The Schwark Family

Santa

2011-12-04T17:38:00.000-08:00

We visited the mall Santa this year. I was kinda hoping for a picture with one of them screaming in terror, those pictures are way cuter. But alas, three brave boys, no tears, just lots of requests for presents.

The Happiest Place on Earth

2011-11-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

It was pretty darn happy! We had so much fun at Disneyland!!

Aiden went on all the rides at least once. And the scary (fun) ones he would usually say "I really liked that one!" followed by "But I dont want to go on it again!".

Nolen went on quite a few, and Coen went on all that his height allowed.

The weather was perfect, the hotel pool so much fun, and spending time all together without any schedule was great.

There are A LOT of pictures...I got a little carried away with my new phones camera apps :)

Our latest trips

2011-09-02T18:09:00.001-07:00

So we are wrapping up summer and getting ready to start school next week!

New pictures at the side of our camping trip. We went with our church and shared a site with our friends and their 3 girls. It was raining while we set up and in just continued raining. The kids didn't even notice...they probably welcomed the extra mud!

The difference between boys and girls was apparent come bedtime. Off went the girls to their tent and quietly drifted off to sleep after 15 or so minutes. Off the boys went...drug their by their dirty toes. Once inside it looked as if a bear accompanied them. The tent shook and bulged, Coen's teeth could be seen biting the inside of the tent. After a particularly big crash I went to investigate. Coen tipped himself out of the packnplay, no one was where they started...a general, but normal, mess.

Not being a die-hard camper we set out for home the next morning and continued our "camping trip" after being showered, back at our friends home for more roasted marsh mellows.

The second group of pictures is of our trip today to the kangaroo farm. Coen as usual was the most friendly with all the animals, not even hesitating to feed a llama with his lips while gaining a kiss. I did it in an attempt to get Aiden to try, but he also characteristically would not be talked into anything he didn't want to do.

I feel as though we have had loads of sunshine lately. I am trying to close my eyes and meld the feeling of the sun and the image of the blue sky into my mind so I can recall it when winter comes!

Busy Busy Busy

2011-07-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well as you may have guessed we have been busy with summer (since it finally seems to have arrived!)

Coen celebrated his 2nd birthday the beginning of June. There was lots of whip cream, balloons, and bouncing in the bouncy house.

We drove to Liberty Lake for my brothers graduation in June. We were able to visit with lots of family that came for the graduation. It was a really nice ceremony and after party. There was nothing to report of the road trip except that we know every bathroom between here and Spokane.

Then we had a lovely 4th of July. The weather was great and we had our regular Monday night dinner crew over to celebrate. Lots of good food, games and chatting.

And yesterday we participated in the Run of the Mill 5K. I registered Aiden as a runner with high hopes that he would run with me thereby giving me the excuse to go really slow. He consented to run and made it about 100 yards. Then he hopped on the double BOB stroller and Steve pushed all three boys the rest of the way. I told Steve he might as well go as fast as he wants because otherwise he just ends up walking beside me while I jog. He still beat me by 2 minutes. I am not sure how many kids he has to push for me to be able to keep up....
It was really low key, and a good cause raising money for cancer research. We look forward to next years race.

Besides all that our summer project has been to tear out one side of the fence, move the retaining wall out to the property line, and rebuild a fence on top of the new retaining wall. That pretty much occupies our free moments.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

Easter 2011

2011-05-09T13:19:00.001-07:00

Easter was great. I always look forward to celebrating my Lord's victory over death and His gift of eternal salvation for me.

I have wonderful childhood memories of egg hunting at my Grandmas, searching out the special golden egg and eating lots of chocolate. My mom would dress me in bonnets and gloves and white patent leather shoes. Relatives would gather for a much anticipated Easter lunch. There is an air of excitement and reverence that surrounds my memories of this holiday.

Celebrating Easter on this side of the mountains with no family is challenging for me to conjure up the same anticipation, but I think we are getting better every year.

The forecaster said Saturday would be nice and we could not count on the weather for Sunday, so we had our outdoor egg hunts a day early. This year I thought it would be prudent to avoid as much sugar as possible and hide eggs sans candy. I thought they wouldn't even care...boy was I wrong! There was great disappointment upon discovering the plastic eggs held no candy treasure. But they humored me and hunted anyway.

Sunday upon threat and bribery they all wore the nice Easter clothes I picked out for them without too much complaining. They looked so cute. When we arrived home Steve dropped me off and took the kids to pick up the mail so I could hide the Easter "baskets". I set out m&m trails for them to follow to their baskets.

We did dozens more egg hunts, this time with candy. When dad and I refused to hide anymore eggs Aiden and Nolen took turns hiding them for each other.

More than anything want the kids to be able to stand in awe each Easter as we remember the great price paid for our sins. Aiden thanks God each night in his prayers for sending His son to die on the cross so we can live in heaven. This is the best Easter gift I could get.

Introducing Minnie

2011-03-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

February and March have brought lots of crazy weather thus lots of indoor activities. This time of year the boys are just climbing the walls wanting to get outside and play. We have had several snow days, crazy thunder, hail and of course lots of rain.

Aiden has been wanting a kitty for a long time so we started praying about it each night. "Dear God, please help us find the right kitten for our family, and please let it not have claws, and if it does have claws help it not to scratch me."

We were at Bridges Pet Store and they had some kittens in...which they don't have kittens pretty much all winter, we have checked. And there was a cute little cat, so we scooped her up as two of her three brothers/sisters were already paid for! (they had just arrived that morning). Apparently kittens go like hot cakes.

I was very apprehensive about whether or not Ellie would be able to accept a cat and we took our time introducing them. At first Ellie would not even look at the kitten, she just trembled and tucked her tail between her legs. I figured this was better than lunging and biting. Over the next two days we put Ellie's muzzle on and let her loose. On the third day we said our prayers and let them get to know each other. Ellie did great, the kitten totally holds her own and as of two weeks later they are pretty good friends. They share treats, cuddle at night and play king of the bed. I could not have hoped for better.

All three kids love toting her around, and are gentle in order of age. She is great and wants to hang out with us and follows us around the house. She was totally littered trained and I found a cool litter box, Litter Robot, which makes all that messy business much easier to handle. She sleeps in Ellie's dog crate in our room for now and doesn't make a fuss all night.

We are pleased to introduce the newest member of our family....Minnie Pink Toes Schwark.

Christmas In February

2011-03-04T14:30:00.001-08:00

We got to have a second Christmas party with Grandma Teresa and Grandpa David when they visited us in February.

Aiden got a little kitty toy that walks and purrs and did not quell his desire for the real thing..
Nolen stole dads gift of fun magnet pieces and takes them everywhere...
Coen loves his set of miniature jungle animals..

They all take turns sharing and trading and generally enjoying all their new toys.

Thank you for coming to visit us!

Since returning home, David suffered a terrible fall and has been undergoing many many surgeries to repair broken bones. Please remember to keep him in your prayers.

Nolen Turns THREE!

2011-02-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this post is late. Nolen turned three almost a month ago. Prehaps I did not want to write about his party and subconsciously put off posting.

His birthday party was awful. I was going to say disaster...but I am trying not to overly exaggerate things. It started three days before when Coen caught a tummy bug. Within 24 hours he was back to normal. Nolen spent the day before his party acting a little lethargic, but showed none of the symptoms Coen had.

The day of his party he was tired and grumpy, which is not entirely unsual for him. So we forged ahead. Our first party guests arrived. Ellie had yet to be locked up and barked ferociously at the little faces pearing in the window (one of the little faces happens to be rather shy of dogs and proceeded to shriek in fright).

More guests arrived, and I went to find the birthday boy. He was sound asleep on our bed. I woke him up and drug him down stairs to all the chaos. The bouncy house fan was noisily blowing, ellie running around, kids crying...

Things got underway and settled down a bit. We dished out the icecream. Nolen blew out his candle and we started opening presents. Nolen was uncharacteristically not into opening presents. Steve sat him on his lap and helped him get going. About three fourths of the way through the gifts Nolen threw up.

Steve quickly wisked him upstairs to fall back asleep watching cartoons. The party guests finished bouncing and playing and then went home.

I felt horrible. I should have called off the party. I am glad that he probably wont remember this. We did a second party with the family the next day when he was back to himself.

Happy third birthday!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T11:26:00.000-08:00

We were once again blessed to have family come visit us this Christmas. Grandma and Grandpa Schneider, Uncle Chris, and Grandpa Schwark all made our 2010 Christmas a lot of fun.

We made it to Christmas eve service...with three little kids with colds in tow. It was so full they had to add seats for us. I love candlelight service, the part where we all light our candles one by one and when you look up the room is filled with the most beautiful light. I whispered to Aiden "this is my favorite part" then in true rebellious five year old style he turned up his nose and said "I dont want my candle, take it". The kid is perfecting his button pushing. But it was Christmas, and I was filled with an extra measure of grace and only responded with a smile and hug.

By the next evening however my extra grace was used up. Aiden and Nolen take full advantage of house guests to stay up way past their bedtimes. The adults were trying to watch a movie, and to just appease the kids we set them up with a movie in our room upstairs. Half way through our movie there was excessive thumping and bumping coming from upstairs and upon investigation I found wild sleep deprived hellions cutting Nolens hair. Nolen has the cutest blonde hair, but it takes forever to grow out. It was just getting to a nice length from the summer buzz cut I gave him...Steve fixed it by giving him a mohawk which he sported cutely for a week and then I had to shave it all off today.

Thanks for all the cards and gifts, and thank you for making our Christmas Merry.
sorry about the group photo...worst camera angle ever!

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!

2010-12-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

We left last friday to fly to Billings MT, for my dad's surprise party. It has been nerve racking keeping this secret for months. But I did it, and I didnt even mess up the phone call to say happy birthday on his actual birthday from my aunt and uncles the day before the party.

The flight out, no bumps. Security was difficult as is to be expected in this age of flying. Aiden did have a hotwheel in his pocket that sent Steve back and forth three times. But all was well after 10 shoes, 5 jackets, 3 carseats, 2 suitcase, 2 little tents, and my purse made it through.

We had a lovely afternoon with some of my favorite people in the world, aunt and uncle Sande, and cousins Megan and Jeff. Then they were off to a Christmas party and some of my other favorite people in the world aunt and uncle Murray graciously had us over for dinner. (meatless lasagna - so YUM!)

Then back for a night of wrestless sleeping due to small ones being in a new place. The morning brought delicious breakfast caserole and lazily getting ready for the big party.

Twentysome of my dads friends waited quietly as he and my mom made their way down the hall, with Steve a few steps ahead giving us notice.

"SURPRISE!" And he was! My mom did such a great job planning the party and keeping it a secret and you could tell my dad felt really honored. It was fun to see friends and relatives of his that I havent seen in ages.

We spent the rest of the weekend chatting with family and sharing meals. Steve pitched in and hauled some hay, the kids sat on Sassy the horse and jumped in the haystack. Sometimes I forget how blessed I am to have parents that live in the country.

