The Krausz Hausz

Prayers....

2010-10-26T15:16:00.001-07:00

To my dearest friends,

It is a very rare occurance that I actually am seeking prayers for myself, but today is the day that I am really needing you to lift me up to Him. I have been having quite a bit of abdominal pain for the last month, but I just dismissed it as cramps. After being constantly prodded by my dear mother, I went to my OB today. I have been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst the size of a grapefruit. This diagnosis terrifies the living poop out of me because of just how serious and life-threatening they can be. He sent me home with an antibiotic, pain, and nausea meds to be on "extreme light duty" until I go back to him next Tuesday. He thinks it will shrink a little over the next week and he plans to scope me and then drain it surgically. When you are saying your prayers this evening, please send one up for me to have the strangth and peace to rest and overcome this obstacle. I love you all and thank you more than words can express for being so special in my life.

<3 Crystal Michelle Center Krausz

New Enterprise High School!

2010-05-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

3 years is such a short blip on the radar of eternity

2010-02-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, Paul challenged us to forget what was behind and strain toward what is ahead. “Press on,” he said, “toward the goal to which God has called us.” (Philippians 3: 13-14). . . the Lord had spoken these words through Isaiah, “Those who hope in the Lord, will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40: 31). . . Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest . . . for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11: 28-29) These words are a source of strength, indeed.

What will it be like, to begin a school day at 7:55 . . . to run a normal schedule . . . to have school bells punctuate the daily routine . . . to have a permanent shelter from the elements . . . for students to have their own parking place near the building . . . their own lockers, instead of big ol’ backpacks or chunky purses? What will it be like, to have our own place; one that is not scattered, rickety, or shared?

Three years can be quite a long time . . . and tomorrow, it will have been three years since our community was devastated and our high school destroyed by powerful winds of nature. In those three years, we have traveled through . . . a tunnel . . . and with its share of dark days . . . but there have been some bright rays, too. Encouraging friends, a patient local populace, and untiring co-workers have certainly provided much-needed light. But, the true heroes, the ones who have shone the brightest, have been our students. They are the ones, who have continued to build, anyway . . . to dream, anyway . . . to believe, anyway . . . to love, anyway . . . to sing, anyway . . . and I want to be like them.To borrow a few words, “God is great, but sometimes life ain’t good, and when I pray, it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should, but I do it, anyway . . . I sing because I’m happy, and I sing because I’m free, His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

………..Thank You, Lord, for our student leaders, during these difficult days.

* Photo #1 - my classroom
* Photo #2 - same
* Photo #3 - where I was found after it has been cleaned

http://adayinthelifeofcrystalmichelle.blogspot.com/

2010-02-27T18:10:00.001-08:00

new shiny....
http://adayinthelifeofcrystalmichelle.blogspot.com/

Alumni Band

2009-10-26T14:41:00.001-07:00

Okay so you really cannot see me BUT I still think the old farts did amazing. Enjoy!

My new playtoy for my Classroom Blog

2009-10-07T14:23:00.001-07:00

Get a Voki now!

These are so neat!

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

2009-09-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Anybody wanna buy my Wii?

welllllll I've got the Wii, Wii Fit with the pilates mat, Guitar Hero with guitar, Legend of Zelda, and two or three other kids games..... I would say $400 for all of that and we could arrange prices for less than everything if you would like.

New Enterprise High School (finished Aug 2010 hopefully)

2009-08-11T18:39:00.001-07:00

My newest purchase:

2009-07-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Those of you that know me, know that I am VERY picky with ummmm almost every aspect of my life. When Jacob totaled his car 2 weeks ago (yes he is fine) we began the hunt for another 'ride'. We looked at used car after used car, read Car & Driver magazine for safety info, crunched numbers of what we could afford, etc. etc.... After much prayer and consideration, we decided this purchase would be a more future-minded one so that we could have a very reliable family car that could hold more than one child safely. With getting a new car, my biggest concern was getting a sexy, safe, car that we could drive until the wheels fall off or we have 3 toddlers at the same time (Heaven help if that happens). Needless to say I have driven everything from a Ford to a Land Cruiser and have finally made my choice. I am now the proud new owner of a 2009 Nissan Rogue in Wicked Black (love it Stace?)!!! It is fully-loaded with every possible option including the dummy proof key that will not allow you to lock it inside. Praise be to the man! The dealership is currently in route to get my precious new baby from Pensacola so I will have it tomorrow after it is properly detailed. I will add actual pictures of the car/crossover/SUV/whatever as soon as I get it home tomorrow. And, as always, sorry for being a lame blogger.

Love,
Me

I've been married for a year?!

2009-07-03T19:29:00.001-07:00

**********SATURDAY**********
6	Pack the car, Get gas
7 8 9 10 11	Depart Enterprise DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE
12 noon 1	Eat Lunch at Vortex Bar and Grill	438 Moreland Ave Ne, Atlanta, GA 30307, US	404-875-1667
2	Check in at Hyatt Regency	265 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Georgia, USA 30303	404-577-1234 404-588-4137
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 midnight	Stone Mountain	PO Box 778 Stone Mountain Park, GA 30086	800-401-2407
**********SUNDAY **********
6 7 8	Breakfast at Marketplace Café	Next door	Next door
9 10 11 12 noon 1	Georgia Aquarium Titanic Exhibit	225 Baker St. NW Atlanta, GA 30313	404-581-4000
2
3
345- 4 5 6	Transformers in IMAX	Regal Mall of Georgia 3333 Buford Dr Suite 3000 Buford, GA 30518	678-482-9263
7
8 9 10	Dinner at Melting Pot	3610 Satellite Blvd Duluth, GA 30096	770-623-1290
11

sounds fun eh?!

