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Stories
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I don't have a ton to say so I'll let Addie and the pictures tell today's story...
Addie has been learning about leprechauns at school and this morning she said to me, "I need to wear green so the leper doesn't come and get me because he is a pinchy man."
At school while they were outside playing the sneaky leprechaun came into their room, turned over the chairs, and scattered gold coins and shamrocks. You would have thought he (Ms. Kay) had brought Addie a million dollars. This is just one of the reasons why I adore her preschool. They always do things to make the day special for the kids.
And of course what post would be complete without a few cute photos. We drove to Destin to meet up with my friend Kristen for a bit and then stopped and played at the fountain at a shopping area.
Sunday our church had a lunch following the service for military members. We went and Addie and Carter had so much fun. They got goodie bags and got to eat lunch with the big people. Addie kept saying, I love having a party.
Addie has become quite particular when it comes to her shoes. She really prefers to wear her flip flops that have pink bow on them or her pink sparkly tennis shoes, but sometimes those just wont work and she has to wear good old fashioned tennis shoes. I buy her the ones with Velcro so she can get them on and off herself and this is how she likes to wear them.
Never mind the fact that I tell her they look silly, she still wears them like this everyday.
My baby got scalped! No kidding she went in to get her hair cut with hair down past her shoulders and came out with an awful mullet. I went to wash Carter's paci and came back and the woman had chopped three inch layers at the top of her head and left the back long. I had told her I wanted some long layers cut in and evidently three inches is long to her. Addie started crying and saying it wasn't pretty anymore and so I started crying and as nicely as I could told the lady to put the scissors down. We left with her awful mullet hair cut and I called the only person who I thought might be able to fix this mess, Candace. I started driving toward base and when she didn't answer her phone the first time I came up with this plan that we would just sit in her driveway until she got home. Thankfully she answered the second time so she didn't have to be surprised to see this crazy lady crying in her driveway. We got there, she gasped (it really was that bad), and we rushed Addie to her bathroom to wet down the mess and try to fix it. I wish I had a before picture but I was so upset I didn't even think to take one. We had to cut it shorter to fix the awkward layering and so she is now the proud owner of a sassy bob. It will grow... it's just hair... I know all of those things. But, when your little girl doesn't think she is pretty anymore because her long hair is gone it just breaks your heart. So, without further ado... the new and improved Addie.
About a week ago I decided to start a family blog to chronicle more of our like and to share daily (or almost daily) tidbits with you all. I've clipped and copied the past four posts here for those who still primarily read this site. If you would like to check out or new blog please go to www.hjschantz.blogspot.com
This past weekend we headed to the little town of Seaside so Henry could torture himself on Sunday morning and run a half marathon (13 miles). Many other people from base were running and our friend Amanda found us a villa (and I use that term loosely, motel would be more appropriate) in Seagrove Beach so everyone could walk to and from the race. The reviews online were spot on... $10 room, $1000 view. We were right on the water and it was pretty. We got down there, got Henry registered, and then came back to the villa to get ready for the 43rd spaghetti dinner.
On our back porch... Addie was our photographer so it's a bit blurry
Sunday morning started EARLY since Addie and Cater decided that sleeping was not a priority to them and I was up with them at 4:45 (yuck). Henry was out the door at 6:30 and we loaded up and walked down to see the finish line around 8. It's a good thing we left when we did because Henry, even though he swore up and down that he wouldn't be there before 8:30, crossed the finish line at 8:28. He wont brag on himself so I'll do it for him... that's running about a 6.5 minute mile through the whole race. And, he finished in the top 25 out of 3000 people. Not bad huh? We hung out for a bit, and then out kids, thanks to the early wake up call, melted and we headed home for naps.
Pre-race pic
There he is in the blue shirt
Post race... doesn't even look like he broke a sweat.
