Another Great Soccer Season

We have really loved playing soccer! 

It is hard and definitely a sacrifice to make practices, games, and all the details fall into place. But, it is worth it. We had pretty amazing coaches this year too! We have forged some of our favorite friendships (both the children and the parents) through soccer. 

Ethan U10 with Coach Henderson and the Blue Bombers

This was our first year with goalies. Despite the added obstacle, Ethan continued to be a dominating player on the field. He can strike a goal with both left and right feet and is quite the soccer player. He is aggressive and has great ball handling skills. He has also learned how to be a team player over the last couple of years. Passing where appropriate and setting up team mates for great plays.

Grayson U8 with Coach Bishop (not pictured) and Coach Krause (AKA Dad) and Team Awesome

Team Awesome pretty much wiped the floor with every team they played this year. They really had a team of little go-getters. Grayson, like his big brother, is a fantastic striker and often led the night in goals. He is learning the art of the humble brag. Grayson has also stepped up his team skills and is learning to share the love with his teammates. Ethan better watch out. Grayson has a lot of natural ability and a strong work ethic. I see these brothers becoming quite competitive with one another as the years go on.

Landon U6 with Coach Schroth (pretty much our favorite person in Sorrento) 

and 

Team Mint Chocolate Chip

I LOVED watching Landon this year. Last year, he and Grayson played on the same team and I felt Landon got a little lost in the shadow of his older brother. This year, Landon really came into his own. He is a fantastic defender and scored at least one goal in every single game. As always, he is smiling the entire time even when the other team trash talks him on the field (I know they're 4 and 5, but I witnessed it!) Plus, Coach Schroth is phenomenal and loves this team with her whole heart. She even threw us a party and Landon and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to go and have some one on one time! 

When 9 years feels like 9 weeks

How did my eldest boy go from this

to this?

Ethan really is a great child. I honestly feel so blessed to be his mama. He came into this world exactly when he was supposed to. We were inspired to start our family and we have been blessed beyond measure by following that inspiration. 

At 9 years old, Ethan is responsible, kind, thoughtful, helpful, intelligent, inquisitive, compassionate, and passionate. He seeks to make good choices and respects those around him. Ethan looks after his siblings and is a fantastic big brother. 

He has his moments, of course, where he is less than stellar. But, don't we all. When he makes mistakes, he apologizes and tries to do better. I love that about him. He really wants to do what is right. It is a joy to be his mom and grow up right along side him! 

We celebrated for 3 days this year! 

Treats at school! 

And smooches in front of his friends!

An outing with friends!

Cake and ice cream with family!

Broken Hearts

Today was a really hard day! I have had my heart broken before. Once it was in the tiniest pieces, I didn't know if it would every be repaired. Today, hurt almost as much as that. It hurt that badly because I felt the heartbreak of my son and couldn't do a single thing about it. I wanted to fix it so badly and couldn't. I tried, but it wasn't enough.
He took his bearded dragon, Alexandra, outside to play with his friend. The rule is she isn't to go outside. He was walking out the door and I asked him to put her away and he shook his head and went any way. Jared later stuck his head out the door and asked him to bring her in. Again, he refused.
Well, while they were outside, something spooked her and she got away and ran into the cover of the storm drain and went down the pipe! My boys were in tears and so was I. We tried several things to get her out and none were successful. We prayed and prayed and prayed and the answer has been no.
This is a natural consequence of a broken rule, but it is heartbreaking. Being a mom is hard sometimes. I chose to be easy on him this morning and didn't go all "mean" mom on him and make him keep her inside. If I had, he wouldn't have had to go through this. I have been kicking myself all day. He said tonight that he knew it was his fault and then proceeded to sob himself to sleep.
My whole heart aches and feels so heavy. Motherhood is not for sissies. This job is no joke.

End of the Year Festivities

The last month has been a total sprint! I am exhausted and so happy that TOMORROW is our last day of school. 

Up first is Grayson and his classroom awards ceremony.

Grayson and his friend, Julia, giving the welcome announcement. Grayson has become a great reader this year.

Grayson and his teacher, Miss Durias!

The Fan club!

