Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to us! We've been married three years and it's been awesome. Jared, I love you. You are the man of my dreams.

Sitting up

Ethan is sitting up. He started practicing a few days ago, and now I think he's got it.

Check it out

I added some links you should check out. One is for Green Frog Art and the other is Kelly's blog. Kelly is my cousin and she is amazing. Check it out. : )

6 months!

Ethan is six months old on Tuesday, April 29th! All I can say is WOW! Below are some pics of Ethan that Janna took to celebrate his six months on earth. We went to the doctor today for more shots and a complete physical. Here are Ethan's stats. Height: 26 and 3/4 inches (50th percentile) Weight: 18 lbs, 11 oz (75th percentile)

Lift Off!

Jared, Ethan, and I are headed to New Jersey this week. We are taking Ethan to meet Jared's grandparents and his aunt and uncle. Ethan has flown before and did great. This is a longer day, but hopefully he'll do just as well as last time. We are looking forward to our trip. While up north, we're also going to visit our friends Monica and Joe. They got married a week before Ethan was born, so we are excited to celebrate with them. I'll be sure to post pics and any fun stories that happen to us upon our return.

Tag you're it

Myndie is always doing these fun tags that I seem to never have time for. She had two I liked, so I'm making time. Those of you who'd like to join in the fun, feel free: )

Things you may not know about me:
A) Four places I go over and over:
1. Work
2. Church
3. Publix
4. Parents/In-Law's

B) Four people who email me:
1. Myndie
2. Melissa
3. Mom
4. Brooke

C) Four of my favorite foods:
1. Most things my dad cooks, especially steak, lasagna, breakfast
2. Pancakes
3. Canteloupe (but it has to be just right, not too ripe or under-ripe)
4. Fried fish and grits

D) Four places I would rather be right now:
Honestly, right now I am very content to be at home with a few quiet moments before Ethan and Jared and Phoebe get up.

E) Four people who I think will repost this:
Anyone else who would like to

F) Four movies I watch over and over:
1. Sound of Music
2. Moulin Rouge
3. Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (because Jared could watch it over and over again)
4. Singin in the Rain

G) Four places I have lived:
1. St. Augustine, FL
2. Provo, UT
3. Orlando, FL


The special book tag:
1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages).
2. Turn to page 123.
3. Find the 5th sentence
4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog.
5. Tag 5 people

The Flamingo Rising by Larry Baker (Stacey recommended this book and it is very good.)

"My mother loved only my father, but he came to question that."

Roll on, Ethan, roll on!

Oh yeah. One more thing! Ethan is officially rolling over. I must admit I was a little disappointed when I found out Nathan, Ethan's younger cousin, had gotten the hang of it. I am trying hard not to be one of those moms that is always comparing her children to others, but it is hard. Especially when I just don't know when to expect things in the first place. He rolled over three times last night and again this morning. He hates tummy time, so I probably won't get much out of him now that he can flip to his back.

Summer is almost here!

Well, Ethan and I got ready and went to the pool today. Too bad I didn't remember that although it is warm outside, the pool is still cold. Maybe next month we'll go deeper than our toes. He did look super cute in his new hat, which is way too big!

Daddy and Me

Jared and Ethan love to play together. I caught them last night!

Exersaucer

My mom bought Ethan an exersaucer and he loves it. Here are some pics of him enjoying his new toy. He has already figured out how to spin around and loves eating the pig and spinning the chickens.

Costco!

Okay, so I am now a Costco-going mom. I promise not to go too crazy. Myndie took me on her pass and I love it so much more than Sam's Club. I got two whole chickens (I like to cook them in my crockpot, separate them from the bone, and portion them out for meals. It's easy and awesome and saves money.) for less than $7! That is what I'd pay for one at Publix. Lovin' Costco. Thanks Myndie. Jason, Jared, you and me need to go for a Costco date! : )

After...

The floors are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here are some after photos.

From the front door.

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Living Room

Ethan's New Stuff

Well we gave in and got Ethan a Bumbo seat. He loves it! Here he is enjoying it along with his new red shark sunglasses and his soothie holder (it's a penguin with an igloo).

My Love List

Myndie, I think I'm up to your challenge. Here goes.

I love dancing and watching other people dance (rythm or no rythm). I love sitting on the front porch to watch the birds/squirrels, swing on the swing, wave at the neighbors passing by, or to just talk. I love laying on a float in the pool. I love cold weather so I can snuggle. I love snuggling. I love it when someone I don't know on the street smiles at me. I love learning and reading and finding out new things. I love when my magazines come in the mail. I love reading said magazines cover to cover. I love getting the mail. I love getting REAL mail. I love reconnecting with old friends. I love pizza. I love the pizza made at our annual family parties. I love getting a haircut. I love the way I feel after getting a haircut. I love the way they wash my hair while getting a haircut. I love finding the perfect pair of jeans. I love finding the perfect pair of jeans on sale. I love watching TV shows from the first episode, in order, to the last. I love sitting in the exact center of the movie theater and getting there early enough to watch the trailers. I love driving to St. Augustine. I love the beach. I love walking on the beach. I love the smell of the salt in the air near the beach. I love traveling--busines or pleasure. I love a good challenge. I love to play board games. I love to play to win board games. I love going on a trip knowing all my chores are done. I love looking at pictures. I love the smell of books. I love the Orange County Library System (They deliver to your house, people! For Free!). I love new flooring. I love fried fish and grits. I love freshly shaved legs on clean sheets. I love eating cake for breakfast. I love sharing birthdays. I, too, love buying the perfect present for someone and giving it to them early. I love surprises. I love sharing good news and hearing good news. I love hugs and kisses. I love lists and the satisfaction that comes with crossing things off the list. I love helping people. I love seeing people change for the better. I'm sure there is more, but I've got to go.

The challenge: make your own list. The catch? You can't include a single person you know on your list. No, " I love how my husband makes me laugh" or " I love when my baby giggles." It will be tough, but this particular little exercise is about stripping away everyone who defines you and figuring out what you (not his partner; not their mother/daughter/sister/friend) love.

Fun Pictures of Ethan!

Tummy Time on the Boppy!
Look, Ma, Feet!
I love Squash!
Funny, Jared, looks like this after eating too!
Maybe soon I'll be able to insert foot in mouth!

Before...

Jared and I have decided to get new flooring. It was either that or a new car. Needless to say, the flooring prevailed. I am excited that we are doing it early enough that we'll get to enjoy it before we sell. We had considered doing it ourselves with Dana's help, but in the end it would be better for Jared if we had it installed. He is so busy with school that it would be too much for him to take on this project himself. The installation will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. I can't wait. Here are before pics. I'll post the after pics later in the week.

Happy Birthday, Jason!

March/April are full of birthdays on the Krause side of the family. We've celebrated Kalia's 2nd, Norb's 63rd, Jared's 26th, and now, Jason's 34th! (Valerie's 31st is in two weeks!) Happy Birthday, Jason. You are the best big brother ever! We will totally miss seeing you when you and Myndie move. But, we'll have to talk regularly and knowing me, I will drag Jared up there for a visit. I love to go! : )