Birthdays Times Two!

Isaac turned 16 in April and Joshua turned 15 in May.

Unbelievable.

We celebrated them both on their special day even though I was in the midst

of chemotherapy.

16 years old!

And Joshua is 15 - wow!

Love you boys so much!

Happy Birthday to you both!

January Birthdays!

 Nathan and Kinsley both have January birthdays, so we went to Rachel's house to celebrate

them both.  We had a nice lunch and then opened some presents.

Rachel got Kinsley a "Busy Book", mostly for church.  Grandpa and Kinsley are checking it out!

Nathan is really into dinosaurs, so we got him a dinosaur truck carrier!  He was thrilled!

Rachel told us that Kinsley really wanted a baby doll, so we provided!

It was so sweet to see her trying to feed her!

Nathan is four, and Kinsley is two, so six candles for the win!

Happy Birthday to our two youngest grandchildren!  It was great celebrating

with you, and we wish you God's many blessings in the coming year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Wrapping Up Courtney's Visit!

It was such a blessing having Courtney here for an entire week.  She made dinner every night, 

did laundry with the boys' help, cleaned the house, and just generally kept everyone

entertained!  But most importantly, she kept me from doing much of anything

during that week as I recovered. We loved having her here!  💗 

We did manage to celebrate her birthday early at our favorite Mexican restaurant!

These three Krause men were her assistants, which kept the household running smoothly.

Thanks, guys!

A Day at Rachel's House!

I was feeling really well post-surgery, so we made a trip to Rachel's house, not only for

a visit, but to also celebrate Courtney's birthday! 

So glad these two sisters were able to spend more time together!  💗

Nebraska Basketball! GBR!

 Courtney wanted to do something special with just Isaac and Joshua, and she

offered to take them to the Nebraska vs. Illinois basketball game at the 

Pinnacle Bank Arena!

These boys LOVE basketball, so they jumped at the chance!

Both teams were not very good, and Nebraska ultimately lost, but the experience

was wonderful.  Lots of fun pictures - ENJOY!!!

What a fun evening!  Thank you, Courtney!!!!

Courtney Comes to Town!

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the late Fall, and a lumpectomy was scheduled for

early January.  Courtney immediately decided she wanted to be here for my surgery.  I 

didn't want her to feel obligated because I know she has a very busy life, but I'm

sure glad she came!  She was a HUGE help to all of us!

We met Rachel's family (minus David who was working) after church on Sunday.

Of course we went to Valentino's, which is one of Courtney's favorite places!

Joe and Courtney!

Surgery was on Monday, January 9, and I was feeling well enough that

Rachel's family came over for a visit on Wednesday.  She and David then made a much needed

trip to Costco and left the children with us.

David had brought me flowers the day before, but we took this photo on the day they all came.

I guess Stanley tumblers are a "thing" these days.  I had no idea.....

Anyway, Courtney brought me one, and then I found out that she had already sent

Rachel one for Christmas, which she had kept a secret!

So of course we had to get a picture of the three of us!

When Rachel and David were off doing errands, Courtney got out her Kirsten (America Girl doll)

for Elenna to play with.  She was absolutely thrilled when Aunt Courtney told her she

could take it home to play with......very carefully!

Loving on Aunt Courtney! 

Almost the New Year!

December 31, 2022 

New Year's Eve!

We have some New Year's Eve traditions - nothing wild, or late at night!

We start out the evening with Joe's famous French Onion Soup.

All the while, we are enjoying Wassail - a family favorite on a cold, blustery day!

Isaac was in charge of the French bread.

We also had grilled sandwiches and quesadillas.

 

We then watch "It's a Wonderful Life" in the evening!

A very happy new year to all of you and wishing the very best in 2023!