of his face while he's crying and smiling so I can't get a good shot! Josh tried to fix it, but ended up breaking it some more. So, now I am camera less once again! Hopefully we can replace it inexpensively, and soon!!!

Memorial Day Weekend - Take One

At Josh's family gatherings there is always an annual wiffle ball game, normally played by the adults and teens. It's always a lot of fun. It's amazing what 5 years and 9 kids will do to your wiffle ball game! Garrett's swinging away on a pitch from Uncle Rex. He did really well at hitting the ball, I think we've got a baseball player!
Gracie and Olivia share a cute moment while sharing a base during the game. It's so great how distance and time don't faze kids! They just pick up where they left off.
Sophie and Esther spinning together.
Garrett cheesin' with the twins. Gracie is on the left and Maggie is on the right.

Please continue to the next post down for more fun pictures from our weekend! I love spending time with family, it doesn't matter to me which side of the family it is - it's always good to be with people who love you, hug you and keep you laughing (even if it's at yourself)!!!! Blessing and love from the Crisp family.

Memorial Day Weekend - Take Two

Uncle Eric reads to the older kids before bed time on Sunday night - he was reading "Oh say can you say" by Dr. Seuss, that explains the funny expression on his face. From left to right Micah, Elijah, Uncle Eric, Garrett, and Olivia.
Nana kept Isaiah and Esther occupied during reading time.
Nana bought little sleeping bags at Big Lots this week and we all thought it would be fun to let the kids have a real sleep-over. Of course we started bedtime early because we knew we'd have to separate them to get them to sleep. It didn't take long for Garrett to start boppin' people on the head with pillows, for Micah to start talking loudly, and for Elijah and Olivia to tattle on all of it! They sure look cute all lined up don't they?
Another line up that's been talked about since Christmas. The last good picture we have of all the kids together was last Easter. This one turned out pretty good - it's REALLY hard to get them all to look at the camera, not move, and for the boys, not touch certain parts of their bodies!
Esther and Isaiah were ready for a ride. Isaiah sat in that seat for at lease 30 minutes, buckled! Esther decided it looked like fun and jumped on, he was more than happy to have a riding companion.

Just for fun

I'm getting tired of Esther's hair. I still can't believe that my kids don't have any hair! For a couple of days Esther's hair did it's own pigtail thing, with one piece sticking up. It dawned on me that maybe I could get her hair in pigtails. First I tried with just one a little off set on her head, it looked cute, but than I tried the two of them, and I thought it looked really cute. She didn't mess with them for a while. It wasn't til I tightened them that she pulled one out. At least I know it's an option.

Garrett is trying out the go-tee look with chocolate pudding. I don't know if the picture captures the look - but it really looked like a go-tee in person.

It really hasn't been as warm that last couple of days, but b/c we started playing in water a couple of days ago they want to everyday. The last couple of times they've been shivering so much, but they don't care! They were having fun showing off their muscles while they dried off in the sun.

Pool fun and Esther pains

The sandbox top has become our "swimming pool" for the time being, until we can get a real one. It's just right for Esther!
The kids drying off in the sun.
Olivia being "little mommy" to Esther. She really is a big help.
Esther crying at me b/c I wouldn't pick her up - this is what she look like most of the time when we are stuck in the house all day.
Two seconds after the previous picture was taken I took this one - doesn't look as unhappy does she? It's amazing how they turn that on and off!

Tulip Time

Olivia posing with a little girl at Dutch Village dressed in her traditional Dutch dress - very cute!
Garrett excited about the carousel.
Mommy and Esther excited about the carousel.
Olivia and Garrett on the swings. For those of you who've seen Garrett on rides, you know that this is AMAZING! He really liked them. I made him watch Olivia on them first and he was determined to get on. I was sure that he'd start crying and they'd have to stop the ride, but he surprised me. It's amazing what a year can do.From left to right, Garrett, Esther, mommy, and Olivia. "Having fun at Dutch Village"

On Monday the kids and I met our good friend Joanne Hughes from Richmond IN at the dutch village in Holland. It's tulip time in the area, which means lots of attractions, carnivals, and tulips. We drive by the little park all the time, but have never ventured in. We probably won't venture back. The kids would have been done in there in 30 min. if we moved at their speed. Over all it was a good day. The rides are free once you're in the park, the carousel and swings being the rides. My kids are a little terrified of animals (all except Esther), so the petting zoo didn't really get them excited. The Dutch dancers left something to be desired and they got bored with them quickly. The best part of the day for the kids where all the bridges in the park - they loved running up over them. Funny what kids find exciting. Anyway, I failed to get any pictures of tulips or my friend Joanne from the day, sorry. I if can drag Josh to Holland this weekend I'll try to get some pretty flower pictures.

