The Kreuer Chronicles

Happy 6th Birthday Anna-Grace

2012-02-09T06:57:00.001-08:00

Yes we all like to yell!

2012-01-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

Now if Mom can teach us to whisper, it will be a miracle!

Eating better This year!

2012-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

I am aim to eat better this year! Organic and even gluten free for some of us! I came across this cereal and just had to share it! I am sure of you will be ROFLOL!

Jesus is our Savior!

2011-12-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

I hope you never stop Believing that our Lord and Savior is coming and it will be a glorious day!

Where have I been....

2011-11-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

In Busy Land! but here is a cute picture of my midgets. Playing nice together- Anna-Grace has apt for surgery consultation on February 9th! Eeeeek- I really am not looking forward to that plus it is not where I wanted to go to have the procedure but I am sure all will be fine and I am not thinking about that now as Christmas and her birthday are before this. We still are dealing with alot of lying with Anna-grace and I pray every night that this is a phase and she will get out of it! I overly act so happy when she tells the truth and I hope she will see that it makes everyone happy when you tell the truth, even if you did a bad thing! I have never had to deal with this before so I am in new grounds here. other than that things are going well. She is reading 3 letter words not alot but a few and I know she is right around the corner for doing more! We had rescued a small puppy from the streets for him to give us a house full of flees in which he shared so sweetly with Anna-Grace and she was so bit up I didn't know what to do! Thankfully we found his owner but he left the flees with us and we have a major time getting rid of them and poor Anna-Grace and Mommy were the only ones the flees like to eat! Anna-Grace scratched herself all up and it was dreadful! I have not had a bite in a while and I think the thing that killed them was the borax which was my last thing to try-so cheap and simple! I was an unbeliever until it worked for my house! We had a pretty good Thanksgiving and Christmas plans are on the way! I wish you all a Merry Christmas and pray for all your families! God Bless your New Year!

When you lose someone.....

2011-10-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

This is the last picture I took of MJ. It was the Saturday before she passed away.

Not to sure what sorta smile she was giving me but it was a bit cold and she didn't want to wear a jacket that day. We were at J'st Flag football game. I miss her dearly and as it get closer to the time to the day she passed my normal bubbly self seems to be missing. This year counts three years.

For no reason in my mind could I understand God and why he chose to take MJ home with him. But I do understand God's Grace. And one year almost to the date I went to China and saw God's Grace. Our Gotcha for Anna-Grace was 10-19 and MJ passed away 10-24. My heart will always miss MJ wishing she was here with me. The reason I went for another little girl was her and I wish we could share all these days with her that we have had with Anna-Grace her little sister. Our family this week mourns and celebrates the past and the future. Its never an easy week for us but I know the Lord is with me and I know MJ is with our father in heaven and one day I will see her again!

God heals all wounds....

2011-10-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Really love this!!!!

2011-10-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

Even though someone has done something bad or a sin, is it my place to judge them? No, of course not. But why is it so hard to not judge. Well its part of our sin nature unfortunately. I have a situation myself were I found out someone had sinned and it is a sin in which I just don't want myself or my family to be near this person. The person said they sinned and is working their way back to the Lord and is trying. But its so hard to let them near me or my family in Fear of them doing this again. And again "Fear" My fear is causing me to not do the right thing. How do I get passed this? I just want to keep my distance. What sorta Christian Woman am I if I let my Fear and my Judging cause me to out another Christian. I know I am not the only one out there who feels this way, so I wanted to share my heart with you.

1.judge not, that ye be not judged.

2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Mk. 4.24

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

6 ¶ Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

I know God is speaking to my heart and I hope I shared something with someone out there too!

Remember you can be a blessing...

2011-09-26T07:17:00.001-07:00

(Anna-Grace age 3)
And you can also be blessed!

Missing someone who has gone on before me...

2011-09-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

Trying to remember I will see you again!

Thankful Thursday-

2011-09-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

Love my girl!

2011-09-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

2011-09-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

Whats on my heart and mind today is this: how do you help a selfish heart in a child- How do you help them understand to love others before yourself ,to have compassion when someone is hurt , to share with others. I have tried to be a good example tried to show the way. Just hope one day this child wakes up and realizes Loving others and compassion and sharing are far better than being selfish! My prayers every morning and evening are always for this child and I know God hears my petition.

2011-09-10T11:03:00.001-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Can you help this family?

2011-08-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Check out his blog Yall!

2011-08-12T13:58:00.001-07:00

http://wastingnothing.blogspot.com/

You could win this blasket!!!!!

2011-08-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have been trying so hard to get a picture like this at my lake-hahahaha no luck so here is one I got from the computer- I am almost there getting one we will see. My friend told me I really need to do like a daily picture of the sun setting and post it! I know I realy do need too, it would be nice! Maybe when the kids go back to school and I have a bit more time to blog. My Littles are staying home this year. Andrew is really in need of help with things and Anna-Grace feels what ever I do with Andrew I better do with her. They are so close in age I really should and so I do! I have started my challenge I spoke about last month or the beginning of this one- I am on part 2- There is about 20 parts and some other things to tie it up! I have some great encouraging peeps to help me keep going! Like I said before I hope I am done by December!

I would love to hear from an adoptive family that has an issue we have been dealing with for some time and I am not sure what to do -Anna-Grace keeps getting bug bites. Which I do my hardest to keep her with bug spray on and if I see a bite to put medication on it. But she will just dig the tar out of any spot on her then when it gets a scab she will pick it and pick it! I really could care less because I love her no matter what but I feels so bad when she has little marks all over her and her little friends and other say things about it. She has even done this in China because I remember thinking poor thing! I have begged her, pleaded with her to come and tell Mama if she needs medication and have cut her finger nails down to nothing just trying to help her spoke with the Doctor and he said what can you do but cut her nails! I have encourage her with prizes, finger nail polish and extra time with Mama! Tell her princess dont have marks all over them-(cause she wants to be a princess) So have you had any of these issues and what works or didn't work for you!

Well I best get going have a wonderful weekend all-Next Week: Last week of Summer Break let's see who I can get over to my house before school starts!

We can all pitch in to get this sweetie home...

2011-08-01T20:40:00.001-07:00

Please help this family bring home their daughter who needs a life saving surgery-They have an awesome fundraiser going on, on their blog-If we did not have one we would have gotten Anna-Grace. Please consider helping!

Hope for Elisyn

www.hopeforelisyn.com

Please help this family.....

2011-07-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.hopeforelisyn.com/

They are leaving soon to get their daughter and they need help! Please pray about an amount you could donate or buy one of their wonderful bracelets. What is $13.00 bucks really- You can do with out your coffee and donuts for one day to help this child come home and get the surgery she needs!

Please also continue to pray for them as her husband travels to get her and bring her home!

Children.....

2011-07-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Someday's children can just make your heart melt.

What have we been up too!

2011-07-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Just some pic's
from my back porch steps...
Jt hiding on the dock one evening-
What a big surprise when we rented out this real Pirate Ship for the big event....
Andrew's six birthday and first REAL Birthday party! He went CRAZY!

So that's what we have been up to in June and July so far. I have also excepted a challenge. Can't go into it much but I do need your prayers and the Lords Guidance. This will probably be very hard for me but I can do it, I know it!It will only help others if I succeed! It should be completed around January so I can spill the beans later! Hope you all are having a wonderful, happy and safe summer!

Picture from the new lake house!

