the Schulz family

Craft & Learning Time

2012-01-25T16:25:00.000-06:00

I am very proud of Ella. She can write all her letters now and is great at spelling simple words on her own. She loves to write all the time! I am still working on letter recognition and sounds with Jackson. He can spell his first and last name verbally though. My kids sure love to paint! Especially with their fingers.

Jackson

2012-01-25T16:19:00.000-06:00

Jackson enjoys playing with his play shaving cream and shaver in the bath that grandma & grandpa Mattern gave him. He also enjoys eating two bread sticks at a time!

Ethan in the Exersaucer

2012-01-25T16:14:00.000-06:00

At 18 weeks (4 months), Ethan started saying "Ba Ba", rolled over from tummy to back, and started enjoying his exersaucer.

Ethan's 4 Month Stats

2012-01-09T15:32:00.000-06:00

Weight: 15 lbs. 10oz (60%)
Height: 24 3/4 in. (38%)
Head: 16 in. (11%)

Jackson @ 4 Months
Weight: 16 lbs. 2oz
Height: 24 1/2 in.
Head: 16 in.

Ella @ 4 Months
Weight: 14 lbs. 8 oz
Height: 24 1/2 in.
Head: 15 3/4 in. (my head was the exact same according to my baby book when I was 4 months old)

Ella

2012-01-06T16:11:00.000-06:00

Ella's "I love hot cocoa." shirt was a big hit at preschool today.

Prayers Needed for My Dad

2012-01-05T16:50:00.001-06:00

This Saturday, my dad (David Mattern), will be traveling to Jamaica for his first international missions trip. I ask for your prayers for him.

1. For his health/safety. He also currently has a broken elbow. Please pray for no complications with that and that he will be in minimal pain/no pain at all and will still be able to do everything he planned on doing for the most part.
2. That he will make an impact on the people and be able to share the gospel and build relationships with the people he comes into contact with in Jamaica.
3. That he will have a great time living out our calling to go and teach the gospel to the nations.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit." Matthew 28:19

Tummy Time @ 4 Months

2012-01-05T15:58:00.000-06:00

Ethan @ 4 Months

2012-01-02T17:09:00.000-06:00

Ethan is 4 months old today and rolled over for the first time from his tummy to his back.

Ethan's 1st Rice Cereal

2011-12-31T11:24:00.000-06:00

Ethan started waking up early in the mornings this past week and once in the middle of the night. It was not like him at all. Especially since he was 10 weeks old when he started sleeping from 9pm to 9:30am without waking up at all. I know we traveled for Christmas this last week, but it was still out of character for him. Ethan is 17 weeks and will be 4 months on Monday. I referred to my Babywise Tips Blog that I created when I had Jack and found my answer! He needed to start solids. So we started rice cereal on Thursday for the first time. He didn't enjoy it too much and spit out more than we put in. He will get the hang of it sooner or later. Ella and Jack thought it was fun though.

Ella's 1st Rice Cereal
Jack's 1st Rice Cereal
Jack's video

The photos are in order from before the feeding, to the first bite, to Ella helping, to when he is all done.

Ethan the Snowman

2011-12-27T16:40:00.002-06:00

Hartley Christmas: Part3

2011-12-27T16:38:00.000-06:00

Hartley Christmas: Part2

2011-12-27T16:33:00.000-06:00

Hartley Christmas: Part1

2011-12-27T16:21:00.000-06:00

Riding the Train

2011-12-27T15:34:00.000-06:00

Mattern Christmas: Part 2

2011-12-27T15:31:00.000-06:00

Mattern Christmas: Part 1

2011-12-27T12:02:00.000-06:00

Name Pancakes

2011-12-27T11:23:00.000-06:00

Bass Pro Shop & Santa

2011-12-20T15:48:00.001-06:00

The anticipation was exciting. Ella and Jackson couldn't wait to go see Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Finally, it was their turn. As you look at the photos, you notice Ella and Ethan went right to Santa. Jackson on the other-hand would not go near him. He stared him down. I finally picked him up to go by Santa and he wanted nothing to do with him. So our final shot was with his scared/angry face. Ella told Santa she wanted princess chap stick. Jackson before-hand told me he wanted Toby the Tram Engine and Herold the Helicopter from the Thomas the Train set.