Our flight home was just short of awful. We arrived 12:45 for our flight, and it got cancelled then rescheduled for 6:30pm, and we didnt end up leaving until 7pm. The Billings airport is nice and all, but it doesnt have a starbucks. I can stand almost anything if there is a starbucks. We ate lots of vending machine food, and ate at the restaurant in the airport. The kids were beyond tired, but after the second time through security we just let them run wild. And wild they ran. I stopped caring if we were anyoying to the other flyers. Once on the airplane the combination of vending machine food and some of the worst turbulence made me almost barf. But I didnt throw up, so this still only qualifies as the second worse flight. :)

We made it home! And it was really wonderful to see my family. Thank you to all who housed, fed, and drove us around. We love you!

Aiden's Birthday Party

2010-12-05T18:07:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone who came to the party! You all made Aiden feel so special and he had a blast. I think the bouncy house has met its match! We are going to have to think of something else for next year...

Everything was great, except maybe the food coloring in the cupcakes...As you can see from the pictures...I hope it came out of all the clothes and off all the faces!

Nolen did have a minor melt down when he realized none of the presents were for him. But I am a softie and gave him several after everyone left.

Friends, good. Cupcakes, Good. Wild running and jumping, good.

Happy 5th birthday Aiden!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

It has been a thanksgiving miracle....SNOW! How much fun! We had a couple inches Monday, and of course ran outside to play and take pictures right away in case it didn't stay too long. But thankfully it stayed and snowed more...or it snew...as Aiden says. We woke up this morning with a couple more inches and immediately grabbed our sleds, which have been sitting in waiting as last year we didnt really see as much as a flake.

We hopped in the big truck and drove to the nearest park with hills and proceed to sled until we were tired and soaked (we have yet to invest in "snow" clothes).

We came home had our fiftieth round of hot chocolate and started preparing the big turkey dinner. we kinda copped out as we didn't have any company and the little people just don't appreciate the hard work that can go into a real thanksgiving dinner. The turkey came halved and prepared from Costco as did the sweet potatoes. The kids had several helpings of whip cream fruit salad and dinner rolls.

We then sat upstairs in our room and watched ample amounts of movies. Why upstairs you ask? Because our old friends are back in town...the rats. One made its appearance at dinner last night. Boo. Steve spent several hours cutting out drywall, patching the only tiny hole it could have come through...that a year of ORKIN was supposed to fix, and rewiring (as long as he was back there) tv stuff. So needless to say the downstairs TV is yet to be reinstalled due to Lowes being closed on thanksgiving...but tomorrow it opens at 5 and Steve is psyched to get up that early.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Mrs. Megan Jones

2010-11-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

Aiden and I were honored to be apart of my beautiful cousin, Megans wedding the end of October. Aiden was the ring bearer, and I know I am biased, but he was the cutest ring bearer in the history of ring bearers. Seriously.

He did a great job. I never know if he is going to cooperate or throw a fit, and this time he choose to be very responsible, listened to the coordinator and did a great job. During the ceremony he sat in the front row next to the father of the bride. I could hear him squirming and wiggling and looked down to give him the "YOU HAD BETTER SHAPE UP" mommy glare. Then I quickly decided I better not be caught on film making that face and decided not to look in his direction again. Apparently the person sitting behind him said at one point he looked to find Aiden's feet sticking up where his head should have been. Good thing I didn't see that or who knows what kind of face I would make. Anyhow, no major catastrophes.

Megan was beautiful, her brides maids were all so cute and nice. I gave a toast which nearly killed me.

All in all it was a fabulous wedding!

Love you Mrs. Jones.

Great Wolf Lodge

2010-11-16T12:30:00.001-08:00

A couple weekends ago our friends from Portland met us half way at Great Wolf Lodge. It was AWESOME. The hotel has thought of pretty much everything to make it a great place to stay with noisy dirty wild kids. And they thought of me too and conveniently added an in lodge Starbucks.

The water park was pretty cool. You can walk from your room right into the park. Our kids were a little small to let them just go wild, but with constant head counting and rescuing we hit all the major attractions. Both Aiden and Nolen went down slides by themselves. And Aiden went on some big double slides with Steve and I.

"Did you like that"
"Yes!"
"Do you want to go again?"
"NO!"

Nolen added that "tummy like that!"

The best part was when our friends watched the boys for the last half hour the park was open and Steve and I went back by ourselves. We went down the "big" slides, and I screamed, a lot. I would have gone more but I was so exhausted from running up all the steps each time I was starting to get leg cramps.

Anyway, it was a hit with everyone. And it was so nice to get a few moments to chat with my friend.

Four stars.

Grandpa Sandes Visit

2010-11-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

My dad drove all the way out from Billings MT, to spend a couple of days with us last month. We had so much fun with him! The boys and I took him to the park, we went on walks and we even made it to the Museum of Flight. So much fun!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

So I am on the hunt for better ways to not celebrate Halloween, and celebrate something with a focus on Christ, and not death and goblins. But I started thinking about this too late this year and we already hyped up the costume thing. And I just couldn't disappoint two spidermen and a cute little duck. At least they still bought the idea that Halloween is just about handing out candy, and not collecting it.

Nolen ended up handing out most of the candy as Aiden ran around and got too sweaty and had to take his costume off. Coen did help out and waved at everyone.

They were cute. And it was fun. And I will try to do better next year!

The Zoo with Grandma

2010-11-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Schneider's came for a weekend visit. And the boys, Grandma, and I went to the zoo. The zoo is always great, but this time we got to watch the Komodo Dragon eat giant white rats! Gulp! It was gross and the boys loved the slobber and gore of it. Now how come I cant get them to scoop the guts out of a pumpkin??

Pumpkin Picking

2010-11-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hunting for pumpkins is fun. And each year our group is bigger and cuter. They hunted and hunted for just the right pumpkins. They got their faces painted, they looked at the farm animals and they ate junk food. And from the looks of it Steve got a work out hauling everyone around!

Dress Design for Shabby Apple Dresses

2010-10-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

Check out my mom, Linda Schneider's, cute dress designs for the Shabby Apple dresses design contest! I love spending time wistfully dreaming of buying all their cute dresses.

Life Right Now

2010-09-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

We are settling into school for Aiden and the new routines that brings. I have a love/hate relationship with morning deadlines. There has been one close call of desitin (diaper rash cream) being mistaken for toothpaste, due to me being overly tired, and WHO?? would put them in the same drawer??

Aiden was so excited his first day of preschool. He was bouncing around me all morning, "I AM SO EXCITED FOR SCHOOL!" I twirled around in a half panic and quietly thanked the Lord I had two other kids who need my attention and distracted me from all the unknowns of leaving your precious first born in the hands of someone else.

Little did I know Nolen would be the one who needed extra coddling on Aidens first day of school. We all three accompanied him to his class. I felt it was a bit much having the whole family out of the van, but we were in minority as many kids had both parents and sibling and cameras flashing as they made their way into academia. Aiden went right in, introduced his brother to his teacher and as we turned to leave, Nolen started screaming, "NOLEN SCHOOL NOLEN SCHOOL NOLEN SCHOOL!" I had to drag him out literally kicking and screaming. Once in the van he whimpered, "miss aiden miss aiden". Aiden was pleased to hear that Nolen had missed him to tears, and now asks everyday, "Did Nolen cry because he missed me?"

I didn't realize how much Aiden did around here as far as entertaining the masses. Nolen drags me out to play legos and wants me to paint with him and go play outside. So far it is not the two and half hours of productivity (or lazily laying around reading) that I had envisioned.

But as this is just the beginning we will solider on and I am sure just as I get the hang of things, they will change.

Montana

2010-07-07T16:15:00.001-07:00

Whew! We have been traveling. We drove to Molt MT, last Wednesday night, and arrived at 7am. Night driving has its pluses and minuses. On the plus side the kids fall asleep and there is peace and quiet, and the negative side is I think every bush is an elk waiting to jump out in front of me. I was a little edgy, but we made it in one piece. My dad, his dog Gus, five horses, nine chickens, and many many cotton tail bunnies greeted us upon our arrival. The kids were in heaven. They would have been happy with just field after field of dirt and grass. But no, even better, rabbits to chase! Round and round they went. I think we need to get a rabbit for our back yard! Aiden bravely road sassy by himself and with me. Nolen was a little hesitant, Coen had no fear and made a special connection with my dad's 30 year old horse minute. Aiden loved collecting eggs with grandma and she even took him on a 4 wheeler ride. Aiden and Nolen both got to drive the tractor with grandpa.

Next we were off to the Leeming Family Reunion in Roscoe MT. 29 of us made it and it was so much fun. Nine little cousins got to play together, and all of them were well mannered fun little kids. They got along great. We went to Grandpa Leemings church up at Rosebud Lake, and it was the cutest church I have ever been too. The people were lovely, grandpa gave a wonderful sermon from John, and of course the setting has to be the closest thing to heaven.

We roasted marshmallows, which was wild with sticks flying and marshmallows bursting into flame. It was a little tricky being the first time for the boys. Nolen being so engrossed in his smore tipped over in his chair and gave himself some nice bruises on the face.

We had a lovely dinner at the Grizzly Bar, and watched fire works at the Lake. A downpour in true Montana style cut the show a little early.

The ride home was yucky. Aiden got car sick and barfed about 4 hours into the trip. But we arrived Mill Creek 2am, all safe and very happy to be home.

I am so glad we went. We had such a great time and added wonderful memories for the boys.

Thank you to all who hosted us!

Coen is ONE!

2010-06-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

Coen got to start his celebration early yesterday with his best friend Dylan who shares the same birthday. They partied with a cupcake celebration.

Today we celebrated by getting Aiden and Nolens haircut, followed by a train ride, playing in the park and a trip to the new toy store. When dad got home we had take out Thai and a birthday muffin. I thought two days of cupcakes might put him in a sugar coma.

Then we unwrapped gifts from grandmas and grandpas, and tried out the new donkeys. Coen was excited to receive his own donkey and quickly figured it out.

The birthday boy got to take a bath sans pushing, yelling, older brothers and is sleeping soundly dreaming of his second birthday.

The Tulip Fields

2010-06-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

It has taken me awhile to post these pictures, I think mainly because I was trying to block the whole experience out. On a whim, I thought lets take the fam up to the tulip fields. The three hour jaunt I had planned turned into almost six. Everyone else was on their way to check out the tulips too, it being the actual festival day and all.

Stuck in traffic, blindly following our gps to the very epicenter of the tulip festival, and not the actual fields, we went with two cheese sticks and nothing else. After we finally located the only field, out of dozens left, we and the rest of the Puget sound masses waited our turn to park in the most convenient lot only to realize they only take cash and all we had was half a cheese stick left.

I gave up and said lets go home. Aiden wailed "But I WANT TO SEE THE TULIPS!" Steve calmly found a suitable spot on the side of the road and we hoofed it over to the field.

After sorting the pictures I remembered why we love making the trek. The natural light and rows and rows of flowers make for really cute pictures. Oh yeah, I think the kids are cute too. Especially those cute bare coco toes.

And He's off to the Races

2010-05-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, things just got a little bit more wild around here. There are three of them all going in different directions or attacking one another. Its shaping up to be a fun summer!

Catching Up

2010-04-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

We have been busy. We joined the YMCA, went faithfully for a couple of weeks until colds sidelined all three boys. Nolen got in two swim lessons and we all went swimming as a family a couple of times. The pool was super busy, and there is nothing I love more than standing dripping wet on the side lines chubbiness and all waiting for a lap lane to open up. All in all we love it there and hopefully we can stay well and continue to go regularly.

