Sick week

Well, this has not been a fun week! We started out the week with Daisy having a flu bug on Monday. I stayed home with her - and got a lot of work done.

Then Tuesday night - in the middle of the night, Aidan was really super crabby. So I brought him back to bed to cuddle - guess what - he was unhappy because his tummy hurt - he threw up on Kelly's pillow. And then on the middle of the bed. So - we cleaned him up, and sat with him in the bathroom - waiting to see how much more would come. He was determined that both mom and dad be there with him. Kelly got in some good play on the iTouch at least.

Carter woke up and came in to join us, saying his tummy hurt too. So - we told him to stay in the bathroom so that if he got sick, he could do it in the toilet, right?! No, he was going back to bed.

About an hour later, we decide that Aidan is okay now, and to go back to bed. So, we put down clean sheets and bring him back to bed with us to fall asleep. I found Carter on the loveseat and carried him back to bed too. We all fall asleep, and a few hours later - Kelly heard him get sick again. I reached for the bucket, but it was too late, he threw up all over our bed again! Back to the bathroom... We get him cleaned up, and the dirty sheet off. The top sheet was okay, so we slept on that and a towel - just in case for round three.

About 5:30, Reed comes in and said he just threw up in his bed! Kelly just sent him to the bathroom - we were so exhausted.

So in the morning, we start getting ready for the day - and I see puke on the floor in the hallway.
Then on the steps, and in the living room. Wait - there's more in Carter's room too! He threw up all over - all on carpet! Kelly was not happy!

We had agreed in the middle of the night that he would stay home with Aidan. He ended up staying home with all three boys and cleaning up the carpet messes. I did (am still doing) the laundry.

But it was a short bug, thankfully - and everyone went back to work/school/daycare today. Kelly's even starting to get over his cold - thank God!

We hope that you're all staying healthy - and happy.

Aidan's Birthday Pictures

Here are some pictures from Aidan's 1st birthday party. It was a puppy theme! We even had 'puppy ears' for all the kids to wear - Dominic (Sonia and TJ's oldest) is showing his :)

Halloween Pictures

Reed was Batman

















Aidan was a sweet little puppy




Daisy was a vampire (no pictures)



Kelly was a tourist (and the birthday boy), still no pictures - he was supposed to be the one taking them



Wendi was a black cat (again no pictures)



Carter was Optimist Prime (from the Transformers)

Hole in My Smile

Both Reed and Carter are now missing their front tooth! Carter lost his a long time ago, and Reed finally caught up with his little brother!

For those of you who don't know the story (or have forgotten it), Carter lost his when he feel off Kelly's motorcycle. Kelly was in the garage packing for our first week long family vacation, and Carter was sitting on the bike in the garage. He was about 16 months old, so he was pretty mobile. When Wendi pulled into the driveway, Carter turned to see - and it made the jacket on the seat slide. When it slid to the floor, so did Carter. He was a pretty tough sport, we went into the bathroom to clean him up. Then we talked to the 'baby in the mirror' and he calmed down right away. He probably only cried for 5 minutes. But, the next day (on vacation) - his tooth was sticking straight out. I pushed it back into place, but it kept going out. By the next day, it was out. He is saving it until he loses another tooth, and will put them out for the tooth fairy together, and hopefully earn double the rewards!

The life of a rose

Below is a series a photos from the life of my rose. This was the only rose I was able to grow on the rose bush we planted this summer.

Summer's Close

As summer draws to a close, I sure enjoyed the warm weather today. I thought I would share a few pictures from the end of this summer. Enjoy!

PreSchool

Carter's first day of PreSchool was today. He had a great day and was so excited! He slept with his backpack last night. This morning, he was up and at it right away! When I came downstairs at 7:10, he was already in the van, buckling up.

He had a great afternoon at Preschool. Daddy picked him up at daycare and took him to school. He wasn't shy at all. He found his cubby, hung up his bag and went right into the playhouse. He was so confident, he knew right where he was and why he was there.

When I picked him up, he was still in a great mood - he had a great day. He was proud that he had 'homework'. When he saw his teacher's phone number on the sheet, he wanted to call her to tell her that "Mrs. Shorts (Schwartz) I really like your school."

Tonight, for his special supper, he choose Mac-N-Cheese. At bedtime, he asked if he gets to go to his new school again tomorrow. He is ready to go back on Thursday.

Three in school - how scary!

