Ella turns 7!

Wow! I can't believe that she's 7!  The last 2 years have been sort of a blur for me and I feel like this little girl grew up a whole lot - and I almost missed it.  Ella Paige you are a joy, sweet and happy all the time.  Nothing much gets you down -- ever.  You make us all laugh with your funny comments (especially at dinner), you are a well-liked sweet, encouraging friend, and a go with the flow gal. This year Ella started soccer and is doing very well!  I wonder how long it will be before she has daddy coaching her?  Ella is doing a great job learning to read and is an excellent student.  I love you Ella and you are a blessing! 
Ella had a few friends over after school on her birthday.  We did a few crafts and ate cupcakes.  Ella was a happy girl!

Pop Pop turns 70!

My dear dad turned 70 this year.  I would never guess he was 70 and am so thankful that he is so healthy and active still!  Always helping others and keeping very busy!  We love Pop Pop very much and we are so thankful for him!  Love you dad! 

Noah's turns 9!

Our middle child, the quietest of them all, turned 9 recently.  He had a short wish list and very little desires for his birthday - most of all he didn't really want anyone to know it was his birthday (besides his family members).  Noah is growing in several areas of his life. I see ways in which the Lord is molding and shaping this kind, fun boy.  He is quick to laugh with us over jokes, loves to be on the soccer field (and is quite the player as well), is helping out more around the house (without an argument) and is trying hard to be diligent with school work. He is a kind friend and gets along easily with others.  One of my favorite things is seeing how the two older boys have really bonded over the last year - perhaps sleeping in the basement together will do this?  Noah Maxwell is a special gift - we are grateful for him and love him so much.  Here are a few pictures from his birthday.  His cake was a mistake turned crazy - but he was very sweet about it and even liked it (the kids saved me at the last minute). 
P.S. I think he will wear hand me down soccer jerseys for the rest of his life!  XOXO

  

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.