Adam, Mimi, Rylee Jean, and Rusty

head over heels for these kiddos

2009-05-08T23:09:00.004-04:00

Rusty turns 2

2009-05-08T22:55:00.004-04:00

My baby boy turned 2 on Sunday. It was a gorgeous day. My mom flew in for a long weekend. Kevin and Cindy drove down. Ty and Elayna came over. At Rusty request we had hotdogs, cheetos, strawberries, pineapple, cake and icecream!

Easter 2009

2009-05-08T22:38:00.007-04:00

Valentine's package from bama

2009-02-13T21:54:00.004-05:00

We love you Bama and Grandpa!! Thank you for all the goodies. Happy Valentines Day.

rusty

2009-02-13T21:53:00.002-05:00

My Rusty Bucket

2009-02-13T21:50:00.004-05:00

If you know Rusty at all, he is obsessed with balls...in particular...football...this picture sums it up...here he is watching the probowl...falling asleep in the 2nd quarter...but remote still in hand...i am crazy in love with this little boy...he is his dad...even at 21 months old

Christmas with grandpa and bama schultz

2009-01-29T22:11:00.002-05:00

Christmas with dad and sandy

2009-01-29T22:06:00.004-05:00

Rylee busted her lip on our resistance bands that we work out with. She was a champion. She only cried for a minute and then was pretty intrigued by the blood. She even let me put peroxide on it...I really think she is going to be a dr!!

Christmas with mom

2009-01-29T22:02:00.003-05:00

facebook

2009-01-29T21:58:00.002-05:00

so i kinda forgot all about blogging because i am addicted to facebook...adam and i are both on facebook...come say hi!

Grand Rapids Childrens Museum

2008-12-03T22:05:00.004-05:00

This year was Schultz Thanksgiving so we headed up to Adam's parents on Wednesday night. Had a wonderful time, just didn't take any pictures to prove it :) The meal was amazing. My favorite part was feeding the kids (5 kids ages 3 and under) first and then putting them all down for a nap at 1:00 so us adults could all enjoy a hot meal without having to say things like, "Rusty quit eating everyone's mashed potatoes." "Rusty do not throw your food. That is no fun." The 8 of us had a really good time just eating and saying what we are thankful for. By Saturday the kids were becoming a bit stir crazy so we took them to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. This place rocks. It is amazing. Rylee and Rusty (and Adam) had a great time exploring, playing, painting, you name it...

SNOW

2008-12-03T22:02:00.002-05:00

We had our first big snow on November 18th. Adam had a 2 hour delay so we let the kids play on the deck and help him shovel.

Ty's Superhero Party

2008-12-03T21:52:00.004-05:00

Ty turned 4 on November 10th. For his birthday he chose a Superhero theme. He was Buzz Light Year. Rylee of course chose to be a ballerina princess. Rusty was batman. Too much fun...crazy thing is I didn't get 1 picture of Ty to turn out...he was running around...probably need to check out Fred and Dre's facebook to see them...

Happy Birthday Princess Jean Bean

2008-12-03T21:37:00.005-05:00

On Sunday, November 9th Rylee had her third birthday party. She had been planning it for over four months. She knew exactly who she wanted to invite. What we were going to eat. She looked through three books at the bakery before choosing her cake. She chose her tablecloth, plates, napkins, cups, and favors. Even picked the CD we would dance to. It was wonderful. Of course it was princess. Mom flew in and brought Cori. (Thank you moms!! For everything!!) Elayna, Mia, and Cosette all friends from church came dressed as a princess. They had strawberries as an appetizer. Made their own pizzas -- mushrooms and black olives is Rylee's favorite. Played babies. Danced. Ate cake -- Cinderellas carriage that took her to the ball -- so Rylee told everyone it tasted like pumpkin :) It went really well. She still talks about it...

A princess and and fireman

2008-11-07T14:38:00.006-05:00

These are late...I know...but nonetheless...too cute not to post...Happy Halloween from the Schultz Family...

Carving Pumpkins

2008-11-03T22:43:00.002-05:00

The kids had a great time carving pumpkins with daddy. Both enjoyed getting the seeds out. These pumpkins became political propaganda. One was John McCain and the other was Sarah Palin -- just in case you didn't know who we were voting for -- we have pumpkins to let you know...(sorry the pictures didn't turn out of the carvings...but they were AWESOME)

Adam's Marathon

2008-11-03T22:35:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, October 19th Adam ran his first marathon (26.2 miles) in Grand Rapids. He did AWESOME! We were so very proud of him! All that training paid off. We love you daddy!!

Homecoming at IWU

2008-11-03T22:27:00.003-05:00

We finally made it to IWU Homecoming. It had been awhile since we had been back. The campus has changed so very much. Funny how it still felt like -- home. Great memories!! Adam ran the Alumni 5k and the kids had a great time playing in all the balloon room. It was a beautiful day.

