Phil, Natalie, Landon & Carter

My Beautiful Family

2010-12-03T18:37:00.000-08:00

Landon Rocks Out!

2010-12-03T18:18:00.000-08:00

2010-12-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

Soaking up the last days of the summer of 2010.....

2010-10-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

2010-09-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

Let's go fly a kite!

2010-09-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

We were just about ready to leave the park when we found a kite on the ground. And not just any kite, but a SPIDER MAN kite! The boys enjoyed flying it on such a windy day. I loved hearing Landon repeat, "I knew I could do, I knew I could do it"!

A walk in the park

2009-07-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

DISCLAIMER: LANDON AND CARTER WERE IN NO WAY GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO ACT. WE WERE JUST OBSERVING THEM IN THEIR NATURAL BEHAVIOR.

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

Carter didn't want to be in this video greeting, so maybe he can say hi later. As you will see, Landon had a little trouble getting the "Paw-Paw Dave" part out! We Love you!

Just Dance :)

2009-06-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Our boys LOVE to dance so we took a short video of them gettin' down. This is especially for you Grandma Becky and Paw Paw Dave...we love you and miss you bunches!!!! xoxo

2009-03-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

Phil and I have been wanting to get away for a couple of days for some relaxation so we decided to stay at a cabin in the Hocking Hills. It seems to be the trend that whenever we try to get away or do something special together something bad or frustrating happens. So why should this time be any different? This video is a short tale of the rocky start to our 'relaxing getaway'.

A Date with Daddy

2009-01-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

At the end of Oct. Landon and I had our first Father/Son breakfast outing. Landon was so well behaved and acted like such a little man. He even ate most of his french toast! I was so overwhelmed with the whole idea of having a son to raise and teach and bond with, and very humbled by God's goodness in my life to bless me so undeserving with two sons. I think I was in a daze all through breakfast. I couldn't stop thinking about how I would remember this moment for the rest of my life. I know how fast my boys will grow up and I don't want to miss a second of it. I just want to hold on to these times so tightly. I think Landon is getting pretty used to me having these "moments". I must get a look in my eyes, because he has told me (after telling me he loves me) to "not cry Daddy". Using a tone and look that says he already understands my emotional state more than a two year old should. The real highlight of breakfast was all the trucks and "BIG trucks" we got to see pass outside the window.

Fall Family Photo Album

2009-01-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin show fun

2009-01-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

Landon riding the cars at Pumpkin show with cousins Simon (in background) and Cameron

Landon was cracking us up following Cameron's lead.

The cutest little Batman ever!

2009-01-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

The loves of our life

2009-01-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

6th Anniversary getaway

2009-01-01T17:07:00.000-08:00

My uncle has a cabin in the hocking hills that he graciously shares with family members. We were very blessed to spend a few beautiful days in a secluded spot. We had wonderful weather for mid September, and all the trees made it seem even more like a special place. We really enjoyed the peace and quiet and spent most of our time on the second story covered porch reading. I was reminded of why Natalie and I fit together so well as we easily went from talking about serious topics (Landon's education....finance goals)to sitting quietly, just enjoying each others nearness. Six years fly by when you spend them with your best friend!

The cabin doesn't have electricity or running water (although it does have a sink with a drain, and a solar heated bag for water to use in the shower) It's a perfect balance between "roughing" it and being comfortable.
An outdoor trip would not be complete without a fire!
<-The cabin overlooks a small lake

BROTHERS

2008-09-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

Landon and Carter are typical young brothers. Landon loves to antagonize and rough up Carter, and while Carter is not a push over, he is very dramatic. So every time they "play" ...... something happens

Carter is on the move

2008-09-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

While it took Carter a little while longer to sit up, once he did, he moved right on to crawling all over the place and is already pulling himself up and standing alone. He will be taking his first steps in no time at all!

BUZZ

2008-09-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

Landon gets his first buzz cut!

Sidewalk Chalk

2008-09-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Making some art with cousin Claire

V.B.S.

