Rollin' With The Schultzes

Go Go Mommy!

2012-02-26T19:08:00.001-07:00

So I just posted a video that I showed last Thursday at CRU... and I feel equally obligated to show a video that "aired" for the first time that night as well. It was my "intro" video that the emcee played before I got up to speak (it was a surprise to me). Really... there isn't much I need to say about it, except that my husband is awesome for putting it together, and my girls are so much fun! I smiled the entire time!

All Is Grace

2012-02-26T18:27:00.001-07:00

I spoke last Thursday at our CRU weekly meeting and this song was at the conclusion to my talk. The pictures are images from my journey toward grateful living. It's a beautiful song. So here is "All Is Grace" by Shaun Groves... enjoy.

Lots Of Love

2012-02-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here's the scene: Avery walks up to Madi and cups her face in her hands.

Avery: Madi, look at me. Look at my eyes.
Madi: [Looks at Avery]
Avery: Madi, I love you. Pause. God loves you. Pause. And, we get to watch a show!

I just had to laugh.

I Smile

2012-02-13T14:39:00.001-07:00

I am exhausted. But isn't that just the plight of every mom?

However, in my exhaustion, I smile.

I smile at Avery dancing like a crazy woman to a Michael Jackson song.
I smile at Madi saying, "Night night Cayeb (Caleb)" to her new little cousin.
I smile at driving with the window down in the middle of February... even with snow on the ground!
I smile at my girls laughing hysterically about who knows what.

I promise I will re-enter the blog world... I'm certain you will smile too once I finally get some pics of my little cuties posted.

I really need to figure out how to get this whole blog posting consistency thing down!

9 years

2012-01-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

On December 14th Brian and I celebrated our 9th Anniversary. It was so fun!

Horse drawn carriage ride through Old Town Fort Collins followed by dinner and jazz music at Jay's Bistro. Yep. It was awesome.

I am so grateful for my husband.

Grateful for the way he makes me laugh.
Grateful for his intentional way of living.
Grateful for his smile.
Grateful for how he cares for me and our girls.
Grateful.

Caleb Anthony Taylor

2011-12-23T20:12:00.002-07:00

My precious sister went into labor 8 weeks before her due date. After a scary night and day, Caleb Anthony Taylor was born. Weighing in at a whopping 3lbs. 5oz. and measuring 17 inches long HE IS BEAUTIFUL.

He is also in intensive care. He is currently on oxygen as well as antibiotics to ward off any infections along with dopamine to help regulate his blood pressure. He has great color and is doing remarkably well.

Andrea was a champ! She is feeling pretty good and recovering well. Her and Aaron could sure use your prayers. As you can imagine, a surprise like this is a lot to take in and they are understandably overwhelmed at the journey they are embarking on.

I read today, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jn. 14:27

Please pray...

For Caleb's blood pressure to regulate so they can take him off of dopamine

For Caleb's lungs to begin functioning well apart from the respirator

For Andrea to heal well and find a balance between trips to the hospital and taking care of her 3 kids at home

For the Lord to be near Andrea and Aaron and bless them with new mercies each day

That in the midst of this journey of waiting that God would bless this family with peace

For Jesus to bring His glory and peace in the midst of this situation to the nurses at the hospital

Here he is. A precious little boy.

Tis The Season

2011-12-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

The girls (and I) have LOVED all the fun of this season!

Our house is decorated top to bottom
Christmas music is always playing
Snow is on the ground
Cookies have been baked
Gifts have been given
We are doing a Jesse Tree Advent... so great
The daily countdown is ON

And... Avery and I have done some really fun Christmas crafts. Here are a few...

1 ice cream cone, 1 cup frosting, Handful M&Ms and sprinkles... you've got a Christmas Tree

Swim Lessons

2011-12-15T11:06:00.001-07:00

Just finished some more swim lessons with the girls. They both did great, although Avery still freaks out every time her face touches the water. Madi is pretty much a fish.

One Final Fall Post...

2011-12-15T11:01:00.001-07:00

So I know that these pics are a few weeks old, but I had to post them because I loved them so much!

My last post for the fall of 2011.

A pile of leaves is a great toy. Sheer JOY.

Thanksgiving In Vail '11

2011-12-15T10:54:00.001-07:00

A long overdue update...

We were blessed to spend our Thanksgiving up in Vail. It was great! Here are just a few of my highlights...

Two good friends coming up with their kiddos
Great conversations with those women! I am beyond blessed to have these ladies in my life.
Swimming EVERY day
Eating yummy food
Watching it snow outside
Drinking hot cider by the fireplace
Doing puzzles
Reading books
Continuing our Thanksgiving Advent
Time with my parents
Playing Pretty Pretty Princess at least 100 times with Avery
Lots of game playing!
Walking the Vail Village all covered in snow and lights
Going on a date with Brian to an "upscale" bowling alley... sounds funny, but it was seriously the best food EVER!
Thinking daily on Thankfulness
Running races in the hallways with the girls
Days spent entirely in our jammies
Pancakes for breakfast

So much to be thankful for... and I am. A few pics to document our time!

Avery & her friend Grace getting ready to swim

Avery & her new friend Cora (Barb's youngest)

Swimming or skiing?

Not sure if the kids look happy or sad

Barb & Ian... love them!

Love my sweet friend

Hot Chocolate!!!

Avery is making her best "frog face"

Glued to a movie

Yes... Brian is a Pretty Pretty Princess (or Handsome Handsome King as Avery calls him)

The cousins watching a movie

Our Thanksgiving Advent Tree.... FULL of Thanks

Joyful Parenting

2011-11-28T14:45:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite blogs these days is Ann Voskamp's: www.aholyexperience.com. It's beautiful.

Today, I'm grateful I did. I read some very timely and encouraging words... just what I needed for today. I had to share them.

