Halloween 2010

This year I was determined to make the kids' costumes.  I've decided the costumes you buy at the store are over-priced and pieces of junk that don't last much longer than Halloween night.  As my husband so eloquently put it, "Instead, we sacrificed lots of our time, which we didn't have to begin with, for them to wear the costume for one night."  Exactly!  At least each one of our kids was in an original costume.

I must preface the picture of Houston with the introduction Hayes gave everyone.  Houston is a "missionary".  That's right the Baptists have been disappointed with the number of converions lately so their new tactic is to hold the victims at gun point and declare "Repent!"  No really he was a mercenary.  However, even Houston could not remember.  He told everyone he was a vegetarian.

Hayes gets an even longer introduction for his costume because it could not have been more perfect for him.  For as long as we can remember, Hayes has been very big on smells.  A few months ago, Adam and another employee began hanging an insane amount of car fresheners from the rear view mirrors of their vehicles.  So much so that you could walk past Adam's car, with all doors and windows shut, and still be knocked over by the fumes.  I think there was at one time 50 in his car.  Hayes loved it!  Adam's preferred scent was "Black Ice".  Everytime Hayes rides with Adam, he comments, "Ah, black ice!" and then reminds Adam how much I hate it.

So what better costume for my sweet Hayes than:

Now if you are not familiar with car freshners, this costume is the real deal.  We used a projector to make an exact replica, larger than life.  It was even complete with actual car freshners attached to the inside so he radiated fumes as he trick-or-treated for candy. 

Last but not least, I had the idea that Hawkins would make the cutest Travelocity gnome.  Somewhere along the way, he began calling his dunce cap his "birthday hat" which really helped when it came time to suit up for Halloween.  I really thought he would fight me on wearing the hat.  But he ended up loving the hat!  He had to wear a cape (which the gnome sometimes does in the commercials) because I could not find the right colored shirt without a logo.  He thought he was Superman and loved it even more!  I didn't even try for the beard.  Figured I had pressed my luck enough with the rest of the get-up.  However, he did tell everyone he was Superman but I think he was the cutest gnome there ever was -- complete with hands on hips and all!

Adam followed Hawkins around all night asking him for pricing on round trip airfare to Hawaii or a 4 night stay in Topeka or a 7 day/6 night cruise to the Caribbean.

Spooky-Filled Weekend

What a busy Halloween weekend!  We started Friday night watching The Great Pumpkin while enjoying some Whirly Pop popcorn.  Next, we moved to painting our pumpkins we had picked up several weeks ago at Priddy Farms.

Saturday morning we enjoyed a big bowl of sausage and gravy topped off with spiders, while watching Scooby Doo.  And headed off to the first annual Monster Bash at the Children's Museum.

The kids all made slime.

Hawkins would not touch it.

After wearing ourselves out, we headed home for lunch, which oddly enough had also been invaded by spiders.  The rest of the day was dedicated to getting together Halloween costumes, working on getting the house ready for a newborn, and finishing Scooby Doo.

Sunday morning we ate spiders for breakfast (chocolate covered donuts with pretzel stick legs and mini m&m eyes) and headed off for church.  After church, we finished Hayes' costume and it was off to Uncle B's short and sweet birthday party.  And from there we went to our church's Fall Festival.  We topped the evening off with a visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  It was very late by the time we got all the monsters home and in bed.  Needless to say, Mom and Dad wasted no time following suit.

Doesn't Get Much Sweeter

Baby Holt will be here in just seven days and with each day it seems Hawkins gets bigger and bigger (in size and in words).  This morning I walked in his room to get him out of his bed and surprisingly, he was still sound asleep.

Such a sweet reminder from the Lord that my baby is still my baby, at least for the next seven days.

Monster Dessert

With life so busily on the go lately, we have not had a family dinner at home in several weeks.  I cooked tonight and it was great to be around the dinner table once again.  I had not planned on a dessert, but the kids insisted on a dessert.  So, I did what any resourceful Mom would do and made a deal with them.  I'll whip up a really awesome dessert if they cleaned their room in enough time to still eat the dessert before bed.  Totally worked!  (this time)

The dessert stayed a surprise.  We had them all sit around the table with their eyes closed while we placed the desserts in front of them.  You would have thought it was Chrismas morning.  The anticipation was killing them!  Open your eyes...

Rambo Toddler

This is what greeted me when I got out of my 7 minute shower this morning....