Addie watching the runners
I've never liked messes in the kitchen and I've always been reluctant to let my kids feed themselves because I know how messy that can be. Carter has decided that he no longer wants to be fed yogurt/applesauce/anything so I've been giving him a spoon and letting him do it himself. This results in a MAJOR mess but he loves it and it's made mealtimes less of a fight.
On another note... if you love coffee like I do then this recipe will delight you. Take 12 cups of brewed coffee and one can of fat free sweetened condensed milk. Combine them in the blender and chill. SO good and very similar to Starbucks (which I go to WAY too much).
Addie's dance studio is gearing up for their spring recital and yesterday they invited the parents to come watch the last 15 minutes and to pick up their (overpriced and cheap looking) costumes. Addie had her heart set on purple but she ended up getting assigned green. And at first she was really sad, but then she realized that Tinkerbell wears green and she got very excited to be dressing like Tink. The little girls were all so cute but I have the feeling that when it comes time for them to dance on stage it's going to be mass chaos!
We also took the plunge into the world of technology and got iPhones this past weekend. I LOVE it and can't believe I had my crappy old phone that I had to shake to get the battery to charge for so long. And, Addie loves it too! She's already learned to bring it to life and find the games that she wants to play on there.
Blogging... well, I guess technically we've been blogging for years with our baby home pages site but it's generally been only about the kids. Which is great, but we are about to start a new exciting chapter in our lives and I would like to include somethings about all of us, not just Addie and Carter. So, therefore I am exploring the new world (sort of) of blogging. We aren't getting rid of our baby site because it's a fabulous photo sharing site and many people have it bookmarked but I will be cutting down on the posting over there. I will cut and paste the important stuff but the everyday info, fun stuff, and generally stuff about our life will be shared here. After all, I didn't just spend two days working on headers, backgrounds, signatures, etc for nothing!
So, here's what's new...
Our house is on the market and so far we have had no serious bites. None. We have had a low ball rent offer (umm... yes, I would love to rent for half of my mortgage), and offer to treat it as an executive rental (which entails us leaving our furniture and having it filled about 4 months a year... no) and a woman who just didn't have the financing. I'll be honest, I'm nervous.
Henry and I have just started taking the Financial Peace University class offered by our church and we have learned two important things... I hate to budget (anyone surprised) and that I am a "free spirit" when it comes to money and he is a "nerd". We have been challenged to write down everything we spend to see where exactly our money is going and to start saving so that we have 3 to 6 months of cash in the bank. We have always been good savers but our money is pretty spread out with investments and this idea really hit home with the thought that our house could potentially sit empty for a several months this fall. The final challenge of the class is to pay cash for most purchases since it hurts a little more to pay cash and therefore you are less likely to make impulse buys. This is going to be a huge challenge for us but we're up to it. I'll keep you informed as to how it is going.
February 24th- We've had a fun filled weekend with Papou in town. We went to the beach, searched for sea shells, did a little yard work and played around the house. This weekend was beautiful in Panama City and we were finally able to get outside and enjoy it. When we were hunting for shells Addie found not one but two awesome sand dollars that were complete. I'm looking for a cool way to display them and a good way to clean all the sand and gunk off them so feel free to offer up suggestions.
The other big news is that our house is on the market. If you are interested please let us know... we have until the end of July to sell, but things are taking a long time to move around here and so therefore we feel like 5 months might not be enough. Yikes! We are also looking for homes in Virginia but right now it's looking like we are going to have to find a good rental or live on base since we more than likely will still be homeowners in Florida. I guess that helps us keep our state residence here right? Here's the link to our house for more info or to just be plain nosy :)
February 13th- Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Today was the St. Andrews Mardi Gras parade and it was so much fun! We went down the the little neighborhood of St. Andrews and there were literally thousands of people there. I've never seen so many people in one place in Panama City. There were 20 floats and our favorite was a giant pirate ship. Addie learned quickly that to get beads she had to raise her hands in the air and look super cute. Carter even got in on the fun by catching a few beads himself (and getting clocked on the noggin which ended his bead fun). It was a beautiful day after a very cold and rainy week and we're so glad we went. And yes, I did make Addie's dress to fit in with the Mardi Gras theme. I had grand plans to make something for Carter too but I ran out of time. Hum... any ideas for Easter outfits?
