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!!