Elizabeth's 5th year

Tomorrow, at 10:21pm, Elizabeth will turn five years old. I can't believe it's been five years since we became parents. There are days when it feels like five months, and days when it feels like 15 years!!

We chose not to find out if we were having a boy or a girl during my pregnancy with Elizabeth. It was such fun to hear, "It's a girl!" and to realized that I had a daughter. I love my boys, but there's such joy in having a little girl. And Elizabeth is quite the girly girl!! It melts my heart to see her dance, to hear her say that her favorite color is pink, "... like you mommy!", to play with her hair, and play tea party while wearing a pink feather boa. Oh yes, there are moments of drama. She is, after all, a girl. And to make it worse she is JUST. LIKE. ME!!!

Five seems big. Maybe it's because she starts school in the fall. Maybe it's the realization that time keeps going, never standing still. Maybe it's that mixture of joy over the past, and sadness that's my baby girl is rapidly growing up. Regardless of the reasons, I think I'm going to be a big weepy mess today!

Enjoy these pictures of Elizabeth's 5th year.

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Happy birthday, Elizabeth! Mommy loves you, even when temperaments clash. You bring me such joy, and I'm thankful that I get to share these sweet and precious years with you. You are beautiful, and I hope that your inner beauty continues to shine through, the older you get. May the coming year bring you a deeper understanding of God! I love you!

Elizabeth's party

Today we had Elizabeth's birthday party! She chose to have a Madeline party, which was a bit of a challenge. If I had to sum up Elizabeth's party, I would say it was a Madeline in Pink Paris party. For decorations, I was able to get some real pictures from Paris, pink streamers, pink balloons and pink scrapbook paper for place mats. My Mom found the pink Eiffel tower centerpiece and the pink Eiffel tower cups. We also had "Happy Birthday Elizabeth" written in French and put up around the house.

Me and the birthday girl.

Rather than cake, we had pink parfaits with chocolate "decorations". They matched Elizabeth's birthday dress which was pink and brown, as well as all the pink and brown decorations. The hesitant look on her face is from the sparkling candles, which is also why there are only two candles.

All the party goers. Aren't they sweet??

Elizabeth and I with Alexis and Christi. On of my favorite pictures of the day.

Daddy and his birthday girl.

Curtis' Dad and Melinda came into town to help us celebrate. It's been great having them here with us and they were a HUGE help in getting ready for the party.

Scary Day

Today scares me a little.

Potty training is going well. Benjamin had his big breakthrough yesterday, and went potty all on his own, without any prompting! But obviously, we're still not at the finish line, and another training day is ahead of me.

Yesterday, Micah spent most of the day on the couch with a low grade temp. After a really good nap, he seemed to be back to normal. After dinner, Curtis took the kids on a walk while I worked on some cleaning. Micah came back exhausted, and started running a temp during the night.

One kid potty training, one kid sick.

And poor Elizabeth is just going stir crazy. She needs to get out of the house, which was my goal for today. But that was before Micah was sick again. I sympathise with Elizabeth, but don't appreciate the bad behavior that's coming with going stir crazy.

And Curtis has class till 6:30 tonight.

All that to say, I'm a little scared of what today might bring.

Potty training quote of the day

Benjamin has discovered "Little Ben" (know what I'm talking about?). It's rather annoying and somewhat disturbing to see my two year old pay so much attention to his new favorite body part. This evening, while we were waiting on the cookies to come out of the oven, Curtis told Benjamin, "Quit! You don't go around playing with your elbow all day, do you?"

LOL!!!! If only it was that simple.

Potty Training

Yesterday I bit the bullet and started potty training Benjamin. So far, it's going exactly how I expected, which is good and bad. I'm glad that it's not worse than I was expecting, but at the same time I wish it was happening better then I was expecting.

When I potty trained Elizabeth, it took four days. It was painful, I thought I was going to go a little crazy, then I did go a little crazy, but it worked! I took the naked kid approach. I let her roam around for a day or two totally naked, cleaning up messes as they happened, using M&M's to rewards successful trips to the bathroom, not freaking out over the mess, and doing lots of cheering. I attempted this approach with Micah, but it just didn't work because I was tutoring this fall. The process for him was a lot more drawn out. I find the key for my kids is going straight from a diaper to underwear. Pull-ups are just too much like a diaper, they don't know the difference, nor do they care to figure out that there is a difference. And, as with all parenting, consistency is the key! Dang it!!

So here we are on Day 2. Benjamin spent all day yesterday and this morning naked as a jay bird. After nap time, he went into big boy underwear. The first pair lasted about 15 minutes. But the 2nd pair is still dry, and we're going on two hours!!