February 3rd... We're moving!
See this jet...
See this dude...
Well, he is going to be the next F-22 demo pilot and we are moving back to Langley this summer! We are so excited to be going back to Virginia and we are super excited for Henry and this job. It's going to involve a lot of travel but it will be a great experience. So, as of August it's adios FL and hello VA again.
There's a few new pics on the pictures page too.
Comments
SOOO excited you are going to be so close!! I see sleepovers in our future.
- Marin
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January 18th- We are home from Atlanta and Texas! Henry had a fantastic time hanging out with Polly, Peter, Maren and Tyler and going to a few confrences while we enjoyed the company of Hannah, Michael, Sophie and Ben. We drove up on Wednesday and hung out with them for the rest of the week. It was so fun to be around sweet friends and to be in a big city. We went shopping at a REAL mall, went into Atlanta to go to the aquarium, made cookies, drank wine and had a great time. Thank you for all of your hospitality friends!
And the biggest news to report... Carter took his first steps last Tuesday!!! We are so proud of him for making strides on becoming a walker. GO CARTER!!!
January 9th- Our little Carter got tubes in and his adenoids out this week and he is doing so much better. He has always been a bit stuffy and sounded congested and has had a lot of fluid in his ears. We met with an ENT last Monday and she said, "this needs to happen this week." So, on Friday we went to the surgery center and had this taken care of. It took about a half hour and he was very sleepy for the rest of the day but he is back to his old self now and seems to be feeling much better.
We also had our annual OG awards this week and the ladies of the 43rd decided to dress in flight suits with a twist. We had them chopped off and made into dresses and they turned out SO cute!
This next week we are laying low for the first few days and then Henry is going TDY to San Antonio with his boss and we are going to Atlanta to visit our friends the Lears who moved last year. We are sad that Henry's going to be gone but are so excited to catch up with Sophie, Ben, Hannah and Michael.
January 3rd- It's a new year and I've got the same resolutions... loose weight, exercise more, and take daily pictures. I know I tried to do this last year but the pictures died off around March. This year I will keep up with it! To all those reading this... keep me accountable please. I'm again looking for a good way to post them so I'll let you know when I figure that out and where it will be.
Onto the big news... Henry is no longer Capt. Schantz. On December 31st he pinned on Major and signed us up for a few more years in the Air Force. It's weird to no longer be "the young ones" in the squadron because I certainly don't feel old.
We were lucky enough to be able to host a New Years Eve celebration at our house too. 14 kids were here and they all had a blast and all but one feel asleep and gave their parents some adult time. It was awesome to be able to ring in the new year with friends without having to worry about getting a babysitter because let's be honest, who wants to babysit on NYE?
We wish you all a great 2010!
Merry Christmas 2009. After the fall we've had I just didn't feel up to writing a Christmas letter this year so please just enjoy the cards and pictures. If you didn't get one it's not that we didn't want to send you one, it's that Walmart screwed up our third order of cards and I eventually gave up so a few got left off this list. Please know this wasn't intentional and we hope you all had a happy holiday.
Ours was spent at home and while we missed being with family it was nice to be able to wake up in our own beds and not have to schlep everything we own across the country. And, this was the first time we were able to attend Christmas Eve service at our home church. Unfortunately they did not have a nursery that evening so we brought along a bag of tricks and while it worked for awhile, they couldn't be appeased through the whole service. Carter wanted to launch himself over the pew and scream along to every song. Addie on the other hand decided that she was "starving" when the Lord's Supper came around and was very upset that she could not have a cracker or juice because she was "so so so hungry." Then came the candles... fire and three and one year olds is never a good idea. Addie wanted to hold it and nearly lit herself on fire and Henry had to blow his out early before Carter lit the whole church on fire. Ah, the joys of having kids in the service. Afterward we went looking for lights in the pouring rain and eventually came home to call it a night. Addie and Carter set out cookies and eggnog for Santa the night before and also added a carrot and magic reindeer food (oatmeal and glitter) to the front porch. And then the elves set out to make everything perfect. Too bad the elves didn't look at the directions for the things they were going to build before they started watching a movie because they could have built them while watching the movie. No, they waited until 11 to start and darn if Carter's car wasn't a huge pain to put together!