2011-07-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well we did it ! We are at the lake permanently or until the tide changes hahaha! This is the view minus the rake the neighbor left on our dock after he was done mowing his side of things! Its not the best pic but nothing can compare to the real deal! We have been very busy and lacking internet besides for my phone which I can only get on FB with. I miss blogging because it helps me see my feelings on paper or computer hahaha. The boys were a bit worried when we first moved in and a little scared of the new house. Anna-Grace didn't seem to mind as far as being scared but any new changes turns her into Notty girl. No other way to describe her total bad behavior and just doesn't want to obey one single soul! Mya really has done better with her teen behavior and I am hoping for a bit of improvement but I know its only going to get worse as she gets older. All you Moms of teenage girls understand that. Trying to make sure everyone gets Mommy time and love and understanding is one hard job. The two littles are always fighting for attention and just when you think they have had enough the suck some more Mommy time in before the day is done. Which I enjoy feeling wanted but hate they fight over who is the favorite. Its hard to understand unless you have twins or virtual twins but its something I think we will always work on. I hope I am doing well teaching them each kid of mine is important in my eyes and I love them all! Its always in the back of my mind if I am doing enough or holding them enough or loving them equal as Anna-Grace is adopted and I always want to add in an extra mile for her due to her coming home at age 3 and not getting that Mommy time. But not wanting Andrew to feel slighted as well! I hope I am not the only one that does that has other bio children in the home. We are going to homeschool the two little ones this next school year. I have already started this summer slowly and they both seem to work well together during school time and I think its due to all the attention I give them both-hehehe. Anna-Grace is amazing me and my little cutie excels so easily and its a blessing to teach a very smart young lady. Andrew has a few problems but is fast on fixing them and is enjoying reading with Mommy and Daddy now instead of it being a crying match. Anna-Grace is almost reading three letter words and is so smart I can't even tell you. I see an amazing future for my princess! Of course all my kids have special gifts from God and I can't wait to see them use them. God bless to all and I hope your having a wonderful summer! more pics to follow......

The Graduate!

2011-05-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

Balloons....
Frogs...
Fish.....
What more does a young boy want on his graduation day?
Oh he wants Cake too, LOL!
He did his singing part
Got his diploma and he was one happy little guy!
Still waiting on the professional pics! We are very Happy peps in this house!

Lake Side>>>>>>

2011-05-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time again where you can't keep me and my crew away from the lake if its a sunny day!
Here is our old but very loved Boat getting ready to have its first taste of the water this year!
Daddy getting things set up for us very happy boaters!
Oh I can't hardly wait to get my feet wet as Daddy gets the boat ready!
Well I tried to get all four of them in one picture smiling, hahaha...

A bit cold yells JT as he takes his first dip!
Andrew thinks he saw a shark in the lake so he's holding on-hehehe
Mya having her pre-teen no pictures of me day!
So happy I got me a little pretty peanut who happily smiles at any camera coming her way!

Praying for a safe a wonderful summer coming your way!

The Invisible Mom!

2011-05-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

THE INVISIBLE MOM

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The Invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! 'Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?'

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer,'What number is the Disney Channel?' I"m a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.' Some days I'm a crystal ball. 'Where's my other sock? Where's my phone? What's for dinner?' I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history, music and literature- but now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going...she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. She had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription; 'With admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work; 1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. 2) These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. 3) They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. 4) The passion of their building fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A story of legend in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, no one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.' I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. NO act of kindness youve done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, no Cub Scout meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd build a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, he'd say, 'You're gonna love it there...'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.

I took this from a friends blog and wanted to share it will my blogging friends as well!

Happy Mother day!

2011-05-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

Our heavenly Father, we thank thee for the gift of motherhood.
Help us mothers to seek thy guidance for our children.
Grant us wisdom, strength, patience, faith and love.
Create in us the willingness to dedicate ourselves and our children to Thee.
In the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen.

Can I get a good picture???

2011-04-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

Every time I get out my camera- I get some goofy kids!
I can't get a normal look on this child? Never, I say Never!Mya and her friend at the lake! Her friend smiles and Mya , I don't know what she was doing!
Jt was sticking his two front teeth out like a beaver here. I got half of the full affect I think.
Anna-Grace has the fake smile going on here...
and here....
And even my most photogenic little Andrew could not give me a real happy smile. I gotta work on this problem after school is out. Maybe to much school and not enough fun. Yes, I think that is the answer. Too many No's and not enough Yes' ! Well Kids don't you fret, Mama will fix that!!!!

On a serious Note. We went to the Oral surgeon for AG and he found a plastic surgeon willing to work with us but guess what? He doesn't take our insurance, so back to square one! Looks like they will expand the palate with Braces not surgery wooohooo and then do the bone grafting in 6 to 12 months for the Alveolar Crest! EEEEKKK! Praying God's Hand will come over this whole situation and make it perfect for our little peanut and my pocket book! On the adoption front, we still have a few Money issues to work out but I am praying y the end of the year we can start again. Mya and I want to go on a trip to China and work at Star Fish for a week and We are praying about maybe a different country to adopt from. So please continue to pray for all our craziness, we truly need it!

Do you know Jesus?

2011-04-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

If it was not for his shed blood on the cross...
And him rising 3 days later.......

I am scared to think about where I would be today. He lives, he lives, I know he lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along lifes narrow way. You ask me how I know he lives, HE LIVES WITHIN MY HEART!

If you don't know Jesus please leave me a message and I will be happy to talk with you, Don't let another day go by without knowing the truth!

Feeling just out of it!

2011-04-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I feel like this everyday I wake up! I could sleep 10 hours and with in a few hours of doing nothing, this is how I feel! I think it is from the surgery in December- Guess My hormones are still not keeping up with me. Plus I have gained weight! And to really kick my own butt the girls are driving me nuts! Truly I love my children. They are my life. But Mya has hit the pre-teen and Anna-Grace goes 3 to 4 weeks and has a freak out! They both have had their weeks this week and since my surgery I have not been 100 percent myself. Its like us three girls are all in some hormonal up roar! I really don't know how my Mom manged me at this age- this pre-teen age! How do you ladies handle this pre-teen girl moments? Can I get this girl through puberty? Can Anna-Grace get a handle on her emotions too? Can I deal with my own hormonal changes with out jumping off a bridge? LOL! We shall see. Please leave some advice if you have some in these 3 areas! Tell me I am not the only one! Time for a bath and a nice cup of Tea!

Anna-Grace

2011-04-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

This is Anna-grace. She was adopted from China in 2009. Her special need is Cleft lip cleft palate with a few other issues. She is five years old now and we became a family when she was 3. She has to have a palate expansion and as well as her alveolar crest repair here in the near future. Anna-Grace goes to pre-school and is learning how to swim. Anna-Grace has 3 older siblings and is doing well adjusting to being the baby of the bunch. We think in China she was the boss of her at room the orphanage. We had a few issues when we first came home with toilet training and eating but Anna-Grace is doing well with that now. Anna-Grace has just started speech therapy and we can't wait to see her improvements. I can't not say enough how this little one has blessed our life. Even through the trails she is a super special young lady and we love her to pieces. Cleft lip and palate is a very manageable special need and if you have any questions I would love to talk with you about it! Feel free to leave your email and name and I would be happy to speak with you about adoption or a special need child!

Check out some really cute stories of other children with special needs:

Paula Dean and Savannah

2011-04-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

Me and Paula Dean-not hahaha
Loved this church
Not the greatest picture but it was just wonderful inside.

down by the water

Well who don't love Paula Dean? My Mom and Aunt and I went over to Savannah and did a little sight seeing a few weekends ago- we had a wonderful Time. We didn't get to see Mrs Dean herself-just my luck but we did get to eat at her restaurant and I got her cook book with her signature inside. We went on a scary night ride through downtown Savannah and heard all the ghost story's of the dead-boooo! It was sorta cute we ended up with like 20 girl scouts on our tram! They would scream and I would laugh! I didn't end up taken a ton of pictures but a got a few good ones to share! It was nice to get away with my Mother who never leaves her house due to my sister and her illness but it was a great time and I loved spending a few days with some great ladies! Our Church offered the trip and the cost was so low it was hard not to jump at it-and so we did. We took our School and church bus and had a wonderful time just driving down there. We are all so busy at our church it was nice to sit down and talk with some of the ladies who I normal would not even be ale to talk to. I am so glad our Music minsters wife took the time to get this all planned for us- She has 3 very little ones and to do all she does I don't know how she does it! Well my plans for My China trip is not going so well. I need to really get into gear if I wanna go and I need to start making money to get there! I have a few ideas to start selling some different stuff and I hope it works- God has really laid it my heart to go and even my 11year old daughter feels the call. So please continue to pray for us as we make our plans. It's all in God's timing!

