Watch what you say

I love that my boys are so eager to learn and soak up things like sponges.  Grayson and Landon have a new passion for learning their ABC's and I hear them both singing it around the house and in the car.  Talking a lot with your children has the benefit of them learning new and exciting things all the time. 
However, it also can get you in trouble!  Recently, I complained to Ethan that I didn't like how he came home from church every week with candy from his Primary class.  I explained that I didn't think it was necessary and that too much candy can be bad for you.  (Case in point: At his dentist visit earlier this month, they found a cavity! He has to have it filled this week.  I am sending Jared because I think it will be too traumatizing for ME.)  Apparently, the next week, he was offered candy in his class again and declined it.  He told the teacher that candy is bad for you and that he isn't allowed to have too much candy.  She wanted him to have some sort of reward for his efforts in class and asked again if he wanted the candy.  He replied, "How about a high-5!?"  I love that kid.  At least he was more tactful in declining the candy than I was in complaining about it coming home. 

Butts

Okay, I cannot stop laughing.  I am not sure why, but my boys think it is soooooooooooo funny to get naked for bathtime and then find me and rub their little boy booties on me!  Tonight, Landon quietly finds me and gets me with his butt and silently walks away.  I know butts can be gross, but I think theirs are so cute.  I love how they jiggle when they run and how Grayson has a little freckle on his.  They are hilarious, I also can't wait to tell future girlfriends of this strange tradition. 

Friends

Heavenly Father has not only blessed me with a wonderful family, He has filled my life with wonderful friends.  Throughout my adult years, I have had the privilege to interact with amazing people.  At very important junctures in my life, Heavenly Father has given me just the right friend.  During my high school years, He gave me Gena, Will and Catie (although Catie and I really didn't become close until after high school), Katie J, and Kenton. During my early college years and homesickness, He gave me Brooke.  During my divorce, He gave me Darren and Emily.  During my single and not loving it (post-divorce) time, He gave me Monica.  During my early professional career, He gave me Jim.  During my early motherhood years, He gave me Rachel T., Carol, and Barbara.  In the last year, He has given me Trista, Joann, Elisabeth, and Rachel C. 
The best thing about all these friends, is that they are still my friends!  Even though all but Trista, Joann, and Elisabeth live here in the Orlando-area, I am still in touch with each of these amazing people.  With our busy lives, we don't always talk or see each other as often as I'd like, but I know they love me and I love them all so much. 
I know that every year Brooke will send me something extraordinary that she's made for me on my birthday.  Monica always sends me a text when I need it most.  Gena always calls at just the right time and forgives me when I'm supposed to meet her at the airport and totally space it because of my crazy life.  (Seriously, I cannot forgive myself for that one.) 
Jim always seems to email just when I need a pick-me-up.  Emily's (and Darren's) blog inspires me every week.  Rachel T. is such an example of exercising faith.  Barbara helps me remember that even when I don't feel like it, I'm a good mom and gives me new ideas to prove it to myself.  Carol is so good to me and was an influential part of my Ethan's life when I had to go back to work after he was born.  There is something about having someone love your child as much as you do.  Pretty special.  Rachel C. is my bosom friend.  I'm pretty sure we were buds in the pre-Earth life.  Trista, Elisabeth, and Joann are my daily reminders that life is pretty sweet and that with strong, faithful women in my corner I can do anything! 
I have been thinking about my friends a lot lately.  I even got to see Darren, Emily and their children last week.  Rachel T. also came to town and we snuck in a short visit.  It's been over 6 years since I've seen Brooke, but it feels like yesterday whenever we talk.  I wish I could live near all of them, but since I can't do that I have to be grateful for modern technology to help me out.  Rachel C. and I always enjoy a good Google Hangout when we can.  I love that thing! 

Emily and I when they visited last week. Her oldest son, Paul, told us we could be sisters.  I think we do look pretty similar.  Emily said visiting me was like visiting herself.  I would love to be in the same camp as her, she is such a fun and loving mom!

One Month

I cannot believe it, but Miriam is one month old (as of yesterday).  Time is already flying and I wish I could freeze it.  With three older siblings that are under the age of five, I don't get as much one-on-one time with Miriam as I'd like.  Although I am tired, I cherish our middle of the night feedings.  We are never interrupted and I get to just hold her and talk to her.  I can just feel that she was recently in the presence of our Heavenly Father and I feel so grateful that He has entrusted her in my care. 

Having a new baby also reminds me just how much I love my husband. I didn't know my heart could grow so big to love so many people so fiercely. It is a pretty amazing thing. Miriam has surpassed 8 pounds and has the longest toes in our family! She is rocking her pixie cut and can already roll over. I am not kidding! At two weeks it seemed she had done it, but I thought maybe her brothers had helped her out. Since then, I've witnessed her roll from tummy to back a half a dozen times. I was impressed because my lazy boys were two or three months old before they could roll over. I think, maybe, she has super powers.

 Tummy time!

I have to keep mittens (or socks) on Miriam's hands because she pulls her hair and it makes her cry so hard. 

 

Phone Photos

Finally figured out how to get phone photos onto my computer.  So, here are a few for funsies.

 

 Grayson's first trip to the dentist.  Taken last week.

 

 Grayson modeling one of the paper mustaches we made as part of Ethan's valentines to handout to his classmates.  The boys got lollis on mustaches and the girls got lollis on lips.

 

 Miriam!

 

 This is why we sometimes take baths twice a day.  These boys love to play in the dirt!

 

 Making a silly face to help get through homework.

 

 Santa Claus!

 

 Landon buckling a baby doll in the swing.

 

 We love to go for walks!

 

 Grayson modeling his great-grandfathers hat.

 

 We love Chick-a-lay!

 

 Hanging out with Papa!

 

Playing at the Science Center.

Miriam's First Photos

Uncle Joe came a couple of weeks ago to photograph Miriam.  Here are some of my favorites.  Wish I didn't look so tired, but that's the life of a mom of four.  Miriam is 6 days old in these photos. 

 So happy to have a little girl. 

 Sleepy girl.

 Krause Family!

 So little.

 Baby toes.

 Proud parents.

 Snuggly.

Three boys and a girl.

Amy Poehler

Okay, I know you'd probably rather hear about life with four (and I promise to get to that), but I found this channel on Youtube today that I just had to share. 
I have a little crush on Amy Poehler.  I think she is hilarious and beautiful and I love her.  If you don't watch Parks and Rec you really should be.  She is in it and Nick Offerman is also another crush of mine.  I think it's the mustache.  Anywhoo, the link to this gem I found is http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0F5894A2EBEA8BA0
Check it out if you have free time.