Next up, Ethan! Ethan rocked the 2nd grade!

Ethan's Fan club!

He received A LOT of awards. Including perfect attendance, All A's all year, and several reading awards. Yes, that's a tablet back there.

Ethan and Mrs. Walton

Last, but not least, Landon was promoted from Pre-K. His teacher Mrs. Brown and her assitant, Mrs. Reyes, put together a wonderful program. We were blessed to be at a fantastic school with stellar teachers! 

Refreshments and Goodies

Landon received the 3 Musketeers award for being friendly and sharing with his classmates. He also received the Perfect Attendance award.

Landon told the audience he would miss specials the most over the summer.

Mrs. Brown, Landon, Mrs. Reyes

Landon, you are off to great things!

Landon's Fan club!

His teachers did an "unscientific guess" of what Landon will be when he grows up. They think he'll be a teacher because he loves telling stories and writing! His teachers know him! I love that they love him.

More of Landon's Fan club!

Pinewood Derby 2016

Ethan participated in his first Pinewood Derby with the Cub Scouts. It was so fun! I was really impressed with the hard work every Scout (and their family) put into making the Derby cars. Ethan was so excited and had a great time. He placed 3rd overall! Not bad for a rookie.

I named his car Goldfinger after the classic James Bond film. He didn't get it, but I insisted. His car looked like it belonged in a bank vault. 

Huge crowd came to cheer on the boys!

Book Worm

Ethan is growing up so much! On my upstairs to bed recently, I saw his light was still on. I slowly opened the door to encourage him to turn out the light and found this...

I shot a quick photo before taking his book and turning out the light. This just made me so happy. Ethan loves to read! He literally has four books in his backpack at all times and walks to the bus stop with his nose in a book. One of these days he is going to trip. He just can't put it down once he starts. I totally understand this problem and hope it is a problem he has for a long time. 

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!

It's Great to be Eight-Ethan

Our oldest baby has turned 8! Ethan kept telling me all day that he couldn't "believe he is 8!" Well, I can't believe it either. 8 years ago, we welcomed our first child to our family 3 weeks before his due date. It was exciting and scary and wonderful and scary and beautiful and scary! 8 years later he is still helping us figure out this whole parenting gig. We are so proud of the young man he is becoming and feel blessed to be his parents. Ethan is a kind, generous, thoughtful, helpful, intelligent, funny, caring boy. It has been an honor and delight to help him learn and grow. Excited to think what the next 8 years will bring.

A little blurry, but here he is being welcomed into Troop 70 of the Cub Scouts! He has already read the entire manual. I'd say he's excited.

We took a cupcake to lunch at the school and enjoyed some family time. Landon makes the craziest faces.  Ethan's siblings sure do love him and look up to him. He's a great big brother.

After school, Aunt Stacey and Owen had dinner and cake with us. The following day we enjoyed the last soccer game of the season. Ethan had a great season and is really turning into a fantastic soccer player.

Back to School

We started back to school! I am happy to report that everyone is finally adjusting to the long school day and being away from Mom all day. We held our annual back to school feast the night before school began. Chicken wings were requested once again, along with yellow rice and green beans.  While cooking the chicken wings, our neighbors hens came strutting into the yard and Jared felt like he'd been caught! Sorry girls, it is exactly what it looks like.

Every year, we introduce a scripture/theme for the school year. This year I changed ours at the last minute. I just kept having a feeling that we needed to focus on courage and faith in Christ when faced with trials and the tumultuous world. 

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe." Mark 5:36

On Monday morning, these cuties were ready to go!

Grayson was brave and I was crying all the way home.

The school had this cute photo booth set up! I really love our new school. It is beautiful and everyone is so friendly.

Grayson's teacher, Miss Durias. They had a rocky beginning, but now Grayson has decided to "get along." So glad, I was a little worried we were in for a rough year.

Grayson has had difficulty adjusting. Ethan, of course, loves school and structure and is living the high life. Grayson is my free spirit and it has definitely been an adjustment.  The photo above was taken one day when Landon, Miriam, Weston and I went to the school to eat lunch with Grayson.  After nearly four weeks, the tears have finally dried and he is doing well. Phew!