Shadow box reveal

Baby Shadow boxes-

After a long wait, I finally got these shadow boxes done. And of course I can't find my camera so I took these pictures on my phone. I have them up at the end of our hallway next to the boy's room. My favorite part is I get to look at them every time I leave my bedroom. It means so much to me to be able to remember (in a way) their entrance into this world and share it with others through a display.

Abygehl's

 Abygehl Julia Schuman

December 7th 2007 at 7:08pm

8lbs 11ozs 21.5 inches 

2hrs 8 mins pushing - forceps used

5 days early

Elijah's

Elijah Stephen Schuman

October 2nd 2009 at 4:13pm

9lbs 4 ozs 21.5 inches

12mins pushing - fear of shoulder dystocia

induced 5 days before due date

 

Quintynn's

Quintynn Ray Schuman

Septemer 2nd 2011 at 3:58pm

8lbs 4 ozs 20.5 inches

5mins/2 pushes - cord wrapped around neck twice

Induced 2 weeks before due date

These were fun to do, thanks again Pintrest for the idea!

 - young schumom

Major Camera malfunction

If never fails

NEVER! Whenever I need my camera for any sort of special occasion, be it a Birthday, Baptism, or Christmas there is no battery life, or I forget the memory card.  But on any other given day, the battery is full and I have 3 extra memory cards with me. Sometimes I can not believe my luck.

Well Dora was in town, and before she arrived at the "meet and greet" I snapped some pictures of the kids. Trying to capture those moments now before they are crabby teenagers :)

Aby, Quin (happily waiting ) & Eli (not happily waiting) for Dora

So happy, even though it was So hot outside!

My boys

The kids got some stickers and a freeze from Dora's Helpers

and then right when it was our turn to see Dora and I got the kids all sitting nice around her... the Camera dies!

 There was a HUGE line, almost 2 blocks long, therefore I didn't want to get my phone out or try to find someone else to take a picture of them with Dora.

She was overjoyed to see Dora, and HEY Boots was even there!

But

It never fails :)

-Young Schumom

Lake Day

What a GREAT day for the lake

It was over 90 degrees here

 

Lil' man enjoying his juice, not enjoying the hat

and a GREAT day at the lake

-Young Schumom

Today was a good day. 

 We ran and picked up some framed photos, 12 to be exact. Had a much needed lunch with a good friend, who I haven't seen in FOREVER! Went to a couple OK garage sales. After supper we went to the park for an hour and a half with some friends and finished the night with chocolate chip shakes. 

Which I scored major mom points for!

The only hick-up was I stepping on my laptop and cracking the screen. It can be fixed and is still usable, but rggggggg! Well lesson learned the hard way, Pick up your toys...... Mom! Words that come right out of my mouth ALL the time.

It is what it is, but over all, today was a good day!

-Young Schumom

A "little" sneak peak

Shadow box sneak-

Here is the Label for their boxes. I loved how it helps tell the story of the beginning to their life.

Sorry bout the flash

The boys' are done. Had paper for Aby's but someone got a hold of some scissors and end of story, back to the store I go for paper :) 

Stay tuned for the final reveal 

-Young Schmom

A funny ending to a not so funny beginning

What is a mama suppose to do?!?!

I am just going to start off and say it.... 

I was with OUT a toilet for 18 hours! From late Tuesday evening till Wednesday afternoon. And of course we (at this point in time) only have the one. What is a mama suppose to do?!?!

*Called the Husband - who was 5+ hours away, but told me what to do

*Watched a "how to" video on Youtube so I knew how to do what the husband told me to do

*Used what husband told me to use; how the video showed me to use it

*Considered calling plumber $$$

*Gave up and went to the lake :)

Then I got back from lake and called father who came over and got it unplugged!!!

Who of course, made the sly comment, 

"Well that took half an hour at $120 per hour with a minimum of an hour."

FUNNY!

