School, school, and the Golden Rule

Fall is around the corner. School days are here. And, we have a KINDERGARTNER! How did this happen? Sorry for bringing my disbelief up again. I don't think I'll ever get over it.
I love school. Always have. I'm a nerd. I loved dictionaries, thesauruses, and maps. Okay, I admit, I still love dictionaries, thesauruses, and maps. Ethan has exhibited my love of school and thoroughly enjoyed his first week as a big kid at a big school.
I've been wanting to have a family theme for a few years now and this year was the best time to actually execute that desire. Jared and I discussed it and the needs of our little family. We prayed for inspiration and we came up with The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). Classic, simple, and perfect for our boys at this time.
We had a special dinner to celebrate school beginning, introduce our family theme (I framed a picture of Christ with the verse from Matthew on it and gave it the title Krause Family Theme 2013-2014--we'll get a new one next school year), and give father's blessings. Father's blessings are a special prayer given by Jared, as directed by the Heavenly Father, to each school-age child to give counsel and comfort at the beginning of each school year. And, they were very special blessings. The Lord is definitely aware of each of us and our unique needs.
The boys picked out the menu: Corn on the Cob, Macaroni and Cheese (the sticky/homemade kind), and chicken wings on the grill. It was delicious! We had a great time and are planning on referring to our family theme throughout this school year.

Enjoying our yummy dinner while wearing some awesome newspaper hats!

Ethan was super excited to start Kindergarten. Jared captured his excitement in these photos. I tried to get a photo on campus, but he didn't want me to. He really just wanted me to leave. I really just wanted to cry. Ethan's highlight was discovering cafeterias and recess.

Grayson is also going to school this year! He is going to a two day preschool program. I am always telling him that he is too young, small, etc to do what Ethan does. I was tired of telling him that and we enrolled him in school. He had a great time with his teacher and his classmates. (8 boys in the class and no girls!) His highlight was catching lizards on the playground and making his very own placement for snack time. (He picked out his first day outfit and I cringed. The boy LOVES basketball shorts.)

Just Miri

Miriam is getting cuter and cuter every day! She is also growing so fast. On Saturday that girl slept nearly 7 hours with her naps. I told Jared she must be growing in there. It was in jest, but the next day as I tried to dress her for church I had difficulty finding a dress that fit her! She WAS growing. I had to break out the 12 month clothes in order to find a dress to fit her. She is our beautiful girl.

 Getting closer and closer to sitting up on her own.

 

 The boys found this hat today and insisted she wear it and take a photo. They are as bad as me. None of us can resist her cuteness.

My Dad

This post is late! My dad turned 60 on his birthday in July and we had a sweet party for him. I am not creative enough to come up with 60 things to share about my dad, but I do have a few things on my mind that I feel are worth blogging about.

1. My dad is so hairy. I mean he can grow a sweet beard/stache combo. He used to sport one full time as a younger man. Now he just does so from time to time to "check the grays." Unfortunately, I did inherit this trait. Darn those three chin hairs!

2. As young girls, Stacey and I often heard this at church from people that knew my parents, "Ah, from the back they look just like you Becky. But then they turn around and they look just like Drew." My dad would promptly say, "Sorry, girls." I'm not sorry. I love that you know I am Becky AND Drew's daughter. It is certainly a privilege.

3. Some of my fondest memories of my dad are found in the car. Or, rather, the truck. He drove me to school every morning of middle school and I think that's when I started to really build a quality relationship with him. Also, fond memories of driving in the pup truck and sitting four across with him, Stacey, and Tony. Over the gear shift, where there actually wasn't a seat, was the most coveted spot. When Dad said "Go!" you got to change the gear.

4. I love that oldies songs were always playing around the house. I love that type of music and I think Dad gets credit for that one. He still loves to have music on when he's working around the house.

5. Messages of love written in icing on my Toaster Strudels in the morning. Seriously, that was awesome.

6. Receiving cards, especially when I was away at college, that were simply signed "Love, Dad." He's not a man of many words, so when he has something to say you better listen.

 

7. Again, in the car, many moments of healing came for me following my divorce while Dad and I drove all over North Florida to attend Tony's soccer games.

8. The man can cook! Nothing's better than Drew's pizzas or steak  or wings or baked ziti or lasagna or lobster tails. If you've been to our house for some of Drew's cooking you know what I'm talking about.

9. I love that Dad finds popsicle jokes funny. For a time, he'd keep the ones he liked best in a roll of duct tape in his truck. The funniest thing about Dad's humor is when he is the only one who finds something amusing. This, in and of itself, is hilarious.

10. "Think before you speak." An oft repeated phrase I heard growing up. He really was on to something there. Sometimes I put my foot in my mouth and remember this phrase a little too late.

11. This one is actually for Dad and Mom. Today (August 18) is the day I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has been 17 years since that day. Thank you to both of my parents for supporting me in this decision. It has changed my life and I believe it has been for the better. Although I was only 16 years old, they trusted me with this decision. I hope I can be as supportive of my children throughout their lives. The love Dad and Mom have for me and my siblings is unconditional. There is no greater gift in this life. I love you, Dad ! I love you, Mom!

