My Kids Can Really Hit My Funnybone

We had another family of 7 over for dinner. Every child they have matches in age with one of our own. Needless to say, they had a blast playing with friends and Jared and I actually got a grown up conversation in. As the family was leaving, Landon looked out from his Space Pod window (a large cardboard structure that looks like an Apollo Spacecraft) and said to their mom, "I bet you wish you could take me home with you."

Landon is at that age where he really gets some good one-liners in. The other day he came home from school with a Purple Behavior Day (Purple is apparently the best kind of day to have.) and said to me, "I had a Purple Day! I'm so proud of myself!"

Miriam found my stash of feminine products, brought me one and said, "These help your junk, Mom."

Leaving basketball practice, Jared apparently didn't get up fast enough to leave. Ethan says to him, "Time to get up and go, lazy bones."

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!

Things Kids Say

My kids have said some cute things lately. Here are some of my favorites.

Ethan went to Disney's Hollywood Studios with our friends, Brad and Rachel, and was able to train as a Jedi. Then they rode the Star Tours ride. In the ride, he was put on the screen as if Darth Vader was talking to him. After the ride, he told Brad and Rachel, "Darth Vader remembered me from Jedi training!"

Landon was playing with Ethan's light saber and told Jared and I he was going to kill Darth Vader. I asked him why. He responded, "He's not my father."

While walking by the boys' room, I hear the following exchange.
Ethan: I just farted! Anyone want to smell it?
Others: Hahahahah. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww!

He's not my child, but my nephew Logan had this to say after his first day of VPK, "It was the worse part of my life ever."

We were having a dance party and the song Jared and I danced to at our wedding came on. Jared and I were having this totally sentimental moment. I was tearing up and Grayson asked, "When are you going to get naked?" (That one left me a little concerned.)

Landon: You're a mean mom.
Me: Why? I don't think I'm that mean.
Landon: You don't take me to Aunt Stacey's house enough.

We're watching Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton is narrating how bowling balls are made, and Landon says to me "I want to be a talking bowling ball."

Things They Say

While clipping Landon's toes, I asked him why he had such stinky feet. He exclaimed, "Because I farted earlier!" Hahahaha.

At breakfast, I raised my arm above my head. Grayson exclaimed, "Ewwwwwwwwww!" "What?" I asked. "I saw your armpit!"

Me: "What do you want for lunch today?"
Landon: "Probably donuts!"

Just randomly, Landon yells to me from across the room. "Your legs have armpits, you know?"

Two nights ago, our dog had an audible fart and ran away from it because she is a scaredy cat. It was hilarious and one of those moments you wish you'd caught on film.

More Kid Conversations

I love the things children come up with. Here are some from the last week.

While putting away laundry, Landon sees a shirt and says "I missed you shirt!" He then kissed it and put it away.

Grayson fell in love with a woman at our church because of her "pretty blue toenail polish." He told me a secret, "I'm going to marry her someday." And I broke his heart by telling him she was already married.

I came in from outside to find Ethan drawing at the table. As I passed by he hid what he was making. Later he brought me a sweet card. When I asked him why he made me a card, he replied, "Because I love you, Mom."

Grayson's Favorite Things

Grayson and I were discussing his favorites today. I decided to write it all down.
Favorite Color: Yellow and red
Favorite Thing to Do: Go to Disney World
Favorite Candy: Lollipops and chocolate
Favorite Food: Corn ON the cob, not OFF the cob
Favorite Movie: Lightening McQueen
Favorite Sibling: Miriam (to be fair, she's everyone's favorite)
Favorite Book: Sam I Am

Note: In between the time I wrote this down and typed it up, Ethan added something to the page. "Ethan. I like to Play gams." That kid. Love them both so much.

Things they say

Seeing a lifesaver on the counter that Jared was given at church.
Ethan: I love that! I like candy.

Irritated by a bug bite on his back that was unreachable to scratch.
Me: Sorry, honey, it's no one's fault. I know it itches. Want me to scratch it.
Grayson: Ugh. Yes it is, it's Jesus' fault!
Me: How is it Jesus' fault?
Grayson: He made the bugs!

Grayson and Landon were snuggling in blankets and pillows on the floor.
Grayson: Mom, want to snuggle us?
Me: Yes, but I need a shower. I just exercised and I'm so stinky. Want to smell me?
Grayson: (sniffs my armpit) Eeeeeeeeewww! You smell like cotton candy. Does it smell like cotton candy to you?