Round 2- DING!

2009-06-25T20:12:00.001-07:00

My babypuppy Mylee-Ann is back in the Dog Hospital with another bowel obstruction. Pray for her to get better and pray for my sanity. =-/

What's New With The Krausz Hausz

2009-06-25T13:13:00.001-07:00

Hello bloggers! I realize that I have been a very bad little blogess the last week and, for that, I do apoligize. Things in the Krausz Hausz have been rather busy for a mommy that is on summer break. It seems as though each year I have all these plans for my summer vacation and then life hits. Surprise! =-)

Mylee-Ann:
My little missy DID get to come home from the hospital last Wednesday. She was given instructions to lay low with very little physical activity for a week. These people had my dog for a week so should have known this would be rather impossible. I will say, however, that she did quite better than I had imagined. Yesterday she went back for her check-up and had gained a total of 10lbs since she first went to that Vet. Wow! Her little ribs are starting to disappear and she even went for a run around the neighborhood with me yesterday.

Aiden-Michael:
Big brother Aiden was quite the sad panda while sissy was away at the hospital. He would literally mope around all day and even went on a 3-day hunger strike. For those of you that know my 1st doggychild, you know that he rarely goes an hour without food! I was worried about him being so excited about sissy being home, that he might hurt her or pull out stitches by trying to play BUT he was her little protector the entire week. It was so stinking cute that I should have videoed it.

Daddy:
Jake is still in summer classes at EOCC and really loves getting up at the crack of dawn for school *sarcasm*. Verizon has announced that all the Reps in Enterprise will be let go at the end of the year. Not good. So I am working hard-core on his resume and looking for new positions in the local area. If any of you know of positions for Spanish translators, feel free to pass that info along.

Mommy:
Minus spending 100% of my time watching and caring for my baby girl, I have been pretty good. Last weekend I snuck away and got to attend my 10yr high school reunion. WHAT?! It was awesome getting to see all of my girl squad from childhood. They all look amazing. We did decide though that all the boys must had drank and ate far too much in the last 10yrs because most of them are rather large. teeheee.... Now the rest of my summer is going to be spent focusing on that enormous to-do list that I created at the start of summer and preparing for a new and fun year at EHS.

Mylee-Ann's Visit: Monday

2009-06-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

Visit with Mylee- Wednesday

2009-06-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

I am so fortunate that I took Mylee-Ann to a Vet that would allow me to come and visit her everyday. I was nervously awaiting the visit all stinking day. I know I might have just been overly-excited, but she looks sooo great considering what all she went through yesterday. I took pics and a video so that you all could fall in love with my baby too. They said she still needs lots of prayers b/c her wounds have to heal before we are 'out of the woods'.

My precious Mylee-Ann Montana..

2009-06-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

I really need as many prayers as possible to go up in the sky for my baby girl today. For the last week, Mylee-Ann has been having stomach issues and would vomit once a day. I was concerned about her lack of weight gain 2 weeks ago and took her to the Vet here in town. Instead of checking her, they simply gave me the Inquisition about what, when, and how I feed her. Otherwise stated they blamed me for her size. Since she has been her natural bubbly self, I really did not suspect anything major.

Two days ago I had the breeder, Jeremy, come and check her out. He said "she is kinda small but looks awesome overall". Just to be safe he said to take her over to Ozark to the Vet where his dogs go. I called and made an appointment having absolutely no earthly idea what would happen next.

We took her back to see Dr. Deloney and he palpated her tummy for about 10 seconds. Next were the words that I hadn't expected... "Okay we need to rush her to the surgery table if we even have a shot at saving her." What?! Twenty minutes earlier she had been running around the house with Aiden playing?!

I knew that Weimerainers were prone to tummy issues, but I was told it started when they were 6 months. Mylee-Ann is only 4 months this week. So they found out that her entire small intestine had looped over top of itsself a total of 3 times. They had to remove 12 inches of her bowels before closing her back up. The Vet said that she had this problem quite a while ago which frustrates me that the other Vet just questioned me instead of checking out my precious girl.

As of this morning, they said that she still had the I.V. in her arm and that she kept down a smidge of wet food. The Vet said "she looks good but do know that she could go downhill fast at any time". I never knew how much a dog would affect my life until she is not here and I picture her lying in a kennel chewing her I.V. out (which they said she's done 3 times).

PLEASE send up as many prayers as possible for my beloved little baby this week. I am miserable. Aiden and myself are lying on the couch missing our best friend.

Twilight Party Part Two?!

2009-06-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

How many of you are in for this Saturday?

My goals for the summer:

2009-06-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I am incredibly OCD. Fact. Since I entered high school in 1997, I have NEVER had a summer off from schooling. I went to summer school each summer at EHS then straight into college where I also attended every semester possible. Now that I have finally achieved the Masters, I need a stinkin' break. But, wait, what shall I do?! Multitasking is a specialty of mine. To cure my quandry, I am making a goals list. I am going to post it and everything. (Those of you that know how flippant Jake is are probably laughing now)...

My Goals:
* Read 25 books including The Book of Mormon

* Get the new house organized so that I can have friends over

* Throw at least 3 "Girls Nights" to redeem my sanity (yours too)

* Finish my Wedding Scrapbook

* Make 2 Baby Scrapbooks

* Make my cousin's Wedding Scrapbook (can you tell I like my Cricut?)