Can you help some families bring home their children?

2011-04-07T11:43:00.001-07:00

Just some Pictures!

2011-04-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

Havin fun with friends!
Smiles from the back seat!
Learning how to be a farmer!
Cutie dimples!

Whats up with The Kreuers?

2011-03-31T06:03:00.000-07:00

Woo-Hooo, I got a bit of Money on our Fundraising Thermometer from Thirty-one. We had a party and it went well. Myas Birthday came and went Poor girl ended up with poison Ivy all over her face! But she was a trooper about it- Went all over with us for Spring Break anyways! We are in the middle of SAT's this week with the 3 older ones. Anna-Grace will be starting Speech Therapy here soon 2 times a week which requires me to take her out of school and take her to the public school. Andrew which is our other five year old cutie is having a hard time in Kindergarten and we think he maybe dyslexic so we will start the process to have him tested and I pray that its not that but if it be God will give us the strength to endure- I am heading off for a few Days with my aunt and Mom pictures to follow where our journey is taking us. A bunch of People heading to China soon- So Happy for all of them and I wish it was us! But I am Happy to live vicariously through them. Anna-Grace is also having a consultation with an Oral Surgeon April 12. They are planning to widen her palate, then add braces and then at 8 or 9 do the bone grafting-Please pray for her and us that all goes well. I am praying they can wait until school is out for this first surgery! We are pretty busy here at the Kreuer house lots going on and lots to do! Having trouble adding pictures to Blogger so I will add later........God bless and have a wonderful week!

March is not easy!

2011-03-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

MJ your with me with each step and I will never forget you, baby girl!

Mya's birthday is March 15....

Mj's birthday is March 17!

Two days that I thought would bind these two together forever! Its not an easy month. I have to be happy and then two days later miss out on my girls day. Its not so easy. Each year that passes by I sit and wonder what it would be like if she was here with us. We only got to celebrate one birthday with Mj and it was in China. I never got to have her a big wonderful birthday with all the trimmings. I never got to celebrate Christmas or even take her trick or treating. I never got to take her to Disney and to the Ocean. I know deep in my heart that God needed her home but my heart is forever empty without her. I know these silly things I wanted to do with her are just silly but my heart still misses the fact That I could not do more for her. I love and miss you MJ and every day and every step I take you are in my heart and thoughts!

Bad week,,,,,

2011-03-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

She looks cute, right? You wouldn't think this cutie could cause no trouble, right? Well you would be wrong, wrong I say! Well I was talking to another friend of mine the other day who has also adopted but from another county. Anyways we were talking about the trials of adopting the older child ,adopting when you have biological children. It really some days is not easy. but I still feel very blessed beyond belief. But I wanna talk about some behaviors that we have been working on getting right. I have always expected my children whether they came from my heart or my belly that each and every child will obey their Mother and their father. I know each and every child has trouble on occasions to do this and its my Job to help them do it! Whether you are 5 or 11 years old respecting your parents command is not only what your going to do because I say so but first and for most it is what Gods says so! This is the most important thing you can teach your child. Now when you have a child who has been raised a few years by someone else this is not so easy at times. With Anna-Grace she will do things right when we are standing there she is so good, so cute but as soon as you turn around its like the devil comes out. She will just do what ever she wants . I really have tried everything I can think of to get her to see the error of her ways but nothing will get this child to budge. Prayer is the only answer here. I hope that she will realize that doing right in front of us is great but doing right behind us is even better. I hope our love and patience will help her as she is learning this hard task at hand and also that we are all in it together. We are here to help her become a beautiful girl inside and out!

Best things about going to D.C. was....

2011-03-06T16:37:00.001-08:00

Spending time with my oldest with out any little ones in the way...
Seeing George Washington's home....
Washington's Kitchen.... Beautiful works of art......
Learning things that I never knew with someone I love.....
The beauty of what our County could make....
new and old, it was a wonderful trip!

What Changes we have made....

2011-02-22T15:57:00.001-08:00

Anna-Graces 5th Birthday. USA 2011
Cant believe what a different girl she has become. China 2009!

I hope one day soon we will be able to make someone else smile this big!

Helping us get back to China....

2011-02-19T08:52:00.001-08:00

http://www.mythirtyone.com/61197/

Hello friends out there. I am starting this new business as a way to get back to China. Check out my website and if you like to order or have a party of course if your in another state that would be hard but we can do a catalog party and you can help our family grow! Its going to be a long road for this one but I am willing to start slowly and see what the Lord is willing to do! Thanks for your help and pass one the word!

Happy Valentines Day and Birthday back-up!

2011-02-14T06:19:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines day Everybody!
Someone got A barbie jeep for their birthday and they are sharing......
Great Grandpa even had fun at our party!
We had some cowboys there....
Some Jeep driving lessons....
Fancy Nancy brought her friends along for a tea party...
Fancy Nancy came buy to say hi....
Anna-Grace got all dressed up for her 5th birthday party Tea Party Fancy Nancy style....
Friday was the official Bday but on Thursday we went to school with a few treats for our friends at school to Say Happy Chinese New Year From Anna-Grace.
oooo lala.....
Here is the Best smile I have seen in my peanut. The smiles just keep getting better and better!

Someone special was left here .....

2011-02-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

in a basket with a note, wrapped in a blanket with formula and money. A police officer found this very important bundle. Somedays I wonder was her Mama near by. Did she cry or had to hold her cries in so not to be arrested. Does she long to know where her sweet baby is. My prayers are every day for comfort for this woman who risked her life for this sweet bundle I now call my peanut!

Since I cant go to China right now lets help someone else get there!

2011-02-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

Someones turning 5!

2011-01-31T18:15:00.000-08:00

OK here she is last year, her first American Birthday! Friday is number 5 for Anna-Grace. I can't wait to show you the big difference in size and smile and not the what the heck are these people gonna do to me look! I think she was home a whole 3 months for this birthday! Now that we know Birthdays are fun and all for me, I think we will have some Big fat Smiles! So are plans are On Thursday since it is Chinese New Year we are bring treats in to her class Chinese Style! Then On Friday at Dinner she gets a small cake to share with her Family! Then on Saturday is the Big Fancy Nancy Tea Party! and guess what- EVERYBODY is dressing up for this event of a life time. It is co-ed so Boys will be cowboys and Girls will be FANCY! I can't wait to show off my baby girl on her big day! And the big birthday Surprise gift! This weekend is going to be a BLAST! Tune in y'all ..........

What boys like....

2011-01-29T15:23:00.000-08:00

As A Mother of 2 boys I need to know what boys like. What boys are supposed to do. What weird things they do that is normal for a boy. As a girl I just can't figure out why they need to fight, why they need to wrestle, why they need to smack each other on the butt after a good play on the Ball field! But all these things are normal for BOYS. So I am reading Dr Dobson book on raising Boys and I am loving it! Really loving it! Its hard to put down! If you have a boy and your a women and you need to figure out is that normal, read it!

I love each and every finger!

2011-01-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

Loving someone.....

2011-01-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

is easy but liking them is not. Some days my little peanut doesn't like me so much. I have to agree with her I am not always likable. I make her eat good food. I make her use her words not just pointing at things. I make her obey. I don't let her have tantrums( like in China, they would let her just throw herself on the floor and scream until she passed out). Nope small little one I love you too much to do some of these things. I want you to grow up healthy. I want you to obey God's law. I want you to have a big heart for others. I want you to get a good education. I want all these things for you because I love you. And one day I know you will want these things too. I hope one day you see all the things I make you do is all for you, not one of them is for me!

Hope your 2011 is Awesome!

