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

Bhrrrrrrr.....

This morning's thermometer read at about 8:00am.
O degrees. Yep, that's right. O degrees.
Now at 1:00pm, we've reached a grand high of 11 degrees.

All of you readers here in WI know what I'm saying when I say - it's cold!

Bathtime, Dishes and Other Things....

Once upon a time, there was a father, mother and small child and this is the tale of their Tuesday evening.

After dinner, the father and mother went about their usual pursuits - she to tackle the kitchen, and he to spend his "Daddy time" with his small son, which consists of bathing and preparing for bed. As she was scrubbing her frying pan there came some cries for assistance in the child's room. The mother quickly discarded her yellow rubber gloves, and ran in to find her husband in the midst of cleaning up a very full diaper, and people, this one was a doozey. The poor father had run out of wipes, so she grabbed him a refill and things were back on track in a matter of minutes.

Back at the sink, she enjoyed hearing the sounds of father and son splashing and getting clean (or the bathroom getting wet - however you look at it). Eventually, the father removed the small, wet child from the tub and hurried him into the bedroom to advance on the dressing process. Suddenly again there were cries for the mother to drop everything(this time the pasta pot) and HELP, which she did. Upon entering the room, there was a small fountain taking place and drenching most of the father's pant leg. I guess using the towel for coverage wasn't considered and things were just happening as nature would so have it.

Both parents found themselves full of laughter, the small boy alternating between joining in and looking very confused. Pants were changed, carpets were cleaned, and the baby is sleeping soundly in bed. Upon surviving this circus, the father and mother wonder to themselves how they'll ever handle two, and then they remember the laughter. What a joy children are, and may we always have time to laugh!!!

Piano Fingers

Glendon loves to play the piano - especially with his Uncle Tim (My younger brother). Tim came over for lunch after church yesterday and after we were done eating, the Uncle/Nephew duo honored us with a live concert. Then Glendon hit the hay and Tim and I hit the GAP to take advantage of the "friends and family" discount from my friend, Liz. Good times...

You, Me and Snowflakes...

Whenever I see snowflakes falling to the ground - as they are right now, outside my window- I can't help but remember learning about them as a small child. It was my Mother who introduced me to the whole wonderful process through which water becomes frozen and falls to the ground, for you see, she was my teacher as well as my Mother. Although I don't recall the science of it all, I do remember the marvel of learning that no two snowflakes are alike - that each one is uniquely formed and crystalized. There are common threads woven throughout each snowflake's makeup, and yet each one is special and beautiful.

I remember my Mom pointing out the fact that the same truths apply to God's creation of each individual person. It is as wonderful now, as it was then, to realize that I am unique - unlike any other person. That God made me especially to fulfill a calling that only I can fill. I think of all the amazing people right in my own little circle of friends, all so different and yet each so special, and I realize that the beauty of God's creation reaches in like manner across the whole world. How Wonderful!!! So now, as we watch snowflakes falling past our windows, hitting our windshields, or landing on our noses, may we be reminded of the beauty in each human life and praise God for it!!!

Winter Wonderland...

It's snowing and snowing in Racine starting late this afternoon and still continuing. So far we've accumulated at least 4-5 inches. We all went out to shovel as a family - Glendon tooled about in his stroller - and here you'll see what a grand time he had.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Here are some photos from our Turkey Day. We started out with our Special Brunch (our own little tradition =) and then headed over to my Aunt Mary's for the BIG family dinner with my Dad's side. Yummy - but we really missed Jeff and Tim (my brothers) and Rachel and Laura (cousins) who were celebrating in other states and countries of the world. After a short nap at home, we spent the evening with Steve's side watching football (Go Broncos) and eating leftovers. All in all, it was a delightful day filled with good fellowship and of course - feasting!!! I think Glendon really enjoyed his first Thanksgiving!!!

One Happy Little Elf

Our First Snow

We woke this morning to fluffy flakes falling to the ground. It was a wet snow, which made the trees beautiful and is gone by now. Glendon did get to go outside and put his hands in it which made for some interesting facial expressions. =)

Winter Musings

I love this picture. I wish I could just step into it and hike all the way up to that lighthouse. As we're receiving our first light (very light) dusting of snow today, I'm looking forward to the beauty of winter. I can't wait to watch my son experience things like snow (Wisconsin snow) for the first time!!! Hopefully sledding will be in the works!!

Winter Sky

Well - today has the feel of winter on it's way. The sky is gray and heavy and the wind is coooold... I have an extra sweater and slippers on this afternoon which signals winter in the Schulz home.