We bought a giant bean bag, it is super comfy and is great for running circles around.

Aiden and Nolen have started to learn how to ride their bikes, we got spiffy new helmets.

Coen is starting to walk. He has taken five steps, but when he needs to cruise somewhere fast he crawls.

Steve put in new bamboo floors on the first floor of our house and took out a bar/island thing to open up the kitchen. He did an awesome job as usual. Ellie immediately started destroying the new floors and consequently has to wear pink rubber toenail tips. She secretly likes them, but pretends she is embarrassed.

The boys and I joined Bible Study Fellowship and it is so cool. Even in Coen's class they are learning about Jesus and how much they are loved. God is so good to me. He pulls me closer and closer everyday.

What else?? Everyday swishes by and I try to remember to kiss them all enough and tell them how much I love them, I know I fail alot, but I'll get up and try again tomorrow.

We are loving the promise of summer and sunshine and looking forward to all the blue skies!
I hope you had a wonderful Easter.

He is risen. He is risen indeed.

No Phone Zone

2010-03-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

When Washington State passed the no talking on phones while driving law it was really difficult for me to give up talking while driving. I used my commute time to catch up with family and friends. But the new law forced the issue and I have become accustomed to not talking while driving. Now I have this fancy new phone with wifi, giving me the option of looking at my email facebook gmail, whatever I want, pretty much anywhere. Not to mention the really easy texting.

So, while I don't do this while driving per se, I do it at the stop light, or waiting in line for the Starbucks drive through. After watching the Oprah special on the accidents that happen and the people killed by others talking on their phones and texting, I have decided to take the no phone zone pledge.

I will not pick up my phone while I am in drive. I will pull over and park the car if it is that important.

I cant imagine losing someone important to me to such a thoughtless and totally avoidable accident. And I certainly dont want to be the cause of someone elses loss.

There are a lot of things I cant control, but this is one I can.

Up Up and Away

2010-02-27T21:36:00.000-08:00

Here he goes folks. Caught by the camera he relinquished his attempt to pull the bag of markers down. I have to be quick once he spots the camera he drops to his knees and crawls as quick as he can towards the photographer. Go baby go.

The Good Stuff

2010-02-20T14:15:00.001-08:00

After watching Food Inc. I have been investigating better places to buy our food from. Here is one that is local and the owner was handing out samples at our local market. He could not have been nicer, so consequently we had to buy some of their milk. Things I really liked about their product:

Acknowledgment of God and desire to glorify Him
Local
Treat their animals with respect
Animals eat grass
No chemicals or over processing
Glass containers
Family Owned

We picked up a jug of chocolate milk - YUM.
Thanks Twin Brook Creamery, we will be purchasing your products when we see them!

Uncle Mike and Cousin Lilly

2010-02-01T15:21:00.000-08:00

We have been blessed to have Uncle Mike over and as you can see from the pictures he is a favorite, as is Lilly.

Woo Hoo! Nolen is TWO!

2010-01-24T18:33:00.001-08:00

Nolen continues to amaze us with his wildness and sense of adventure. I decided it would be great to be like Nolen. When he walks into a room he seems to be thinking, "These people want to know ME." and "What does this place have to offer ME." He really loves life. And we love him.

He is starting to say some recognizeable words, such as BITE and HELP PLEASE and POOP. You know, the basics.

I am pleased with what a wonderful big brother he is becoming. He loves his "baby" and calls him coco. He likes to wrestle with him and coco cant get enough of it.

We had a fun party today. Nolen and his four friends joined him in eating icecream and jumping in the bouncy house.

We love you Nolen, you big TWO year old!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

It is such a cliche, but man does time fly as you get older. It also flies when you get literally no sleep.

Those of you who read this blog know we were blessed with Coen Lewis Schwark this last summer and that has been pretty much the focus of our year. All the getting ready for him, and my poor family just trying to survive "pregnant me". Then the baby arrives and we have spent the rest of the year enjoying him and getting used to being a family of five + ellie. Poor neglected in most ways (belly rubs, cuddling, treats), over attended too in others (tail pulling, eye poking etc) ellie.

God has blessed us profoundly in 2009, just as in the years before.

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family and a Happy New Year!

Aiden Turns Four and Nolen Gets a Fat Lip

2009-12-07T16:54:00.001-08:00

We have been spending the last couple of weeks in great anticipation of Aiden's impending fourth birthday party, he as much as I.

We made decorations (large painted snakes) and mailed out invitations (he practiced his writing) bought cupcake mix and sat and waited for the day to arrive.

The party was great. We have a bouncy house that fits perfectly in our great room area and this was the only needed entertainment. There were presents and candy and chocolate milk. Aiden did spend a good deal of time crying on the couch after a head bump with the only little girl at our party, who incidently did not cry.... Other than that it was sucessful.

Later putting away the blow up house dad said "no one jump on this bag, I just put the motor in it" and of course no sooner had he left the room than Nolen sprinted across the room and flung himself head first onto the bag. There was loud wailing and lots and lots of blood. So much blood I became a little worried. Once it stopped we were able to see a large cut and bite marks on the inside of his ever swelling lip.

All is status quo here at the schwarks....

Bragging About My Mom

2009-11-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

Besides being a wonderful mom she is also a very talented artist. This is just one of many in a long line of beautiful accomplishments she has done. Check out her new stamp collection here.

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." -Scott Adams,

Halloween

2009-11-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

Halloween turned out to be really fun. Aiden wanted to be a cat, I tried to make him a lion, but they really ended up looking like some crazy lady randomly put face paint on and sprayed their hair. Which is pretty accurate, I had way too much candy to be decorating little faces!

They wrestled (lots of face paint smudges on my floor now) and ran around meowing while we awaited the trickortreaters, we had a dance party in the mean time too. They kept checking out the front window and sprinted to the door whenever the door bell rang.

Lots of cute costumes, little brett favres, army men, and the cutest little red riding hood who would not leave so Aiden just kept putting more and more candy in her bag. Nolen was the door slammer and let people know when their turn was up.

Coen and Ellie

2009-10-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

Coen and Dylan

2009-10-27T14:07:00.001-07:00

Look at these cute four month old babies!

Fall Festival Fun

2009-10-05T15:32:00.001-07:00

Steves mom and her husband were here this past weekend and we all had a blast. Saturday we spent a good portion of the day at the Stocker Farms pumpkin festival. The boys got to dig with trucks in the giant corn boxes, hammer nails, bang as loud as their little hearts desired on pots and pans, jump in the bouncy house, Aiden caught his first fish, they got their faces painted and of course we found some pumpkins to bring home.

The only bad part, the "hay ride". Yuck. Pulled by a smoke belching tractor for 20 minutes out to the pumpkin cannon (guys were impressed, I was not).

Sunday went shopping for signature stamps and log books for our letterboxing hobby. Then we went to Firestation 71 for their open house and the kids got to climb around the fire truck and ambulance.

Fun fun fun. Come back again soon Grandma and David!

Home School Anyone?

2009-10-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am just throwing this out there even though I have a sneaking suspicion that only my relatives read my blog. But hey, maybe you know someone who knows someone who may be interested.

I am looking for a family who wants to home school with me. I want someone who is willing to buy the same curriculum (sonlight looks good to me, but I am open to suggestions). I think it would be great to do four days a week at our respective homes and gather once a week for review/play/field trips etc..

Anyhow, just a shot in the dark that there maybe be some Mill Creek area mom with kids about the same age looking for someone to home school with.

Letterboxing ROCKS!

2009-09-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

We went on our first letterboxing adventure today. The tree of life it was called. It was awesome. It is a perfect hobby for one with little kids. It combines the outdoors with learning and clues, and then the reward of finding your treasure.

The hike started out tenuous as everything seems to for Aiden. After we entered the "forest" he became apprehensive and worried. He held my hand almost the entire way. I made the mistake of mentioning to watch out for poison oak -not that I really know what it looks like, and I will be researching it so I can give him accurate information. But then he didn't want to get poison oak, and he was afraid of being left and getting lost.

As you can imagine Nolen was the exact opposite. Running off at first chance, which happened to be the parking lot. Not cool. He is so difficult to hang onto. His feet seem to be controlled by a force outside of his body. They just keep going even when he falls, and rolls down a hill, they seem to supernaturally pull him up and force him onward. Through the bushes, the stickers, the mud, tripping and falling and rolling along. Nolen could care less to have us in sight. He ventures on recklessly without a worry in his little blonde head.

And of course any hike with Steve turns into an unplanned adventure with some sort of obstacle to overcome. After we succeeded in finding our letterbox we planned to take Ellie to the off-leash dog park nearby. Steve likes to rely on his "spidey senses" so instead of going back the way we came and going to the dog park by way of a known path, we followed our leader deeper into the woods. We did find the dog park, but it lay beyond to fences. I am proud to say I can climb fences with the baby in the front pack. Steve tossed the other two and the dog over and we eventually made it, much to Ellie's delight.

So, it was a PERFECT way to spend a gorgeous blue sky, sunny, fall day with the family.

Repeat: DONT FORGET THE STROLLER

2009-09-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

I made a monumental mistake this morning. Steve sent me a coupon for 10 underwear for 25$ at Victoria Secret (you know your underwear is looking pretty bad when your husband starts sending you coupons for new ones). These deals that he sends me are always gone really fast so I hurried up and got the four of us ready to head to the mall. In my rush I didn't return the stroller to the back of the van.

Twenty minutes later and ready to unload the pack in the parking lot I discovered my error. Not wanting to miss out on this great sale I decided to brave the mall with the three boys sans stroller. Coen in the front pack, Nolen with his monkey backpack/leash and Aiden, oh good dear sweet Aiden, who listens so well, stays close and will hold my hand.

I discovered that Victoria Secrets is a nightmare with Nolen on the loose for most part. I uncharactristically made a very quick decision as to what I would purchase and set about collecting 10 of the same size/color. Meanwhile Nolen is straining on his leash opening every drawer, tossing panties about wildly and when I have finally gathered my wares, I look at him to see that he has one pair of frilly undies stretched over his face and is chewing on them. I ripped them out of his hands and tossed the slobbery pair back on the pile.

The only register they had open was the one next to the table with the long billowy satin table cloth, atop which sat bottles of lotions and perfume (glass bottles). Nolen strained the entire time I was paying (could we have your phone #, what about your email.. no... no... cant you see I am trying to wrangle three kids in desperation to buy new underwear after THREE years???, just ring me up ALREADY!) My bicep actually hurts from keeping him restrained.

BUT, I have new underwear....you can all breathe a sign of relief now.

Note to self....don't forget the stroller.

Grandpa and the Boys

2009-09-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

My parents came from Mt this last weekend to celebrate my brother's and my birthday. The boys had so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma Sande made really cute stick horses for Aiden and Nolen (pictures to come). Coen really took to my dad, I think it was the "Coen is the king of the wild frontier" song that won him over.

Thank you so much for coming to visit us. We love you!

Coen Three Months Old

2009-09-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

My cute little baby is getting bigger!

