Hope everyone had a great day filled with love, happiness, laughter and good eats. We had a really nice visit with family and then made it back home safe and sound. And we didn't overeat which is good! AND…we made it home just in time to watch the Aggies play. What a great ending to a wonderful day!!
Aggies win 24-17!!! Go Aggies!!!
Honestly I am doing really good getting this post up so fast. A week after Halloween, that is pretty good for a mom with two CrAzY kids, way to many projects on the agenda and a husband that has been traveling non-stop for the last two months.
So, the Halloween festivities began a week early for the Schneider family and it was non-stop until Halloween night. Monday..gymnastics party, Wednesday…neighbor party, Thursday…school fall festival, Friday…Noah’s Ark Festival and Social Butterfly Halloween party, Saturday… Halloween party with the cousins and the finally Halloween Day. Wow!! That is a lot of Halloween celebrations for two little ones (and way too much candy).
So what were the kids for Halloween. Well,if you know anything about me, I am a very indecisive person. Unfortunately, I think my kids may have picked up this trait. Kayla and Christian could not decide what to be for Halloween. I bought them both new Halloween costumes (Batgirl and Batman) but being the same thing each day was BORING. So, multiple costumes were worn. Thank goodness we have a variety of dress-up outfits.
Monday, Kayla dressed up as a cat for gymnastics party(no picture sorry).
Wednesday, Kayla wore her Halloween pants that I made.
Thursday, Kayla was a pink Batgirl (no picture sorry).
Friday, Kayla dressed up as a doctor and Christian was a tiger.
Saturday it was black Batgirl and Batman.
Sunday, there was a beautiful princess and a fierce dragon in our presence.
Wow…that makes my head spin thinking about all the dressing up.
So enough about the costumes…the candy. Oh my goodness. I don't know how two little kids could get so much candy. I let the kids enjoy going through there mounds of candy. However, soon after they were in bed, I raided the KitKats and Snickers and then bagged a majority of the candy up for troops in Iraq. Yes I did keep a few items for the kids (I am not that cruel).
I am glad that Halloween is over (well, kind of). From now until the end of the year will be CRAZY. The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are my favorite time of the year. But, the day after Halloween is the beginning of the most hectic time of the year.
Two years ago, Kayla and I got to enjoy Mud Day at her school. This year, it is Christian’s turn to enjoy the shaving cream, the bubbles and, of course, the MUD!! A lot of parents cringe at the idea of mud, kids and all the mess. Me, I love this activity. I get to let my little one run wild and not worry about staining their clothes. I know at the end, the shirt and shorts will be trashed. I will say that Christian did not get near as messy as Kayla did two years ago. However, Christian did explore more activities and not just the mud. He had a great time running from one activity to the next. By the end of the day, he was exhausted.
I take a deep breath. I tell myself I can do it. And I prepare for the worse. But I still do it over and over.
My kids love to make a mess. My kids love to finger paint, play with shaving cream, use glitter and glue in their artwork. I have tried to just use crayons and markers but this does no hold their interest.
Here are a few of the crafts, we have done over the last month…
ICE CREAM DAY – after the craft we went to Baskin Robbins for a treat. (Mommy needed it).
BUBBLE ART AND MORE SHAVING CREAM – last time to do bubble art even though Kayla ask everyday to make bubble art.
LETTER ART – lots (and I mean lots)of glue was used during this activity
I tried getting pictures of the kids on their first day of school. However, as soon as we walked outside, my camera kept fogging up due to the humidity. So sorry for the blurry pictures.
Well, the kids are growing up so fast. I cant believe my little girl will be in kindergarten next year. (sniff sniff). Looking back at the past three years, I cant believe how fast she is growing up. Kayla loves being in school. Kayla is in the Zebra class at First Baptist Weekday Education.
