15 of 30 Things

If I could be any animal, I think I'd be a dog.  That may seem lame, but dogs are awesome.  They are playful and happy and snuggly.  They like to run and jump and sleep and eat.  Sounds pretty good to me.  Plus, all dogs go to heaven. 

Whole Foods and Cookie Dough

For months my friend, Elisabeth has been talking to me about a whole foods diet.  Now, my sister, Stacey, has also started talking about it with me.  It sounds wonderful and I totally want to get on board.  However, all I want to do right now is eat cookie dough.  So...

Locks of Love

I have been wanting to participate in Locks of Love for many years, but I've never been patient enough to grow my hair out. In the last few years of having babies and being busy, time has flown by and my hair was long enough. So.....

 

13 and 14 of 30 Things

Strengths and Weaknesses

Not going to spend too much time on this one because it was kind of difficult for me. 
Also, I don't like the word weaknesses, so I'm substituting the word challenges.

Strengths

1. I think I'm a pretty genuine person.  What you see is what you get.
2. I am intelligent and love learning new things.
3. I am resourceful and enjoy problem-solving.
4. I am willing to take another's opinion into account and know that my way isn't always the "only" way.
5. I am loyal to those that I love.

Challenges

1. I can be judgemental, something that helps me in my job (helping others recognize challenges/strengths and finding ways to improve those things in their lives), but something that can get in the way of my personal relationships. I tend to be hard on those I see so much potential in that I love.
2. I always have an opinion and haven't quite learned when to keep it to myself.
3. I have a tendency to be too hard on myself.  I could be doing a pretty good job on any particular thing and focus on the one or two flaws that exist instead.
4. I raise my voice too much at home.  Sometimes I do really good with controlling this one, but then I forget to do the things that help me be better. 
5. I don't always prioritize the things that really matter most.  Meaning, I get caught up in the details and forget the big picture. 

First Day of School

Ethan started VPK today!  He is so grown up and I can't stand it.  He is going to Conway United Methodist Preschool and he is pretty excited about it.  His teacher is Mrs. Fisher and he is making some new friends already. 

Here is his first day of school photo!

In case you can't read the sign, it is listing his favorites. 

Favorite Food: Cereal

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Game: Mario Kart

Favorite TV Show: Power Rangers

Favorite Book: The Littlest Puppy

16 Years

16 years ago, on August 18, I was baptized a member of the LDS Church.  I was 16 when I was baptized, so that means half my life ago.  Crazy!  I was able to spend part of the day in the Orlando Temple for the sealing of our dear friend, Natali, and her new husband, Matt.  It was one of the most spiritual experiences I've ever had!  I am so proud of Natali and excited for the life she and Matt are starting. 
Being in the temple and being reminded of all the covenants I've made with Heavenly Father, I was also reminded that I made the right choice 16 years ago. 

Camping!

Ethan was rewarded for being awesome by camping in the living room with Daddy!  They stayed up late and watched Cars 2. It was so fun.

 Showing off the tent!

 Jared was as excited as Ethan.

Relaxing and bonding.

Grayson is Awesome

Here are a couple of conversations I've had with Grayson lately.  Try to imagine his sweet, little voice when you read them because it makes it even more awesome.

I showed Grayson the picture above and asked "Who is that?"
Grayson: A baby.
Me: That's you as a baby.
Grayson: My hair is NICE!
Me: Bwahahahaha.

While helping Grayson put on and button his pants yesterday, I was bending over him.
He looks up and says, "Mom, your boobs are hanging out."  I was a little speechless on that one.

Today, I came home from work and and Grayson says, "You're home! I'm so happy!"  You know what, I'm happy too. 

12 of 30 Things

A Day in the Life

I haven't had many typical days lately, but maybe that is what makes them typical.  Hmmmm.  Anyways, here is a peak into our little life. 

6:45 AM  Rise and Shine.  Ethan "wakes up the sun" every morning.  This is actually a little later than usual, so 6:45 counts as sleeping in.

7:15 AM Breakfast is on the table and we are all eating it.  Today was cereal day because I was feeling lazy and cereal is like having dessert for breakfast.  Jared and I read the paper and the boys eat, eat, eat.  Except for Grayson, he didn't want to eat today.  He begged for chocolate milk, so I made some and he didn't drink it.  Landon didn't eat either, but his excuse is that he's got a fever and no appetite. Blergh!

8:00 AM I've cleared the table (well E and G clear their own dishes), taken a shower, and Jared is headed out the door.  Smooches and hugs all around.  Grayson has already asked for three snacks.  Denied!

8:30 AM Chores are started (laundry, putting away things that never seem to get put away, etc), TV comes on so I can be productive, and I feel light-headed so I sit down and eat some almonds.  Finally give in to Grayson and he eats some almonds too.

9:30 AM TV off, everyone is dressed and ready to go, load up the van and head to Freshfield Farms (meat and produce) AKA The Barnyard.  Note: there are no live animals at the barnyard, but there is a tractor parked in the lot.  Do produce and meat shopping and drop $45.