10 Point Manifesto for Joyful Parenting

(any text in turquoise links to posts for more explanation & encouragement)::
1. Today, I will make our home a house of prayer. I will pray at set times. And I will invite our children to come move into an interior space that lives with God.

2. Today, I will transfigure all things into beauty, and I will refuse to see anything else.

3. Today, I will not have any emergencies. There are no emergencies! Only amateurs hurry.

4. Today, when stress mounts, I pray to dismount it with gratitude. My stress management plan will be intervention with verbal thanks. I can only feel one feeling at a time, and I choose to give thanks at all times. Fight feeling with feeling!

5. Today, I will pray to speak words that are only STRONG words, words that make these children feel strong. Grace words. Grace is the only non-toxic air. All other words I breathe are death words.

6. Today, I will pray to be consistently consistent. I will create safe rhythms that our children can find security in. I will create daily ceremonies because everyday we are CELEBRATING the gift of now!

7. Today, the moment when I am most repelled by a child’s behavior, that is my sign to draw the very closest to that child.

8. Today, I will hug each of my children as many times as I serve them meals — because children’s hearts feed on touch. I’ll look for as many opportunities to touch my children today as possible — the taller they are, the more so.

9. Today, my priorities will be all Things Unseen.

10. Today, I will laugh! And I will let the little children laugh! I will create a culture of JOY!
::

Click here to Download a Free Printable Copy of the Manifesto of Joyful Parenting

Birthday Turkey

2011-11-09T15:09:00.001-07:00

In the spirit of Thanksgiving we have begun the turkey onslaught. Avery named this one the "Birthday Turkey."

1 craft stick + 2 googly eyes + lots of colorful paper = turkey!
Add a "birthday hat" and you get the Birthday Turkey!
And what turkey would be complete without a dress? So... we added one.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Avery picked out the costumes for the entire family this year.

The rundown: Ladybug (Avery), Strawberry (Madi), Pirate (Dad), Rock Star (Me... of course).

As you can imagine, Madi was the cutest strawberry you've ever seen. Avery also gave Brian a pirate name: Cubby. Cubby the Pirate. Sounds fierce doesn't it? And I had to smile that she picked a rock star for me... I'm not going to complain about that!

I must say that when I got decked in my rocker gear I had a bit of an alter-ego moment. It was pretty awesome to pretend to be something that is SO not me. In fact, when friends saw me at our church carnival, they hardly recognized me. Pretty funny. I'm keeping the wig and the purple eyelashes for sure!

On the other hand, Brian wasn't so thrilled that his new nickname is Cubby! Even as I type this I have to giggle at that. So, of course, being the gracious wife I am, I encouraged Avery in her desire to see her dad be a pirate... "we should get an eye patch!" "how about a parrot?" "dad definitely needs to say "arrrgh matey!" "Avery, that is a great idea!"" To which Brian just shook his head.... and went along. What a good sport!

Avery and Madi had a blast going trick-or-treating! Madi would walk up with her big sister and knock on the door with her. And when Avery would grab a piece of candy, of course, Madi joined right in. Avery excitedly dumped her candy out on the floor when we got home and counted every piece... 20 pieces! She was pretty excited!

Anyhow, here is a glimpse of our fun Halloween in pictures...

Malachi, Avery, Rachel, Rafe, & Benson... good friends.

Avery and her good friend Lacy... so cute!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-03T13:59:00.000-06:00

Rewind the clock a few weeks and you will find us at the pumpkin patch. We had a total blast! The girls ran through the "hay maze" over and over again. And Avery was determined to find the perfect pumpkin for her... "not too big, not too small... just right."

SNOW DAY!

2011-10-26T14:27:00.000-06:00

When we woke up this morning, the first thing I did was have Avery look out the window. "It snowed mom!" was her excited response. So, of course, we had to venture out into the cold to build a snowman and "sled" in our backyard. We had a total blast and I certainly sweat off a few calories pulling her around on that sled!

She was pretty excited to get all bundled up in her winter gear.

And the "arms" of the snowman were courtesy of one of my apple trees... the snow snapped off one of the branches... crazy.

Ladybug Air

2011-10-26T14:22:00.000-06:00

Snow Day + A Big Box + Crayons + Stickers + One GREAT Imagination = AIRPLANE!

Fly the friendly skies with "Ladybug Air." Flown by our very talented Pilot Avery.

Thanksgiving Advent

2011-10-18T16:22:00.004-06:00

I was thinking that I would love to have something to help our family think toward Thanksgiving with more intention. After all, we start talking about Christmas almost a month before it comes! So after some Google searches and thinking it through, this is what I came up with!

I'm super excited about it!

How I made it:

24 envelopes with cards + 24 multi-colored papers glued to the envelopes + 24 white numbers glued to paper...
24 multi-colored thin ribbon pieces tied to the top of the cards...
4 12 inch cork board tiles + 1 1/2 rolls of thick brown ribbon glue into a checkerboard pattern... Attached the envelopes to the ribbons with metal brads & hot glue.
Typed out Thanksgiving topics & verses glued to cards.

Click HERE for the .pdf of my topic/verse cards.

Voila!

Here's our 24 Days Of Thanksgiving Advent:

I find myself looking so forward to spending time in a season of gratitude. I am learning so much about it these days and this little project really fanned that excitement!

All This For A Box of Raisins

2011-10-16T21:01:00.000-06:00

So I attempted taking some pictures of Avery and Madi a few months ago... pretty comical actually. I'm pretty sure that I ended with all of ZERO photos where Avery was both looking at the camera and smiling at the same time.

And so we try, try again. This time with much better results! Bribery also helped (if only I had known that a box of raisins would elicit smiles and cuteness like this, I would have utilized that tool long ago!).

