The Little Men

First Haircut

2012-01-25T20:55:00.000-06:00

We finally had to break down and do it... John got his first haircut today. Yesterday, I was talking about going. I told him we were going to get a haircut. He said "And I get a sucker!" Luckily he's been so many times with Noah to watch that he knew just what to do...

Noah went first. Noah always sits still (well, as still as a 3 year old can sit anyway). As he was sitting there, he said, "Look, John. This is how you sit still for your haircut."

One final shot of the mullet..

Sitting still like a big boy!

About to go to sleep in the chair.

Keeping a close eye on the movie.

All done...

The funny part is his hair is even more curly now than it was before...

Miscellaneous Photos

2012-01-22T22:20:00.001-06:00

Not quite so upset about the boots this time...a little chocolate goes a long way.

Writing some thank you notes.

22 month picture

Cute boys!

Big Helpers

2012-01-22T22:16:00.000-06:00

Last weekend, MiMi came to help make the bedding for Hunter's room. We had lots of help!

At Long Last...

2012-01-22T22:15:00.001-06:00

Benny has a name!

Hunter James Schsuter

And, for the record... The little widget that shows how many days are left is VERY misleading. There is no floating around going on!! There is no more room in the inn!

The Giggles...

2012-01-22T22:04:00.000-06:00

Snow Day

2012-01-22T21:49:00.000-06:00

A week ago, we had some snow one morning. It was the first snow that actually covered the ground. Noah was so excited to go out and play. It really was probably too cold to be out. I think the windchill might have been in the single digits. But, I thought we could go out for a few minutes and he'd be happy. John was all excited about it...until I put his boots on him. He did not like them!! He wouldn't walk in them. He just stood there. At one point, he fell and hit his head on the ground. I wasn't watching, so I don't know if he just fell over or if he tried to walk and fell over. Needless to say, it was not his idea of a good time...

Check out the frown...

Can we stay out all day??

Our friend Natalia came down to play too.

Waiting for some hot chocolate.

You Never Know What He'll Say (or Do)

2012-01-22T21:38:00.000-06:00

Noah has a terrible habit of taking forever and a day to make a decision, particularly around nap and bedtime. I've started telling him I'm going to count to 10 and if he doesn't have his book picked out, we'll have to go to bed with no book. Here is the usual dialog:
Me: One, Two...
John: Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten

I had just corrected Noah for saying "give it" instead of "please may I have it." John asked for something and I said what do you say. He looked at me and said, "give it!" (Normally, he answers with a very polite please.)

My nephew, Aiden, was with my mom and dad somewhere and said, "Look at that guy. His hair is all wound up just like John's."

Just after Christmas, Noah was getting a cough. In the middle of the night he woke up crying. I went into his room and he said "Something is stuck in my heart." I felt so bad for him. I finally convinced him it was in his throat. Later he told me he thought it was his tailbone in his throat.

John got choked on an orange and required a little hymlick to clear it out... When the orange came up, Noah was upset because John "threw up." He wasn't concerned John was choking, he was just worried about the "throw up" on the floor.

Noah was telling Greg something the other day. Greg was doing something else and didn't respond right away. So, Noah said "Oh for Pete's sake!"

John is a little funny about his food being mixed. For example, he likes ground beef and he likes beans, but if you mix them together in something, he doesn't want to eat it. I fixed ants on a log for them. John picked the raisins off and ate them, then he licked the peanut butter off, then he ate the celery. He just likes his food separate.

A lot of times when I put the boys to bed, this is what I hear:
Noah: Good night, John.
John: Good night, Noah.
Noah: I love you.
John: I love you.
So sweet!!! And if one of them doesn't answer, they just keep yelling it.

When John hurts himself, but it's not too bad, he'll look at me and say, "I okay."

Poppy loves to spoil his boys (and everyone really!). The last time we were there, he brought me home a Starbucks and he brought the boys each a hot chocolate. They were thirlled!

Friday, I took the boys to my doctor appointment with me. In an effort to keep them entertained, I had gotten them each a boxed milk. I was getting the straw in Noah's. Noah said he'd shake John's. So when I got Noah's ready, he wouldn't give me the other one. So, I just gave the first one to John. Afterall, they were the same. Noah threw a fit and tried to grab it from John... Both boys were screaming...in the waiting room...and squeezing the BOXED milk. Milk was squirting up John's nose, in his eyes, everywhere. It just kept squirting. I finally got control of the milk. They were both crying at this point. Then John was upset because his shirt was messy. We finally regained our composure and the rest of our visit was fine. I was however, a little worried that was a sign of things to come...

Yesterday, Greg had seen some deer in the field behind our house. He and Noah had been up and down the stairs several times trying to find the binoculars so they could go upstairs and look out the window at them. Pretty soon, I heard John at the bottom of the steps yelling "Open the door!! Open the door!!" He had yelled for a while. I couldn't figure out why Greg wasn't letting him in... I yelled to Greg and then realized he was upstairs, not downstairs. Poor little John couldn't keep up.

This morning, Noah was trying to get John to play something with him, but John was busy playing happily by himself. Noah finally said, "Okay, I guess you don't want to play with me anymore."

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-29T21:21:00.000-06:00

Look at me! Actually blogging about something in a timely manner! "I'm so proud of me" (as Noah would say).

Noah had a fun little Christmas party at school the week before Christmas. John got to go. (He's my trusty sidekick.) They had snacks, made ornaments, and sang a few songs for the moms. (I'm currently having trouble downloading the video, but I'll keep trying...)

Waiting for snacks...John's about to fall asleep...

Noah with his class and teachers (talking of course)

John making cookies

On Christmas Eve, Noah and I made a gingerbread house. Noah was very excited and did an excellent job sticking the candy on (and sampling too).

Building our first house (and look! Mommy even made the blog.)

Smiling for the camera.

Cleaning off his fingers.

The finished product (made in only 30 minutes.)

The boys each got to open one thing on Christmas Eve. Noah opened Polar Express and the boys got to watch it while they ate their dinner after the Christmas Eve service.

My boys

Under the tree Christmas morning

Opening presents

John opened M&Ms first and was so excited about them. He wouldn't put them down. He had a fit when we put them up so we could eat breakfast. (Don't worry! He did get a few after breakfast.)

Barely awake at Grandma's.

John, Noah, and cousin Aiden...So sweet!

You Never Know What He'll Say (or Do)

2011-12-23T22:12:00.000-06:00

During deer season, we were at Greg's parent's. Sunday morning we went to church. It's a very small church. We sat near the back with the boys. I was letting John play in the diaper bag to keep him quiet (I use the term quiet loosely). We hadn't been there very long and John pulled Noah's extra underwear out of the diaper bag and yelled "Underwear!" as he waved them around in the air. I regretted putting them in their Schuster sweaters that day... Then I realized it didn't matter; everyone knows who Greg is anyway.

We were sitting at Grandma and Grandpa's eating lunch. Noah said, "My foot's stuck. Now I can't take a nap." Finally, I realized, his foot really was stuck. That boy will try anything to get out of going to bed.

For a while, after he'd go to the bathroom, Noah would make the sound of the water running pretending to really wash his hands. Greg wondered why he didn't just turn the water on and not wash his hands...

I said to Noah, "I need to call Daddy and..." Then I paused. Noah said, "remind him to call the flooring place." I said "Yes, how'd you know." He replied, "I'm an expert."

Immediately after I changed John's diaper, he seemed like he may have been working on a surprise. I asked him if he just pooped in a clean diaper. He answered, "Yup!"

The last time we were at Grandma and Grandpa's all the cousins had little cars they'd made out of Legos. (The big kids helped the little kids make theirs.) John of course had to have one. Every two minutes he'd hand it to me and say, "It's bro-keen."

I took the car through the gas station car wash one Sunday on the way to the church (I had been bombed by birds the day before). We got ready to pull out and the garage door at the end of the car wash only opened about half way. I waited a bit to see if it would open once the dryer stopped. Noah was really upset and asked how we were going to get home!

I asked Noah to do something (I don't remember now what it was). He said, "I don't really want to do this, but I'm going to do it anyway."

I bought diapers at the store. I put them on the kitchen counter when we got home. Noah walked through the kitchen and said "Mommy, we got the wrong diapers." And sure enough, we had gotten the wrong size. Smart boy!!

We were all in the basement working on getting things put in order. Greg explained to the boys they were not to go near a cabinet in the basement, not to touch it or even go near it. Pretty soon Noah looked over and said, "Mommy, Daddy is by the cabinet."

