(Of course at the time I did not have the camera rolling. So, I had to get him to repeat it.)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Holt vs Hodges
I continue to refer to the baby as H4 because Adam and I can not agree on a name. All the boys and I are team Holt and Adam is team Hodges. The way I see it, we have a few weeks left to decide. Earlier this evening, I'm sitting on the couch and Hawkins walks up to me. Out of nowhere, he points at my belly and makes his team alliance known.
Hooray for Fall!
I think it has been "officially" fall for over a week now. However, when it is still over 85 degrees, I seem to doubt the experts in charge. But, this week has been cooler--highs in the low 80s. I have even left the back door open in the mornings for a fresh, cool breeze. I have always loved Fall, but even more so since I was pregnant with Houston.
While pregnant with Huey (due date October 30, 2003), I would sleep in the living room, with the windows open, on our futon because it was more comfortable than our bed (at the time). Adam set up a mattress on the floor next to me, so at least we would be sleeping in the same room. The movie Moulin Rouge sang us to sleep every night. It is because of that movie that we came up with the painted phrase, "How wonderful life is, now you're in the world!" as a focal point in the nursery.
I would wake every morning to the cool, crisp air and the fragrance of Fall. Each year since then, everytime Fall comes around, that smell takes me right back to the days of futons and Moulin Rouge. It is even more delightful this season because H4's due date is only a few short weeks behind Houston's. So, I am really reliving the memories--minus the futon, it has since been retired!
While pregnant with Huey (due date October 30, 2003), I would sleep in the living room, with the windows open, on our futon because it was more comfortable than our bed (at the time). Adam set up a mattress on the floor next to me, so at least we would be sleeping in the same room. The movie Moulin Rouge sang us to sleep every night. It is because of that movie that we came up with the painted phrase, "How wonderful life is, now you're in the world!" as a focal point in the nursery.
I would wake every morning to the cool, crisp air and the fragrance of Fall. Each year since then, everytime Fall comes around, that smell takes me right back to the days of futons and Moulin Rouge. It is even more delightful this season because H4's due date is only a few short weeks behind Houston's. So, I am really reliving the memories--minus the futon, it has since been retired!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Potty, Pretty Please?!
So, Hawkins is 2 1/2 years old and H4 is debuting anytime in the next 5 weeks. After having Houston and Hayes in diapers at the same time for over a year, I would really like to get Hawk potty-trained in the near future. We bought him a little Cars seat that fits on the toilet and he has his own stool to climb up with. However, he is deathly afraid of sitting on the potty. I thought we would try to just get him acclimated to sitting on the potty first. After he stood there shaking his head and screaming "No, no, no!", I surrendered.
We keep asking him if he is a big boy or a baby. Of course, he always replies, "Big boy!" But then we ask him why he goes in diapers, and explain that diapers are for babies. Well, the other day he dirtied his diaper and then immediately tells me, "Mommy, poopies, diaper. Change me. Now?" Then he shakes his head and says "Sit." You see, the word "not" is not in his vocabulary yet. So, by the shaking of his head, he was telling me that he was not going to sit in his diaper until I changed him.
That was enough for me! If he's able to tell me all that, then he can sit on that potty! So, I delegated to Daddy. Hawkins reluctantly sat on the potty! First step to success! Dad had a golf tournament to get to and we decided that Hawkins should go around without a diaper. (That is how we potty-trained Houston and Hayes.) Every 20 minutes, I would take him to sit on the toilet and try to get him to go. After 2 hours, I was starting to get nervous. He has to go by now! But, he still wouldn't go. No more than 2 minutes later, Hayes comes running in the living room announcing that he knows why Hawkins wouldn't go in the potty. He had already peed on the floor by Hayes' bed! Oh well, at least we got him to sit on the potty. Needless to say, he wore diapers the rest of the day.
We keep asking him if he is a big boy or a baby. Of course, he always replies, "Big boy!" But then we ask him why he goes in diapers, and explain that diapers are for babies. Well, the other day he dirtied his diaper and then immediately tells me, "Mommy, poopies, diaper. Change me. Now?" Then he shakes his head and says "Sit." You see, the word "not" is not in his vocabulary yet. So, by the shaking of his head, he was telling me that he was not going to sit in his diaper until I changed him.