Enjoy my sweet girl!

Clay Creations

2011-09-30T10:33:00.001-06:00

Avery and I had some fun with modeling clay this morning. Thought you would enjoy seeing our creations. Avery would also like me to pass along that her favorite part was making the bear (the blue and pink one with the enormous eyes... because, as Avery said, they have really big eyes).

PS. Avery took this bottom picture.

Ya Think?

2011-09-29T14:31:00.000-06:00

Brian is speaking at our weekly meeting tonight and he is using his love for the Green Bay Packers as part of an illustration. So he had me take pictures of all the Packers stuff in our house and make a collage for him to use. I just had to post it.

Because... well... it's a little insane.

And may I also add that this picture excludes at least another 10 items.

My hubby likes the Packers... Ya Think?

Playground Campfire

2011-09-28T22:43:00.001-06:00

The girls and I rode to the park today. It was a sweet time together after a few days of hard. Sitting on the playground, I watched my girls sit in the sand, creating an imaginary world.

Leaves, sticks, and sand make quite the campfire. They roasted marshmallows, warmed their little hands, and enjoyed a few sweet sister moments.

I had my phone and had to snap a pic.

Tree Branch + Play Dough = Craft

2011-09-26T14:12:00.000-06:00

Avery and I (well... mostly I) had a little "fall craft time." I cut a branch from one of our trees, stripped the leaves off, and then we made small balls of play dough and squished them on the branches. Actually a pretty fun craft that I think turned out really cute.

The Magic Word

2011-09-22T20:22:00.000-06:00

Last night at dinner Avery asked Brian if he would get her some ketchup. Their dialogue went like this...

Avery: "Dad, can you get me ketchup?"
Dad: "What's the magic word?"
Avery: Looking puzzled "Umm, abracadabra?"
Dad: Hysterically laughing... so much so, that he really couldn't respond.

Dad forgot to give Avery the memo that the magic word is "please." He had to give her the ketchup though because, quite frankly, that was a freaking awesome answer!

Sticker Faces

2011-09-19T14:12:00.000-06:00

The girls were enjoying some time with stickers a few days ago. I was not even remotely surprised at what the results of this "playtime" were...

I suppose it just isn't nearly as much fun to just put them on BORING old paper! Besides... I think these two "works of art" are much cuter than any paper could ever be.

Bathtime Stinker

2011-09-19T14:07:00.000-06:00

What else can I say, but "WHAT A STINKER!"

Working Lunch

2011-09-15T13:51:00.001-06:00

You gotta love when your kids are totally losing it and then say the funniest things. This morning, Avery was having an out of control tantrum and Brian was trying to calm her down. I come in, and here's how it goes:

Brian: "Avery, you need to calm down."
Me: "Babe, are you going to join us for lunch?"
[Avery... screaming]
Brian: "No, I can't. I going out for a working lunch. I've just got too much to do."
Me: "Ok, no problem." I leave the room.
Avery: [Still screaming] "DAD! I WANT TO GO TO A WORKING LUNCH!"

Our Little Soccer Player

2011-09-10T19:57:00.001-06:00

Avery had her first soccer game today. It was a hoot... and I will add that her team also got OWNED (the other team was seriously stacked!). But they hung in there. The best part was at the beginning of the game when the whistle blew the other team ran right at the ball and our team just stood there watching them take the ball down the field and score. So funny! Our sweet girl did a great job running, she kicked the ball a few times, and spent a large portion of her time on the field biting her nails. Avery was wiped out by the end. She did, however, enjoy the orange slices and juice boxes though. We scored 3 goals... I'm pretty sure the other team scored 30 or so! Oh... and Brian is their coach... "Coach Dad"... Avery LOVES that!

A Splashy Way To Beat The Heat

2011-09-09T15:10:00.000-06:00

When the weather was about 100 and we were all melting, what better to do than run in the water with your clothes on! Madi LOVED the water! She got sprayed in the face more times than I can count and didn't even blink an eye.

Great Grandma Time!

2011-09-07T19:59:00.001-06:00

My grandmother came out during Avery's birthday and we had so much fun! I think she got tired just sitting there watching our crazy kids run around! I love you Mamaw!!!!

The Great-Grandkids

"Please no more pictures mom!"

My grandmother's BEAUTIFUL hand with my grandfather's wedding band

Something I Read

2011-09-07T19:45:00.001-06:00

I've been reading a devotional called,"Jesus Calling." I've enjoyed it. Read this a few days ago and wanted to share a bit with you... these would be words from Jesus to you:

"Let the dew of my Presence refresh your mind and heart. So many, many things vie for your attention in this complex world of instant communication. The world has changed enormously since I first gave the command to be still and know that I am God. However, this timeless truth is essential for the well-being of your soul. As dew refreshes grass and flowers during the stillness of the night, so My Presence revitalizes you as you sit quietly with Me."

An Attempt At Pictures

2011-09-06T10:58:00.000-06:00

We took the girls to the flower garden to try to get some pictures for Madi's one year and Avery's 4 year shots... it was a nice sentiment. We got a few really good ones of Madi... but that Avery... she is hilarious and I'm not sure we have even one of her actually looking at the camera.

Next time... I'm bribing them.

Happy Birthday 4 Year Old!

2011-09-05T20:59:00.000-06:00

On July 31st... Avery turned 4! I can hardly believe it. She is truly a joy in my life and even in the hard moments with her I am overcome with love for her. We laugh hard together. We play hard together. And Brian and I look at each other often just to acknowledge how precious of a little girl our sweet Avery Joy is.

Here's a few snapshots from her "Rainbow Painting Party"... which, fyi... TOTAL BLAST!

Avery helped with the cake... THIS...

Plus this...

Equals...

Grandma brought rainbow hair color which they both were sporting with great pride!