One Sunday after church, we went to lunch. Greg order Buffalo Chicken Pizza. John wanted some. He would take a bit, stick his hand in his mouth (like he was trying to wipe his tongue off) and say spicy. Then he'd take another bit and do it all over again.

Noah has been very attached recently to his Jesus Storybook Bible. He opened to a page and asked what story it was. I said it's the story of Abraham and Isaac. Noah corrected me and said, you mean Abraham and Sarah.

One day a nap time, we were reading the story of Jesus' crucifixion. Noah got really upset and started crying. He was so upset that they were mean to Jesus and that his Daddy left him for 3 days. It was very sweet. (If only our hearts were as tender as a child's!!)

One day, we pulled up to pick up Noah and John said, "Let's go get Noah!"

We often have trouble with Noah yelling for things after bed. You know, I need a drink or asking silly questions. Anything to prolong sleep. We told him no yelling anything once the door closes or he'd get a spanking. So, no sooner did the door close, he yelled, "I love you, Mommy!" (Don't worry, he didn't get a spanking.)

One day I decided not to dry my hair (which I never do). Noah said, "Are you going to leave your hair like that?" I said yes. He said, "I don't like it. Go dry it."

John bumped into the wall and said "Excuse me."

Greg took the boys to get my Christmas present. (Last year, Noah went with him and would not tell.) Noah asked me to help him wash his hands after he went to the bathroom. As he was finishing up, he said, "Me and Daddy need to relax. We're worn out from getting your cowboy boots. Oops! Sorry!" (all in one breath.)

Now that we've moved, when we go just about anywhere, we drive by our friends, the Gilbert's house. When we pass, Noah always says, "There's the Gilbert's." A few weeks ago, John and I were going to pick Noah up from school. John said (at exactly the right time), "Gilbert's."

December in Pictures

2011-12-23T21:46:00.000-06:00

John looking through the Toys 'R' Us catalog...making his Christmas list.

MiMi came home from work one day and asked the boys if they wanted to check her pockets. There were M&Ms she'd tucked in there. Every time she came home, the boys wanted to check MiMi's pockets.

Poppy with his boys.

The boys playing in the mulch. (John may have had more mulch stuck in his hair than there was in the mulch bed.)

Watching a movie and having popcorn with Daddy.

Noah eating spicy chicken wings (and loving them!)

Noah hosted a tea party and invited his friends, the Hunters. Noah was so sweet and served his friends tea first. It was very cute.

Daddy brought home crowns for the boys. They marched around like a king and a prince.

21 month picture

The boys playing with their new bow and arrow (is this really an inside toy??)

Riding the carousel at the Zoo during Wild Lights

Checking out the penguins.

Taking in the lights at the Zoo

Santa and Mrs. Claus came for a visit

Check out what they were riding on.

Uh...Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-12-23T21:17:00.002-06:00

As usual, I'm a little behind on my blogging... But better late than never right. (And, hey, I'm getting the Thanksgiving stuff up before Christmas! That's something, right?)

Noah's class had the cutest little program for Thanksgiving. A week or so before the program, one of his teachers texted me this picture of their practice. Her caption read, "I see some one's tummy!"

Noah waving at Mommy and Daddy

The great performer

Singing the Ladybug Song (so cute!!)

Praising the Lord.

John watching intently

On Thanksgiving morning, Poppy and MiMi came for a visit. The boys couldn't wait for them to get here.

Watching for Poppy and MiMi

Greg makes a trip to Bass Pro Shops every year on Thanksgiving Day. When my parents are here, my dad goes with him too. John snuggled up to Greg and wouldn't leave his side as they were getting ready to go. He wasn't about to let the boys go and leave him at home with Mommy again.

You are NOT leaving without me this time!!

Noah, as usual, was dawdling when they were getting into the car. My dad told Noah he'd better get in his seat before the women changed their mind. Pretty soon, Noah said to Greg, "We better get going before these women change their mind."

While the boys were gone, MiMi and I worked on making Thanksgiving dinner. When the boys got home, Noah and John helped MiMi make the gravy.

After naps, we headed to the ZOE house to have dessert with the Hunters, Brooks, and Thoms. It was so much fun.

Kim with Nathan (2 weeks younger than John), Shelly with Champ (2 months younger than John), me with John, Julie with Britton (4 months younger than John)

It was so sweet to be with our friends and watch the boys run around and get into everything. They will be such good buddies when they get a little bigger (if the mommies have anything to say about it anyway).

The boys ate lots of sugar... After we got home, we got the boys all ready for bed. They were sitting on the couch with my dad. My dad said, "uh, John just threw up." Meanwhile, John says, "Yummy!" Apparently, it was just as good the second time.

A Trip to the Dentist

2011-12-19T21:54:00.000-06:00

Noah had his first trip to the dentist. I wasn't sure how he'd do. But he did great! I'm sure it helped that MiMi was the one doing the cleaning.

Picking a new toothbrush before the cleaning

Checking out MiMi's funny glasses

"Counting" teeth

The big cleaning

A good rinse

Notice the grip... MiMi kept asking him if he wanted to hold things for her. He refused to let go of the chair. But he did sit with his mouth open and did just what she asked.

John was looking up over the edge of the chair...until I took the picture.

He even opened wide so Dr. Willett could take a quick look.

The Unfair Trade Act (by MiMi)

2011-12-03T19:06:00.000-06:00

Never heard of it?? This is how it goes: John and Noah are outside playing in the mulch having a big ol' time. Noah has the rake. John has the shovel. Noah wants the shovel. Noah to John: "Buddy how about we trade?" Noah marches up to John and takes his shovel and quickly replaces it with the rake. Noah is off playing happily. John stands there stunned and blinking. He didn’t agree to the trade. He runs to Noah holding out the unwanted rake saying, “Buddy! Buddy! Buddy!” There you have it the Unfair Trade Act.

Bad Mom Award

2011-11-05T22:53:00.000-05:00

Worst diaper leak ever...

Trick or Treat!

2011-11-05T22:51:00.001-05:00

For weeks before Halloween, I asked Noah what he wanted to dress up as. He could never decide what he wanted to be. Finally, he came up with a rocket. However, it was too late to order one (and I couldn't find a cute one). So, we had to make it. John dressed up like a monkey. (We're reusing Noah's old costumes while we can!)

Our very first jack-o-lantern

Did NOT want to put the monkey suit on.

Please, mommy!

Why are you doing this to me?!?!?!

Ready to go up the hill to our friends houses.

Not really made for sitting.

All our buddies.

Here we go!

I didn't know I'd get candy!!

Trick or treat!

Candy!!!

What's this one?

Checking the loot.

Wanna trade?

The World Series

2011-11-05T22:24:00.000-05:00

Greg had tickets to game 2 of the world series. He decided to take Noah. I tried to talk him into staying home with me. I didn't think he'd make it through the whole game. It was also very cold and it would be so late when they got home... I told him we'd eat popcorn and candy if he stayed home. He of course wanted to go anyway.

Getting ready to go.

So upset because he got left behind...again.

Ready to go into the stadium.

View from the seats.

So excited to be at the game.

When Noah got home from the game at 11:45p, he asked if he could have some candy now. I don't think he understood he had to stay home with me to get the candy...

Fall Fun!

2011-11-05T22:15:00.002-05:00

In mid-October (we're starting to catch up here...), we decided to go to the pumpkin patch. We heard there was a patch close by with hayrides, etc. So, we thought we'd try it out. I was a little disappointed because it was really a corn maze with a very small pumpkin assortment. Not so much a patch. The boys had a ball though (which is the important part, right?).

Noah helping his brother...

...then cutting in line.

Finally made it down.

Back up again.

Here I come!

Aren't I cute?

What's that kid doing?

Barrel rides

Picking out a pumpkin.

Since we didn't get our perfect pumpkin patch picture, I dragged everyone to the usual pumpkin patch. (Turns out the above picture is the best one of the two of them together.) They had a great time running around and looking at the pumpkins and playing anyway.

I like this one.

So heavy.

Maybe I'll just sit on it.

Checking out the livestock.

Dirt in the shoe. He sat down on the squash and it immediately rolled and he was on the ground.

My attempt to get a good picture of both of them...

Kicking up dirt.

Field Trip

2011-11-05T21:55:00.001-05:00

Noah's class went on a field trip to Shaw Nature Reserve. John and I got to go too. It's always fun to watch the kids explore and learn.

Throwing rocks in the water.

