Blog Schmog

Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. I anticipate it every year and this year was no different but I too am glad that it is all over. I typically wait for after the New Year to take down the tree, but we boxed that baby up 27th. My grandmother decorated an absolutely beautiful tree this year with new decorations and I have big plans for mine next year.
Anyways, I have not had it in to me blog about much of anything hence the title above. So whats been going in the Krayca house??
John and his Dad worked on the basement quite a bit over Thanksgiving. They framed a bedroom and bathroom and ran electrical throughout. He is pretty excited about getting it finished ONE day... Thanks Wayne and Kathy for all the help. It is very much appreciated!

John Wayne has been working the 330-1200 shift for awhile now. One of the company's supervisors was diagnosed with bone cancer. He is only 46 and they think he has had it for 5 years. Unfortunately the prognosis is not good and he is currently undergoing chemotherapy. It is so unbelievably sad and we will continue to keep praying for him and his family. John has been covering his shift in the meantime. He will be training a new supervisor in the coming weeks so I will hopefully have my husband back. Its like being a single mother all over again when I get home with the boys and he is gone. During this time I did insist that John see the doctor for a check up for peace of mind. He had not had one since his basketball days. Glad to say the results came back A-OK.

I broke down and had a MRI a few weeks ago for back/leg pain I have had for 8 years. Doctors say its Sciatica and so I had done a physical therapy a few times and seen chiropractors for years which keeps things tolerable. Ive had this pain since I was prego with Gabriel and just comes and goes and since having Jackson it has become a permanent pain in my ass (literally). The MRI showed a bulging disc. They have set me up to have a seres of Epidural Steroid injections and I had my first yesterday. The plan is to get where I can clean the house without being in so much pain and most importantly get exercising more. This is important because, I have been asked 3 times this month " Girl, are you knocked up again" ( stupid girl at nail salon) "So whens the baby due" ( hag at the shoe store) and then last but not least the nurse says to me yesterday as we are walking to the procedure room....looking at my stomach " Honey are you pregnant?"
Each time I just want to punch them in their face and then make an appointment for a tummy tuck! So with the holidays over finally..I am going back to counting weight watchers points and exercising. I am hoping that I can come across a used treadmill or some sort of equipment to keep me going in the upcoming snowy months.

Gabriel and Jackson are doing well. Gabe has been on Christmas break for 2 weeks now and does not go back until the 6th. He loved every minute of the holidays and having family over and going to grandpas house.. He just loves when the family gets together. It makes him really happy.
Jackson had his first ear infection last week which was a bummer because it somehow "overflowed" into his eyes and turned them blood red. He has been on antibiotics and is doing much better. He turned 10 months on the 26th. He is 25lbs and walking all over. We have to try and keep all the doors shut because he loves to get into the toilets...gross! He has not been really eating well over the last few weeks. He is over baby food in all forms and will only eat it if he can pick it up and put into his mouth. So cherrios, gerber snacks, diced carrots have been on the menu. Yesterday Patty said that he ate about 5 meatballs for lurch...WHat?? so I' ve gotta get some of those! He is saying Mama, Dada, Bubba, Bah Bah and Pat... He has become a real Daddys boy lately too..
Hope everyone has a Happy New Year, be safe!
I will get some pics up soon

Naughty Monkey

Jackson is all over the place these days and one of his favorite daily rituals has become climbing up to the bathtub and turning the water on and off and on and off. He thinks it is a lot of fun and we think its pretty funny too, but it sure wastes water so we are trying to keep him away from it. I found a walk behind toy not too long ago and he feels like such a big boy pushing it around. He even has figured out when he bumps into furniture that he must back it up and turn it in another direction. It wont be long and I think he will be walking. Lately Gabriel has been really good playing with him and helping me entertain him while I do chores around the house. Its obvious that Jackson is starting to watch his big brothers every move and likes to follow him around.

Sleepless in KC

John and I have decided that it is time to quit getting up 2-3 times a night to give this little stinker"a bottle. He is big enough and surely eats enough that he should be able to sleep thru the night right? We are on day 5 of the big change. The first night he cried for 1 1/2 hours which was heart breaking. The next few it was about 30 minutes but last night it was only about 5 minutes. He is crawling all over the house getting into everything possible. He thinks being told "NO" in your most stern voice is a real hoot, and will just laugh it off and continue on with his mischievous plan. He is lucky he is so darn handsome!!

Trick or Treat

Our nieces Abby and Ryliegh .. A witch and her black cat

Death Rider (A skeleton biker) and spiderman
Gabe and Connor who lives across the street.

Jackson got these silly glasses in his treat bag and of course we had to hold his arms down to get a picture of him in them..

