Our yard

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.

Jake and a 1 year picture

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

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:(.

Ella and her bed

Ella decided a few days ago to do THIS to her bed...

And so she has been enjoying sleeping inside there for several nights now.  I think she feels very cozy. She was hoping her sister would share this space with her and have a sleep over. She even made two separate areas but Olivia wasn't interested and decided to stay sleeping up top.

Swinging does the heart good

Recently I've noticed something - it's a neat somethin:).  If Zach has had a long day or done something hard he immediately comes home and swings - swings till his heart is content.  After soccer practice, a Granite school day or maybe just mowing Mr. Robins lawn.  It's been happening for a few weeks now. So I've been thinking on this more and more and enjoying watching him.  It just makes me smile when I see it. My boy is 12 and he just loves to swing - thank God he is not too grown up for such things.  May he always take time to relax after the hard of life.

Mess

Who made THIS mess?!?!?!

Oh, silly me...

Hev turns 38

I had a very sweet birthday.  I was awoken to the smell of cinnamon rolls and lavished with cards from all. Brian bought me high brown boots (he knows how to pick um) which made my heart so happy - not the brown boots but the fact that he went to the mall and choose brown boots for me!  

My parents came down and took us out for lunch.  We went to Alexandra's at Turf Valley.  We had beautiful weather and enjoyed lunch outside - the dessert was SO yummy - peanut butter of course.  I may or may not have chosen this lunch spot based on the dessert selection.  Brian surprised me and met us there! My heart was happy!