2008-09-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Landon displays his Olympic themed V.B.S. crafts

Goodbye Summer 2008

2008-09-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

We had to squeeze swimming in one last time for the summer of '08'

Our Beautiful Boys

2008-09-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

"Why is he smiling all the time"?

Baldy

2008-09-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

With a face like that, who cares if he has any hair!

"Workin"

2008-09-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

Landon is always telling us he is "workin" on something. Here he is doing some yard work. There are not any before and after photos, because nothing looks any different! I hope all his "work" is just a great work ethic in a very early stage. It brings him satisfaction to contribute in his own little way.

Our Little Superman

2008-09-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Landon 2 & a half years old

Boys Night

2008-07-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

When Natalie went shopping with her sister a few weeks ago, Beth's two boys stayed at our house and we had a "boys night". Landon had a blast yelling "one, two, three" & "ready, set, go"! before racing across the yard to jump in the pool!

Grant, Simon & Landon
After a few hours of playing in the pool, in was time for a popsicle break

The night was topped off with a round of popcorn for all!

It's a great big world out there

2008-07-25T18:05:00.001-07:00

He only looks innocent.....

I'm getting ready to take off

2008-07-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

Carter should be crawling anyday now. He wants to SO badly
He couldn't be any more perfect

Simple Summer Delights

2008-07-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

Landon enjoys a popsicle in the back yard

Brothers from the same mother

2008-07-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I've been told how much the Krouse kids look alike. Most of the time I'm told how much I look like one of my five sisters - not my brothers, but I think you may agree I could finally be compared to one of my brothers. After Zachary grew some facial hair, I couldn't believe how much looking at him was like looking in a mirror. Sunday I did a little experiment and put on his hat and glasses, took a picture of each of us and showed it to family members. It took most of them awhile to catch on!

A.

B.

Happy 1st Birthday Claire!

2008-07-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

Landon & Carter's only cousin on the Krouse side celebrated her first birthday last Sunday. We were able to spend the afternoon in Nicholas and Mandy's BIG back yard (and narrowly escaped getting rained out!)

Fun in the sandbox

There is nothing like birthday cake!

Touchdown in Thailand

2008-06-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

Dave and Becky let us know they are safe in Bangkok at about 3:30 (our time) on Thursday afternoon. We miss them already! They always amaze us with their sweet and giving spirits. It was such an encouragement to us to have them home for a short while, and we look forward with great anticipation to seeing them in November.

Thanks Dad & Mom for ALL the many ways you gave and gave to us while you were home. Thanks also for your constant intercession on our behalf.We love you!

Rainy days and Tuesdays always bring me ............ dogs?

2008-06-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

After work last Tuesday afternoon, Phil came home to a dog at the back door. It was pouring down rain, and he was all cold and wet. Curled up in the only dry spot he could find. We ran something in the paper, and called the dog shelter, but we haven't heard anything. We all took to him right away. He is a German Sheperd mix, which was a big plus for Phil. Phil grew up with a German Sheperd and has missed having one. He had been saying we needed a German Sheperd for Landon to play with. Truman is just so small and can't handle a two year old's rough play. So I guess Atticus is here to stay. We didn't try to keep him here, he just wants to stick around. He does really well with Landon. And Landon asks us if he can "go play with the puppy" everyday.
BTW: We can't handle having two dogs in our small house, especially one that sheds as bad as Atticus, so he is staying outside!

Truman still thinks he is the "top dog" because he gets to stay inside and sleep on pillows

I'll pass on the green beans

2008-06-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

Carter's first experience with food wasn't the happiest. But no worries, he's fine with green beans now.

One of the guys

2008-06-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

Memorial day isn't just about honoring the veterans anymore, you know. There are bigger things to learn about: like the art of spitting.

Landon gets an intro course by Uncle Josh and cousins

Welcome to the world

2008-06-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

Alivia Rebecca Kuhlwein
5.11.08
six pounds, two ounces
18 1/2 in. 8:47 a.m.

A proud (and very excited!) Aunt Natalie

Saturday Morning Fun

2008-05-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

The most exciting time of the week is when Daddy mows the grass. Landon is always asking Daddy to mow the grass, even if he just finished mowing the grass. It's a big deal to have a Saturday off from work, so we made the most of it by...... mowing the grass.

