Golden Birthday

So, I turn 29 today. It's not official until 7:45 PM, so I've still got a few hours of being 28. I remember thinking this would feel so old, but I was wrong. My 20's have been a mixed bag and it will be exciting to turn 30 next year and enter a new phase of my life. I've learned a lot in the last nine years, mostly about myself. I'm stronger than I ever thought I could be and I am happier now than I've ever been before. That is one thing I hope keeps getting better. That each year, no matter how tough it is, that I feel happier than I did the year before. Seems like if that's the case, I will be doing something right.
These are exciting years because I have become a mommy and Jared and I will be expanding our family. Not sure how many yet, so I'll just say as many as we're "supposed" to have. I figure we'll know when we are done. In honor of today, I've compiled a list of 29 life lessons that I've learned and some I'm still working on.

1. Laugh often
2. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself
3. Worrying too much about what other people think is not worth it
4. Take time to enjoy the simple things (like right now, little no name is kicking away and I love that feeling)
5. Eat good food
6. If the dishes are in the sink for more than a day, you are not a bad person
7. Coloring is therapeutic
8. Service is about a mutual relationship with someone and not to show someone that you have a talent they don't
9. Saying your prayers and reading scriptures really do impact your life for the better
10. Not all advice, even if well-intentioned, is good advice
11. Taking time to sit with someone and just sit is something we should all do more of
12. At least one day a week, get rid of distractions (give it a try, you'll see what I mean)
13. My cell phone is for my convenience and not for the convenience of others
14. Getting more junk mail than bills is a good thing
15. Always explore your talents, new and old
16. Just Dance!
17. Reading good books stimulates the mind and the soul
18. You won't always know the right thing to say
19. A hug goes a very long way
20. Voicing your opinion is not always appropriate
21. Having children is one of the best things ever
22. Having children is one of the hardest things ever
23. You can tell a lot about someone by how they treat the waiter on a date
24. You will make mistakes and some will really hurt other people
25. You can overcome trials and be better for it
26. Having a family like mine is a rare, unique gift
27. Always associate with good people
28. Always tell the people that you love that you love them
29. Know that you will never know everything, but you can do what you can with what you got

Crafty!

Well, this month I got my craft on! I made a baby blanket for Lauren and Mickey's baby Brooke to use at her baptism and I made curtains for my kitchen. Thought I'd share my finished product because I still can't believe I was creative enough to actually make these things. : ) Those of you who signed up for a craft from me (Jeni and Brooke), expect something of this caliber. Two more spots on the craft sign-up (you will get it within a year, I promise). First two to post a comment, get something: )

Just a plain, double crochet. I've got start somewhere. Maybe one day I'll actually be able to follow a pattern.BC--Before Curtains.Aunt Teresa came and helped with the curtains. Could not have done it without her! Thank you, Aunt Teresa.Me working the sewing machine.

After shot.

Close up.

We're having a boy!

Jared and I had the ultrasound yesterday and we're having a boy! I was a little torn because having had a boy, it would be fun to have a girl; however, I know that Ethan will love having a little brother. I was so happy that I cried. It was amazing how much more I could see in the ultrasound this time around. Maybe that's from experience or maybe technology is better just two years later. It was an awesome day! Now all we need is a name. I am totally open to suggestions. Here are some photos from the ultrasound. The top one is his little foot and the bottom is his profile.

4th of July Fun

Uncle Kevin and Nathan
Uncle Kevin, Ethan, and Nathan.

He really wants to hold one that is on fire!

Daddy and Ethan

Nathan and Ethan in the pool!

June 2009

June was a crazy month for us! Between some traveling, Girl's Camp, and leaving my job with Deseret Industries, it was very busy. I thought I'd update you with some of our happenings. Early in the month we attended Ella's birthday party. We had a great time!

Birthday girl, Ella!

The Dawson boys brought Ethan some cars so he wouldn't feel left out during present opening time.

By mid-month I was saying good bye to my friends, co-workers, and clients at work. It was bittersweet. I learned so much personally and professionally at my job. And, I will miss the wonderful people I had the opportunity to interact with. It was just time for me to move on to something new. I started a new job as a Clinical Supervisor with an agency closer to my home on July 1. This is an exciting new opportunity that will allow me to expand my skill set and allow me to be more available at home.
I also had the opportunity this month to go to Girl's Camp. It was so great to be with the girls and get to know them better. Definitely 100 times more exhausting as a pregnant lady, but at least we slept in air-conditioned cabins. I was able to bond with the girls and my friend, Carol. It was a wonderful experience! I even got to shoot a gun. Unfortunately, I didn't get that on camera: (
Our beautiful girls!


Me and my pregnant belly.

We got TP'd!

Baby Krause continues to grow, but not too much. The doctor was concerned that I'd only gained about 7 pounds so far. I must say I was surprised to hear that because my belly is definitely growing further out. I eat a lot, but apparently not enough. So, I'm increasing my calories and we'll see what happens. We find out the baby's sex on July 15, so I'll keep you posted.

Ethan loves to play with his cars in the windowsill and watch for Daddy to come home.


I love this smile.


Wearing Thomas the Train rainboots and nothing else. It was hilarious because he could hardly walk in them.


Ceth leaves for his mission this week. Ethan was giving him a good-bye hug.


Playing at the Dawson's! Ethan is happy that all the kids are home for the summer.


Eating yogurt on his own. Messy, but delicious. He did use the spoon for awhile, but decided it was too slow.