The tools that were used got placed in the bathtub. GROSS! And of course, tonight, was bath night. I could have and did clean half the tub. I also, cleaned some of the "tools" that were used - plunger, bucket, toilet brush, and the trash can (because I was doing everything else, why not).  I wanted to allow these items to dry before I cleaned the other half of the tub. Well bath time rolled around and these were not dry when the kids were ready, so the following happened :) like I said "What is a mama suppose to do?"

Sink bath for All!

 Little guy thinking this is odd and the bubbles taste ok

smiles

Mr.Mans turn

bubble face

 And because I figured he was in there might as well put him to work

Aby also hopped in there. She had to cross her legs and in her words "I have to cross dem Eli, cause I too big....Cris Cross apple sauce"

Toilet got unplugged and cleaned, dishes got done, kids got cleaned, and some water went on the floor, so that got washed as well.

Funny end to a not so funny beginning

-Young Schumom

Shadow boxes preview

In the process of making 3 of these!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikaoline/6124646145/in/photostream/lightbox/

I found mine at a local craft store in my home town.

 They are 12x12 and were $5.99 each and 25% off that.

Since the ones I have are bigger, I am going to include each child's going home outfit and possible a wood initial, maybe even an ultrasound picture. I love to scrapbook, so this is basically like making a page and then framing it. 

Updates to follow!

-young schumom

Garage Sale finds

Stool make over

Found this gem at a Sale this past weekend for $3. I had no idea what I needed it for, but had this feeling if I left it there, I would regret it!

It was painted that green when I found/saved it. I liked the color. I lightly sanded it, taking off the loose paint and dirt.

The lines/cracks in the piece are beautiful. They tell a story of its life.

 The middle had some water damage to it. I sanded it down to get rid of the "bump". I then cleaned it off, stained it using Min-wax stain, let dry and then put a protective coat on top.

And the outcome.... AMAZING!

 I LOVE how the wood darkened up. 

 I have her sitting in my back yard by a pine tree with an old metal wheel (I found at my parent's farm) and an old ladder. I plan on putting a plant on top her next spring summer, brought out a little color. Big reveal next summer as it is too cold to go back there now :)

Smiling even though it is cool out
- young schumom

Flag inspired Strawberries

photo & inspiration from  http://bakingbites.com

YES, I DID make these with 3 kids running laps around me. I was SO impressed with myself, and I thought they were rather good. Unlike my brother's girlfriend, who I quote said, “Whats with this white cream?!?!” I sarcastically said, “Its White-Chocolate, and I made em!”

Here is what you need to make these “Flag inspired strawberries”

Picture includes ingredients for
-Flag Inspired Strawberries
-Star Spangled Rice Krispy treats
- Red, White, & Blue Pretzel Rods

 FOOD-
White Chocolate (almond bark)
Strawberries
Blue sugar sprinkles (found mine at Walmart for .98)

HOUSE HOLD ITEMS-
Wax paper
cookie sheet
soup pan
container

I cut up my chocolate and put into the soup pan and heated on the oven (remember you can ALWAYS add more). I knew I was going to be “slow” at this that is why I did this on the stove compared to using a microwave. In the mean time, put some wax paper on the cookie sheet, and place sprinkles in  a container that will allow the strawberry to roll. I cleaned the strawberries  in my sink with this clever idea

fill sink with water, add 1 Cup vinegar, mix together. Add all fruit and soak for 10 minutes.

 Let Strawberries dry (or chocolate won't stick – made that mistake) Heat Chocolate till it is creamy.

Handsome helper

Grab Strawberry stem and dip ¾ way into chocolate. Allow extra chocolate to drip off. Then roll in sprinkles. Set on wax paper.

When done, place in fridge to allow chocolate to set and harden. DONE! So yummy!

Hope this will be enjoyed by all.

-young schumom

Happy 4th 2012

4th of July seems to be the best inspired time to restart this blog! I will be posting some yummy treats I made in the upcoming days. Also, thanks to Pinterest I will be posting some GREAT, EASY, FAMILY FRIENDLY recipes. I know they are good, because my husband requests them :)

HAPPY 4th OF JULY BLOG LAND!