We covered a large part of our fence with paper and let the kids go nuts with the paint... the other parents and I just looked at each other because it was the quietest birthday party we had ever been at! (note to self)

The artists in front of their masterpiece!

Had to have a pinata!!!!

This is one of Avery's good buddies... she LOVES Lacy!

Happy 4th!

2011-07-06T21:22:00.000-06:00

We had a really fun and full 4th of July. It all started with a really fun cupcake competition with the staff team. Avery and I signed up and made "GO USA BUTTERFLIES" cupcakes and had a blast doing it. Out of about 40 entries, we WON 1st place! It was awesome! That night, we went to a friend's house with a bunch of other families, ate yummy food, set off some fireworks... so fun!

Sweet girl LOVED the fireworks!

Avery & her friend Raef... I think there's a little crush there

Bomb pops... yeah baby!

Posts...

2011-06-19T21:53:00.000-06:00

I finally updated our blog... start scrolling down.

Free Association For 3 Year Olds

2011-06-19T21:36:00.000-06:00

If you have spent any time with toddlers, this will be all too familiar. This is what my days are like... so enjoy the ride as you travel along the free flowing thoughts of our 3 year old. And if you can't hear the beginning of what she is saying, she is starting to tell me a story.

Cheese!

2011-06-19T21:00:00.000-06:00

Little Potter

2011-06-19T20:58:00.000-06:00

Avery and I took a pottery class together this spring and had an awesome time! She LOVED playing with the clay and was very excited to make her little ceramic cats, bunnies, and cupcake! And I think the finished products turned out pretty great... the only problem with having these cute little critters is that she wants to play with them all the time (hard to remember they are breakable!).

Trip To Grammy & Grampy's House

2011-06-19T20:41:00.000-06:00

Last month we flew to Wisconsin for Brian's sister's wedding... other than the wedding, we had a great time with his family. Here are some of our favorite shots...

Avery's favorite pastime at Grammy's house... playing with their cats.

Oatmeal tastes so much better when it's all over your face.

Hangin' with Grampy at the zoo.

Looking at the giraffes.

Look at these sweet girls!

Little princess... seriously, she didn't want to take this crown off.

Wow. Love love love this picture!

Passing the time at the airport... spent a LOT of time there with delays and canceled flights.

Africa Avery

2011-06-19T20:21:00.000-06:00

Yesterday... sitting on Avery's bunk bed.

Avery: "Mom, we are in Africa... I'm Africa Avery."
Me: "Am I Africa Mommy then?"
Avery: "No... you are in Kilimanjaro. Hi Kilimanjaro Mommy!"

Other than laughing, I was asking myself two questions:
1. How in the world does she know that word?
2. Where in the world is Kilimanjaro?

So, these last couple of days, Avery's bedroom has been deemed "Africa." I'm okay with that.

Aunt Bethany & Uncle Sam

2011-06-06T19:59:00.000-06:00

We spent 6 days in Wisconsin last week for Brian's sister's wedding. "Aunt Bethany and Uncle Sam" as Avery refers to them. It was such an awesome wedding! Unlike any we have ever been to, but such a precious time. Brian performed the ceremony and I took their pictures. Beth was stunning and the neatest part was seeing how God worked something miraculous in restoring her and Brian's relationship. So cool! So, here are just a couple of my favorite pics from the wedding...

If You Need Me...

2011-05-23T20:27:00.000-06:00

At the park two days ago with some friends, here was a classic Avery moment:

The gang is sitting down eating lunch and when Avery finishes, she stands up to go play on the playground. A few moments later, she came running over to us...

Avery: "Everyone! Everyone! I have something important to tell you!"
Me: "What is it honey?!"
Avery: "There is a special birthday party over by the horses! You guys can all come when you are done!"
Me: "Sounds great!"
Avery: "I'll be over there (pointing to the horses), but if you need me go "whoooo whooo" (imagine a high pitched squeal-like sound)..." she cupped her hands around her mouth when she said that. And then she just darted away.

We all burst into laughter! Avery is one of my most favorite little people, she's got the greatest imagination and the funniest sense of humor!

Almost Walking

2011-05-02T10:27:00.000-06:00

This was just yesterday... Madi is starting to really want to walk. Can't do it on her own, but is getting the hang of her walker. SO CUTE!

Hungry Little Caterpillar

2011-04-27T10:47:00.000-06:00

Madison is ONE YEAR OLD! Yep, her birthday was on Easter this year. We had a little party for her on Saturday and it was precious. When everyone sang "Happy Birthday" she just laughed and smiled. And let me just tell you how much she LOVED her cupcake... she literally didn't take it away from her mouth for a good 10 minutes... she just "sucked" the goodness right out of it!

My mom made a "hungry caterpillar" hat for Madi... it was so cute!

LOVIN' the cupcake!

Our sweet friend's daughter Mirabelle ALSO loved the cupcakes! Check this out! A nice little green "gift" for her mommy. :)

I love you Madi! Happy Birthday sweet girl!

A Much Needed Laugh

2011-03-23T15:13:00.000-06:00

So I am wiped out. For whatever reason (other than taking care of two kiddos) I am just exhausted today! But fortunately, in the midst of the chaos, there are moments of pure joy and laughter... especially with Avery. Here is one such moment:

Setting: I'm busy changing Madi's diaper when I hear a scream.
Avery: "Ouch MOM! I HURT MY INKY!"
Me: "Your what?"
Avery: "MY INKY!"
Me: "Do you mean you hurt your PINKY?"
Avery: "No mom! I HURT MY INKY!"
Me: "Ok babe, come here so I can look at it." By this time, I'm trying to keep it all together and not burst into laughter so my daughter knows that I'm not laughing at her pain.