That was enough for me! If he's able to tell me all that, then he can sit on that potty! So, I delegated to Daddy. Hawkins reluctantly sat on the potty! First step to success! Dad had a golf tournament to get to and we decided that Hawkins should go around without a diaper. (That is how we potty-trained Houston and Hayes.) Every 20 minutes, I would take him to sit on the toilet and try to get him to go. After 2 hours, I was starting to get nervous. He has to go by now! But, he still wouldn't go. No more than 2 minutes later, Hayes comes running in the living room announcing that he knows why Hawkins wouldn't go in the potty. He had already peed on the floor by Hayes' bed! Oh well, at least we got him to sit on the potty. Needless to say, he wore diapers the rest of the day.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Unexpected Visitor
It has been one of Adam's goals for as long as I can remember to take a jiu jitsu class. Having so many boys, it seemed a logical choice to get them all involved. They (Dad, Houston, and Hayes) began February of 2009 and have learned so much and are doing so well!
It's one of those deals where you pay a flat monthly fee and attend as many days of the week as you want. We try very hard to make it to at least two days a week. We had just gotten back from our Florida trip and everyone was exhausted. However, we persevered and got the boys to their 5 & 6 o'clock classes. Adam was uncertain if he was going to stay for his class or come home to either help unpack, or get some more rest. He decided to stay and boy was he well rewarded for it!
He was helping out with the kids' class when in walked a "new guy". Adam immediately started sizing him up, realizing very quickly that this guy was huge. The guy, decked out in professional fighter attire, walks straight into the gym owner's office. As soon as he comes out and Adam gets a glance of his face, he realizes it is none other than UFC Champion Forrest Griffin!
Forrest stayed for photo ops and Dad even got to roll with him, though it didn't take Forrest long to get Dad in an armbar. Dad was like a teeny-bopper at a boy band concert! As soon as everyone got home, they went digging through their action figure container to locate their Forrest Griffin toy. I guess they all have a new favorite fighter!
It's one of those deals where you pay a flat monthly fee and attend as many days of the week as you want. We try very hard to make it to at least two days a week. We had just gotten back from our Florida trip and everyone was exhausted. However, we persevered and got the boys to their 5 & 6 o'clock classes. Adam was uncertain if he was going to stay for his class or come home to either help unpack, or get some more rest. He decided to stay and boy was he well rewarded for it!
He was helping out with the kids' class when in walked a "new guy". Adam immediately started sizing him up, realizing very quickly that this guy was huge. The guy, decked out in professional fighter attire, walks straight into the gym owner's office. As soon as he comes out and Adam gets a glance of his face, he realizes it is none other than UFC Champion Forrest Griffin!
Forrest stayed for photo ops and Dad even got to roll with him, though it didn't take Forrest long to get Dad in an armbar. Dad was like a teeny-bopper at a boy band concert! As soon as everyone got home, they went digging through their action figure container to locate their Forrest Griffin toy. I guess they all have a new favorite fighter!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Oh Boy!
I went in to the doctor's office today for a check-up on H4. I got an ultrasound to check my fluid, which was on the higher side. She commented about the hair on his head, and she was able to count all 10 fingers and toes. I also got to see him chew/suck. H4 was in such a great position that the sweet technician turned on the 4D and got us some cool pictures of the "little" guy. I had never had a 4D ultrasound before because it is something they normally charge $150 for.
At my previous ultrasound at 20 weeks or so, we were unable to get any pictures of his face. I had downed a cold coffee drink to get him dancing around so we could find out if he was a boy or girl. Apparently, the coffee worked too well! We were able to see the boy parts, but he was literally turning circles in my tummy and would not hold still for a picture of his face.
I am currently 32 weeks and 4 days. Now previous experience tells me not to expect a small baby, but I was NOT prepared for what she had to tell me. The ultrasound was measuring me at 36 weeks. H4 is approximately 6lb 2 oz with nearly 6 weeks to go. (1lb per week puts us at 12lb by delivery) Simply unbelievable! Houston might have someone to give him a run for his money!
At my previous ultrasound at 20 weeks or so, we were unable to get any pictures of his face. I had downed a cold coffee drink to get him dancing around so we could find out if he was a boy or girl. Apparently, the coffee worked too well! We were able to see the boy parts, but he was literally turning circles in my tummy and would not hold still for a picture of his face.