Always stuck in the stroller...

Finding thing to put in the kaleidoscope.

When we got to this point, the tour guide asked if anyone knew what this was. Noah quickly said bamboo! He's so smart!

With his classmates and another mom in the bamboo.

Waiting for some instruction

Checking things out.

The whole class

The Zoo

2011-11-05T21:34:00.001-05:00

In September, I decided I was going to take the boys to the zoo on Wednesday. We invited our sweet friend Diane Gilbert and her granddaughter Remi to go with us. Unfortunately, when Wednesday rolled around, it was very rainy... The next Wednesday about 8:30, Diane asked if we wanted to go. We were all still wandering around in our jammies, so we hurried to get ready. It was the perfect day for the zoo.

Remi, Noah, and John in the canoe

Always a funny face...

The First Day of School

2011-11-05T21:22:00.000-05:00

Noah went back to preschool this year. (Notice the glove.) He was so excited to go. We almost didn't have time to take a picture... The next school day, he wanted to take another picture.

Labor Day Picnic

2011-11-05T21:18:00.000-05:00

(I said I was behind, didn't I!!???!)

Over Labor Day weekend, we went to a picnic in Pilot Grove. The boys had a blast.

Watching the turtle race with daddy and cousin Tori.

Turtle race with Uncle Matt

Trying to ring a duck

Bounce House!!! (When Noah was John's age, he wanted nothing to do with a bounce house. John can't get enough.)

Practicing pitching.

Back to the turtle race with Daddy.

Checking out the turtles.

Deep Questions, by Noah

2011-11-05T21:03:00.001-05:00

"What's God's phone number?"

"How did everyone fit in God's tummy?"

"Who made God?"

You Never Know What He'll Say (or Do)

2011-11-05T21:02:00.001-05:00

The boys were playing with my old Fisher-Price farm and house. Noah started having a fit because there was a fly flying around him. Then he was hollering because it landed on the house. I walked around the corner to see John lean over and pick up the fly.

One night, we were eating casserole for dinner. (Noah calls it casseroyal.) I thought he asked if casseroyal would make him sick. I said no, casserole won't make you sick. He said "No, CASTOR OIL!"

We were driving down the road and Noah says, "I just saw a sign that said watch out for 'Ts'."

Every time we sit down to eat, John asks for a napkin. The first time I gave him one, he kept wiping the back of his head with it.

Noah accidentally pinched John's fingers in the door. The next day, we were playing and Noah said, "I am so sorry for pinching John's finger in the door."

John's favorite thing to do is hit Greg or I as he yells "Owe!"

Last week, John wasn't feeling very well. We were playing and Noah said, "Did you already pray for John to feel better?"

I put a pillow I'd unpacked on the sofa. Noah walked in and said "Oh my goodness! It's so beautiful!"

John's favorite thing to say is "I need that!" (It comes out "I need nat!")

Every time there is mention of someone going potty, John pipes up and says, "I need to go potty." (Unfortunately, if I try to put him on the potty, he has a fit."

We were eating lunch and Noah asked if I remembered that white stuff with the grapes cut up in it. After some questions and confusion, I asked if he meant chicken salad. He said, "Yes. That was bad!"

When the boys are talking to MiMi, they always want to call Poppy instead so they can see him (FaceTime).

Miscellaneous Pictures

2011-11-02T21:28:00.002-05:00

Turns out I am little further behind on the blogging than I thought... So, here is a little something to catch up.

Jumping around

Watching a movie with Beckley

Noah got a golf glove several months ago. He now carries it around everywhere (still). We caught him sleeping in it the first week. We had to go in and take it off of him every night so his hand wouldn't get too sweaty.

Sleeping with Hippo and Honker

Wheeeeeeeee!

On the scouter

Riding a bike

Just playing outside

Riding the cars

Two seconds after I took the picture, John lost it. They had to stop the ride.

Riding the shuttle at the State Fair. I told Noah to hold on to Grandma. He had a death grip on her pants.

Getting a caricature at the Fair

Checking things out

Riding the mowers in Lowe's.

Finally! My turn!

Feeding himself.

18 month picture

Happy boys!

3 1/2 year picture

Student Driver

Check out this hair!

Our friend Paul (who was so kind to let us stay in his house over the summer) likes to write all his checks himself. We were laughing. Just before this picture, he was sitting on the couch by the boys writing checks and both boys were playing on the iPads.

Having suckers to stay out of the way of the refrigerator delivery.

First lunch at the new house - no table...

Picnic at Noah's school.

Breakfast the first morning in the new house (still no table; don't worry! It's here now.)

He was really enjoying hugging the deer. Ick!!!!

Playing in the toy cabinet.

Wrestling

19 month picture

20 month picture

Watching the guys get ready for the sod

John got the tiniest little trim on the crown of his head to help with the tangles.

John temporarily took up a new pastime while he was supposed to be napping. (Thankfully, he's given it up, but the damage is done.)

After 2 weeks of no television service, it's up and running.

Domino tower Noah built with very little help.

"Chocolate!"

Test driving a four wheeler

Big stuff!

John with his buddy, Champ.

Just as I was ready to take the picture of John in the safety goggles, Noah reached over and hammered him. John didn't flinch.

Special Vacation at Poppy and MiMi's: Day 7

2011-09-27T22:01:00.000-05:00

Another bag of M&Ms for the special surprise...They got to eat them for breakfast.

Notice all the stuff Noah has...He has an immediate attachment to anything new. It's a little out of control. He carries around so much stuff. Then asks for help because he can't carry it all. My mom even said while he was there, he was scooting his coloring book around on the floor with his foot because he couldn't carry everything.

John after M&Ms

Awww...

Real brotherly love.

Everyone is mad at mommy for leaving them and they only want daddy.

John with his new visor. (He loves hats.)

Noah with his frog (it really sounds like a bullfrog with you run the wand over the ridges).

Really! I'm mad at her!

Special Vacation at Poppy and MiMi's: Day 6

2011-09-27T21:53:00.000-05:00

Picnic lunch

Making fruit kabobs for the luau party

Putting up the sign (I hear he really loved hammering it in.)

John wearing his lei (he played with it on for a long time)

Grandma reading to the boys at the luau party

Grandpa even wore a lei

Mmm!!

Special Vacation at Poppy and MiMi's: Day 5

2011-09-27T21:44:00.000-05:00

Sleepy horseback rider (notice the cars he lined up)

Field Trip: Farmer's Market

Green Beans, Yum!

Bees making honey for honey ice cream

"Chocolate for me. Strawberry for my brother."

Snack time!!

"I want some more!"

Sweet Noah sharing with John.

Visiting the horses with cousin Becky

Not too close!

What is he thinking?

Checking them out from a "safe" distance

Special Vacation at Poppy and MiMi's: Day 4

2011-09-27T21:36:00.000-05:00

MiMi and Poppy had lots of fun things to keep the boys busy while they were on their special vacation. I think they had the time of their lives.

Trying to put "water" in his cup (Check out the crazy morning hair! I think he needs a silk pillowcase.)

Cutting paper (a crowd favorite!)

Shopping for Luau supplies

Trying out the hula hoop

"Sharing" his new fishing game.

Check out Noah lounging.

Noah, John, and Aiden having a popsicle.

"Can I eat this too?"

"Are you sure it's all gone?"

Stuck inside looking out once again...

Special Vacation at Poppy and MiMi's: Day 3

2011-09-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

Helping Poppy put up the tent

Field Trip: PetSmart

Watching a snake... ICK!!!

Hours of entertainment.

Snack time in the tent.

Bathing Beauties

They love to swim!

M&Ms were their present in the bucket on day 3.

So disappointed they're all gone...

Stuck inside watching the fun out the window.

Sweet brother carrying his water and Noah's water (unprompted).

John loves to line up the cars.

Escapee

Poll Results

2011-09-19T07:46:00.000-05:00

The results are in! 60% thought it was a girl and 40% thought it was a boy... Statistically, odds of a boy were much higher since we already have 2 boys; I think 85% actually. And, it is in fact another boy. We've not yet decided on a name. We a have a book of 100,001 baby names and can't find anything good...

I was going to scan in the ultrasound pictures, but there were technical difficulties (i.e. the scanner isn't working right). So, stay tuned...

Special Vacation at Poppy and MiMi's: Day 2

2011-09-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

Noah: hugging a rock (??)