Christmas morning started out leisurely with the kids tearing into their presents and a breakfast of English muffin surprise. Yum-o! Santa brought Addie a scooter like her friend Camryn's, a Belle dress and an easel. Carter got a new blue car (poor thing has been playing like a champ in the pink one), a shape sorter thing, and a computer like his sister's so he'll stop stealing it. Other big things were puzzles, clothes, trains, trucks, dress up clothes, ballet gear, art supplies, a Tag, and a learning bear. Thank you to all who sent such wonderful presents. We spent the rest of the morning playing and then went over to our friends the Kassebaum's to enjoy Christmas fondue and let the kiddos play with their girls and the Flottmans.
My big present this year is something pretty special. My friend Magan introduced me to Waxing Poetic which is a cool new take on the charm bracelet/Mommy necklace. Henry got me a beautiful necklace with two charms for the kids, an A and a C, and a beautiful cross to remember Katie by. It's really fantastic and so thoughtful. I love it!
We're hanging out the rest of the week but will have a big day next Thursday. We will no longer be ranked as Company Grade because Henry is pinning on Major! We are so proud of him and will be having a little celebration at the squadron after his promotion ceremony. Congrats babe!!!
"Hello Baby Jesus How Are You?" has been the theme song around here. Addie had her first ever preschool concert this Wednesday and it was so cute! They sang, some cried, some just stood there, but they all looked darling. Here's the video from "Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star."
Also, we had the chance to have some friends come over to play and Addie got a bit silly... check out her get up! I so wish Katie could have seen this... her comments would have been priceless!
If you missed the videos of Carter walking and Addie cleaning hop on over to the stories page... they are archived there.
There's not been a lot going on around here this past week so I don't have much to share. Last weekend we went to the annual children's Christmas party on base the kids had so much fun even though it was freezing. We were in a hanger but it was like being outside and we definetly did not wear warm enough clothes. They got to see Santa, do a few crafts, and bounce in bouncy houses though so that was fun.
Addie and I also went on a date to see The Princess and the Frog. It was cute but more frog than princess and we could have done with a little more princess. She did love the music and danced through most of the songs!
Carter is doing awesome with his walker and we know that he is going to be up and moving before long and Addie is our favorite little cleaner. Check out their videos below.
After a short 2612 miles and 47 hours in the car (no that is not an exaggeration... our car has a timer and we set it) we are home. And, I can safely say that was the first and last time I will ever do that drive in a) a week and b) willingly. The kids were overall really good but it was just a VERY long trip. We left on the 20th, drove to Greenville, SC, spent the night, and then drove to Clinton, NJ the next day. We had the change to hang out in Clinton for a few days, visit with some old friends and see Aunt Joy before we jumped back in the car.
On Tuesday we went to Easton, PA to go to the Crayola Factory which some of you may have seen on Jon and Kate plus 8. It was super fun and the layout was awesome. They had all sorts of stations where the kids could color, play with some really cool products, and make projects to take home. I have to be honest... I think Henry may have enjoyed it more than Addie and Carter!
Wednesday was a special day for Addie... we took her to New York City all by herself! We rode the train in, got to go to the American Girl store, took a carriage ride around Central Park, got hot chocolate, watched them put up the tree in Rockefeller Plaza and the skaters take the ice, ate yummy cupcakes from Crumbs, and she got a new necklace from the Disney Store. We all had SO much fun! Carter stayed at home with Grandma and got to take a few side trips too... Walmart, the post office, and Dunkin Donuts.