I am currently 32 weeks and 4 days. Now previous experience tells me not to expect a small baby, but I was NOT prepared for what she had to tell me. The ultrasound was measuring me at 36 weeks. H4 is approximately 6lb 2 oz with nearly 6 weeks to go. (1lb per week puts us at 12lb by delivery) Simply unbelievable! Houston might have someone to give him a run for his money!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Farewell Perdido
Our final morning was a whirlwind of packing and cleaning. Nothing too exciting to write home about. But I have featured some additional pictures throughout the trip that didn't make it on the blog originally.
Beach Babies Part 3
For our final day in Perdido Key, we headed out to the beach once again, early in the morning. We didn't have long because the men had a 12:30 tee time. The seas were the calmest we had seen. Adam was able to get Hawkins out in the ocean. The waves that capped out where they were standing, he referred to as the "noisy ones". It wasn't long before he was warning dad, "Noisy one comin'!" He would turn his face, close his eyes, and scrunch his nose until it had passed. Houston joined them for a swim while Hayes stayed back on the beach.
We all headed back in for Dad to get ready for his golf tournament. Though I enjoyed sitting out at the beach watching all my boys, I was thankful that there would not be many more treks down to the ocean. For this old, pregnant girl, the walks in the sand were quite a workout.
After lunch, we hung out at the pool, attempted to take a nap, and become utterly restless. Natalie and I decided to take all the kids to a local park. After loading everyone up, we realized the address to the park was in the condo. Natalie headed back up the nine floors to get the brochure. As we're about to pull out, in come the men. We crammed them in the Yukon with us and off we went! The park was amazing but it was extremely hot outside. The kids were able to burn off some energy and work up an appetite.
After some group pictures on the beach and dinner, it began to get dark. Hawkins begged us to put him to bed. Needless to say, his request was granted. Each night during our stay, we had seen families out on the beach with flashlights. At night, little white crabs come out from everywhere! We decided we had to get in on the action! We took Houston and Hayes down to the beach for some crab hunting. Adam and Houston were the crab catchers while Hayes was the commander of the flashlight. All in all, we had a blast trying to catch those little suckers.
We all headed back in for Dad to get ready for his golf tournament. Though I enjoyed sitting out at the beach watching all my boys, I was thankful that there would not be many more treks down to the ocean. For this old, pregnant girl, the walks in the sand were quite a workout.
After lunch, we hung out at the pool, attempted to take a nap, and become utterly restless. Natalie and I decided to take all the kids to a local park. After loading everyone up, we realized the address to the park was in the condo. Natalie headed back up the nine floors to get the brochure. As we're about to pull out, in come the men. We crammed them in the Yukon with us and off we went! The park was amazing but it was extremely hot outside. The kids were able to burn off some energy and work up an appetite.
After some group pictures on the beach and dinner, it began to get dark. Hawkins begged us to put him to bed. Needless to say, his request was granted. Each night during our stay, we had seen families out on the beach with flashlights. At night, little white crabs come out from everywhere! We decided we had to get in on the action! We took Houston and Hayes down to the beach for some crab hunting. Adam and Houston were the crab catchers while Hayes was the commander of the flashlight. All in all, we had a blast trying to catch those little suckers.
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| The boys captured 5 crabs that we released after showing them off! |
Beach Babies Part 2
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| Day 2 started off with a beautiful sunrise. |
The kids all shared a bedroom. As soon as they woke, everyone had a bowl of cereal and got ready for a day of sun, sand, and surf. The waves were a little calmer the second day. However, still a bit rough. All the boys had a blast!
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Houston and Hawkins continued searching for shells.  |
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| Adam and Hayes took turns getting buried in the sand. |
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| The rest of us liked hanging out under the tent. |
After lunch, the boys (minus Hawkins) all headed back out to the beach to build a wicked sand castle. Hawkins and I rested in the condo, along with Grandma, Aunt Natalie, and Sarah.
After a full day of fun activities, it was time to get cleaned up and make the one hour trek over to Pensacola for dinner. We were late getting back and everyone welcomed the sight of their beds!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Beach Babies
We arrived in Perdido Key around 2pm, shortly after Adam's parents. We took a quick tour of the gigantic condo, assigned rooms, unloaded the cars, and got ready for the beach! The boys could hardly contain themselves (Adam included).
