Happy New Year's....Welcome 2006

Wow - I can't believe we're living the final moments of 2005. It's been an awesome year - full of many blessings. (I'll delve deeper into that later!) 2006 is right around the corner, and we want to wish all of you - our dear friends and family - a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! May God bless this coming year in your lives ABUNDANTLY!!!

We have just returned from a wild and crazy Bowling Party with our middle schoolers. What an awesome time!!! We're home now and I need to run get ready to smootch my Honey at the stroke of 12:00am.

2006 Here we go...

Narnia...

Last night, my husband took me on a wonderful date night - last minute and very romantic!!!
We went down to Tinsletown and saw the movie, Narnia.
I absolutely loved it!!!
I grew up watching the old BBC version and have read all the books (10 yrs ago), so it was very nostalgic and wondrous to see such a good production of the story. I was impressed with the visual effects display, and the characters were all superbly cast. It was also neat to draw the parallels between the fantasy world of Narnia and the my Christian walk. Well done Disney....I can't wait to see it again!!!

Happy Birthday Glendon Peter...

Dear Little Son...

Happy First Birthday!! It is hard for me to believe that you are already 1 year old, but you remind me quickly as you're currently trying your first steps and saying Mamma clearly!!!
When I think back to this day a year ago, I can't help but remember how wonderful it was to welcome you into the world. God truly blessed us with a safe and healthy delivery, and you've been growing strong ever since. There are about 20 minutes that I wish I could relive over and over again - right after you made your appearance and I was seeing you for the first time. Even though your little face was new to me, it felt as though I had known you forever. You were apart of me and of your Daddy, and you turned us from a couple into a family!!! I'll never forget how Daddy held you so close and talked to you - really grasping for the first time that he was a father. You were so calm. You just studied his face and blinked every once in a while.

We love you, little son, and look forward to the next year with you in our family!!! We pray for you Luke 2:40.
"Holy God,
Grow Glendon to be strong in Spirit.
Fill him with Your wisdom.
Cover him with Your grace.
Amen"

Follow this link for pictures of Glendon's actual Birth day...

Christmas with the Schulzes....

We had a wonderful 48 hours up in Manitowac W.I. visiting Steve's parents. His bro Dan and fam were able to join us as well, so the whole gang was there.
Highlights included:

Glendon loved spending time with his cousins...especially latching on to Jordan who did a great job holding and entertaining him. I'm sensing future babysitting options...

Present opening was a blast as Glendon really went to town tearing into any package he could. Funny to see the Schulz male coming out in him. There are two things the Schulz male will never get enough of. One being sugar cookies covered in butter cream frosting, and the other is opening presents marked just for them. Glendon fit right in.

The entire family enjoyed a special surprise from Paw and Granny which turned out to be a sleigh ride through the woods behind beautiful black horses wearing real bells. It was great fun even for us adults, and Glendon was lulled to sleep by the bells and the fact he couldn't move in his new snow suit. Thanks Paw and Granny for a great Christmas!!!

The littlest Schulz male started us off....

GP with new scarf from Granny....

Me with pretty new serving dish from Mom S and awesome scarf handmade by Deena... I love it!!! Not pictured is a beautiful bracelet made by Deena as well - just what I was hoping for!!!

Glendon digging in...again

Posing with youngest nephew, Alex...

With Auntie Deena

Uncle Dan with the Snoopy Shirt...

Kyle and Glendon busy with packages...

Conner has a penquin from Granny...

Glendon with new snow suit...Cousin Alex in the background...

Paw with his foot pillow...it's like one giant slipper...will be great for his football watching tangents...

Petting a horse's nose...

These horses were all so friendly...

Waiting to go...L -R: Jordan, Kyle, Conner,
Deena, Alex, Dan,
Kelly, Glendon, Steve's Spot,
Granny and Paw

Back half of the sleigh...Daddy has a funny face on.

Rythm of the horses + sleigh bells = Sleepy Baby

Christmas Day - Just us with Glendon...

Trying out those feet...

Hugs and kisses - priceless...

Mommy and Glendon... waiting to open gifts.

Checking it out...

Tearing paper is fun...

Fun noises and sounds accompany this pop up toy.... Go Fisher Price!

Upset that Daddy would take away his new toy in order to unpackage it.

Biggest Christmas blessing is being Mommy and Daddy to this happy boy...

Christmas Eve PJs.....

This is a tradition that Steve and I started the first Christmas we were married. We always exchange one gift on Christmas Eve - New PJs for the winter. It's totally fun, and then we enjoy having a new set to lounge around in on Christmas morning.
This year, we surprised each other by both choosing for the other pjs from the GAP, and Glendon models an OshGosh Aligator print.

Why He came...

Hello ~

This entry will be merely the musing of a growing daughter of God as she considers what Christmas - the birth of her Lord - is really all about.
Growing up in a Christian home, I have always known that Christmas wasn't all about presents and Santa, but about Christ's birth. I was taught at an early age that He came to eventually die on the cross for our sins and then rise again...conquering death that we might be children of God. I praise God that these truths were in my heart from early on, but I'm excited to realize a new step of faith and understanding this Christmas season - 2005. God is continually teaching me, and this is the newest revelation of His Spirit in mine when it comes to His birth

Isaiah 61:1-3 goes like this:

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion,
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD,
for the display of his glory."