John: frowny

Stopping to smell the roses

Being silly

Playing in the water

Riding a lion

Play dough farm

The chicken laid an egg

Painting with Uncle Harry

"Painting" with Auntie Judy (but nowhere to be seen)

Blew a snap while playing with snappers

Having some Mountain Dew (I don't think that was on the approved food and beverage list.)

Jiffy Pop

Popcorn and a movie

So cute!

Shoveling it in.

Special Vacation at Poppy and MiMi's: Day 1

2011-09-08T20:11:00.003-05:00

While mommy and daddy were vacationing in Hawaii, Noah and John had their own special vacation at Poppy and MiMi's. (Some of the pictures are a little blurry...action shots.)

One last book with mommy and daddy

Half a muffin in his mouth... Too much?

Washing the new tea set

Tasting the "crumpets" (see the blur to his mouth)

Putting sugar in the tea

Getting ready

Setting the table (This was the table cloth my mom always gave me for tea parties when I was little. Oddly enough, she didn't remember it.)

Tea for you.

Mmmmm.

I love to eat!

Notice the mess

A special surprise for each day

Opening John's present

Runaway frog

Noah wrote us a thank you note. It was his own idea.

Tired boys...

Swimming

Mouse egg for dinner

The sharks are circling...

Pickles anyone?

A Hawaiian Vacation

2011-09-07T21:22:00.000-05:00

On August 25, Greg and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. It's kind of hard to believe really! To celebrate, we went to Hawaii. Poppy and MiMi kept the boys. (I was very sad to leave them, but I'm pretty sure they had the time of their lives! More blogs on that later...)

This was the first trip we'd taken by ourselves since Noah was born. It was really great to just relax and do what we wanted. I got a lot of reading done. I read a 600 page book, 4 magazines, and 200 pages of another book. (I think I've only read about 2 pages since we've been home...) Greg was a little annoyed by my book. Every time he was ready to go, I'd say "Hold on! I'm almost done with this chapter." It was a good book!

Pearl Harbor Memorial

USS Missouri

USS Arizona

View from our room

Anniversary dinner

Tourists in a convertible

Mountains and ocean

Us (in case you were unclear...)

Sunset from our room

Sharks at the hotel

I've always wondered how pineapples grow

Boy or Girl?

2011-09-07T20:58:00.001-05:00

In just 8 days, we'll find out if "Benny" is a boy or a girl. I thought it might be fun to poll my two readers. So, place your vote to the right!

The Science Center

2011-09-07T20:54:00.000-05:00

We went to the Science Center with the Hunters (and I'm NOT going to say how long ago it's been; then you'd know just how behind I am on the blogging).

Champ and John in a ball pit (John looks like he could just go right to sleep!)

A fan favorite, the train table

Checking out the microscope

Playing in the tepee

I love trains!

Watching the cars drive by on the interstate below

A Boy and His Toys

2011-09-07T20:33:00.000-05:00

Ever since Noah rode the Gator at Greg's brother's house, Greg and Noah have been dying to get one. Greg found a good deal on a used one that was in good condition. One night after Noah went to bed, he went to pick it up. So, first thing when Noah got up, Greg dressed him so he could go out and see his surprise. (Noah didn't know he was getting one.)

Who is more excited?

Ready to take it for the first spin.

John (with his very, very crazy morning hair) testing out the new ride.

Noah: Get him outta here!

Take his brother for a spin. (Oddly, not the same day, but Noah is wearing the same thing.)

We Miss the Red Chair

2011-08-14T21:33:00.000-05:00

We miss taking our red chair pictures. I was hoping the red chair would be near the front of the storage unit so I could still take the boys and get their picture. (Had I thought of it before we got everything in the storage unit, we could have planned for that... Hindsight is always 20/20.) So, we've been using the oh-so-comfy tan chair.

16 months

16 months with Noah

17 months

The Magic House

2011-08-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

I recently took the boys to The Magic House. We went with our friends, the Hunters. I'd never taken the boys, but they loved it! (They're wearing their "we're going to a place with lots of kids and mommy wants to be able to spot us quickly outfits." Shockingly, there were lots of orange shirts there that day. They didn't stand out quite as much as I thought they would.)

Champ and John playing in the water. I'm pretty sure John would have played here all day if I'd have let him.

Noah and Avery playing in the water.

Noah and John playing in the sand.

Rocks! Good boy fun!

Driving the "digger"

This picture makes me laugh. John looks like a giant compared to Champ. (They're just 2 months apart.) I think it's just the angle of the shot. I don't think I really have a gigantic baby.

Our New Home...

2011-08-14T21:11:00.000-05:00

...is moving right along. Of course it never feels like it's fast enough when you're waiting. (This Schuster family is not generally a very patient people.) On the other hand, it seems impossible that they've gotten as much done as they have. It's really pretty amazing.

Our sweet friends, Paul and Shannon, have been so kind to let us stay in their home while we're "homeless." It's been such a blessing to us. Thanks guys!!!

Before we know it, we'll be home sweet home!

"Benny"

2011-08-14T21:04:00.000-05:00

Noah and John are going to be big brothers. The due date is February 5. (We like to have our babies in February.)

Noah has been so cute about it. John, I don't think has a clue. When we told Noah, he wanted to call him Benny. (We don't yet know if it's a boy or a girl. We're all just saying "he" because that's all we've known. Time will tell!) He always wants to know where Benny's head is or he'll ask how Benny's doing today.

You Never Know What He'll Say (or Do)

2011-08-14T20:52:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago (okay, maybe a little longer than that...) I had the boys at a meeting with me at sweet Babs' house. She was trying to get John to sign "more." I said, "Oh, Babs! He just says 'I want some more.'" Right on cue John said, "I want some more."

Every now and again, when we go to Starbucks, I'll get a scone to share with the boys. Recently when we got one, as soon as they handed it through the window John started yelling, "I want some! I want some!" The next time, I had give some to Noah and John started yelling "Gimme! Gimme!"

We were at the pool and Noah found $0.30. Greg took him to the concession stand (a.k.a. the candy stand) to see if he could get something. They came back with 2 Tootsie Rolls. Noah didn't want to share with John. He shoved the whole thing in his mouth as I said "If you don't share, you can't get one next time." So, Noah took a piece out of his mouth and put it right into John's.

This picture requires no words...

"Now what do we do? There's a wasp in the pool!"

Again, no words required... Just good boy fun!

Brotherly Love

2011-07-11T20:49:00.000-05:00

Noah has hit a little bit of a mean streak... Well, in regards to John anyway... I don't know if he's just trying to get attention or if it's because of all the changes... Thankfully, we haven't had any major injuries. Noah pushed John down the stairs one day. It was just a half flight and there were no bumps or bruises, just a little crying. A few days later, he hit him in the face with a Duplo. John had a big raspberry on his cheek bone and a little cut. It made me very sad...

One of these days, John is going to get even...

If you look closely, you can see his injury. He was trying to get off the bed and got off in the wrong direction... Before I took the picture he was dangling. But I couldn't get it taken fast enough. It was funny!

A Golfer is Born

2011-07-11T20:42:00.000-05:00

Last night, Noah got to play golf with daddy. It was so, so hot! But I think they had lots of fun. Noah "played" the first nine with daddy, then I picked him up at the turn to get him to bed. Noah was soaking wet when I picked him up. (Noah is wearing John's shorts... The last 2 times Greg has dressed Noah, he's come down with John's shorts on. In Greg's defense, all of John's clothes are in Noah's room. But I still think it's funny!)

The Great Outdoors

2011-07-11T20:26:00.000-05:00

The boys love anything outside. They don't seem to notice if it's 800 degrees or not. I'm more of a fair weather fan really...don't like it too hot or too cold.

A few weeks ago, we visited Greg's brother. They have a little Gator (or something of the like). Noah became very attached. He wanted to take it home. Then when he figured out we weren't doing that, he wanted to go buy one right away.

After we got back to Grandpa and Grandma's, he thought he needed to ride the four wheeler some more.

Poor John wanted to go out too, but he was just stuck inside watching out...

Finally!! He got his turn too. He had a fit when we got him off.

We also got to visit Poppy and MiMi on our trip. The boys love swimming. So Poppy bought them a little pool. We filled it each morning (it got pretty dirty with each use). Then by afternoon, it was nice and warm.

He smeared dirt all over his stomach...They were so dirty! (Do girls get this dirty?)

MiMi got in the pool with them when she got home from work. They thought that was great! John kept climbing in and out of the pool. There may have been more grass in the pool than in the yard.