Jean Bean starts gymnastics

2008-11-03T22:09:00.002-05:00

Rylee started gymnastics this past Saturday. Here she is getting ready for her big debut. Adam took her and said she had a great time. She loved the trampoline, balance beam, bars, vault, and floor. Later that day I heard her talking to her babies and she said, "I did it just like Shawn (Johnson)."

Long Awaited

2008-10-10T11:55:00.014-04:00

..so...it has been a long while...we are back...had some computer problems..had some Internet problems...and just got behind...but all is well...things are great...here is a recap of what you have missed in the last 2 months...

August

August 13th--Adam's last day with Apollo Group.
August 14th--Adam's first day with Duneland School Corp and first day of coaching middle school cross country--which he LOVES.
August 14th--Hasan--our interlink student from UAE arrived.
August 16th--my Nana came to visit from Arkansas for the week.
August as a whole--spent lots of time at the dunes of Lake Michigan--had lots of cookouts at our house.
Rylee learned to skip and swim underwater.
Rusty learned to run--really fast--and how to use a fork and drink the milk from his cereal bowl and do the sounds for a doggie, kitty, lion, duck, and bee.

September

Adam ran in the Popcorn panic 5 mile.
Rylee ran in her first race--the Popcorn Kernel--and got a ribbon--she was AWESOME!!
Spent lots of time at Adam's cross country meets cheering on the team.
Went to Kansas for 5 days to visit my family by myself with the 2 kiddos--did great--I was nervous flying without Adam, but the kiddos gave me their best.

October

Went to IWU Homecoming--the campus has changed so very much--but both Adam and I said it was still like home--Adam ran in the Alumni 5k and we cheered him on.
Rylee has planned her 3rd birthday to a T. She invites everyone we meet. It is going to be Cinderella and we are having pizza and strawberries. There will be dancing and lots of cake--which she picked out herself after going thru 2 books of ideas!! She is just awesome. She can now say three verses by memory and know all of the armor of the Lord by heart. She loves to dance and sing. She always wants to call her Grandma and Bama on the phone. And she just makes me laugh when she says, "I am so incredibly excited right now!" over the smallest things.
Rusty--what to say--I'm in love hook and sinker--he just brings constant joy--with that huge smile--he is obsessed with footballs and balloons. He loves dogs and suckers. He knows no fear, never meets a stranger and can really dance. He hates to have his nails cut and wears me out being on the move from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. His vocabulary has increased so very much in the last month. My favorite is, "ucker pees." (Sucker please).

I promise it won't be this long before my next post. I do miss it terribly. Adam is running next weekend in the Grand Rapids marathon. Super excited for that...pictures to come...much love...have a great day!!

Tornado on Monday

2008-08-07T16:32:00.003-04:00

We got hit by some really bad storms Monday night. We lost power around 9 pm that night and didn't get it back until yesterday afternoon!! We lost half of our cherry tree from lightening!! Super bummed. And since everything was lost in our freezer I lost all the cherries I had frozen. Also lost a hunk of our tree in the front. But we are safe and no serious damage to the house...

Bama turns 50

2008-08-07T16:00:00.007-04:00

Poor Cindy has 5 grand kids (1 more on the way) and they all call her something different. Rylee couldn't say Grandma at first...it came out Bama...that was at 9 months old...and now she is 2.5 and it has stuck...she can easily say Grandma (that is what she calls my mom) but she will only call Cindy "Bama." Bama turned 50 on Friday. To celebrate we all (Kevin, Cindy, Adam and I and our 2, Matt and Heather and Madelynn, and Justin and Heather and their 2) all went to Sandy Pines for the weekend. We camped, we swam (a lot), we rode on golf carts, we played in the sand, we ate ice cream from the ice cream shop on site, we ate birthday cake from Designer Desserts, we ate donuts from the donut shop on site, we had a fire every night, the guys golfed, it was a wonderful time. Cindy may kill me for posting some of these...but hey it is camping and no one wears makeup or does their hair...

County Fair

2008-08-07T15:53:00.003-04:00

We headed out to the county fair with the Butson family. Here are a few pictures of the fun...

i love these two...

2008-07-24T13:22:00.002-04:00

Church Camp

2008-07-24T13:09:00.005-04:00

Our annual week at Winding Creek Wesleyan Church Camp...lots of fun...we went with our 2 kids, Fred and Andrea went their 3 kids, Aunt Sherry had her 4 grand kids, and at times Justin and Heather were there with their 2 kids, and Matt and Heather with Madelynn...so there was always somebody doing something...but it was a great time...Rylee asks everyday "today we get to go back to church camp right?" Bless her heart she has a whole year until we go back!!