In case you didn't see the video my brother-in-law, Joe made for my dad's party here is the link. http://vimeo.com/71195057

Things they do and say

Jared and I were invited to a work outing on Saturday at Downtown Disney. We ate a light dinner at House of Blues and saw La Nouba. It was a very fun outing and I enjoyed putting faces to the people Jared talks about every night. While we were gone, Mama K, aka Sabra, kept the children for us. She is a brave soul to be sure. She related a conversation she had with Ethan. I've done my best to get it right, but I might have forgotten the specifics. The gist is still there.

While playing with play dough, Ethan was using the pictures on the box to duplicate fish, penguins, boats, etc. They were actually pretty good. In complimenting him, Sabra had the following conversation.
S: Wow, Ethan, you're pretty good at that.
E: Yeah.
S: You're pretty good at a lot of things.
E: I'm good at some things. My mom and dad think I'm good at everything, but I'm really only good at some things.

Well, how about that? He cracks me up. When we got home Sabra related this story and complimented me on how I'm instilling confidence in my children. That really means so much to me because I am actually really trying hard to do just that.

I'd also like to share a story about Landon that I thought was hilarious. I hope it isn't a "you had to be there" kind of funny and that you enjoy it too.  We have about a thirty minute drive to/from church on Sundays. Landon usually stays awake, but he fell asleep this week. He woke up long enough to walk in the house, cry for me, throw his drink cup, and collapse on the floor right by the front door. He slept there for about an hour, while the rest of us ate lunch and watched Willow.

SIX MONTHS!

I can't believe it, our baby girl has reached her six month milestone. We went to the doctor for her check up yesterday and she is still growing strong and healthy. She weighed in at 20 lbs 3 oz (96%) and 26.5 inches long (75%). I really think she is going to be the tallest of my children. We'll see how that all plays out over the years.

Miriam is definitely teething. she puts everything in her mouth. Her favorite hand to mouth item is her dress. It is just so convenient. Seriously, though, it is super cute. We also get to see her chubby belly every time she has the need to chew on her dresses. This is a new phenomena for me because the boys, of course, didn't wear dresses.

Another thing about Miriam that is different from her brothers is one of her nursing habits. Instead of holding on to my shirt or hand while nursing, Miriam prefers to wave her hand around, stick her fingers in my mouth, and grab my nose, grab my mouth, grab my cheek (pretty much the entire face is up for grabbing).

She is enjoying foods, especially squash, sweet potatoes, and a banana/pear recipe I tried out. She is rolling all around. Miriam also loves to sing and smile and play peek-a-boo. She is nearly sitting by herself. She can stay up for awhile, but it's kind of a lean-forward type of sit.

Enjoy some photos of our sweet girl. Note: Grayson picked out her dress for church on Sunday (pictured below). He said, "Hers looks like hers getting married."

2nd Annual Service Week

Last summer I started a tradition: Service Week! This summer we continued our tradition and served within our home and in our neighborhood. I must say, what goes around comes around. We had quite a week.

Ms. Sara (our across-the-street neighbor) is so good to us. She is always bringing by special treats for the children. Recently, she let me borrow a kitchen item I needed to make some homemade ice cream. When we returned the item, we brought her some of the ice cream and some homemade brownies. The boys love her and always are asking to give her hugs. She gets a lot of service from us in the smile, hug, wave department. We also bring up her newspaper and garbage can when we see the job hasn't been done. She is wonderful!

 The boys with Ms. Sara. Miriam was at home napping while we enjoyed a short visit.

 Each of the boys was also extra helpful around the house.  They helped with bathrooms, sweeping, mopping, weeding, vacuuming out my car, etc. Grayson has learned to make his bed and I found he'd tucked Hippo in for a nap one morning.

Jared had been working so much our lawn hadn't been mowed in two weeks. It was looking pretty sad, so I asked another neighbor, Joe, to do it and I'd pay him. Joe runs a lawn business and pretty much cares for the yards on my whole street. He said he didn't want me to pay and he just did the front yard for me real quick. How sweet was that? He said he'd have done the back, but couldn't fit his mower through the gate.
We baked Joe some homemade cinnamon roll bread to say thank you.

Since Ethan is the biggest boy, he often gets the most fun jobs. For example, he fed Miriam while I made dinner. It made things go so much more smoothly. He is such a helpful boy.

After a particular busy morning of serving mom, the boys were rewarded with popsicles. I just couldn't resist taking photos of my sweet boys.

A photo diary of St. Augustine

The boys and I spent an entire week in St. Augustine to celebrate summer and birthdays. Jared joined us halfway through the week and we really enjoyed the down time with our little family. Monday was my 33rd birthday. It really blows my mind that I'm so grown up. We spent the day at Washington Oaks State Park just south of St. Augustine. It was one of those days that was simply perfect. I kept watching my children and my husband and I couldn't even find the words for the depth of my love for them. I tried so hard to memorize their voices and the way their little bodies moved as they ran with pure joy in their hearts. I never want to forget that.