Colorado

2011-06-21T21:29:00.000-05:00

The whole family loaded up in the car the day we moved out with our good friend Brad Gilbert and headed to Colorado. The boys really did great in the car. I was a little nervous about that... There were lots of movies watched (or actually just the same couple of movies repeatedly).

The boys had a ball. They did things they don't normally get to do, like play outside in their jammies, stay up super late, eat a bun with mustard for dinner...

The ZOE kids went every morning to do fun activities like mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, snow sliding, and kayaking. The boys and I stayed at the camp and played with our friends the Hunters. We had a great time. The boys got super dirty every day. Noah thought the camp was Colorado... It was very cute!

There was not a lot of sleeping that went on while we were there. One night, Greg stayed with boys so I could go to the meeting. He said he had dosed off. When he woke up, John was standing in his bed and the boys were yelling back and forth and laughing.

On Wednesday evening, Greg flew home for a meeting. He flew back Thursday evening and then we hopped in the car on Friday morning to head home.

John with his two favorite things: hippo and a water bottle.

Noah playing hockey at 6am in his jammies

John following Noah around at 6am in his jammies

Taking an early morning "hike"

Noah doing a little rock climbing

Playing in the dirt - check out the nose

The day the ZOE kids went snow sliding, we went too. We drove and drove and drove. Then the bus just pulled off on the side of the road. Shelly and I looked at each other and discussed how we had envisioned a parking lot and some flat, safe areas for the kids. But, as was the theme of the week, we made the best of it! Initially, we thought maybe the kids could slide down, but once we saw the mountain, we decided it was much to steep for the them. So, they played along side of the road. They had a blast!

Heading off the play

So excited!

Sliding down on his bottom

Loving the snow

Having a snack

Playing with his snowball

Avery, Atley, and Noah

Loving each other...so sweet

Canon and Noah playing air hockey

Noah and Uncle Brad checking out the elk

Making a wide pass around the elk

Me and the boys

This sign was outside the area we had just walked through. Our friend, John Orf, was telling us where to go to see the elk. He said, "See that sign that says 'Danger?' That's where you want to go."

Noah following John on the yellow line

The whole group

The morning we left, there was a kickball tournament. The little kids played too. Noah kicked a home run.

Kicking the ball

Rounding the bases

Crossing Home

2nd Home Run

Playing in the park

Just hanging out

John with his buddy Champ (who broke out with chicken pox while we were there...poor little guy)

Big Fish, Little Fish

2011-06-20T20:17:00.000-05:00

(Noah wouldn't hold his fish, but he caught the one Greg is holding.)

Cicadas...Ugh!

2011-06-20T20:15:00.000-05:00

At the end of May, the cicadas started to appear... When I saw the first one, I showed Noah and we talked about it. Then I realized they were literally everywhere! We could hardly walk through the grass without stepping on them. It was a little disgusting. Eventually they got so noisy it was miserable to be outside. When I was a kid, I collected the skins. Kind of disgusting! My mom said she did too when she was a kid. Noah didn't collect them, but he liked to knock them off with a stick.

I captured nearly every stage of the icky cicadas shedding their skins. They're nearly all gone, thankfully! There are a few still hanging around.

Moving...

2011-06-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but we've moved... It was bittersweet. It's exciting to be building a new house. It was also sad to leave the house we brought our babies home to. Noah and John were quite the helpers with the packing... John unpacked the boxes as fast as I could pack them. It was a little counterproductive. Noah just started packing whatever he could get his hands on.

We decided we needed to get everything moved out of the house before we left for the Colorado trip with ZOE. It was very wise, but it was a little stressful at the time. (But isn't moving always stressful??) Greg and I had moved lots of boxes and small stuff to the storage unit before anyone came to help. Then Saturday morning, the boys arrive to load up the rest. That morning we got nearly everything moved out. That night, we left for Colorado... After we got home from Colorado, we cleaned and moved out the few remaining things. Last Thursday, we closed on the house. So we are officially homeless.

Last night in the "old" house

Fishing with Daddy

2011-05-25T21:35:00.000-05:00

Saturday, Noah and Greg headed out once again to go fishing. Greg said they hadn't been there 2 minutes when Noah cast his line out (by himself). Greg went to grab the pole to help him recast because he thought it wasn't out far enough. But he'd already caught a fish. Noah reeled it in all by himself.

You Never Know What He'll Say (or Do)

2011-05-16T22:10:00.000-05:00

When Noah gets a haircut, they offer a sucker for good behavior. I always make him get buckled up in the car before I let him have it. He had picked a mango sucker. Half way home, he said "I want a different flavor." I told him he could pick another flavor the next time. He said, "Do they have scotch tape flavor?" I then determined he meant butterscotch.

Noah was playing with his Fischer-Price bus. John decided he wanted to play too. There was a tug-of-war going on over the bus. Noah was not going to share. He finally punched John in the face. It wasn't funny, but it was a little...

Wet 'n' Wild

2011-05-16T22:06:00.001-05:00

Last week, we had some really hot days. One day, I put the boys in their trunks and took them out to play in the water. They have this really big beach ball that a hose hooks up to. Water sprays our of the ball. They had so much fun. They mostly played near the water. When I tried to turn it off a few times, Noah had a fit. The boys were so dirty when they were done. (So dirty is an understatement...)

Aunt Suzanne got the boys these super cute trunks last year. I saved them for this year. Thanks Aunt Suzanne!!

Taking in some rays

"Playing" in the water (he refused to run through it)

Check out those dirty knees (you should have seen his bottom!)

Watching the water

Having a ball!

The fun is over... Hold me, mommy!

Gone Fishin'

2011-05-16T21:56:00.001-05:00

Two weeks ago (we're getting a little more current here), we went to Greg's sister's house to celebrate our nephew's 8th grade graduation. They live on a dairy farm. When we got out of the car, Noah didn't even say hello to Grandma. He said, "It's stinky here." as he was fanning his hand in front of his nose.

After lunch and a nap, the kids headed off to go fishing. This was Noah's first time. We did not come very prepared... Aunt Suzanne found Noah some boots. They were size 12. He wears a 7 or an 8. (As soon as they got back, he kicked them off...or just let them slip off as the case may be.)

Checking his pole

Catching fish with Rosie

...and daddy

Fishing with Jake

Happy Easter (Just a Little Late...)

2011-05-16T21:10:00.000-05:00

Easter weekend, we dyed eggs. Not thinking, I bought the same eggs I always buy...which are brown. When I got home I realized that may not have been wise.

John trying really hard to reach the eggs.

The completed eggs...didn't turn out so bad after all.

Easter morning Noah was so excited to get up and see his Easter basket. John was just excited to eat breakfast.

Noah "steeling" an egg from John's basket.

I was chastised a little bit for putting Goldfish and raisins in the boy's eggs. Hey, they were happy as clams! Once John figured out there was food in the eggs, he sat and opened all of his eggs. After he polished his off, he started in on Noah's. That did not go over well...

Noah smiling, John eating.

Easter picture at church.

After church, we drove to Grandpa and Grandma's to have lunch and just spend time with family. We had a great time! Grandma is very organized with her Easter egg hunt. She tells everyone how many eggs they are allowed to find. Noah found lots. He shared with his cousins.

Annual head in Easter bucket picture.

John joining in the tradition.

Hunting

Inspecting the egg (Is there a snack in this one too?)

Peewee Field Trip

2011-05-16T20:42:00.001-05:00

Noah had his first field trip just before Easter. John and I got to go with him. It was a bit chilly, but was very fun. We went to Purina Farms.

Noah playing with grain and tractors (I had to drag him away from this station)

Noah's whole class watching the sheep.

Thinking about petting the pig.

Petting the pig. (Hand sanitizer please!)

Riding on the trailer.

John on the trailer ride.

It's hard to see, but they all hold a loop in a rope when they walk. It's super cute. At one point there were 4 kids trying to get the same loop. They kind of looked like puppies chasing their tales. They all finally found their own loop. Very cute!

The day of the field trip was also the same day as their Easter party at school. The original plan was to have the party at Purina Farms. But since it was so cold, we went back to school. When we got into the classroom, I put John on the floor with the diaper bag so he could play. I turned around and started getting the kids their snack ready and when I turned back around to hand it out, this is what I found...

He got his water out of the bag and bellied up to the table like the other kids. (Notice the little boy on the left protecting his snack from John...with good reason.)