-young Schumom

The start to #3

How it all started-

After having our last child who weighed a little over 9 pounds, I thought there was no way I would ever be able to go through that pain again. I remember asking god to just “take me” because the pain was unbearable. Partly because he was SO big and that he was ready to come out and the nurses told me to STOP pushing because my doctor hadn't arrived yet. I just kept think, “Seriously, we can not wait!” If you have never had a child vaginal or a child that weighed as much as my son did then you know what pain I am referring to When my Doctor finally did arrive (which was only minutes from when they called him) I started pushing. My husband was holding one of my legs as he counted and a nurse was holding the other. All of a sudden one of the head nurses that was also in the room, quickly pushed my husband out of the way, started pushing on my belly, all while my doctor was saying, ”We may need more help in here.” His shoulders were so big that they thought he may need more hands to get through the birth canal. YICKS!. After my perfectly healthy baby boy was born into this world I looked at his father and said this will pro bally be our last one. Even though more kids were once in the cards.

Now after that all went down, I decided against any form of birth control. I feel that if we were to get blessed with another child then it would be our path of life. I am a stay at home mom, of two, while my husband works road construction. Financially, we are doing ok. Some weeks we live pay check to pay check, but I always feel lucky that we have food on the table and a roof over our heads while there are some families who aren't as lucky. In our younger days we did rack up a little dept. And currently we just bought a new house, and have 2 student loans due on top of everything else. I feel lucky if there is $3.10 left in the checking account after everything is paid for. Also, with my husband working road construction he is gone all week long. When he is home on the weekends he likes to go hunting and fishing. Which I understand, he works all week long and deserves some free time. My argument is that he kids would also like to see him. Our relationship struggles a bit with the fact we can not see eye to eye in this area. Therefore, having another child might be a little difficult for us. But just like anything, something we could get use to. Which is a good thing, because on January 7^th @ 1:18pm I took a home pregnancy test after being 4 days late, and it was positive.

I decided to change the format of my blog, and start taking things day by day. I would write about my struggles with being a single mom (during the summer) of 2 with one on the way. I figured that this would be a nice thing for me and my kids to look back on when we all get a little older. Even though I didn't do anything like this (even though I though it would be fun, just never started) for my first 2, I though I would be able to go and compare this pregnancy to theirs. Let the fun times begin!

1 month, 1 day along-

I have been late before, 2 days... 4 days, and took pregnancy tests with them all being negative. I always had that “What if” feeling, but knew that when I was pregnant I would know for sure. I feel that it is sometimes a waste of money to buy a pregnancy test. I mean they are $6 bucks, and if it is negative a waste of money (for me). The funny thing was, I would take the test, it would be negative and the next day I would get my period, waste. Same story every time. But this time I felt different. I felt that I didn't need to waste my money, because it would be positive.

I had some errands to run, and my husband stayed home with the kids. I felt this would be the prefect time to get a test. When I was about to walk down the isle there was an employ blocking my way. And of course for some reason, I always feel weird walking down “that” isle, like I am the only one and everyone is going to be looking at me. Well anyways, she was still down there, so I decided to skip it, Gods way of telling me I didn't need one. Well a couple days later I found myself in “that” isle once again. Bought the test, went home, and low and be hold just like I thought, it was positive! Now the ride begins, once again!

SEASON'S GREETINGS

Another year has almost come to a close once again, and I ask myself, “Where has all the time gone”? I feel that in a blink of the eye, we find yourselves entering a new year. My children are no longer babies, and Joey's gray hair is getting much more noticeable. We have gone through way too much this year, just like any other year, which reminds me that this will be the first edition of my Christmas letter, therefore I need to go back to get everyone caught up in the Schuman household.