5th Day of 5th Grade

Daisy's special school day was today. She decided to wear her hair in a french braid, which was something new for our house. The morning was a little rough, since she's now carrying an instrument back and forth to school with her. She walks, which takes longer, since she can't carry it on her bike.

She decided to try the trumpet - on a recommendation from the music teacher. I think it fits her pretty well. We did a trial through the music store, so not a huge investment. She's already liking it and practicing (in her room please!) without nagging.

For her special meal, she chose chili, a nice meal for the cool weather we've been having. The fifth day of fifth grade - everything is settled in and shaping up to be a good start to the school year.

Her teacher is Mrs. Deutz, a nice woman that seems to have patience with Daisy. I think they will get along well. She has already made a few friends in school and in her class.

She has adjusted well to the block scheduling in different classrooms with different teachers. I think she's also excited about the a la carte options for lunch. Although, she eats really early and is starving at night.

Hopefully Daisy will post some updates of her own throughout the school year.

Preschool Open House

Carter had his open house at Preschool today. He was so excited! I thought we would be at the Middle School (ECFE office), so I was prepping him that this isn't his classroom but he would be able to meet his teacher and classmates. He wanted to know when he could "check out" his classroom. Once we got there, I found out that it was at Parkside -Carter was thrilled that he got to go to his classroom. So he ran to the van and told me to "speed over there".

He loved his room, and asked his teacher lots of questions - wasn't the least bit shy to anyone, adults or kids. He enjoyed painting, a puzzle, time in the sand box - all this in about 20 minutes. While he was painting his puppy picture, he was asking the teacher Sarah, how they remember everyone's names. She said that it takes a little time, and that he would learn their names when he starts coming to school and seeing them more often. Then he asked, what if she would recognize them if they get a haircut. He has quite the little mind. :)

He will start class the 16th - he's so excited!

1st Day of 1st Grade

Reed started First Grade today! The morning started out rainy, so Daddy gave him a ride to the bus stop and waited for him to board. His teacher is Mrs. Hess, and she's very nice. Although, he did have a complaint that there is no play time, just learning! Lunch was cheeseburger on a wheat bun. Overall he had a good day and had fun with his friends. He has a few kids from his class year and several new ones as well.

In honor of his first day, he choose speghetti for supper, and it received a thumbs up. Then Dad and Reed went to the park to register for fall soccer.

Watch for the update on Daisy's 5th day of 5th grade next Monday....

Asleep at the wheel.

It's been a rough couple of days at the Schuerman house. Aidan has been running a fever, which means that he's crabby and clingy. Wendi's worked from home most of the time. The week has been draining on both of us due to the lack of sleep because of the burning hot tornado that's been rolling around between us. I made a comment that I was beat and Wendi said "I have a headache." Both of us have been dealing with a bit of stress on the job and this being "hell week" on campus (a.k.a. move-in week) which demands more of my time along with Aidan's health it has all been a bit overwhelming.

Thankfully Friday afternoon has come which means the weekend, but even the weekend brings more to do so we need to catch up on sleep at any given moment.

Have you ever seen how somebody that's completely drained of all energy can fall asleep mid click?

If only Carter would learn to leave sleeping people alone this nap may have lasted more than 15 minutes.

Taking steps

Yes, the baby is growing into a little boy and taking a few steps. Last week Aidan started getting braver. He perfected sliding down the stairs while Daisy was home, and has moved onto moving more. He will now stand up beside furniture and walk between pieces. He's also getting good at standing up in the middle of the floor.

Last one out shuts the door

We implemented a new rule in our family last weekend, last one out, shuts the door. After the Schwan's employee picnic, Kelly and I were both pretty beat from the heat. But, we needed to get some groceries, so we took naps (Aidan and Mommy) and then headed to the store. Wendi opened the side door for Reed and Carter, since it no longer opens from the inside, and Kelly got Aidan. Wendi then proceeded to get the 'green' bags from the back of the van, and we went into the store. Shopping took a while, due to our exhaustion. About an hour or so later, when we leave the store, we notice a van with the side door - still wide open! Aparently neither Reed nor Carter knew to shut the door. We're just thankful that we live in such a safe community - Wendi's purse was there, untouched! So, last one out - shut the door.

Rogaine

Sunday was the annual Schwan's "torture our workers with small children picnic" at Independence Park. Don't get me wrong, if I were 6 it'd be a blast. Each year we continue to take our children because they have a wonderful time on the blow-up carnival rides and playing the carnival games while Wendi and I wonder what on earth possessed us to come. The only thing we can think of is the free food, but in all honesty it isn't that great of food (other than the Ice Cream and for everyone but me, the watermelon).

