Snow Much Fun!

The first snow came to the Crisp House today and the kiddos could not resist some plat time.

We had snow much fun. And the hot chocolate afterwards was yummy too.

Play a little. Eat a little.

Happy FIRST SNOW to everyone!

Christmas Decorating Crisp Style

Welcome to the Crisp house! Merry Christmas everyone! Wanted to give you a peek at our eight trees this year.

This is the red and gold tree we put in our master bedroom. I just love a red and gold tree.

This is our pastry themed tree we put in the dining room. These are new decorations this year and I am really enjoying them. Very fun and different.

This is our HUGE new addition. She is 12 feet in size and is a monster statement in our front entry.

This is our candy themed tree for the kitchen. The kids really enjoy this one.

This is the red, black and silver tree we added to the landing last year. Really looks pretty from the outside of the house.

This is our living room fruit tree. Had her for awhile but still really enjoy the way she shines.

This is Madison's pink pig tree. Yes, there are small pig lights to match the big pig light.

And this is number eight. Noah's metallic silver toy themed tree. He uses it as a night light.

Be inspired. Be bright. Be merry.

Getting use out of our Halloween Costumes

Madison's school celebrated their fall fest tonight so we were able to put our costumes to good use. Thought you would enjoy checking out their picks for this year. Trick or Treat!

Happy Birthday Noah!

Noah Turns Four!
And parties with Batman. Here are a few pictures from his birthday celebration. I can't believe my little buddy is four but here we are.

Noah received some fun gifts including Legos, play dough, tee ball set and a scooter.

It was raining outside and Noah decided to stick his head under the dripping rain just before the party started so that's why his head is wet.

Madison helped Noah read all the birthday cards this year. That was kind of fun!

We ate pizza, cake and ice cream - sounds like a birthday party to me. :)

Happy Birthday to Noah! We are so glad to have him as part of our family. Who wouldn't love a kid with a smile like that?

A Good Week for the Crisp Kids

The Crisp kiddos had a good week. Both received happy notes from school. Noah received a got caught doing something good for being a helper at clean-up time. (Wish I could see that a bit more at home. :)) And Madison got a note of hooray for working hard. Just wanted to take the opportunity to brag on my little people a bit. Be blessed.

Smart Enough to be a Second Grader!

Hello World!

Here comes Madison. She started the 2nd grade today.
The report from the day is that she loves it.
She is excited that her teacher has LOTS of books.

It's gonna be a good year.

Dressed for success in her new pink shirt.
She is on a dress code this year.
Makes life interesting.
She's just glad pink is an option.

Good luck!

Ft. Wayne Zoo

Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh my!

So the first day of school starts for the Crisp crew tomorrow so we thought we would make the most from our last day of summer.

We decided on the Ft. Wayne zoo for our family FUN day. Here are a few shots from our outing. To see more check out Kristi's facebook page.

The Ft. Wayne zoo just added an African safari exhibit this year and it was really fun. We give it two thumbs up.

The zoo is a nice size - not too big and not too small. We could get through the zoo without wearing the kids out and you know that makes everyone happy. Enjoy a few of our family pictures.

Tomorrow...Madison officially enters the 2nd grade. Oh boy!

I hope your family enjoys a little fun time soon too.

Biker Babes!

Makayla came to visit and she wanted to wear all of Noah's gear but she did not want ride the bike. She looked too cute not shoot though. This diva believes in wearing her accessories.

Madison took her photo op to pick on her little brother. Bunny ears!

Yes, Madison is wearing her helmet backwards. She knows but thought it would be funny because Makayla also wanted to wear the helmets backwards.

Funny kids!

Our Pro Biker!

What's stopping you?

We have been telling Madison all summer that the training wheels were coming off her bike and it was time for her to ride without. Each time we were met with tears and pleading to just leave them there. Madison had a fear of getting hurt. She did not want to try something new because she knew change meant the possibility of bumps and bruises.

Much to her dismay we finally took them off. She was forced to get out there and live a little. With some direction she learned quickly how to stop herself without falling and before she knew (literally within in an hour) she was turning, stopping, and really enjoying her new found skill.

So what's stopping you from trying that something new in your life? Do you find yourself pleading, "No, don't make me change just yet. I might get hurt so I'd like to just keep things the way they are." Are you truly living life?

Madison learned a valuable lesson and all of our neighbors have noticed and come to talk to her about it. She glows with pride.

Don't miss out. Try something new. And just like Madison...

You'll probably make it far on your first try and if not you'll learn that the bumps and bruises you fear aren't as bad as you might think.

Congratulations Madison! We are so very proud of you!


Be Blessed.

Sleep Over Fun!

So the kiddos asked if they could have a sleep over - with each other. They wanted to sleep in the same room. Paul set-up the air mattress for them and got them settled in. Here are a few pictures from the sleep over.

I quit taking pictures after Noah started to pretend pick his nose for a laugh in the pictures. Don't you just love it? Where does he get these things. He's only three can you imagine what sixteen is going to be like for us?

Sweet dreams!

The Little Garden that Could

We are a tomato eating family. We love them cooked, we love them off the vine, we love them mixed with other things, and we love to grow our own.

Last year we planted two tomato plants and by fall we were beginning to grow tired of our friend the tomato so this year we decided maybe one plant would do.

We went to the store as family, picked out our beloved plant (added in some cilantro because we really like to eat salsa) and took it home to plant it in our small garden spot.

We cared for our little plants growing them and longing for the day we would be able to pick the fruits of our efforts.

Interestingly enough something began to happen in our little garden and before we knew it seven tomato plants had popped up. How did that happen? The only thing we can think of is that some of those tomatoes we didn't get picked in time at the end of the season planted their seed in our wonderful soil.

We are going to have tomatoes running out our ears. Oh dear!

Today our first tomato was ready for picking. Yum-O! This will be the first of many for us this year because there is just no way we can get through seven plants at a time.

We'll be sharing with friends, family, and neighbors.

I am not the canning kind. My grandparents did, my mom did, but man, helping them was about as much fun as I would like to have. So, I was wondering do you have any good suggestions for the tomatoes in our future?

Send your me your favorite recipes too. Thanks! And if you like tomatoes and live close by you are welcome to enjoy some from our garden.