Avery shows me hurt hand... which hardly has a mark on it.

Avery: "Mom, I hurt my inky."
Me: "Honey, that's not your inky... that's your hand."
Avery: "Actually mom, I hurt my uncle. Yeah. That's it. I hurt my uncle. Thanks mom. It feels better now."

So, whatever my miracle-working hands did in holding her hurt hand seemed to fix the situation. Hilarious!

Enjoying The Sun

2011-03-17T14:48:00.000-06:00

We are finally starting to warm up here and it has been AWESOME! Yesterday we took full advantage of the sun. A perfect opportunity for a little photo shoot.

The Culture Of Our Home

2011-03-09T13:21:00.001-07:00

Our church had a women's event last weekend with a bunch of different seminars and I sat in on one that was SO good. It was about what kind of culture we are creating in our homes. I just have to share the notes, they have been so challenging and great to think about how I can be more intentional as a mom with my two girls.

A culture of GRACE NOT SHAME

“There is therefore, now, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

Motto: I love you when you are good, I love you when you are bad, I love you when you are happy, I love you when you are sad.

A culture of REPENTANCE

“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:8

When parents ask for forgiveness, children will model them.

A culture of NON-HASTE

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5

Motto: Keep Calm & Carry On. How many times a week are you rushing your family out the door?

A culture of HUMILITY

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

How can we be completely humble? Ask for help and model to your kids a life of teachability.

A culture of JOY

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

Make light of myself in the everyday moments of life.

A culture of LISTENING

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

When parents listen first, kids will follow. Avoid interrupting, don’t steal away conversation, and listen to understand.

A culture of PRAISE

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord. Sing to Him with gladness.” Psalm 100:1

Sing in your home!

A culture of THANKFULNESS

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have…” Philippians 4:11-12

“Thankful Box” with people, places, things to be thankful for… Pick one at dinner each night.

A culture of DILIGENCE

“The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forceful labor.” Proverbs 12:24

Motto: Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Keep trying.

A culture of CREATIVITY

“In the beginning, God created…” Genesis 1:1

Look for opportunities to find beauty in the everyday things of life.

A culture where GOD’S WORD IS TREASURED

“I have hidden your word in my heart, so I may not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

Spend time together memorizing God’s Word as a family… make it normal, non-dutiful, and fun.

Nice Hair

2011-03-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

Nothing better than a little post-nap hairdo.

Pirate Names

2011-03-07T21:15:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Avery was in a funny mood... she came up to Brian and I and said the following:

Avery: "I'm Jake the pirate! Aargh!"
Me: "Really? Who am I?"
Avery: "You are Lizzy the pirate."
Me: "Ok."
Avery: "And daddy is Cubby the pirate."
{Laughter}

Something about that just tickled me and I chuckle every time she looks at Brian and calls him "Cubby." hahahahahahaha! In fact, she called him that for a good 30 minutes after that conversation. So, watch out for the fierce Cubby the pirate!

Papaw Reed: August 28, 1919 - February 28, 2011

2011-02-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

This morning my grandfather took his first breath of celestial air.

G.E. Reed was his name, but we all called him "Papaw." He was an incredible man, who lived an incredible life. He flew airplanes in WWII... oh the adventures he had! One of my favorites has to be how they would stock the cockpits of the planes full of beer, then fly over the Himalayan mountains and back, unloading ice-cold beer for all the soldiers. Classic! Papaw built houses and churches all over Colorado and Texas. And he was one of the best golfers I've ever known. When he was 80, he had shot 100 games UNDER his age... now that is something! He also won $100 from Lee Trevino in a golf tournament. When he was 90, he could go out and shoot in the mid-70s... I don't know if you know anything about golf, but that is GOOD. I am imagining that perhaps he may be playing a round with Jesus as we speak.

My grandmother, Sue (Mamaw) is living and I am praying for joy amidst grief, peace, and hope for what is to come.

I miss him. And yet, I rejoice that he has seen Jesus face-to-face and is free from this world!

Papaw, I love you. And I will see you in heaven one day!

9 Months Old

2011-02-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

Yes... I can't believe she is NINE months old. Lots of teeth coming in, starting to army crawl, and smiles with her eyes. We love her!

Go Pack Go!

2011-02-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

This morning, Brian started the day off with the band Garbage's rendition of "Go Pack Go"... Avery and Brian danced around the house screaming "Go Pack Go!" And, I'm not going to lie, I think he played that song a good 10 times. I guess it worked! Go Packers!!!! And if you happened to hear a loud scream at the end of the game, that was Brian screaming and jumping for joy on our front porch. [Quick side note: We had some friends over to watch the game and one of the kids was watching as Brian went outside to celebrate. He looked up at his dad and said, "Dad... what in the WORLD is he doing?!?" Classic.]

The Puddle

2011-02-04T17:09:00.001-07:00

This is such a precious video! Avery has this entire book memorized (one of many she could quote from memory) and I had to capture it... it's a little long, but worth it. I love that she tries to do different voices for the characters! I know it's a little quite, but I hope it will make you smile! PS. The book she is reading is called "The Puddle" by David McPhail... such a beautiful and creative kids book! Go check it out!

A Rash?

2011-01-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

Funny interaction with Avery today...

Setting: Avery is playing with Mr. Potato Head (PS. She calls him Mr. Tomato Head)

Avery: "Mom, can you give me a rash?"
Me: "What?"
Avery: "Can you give me a rash?" (holding the mustache up)
Me: (Laughing) "Do you mean the MUSTACHE?"
Me: "Yes honey, this is a mustache... not a rash."

So Blessed

2011-01-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

Brian and I have prayed for years that God would provide friendships for us and our family. He has answered! This is our small group from church and there is no way to describe how blessed we have been by them. God is good, God is good, God is good! They have encouraged, challenged, pursued, and loved us and we are so grateful. And... we laugh a lot with them!