In the end we're left with the confusion of why on earth did we put ourselves through that? Bingo? I've never had the privilege of saying that word, Wendi either. In fact the only time I get numbers covered up on my card is while playing stand-up bingo. How unlucky can one person be? To add to the istinkatbingo misery I get to listen to my children complain about not doing what they want to do. Do you see where this is going? *sigh*

To add to my personal misery I now have what has become known as my "rogaine line". I was foolish enough to wear a visor instead of a cap and was even more foolish to not put on any sunscreen. A lot of people wouldn't have a problem with this but well...you've seen my forehead and when you consider that Wendi cut my hair on Saturday to the perfect length of 1/8 inch even more of my precious scalp was exposed to the glorious sun.

At least now I know where to rub in the rogaine since I have this lovely laser-level-like line separating the pasty white flesh of my forehead with the roma tomato red on the top of my head. Pics to come.

Daisy's visit

We were so excited to have Daisy home last weekend. She didn't have a room to sleep in, which created a few challenges, but overall it was a great weekend together. The boys were so excited to have her around, and Aidan clung to her all Friday night.

We picked her up in the afternoon, and then went out for supper in Sioux Falls, a treat for us all. Then, off to pick out bedding (finally!) for Daisy's new room. They didn't have the style she had picked out from the catalog, but she did find one she liked. Plus, there was a sale, so Carter got a new comforter to match his new room and fit his "big boy bed".

We started on preparing Daisy's new room on Saturday, and got it primed. Sunday we accomplished the stripe and back wall. I'll provide pictures in another post, as I know Daisy is excited to see how it's turning out!

Sunday afternoon, and Daisy's trip back to Plankinton came too quickly for us all. But, summer is almost over (sad) and Daisy will be back home with us again.

We miss you Daisy!

Health Updates

Yea, everyone is finally healthy again. A flu bug made it's way through our family but has *finally left us. It started with Wendi, and we thought maybe it was food poisoning, because Diane was sick too. Then Kelly was affected, along with Diane's husband. Then Aidan suffered it as well. His sickness was the hardest on us. We went through two sets of sheets, and had two midnight baby showers (not the gift style). But, the next morning, he was more back to normal than mom and dad, due to the lack of sleep on our part.

The other children didn't seem to be affected, for which we are grateful, and a week has pasted, so I think we are safe and clear.

Room Swap Progress

We have started! The room swap is underway between the children in the Schuerman household.

We started on Saturday with moving everything out of Daisy's room. A gray primer worked nicely to cover Daisy's bright pink and purple. We went with a dark (navy) blue on three of the walls, and a dark red and off white stripes on the fourth wall.

The next step of the swap is new beds for Reed and Carter. Tonight we assembled the new bunk beds. We need all the extra floor space we can get with having three boys in the one room.

Next on the agenda is finishing the strips, building Aidan's new dresser, and moving the boys into their new room. We are also hoping to get Daisy's room prepped and primed so we can paint when Daisy is home this weekend. She just needs to pick her bedding and colors first, so we can choose the colors.

Stay tuned for updates...

LEGO class

The first Schuerman family LEGO class was a fun time for all! Kelly worked with the boys on free building cars. They started with a basic framework and then built a car based on their imagination. Kelly helped reinforce basic techniques such as crossing their lines and color coordination.

Reed and Carter thoroughly enjoyed the class. So much in fact that Reed has tried having his own class with Carter.

Aidan's Checkup

Aidan had his '9 month' checkup today, just a month overdue. He's growing quite well, still long and lean and very smart (big brain anyway). His stats:
Length: 31 1/4" (95 percentile)
Weight: 20# 7 oz. (40 percentile)
Head 47 cm (75 percentile)

Everything looked good and he's still 'perfect'.

At daycare today he stood by himself a little while and even took a couple 'steps' to keep from falling to the couch. It won't be long and he'll be at a full walk. He has the strength, just not the courage.

Wind in your hair, bugs in your teeth

Kelly and I got out for a ride tonight on the bike. First time for me in a long time. I may have went last summer, once. It took a while to find my boots, I forgot I had gloves, and where is my helmet shield?

We missed the rest of the crew, so decided to go to Wabasso to the Roadhouse for a burger. Kelly had enjoyed one there a few weeks ago, so it sounded good to me. It was a calm relaxing ride. Apparently smoother too, with my extra weight on the bike. The Roadhouse was a little busy so we sat outside and enjoyed the nice weather.