"Arms up, Mommy" he says.  Of course, he proceeds to shoot me anyway.  Now before you freak out, let me tell you what happened.  Adam got Houston this rifle for his birthday.  It is completely not loaded, the magazine is not even attached.  Still not saying it's okay to leave a bonafide gun around but it's not as bad as it looks.  The gun was in a zippered case in our bedroom.  Usually, Hawkins stays enthralled with 'Dora the Explorer' while I take my morning shower.  In fact, I can not think of a single time where he has gotten into anything while I take my shower.  Whenever I get out, I find him in the same place I left him -- right in front of the TV, mouth hanging open.  I'm still not sure what got into him but obviously, he had something else in mind.  I do love how he found Houston's belt to really complete his Rambo look.

Don't worry, the gun has since been put in a safe and secure place away from toddlers, schoolers, and Rambos alike.

Baby Check-Up

Today was our next to last baby check-up with Dr. Li.  So hard to believe we are so close!  Nothing really exciting to report.  Except, oh yeah!  We have a birthday for little man now.

I was hoping for a Thursday delivery because it would be a little simpler since all the kids would be in school.  (Hawk goes to Mother's Day Out on Tuesdays and Thursdays).  Unfortunately, the hospital was already booked on Thursday so it was scheduled for Friday.  By some happen chance, later on in the conversation with Dr. Li, he mentioned me going to Methodist hospital for delivery.  My insurance will only allow Baptist hospital.

Turns out, he had booked the c-section at Methodist and after calling Baptist, we are scheduled for Thursday, November 4th.  Holt should arrive somewhere around 2 pm.  Now, there is always the chance that Holt will pick his own birthday, and I would love him to death if he would!  Of course, I will love him to death anyway, but I am kinda over the aches, pains, fat feet, and heartburn.

Houston Turns 7!

I can't believe my first born has turned seven.  He entered this world large and in charge and I'm positive nothing has changed!  He is a head taller than every kid in his first grade class, and he is always mistaken for a third or fourth grader.  And at least concerning his brothers, he believes he is in charge.  He is a wonderful helper and can be very sweet.  We are so blessed to have Houston!

We celebrated his birthday yesterday with a family affair.  Each year, for every child's birthday, we invite all the family over to the house for a celebration.  This year, I was determined to shake things up a bit and change the location.  We've had some awesome weather and thought an outdoor party at the nearby park would be wonderful.  Besides, this tired and super pregnant momma wouldn't have to clean the house.  However, Mother Nature had other plans.  It had not rained for more than 60 days --until yesterday.  Torrential downpours!  We pulled the plug at the last minute and made a mad dash to get the house ready.

Now we Schwartz's pride ourselves in the cake.  No lame-o store bought cake will do for our festivities.  Don't get me wrong, the store bought cakes are great.  I've just found that you can not always trust the decorator at the store to do a presentable job writing on the cake.  Instead, we opt for late nights, last minute, high stress cake baking/decorating.

Houston decided on a Bakugan themed birthday party.  I used a sports ball cake pan to make the Bakugan.  Against the advisement of the cake pan instructions, I chose to make a moist, delicious cake over the recommended pound cake.  The result was a sad little Bakugan that barely resembled a ball.  As Adam is adding the finishing touches, Houston comes to inspect.  "Dad, I don't mean to disappoint you but it looks more like a squished Bakugan."  Yeah, he was right.

Houston had a wonderful birthday.  After it was all over, he said, "That was the best birthday ever!"  Thanks for all who came and thanks for the presents!

This is his embarrased face as everyone sings to him.

Let's Get Wicked

Nothing like covering your church obligations, getting dolled up, going out to eat, heading downtown, paying to park, and realizing upon entry to the Orpheum that your Wicked tickets are for next Wednesday!  Love you Mom!  Look forward to doing it again next week.

Crafting Weekend -- Day 2

We began our Saturday morning with a breakfast of steak biscuits and cinnamon rolls at Mrs. Winners to get us jump started for a busy day of crafting and cleaning.  The volcano had not dried overnight, so we sat it outside while Adam and the boys cleaned out the garage.  This turned out to be pretty much an all day affair.  Thankfully, the weather was beautiful and the kids had a blast playing with their trucks, riding their bikes, drawing with chalk, and everything else that had been uncovered from the abyss.

That night we all sat down to paint the ornaments and the volcano.  Again, wish I had pictures.  Give me a break, I'm new to this blogging thing.  I promise to get better.