Chicago

2008-07-10T17:18:00.005-04:00

Mindi had never been...so we made a day of it...starting with Navy Pier and the famous McDonald's Ferris wheel. We ate at Bubba Gumps. The kids played in the fountain. We shopped on Michigan Avenue. It was a great day...

Fireworks

2008-07-10T17:14:00.002-04:00

Adam, Cameron, and Rylee had a great time setting of fireworks before the big show downtown. Crazy how cold it was this fourth! We all had on jeans, long sleeves, and were still cold.

4th of July

2008-07-10T17:02:00.005-04:00

My mom, sister Mindi, and her two, Cameron and Cori came to visit us over the fourth. We had so many good laughs. Rylee made cupcakes for everyone. Rusty, as we all know, loves some cupcakes. He went to town and not once, not twice, but three times stole Cori's cupcake. Poor Cori. She finally did get to eat one...

Bubba

2008-06-27T16:04:00.003-04:00

Celebrated my 28th birthday with my family and the Butson family. Andrea made me a chocolate cake for my birthday. I completely forgot to take any pictures until it was wrapping up, but I did get just one...Bubba was the last one at the table, and even after 2 pieces, he kept asking for more...

Cameron and Cori

2008-06-27T15:57:00.001-04:00

After I ran the Hospital Hill on Saturday, June 7th, we went back to Dad's and Mindi, Cameron, and Cori came over to go swimming before I had to catch my flight back to Chicago.

SPAIN

2008-06-27T15:41:00.005-04:00

I could live in Spain. I loved it. Loved the culture. Loved the people. Loved the food. Loved the weather. Loved the history. Loved the art.

New York

2008-06-27T15:08:00.003-04:00

Mom and I flew out of KC at 6:00 on Wednesday, May 28th. Our flight to Spain was an overnight flight, so that gave us all day in New York!! And did we make the most of it. Sad to to say I had never been to NY before. My most favorite part--Magnolia Bakery. If you ever get a chance you must go. I cannot describe the worlds best cupcake with mere words--you must experience it for yourself. We did Bryant Park, Times Square, Central Park, had a slice of pizza, rode the subway, rode the ferry, saw the Statue of Liberty--all in a day!!

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-06-25T22:38:00.004-04:00

Justin, Heather, Brody, Ella, and baby came down to visit. Fred, Andrea, Ty, Elayna, and Sam also spent most of the weekend with us. Lots of grilling out and playing washers. Indiana Jones at the drive in. Just a great time with family. The guys power washed, sanded, and stained the deck. Us girls went shopping. And the kids just played played played. Here are some highlights.

Oh My

2008-06-12T13:53:00.004-04:00

Since my last post...Adam signed a contract to be the new Chesterton High School photography teacher. He starts August 15th. Adam has passed Praxis I and Praxis II. Rusty started walking (real walking not just 3 to 4 steps) the day after his first birthday. Adam and I both turned 28. We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. I had lasik eye surgery. I went to Spain and with my mom. Adam went on a golf trip with his dad, brothers, and close friends. Adam tore a ligament in his foot and has been in a walking cast. I ran the Hospital Hill 10K in Kansas City. So just a little going on...individual posts with pictures to follow...

1 year wellness checkup

2008-05-07T15:10:00.003-04:00

Rusty did great. He weighs 24 pounds 12 ounces (80th percentile) and he is 31 and a half inches tall (90th percentile). Growing as he should be. His asthma is well under control. He said mama, dada, sissy, night night, hot, and bye bye for Dr. Brogan. He has been off the bottle for a little over a week now, and is taking more and more steps everyday. He will walk unless he is in a hurry and then he prefers to crawl still, but basically took off the day after his first birthday. When the nurse came in to give him his shots she looked at his legs and said, "Is he a strong one?" I replied, "Most definitely." She asked another nurse to come in and hold his legs while I held his arms. It is always so heartbreaking for me. The sweetest part was Rylee Jean. She was sitting in the chair while we all got ready to hold him down and after the first shot I feel her little hands clinging to my pants and she said, "Tell them to stop mama, they are hurting brother," and she had little tears falling down her face. I said, "baby, it is okay, it is important so that buddy doesn't get sick," and she starting telling him it was going to be okay, we were going to get some ice cream...and yes, they both got their own sundae at McDonald's...