2008 First Day of School
2009 First Day of School
2010 First Day of School 
Christian LOVES going to school. So much, that he is going five days a week. I am so happy for that decision. Last year, school was daycare. This year, he is learning in class and thrives for the knowledge. Every morning, Christian is ready to go to the Frog class at First Baptist Weekday Education or “Zach’s Class” at Christ Lutheran Learning Center (Zach is one of his buddy’s). I was a bit worried about the little guy when I enrolled him. He likes to sleep. During the summer, both Kayla and Christian (mainly Christian) would sleep until 9 and even 9:30. Then in the afternoon, Christian would take a 2-3 hours nap. I had no idea how he was going to cope waking up at 7:15 and taking a 45-60 minute nap. But the trooper is doing great and loving the fact that he is a “big” boy.
2009 First Day of School
2010 First Day of School
Kayla and two of her friends (Luke and Lori), set up a lemonade stand the other week while the mommy’s had a garage sale. Too cute!!! I will have to say that I was very surprised at how much they got into the selling. Now, I think half the lemonade ended up being drank by the kids rather then the customers. Oh well. No matter how often I told the kids 25 cents a glass or bag of cookies, the kids tried for more…1 dollar, 25 dollars and even 80 dollars.
So, I thought I was crazy for letting my kids finger paint in the house. But this is even crazier. This week at Kayla’s school was Messy week. Monday, the kids played with shaving cream and ate chocolate pudding with their hands. Today…well I will let the pictures tell the story.
Many people may say I am insane for letting my kids finger paint in the house (especially a two year old).
I will say all was fine and nothing got really messy until they decided to do dap their feet in the paint.
All I have to say is…glad it was bath night.
On Christmas Eve 2001, we found this little guy in a pet store at The Woodlands Mall. I fell in love with him at once. Knowing that the pet store was going to euthanize him due to his old age (only 9 months), Jon and I rescued him and brought him home.
Bo was..well it is hard to explain it in words. He was one of a kind.
He was loving. He loved to be attached to someone’s hip. His favorite place was next to Jon on the couch. He was not a very playful dog. Don’t get me wrong, he would have his moments of playing tug-a-war, but Bo was definitely a lap dog.
Bo had his issues. He could clear out a room like no other dog. Poor little guy barely had any teeth due to a major over-bight. By the time he was five, he had six teeth pulled and could barely hold on to a rope to play tug-a-war (but he tried). At the age of seven, he had patellar problems and blew out his ACL. Oh and the ear infections and the allergies…And the barking, oh the barking at anything that came in our yard.
When I took Bo in due to a hacking cough, I knew that it was time. I did not need the vet to tell me. All he wanted to do was sleep in the middle of the hall. Any activity and the poor little guy started hacking. Knowing this did not make it any easier when I heard the news. My plan was to take him home and feed him ice cream, a juicy t-bone (so that he could then hide the bone in our blankets) and to cuddle with him…to make up for the many times I yelled, “Bo be QUIET!” or the many times I neglected his needs because I was tired. However, while driving back home, plans changed and I knew it was time. So, I turned around and took him back to the vet.
I had never put an animal down. So, I did not know what to expect. Bo felt so tiny in my arms (he wasn’t the plump 15lb Maltese that I knew). He just laid his tiny face in my hands. I think he knew and was ready. The lifelessness I felt within seconds of the injection is something I will never forget. However, there was a sense of peace with it. No wheezing to take a breath. No more coughing attacks. No pain. Being in the room and holding Bo was one of the hardest things I have done. I would not change it though. Being there, holding him, comforting him and letting him know that I love him, gave me and my little Bo-Bo peace.
I love you Bo and you will be missed.
Look at these little ones. Kayla is always trying to show off her new acrobatic skills. Christian in turn tries to copy his sister. How cute!
I think I have written this letter over and over. This might be the tenth time to write my thoughts down. I want to say so much to you and for it to make sense. So, if I start rambling, I am sorry. I just want you to always have these words and know how much I love you. So here goes…
Today June 11, 2010 is your 4th birthday and I want you to know how much I love you. Right now, this letter may not mean much to you. Maybe you’d rather have some colorful princess card. In the future, though, as you grow up, you’ll always have the memories that come with this letter.