Adam and I had predicted that Houston would love swimming in the ocean. We figured Hayes would stand in the surf, staring out at the open water, surveying his options. However, it was quite the contrary for Hayes. It did not take much encouragement at all before he was out swimming with Dad and Houston.
The winds were very strong, which made for some really rough waves. But that did not slow my boys down! Hawkins hung back with Grandma and I, policing the sand toys each time the boys would come to play with them.
Day 1 on the beach was short. It wasn't long before we had to head in to get ready for dinner and head to the grocery. It was just enough time to collect sand in all the wrong places!
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| Hawkins was not too sure about being in the water. He was quite content to just flick sand with the rake. |
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| Houston's favorite thing was to collect the shells before the creatures buried themselves. |
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| Hayes started off by digging in the sand. |
Adam and I had predicted that Houston would love swimming in the ocean. We figured Hayes would stand in the surf, staring out at the open water, surveying his options. However, it was quite the contrary for Hayes. It did not take much encouragement at all before he was out swimming with Dad and Houston.
The winds were very strong, which made for some really rough waves. But that did not slow my boys down! Hawkins hung back with Grandma and I, policing the sand toys each time the boys would come to play with them.
Day 1 on the beach was short. It wasn't long before we had to head in to get ready for dinner and head to the grocery. It was just enough time to collect sand in all the wrong places!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Quitman, Here We Come!
We were on a very short timeline to get to Aunt Pam's house and not be terribly late. Since Aunt Pam is a school teacher, and we were staying with her on a Wednesday evening, she would not be able to stay up all hours of the night with us. I had packed everyone a soda and peanut butter crackers to tie them over until we could have pizza with Aunt Pam. The boys diligently watched their movies. Hayes was the most impatient--he couldn't wait to get to Aunt Pam's house!
We pulled in the driveway around 9:30 and had some pizza waiting on us. We had a wonderful visit with Aunt Pam. She is such a sweetheart and my children love her dearly. So much so, that when Hawkins fell off the ottoman and was crying about a boo-boo, he went to her for comfort.
The Schwartz family settled into their beds around 11:30 and were all out within minutes. Aunt Pam had made some fabulous monkey bread for breakfast before heading off to work. After getting cleaned up, we headed up to her school to take a tour of the campus and say our final good-bye. Houston and Hayes kept asking me if they could go to school there! Houston was very fascinated by the 2nd grade students spinning pottery. I think he would have loved to dive in there and make one himself.
Thank you so much Aunt Pam for opening your home to us! It was absolutely wonderful to see you. Thanks for all you did. We look forward to a weekend trip in the near future.
After our final good-byes, it was Perdido Key or bust!
We pulled in the driveway around 9:30 and had some pizza waiting on us. We had a wonderful visit with Aunt Pam. She is such a sweetheart and my children love her dearly. So much so, that when Hawkins fell off the ottoman and was crying about a boo-boo, he went to her for comfort.
The Schwartz family settled into their beds around 11:30 and were all out within minutes. Aunt Pam had made some fabulous monkey bread for breakfast before heading off to work. After getting cleaned up, we headed up to her school to take a tour of the campus and say our final good-bye. Houston and Hayes kept asking me if they could go to school there! Houston was very fascinated by the 2nd grade students spinning pottery. I think he would have loved to dive in there and make one himself.
Thank you so much Aunt Pam for opening your home to us! It was absolutely wonderful to see you. Thanks for all you did. We look forward to a weekend trip in the near future.
After our final good-byes, it was Perdido Key or bust!
Perdido Key Departure
Adam's parents found a sweet deal on an awesome condo in Perdido Key, Florida and invited us all for a Schwartz family vacation.
Our family's plan was to break up the 8 hour drive and stop halfway in Quitman, MS to visit with Aunt Pam. I had requested for the boys to ride the bus home, so Dad and I could focus on loading up the car. This way, we would be ready to leave as soon as the kiddos got home. This was the first time the kids had ever ridden the bus home. When the time came, Dad walked down to the bus stop to greet Houston and Hayes. To his surprise, only Hayes got off the bus. Dad questioned Hayes, "Where is your brother?" Hayes, being a man of few words, simply shrugged his shoulders. Dad continues, "Why didn't you say something when you realized Houston was not on the bus?" "I don't know," he replied.