Here is the series of excitement from tonight when Adam actually made the volcano erupt:

When the volcano was all done and had erupted at least a dozen times, Houston emphatically rated it a 13 on a scale of 1 to 2.  Obviously, Hayes had the biggest smile.  Hawkins summed it all up by saying, "Mom, 'das awesome!"  (By the way, that was the first time he had ever used the word awesome.)

Baby Check-Up

So today marked the first day of Fall Break for the kiddos.  Lovely right?  Except when Mom has an ultrasound and OB appointment that Dad can't make because of the work schedule.  I arrived at the doctor's office and signed in.  The kids began playing musical chairs all over the waiting room.  They were constantly up and down and moving around.  Hawkins was stomping around the room and talking as loud as he could, despite my constant shushing.  Nothing I could bribe them with or threaten them with seemed to help.  At least there was only one other lady in there at the time and she didn't seem too annoyed with the kids.

The ultrasound tech called us back first.  This was the part I was most nervous about, and rightly so.  I was getting a repeat BPP (Bio-Physical Profile) to see if Holt could pass the breathing portion.  The kids attempted to resume their musical chairs with what little seating was available.  Notice I said, "limited seating".  So it wasn't long before they were arguing over who got to sit and where.  Hawkins was again talking at the top of his lungs as I continued to tell him to quiet down.  Finally, the perturbed technician turns to my little two-year-old and begins to explain to him, as if he were ten, why it is important to be quiet.  I layed there, coated in gel, wishing it would all quickly come to an end.

Holt did pass his breathing (finally!  third time's the charm) so we got a perfect 8 out of 8 score.  My fluid had also gone down.  Sadly, she was told not to check the weight because insurance only pays for that every two weeks.  I will not be getting any more ultrasounds so we won't know his weight until he is born.

I texted Adam the good news about the ultrasound.  Every week he tries to spike my blood pressure right before the nurse takes it in efforts to have the baby early.  He began texting me all kinds of things to get a rise in my pressure.  Of course, my blood pressure was fine.  I gave him a call shortly after and explained to him that if the three kids in the ultrasound couldn't raise my blood pressure, then the texts were futile.

Next, we moved to the exam room.  The kids and I played the longest game of "I Spy" waiting for Dr. Li.  Mostly it was a gamble every time it was their turn to pick something.  I sat there hoping they wouldn't pick one of the illustrations of ovaries or other unmentionables from the chart on the wall, for fear that they would then ask me what it was.  At least this held their attention and kept them out of trouble.  I do think Dr. Li enjoyed seeing them all, considering he brought all of them into the world.  He commented how they all look just like Adam.  Then came the fun part.  Ever been examed with your three children in the room?  I tried to make it more like hide-and-seek where they hid behind the curtain while Dr. Li did what he needed to.  Of course, one of mine had to peek.  Geez!  Of all the days that Adam's work schedule has to be so crazy he can't take off an hour to come to the doctor!

The moment became surreal when Dr. Li attempted to schedule my c-section.  The hospital will only schedule 2 weeks out from your 39th week.  Knowing that already, it was unbelievable that Holt's arrival is literally right around the corner.  He left the room for a second to grab his datebook.  When he returned, he realized that I am 2 weeks and 3 days from the c-section and the hospital will not allow him to schedule it today.  His birthday will be determined one week from today, provided Holt doesn't decide his birthday all on his own.

Priddy Farms

Ever since we moved in our house, we have noticed a "farm" right down the road that advertises pumpkins and Christmas trees every year.  The name of it is Priddy Farms.  We've never taken the kids there, but during the Fall/Christmas season, their yard and driveway stays packed with cars.  Last year, one of the Priddy kids was even in Houston's class.  Today was a beautiful day and thought it would be a perfect time to take the kids and see exactly what Priddy Farms was all about.

We rode on what must be the dustiest hay ride ever, towards the back of the property where their pumpkin patch is located.  The kids enjoyed the ride and were relatively cooperative with me snapping pictures along the way.  Once that was over, the kids had a blast playing on the gigantic Noah's Ark, all the different swingsets, and vehicles.

As it began to get dark, we asked the kids to get ready to leave.  Houston, being an excellent helper, had to literally drag a screaming Hawkins all the way across the yard.  We picked out the biggest pumpkin on the lot (literally) and we all headed home.

Crafting Weekend -- Day 1

Adam was working late today and the littles were getting restless.  I was trying to hold out for him to arrive so we could begin our family weekend.  Earlier in the week Houston had seen a volcano on television and Adam told him that they could make one this weekend.  Of course the kids, knowing Friday begins the weekend, could hardly contain themselves waiting for tardy Dad.

