I am a Child of God

Today was the annual Primary program at our church. Once a year, the Primary (children's organization) is in charge of the sacrament meeting at church (about 45 minutes). Each child participates with a speaking part and they sing songs that they have been learning throughout the year. Our theme this year is "I am a Child of God." I work with the children in the Primary, but I am not in charge. This is a relief because I love serving the children, but have my own mini-Primary and usually am a major busy-body on Sundays. I get to help out and teach without being in charge of the program. It's great. On Friday, I learned that our Primary President was put on bed rest and would not be able to attend practice on Saturday or the performance on Sunday. I suddenly found myself in charge and had a hard time wrapping my head around that.
The program went off wonderfully. The children did a fantastic job. The Holy Spirit was really strong. Overall, I'd deem it a success. I am so grateful for answers to prayer and the wonderful women that serve with me in Primary that helped me overcome my insecurities and weaknesses to direct a successful program.
As a proud Mom, I just have to say that Ethan and Grayson were especially cute today. Ethan is turning into quite the public speaker. Grayson loves to sing, but is also a little shy so he wasn't all that exuberant.

Rainy Day Adventure

Somehow I managed to lock my keys in the car on Sunday evening. I did not realize it until we were headed out the door to take Ethan to school at about 8:15 on Monday morning. School starts at 8:30, so in order to make it in time we decided to walk/bike. The school is only about a mile from the house. The older boys biked and I pushed the younger two children in the stroller. It was actually a pretty good cardio workout and we only arrived a couple minutes late. Ethan has been asking to ride his bike to school since before school even started, so he was definitely excited.
It became a little troublesome when it was time to pick Ethan up and the rain was coming down. It was not thundering or lightening, but it was coming down pretty steadily. Sadly, my mother-in-law was without a car and couldn't help me out, so I decided to brave the rain and walk to the school to pick Ethan up. I reclined the back seat of the double stroller and put both boys in there. Miriam rode shotgun. Landon held the beach umbrella steady in the stroller, so the children stayed pretty dry. By the time we arrived at school I, however, was soaked through three layers of clothing, my hair was a wet mess, and my glasses kept fogging up.  Grayson asked me why I looked like a "Water Monster" so I know I looked fabulous. I'm pretty sure plenty of parents were judging me, but a few kind folk stated they thought my use of the beach umbrella was ingenious.
We picked Ethan up and headed home. Ethan was pretty soaked too so we both changed when we got home. Miriam had to change too, because I was running with the stroller to keep up with Ethan's bike and I think she got a little motion sick. She hurled all over the place when we got to the house. At least we were still outside and it was relatively easy to clean up. I am pretty pooped, but we had a rainy day adventure that we won't soon forget.

Peanut Butter Toast

On Sunday morning, I awoke to Ethan's small voice saying good morning. He then handed me a plate with a piece of peanut butter toast. With a huge smile on his face he said, "I made breakfast for you. Peanut butter toast. I prayed to Jesus to help me open the peanut butter and I opened it and made you toast." (It was a new jar of peanut butter and he was having difficulty with the freshness seal.)
How sweet is that? I about melted. Peanut butter toast is one of my favorite breakfasts. Paired with chocolate soy milk is practically perfection. I love that Ethan was so thoughtful and did something so sweet for me without being asked. I also love that he thought to pray when he was having difficulty with something. I am grateful that Heavenly Father answers our prayers, even ones about opening peanut butter.

The Circle of Life

A week ago we experienced the Circle of Life. We enjoyed a small boat excursion out in the Atlantic with Jared's family: Norb, Sabra, Ralph, Marie, and Brandon. On our excursion we were able to spread the ashes of Grandpa and Grandma Krause (Egan and Hildegard). They died nearly three years ago, but this was the first we were able to all be together. It was a very beautiful, small service. Being on the ocean like that was amazing.
My mom and dad kept our four children so that we could be a part of this event. On our way back to their house, my mom called to tell me my sister was in active labor and we should get to the hospital. I was so excited that I was already in St. Augustine and that I would be able to meet baby Noah so soon after his arrival.
Stacey was amazing and delivered that baby without an epidural. She told me a week before the birth that this was her goal. She nearly caved, but Noah came so quickly (about two hours from the start of labor) she was able to fore go the drugs. Noah is so handsome and a beautiful addition to our family. It is crazy that in the last 6 years, Stacey and I have given our parents 7 grandchildren! Life is wonderful.