SPRING!

2008-04-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

As happy as we are about the nice warm weather, nothing compares to Landon's joy of playing outside! From sun-up to sun-down the only place he wants to be is outside. He has such a small yard to play in, but he makes the most of it. When his cousins came over to our house last week, it was one more chance to play outside!

Levi & Cameron in the back
Tyler, Kirsten, Hunter & Landon

"When you believe nothing significant can happen through you, you have said more about your belief in God than you have declared about yourself"

2008-03-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

Experiencing God workbook page 27
-Henry & Richard Blackaby
with Claude King

Snow Day!

2008-03-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

Playing in the snow is so much fun....

.... but it sure can wear a boy out!

"You cannot stay the way you are, and go with God".

2008-03-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

Experiencing God workbook, page 21
-Henry & Richard Blackaby
with Claude King

IKEA's coming to Ohio!

2008-02-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

If you're thinking, "what in the world is IKEA"? You are missing out! Since I have never actually been to an IKEA store, I really shouldn't go on & on. But with as much time as I have spent pouring over their catalog and website, I could go on and on. After waiting and wondering if it would ever happen, I am very pleased to tell you an IKEA store is opening in West Chester, Ohio on March 12th, 2008 at 10 am. Be sure to go to www.IKEA-USA.com/WestChester to get your form to drop of at the store opening week and be entered to win a $1,000 IKEA gift card!
BTW:
When he was 17 in 1943, Ingvar Kamprad rode his bike around his family's farm to sell useful things to his neighbors. The farm (Elmtaryd) was located in Agunnaryd, a southern area of Sweden. Hence the name - IKEA. Today there are more then 200 IKEA stores in 30 countries.

Look who's two!

2008-02-16T17:43:00.000-08:00

Landon having a Happy 2nd Birthday

Carter may not be two.....

2008-02-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

...but he is too cute for words!

Life in CIRCLEVILLE..

2008-01-20T19:39:00.000-08:00

Above is just one of the many reasons we are so proud to be from Circleville. This was not fabricated, but actually appeared in our local newspaper. I wonder how many other towns deal with "bad eye" thieves.

Welcoming 2008....

2008-01-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

The first few weeks of the new year were not so good to us! Someone in our house has been sick for TWENTY straight days. Phil missed 3 days of work (unheard of for Phil)and Natalie had to postpone returning to work from maternity leave. Natalie has done a wonderful job of taking care of the boys while feeling under the weather. For some reason, it has really been a rough last month for us. Adjusting to having two children has been harder than I thought it would be. Or rather life with a 2 year old AND a newborn. Between emotional and physical fatigue, we have been worn out! But we do feel blessed beyond words, and love having our boys.

2007-12-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

12.06.07
7lbs. 14oz.
20 1/2 in.
4:41 PM

"As for me, I know
of nothing else but
MIRACLES"
-Walt Witman

Waiting for D-day.....

2007-12-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

D-day as in Delivery day - not due date. We already passed that.... by a week. We know in our hearts God's timing is perfect, but Natalie's back isn't so sure! We hope these extra days will help prepare Landon to share Dad and Mom with a little bundle of joy!

Photo Booth Fun

2007-11-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

While on a shopping trip to the mall we decided to stop by the photo booth. As you can see from the first 3 photos Landon was very excited with the whole process...... and then he was done. He went from "oh wow!" to... "I get it, you squeeze in real close and smile big!" to ....... "I'm so done with this" all in a matter of seconds. While at the mall, Landon played in the children's section and had a blast. (it was beside Bath & Body, so Daddy almost passed out from scent overload!) But it did not seem to phase Landon. He acted like such a big boy playing right along with the 4 and 5 year olds. He also got to ride in the fire truck. It was 50 cents for ten whole seconds! He loved it. He used the steering wheel and was quite the little fireman. I think Landon's first experience at the mall was a good one.

Hangin' with my homies

2007-10-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

Landon likes to play with all of daddy's baseball caps. Or at least get them all out, & then spread them all over the bedroom! He thought it was so funny when we each put one on.