I was intrigued with this passage when I came across it in my readings about a month ago. It 's prophecy of the Lord's coming and I loved the 10 bountiful promises within!!!
Amazingly enough, God took me into a deeper study of this passage through my Ladies Bible study showing me even more beauty to these words.

Luke 4:16-21 depicts a story of Jesus visiting home - Nazareth - probably spending some time with his parents and hometown friends. On the Sabbath day, as was his habit, he went to the local synagogue (typical church service of that day) and stood up to read. The Bible says that He was handed the book of Isaiah, though knowing what I know about my God, this wasn't coincidence. He had a specific message to relay that day.

Jesus choose the spot and read much of the passage above. As his voice resonated throughout the room sounding again the prophecy that was so familiar to those listening, there was something different - something different about his face, his manner that commanded their undivided and enraptured attention. Vs 20 tells us that when he closed the book and sat back down, "every eye was fixed upon Him." Now, I don't know about your church experiences, but I find it's fairly unusual that every eye be fixed upon a Pastor at one time and held there. These people gave their attention because they could not help it.

Jesus then gave this simple and yet world changing statement: "Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." THAT DAY the promises these people had been clinging to for years were being fulfilled right in front of their eyes. I do not think that all - maybe none - in that congregation were able to grasp and understand the depth of this fact, but I can now -with the Holy Spirit in my heart.

Jesus Christ came to earth - He was born in a manger, but that's not where Christmas stops. We must go deeper. He came to fulfill each of the Isaiah promises and many more. He came to make a way for our broken hearts to be healed...for our bondage to be made freedoms...for our ashes to be made beautiful. All for what??? That we might bring the Father glory!!!

How amazing it must have been to be in that synagogue - to hear from Jesus' own lips exactly why He came. These precious passages have made Christmas deeper in my heart this year as I praise God for His most incredible gift to me....His Love, His Life.
In 90 minutes it will officially be Christmas morning, and I say to you all, "Merry Christmas"!!! May you have an Isaiah 61 Christmas this year!!!

Christmas with the Haumersens

This morning was Christmas with my family - parents and siblings. We started off with the traditional family brunch....creamed eggs on toast, citrus salad, cranberry coffee cake, sausage, punch and coffee. Then we had a great time opening gifts together. Though Steve didn't get pics of everyone, here are some of the gifts opened. We'll start with my Mom....

Me and Dad (who has travels to Japan twice a year). His hat reads, "I'm a legend in Japan." I'm holding the beautiful japanese china (is that correct??) bowls he brought back for me. They're great for serving Chocolate Mouse in.

Marybeth (In Red) loves to sing and was soon jamming with her new karaoke machine..

David - the avid fisher will enjoy this new TV casting game...


Me and sister Connie - she loves her new tube scarf!

My Dad made Glendon a really neat toy box...as you can see he loves it!!!





Tim ~ I love my new Gap hat!!! I feel very "vogue" in it. =)

A Special Treat

Last night, our family enjoyed a special visit from Betsy Behr. Betsy and I used to say we were friends before we were born because our parents were best friends throughout many years of our childhood, and we were only 3 months apart ourselves. The Behr family moved away when I was 16, but it's been neat to maintain a close friendship despite the years and the distance. Betsy was my Maid of Honor in our wedding and will always remain a special friend. Thanks Betsy, for stealing time from your vacation to spend with us. It was way too short - a very special treat to enjoy on Christmas Week.

I praise the Lord for the Friendships He's given me - all of them. They are His messages of love and grace to me!!!

New Talents....

This afternoon as I answered the calls for release from nap time, I entered my son's room quite shocked to find half of his attire on the floor. There he was - strutting his baby thighs and proudly jumping up and down!!! It was a good laugh for Mommy...

Christmas Caroling...

Yesterday, Glendon and I joined the MOPS group at the Ridgewood Care Center to sing to the residents there. Glendon was perfect in his little stroller - just riding around making everyone smile in his snowman slippers and santa hat. Though I didn't get a picture with her, we both enjoyed meeting a sweet older woman named, Lillian. We're planning to go back and visit with her again soon as the Center is so close to our home.
Here Glendon is pictured in deep conversation with his little friend Tommy Cook.

Reaching an All New Low...

Here's the weather read out that greeted me when I signed on this morning.

O degrees with a "feels like" -15 degrees. Yes - that is a minus sign....whew GP and I will really have to bundle when we grocery shop later...
To everyone in WI - stay warm!!

Office Party...

Glendon and I enjoyed stopping in to visit Daddy this morning. We were delivering some homemade chocolate covered pretzel stick for his office's Holiday Food Fest. Glendon especially enjoyed the large bows on this tree.

New $ Saving Measures...