2011-01-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well this was the start of our 2011. Took The kids to Clearwater beach on one rainy day! Not sure why but I got up and was sick of being in my bed from my surgery and said I never got to take Mj to the Beach started to cry and My hubby loaded us all up to go because we have not taking Anna-Grace yet either. The first thing she said was Mommy look its snow! Hahahaha. Well true it does look like snow and her comment made me feel good and we had a great time running around on the beach picking up shells and doing something I love taking pictures of my sweet babies. Even though some of us are getting to old to be called sweet babies I still am tuff luck Mya! So whats coming up for us Kreuers. Anna-Grace Birthday in a few weeks, Mom going back to school for my RN been a nurse for 12 years time to get paid like one and Dad is thinking about going back to get his BS in Science and Maybe just maybe if Mom here can hold down the fort Dad can go back to get his PA. And in the middle of all that see if I get fit in an adoption? We shall see because I really really really feel led to. Now if the hubby could just get on board Id be a happy person! Now what are you going to be doing in 2011.....

She is my hero!

2011-01-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Shes a hero, hes a hero it doesn't matter that no body knows their name!

I cry like baby when I hear that song because I think of My Mother. Who has been taking care of my sister for 23 years. 23 years of 7-9 hour bandage changes and doctors apts and waiting on her hand and foot and never doing much for herself so she can give everything to others. She every year on Thanksgiving and Christmas cooks in her home and then goes out to her area and feeds the poor instead of spending time with me booohoo but I so get it! I can keep going and going but I think you get how special this lady is. Thank you Mom for being the best Mother and Grandmother and showing me what it really means to love your children unconditionally. I love you!

God loves us all. His love extends ... to the whole world.

2011-01-10T07:14:00.001-08:00

How do I love thee...

2011-01-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

I love you when your happy

I love you when your sad

I love you when your naughty

I love you when your mad

I love you when you hit me

I love you when you lie

I love you when you hug me

My love for you will never die

I love you when your with me

I love you when your away

I love you when your mad at me

I love you when you tell me to get away

My love for you is unconditional don't ever think my love will go away.......

To my five wonderful children from Mommy with all the love in the world!

Eating some corn!

2011-01-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

Well One day about two years ago I went to eat with my oldest and a friend with her son who was adopted from china. I could not help but to laugh with delight at the way he was enjoying his corn. I never thought I would ever see another child eat their corn with such delight! This ones for you Timmy and Darlene!

So whats new!

2010-12-30T20:31:00.001-08:00

Sweet hugs!
Making pies!
Lookin good
Having fun!

Well I am sorta up and walking slow! Surgery seemed to go well. My uterus was attached to my bladder by scar tissue that was a bit weird to hear. And they took the right ovary due to the unknown thing on it and are testing it.The results Should be back next week with what the heck that was. They don't think it was Cancer but its always good to check. I feel very itchy due to some sorta rash but more like a chemical burn. They put steristrips on after they took out the staples and they added some sorta glue to keep the strips on longer. Well needless to say I now have a burn were the glue was. Not good for healing but not the end of the world. Very itchy but manageable.

Well I am in a point in my life that is weird and uncertain. Do I open the doors of possibility or stay in and be

comfortable? I think the last three years have been a world wind for us. Trail after trail. But God always remains at our side and is holding us up. I think Aaron would like to be happy and comfortable while I like to live with the top down and my hair all messy. The next few months I have a few things to take care of and if all things go as planned I would love to step out again and add to the family but God must be able to change a mans heart and offer a way to get there. I am willing to do my part as well. I think if I know my husband well enough he will soften if it is Gods will. Can I go to 2000 doors and ask for 10 bucks a piece to bring home a child who needs a good home, will God offer a better paying job, will a fundraiser be enough....... We shall see.....

Wanting to adopt again?!?!

2010-12-19T13:47:00.000-08:00

(Anna-Grace waiting on her Mama!)

I know some people may think, are you crazy? are you nuts? But I do and after My surgery in the Am and I get back on my feet I am going to start looking into how to raise the money to do it! I can't shake the feeling that God wants me to do it. Even in all the trials, even in all the moments that I can't stand, I feel like if I don't I would not be doing what God is leading me to do. I told my husband if I don't go back to China That I at least would like to do a week in China to give something of myself every year. My heart is for these children and I must do as God is leading me. I don't know how and I don't know when but I really think it is my next big journey! PS Please Pray for me friends at 5 am Monday Morning I go in for my Hysterectomy and oopherectomy-I have been waiting on this for 12 years! It can't be fast enough!

Just some Pic's!

2010-12-15T18:24:00.001-08:00

I'll Never forget you MJ my Angel!

My first Day of school!

Brother and Sister HUGS!

Am I in Trouble?

Fun with My Brother!

Brothers!

Wonderful Young Lady!

Yes I am Pretty!

Peace on Earth!

2010-12-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

Ok I have no pictures they are all on Aaron's computer but I felt the need to Blog a bit this morning. I am having surgery next Monday and my down time will be 4-6 weeks. Fun huh? I think all 4 kids will do great. 3 of the weeks they will be out of school and the girls have promised to be big helpers. Even JT said he was going to help while Andrew said he would help by laying in bed with me watching his movies-LOL! I hope and Pray for everyone to Have a wonderful Christmas and May peace come to this Earth of ours for sure. I hope that while I am in Bed Aaron may leave me his laptop so I can do some blogging and see all of you blogs as well. Anna-Grace has been at school for 5 or 6 weeks and is doing well besides for a bit of an eating issue. The teachers at this school feel the need to pump my children full of candy even after talking to them about it and then sending them home with junk. Which I throw away half the time. So Anna-Grace doesn't feel the need to eat her food at lunch time-why would she. she ate a ton of candy! So I had a meeting with the Principal and I think and hope we are on the same page. I just don't understand why they need to reward good behavior with food or anything else. Let us parents reward her good behavior when she is doing well let us take her out to a nice day at the park or extra cuddle time or what have you. I love the teachers and school but this is one thing I don't like. I hate when someone feels the need to tell you your wrong about your child. I AM THE PARENT NOT YOU! I am paying you to teach my child about school. If we as parents say no candy no candy end of story shut it up and that is final. Now we have the child hiding candy she got from school because you made such a be deal over it! In which we have never for a year had a problem with and now the child feels the need to hide her food. Because we give it to her when she would like it, she doesn't have to earn it. You shouldn't have to earn your food when your 4 years old for heaven sakes! Well ok now I am done being crazy over that.

Mya is doing well we finished up volley ball now we are onto Basket Ball in which Me and her 3 siblings are big supports! Every Game we are there! Anna-Grace loves calling out for Mya to get that ball! HAHAHaHA! Jt turned 9 and is doing so much better in spelling thank the Lord! Andrew still hates going to school because it requires him to get out of his bed and put on clothes and not watch TV all day long! I really don't know where we went wrong with that child but I hope he starts to enjoy school. I think My brother was the same way at that age it must be in the gene pool somewhere! Well I must go one of the cats just knocked a picture over and I pray it did mess the glass up! Remember to Have a wonderful Christmas and I am on Facebook if anyone wants to connect more than here and there on the Blog!

Someones turning 9 soon!

2010-11-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

My boy is growing up and fast. He's birthday is in around two weeks and I have to figure out what to do with him for his big day. He is my chid that looks like me, acts like me and thinks like me. Ps dont tell Anna-Grace she says she is like Mommy. hahaha. So a few choices... Get him a snake-yuck, a limo ride and your favorite out to dinner with family (he wants to own limos when he is older weird but he has been saying it for 3 years now) or a normal party???? Normal what is that-hahaha around this house it is not a common word. So I am waiting write me back and let me know what do you do with a nine year old on his birthday?

Some Summer Pictures!

2010-10-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

Two Years.

2010-10-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

I must say three years ago I never could have pictured myself typing these things but if it helps someone to share my heart I will. Not many people read my blog anymore since I took some time off but I hope someone reads it and feels the love we have for children here in our home and my big prayers are someone will adopt. Two years ago tomorrow my sweetheart fell and then past away. Due to all the things that happen to her in China she would not be able to recover like a child that was not hurt, abused and malnourished. I sit and think if we would have been only able to get her sooner would that have made the difference? If you are thinking of adopting please do it, don't wait. You could save a child's life and I really mean their sweet little life. The reality of adoption is this, They are in places were not many care for them maybe due money or not enough help or maybe they are just mean nasty people! But My prayers every day are for the orphan's not many think of them, not many care for them. I have talked to many people who cant adopt right now because of money and I am in the same boat. I would love to add to our family but money stand in our way. I saw a precious child and I am praying right now that some one adopts him. My heart aches for him but I have no way for getting him here. If someone dump $20,000 in my lap I would be on the next plane. I wouldn't pay off my bills I would pay off my house or car I really would be going to get that sweet child. But my story is like many. I have no way of doing it this time. It took every penny we had and them some to get Anna-Grace home! I really hope too if you know someone adopting and you can spare some cash to send it there way. Adoption is not cheap and unfair if you ask me.