So we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us (through His people). God is love... "1 Jn. 4:16

7 & 8 Months

2011-01-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little Madi is growing so fast! She is such a precious little girl who loves to smile.
Here she is at 7 months...

Here she is at 8 months...

Too Cold For The Zoo

2011-01-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is going all the way back to our Thanksgiving trip to Wisconsin. Yes... it's been a long time since I've blogged. Brian, Avery, and I ventured out to a free outdoor zoo and had a blast! It was great to get out of the house and get some fresh air (even if the air was only 10 degrees). Avery loved seeing the lions, monkeys, seals, penguins, and turtles.

Time To Catch Up

2011-01-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

I am in great need to catching up on blogging... so here comes the blog onslaught.

Our sweet girls have brought such joy during the last few months. How cute are they?

Exercise Video

2010-12-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Avery said the most hilarious thing...

Avery: "Mom, I'm going to exercise."
Me: "Really? That's great. What are you going to do?"
Avery: "Tai Chi."
Me: (Thinking: "That was random" & laughing) "Awesome babe! Show me!"

So, I had to get her to do it again on video... she is such a funny girl! PS. She learned this from watching Nihao Kailan... not from watching Brian do Tai Chi (although that would be pretty hilarious too).

The Taylors

2010-12-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

I had a great time taking my sister's family pics. What a great looking bunch!

The Princess and the Ladybug

2010-11-01T11:25:00.000-06:00

Avery was like a kid in a candy store (literally) on Halloween. She was jumping off the walls with excitement about dressing up like a princess, eating candy, going trick-or-treating (aka. "tick-o-treat"), and handing out candy to the kids who came by our house. She probably asked about 100 times if more kids were going to come after each time we handed out candy (cute at first... not so cute after a while).

Avery was our little princess... she was a beauty and the bell of the ball. Madi was our little ladybug... we think the cutest little bug in the world! We went to a harvest carnival at our church and had a great time there before venturing out for the candy. Brian was a UW hockey player... I gave him the black eye.... (with makeup, that is).

6 Month Beauty

2010-11-01T10:57:00.000-06:00

Sweet Madi is half a year old! Way to go sweet girl!

Carving Pumpkins

2010-10-31T11:26:00.000-06:00

I think that Halloween snuck up on me and thankfully remembered to carve our pumpkins. Avery had a great time... her pumpkin is the Dora one, of course. Brian's is the Green Bay Packers "G", of course.

Pumpkin Patch Time!

2010-10-22T13:38:00.001-06:00

I ventured out to the pumpkin patch with some other mom friends and their kiddos. It was so fun and Avery had a blast running through the hay maze and picking out pumpkins. She got to pick out some small ones and could have probably grabbed 20 if I would have her! I actually got one shot of me and the girls on a hayride thanks to another kind mom. It's a little hard to snap pictures when you have a baby hanging from you.

Here's my best attempt at getting Avery to pose for a picture. It looks like she needs to use the bathroom!

On the hayride

The tall green speckled gourd was so beautiful! That was mommy's pick.

Avery's pumpkins

5 Months... OH MY!

2010-10-03T20:37:00.000-06:00

So here is our little sweetie at 5 months. Hard to believe that it has been that long! She is rolling, laughs a lot, smiles at everyone, and is really just a precious little one.

Fun In The Tub

2010-10-03T14:31:00.001-06:00

I LOVED these pics of Avery in the tub... she was "spelling words"... not quite sure how to pronounce them, but creative nonetheless. And then she wanted to try on her new goggles...a little hair got caught in the process.

Love My Sister!

2010-10-03T13:37:00.000-06:00

Avery is a very affectionate little girl... and we jokingly say her love language is "violent physical touch." But every once in a while she just wants to hold Madi and says, "I love my sister Madi!"

The best part of this picture is the look on Madi's face... like, "what is going on?"

Family Pics

2010-09-12T20:54:00.000-06:00

So our sweet friend Meaghan took some pics of our family and she is the best for doing this for us!!!! Here are just a few of our favs... thanks Meaghan! And... it was nice to actually be IN pictures since I usually find myself behind the camera.

Cutie In A Green Dress

2010-09-02T22:22:00.000-06:00

Madi was all dolled up and we just had to take some pictures.

Playtime

2010-09-02T22:13:00.000-06:00

Focus.

A little playdough spaghetti... yum

She looks like an Italian mobster wearing all kinds of bling. She always has to wear them facing her palm so she can look at them more easily.

4 Month Old Sweetie

2010-09-02T21:55:00.000-06:00

This little girl is one of the most precious babies... she smiles ALL the time and it has been a joy to watch her grow. She is so alert, she loves to watch Avery run around and act crazy, and she has found her toes... they almost make it into her mouth (I'm sure that will come soon).

Who Needs Paper?

2010-09-02T21:51:00.000-06:00

Who needs paper when you have mom's legs? This... is how I spend my days.

More Laughs

2010-08-19T10:55:00.000-06:00

Auntie Andrea had Madison laughing pretty hard the other day... it was great!

Bedtime Prayers

2010-08-19T10:23:00.000-06:00

Last night when I was putting Avery to bed we came to "prayer time" which usually involves her saying the same thing every night... pretty cute, really. But last night was a bit different. So, she was in the process of picking her nose (a habit not so easy to break for her), and after said her "normal" prayer she said,

"And thank you God for Avery picking her nose."

I about lost it! I laughed for the rest of the night thinking about it. I can only imagine that God was smiling too and this beautiful and funny little girl just being honest about what she was thankful for.

Wrestle Mat or Dad?