Happy Birthday Rusty

2008-05-07T10:49:00.008-04:00

Saturday, May 3rd my baby turned one!!! Big day for the Schultz family. I normally do not have long posts, but it is on my heart to share what a wonderful blessing little buddy is. We moved here when I was about 3 months pregnant. I had to find a new OB. I got online and just called the first one listed on our insurance page and made my appointment. She was okay. Not half as great as my OB in Fort Wayne, but so goes it. My next appointment was at 20 weeks for the ultrasound. This is when we found out he was a Rusty. One week after my ultrasound we got called into the office. My doctor was very vague and very short saying that there were several items of concern that showed up on the ultrasound...2 cysts on the brain...for the life of me now I cannot even remember the name of the cysts...plus a foci in the fourth quadrant of his heart. Bottom line I needed to have a level 2 ultrasound ASAP. She gave me the number of her dear friend a doctor in Chicago that could help me. I called the doctor in Chicago. The doctor said he knew that I would be calling and had already reviewed the ultrasound. He said it is imperative that I get in to his office right away since I was already at 20 and a half weeks and only had less than 2 weeks left. I honestly didn't understand at that moment what he was saying. 2 weeks left before what? Then he proceeded to tell me all the tests that I needed to have done so I could make my decision. My decision? Based on the size and location, plus that there were 2, coupled with the fact that he had a foci on his heart there was an 80% that Rusty would have trisomy 18 and if he didn't have trisomy 18 it was a true reality that he would be severally physically and mentally retarded in addition to having downs. The doctor then said, you need to come in so that we can explain to you how difficult your life will be should you decide to have this baby...I just hung up the phone...I was speechless...well obviously this doctor did not know me and did not know the power of the one I love and serve. Adam and I immediately began praying...not that our baby would be healed...but that I could carry this little buddy full term and love on him for as long as God gave us. I have always cringed inside when I hear people say, we don't care if it is a boy or girl as along is it is healthy...so what if it is not healthy...what then...every baby is a blessing...no matter...it was a tough place for Adam and I...do we go to the healing rooms at church and have everyone pray that our son be healthy...or do we trust that God's plan is perfect and he is in control and Rusty will be born as God desires for us...

We prayed for protection and that God would dissolve the cysts on his brain. Needless to say we got another doctor, one who is prolife, and since I was high risk I began having level 2 ultrasounds every 2 weeks. By week 28 BOTH CYSTS HAD DISSOLVED COMPLETELY. Rusty still has the foci on his heart, but there is no denying this boy is all boy, full of life and love. He is awesome. Just awesome. Andrea has always wanted me to send that doctor a birth announcement and an invitation to Rusty's first birthday party. I haven't, but I do pray for them. How many other women in my situation would have just listened to doctors advice and given up all hope. Could you imagine life without little buddy?

And here he is in all his wonder. I love you Russell Lynn Schultz.

Rusty's Birthday Present from Grandma Morman

2008-04-28T11:30:00.003-04:00

Rusty turns the big ONE on Saturday. I can't believe it has been a year already!! My mom was leaving for Cozumel so she got his gift in the mail before she left so it would be here in plenty of time. Rusty loved opening it...Rylee did too I must say...poor guy...it will be even worse this weekend at his party I am afraid with all the cousins around...

He loves it moms...it looks awesome on him...the little shorts look like real basketball shorts on him because they hang below his knees...so sweet...

Yogurt

2008-04-24T12:06:00.002-04:00

Rylee and Rusty LOVE yogurt. The other day, when I was feeding Rusty some yogurt Rylee said, "Mama let me do it," and as you can see it was a success...Rusty laughed so hard the whole time...it was so much more fun eating from sis than mama...

Ringing In Spring

2008-04-24T12:01:00.003-04:00

So...this was almost a month ago now...sorry about the lull in blogging...we are just in a crazy busy season of life right now...Adam and I ran in the Valpo Ringing In Spring 5K the first Saturday in April...it was great...felt awesome to be running again after such a long...long...cold...cold winter. Adam did great. I have much improving to do...but fun all the same...

New Rylee and Rusty pics

2008-04-02T13:58:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter from Us

2008-03-24T13:19:00.002-04:00

Sultan

2008-03-24T13:15:00.004-04:00

It is way overdue that I introduce Sultan. Sultan is a student at Valparaiso University staying with us through their Interlink program. He is 19 and from Saudi Arabia. We LOVE him. He has been a great addition to our family. We will miss him dearly when he goes back home in May.

Madelynn Ray's Baptism

2008-03-24T13:09:00.004-04:00

Matthew and Heather had Madelynn baptised this Sunday. We are very honored they asked Adam and I to be Madi's godparents...

Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-24T12:54:00.005-04:00

Since Michigan got pounded with snow and ice -- we had our Easter egg hunt inside -- Brody, Rylee, Ella, and Rusty had a great time -- Brody and Rylee would find an egg and then sit down and open it and eat the goodies before moving on to the next egg -- anything they left behind Rusty and Ella would pick up and eat -- we couldn't keep up with all four of them -- I would be trying to get a picture of Rylee -- turn around and Rusty was trying to eat some chocolate with the foil wrapper still on -- it was great watching their faces

Coloring Easter Eggs

2008-03-24T12:47:00.002-04:00

Jean Bean had so much fun coloring Easter eggs with her Bama.