I understand it takes time to do all the paperwork and you have to go over on a plane and all but I just don't understand the Money part and never will! Going through it twice and still makes me sad knowing people are getting money to put a child in a loving home! As Anna-Grace sit by my side as I type this I see here sweet face and her smile that goes on for miles and I thank God for her being here. Anna-Grace came to us the very week one year later that MJ past away. Of course she could never replace MJ but She truly is God Grace to me! I think of the saying "Gods Grace is sufficient for me". It truly is! Next Month is National adoption Month, I hope that many of us can send or do something for these orphan's all over the world just one small thing from many of us would really make a difference! I know we will be doing something in memory of our Sweet Angel.

One Year with Anna-Grace!

2010-10-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Gotcha Baby Girl! (10-18-2009)

"The Day We Adopted You"If we had to do it over again .Adoption is what we would choose. We got more than we had hoped for The day we adopted you. For you have given us more in lifethan we could ever want or need. You made our house into a home. And made us feel complete.We love you more than life itself for all the things you say and do. And if we had to do it all again. You'd be the only one we'd choose- Author Unknown

God's Been Good to Me!

2010-10-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy here in this house! I have been working two days a week, hate it but love it! Love the work hate the leaving my girl at home! Can't I just bring her with? Sure the Dr would love that! Mya started playing volley ball this year and after this month starts Basket Ball! This is our first real sports thing. I mean she played soccer when she was little so did JT but this is Middle School Sports we are talking about! I have went to EVERY game with 3 of the best on-lookers (my crew -the kids)! Grandpas and Grandmas and even some Aunts and Uncles have attended. All I can say is I get real into the game! I wish I had some pics of the game and I do but my camera refuses to still let me get them in to the computer.

I guess I need to figure out what I need to do so I can really start back blogging. How fun is it to read and not see all the fun we are having! I have been reading some blogs and boy have a misses alot of peoples lives that I once was so CRAZY over read at least once a week. Some Blogger's have stopped and hit the FB and I have to admit that is fun but I miss the pictures and being able to get in here and right out my feelings!

Anna-Grace is amazing. The love she has for us is out of this world and I don't believe I deserve it at all. Its was like she stored up love for us for 3 and a half years and its all over flowing onto us all. Don't get me wrong she can be a real stinker at times. But hey she is 4 and it makes me feel like she is showing us her true colors.

I really feel God has been really go to me......

Thankful Thursday!

2010-09-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

Still moving and a groving!

2010-09-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

So We are still here and doing well! We have had a great summer and for some reason or another I have no pictures to Share. One reason could be my husband lost my card with about 500 of my summer pictures on there! OH well it will turn up one day. Right now I am trying to figure out how to work a few days a week, deal with school and practices for this and that and have time for Anna-Grace special time and my own special time! Its been very hard. Not sure how you ladies out there with 4 and more kids gets this all done with Hair left in your head. Well we have our last Home visit with Our SW on Oct 2nd. I can imagine the next week or so I will be going crazy getting my house clean-LOL! Well Anna-Grace is doing well, she lost a bit of weight this summer that concerned me but put back on like 3-4 lbs since we have not been swimming so much, but she is losing that cute fat lovey face she had when we first meet in China. She has gotten tall and very tan! I think, I think we are moving forward in the bathroom department. And still having issues with eating in a normal time frame. We have had this issues with all our kids at this age so we are working on it! We have done all the dental work we can do for Now and we are now working on getting some speech therapy. She has picked up English so well with two missing front teeth and a whole in the roof of her mouth but still having a few sounds we need extra outside help! So here we go again with speech therapy. I think everyone but Andrew has had to go and deal with this! Poor kids. Well I am off to deal with Myself now! Have a wonderful rest of the week and I hope to get back into the Blogging world and read everyones blogs!

We are still here!!!

2010-07-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hi all we are still here. Just been at the lake. We found a condo to rent for the summer and I left my camera there with all my pictures! But I just wanted to say we are all well and doing fine. Anna-Grace is getting tall, skinny, muscles and tan! Any pictures from before will not do her any justice for what she looks like now.We have had our days for learning how to get along with one another. She still has some obedience issues but at 4 years old who doesn't! We are doing better in the bathroom and eating and sleeping area's. We are working on doing what your told when your told and to stop crying when your told NO you can't have something. Still is not shy around strangers but if I say that is a stranger is will come to my side fast. If I tell her to stay with me she will stay by my side. This summer we went to NY to see My Dad and we had a great time and Anna-Grace got to meet her Grandpa Rich. We have been very busy boating and swimming and learning to swim. Anna-Grace is still a bit scared of the water but as long as a parent or sibling or friend is in ,she is in like a fish. I can wait to get back home and start blogging but no computer at the condo so it will have to wait until August when the kids start back to school. I miss all your blogs and hope to look around while I am home for a few days!

Lifes taking a turn! Will you hold my hand?

2010-04-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well we were planning on moving to the lake and the deal fell through, not on our part!Our house is still for sale. I think we have decided to just sale the house and look for something else maybe at the lake maybe else where. Plus I have a nagging feeling about something that I need to pray about and see what happens. I don't like surprises and I am not good about when God wants to shut one door and open A new one. Sometimes God has got to push me through that new door! We will see what happens. The three older kids will be going back to private school next year and I am going to be so sad. I love having them home but understand the desire for peer relationships and sports! So we made the decision to place them back at our Home Church Christian school where two of them went before and did well. Three years of homeschooling and having them with me every day has been a blessing it has been a tuff road to travel and I am thankful to God that He made it possible to have a bit of company to go it with. Anna-Grace has no desire to leave me and to be honest I am not ready to let her go. So she and I will be home buddies and I will start her with K-4 in August at home. I can't wait to have just some us time. It was so nice in China and I sorta miss it. Please pray for us as we head down a new direction, I can say I am disappointed about the lake but God has his plan and I am ready to stick to what ever He has for us! Blessing~

6 month rewind- So Happy to have you home Anna-Grace!

2010-04-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

April 2010
Picking Flowers for my Mommy!

March 2010

The love for Dora is crazy!

February 2010

Happy New Years!

January 2010
At the lake picking Pine cones!

December 20o9

XMAS at Grammy's I am a ham!

November 2009
A bit sleepy here, nap time was not had since we were at Down-town Disney!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-04-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

Yes I am cute and I know it!

2010-04-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

This child has no self-esteem issues at all! Thank God! with all the other stuff I think this is one thing we will not have to worry about. Anna-Grace continues to amaze us everyday! Of course we had a set back with the potty but she has jump that hurdle and moved on, Thank you again Lord, I hate poopie underwear! If you even hint around to AG that she is cute or looks nice she just perks up and goes "I KNOW"! And when we are getting her dressed she will say "I LOOK GOOD"! I am so amazed by it really. The child does not like eating bread. MJ had the same issue. But she will eat sandwiches but I think she would rather not! I would love to be able to cook big meals every meal but with all the stuff we gotta get done we eat sandwiches here and there-sorry my little sweetie! I think she is getting used to it. The one thing that does scare me is strangers. She really doesn't understand the concept of a stranger. Which is understandable but none the less scary to this Mom who takes all four kids everywhere I go (sometimes even to the potty)(note to self : get a new lock for bathroom door). My Mom had them Tuesday when we went down to see Aaron's Dad and she went to the store with the little two and AG just went up to a stranger and acted like they was her BFF! Freaked my MOM out! Now if I acted weird around someone new she would too or if I acted like I was not sure about someone so does she so I think it is more like she gets the que(sp-not sure can't think of it) from me on how to act and then does the same. But in a new situation she hangs on to me for dear life( and I love every minute of it). And about 20 minutes later if we are have a nice time and everyone is friendly she will venture out and be a kid. We have had a few times where she will hang on someone and we just sorta peel her off them and say come sit with Mommy or Daddy. I am a very friendly person and I think she is too but I am also scared to be out with all four of the kids due to AG not really understanding what a stranger is. Anna-Grace is very smart and I think she will get it but I would rather have back up(Daddy) just in case. My Mom said she yelled Stranger really loud when Anna-Grace was getting really friendly with this person and I think she scared the crap out of the person not AG-LOL! I am sure there has got to be movies or books out there about strangers so I need to go get some. If we talk about things with her and show her in books and movies she picks it up faster! Any ideas feel free to comment. OK that was long so I better hit the sack for now! Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend-God Bless!