Thursday we drove down to Baltimore to be with Henry's Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill on Thanksgiving. We were able to see GG (Henry's Grandma) for the first time in 2 years and she was able to meet Carter. We were also able to see Henry's cousins Tim and Dan and their families as well as Heidi and Jeff. There were 6 little girls there all between almost 7 and almost 3 and they all had a blast! They made gingerbread cookies, played dolls, and even got to eat at Mary's coffee table all together with no adults! Don't worry about Carter feeling left out, he had his buddy Liam, who is about a year older to play with.
Friday morning we went to say goodbye to GG and hit the road to start the LONG drive back. We stopped at Ikea and then kept trucking. We made to Charlotte, called it a night and then got up the next morning to drive home. We did take a little detour to stop at the Cabbage Patch Kids Babyland General hospital, aka where they were founded. I thought this would be cool and fun but it was only one big room without much to see except for "Mother Cabbage" (a big fake tree in the middle of the room) and her "babies." Every few minutes they pluck a "baby" out of the patch and it's "born." It was lame, the kids couldn't have cared less, and we drove WAY out of the way since we took a wrong turn for nothing. If you were thinking about going... don't.
So that brings me to today, Sunday. We are home, doing laundry and catching up on some much needed sleep. Check out the pictures page for all of the fun!
We had a fantastic time with Henry's sister and her family and his parents. Addie and the girls were fast friends and loved playing dress up, Barbie's, and swinging. She is kind of bummed that they are gone this morning. Good thing we are going to see them again in a week or so for Thanksgiving. That's right... we are DRIVING (we must be insane) to New Jersey and then to Baltimore for the holiday. We haven't seen GG in over two years and she has never met Carter so it's definitely long overdue. Check out the new pictures from the weekend. Oh- and there might be a sneak peak of our Christmas card in there too. My goal is to have the pictures printed, addressed and mailed the day after Thanksgiving. Shoot... with 21 hours in the car to kill what else will I have to do?!
Lots of new pictures are up on the pictures page. We are getting ready for company too... Henry's sister and her family are going to be visiting this weekend along with his parents. We're looking forward to seeing them and Addie can't wait to play with her cousins. Have a great day!
We are in Denver now and will be here for the week. Today Henry and I had the privledge os spending the morning with Jon and the boys and they are just wonderful. I got to hold sweet Quinn, give him a bottle, and tell him all of the wonderful things his mother was. I have to be honest, quite a few tears were shed, but he's just a baby and we were alone so I didn't really break my no crying in front of the kids rule. This afternoon after naps we brought Addie and Carter back over to play with Clark-o and our friends the Giffords. The first words out of Addie's mouth were, "Where is Aunt Katie?" After trying to explain to her that she wasn't able to be there I realized that just when you think you can't get any lower, you can. It's heartbreaking to watch a 3 year old grieve someone they love. She and Clark-o were fast friends and tonight before bed she told me how much she loved him. It's a good thing she feels that way because they are going to be besties for life!!! Tomorrow we're getting things set up for the next few days and on Tuesday will be the wake in the Springs. I have to say that I am nervous because this will be the first time many have seen her and to be honest, the first time this will all feel real. Wednesday we are going to celebrate her life with a memorial service at the chapel followed by her inteernment at the Air Force Academy cemetery. It will be beautiful.
Today is the 25th of October and 7 years ago tonight we celebrated our rehersal dinner and Katie and Jon met for the first time. It's had having all of this around the same time. So, babem Happy Anniversary tomorrow and Katie and Jon we are so happy that you found each other 7 years ago today.