I remembered I had some Halloween cookie cutters and decided to whip up a batch of the salt dough ornaments for the kids to decorate.  At least this would keep them occupied until Adam got home.  Everyone was rolling, cutting, molding, etc.  After cutting out a few "cookies" each, they decided it was more fun to sculpt as if the dough were play-doh.  (Sure wish I had snapped some pictures but I was right in the mix).  Shortly after, Adam got home and focus turned to the volcano.

After putting Hawkins to bed, the big boys helped Adam create the volcano out of paper-mache.  I was totally impressed how they got right in and got their hands dirty.  Typically my kids do not like getting messy--go figure.  (Again, wish I had snapped some pictures.)  Hayes was excited to help Dad smooth out the strips.  It wasn't long before Houston grew a little bored and wanted to begin molding his own volcano.  With a little encouragement, we re-directed his focus back to the family project and in no time, the volcano was complete.  Time to let it dry.  Let the painting of the volcano and the ornaments commence tomorrow!

It's Official (for like the 4th time)

Adam and I have never struggled with a name like we have with this precious one.  Ever since finding out he was in fact a boy, H4 has had many, many names.  His name game starts way back when he was just a peanut in my womb.  I referred to the baby as quattro until we began calling him H4.

Since that point, he has "officially" had the names:
Hamilton, Hogan, Holt, & Hodges

In all of our indecisiveness, our parents have tried to help, by providing their input.

Grammy votes for Heath
Papaw votes for Hall
Grandma votes for Henry
Grandpa votes for Hank

Well, with delivery 3 weeks (or less) away, it's time for the little stinker to have a name--officially and not changing.  So here it is....

I Spy a Pumpkin

Several years ago, while Houston and Hayes were both toddlers, car rides were very difficult.  They sat within arms length of each other and there was no movie.  It seemed as though Houston would do whatever he could to aggravate his little brother.  If he wasn't picking on Hayes, then he was fighting to get out of his car seat.  Needless to say, one of the three of us was pretty much screaming at all times.

One night while driving home, I spotted an inflatable pumpkin that was lighted.  It was just a few minutes away from our house.  I pointed it out to the boys and from that point on, through Thanksgiving, we would all search for the pumpkin as we approached our home.  It would keep the kids quiet and occupied for the last few minutes of the "long" car rides.  However, it would occasionally backfire on me when the pumpkin was not turned on.

As the years passed, the kids grew older and became disenchanted with searching for the pumpkin each Fall season and the game was forgotten.  The other night driving home, I noticed the pumpkin again.  I pointed it out to Hawkins and now he and I play the 'I Spy a Pumpkin' game.  I presume the cycle will repeat itself.  Perhaps even as early as next year, he will no longer care to look for the pumpkin.  At least I know it won't be long before I can play the game with H4.

Homegrown Pumpkin

I'm not sure what has gotten into me with this pregnancy -- perhaps it is the thought that this could be our last.  I asked Adam to take some maternity pictures of me.  I'm still trying to figure out why I thought that was a good idea?!  But I also had the idea to let the kids paint a big pumpkin on my belly.  All three boys had a blast covering my stomach in jack-o-lantern orange.  I think Adam had the most fun adding his artistic shading and finishing touches.  H4 danced the whole way through.  The boys insisted that it was because he could feel the paint and it tickled him.  Although well out of my comfort zone, this activity was a lot of fun for the entire family!



Hawkins really did enjoy the activity -- just not the picture.



Baby Check Up

Today I am 35 weeks and 3 days and in for another check-up.  At my last week ultrasound, they did a BPP (bio-physical profile) on the baby.  As best as I can understand it, the test monitors how well the baby is doing inside the womb and predicts how well he will do on the outside.  A perfect score is 8 out of 8 but a 6 out of 8 is still passing.  They check 4 specific things and score two points for each one passed.  H4 scored a 6 out of 8 because he failed the breathing portion.

My doctor, being the perfectionist that he is (and I am thankful for that) ordered a repeat ultrasound today to see if H4 would pass the breathing.  The ultrasound tech monitored him for a long while.  I had to roll from this side to that and nudge him like crazy.  All to no avail.  We still failed the breathing.  My doctor says there is no need to worry--his heartrate is still good and his movement is great.  I just tell everyone that he is lazy and is already making me do everything for him.

So, next Monday I will again have an ultrasound to see if the little guy is breathing.  I think the most disheartening news of the entire visit was that he gained a full pound from last week.  He now weighs approximately 7lb 10oz (birth weight of Hawkins).  Slow down H4--it's not a competition!!