Ethan's New Room & Crib

2011-12-19T16:51:00.000-06:00

Last night was Ethan's 1st night in his crib in Ella's room. After 30-40 minutes of really loud crying, back in the closet he went (this time in a pack n play). He went right to sleep and he slept like usual all night long. Ella did not wake up once through the crying and she was sleeping right next to him! Jackson however was awake and standing by Ethan's door. He was concerned for him. That is exactly why Ethan is sharing a room with Ella and not with Jackson (that girl can sleep through anything!). So we will try it again tonight. He did nap well today in his crib, so hopefully tonight will go better! That boy loves his closet!

Sheriff/Schulz Family Christmas: Part 2

2011-12-19T16:41:00.000-06:00

Sheriff/Schulz Family Christmas: Part 1

2011-12-19T16:39:00.000-06:00

Ethan doesn't suck his thumb or a couple fingers.....he sucks all his fingers at once.

Preschool Christmas Parties

2011-12-17T11:41:00.000-06:00

Ethan @ 3 Months

2011-12-13T15:42:00.000-06:00

Ethan is such a content and happy baby. He nurses 5 times a day and takes 3 naps and another short one before bed. He coos and gurgles. He grabs on to things (like mommas long hair). His hand-eye coordination is great and he is starting to hit at toys or grab on to them. He likes to stand on our laps as we hold him. He sits up for short periods of time with the Boppy there for support. He is so close to giggling. He smiles with his whole face. He loves to get a lot of kisses from his siblings.

Ethan Sleeping

2011-12-13T15:36:00.000-06:00

We are so very blessed that Ethan is such a good sleeper (12 1/2 straight hrs. a night)! He loves to sleep like I did when I was little (Ella also slept this way and so did Jackson). He is still in the bassinet in our closet. We will probably have to move him soon (notice his head touches the top and his feet are also touching the bottom).

Christmas Stuff

2011-12-13T15:24:00.000-06:00

Photo 1: The kids were coloring by the Christmas tree the other night (notice Ethan was participating too).
Photo 2: They had so much fun decorating the tree this year. Ella rearranges all the ornaments several times a day, but Jackson does great and doesn't touch it at all (except for a few candy canes he has eaten off of it).
Photo 3: My mom took Ella to her first movie on Saturday. They saw The Muppets. Ella loved it! The kids then decorated cookies that my mom brought them.

Making Faces

2011-12-13T15:17:00.000-06:00

Dipped Pretzels

2011-12-13T15:14:00.001-06:00

Jackson and I made dipped pretzels yesterday for our neighbors. They are so yummy!

Ella @ 4

2011-11-29T08:16:00.000-06:00

watch it bigger and in HD on Vimeo

The Park

2011-11-25T19:50:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday, the kids and I met my friend Mary at the park for a play date. It was great to get outside! Check out her blog here for the photos.

Ethan @ 12 Weeks

2011-11-25T19:44:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T13:55:00.000-06:00

Play Date

2011-11-19T12:34:00.000-06:00

My friend Kristin came over with her twins on Thursday for a play date. Emma and Chase are 3 weeks younger than Ethan. They had fun playing together. In the last photo, Emma is lovingly looking at Ethan and trying to hold his hand. So precious. :)

Dora the Explorer (Ethan)

2011-11-16T20:02:00.000-06:00

Ella's Birthday Party: Part 3

2011-11-16T19:58:00.000-06:00

Ella's Birthday Party: Part 2

2011-11-16T19:51:00.001-06:00

Ella's Birthday Party: Part 1

2011-11-16T19:40:00.000-06:00

Smiley Boy

2011-11-16T19:33:00.000-06:00

Jackson & Ethan

2011-11-16T19:30:00.000-06:00

Ella did this to Jackson when he was Ethan's age. Click here for the photo.

