Elliott

Our Elliott:

He is doing so well,but I think these pictures more than explain his stuggles,and frustration with life.As we were out on Sat,he tripped,and fell right into this puddle.Frustrated,he just sat there,totally overwhelmed with his present state.It was cold,wet,and he could not keep up with everyone else,and everything going on.

So,he sat.

In the puddle.

Staring at his reflection.

Making little fists and hitting the water as to say

"Darn it puddle,why do these things always happen to me!".

As I've been re-touching and cropping these pictures one thing has come to mind.How many times have I tripped and fell into a puddle of life,of frustrations.Have I just sat in it? Looking at my life,and reflecting? Or am I too busy to stop,to be still,and to wait on the Lord? I realize Elliott's only two and a half,but I think he can teach us something in this.When life get's frustrating,overwhelming,busy,and too much.Perhaps we just need to sit,in the midst of all of that,and reflect on Who God is,What He is trying to teach us,and If we are going in His right Direction,On the Path that will bring us closer to Him.

I have to admit in this moment,I was not focused on the right thing.On Elliott's heart,and of teaching him through his struggles,but rather was more concerned about Riley following suit,and getting Elliott warm and dry. I need to work on that,I need to be able to stop,perhaps even sit in the puddle too,and talk with him about his struggles and frustrations. And,leading Him to the Only Giver of Hope,Our Loving Lord.

We love you Elliott,and thank you for reminding Mommy of what is important,and Teaching me to Be still,Reflect,and Know Who God Is.

Riley...

Smiley Riley...

Last weekend we went out with some friends to Lintons.A local gardening enchanted land.They were having a fall october fest,and though it was overcast,and chilly we decided to brave the weather and head out.I borrowed my Dad's camera,and boy am I glad I did! I took many more pictures of all the kids,but thought I would blog about Riley's.He is so happy and smiley.As soon as he see's the camera he grins.And,who can resist that smile!?! No One! I assure you of that! We love him to pieces,and though he's a busy lil' guy,he's a happy one at that!Stay tuned for more picture posts,as well as an exciting announcement!

(no,I'm not pregnant!,but this venture is becoming my new "baby"...)

Fall is here...

Last weekend while Daddy was gone all day at Uncle Jake's Bacholor party

(my husbands brother is getting married on the 26th)

Saturday,I took the kids to Middlebury (Amish Country) to their Fall Festival Days.It's a perfect place to take little ones,as the crowds are not over whelming.The weather was glorious,and the kids had a blast!In the down town they have a nice park for the kids to play.That is where we spent the last hour of our day!My mom tagged along,and my Aunt and Grandma and my cousin met us there.We had so much fun,and the kids came home exhausted and ready for bed!

Riley has become quite confident in playing on big playgrounds like this.I remember not too long ago when he would not walk on any of the play equipment,because it has holes and I think he thought he could fall through!lol

Elliott on the spring horse as you can see by his hair,he was really movin!


Sweet Clara,I love how the rays of sunshine are coming down on our little angel.


Riley always in motion.

Jackson hanging upside down...and this bar was pretty far off the ground so I was impressed!

Watching the antique car parade...Elliott and Riley were enthrawled.

Truly they are Hartman's through and through.

The park has some old Canons the boys thought were way cool and wanted to climb all over them.

We ate lunch in the pavilioin in the center of the park down town.After all what's a fall festival with out some yummy food.We had amish noodles and chicken.

And Grammy got a plate of cupcakes for the kids!They were SO excited!

Riley's first Cotton Candy.He was not too sure of the texture.lol

This video was taken accidentally.I turned the camera to video instead of picture.But,I love it because you can hear my grandma in the background laughing at Riley,who of course was being a ham saying "cheese"every second!lol

Labor Day...

On Labor day we ventured out to Potato Creek Park.The Kids had so much fun playing on the beach,flying kites and just getting good and dirty.My parents met us there around noon and we ate lunch.The park was not busy at all,and in fact we had the entire beach to ourselves all morning.The water was pleasant and the weather was perfect!My Grandmother came along as well and I think she ejoyed watching the children run and play.Here are some of the many pictures we took from the day.I have a couple of videos too I will try to get up!What did you do for Labor day?

Jackson ate his lunch in the tree...

Riley and Daddy wressling...

Elliott in the tree...I love this picture of him!

Grammy pointing to the kites..

We flew Kites,well,the adults ran around until we were out of breath trying to keep the kites off the gound.

Then we gave up and gave the kites to the kids and they ran and ran to keep their kites off the ground!

Riley got bug bites all over his forehead...and ate himself silly...and overall had a great time!

Sweet Miss Clara...

she pushed Riley around in his stroller

All the adults eating the yummy ribs my Dad made on the grill.

My Grandmother is here visiting from Florida and came along with us.

Jackson could not stay out of the tree...:)

Playing on the beach...Riley was COVERED in sand when we left!

Big kids playing in the water!

We brought sea shells...

Daddy blowing bubbles with Riley...as you can see we were the only people on the beach...that was SO nice!

Our Sand Castle...with a moat...we were very proud of our creation...until Riley ran through it...then we all just laughed!

Rose Marie

Meet Rosie!

I have the wonderful privilege of babysitting Rosie two days a week.She is such a sweet and happy baby.I kid you not,I don't think she has ever cried while I have been watching her! After having a pretty high maintenance baby (a couple actually) she is a walk in the park to tend to!The children love to dote on her,and I love having a little baby to love on,then be able to send home and not have to wake in the night to take care of her.Having her around has been so good for Riley,as he is the baby of the family,and we have realized just how much we treat him like the baby.He is learning to share,and now just loves Rosie and gets so excited when she comes.At first he wanted to be the baby,would go grab his bottle and sit next to me while I gave Rosie her bottle saying "I mama's baby".Yes,it was so adorable,but also made me realize how much I baby him.Oh well,he is my baby!

This expression on her face above just makes me smile!

I had a little photo shoot with Rosie one afternoon.The bow in her hair is Clara's and matched her dress perfectly.Isn't she just the sweetest little girl?! I loved this little tennis dress she had on too!Little girls are so fun to dress up!