Mom got on the phone with the school immediately, while driving in that direction. The secretary informs me that he is not at the school. She calls down to his teacher, Mrs. Birdsong, who is certain he boarded the bus. After about 15 minutes on the phone with transportation, the secretary locates him. Houston had been confused about his bus number being 256 or 245. He spotted 256 first, and it seemed familiar to him. Therefore, that's the bus he boarded. The bus driver brought him home and away we went! (over an hour behind schedule--again, Schwartz family fashion)
Our family's plan was to break up the 8 hour drive and stop halfway in Quitman, MS to visit with Aunt Pam. I had requested for the boys to ride the bus home, so Dad and I could focus on loading up the car. This way, we would be ready to leave as soon as the kiddos got home. This was the first time the kids had ever ridden the bus home. When the time came, Dad walked down to the bus stop to greet Houston and Hayes. To his surprise, only Hayes got off the bus. Dad questioned Hayes, "Where is your brother?" Hayes, being a man of few words, simply shrugged his shoulders. Dad continues, "Why didn't you say something when you realized Houston was not on the bus?" "I don't know," he replied.
Mom got on the phone with the school immediately, while driving in that direction. The secretary informs me that he is not at the school. She calls down to his teacher, Mrs. Birdsong, who is certain he boarded the bus. After about 15 minutes on the phone with transportation, the secretary locates him. Houston had been confused about his bus number being 256 or 245. He spotted 256 first, and it seemed familiar to him. Therefore, that's the bus he boarded. The bus driver brought him home and away we went! (over an hour behind schedule--again, Schwartz family fashion)
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Breaking the Tooth Fairy Bank
Houston has always been a child who loves money! Even at a young age, he would empty all of Hayes' piggy bank money into his own--bills and coins alike. He will eat anything or do anything as long as the reward is a dollar. We've even learned that a painful punishment is to ground him from his money.
Since he has lost a few teeth, he sees his mouth as full of gold. He lost the front bottom teeth sometime in kindergarten. Unfortunately, I did not record it. It seemed forever before his top teeth started wiggling. One day they did start wiggling -- one more than the other. He worked on that tooth all day long. Every night for a week, Houston would plead with Adam to try and pull the tooth. Adam would wiggle it, and seeing that it was a lot wigglier than the day before, he would give it a try. He would get a paper towel and yank as hard as he could, but with no success. Houston would begin to cry. "Did that hurt, Houston?" Adam would ask. And through his tears, Houston would admit, "No, I just want that tooth to come out!" This process repeated for an entire week.
Finally, the tooth came out! Houston could not contain himself. He was ready to go to bed right after dinner. He cleverly commented how the tooth fairy had brought $5 for his last teeth. She must bring at least $6 for this one! The tooth fairy had always planned on cutting back. So that night, the tooth fairy left $4.
The next day being Saturday, Houston could not wait to spend that money! Adam took all the boys to Toys R Us to pick out a Bakugan. Imagine my surprise when they walked out with a $32 Bakugan gamer pack! (I knew I should have gone with them!)
It wasn't but a week later and Houston's second tooth on the top is really loose. Having learned our lesson, we did not try to pull it every night. Now more experienced in tooth-pulling, we knew when a tooth was ready. That little tooth dangled sideways for several days. With the big gap next to it from the previously pulled tooth, it had a lot of room to hang around! He was so crazy to look at--especially when he would make you one of those crazy faces he is known for.
Last night, the tooth came out! (Hallelujah! Sorry, buddy but I don't think I could have looked at that crazy tooth one more day!) The tooth fairy brought $2 in quarters. I went to get Houston and Hayes up for school and they were already awake, playing in their room. Houston tells me how much money he received. He explains to me that he is going to save his money this time. But not three minutes later, he asks me if he could have three more dollars to add to his two dollars. "Then I'll just need one more dollar for a new Bakugan!" He is such a little Adam. Quite the negotiator. You see, he didn't ask for the full amount he needed. He thought he would "sweeten the deal" by only asking for a portion of what he needed. The quarters went in the piggy bank! But don't feel bad for the guy, he's got two more teeth bound to fall out in the next month. If only I could convince him to save his tooth fairy money for college!