* Learn how to use my sewing machine

* Plant a garden

* Use my Wii Fit to get me (and Jake) in shape

* Be proactive and get all my school stuff in order for the fall before it gets here

* Go to the Georgia Aquarium

* Attend a wedding (Zach Tanner)

Hmmmm I have probably missed something here. None the less I know my list might sound insane to most of you, but I need lists that are almost impossible to help me survive. Perhaps I should add "make a baby" in there to make the stakes even higher. It should be interesting to see how many of these I actually get done with.

Swine Flu?....

2009-05-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Okay. So....

There is a case of swine flu reported in our school system. Any child who fears for their safety may stay home without penalty this week and next week for finals. Until today I had never heard children jumping for joy saying "Yay swine flu!". Awkward?! Yes I think so. My only other question would be "am I a child that can fear for my safety?'....hahahhahahahah

My Papa and Jake's Birthdays

2009-05-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

My 4th Graduation in 10 YEARS!!!!!!

2009-05-11T18:59:00.001-07:00

I'm Ed-u-ma-cated!

2009-05-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hello to all of you out in the Blog World. I am VERRRRY happy to tell you that I graduated Friday with my Masters Degree in Biology Education. It has been a very long and tedious road to say the least. Through all of the bumps and bruises, I have been confident that Heavenly Father would see me through them. Examples of those lovely bumps include: (1) having a gimp arm after the tornado (2) having class at 3:30 but being in school at EHS til 5:20 after the tornado (3) having another gimp arm the next Jan (3) them telling me that there was NO WAY for me to finish on time (4) the day before graduation telling me that I could not graduate b/c I had not taken some stupid test after they already gave me documentation in writing that I was done.... Yay for Troy University! *insert sarcasm here* But I am beyond proud that I am now more educated on paper and can earn more dough for our growing family. There are more degrees that exist over and above mine, however, it would take a miracle and a half for me to attempt to go back again.

Now graduation itsself was an interesting extravaganza for sure. There were a total of 678 graduates all total that walked. They lined us up by first= associates second= bachelors THENNNN masters. So roughly estimating I graduated 600th in that ginormous line of people. Had it not been for the fact that there were hall monitor-type people, it is incredibly feasible that I would have started blogging during the ceremony about how long it was. But seriously though I was impressed that it started at 10:30 and was over by 1:00. They pretty much told us to run across the stage. I have more pictures but these will have to suffice you for now.

My new playtoy

2009-05-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

After finishing a rather rough and tedious week at Casa de' Krausz, I came home ready for a long nap. Much to my surprise, my new playtoy came in the mail and my husband had already opened it for me. What is it you say? Well to not keep you in too much suspense, I will tell you that it is (BY FAR) the neatest invention since the Ziploc bag. It's a Cricut! I must confess that I have had a sick addiction with these things for some time now. The commercials that come on at 3am are mighty convincing as to the awesome-ness of this little gadget. I have honestly found myself watching HSN on purpose just to see what other nifty things the little Cricut could do.

Last week I was talking with a colleaugue that has a scrapbooking business and I confessed my addiction. She assured me that it WAS in fact the neatest little machine and that she bought hers on Ebay for a mere $80. Hmmm. The Shopping Network says they are much more than that. I felt it was a challenge of sorts. Game on... So I created an account with Ebay and began my search. I would watch and watch to see what buyers were good and how people did their bidding (most of them dirty bidders I must say).

I randomly saw this one that said 'used' and the starting bid was a mere $39. I of course jumped in head first and honestly forgot about it. "No way this sucker will stay at that price, right?" Well much to my surprise, two days later I received an email telling me that I had one the dream of all dreams for less than $40 shipped. Thank you Heavenly Father.

I must admit though that I was leary about the 'used' part since there must ALWAYS be a catch. However I just opened the sucker up and she is brrrraaaannnnnddddd new. Could life on a Friday afternoon get much better? (I'm lame so don't laugh that a Cricut makes my week..) Now I am scattering around the house looking for scrapbook paper and testing it out. Once Jake gets home, the entire house will have nifty little notes saying "I love you" and "Cool" and "Inspiration" on them.

I think my weekend is set!

FACEinHOLE

2009-04-27T18:54:00.001-07:00

Create your own FACEinHOLE

Katie's Baby Shower

2009-04-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

"Peanut Girlz" and Beckett

Katie & myself

A few weeks ago, I had a reunion of sorts with a ton of girlfriends from high school. It was AMAZING getting to catch up with them and see where they are now. We all met at our friend Katie Rutland Nelson's baby shower. I just love, love, love her cute large belly (she's having twins). The second best was getting to reunite the 3 "Peanut Girlz". Katie, myself, and Kristy Burgess Sutton all went to the Miss Peanut Pageant the same year. I also got to see Kristy's little girl Evie (who was my flower girl) and her precious bot Beckett (aka- my boyfriend). It seems as though all of my friends are preggers right now. I mean literally all. Should I jump on the boat?.............

I need.....

2009-04-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

a girls' night out for reals...............

