5 Things: Vacation Tools & Tips

1. Packwhiz
2. How to cram all your travel gear into one bag
3. Don't Forget Your Toothbrush
4. Use a camera phone to document suitcase contents
5. What you can and can't carry on your flight

Florida, 2005

We are leaving for Florida tonight. The last time we vacationed at the Mattern condo was in 2007. Two years and two kids later, we're making the trip again. Here are some memories from the 2005 trip:

Marcia trying to pull Brian into the ocean; Dave cheating at mini golf

hang time; bocce ball

Timely Quote

"I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."

-- Thomas Jefferson

Ella Loves Music

Even when Grandpa's iPod (on loan) is playing nothing but Neil Diamond.

In case you were wondering what that sound was at 0:15, she is saying "cheeeeese" with a mouth full of crackers.

His & Her Steaks

We enjoyed the company of Zack Ludwig tonight. Zack recently returned from Zambia where he managed the construction of the Hope Children's Center, a ministry of our church. We grilled steaks. Zack and I split the cowboy (rib-on double-thick ribeye) and Melissa downed the "lady's ribeye."

On a related note, the Hope Children's Center recently held its Grand Opening. You can read about what happened here or watch the following video to learn more about the mission:

Jack in a Box

As you wish Jared ...

Jack in a Hat

More Funny Photos of Ella

From Diamond Head Lake

Short Trip to Diamond Head Lake

On Sunday afternoon we celebrated Kristin Prendergast's 30th birthday at Diamond Head Lake. Ella loved it! It was her first time on a boat. We couldn't stop laughing at how funny Ella looked! Thanks to Grandma Schulz for the hat and sun glasses.

This Can't Be Good

From Justin Taylor,

The biggest tax increase in US history--voted on by lawmakers who didn't read it because it doesn't actually exist yet in one copy?

Whether you're on the Left or the Right, I find it hard to see how such a process is good for the country.

Supporters and opponents of the bill agree that this bill will cause an increase in consumers' energy costs. Food and gasoline prices are also likely to rise.

Hope. Change. Transparency.

This is starting to get expensive. Might be time to place a call.

5 Things: Videos from 1 Year Ago

1. Ella - Last Father's Day

2. Tetherball Wars, or How to Cheat At Tetherball Against Your Husband

3.Ella gets in Kyler's Face

4. Sarah and Eric are surprisingly nimble on the obstacle course

5. Ella is the Lord of the Dance

5 Things: I'm Glad My Mom ...

Can't leave her out. I'm glad she ...

1. Always sat me on her lap when I was little.
2. Did her best to protect me from my over-sized and oppressive big brother.
3. Scratched/massaged my back when I got up in the mornings.
4. Was a very decent cook.
5. Was quite versatile (could cook, garden, sew, camp, sing, push trees over, do just about anything that needed to be done).

5 Things: I'm Glad My Dad ...

Been thinking about fatherhood lots lately - both how I was fathered and how I am fathering my children. I'm glad my dad:

1. Laughed a lot.
2. Worked really hard.
3. Took breaks from working really hard to play, hike, and teach.
4. Spanked me well.
5. Expected great things from me.

Plug It

This is what happens when we tell Ella to go plug Jackson's cry-hole:

Just kidding. The little dude rarely cries.

Mommy & Buddy, Again

Melissa Holding the Li'l Champ

Thinking About Michael Jackson

Andrew Sullivan weighs in,

He was everything our culture worships; and yet he was obviously desperately unhappy, tortured, afraid and alone.

Read the rest here.

Looking for Puppies

Ella & Anna Sheriff during one of their (few) peaceful moments.

Allison & Jackson

We enjoyed hosting the weekly Schulz/Sheriff/Mattern meal at our house tonight. Lots of kids running around. Allison Sheriff is about 3 weeks old.

Hugging Amber

P.U.

Whenever Ella poops, she comes to us holding her nose and saying, "Ella poop. Ella poop." Then she grabs a new diaper, lays down, and says "stinkyyyyy" while holding her nose. Something like this:

An Erotic Conversation

Tonight's dinner conversation topic: the benefits of a regular feeding schedule for a newborn.

Melissa: Jack is so dependable. He is always right on schedule. He wakes up a few minutes before each feeding.

Todd: Yeah.

Melissa: I'm glad he's not on a more erotic feeding schedule.

Todd: (gulp) I'd like to see what that looks like. Did you mean "erratic" feeding schedule?

Sometimes one little vowel can make a pretty big difference.

Win a Free Book

Have a funny parenting story (who doesn't)? Zach is giving away three copies of a really good book to the three funniest submissions.

Enter here.

Ella Jamming on Her iPod

Jackson's 9 Week Sleeping/Eating Patterns

Sleep: I put him to bed at 9 and he wakes up between 5:30 and 6 (8.5-9hrs.). I then put him back to bed until 8:30 because that is when Ella wakes up.

Eat: He nurses 6 times a day (3-3.5 hrs. apart)

Jackson 2 Month Stats

Weight: 13 lbs 10 oz (75-90%)
Height: 22 1/4 inches (25%)
Head: 15 1/2 inches (25%)
Diapers: Size 2
Clothing: Size 3-6 months
Favorite Color: Camo

More Father's Day Photos

The Comfort of Daddy

Ella had fun playing in the pool until she got splashed by her cousin and then lost her balance and ended up sitting in the pool. I think the water was cold and it scared her a little. Nothing daddy couldn't help to comfort (He has memories of his own mom comforting him when he had problems in the pool as a child).