OK I found one!

2010-04-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my Father-in-Law last summer! I better start taking more pic's of him!Anyways thanks for all the prayers he is doing well! Better than expected. Tumor is out and he will be in ICU until Friday night or Saturday morning and depending on that he may go home Sunday or Monday! I got to talk to him the yesterday and he sounds very good and he said he has no pain! Amen! God is good!

Prayers please!

2010-04-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Aaron's Dad the tall (grumpy looking) one is having Surgery as I type this. It is a really odd surgery, He has a Tumor inside his nose and it is close to his Brain. I am waiting for Aaron to get home and then we are driving down to St. Pete to be there when he gets out of surgery. Unfortunately Aaron could not get the whole day off but I just wanted to ask for prayers. He will be in ICU for a min. of 3 days Hospital stay for 5 days and a week home no working! Not sure if I have a new pic of Tom so I put this one up he looks so Tall! LOL, but so much like Aaron too! Anyways we are all worried and could just use the peace that only God can give! I have only seen Aaron so scared once and it just breaks my heart to see him so worried! God is good all the time and I just really rely on Him! God knows are hopes and fears and He will always be with us. Thanks Blogging Friends!

All in a life time!

2010-04-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Mommy I got you some flowers!

Yummy this one smells good!

Love my girls!

Yes we do get along sometimes!

"Hey, Look at me, I am pretty darn cute!"

Spinning, I like it!

No we can not get all four kids to look normal in a picture-LOL!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-04-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

Yes I love Dora!

2010-04-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

This Kid loves Dora so much she wanted me to cut her hair like Dora! So I did-Pictures to come! I think we are doing well! The social worker came thinks we are doing great. Anna-Grace has one set back since we got home and its been the potty! It is really something we have dealt with before with Mya when JT was born so I feel like we have a good handle on it. Its makes me sad although because I wish for everything in her life to be Happy and perfect. But I know it is one of those things that will be OK it just takes time. I got an email from a friend about MJ today. It was weird too because this week I have been very sad and missing MJ. I even went back to the cemetery On Friday just to cry just to get it all out.I guess because this was the first holiday we celebrated with her. I am not sure, I just know my heart feels wrong, missing a piece. I miss seeing her smile and I miss her hugs. I miss how strong she was and I miss the story times we had together. I know she is looking down on us and I feel that comfort that she sends me too. I have a ton of pictures to done load and Hope to get to then soon for all who are still out there in blogging Land! I hope you had a great weekend with Family and a wonderful Easter! God Bless you all!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-03-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

March 15th Mya's 10th Birthday!

2010-03-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Well this was a hard one for me, One. two days later would have been MJ's 9Th birthday, Two. Mya hits double digits and Three. I am old! Mya wanted to have a family Dinner at a nice restaurant! And a new TV. She also want to switch from playing Piano to the guitar and wanted a new guitar or used witch ever she said we can get our hands on. So I did all but the guitar I want her to finish up piano for this year and then she can move on to something else. I think she had a great birthday and I am recovering from a week of being depressed and then I got word the Social worker is coming well today as a matter of fact, But I found out Wednesday! So I have been cleaning and going crazy because I am in the middle of packing, spring cleaning, painting the outside of the house and finishing up with homeschooling and training the two toddler duo to behave-LOL! But God is good he knew I needed something to distract my mind and live life not sit here and cry about stuff. So I had a good old cry and got to work! Now The social worker is on her way here and I thought it would be a great time to blog instead of running around the house like a chicken with his head cut off! Well I will blog more later have a fun weekend y'all!

OK here it comes, the BIG NEWS!!!!

2010-03-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

WE ARE LEAVING>>>>

MOVING>>>>>>

SELLING>>>>>

My house. The house that has been our home for the last five years! The only House that Andrew and Anna-Grace know. Its hard to pack up and leave but we have about three or four weeks and then this house goes up for sale and we rent another house a bit away from this one. It's sad and good all at the same time. We will also be looking into finding a new church. We will be almost an hour away from church and just to far to drive for us due to Aaron's work schedule on Sundays. The church that my kids have been their whole lives and feel very comfortable in. I am Happy in one way to start a new Journey, no its not a journey to China. I think that boat left with out us. For this next part of our lives we plan on working on our 4 children to be happy and healthy. I know many of you thought maybe another adoption or a baby, sorry to disappoint but Anna-Graces medical bills out weigh the chance for us to do another adoption at this point. I have always wanted to have two children adopted and we do of course even though MJ is in Heaven, but we wanted the girls to be together so they had each other to lean on later in life when their question may never be able to be answered, but for now Anna-Grace will just have to depend on us and her note from her Mother that was left behind for her to know that she is loved and her mother wanted her to be adopted so she could be cared for.

This new road takes on a lot of ups and downs. Selling our last house took 6 months and in this lovely economy it may take longer. Our house is a wonderful place to raise and family and be close to town but also away from town and have your our privateness.LOL is that even a word! I know the new home will have many fun times to endure.

Anna-Grace is very happy to be with us, where ever we are and she understands I think that we are hers and she is ours. I think that will also grow more but I would have like to stay here at least a whole year for her but the time is right for all other things so we are off. Not to sure if we will buy the house we are going to be renting at this point that will come more at the end of this month before we move in ., but I am hoping so. It is on the Lake that I love and it is a smaller house but so wonderful and the nature that is all around it is just breath taking. The kids will enjoy fishing, canoe, swimming, life on the boat and a good neighborhood ,I think. We will miss our wonderful neighbors here but with The Kreuers there is always a new adventure ahead. Stay tuned for more.....

LOL-pic's!

2010-02-28T16:01:00.000-08:00

OK How many pictures do you take of the little ones trying to get a good one?

What a fake smile this child can put on-I have to laugh about it cause we all know we have our fake smiles!

Here is a Picture of what Anna-Grace thinks Daddy looks like-Right on little miss!

This is another pic that makes me laugh, these kids go crazy playing the sock game-AKA "helping mommy do the laundry" I think at this point Andrew was in the air.

Well enjoy the pictures! I was hoping by now get out on the lake but the cold weather down here was just taken its toll on us Florida folk! I hope to see some sunshine soon!

Cedar Key-1/2010

2010-02-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

Just wasting time!

Enjoying the sounds of the birds!

The sound the the water coming in and out of the Bay!

Watching the crabs run in and out of the water-to fast for me.....

Walking down by the water front holding hands with a Man I love dearly!

And thinking how wonderful my life is at this very moment! 11 Years, here's to more!

Mya

2010-02-19T15:46:00.000-08:00

Well in a few short weeks my first born will be 10 years old. I think I have officially arrived as a Parent since she is 10 and I managed to get her here! LOL! In the past 10 years being a Mother has changed my life completely.

When I became a Mother, I was not to sure how to do it. How do you Mother a child until they are ready and then slowly let them go. I don't think until this year it has hit me how much Mya has started to become a young lady and I am her Mother. It seemed like yesterday that I was the 10 year old young lady. Hang out with my friends, running to the local swimming pool and park to play with no cares, no worries, no sorrows. I see so much of myself in this young lady. Her eyes, Her mouth and even her hair. Mya is defiantly not all me. She is smart way beyond what I could have even imagined I would ever be. She looks at the world so much more differently than I did. So much more purpose in her life than I did at this age or even my age now. Thank you God for sending me and Aaron this sweet young Lady to look after until she is ready to go into this world and do something amazing with all the love in her heart and talent you have given her.

