Halloween 2009

This past weekend was FILLED with activity!! Which explains why we have so many pictures to share. Believe it or not, this slideshow is the result of narrowing it down! Haha!!

Halloween was really fun this year since another year has passed and our children are growing up. Emily really got into it this year making sure that she corrected anyone who would dare assume that she was "Supergirl." She was quick to inform that she was indeed "Superman!!" Timothy was a Fireman and so cute. He actually left his hat on almost the whole time. We did the annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch with friends and the Chilli Cookout that follows in the evening. I think we all decided that we need to keep Halloween and the Gentry Farm/Chilli Cookout day separate in the future:) It was a little crazy...especially with almost 20 children participating!!! Wow! The annual pic of the kiddos on the couch sure has grown. What can I say we are being fruitful and multiplying:)

There are some pics included of me and Derek at our Community Group's Party. We had a murder mystery party and it was such a blast!! Derek and I dressed up as Mr. Miyagi and Daniel-san...Karate Kid for those of you that aren't familiar!:) It was so much fun!

All in all, a busy busy weekend filled with absolutely fantastic memories!! Enjoy the slideshow...ALL of it...hahahaha!!!

Amazing Weekend with Amazing Friends!!

About a month ago, we celebrated Randi Lea's 30th Birthday and had so much fun!!! We spent the weekend in Chattanooga all together with just the girls! We stayed up too late, laughed til our sides ached, made mutiple coffee stops, sipped "fine" wine, acted goofy, enjoyed breakfast together, ate fun dinners out together, had deep uninterrupted conversations, did I mention laughed like crazy?, and most of all celebrated the sweet life and friendship that we have in Randi Lea!! She is one of the most precious women of God that I have ever had the honor of being close to! My very favorite part of the weekend was when we pampered her unexpectedly and spent time telling her how much she means to each one of us! If you don't have a "Randi Lea" in your life...go find one! I am so blessed by these friendships and cherish them deeply! I love you girls! I wish we could do this every year (maybe we should;)!

Happy 30th year Randi Lea!!!! We love you so much!!

Dinner in Chattanooga (Nicole, Kim, Randi Lea, Liz, Jenay, Me)

Lovin' on sweet Nicole!

Dinner on Sat. night (Me, Jenay, Randi Lea, Liz, Mandi, Nicole, Kim)...it was so much fun!

Randi Lea during her "pampering"...that pie was so goooood!!!

Fun Pics Around the House!

My babies!...my sweet babies.! They are growing up so fast. Here are a few pics from around the house. I have more to post on some fun weekend trips that Derek and I have had...unfortunately not as a couple. But great times nonetheless. Hope you enjoy these and thanks for sticking with us, even though it takes a little more effort to get to us now!:)


This is how we found little man one night when we went into to "tuck him in." What a joke that is! He even moves around like crazy in his bed. I love that he is using his bumper as a pillow...and yes the bumper was tied to the crib. I just love how totally chill he is in this picture...so funny!

I am posting this because I loved his little outfit! Unfortunately for him, I am posting a pic of him pooping, as noted by the look on his face. I guess it's good the blog is private now so he can't be blackmailed some day..haha!

I made Derek take this picture because I have so few with me and the kids. Not that this is a good one, but at least it is evidence of my existence! I LOVE Em's sweet smile in this picture...she isn't doing that weird "say cheese" thing. She is my cutie pie! Oh and yes, I did chop off my hair!

In Emily's words, "yoot Mommy, he's yovin on me!" Translated "Look Mommy, he's lovin on me!" Sweet little things! I love watching their relationship grow and develop! I love my brothers very much and seeing their relationship reminds me of how thankful I was for my sweet and very protective brothers growing up! I pray that they will always be each others biggest fans and encouragers! I also hope TK gets massively HUGE so that he can beat up..ahem...I mean talk to any boy that comes within 5 feet of her!:)

The Time Has Come...

