My boy is reading!

I really should take video of Nathan reading, but you will just have to use your imagination on this one. Nathan Crout is reading and reading well. I am so proud of the progress he is making. Not only is he reading every day, but without complaining. I think the latter is almost as good as the reading part. He still struggles with certain words, but in general he is getting the hang of it. I have him read the same book a few days in a row so that he is reading it with ease and speed by the 3rd or 4th time. I pray that he will love reading as much as his daddy and I do!

Happy 6th Birthday Nathan James

My sweet boy turned 6 today and we celebrated by going to Disneyland for the day. In 2009, you are able to enter the park for free. Dan and I both went on our birthdays and we promised Nathan he could too. A sweet friend got the rest of us in for free so we didn't have to spend any money. What a blessing and a gift!!

We invited my sister, Aunt Desi Des, to join us on our adventure and what a treat. I couldn't have done this day without her. Jason was her shadow and went on every ride with her. This was nice since it allowed me to have a lot of one on one time with my Nathan.

Here we are on our way out of the park. We entered at 10:20am and left by 4:20pm. We did 10 different attractions- including the following: Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Nemo's Sub Adventure, The Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, Buzz Light Year and more.

I love this photo. We are all so happy and we are in the happiest place on Earth. Thank you God for giving us Nathan James Crout 6 years ago and letting us celebrate his birth every year in new ways. This year was extra special at Disneyland!!

NHHS Class of 1989- 20 years later...

Last night I attended my 20th high school reunion. The reunion took place at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club on the Balboa Peninsula. When we arrived we were given our name badge with our senior picture on it. You've got to love the hair. I was glad to see that EVERYONE had big hair in my class (it was the 80's after all). We had a great turn out (about 1/2 of our class) and I was able to see lots of people whom I haven't seen in a long time (at since our 10 year reunion).
Aimee Eason (now Glenn) and I went to middle school together at Maranatha Christian Academy. I have the pleasure of seeing her every once in awhile around Irvine since she and her family live near by.
These pretty ladies and I went to Elementary School together at American Christian School. The school is no longer around, but I have lots of fond memories of that place. It was a small school with only once class per grade- you knew everyone there. Allison Root and Julie Gendron (now Arny) are both still local and looked just as great tonight as they did in high school.
And here are my girls looking great. We are missing Carrie, but she was off socializing someplace. Even though we had spent many hours catching up during the day, we could not stop chatting it up. Liz came the farthest (all the way from Connecticut) and Rian and Paula flew down from the Sacremento area. I am so glad they made the effort for such a special night. I love you girls!!

It was a great night and a reminder of how special high school was and how glad I am that I transferred to Newport Harbor after a miserable time at CDM. God knew where I needed to be and that was with these girls and many more!!

The Girls Are Back in Town!

So tonight is my 20th high school reunion. I had the privilege of going to Newport Harbor High School with some amazing people. My closest friends there are these women pictured here: Carrie Maze (now Hammond) with me, Paula Swanson (now Giard), Liz Hubbard (now Trond), and Rian Rupert (now Potvin) We shared many wonderful times together- St. Andrew's, Easter Week Work Projects, Choir Tours, shared classes, slumber parties, lip synching to our favorite 80's bands and more. As we reflected on our past- we realized how wonderfully innocent we were (especially compared to high schoolers these days).

We met at The Omellet Parlor off 17th Street for lunch and then headed over to America's Cup Frozen Yogurt- the whole time laughing and just enjoying each other's company. I was told by my dear friends that I was quite frank in my words- always said in love, but I told it like it was- hmm- haven't changed much.

Here is to 20 + years of friendship- CHEERS!!

Nathan's Birthday Party

This year for Nathan's 6th birthday we kept it simple. For his 5th we had done a big party at Pump it Up so we were on the down-low for this one. We had pizza dinner at Grandma Mary's house with just Dan's side of the family and it was perfect.

Nathan saw his friend Burke's skates and said that he would like some too. Grandma Mary was kind enough to oblige him. We have practiced on them and he does pretty well. He also received a Nerf gun from us, Legos from Uncle Steve and some books from Yvonne. Since I am listing gifts here- he also received Knex from Grammy and some money from Uncle Dave, Grandpa and Papa. This kid is so blessed

Nathan had an icecream cake with choclate cake and mint choclate chip ice cream in the center. It was delicous and gone in 20 minutes!! A perfect ending to a perfect day. Happy 6th Birthday my little man!!