Since he has lost a few teeth, he sees his mouth as full of gold. He lost the front bottom teeth sometime in kindergarten. Unfortunately, I did not record it. It seemed forever before his top teeth started wiggling. One day they did start wiggling -- one more than the other. He worked on that tooth all day long. Every night for a week, Houston would plead with Adam to try and pull the tooth. Adam would wiggle it, and seeing that it was a lot wigglier than the day before, he would give it a try. He would get a paper towel and yank as hard as he could, but with no success. Houston would begin to cry. "Did that hurt, Houston?" Adam would ask. And through his tears, Houston would admit, "No, I just want that tooth to come out!" This process repeated for an entire week.
Finally, the tooth came out! Houston could not contain himself. He was ready to go to bed right after dinner. He cleverly commented how the tooth fairy had brought $5 for his last teeth. She must bring at least $6 for this one! The tooth fairy had always planned on cutting back. So that night, the tooth fairy left $4.
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| Third lost tooth 8/26/10 |
The next day being Saturday, Houston could not wait to spend that money! Adam took all the boys to Toys R Us to pick out a Bakugan. Imagine my surprise when they walked out with a $32 Bakugan gamer pack! (I knew I should have gone with them!)
It wasn't but a week later and Houston's second tooth on the top is really loose. Having learned our lesson, we did not try to pull it every night. Now more experienced in tooth-pulling, we knew when a tooth was ready. That little tooth dangled sideways for several days. With the big gap next to it from the previously pulled tooth, it had a lot of room to hang around! He was so crazy to look at--especially when he would make you one of those crazy faces he is known for.
Last night, the tooth came out! (Hallelujah! Sorry, buddy but I don't think I could have looked at that crazy tooth one more day!) The tooth fairy brought $2 in quarters. I went to get Houston and Hayes up for school and they were already awake, playing in their room. Houston tells me how much money he received. He explains to me that he is going to save his money this time. But not three minutes later, he asks me if he could have three more dollars to add to his two dollars. "Then I'll just need one more dollar for a new Bakugan!" He is such a little Adam. Quite the negotiator. You see, he didn't ask for the full amount he needed. He thought he would "sweeten the deal" by only asking for a portion of what he needed. The quarters went in the piggy bank! But don't feel bad for the guy, he's got two more teeth bound to fall out in the next month. If only I could convince him to save his tooth fairy money for college!
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| That's a big space to fill! |
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Labor Day Campout
Adam and the boys have been wanting to camp out for sometime now. But the summertime is just so hot and miserable here, that I would not agree to attend, especially since this would be my very first time in the great outdoors. I would have gladly sent them on their way, had they ever chosen to go without Mommy. With the ever-approaching arrival of H4, I knew our window of opportunity was quickly disappearing.
So, in typical Schwartz fashion, the Saturday evening of Labor Day weekend, we decided to camp out Sunday night in our own backyard. It seemed the most logical place, considering it to be all but Dad's first time camping (and Mom is 7 months pregnant). Sunday after church, the entire family headed to Wal-Mart to pick up some camping essentials and groceries. Then, the "men" went out to gather wood. They worked so hard! First, with wagon in tow, they gathered wood from around the lake. Stopping by the house for a drop-off, they then proceeded to the woods at the powerlines. After gathering for two hours, they were satisfied with their collection, and began to pitch the tent and build the fire pit.
Dad headed off to evening church while Mom and the crew stayed back to finalize all the preparations.
Once Dad got home, the campout was on! No more indoors (except for Mom) until the next day. We began by attempting to light the fire. Dad had practiced earlier in the afternoon, with great success. However, tonight the tinder was not being as cooperative. After trying with a flint for several minutes and nearly slicing off his thumb, we ended up cheating with an aim-a-flame and some 151 Rum--that'll do it every time! (Good thing we were 100 ft from the kitchen)
We roasted hot dogs and grilled fish. We even made Jiffy Pop popcorn. And what campfire would be complete without s'mores?! We made some awesome s'mores with caramel/vanilla marshmallows, cinnamon graham crackers, and Hershey chocolate. Of course the kids mostly liked scorching, I mean, toasting marshmallows. Houston was a big helper with putting wood on the fire. He liked making torches. Hayes was very mellow and sat in the chair trying not to freeze (even though it really wasn't that cold). And Hawkins bounced between Mom and Dad's lap, sipping on his cream soda.
