Little Baby Jordan Update

Sarah & Eric posted about the sex of little baby Jordan. Read the exciting news here.

One More Night

This is for my good friend, Bryan, who is a huge fan of both Phil Collins and Elvis. A rare, combination, I know. I'm sure he has his reasons. This one's for you, Bryan:

Looking Back: Pregnancy #1

When Melissa was pregnant with Ella, at the same point she is now (37ish weeks), a funny thing happened.

Baby #2 Update

Melissa had another appointment yesterday. We saw Dr. Osborn (our favorite). He wants to induce on the 15th of April. We'll be deciding on that over the next few days. I'm concerned about the possible dread that my child may feel knowing that his birthday is tax day.

We're in the homestretch now.

Turning Off the Lights

Earth Hour may be highly political; Al Gore may be a hypocrite (again); environmentalism may be the new evangelicalism.

This is still pretty cool.

(HT: Challies)

Nice Shot, LeBron

(HT: Justin)

Kissing Baby Brother

Garage Door Emotions

I take Mondays off. I love Mondays.

I usually try to get some work done at a coffee shop or library. Today I was at Panera, where I couldn't help but overhear the conversation that was happening right next to me. A young woman was getting counsel from her mother about leaving her husband, who apparently had a drinking problem. Her two-year-old son was innocently snacking on goldfish crackers.

While most of her advice was disheartening, there was one thing that the woman's mother said that will stick with me:

"When I was your age, I would hear the garage door opening, and at least 99% of the time, I felt happy that your father was home."

So, men, here's a good question to ask your wife tonight:

"What emotions do you feel when you hear the garage door open, and you know that I'm home?"

Sleepy Girl

Melissa was cuddling Ella on our bed the other day. Ella must have been pretty tired, because she immediately fell to sleep. Melissa then left her on the high bed to go get the camera (sound like someone else you know?).

Looking Down

My sister is pregnant with her first child. She posted this photo today:

It reminded me of a photo I took of Melissa two weeks ago:

Enjoy your feet while you can still see them, Sarah!

Happy Birthday Todd!

Celebrating at the Mattern house on Wednesday ...

Celebrating today. No explanation needed on these ...

5 Things: Tim Keller Collections

Outstanding teacher, articulate communicator, gifted thinker.

1. The Reason for God website
2. The Gospel Coalition - interviews, conference messages, videos, more.
3. The Prodigal God website
4. Monergism - short bio, select sermons and essays
5. Steve McCoy's collection

MacHeist 3 is happening now

Own a Mac? Interested in some really useful software titles? MacHeist might be for you, offering over $900 worth of software for $39. My favorites so far: SousChef, Picturesque, and LittleSnapper. Check it out here.

Book Giveaway: Finally Alive by John Piper

Melissa and I want to give away two copies of this book. Shipping (U.S.) included. If you already own it, feel free to enter anyway (then you can give it away to someone else). No catch. No funny business. We just want to give away two copies of this excellent book.

Want to double your chance of winning? Write a blog post pointing to this giveaway and send the link to schulzfamilyblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Wordle: Parents of a Toddler

Following Ella's wordle, this seems to fit our recent vocab ...

Wordle: Ella @ 15 months

(click to enlarge)

The larger the word, the more commonly it is used.
(What's a wordle?)

Blog 101: The Pride of Published Frugality

Let me say first that I'm as guilty of this as anyone else.

Now that I got that out of the way ... I want to share something that Melissa and I have been chewing on lately.

When you feel the urge to write a post about how much money you saved on Kleenex, cream soda, or KY, please resist. No one cares.

Here's why:

What your post says:

"Today I slapped down double coupons on spaghetti sauce and saved 70%. 70%! Can you believe that? My total bill for $140 of groceries was $4.70."

What your audience hears:

"I'm so tremendous that I can take a single coupon and double that mother. I'm 70% smarter than you. 70%! If you pay retail price, you're an idiot."

What your audience thinks:

"Why would they post that? Do they want some sort of prize? Who cares?"

Instead of posting about how much money YOU save (which, again, no one really cares about), consider posting how your READERS can save money, time, etc. (here's a good example). Point to blogs that might aid them in some way.

Though similar, there is a world of difference between the two approaches. The former is a manifestation of pride ("look at me ... I'm a saver!"). The latter is helpful to those who take the time to read your blog. The former gives your readers the impression that your entire day is spent sitting at your kitchen table with your Sunday paper and a scissors. The latter lets your readers know that you care about them and can provide information that is useful to their daily lives.

There. I feel better. Now, back to clipping my coupons.

---

Read more Blog 101 posts here

5 Things: Essential Tools for a Toolbelt

I recently bought a new tool belt, so I asked my friend Josh, a custom cabinet-maker and woodworker extraordinaire, the following question:

You have a new tool belt. What 5 tools do you put in it?

His answer:

1. Hammer
2. Pry Bar

3. Cutting Pliers

4. Utility Knife

5. Measuring Tape

Ready to Hike

My new favorite picture:

This is Funny, But Not Surprising

During our last 6 months in Memphis, we lived with two of the greatest people we've ever known. Half of our time was spent in serious conversation about topics that had incredible significance. The other half was spent watching them do stuff like this:

Tractors at the Iowa Machine Shed

Brunch at the Machine Shed

We enjoyed a hearty brunch at the Iowa Machine Shed today.

Jay Leno and Free Markets

Greg Mankiw writes an amusing post on how free markets improve the allocation of resources. Check it out. It's a very quick read and you'll learn some important economic principles.

(HT: What's Best Next)

Twin Bumps

Matt's Wedding

More Trump Hair

Sunglasses

Ella didn't want to take these off yesterday.

She also enjoys showing her teeth for the camera.

Ella & the Bar Stool

Can't view the video? Watch it on Vimeo.

Last night

I'm having the same thought for the third time.
Time to go to bed.
Don't forget the lights.

Up the stairs.
Open Ellie's door.
Shine my light on her bed.

No one's there!
She couldn't escape out the door.
Oh no ... what about the window?!

Peripheral rods stimulated.
Panned to the right.
Saw this:

Bum in the air.
Fingers in the mouth.
Blankie clutched tight.

I face the usual dilemma:
Fix the problem ...
or grab the camera.

My choice is clear.

I snapped away,
scooped her up.
She's totally out.

We lay down.
She nuzzles into my neck.
Back to sleep we go.

Phone Problems Resolved

Melissa's new phone is up and running.
Feel free to call her anytime.

See Ya Soon

Still a boy; head is down; weight is 5 lbs 12 oz.
Everything looks great.