It’s BIRTHDAYYY MONTH! I should probably say sorry in advance because you’re going to here that a lot over the next ~30 days. Only fitting that I start Monday Musings – Vol 10 off with that, ya know!? Just ask my dad…in his speech at our wedding reception, he said a bunch of nice things and then said directly to Kyle ‘enjoy birthday month.’ LOL. No shame!

What we accomplished…

KRUSE FAMILY PICTURES! Despite a hot mess of issues leading up to the actual photos, we got them done. Kyle forgot his shoes {at home…we were 2.5 hours away from home}, the power went out at Kyle’s parents’ in the middle of curling my hair and the wind was 30+mph with some wicked gusts. Oh and Braxton spit up a few times. Navy was a smart choice with him! 😉 But ya know what? They turned out damn good! I mean from what the sneak preview showed at least. We’re all obsessed! If you’re in central-ish Iowa, I highly recommend Meythaler Photography. Dan was great! Ok, now onto the outfit details that y’all have been slamming me for…

My look: Dress (size small) also love THIS ONE / Fedora (Light Taupe) / Booties (Natural Suede) | Kyle’s Look: Jeans / Shirt / Shoes (borrowed from his dad, thank goodness!) | Lindsey’s Look: Sweater Dress (size XS) / Fedora (Dark Camel) / Knee High Boots | Caden’s Look: Shirt (his color combo is from last Fall but this is the exact shirt)| Ann’s Look: Cardigan (Brown) | Jeff’s Look: Pullover Sweater

What I wish…

That my sisters lived closer. And by closer I basically mean down the street. Or at least in the same town. Yes, I know we were all 4 just together in this post but the holiday season makes me realize that living in 4 different states is just pretty sucky. Like I want to be able to wander a Homegoods & Target with one of them. Or drink a sauv blanc on the patio on one of these last few nice days of Fall. Maybe have a Gossip Girl or OC marathon? Too much to ask? Apparently. Haley currently has this idea that Kyle should get a job where Adam works and we should move to Wynstone (South Dakota) and she can watch our eventual kids. I think 1) Haley & Adam should build on the 1 empty lot left in our neighborhood 2) Josh should do his residency in Omaha and 3) Janae should finish undergrad, fly her way through Optometry school & open up a kid’s eye doctor clinic in Omaha. Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about my parents. Kyle sends my mom million dollar acreages a few times a week. Which is clearly NOT their budget, but Kyle thinks hunting land > budget.

What I’m making…

Papa’s famous ‘Big D’s Spaghetti Sauce.’ Not for us though–much to Kyle’s dismay. For the neighbors! It’s Meatless Monday in our house so he has to wait one more day until he can have his helping of it. I told him ‘sorry ’bout your luck, dude.’ 🙂 I’ll be honest and say today is my first ever attempt at making it, so I’m crossing my fingers I make Papa proud or the neighbors may never let me cook for them again. The sauce isn’t complicated but I swear it’s the best you’ll ever try… He probably put a dash of love in there somewhere and that’s why it was always so good. Try it for yourself {and let me know your thoughts!} he’d be so happy if you did!

Random Ramblings…

Keeping it short on Monday Musings – Vol 10’s ramblings this week since I was so long-winded above. Apparently I write the same way I talk!

When is too early to decorate for Christmas? Just kidding. I don’t really care what anyone says…the decorating is starting SOON. This week is suppose to be in the 70s — PRAISE JESUS — so I’m sticking to pulling things out, taking inventory of what we have/need and then next weekend? Operation Winter Wonderland begins! The effort I put into Christmas decor HAS to be enjoyed for more than just a few weeks. Sorryyy but I’m NOTTT sorry. Remember…it’s birthday month so what I say goes! Also, y’all know I’m not one for signs but that JOY sign below did come home with me because the colors were so pretty and the quality was shockingly great for $25. Highly recommend ordering because it’ll definitely sell out quick.

I need a 50(ish)lb. dumbbell or kettle bell. BAD. My set of 35s just isn’t cutting it for leg day. The only problem? I can’t find a flipping option under like $200 with shipping… ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? So if you have any insight on where I can get one (and legit I’ll take just 1 at this point) pretty please let me know. I could also use a rack to organize my dumbbells too but I’ll just take it one thing at a time…
Wanting a new table for our entry way. Something like the vibe of THIS ONE, THIS ONE and THIS ONE but not $1,000+. Clearly I’m a fan of the arched look.