Grad School Blues

2009-04-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

I have got a case of the Grad School Blues today b/c I just realized that all 19863598165086 things for my graduate work is due in 3.5 weeks. Ergh! As most of you know, I am by no means a procrastinator buuuut this is just so much stinking work to get done that it requires every ounce of my attention. Perhaps I should not have waited until Friday of my break to hit it hard-core. Word to the wise: never ever ever move during the last semester of your Masters! =-)

101 Candlewood Drive

2009-04-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

Photo Journal

2009-04-15T18:42:00.001-07:00

I've built a web site called “Krausz Hausz” to share pictures and news with my friends and family. I'd like you to be a member of my site. Come check it out at http://krauszhausz.shutterfly.com/.

Lazy Spring Break Days with my Babies

2009-04-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hello to all of you out there in my blog-o-sphere!!!!

As you can tell from my incredibly clever title, this week is the Heaven known as "spring break" for us down here in Enterprise, Al. Teaching definitely has its perks let me tell you what. So I have tons and tons of pics, stories, etc to add onto here that (hopefully) will get done before my awesome week is over. Jake and I have moved into our new house (that's another whole story) and are beginning to settle in. Easter was amazingly uneventful minus the 27 chocolate bunnies that we have received from all of our parents/grandparents/etc. Normally an excess such as that would rock, but I do not like chocolate all that much. Perhaps they will turn into prizes given next week for my students doing something nifty such as making an A on my test. Until then I am cleaning, rearranging, unpacking, cuddling with my babies, and working on the last few things for my Masters. May cannot come soon enough because I am certainly ready to be done and over with my schooling forever and ever, amen!

Update on the BROKE KNEE

2009-03-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

Okay kiddies I now have more time and more pain meds in my system for an update. I figured you all deserved the REAL story (since it is so very "me").

Yesterday 6:30am:
I go to school early to get things accomplished before a meeting that I had. I dressed all kinds of cute to impress my husband (who did not even see my cuteness b/c the next time I would see him would be in a sexy size 4X gown).

7:00am:
I was heading down my trailer ramp to my meeting when Mr. Black Ice decided to jump up and bite me. Since I was dressed cute, I had on heels and slipped down the ramp on the ice. Having the cat-like reflexes that I do, I tried to catch myself and ended up in the "Superstar" pose, which left my left knee to pound into the wooden porch ramp.

7:00am and 30 sec:
Two girls noticed my 'grace' and ran over to check on me. Why are they at school at 7am?! I pretended that I was cool, cool and walked (hobbled) on my way to my meeting. We had the meeting and I refused to look at the knee or even think about the pain. I was a gymnast and a dancer for over 20yrs after all. I mean seriously...

8:05 am:
I played it cool all the way back to my trailer and then took a gander at my handywork. Lovely. It was swollen up like a dang grapefruit that has been ran over twice by a Mac Truck. I contemplated not telling anyone then reality set in that, "We are talking about me here and, if I do not, then it is likely to have Gang Green and rot off!".

8:07 am:
I walked to the nurse's office just to let her look at it and tell me to put some ice on it. WRONG ANSWER SISTER! She took one look and freaked. "Go lay down on my table. Put some ice on it. What is your mother's number at work?" And then she immediately called the principal. Is this neccessary? Ummmm yea anyways.

8:15 am:
My mother shows up and they literally carry me out to her car while every human being within a mile radius came out on the porches and watched. Awesome. She drove me to the ER where they proceeded to treat me as an amputee and loaded me onto a wheelchair.

***No this is NOT a joke so do not think I am pulling your leg. (pun intended)***

10 am ish:
They Xrayed 100 times and determined there was no significant breaks but that it was far to swollen to make a decision about the ACL, MCL, LCL, and menescus. (Sidenote: I had suregery to repair that same knee's menescus in 2004!) So they put me in an immobilizer brace that goes from my hip to my ankle b/c it is too big and they could not find and child's size (how embarassing?!). And, to top it all off, I am on crutches which work very well out in Trailerville USA.

Now:
I am VERRRRRRY grateful that it was no larger of a deal than it was. I am thankful to have Trailerville USA to teach at. I am thankful for a wonderful mommy to drive me around since I cannot fit my darn leg into the drivers' seat much less drive my standard. I am thankul for my awesome mommy-in-law that is allowing me to live on her couch propped up on her furniture. And I am eternally grateful for a hubby who decided to marry a clutz like me.

Tomorrow:
Anybody want to contribute to my "Crystal needs a plastic bubble fund"?

Seriously though, I am going to the orthopedic to see exactly what we are dealing with so PLEASE send some prayers up to the big G-O-D for me.

*****STACE & KIRA*****
Thank you for my precious note and M&Ms! I LOVE YOU TOO MORE THAN green M&Ms (which is a lot)!

(and Stace, would I ever ever ever miss our party? ummm even if I was in a body cast I would be there) <3

broke knee

2009-03-04T10:09:00.001-08:00

Well I broke my knee this morning at the trailerville. I am in a mobilizer and on crutches. My life rocks!

3/1/09

2009-03-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

I am sure that all of you have awaited my 2yr anniversary blog post. Quite honestly since we have been moving all day, the thoughts of today and the tornado flashbacks have not had time to think about it.

In simpler terms:
Look Back
Move Forward!