Nolen Holds A Grudge

2009-08-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

Something new I have discovered about Nolen, my sweet, easy going, perfect baby, Nolen - he holds grudges. Big time. He was rather nasty four days ago. Being mean to baby brother Coen while I was trying to take a picture of the three of them - alas still no pics of them all together. So I spanked him, and put him down for his nap. Two and a half hours later when he woke up he was so mad at me he wouldn't let me get him out of his crib.

He has continued this cold shoulder treatment since then. And only towards me. I guess he is trying to teach me a lesson.

But today I made headway with thawing his grudge against me. I made a chocolate chip waffle picnic in our back yard. When he seemed very happy I said, "Can mommy have a kiss Noly?" He gave me a big smackero, then quickly remembered he was made at me and looked a little dismayed to have been tricked so easily.

He will come around.....

Lots Happening

2009-08-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

Our biggest project, remodeling our master bath, has completely taken over our "spare" time. It will be a post in itself later on, when it is finished, if it is EVER finished. Bless steve for not giving up and working on it hour after hour.

The weather has been nice and we have put our jogger strollers to good use going running almost everyday for the last couple of weeks. I use the term "run" loosly when discribing what I do, it is closer to the slow hobble of a wounded animal, but exercise none the less.

My cousin Megan is here for a week. Her presence makes me long for a live in nanny. She is so great with the boys and I will miss her so much when she leaves. We have made dozens of trips to the paint store (bathroom remodel), visited the zoo, gotten hair cuts (chased by killer roosters at the Country Village), and tomorrow we will particiapte in every 18 year old girls favorite hobby, shopping.

Check out the photos - Aiden has been practicing his jumping. Nolen has been practicing his illuding of the camera (not many shots of him).

Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Today 1 Kristen 0

2009-07-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

This is what I would have to qualify as a bad day. Actually it has been several bad days accumulating into one really bad day. Granted I know this is all relative. I dont need anyone telling me, well it could be worse. And I am grateful for my health, my house, my family, etc. etc.

Yesterday I went to Costco in hopes of purchasing an air-conditioner, one that should have been purchased last week when there were plenty to be had, and no mob of crazy hot people trying desperately to get one. I was told they were out, in fact 300 people showed up early that morning to buy them. I was there at 10am, they open at 10am. Those people were smarter than I. Sad. I heard someone say they would be getting more tomorrow morning.

We didn't have to debate long as to whether we should try again, it was 90 degrees in our house last night (as I write this it is 95 degrees, downstairs).

So Steve took off work at my bequest, waited in line for 30 minutes, all to no avail. Sad. He heard someone say they were getting a shipment at noon. Off we went for the other Costco. No air-conditioners. Sad. Steve went back to work. I called Bartells, the air-conditioners had just arrived! Hurry she said. Hurry I did. I got the last one!!

Steve came home to hook it up. It doesn't fit in our windows. So so sad. Back it went to bartells.

Then I sat outside ignoring my kids while they filled up the dirt hole with water from the hose. No big deal until Ellie jumped in and started digging. In seconds she had completely covered herself in mud. Then she proceeded to run laps around the yard in the bark dust. Sad. I hosed her off - yes she shook several times covering me in mud, and dog slobber. Meanwhile Aiden is shouting at me from in the bathroom, I'M DONE, I'M DONE ( I am the official bum wiper).

Now my 95 degree house has a lovely wet dog smell.

Seriously, not a good day.

Schwark Family Photos

2009-07-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we were fortunate enough to have our pictures taken professionally. The lady who did them is just starting out, but you would never know it by her work. The pictures are wonderful. She was super creative and so good with all our kids and dog and chaos. Click on the photo slide show to the left to see my favorites.

June 8 Boys

2009-07-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

The only part of this last pregnancy, aside from the baby, that was good was being pregnant with my friend Kristen. She was due about 2 weeks after Coen was schedule to be delivered. To my pleasant surprise I received a text from her, while I was recovering from the c-section, that said, Congrats, I am downstairs in labor! So Dylan was delivered about 6 hours after Coen. How cool is that?? So here are some pictures of our June 8 babies.

The Fourth

2009-07-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

We were blessed with awesome weather again for this fourth of July. We had fun with bbq and friends and the pool. Mostly just sitting around chatting. Of course there were a few tiny fireworks, if you can call pop its and smoke bombs fireworks. Of course the little boys were very excited. Okay, probably the big boys too.

Photo Op Not

2009-06-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get as many pictures of number 3 as 1 & 2. But 2 is NOT cooperative, at ALL. He is actually the definition of UNcooperative, as can be witnessed by our most recent pictures.

I have been dreaming about all the cute pictures I would get with the three boys over the last 9 months, but alas it will have to wait until Nolen can be wrangled successfully. Aiden on the other hand does beautifully. He sits still, he smiles on que, and loves to hold his baby brother. Even Ellie does well compared to Nolen.

Oh well, check out our latest round of photos anyway.

Introducing Coen

2009-06-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

So, here he is! Prepare for the onslaught of baby photos and updates.

All went really well on Monday. Many of you have heard me complain of the impending c-section. The whole ordeal was much less stressful than I had made out in my head. We went in around 8am and Coen was pronounced "here" at 8:45am. 7 lbs 5 oz, 19.5 inches.

Recovery was mostly pain free and quick. We came home Wednesday morning, to a few excited family members and one not so happy one, Nolen. He is decidedly not happy about Coen joining the family and stealing his lime light. He scowls at whomever happens to be holding the baby, and lets you know he wouldn't be upset if we sent it back.

My mom and Aunt Carrie came on Saturday to hold down the fort at home. They have been entertaining and teaching non stop, which is awesome, except I know after they leave the kids are going to be sorely disappointed with me and how boring I am by comparison. Oh well, good thing is they are both too young (hopefully) to remember any of this trauma.

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

As for me, I didn't just take my 3 1/2 year old to the doctor because of mosquito bites...I do not have the tendency to over react...nope...not me!

Memorial Day Weekend Fun

2009-05-25T17:35:00.001-07:00

Today was lovely. Almost enough sunshine to make me forget the past 9 months of rain, almost. Anyway, lots of outdoor fun. Pool, bubbles, new squirt guns, and running around.

And now we are off to eat some hotdogs and watermelon. Hope your day was as wonderful as ours.

I Lost My Car....and my brain

2009-05-23T18:29:00.001-07:00

This whole "mommy brain" thing has just gone too far. I have never been good at remembering peoples names or where I park my car, and being able to blame these lapses of memory on an overtired, hormonally charged brain has been nice.

But today I went to the mall for lunch and movies with girlfriends and after 4 hours of being away I pretty much completely forgot where my car was. One friend drove us around from the theater side to the restaurant side where two of us were parked. I got out at the first persons car and believing (correctly) that my car was close by started to wander the parking lot at Alderwood mall. I was pretty sure which direction I parked the car in. But I started to doubt myself (wisely). I pressed the lock button activating the "honk" on my car over and over again, but I didn't hear anything. I walked up and down and across, with no real plan of attack, which did not help as I covered several areas mutiple times and obviously others not at all.

My dear friend called my cell to ask if I had found my car. I had to admit I had not and was not feeling hopeful. Surely it couldnt be me, maybe it was stolen. After circling around to pick me up, just by pure chance where she stopped and the angle I got in the car at I saw my little black honda wink its lights at me. She drove approximately a foot before I said "oh, there it is!"

I am such a dork. And I guess three pregnancies in 3 1/2 years may have fried my already small brain. I guess I better look into that ginko or something.

A Very Cool Testimony

2009-05-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

I found this link through the Shepherd Press Blog.

This kid has an amazing testimony.

It made me think about how I fall into bed every night exhausted. But what am I exhausted from? Mostly taking care of my little world. I want to fall into bed at night exhausted from glorifying God and making his kingdom known, from helping people who need help. Not just from maintaining my little chunk of this world that will end.

Anyway, I found it very inspirational.

Claytons Story

Summer Chores

2009-05-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

Seeing this puts a smile on my face. There is nothing Aiden loves more than to hang out with his dad and help him with projects. He takes if very seriously, and doesn't finish mowing until dad is finished mowing.

Nolen can hardly wait to get in on the action.

The New Pool Rocks

2009-05-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

So, here in Western Washington if it hits 70 degrees and the sun is out we break out the pool. This year we went all out and got a "big" one from Costco. It was an absolute success. Aiden said over and over "I love my new pool". Nolen drank at least half of the water we put in and nearly drowns with every move he makes, all while smiling and laughing. Needless to say, whoever is supervising has to be ready to get wet in case some saving is needed. Sorry to all the grandparents out there that I just worried.

Come swim with us soon!

White Tigers

2009-05-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today was Aidens first Taekwondo class. I was very skeptical how it would go because of past experience with trying to give him the opportunity to learn something new and have fun. Lets just say soccer didn't go well.

Then we picked up the uniform last week and he was very eager to try it on. I washed it and did my best to shrink it up because it is very very big for him. We got it all on and he proceeded to lay on the floor and cry. I am not shocked by this. It has become typical behavior for him if he suspects I may be on the verge of pride and happiness due to something he has done. Give the guy credit, he doesn't want to set me up for sadness if he doesn't come through. So he is quick to dash my hopes right from the get go.

I tried not to make a big deal out of the whole hating the uniform thing. And I kept my pride in check while getting him ready this morning. We got the outfit on, with minimal whining. Then after a few minutes he turned on the irrational three year old complaining full tilt. He didn't like the "costume" it was too big, it felt funny, etc.. whine whine whine. Then he asked to see some taekwondo on the Internet. I guess to see if this was really what they wore or if it was some scheme by me to make him look silly.

We arrived at said class and things were not looking up. He was his ultra clingy, insecure self, asking to be held, hiding behind my legs, refusing to talk to the instructors. He even started crying at one point.

Ah, at last things turned around with the entrance of his BFF Trey. Thank goodness for Trey. Aiden followed his lead and immediately the class was fun, the teachers were not out to get him and all was well. He punched, and jumped, and yelled, and I feel overall did a wonderful job, and actually had fun.

Go Po Go (this is a reference to the movie Kung Fu Panda, sadly the only Martial Arts I am familiar with)

How Do you Solve a Problem Like Ellie?

2009-05-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Last week I was seriously considering finding a new home for Ellie. I haven't really dared let myself go there before. I always secretly wondered what kind of person could give their dog up, and now I know. One that is on the brink of insanity and is searching for some sort of peace and quiet and clean.

This weekend Ellie's fate was determined by the sentimental movie Marley and Me. I think me reading the book last year got her through my last temptation to be rid of her and all the trouble she brings. So we will see how long this saves her as one of Team Schwark. Anyhow, teary eyed and hopes bolstered I renewed my vow to keep her.

I mean really, how much less color would our lives have with out her? I forgot to mention in my last post while she thwarted the babysitter and was out on the lamb she decide it would be a good idea to also roll in dog poop. So not only did she have to be caught, once home she had to be bathed. This poor woman who is trying to watch my kids now has to deal with scrubbing poop off my dog. This was definitely not in the notes I left.