As far as rewards, he gets a piece of candy (lifesaver or smartee) when he goes potty in the toilet AND has not had an accident. When potty training Elizabeth, she would have an accident, then squeeze out a couple drops, expecting a piece of candy. Amazing how quickly they work the system!

The true test will be when I let him out of the house in underwear and clothes. As of now, I'm hoping that will be tomorrow evening. But if there's one thing I've learned about potty training, it's that there's not point forcing something to happen that isn't ready to happen.

And I'm very sorry to those of you (Shannon!) who were bored to sleep by yet another parenting post. :-) I'll try to get some pictures soon! But not of potty training.

Homeschool stuff!

At the tail end of our trip to Wichita, Curtis and I attended a two day homeschool conference. I had started looking at curriculum, but the teacher in me said I had to hold it, look at it, anazlyze it, research it, and love it before I could commit to buying it. Day 1 I had one goal in mind: pick a math curriculum. Before going to some workshops, Curtis and I headed to the curriculum sale. We took one look at the numerous booth, and decided to go the bathroom first. With empty bladders, and a deep breath, we dived in!

By the end of the day, we had more options then we knew what to do with!! Saxon, Singapore, Math U See, Abeka, Bob Jones... oh my!!! We did what any new homeschooling family would do. Ran home and picked my mom's "12 years of homeschooling" brain.

Not only were we overwhelmed with thoughts on curriculum, but we had also been to several workshops and seminars learning tons about homeschooling. There were so many options on workshops, and we were thrilled to see some that almost seemed tailor fitted to us. "I've decided to homeschool, now what?" was one of our favorites.

Day 2 arrived, and we headed back to the convention center to once again, decide what math program to use AND what phonics program to use. Here's what we're doing (all homeschooling vets out there, please feel free to give opinions! Nothing has been purchased yet)

Singapore Math

Saxon phonics

Handwriting Without Tears

For science, we're planning on lots of nature walks, and having Elizabeth keep a nature journal. We'll also be "growing" butterflies, and keeping an ant farm. I've heard lots of positive things about introducing children to Creation, and that simply being the "curriculum" for science in kindergarten.

For Bible we'll continue what we're already doing which is memorizing the Children's Catechism. Elizabeth will also be memorizing more scripture, and I'm thinking of doing the Bible memorization ABC's.

Not only were we able to make some decisions about homeschooling, we were able to really feel like a homeschool family! Being with other homeschool families, talking with people, hearing stories, receiving encouragement and just planning for this coming school year was really exciting.

I think I'm going to love being a homeschool mommy!!! (Will someone please remind me of that later, if needed?)

The Krajca Boys go to Sunday school

For the summer, Micah and Benjamin are in the same Sunday school class. I was at first concerned about how their behavior would be, since it's very clear that the two of them enjoy not only getting into trouble together, but taking trouble to a whole different level. So far though, they seem to be doing very well.

I wish I could be a fly on the wall of their classroom! So they sit by each other during snack time? Does Micah help Benjamin with the new things he may encounter? So they totally ignore each other?

Not only do these pictures mark the boys being together for Sunday school, which will happen again since they are so close in age, but it also marks the first time since we've joined WPC that we haven't had a child in the nursery during the Sunday school hour! Wohoo!!!

Justin's Graduation

Yesterday, we were able to travel to Ft. Worth to see our oldest nephew graduate from highschool. How strange that just over a week ago, I was with our youngest nephew, changing diapers and swaddling!

Curtis, Micah and Elizabeth find Justin's name in the program, and give a thumbs up! Yay Justin!!!
The Krajca Boys. Chris (Curtis' brother, and Justin's dad), Justin, Curtis and Micah, Benjamin and Charles (Curtis' dad).

Krajca cousins, though we were missing Justin's sisters Charleigh and Shelby. There are six Krajca Cousins, Justin is the oldest followed 13 years later by Elizabeth.

Justin and Uncle Curtis

It was a very special day, marking a very important time in Justin's life. He will be turning 18 later this coming week, so we celebrated many milestones yesterday! It was bittersweet as we were all missing Justin's Grammii (Curtis' mom) very much. I so wish she could have been there to celebrate with Chris, Terra and Justin, to tell Justin how proud of him she is, and to have tons of fun with all her new grandbabies. We were again thankful for the hope that we have in Christ, knowing that we will see her again!

And since we've had a lot of boy pictures, here's a little girliness!