2010-08-12T20:22:00.001-06:00

Avery and Rachel went nuts running around Brian. This is Brian's favorite way to play because all he has to do is lay there... not bad. The girls ran in circles around Brian, jumping on and over him, and laughing hysterically the whole time.

Swing Time

2010-08-12T20:12:00.000-06:00

Avery got to spend a bunch of time with her cousins last week and I caught some really fun pics of her and Rachel on the swings. Rachel was pretty funny... she was "pumping" on her own before I got out there and as soon as I came up to them she stopped, her smile turned to a frown, and she started going on and on about how she couldn't do it by herself and needed me to push her. It was really funny.

Avery's 3 Year Pics

2010-08-11T10:21:00.000-06:00

Avery and I headed to the flower garden near campus to take some pics. She was precious and this is one of my favorite shots that I took.

Four Generations

2010-08-08T21:51:00.002-06:00

My grandmother was in town last week and we got some great pictures of her with her great-grandkids. We also got a picture that I LOVE! Four generations...

Avery The Explorer

2010-08-02T21:44:00.000-06:00

Surprise surprise we had a Dora birthday party... Avery woke up from her nap and came out to all the decorations and when she saw them her eyes lit up and she screamed, "DORA PARTY!" So we had 3 of her friends over... Luke, Ben, & Lacy. It was an AWESOME time and Avery LOVED it!

I made Dora & her friends on cupcakes. It was so fun!... Avery had to eat Dora.

One of Avery's favorite parts of her birthday was the "adventure" we went on to find the BIG PINATA! I gathered the kids and gave them their "Backpack". And asked them, "Who do we ask for help when we don't know which way to go?" To which Avery yelled out, "THE MAP!" So the kids opened their maps... First stop... The Bubbly Tunnel.

Now we have to cross the Troll Bridge...

Who's the Troll??? That sure looks like dad! Avery ran up to him and he sang the "troll song" and she totally took charge and asked, "Mr. Troll, can we cross over your bridge?" They all had to "solve the riddle" before they crossed over.

Avery & Lacy used their binoculars to look for the next place... so cute!

The last place before the Big Pinata was the "Treasure Pool"... the kids fished out a bunch of coins (TREASURE!).

Avery and her buddy Ben.

Our two little princesses.

Our present to Avery this year was an old suitcase filled with dress up clothes. She wanted to wear one of her new princess dresses, crown, TONS of necklaces (thanks Grammy), and clip-on earrings. She LOVED the dress up clothes and wore this outfit out to lunch (her choice: Qdoba) and it was so precious! And check out Brian... cool shades dad!

Our Precious Avery... THREE YEARS OLD!

2010-08-01T20:51:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's been THREE YEARS! Brian and I have been taking so much joy in our time with Avery during the last few days. We have had many moments of looking at her and saying, "I just LOVE her! She is awesome and such a cool little girl!" Hard to believe how old she is and yet I still remember the first time I looked into her beautiful big eyes and thinking what an amazing GIFT she is to me.

July 31, 2007

One Year Birthday

Two Years Old... Go Badgers!

THREE YEARS OLD... Our little princess!

Just Relaxing

2010-07-25T21:28:00.000-06:00

Last week we had the girls on our bed just relaxing, laughing, and lounging around. It was such a precious time. Avery is enjoying a Popsicle (her new favorite thing) and Madi is just hanging out. I just loved this pic.

Small Group BBQ

2010-07-25T21:20:00.000-06:00

Last night we had our small group over for a BBQ... so, imagine 10 adults and 13 kiddos! We had a total blast even amidst the chaos. Here's a few pics... I think the kids favorite part was setting off a few fireworks & sparklers. And Avery loved it, and when we tried to put her to bed she didn't want to stay in her room (of course not, there was a party going on!).

The parents trying to grab a QUICK bite

3 Months and Counting

2010-07-25T20:36:00.000-06:00

Our sweet little girl loves to smile... every time I look at her she smiles back at me. Can't believe she is three months... actually my lack of sleep feels like three months.

Tie Dye Rocks

2010-07-23T10:34:00.001-06:00

One of Avery's new favorite crafts to do is these easy and fun tie dye rocks. Her favorite part of it is going on a "rock hunt" to find the biggest and best rocks to color. Then you just heat them on a cookie sheet in the oven. Pull them out one at a time, put them on foil, and color them with crayons. The wax melts and when to mix it together it swirls to make them look like this. Pretty cool (and cheap!).

After she got done coloring the rocks, we put them out in the garden. A very cool addition!

Campfire Hat

2010-07-23T10:29:00.001-06:00

This was such a fun one for us to make together. I think Avery's favorite part was eating the marshmallows as we were making it. It was super easy and she laughs when she wears it.

Tutu Time

2010-07-23T10:17:00.002-06:00

Getting the newspaper for dad in her new favorite outfit.

Avery and I have been on a craft kick. I went to a great website (www.familyfun.go.com) where I could search for crafts by age. She have LOVED it! Here's her in her new tutu we made together. Our little princess.

It's 7 Mom!

2010-07-18T19:35:00.000-06:00

So we have begun trying to teach Avery to stay in her bedroom in the morning until the clock says "7". A few days in and we are still trying to make this work. But tonight she surprised me by coming out of her room a few minutes ago and when I asked her why she was out of her room she said, "Look mom! It says 7!" So, I tried to explain the whole "not until it's morning" thing... classic.

Back to the drawing board.

Little Laughs

2010-07-16T20:08:00.000-06:00

Madison has started laughing and I caught a few little giggles this morning. It was precious and I love her cute little smile and her dimples. She really is a sweet girl! and... it's good to have a few laughs from her after so many nights of sleeplessness.

Bugs Bugs Bugs

2010-07-09T14:09:00.003-06:00

Avery and I have been crafting lately and it has been a blast. The past few days we made a bunch of bugs which for a whopping $3 provided hours of entertainment. Avery was so excited to make these and keeps asking to make more "ants."

