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

Emma the VIP

A week ago Emma was awarded the VIP. Travis and I were out of town taking Megan to a specialist and didn't know it was going to be Emma's special day. Grandma was kind enough to be there to support her and Mrs. Garrett snapped a picture.

Emma's teacher said she was presented the award for, "being such an all around good girl! You get work done on time, and it is always neat and careful. You always have a cheerful attitude and are kind to your classmates. I am proud of the person you are! Thanks for being such a good example."

While was Emma was receiving her award, Mrs. Garrett whispered to Grandma Jo that Emma is golden. Just a perfect little girl.

We completely agree! Emma is so easy to have around. She is teachable, eager to please, and strives to do what is right. We love her!

200th post: Family Pictures

Lou

Emma has started her basket ball season and she really enjoys it. She had her first game Saturday and is at least a head taller than all the other kids.

Of course there is another little girl named Emma on her team. Who knew it would be such a popular name?! I blame Ross and Rachel. Anyway, the coach was asking the other little Emma if she maybe had a nickname. When this was met with a blank stare, our Emma stepped forward and said, "I have a nickname. Just call me Lou." So, Lou it is. Her coach hollers out to her, "Hey Lou! Aim for the backboard not the basket! Lou! Where is your man?" One thing all of our kids are not short on is nicknames. We have called her Emma Lou since she was home from the hospital. I'm glad it came in handy for her basketball team.

That's Lou at the free throw line with her arms out playing intense defense.







Oh, and Justin ever the sports fanatic--had to be removed from the game. He could not understand why he couldn't just have the ball.

Cake

I can just imagine what they would like their dialogue to be: "Hey Megan! Get over here! Mom made cake! I pushed the chair over here, you really should try this."

It's a good thing they're cute, because that cake was trashed.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween and the flu bug hit us at the same time. Meg was feeling under the weather for the annual trunk or treat, so she stayed home with dad. Meg was going to be Minnie...

Annie was a fairy. Months ago, she asked what a thought she should be for Halloween. I said a fairy and she laughed and reminded me she was nine and in the fourth grade. She thought a rock star better suited a girl of her maturity. But....when it came time to get the costume she quietly mumbled, "I think I want to be a fairy."

Emma was a rodeo queen.

Jake was a cowboy last year and thought it was the obvious and only choice for this year.

Justin as Mickey. I kind of thought he would hate this, but truthfully he was so pleased. Pleased to dress up, and overjoyed to walk around and have everyone put candy in his bucket.