I love my blog and I love going to others' blogs (chances are if you are reading then I frequent yours:). But, I have to admit that as much as I LOVE our blog and the way it connects us to family and friends, something in the back of my mind has always felt a bit strange about all that I put out there for anyone to read. I tried adding the FEEDJIT thing with the hopes that seeing where people were coming to our site from would make me feel better, but it didn't. It actually freaked me out a bit when I realized that people were coming from places where I KNOW that I don't know a soul. I also realized that it wasn't that accurate b/c it always lists us as coming from a different state than TN??? I keep thinking that if I can very innocently check out tons of people's families and pics of their kids, then who could be lurking around (not innocently) checking out mine??!!!

After some things that happened today, I felt in the pit of my stomach that we needed to go private on our blog. I figure that anyone we know who wants to read about what is going on with us and see pics will still get to visit our blog and I can feel a bit more safe about what I am putting out into the big online world. I realize it might be a bit of an inconvenience at first to do this, but hopefully it won't be that big of a deal. I am not even sure what to do go private b/c I wanted to let everyone know who visits before you tried to get on our site and it was asking for a password. If we know you, we will be HAPPY to give access to the site, even if we haven't talked to you in a really long time!;)

I will probably wait until after the weekend to go private and then by Sun. night, you will need a password or something. I am also shutting down my Facebook too. I know I could just limit my info. on FB that I share, but I still feel weird that anyone can read my conversations with other people. I will just have to go back to regular 'ole email, telephone, and the US Postal Service as way of communication:) I will miss checking in on friends that I haven't seen for a long time and the ease of communicating via FB, but I know this is a good decision for me.

And for the record, nothing crazy happened...no weirdo showed up at our door or contacted us or anything like that. No need to bother asking what lead me to do this...you would just get a really long-drawn-out-overly-detailed-Karen-Kramer-Story...and believe me it isn't worth your time:):)

Much love to everyone! I'll be looking forward to continuing to share all that God is doing in our lives and the many ways that He is changing us and blessing us...just a bit more discreetly!

The Power of Advertising!!!

Those of you that know Emily at all are familiar with her love for all things that are boyish...cars, tools, future aspirations of being a builder or a fireman, or wearing her pink Converse with super girly dresses! We can safely establish her love for her Handy Manny Tools. She puts them to bed every night. She has a very particular order that she puts them in and then covers them up. This happens Every. Single. Night!!! She doesn't watch Handy Manny that frequently, but loves it when she does. Recently her new wish has been for the big Handy Manny Repair Shop that is advertised on Disney...I HATE commercials! I usually try to bypass the commercials by turning the TV off right ofter a show or turning it on just before Imagination Movers is coming on (her very favorite still)! Emily has asked us for this repair shop thing at least once a day for the past 2 weeks. She wants to look at it every time we go to the store. She talks constantly about all the things she could build with it. She is obsessed! And this is from a kid that hardly ever asks for any specific type of toy. I can recall only a couple of times when she got upset at the store if she couldn't have something. Derek and I have to remind her DAILY that it can go on her Christmas list but that doesn't mean she will really get it. Okay so this is the funny part! I wish I had it on video, especially b/c of her cute voice...

Me (in the next room changing TK's nasty diaper): "Em, you can turn the TV on..Movers should be on now."
Emily: "I turned it on Mommy...it's a commercial."
Me: "okay buddy, you can leave it on until Movers comes on."
PAUSE...
Emily (as if trying to convince me): "Mommy, I just saw the Handy Manny Repair Shop commercial (pronounced: 'tuh-mercial') and they said that it was good for celebrating children's accomplishments (pronounced: 'uhtompwishments')!!!"

Well then...I guess that means we have to buy it!

what a stinker!!

Burning Calories at the Kramers!

A very normal activity in our house is dancing...imagine that! Emily loves this CD that she got from Vada's bday party! Please ignore the "country" voice in the background...who is that?;)


SO...this is for Benji! We like to "get low" on occasion and it is always with the thought of Benji in our minds:) Again, please ignore how ridiculous I sound in the background!