Then to top off the weekend Ellie decided to get stuck under the house today. Steve and I are painting the boys room upstairs. I have the window open so I can hear Ellie and Aiden playing in the backyard. After a little while of silence I decide to go down and check on them. I peered around the corner of the house to find Aiden standing next to Ellie, saying sweet calming things, "It is okay Ellie, you can get out Ellie, come on Ellie you can do it." Ellie replied with pitiful whimpering and whining, insisting she was indeed stuck. It looked like Lassie reversed. Ellie has never had a clear vision of herself being the hero.

Anyway, I hollered up to Steve who came and assessed the situation, went to get a shovel, and I a camera. He dug her out. At least she is moping around the house looking like she feels stupid.

Seriously, what a dull house without Ellie to constantly wreak havoc, destroy toys, spread dirt, mud, and poop. Don't forget how much I love her when she barks at...nothing, and wakes up sleeping kids.

How do you solve a problem like Ellie? You don't, you just try to survive her.

Going Away

2009-05-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Our view during breakfast

I am beyond excited that the hubby and I get to go away for one night this weekend. I seem to wait until my breaking point from exhaustion and over exposure until I change something. So, this is the first time in 3 1/2 years that Steve and I will be spending the night away from the kids.

Just so you know a little bit more about how neurotic I am, I decided while writing this that I would not post it until we came back in case some stranger (I am sure I have quite an extensive blog reader list, not) decided to take advantage of our parental absence and steal our children or harass our babysitter.

Anyway, back to my point. We are going away, dinner, spas, massages, no one asking to go potty in the middle of the night, no replacing pacifiers in hopes of 30 more minutes of sleep. I may never come back....

Okay, with a little coaxing, and a look at the bill for one night, I decided to return home. It was so AWESOME!

I had absolutely no anxiety leaving the kids. Which I believe is due mostly to the fact I was leaving them in such capable hands. Nolen was napping, and Aiden gave me kiss and told me he would miss me. Off we went, just the hubby and me.

Our arrival was prompt, and valet was a perk. I always feel very fancy when someone else takes my car and parks it. Check in was lovely, we were offered savory candy, and given directions to room 205. The room was lovely. The resort is lovely. Filled with all sorts of beautiful rock and wood work and touches of nature. It is very peaceful.

We hung out in the room for a few minutes, then off we went to take advantage of the tea and cookies in the library. It was very quiet, and the fire was going. I sipped orange tea and ate lemon cookies and Steve and I played tic tac toe. I really started to think I may have slipped into a Jane Austen novel.

Back to the room to change into our spa attire. The first trip up and down the hallway, in the elevator, past several people, up to the spa, seemed a little awkward in a terry cloth robe and flip flops, but that is what the staff encouraged. And of course, when in Rome...

The spa was so relaxing. The sound of cascading water drowned out any conversation. The large hot tubs made of rock, and the lemon water for sipping all helped to ease any tension we had arrived with. Of course, I can not participate in grown up activity with out embarrassing myself at least slightly. Being 35 weeks pregnant I could not soak for long in the hot water and I tried to gracefully sit on the ledge next to the pool, so I could dangle my legs in the water, but not over heat. Well, I am not graceful even when I am not largely pregnant, so when I ever so delicately sat down, some entirely mortifying noise was created by the suction between my butt and the wet stone. Yes, it sounded like the biggest wettest fart you could imagine. Not even the cascading noise of the water fall drowned it out from the couple at the other end of the tub hearing. I couldn't just pretend it didn't happen, so I said, with the color in my face rising, "It wasn't me, it was the stone". By the looks on their faces I am pretty sure I wasn't convincing. But hey, what is a relaxing soak in the spa without a giant fart noise to liven things up.

Anyhow, we left shortly after, nothing to do with wanting never to see those people again, which we did at dinner a mere two hours later.
Dinner was good. Very good. The service was fabulous. I have never had someone switch out napkins so the napkin would match my pants, but they think of everything at this place. Crumbs were promptly scrapped away, drinks were refilled timely. The atmosphere was that of sophistication and elegance. And we were able, hang on to your hats folks, TALK! We had two whole hours of conversation! And we actually talked about things other than poop, and teething, and preschool choices.

Back to the room for an uninterrupted viewing of Marley and Me. How fun is it to watch a whole movie without taking someone to the potty?

A night of quiet, uninterrupted sleep, except of course the many trips to the bathroom one has to make while pregnant.

The next morning the breakfast was, if possible, even better than dinner. A breathtaking view of the falls and mountains, gorgeous blue sky, which no one from western Washington ever takes for granted, and a rainbow to tie it all together. I cant say enough about the food, sure I may be biased due to the fact I would eat a horse if I could fit it in my stomach, but seriously the food, good. And the service, man everyone was so nice, and helpful, and not snooty at all.

Oh, I forgot to mention the magical part of the place. It was the tiny little silverware which made me feel like a giant, and the giant spa chairs that made me feel like a tiny kid. Not too many places make you think you may have dropped into some sort of Alice and Wonderland. Can you tell I don't frequent sophisticated venues all that often? I think I may have given myself away as some sort of hill billy.

Okay, last but not least, the couples fireside massage. Cool, but would have been just as good if I were by myself, no offence husband. It was everything you could want in a massage. Plus, they even had a table with a big belly cut out so I could lay on my stomach. This of course did little to ease my breathing panic issues, but I was able to mostly relax after the first 20 minutes of debating whether or not to jump up and run out.

So, night away without the kids, priceless.

And a big shout out to Deb who watched the kids, and the dog, who incidentally ran away (the dog, not the kids), and had to be chased down by car, and lured home with treats. Ellie, it is a good thing we picked Marley and Me, you have a little extra grace because of a sentimental movie. Dont push your luck though.

Aiden builds and builds and builds

2009-04-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Aiden has been building barricades for a long time now. I am so annoyed by it, I cant remember when he started.

He blocks off all entrance and exits, he makes it impossible to get to the bathroom without climbing, moving, or stubbing your toe on something. He does it quietly, and swiftly and then proudly announces "look mom".

I have spanked, sent him to his room, yelled, and almost cried for him to stop. All this to no avail.

I have worried that I am stifling some sort of career. Fortress maker?

I don't know what to do about it, but I really really hate being barricaded to different parts of my house.

Are you sure your not having twins?

2009-04-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

Is there really ever a time that is appropriate to tell someone, "gosh you are really big"? No, no there is not. And some people think that when one is pregnant it is free reign to comment on appearance. I am pretty sure no one ever wants to be told they look really big. And if a person is big, or bigger than they normally are, they know it. Trust me, you informing them of their additional size is not enlightening them to something totally new.

I think the most dangerous time to comment on someones size is when they are pregnant. There are many more hormones racing around a very tired, overwhelmed, and exhausted body. Especially, when one has gone to much trouble to shower, and appear presentable all whilst wrangling two other small children who are hell bent on making sure their mother never looks like she has seen a hair brush or makeup.

Let me give you some advise, only say things like: You look wonderful. You are so tiny! You look amazing. OR novel idea, say nothing at all - haven't you people ever heard "if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all". PLEASE. Yes, I am oversensitive, I am pregnant with my THIRD child. I do on some level understand that these comments are not intended to hurt my feelings, and the person offering them is only trying to make a keen observation. But lets talk about the weather instead.

Okay, I am done with my rant. For now.

It Was Just Odd

2009-04-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

This happened awhile ago, but I still think about it almost every time I take exit 20 off 405 south. The same homeless man is almost always standing on the corner of the off ramp at the light. He usually has a sign that says "Homeless and Hungry".

I generally am very skeptical of these people. I think, go get a job, do something besides take advantage of people. I am also confronted with my own fears of ending up like him. I don't think that much actually separates our lives. I am plagued with guilt for not sharing what I have.

My mom gives these people stuff all the time. Never money though. She will hand a half eaten granola bar out the window and they are so appreciative.

I on the other hand deliberated about what I could share for weeks before our next meeting. I finally settled on a big box of Costco crackers. I was nervous as I rolled down my window. He walked up hopefully and I hoisted up my treasure. Surely he had never seen such generosity! His smile quickly turned to a frown. "I cant take that, it is too big" "I could never eat all that."
WHAT? the sign says HUNGRY!! I say, "Oh, well just take one of the little packages then." "No, no, no thanks" he says as he turns away disappointed that I wasn't giving him money I guess.

My gift rejected by a homeless man.

I felt really silly, and also a little vindicated. I don't think this was a good thing to happen to me. Now I have to work twice as hard on my compassion.

Just weird that I couldnt give a hungry man a cracker. Weird.

For Better Or Worse

2009-04-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

Some kind person sent this to me anonymously - Uncle Ken :)
I actually tell Aiden something very close to this when I am getting ready. So far, he hasnt been whitty enough to come up with the same response, but I am sure it is in the works.

Rocky

2009-04-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

Nolen had three bad days where the pavement clearly won the fight. He fell and knocked his forehead, then he fell and bruised his cheek, which turned into a pretty green/black eye eventually, and then he fell again and hit the same spot from two days earlier.

I dont know whether it is good or bad that he keeps going right back to the seen of the crime. Is it persistence or stupidity?

Either way, I felt like I had to tell everyone we saw I wasn't beating him.

Poor guy.

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T14:07:00.001-07:00

It is all fun and games until someone gets a plastic easter egg stuck in their mouth. Nolen perfected the art of trying to choke on half a plastic egg. Needless to say we only had one day of egg hunting, now they are back in the garage in storage.

To Sleep or NOT to Sleep

2009-04-13T10:24:00.001-07:00

As we approach the looming date of adding another baby to the family one thing dominates many of my thoughts. Sleep. More specifically, how do I maximize the amount of sleep I can get?

We put the boys back in the same room. Nolen's room gets really hot in the summer, and he wakes up when the garage door opens/closes, and when the garbage trucks come. So back in with Aiden. We also relocated Ellie to their room. She drives me crazy being in our room. She wakes me up at least two times a night. Aiden gets up to pee once a night, and Nolen usually looses his pacifier once every night. These are just the "normal" things that wake us up every night.

So, no more pacifier for Nolen. Hopefully he will learn to sleep better without it.
No more Ellie in our room (the boys seem to be sleeping through her rituals) waking up to shake, turn 3 times, lick herself, etc...
Aiden is starting to sleep through the night better, when he doesn't fall out of bed or need to pee.

Last night we had one of the "abnormal" things wake us at 1am. A fire alarm battery needing to be changed. The biggest annoyance aside from being woke up, is that you have to determine which alarm needs the battery. So me upstairs in the hallway, Steve downstairs rummaging for batteries, we wait for the next chirp.

Why do they always need to be changed at night? Or is it just ours sabotaging our sleep?

Anyway, we have 8 more weeks to work on maximizing our sleep situation before Schwark baby #3 arrives and wakes us up every two hours.....

Babies to Little Kids

2009-04-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Little Kids

Toddlers

Babies (Aiden is in Red, Claudia is next to him in the overalls, and Morgan is directly across from Claudia)

I guess I can call them little kids now. I dont feel like they are toddlers anymore, but kids seems too old. Here are Aiden and his long time friends Morgan and Claudia.

A Shout Out to My Hubby

2009-04-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Before:

After:

Steve revamped our laundry room! And it looks so nice. And it is much more user friendly. Here is what he did:
Added pedestals to the washer/dryer
Moved washer/dryer
Moved wire shelving
Added cabinet
Painted
Installed new lighting
Added a short persons coat hanger

Thank you husband! It looks so wonderful!!