PS - For Santa Steve's information, I could use a new pair of slippers for Christmas!! =)

The Birthday Bash...

Today, Glendon and I threw Steve a birthday party!! Here we are in our party hats!!!
Both sides of the family were able to come, and it was so much fun to have them all there!!!

Steve adores his wife and his chocolate w/butter cream icing cake!!!


And he blew them all out....


Opening presents...


Yeah!!! The much needed snow shovel...


Schulz Men L - R: Conner(nephew), Paw(Steve's Dad), Jordan, Kyle, Alex(more nephews) and Dan (Steve's bro)...




Mom Haumersen, Daniel (Kelly's bro) and the birthday boy...


Mom Schulz, Marybeth (Kelly's sis), and Glendon Peter hanging out together...

Youth Group Winning Team

This is a photo of about half of our Jr. High youth. This is the group that won the popular (at least in our room) bean toss game. I especially enjoy the joyful faces of the girls wearing pink at left.... We'll just say that little Gretchen (front) adds quite a bit of zazz to any experience....

A Kelly Recommendation

Downy Simply Pleasures fabric softner...this stuff is good stuff! I'm almost through my second bottle, and it's wonderful!!! If you're up for something new, you might want to give it a try!!!

Sniffles and Cuddles

Little Glendon is sad today. He's come down with a runny nose cold this afternoon. Poor guy wasn't able to sleep at all due to the inability to suck on his luchie (German for Lollie - what we refer to the pacifier as.) I finally gave him some meds and a warm bath around 5pm, and he was asleep in my arms by 6pm. As I was cuddling him, I couldn't help but be grateful for the precious moments these sniffles gave me. His little body was so warm and sweet next to mine - a rare moment for one little boy so on the move these days. I'm so thankful for the wonderful gift God gave to us in our son, and for the joy of loving him - even on sniffly days!!!

Block Head

Glendon is now pulling up and standing along furniture. He seems to be very proud of himself and reminds us often of this verse...

Proverbs 24:16

"For a righteous man falls seven times, yet rises again..."

In these photos, Glendon was enjoying very systematically taking each individual block and dropping it on the floor.

Marshy Monsters...

I had tons of fun throwing together these fun monsters for our Monday Night football get together over at Dan and Deena's this past week. The kids (old and young ) enjoyed them!!
They turned out pretty scary - you better watch out!!!

Wisdom from Beth Moore

Satisfaction
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:1-6

Today’s Treasure: “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare” (Isa. 55:2).
God wants us to find satisfaction in Him rather than waste our time and effort on things that cannot satisfy. When we look to other sources for satisfaction, we are guilty of idolatry.

Isaiah contains one of the most poetic and comely expressions of grace in either Testament: Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters; and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost. (Isa. 55:1)

On the heels of the invitation, God posed the question that haunts every generation of Adam’s descendants. “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?” Then, like a frustrated parent determined to get through to his child, He said, “Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.” I believe God’s prescription for those who possess an inner thirst (Isa. 55:1) and hunger they cannot fill is implied in Isaiah 55:6. Those who are spiritually thirsty and hungry need only to do this: “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”

I believe God creates and activates a nagging dissatisfaction in every person for an excellent reason. According to 2 Peter 3:9, God doesn’t want anyone to perish. Rather, He wants everyone to come to repentance. He gave us a will so we could choose whether or not to accept His invitation, but God purposely created us with a need that only He can meet.

Have you ever noticed that one of the most common human experiences is the inability to be completely satisfied? Unfortunately, salvation does not completely fill the need. Many come to Christ out of their search for something missing; yet after receiving His salvation, they go elsewhere for further satisfaction. Christians can be miserably dissatisfied if they accept Christ’s salvation yet reject the fullness of daily relationship that satisfies. God offers us so much more than we usually choose to enjoy.

Dissatisfaction is not a terrible thing. It’s a God-thing. It’s only a terrible thing when we don’t let it lead us to Christ. He wants us to find the only thing that will truly satiate our thirsty and hungry hearts.

Lord, I’m sorry for trying to find satisfaction apart from You. Thank You for providing true satisfaction through a daily relationship with You. I pray for my friends and family members who do not know You to recognize their nagging dissatisfaction and turn their hearts to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Adapted from Breaking Free, by Beth Moore, pages 64-65. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2000. Used by permission.

Carousel Ride...

When we were in Minneapolis, Glendon enjoyed his first carousel ride at the mall of america. He loved going around and round on his big giraff. It was good Mommy chose one that didn't go up and down because he was able to hold on well.