At this stage in your life you love.... gymnastics, mermaids, swimsuits, butterflies, Batman, kittens, singing, ponies, and bugs. And if you so desire to be "rock star" like you've mentioned on a number of occasions, than so be it. May you hold onto your glorious imagination and incredible stage performances for the rest of your life. I will always be there watching you my sweet sweet incredibly princess...
At this stage in your life you are realizing the world around you. You are starting to understand life and asking questions. You have a remarkable way of putting things into perspective. You have taught both Daddy and I, to slow down and always tell those around you how you feel and to always give one another a hug and a kiss before leaving. (For this, I am grateful).
So, today you turned four and not a day passes by without me thanking God for such a wonderful, active and amazing little girl.
You have such a wonderful personality. You are caring, wise and a very strong willed individual. You always try to make everyone happy. If someone is really sad, you are right there to help, with a hug, a kind word, or a gesture of compassion. You now exactly when to say, “I love you so much Mommy!” and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don't hear those loving words. There also isn't a day that goes by that you don’t try to negotiate your way out of or into something. It has taken me four years to learn that rather then saying no or because I said so (which seems to crush your spirit), I negotiate back until a compromise is met. From books to other articles that I have read, people say that raising a strong willed child is no easy task. However, these children will be leaders one day and they will take their willpower and dedication to unimaginable heights if their decision-making, independence and spirit are nurtured. I see this in your future. So with that, I embrace the stubbornness, the negotiating skills, and the ever ending energy. For I know that one day you will accomplish great things.
I love you my princess…I pray that your life is filled with joy and love. I pray that your spirit is never crushed and that it is always embraced. I pray that you grow to be a strong, confident young lady that always follows her dreams.
I love you and HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY!
5 Weeks Old (2006)
One Year Old (2007)
Two Years Old (2008)
Three Years Old (2009)
Four Years Old (2010)
Dear Christian,
Another year has come and gone and you have gone through even more changes. So much so that when I look back at pictures from the day you were born I can barely recognize you as that little baby I used to be able to cradle in my arms.
Over the past year you’ve mastered walking, or more precisely, sprinting. You have also started talking and are uttering your first sentences. Each day we build new things with blocks and read an endless number of books that seem to have stirred your imagination.
Almost on a daily basis you surprise your daddy and me with the things you’ve discovered in your world. Whether it is how to jump off the couch or as simple as a letter, color, or number, there is always something new for you to observe and dutifully report to us.
Even as you exert your independence with the simple words “I do it!”, you have shown us great things in how considerate you can be. Whether making sure everyone (Mommy, Daddy, Kayla, Aspen, Bo and anyone else in the room) gets a kiss good night or sharing your toys with your sister and your friends, we are very proud of you.
You are a true joy to be around. You have such a cheerful disposition. You love to smile and make others smile. Your laugh melts my heart every time. You are definitely ALL boy. You love playing chase, you love playing sports related games and you love to tackle. However, you do have a very sensitive side. Your feelings get hurt when someone yells at you (especially your sister) and you love to cuddle. You will come up to me in the middle of the day, give me a kiss, hug me and say “I wuv you!” Love It!!!
Right now the concept of birthdays and things wrapped up in shiny paper may not mean a whole lot to you, but to me they are all part of this journey, your journey. I am honored to be part of it and excited for all the things your future holds.
As you celebrate your second birthday you are fortunate to be surrounded by family that loves you more than mere words can express.
Love always,
Mommy
May 26, 2008
May 26, 2009
May 26, 2010
This years bluebonnet pictures were not the best. I kept putting off packing the kids up, driving to a nice patch of flowers, bribing the kids to smile for Mommy until it was almost to late. So, the flowers were not as abundant as I would like. But we did get our annual bluebonnet pictures (and fire ant bites).
31 more days and my little boy will be two years old. I love every minute with him and cherish every hug and kiss. This month he has grown by leaps and bounds. He is talking more and more. He has started to tell me, “I love you!” (Melt my heart.) The other night, Christian came down with a fever. I held him and patted his pack. Later that night, he rolled over and started patting my chest and hugged me. (Melt my heart.) Even though he is very loving, Christian is still ALL boy. Christian loves to play ball, loves to hit, loves to tackle, loves to eat.