Nathan and Jason ROCK

I just took this picture last night before the boys went to Kids Small Group. I personally think this is one of the best pics ever. They both were giving me their normal smiles and I love how Nathan put his arm around Jason (without my prompting). They might fight sometimes, but they really do love each other. You know, I never planned to have my kids so close in age, but I am glad that God knew better- they are my heart's joy and the light of my life!!

Knex Crazy

Nathan has been a bit obsessed with Knex and all that can be built with them. This first one is a GRADER that has a motor. The truck moves forward and an arm goes up and down to grate the ground.
This is an "EGG BEATER" ride like at an amusement park. The whole thing spins and then the chairs also turn (making it look like an egg beater). If I had been small enough I would have totally gotten sick on this ride- it was FAST!!

I love this one. A full on "STANDING MIXER" The arm would go up and down and the bowl was removable-It even had a crank so the beater would turn. Kitchen Aid- eat your heart out!

This dinosaur would wobble back and forth and slowly move forward. Unfortunately all these great creations have to be taken apart to make the next one. I take a picture and then it is destroyed. So, here they are for you to see and enjoy. I am sure there will be more creations in the future to display.

The power of words

This past spring, Nathan was mastering words and building them. He thought he was so clever buy spelling "Mom loves Nathan BUT not Jason". Needless to say, I didn't approve of this sentence (although I did laugh). Thankfully Nathan revised the sentence (below).

So, now "Mom loves jason and nathan"- that is more like it. Kids say (or write) the darndest things.

Ryan and his girl

I had to post this great picture of Ryan and his girlfriend Daisey. I just can't get over how much this young man has grown and that he is old enough to have a sweetheart. They are quite smitten with each other and it is a little sickening to watch them smooch all the time- but young love lives on!!

Handsome boys

As we were heading off to church today- I was struck by how big Nathan and Jason are getting. Jason turned 4 in July and Nathan is just 9 days away from being 6. I remember when they were just babes in my arms and now they do so much without my help. The thing I like best about my boys is that they LOVE each other and they LOVE Jesus.

Borth boys are in a great kid's study on Wednesday nights. It is through Saddleback Church (their Irvine campus). In Jason's class they will be studying "How to Know God- a journey to discover God's purpose". He loves it and can't wait to go back this next week. I am thankful that he is a sponge willing to soak up all of God's goodness!!

Look at this little man- he melts my heart. In his 1st grade small group he is learning "How to Love Jesus- a journey to discover my savior". Nathan excepted Jesus into his heart last year and this study will really reinforce what is in his heart and help him at the beginning of a life long journey with God in his life!!

Crazy Counsins

Today we had a special treat- we went to my brother's new place for breakfast. Uncle Mike made pancakes, I made eggs and we had fresh squeezed OJ and fruit- it was perfect. Mike has a hammock in his front yard and we all took turns on it- you've got to love this!!


The boys got to see my dad (Poppa) and also their favorite cousin, Gidget. Gidget is 7 and in 2nd grade. Nathan and Jason absolutely love being with her. Gidget is ALL girl and it is good for the boys to have to treat her differently and with more respect.

Me, Myself and Lies

I started a new Bible Study today with some old and new friends. The study is called 'Me, Myself and Lies' by Jennifer Rothschild. The back of the book says the following: "We all talk to ourselves all the time. We evaluate everything we do, compare ourselves to others, and even call ourselves names. We disparage who we are instead of telling ourselves the truth about who God says we are." The study and workbook will take us through Thought Closet Make-over - I can't wait. I want my self talk and the words that come out of my mouth to be uplifting to myself and to those around me. Words are powerful and can be used for life or for death. I choose life. More on this as the weeks go on!!

Here it goes

So, I saw a fantastic movie this summer called Julie and Julia. The character in the movie, Julie, started a blog about cooking through Julia Child's cookbook in a year. I am not planning on cooking or putting a time limit on any project, but I do want to start a blog. They made it look so easy in the movie- and it is. I also have many friends who blog and I enjoy seeing photos of their lives and their kids. I want to join the club.

I thought- what better time to start then the beginning of the school year. I can chronicle this year and see how it goes. Come join the journey of the Crazy Crouts.

Nathan is a First Grader!

My sweet boy Nathan is a first grader. I never thought I would get through Kindergarten, but here we are on the other side. His teacher is Ms. Ferguson and he loves her. He has a few kids from his class last year and lots of new friends to get to know. I just can't get over how fast this kid is growing and how much joy he brings to my heart!!