This is a bit longer, but so funny! I can't believe how strong this kid is! The funniest part to me is that Emily could totally care less about what is going on and really just wants to watch Imagination Movers. I love her response when Derek asks what she thinks about Timothy being so strong! At least I know where all of TK's calories are going!

Away From the Blog....and Connecting with Life!

I am so thankful that we have our blog...(what did people do 20 years ago?:) I love that it allows our family far away a chance to see frequent pics of our kiddos and that we can share what is going on in our lives. But, I have to say that my little hiatus from the blogging world has been quite refreshing!

I found that my time blogging (and other computer time-consumers) was taking time that I could use to do other things. I wasn't feeling refreshed after my time online...instead I felt quite tired! I decided to stay off of the computer more and it was a great decision for me. It was amazing how much more time I spent connecting with Derek and my children. I regularly began cleaning my house and taking care of other responsibilities in my home. I sat quietly and read and studied. I prayed. I spent time with friends. I wrote notes to people. I showered (yes...hate to admit that I would stay online sometimes and miss my chance to shower in the morning...nice!). Basically, I lived my real life, which is fulfilling and wonderful. And I realized that I can get the same amount of things done online in a very short amount of time if I focus and set a limit for myself...it has been so refreshing to make the choice to get off of the computer and do something else that brings me life! So, I apologize for the lack of pics recently, but it was good for my soul!

I promised an update of Timothy's birthday and it seems a little silly now because it was a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful day with tons of our friends and family. We loved every second of it! I can't believe my baby is one! The party was a sun theme because we think his personality is like the sun...he has a very "bright" personality...cheesey I know! I made his cake and we grilled burgers and hot dogs. We borrowed a fun water slide from a friend and had some other pools for the kids to play in, although it ended up being quite cool. Before TK dove into his first cake, we did a Korean ceremony celebrating him turning one. It was very different from Emily's, as we actually traveled to VA to celebrate her "Dohl." But, Timothy's Korean Great-Grandmother sent him a beautiful, traditional outfit to wear called a Hanbok (Dohlbok actually for the first birthday) and we did a traditional ceremony that Derek explains in a video that I posted previously (it's below). He also received such fun and generous gifts that we had to open later because the bday boy was pooped. He was in bed by 8! All in all, it was such a fun party! I just can't believe it is all over!

We are doing well here! Derek is working hard and I am still so thankful to be at home with Timothy and Emily! I am trying to stick with 3 days of dedicated learning time with Emily that lasts no more than an hour each time. She really loves the one-on-one time and amazes me with how much she knows. She is really getting into trying to "read" and is doing well with 3 letter words. I try not to make the time too heavy though because I don't want her to get overwhelmed or frustrated with the process...she is only 3.5. I have to keep that in mind! We talk about so much all day long. Most of all, Derek and I have been so amazed and encouraged by her conversations about God! She wants to know so much about God, asking questions, wanting to pray, connecting biblical truths to daily situations...it has blown our minds watching her grow in this way! We are so grateful for the pull that we already see in her heart, spirit, and mind taking place!

Timothy is a crazy man! And by far the most loveable little critter ever! He hugs constantly and wants to give kisses to everyone. He has the best laugh and smile! He is truly a joy to our family! He can also be quite the stinker, especially at mealtimes. I have felt myself frequently desiring to be anywhere but in my kitchen during mealtime prep....a nutso time of day!!! At his last visit, he was 21 lbs. 10oz. and was almost 30 inches long. He had a huge growth spurt over the last couple of months, but still has very little hair. What has come in looks like it will be curly...that should be interesting!:) And, as usual, the same report with TK is that his strength is ridiculous and just makes us laugh. His newest 2 feats were that he climbed onto a bar at the playgound and flung his legs over the lower bar and hung there for a few seconds. A friend was with me that witnessed this and both of our mouths just dropped open. Then last week, he began pushing Emily in a little play stroller, on the carpet, until he runs into something and can go no further! Derek got that on video and I will have to post it later...hilarious! Overall, the kid is healthy and doing great!