Abygehl- (Ms. Schuman) will turn 3 on the 7^th of December. She believes she is wiser beyond her years, as to when asked how old she will be, she replies “5”. She started potty training and although we haven't yet figured it out, I do see the light at the end of the tunnel. Aby is also a VERY big help around the house, whether it be picking up a mess or making one. She is always willing to lend a hand. I recently enrolled her in ECFE classes, which she loves! She plays, sings, and runs around with kids her own age. Aby enjoys her brother (most days), Dora, her dolls, dresses, baking and being outside. It is fun to have someone for both Joey and I to shop with as she likes clothing and Fleet Farm.

Elijah- (Mr. Man) runs the show around here. He started walking when he was 10 months old, which made me nervous, but he needed a way to catch his sister, and now the two of them run laps around me. He turned 1 on the 6^th of October, and continues to grow and learn. Along with Aby, I also enrolled him in ECFE classes. He gets the chance to run around and make friends, but he mostly cares what he can fit into his mouth. Last week it was a paint brush with green paint on it. Boys will be Boys, which I am finding out the hard way. He LOVES his sister, trucks, climbing on everything and being outside. The boy never seems to walk but runs everywhere he possibly can. He is a joy to have around!

Joseph- currently is still working with H&R construction out of Dalton. He continues to very much enjoys fishing and hunting. He was even lucky enough to bag a 9 point buck this year. Our freezer is over flowing with game meat. Joey is a wonderful father and we can't wait till he gets laid off for the winter.

Erin- continue to be a stay-at-home mom, working Friday evenings at BINGO and causal at The Cottages in Fergus. I also graduated from college in April with an Associate Degree. Everyday is a new adventure for me. I am consistently trying to find activities and outings for the kids and I. We managed to make it to the Chahinkapa zoo, multiple parks, and lakes this past summer. I was also able to attend 2 scrap-booking retreats this past year, which allowed me to have some much needed time to myself.

The Schumans- At the beginning of 2010 we finally sold our home! We had to move into my parents house for almost 2 months before we could move into our current house. We were able to find a 4 bedroom home with a family room that was more then double the square footage of our old home. We have the joy of seeing wildlife everyday, which includes 5 deer who live in the woods behind our house.

We hope this letter finds everyone healthy, and in good spirits. Another year in the books, and this family is looking forward to what 2011 has to offer!

Love the Schumans- Joesph, Erin, Abygehl, and Elijah

Playdough in the making

I recently enrolled the kids in Early Childhood classes in our town. I remember going to them when I was little with my mom and knew that if I still had those good memories with my mother then my kids would hopefully be caring these memories with them and share them with their kids (which I don't want to think about yet).

At class last week, we received a recipe for Home Made Play dough. A little nervous at first about making it, we ventured out last evening and gathered our supplies.

The recipe is as follows:

ECFE's Favorite Playdough Recipe

2 cups boiling water
(including any food coloring)

Add:
2 Tbsp oil to boiling water
1 Tbsp powdered alum

Add Alternately:
½ Cup salt
2 Cups flour

Playdough needs to be kneaded to work out flour lumps
(Keep hot mixture away from children until cool)

We made both Orange and Red. Now the recipe doesn't say when to take the mixture off the burner, so for the Orange we left the pot on the burner but turned it off, and for the Red we removed the pot from the burner. I don't think there was much of a difference besides the red might have cooled a little faster. But there you have it. A fun activity to do with the kids!

*Note: I found my Alum at the grocery store. They had 2 different brands, 1 was $2.98 and the other was $1.09. I went with the cheaper one and it worked fine.

The Orange doesn't look orange, but it works!

-Young Schumom

The weather outside is frightful

We (my kids and I) find ourselves in the middle of a minor snow storm. The dish is out, so I figured (while the kids are playing well together) that I would try and attempt to get caught up on my blog posts. I am not very good at making sure I write something every day or even every other day. I value my free time with no little ones around. I have a lot to do around my house considering I am a stay at home mom while my husband is gone during the week. So everything from Monday morning till Friday evening is my responsibility. Did I mention we also have 3 dogs... ruff, ruff, ruff. Therefore, when it snows outside I am the one that should clean the walk, and such. But thankfully we moved to a location that is considered “country”. I use “ “ because everything else around us is town. (I didn't make the rules, I just deal with them.) So any who, we don't have sidewalks and the mailman drives to our mailbox, so if I don't get out there in time, no need to worry about anyone failing... ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK! To conclude, I wanted to leave feeling warm, cause when I look out the window at the coldness all around me, I want to think of warm times. ENJOY!