I come to you all with sad news today. Our dear Auntie Katie has gone to be with the Lord. She went into labor on Friday and delivered a healthy and wonderful baby BOY! Sweet Quinn weighed in at 8lbs 1oz and was 22" long. Shortly after having him Katie started experiencing complications and the doctors were unable to stop her bleeding. She passed away just before midnight October 16th. We are all devestated and can hardly belive the news. It just doesn't seem real. Please keep Jon, Clark, and baby Quinn in your prayers as well as her parents, sister and friends. We will update with more information when it becomes available. For now... here are a few pictures of our sweet friend.
September 19th- It's slumber praty time! Last night Addie had her first friend over to spend the night and it went so well. Mattie Claire came over early and the girls enjoyed pizza and ice cream and then took a long bubble bath to wash off all the sauce they had on their clothes and bodies. They were SO messy! After the bubble bath we (yes all three of us) put Carter to bed and then snuggled in on the couch to watch a girly movie... Cinderella. Mattie Claire had never seen it before and she loved it! They giggled and held hands through the whole movie which was just too cute for words. Post movie they were so tired and I tried to put them in the same bed but they were both having a hard time falling asleep and Addie eventually gave up and moved herself to her own room. After a great nights sleep (no one stired until 6:30) they got to watch tv in bed, help make muffins and enjoy breakfast at the special kids table. It was awesome and we will have to do it again soon! Thanks MC for coming over.
September 14th- Our big girl turned THREE yesterday. I can hardly believe it's been three years since she was born. Each year has gotten better and now she is so much fun and SO very girly. Her favorite colors are purple and blue and she loves purses, cell phones, makeup (real and fake), jewelry, playing dress up, changing her clothes three times a day because her outfit isn't perfect, princess, and Carter. She makes us laugh at least once an hour and has the very best smile. She's still a picky eater and is still taking a great nap in the afternoon. She loves school very much and looks forward to going every day. All in all she is the very best little girl on the planet and we love her so much!
She had a wonderful birthday weekend filled with fun with Papou and Jilly-Bean and a fabulous party with all her friends and the much anticipated princess cake. We ate cake, jumped in the bounce house (because of course it would rain on her big day), smashed a pinata and got lots of wonderful presents. For those who were here thank you for coming and making her day the "best day of my whole life" (Addie said that as she was laying down to sleep that night).
On Sunday, her real birthday, she got her BIG present... a bike! Lots of her friends already have bikes and so hopefully she will get up to speed soon and be able to race around the neighborhood with them. Of course it is purple and blue with fairies and flowers! We also went to the beach and took her out to the Red Bar for dinner followed by gelato in Seaside. It was a fabulous day.
September 8th- "Hold me closer tiny dancer..." If you haven't figured it out from the layout yet I'll clue you in on a little secret... our Addie has started ballet! Honestly, I have been waiting for this day since the day I found out she was a girl. As many of you know I took dance from the time I was 2 and a half through college and LOVED it! It's been a priority of mine since day one to introduce our little girl to the arts and starting ballet lessons is the first step. And you know what's even better? She loves her ballet class too. They sing songs and learn basic ballet moves as well as learn a dance for the spring recital (OMG I think I've died and gone to mommy heaven!). She's been "tip toeing" around the house for the past week and loves to show off her new moves after she gets home.
Also on the Addie front she starts back to school tomorrow with a new classroom and new teacher. We adored Ms. Brenda last year and have heard nothing but good things about Ms. Barbara (her class theme is Ms. Barbara's Barnyard... how cute is that!). Addie cannot wait to go back and I'm ready for us to get back into our routine. This is going to be a busy year with school, dance, and I've also signed up to be the co-coordinator of MOPS. Yikes! We're never going to be home.
Carter is going to PT every Friday and is making LOTS of improvement. He has hyper-extended ankles and wrists so he is going to be fitted with little inserts for his shoes to help keep his ankle in place. After that happens Ms. Paula thinks that he will take off walking. Right now it's hard for him because his joints don't support him like they should. He does compensate quite well though. Here's a video of him crawling up a slide at a local mall. Isn't he too cute!
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