I think fall has become my favorite time of year - no wait I know fall has become my favorite time of year. I love the trees and colors and I LOVE the cooler weather. I'm pretty sure the cooler weather is much more appreciated after spending many summers and early falls pregnant.
Here are some recent pictures from our yard this fall. I am blown away by God's handy work in the simplest things we take for granite (mushrooms) or don't even notice (the gorgeous berries on our bamboo plants). I am looking down more these days as Jake crawls and starts to walk so I notice things differently - this is a good thing.
I knew I needed to be more on top of things -- but Jakes one year birthday came and went. I walk past the other four kids one year pictures on the wall a hundred times a day. I needed to get a shoot of Jake for on my wall! So FINALLY the day came. It was a total spur of the moment decision. Kids get the white sheet, help me move this table, let's change him out of his tye dye t-shirt?!?!? And so the trying for a "good" picture began. Here are some of the shots (we probably have at least 100 tries). I kept getting shadows and finally Brian got home to take the real deal - the keeper!
*The last one is the keeper. Yes, that IS a marshmallow in his hand - we were desperate - very desperate! And combing the hair...it's optional, right?
Olivia turns 11! Wow! I can't believe it. I still remember how beautiful the day was when we brought her home from the hospital - and how good I felt!
Olivia is really growing, changing and maturing. I think Olivia's love for the Lord is growing and it's so beautiful to watch. It's evident in the ways He is changing her heart. Olivia is a VERY diligent student. She gets all her work done quickly and nearly perfect every time. Olivia is an early riser ALWAYS. She is a sweet friend and very helpful to others. I SO appreciate all her help with Jake over the past year. Her teachers have commented on how helpful she is as well. She does all our laundry (most days) and hardly complains (yes, she does get paid but still it's a lot of laundry and folding). She saves her money, is eager to babysit (or get some sort of job). Dancing queen. Quick to forgive. Snack shack volunteer. Reads a ton! Texts a ton:) Bakes some. Argues with her oldest brother most days - but they love each other (see pic below). And soon to be following in her mama's love for fashion - oh wait she already is! I love you Olivia and am so thankful that God gave us you! Just you the way you are - perfect inside and out because that's how God created you.
Olivia got a new locket necklace from Origami Owl. The charms I put in it for her are an "O", her birthstone, a dancer, books and a cupcake. We also, gave her jumbo muffin tins, an apron, a knitting bag, new knitting needles, a ring (opal is one of her birthstones), pens and post its from Zach, a bracelet from Noah, and a glass box from Ella.
Olivia had a couple friends over to celebrate. They played games, made duct tape journals and ate dinner and of course cake.
One thing Olivia has really started enjoying and looking forward to are "dates" with those close to her. Brian took her out for breakfast to Eggspectations. Grammie and Pop Pop took her out for lunch to The Standford Grill (a week early). And Oma and Opa took her out for lunch to Coal Fire - although we forgot to take a picture:(.