We tried talking Gabe into being Scoobis sidekick Shaggy but he wouldnt have it. For the first time he actually wanted to dress as something scary.

Jackson was such a cute Scooby Doo, but he could not stand the hat part of course.

Wordless Wednesday

Dear Gabriel

Eight years ago there was a full moon on Friday the 13th when I went into labor with you. It was 23 hours later before you made it into this world. I didn't think I was going to live through the pain! When you finally were born you took my breath away and every now and then you still do.

You are an amazing little boy who isn't so little anymore. Some of the many many reasons that I love you so very much

because you love to snuggle with me every night.

because of the way that you say "mama".

you are so honest, you just can not bring yourself to lie to me....at least not yet..and i hope never.

you are not a bully and you are aware of others feelings.

you have the ability to adapt to all different types of kids and fit in with them all.

you love animals and want to care for them.

you love all of your family and want spend time with them.

you love all sports and I enjoy immensely watching you play them all.

your smile.

your big brown eyes.

the way your voice sounds on the telephone.

because you are such a good brother to Jackson.

because you are still so attached to your "blankie"

because you remember the things that I can not.

because you are so forgiving of me and my mistakes.

Happy Birthday Gabriel.. I love you with everything that I am. I will always try to be the best mother to you that I know how. Everyday with you is a gift.

Tagged

I have been tagged by a fellow friend/blogger Beth. Here are the rules List 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, and 3 facts about yourself.
Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names.
Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!

Joys

1. My family of course. My boys at home and all of the family members who have helped raise me and those who I have grown up with. I love them all dearly.
2. I love to cook! I wish that I could spend a lot more money at the grocery store to make all the recipes in my cooking magazines.
3. Good music.

Fears

1. Freak accidents! The horrible accidents that roll thru my mind. Example: A bumble bee stinging me right in the eyeball. Driving down the highway at 75mph and the car in front of me slamming on its breaks. Falling down stairs and not being able to catch myself and hitting every stair with my face.. I know.. I know... I am a mess but I cant help it...
2. Cancer.
3. Losing my children to sickness, kidnapper, ............wives...just kidding

Goals

1. Get to church more.
2. Lose 30 lbs before next summer. I want to wear a bikini again!!
3. Get a emergency fund built back up. Drained that puppy this year.

Obsessions/Collections

1. I am currently obsessed with CNN for about 2 hours each evening. I watch Glenn Beck everyday. He seems to be a good guy who has educated me a great deal in the last few months. Then I watch Nancy Grace.. I think she is a down right bitch but I also kind of find it amusing. Anyways. I absolutely can not get enough of the Casey(killer) Anthony story. I know she did it. It amazes me that cant keep her in prison
2. Coffee.. Didn't ever think I would be addicted but I sure am.
3. I obsess about the amount of time I spend cleaning and doing laundry..therefore I wish I had someone to clean house!

Facts

1. I have a pet peeve..saying "bless you" when someone sneezes is mandatory at our house. I believe its just something my grandmother instilled in me.
2. I am planning to have my own garden next year. I want to grow onions, squash, zucchini, tomatoes and peppers...
3. One day I will hire someone to clean my house!

Why My Grandpa Is Cooler Than Yours

The family loves you sooooo very much... so be careful out there.

Goodbye Little Kitty

Today was a very sad day in the Krayca house. This morning Captain passed away. Each morning Gabe finds the kitty and loves on him and this morning was no different. They played and snuggled for a few minutes and then got ready for the day. When we got ready to leave for school he was under the kitchen table laying peacefully but no longer with us. Gabe is sure taking it hard as expected but we all know he is with God and all the other beloved pets.

Animal House

Here are a few pics of the kiddos with Kale and Captain. Most days I gripe about the animals and the messes they make and all the running around the house that they do. THe kids just really do love them though and I suppose that makes it worth it.

Smiles

We had family pictures taken on Saturday evening.. and this little Stinker did not break one single smile for the photographer..NOT ONe.. stone cold face the entire time!!

6 months old

Baby Jackson is 6 months old now. He weighed in at 21.1 pounds and 27 1/2 ' long. He is rolling around and I bet he will be crawling soon. We are pretty sure there are some teeth on the way out. I can see the shape of them through his gums.. He is still drooling and gnawing on everything. Today when I picked him up from his sitter. Ms Patty said that when she went to check on him while napping he had sat up and was just playing around. He is such a big boy!!!

To All Dog Owners

If you have a dog ...click on this blog title...