Kid Conversations

Sometimes the things the children say are hilarious to me. Wanted to write a couple down so I didn't forget them.

Me: Grayson, what's your middle name?
Grayson: After really thinking about it, "Poo?"
Me: Hahahaha. No, it's Thomas.

In his defense, one of Jared's nicknames for him is Graysipoo. I think it's left over from calling his brothers similar nicknames, Jasipoo, Kevipoo, etc.

This morning while helping Landon get dressed, we bonked heads.

Me: Ow!
Landon: Sorry, Mommy. (Smooch.)
Me: It's all right, you just rattled my brain a little.
Landon: Owwww. I have a brain too.

Yesterday, Grayson was sitting on the back door stoop and says, "Come over here, Mom. Look at this beautiful day."

Uh-oh

I may have some future heartbreakers on my hands. These are two conversations my boys have had in the last two weeks.

Waiting in car line at school to pick Ethan up, I hear Grayson having the following conversation with Landon (albeit was a little bit one-sided).

G: Hey, Landon. You think her's pretty? (A girl about 10 is walking by the car.)
L: (No response)
G: Me thinks her's pretty. I like pretty girls.

Grayson also likes to identify pretty girls when he is watching television. Oh my.

Today, Ethan and I had this conversation.

E: My friend, Christian, married his girlfriend.
Me: Don't you think he's a little young to get married?
E: (Incredulously) Mom, he's SIX!
Me: Do you have any girlfriends?
E: Yeah, I have more than Christian.
Me: Oh, yeah. What are their names?
E: I don't know, but I have lots.

Hehehehehehe.

Oh, Landon!

Sometimes Landon is sweet. Sometimes Landon is naughty. Sometimes Landon is loud. Mostly, he's just a two year old. Lately, he makes me laugh a lot.
The other day we were all outside. The older boys were playing soccer and since Landon can't quite keep up he was playing with Miriam. He had to go inside to go potty and wanted to assure Miriam that he'd be back. He kept turning back and waving his finger and saying "I'll be back, Miriam." He did it several times and because I thought it was so cute and it got a laugh, he did one for the camera later that night as I told Jared the story.

 

Landon doesn't really take naps anymore, sigh, but I'm trying to force a "rest" each day. I set the timer for thirty minutes and make him stay in his room. A couple of days ago, I got busy with Miriam and didn't enforce the "stay in his room" portion of the program. With the hall door shut, he had access to his room, Miriam and Grayson's room and the bathroom. After the timer rang, I went to get him and didn't find him in his room. I walked into Miriam and Grayson's room and saw this:

 

I asked him if he was hiding from me. No response. I got a little closer and called his name. No response. I bent down and tickled his foot. No response. He was asleep! The best part is I keep some water stored under there for emergency purposes and I was very curious as to how he was asleep under there with the limited space. So, I investigated and saw this:

He is asleep in the kneeling position over a case of water. It was all I could do not to laugh out loud. He slept there for a good 45 minutes and woke up to sleeping legs.

Finally, last night we were headed home from Norb and Sabra's after trick or treating. I hate making the left out of their neighborhood at night. It is busy in that section and I just get nervous. I expressed as much to the children. Landon then said, "It's okay, Mommy. I'll keep you safe." I love this boy.

 

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.

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.

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.

Family, especially Dads

Ethan and I had the following conversation earlier this week.
E: Mom, I love our family.
Me: Yeah, me too, Ethan.
E: I feel bad for people without a family.  I bet they are lonely.
Me: I bet they ARE lonely.
E: I'm so happy I'm a part of this family.

I am also so happy to be a part of my family. I tear up regularly as I contemplate the blessings I receive from being a part of my family.  Each of my children brings immeasurable light and joy to my life.  I am blessed to share my children with a wonderful companion.  Jared is my favorite guy in the world and I'm so happy to share adventures with him.
Talking to my dad tonight to wish him a Happy Father's Day, I became a little choked up telling him how grateful I am to be his daughter.  My dad loves me and my siblings unconditionally and I have never doubted that.  I have fond memories spending quality time with my dad, especially during my middle school years.  Dad drove me to school every morning on his way to work.  School started around 7 AM, so we were often the only ones up in the house that early.  He would make me breakfast and we'd talk on the way to school.  I think I mostly talked and he listened.  (Probably it is the same now.) I am grateful for his love and his counsel and his example of service.  My dad is always giving of himself to his family and to others. I love you, Dad!

