7 years

By the end of the month, Jared and I will have celebrated 7 years of marriage.  It is extremely hard to believe that 7 years have passed.  I love him more than I did on the day we wed that is for sure.  The thing that really gets me is all of the things we've done in 7 years.  No wonder I look so much older than I did on the day we got married. 
I remember our wedding day so vividly.  It was amazing.  Of course something went wrong, because something always goes wrong.  It was minimal and we moved on.  My favorite memories are the quiet moments we stole as we walked around the temple grounds taking photos, walking out of the temple to see our wonderful friends and family waiting for us, having so many dear friends travel from across the country to be with us, and dancing up a storm at the reception.
The last 7 years haven't always been sunshine and lollipops, but they've been wonderful nonetheless.  I am married to my best friend for reals.  We have three beautiful children and a crazy dog.  Life is simple and sweet.
In honor of Gina, I thought I'd do a list of 7 things to do for a happy marriage (seeing as I've been married 7 years and am actually a marriage counselor professionally).  Be aware, most of these things will be common sense.
1. Be nice to each other.  It amazes me that people are more cordial to the people they do not know rather than the people they have pledged to spend their lives (and sometimes, eternities) with.
2. Stop being selfish.  Seriously, the failure to have compassion, respect, or charity in a marriage is going to kill it.  It will bleed to death.  So, just stop it.
3. Laugh together.  We laugh together and at each other everyday.  Life is hard and I'd rather laugh than cry. Pity parties really shouldn't exceed 15 minutes a day.
4. Go to bed angry if you're tired.  Being tired makes everything worse, especially anger.  Go to bed, freshen up, and come back to it as two rational human beings.
5. In the words of John Gottman, "enhance your love maps."  Do you still know each other?  Really know each other, like hopes and dreams, insecurities, etc.  If you have to pretend you've just met and remember what it was like to fall in love in the first place.
6. Nurture each other.  Ladies, be your husband's biggest fan.  Take his side.  Put him first.  Fellas, let your wife vent even if she is a little irrational.  Hug her tight.  Tell her it will be okay.  And, even though they die, bring her flowers occassionally. Develop true intimacy in every area of your life.
7. Get away at least once a year.  Husbands, if you take the intiative on this one, your wives will enjoy themselves so much more.  I don't care if it is just one night and half a day.  No kids and have fun.

Fun things

April is nearly over!  I can hardly believe it.  Here are some photos of fun things happening around the Krause Haus. 

This huge turtle was hanging out in our yard on Saturday.  He has some sort of traveler attached to his shell.  I think it was some type of slug or maybe a leech. 

We planted some sunflowers in February.  They were just seeds and I am pretty impressed at how well they are doing.

Doesn't that just make you smile?

Ethan practicing his "fight moves." The boys are also wearing their new shoes.  Thanks to my mom and my dear cousin, Amy, sending shoes this was the first time I'd ever been shoe shopping.  Sabra went with me because I was a little nervous about wrangling three boys in the shoe store.  We got some really cool shoes.  Ethan got Sketchers Light shoes, Grayson got Sketchers Shark shoes, and Landon got some sweet Vans.  All for about $50 at Penney's.  Their new pricing is amazing.

Landon was sleeping and I couldn't resist snapping a photo.  He sleeps with his mouth open, it's hard to see but there is a mighty fine drool spot on that sheet.

Lately, Grayson hasn't really wanted to sleep in his bed.  Last night when I went to get Ethan to go potty before I went to bed, I found Grayson in the closet.

Jared moved him for me after I snapped a photo.  The cutest was when I found him in Ethan's bed. 


We've also had some fun conversations lately.
E: I want to be the prophet (our church believes in prophets.  Our current prophet is Thomas Monson. www.lds.org).  How do I become the prophet?
Me: Well, prophets are called of God.  Prophets are usually very obedient.  (Okay, you can judge me.  I was totally playing the obedient card because I will try anything to get this kid to listen to me.)
For a few days Ethan was a stellar listener, then there was something he really didn't want to do.
E: I don't want to be the prophet anymore!
Hahahahahahahaha.

Saturday we were snuggling in bed and I look over to Ethan with a mischevious smile on his face.  Then he says, "I'm going to tickle you."  I thought it was cute, but it may have been a "you had to be there" moment.

Landon's newest thing is that when you tell him "I love you," he begins smooching your face.  It is adorable.

Each time we say a prayer, we ask who wants to say it.  The other morning Grayson gave an emphatic yes.  Since he is two, he needs help.  Ethan offered to do it and it was the cutest.  Ethan was such a great teacher, he said short  and simple phrases and waited for Grayson to repeat them.  Jared and I were so proud. I'm pretty sure I teared up because the cuteness was overwhelming.

Finally!

Jared and I have made it a habit to read scriptures and pray together each night since we married nearly 7 years ago.  Being members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have lots of choices. In addition to the King James Version of the Bible (both Old and New Testaments), we also regularly read from the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.  We began our marriage reading the Book of Mormon and it took us about a year.  We go at a leisurely pace, about a chapter a night and there are nights it just doesn't happen due to babies, vacations, etc.  Then we read the New Testament and then the Doctrine and Covenants.  I really wanted to read the Old Testament cover to cover, but had had no success in doing so on my own.  We decided to make this our couple study goal.  It has taken us three years, but we completed the Old Testament on Sunday night!  I am so proud of us.  It is really long and at times I couldn't tell you what we were reading, but we persevered.  There are beautiful nuggets of truth in the Old Testament and I highly recommend them.  Esther is still my favorite OT account, but I also have come to love Isaiah and many other fabulous accounts.