You Never Know What He'll Say (or Do)

2011-05-11T20:38:00.000-05:00

From time to time, Noah will be dancing around as if he has to go to the bathroom. The following conversation ensues:

Me: Noah, do you need to go potty?

Noah: No.

Me: Why are you dancing?

Noah: (as he really busts a move) I'm just dancing to the music.

We've had this conversation enough now that when I ask if he needs to go potty he dances and says he'd just dancing to the music. He just cuts right to the chase.

Boys sometimes beat up on each other... I try to explain to Noah that he must set the example for John and be nice. Yesterday, after we had that conversation, Noah said to me "Don't tell me that every day." I thought to myself, "Hellllooooo! Just be nice and we won't have to have it!" But, you can't reason with a 3 year old.

A few weeks ago, we were at the Hunter's. The boys were playing. I turned around and this is what I found... No idea how he got in there.

Today, we were rear ended...in our brand new car. The person 2 cars behind us hit the person behind us causing them to hit us. It was very minor. Both boys were scared, but everyone was okay. Everyone we talked to today Noah said, "Mommy, tell them what happened." It didn't matter if we'd already told them or not, I had to tell it again. I think Greg heard the story 42 times. Noah didn't take his Froggy with him in the car (which he usually does). When we walked in the door, he went to Froggy and was telling him what happened. It was very cute.

Picnics, Fro-yo, & Cookies

2011-05-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, we went to Super Smokers for a fine dining experience. There were 4 families which equated if 634 kids and 6 adults... Okay, it was 12 kids and 8 adults (pretty much the same thing), but it was quite a scene. John thought he was pretty big stuff trying to put a straw in his sippy cup like everyone else.

We've decided Noah is old enough to do housework. I'm retiring. I just sit around and eat bon-bons while he runs the vacuum and does my housework. He always likes to help. And he is such a great helper.

John's hair just cracks me up... It's so long, but yet it looks short and well kept because of the super tight curls. He hasn't yet had a hair cut. (By the time Noah was this age, he'd had 4.)

In spite of some really nasty weather, we've also had some really great weather too. We've been having picnics. It's a little extra work to get everyone outside, but the clean up is a bit easier... I don't have to pick up all the food off the ground. We just leave it for our chipmunk (even though he broke our air conditioner last year).

Forced Smile

As mentioned some time ago, our house is on the market (or was). Our realtor recommended we paint the basement floor the spruce it up a bit before we officially listed it. So, we put Noah to work once again. He loves to help mommy and daddy. We listed our house on a Saturday and had an offer the next day. Eureka, here we come (if we can decide on some flooring)!

A few weeks ago (everything seems to be a few weeks ago...who is running this blog anyway!), we took the boys to Orange Leaf for some fro-yo. John and I secured an outside table while Greg and Noah went in to get the fro-yo. I told Greg to get Noah one of the fruit flavors and just get fruit on it. He came out with a LOT for fro-yo with chocolate syrup and M&Ms. And there was some fruit too... Noah was so happy with his treat.

Excuse the poor picture quality, but you use what you've got, right? I had the boys in the tub and Noah started washing John's hair. It was very sweet.

There's not much to say about this picture... Cookies in the oven.

Last week, we surprised MiMi for her birthday. While there, John pushed Poppy's little red chair around the kitchen (taking Hippo for a ride). My dad learned to walk pushing this same chair.

John made his first pictures last week. He made Mother's Day cards for Grandma and MiMi. He did have it all over himself too... Big mess.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T08:27:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it’s hard to see and appreciate all the many things moms do. So today, we want the moms among us to know just how special and appreciated they are.

Mothers wear many hats. You don’t appreciate all of these hats fully until you are yourself a mother. Many of these hats have multiple uses. (It’s just like a mom to get the most for her money, right?) Let’s take a look at just a few of these hats.

We all need food to survive. Moms wear a chef’s hat. When she wears this hat, she provides nourishment for her family. Sometimes the meals are gourmet. And sometimes, it’s out of a box. But nevertheless, these meals are all made with love and with the intent to satisfy one of the most basic needs of her children.

The chef’s hat is important for another reason too. Proverbs 10:21 says, “The lips of the righteous feed and guide many.” Isn’t it so true that we can lift up or tear down someone with a single word? A mother encourages when no one else can. She loves us even when we’re unlovable. It’s the closest picture we have on earth of Christ’s love for us.

Particularly important in a house of boys is the hard hat. This hat has quite a number of uses. In my house of boys, there is always something flying through the air. In fact, I neglected to put on my hard hat a few weeks ago and ended up nearly needing stitches.

And doesn’t it just always happen that something breaks when you need it most and no one else is around to fix it? Once again, it’s time to pull out the hard hat and get the job done. That clogged drain will wait for nothing!

Ephesians 6 talks about putting on the armor of God. Verses 17-18 instruct us to “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” As mother’s we are one of the most important and prominent influences in our children’s lives. We need to be in the word and provide that wise counsel for our children. And we of course, need to lift them up in prayer continuously.

This hat needs little introduction. The chauffeur, or mom, seems to always be shuttling her children from place to place for school, sporting events, sleepovers, birthday parties, the list goes on and on. I’m told, the older they get the more you wear this hat.

As a mother, we guide and steer our children in the ways of the Lord. When they are young, they’re just along for the ride in our spiritual car. As they get older, they begin to drive their own car. But moms still gently guide them at first. 1 Peter 1:18 from the Message says, “Your life is a journey, you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.” It is every mother’s hope that she will pass this consciousness of God on to her children.

As the party planner, a mom wears a party hat. Moms always plan the most special parties for their children. It can be an elaborate birthday celebration or just a simple heart shaped pancake to face a difficult day. Mothers are always celebrating their children in small and large victories and always find a way to celebrate the disappointments too.

Sometimes, the last thing moms feel like doing is celebrating. But Proverbs 17:22 says “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Moms always find a way to focus on the positive of every situation instead of letting her children dwell on disappointments. She is her child’s biggest cheerleader.

A mom knows how to cure a fever, a splinter, a bruised spirit, and so much more. As a nurse, a mother can cure just about anything with a kiss and a band-aide. Moms are always on call. Illness does not have business hours. Sometimes moms sit up in the night just holding a sick child.

There’s a saying “Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Unfortunately, we all learn at an early age this just isn’t true. A mother who is rooted in Scripture is well equipped to nurse the emotional wounds of her children. Ultimately, Christ is the great physician just as Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.”

As a mother, she must be a good detective. In the beginning of motherhood, this entails searching for that special swaddle blanket at the store that will solve all of her problems. As time passes, the detective duties move to finding that lovey or special toy that has been misplaced. Where was it last seen? A mom knows all the right places to look. When her children gets a little older, she must monitor what they watch, what they read, who they are spending their time with.

Proverbs 1:5 tells us “Let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance.” Mothers must always seek guidance from the Lord. This is a particularly hard task in my opinion. Mothers often want to swoop in and protect their babies from every bit of harm. But sometimes, she must just stand by and watch as the Lord works.

Small children come up with some very interesting and sometimes tricky questions. For instance, “Mommy, did God paint me?” Sometimes, she has to be very creative to answer these questions. Now it’s time she put on her thinking cap.

“I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.” Psalm 143:5 The Lord is pretty amazing. It is often hard to grasp all of his wonder. This can be especially hard for her children to grasp. She must really ponder His great works to explain them to her children.

As a mother, it’s sometimes hard to feel pretty…what with the peanut butter in your hair (can that be considered hair product?) and the unidentifiable substance on your shirt. From time to time a mother must dust off her tiara and spend a little time doing something for herself.

Proverbs 4:9 says, “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty.” Isn’t it good to know no matter what the situation mothers are crowned with grace and beauty? The Lord is her strength. His grace is sufficient to sustain her as she guides her children in His ways.

I once heard my mother say about her own mother, “No one loves you like your mother.” It’s very true. Mothers are amazing. Only a mother can ask her child for help, when she knows later, she’ll have a little extra work to do because of this help. Today, we want to thank all the mothers among us for the wonderful things she is and represents. Happy Mother’s Day!

Will it or Won't it...

2011-04-06T21:26:00.000-05:00

...be curly?

My Point of View

2011-04-06T21:24:00.000-05:00

(or Greg's as the case may be...)

March in Review

2011-03-31T21:36:00.000-05:00

It seems I'm a bit behind on the blogging... So, let's catch up!

Well, it's happened... We broke down and got a van. Now all we need is a soccer ball sticker. We are really enjoying it. It's so convenient. Noah loves it because he can watch movies...occasionally!