My little slice of HEAVEN

2009-02-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

Today during the beginning of fourth block, my advisor from Troy University popped into my classroom to do a surprise evaluation. For those of you who have no idea what this is; since I am interning in my own classroom for my Masters Degree, I have to be randomly evaluated by another teacher, my principal, and my advisor four times during this semester. Needless to say I was shocked to see her just waltz in because (without serious details being divuldged) today was not a super peachy day to this point. Yesterday's fourth block was a total waste because we were moved out of the trailers into our safe areas due to the weather; so I got zero accomplished and today was CATCH UP DAY. Despite how terrible I thought my teaching 90 mph was, she gave me a beaming evaluation and told me that I was one of the best educators that she has ever seen. Whoah times a billion. She commented on how well-behaved the students were and how actively engaged they were in what we were doing. Perhaps since I see those boogers everyday, I take for granted just how lucky I truly am. Yes. I teach everyday in a single-wide trailer that has a hole in the floor. Yes. I have 32 students + 2 teachers' assistants + myself crammed in there rain or shine. No. I do not have 90% of the technology available to me to use to enhance my lessons. But, when I was speaking with Ms. Gaston today, I realized the most important thing. YES! I have a job that I wake up every morning and am genuinely excited to be going to. YES! I have a super fantastic group of students this semester that do not mind being cramped and really do have a yearning to learn. When I ponder where I could be at this point in my life had I stayed on my original track of becoming a pharmacist, I wonder how my "slice of heaven" would differ. Yes. I would be making triple the salary of what I am currently. Yes. I would probably enjoy helping people. But there are some real hard truths of my alternate life that I am glad that I never have to wonder about. Although I am not curing cancer in my "slice" as a teacher; but, you had better believe that those little darlings will never ever be curious as to what causes air pollution or what might happen if we drill for oil in ANWR!

A new leaf...

2009-02-06T15:58:00.000-08:00

Okay guys... To all my family, friends, and blog-stalkers alike, I have a serious confession to make. I have seriously been slacking on writing to you, about you, about me, and pretty much all that might lie between. For those of you that have known me my entire life (Kristy S, Kira) you know that I have "shut down" valves installed in me that make me go bananas when too much stress is added. These last few months have been similar to the proverbial frog in the pot of steadily warming water. Here's where I come into the story. I am that frog.

While there have been no major catastrophes lately (minus 2 ER visits, and being horribly sick this week), I have felt the overwhelming pressures of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Grad school internship is not turning out to be the 'piece of cake' that I thought it would be. My shoulder is injured (still) from the tornado and I am back on rounds of medications and therapy for it. With this being said, keep in mind that I have about 2095702170357 billion things to praise about such as (1) the bestest husband in the whole world (2) you awesome friends that inspire me daily (3) the most amazing family that I could ever ask for and certainly not least (4) a loving Father in Heaven who is incredibly patient with me.

On a good note, my new classes this semester at EHS are quite possibly the most fun and intelligent group of kids that I have had yet. I was out 3 days sick this week, and got multiple emails from my kids saying that they missed me and wished I would come back soon. Sweet eh?... We are making stellar progress on our house we are building and it should be move-in-ready by March 1st or so. Although being dragged the first time, I am now in group 'therapy' with several other staff members of the high school. I think that I really was hesitant because of the whole 'OCD/perfcect complex' thing that I latch so tighly to. But we are now 3 weeks into the sessions, and the nightmares are subsiding and I can finally remember what 3rd hall looked like without being stained with blood.

So for all of you wonderful brothers and sisters out there that have sent me emails and checked in on me; thank you times a million. I daily draw strength from you all and want you to know just how much you mean to me. Now for specifics:
- Kristy Sutton: By all means have another baby! Heck; have 4 more. You are an amazing mommy. Random memory--- Driving in the "stang", feet out the window, singing Lila McCann's I wanna fall in love. Well, we did it! I love you.

- Krsity R: Congratulations on finally making it to the temple! I am so increibly proud of you that I cannot express it with words. Also accept my apologies for being a bad friend lately. I'm trying. I love you.

- Stace: Thanks for the invite to the Twilight party. I am stoked b/c I never ever get a girls night out. And thanks for being so "real" with your posts. It gives me hope more than you know. I love you.

- Kira: When I think back to when we were younger, I think of how I always knew something was 'different' about you. Fast forward about 13 yrs and I know what that something is. You have an amazing light that emulates from you and is almost infectious. When I think of how you have persevered I have hope for myself. I love you.

- Angie: Hazel is quite possibly the most perfect little angel in the world. You are a great mommy and inspiration to me. Start doing those Hip Hop Abs and get sexified for your hubby. I love you.

- Trish: To my soon to be sister--- I love you times a billion and cannot wait until May 2nd when I get to see your dreams come true. I could not be more proud of my brother for picking a gem like you. I love you.

- Jacob: Why you put up with me is still a mystery to me. None the less I am eternally grateful for you picking me. Soulmates are not as romantic when you think of it in the way that YOU picked ME out of the 29837565 billion girls that were pursuing you. I love you forever.

Our Family

2008-12-30T06:35:00.001-08:00

Get your own Family Sticker Maker & MySpace Layouts.

Wedding Photo Book

2008-12-23T10:03:00.001-08:00

http://community.shutterfly.com/gallery/post/start.sfly?postId=/gallery/1/post/GMGDJgzYOWjJg2bgK4zeAc

Happy Gobble Gobble Day!

2008-11-26T17:41:00.001-08:00

Hey all. I have been aloof due to more hospital time and being WAY sick (again). Sorry for being a bad friend. Hopefully this adorable card will make up for it!

http://www.care2.com/send/pickup/1330-6155-73579-4195

HAPPPPPY BURFDAY!

2008-11-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BURFDAY to me and my precious baby boy doggie Aiden. He turned 6 on Tuesday and I turned 28 today. Geez time really flies. It seriously feels like not that long ago I was having my sweet sixteen and my 21st. Also this week was my 7th anniversary of becoming a member of "The Church". Wow. I am getting OLLLLLLLLLLD!