Young Schumom

Out of the mouth of a schu-child

We stopped at my work tonight to pick up my pay check .

Aby asked, “Mom is this where all your friends are?”

I said, “No baby.”
In the mean time, a gal walked out and said she would watch the kids while I ran inside so I wouldn't have to bring them in with me the 1.2 seconds I would have been in there for.

I came back to the car, said thank you to the gal and hopped in.
Aby said, “Mom, well you have at least one friend!”

Oh Ms. Schuman, how you have stolen my heart. You were a blessing the day you were born, you are MY best friend, my sweet baby girl!

Not Me Monday

*I am potty training our two and a half year old, so when I ran out of pullups (and refused to put her brothers size 3 diaper on her) I certainly DID NOT put an extra thick pad in her underwear just in case she potted during nap time.

*I would NEVER forget to empty her potty chair, and then find my son in playing in it.

*To avoid the embarrassment of my daughter wetting herself in public, I DID NOT use a thin pad in her underwear to catch any dribbles. Being the mother I am, I would have had many extra pair of pants along, because I LOVE doing laundry everyday!

*Also, I WOULD NEVER allow her to run around a friend's son's first birthday party with just a pullup and t-shirt on cause she wet through everything else, NEVER!

*I would have NEVER put a swim suit bottom on her because I ran out of clean underwear. That would NEVER happen because I LOVE doing laundry.

A few firsts

These are a few of Mr. E's firsts (first ice cream cone, ride with daddy, and eating spaghetti)

Oh Mr. E
how you can be

such a boy!

Not Me Monday

*Our garage is rather full of stuff, so when it was pouring out when we got home I DID NOT pull into the garage pushing some items out of the way with my vehicle so I could at least get my door open so we could get out without getting wet.

* I certainly DID NOT allow our 2 ½ year old to take off her shoes, socks, and pants so she could stick her feet in the water yesterday, (which I might add was a pretty cool day)
:side note, hubby checked the water out first and said it was really warm

* Then after, I DID NOT allow her to ride home with nothing on her bottom because she would not put on a new pull up... NEVER! (we are potty training)

*I DID NOT beg my husband to stay home from work because I didn't want to be left alone with the little ones all week long.

NOT to break any rules...
BUT

I DID go g-saleing this past week and found some amazing deals!

Fun in the sun 2010

This summer I have taken FULL advantage of beach time. Last year I was pregnant, and my daughter was only one, which made it difficult for “fun” water time. Even though we did make it swimming last year, nothing beats the number of times we have gone out this year. My children love being outside and being able to run and have a good time. They sleep so good after a day outside, it is a win win for both.

I found a picture of Ms. S from our fun in the sun 09 when she was a year and a half. My has she changed!

Then

Now

What is with the mouth?

I am so excited to report that with all this fun in the sun time, I have tan lines. I have not been this tan in over three years, which is hardly dark by most peoples standards, but to me nice and brownish. I am so happy for these lines... (just to let fellow readers know that yes I am tan from the sun, but also from some sunless lotion I put on) but none-the-less I have lines!

Thats all for now, I hope that this fun-in-the-sun filled post brightens your day!

-SCHUMOM

A little prayer goes a long way

I am was so pleased that when I logged on this evening, I found two comments from people I do not know that found my “Not so me Monday” posts interesting. After digging in a little deeper to one of these posts I came across a little boy named Tripp who has a rare skin condition called EB. EB causes sores/blisters anywhere an a child's skin were rubbing occurs. My heart went out to this child whom does not deserve what he has been given. His mother expresses how strong he is and that nothing seems to keep him down. I just wanted to take a second to pray for Tripp in his journey of life.

to read more visit-
http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/