Jesus Is Risen!

2009-04-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

I am always looking for new ideas to incorporate into our family traditions. What does your family do to celebrate Easter and the resurrection?

Schwark Family Resurrection Week Celebration

Palm Sunday (Sunday before Easter)

This is the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey colt. The people lined the way, waving palm branches and crying, Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!

Waving palm branches was a Roman custom that was used to welcome a ruler or king. The significance of the Palm branch lies in the fact that the people were welcoming Jesus as they would a new political leader. Jesus' message to them was symbolized in the animal that he rode. A ruler would have been riding on a horse. Jesus chose to come in a humble way. His attitude is summed up in Philippians 2: 5-8 (NIV):

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."

Decorate the table for lunch or dinner using real or artificial palm branches. Children might enjoy making the palm branches out of green construction paper.

Instead of placing the food on the table, leave it in the kitchen. After prayer, take turns serving each other the food. Even small children enjoy having mom or dad help them serve another member of the family. Talk about what it means to serve others. When we do we are serving Jesus.

After dinner you might talk more about a servants role and how humbling it was to have the job of washing the people's feet. Take turns washing each other's feet. (Mom be prepared, this could get a little messy! Have lots of towels ready!)

Supplies Check list:

Green construction Paper

Scissors

MONDAY: THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE
Jesus went to the temple to worship God. There he saw something that upset Him very much. He saw men using God's house as a place to sell animals for the sacrifices. They were exchanging money from foreign places into money that could be used to buy the sacrifices. These men knew that the people coming there needed animals for their sacrifices. They were taking advantage of this situation by having the animals right there in the temple courtyard for people to buy. They were making money off of the sacrifices.

Jesus became very angry and said, It is written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer.' but you have made it a den of thieves. Jesus made a whip and drove out the vendors and their animals. He overturned their stalls and buckets of money.

Talk about how Jesus wanted God's house to be a house of prayer, not a house of chaos. Talk about what is the proper behavior and attitude that pleases God when we worship Him. What is prayer? Is church the only place where we can pray?

Discuss the verses in

I Cor 3:16: Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?,

I Cor 6:18: Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

2 Cor 6:16: What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."[

Our bodies are a temple, too, because Christ dwells within us. What are some ways that we might treat our bodies that are not pleasing to the Lord? What are some ways that we use our bodies to glorify God?

Activitiy: Buy New Outfits for Passover Dinner and Easter Sunday Service

TUESDAY: TEACHING AT THE TEMPLE, (MARK 12:28-34)
Every day Jesus came to teach at the temple.

One of the teachers of the law asked Jesus, Of all the commandments which one is the most important?

Jesus replied, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.

Activity

Share your love for God with a neighbor by taking an Easter Lily to them. The Easter Lily is a symbol of purity and light. Jesus came as our pure sacrifice and as a light in the darkness.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Supplies:
Easter Basket

Jelly Beans (black, red, white, yellow and green)

Easter Lily

WEDNESDAY: A SWEET SMELLING SACRIFICE
At the Home of Mary and Martha: John 12:1-3
Family Devotions: Martha and Mary were friends of Jesus. Their brother Lazarus was the man that Jesus raised from the dead. They wanted to give Jesus a special dinner to celebrate and give thanks. The dinner was held at the home of Simon, a leper that Jesus had healed. This was a night for celebration. Lazarus was alive! Simon was healed! What the guests did not realize was that in just a few short days Jesus would die.

The story tells about one woman who gave of the best that she had.

John 12:1-3

Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Activity:
Light a fragrance candle or incense. Talk about our lives being a sweet fragrance and sacrifice for God. Pray asking God to help your family to always give your best to Him.

Dye hard boiled eggs (use as table decorations for Passover)

black : Stands for the darkness of our lives before Jesus when we were still in sin

red: Stands for Jesus shed blood

white: Stands for our sins that are washed away

yellow: Stands for streets of gold in heaven

green: Stands for growing in Jesus

Easter Egg Origins
Eggs are often identified with Easter. Long a symbol of fertility and immortality, the egg reminds Christians of the rock tomb from which Christ arose.

In medieval times, eggs were traditionally given to all servants at Easter. It is said that King Edward I of England (1307) distributed 450 boiled Easter eggs, dyed or covered with gold leaf, to members of the royal household.

Today, in most countries the eggs are stained with plain vegetable-dye colors. The Syrian and Greek faithful present each other with crimson eggs in honor of the blood of Christ. Ukrainians create intricate designs with checkerboard and rhombi patterns, dots, wavy lines, and intersecting ribbons. Blessed by the priest at Easter, the artistically-rendered eggs become symbolic heirlooms.

In Austria, artists design striking patterns by fastening ferns and tiny plants around the eggs, leaving a white pattern after the eggs are boiled. Common symbols in the designs include the sun (good fortune), rooster or hen (fulfillment of wishes), stag or deer (good health), and flowers (love and charity).

Egg-specking is a sport all over Europe. Eggs are rolled against each other on the lawn or down a hill. The egg that remains uncracked is the winner. In Washington, D.C., there is an annual celebration of egg rolling on the White House lawn on Easter Monday.

Shop for Passover Meal and Resurrection Cookie Ingredients:
Matzah Bread

Crown Roast Lamb

Green Salad

Peaches

Babka

THURSDAY: PASSOVER MEAL
The Last Supper was held at Passover.

Serve Unleavened bread: This symbolizes the Bread the the Israelites took with them from Egypt. In their haste, they did not have time to let it rise. The bread that Jesus broke at the Last Supper was without yeast or unleavened. Yeast stands for sin. Jesus said the bread represents his body. He was without sin. His body was broken for us.

Serve Lamb: The Lamb was killed so that the blood could mark the doorposts of the houses of the Israelites. When the angel of death saw the blood on the doorpost he would pass over that house and not kill the first born child. Jesus is our Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Serve Sweet peaches and honey: as a symbol of hope. Jesus is the hope of the world. He is sweeter than the honey in the honeycomb.

Serve Grape Juice and red wine. Jesus said this cup was a sign of his shed blood for us on the cross. Whenever we drink it, we should drink it in remembrance of Him.

Green Salad: as a symbol of new life. The green reminds us of the new life we have in him.

FRIDAY: THE DAY JESUS DIED
Read the story of Jesus betrayal and crucifixion. Discuss why Jesus was willing to die for our sins. Talk about accepting Jesus as your Savior from sin. If your child is old enough to understand, give him an opportunity to receive Jesus as Savior.

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
Hold a Festival Of Light service in the evening.

Materials Needed:

Large Candle
Small individual candles for each person

Play the Old Rugged Cross, then recite the following reading

The Large Candle should be lit and the lights in the room lowered.

Parents should read part 1. Children who are able should read Part 2.

1: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light

2: On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.*

1: Long before Jesus was born, God spoke to His people through the prophet Isaiah. He said,

2: "Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

1: See the darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and His glory appears over you.

2: Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

1: Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm, Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy.

2: All will come proclaiming the praise of the LORD!

1: Then you will know that I the LORD am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

2: No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.

1: The sun will no more be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on you.

2: For the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.

1: Before Jesus died, he told his disciples, I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

2: Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

1: Jesus died to overcome the darkness of sin and arose that we might have His light within us. (Light your candle from the bigger candle)

2: We are to share His light with others. (Each person lights their candle, first from the leader then lighting the candle of the person beside him. Passing the light along.)

1: You are the light of the world

2: Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

1: Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

2: Help me Lord to share your light with others.

1: For a city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

2: Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.

1: We ought to share His light with others. (Close by singing "This Little Light of Mine", or "Shine Jesus Shine" and then have prayer for those you know who need to have His light shine into their hearts.)

(Scripture references used: Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:16, Isaiah 60, Matthew5:14, 5:16, John 8:12, 12:46, Matthew 5:14, John 8:12.NIV)

Saturday: Resurrection Cookies: teach your Children the REAL story of Easter. That the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior is not dead but has Risen. We serve a Risen Savior.

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

Instructions:
These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.
*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).
Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon
to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He
was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar
to drink. Read: John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life
to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest
into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers,
and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the
sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to
know and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins
have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read: Matthew 27:57-60

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.
Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20&22

SUNDAY: HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Greet everyone with “He Is Risen!”

Open up Resurrection Cookies: Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read: Matthew 28:1-9

1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

Attend Church

Easter egg hunt

What is in a name?

2009-03-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

For our first child I set about choosing a name as soon as we had our first ultrasound picture (like 6weeks pregnant). I bought my 50,001 baby names book and started with A, I read all the way through to Z, probably within hours of purchasing the book. The plan (my plan) was for Steve and I to both go through the book, write down our favorites, and then compare. Steve had made it to C after 3 weeks. I could wait no longer and we compared lists. We both picked Aiden for a boy. Whoopie. We had a name. Second baby, broke out the book, did not bother asking Steve to research. Gave him my list and we picked Nolen. Now we are onto the third baby and approaching 30 weeks and I do not have a name picked out.

The only critera is:
needs to end in "en" (Steven, Kristen, Aiden, Nolen etc...)
I dont want it to rhyme with any of our names

We need both boy and girl names as we dont know the gender

Here is what I have so far:
Boys - Teagen, Graysen
Girls- Kellen, Brecken

So, if you are inclined to share, let me know your ideas for baby names. I make no promises to use them, and I dont really want your opinion of names that I like ;)

Thanks!

Liberty Lake in the Spring

2009-03-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

We ventured over the pass to visit Grandma and Grandpa Schneider and Uncle Chris for a long weekend. The boys were great as they are well trained tv zombies and the dvd kept them pacified pretty much the whole car trip.

Grandma and Grandpa took us to Chucky Cheese Friday when we arrived. Aiden had fun with all the games and Nolen enjoyed watching the giant mouse sing and dance. Aiden did climb up a maze/slide thing and get scared and stuck. Steve was able to rescue him before too long, and I am sure a few visits to the therapist will fix him right up. We also celebrated Uncle Chris's 17th birthday. Aiden was jealous of all his gifts since they both share a love for Sponge Bob.

I got to shop with my mom without anyone asking for a snack or crying to get out of the stroller. I actually had enough time to decide on a pair of new shoes for myself. And I talked my mom into a gorgeous pair of boots that I couldnt fit my fat little calves into.

Steve got to do some virtual golfing with Grandpa and then he spent the rest of the weekend watching the boys so I could run around with my mom. What a guy. He had to entertain them indoors as Spokane didnt have any less rain than Seattle.

The trip back was slow as the pass was traction tires advised. Lots of sleet and yucky rain. But thanks to Steves capable driving we made it back safely.

Thanks for all the fun Grandma and Grandpa! Oops, I didnt even take one picture!

Friday with Five

2009-03-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Aiden and Nolen and I were blessed to have an additional three boys come over yesterday. I went from being a person who NEVER wanted kids, to entertaining 5 of them all at once. I do have to point out that my friend Kristen was there for the bulk of it, but I did spend a good two hours alone and at the mercy of 5 high energy, very creative, but very well behaved, awesome little men.