10:30 AM Head to Grandma's house.  Grandma heads to our house.  We both got confused, so she came back to her house.  Left G and L at Grandma's.  Took E to preschool open house to meet teacher and see classroom.

11:00 AM At preschool Ethan shares how excited he is in the parking lot.  In the classroom, he immediately becomes overwhelmed by how crowded it is with 10 students, their parents, and some siblings and grumps out by the front door.  After about 1/2 hour of coaxing (and after the room clears a bit), he is interested and playing and doesn't want to leave.

12:00 PM McDonald's stop.  Treat yo'self!  Head back to Grandma's and do lunch.  Feel guilty she can't eat fries on her diet since they're her favorite.  She's so nice, she sits and talks to me anyways.  Visit with Grandma.

1:30 PM Still at Grandma's because Ethan doesn't want to leave.  Ask Grandma to keep boys through their naps so I can hit my final shopping destination (that's right, I shop at three separate stores for the bi-monthly grocery extravaganza).  COSTCO!  Going to Costco with three kids is awful.  Going by yourself is awesome.  She agrees and I lay down G and L and head to Costco.

3:00 PM Costco conquered!  Made several phone calls on the to/from trip that needed doing since I was alone on a day I don't work.  Unload groceries and decide to check on neighbor, Sara, because I am worried I haven't seen her for awhile.  Visit with Sara for 1/2 hr.  Turns out she hurt her back and can't really get around.  Remind her we can help anytime and leave our numbers again.  Also get hers, finally.  I always forget. 

4:00 PM Back at Grandma's.  E and G up and playing.  Snack time.  Visit more with Sabra.  Finally wake Landon up and head home to make our dinner.

5:00 PM Start cooking dinner.  Cheated and got smoked chicken at the Barnyard earlier in the day.  Cook quinoa pilaf and honey-glazed carrots.  Fancy dinner! Kids happily watch some TV and play while I cook.  This only happens on days we've been gone all day.  Typically, they are running around like banshees and I have to stop cooking a dozen times to investigate when it gets too loud and when it gets too quiet.

6:15 PM Jared home.  Dinner on table.  Eat dinner and try to have convo with Jared, but we are interrupted a lot.  Kids finish and play together while we have a real convo.

7:00 PM Boys having Bithy-Bath Time.  I'm blogging.  Jared is chastising the boys again for standing in the tub (every night, people).

8:00 PM All boys will be in bed, Jared will do the dishes since I'm a nauseous mess, and I will fold some laundry and read my book.  Probably will be in bed soon so I am ready for work in the morning.  Shut it down!

Landon is 18 Months

My baby boy is now my little man.  Landon is 18 months and sooooooo big!  He weighed in at 26 lbs and 5 oz.  He is 32.5 inches tall and growing right along his little curve.  This guy doesn't stop moving.  He climbs on things I am not brave enough to tackle.  He loves to have his photo taken (see below).  He runs with his whole body and his cheeks and belly do a serious jiggle.  I LOVE it!

 Cheese!

Tickle me!

11 of 30 Things

10 Pet Peeves

1. People who don't try. 
2. People who shuffle their feet when they walk.  The sound just kills me, although the advantage of not getting snuck up on can be a perk.
3. Know it all's who don't really know all that much.  If you are super smart, then being a know it all isn't a problem.
4. Pornography.  I definitely am shaped by personal issues that hurt very deeply, but all in all this is not healthy and it is not okay, in my opinion.
5. Celebrity gossip.  Why do we care?
6. Huge, I mean HUGE flowers on a newborn's head. Maybe it's cause I don't have a girl, but I just don't get it.
7. Scantily clad children and tweens.  Little girls shouldn't look like streetwalkers.
8. Cigarettes.  Clean Air Acts are the best idea ever.
9. Dogs wearing clothes.  Except for Elvis in his booties.  That was hilarious.
10. Simple grammar errors. They're, their, there; your, you're; etc. I am not saying I am perfect and never make a mistake.  If I do, I am peeved at myself and fix it ASAP. 

Share your pet peeves in the comments section.

Ethan, My Sweet Boy

Prior to announcing our pregnancy, Ethan and I had this conversation on a morning I was going to work.  I am laying on the bed, dressed post-shower feeling exhausted and nauseous just from showering.

Ethan (sleepy voice): Morning, Mom. (He climbs up and sits by me on the bed.)
Me: Morning, Ethan.
Ethan: You going to work?
Me: Yep, I'm going to work.
Ethan: They have a potty there?
Me (thinking he said "party" and not "potty"): No, we're not going to have a party at work.
Ethan (thinking): Maybe you can throw up on the grass.

I love him.