Four Wheeling

Dear Grandpa & Grandma

I can not believe you got a 4 wheeler yesterday. It is so awesome!! I was scared at first but after I figured it out I can not wait to ride it again. When I got home yesterday I went down the street and told all my buddies about it.
I love you xoxo
Gabe ( Goober )

THE CIRCUS

Those of you who know me, know I love elephants. I do not go to the circus. Gabe has never been and Jackson will never go either.. Circuses chain‚ cage‚ and hurt animals. Even if the audience doesn’t see it‚ we know that elephants are shackled for their entire lives‚ beaten by handlers who want to establish dominance‚ and separated from their families. Animals in circuses can’t make even one decision about their own lives. They live and travel in caged squalor.
Children identify with animals. Like animals in the circus‚ children are completely at the mercy of stronger beings. If they see animals who are being humiliated and forced to perform unnatural acts‚ they get the message loud and clear that it is acceptable to bully weaker beings.
What children really want is time with their families. Having fun with their parents and siblings.
There are better ways to learn about animals than going to the circus. Volunteer at a wildlife rescue center‚ or check out a great documentary about animals in their own homes. Visit Elephants.com and see—via live video feed—elephants who now live in a spacious sanctuary after being rescued from circuses and zoos.

Learn more at peta2.com

First Times

We have had a couple of firsts the last few weeks.. Jackson had his very first trip to Chucky Cheese for his cousin Reagans birthday. It was also the 1st time Gabe has been back to Chucky Cheese since he was 2. He has been haunted by that giant rat since that day he huddled under the birthday party table screaming bloody murder. Over the years we have opted out of many birthday parties because he would not step foot in the place..He has always been freaked out by people in costumes.. This day he really was brave and knew it was time to face the fear. As we were driving there he said to John and I... " I am just going to have to suck it up and be a man" and thats exactly what he did.. The big mouse didnt bother him a bit. Were proud of you Gabe, its about time.


Gabe's first day back at school was Tuesday. He is in 2nd grade now and I can hardly believe it. He loves school and makes friends so easily. I am taking him in the mornings and then a local daycare picks him up after school and he stays there for an hour.. He told me this afternoon when I picked him up that he is sort of embarassed when the van picks him up because he is the only kid his age that goes there from his school and he has to sit with the "little kids" who are being picked up by another daycare. Awwwh..darn it... kind of hurt my feelings. I just wish I could let him walk home but he is still too young. Here is a pic of him in his new school clothes.

My niece Sienna Claire had her 1st birthday yesterday. My brother and Vanessa brought her out and we had dinner and cookie cake.. Happy Birthday Claire Bear.. We love you gobs!!

Whats in a Name

A fellow blogger posted a similar blog and challenged me to do the same..Just a little history of how our names came about. Thanks for idea Beth.

JOHN WAYNE

What a cool name! His fathers name is Wayne and his grandfathers name was John so put the to together and obviously it is John Wayne. Most people do call him by both names and sometimes JW. Krayca on the other hand is a mystery.. We think its origin its Czech and when I have went to google and learn about it, there is very little. NO one ever pronounces it correct!


MELISSA ANN

I have been told that I was named after the song "Sweet Melissa" by the Allman Brothers. The song is about a Gypsy who wanders along thru life. I of course love the song and always turn it up when I hear it. I feel like it was written just for me. Ann is my mothers middle name as well. I really have never had a nickname. I despised MISSY growing up. Some people will call me MEL and I don't mind that.

GABRIEL VAUGHN

I liked Gabriel and also like Trayce quite a bit. Both names were on the dry erase board in the delivery room. When I saw his little face , he was definitely an angel so Gabriel it was. There was no particular reason Vaughn became his middle name. I just liked it and have also always been a big fan of the actor Vince Vaughn. He started a Montessori school at two years old and one day I picked him up and he was Gabe.. At first it bothered me because I didn't plan on calling him Gabe and how dare they just take it upon themselves to change it....but now he prefers to be called that.

JACKSON WAYNE

This little boy was a challenge to name.. I thought how cool would it be to be John Wayne JR.. since its a family name and again such a cool name. We had a few warnings from other JR's about the trouble and annoyance it can be to have the same exact name when it comes to legal documents and mail etc... John didn't really care if his name was John but really wanted to carry on Wayne.. I actually wanted to name his Brooks Wayne Krayca and John preferred Jackson Wayne.. He thought Brooks sounded like a girl name but I thought it was less common because I only had just met a Co worker named Brooks. The name was popular in 1974 1975 and has died off...Also my grandfather has done a whole lot of research of our family beginnings and come to find out my great great great ( i actually dont know how many greats) grandfather was JOHN JACKSON HAGGARD SMITH. So there is some heritage to his name as well. I really didn't realize it but there are a whole lot of Jacksons running around right now. O well..just one Jackson Wayne Krayca as far as I'm concerned. He goes by a lot of nicknames right now. Jack , Baby Blue, Chunky butt, Stinky, ROlli Polli.