Noah loves to help and is a great helper. Poor little thing dropped a bottle of hairspray on his toe a few weeks ago when he was trying to put it away for me. I had to carry him around for hours. I'm sure it hurt, but I think he may have been milking it a little...

Hi!

John likes to escape when I'm trying to dress him. As soon as I get his clothes or diaper off, he whips around and is gone. When he gets to his bedroom door, he turns to see if I'm coming after him. He's a stinker.

He made it out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, still with his towel on and with his hippo in tow.

My 3 boys

We decided to sell our house. So, we've been doing a little staging work. Greg bought a carpet remnant for the basement. It came on a huge roll (12 feet long to be precise). We weren't quite sure what to do with the roll. I decided to just put it in the recyle bin. I wish I would have been watching when they picked it up...

John has started crawling around with things in his mouth. Just before I snapped the picture, he was crawling through the house with his cup hanging out of his mouth. Of course, he was done by the time I got the camera.

Just cruisin' around

My aunt sent Noah some Scrabble Cheese-Its. I said "Now we're just encouraging them to play with their food." And, I was right. No prompting.

Does this really need a caption?

John no longer likes to sit in his stroller when we're playing outside. Luckily, he mostly sits in one spot if you give him some toys. He loves it. And, he loves to put rocks, leaves, sticks, and whatever he can get his hands on in his mouth.

Noah is very particular about his things. (I have no idea where he got that from!) When we're playing in his room, John pulls everything off the shelves. Noah has a fit and I have to put it all back right away. (I guess I did create the monster.)

Already a dare devil

The hippo is almost always in tow. And generally, he has it hanging out of his mouth. It's really quite funny!

Noah is so sweet to his brother (when he wants to be, that is). Noah walked John around the driveway very carefully and slowly. They were both loving it!

This past week, we wore flip flops and snow boots in a matter of days... I was so excited that it was nice and we could be outside. And, then SNOW! Enough with the snow already!

Everytime I chage John's diaper, Noah wants to know the content and then he wants to see it if it's poop. The other day, I asked him to hand me a burp rag. He said "Does this have snot on it?" I said "Yes." He said, "That's disgusting." Poop is okay. Snot is not...

February in Review

2011-03-02T20:44:00.000-06:00

Sledding with daddy at the Hunter's

Here they come!

John playing Jenga with Champ

Noah helping Daddy at work one Saturday morning

Icing cookies at the Valentine's Day party

Making a big mess while feeding himself

Helping unload the dishwasher

Opening his Valentine's Day card

Playing with his Valentine's Day card

Cutting with his Valentine's Day scissors (and making a huge mess!)

Birthday party at school

Playing together

Fixin' stuff

Still fixin' stuff

Playing the guitar and signing into his new mic

Happy Birthday, Sweet John!

2011-03-02T20:32:00.002-06:00

Can you believe it?!?!?! John is one!!!

John had banana muffins for his first birthday breakfast (just like Noah did when he turned one).

John with his first birthday muffin

Noah with his first birthday muffin (in the same jammies)

John had never had a muffin before. So, when I handed it to him, he wasn't quite sure what to do with it. Faster than I could take a picture, he totally smooshed it. If only I had had the video camera out... It was hilarious!

Smooshed muffin

Enjoying the smooshed muffin (he ate 2)

We waited for daddy to open presents, which turned out to be the next morning... (Sorry, John!) We got John a little ride-on car (which Noah has commandeered). Noah said he wanted to get John a guitar. Luckily we were able to find one.

Sweet Birthday Boy

Noah helping him open his present

Playing with the new guitar

~~John~~ Noah riding on John's new car

Noah taking John for a wild ride

Two Saturdays in a row we had parties... (What was I thinking!?!??!?!!??) Although the second time around seemed much easier. (We did have a practice...)

I'm such a terrible mother!!! I forgot to take a picture of John's cupcakes in the holder. But, I did happen to take a picture of them on my phone... At least there is a picture.

Can't wait to get his hands on the cupcake

...on second thought...

John did not so much care for the cupcake. But he did like the ice cream. He did not make a huge mess. Which is rather ironic... Noah is very particular about being dirty, etc. He always asks for a napkin at mealtime. He's always been pretty "neat." John on the other hand doesn't seem to care if he's messy...

Playing in the cake after the ice cream is gone (this is as messy as he got)

Noah, in contrast, required an immediate bath (and left a chocolate ring in the bathtub, ick!)

Noah and John's buddies

Greg had the great idea to have each kid open one present for John. I had a little trouble keeping track of who gave what, but it was much quicker. And, as usual, John was more interested in the paper...

We are so blessed to has such a sweet baby boy! He is so much fun and always so sweet. And he's all boy! Very rambunctious. I wouldn't trade him for anything.

You Never Know What He'll Say (or Do)

2011-02-28T22:13:00.000-06:00

One night I was getting Noah ready for bed. He had his shirt off and he kept sniffing. I asked if he needed a tissue. He help his arm up and looked at it as if he were thinking about wiping his nose on it (which is what he usually does!). Since he didn't have a shirt on, he decided that would be yucky. Instead, he got down on his hands and knees and wiped it on his rug... All you can do is laugh.

Noah is still learning how to share. (It's such a hard thing to learn. Really...I don't like to share sometimes.) Anyway, he was trying to keep John from getting his new birthday toys and was trying to hold everything. And, a picture is worth a thousand words... Talk about being backed into a corner...

Happy Birthday, Sweet Noah!

2011-02-28T22:01:00.001-06:00

Noah turned 3 on February 18... How is that possible!?!??!

2008

2009

2010

2011

Waking up to find his presents waiting for him.

Giving the scooter a test drive... The helmet (which is for ages 3 and up) was way, way too small.

Thanking John for his new books.

After Noah opened his presents, we headed to Chick-fil-A for breakfast. Some people went in their jammies. Noah had the whole play area all to himself! He was in heaven.

Take one... Daddy is trying to be discrete; Noah is telling him to put the phone away.

Take Two

A candle in his sandwich

Make a wish!

Helping make his cupcakes.

3 year old red chair pic

So sweet! (And a rarity! Both looking at the camera AND smiling!)

Noah's party was the day after his birthday. Normally, it's very cold on his birthday. But this year, it was actually pleasant! On Friday, we decided maybe a bounce house would be fun. So, we walked next door and asked our neighbor, Mr. Jim, if he could do it. (He does party rentals.) Thank goodness he's our neighbor! We were very last minute with our planning!

Frog Cupcakes (Yes, they are homemade! I'm sort of proud of them!)

Watching patiently as Mr. Jim put up the bounce house.

FINALLY! Getting to jump!

Noah with his buddy Josiah

Happy Birthday!

Not sure if he blew out the candle or sprayed it out...

Noah had a great birthday. We had lots of fun with him on his birthday and the day after at his party. He is such a sweet little guy and we are so blessed by him!

11 Months

2011-02-02T20:45:00.001-06:00

Sweet little John is 11 months... Can you believe it? His birthday is this month... I really feel like I just blinked and he's not a tiny baby any more.

He is crawling, army-style. He's quite fast! He's pulling up and cruising. Although he hasn't quite figured out how to get down yet. He takes the roughhousing from his brother well. (He's not always the victim though. He does his fair share of roughhousing too.) He does cry occasionally, but I think I would too! He will eat anything you serve him. He's got 7 teeth and the cutest blonde curls. He says mama, dada, MiMi, baby, and nono (I think he means Noah). He is a very good baby. He's so much fun!

The aforementioned roughhousing

Snow Days...

2011-02-02T20:37:00.001-06:00

Will the winter ever end? I don't love cold weather and snow. It's very pretty, but it's so messy when you have to get out in it. I think we've had more snow this winter than we've had in the past few years combined... Well, it seems like it to me. There's no fact behind that statement...

Noah has loved it!

Making a snow angel (He always has to make one more when I tell him it's time to go in.)

This picture is a little deceptive. John was none to pleased about this! And, they may have tipped over right after the picture was snapped, further aggravating John! He ended up sitting in the stroller in the garage watching Noah play.

Just when I thought everything was melting and it was going to stay warmish for a while, it got nasty again. Greg and I had quite a laugh watching the forecast for the "Big One." Monday night they were predicting 2-3 inches of ice and then 6-18 inches of snow. They were totally sensationalizing the weather. They had people on location. There had been a little freezing rain, but nothing major... One girl said, "It's like a ghost town around here." Greg and I looked at each other and said, "It's 10:15!" Another girl picked up what appeared to be rock salt saying it was ice. (It could have been ice, but it looked suspicious.) Someone else said, "Look at these street signs. They're just COVERED in ice." It was a riot. They even had a logo that flashed up which reminded me of the election watch. Then Tuesday night, after we got a few inches of sleet and a few inches of snow, they said "We really dodged a bullet here!" The roads were bad yesterday. But they were milking it.