TWILIGHT!

2008-11-21T06:46:00.001-08:00

Be jealous......

I totally went to the premeire showing at midnight. One word- exhiliarating!

To all my bestest friends (you know who you are).....

2008-10-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

As you all already know I am selling Mary Kay which, by the way, is super amazing. I am trying to place an order before this weekend for all of my Christmas baskets that I will be making for family and what-not. I really really really need $400 to be able to get my MK discount which is where you come in. If you would like to help me out A) I will love you forever and B) I will give you a 25% discount on anything that you order. You can either visit my website at http://www.marykay.com/cryscxfn or just give me a call and I can bring you a book. There are some really good gifts in the Limited Edition section that would be great for any teen/woman in our lives. Thanks for being my bestest friends ever! I love you all!

Awesome-O Videos

2008-10-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

I flipping love these videos. Enjoy!

My Twilight Character is.....

2008-10-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Tornadoes...

2008-10-08T11:55:00.001-07:00

....i hate them.......

Darn you for tagging me! =)

2008-10-06T18:29:00.001-07:00

Ok Stace! I will humor you with your little tagging game....

I tag: ANYONE WHO IS WILLING!

The rules: Link the person(s) who tagged you. Mention the rules on your blog. Share 5 things that others probably don’t know about you. Tag fellow bloggers. Visit their blogs to see what they put! Enjoy…

1. When I was born, I spent my first weeks in an oxygen tent b/c of pneumothorax in my lungs. That is why I only run if chased.

2. I have a seriously sick addiction to Law and Order of every type.

3. When I was 4, I actually went to Sunbeams even though I was Southern Baptist. (foretelling the future?)

4. I turned an extra bedroom into my closet b/c I have SOOOO many clothes.

5. By the time I was 6, I was dancing 40 hours a week! I've danced in NY, LA, Boston, Atl, Bham, and even for an Atlanta Falcons game. I was offered to work for Disney but then I wouldn't have met my eternal companion. (awwww)

My new business:

2008-10-04T12:31:00.001-07:00

Hey guys! I am now officially a Mary Kay consultant which I am super excited about. I just created a website that tells you all about our new products, specials for the holidays, and even has a place where you give yourself an online makeover. You should definitely check it out and let me know what you think!!!

http://www.marykay.com/cryscxfn

House Update!

2008-09-30T04:18:00.000-07:00

The seller came back yesterday with a counter-offer that was less than appetizing to us. I had prayed that if the deal was not right then Heavenly Father would close the door. Okay, so that one was slammed. My realtor had already called the builder by the time that she called me with the other information and opened another door. We are writing up plans today to build the same house (with all of our modifications) in the same subdivision for the same price. Well there ya go.... In today's market if you don't jump on a decent offer that is given to you, it is WAY too wasy for them to go somewhere else. Period end of sentence..
Granted that negotiations with purchasing land today go well, we would be moving in somewhere around Christmas instead of the original of Nov 30. Honestly that works better for our schedules anyways. Yay for Heavenly Father for being awesome!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!NEW HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-28T18:54:00.001-07:00

So we made an offer on a house today and (hopefully) that means we have a NEW HOUSE!

GAK

2008-09-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

This week in Environmental Science we were learning about each one of the biomes (tundra, rain forest, etc) and the particulars of each. Wednesday we did a lab where we made GAK which the kids loved. Basically GAK is silly putty but made with glue, water, and borax solution with coloring. Since we had been discussing how different animals were adapted to live in particular biomes, I got an insane idea. I made the students de-evolve in order to complete the lab by making them tape their opposoble thumbs down. It was so stinking hillarious to see them attempt to use the other four fingers to pour, stir, etc. Then I made them write their notes using their fingers too! Oh I am so evil but it was just priceless!!!! I am adding some pics but cropped off their faces in case any of them are in the witness protection program. (I asked if anyone was but for some reason no one would tell me hahaha)

Hello Strangers!

2008-09-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hello out there to all of our stranger friends that have been left in the dark about us for the last month! These last few weeks have been totally insanely busy with us starting school, Jacob starting school, and working. It seems like I do not have enough time to breathe anymore. Hopefully things will start to settle in as we get a routine going.

Enterprise High School Update:
We are back in school going full-force minus being out one day for weather and yesterday for an electrical short across campus. Honestly I do not even remember what it is like being in a normal school setting. I am teaching only 11-12th Environmental this year and my classes are amazing. I never would have expected to wake up everyday and thoroughly look forward to getting into the classroom again. I am not helping with the cheerleaders this year (so that I can work on the wife thing) which is nice b/c I get to come home everyday at about 4:00. There is a new ETA of the new school of Summer '10 and I am just praying that I last that long.

Jacob's Update:
He is taking 18 hours at EOCC and seems to really be enjoying it thus far. Since his first class is at 7:00am (everyday) he said that he feels like he is still on his mission. Jacob is also still working at Unicel which just got bought out by Verizon. We are really hoping that the merger goes through quickly b/c we can get tuition assistance as soon as they are the owners. Yay. He also got his work schedule changed to where he no longer works until 9:00pm which I love! It is amazing getting to spend time with him everyday when he gets home at 6:00.