May 8th

I know, I know, two posts in two days, what's come over me?? Actually, today was very reflective for me. Just wanted to share my thoughts from my journal this afternoon.

Today was my due date for the 4th pregnancy - twins. I know I probably wouldn't have made it this far - but it's still a tough day. I wondered this morning, what would I be doing right now if I hadn't lost them? Would they be home with us? Would I be going to the hospital to see them, instead of driving to Meijer? Who, besides Josh, would be here to help me? What would they be like? Healthy, but small? Sick, but getting stronger? Permanently sick, and learning to take care of them? I know I'll never know the answers and that's OK. I guess I just wonder, you know? We got the invitation for the Memorial service for all the still-born babies from the hospital where I had the surgery. I just think it's a little ironic. I know I'm not suppose to forget - and as much as I'd like to say that life is back to normal - normal is never going to be the same.

Family Fun Day

Garrett lining up his putt
Having fun bouncin' around
Olivia playing "Book walk." You walk around the numbers rugs and when the music stops, you stop. If your number is called you get a book, if not, you get a sucker. She didn't win either time she played (she must have Crisp luck!).
Garrett in a real fireman's uniform
Esther trying to keep her head up and pose for her picture with the fireman's hat.

A couple of weeks ago, the park behind our house had a Free Family Fun day. It was organized by MOPS and had games, a jumping cage, a fire truck, and free lunch. We had a great morning as a family. Hope you like the pictures!

Parenting 101

I am NOT an expert at parenting and it seems like everyday they are teaching me things. Like, how to use my imagination, that bugs are interesting not icky, and that anything tastes good with Katsup on it. Most of all they teach me to use more discretion, use kind words, and never miss the teachable moment, even if it means teaching me something in the process. Garrett reminded me this week how much he wants to do whatever he can to please. I alluded in the last post that he wanted to be like Josh that day - well it seems to be a trend thats starting. Daddy can do no wrong, and Garrett doesn't want to do anything to dissappoint him. He always wants to "jam" with him, Josh on guitar, Garrett on drums or mandolin. He wants to wrestle, kick the ball, throw the ball, jump as high, and be as fast as daddy. It's really the cutest thing I've seen in a long time. It reminds me what a STRONG influence we have and for the short time that we have it. Take the time to "jam", wrestle, color, play games, and just talk with your kids, b/c before you know it, dad and mom will be the last people they want to be like.

Pictures!!!!!

I'm mad that this picture looks so dark, because she's so darn cute in it!

Hopefully we'll be bustin' out the flip flops again soon!
He wanted to be just like daddy this day, Josh was working in the yard and Garrett insisted on sitting right next to him to work. At first Josh was feeling a bit cramped, but than realized how priceless the moment was.
This is THE BEST picture of Garrett we've ever gotten, of course he'd have chocolate ice cream all over his face!

Last night I was out with a friend and we stopped at Circuit City for something and I saw the card readers! I can now post pictures again!! I know you were all dying for new pictures of the kids. You'll notice that Garrett has a new hair cut. I got tired of his hair a couple of weeks ago, so I buzzed it off. Josh wasn't to thrilled and niether was Garrett when at bed time and nap time he couldn't twist his hair to go to sleep. OOPPS!! His crying for his hair only lasted two bed times, and now he's over it. I'm glad he adjusts to change well. We all enjoyed a teaser with the weather a couple of weeks ago and spent everyday, all day outside. I say it was a teaser, b/c we are now stuck inside, and have been for two weeks b/c of winter weather, yes that includes accumulating snow. I think the weather is going to get nice again, and stay nice this time - the kids are dying to get outside, and so am I!

Back to 100%!

I am happy to report that the Crisp house is back to 100% healthy! I never got the nasty sickness (thank you for all your prayers), and Josh is back to himself! HOOORAY!!!!! Here's a little note on the pictures - they are a couple of weeks old - but our camera is broken. We do have another one - but no USB cord for it. I need to find a card reader, anyone know where to find those??



Esther really missed her daddy when he was sick - she didn't understand why he wouldn't smile at her or pick her up - it was really sad. They're back to cuddling!


The kids also missed wrestling with dad - who do you think wins?


Having fun under the desk.


Who likes to have her picture taken??


We love each other! Most of the time!