Baby 'Sprinkle'

A little over a month ago, my two sisters-in-law approached me about throwing me a baby 'sprinkle'.  They coined the term sprinkle since it would not technically be a 'shower' because I already have three children.  I was so flattered and excited!  Everyone says, in regards to having a fourth boy, "at least you have all the clothes already".  While that may be true, boys are a lot tougher on their clothes than sweet little girls.  And give me a break, who wouldn't be excited about some new, fun, and adorable baby clothes?!

I do have to say that Erin and Audra did a fabulous job!  The food was delicious and the party was a lot of fun.  How many nursery rhymes can you name in 60 seconds?

I was completely delighted over the new outfits, blankets, and diapers!  Thanks to all who came.  And a very special thanks to Aunt Shep and Aunt A!

Tooth Fairy Double Overtime

Houston lost a tooth last night eating an apple after jui-jitsu class.  And darned if he didn't lose another tonight!  I pulled this one though -- my first one!  I do have to say, I was pretty proud of myself.  Perhaps he'll be done for a little while so the tooth fairy can replenish her savings.  Four teeth in one month -- has to be some kind of record, right?!

He looks like my own personal, real-life jack-o-lantern.  I just love the toothless grin!

Little Smarty Pants

Hawkins and I were building towers with some wooden alphabet blocks today.  They have letters on 2 sides and numbers or pictures on the remaining 4 sides.  I was having him label the certain pictures for me.  I picked a block up and said, "Look, Hawkins, an airplane."  He furrows his brow, shakes his head and says, "No, jet!"

A little later, we were working a bathtime themed puzzle.  I would hand him a piece and say, "Can you find where the ______ goes?"  And he would place the piece and we would both clap.  I handed him a piece and I called it a boat.  Once again, he furrows his brow, cocks his head to the side, and very matter of factly tells me, "No, submarine, Mom.  Not boat.  Submarine."  I laughed, gave him a big hug and kiss and clapped when he found where the submarine belonged.

Baby Check-Up

I had a repeat ultrasound today to check my fluid since it has been on the higher side.  Fluid is still on the higher side but baby is doing well.  He is up 7 oz from two weeks ago, weighing in at an estimated 6lb 9oz with 32 days to go.

Atlanta or Bust

Adam and the kids have been taking jiu-jitsu since February, 2009.  In July, we traveled to Atlanta for a NAGA (North American Grappling Association) tournament.  That was truly an experience!  Hayes broke down so badly that he would not even stand up to collect his finisher's medal.  Houston had to roll with much older children or more experienced children because there was no one else 6 years old and 70 pounds.  He did get a first place medal and sword.

When the tournament came around again, Adam was excited about taking the boys back.  I decided to sit this one out.  The gym is not air-conditioned and the drive is long for such a pregnant mom.  Adam invited Hobbs to fill my space, a bonafide Mr. Mom.

They headed out early Friday morning to make the evening weigh-ins.  Adam and Hobbs competed on Saturday.  Adam defeated two men in the no-gi division to score 1st place!  However, he lost by points in his first gi match, to put him out of the ranks.

Sunday was the boys' day.  Adam thought with his matches behind him, his nerves would calm.  He couldn't have been more wrong.  Turns out he was infinitely more nervous for the kids than he was for his own matches!  Because of the experience from last time, we were unsure how Hayes would handle the tournament.  Hayes walked out there and grabbed the bull by the horns!  He was completely fearless--throwing his competition around like rag dolls.  He took first place in the no-gi division and second place in the gi division.  Hayes is almost always a happy kid.  However, Adam said he had never seen Hayes as happy as when he got his samurai sword for getting first place.

Houston was a machine--enough said.  He had his own gameplan.  He was trying moves that Adam had never trained with him, simply because he thought they would work.  And sure enough, they did!  The boy loves submissions by kimara.  He won all three of his matches with the kimara, placing him first in the gi and no-gi divisions.

Thanks, Hobbs for filling in my shoes and doing an awesome job with the camera!

Bouncing Baby Boy

The other night H4 was having a party in my belly, as usual.  This time was different because it was clearly evident to nearby Daddy.  We were sitting on opposite sides of the couch, when H4 gave me a really hard right hook.  So hard that Adam was able to see it through his peripheral vision.  That's when he busted out the camera.

This is why I've given H4 the nickname Mike Tyson.  I can't wait until he comes out.  I know it will mean many sleepless nights but at least he won't be kicking my bladder anymore.