Happy 9th Birthday Nathan!

Nine years ago we were blessed by the birth of Nathan James Crout on September 29, 2003. Wow, the last 9 years have flown by and have been filled with much laughter (some tears) and adventure for all of us.  Nathan, you are my gift from God- a true answer to prayer!! I love you with all my heart and count myself truly blessed to be called your mom!!

 Dan & little Nathan

 The joys of a newborn!

Snapshots of Nathan's first year!

Nine years later we are celebrating at Angelo's & Vinci's- 

Nathan's pickfor a night out on the town! 9/27/12

Due to a chemo treatment the day before, Nathan's birthday is a low key event (sorry buddy, I will make it up next year for your 10th). The boys spend the day at Emerald Bay with Grammy and then bring cupcakes home so we can sing "Happy Birthday" on his actual day!!

 We love you sweet boy- I can't believe we are in your last year before you enter the land of double digits!! Cheers~~

Sweet Faces

While I lay on the couch and rest after my last treatment (4 out of 6) I get to look across at two of my favorite creatures- my sweet husband and my precious dog. They spend a lot of time with me when I am feeling tired and sick. I love their support and presence during this somewhat difficult journey I find myself on. Love you two!!

Don't Worry Be Happy!

A little background on the shirt! I was at my mom's last month for a girl's night and my mom's neighbors and her friends saw me without my hair. One of the friends said she was a breast cancer survivor and was wearing a tank top just like this (only bright pink). She said she would like to send me one too. It arrived a few days ago and I am wearing it proudly!

The shirt has a story behind it. A teen who was fighting cancer had a shirt with the saying and wore it to all his treatments- it was his motto through the battle. He eventually lost it, but in his honor a foundation was started DontWorryBeHappyFoundation.org So, I am wearing my shirt- to remind myself that I need to be happy in all of my circumstances and that worrying isn't going to help. 

Back To School 2012

We found out last night who the boys had for their teachers and Nathan even had a visit from his (she was visiting our next door neighbor). We went to bed excited about what the new year would bring and prayed for the teachers. Outfits were laid out, lunches were made in the fridge, backpacks were filled with supplies and hung on chairs. . . . we were ready!

We woke up raring to go this morning. The boys came down dressed and looking good! They had waffles for breakfast and then it was time to hit the road (not before taking first day pictures). A twist to things- it started raining (a hot, humid rain). We walked to school with umbrellas and eventually the rain stopped.

Jason went off with some friends to his class and I took Nathan to his 4th grade class which starts at 8am now. He was happy to see many of his friends are in the same class as him. After he was squared away, I went back to see Jason off to 2nd grade. He barely had time to say goodbye as he was busy chatting with his buds. Many of his friends are in his class, but those who aren't can be seen at recess and lunch! I am just so thankful that both boys have good friends that they look forward to seeing each day!

Lord, you have them in your hands. They are with the teachers YOU want them to have and I know that they will have a good year because you are with them EVERY step of the way- Amen!

 Nathan- 4th Grade

 Jason- 2nd Grade

The Dynamic Duo

 Rainy Day Walk

 Buddies at school!

Goodbye Bill!

Tonight we celebrated Dan's co-worker Bill Elliot who has just retired. Bill and Dan have worked together at the UCI sign shop for over 7 years now. Bill is such a part of Dan's work for the boys and I- hard to see him go. We are excited for this next chapter of his life, but will miss him dearly. To honor him- we took he and his wife, Susan, out to eat at one of our favorite dining spots- Oggi's Pizza in Tustin. Yum!

Last Day of Summer Vacation!

How did we spend our last day of summer vacation? The boys went to icamp for the first part of the day and I was busy at home putting away summer "stuff". When I picked the boys up we headed over to the park & fountain to play a bit. After the fountain we headed back home to play in the pool. It was a hot day and we needed to stay wet and cool! Good times!

 

What was Chloe doing on the last day of summer? She was doing what she has done every day this summer- SLEEPING.

Birthday Fun For Livianne

Our friend's daughter turned 1 today and we celebrated with a wonderful pool party with a "Hungry Caterpillar" theme. What fun we had taking goofy pictures in the "photo booth", playing games, eating awesome food and enjoying the cool pool on a hot day. Happy birthday sweet girl- we sure enjoy you!!

BIRTHDAY GIRL IS 1

THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR 

PHOTO BOOTH FUN!