Delinquent Dad

2010-07-09T14:01:00.002-06:00

This morning I woke up to a hysterical story... Brian had gotten up with Avery this morning and fell asleep on the couch for just a few minutes. In the meantime, Avery found her stash of nail polish and proceeded to "paint" her body. Brian woke up in shock and cleaned up her hands and feet (we only had a couple of spots on the carpet!). So when I came out after I woke up, Avery ran up to me and said, "Mom! Look at my pretty toe-polish!" I burst into laughter looking at the artwork on her legs and thought I would share it with you... ENJOY! The handiwork of my little artist.

By the way... Brian was the one who suggested entitling this blog "delinquent dad."

And Madi is looking at her like, "What in the world!?!"

Splish Splash

2010-07-07T15:14:00.003-06:00

Yesterday we enjoyed Noontime Notes in Old Town and the kids had a blast splashing in the "water park"... although Avery barely touched the water. Her and Malachi just squealed the whole time and little Rachel spent her time hovering over the spray soaking her little booty. It was fun!

2 Months Old!

2010-06-27T21:11:00.002-06:00

We made it to two months... lots of smiles, coos, and she has got the brightest eyes!

Time With Grandma & Grandpa Bob

2010-06-23T14:40:00.004-06:00

While Brian was gone last week, the girls and I ventured over to Grand Jct to spend some time with my parents. We had a great time and Avery LOVED their pool.

Cooking macaroni with Grandma

Avery LOVED swimming!

She also LOVED her new princess bed

Grandma & Madi

A sweet moment with Grandma

Sweet Girls

2010-06-23T14:34:00.001-06:00

My precious girls... some fun moments when Avery isn't totally smothering her.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-23T14:30:00.002-06:00

Got a great pic of Brian and the girls. He is a wonderful dad & it has been fun to watch Avery just LOVE him to death. She loves to wrestle with him and he has the keen ability to draw laughter out of her unlike anyone else.

Summer Is Here!

2010-06-04T12:15:00.005-06:00

Avery has LOVED being outside these days. She could spend all day in the pool. Another one of her favorite pastimes is helping me water the garden... which, has been growing like crazy! I have tons of herbs and have already harvested some radishes. I LOVE this time of year!

Good thing she's watering the paving stones!

She thought it would be fun to spray mom... nice.

Say cheese!

Funny Nightime Talk

2010-06-03T20:51:00.003-06:00

A couple nights ago I had a good laugh in the middle of the night from something Avery said.

So, sometime around 2 am, she was crying and I went into her room. Here was our dialogue...

Avery: "Mom, I need water."
Me: "Okay." (I get her some water)
Avery: (Drank the water) "Ohhhh, thank you mom." -pause- "I feel SO much better... now I can smile again."

After she said that she went immediately back to sleep. HILARIOUS! I was trying not to laugh too loud so I didn't wake her up.

Madi & Mom

2010-06-03T20:19:00.002-06:00

Managed to get a picture of me with my little girl... doesn't seem to happen too often since I'm the one usually behind the camera. Sure love this sweet girl!

Amazing Picture

2010-05-21T08:41:00.004-06:00

So Brian was helping Avery clean up her room this morning and found something amazing. This morning when Avery was playing by herself, she drew this picture on her doodle pro and we were amazed!

We asked her what it was a picture of and she said, "Rachel" (her cousin). She then proceeded to tell us what each part was... the hair, eyes, nose, etc.

This really is an amazing thing that she did! So we had to share... pretty cool.

Precious Gifts

2010-05-16T19:32:00.003-06:00

After the craziness of last week I feel more constantly reminded of how precious my two girls are to me. I am SO thankful for each of them. They are beautiful! Today we got them all dressed up to go to church and just had to get a pic. Pretty cute if you ask me!

Madison is doing much better as well... thank you so much to everyone who has prayed for us. We could not have gotten through the stress of it all without our friends and family. We feel upheld by you all!

A Scare With Madison Last Night

2010-05-12T13:27:00.004-06:00

So last night around 9pm Brian and I were watching TV when Madison (who was asleep on my chest) started gagging on some mucus and then stopped breathing momentarily. She went limp in my arms and went between choking and not breathing for what seemed like an eternity. Brian called 911 and the EMTs came super fast to our house.

What happened following feels like a big blur. They began sucking stuff out of her nose and mouth and then got her in the ambulance. I hopped in the front seat and we raced to the hospital. I was totally in a fog. It was truly a moms worst nightmare. When we made it to the hospital her color has returned and she wasn't on oxygen anymore. But it was so hard to see my little girl hooked up to all kinds of monitors.

In the ER, I was greeted by our good friend Jen who is a nurse there (so grateful for her!). I lost it. But Madison was quick to stabilize and was sleeping peacefully shortly after we got there. I was exhausted from the whole ordeal.

They kept Madison overnight to monitor her oxygen levels. She was a champ and slept thru most everything. I will say that I've never appreciate the cry of a baby so much in all my life. She did great overnight last night and we were released from the hospital this morning. We need to keep watching her after she nurses just to make sure she continues to do okay.

Needless to say, Brian and I are nervous to be home and anxious about this happening again. We are SO grateful for the many prayers of friends, family, and supporters. Thank you! And we would love to ask for continued prayers for peace over our household... and that we would rest in Jesus, cast all our anxiety on Him, and that Madison would continue to be healthy.

Sorry if this was a jumbled mess to read... reflects much of how I feel right now (a bit of a mess). Love to you our friends and family.

Here's our precious daughter sleeping last night all hooked up to monitors.

PS. I am overwhelmingly thankful for the EMTs and Firefighters who came to our house! They brought peace to a very stressful situation!