Jillian's Big Day

8 years ago as I walked my sleepy daughter through the hallways of a hotel in Guangzhou, China, I prayed. She was exhausted and scared in her new setting, but not as scared as I was. I prayed she would sleep. I prayed that she would love me as much as I loved her. I prayed that we could give her everything she needed. Most of all I prayed that she would know Christ. The hours flew by and my precious baby finally slept that first night. Now the years have flown by and after many more prayers, she finally knows Christ as her Savior. On Wednesday night after hearing the salvation message again, she went to her Daddy with a stomach ache. He knew she was troubled and after some questioning, she told him she wanted to be saved. This morning she made a public profession at church. I am so proud of her and thankful to be her mother and her sister in Christ! I was reminded of a lullaby I sang to her when I rocked her.... "I pray that you will grow up to be wise and good and true. I pray the Lord will bless you in all that you will do. I pray that you will hear His voice and learn to sing His song. I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long.

SNOW DAY 2010

January 7, 2010
What is it about a snow day? Is it the rare joy of sledding and snowball fights? Relaxing when you should be at work? Or is it the wonder of watching the dark gray become sparkling white? Whatever it is, there is really nothing like a snow day!! We don't get to experience them very often. I think my younger kids have only played in the snow a couple of times in their little lives. So... part of our day was spent sledding, making snow angels, and then warming up with some hot chocolate. We were unprepared due to missing snow pants, outgrown boots, and an antique sled, but I guess that added to the excitement... Very, Very cold outside, but the bright smiles made the shivering worth it! LET IT SNOW!

CHRISTMAS 2009

The Kruse family had a really good time this Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we opened our gifts to each other. Brandon really liked his tv for his bedroom, so that he can play his xbox 360 without interruption from the little guys. J and K each received a Zhu Zhu hamster. Korbin got a Handy Manny workshop with tools as well as some clothes, pj's, and a Boz book and movie. Jilli got a Snuggie, Guitar Hero for her DS, a necklace, Devotion book, and several board games. I spent most of the day cooking for Christmas and the kids had a ball helping me make Aunt Nina's fudge. That always brings back some great memories from my childhood. We had our favorite beef curry for supper.

On Christmas day, we went to Whitehouse to have Christmas with my family. We had so much fun. We just don't see each other often enough. Gay and Steve just recently moved in their new house, so we were happy to finally get to see it. We also have had 2 new nieces born this year (Natalie in June and Lydia this month), so it was great to see them as well. The adults played the Newlywed Game and had a Secret Santa gift exchange. It was hilarious! The kids just ran and played nonstop and enjoyed seeing all of the cousins. They really love each other! We had some delicious food with everyone bringing their traditional dishes. Gay did the ham and turkey this year so that Dad wouldn't have to and did a great job. We missed Dad's yummy cooking but were just glad he could be there.

Saturday we went to Louisville since Todd just had back surgery and couldn't travel. Granny came through with her junk boxes again this year. I can't believe how the kids LOVE those. The one year that Rob talked her out of doing them, I thought they would all cry. Even Brandon and Candace love them. I would bet it is a tradition they continue with their children!!

I can hardly believe another Christmas has come and gone. We are enjoying some much needed rest this week before we go back to school next week. We started the book of Genesis to fulfill one of our New Year's resolutions of reading the Bible through this year. We have made some great progress so far. I hope we make it!

Reflecting on this year, there is so much to be thankful for. This time last year, we were enduring a very difficult time, so I am thankful for Christ's love and mercy. I am also so thankful for family. Those here and those that have gone on. Each one has a special place in my heart. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Fall Break (October 19-23, 2009)

We have greatly enjoyed our fall break this week.
Earlier in the week, we caught up on some dr. appts. and cleaning (Dad's and ours). We love being able to spend time with Dad and help him out, but it is so hard to get to everything during the school week.
We also spent some time at Vastwood park as well as playing in the fall leaves at our house. The colors are incredible this year so I got some really good pics of the kids for our annual fall picture taking session. Our yard always looks like a fall wonderland at this time of year.
Since we were off of school, we were able to attend revival at New Life where Brother Steve Ross (our former pastor) was leading services. All of the services were powerful and uplifting.
To top off the week, the kids and I went on a shopping trip to search for costumes. We were successful and the kids are now ready for next Saturday.
This weekend, we are heading to Princeton, Ky to see Kelsey play volleyball. We are pumped up about this and cant wait to see everyone!!

Ky Lake Trip

This weekend the Kruse bunch headed to Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers, Ky. The weather was the most unusual July weather I have ever experienced. The high was mid 70's all three days. On Friday night we walked around the lake and took pics, let the kids play on the playground, and just relaxed and did some board games. On Saturday, the little kids were up at 6:30 am so Daddy took them fishing and let Bran and I sleep in. Later, we tried to swim and it was just too cold so we went to the indoor pool until the sun came out. As it warmed up, I took the little kids to play on the beach while Robby and Brandon took out Uncle Todd's jet ski. They gave up very shortly and joined us at the beach. The kids had a blast building sandcastles and hunting for unusual rocks and shells. They were able to swim as the lake water was comfortable, until they came out into the wind. Saturday night we ate dinner at Miss Scarlett's and then went to Lighthouse Landing for some pictures as well as a carriage ride. On Sunday we rented a pontoon boat and went cruising and tubing for the day. The little kids had never done this, so they were excited. We were glad Brandon enjoyed it as well, since it is often hard to entertain with such a wide age gap. Sunday night we had dinner at Patti's and then walked through the gardens, played putt putt, and enjoyed the arcade. Overall it was a great trip and nice to get away and spend some family time. I was sad that we had to cancel our beach trip, but very thankful to the Lord that everyone was healthy enough for this trip.

Korbin's Surgery July 09

DR. JILLIAN
I am not sure where she got the funny gas, but somehow Jillian convinced Korbin to lay still while she filled a cavity. He was not nearly so good when he went to the "real" dentist. She definitely has bright future if she decides to do this as a career.

Natalie

This is little Natalie Rae at 2 weeks old. She looks just like her Daddy. Korbin calls her Matalie since he gets her confused with his other cousin Mady.