My dad hanging with my boys. We love you, Papa!

Jesus and Santa Claus

This conversation took place at breakfast a few days ago.
E: Mom, I believe in Jesus.
Me: That's great, Ethan.  I believe in Jesus too.
E: But I don't believe in Santa Claus.
Me: (A little baffled) You don't?  Why not?
E: Because I choose the right, Mom.
Me: (Still baffled) What makes Santa Claus wrong?
SILENCE

Polka Dots

I love the cute things children say, especially my children.  This morning I got the goose bumps and Grayson asked me why I had polka dots.  I love him.  I have also realized that Landon calls everyone by their name except Grayson.  Landon calls him "Brother." I love him, too.

 

 Grayson LOVES to dress up.  Last week, he dressed as a missionary all week.  He's the cutest missionary I've ever seen.  This week, he's mostly been a cowboy.

 

 Grayson also LOVES mustaches.  Until he can grow one of his own, he cuts them out of paper.  He made one for me today.  Aren't we handsome?

 

Gratuitous snuggle shot of the boys (minus Landon) with Miriam.

Grayson is ready

I am so ready for this baby to come, but I'm trying not to get too anxious (and failing miserably).  Grayson is also ready for baby sister to come.  This morning I could barely tear him away from a new baby sister of one of Ethan's friends at school.  As we walked to the car, we had the following conversation.
G: I want to look at that baby.
Me: Don't worry, pretty soon you'll have your very own baby to look at anytime you want.
G: When's she coming out Mom?
Me: Soon, honey, hopefully really soon.
G: I don't want her to come soon.  I want her to come NOW!

I feel you, Grayson, I really do.

Kid Conversations

Landon has started to show an interest in prayer.  Whenever he hears anyone praying, he starts praying too.  Here is what he says every time.  "Father.  Jesus.  Father.  Jesus.  Father.  Jesus."  It's pretty darn cute.

Me: Landon, can I have a hug and smooch?
L: No! Hugs and smooches all gone!

My mom also had a pretty sweet conversation with Ethan yesterday.  I asked her to write it down, so here it is in her own words.

"While putting Ethan's shoes on, I asked him to sit on the chair so I could reach his feet more easily.  He asked me if I could bend over all the way because his mommy can't because she has a baby in her tummy.  He said "his dad has to do everything for his mom." (Okay, WHAT?!)  I told him he had a good mom who knew how to do a lot of things and take good care of him and his brothers.  He said, "that's because you taught her, because you are her mom."  Best birthday present I've had in awhile to share this conversation with my oldest grandchild."

Boys will be Boys

Just wanted to share a few funny stories about my boys. 

Almost every night when it is bath time, my boys run wildly naked through the house.  This usually involves multitudes of giggles and ends with Ethan and Grayson finding me and rubbing their butts on me.  Not sure where this originated, but it is kind of hilarious.

A few days ago when Jared arrived home from work I asked him to check on Ethan in the bathroom.  We have been having a test of wills all week about him cleaning himself up on his own.  He had been in there quite awhile as I finished dinner and I was starting to get worried about him.  Jared opened the door to find Ethan standing on the bathroom counter checking out his little booty.  He smiled impishly and stated, "Had to make sure I got all the poop off, Dad."  Perfect logic, Ethan, perfect logic.

On Sunday, Grayson was getting dressed.  He usually does so himself, but asked for an assist from me.  As I'm heading over, I see he's holding his clip on tie and I can just see the wheels turning in his head.  I say calmly, "Grayson, please don't put that tie on your penis." As I talking, he does it folks.  He clips his tie on his penis and he is now screaming.  In order to get it off, I had to yank it, which I'm sure added to the pain.  It took all I had not to laugh.  I think I'm the worst mom ever.  (Note: Grayson was completely nude when this occurred.)

Grayson is Awesome

Here are a couple of conversations I've had with Grayson lately.  Try to imagine his sweet, little voice when you read them because it makes it even more awesome.

I showed Grayson the picture above and asked "Who is that?"
Grayson: A baby.
Me: That's you as a baby.
Grayson: My hair is NICE!
Me: Bwahahahaha.

While helping Grayson put on and button his pants yesterday, I was bending over him.
He looks up and says, "Mom, your boobs are hanging out."  I was a little speechless on that one.

Today, I came home from work and and Grayson says, "You're home! I'm so happy!"  You know what, I'm happy too.