Nolen was thrilled to play steal the pacifier with Ben all afternoon. Ben had fun getting close to Ellie. And the three older boys played chase and shoot with their new McDonald's toys.

No one got hurt, everyone ate some food, and they had fun. Quite successful if I do say so myself.

Isnt It Beautiful

2009-03-13T11:47:00.001-07:00

I am considering re-arranging my laundry room. Right now it is small, in the way, dark, and my washer dryer are front loading without pedestals. This creates a problem for my pregnant self as it is difficult loading and unloading. I know, poor me.

Of course this dream laundry room is the size of my kitchen. Humm, maybe I could get rid of my kitchen and move the laundry room. After all I don't cook, but I am a laundry queen.

Can You Understand Your Children?

2009-03-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have been so enjoying Aidens blosseming imagination. I think I reveal in it because I myself have no imagination. I dont recall ever having any imaginary friends. In sixth grade I tried to conjure up a fairy to be friends with, but it didnt last long.

I was afraid Aiden would lack creativity like myself since all his stuffed animal friends names have always been, horse is horse, dog is dog, etc.

But to my pleasant surprise we had a breakthrough in the creative naming department. He has been desperately wanting a kitten (dont anyone dare send us a kitten). I asked him what color kitten he wanted and he said orange, and I asked what he would name a kitten if he could have one and he said "bunny". I love it.

Last week Aiden started having imginary puppy friends. He carries them all over and takes them with us where ever we go. I love these puppies because I dont ever have to carry them. He also has little baby frogs to take care of. And two days ago he introduced me to his friend "gwary". She is a girl wearing a blue shirt. They have been playing together in his "real" friends absense. Today, I discoverd her name is not "gwary", but "gary". As in Sponge Bobs pet snail gary. But gary is still a girl wearing a blue shirt. Aiden was getting rather anoyed at me for not pronouncing his new friends name correctly and spent this afternoon correcting me. Thank goodness we got that figured out!

Let it Snow

2009-03-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

More snow here in Mill Creek, WA....in March! I told Aiden it looked like a blizzard and he spent the rest of the day worried about lizards coming into our backyard.

When dad got home they got to play outside. For some reason it makes me happy when they come in and request hot chocolate.

The New Truck Is Cool

2009-03-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

What Did You Learn In Sunday School?

2009-03-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

Mommy: What did you learn in Sunday school?
Aiden: Umm, Ummm
Mommy: Did you talk about Jesus?
Aiden: Yes
Mommy: Did you learning about washing the disciples feet?
Aiden: that it was gross

At least he doesn't go around stealing all the toys from the smaller babies like Nolen.

Schwark Academy Blog

2009-02-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to start homeschooling Aiden. I spent a lot of time researching curriculum and reading books about home education. I picked my curriculum, spent a boat load of money and set off very enthused.

Before we even began I tried to hype it up for Aiden. "Aren't you excited to start school with mommy?" "Only a couple of more days until your books arrive and we can start school." "Wont it be fun learning something new everyday?" Most of my statements were met with " I DON'T LIKE SCHOOL". I found this odd considering he didn't even know what school was.

Once we set forth, I found the curriculum to be boring, for me, and for him. And it seemed every other day was more about a power struggle than learning anything. I would say "this is purple", he would say "IT IS NOT PURPLE". And back and forth until I came to realize I was arguing with a three year old. "Why would mommy lie to you about what is PURPLE!!"

So, we have ditched the formal curriculum and I am scouring the internet for free resources from much more creative people than myself and we are attempting to do something fun and educational a couple times a week.

I am also trying to focus on just letting him do more for himself. Making food, getting dressed, making beds, etc..

In an attempt to document our projects, so I can remember them for Nolen and Schwark baby #3, just in case I dare to teach them anything I have set up a new blog: The Schwark Academy

If you are interested in what we do for "school" stop by and take a look.

I Cant Breathe

2009-02-23T15:55:00.001-08:00

Literally. As the baby gets bigger it takes up more space inside my body, space where lungs usually go. It is probably about 25% physical 75 % mental, as I suspect most of my hangups are. But it really feels like I cant breathe.

And other things start making me feel claustrophobic. Like sitting back in my recliner, or laying down at the doctors office, anything that allows my tiny baby and fat belly to slide up ever so slightly towards my chest cavity.

Weird things have been making me feel claustrophobic lately too, like my rings. It isn't that they are too tight, opposite in fact, all the fat from different parts of my body seems to get sucked into my stomach and butt while I am pregnant, so my fingers are actually slimmer right now. But my rings, my necklace, they draw attention to my lack of oxygen for some irrational reason. Clothes make me feel like I cant breathe either.

Don't worry I will only take off my jewelry.

Now Completely Founded Fear

2009-02-22T17:29:00.000-08:00

I was totally freaked out about visiting our zoo after the tiger and orangutan escape at other zoo's last year. It doesn't take much to set my mind to worry. I have what I would consider mostly irrational fears and therefore I ignore them and leave the house anyway.

When visiting our local zoo it has mostly been the "native" animals, ie. squirrels and crows that scare me the most. I have even been physically threatened and harassed by the them. During one visit a bold and probably rabies ridden squirrel came at me so persistently that I had to surrender part of my Starbucks donut just to distract him long enough so I could run in the other direction with my helpless babies. During the same unfortunate visit I exited the Willawong station to find a crow perched on my stroller rummaging through my belongings. When he spotted me coming to claim my items he took off with the rest of my Starbucks treat in claw.

But just last week on the news my irrational fears were substantiated. A monkey escaped its exhibit and the zoo had to be evacuated.

See I knew I wasn't completely crazy. By the way, we will still renew our zoo membership and brave the wilds.

The Best Day EVER

2009-02-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

Lately Aiden has been adding "EVER" to the end of most of his sentences. So they go something like this:

"Can I have .... because it is my favorite EVER"
"I dont want to go to sleep EVER"
"I dont want to stop eating cake EVER"

So according to Aiden, and I must say it was a pretty fantastic day myself, today was the best day EVER.

We went to the zoo with a bunch of good friends. 9 kids, and 4 adults. The adults went along for the promise of the cupcakes afterward.

The zoo was great. Lots of fresh air, room to run, snacks, BLUE SKY and SUN!!

Then we went to the Trophy Cupcakes for a special treat (the day might have been the best EVER for me to except even with a GPS telling me where to go, I got slightly lost and we ended up walking more than I would have liked).

Then all sugared up we headed home and Aiden and his friend Trey played outside in the sandbox long enough for Aiden to get sand everywhere, even in his underwear.

So all day with friends, gourmet cupcakes, and SUN...it was the best day EVER.

I Climb, Therefore, I Am

2009-02-15T13:28:00.000-08:00

This is Nolen's life mantra currently. He climbs everything. If he cant climb something he goes to find something smaller that he can push over and use as a step. And he is fast. And he has no fear. And is terribly uncoordinated. Thus there are many falls. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, he preserves and rarely gives up unless completely removed from the room. My poor heart gets startled several times aday when I turn around and find him perched atop somthing.

I, yes I made a cake

2009-02-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

I try really quite hard to be a good house wife. To me this means baking and cooking, to be more precise, good baking and cooking. Believe me I can burn things like nobodies business, and I often have the smoke alarms going. I usually find a recipe, give my best, and come out very disappointed, go to the store and buy what I wanted made. So sad.

But this is a happy story! I made a cake....from scratch....and it worked! I liked it and more importantly two picky little kids liked it too! It is so great that it is all natural ingredients, no hydrogenated high fructose stuff. It didnt have a ton of sugar either.

So here it is thanks to this fabulous lady at www.se7en.org.za

CAKE RECIPE

I didn't take any pictures of mine, because to be honest I wanted to eat it so badly I could barely wait for it to cool. I just cut pieces out hastily and poured frosting on individually. You can look at her pictures they are very cute and maybe next time I wont be in such a pregnancy induced sugar craving that I can take a moment and make mine look cute too.

by the way the picture is of a Martha Stewart ricekrispiecookie cake....I think that sounds supberb too!

A Small Dancing Aiden

2009-02-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

I just found this video of Aiden when he was somewhere between 15-18 months old. I once again think it is priceless, but of course I am a little biased.

Nolen Uses a Cup

2009-02-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

So, this is very exciting for me, because it means he is on his way to one more thing that makes him independent. It maybe incredibly boring to you, but I still think he is cute to look at.

I Like, I Hate

2009-01-31T13:56:00.001-08:00

I LIKE:

Secret fit belly maternity jeans, I may never go back to "real" jeans
Craigslist, for buying and selling
Bedtime, for me and especially the kids
Clutter free home, thank you nesting stage of pregnancy
My housekeeper
Starbucks tea lattes
Funny friends
Cheaper by the Dozen, I read it once or twice a year
People with lots of kids who blog about their cool ideas
Play mates for Aiden, they are so much better at make believe than I
Feeling baby move
Costco
Sunshine, can I get some more PLEASE
Watching Aiden help Nolen
Good smelling soap, particularly something with citrus
A one year olds fat little feet, watching them putter around

I HATE:

Pee on the toilet seat, more accurately, sitting in the pee on the toilet seat
The wee hours of the morning when some tiny person wakes me up
My recliner that threatens to eat me alive everyday, and consistently looses bolts
My dirty floor
The question "why" x 1million per day
babies getting teeth
babies getting shots
watching my stomach get fatter and fatter

Nolen Turns One

2009-01-25T11:04:00.001-08:00

Probably goes without saying, I can't believe he is already one. Nolen has been a huge blessing (literally as well as figuratively). I think his first party went off very well. He didn't suspect a thing all day long (please sense the sarcasim). Grandma Schwark, David, aunt Jennifer and cousin Tennyson all came up from Vancouver to visit and help Nolen celebrate.

Aiden's gift to Nolen was a giant cookie monster balloon, and it was by far his favorite gift. Once spotted he did not let it go for the rest of the evening. It even had to go into the bath with him. To all the grandparents who are thinking "good lord, I hope she didnt let him sleep with it"...Of course I didnt let him sleep with it.

He partook in some cupcakes and my expectations of a wild messy baby were not exceeded, but adequetly met. He loved to squish, but not to eat. He made an appropriate mess and looked cute doing it.

Thank you to all who sent gifts, Nolen could have cared less about the clothes, but I love them and appreciate them.

Worth More Than Their Weight

2009-01-22T11:18:00.001-08:00

Good friends, worth more than their weight in gold, especially when they go and get all in shape and skinny. Thanks for coming to visit Sasha! We had such a great time with you and your girls.

My Floor Talks

2009-01-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

Give me your bark dust, your dirt, your dog poo, your moldy leaves and grass. The barf from the baby. Send these bits of grime and grossness to me. I welcome you through the front door, the sliding glass door, and the garage.

I can hear my floor most loudly in the three hours after it has been freshly mopped.

See Kai Run

2009-01-15T10:27:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to give credit where credit was due. I ordered the cutest little shoes for Nolen (his little fat feet didn't fit in Aiden's hand-me-downs). We had them approximately one week before they need to be cleaned. In the past I have always thrown Aiden's shoes in the washer/dryer. So in they went. And out they came, completely ruined. The dryer had melted them and the washer had ruined their shape. I was so sad. I looked up the care instructions on the website (probably should have done this first) and it was recommended not to wash them. I sent an email off anyways explaining what had happened and asking if there was anything they could do?

