A Christmas Greeting and Tribute

This might be the first year since 1997 that I haven't sent a Christmas card. Let me just say this: I'm sorry you didn't get to open an envelope with the Kramers slapped into a Snapfish holiday template with a carefully selected sentiment. I could blame many things (including a lack of ambition), but I'm going to point a finger at the one culprit we're all so entirely sick of. Congress. 

Kidding.

Actually, Doug and I got COVID right around Thanksgiving. Certainly, it put a wrench into that holiday and the few weeks after. But we were thankful we were able to celebrate a beautiful family wedding before we got sick. Almost the entire Kramer clan (including a very, very pregnant niece who lost her mucus plug and gave birth to a perfect baby girl a day later.) Our kids got to experience their first time being in a wedding party. Alex made a smashing toast as Maid of Honor. And Cole just got smashed. Cole's adorable girlfriend, Anna, also attended her first Shelby County wedding. It's been rumored that she regarded it as the best weekend of her life.

Mikayla and Adam's wedding was certainly a celebratory event of the year, because there's been a few health challenges in the family. And most recently, some heartbreak. But overall, we have much, much to be grateful for. In true bullet point fashion, here's a few highlights from 2021:

• Alex sold her car. She made the adult decision to lesson her carbon footprint and use a bicycle to traverse the hills of Denver. And the extra snaps in her account has the added bonus of allowing her to pay rent. (And not to brag, but she made music editor at 303 Magazine.)
• In addition to the successful completion of 1.5 years in college and working a job, Cole grew a mustache. (Again, not to brag, but it was nearly all filled in.)
• Doug had a busy year with harvest, but was happy to have his wife take off work for a half of a day to drive a tractor for him. He also happens to raise the most lovely cows you could ever meet. They're practically pets whom I never think we should sell.
• Stef drove a tractor. Doug still thinks she should keep her bank job.

As a family we vacationed in Colorado where our pretty daughter resides (thus, the traversing through Denver comment). It took Doug and I an hour to park in a lot we could see across the street from our hotel. Anyone who has driven in the 5-points area, will understand that the problem wasn't completely us. It was probably 75% us. 25% Denver street design. It was a feat. We also made our way north to quaint little Estes Park where we toured the Overlook, ahem, I mean The Stanley Hotel where we were equally disappointed and relieved not to witness any paranormal activity.

Doug and I continue to cheer on our beloved Hawkeyes, making a few weekend trips to Iowa City to cheer them on. Oh yeah––and to see our son. As has been the status quo, we become hopeful, then in an instant, our hearts are broken. I am speaking of the Hawks. Not the kid. We are happy to discuss the Hawks' travails and losses with our parents, who have known the joy and heartbreak longer than us. But they raised us to endure.

Speaking of joy and heartbreak, I must end this blog with a tragedy and a tribute. Our Percy took his last run down the highway yesterday. For the last twelve years, the little dog has filled our hearts with joy, laughter and love. Two days ago, we took this picture in front of the tree. It only took sixteen times for us to get Percy to sit still. But we did. And it will be our last.  Yesterday, my husband quoted John Grogan as we were all grieving for the loss.

"A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart, and he'll give you his."

Rest in Peace, our stinky little barker. We love you.