In an age when energy costs are sky rocketing - temperatures are plummeting - one man has been bold enough to take the measures needed to cut corners and ensure provision for his family. It's a simple plan really, when the bulb burns out - don't replace it. Instead be thankful for one less drain on your resources.
Although this brave man's wife is experiencing trouble with makeup application, she is grateful for the radical stance her man is willing to take!!!

One Year Ago.....

I was going through Christmas pics from last year and am still amazed at how big I was. WOW!!!
As Glendon's birthday gets closer and closer, I find myself reliving and remembering all of the wonderful anticipation and excitement we had at his birth....though I don't neccesarily miss the back aches, leg cramps, frequent bathroom runs, heart burn etc that I was experiencing... it sure was special to have a baby at Christmas!!!

Mom Moment from MOPS

Christmas Stood Still
Carol Kuykendall, Director of Strategic Projects

"This year, things are going to be different!"Year after year, I made that passionate vow in November, only to discover at this point in December, things were just the same. "Things" like too much to do in too little time...shopping, decorating, cooking, wrapping, mailing...all my responsibilities because I assumed "the mom" was in charge of everyone's Christmas spirit. Yet our three children - now grown - remember a Christmas that was different, and it's become their favorite Christmas memory. It's the year that our Christmas world stood still.

Snow started to fall early on Christmas Eve morning along the front range of the Rocky Mountains. Soon the wind began to blow, creating an instant blizzard, and within a few hours, the world around us began to shut down. Never mind the shopping wasn't done. Never mind the groceries not yet in the refrigerator for the traditional feast. Never even mind our Christmas Eve church program and other plans. Never mind what was not done.

A magical stillness descended upon our family as two feet of snow piled up around our home. So we created our own candle-light celebration of Jesus' birthday. We made countless snow angels. We stomped around the neighborhood, talking to people we hadn't seen since summer. We absorbed the wonder of this unplanned, God-given gift.That Christmas, God wrapped our celebration in a magnificent fluffy white blanket that slowed us down and prepared us to receive his gift of Jesus.My responsibility as a mom? Only to fully receive the wonder of this unplanned gift. Things were really different that year. And it's my favorite Christmas memory too.

Prayer From a Mother's Heart
Dear God, help my children to enjoy unexpected surprises in life.

Starting on Christmas Early...

Glendon received his first Christmas package in the mail from his relatives down in Nashville TN. It was inscribed with the message that we were to open it early and enjoy throughout the Christmas season....which we did. Glendon loved his first taste of tearing paper!! Inside he found an adorable Winter Bear - good wrestling material - and a cute baby book called, "Away in a Manger". It's neat because I can just sing through the book while he looks at the pictures, which he loves!!! Thanks You to our Nashville loved ones. We will miss being with you this Christmas, but will be celebrating with you in our hearts just the same!!!

Neat Christmas Craft Idea....

Hey to all of you who, like me, enjoy an easy, no mess craft that is impossible to ruin - my friends and I enjoyed this Christmas Ornament craft at MOPS this morning. It's one that even small kids would be able to participate in.

Supplies:
Clear Glass Ball Ornaments. (our's were from Wal*mart for $1 each)
Glass paint in shimmery Christmas colors.
Napkins
Small paper cups

Instructions:
Remove the wire hook top of the ornament and pour/squirt about 1 teaspoon of paint into top edge of ball, allowing it to run down the inside of the ball. Cover hole with napkin and shake vigorously which causes paint to spread around that immediate section of the ornament. Repeat pouring and shaking using different colors as desired until the entire ball is coated on the inside. During the painting process, it helps to have some small paper cups available as they serve to keep your ornaments from rolling off onto the floor etc. Once done, replace wire hook. The inside will dry and you're ready to place on your tree.

Note: Sometimes less is more. I used several different colors in my ball, painting different sections which looks cute, but Karri chose to use just gold and red, swirling both colors throughout the ball, and it looked very classy!!! There's definitely room to be unique and creative with this craft.

Just took a New Blogger Step...

Dear Subscribers...

This memo is a note of appology that your comments have not been showing up on our blog. (and here I thought you all didn't have much to say!! =)
I had set our settings to require me to approve all comments -after getting a few from unknown sales persons etc - but I just didn't know how to go in and actually approve the comments. I've figured it out, and your voices will now be heard!!! Thanks to Karri for alerting me to the prob.
Keep visiting, and we love getting your comments...
Kelly

Two Little Boys...

This morning, GP and I enjoyed a walk&chat at the mall with good friends, Julie Evans and her son, Ethan. The boys did great riding along and were rewarded with a fun drive of their own. Just for the record, in about 15 years, we're all going to have to be careful on the roads because Ethan and Glendon together in a car - dangerous!!!

Too funny for words...

People - Let me introduce you to Natalie - daughter of our friends, Andrew & Ruby(RBC's Youth Pastor and his wife). Over the last 8 months as we've gotten to know this wonderful and very fun family, Natalie has quickly taken a special place in my heart. I love her spirit and her drama!!! She has one older brother and one younger, and it's incredible to see how devoted she is to following the older and nurturing the younger. Anyway, I just had to post this photo because it is just so Natalie.... Enjoy