They were so nice! They sent a brand new pair, no cost (I paid shipping). I thought this was beyond exceptional service. We will definitely be buying more of their shoes.

Thank you See Kai Run!
www.seekairun.com

We Are Having A.....

2009-01-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

Boy OR A girl!! Good for me, I stuck to my guns and didn't find out what will be in having on or before June 5, 2009.

It is fun to have a surprise and some anticipation. I am also hoping that it will be something to distract me from the discomfort of the c-section.

Anyway, the rest of the 20 week ultrasound went well and all that could be checked looked good/normal. We took Aiden and Nolen with us and both were intrigued by the big screen featuring their new sibling. Aiden asked to hear the heart beat several times and then proceeded to ask a hundred more questions. Thankfully our ultrasound tech was in a great mood and happy to oblige.

We are half way there!

The 3 o'clock Meltdown

2009-01-09T15:54:00.000-08:00

It seems almost everyday without fail between the hours of 3-4 pm in my house the children go into meltdown mode.

Aiden amps up the whining. Nothing makes him happy, or quiet. He gets louder and more demanding. "I want to watch Kung Fu Panda, it is my FAVORITE!" Nolen also starts whining and crying, for no apparent reason. Maybe he is just jumping on the band wagon.

My theories are that:

Aiden needs a nap, but if one is taken (we avoid this at all cost) he is up until literally 11 or midnight.
I am tired, I need a nap. Because of my tiredness I am oversensitive. Perhaps they are not louder and more obnoxious, but I am just experiencing them this way.
They have had my undivided attention most of the day, and now due to my love of Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart they are inhumanly ignored (at least share some distracted attention) for one hour.

I am working on preemptive strikes for this time of day's unpleasantness. A snack, a sticker book, etc...

But I am not working on it today, because I am tired. And I missed my "mommy time" show, so now I am going to partake in the Cosby show. Lest you think my children are locked in the closet, I will tell you that Aiden and Nolen are sufficiently entertained playing with toys I wanted to get rid of but were spotted hiding in the garage. The old is new again!

Old Perfection

2009-01-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

I love getting my Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, William Sonoma and various other home decor/appliance catalogs. I make an event out of flipping through them. I love to sit somewhere comfortable and quiet, if at all possible, and sip something warm. I take my time day dreaming of what fabulous things I could do to my house to make it a model of ease, efficiency and beauty. Ahh, perfection in a house.

But alas this perfection for me, for my family, is on hold. I have begun to find a new perfection of ease of use, manageability and keeping things sanitary.

My computer is on the kitchen counter, my big honken, ugly computer, out for the world to grimace at. My entry/formal dining and living area is a hodge podge of toys. There is nothing I hate more than hodge podge in my house. Some people pull of a mishmash of decor absolutely beautifully, I have tried, and without doubt failed. But no matter how I stack, containerize and place perpendicular, they are kids toys, out in the open to greet every visitor.

I fantasize about my boys sharing a room. Two cute little matching beds. They instead have driven me to separate them in order to maximize my sleep time. ANYTHING to get more sleep in this house of babies, toddlers and dogs who threaten every peaceful and clean moment.

But, these things also make my day go more smoothly, and if the planets are aligned, sometimes nights. My house is livable and definitely lived in. And I am learning to like it, but have no fear decorator stores, I will be back...

I Would Love to Hear From You

2009-01-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

Being as tech-savvy as I am (not) I didn't realize I had my comments section set so only those with blogger profiles could leave me comments. I have since changed this so anyone can drop me a note on my posts.

I would love to hear from you if you visit my blog.

Have a wonderful day. Hopefully it isn't as gray and rainy where you are!

Tottoos

2009-01-07T12:17:00.001-08:00

I came across this on my quest to reach the end of the internet. Personally I thought it was cool, but I am a bit of a worrier/control monger. http://www.tottoos.org/

Our Sled

2009-01-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

Every year we debate whether to buy a sled - okay every year since Aiden was big enough to hang onto a sled, so for two years now. And we always decide not to waste our money since the snow here rarely sticks around long enough to sled on. This year Steve wanted to give Aiden his first experience of sledding since we had what this area considers copious amounts of snow.

The best I could do was the laundry basket with a dog leash hooked to it. Off they went - tipping a little. Steve said the first run went well, but the second not so much. Apparently the laundry basket got ahead of steve and he went to stop it unknowingly wiping Aiden around and dumping him out.

"I dont like sledding, ever." Is what Aiden told me when they came back through the door from their adventure.

We vowed if they still have sleds at Costco at our next visit we will buy one.

Battle of the Unders

2009-01-02T15:11:00.001-08:00

I maybe wouldn't be so acutely aware of our lack of readiness except that I have the sweetest friend who seems to me to be constantly well prepared for life. She stopped by with her THREE girls, one newborn (c-section, yes the woman just had major surgery and she can still manage all this) with a Christmas gift. She looked like she just stepped out of a JCREW magazine. I meanwhile hadn't managed to get out of my pj's (surely I could have found time to don a bra sometime before three in the afternoon, but sadly I had not). So with arms crossed trying to block the view of my messy house and half naked wild children I thanked her profusely and vowed to dress my family everyday.

We call underwear "unders". I don't know why. But here is the thing, all I see all day long are unders. I cant keep my kids dressed. I nurtured this unfortunate habit while I was drowning in morning sickness. I could have cared less who was wearing or not wearing what. But now I am making a valiant attempt to dress everyone, even myself, every morning. After breakfast Nolen's first outfit is trashed, so off it comes. I optimistically think to myself I will redress him after his morning nap. But this is just wishful thinking unless we are going somewhere that requires "no shoes, no shirt, no service". Aiden does okay usually until after lunch, then there is some sort of accident, water, food, scissors, etc..that necessitates the removal of either pants or shirt. Then by three or so he just decides he wasn't meant to wear clothes and they quietly disappear.

I guess I will just be thankful that he does NOT like to be completely naked and always runs to get unders.

Stroller Lady

2009-01-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

My seventh stroller arrived yesterday. So are you thinking, "good god, what does one person, with two kids, need with 7 strollers??" Well I don't keep them all. I usually sell one then purchase another.

It has been an on going quest to find the perfect stroller. Perhaps you think I have too much time on my hands, but I like to have things that work well to facilitate my outings - outings that become increasingly more difficult (but not unmanageable).

I believe it wont be something created in my stroller needing life time, I dare to hope by the time I have grandkids someone will manufacture one though. In case any would-be stroller designers want to know what I need, here it is:

I want a:
• LIGHT (under 25 lbs)
• Durable (fabric doesn’t rip or stain)
• Easily removable straps/fabric for washing
• One hand fold
• Good umbrella coverage - why even bother with an umbrella that only blocks the sun at high noon?
• Converts from one to two, preferably front to back
• Big wheels, easy for pushing and jumping curbs

These are the strollers I have purchased and their pros/cons:
• Graco travel system: heavy and big, perfect for one baby, lovely cup holders, trays, storage
• Maclaren Volo: super easy to fold, super light, good for travel, only holds one baby though
• Maclaren Techno: same as the volo, but a little more sturdy
• Kidarooz: Umm, we only had this one over night as the parts were not able to be assembled.
• Phil and Ted: So slender, great for malls/stores, holds two, but tedious to convert, also heavy kids goes in front, but heavy kid likes to jump out a lot, leaving little helpless baby underneath to tip over, mom to frantically grab stroller, but unable to grab child that jumped out and is running away. Very cool design though. Good wheels.
• BOB Duallie: So easy to push, can climb mountains and roll on the beach. Lots of storage, holds two kids - three if one perches on the front. Really comfy for kids. Too wide, too heavy, takes up the entire back of van. You get dirty looks if you take it in retail places "How inconsiderate is that lady to take up the entire isle?"
• Joovy: Light, steers well, perfect for one strapped in and one who needs to hop on and off. Design doesn’t not allow for jumping up curbs. Folds easy.
If you read this and have found the perfect stroller by all means tell me!!

Ellie and Me

2008-12-19T20:10:00.001-08:00

I love to read, and people tell me that if you love to read you may be a good writer. I would like to find out if I am a good writer, but I cant really think of anything to write, at least not something people would want to read. I wouldnt want to write about serious things or sad things, only funny things probably.

The funniest thing in my life also happens to be the most obnoxious. My dog. I cant compete with Marley and Me, but we do have our moments. Most of these moments are characterized by her making me look like an absolute crazy person.

Despite completing almost two full dog obedience classes she still has yet to learn two of what I consider to be the most important dog commands, come and stay. Perhaps you are wondering why she failed to complete the second dog obedience class, maybe you are not, but I will tell you anyway.

I was about eight months pregnant with our first child and had begun to have panic attacks when leaving the house and all the pulling and jerking on the leash and her ear splitting barking in the car all contributed to us getting an incomplete. So, she is not the only flawed party in this little dysfunctional relationship, I admit to having my own issues, and perhaps some of my neurosis have rubbed off on her. Anyhow I am not convinced that she would have mastered these all important skills had we received a second doggie obedience diploma.

The latest incident happened during what I like to refer to as the dark time of my third pregnancy. To say I get sick during the first trimester is a slight understatement. While I am not feeling tip top I neglect a lot of basic personal hygiene. So, if you can picture me (which I am sure you have only seen me as a glowing goddess of perfection and it maybe be quite a shock when you try) unshowered (regretfully for several days) and wearing an old shirt of Steve's which had acquired a lot of barf stains, mostly from Nolen, after having wore it for several days, workout capris, and no shoes. I definitely had the look of a crazy lady with out being encouraged to behave like one.

Aiden requested to see his pumpkin on the front porch and being the obliging mom that I am I opened the door to let him peak out and the devil, I mean Ellie shot past me, deliberately making a run for it and using enough force to give acknowledgment to the fact she knows she should not go out the front door.

Normally this wouldn't be too big of a disaster, but it happened to be bus drop off time in our neighborhood. All the moms (who shower and actually pick out real clean clothes) were at their posts awaiting their little cherubs.

Ellie proceeded to ignore my requests through clenched teeth to please come in the house. In fact she did the opposite. She proceeded to pee in every yard down the block - four houses in all. Squatting and peeing and darting off when it looked like I might get close enough to grab her.

Keep in mind I cant go too far, I have one two year old on the front porch in his underwear, saying "mom what are you doing?" and a 9 month old very mobile crawler roaming the house untethered.

I ran back in side grabbed a loaf of bread, because tossing slices of bread at a peeing dog while pleading with her to come in side doesnt look silly.

Finally Ellie got bored or knew I was soon to close the door and never let her back in the house, EVER. So quick as she ran out she ran back in. She seemed very pleased with herself, which leads me to believe she calculates these little tirades in order to purposely embarrass me.

Christmas Tree Hunting

2008-12-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

I had a blast getting our Christmas tree today. The boys were in good moods and cooperative. It was not raining, and I got to snap lots of shots of our adventure in cutting our own tree down this year.

Steves version of the day may be a little different, something like, muddy, cut finger, why are we taking pictures when we are supposed to be cutting a tree down, how come they are so small, and lastly, how fun to lay in the mud...

What a good dad!