All Dogs go to Heaven

Our sweet Max who never barked, bit, growled or even messed on the floor was hit by a truck today in front of our house. We already miss him dearly and are thankful to have had him with us--even if it was for too short a time.

Merry Christmas!

The month has been full of Christmas festivities. It began with Emma's 2nd grade Christmas program. She had to hurry from gymnastics to the school, changing her clothes in the car. This was our view of the program:


A week or so after the school program was the ward Christmas party:







Santa couldn't quite catch the twins...

A couple days later came Jake's school program. He sang loud for all to hear, and somehow disappeared between songs. Towards the end he was a little bored and started singing ahead. The little girl next to him covered his mouth. I am proud to say she did not get punched. Whew.

Christmas Eve dinner was at our house

The kid table

Marc and Kenna

The dinner

Grandma and Grandpa stayed the night Christmas Eve which was a really fun (and helpful!) treat for our family. Surprisingly, it was Emma who awakened first on Christmas morning. We were up by 5:30.

Christmas Breakfast:

I love Christmas. I love how much our kids love Christmas. I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude this time of year for our Savior and His humble birth and a loving Father in Heaven who blesses our family so openly.

The Baptism

Emma was baptized on Saturday. She has been waiting and preparing for this day for such a long time. Emma had in her mind exactly the dress she wanted and Grandma Jo sewed it for her. She looked so beautiful and it was a special night. Sadly, some terrible weather settled in and our Kraupp family wasn't able to come. We sure missed Grandma and Papa, the Byrams, and Uncle Mike and his crew.




My camera isn't exactly a point and shoot. This was Annie's attempt at snapping a picture of Emma with us. It cracked me up. Not bad Annie!

After the baptism we had a little birthday celebration for Emma at the house. How lucky to be baptized the day after her birthday!

Happy Birthday Emma!

Emma turned eight on Friday! Emma and her best friend Emma P. share the same birthday. These two sweet little girls decided instead of having a birthday party where their guests bring gifts, they would instead have everyone bring pajamas and books to be donated to the Pajama Program. All the little girls came dressed in pajamas and we had pancakes for dinner, painted nails, heard a story about the Pajama Program and then decorated the birthday cakes. It was such a fun night and I am SO proud of Emma and Emma.

Once we were home from the party Emma opened her presents from us.

She has been waiting for her own set of scriptures for two years!

It is difficult to describe what a special spirit Emma is. Her idea for her birthday party is the perfect sampling of who she is. She is the peacemaker in our home. She is a spiritual person who was born with a testimony of our Savior and who strives to do what He would want her to do. She seeks out those who are lonely or sad, she is thoughtful, eager to please and her positive attitude is an example to her family. Emma is also full of spunk. She is silly, funny, and really likes to have a good time. Things seem to come really easily to Emma whether it is church and school, or sports related. On the few occasions when she has had to try at something, she tries and she tries until she gets it right--she is patient.

Emma we love you so much. We are so blessed to be your parents and blessed to have you as a part of the Kraupp Seven. Happy Birthday Lou!

Our Latest Project...

Travis buys cows everyday, but doesn't own them longer than half a day before they are sold and on to their next destination. It has been awhile since we owned cows for long term, and we have never owned cows that we are responsible for feeding and caring for...until now. The latest news from the Kraupp Family is that we are proudly caring for 150 pregnant Angus cows. Now, I am may have some of the details and terminology wrong so bare with me--I'm a total cow rookie.


So, cows eat hay. We have a lot of hay and it may have been the greatest day of Jake's life the day the tractor arrived to move all that hay. He went with Travis to the tractor store and told his dad, "Hey Dad, when we get to that tractor store tell the guy, "Sir, we need two tractors. One for me and one for my kid.""

Yes, we realize the tractor isn't green and will try to do better next time. It was strictly a financial decision that I'm sure my grandpa would have understood.

Before the cows arrived, Jake and Travis were thrilled to be able to use the tractor for some snow plowing.

At the end of last week our our cows arrived. Saturday we all loaded up in the feed truck (which Jake believes is titled to him) and went to feed.

Here is Travis loading up the hay:

Opening up the pasture:

Jake DRIVING the feed truck. It is his job. I'm not kidding. He actually does really well. Honks at any of the girls if they get in his road.

Our fearless leader throwing out the hay.

Here they come!

Meg was yelling at the cows the entire time. It is in her blood. She gets that from her dad.

Justin was in heaven.

The Kraupp Livestock Brand