The food was good, and some crunchy little black bugs thought so too. I think I only ate one, and I couldn't taste it at all. The burger and fresh fried chips were pretty tasty, and well worth the price.

Hopefully it won't be another year before we go for a ride together again.

New Jetta?

Anyone think my boys would look good in a new Jetta? I'm accepting contributions...

Reed's Big Fish

While fishing during the family vacation, Reed landed his first big fish. He had to fight with it for quite a while before landing the 14" large mouth bass. He did release it though, deciding that as much fun (and work) as it was to land, he wasn't interested in eating it. He declares now: "I am a fisherman".

Aidan Update

How this boy is growing! He is eating a full jar of baby food at each meal, plus a container of fruit! He loves eating "people food" and refuses to eat if it's coming out of a baby food container.

He has started to try and talk, the words just don't make sense to anyone yet. He has also found a way to enjoy diaper changes, and his time in the tub. A great new toy! :)

He hasn't mastered standing on his own yet, so still no walking. I'm happy to have him slowed down by crawling for a while longer. He's no longer afraid of the stairs (head first), but really should learn to go down on his tummy instead.

We love watching his personality come out as he changes and grows. He will have a checkup on the 4th, and I'll update with the weight and height, because I'm sure he's doubled in length from birth.

Wendi's Philly Trip

Another trip for Wendi for work, and Kelly's opportunity to enjoy the children to himself :) Daisy returned to SD, so it was just the guys at home. I think they managed pretty well, and the house didn't look too bad either. Kelly worked with Aidan to fall asleep without mommy, and to sleep through the night better. We'll see if it holds out.

Wendi went to Philly for a school food show. It was fun for the most part. Long busy days without breaks or meals. I think I had the worst nutrition ever, pretty bad for being at the school nutrition show! It was good to work with the sales force, and see the people I work with over the phone. The customer appreciation party was a good time. I learned some interesting things about a few co-workers :) I also had an authentic Philly Cheese steak, wit and whiz. (with onions and cheese whiz)

The highlight of the trip was the impromptu road trip to Yankee Stadium to watch the Twins. My first pro baseball game, and what a place to go! With this being the last year in the stadium, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Good people, good fun and great memories.

However, all good things must come to an end and the trip home brought the fun to a crashing halt! Because of bad weather going through the eastern coast, our flight was delayed several times until it was canceled 5 hours later. By this time, all the flights out for the next two days were full. That meant we had to either stay in Philly until Saturday (no way!) or find another flight. Thankfully Chad and the Schwan's after hours travel found us a flight on Thursday at 7:20 in Harrisburg (90 miles away). So, we rented a SUV and drove through the night, slept (napped) for 2 hours in a little hotel and then caught the flight to MSP, and then proceeded to drive the remaining three hours back to Marshall.

I've never been so happy to be back home. But, one hour with the boys, and then they headed to Appleton with Noreen for the remainder of the week. We of course went and got them after work on Friday, and have been enjoying the weekend at home together, with no big plans.

Family Vacation

The annual week long family vacation has come and gone for 2008. It started at the Schuerman family reunion in Benson and continued to Games Lake County Park 6 near New London.

It was nice and low key, a little shopping, a little hiking, a little fishing and a lot of resting. We also took in the Little Crow ski show again this year. Everyone enjoyed it, except for Aidan, who would have rather been down crawling around and getting into stuff.

On the beach, Aidan loved to play in the sand. He did pretty good at keeping it out of his mouth. In the boat, he wanted to jump into the water! I enjoyed it most when he feel asleep and then I could fish too.

Daisy met a friend at the campground and enjoyed doing her own thing. She also kept busy playing with Playmobil. She was a huge help with Aidan, who adores her.

Reed had a great time fishing, once we got him out there. He has a big fish story for the summer, landing a 14 inch large mouth bass. He also enjoyed playing bean bags against mom, although he was happiest when he won. He talked us into a game of kick ball, which was tough with 3 three people (Daisy and Carter didn't play and Aidan wasn't much help on the field). Kelly and I got our workout!

Carter enjoyed everything we did, always up for an adventure. Otherwise, he was content watching movies on the zune.

Kelly enjoyed the time in the boat and learned that when he wants to go fishing, he should just go and then everyone else will come. He also learned to bring along LEGOs, as he was really missing having the bricks along.

As for me, I just tried to enjoy the time to relax and enjoy the kids and time with Kelly. They are all growing up way too fast.