Rounding out November

November was an extremely busy month. We partied hard in November! Here's a quick photo update to round out the month.

Jared and I attended the wedding reception of Sabella and Michael.  Sabella was in my Sunday school class 10 years ago! She was only 12 and I was 25.  I'm so proud of the beautiful woman she has become. It was a very special day.

Weston was sick, so he and I got a marathon snuggle day while everyone else was at church and Grandma's house.  He discovered Phoebe for the first time and was petting her. It was very cute.

Look at that sweet face.

The week of Thanksgiving, the children were all home from school. They made a new clubhouse sign. Apparently "the boss" is Grayson.

My brother, Tony, had a birthday the day after Thanksgiving. It worked out that Stacey, Tony, and I could get together without kids or spouses. We played a game and talked. It was wonderful to be with my siblings. They really are my best friends.

Christmas came to Krause Haus. It is our first Christmas in our new house and I am so excited. Jared and the children made these snowflakes (they are hanging all around the downstairs). I love them.

Our elf, Kristoff, is back. He just moves around and doesn't make mischief like some of those other elves. He has been a little lazy and sometimes stays in the same place for two or three days.

This year, we went to Santa's Christmas Tree Farm and cut down our very own Florida-grown Christmas tree.  It is very pretty and we had a great time at the farm.

I love seeing all these stockings in a row. The first two were made by my BYU roomie, Nicole, as a wedding present. When I got pregnant with Ethan, I called her and requested a stocking for him. She kindly made his stocking. I realized I couldn't call her up for a stocking every time I had a baby, so I requested the pattern so I could make sure all future stockings matched. With Aunt Teresa's help, I made Grayson and Landon's stockings a few years ago. I made Miriam's on my own. I also made Weston's on my own just last week. I finally used YouTube to learn a basic embroidery stitch, so Weston's stocking looks much more polished than the other three I did. 

Jared took the week after Thanksgiving off. It was so fun having him home! He finished several projects around the house, including a major one in the garage. He also got a lot of fun time in with the children. I think he should do this every year!

Grayson is 6!

Grayson is such an amazing child! I love that he is in our family. He is so inquisitive and full of life. He had a pretty epic birthday week.  On Monday, he got to ride in a limo and eat frozen yogurt as a reward for his contribution to the school's read-a-thon fundraiser.

On Wednesday, his actual birthday, Landon, Miriam, Weston, and I met him at school for lunch adn brought him an Italian Ice.  Later, the Cottle's came for dinner and we enjoyed some of his favorites: roasted broccoli, roasted chicken, buttered noodles, and more Italian Ice.

And, finally, on Friday, he was awarded the Terrific Kid award for Respect at the monthly assembly. 

7 Months

I say it every time, but I really can't believe that Weston is 7 months.  For the last 6 weeks, this kid has really struggled with being away from Mommy.  It has been so hard on me. Seriously, he would cry any time I wasn't holding him. Even if Jared was holding him, he would begin to cry if I walked by and he caught a glimpse of me. I tried to make the most of it and enjoy all the extra cuddles. Thank heavens for a good woven wrap so that I could wear him and be hands free for my other four children.  

At 7 months, he is sitting up like a champ. He loves to chomp on just about anything and is a complete drool monster. Landon is probably his second favorite person, as he laughs at everything Landon does.  He had his first illness this week and although it was completely gross, he recovered quickly and managed to be super cute and snuggling and happy throughout it all.  Weston loves being a part of the action and is always happy to attend all the fun things his siblings are doing. 

Horses, Horses, Horses

Grayson fell in love with horses when he attended the rodeo with Norb and Sabra. Then, we moved to the country and we see dozens of horses anytime we drive anywhere. Naturally, this fueled his desire to ride a horse. So, to celebrate his 6th birthday, we went to a horse ranch and rode some horses.  Grayson and Ethan actually did a riding lesson and were able to groom and prepare their horse. They also got to do more than just saunter around the arena on the horse. Their favorite thing was trotting with the horse and learning to lead the horse by the reigns.  I think these pictures speak for themselves.

On the way to Dreamcatcher Horse Ranch, we passed over Sugar Loaf Mountain, the highest point in Florida at approximately 347 feet above sea level. It felt like we weren't in Florida at all. It was so beautiful. Jared's ears even popped!

Grayson doesn't like cake, but he loves donuts. Aunt Stacey made him a yummy donut cake.

Katy and Miriam have really become friends. I am sad we don't live closer.

Ethan and Grayson participated in a riding lesson and were taught how to saddle, brush, and clean the horses.

 

Ethan getting Tommy ready for a ride.

Ethan had a great time and Tommy enjoyed his post lesson carrot.

Grayson got to ride Nick. Nick was a little lazy, but did manage to make our birthday boy's dreams come true.  Not sure if you can see that Grayson is wearing a Bolo Tie and Cowboy boots. (Bday gifts from Gigi and Papa). He is also wearing his "cowboy" shirt. This is the shirt Sabra bought him to wear at the rodeo, so naturally it is a cowboy shirt.

The horses at the ranch are actually rescues and it was so fun to see how healthy they are after being brought to the ranch. Many came from sad circumstances. Nick, Grayson's horse, only had one eye. They were all so sweet and full of personality. 

While Ethan and Grayson did their riding lesson, the younger children participated in pony rides.  Norb got some great shots!

Another wonderful birthday and a fun day with family.

I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ

Upon turning 8, Ethan decided he wanted to be baptized a member of our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). He has been preparing for the last year to make this step. We wanted to make sure it was his decision and not ours that he be baptized. It turned out to be a beautiful day for all of us.

Before heading to the church we caught a quick family photo. I love my "forever" family.

Cousins are great to have around on special days.

I, especially, was emotional about it all. I was tearing up on the drive over to the church. Tears were put on hold when I arrived at the church and realized I'd forgotten to pack extra underwear for Jared and Ethan! Oops! Gratefully, Ethan was flexible and Jared is so tall, his unders didn't even get wet.
Ethan chose his entire baptism program, including songs, prayers, and speakers.

My handsome boys all in white.

During the opening song, Faith, I started crying and then I was up for my talk on baptism.  I did get through it thanks to my Dad's ever ready handkerchief and a silent prayer said by Jared. I think I was extra emotional, because I remember my baptism day so vividly. It was a huge part of my life and my spiritual development.  In fact, it was a turning point in my life and I feel that every experience and choice I've made since that day has been shaped by the one decision to be baptized.  It has been my dream for a long time to raise a family and see them find peace, joy, and hope within the gospel of Jesus Christ. The day Ethan was baptized was me seeing my dreams come true before my very eyes. I am so blessed. I am so proud of my son.  I love my Heavenly Father.

Krause Family in attendance for the baptism.  

Following the baptism at the church, friends and family gathered at our home to celebrate Ethan's birthday and baptism.  It was so much fun. I was so grateful for all the people that came out to support Ethan. I was nervous very few people would attend since we are new to our area, but it was the opposite. So many people came out. It was the first time I felt like I was going to fit in here and that we were, in fact, making friends. Seriously, it was great!

Uncle Mike, Aunt Antje, and Tatum came down from St Augustine to be with us. I felt so special that they came.  I was also grateful that our friends, The Russell's and The Pennell's came from out of town to be with us.

Ethan, Max, and Connor discussing a play during the football game.

Cousin Katy and Miriam became fast friends at the party. I sure wish we lived closer.

Aunt Myndie made delicious cookies for the party.  CTR: Choose the Right.

Aunt Myndie also made a beautiful birthday cake!