Benjamin's birthday

Benjamin's birthday was over two weeks ago, but I just had to post some of the pictures from the fun day we had. Though it was a very busy day, it was a special day. As parents, birthdays are days to remember and reflect over the goodness God has shown your children. With everything Benjamin's been through in his young life, we felt and even stronger desire to celebrate and praise God. He is good, and we are so thankful for how richly he has blessed Benjamin.

An ice cream sandwich with a candle for the birthday boy. The Bolline family. Adam and Benjamin were swimming buddies. Crazy little maniacs!! Will and Benjamin, still great buddies!!! The Kastners. Remember Zak, who had the same surgery as Benjamin? Now they are sweet friends!

Christi and Anthony. Don't you love the look on Anthony's face??

Michael preforming his birthday tradition.... shoving an entire cup cake in his mouth. Benjamin was watching a little too closely for my liking.

The Arnolds. We were bummed Mr. JimBob couldn't make it.

Alexis and Elizabeth freezing their skinny butts off!"My THOMAS!!!!"Buddies

Already????

We're home!!!

We got home shortly after 8, and started getting the kids ready for bed fairly quickly. They were all very tired, and very hot, and missing their family in Kansas. Micah seemed especially upset, and asked me to pray with him and put him to bed. Since this rarely happens, I was savoring the sweet "I Want My Mommy" moment.

After we prayed, and sang the Doxology, I told him I was going to give him lots of kisses. He turned his sweaty little face away from me, and told me, "No kisses. You can just hug me."

Already?!?! I know we will reach the point where mommy is no longer then sun in his universe. I know he will gravitate towards his daddy to learn guy stuff. And I know if I do my job right, he won't need me, call me, or want to be kissed all over by me.

But already?

Here's hoping it's just a phase.

Loose Krajcas out on the town!

This evening, my parents and sister graciously watched our three children as well as the three children of our friends David and Susanne.  That would be six kiddos, ages 5 to 2!  The mommies and daddies were able to our on a double date!  Such fun!

As you can see form the gentleman's lovely demo, we ate at a tasty restaurant called Carrabas.  Yum!!!
Don't Susanne and I look cute??  My jewelry is some of the jewelry that I got while in Atlanta.  $3 for the necklace AND the matching earrings.
And, of course, a picture of Curtis and I.  Awww!!!

The Looses are such a sweet family.  I have gotten to know Susanne through phone calls, e-mails, and Face Nook.  But this was the first time that we've really been able to get to know them as a couple.  It was tons of fun!

My parents and Shannon were awesome!  I so appreciated how they willingly gave of their evening to give us an evening out.

A poopy day for Elizabeth

Yesterday, had her first run in with dog poopy. As you can tell, she was quite distressed about the entire situation.

See, you just thought you were having a bad day!

Bullets

So much to blog, so little time.  Here come the bullets!

• We are all back together in Kansas!!  I'm thrilled to be back with my family, though I'm really missing my sister, sweet baby Jeremiah, and Matt.
  
• After leaving Georgia, I've decided that Elizabeth and I belong in the south.  We both love sweet little girl dresses, smocking, big bows, gingham and all things monogrammed.  While I was in GA, I went to this great little store!  They had the most adorable bags, purses, onsies, mugs, and jewelry.  Lots of cute, cute, and CHEAP jewelry.  I'll have to post pictures of all my great finds.  We also went to a kids' store where I was able to buy sweet dresses or Elizabeth.  Never before have a I seen so many sweet dresses.  Sigh.  Maybe I should move to the south?
  
• I'm a fan of the show John & Kate Plus Eight.  Have been for awhile.  This past Monday, the new season started, and just made me sad.  It's the reality that you don't want to see.  And I wonder how much of their actions is real at this point.  It's just sad.
• I'm looking forward to heading home to Texas, where I know it will be summer!  This morning in KS, it's 55 degrees.  The high is going to be in the low 70's.  Great weather, but I'm ready to use those pool passes!
• When I flew to GA, it was the first time in 16 years that I had flown.  I've decided that flying in very convenient and I love how quickly you can go from one place to the next.  However, I've learned that I'm not a fan of flying.  The whole process is so crazy and stressful.  I'm not scared of actually flying, just the process of getting on and off the airplane.
• We are staying in KS till Sunday morning.  Today and tomorrow are low key days, where we have a few fun activities planned.  Then on Friday and Saturday, Curtis and I will be going to a homeschool conference.  We are very much looking forward to hopefully learning some new things, and making some decisions about this coming school year.
• I'm reading a book called "Wild at Heart".  I'm intrigued, but not overly impressed.  More thoughts on the book when I'm done.