Soccer Season

The "Ber" months are here and so is soccer! We are excited to be a part of the Great White Sharks this year. Ethan is in the next age level, U7, and some of those first graders are BIG! Definitely will be more of a challenge. Instead of playing games at practice, the team actually runs drills and scrimmages. He loves playing soccer and had a great first game. Practices aren't so bad either. They are late (around 6 PM), so I bring dinner for the other children and Ethan eats in the car on the way home. We kick the ball around on the sidelines and visit with friends. Uncle Tony bought all the boys new soccer balls this year. Huge hit, Uncle Tony! Our team didn't outscore the other at our first game, but who got a goal?

 This guy!

Action shot!

Furniture!

Jared and I were married 8 years in April. Last week, we purchased our first piece of real furniture as a married couple. We have been extremely blessed with a generous family as far as furniture goes. We loved our last couch, but it was time for something bigger that could last through the children's formative years. Thank you to Haverty's for making such a beautiful leather sofa and giving us 0% financing for 36 months.

 

 Our new leather sectional. Easy to clean, comfy, and big enough for all of us to sit on. Yay!

Landon napping and being super cute. He is snuggling a stuffed wombat. Awesome.

7 Months

Months are flying by and I CAN. NOT. STAND. IT.
Miriam is now 7 months. She is eating some solid foods, but still prefers to nurse. One of my favorite new things she does is that she reaches out for me when she sees me. I love that. She has the best laugh and really can get it going when her brothers are silly and entertain her. We all love her and spend most of her waking hours in her face. She sits up like a pro and rolls around the floor. Not interested in crawling quite yet, which is good because I am definitely not ready for a mobile baby. She is wearing 12 month clothes and looks so grown up. Her bright blue eyes light up and her dimple appears when she smiles. She is our pretty girl. I can't imagine life without her. Couldn't seem to get a smile out of her for her picture this month. Maybe she was hungry, because she looks about ready to eat the camera. Oh, and her hair has some red in it! Auburn is probably the right word to use. It is beautiful. Especially in the sun.

Lramping

You've probably been camping. You've probably heard of glamping. But have you experienced lramping? I made that word up, but that's okay. Have you seen the newest words to be added to the dictionary. Srsly! That's actually one of them. I kid you not.
Anyway, back to my made up word. Lramping is camping in the Living Room. We've done this before and it has been super fun. This time we tried to incorporate Landon into the experience and it was kind of a disaster.  Halfway through the movie, Ethan wanted us to turn it off so he could go to sleep. Landon was in and out and making so much noise. Boys were fighting. Jared was super annoyed. Eventually, the movie ended, the popcorn was gone, and everyone slept in their beds. In the beginning, they sure looked pretty cute. So, there is that.

Thanks, Jared!

As the children grow older, I am reminded how much they really are paying attention to what Jared and I say and do. It is so rewarding when they say a prayer or use their manners. It is so frustrating when they duplicate [my] sassy-ness when they don't find something appealing. It is so embarrassing when they say certain things.

Ethan, Grayson, and Landon have all started calling me "Sugar lips."
Grayson exclaims "Woo-doggy!" whenever he is truly pleased with something.
Ethan was heard just tonight to say "Aw, she kicked me in the junk!"
And, earlier this week, Grayson said, "Get the bleep out of here!" (He actually said "bleep," I'm not simply bleeping him out.)

All are phrases used regularly by Jared. So, thanks, Jared. Thanks. A lot.