Easter package from Grandma Morman

2008-03-19T11:34:00.003-04:00

Last night after bath time we headed downstairs when I noticed a package on the front porch. A package from Kansas!! The kids had such a great time opening their Easter baskets from my mom. Rusty loved his basketball horn and car. Rylee loved her Leap Frog computer with new books and necklace. Thank you Grandma...

St Patricks Party

2008-03-19T11:12:00.004-04:00

Brent and Whitney, the people we bought our house from, have an annual St Patricks Day party because their--now our--house is green. But even though they now live in a brick house everyone still wanted them to host the big party. We had a great time...We have the best neighbors ever...

Cruise

2008-03-13T11:59:00.007-04:00

Adam and I spent last week in the Western Caribbean. Had a most wonderful time. We departed from Ft Lauderdale on Monday. Tuesday was at sea so we sunned and participated in a wine tasting taught by a gentleman who claimed to be 99% Sicilian and 1% Italian. Wednesday was Belize (snorkeled all day). Thursday was Cozumel (our favorite day--again snorkeled all day). Friday was Key West (rented a scooter for the day and went all over the island), and Saturday was back to Ft Lauderdale. Once again, Royal Caribbean treated us like royalty. Fresh linens and towels every time we came back to room, fine dining with distinguishable service, and great entertainment. We sat at a table for 6 and really enjoyed our company. Bob and Libby live in Grand Rapids and this was their 79 cruise!! They were too much fun. I was picked from the crowd as a volunteer one night with the magician. I had to take a card from the deck and sign it. Then the magician put all the cards on the table and did an impression of Michael Jackson before spitting my card out of his mouth. Kinda gross, but fun just the same :) We had a wonderful time just being together in the sun. We forgot to get Adam's precruise weight, but we are pretty sure he gained 10 pounds. We will not be showing any swimsuit pictures as they would qualify for those awful "before" losing a lot of weight pictures. Needless to say we started training on Monday :) Rylee and Rusty stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Schultz and had a very good time. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I believe Rylee only missed us if she was getting into trouble for not listening :) It is a very busy season in our lives right now, therefore I am incredibly thankful for the time we had together soaking in the rays.

Big Boy Buzz

2008-03-13T10:45:00.003-04:00

Rusty had his first haircut. I wasn't able to get pictures of the actual cut because he was sitting in my lap while daddy had the clippers. He did really well. I think it makes him look even more like Adam...

This little boy is on the move. He pulls himself up on everything. Can climb all of our stairs, is obsessed with chasing after balls, and has been in trouble 5 times today already for biting!!

Fun times in Chicago

2008-03-13T10:24:00.004-04:00

One of the greatest things about living in Chicagoland are the museums. Before we left on vacation Fred, Andrea, and I took the kiddos to Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum. The kids were awesome. They loved every minute! Rylee's favorite parts were the dolphins and digging for dinosaur bones and Rusty's favorite parts were cheetos and grapes for lunch and then his 2 hour nap in the stroller...

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-18T11:11:00.001-05:00

Love Rylee Jean and Rusty Lynn

Rusty's Dedication

2008-02-03T16:30:00.000-05:00

Rusty was dedicated last Sunday at our church. His spiritual name is TRUSTING. Pastor Garner charged Adam and I, and our church body, with loving Rusty as the Father loves us, pouring honor, encouragement and light into Little Buddy everyday. To look for the gold in our son and bring it to the surface. We love you Russell Lynn. You are a blessing.

Rusty at nine months

2008-02-03T16:18:00.000-05:00

Today Rusty is 9 months old. Wow. We took him to the doctor yesterday for his check-up and once again 90% for my little buddy. He weighed in at 23.3 pounds and is 29.5 inches tall. Growing so fast. Crawling all over the place. Loves balls, books, and puzzles. Is trying very hard to pull himself up--especially in the bath tub. Yesterday, when he was trying to stand Rylee said, "You need to listen to mommy, Rusty, sit down, or you have to get out." She is SO BOSSY. Mothers him to death, but he still thinks she is the greatest thing. He is definitely partial to the mama. He has this thing where he has to suck his thumb AND play with my hair to be completly happy. He loves bananas and oranges. He has finally started to sign "more" at the table, and is beginning to take his sippy cup by himself. He truly brings so much joy to our life with his many smiles and awesome laugh.

Dad's 50th

2008-01-17T15:10:00.000-05:00

Kevin turned the big 50! All of us kids showed up at his work with our car covered in Funeral Flags (thanks to Girrbach Funeral Home) to surprise him. We kidnapped Kevin (literally--he had a hard time just leaving the office like that) and we all went to dinner at Kobe's Japanese Steakhouse. So good...shrimp, lobster, salmon, and filet migon...but the best part...we all ate a HOT meal with no interruptions...no bottles to make...no diapers to change...no food on the floor to clean up...no embarrassing crying...it was amazing...Happy Birthday DAD. We love you!!