We made snow ice cream today. Noah thought that was just the best. I had a little trouble finding snow that didn't have leaves or pine needles in it. And, it was deceptive. It looked like there was lots of snow, but mostly it was sleet. I think we only ate a few pine needles. Fiber, right?

I make all of John's food. I tend to make lots at a time. It's just easier that way! Then I put it in the freezer. We do not have a deep freeze... Greg has started referring to the freezer as the cannery. (In addition to what you can see in the picture, I also have 4 pumpkins I cooked and froze.)

Sunday night we got in the car and headed to Red Mango (a very delicious frozen yogurt place). We got there and it had just closed. Noah of course nearly melted down. So, we went to Orange Leaf instead (a slightly less delicious frozen yogurt place, but delicious nonetheless). We may have eaten froyo for dinner... John had a taste. This was the face he made after every bit, but he wanted more.

Baby brain freeze

The other day, Greg sent a text and said he wanted Noah to send him a picture of him doing something cool before the end of the day. After reading the text, I turned around to see this. I don't think this was what Greg had in mind, but hey...

Well, John found the cat door. He hasn't yet started chucking his toys down. He places them nicely on the top step. Every time I go downstairs, I hear him crawl to the door and then I hear the cat door open. (Excuse the poor quality...phone picture.)

Fun for the Whole Family

2011-01-27T10:38:00.000-06:00

Our sweet friends, the Gilberts, got Noah this super cool Plasma Car for Christmas. It is one of the coolest things I've ever seen! No batteries, no sound... Just manpower! It's a mother's dream! You just turn the handles back and forth and it goes. Noah likes to push mommy and John on it almost as much as he likes to ride on it himself.

You Never Know What He'll Say (or Do)

2011-01-27T10:34:00.000-06:00

Noah recently called my dad Popcorn and Popsicle on two different occasions. (He normally calls him Poppy.) Of course, we all laughed, so he keeps doing it... (He used to call Popsicles Poppysicles.)

A few weeks ago, we went to our nephew Luke's baptism. Noah was nearly beside himself during the service because he didn't want to get in the water. We told him he didn't have to. Later (when we weren't trying to be quite in church), we explained to him you get baptized after you ask Jesus into your heart. He said, "I want to ask Jesus into my heart." (So sweet!! I thought I would cry!) Then he said, "Now can I get babatized?"

I got a paper cut. I was off getting a Band-Aid. Noah was moping around. I asked him what was wrong. He said, "Now you can't take care of me."

Last night during dinner, I had to keep telling Noah to turn around and eat. (Come to think of it, I have to tell him that every time he eats...) Anyway, he finally looked at me and said, "I am not having this conversation. I'm not having any spankings." I did what any reasonable person would do... I laughed. And of course, that didn't help...

10 Months

2011-01-27T10:22:00.000-06:00

Hmmm... I started this post 22 days ago, I'm embarrassed to say. And now, it's already outdated! Oh well! You can never have too many cute pictures!

Christmas: Take 4

2011-01-06T10:34:00.000-06:00

Sunday night, we drove to Columbia to Poppy and MiMi's house. We celebrated Christmas with my mom's side of the family on Monday. My aunt and uncle were in from Texas. Unfortunately, my cousin wasn't able to come. She had to work. (Jobs are great, except when they get in the way of your social life.)

Forget the present! I'll just have this chocolate.

Still enamored with the wrapping.

Rub-a-dub, dub, dub. Three men in a tub.

(I'm not sure who was more wet, the boys or my mom and I.)

Christmas: Take 3

2011-01-06T10:23:00.000-06:00

As previously mentioned, we drove to Grandma and Grandpa's on Christmas morning. The rest of the family arrived either later that night or the next morning for the Schuster Christmas.

Sunday morning we went to church. Boy is it hard to keep two wiggle worms who are used to going to Children's Church/the nursery quite and still in church... John didn't make it through (which may have been partly due to the "surprise" he made as soon as we sat down).

We ate lots of yummy food and got to spend time with most of Greg's brothers and sisters and their kids. Before we opened presents, the kids had a Christmas parade. I wish I would have had my video camera going! (What is wrong with me!?!?!? That's twice now in a matter of days!) Mary (Tori) rode out on a donkey (Rosie) and Joseph (Luke) followed behind. There was a drummer boy (Noah), and shepherd (Carter), a cow (Hailey), angels (Bella and Audrey), and three wise men (Brent, Jake, and Garrett).

Greg's mom came out and got the wooden spoon which had been used to spank Noah earlier. Everyone was joking about how funny it would be if he came out with the spoon. And sure enough...

The Baby Jesus was played by a doll. William (who is 4 months older than John, but weighs less) was not interested in playing the part. Grandma wasn't sure Tori could hold on to John. (I think she might have been right... He's a wiggle tail!)

John also got to play in the snow. I brought a bowl in for him to play in. He did not love it.

Christmas: Take 2

2011-01-04T21:14:00.000-06:00

We spent Christmas Eve at home. Our original plan was to let the boys open their stockings on Christmas Eve and then open their presents on Christmas morning when we woke up. Greg thought it might be a better idea to just open everything Christmas Eve and let them play with it (instead of jumping in the car as soon as they opened their things). I think he was right. Besides, it's a process for them to open presents.

Before Christmas, Noah was in the Family Christian Store with Greg and saw a VeggieTales train. He kept talking about wanting it. That was the first time he kept saying he wanted something after it was out of sight. It was so cute. So, he got his VeggieTales train. I wish I would have had the video camera running when he opened it. He was so excited.

And, I go the embroidery machine I've been wanting for years! I had started saving my own money for it. Let's face it, pulling nickles out the washing machine is not a quick way to save up for something!

Our plan was to go to the Christmas Eve service at church and then go out to eat. Church was cancelled because the roads were bad. So, we did what any reasonable family would do: we jumped in the car and went out to eat anyway. Probably not the best idea we've ever had, but we made it home safe and sound. It was a really great Christmas with our sweet little family.

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-04T20:53:00.001-06:00

On Christmas Eve, we had lots of snow! It was snowing when we woke up. Noah wanted to go out to play as soon as he saw it was snowing. He finally got his chance! Greg and Noah built a snowman (Noah's first).

When they went out, they told me to have a carrot ready for the nose. I told them all I had was a baby carrot. Greg said they weren't going to make a big snowman... I'd like to know what his idea of big is then!

Noah also had his first go at sledding. The hill in our front yard was perfect for him. He even carried his own sled back to the top.

Christmas morning we went to Grandma and Grandpa's. Noah and Greg had more fun in the snow.

Once everyone got there, all the kids and dads played in the snow. It's questionable as to whether the adults or the kids had more fun.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

2011-01-04T20:28:00.000-06:00

Noah had a Christmas program at school the week before Christmas. Unfortunately, the video is too long to upload to the blog... But, he was cute as a button! He even had is own line: "God loved us and sent His son." He was not shy at all.

Getting ready for the big performance

The next day Noah's class had Jesus' birthday party. It was so fun. They made thumb print Christmas tree ornaments, had yummy snacks, read books, and played a game. Noah's sweet teachers got each of the kids a game. Noah is loving it!

Making thumbprint ornaments

Opening his present

John still thinks the wrapping is the best part!

Christmas: Take 1

2011-01-04T09:51:00.005-06:00

The weekend before Christmas, we went to Columbia to celebrate Christmas with my dad's side of the family. It was very fun, but too short! Some of them hadn't ever seen John. (I, being a terrible mother, didn't get pictures of him with them either!) The boys played with their cousins, we had a very non-traditional Christmas meal (but a family favorite nonetheless) of Shakespeare's pizza, and there were presents.

John opening his first present (ever)

Taking it all in (and slobbering)

Let the fighting begin...

MiMi trying to keep John out of the Christmas tree (good luck!)

John enjoying the wrapping more than the presents

Tissue paper is the best!

John wants to play with his present, but Noah won't let him.

Matching jammies (Noah, John, Aiden)

The grandchildren: Jenna, Noah, John, Aiden, Taylor

MiMi and Poppy with the grandchildren