Happy Birthday to my baby.

It doesn't seem possible that my baby is 1!  September 19th was Nora's 1st birthday.  She happily walked around being the center of attention, which really isn't anything new since she is the apple of everyone's eyes in this house.  She posed nicely for pictures, opened presents, played with cousins, and of course, ate cake.  I couldn't have asked for a better day, or a better baby.  I love you Nora Lynne.

First day of school

This year we are once again homeschooling the kids.  Thanks to a pep talk from our pastor, Josh is now Principle Daddy/Crisp.  He sat down with the three older kids had gave them their marching orders for the year.  I'm excited about this year and so are the kids.  Esther was busting at the seams with excitement before we started.  And Olivia and Garrett were great students on the first day (aren't they all?!?).  

Our non-traditional "first day of school" pictures in front of the house.

No shoes for these kids!

No back packs either.  But lots of smiles and love.

Nora is almost walking and is so happy about it.  I can't believe she's almost one!

Chef Garrett

The kids love to help me in the kitchen.  I let them measure out dry ingredients and pour them in.  Olivia's gotten really good at cracking eggs.  And when all else is done, stirring is always a good job for a kid.  Today I ventured out of those comfort zones and let Garrett cut up some vegetables for our chicken pot pie.  After he washed his hands and the veggies I let him go.  I sat next to him and diced the chicken while he worked on the celery and carrots.  He talked all about being a cook. . .that he was doing so well at cutting up the veggies. . .asking me if the pieces were small enough. He talked about going to a cooking class and making something for me.  And how he would bring home the recipe for me to make too, and it would be really good.  These are the days I want to remember.  Thanks for the quality time buddy, I love you.

Artist and Attitudes

Check out this masterpiece by my little guy.  He's such an artist.

Not sure if he's using that toy lipstick for it's intended purpose or as a microphone.  

Either way, he marches to his own drum, and makes me smile all the while.

And, check the attitude on this chick's face.  Could she be anymore sassy?

Fire Night

I have to say, I miss our open fire pit from Michigan.  I miss being able to legally have an open fire in your yard.  I miss our nights under the stars, telling stories, burning whatever is in the yard, smores, and snuggling.  At my parents, we can have these night - with our covered fire pit.  It's not the same, but it does the trick.  Because, really, it's all about the family time anyway.

Now you know why I used italics to describe our fire pit.  

My husband likes a big fire - so there's really no keeping it in!

Garrett likes to burn his marshmallows and eat them still lit. 

 Just kidding - he was actually blowing this one out!

Esther with a mouth full of marshmallows and P-pop's glove.

Gideon eating out of the smashed bag of marshmallows (courtesy of Garrett).

Daddy and daughter moment.

Nine month old comparisons

Nora at nine months

Gideon at nine months

Esther at nine months

Garrett at nine months

Olivia at nine months

Do you think they look alike?

Shooting from the shoulder

What do you do when every picture you take of your little ones turns out like this?

Neither of them looking.

Annoyed because I have to share.

Pulling hair.

Pushing and pouting.

Just wants to be alone.

Just wants to jump.

Here's what I did...shot from the shoulder. I put the camera on my shoulder, pointed and clicked. Here's what I came out with. . .

Better than all the rest!

Then and Now

Make your own free digital slideshow

Growing up together

What's better than being best friends with your sister?

Watching

your daughters

become

Best Friends.

A first time for everything

Church, home, picnic, pool, volleyball, conversation, fireworks with friends and family. This was our itinerary yesterday and unfortunately I didn't take one picture. I'm feeling really sad about it, b/c for the last 3 years, there have been posts about our 4th of July festivities. This year I just missed it.

The memories will not be forgotten. Yesterday we celebrated our 1 year anniversary of attending Sovereign Grace Church. A place that has been a healing agent, an encouragement, and the model of a healthy church. Josh played on the worship team, the kids and I worshiped with friends. We came home, napped the kids, and headed to a picnic to PARTY. When I say party, I mean, 26 adults and 44 kids who represent 14 families in our church. No matter where you looked, be it the pool, the trampoline, the two play sets, there were swarms of kids and many attentive adults. See why I'm so sad to have missed these picture taking opportunities? The picture in your head can't do that visual justice. From there, we headed to Cherry Hill to see the fireworks display. We got there right at starting time, plopped down on the church lawn, with many of our church family, and enjoyed the show. Gideon was not a fan of the fireworks, but the other kids loved it, including Nora.

I may not have pictures of the events of the day, but I did get a picture of Josh and Nora hanging out after nap time.

Daddy's girl (as long as mommy's not around!)!!

These pictures were taken earlier this week. Gideon wanted to share his popsicle with Nora. She was more than happy to take it off his hands.