Fantasy Football

2008-01-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

This football season was like no other. Adam and I played on a Fantasy Football league with our coworkers John, Kenyatta, Shelley, Ashley, and Adam's brothers Chewy and Jay. From the day of the draft the stakes were as follows...The loser had to host the first games of the playoffs at their house and make meatloaf and serve it to everyone (...hey mom, meatloaf...from wedding crashers). Most of the season, John was in last place, but right at the very end Chewy beat him out for the title of LOSER. Since most everyone lives here in Chicagoland, John decided to host the party at his house (he has the biggest TV), but Chewy did not escape entirely. Adam and John had an apron made for Chewy to wear while he served each of us a slice a meatloaf. Here you can see pictures of Kenyatta, The Commissioner presenting Chewy his apron and losing trophy. Shelley was the big winner!! You can see The Commissioner, and his beautiful wife Rickelle, presenting her with the winning trophy. Adam also received an award. Adam's team name was Rich Maghony. Rich Maghony received the award for talking the most smack, but coming up short (he came in third place). It was really fun. We had a ton of good food and good times.

Behind

2008-01-08T19:58:00.001-05:00

I know I am way behind in my posting...below are some pictures from Christmas...I still need to post the ones from Christmas with my family...life at the Schultz house is good...very busy...Adam started his student teaching this past Monday...he is teaching Photography I and Photography II...really likes it...the teacher he is student teaching with is retiring this year...send your prayers our way...Rylee is really into dancing...her favorite CD is Atmosphere by SevenGlory...I have got to get her enrolled in some lessons...Rusty is army crawling all over the house...he cut all 4 of his top teeth over Christmas, says dada clearly, and would be quite content eating sweet potatoes for the rest of his life...Fantasy Football is over and we had quite the party to celebrate...I'll post pictures of that later this week...all in all we are blessed beyond measure with each other, loving family and friends, wonderful church, and good jobs...promise it won't be so long till my next post...much love...

Christmas morning

2008-01-08T19:44:00.000-05:00

This year was Christmas morning at Adam's parents. Five babies 2 and under made for a lot of fun. It was simply awesome to see the joy on their faces. It took close to 3 hours for everyone to open gifts and stockings. All afternoon Rylee and Brody sat on their Sit-n-Spins talking to each other on their new Mermaid and Buzz Light Year cell phones. Too cute. It was a great time with family.

Schultz Family Christmas

2008-01-08T19:38:00.000-05:00

A few highlights from Christmas with the Schultz side...

Happy New Year from the Schultz Family

2008-01-03T15:08:00.001-05:00

May God bless you and your family this year...

Pure Joy

2007-12-17T17:44:00.001-05:00

Weekley Family Christmas

2007-12-17T17:33:00.000-05:00

We went to Owosso on Saturday for Weekley Family Christmas. Fun times with family....

Sledding

2007-12-17T17:27:00.000-05:00

Daddy, Jean Bean, and Flash Almighty had too much fun sledding on Sunday at Grampa and Bama's.

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

2007-12-11T11:34:00.000-05:00

November Birthdays

2007-12-05T14:48:00.000-05:00

Mindi turned 25 on the 9th. Rylee turned 2 on the 12th. Cori turned 1 on the 16th. And Cameron turned 7 on the 28th. So while we were in Kansas for Thanksgiving we went we went to Pizza Hut for celebrate all four birthdays. As you can see from the pictures it is Rylee's most favorite place to eat. It was a great night!! Thank you Mom, Dad, and Mindi for making Rylee's birthday so special!!

Thanksgiving

2007-12-05T14:11:00.000-05:00

I know it is weeks overdue, but here are pictures from Thanksgiving. It was Morman year, so we headed to Kansas. Thanksgiving morning Mom, Adam, and I ran in the Turkey Day 5K. It was FREEZING! Mindi, Dad, and kids had planned on coming and cheering us on, but it was TOO COLD. All the same, the three of us had a really good time. So proud of my MOM!!

Rylee really loved helping with the cooking. She stood by the oven to let us know when everything was ready. Adam did the craving. It was delicious!! My mom is an excellent cook. Her chocolate pie is famous. It was a great time with family.

Rylee Jean at 2 years

2007-11-26T15:21:00.001-05:00

Rusty at 6 months

2007-11-26T15:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Rylee

2007-11-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

how cool it is that jean bean doesn't yet comprehend that mimi and daddy didn't actually buy her anything...i know that will soon change...and we will no longer be able to get away with it...until then...

my mom's gift got here on friday, but i saved it until this morning so she would have something to open when she got up...she was so excited...here she is opening her new favorite...cinderella...thank you moms! see you next week...

