Pre-birthday party and more!

Hello everyone. My name is JJ. I'm about to be a big girl, because I will be 1 on Tuesday! I have 3 and a half teeth and I am pulling up on everything and trying to take steps! I love to eat. Everything in sight. Even beetles. Even though my Mommy doesn't like it when I eat things off the floor. My newest words are thank you and cracker. I gotta go snuggle now, bye!

Hi guys! This is Natalie. I'm going to be 2 in 10 days, although I've been telling people that I'm two ever since I turned 1. :) I love to talk (especially on the phone) and I am learning more and more new words every day! My favorite things to do right now are: COLOR, ride in my wagon, watch "Curious George" and take showers.

Mommy here. Wow, my little angels are growing up so quickly! Especially the little tator tot in my tummy! It won't be long and she'll be here! Can't wait to meet my little Christmas present...

The above picture displays JJ's excitement that Natalie spilled her cheerios. 

"Yay! More food for me!"

Last weekend we had a pre-birthday bash for the girls with my grandparents. And their "fairy god-mother" as we call her, Lana. :)

Above picture is Natalie opening her new cell phone from Nana and G-dad!

And keys! Now all she needs is a car... :P

"He-llooooo!! He-llooo?"

Everyone laughed at how animated she was. Including her. :)

JJ getting her giggle toy. Fits her perfectly. Uncle Matthew calls her his little chunk of joy!

Had to taste the tag of course...

Bouncing and dancing

Hoping Poppa lets her help in the garden...

That face is priceless! Pure elation!

When I lit Natalie's birthday candles, she cried! Maybe thought I was going to burn her brownie down? Not sure... maybe just an emotional moment. :D

JJ was just fascinated with her candle.

And LOVED her brownie and ice cream!

This is our attempt at a group shot of the girls/ladies. So thankful for these little girls and women in my life. 

And that's it for now. More updates and pictures to come soon!

What I love about fall...

-This weather! Last weekend we had a garage sale and Friday it was around 100 degrees, but then it rained and stormed all night and by Saturday morning it was BEAUTIFUL. Seems like forever since I got to wear a jacket in the early morning!

-Chilly mornings. LOVE them. Perfect with a cup of hot apple cider. I am going to try to get up before the girls do this fall and have my quiet time outside!

-Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks. Yum....

-Decorating for fall. I'm not a big decorator, especially when it comes to holidays/seasons, with the exception of fall and Christmas. I love fall and Christmas candles. I pulled out my fall stuff today and realized I'm going to have to put the candles up high somewhere where Natalie can't reach them. That will be a challenge... the little monkey can pretty much climb anywhere!

-The leaves changing on the trees. God's creation is AMAZING!

Hello and Goodbye

Hello blog world! It's been a while... I have had lots of technical problems with my blog over the last year and I finally gave up and started over.

Yesterday, my sister Hannah said so-long and headed off for an 11 month mission trip to 11 different countries. It was definitely bittersweet. I am SO exited that she has the opportunity to travel around the world and change lives. I know without a doubt that God is going to do amazing things through her. The only ways we will have to communicate with her are Skype, Facebook and blog updates, so I am going to attempt to update this thing as often as I can so she doesn't miss anything.  

This blog post is dedicated to her:

We are only 14 months apart, and have been best friends since day one. When we were toddlers she would always try to keep me awake to talk. She would say, "Not go sleep yat-yule (Rachel), not go sleep!" :)

We've almost been more like twins than just sisters. We've shared clothes our whole lives. And we still do. :P

Hannah was always the good example that I should have been as the older sister. I respect her and look up to her so, so much for consistently making good choices and pursuing a strong, intimate relationship with God. It has made her into an incredibly confident person and changed her quiet personality tremendously. I can honestly see her changing the world! Her passion for God has inspired and encouraged more than she knows to walk closely with God. 

Our Europe adventures are some of the best memories I have with her.

Ireland

Notre Dame

The Louvre

The Eiffel Tower

She's always been there to support and love me in all my ups and downs, the thick and thin, the life-changing events in my life, and in the small insignificant moments. 

I am so grateful to have such an amazing, godly sister. 

Love you Hannah! Can't wait to see you in 11 months!