Update

Stanley Steamer came and CANNOT get the paint out.  I'm going to have to replace it.  Good news is I have a very common type of carpet and can probably get a remnant easily installed in the area.  So, that'll be added to the to do list.
Also, to clarify, because I was in St. Augustine when my sickness began, my family was so awesome and so helpful.  On Monday when I was at the doctor almost all day, Jared took the day off so I could go and get things taken care of.  On Tuesday, my in-laws helped out so I could take care of the stitches (since I couldn't drive on the painkillers), so I have had help.  It has been much appreciated.  I would like to pitch an umbrella, sit on the beach, and read a book all day, but that desire is years away from coming true.  I'll just take my quiet moments as they come...  in the car on the way to and from work and at night when my babes are sleeping.

The last week has worn me out!

Okay, so I'm going to complain.  There's your warning.  Read no further if you don't want to be "Debbie Downer-ed."
Although I was a little bummed not to head to San Diego with Jared last Thursday, I was excited about spending time in one of my favorite places with some of my favorite people.  Jared's plane left very early morning and we headed to St. Augustine after preschool and were there in time for dinner.  It was awesome to be home because my parents take care of me which is a fun break from life.  Mom and I went to see the Hunger Games, Dad stayed home and got the boys in bed, and it was amazing.  Friday was equally amazing.  We went to the beach even though the sky was black.  I pulled into the parking lot and the clouds seriously parted and the sun was shining and it was a gorgeous day.  Stacey, Joe, Lyla, Logan, Will, Catie, William, Juliet, Olivia, and my brood were there to PLAY.  And we did for three hours!  That is the longest I've made it at the beach with children and it was the best time I've ever had.  It was so much fun.  (Unfortunately no pics.  I thought Jared had the camera and he thought I had it.  All along it was in the drawer at home.)
On Saturday, I woke up feeling like crap!  I took some Advil and got to work because we were hosting a huge party that night at my parent's house to screen the film Tony helped make.  My excitement was there, but my body just couldn't keep up.  My dad finally took my temperature and it was 100.6.  Woa, I'm am definitely sick, but I must be at this party.  It was what I was looking forward to most.  More Advil.  I made it until 9 and had to turn in even though things were going strong.  The next day I felt about the same, only my throat was killing me.  I could barely swallow any food it was so painful.  My dear sister took the two older boys and I was able to get some good rest.  I was determined to come home that night to see Jared when he arrived, so... more Advil.
We made it home, but I felt terrible.  My whole body ached, my throat felt like it was closing up, I couldn't eat and could barely drink.  I went to bed shortly after Jared got in.  Monday morning I decided that I probably needed to go to the doctor.  After an hour and two doctors looking at me, I got a referral and blood was taken to rule out Mono.  What?!  Two hours later at the ENT, I am told I have acute tonsillitis and that an abscess had formed on my right tonsil.  Gross!  They drained it right then and it was the worst.  A large needle was inserted into my tonsil, yep that's at the back of your throat, to numb the area--TWICE.  Then, an incision was made on the abscess.  Left with a follow up and three prescriptions, including a painkiller. Glorious because that meant I could actually swallow the horse pills I was prescribed and could eat and drink again. 
Tuesday, I was hoping to relax, but fate had other plans.  About an hour before I had to go have stitches removed from an entirely different medical procedure, I put Landon down for his nap.  When I come out of his room, Grayson is caught orange-handed as he is putting the finishing touches on a carpet masterpiece.  He had squirted pools of orange paint in a very large area on my living room floor.  He is a sneaky little thing. Thank heavens for the Loritab or I'd probably have lost my mind. 
Tonight, I have tried three different products on the paint and to no avail.  Got a call into Stanley Steamer to see if they can do anything about it.  Follow up visit with ENT on Monday and the primary care physician wants to go over my bloodwork in the office on Monday as well.  That's making me a little nervous, but hopefully that is just routine.  Needless to say, I'm worn out.

Landon is 14 months

Landon is 14 months old TODAY!  My baby is getting to be so big.  He says a few words, dada, mama, uh-oh, woof, and tries to say many other things that he hears and he often gets pretty close.  He is a walking man and learned yesterday that he can squat to get a toy and stand back up all by himself.  He's actually been walking for about a month and a half, but only in the last few weeks is it his preferred mode of mobility. 
Landon is always laughing and loves to give wet smooches; he'll even given them on demand.  It is a favorite around here.  He loves PBJ sandwiches, bananas, cake, and watermelon.  We love having him in our family. 
It is crazy that Grayson was 14 months old when Landon was born!  I am really not sure how we did that.  I'm sure Heavenly Father was carrying us for most of those first few months.  I love my babies and really can't stand it that they are getting so big.  Someone tell them to STOP IT!