I think that's it!  We're off to drink some coffee, run to Target, and maybe see a movie. 

My sweet kids

My Dad just made my day by posting pictures AND a video of the kids. Go to his blog to share in the exciting day they had in Kansas.

Still Alive!!!!

Miss us???? We are all alive and well, just doing a lot of traveling.

Benjamin's birthday party went so well! I'm hoping to post pictures, but don't hold your breath at this point.

Last Tuesday we drove up to Wichita, KS.

Last Thursday, I left to fly to GA to see my sister and brother-in-law and to meet my new nephew. I hadn't flown in 16 years, and that adventure is an entirely different post. But I made it in one piece, with stories to tell!

While I'm in GA, Curtis and the kids have been spending time with my parents. They've been quite busy!! Curtis took Micah to a minor league baseball game, and took Elizabeth on a date to see a movie and have dinner. There have also been trips to the park, bubble baths in the big, fishing, sleeping in the tent.... lots of fun!

I've had a blast with my sister! Jeremiah is the sweetest baby ever, and I've been soaking up every minute with him.

Hopefully, more pictures will come soon. But now, I've got to go take pictures of my sweet nephew!

favorite picture of the day

I have 167 picture from today. But this is my favorite.

The day was tons of fun! I can't wait to blog about all we did in only 14 hours. The party was wonderful! We had a great time with our friends. Even though it was a little cooler than we would have liked, the kids still played in the water! There were a lot of blue lipped children!!

More to come soon!!

But we're leaving tomorrow for almost 2 weeks in Kansas. So don't hold you're breath!

Happy Birthday Benjamin!

Tomorrow is Benjamin's 2nd birthday. It will be a busy day, with presents, do-nuts for breakfast, going to Chuck E's house for lunch, and a Choo Choo party in the evening.

I can't believe that the baby of the family is turning two! This past year I have watched Benjamin change from a sweet baby to an even sweeter little boy. Compared to his first year of life, things have been much calmer, and I am very thankful for how richly God has blessed us. We pray that this next year will bring more blessings as Benjamin continues to grow and learn about God.

We love you Benjamin!! You are a delight, and we are so thankful to have you as part of our family! We look forward to seeing you grow and change in the coming year.

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Prayer for my children

Normally, Curtis puts the children to bed. This involves praying with them, saying the "blessing", and singing the Doxology and Gloria Patri. That was his time with the kids. Since the past semester has been anything but normal, I've gotten in on the bed time routine. It's turned into a beautiful time of family worship. We practice the catechism, read Dangerous Journey or a story from their Bibles, learn hymns, have time talking about stuff (recently, it's been about confessing our sins :-)) and then we pray.

Tonight was a little abbreviated since our entire evening was running later than normal. As Curtis was quickly praying for our children, I chuckled when he prayed, "And Lord, please help the children to sleep well so they don't freak out at Benjamin's birthday party."

AMEN!!!!

Maybe we should make the request of non-freaking out children to be a regular request.

Birthday Re-do

Since yesterday was a very busy day, and we weren't with the kids, Curtis offered to have a birthday re-do this morning. He let me sleep in, which hasn't happened in a long time! Then he and the kids brought me breakfast in bed. The kids were adorable as they came marching in singing "Happy Birthday". Elizabeth was carrying the bow of strawberries, Micah was carrying the plate with my favorite do-nuts and some coffee cake, and Benjamin marched in with a fork!

Aren't I pampered!!!

The ups and downs of life

Today was a strange day. And today has nothing on tomorrow.


Tomorrow we'll be meeting the new daughter of some very good friends.


Tomorrow we will also be going to the funeral for the father of our best friends.

We will be driving to San Antonio tomorrow to attend the funeral of Michael's dad. Our hearts break for the Findleys. We know the pain that they are going through, and the hard road that they are walking. But we've never had to do it with a four year old watching. We mourn with the Findley, yet at the same time rejoice in the knowledge that Michael's dad is in Heaven. Our desire is to be there to encourage Micahel, and his family, as they say good-bye.

After the burial, we will be able to go meet Kaelyn, the daughter of our friends Daniel and Molly. We will get share in the joy of holding a new baby, and see the pride and joy on her parents' faces. Our desire is to be there to encourage Daniel and Molly as they say hello.

Please keep the Findleys in your prayers. It's never easy to lose someone you loved so much. Michael and Christi have shown so much strength and grace during this time. I'm not surprised though, just impressed. :-)

So many emotional ups and downs, all in one day. How thankful I am that in the midst of the ups and downs, God is faithful, good and loving.