The Case of the Stolen Purse and Creepy Robbery Ring People:
A few days after our honeymoon, my purse was stolen out of my car along with my social security card, birth certificate, money, etc. I did not make a scene of it since I "thought" the vagabond teenagers across the street got it. Well two weeks ago I come home to 22 cop cars on my street blocking every entrance. There were a total of 53 cops (I counted) walking around with their hands on their guns and nightsticks over at that house where the "teenagers" lived. It turns out that THEY are the ones responsible for more than 60 ARMED ROBBERIES in the area that have occured over the last few months. What the heck, chicken neck?! Needles to say I was a tad unnerved by having cops scream at me to get into the hosue and lock my doors. Awesome. Well they found purses (not mine), jewelry, money, 15 large guns, and loads of drugs. Awesome again. I filed a police report after the Sherriff told me to for security purposes and so he could charge them with mine too. The kicker is that the day previous to this raid fiasco, I had gotten up the courage to go talk to them and ask them to keep a lookout for my purse that fell off car. Sherriff Sutton said that they would have immediately killed me. Awesome times three!

Soooooooo other than the normal insane happenings in the Krausz family, we are doing spectacular. Our 2 month anniversary is tomorrow which is hard to belileve. I suppose time flies when you are having fun!

<3 Crystal Krausz

ps- I changed my cell phone due to another stalker-esque issue so, email me, and I will send the new one to you.

I feel like a new woman!

2008-07-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

As my return to school draws closer and closer, I have been pondering how the new and improved "Mrs. Krausz" should be perceived. Since I walked onto the campus two years ago, I have constantly been confused for a student. I am 27 years old and now married. The days of being seen as "cool" by high-schoolers is so over in my opinion! Granted I cannot change the fact that I do look a lot younger than my age, but I have been searching for how to form the 'new me'. Since we got back from our honeymoon, I have made a conscious effort to only go in public fully put together without wearing a t-shirt and jeans with flip flops. Do not get me wrong, I LOVE wearing those items of clothing, but it leads to confusion because I get asked what grade I am in at the high school. For a while now I have contemplated really making a drastic change to my hair, but I have always had very long hair that has (mostly) been a shade of brownish blonde. Yesterday I got the wild hair to follow Nike's motto and, "Just Do It". So I went into JC Penneys, found a picture of the style that I wanted, and never looked back. For most people my transformation is not so drastic but, for me, I now feel like the grown up woman that I have always wanted to be. Mommy, Wow!

Wedding Week Blog

2008-07-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

The entire week of our wedding was pretty jam-packed so I suppose I should include it all:

Thursday
Jacob's mom picked me up at 5:45 in the morning to head to Atlanta. I was a tad nervous about being in a car for four hours with the future mother-in-law, but I did not want her to ride alone. Actually we ended up having an awesome bonding experience. She told me stories about when she was little, when Jacob was little, and gave me tons of advice of the do's and do not's of marriage. In all of our conversation, we were in the far left lane when we needed to be exiting. So I said "Trust me and my Nascar skills Mom." I helped her drive across four lanes of traffic and we totally made the exit! She made me proud. We made it to the temple with just enough time for me to get a dress and get in there. Jacob and his dad were following and were late b/c they stopped to go to the potty twice. We girls did not stop at all. Hrrrm now who has smaller bladders?! Anywho the temple was amazing and I did not want to leave. After that we went to the hotel, ate dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, and went to see Hancock at the movies. After the movie my dad called to tell us he was there, so we picked him up and went BACK to TCF for desert. Without a doubt the Pumpkin Cheesecake is my fav, BUT the only offer it in October. I had to settle with a Tres Leches piece that was mighty delicious.

Friday
This is the day that I enacted what I like to call "Bride Law". That meant that I was going to do whatever I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. And that's exactly how it panned out. We all ate breakfast together at the hotel then went over to the mall for a little shopping extravaganza. Since I had packed in a frenzy for our trip and honeymoon, Jacob had to buy me a few items at American Eagle to add to my poorly packed suitcase. We went back to the hotel so that the "Bride" could take her royal nap, then headed over to the airport. After making 47 and a half U-Turns we made it there and picked up Jacob's mission buddies Wolley and Farmer and our Mazda 5 rental car. Unfortunately I had to go Bridezilla on the Budget people b/c they did not tell me the truth about the logistics of the car. By this time the entire Spencer clan had made it to Atl, so we met them for my final dinner as a single gal at my favorite restaurant: Macaroni Grill (I told you Bride Law was in effect). I was really drained after stuffing my face, so I did not want to stay up all night just b/c it was the 4th of July. Jacob and his crew went downtown to watch fireworks and I went back to the hotel to take a warm bath and hang out with my Daddy.

Some Cruise Pics!

2008-07-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

We are totally married!

2008-07-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Everyone:

We are totally married! There are far more details to come as well as pics. Stay tuned.......

Music (again)

2008-06-12T17:44:00.001-07:00

We are unofficially married!