Rylee Jean is 2

2007-11-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

Today is the big day. Rylee Jean's second birthday. We traveled to Michigan this weekend to celebrate with Adam's family and our friends the Wakeman's. Needless to say, it was a full house with the 13 Schultz's, Bart and Paula and their 5 kids, plus Gram, Sherry and Lily. It was wonderful. Jean Bean loved every minute of it. Since she adores the Wizard of Oz we went with that for the theme. She opened books, babies, clothes, Wonder Pets the movie, games, a doll you can dress by snapping on her clothes...just too cool. A huge thank you to everyone for making her day so special.

Checkups

2007-11-06T16:04:00.000-05:00

This morning, Adam and I took the kids in for their checkups. Rylee Jean's 2 year wellness exam went great. She is 35.5 inches tall (90%) and weighs 34.4 pounds (95%). Her overall health and development were excellent. She now can count to 12. Can just about sing Jesus Loves Me all the way thru. Loves to help make supper every night. And her favorite outing is the library.

Little Buddy's 6 month wellness exam went just as great. He is 28.5 inches tall (97%) and he weighed 21 pounds (97%). 21 pounds!! Crazy. He is so solid. Loves to be standing and jumping. Loves to read. Loves sweet potatoes and squash.

Both kiddos were due for shots. I thought Rylee was done, but they are now pushing parents to get the Hepatitis A vaccination. So she got the first round of that. Will get the second dose at Rusty's one year exam. Rusty had the typical 6 month shots. They both did very well. It just breaks your heart when they look at you in such surprise...how could you let them do this to me???

Time with daddy

2007-11-03T21:08:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T17:23:00.000-04:00

It was just awesome. I mean it. Jean Bean was so sweet. She walked up to every door all by herself and knocked. When the people came to the door she said "trick or treat please." They melted and just gave her handfuls of candy. Then they would see Rusty and tell Rylee to give him a piece too. She would place it on his lap and he would just smile and kick his legs. And everyone on our block would just give more candy!! She wished everyone a Happy Halloween and would then ask them to open the candy for her. It was too cute. She caught on by the third house that we could only go to the houses with lights on. She would look at the next house on our block and say, "not that one Mimi, no one is home to give us candy." It lasted only an hour, but my checks are sore from smiling so much. The weather was great. We met up with all of our neighbors and I have a picture of Adam and Jake from across the street. Once again, thanking the Lord for this home and neighborhood he has blessed us with.

(My mom got me the Anniversary edition of the Wizard of Oz on DVD for my birthday this past summer and Rylee was soon addicted to it. So when we started talking about dressing up--there was only one person she wanted to be...Dorthy...plus her daddy has sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow to her every night since she was born. And Little Buddy was the Lion.)

Boyne Falls

2007-11-01T17:03:00.000-04:00

With each of our children we took a babymoon. Rylee Jean got to go on a cruise to the Western Carribean. Little Buddy got to go to Aruba. Even though we are done having children, we feel we still need to celebrate the blessing of parenthood by leaving them with Grampa and Grandma :)

It was wonderful. We belong to Bluegreen Vacation Club and they have a beautiful resort located in Boyne Falls, MI. We slept in until 8:30 every morning, we hiked, we biked, we swam in the indoor/outdoor pool, we went to the movies, we played putt putt, we went to all the art galleries, ate at cool local places...it was great...i love my husband

Thank you Bama Schultz

2007-10-22T21:21:00.000-04:00

Rylee and Rusty got a package from Bama Schultz. They both enjoyed opening it. Rusty got a new crinkle book and Jean Bean got 2 new coloring books, princess markers (washable--thank goodness), and a new outfit. She colored ALL afternoon into the evening. When she woke up this morning first words out of her mouth were, "daddy you want to color with me?" Thank you Bama!! Love you!! See you Friday...

Checking the mail

2007-10-22T11:17:00.000-04:00

The new fun time of the day has become when the mail comes. Rylee and Rusty so enjoy ripping thru the magazines and junk mail. Rusty has just about mastered sitting up all by himself. Still falls over if he is reaching for toys, but got it for the most part. His left bottom tooth is all the way thru and the right one will be any day now. He is scooting all over the floor and has even been up on all fours a few times. And no one, I mean no one, can get him laughing uncontrollably like the Jean Bean. He thinks she is greatest thing.

Zoo with cousin Madelynn

2007-10-08T14:07:00.000-04:00

Uncle Chewy, Aunt Ray Ray, and cousin Madelynn came to visit. Fun times! We went to the zoo even though it was pretty darn hot and the humidity was so high. Rylee loved feeding the goats, but her favorite animal of the day was the otter.