JACK IS COMING BACK TO KANSAS

I CAN NOT WAIT..THE CONCERT IS NEXT WEEK..FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DONT KNOW, I FANCY THIS GUY QUITE A BIT. HE IS A LYRICAL GENIUS AND MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.. IT WILL BE MY 3RD TIME SEEING HIM IN CONCERT. IT RAINED THE 1ST 2 TIMES AND STILL WAS UNBELIEVABLE. THIS SONG IS FROM HIS VERY FIRST ALBUM AND ONE OF MY FAVS..HIS MOST RECENT ALBUM WAS RECORDED IN A STUDIO THAT RUNS ON COMPLETE SOLAR POWER..HE IS A GOOD GUY! ENJOY WWW.JACKJOHNSONMUSIC.

Welcome aboard CAPTAIN

We have a new addition to the Krayca family.. Captain is our new kitty.. he is 13 weeks and so far he hates Kaledog!! This will be a tricky few days trying to get them both acclimated. He is pretty cute. John has really been wanting a cat since Bugsy went AWOL on us after we moved into the new home. So I surprised him today with the little guy.

Happy 50th Birthday Dad

We all miss you very much.. I think of you often and wish you were still here..... to call me every day with absolutely nothing to talk about, to tell me to get my kids to church, to meet Jackson. I know you are finally at peace in heaven and I am thankful each day that you are no longer in so much pain. You were a generous soul and I hope that I can be half as forgiving of others as you were... i love you dad xoxoxo

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”

Ice Cold Lemonade (Pics for last post)

Thanks Auntie Alisha for watching me all week. Sorry for being a fussy butt..

Gabes Lemonade Stand

Cousins: Gabe, Abby,Ryleigh, Jack, Reagan and Reese

The Sandlot

My Tye Dye Boys

Full House

I'm starting to wonder if I can keep up with this blog. I feel guilty for not having posted for a few weeks and I just got started. Oh... well. The Krayca house has been busy.. We have had a lot family here this last week and that's a blessing in itself.. I have taken lots of pictures of the kids so I will get them up soon...Some things we have been up to....

Going to the Gardner pool or shall I say Aquatic center...its really a nice place. They have expanded it tremendously. There is a lazy river and 3 pretty big tube slides. I accompanied the kids down those and have some bruises to show for it.

Trip to Deanna Rose Farmstead.. That place has really come a long way in the last few years as well. It really is a beautiful place.. They have a butterfly/birdwatching trail with massive wind chimes that hang from trees..Its really neat.

Trip to the doctor for Jackson.. we were just sure that he was either teething or had an ear infection. He hasn't been sleeping worth a darn. John and I are getting up numerous times a night with him and he also has been drooling and chewing fingers and even pulling at his ears.. So I took him to the doctor on Tuesday and the doctor says his ears look perfect and no swollen gums.. I'm not sure what he is up to but he has been a real stinker! He also gained another pound since the end of June. 19.8lbs.

Gabe had a lemonade stand and all his cousins helped him run it.. It went pretty well. He made about 15 dollars give or take from the neighbors closest to us. They all paid well over the 25 cents. They would wave at the cars hoping they would stop and they wouldn't.. I don't know how they could resist with all those cuties out there..

John got a promotion at work.. He is now the Assistant Plant Manager... I am sooo proud of you dear... you deserve it!!! You have really come a long way in 6 years..

John also finished putting up our privacy fence and it looks really good. It sure feels good to just let Kaledog out and not have to put him on the tie out. John is such a handyman and really enjoys building things.. Thank goodness for me. Next he is planning to pour some more concrete to extend our patio in the back.

Gabe took field trip to Allen Field House in Lawrence with his summer camp.. He said he met Sherron Collins and two linebackers. He didn't know their names but said they both had beards..LOL He has a field trip to the Shatto Dairy Farm tomorrow.

I will try and get some pics up soon... Until then
Peace

Chunky Soup

Jackson went for his 4 month check up today. He weighed in at 18.6 lbs and 27 1/2 inches long.. The nurses just went ga-ga over him.. The doctor said everything looks good and he can start cereal for now and in a few weeks baby food. Little does he know , Jack has been on rice cereal for quite awhile now in his bottles. I don't follow rules very well. So we started carrots that day and he seems to really dig them...

Gabes vacation

Talked to Gabe last night. They had been swimming and were now waiting on room service to bring dinner to them. Gabe had ordered spaghetti. When they had got back to the room the staff had two plates set out with their names written in chocolate syrup.. On the plate was a rice crispy treat shaped like an arch, cookies and jelly beans.. They really are living like little princes, even had their own robes. Carlie says they have been on their best behavior and are getting along sooo well. I am sure happy to hear that! I'm also jealous.. how neat that I can get pics of his vacation while he still on it.