Julia "Picture Day" Photo Shoot!

Today was Julia's picture day at preschool. It was so fun to get her dressed up (and she insisted on wearing a dress!). I decided to take some shots of my own eventhough i ordered some posed from school. I'm trying to learn different things out about my camera as well and it happened to be a beautiful day!

no, i didn't pose her in front of the house!
next one kinda boring....

love this candid shot...wish it was sharper.

a cute somewhat natural smile!

These didn't transfer clearly for some reason....but still some cute and natural shots. She was cooperative for the most part!

She asked me to take a picture of her making a triangle. Love the furrowed brows when she's concentrating!

One of these days I'll get a perfect picture of them holding hands...I guess this is more authentic.

even more authentic. although it didn't end in tears-that's a plus!

Halloween Last Year

Seems like way LESS than a year ago.....

We had a super fun Halloween Party at Monica's house. This was freeze dance and Julia decorating eating "candy pizza." Sorry to miss that this year! We also met Carter and Megan at the library for their adorable party..sorry to miss that too:(

Julia was an elephant in a costume that I didn't realize was way too small when i bought it! I don't know where I got Andrew's adorable tiger costume? Julia loved decorating and carving a pumkin with Poppa. He loved it too-we are going to make it a tradition! I"ll miss trick or treating in Dad's neighborhood. That's what we did the last three years (oh, two years ago on Halloween, we broke the news to all our parents that Julia was going to be a big sister!). Then we usually stop by Mom-mom's and Pop-pop's house. Last year was also the big Phillies Championship parade--will there be another this year!?!?!

You are God Alone

LOVE this song. Just heard it on Pandora. I love this God I serve, for these reasons:

Navigation: P \ Phillips, Craig And Dean \ You Are God Alone
You are not a God Created by human hands
You are not a god Dependant on any mortal man
You are not a god In need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that’s just the way it is
CHORUS
You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone

You’re the only God
Whose power none can contend
You’re the only God
Whose name and praise will never end
You’re the only God
Who’s worthy of everything we can give
You are God
And that’s just the way it is
CHORUS
BRIDGE
Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That’s what You are

Tia means aunt in Portuguese!

Silvia was in PA on her way to a conference in NJ and was soooo kind and thoughtful to come in a few days early to spend with her favorite American niece and nephew (and American sister). It was so great because she just jumped in to our day to day life. Julia and Andrew are crazy about her (and so am I). She and Julia have had a special bond ever since she was born. When we visited OH over the summer, I walked into our room and they were just laying on the bed talking and stayed there for quite some time, just enjoying each other. It is a blessing to have such a strong Christian infuence in her life, and boy do they have fun together too (along with Crazy Uncle J)! Oh, and Andrew just thinks that she is a human toy! And Silvia and I never run out of things to talk about; she really is like a sister to me. We are so comfortable around each other and enjoy talking about our faith and "crafty, artsy things" together.

These pictures are taken at a really cool road side stand a couple of blocks up the street. I have to share that I got that HUGE yellow mum behind Silvia, for $4. I felt like I was stealing.

More pict's of our Favorite Brazilian!

If at fifth you don't succeed, try try again...and again...

Yes, this is my who-knows-how many-times attempt at consistent Blogging. I'm going to try again-they say it takes 21-28 days to form a habit (I don't know who they are and how they know this--but i'm going to take their word for it). I haven't gone public with this and will after the one month goal point. SO, today is Oct 21...I'll set a goal for myself to be "in the habit" by Thanksgiving. Here are some guidelines I must set for myself:
Blog no more than 15-20 minutes a day--this will be difficult, I'll want to purchase a timer
Don't worry about editing--this will be difficult, i can be a perfectionist when it comes to writing
Have fun--this should be easy and enjoyable-not a chore---no hidden agenda
Don't go through the day thinking-Oh I HAVE to post this on my Blog...taking away from the point of my blog...to savor each moment
Shoot, I just broke one of my rules---I reread this post like 3 times and made changes:)

Look at those Chompers!

Andrew's top two front teeth started coming in around 6 months and have been continuint to grow since (this picture is 11 months)! They look so goofy, but of course I absolutely love them!
He has been trying lots of different foods. This is his first international taste test~
house fried rice (affectionately pronounced how-fry-rye)

He's doing really well masting the sippy cup. TIme to start weaning off the bottles!

Peek-a-boo!

Jeff loves this sporty look.

Planting a Special Pink Flower

Daddy has been working hard at getting the gardens in good shape.

Julia was able to plant the pink flower that she picked out at Home Depot. I was glad to see that she was willing to get dirty!

Andrew had it with the wagon (He usually loves it, but was ready for his bottle:)

Snow Days-Feb 4th

"Help, I can't move my arms!"

An angel in the snow

This has potential for disaster. . . but it works out just fine! Sometimes it's difficult for me to not jump in, but I am often glad when I don't:)

Those cheeks are the best!!

"Mommy, why are you making us lay in the snow??"