As a family, we are taking some really healthy steps to connect deeply with each other on a daily basis and to love each other well! Through a myriad of things, Derek and I have been pursuing the Lord and each other and we are seeing the fruit of it all. Life still gets tough and our kids still disobey:), but we are living well through it and staying focused and connected through it all. I am grateful for a husband that loves the Lord more than anything else and that leads his family well. I feel cherished and that is priceless!

And here is a link to Derek's web album that I accidentally uploaded a bunch of recent pics to (instead of mine that is linked to this blog). I think there are 4 or 5 new albums!...I got a little behind!:) http://picasaweb.google.com/derekkramer

Happy Sunday to you all!

together with the girls (and Caleb) during the Baker's short visit!

Benji and Rebekah enjoying their new Snuggie!

Our Community Group at our first meeting for the new year...it was a fun night catching up and we are so looking forward to all this year holds!

This is how we found Em after CG. After the sitter left, she hung downstairs for a bit and then went up on her own. When we went into her room, this is what we found...she cracks us up!

Nicole and sweet little Annelise.

Emily and Caleb were kicking the soccer ball around and they needed their full gear!

Em was very proud of her picture that she drew of Batman (she is very into superheroes these days and we aren't sure why).

She wanted to lay on the couch and got so excited when Gizmo climbed on the couch with her. It is so sweet how she and Timothy love Gizmo and Bear. We are starting to see the first signs of them getting older and pics like this will be really precious to us one day!

Caleb and Emily having tea together at the "tea shop." Caleb was a gentleman and even "paid" for Emily's tea!:)

I could seriously kiss his face about a thousand times a day!

This was a really sweet moment because he was so tired and he was snuggling on me, but it made me laugh when I saw the pic b/c I had just finished weaning him a few days before. He looks like he's confused or desperate...poor baby!

Emily climbing on the Henderson's playset under the watchful eye of Mr. Austin...she is such a daredevil!

Link to TK's Bday Party!

I know, I know! I said I was going to comment more on little man's big day and I will. We have definitely got to explain what was going on in some of the pics and video...right Kevin:)?! For now though, I had to share some great pics that we did not get of the day, but a sweet friend did...thank you Priscilla!!! If you clink on this link, you can get to them.

http://picasaweb.google.com/DashOFlash/Timothy#

Video from Timothy's 1st Bday

Prelude to TK's 1st Birthday Party!

Timothy Michael turned 1 this past Saturday and we got to celebrate on the actual day with over 40 dear friends and both grandmas. More details to come, but for now here's a little prelude...

Happy Birthday Little Man...We Love You So Incredibly Much!!!

Thankful Today!

Today I was watching my kids play and was overwhelmed with thankfulness! And I started really reflecting on how good I have it! Our family life is similar to most...committments to honor, schedules to meet, misunderstandings with communication, and the stress and struggles that accompany all of those things. Unfortunately, I tend to lose focus of all God has placed in my very undeserving hands.

Today I am thankful! I am the wife of a Godly man, a committed man, a man that I am proud of and am very much in love with! I am the mommy of a smart, vivacious, tender-hearted, precious three year old girl who makes my heart swell with emotion and love. I am the mommy of a busy, smiley, funny little guy that has stolen my heart and who has changed me forever. Today I am so thankful!

Perspective is a funny thing. Nothing special happened today. Nothing out of the ordinary shook my thinking or emotions. Nothing special came by way of mail or phone. Yet...still today I am very thankful!

I am undeserving, but God is gracious and so today I am thankful!

"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another."~John 1:16

This is what makes my heart swell with thankfulness today!...

Sweet baby boy!

My precious girl!My most amazing husband in his element...just one of the reasons I love him so much and feel overwhelmed that I was chosen to be his bride!

Like I said...I AM thankful today!!

