He can do math!!

My Math Olympics Star

My son is really good at doing math. 

Sometimes I have to fight with him tooth and nail to do his math homework, 

but I'm glad he understands it better than mom does.

I'm so proud of him!

My little girl

It's hard to believe she turned 11 today.

What a joy and blessing she has been to us.

 We are so thankful that God chose us to be her parents.

My brother, Michael

Michael Krutsinger

1964-2011

At the young age of 47, my brother, Mike, went home to be with the Lord. He spent a year battling AML. He under went a stem cell transplant in February of 2011. On his 100 day check up the cancer was back. In August 2011, they found an unmatched bone marrow donor from out of the country. On October 21, 2011, the doctors told him that the cancer had once again returned and that he would have 2 to 6 weeks to live. They told him to go home and enjoy what time he had left.

On Friday, October 28, 2011, our family gathered to spend the weekend with Mike. My other two brothers and their families, mom and dad, and an aunt and uncle spent precious time with him. On Saturday night, some of his close friends gathered at a hotel for a pizza party. He was in a lot of pain, but the thought of having his friends together spurred him on to come out for even just a short time.

On Sunday, October 30, 2011, we gathered in his home to say good-bye. Living so far away, I knew I would not get back down to see him again. What a bitter sweet weekend we had together. The tears flowed freely that day. Driving back home, I got a text from my other brother telling me that they had called Hospice to the house. They said that if Mike made it through the night they would admit him in the morning.

We got home at 11:15 pm, totally exhausted from the long drive we went straight to bed. I woke at 2 am thinking I heard the phone ring. I got out of bed and checked the caller ID. I called my brother back. He told me that Mike had passed away at 1:15 am. 

I was saddened to know that I would no longer see my brother again on this earth. I was happy to know that he was safe in the arms of the Lord and no longer in pain.

I spent the last week with my parents and brothers planning a time of visitation and a memorial service for Mike. What a precious time we had together. Mike had picked out the songs that he wanted played at his funeral. Friday night we were warmed by the outpouring of sympathy so many people gave us. Mike was well liked by so many people.

Mike will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews. He was their favorite uncle.

I was able to be a caregiver for Mike twice during this year. I think we grew closer than we had been in years past. I will treasure in my heart the time I was able to spend with him. He was the first brother to come into my life and the first to leave it. There is a hole in my life now. A link in our family chain has been broken. But we will put that chain back together when we all get to heaven.

Oh Deer!

Living in the country has it's advantages. You don't have to see wildlife through a fence. You can just stand at your door or window and watch them for free.

Might be two moms and two babies.

Where to now?

I think someone's taking our picture!

And away they run.

First Day Of School

My second year of working full-time.

John is a 7th grader.

Sarah is a 5th grader.

Both kids enjoy having mom drive them to school each day.

The Happy Trio

Sarah picked out her own outfit.

She was ready to get back to school and see all her friends.

John picked out his own outfit too.

He was all smiles. Not sure how excited actually was.

A new outfit for my first day of school.

It was a very warm day so the outfit was perfect.

Church Campout

What a great weekend! Camping with church family. This was lunch with 3 of the 4 families that brought their campers in. No men...it's a Friday and they all went to work, leaving us women with the kids.

Pastor Chris and Karen Johnson

Relaxing and Visiting

Even the men enjoyed conversation!

A lot of people showed up for the meals.

One of many afternoon activities....

SCRABBLE anyone?

It wouldn't be a campout without a bonfire!

Yes, for an August night it was very chilly.

The next night was warmer, but more mosquitoes.

I think everyone had a good time. Looking forward to next year's campout!

Another Day

After a fun weekend of camping, I just vegged today. Funny how camping can make you tired. But yet, it did....this time. And that's probably because I didn't sleep well on Saturday night. Actually, I don't think I slept at all.

My parents were here and brought a niece and nephew along. My kids enjoyed being able to see their cousins. I wish my parents could have stayed longer, but they needed to get back home. Hopefully they will be able to come back again and stay longer.

My brother, Mike is back in the hospital now. He has a high fever and a nasty rash from head to toe. He is very miserable right now. His white blood count is extremely low right now too. He looks to be in for a week or more. Cancer really stinks for everyone involved. It affects so many people, not just the person that has it. Mike is still waiting for a bone marrow donor. It is his only chance of getting better.

I started a summer reading program of the Bible. It's one that I can read the Bible in 90 days. They said that if you were diligent you could do it. Well, things happened this last week and I got behind. Now I need to try and catch up. I would like to complete it before I have to go back to work this Fall.

Summer has been good so far. It hasn't been real hot yet so that is nice. No really bad storms yet either. I don't mind the cooler days. It could stay around 72 to 75 degrees with no humidity all the time as far as I'm concerned.