10 of 30 Things

My Most Embarrassing Moment

Anyone who knows me knows I get embarrassed pretty easily.  So I feel like I have many embarrassing moments to choose from; however, there is one that really stands out as the most embarrassing.  At the young age of 14 my friends threw me a surprise birthday party.  I was lured to the surprise with the ruse that an extra dance practice had been scheduled last minute. This was totally legit as we often had extra practices in the summer to prepare for our summer tour each year.  So, I showed up ready to dance.  Black leotard, pink tights, no underwear, and walked in.  I was surprised, flattered and embarrassed in that I walked in scantily clad and had to wear my red bongo jeans over my tights and leotard for the remainder of the party which also included a video scavenger hunt through town. 

Boys Just Want to Have Fun

This summer I have not been the most enthusiastic mom. Mostly I have been so sick and tired, I just want to lie around. We did manage to go to the library for a magic show, go to the beach, and we continue to do things from our service box. We took flowers to our neighbor that is currently rehabbing from hip surgery and have done several other things that are helping us learn the principle of service. Here are some photos of the boys hanging out and trying to have fun at home while I mostly lie on the couch.

 Watching the workers remove our very large, dying tree.  House is so hot now, but at least the threat of death and maiming is gone.

Lining up his cars.

Caught me photographing him and wanted a "cheese" shot.

I know, I'm awful. But he was so cute wearing my heels on the potty.

 Grayson wearing some mascara and my purse.  He's so crazy.

 Snuggle time with Dad!

Goofing around!

Ethan's turn.

 Little man also wanted a turn.

This is Landon eating yogurt.  Not sure if you can tell, but he used his spoon to rub it on his face and hair.  That is why he is glistening.

Superhero dance party.

Strike a pose.

Little man!

9 of 30 Things

10 People Who Have Influenced Me (In no particular order)

1. My parents.  I'm counting them as one person here and I hope they don't mind.  My parents were the first great influence on my life.  They taught me so many things and continue to teach me things even into adulthood.  Here are two that stand out. It's okay to make mistakes.  It is important to always do MY best and not that important to be THE best.  Because I learned these things, I have been more willing to take risks, more able to accept disappointment and move on from it a stronger person, and I feel a confidence that apparently is more unique than I thought it was.

2. Janelle Butler Simmons.  I sometimes tell people she saved my life.  I truly believe this.  Janelle was my visiting teacher, for those that know LDS lingo, shortly after my divorce.  That was a super tough time for me and she was the friend I needed to help keep me going many times over.

3. Scott Pederson. Scott was the first person to teach me how to laugh at myself.  I have always been way too serious and it was way worse as a teenager.  Scott made life fun and gave me the courage I needed to start laughing.

4. Stacey Hesson Gillespie.  My SISTER!  I love this girl.  She really is my best friend and I get to be her sister.  It's awesome.  I am always amazed by how much love she has for me.  She makes me feel like I could do anything.  I love her for that and so many other reasons.  Sometimes I think Stacey should have been the older sister.  She is so loyal and will kick someone's butt if they cross a person she loves.  I am pretty sure I learned all about loyalty from my little sister.

5. Kendall Williams and Christopher Prince.  Again, two people counting as one.  These were the missionaries from the LDS Church that taught me all about the LDS Church.  Their testimonies and strength were influential in my ultimate decision to join the LDS Church: One of the best decisions of my life.

6. JoAnn Moghimi. This woman is one of my newer friends! We became fast friends a few years ago when we were introduced through mutual friends. JoAnn is loyalty to the max. She has my back, but gives me a swift kick in the pants as needed. We laugh together and cry together and just get each other. She has never judged me and always seems to know when I need her. I love you, JoAnn!

7. Darren and Emily Ernst. I know I'm cheating, but they go together!  Darren and Emily showed me what a marriage could really be like.  They were the first people that reached out to me as my marriage fell apart.  Though we haven't lived close since that time, I have kept in touch with them.  Because of their example, their love for one another, and their faith in me I had hope that there was something better out there for me.  Guess what?! There was and it is wonderful.

8. Jim Jacobs. Jim was my first boss out of graduate school.  He was my supervisor as I pursued my licensure in clinical social work. He became a dear friend.  I see Jim as the older brother I never had.  I know his life isn't perfect, but it is lived with a faith I want to have.

9.  Brooke Anderson.  Brooke was one of my BYU roommates.  I love her and I love that although we live about as far apart from one another as we can get (me in FL and her in WA), we still are part of one another's lives.  Brooke is so creative and so thoughtful.  She inspires me to be the best mom and wife I can be as she selflessly does those things herself.  She is a true friend and I cherish her so much.

10. Jared Krause. My hubbabaloo.  I love this guy. He has influenced my life for good in so many ways.  He taught me to love again and he taught me it was safe to be loved.  He had to be pretty patient and for that I am so grateful.  We have a good life together.  It is crazy and busy and chaotic, but it is our little life.  It is so full and I am proud to be Mrs. Krause.

Yep...

We made our first music video as a family this weekend with Uncle Joe's help.  Aunt Stacey was our lyricist. Our soloist, though she wishes to remain anonymous, is a dear friend and I love her.  Check out our video at www.vimeo.com/joegillespie/krausehaus

You're going to love it.  Feel free to laugh so hard you cry at me, because that is what I did.  The boys are cute in it for sure.