Birthday Girl

2011-11-16T17:55:00.002-06:00

Ella had a fun day at preschool today. She brought cupcakes and juice boxes for her friends. She is pictured above with her teacher Ms. Jen and with her friend Sophia. Ella and Sophia are only 5 days apart in age.

Ella: 4 Year Photos Part 2

2011-11-14T16:30:00.000-06:00

Ella: 4 Year Photos Part 1

2011-11-14T16:29:00.000-06:00

Ella @ 4 Years

2011-11-14T16:25:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe Ella will be 4 on Wednesday. Her biggest change this last year is being able to write, read, and spell simple words. She can write her first and last name on her own without me telling her how to spell it. She is learning a lot at her 4 year old preschool. She can even say The Pledge of Allegiance all by herself now. Ella loves preschool and has made a lot of friends. She talks about them all the time. She is enjoying being a big sister to her two brothers. She is very helpful with Ethan and Jackson. She continues to love dancing, dressing up in dresses and dance outfits, singing and talking all the time, cuddling and going on dates with her daddy, hiking our new land, and being with grandparents and cousins. You can go here to see what Ella was like at 3 years old.

Tebowing

2011-11-10T11:04:00.000-06:00

They have been getting me all day! Thanks Todd for teaching them this!
What is Tebowing? (tebowing.com)

First Snowman of the Season

2011-11-09T12:47:00.000-06:00

Egg on a Stick

2011-11-04T13:44:00.000-05:00

Ethan's 2 Month Stats

2011-11-03T08:21:00.000-05:00

Weight: 11 lbs. 13 oz. (54%)
Height: 22 inches (17%)
Head: 14 3/4 inches (7%)

Ethan's 1st shots made him a little sleepier than normal, but not fussy. I didn't even have to give him any Tylenol. Jackson and Ella had the Flu mist. They did a great job as well.

Ethan's 1st Halloween

2011-11-01T16:14:00.000-05:00

@ 8 Weeks Old

Handing Out Candy

2011-11-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

It was adorable how Jackson would wait at the door with a piece of candy to hand to the trick-or-treaters! Ella and Jackson loved when the kids came to the door. They made sure to say your welcome, trick-or-treat, and happy Halloween.

Living History Farms Trick-or-Treating

2011-11-01T16:08:00.000-05:00

The Great Pumpkin Party

2011-10-29T15:01:00.000-05:00

Ethan Sitting Up

2011-10-28T16:46:00.000-05:00

Ethan @ 8 Weeks

2011-10-28T16:41:00.000-05:00

Ethan is such an easy going baby. He nurses well (6 times a day). He goes to bed at 9pm and wakes up at 7:30am (10 1/2 hrs.) to have a little snack before going back to bed until I wake him at 9:30am. He grunts, gurgles, coos and smiles a lot now. He can sit up for short periods of time with the Boppy behind him. He is in size 1 diapers (they are getting too small) and wears 0-3 and 3 month clothing.

Ella & Jack

2011-10-28T16:16:00.000-05:00

Girls Night Out

2011-10-27T22:13:00.000-05:00

I had fun on Wednesday night at the Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar with my friends Abby and Kris. It was the first girls night out after having Ethan 8 weeks ago. Todd put all the kids to bed and gave Ethan his 2nd bottle ever. Thanks Todd for watching all the kids while I enjoyed a great night out with good laughs, conversation, and dancing! It was great seeing you again Abby!

Pumpkin Painting

2011-10-27T22:03:00.000-05:00

Caramel Apples

2011-10-27T22:01:00.000-05:00

Jackson helped me make home-made caramel apples. They didn't look the best, took a long time to make, were really messy, and no one really liked them except for me and the kids, but at least the kids had fun and enjoyed them.

Denison Trip: Part 3

2011-10-25T22:55:00.001-05:00

We enjoyed watching Todd's brother Chris coach our nephew Kyler in football. Wish we lived closer and could go to more games. He is #22 for the purple team.