Surprise Visit with Grandpa!

We got to spend a night with Derek's dad last week! What a fun surprise! Emily and Timothy had a blast with their grandpa. AND Grandpa got to see firsthand just how busy his little grandson is. At one point Timothy grabbed a pen out of his pocket and started waving it around. As D's dad grabbed at it, he got only the top and TK ferociously snatched the pen back...leaving the topless pen to be waved around. He finally was able to get the pen from Timothy, but watching it all happen was quite comical. Our boy has some quick hands! I've said it before, but to really believe the stories about Timothy's eating habits and his nonstop movements, you just have to see and experience it for yourself!

Emily had a fantastic time with Grandpa too! She loves him so much and talked about him nonstop the whole next day. I LOVE the pic below of the two of them!! This is what makes the distance hard...little snippets of what it would be like if we lived closer to all of our family. Thanks for the visit Grandpa, and for dinner. We had so much fun...it was just way too short! We love you!!!

Emily Surprises Me!

Today I was cleaning up after lunch in the kitchen. Derek had taken Emily upstairs for her nap. I didn't hear from them for awhile and I assumed Emily had gone to sleep. Derek called for me to come upstairs and said Emily wanted to read to me. She and Derek had read Brown Bear, Brown Bear together and she decided she wanted to read to me. Because I have not read that book to her in forever, I thought I would appease her and "listen" patiently...hence my smiling in the video (me thinking, this should be good:) To my complete and total surprise, she "read" the whole book to me. She has done this before with other books, only by memory, of course. But usually, she does it with books that we have been reading a lot and she NEVER lets us get it on video. She surprised us today!:) I had just been telling Derek earlier this morning that I was so proud of her, that I could tell she was really starting to want to read. She knows lots of words by sight and can sound out some of the letters to 3-4 letter words and can figure them out without help...so needless to say, she thinks she is a really big girl:) I am happy for her and sad all at the same time...very bittersweet. My baby girl is growing up and I couldn't be more proud of her! The funniest part of the video is her facial expressions, especially when I look at Derek to chuckle! She isn't lacking attitude and spunk, that's for sure. Anyway, for those with interest, we got her on video cracking us up!

So Big, So Fast!

My baby boy is turning one in a month...yesterday marked 11 months of being so blessed daily with this sweet little face! It's funny how you forget how tough the first few months can be when your children's personalities really begin to appear and you fall more and more in love with them! Timothy Michael has brought immeasurable joy to our family and, though it sounds trite, I can't imagine what our lives would be like without him. As we get closer to his first birthday, I find myself clinging to the desire for him to stay a baby! Silly, I know. I just can't believe a year has gone by! You are a joyful little boy, Timothy, with an infectious smile and personality, always quick to make all of us laugh. We love you so much!

Happy Birthday to Our Favorite Guy!

It was a fun night at home with just the four of us...per Derek's request. He is very easy to please! I made some Korean food and a chocolate cake...2 of his favorites and that was that. We all ate too much and really enjoyed being together. Unfortunately Timothy isn't much of a party animal yet and he missed the family photo...that's what happens when you crash at 8pm I guess. Emily, on the other hand, was non-stop after a piece of chocolate cake...finally crashing at 9:30!

It was a fun and sweet night. I love you Derek! Thank you for EVERYTHING you do to make our lives so wonderful! You bless us in so many ways and I thank God for all of your 35 healthy years!!!

Em and I put only one candle, b/c Derek, as she told him, is the number one Daddy! Plus 35 would have caught my table on fire! (just kidding Babe!)

Emily helping marinate the beef.

She is already asking how long it is until her bday and whose bday is next:)...gotta love it!

Summer Nights with the Windows Down...

No words needed for these...she is too cute! Sometimes she really wants to feel the wind in her hair and other times, she fusses if they are cracked a millimeter! Either way, we had a fun ride home from my mom's house the other night and got these pics in the car. I love the way her hair looks! Emily is a silly girl...with a LOT of hair!