Playing at the park

2007-10-08T14:03:00.001-04:00

Carving the Pumpkins

2007-09-24T12:34:00.000-04:00

Sunday afternoon Rylee Jean helped daddy carve our first pumpkin. At first she wasn't so sure about pulling the seeds out, but then the messy Rylee we all know came to life, and she was having the best time scooping all the insides out and helping me separate the seeds resulting in her third shower of the day. The picture is kinda blurry, but Adam did an AWESOME job. It looks so good when it is all lit up.

Picking Pumpkins

2007-09-24T12:15:00.000-04:00

Friday we went to the local orchard to pick out our pumpkins. Rylee was in heaven. She took a good long while to pick her perfect pumpkin. Rusty's favorite part was the petting zoo. Mommy and Daddy's favorite part was the carmel apples and hot apple cider. Bama's favorite part was the homemade apple cinnamon donuts.

Sunday with the Schultz's

2007-09-16T17:19:00.000-04:00

Adam got up early to go downstairs and make Rylee a special tent in the living room. Her new obsession is getting under a blanket with daddy and spotting lions, giraffes, elephants, monkeys and snakes, so the tent was an awesome surprise for her. Then just some pictures of us getting ready for church. Great worship. Great testimonies. Great message. Tonight we are headed to the YMCA. Adam and I volunteered for pool time with 1st thru 5th graders. Our church has put together an 6 week parenting class for the community by Danny Silk called Directing Vision Daily. Adam and I went thru the classes this summer and were in awe. We practice many of the principles in our home. It is incredibly funny and this has the potential to explode in our community. There are 150 parents signed up for these classes from our community!!! We believe this out reach crosses all boundaries. Our church members are providing free child care so anyone who wants to come can. The message is bringing up your children in the way they should go -- from birth until they are out of the house. Teaching children to learn from the inside out, taking responsibily for their choices and future. Pray for many homes to change...

Popcorn Festival

2007-09-09T10:10:00.000-04:00

The annual Popcorn Festival was this weekend. Adam and I ran in the Popcorn Panic along with our friends, Shelley, Brent, and Whitney. Everybody did awesome. Adam ran it in 37 minutes!! Way to go babe!! And I finished in 52 minutes. Still slower than I want to be, but getting better!! It is amazing what a race with half the miles, a few more weeks of training, and not having to nurse in the middle of the night will do for your time. We are already looking for our next race. Thank you Bama (Adam's mom) and Great Aunt Sherry for watching the kiddos for us while we ran!! We love and appreciate you!! After the race was the parade. Once again--lots of candy and balloons. Jean Bean loved every minute of it. Then there was fresh squeezed lemonade and kettle corn. Followed by a date to the movies...what a great weekend...

Happy Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-04T10:07:00.000-04:00

Fun times at the Schultz's. Rylee and Rusty got to help daddy back the car out of the garage, wash both cars, spray daddy with the hose, draw pictures on the driveway and sidewalk with chalk, and go swimming at the lake...doesn't get much better than that...

The Dairy Farm

2007-08-30T13:47:00.000-04:00

Andrea and I took our kiddos to the Dairy Farm on Monday with a bunch of other moms from our area. Rylee and Ty had a really good time--though their favorite part was hiding in some trees and shrubs during our pinic lunch--who knows...

The calf, in the picture above, had just been born when we walked into the Maternity Barn...

4 month check up

2007-08-30T13:39:00.000-04:00

Rusty will be four months old on Monday! Adam and I took him today for his 4 month check up and shots. He is already 18 pounds (95%) and 26.5 inches tall (90%). Unbelievable. He has been sleeping like a champ thru the night since he was 10 weeks old--but as of late he has been waking up around 4:00 am to nurse--so we started cereal--and all is right in the world again!! Here are the pics...

Ella's dedication

2007-08-30T13:32:00.000-04:00

Ella Raine Schultz was dedicated at church this past Sunday. Justin sang a beautiful song he wrote for the special day. We also celebrated her first birthday! But between Rylee and Brody I don't know that Ella really got to play with any of her toys until they went down for a nap...

Summerfest

2007-08-30T13:26:00.000-04:00

Rylee and Rusty had a great time at Summerfest this past weekend. The parade was a big hit. Jean Bean waved to every single person in the parade which resulted in TONS of candy.

For Ashwil

2007-08-30T13:15:00.000-04:00

Yes, my queen, these beautiful children DO have parents. I honestly just never think about getting Adam and I in the pictures...so this one is for you...love and miss you...

Little Adam

2007-08-24T15:14:00.000-04:00

Cousin Madelynn

2007-08-22T15:58:00.000-04:00

Cousin Madelynn came to visit this weekend along with Aunt Heather and Grandma Schultz. Rusty kept trying to hold her hand. They are exactly 3 weeks apart. Notice the drool on his shirt. It is non stop. Rylee is modeling her new Little Mermaid panties for you and showing off in Grandma's glasses. Quite grown up.

Tummy time

2007-08-15T21:17:00.001-04:00