2008-06-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

So Tuesday Jacob and myself made our first roadtrip to Atlanta to get our marriage license. The day started out a tad late (b/c Jacob stayed up til 2 playing the Wii with my brother). I suppose I should not complain since they get along so well, huh?! In Montgomery we stopped at 'WhattABurger' b/c he had never eaten there. Well since the gallbladder surgery, perhaps a greasy burger was not the best choice. Oh well you only live once... So we made it up to Atlanta despite some heinous traffic and drove straight to the probate building. After riding up an elevator that smelled strongly of urine, we sat in the waiting room (smallest waiting room ever) and filled out our paperwork. Once we turned it in, we raised our hands and solemnly swore that we were up to no good (Harry Potter dorks will get this) and we were done. Basically we drove a round trip total of 8 hours for that to take only 10 minutes. Wow. Can you say not-so-eco-friendly?! The good news is that we then went shopping for Fathers Day presents at the Perimeter Mall and to a sexy dinner at Carraba's. For all of those of you who are counting, we have only 23 days left until we are officially man and wife/ Mr. and Mrs. for time and all eternity. I cannot wait!

and PS- The Perimeter Mall has a doggie bakery where I got Aiden the cutest cookies (even had frosting). He licked all the frosting off and is still carrying around the cookie like it is a toy. =)

Why I disappeared...

2008-05-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hey all. I am sorry that I disappeared for the last week or so. Truth is that I've been in the Enterprise hospital for the last week. Yeah! Two and a half weeks ago I began having food poisoning symptoms that worsened with each passing day. Finally Jacob became concerned enough that he MADE me call the doctor. Dr Hayes scheduled me for a EGD and colonoscopy and sent me home with a bag full of meds Wednesday morning. By that afternoon I was vomiting up each sip of water, so I was admitted to the hospital. After 5 IVs, 12 tubes of blood, 1 colonoscopy, 1 hydascan, and 1 EGD test; they determined that I have 2 problems. I have several hundred ulcers in tummy that were bleeding and my galbladder was functioning at 23%. This morning (Sunday) the doc decided to take out my galbladder b/c he thought it was most of my problem. I had the surgery at 2pm today and they FINALLY allowed me to go home. I would not reccomend lying in a hospital bed fpr 5 days to anyone. You get no rest at all (despite popular belief) b/c they constantly poke and prod every 2 hours. Although I feel as though I have lost a pretty nasty fight, my nauseua is not half as bad as it was before the surgery. I will be on bed rest for another few days and then I should be back to my normal self and be able to pick up with wedding planning (ps- 41days). You will all be happy to know that I have the bestest future hubby in the world b/c Jacob gave me a blessing and has not barely left my side the entire time. Heavenly Father has surely blessed me with the most caring, loving, compassionate man as my eternal companion. I am so very lucky to be marrying him! So keep me in your prayers that my recovery will be speedy. No matter what, I will be at my Bridal Shower this coming Saturday (even if in a wheelchair)! You are ALL invited and I hope to see you there.

God Bless,
Crystal M Center "Krausz"

Bridal Shower Info:
Enterprise Ward Building
May 31st
4-6pm
The theme is provident living so church materials, dvds, emergency prepardness, and food storage.

Please Pray for my Cousin Kellie!

2008-05-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone. Happy late Mother's Day to all those wonderful females out there. ;) I am writing this blog to ask all of you readers to send up a little prayer to Heavenly Father for my cousin, Kellie. Yesterday afternoon she was on the lake with her family 'tubing' when she flew off the tube onto her hubby's shoulder (slamming her jaw/head) and landing unconscious in the water. She was airlifted from Florala to Dothan last night and seems to be doing 'okay' and have no visible broken vertebrae. Today they were supposed to be performing more tests on her (MRIs, etc) to check for internal damage. She is a mere 19yrs old and is super-scared so PLEASE keep her in your prayers. Also pray that Heavenly Father will provide funds for the hospital bills since they have no insurance.

My best friends: The Skyline Drive!!!

2008-05-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Okay. So these guys are seriously some of my best friends in the world. They are amazing artists along with being such awesome Christian people. Take a look-see at their video and I know that you will love them too. <3 Crys

987,762 Things to Do...

2008-05-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

As the days until the end of school and closer to the wedding get fewer and fewer, I find myself getting more bogged down into the 987,762 things that I have to do. The good news is that I normally perform better under large amounts of stress. My only concern is, "Will I be sane by the time June rolls around?"

On the lighter side of things, wedding plans are progressing well. We met with our coordinator for the ring ceremony and everything seems to be great. Jacob and I have begun temple prep classes which are quite enlightening I must say. Pretty much all is gravy baby (I am still freakin out though for some reason)....

We are super cute!

2008-04-30T16:27:00.001-07:00

PROPSAL PIC

2008-04-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Okay so I know you all have been DYING to hear the story so here goes... Jacob and I have been engaged for roughly a month now and I have not had a ring. He said that I deserved a ring that was not "out of the box" so he went to a local jeweler and designed it. Since we need to get invitations done soon, we went ahead and planned a trip to Destin beach for engagement photos this past Saturday. My dad is a photographer so we went down with he and my mom (family trip before marriage = Jacob is a trooper!).

We got something to eat at Joe's Crab Shack then headed to the first beach site that Dad had already scoped out. While walking out to the jetties, we got into a "tif" because he thought being dressed alike was stupid. It totally hurt my feelings and I nearly cried. Typical girl reaction I know... So we take about 300 pics there and then drive over to Henderson Beach. Jacob decides to bring his backpack, so I poked fun at him for doing so. We on on the beach taking another 300 pics and Dad says, "Jac, how about you get on one knee and Crystal you stand behind him." I remember thinking that such a photo sounds silly but I did it. When I looked down at Jacob he had that rock of a ring popped out and was asking me to marry him (officially). WOW! I am great at knowing everything that is going on usually but he certainly surprised me. It was a nice memory to have and I am so glad that my parents were there to experience it with us.

Us!

2008-04-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the KRAUSZ HOUSE! 76 days til the wedding. Ahhhhhhhhhh! ;-)