Happy Chinese New Year!

2010-02-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

We made our own sign and some how the printer printed it backwards-LOL! Well not many read Chinese here so I think we are good! Wishing you all A Happy New Years with Good Luck, Happiness and Peace From the Kreuers!

Birthday Wishes!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

Yes because I'm 4 I get to sleep in the big girl bed not the...

CRIB!!!!

And since I turned four My Mommy and Daddy got the Dora Bounce house for my Party!

I got a ton of Gifts from My family!

My Mommy had a bunch of games for me to play with my friends and family! This one is called Pop the balloon! Woo-Hooo! I did it!

Here is Dora the pinata before we took all her candy!

Here I am waiting for all the fun to start, in my Dora dress that my big sister picked out for me!

Here I am blowing out my Candles on my birthday before the big party!

Is this not the cutest cake, just the right size for me since I am 4!

And last but not least here I am showing all you guys I am 4! Can't wait to see what happens when I turn 5!

3 months home with my Forever Family!

2010-01-31T16:46:00.001-08:00

Month one-meeting Cinderella!

Month one-Painting!

End of month one-going into the pool!

Start of Month two-more smiles to come!

Month two-Really loving Christmas!

Month Three-First Birthday party of a friends!

Month three-having fun in the tub!

Month Three-Dress up "Princess and the Protector"! How can you not just love that smile!

Anyways January 30Th was not only my 11Th year of marriage to my hubby but also the day Anna-Grace meet her Forever Family (all of them)! The progression of smiles is amazing to me not only in my kids but all of yours that are coming home! There is something about month three in most adoptions it seems that you feel like your at the top of the mountain! We have gotten though sleepless nights, tantrums,disobeying, being mean, not eating your food to Hugs,smiles, kisses, going to bed on time, sleeping through the night with a big smile in the morning, sharing, not being afraid of the dog, learning who strangers are(still a work in progress), Having fun and laughing just because, eating fairly well, obeying most of the time and only a few tantrums a week instead of many a day! I can say for all of us at the Kreuer house we are very Happy and hope to keep moving in the right direction. On a medical update. Two weeks ago we went to the Cranio-facial team at Shands of UF. I have to say I have never seen that many Dr's in one day in my life and I am a Nurse who used to work at the Hospital! I think at one time we had like 14 Dr's in the little room at once! Very overwhelming not only for me but for AG as well but she was a trooper! I wanted to cry! Anywho, The first thing is to get the bad teeth out, then braces then surgery! Surgery will not happen until the adult teeth start coming down. Speech issues not to many believe it or not. They only want to see her once a month to every three weeks at the most since I am a stay at home Mom and she is speaking so well They think I can do better them them at this point!LOL! But they are willing to train me to work with her that once a month and go from there! This week on Thursday is my little girls 4Th birthday! Her first Birthday in the good old USA! Since Thursday are not always the best to have a birthday blast we will be waiting on the Weekend! Hope to get a ton of great pictures! Anna-Grace knows all about b-days from watching all the birthday movies we could get our hands on so she would understand better. She is very happy for her big day to be coming soon. Tune in for more on our little sweetie!

In my next Life..........

2010-01-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

Cold down here in Florida!

2010-01-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

Well we are really not equipped to have this much cold here in Florida! Here is Andrew freezing!

Here is a frozen Orange tree roots-Poor thing!

Here is JT is refuses to believe he needs a jacket! Just like his Dad!

Anna-Grace was very busy picking up pine cones! She loves them. Not to sure what she thinks they are, (maybe gold) because she is always busy looking for them Where ever we go.

Yes you may have seen a picture like this before, Its the Gator flag next to the house that is still for sale that I love! I come here to pretend to look at this house while I sit on the dock and enjoy nature. This place is called Bird Island but this birds hate me. They run from me.

Look how beautiful my girl is as she helps little sister complete her task getting every last single pine cone in this yard!

Here are these little birds that hate me if I get any closer! They fly off but they are so pretty. This is one of my favorite shots of the day. I love it when we have it blow up because it really does just take you in and back to the lake when I see it! I think I need to go back there, it is my stress release! Even the kids run and screaming and all seem to be not a real big deal and life is so much sweeter on the Lake .

Well the sun is going down on a beautiful Lake day, we have to head home. Hope you have a place that lets you unwind and relax just like this wonderful place!

What we have to eat Green Beans,Your Crazy!

2010-01-15T16:06:00.000-08:00

So as you can see all have let the table, besides the toddle duo....

EAT this really, I may puke!

Ok I will eat this and be done faster than her....

Still I am puke but I will be the winner.

Nope it will be me cause I am the boss.

Here is a picture of the girls that have nothing to do with our dinner competition. Andrew did end up winning but they are both winners in my book for eating Green Beans and no puking was done! LOL! These two toddlers may be the end of me. I have not one minute to myself and All I can say is I am loving it! During the 10 minutes it took me to get this to you I was interrupted 7 times! Its a wonder any on this is understandable! LOL! Have a fabulous weekend! We have been Praying hard for the people in Haiti! I hope you will due the same in you house! OOps 11 times!

What I have been up too.......

2010-01-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

Learning to be a Family,

meeting new friends,

Watching Mommy play with Andrew-Not Happy MOM!!

Having fun with Andrew. Sometimes!!!!!

showing Mommy how to have fun,

Opening my first presents was fun,

Waking up on Christmas morning, with people who LOVE you,

getting my ear pieced because I wanted it and of course Mommy too,

meeting some great friends who have been praying for me!

Learning a lot about Puzzles,

Being myself which is not always pretty,

Playing with Barbies,

letting Mommy take lots of pictures of me! She thinks I am pretty,

I got Candy because....

I got my blood drawn! All has come back OK but Hep.B vac. needs to be redone and my stool has not come back yet-took us a bit to get it, not so easy as getting a needle into me as holding a little white tub near my butt when I go-really people!
Well that is what I have been up to with my new family. Check back for more updates!

A young Women and a Fork!

2010-01-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.

"What's that?" came the Pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say..

That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.

"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming.....like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork, the best is yet to come."

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge.. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right.. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel , indeed, They make you smile and encourage you to succeed . They lend an ear , they share a word of praise , and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-01-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

Little Hands

2010-01-03T16:55:00.000-08:00

There is something about my children's hands that I love...

I can recognize them in any pictures......

I have some many pictures of their hands doing wonderful things. I hope when I am old and gray(well I am gray already but)I can remember who's is who's!

This is what it's all about!

2009-12-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christams!

2009-12-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

We hope you all have a Blessed Christmas and A Happy New Year!

2009-12-19T13:15:00.000-08:00

Oh the kids waiting their Cookies to Bake.

Anna-Grace helping Mommy make Dinner on night.

Anna-Grace no more underwear swimming? Oh you look so cute in your bathing suite!

Do you think she is having a good time?

Fun times at the Husband Christmas party???? Of course I am here!

Me and My brother at the Christmas party. His wife is my husband boss-so we all get to have fun together!

Here they are, so in Love and did I tell you, No I didn't, I am going to be an Aunt, for the first time on my side of the family! I can't wait to spoil this child!

Here we are before heading out to the party. By the way- Anna-Grace did stay home with My Mom and Mya did all the babysitting for her and once it came to bed time, no good! Lil Miss needed Mommy home. Oh well it was fun while it lasted. I don't plan on leaving My lil one again for a while. She just loves me to much, And I love it!

Who do you let use your Dyson?

2009-12-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

Well one day the Toddler Duo wanted to help Mommy with the floors!

Can you see the excitement in her eyes?

Oh no fun Andrew is in charge!

A bit blurry but you can see the fun on their faces! Anna-Grace would just fall over laughing! I almost started to cry I was laughing so much!
I hope you let your children help you with the chores too! Although you may end up redoing them-LOL!