Denison Trip: Part 2

2011-10-25T22:43:00.000-05:00

Denison Trip: Part 1

2011-10-25T22:38:00.001-05:00

Carving Pumpkins

2011-10-25T22:16:00.000-05:00

We went to my sister's house today and carved pumpkins. I thought I would be creative on Jackson's and drew a ghost. However, after I started cutting it out, I realized it would end up being a big hole with a ghost outline and I even messed up doing that. Oh well, Jackson won't care/notice (He thinks my oval shaped pancakes are jaguars if I tell him that is what they are).

Craft Time

2011-10-20T15:18:00.000-05:00

Today we had a relaxing day since no one had preschool and we had no where to go for once. We slept in and cuddled, ate french toast for breakfast, had craft time and learning time, ate home-made pizza for lunch, and now all the kids are down for a nap. I cherish these days that I can be home with my kids. I feel so blessed that I am able to be a domestic manager (stay-at-home-mom). Even though it can be incredibly stressful and challenging, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Smiles

2011-10-20T15:10:00.000-05:00

Tummy Time

2011-10-19T16:49:00.000-05:00

Ethan's 1st Bottle

2011-10-19T16:47:00.000-05:00

Marcia gave Ethan his first bottle yesterday @ 6 1/2 weeks. He drank 2.5 oz. I want to give him one bottle a week so he is use to it just in case momma needs to get out :).

New Land: Night 2

2011-10-17T22:06:00.003-05:00

We had another fun hike and bonfire with s'mores and hot chocolate with my parents and sister's family this time.

Fun @ "The New Land"

2011-10-16T22:07:00.001-05:00

Last night we had fun at our new property with our good friends Josh, Lacie, and Anna Jensen. The kids went for a hike with Josh and Todd and then we all made s'mores. Ethan had fun at his first bonfire!

More Photos of Jack: Part 2

2011-10-15T16:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, I realize that some photos are blurry. He was running and I was chasing him so he would laugh, but I forgot to put my camera on the action setting. I still posted them though because they show his adorable smile real well.

More Photos of Jack: Part 1

2011-10-15T16:48:00.000-05:00

Jackson @ 2.5

2011-10-15T16:00:00.001-05:00

knows all his colors
recognizes the letters A, E, and J in the alphabet and their sounds
can count to 20
knows the shapes: square, triangle, circle, rectangle, rhombus, pentagon, octagon, hexagon & diamond
talks clearly in full sentences (5-7 words)
loves to sing songs
takes one nap a day (2-4pm)
fully potty-trained @ 27 months (day/night/naps/other places) and can do it all from start to finish by himself!

Jackson is full of personality. He is silly, funny, very affectionate and loves to cuddle, hug, and kiss. He is definitely a momma's boy! He loves his baby brother and loves to help out and cannot stop giving him kisses all the time! Ella is his best friend. He hugs her when she leaves for preschool and hugs her when she comes home. When she is gone, he asks where she is all the time. They have their share of fights, but do play great together. He can also be very aggressive and will hit and throw a fit like any two year old boy. We are trying our best to train his heart so he is not as physical in a bad way. He is still very particular about being neat and clean and having things in their correct places. He loves to run and play with any type of ball. He is excellent at throwing, especially left handed. His manners are unbelievable (He always says please and thank you without us telling him to). He keeps us busy and on our toes, but is such a joy to us!

Jack & Ella

2011-10-15T15:30:00.001-05:00

Ella's Pedicure by Mommy

2011-10-14T22:31:00.002-05:00

Bath Time

2011-10-14T22:31:00.000-05:00

Brotherly Love

2011-10-12T15:51:00.001-05:00

Good Morning!

2011-10-12T15:50:00.001-05:00

Our New Land: Part 3

2011-10-09T22:45:00.000-05:00

Our New Land: Part 2

2011-10-09T22:40:00.000-05:00

Our New Land: Part 1

2011-10-09T22:34:00.000-05:00

We had a family picnic and hike out at our new land today. Todd has done an awesome job clearing it out so we can hike. The weather was perfect. Todd bought the kids a horse tire swing and set it up for the kids so they could have fun swinging at our new land.