After all the cooking was done, it must have been around 11 or 12 so we headed into the tent for the night. We played a few games of Uno (even Hawkins played) and everyone was tuckered out so we hit the sack. Now I need not neglect to tell you about the sleeping arrangements. Dad insisted that Mom, being pregnant, should sleep on a cot. So, Mom slept on the cot, while all three boys slept underneath her (for lack of any room in the tent) and Dad slept on the ground next to the cot.
The next morning, we all awoke and Dad started on the fire again. Needless to say, the fire was much easier this time. We cooked an awesome breakfast of sausage, egg, and cheese casserole in a cast iron skillet. The boys made burnt toast and Dad brewed some coffee--all on the open flame!
I would say, we all had a fabulous time and look forward to the next campout (as long as we're still in the backyard). Not quite sure that we are ready for the woods yet. Although it would be nice to be far removed from the neighbor's yuppy dog that barked all night long!
So, in typical Schwartz fashion, the Saturday evening of Labor Day weekend, we decided to camp out Sunday night in our own backyard. It seemed the most logical place, considering it to be all but Dad's first time camping (and Mom is 7 months pregnant). Sunday after church, the entire family headed to Wal-Mart to pick up some camping essentials and groceries. Then, the "men" went out to gather wood. They worked so hard! First, with wagon in tow, they gathered wood from around the lake. Stopping by the house for a drop-off, they then proceeded to the woods at the powerlines. After gathering for two hours, they were satisfied with their collection, and began to pitch the tent and build the fire pit.
Dad headed off to evening church while Mom and the crew stayed back to finalize all the preparations.
Once Dad got home, the campout was on! No more indoors (except for Mom) until the next day. We began by attempting to light the fire. Dad had practiced earlier in the afternoon, with great success. However, tonight the tinder was not being as cooperative. After trying with a flint for several minutes and nearly slicing off his thumb, we ended up cheating with an aim-a-flame and some 151 Rum--that'll do it every time! (Good thing we were 100 ft from the kitchen)
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| Yes, I really did take this picture, even though it looks fake. |
We roasted hot dogs and grilled fish. We even made Jiffy Pop popcorn. And what campfire would be complete without s'mores?! We made some awesome s'mores with caramel/vanilla marshmallows, cinnamon graham crackers, and Hershey chocolate. Of course the kids mostly liked scorching, I mean, toasting marshmallows. Houston was a big helper with putting wood on the fire. He liked making torches. Hayes was very mellow and sat in the chair trying not to freeze (even though it really wasn't that cold). And Hawkins bounced between Mom and Dad's lap, sipping on his cream soda.
After all the cooking was done, it must have been around 11 or 12 so we headed into the tent for the night. We played a few games of Uno (even Hawkins played) and everyone was tuckered out so we hit the sack. Now I need not neglect to tell you about the sleeping arrangements. Dad insisted that Mom, being pregnant, should sleep on a cot. So, Mom slept on the cot, while all three boys slept underneath her (for lack of any room in the tent) and Dad slept on the ground next to the cot.
The next morning, we all awoke and Dad started on the fire again. Needless to say, the fire was much easier this time. We cooked an awesome breakfast of sausage, egg, and cheese casserole in a cast iron skillet. The boys made burnt toast and Dad brewed some coffee--all on the open flame!
I would say, we all had a fabulous time and look forward to the next campout (as long as we're still in the backyard). Not quite sure that we are ready for the woods yet. Although it would be nice to be far removed from the neighbor's yuppy dog that barked all night long!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
You're Invited!
Ever since Houston was born, nearly 7 years ago, I have wanted to journal the cute things he does and says as he continues to grow and mature. The same goes for Hayes and Hawkins as they came along, because let's face it, kids say and do the funniest things! Needless to say, when Houston and Hayes were 3 and 2 respectively, I bought a diary to jot down these precious moments. Unfortunately, like their baby books, I have neglected to fill out the first thing! So many of the memories are gone.
I have watched my sister-in-law successfully blog for nearly a year now. It has inspired me to create my own "online journal". It makes sense, since I am on the computer for hours every day. And it seems like there is no time like the present!
So I say, welcome! Welcome into a peek at our precious family.
I have watched my sister-in-law successfully blog for nearly a year now. It has inspired me to create my own "online journal". It makes sense, since I am on the computer for hours every day. And it seems like there is no time like the present!
So I say, welcome! Welcome into a peek at our precious family.
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