What do I want for my Birthday this year?

2009-12-07T20:41:00.000-08:00

I am not sure-really. In about 15 minutes I will officially turn 35 years old.

Please don't tell anyone OK! The last year has rocked me, changed me, inspired me, lifted me, grown me and left me puzzled all at the same time. I no longer look at life like I will be here forever. I stare at my children and husband and the ones I love longer. I call my friends and family more. I cry even more easily-didn't need that one! I feel like I need to be more kinder and more braver. More cleaner and more organized-not that I am I just said I feel like I need to be-LOL! I just want to look at the people around me and keep them with me forever. Could that be my gift, just to see these sweet faces forever? A wonderful ring, and silky new shirt, a shiny new car, Nope none of these would make me have a truly Happy Birthday. But I do know one thing that would do it. Knowing that someone in this world Loved me for me truly, unconditionally! I think ,I know a few. So if any certain husband, friend, sister, brother, Mother, Father, in-laws or children are looking to do something great for me today or looking for that perfect gift. Don't you worry, you are better than any gift I could ever get. I love you and Thank you!

Really?

2009-12-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

It's about time!

2009-12-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

Here is Anna-Grace's first dip in our pool- please excuse our bathing attire!

Thanksgiving at Grand-me's!

Thanksgiving at Our house!

Hey Santa, we are waiting on you!

Here is our letters, Hope our dreams come true!

The Band-Jo Band!

Meeting Cinderella for the first time!

Digging, why not?

Painting while I am Learning!

Now that is what we have been up too! More to come soon!

Can you really say I love you?

2009-11-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

Well I am still working on my picture issues but my computer has been up and running but I just have not had time to deal with the whole picture deal. I hope to work on that. I don't know sometime before next year! So my blog has become boring-no pictures of the little one. Well I must say she is doing well. Very good indeed. I never can believe how well these kid-o's do once they come home. I have been dealing with a bit of stress. Family bonding issues. Anna-Grace loves everyone. Unfortunately this is not so good for us because she naturally will hug and kiss anyone. Not strangers in the street, but people from church and other family members outside the house. A few family members outside the house and friends think I am completely out of my mind because I am holding her back by hugging and kissing family members outside the house. But I do believe after reading oh just a few adoption books that she really needs to be affectionate to us first until we can see that she is bonding well and knows we are her parents and siblings. But of course I am out of my mind! So I hate to even think this but we may just have a quiet Christmas with just our family at home and just have to see people one a time at other times. When you have family so close its hard to do it that way but I think that will be best. A friend sent a letter over the email explaining to family on how important the initially boning is with the parents but I don't know if it will even help at this point. Some have even stopped talking to me because I have said "HEY NO HUGGING!" Or Hey back off a bit if they get so close to her face like they are trying for a kiss? I feel like they feel they have some sorta right to Anna-Grace, like they adopted her or gave birth. And I think heck no she is my girl-back off! I am very emotional when it comes to my kids and I think that We her family need time and when we feel like she is doing well, then and only then we can let her be more affectionate to others.

Anyways on a very good note. I love this child. She really brightens my days and I can't tell you how much I feel blessed by God. Can I really love her at this point? Can I really? well you Moms out there know what I am saying and feeling! Also Anna-Graces vocabulary is going crazy. She is talking up such a storm, she must be saying more then 30 words! Even putting words together!

Some neat stuff that she says:

You, go get it!

Smell it!

Good Morning

Amen

Dear Jesus

and Everything is "Anna-Grace's" (as she points to her chest!) Toy, dog ,clothes and anything she sees in the store fliers she wants!

I really can't wait to Christmas and I am hoping to do some back post as well. When I down load this new photo holding thingy I have no idea about!

Here is at least two pictures I am working on it!

2009-11-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

OK here is JT with little brother-the only time they are not fighting is when they are building!

Here is Grandpa that just turned 80 Sunday-Aaron's comment is "Love, Peace and Hair grease" as an old co-worker would say!

Someone turns 8 and someone turns 80-Wow!

2009-11-21T10:16:00.001-08:00

I am having big trouble with my computer- first we had a virus got rid of it ! Now I can't find my pictures and the hubby said he would work on it but has been so busy with work and just being with the kids no luck there either. So no pictures! So sorry guys! But I wanted to let you know my first born son turn 8 Saturday and my grandfather turn 80 today. I have lots of pictures to share but can't find them-LOL! So Anna-Grace got her first taste of Disney on Friday. We went down to Down town Disney to eat at the Dinosaur restaurant. It really is cool in there and she was not happy at all! We kept telling her we were going to see Mickey Mouse for an hour and a half she was very mad that there was no Mickey Mouse is what I think-LOL! No really the big Dinosaurs scared the crap out of her and it took me about 15 minutes of talking to her and letting her touch the big fake dinosaur for us to get in the place and eat! But once she figured it out she had a great time jumping around like a crazy three year old while eating! Then we went to Lego world where the young Mr. Jt got to pick out a birthday present(this way I could mess that up-LOL) and we got to put together Lego's and just watch the kids do their thing! Then on to the princess store-what you say for a boy-well lets just say they were not to happy about that part but I had to take my girls into to see all the Princess stuff of course! You should have seen Anna-Grace go crazy yelling "Mommy look!" at everything this girl could get her eyes and hands on! Then we went home and the toddler duo feel asleep while the two older kid-o's played their DS' in the back of the soccer mobile all the way back home! It was a great escape into just a small part of Disney! I hope soon We will be able to go! We will be back for the Disney marathon in January 2010 but I will not be running booo-hoooo! I thought it would be to much with Anna-Grace just coming home to do the race but I'll be back for 2011! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope to have some pictures soon! This is driving me nuts!

Fun photos and Locks of love!

2009-11-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

here we have a pirate aka Andrew-hehehe

and our boot stealing 3 year old!

Yes brothers are ok to steal from! Well Andrew is really 4 inches taller but it is hard to tell! The kids are almost 9 months apart! Which leads to lots of fun here!

Here is all the smiles we have been getting from Anna-Grace! I love it!!!

Ok on to one of the big kids. Mya last year or even longer I think talked about growing her hair for locks of love. I hated to see her hair go that short but she wanted to look more like Mom and Anna-Grace. Which is ok by me! I just love to see my kids do something so unselfish! Most of the times kids think of me, me , me! Oh by the way we sent my hair in to-it made the 10 inches so we sent it in. Mya's was almost 12 inches!

Here she is all done up and so cute! Way to go Mya you made Mommy's year! I am very proud of you!

Learning to Love!

2009-11-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of our adoption day with Anna-Grace!

Here is a picture of our Adoption day with our sweet angel MJ!

Well this may be a deep conversation for some but I wanted to share my heart with you all once again. Many times we have been asked how do you love a child that is not your own or biological as some say. It is not easy, at first. As you can tell in both photo's we are happy. And I feel overwhelmed too both days! You are taking on a big responsibility with each child you either bring into this world or adopt. But with your biological children you don't always love them at first sight either. I never had this feelings with my biological children but some have. Love doesn't come over night. It takes time with any relationship. Babies are cute and they need you. They need all of their needs meet by someone. So you as the parent start to take care of your little baby and you start that bond by caring for their every need. You hold them and love them and they too learn to love you back. But when you adopt sometimes you don't get a cute little baby you have a 3 or6 year old that can do things for themselves and how do you bond with this child? Well you take care of their every need, you take time to hold them and love on them (even if they don't want it). And guess what in time sometimes fast and sometimes slow this child learns to love you and you do too. With MJ it took about 3 months of me loving her before she could start to love on me back. It didn't feel great to be pushed away but I knew in my heart she too would learn to love me just like I was learning to love her for her, not a picture or medical papers. And with Anna-Grace it is happening alot faster. She needs more of me so she either knows "hey if I look sweet and be sweet to this lady she will help me" or she truly likes Mama! I prefer the second one but as we know in adoptions bonding takes time. And Love will come, just wait!

and how do I have time to type this-well I have two toddlers sitting on my lap and it took a bit longer-LOL!