Ethan @ 5 Weeks

2011-10-09T22:26:00.000-05:00

A Future Eye Doc

2011-10-09T22:22:00.000-05:00

Love his wide open eyes :)

Jackson

2011-10-02T23:26:00.002-05:00

In A Tree

2011-10-02T23:25:00.001-05:00

Winterset Park

2011-10-02T23:16:00.000-05:00

Center Grove Apple Orchard: Part 4

2011-09-24T17:42:00.000-05:00

Center Grove Apple Orchard: Part 3

2011-09-24T17:39:00.000-05:00

Center Grove Apple Orchard: Part 2

2011-09-24T17:37:00.000-05:00

Center Grove Apple Orchard: Part 1

2011-09-24T17:35:00.000-05:00

Date with Daddy, #2

2011-09-20T15:10:00.001-05:00

We also enjoy looking at the deer attractants at Sportsman's Warehouse.

Date with Daddy

2011-09-20T15:08:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while, Ella and I like to go to Cafe Diem to talk, read, and indulge in a colossal cinnamon roll.

Ethan's 2 Week Stats

2011-09-18T12:18:00.001-05:00

Weight:
Birth - 7 lbs
2 Weeks - 7.7 lbs

Height:
Birth - 18 1/2 inches
2 Weeks - 19 3/4 inches

Ethan is eating and sleeping well. He spits up a ton after eating, just like his sissy did. He is very laid back and content though, the spit up doesn't bother him at all. I feed him every 3 hrs. during the day and every 4-4.5 at night. I have to wake him to eat all the time. He is soooo sleepy at this stage in life!

"The New Land"

2011-09-18T12:12:00.000-05:00

Since we were right next door to "Our New Land" as Ella calls it, we decided to see what Todd has been up to with clearing out/cutting down trees on our property. Wow, I was impressed!

BBQ

2011-09-18T12:06:00.000-05:00

Our future neighbors invited us to a church BBQ at their house (one week after Ethan was born). Ella and Jackson had so much fun eating, playing, and riding the train. A nice little girl rode with Jackson. Ethan just slept the whole time. We are so blessed to be moving by such nice people.

Jackson's 1st Day of Preschool

2011-09-18T11:48:00.000-05:00

Jackson had his first day of preschool last Friday. He absolutely loved it! He walked right in, put his folder away, and begin to play. I didn't even get a hug or a wave goodbye. After preschool, I asked him what he did and he told me he finger painted, played in the balls in the big gym, and played with toys. He also told me his teacher Ms. Kelly was really nice.

Ethan @ 2 Weeks

2011-09-18T11:41:00.000-05:00

Jack and The Coaster

2011-09-18T11:38:00.001-05:00

I handed Jack his sippy cup of milk and later I found this. That was very nice of him to use a coaster.

Sibling Love

2011-09-15T04:06:00.001-05:00

Ella and Jackson can't get enough of their baby brother. Jackson gives him tons of kisses and Ella just loves to stare at him. They also love to hold him and tell him they love him. Jackson held Ethan for a long time today when Ella was at preschool and even joined him on some tummy time.

My Cuddly Boys

2011-09-12T16:55:00.000-05:00

Ella's 1st Day of 4yr. Old Preschool

2011-09-12T16:52:00.000-05:00

Ella had her first day of preschool today and absolutely loved it! She was very specific about everything that she did. When they first came in they had to find their name, trace it, and then write it. She told me they learned about the letter B. I asked her if she learned to write it and she told me no, they just learned the letter sound (she knew all her letter sounds by her 2nd birthday - Oh well!). She came home and took a very long nap!

Go Cyclones

2011-09-10T11:39:00.000-05:00

Ethan's First Walk

2011-09-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

My sister came over today for lunch. She then got me out of the house and we went on a walk. We made it to the end of the block and back.

Tummy Time

2011-09-08T21:49:00.000-05:00