 Grayson found a mushroom big enough to be an umbrella.

 Miriam and me! This girl is such a trooper. She lets us drag her anywhere and she rarely complains. You know you love my dollar bin sunglasses.

 

 Our family on the beach side of Washington Oaks. The weather was perfect. In addition to watching the children, I enjoyed watching two little crabs peep in and out of their homes. They were delightful.

 

 Grayson and Ethan flying their kites. This was a very fun activity. Thanks, Gigi and Papa.

In addition to celebrating my birthday, we spent some quality time in my parents' new pool and snuggling. We are a family that LOVES to snuggle. I probably drive my children crazy because I am always touching them. They can't walk by me nor I by them without patting a head, squeezing a shoulder, smooching a cheek, or giving a hug. I love them so much. Ethan told me today at church, "Our family is sweet." He is right about that.

 

Uncle Tony spent some time with us too. He works so much, our time with him always seems so short. Here he is pushing Landon around the cul-de-sac. We love you, Uncle Tony. We also spent quality time with Aunt Stacey, Lyla and Logan, but I failed to capture those moments with my camera.

Had me a blast...

Summer is winding down and we will begin our first official school year as Ethan goes off to Kindergarten in two weeks. He is more than excited about being a Kindergartner and being a Falcon (the school's mascot). I bought school supplies last week and he was so excited about his new backpack and lunchbox that he wanted to go to school the very next day.  We have had a blast this summer. Our days have been filled with fun, friends, and family. Our lives are truly blessed. My children have grown up so much in the last few months.

Miriam is rolling all around, eating delicious home-made baby food (yes, I just blatantly gave myself a plug), nearly sitting up and sleeping through the night. Her little personality continues to come out. She gets excited and shy when people talk to her. It's so cute. She smiles as big as she can and then buries her head in my shoulder.  The boys have already begun the process of spoiling her.

Landon is potty-trained and I have to thank Stacey for the encouragement to just do it. He is not even 2.5, but he expressed interest and readiness in the spring. I went for it and I am so happy to have cut my diaper laundry in half. Landon continues to spread sunshine wherever he goes. He really is the sweetest little guy. Recently he has begun telling me two things repeatedly each day. 1.) "I love you tooooooooooo much." and 2.) "Mom, I'm ready!" Number 2 means he's ready to shake his booty. The boys love participating in old cheer leading chants I've taught them. "Jump shake your booty.  Jump, jump shake your booty." is a favorite.

Grayson moved into Miriam's room and is such a great big brother. He loves to hold her and is still the world's greatest snuggler. He helps me in the kitchen and is great at making granola and eating granola. He wants to be bigger than he is and is fiercely independent. However, he also tells me regularly that he "doesn't want to grow up." I think that's because I keep telling him to stop it! Grayson is starting pre-school this fall. I struggled with this decision, but in the end I felt he needed more structure than I could provide and an opportunity to make some new friends.

To me, Ethan has grown up the most this summer. This morning Jared and I rolled out of bed at 7:15 and he'd made both of his brothers a slice of peanut butter toast and poured their Cheerios. He can be sassy, but he is the sweetest boy. He really is so helpful to me. He has started taking showers and on his own decided to help me out by drawing Miriam's bath (we bathe her in an infant tub in our shower) once he's finished. Ethan is my little helper for sure. In addition to being an amazing help to me, Ethan has learned to swim this summer and to ride his bike without training wheels.  He has also lost his first tooth and the Tooth Fairy brought him $1.

Oh, Ethan

My mom texted me the conversation below shortly after coming home from our trip to St. Augustine.

E: While softly squeezing the fat on the back of my mom's arm says, "My mom says I shouldn't tell people they are fat."
Gigi: "Do you think I am fat?"
E: Takes a really long look at my mom and says, "Maybe just a little," and smiles very big.

Both of us were laughing so hard. I love him.

Weasel

I have been called short, spunky, sassy, and a little dynamo. It wasn't until Trista and I became friends that I was called a weasel. This is a little joke of ours. She simply wasn't looking for any more friends and I totally get that. As a mom of young children, life is extremely busy and high maintenance friendships take too much out of you. Trista and I met a little over a year ago through a mutual friend and then our children ended up in the same preschool class. Basically, she told me I was a weasel because I "weaseled" my way into her life. This ended up being a great thing for both of us.
Trista is such a positive person and she is a great friend. She moved last week and I am still super sad about it. I am going to miss having her as part of my daily life. Enjoy Boca, Trista. They are lucky to have you! May we seen one another soon. Love you!

Very behind

I know I owe you a post! I spent most of July in St. Augustine and now I'm sick, so it'll be another week. Hang in there, because I have lots to share. To hold you over, here is the link to the amazing video my brother-in-law, Joe, made for my dad's 60th birthday.

https://vimeo.com/71195057

I've seen it several times and cried every time Uncle Bob shared his thoughts. I hope my boys love each other this much after 60 years together.