Swartz's Scribbles

Biggie B's 31st Birthday

2012-02-11T09:57:00.009-06:00

For His Birthday He Wanted To Go To...
The Great Wolf Lodge

we couldn't let that wolf theme go

trying to work the bumbo seat

there needed to be a 20 min.
limit sign for this guy

Joe's Crabshack

Oh I am so thankful for the kiddos
Brett has blessed me with

My Personal Pros and Cons
of The Great Wolf Lodge

Pros

1. Check in was so fast!

2. The lifeguards were so attentive.
So much so that I thought one was a robot.
She never blink or stopped
walking in circles.

3. Water slides were so fun,
even for an adult.
Go on Superbowl night,
no one is in the park.

4. My room key and charge card
were electronically linked to my wristband.

5. They had plenty of towels and life jackets
The park hours were great:: 9am-9pm

Cons

1. You are not tan at the end of the day.

1a. I did expect a nicer room
for the price you pay. TV's are old.
Bed's were small. Room was small.
Pillows were uncomfortable.
Bathroom lights were so dim.
The kids area was fun, but there was only
one channel that was free
and appropriate for my children.

2. Food was terrible.
Especially for the cost.
A margarita at the restaurant was $13.
And there were not a lot of food options.

3. In the baby/ toddler pool area
there were a lot of water squirters.
For my baby and toddler water squirters are not desired.
Not even a two year old like
being blasted in the face.
Brett and I both thought the layout
of the toddler area could be improved.

4. No room service. When my kids were napping
I would have loved room service.
A turkey club would have been nice.

5. No childcare of babysitting services.

5b. Strong chlorine indoors did a number on my eyes.

The kids had a nice time.
And I love any opportunity we have
to spend a whole weekend together.
And I am thankful we were able to
experience it once.
But we will save our money and go to the beach
(or Schlitterbahn) next time.
If you go only stay one night.

Happy Birthday Brett.
Brett:: one of the kindest, most
generous, loving men.
Faithful.
Would walk through fire for me,
his family, his best friend, a stranger.
He finds value in people (and animals)
when they don't see the value in themselves.
He makes everyone feel welcome.
And pushes people to be their best.
He loves on our kids and
makes them feel like a thousand bucks.
He is my favorite and
I am so glad he was born.

Happy Birthday Biggy B.

Not Awesome

2012-01-25T21:35:00.006-06:00

When your two year old locks you out of the car...
in the carpool line...

I went to grab Rowan's bag from the trunk.
As I shut the trunk I heard the dreadful sound
of the car being locked and I'm not in it.

I start pleading to Jane to-- please let me in.
All the while she is sitting in the passenger seat
playing ant smasher on my iphone.
Giving me a face that looks close to this one.

After a good three minutes, which felt like 30.
Rowan's teacher walked her though unlocking
the door in a sweet teacher voice.
Me yelling-- Jane, unlock it now... 1, 2, 3

So that was yesterday.

Today

Brett stayed home. I love when he takes off.
It usually means french toast, coffee,
and I don't have to drive carpool.
It was a nice day.

And before I forget I wanted to post pictures
of our family bike ride last weekend.
It was a ride to be kept in the memory book.

Lela's first bike ride and
swing in the big girl swing.

Tomorrow Bella has her
3rd basketball game.
Lets see if I can remember
my camera.

We Were in Fact Overzealous

2012-01-15T22:37:00.003-06:00

Throw the bottle away???
Sure thing mom!

These crazy bangs,
always having to move them
out of my eyes.

That wasn't so hard.

Oh, hold up you mean
ALL of my bottles???
no way dude.

Her nap time plea
"my bottle... my bottle... I need my bottle"
The poor girl didn't
sleep for a day and a half.
So she's hittin the bottle again.
We will try it again
in a few more months.

Rain Drops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

2012-01-14T23:30:00.000-06:00

We actually I don't like
cats or their whiskers.
But I do like these
things right now. A lot.

Soma. Have you been there?
They have the softest pj's
I have ever put on my body.
They get that rayon and
spandex just right.
I've never felt a knit so perfect.
If you go into the one here in
town say hello to my mother-in-law

Corduroy Toms
I've never thought these shoes looked
amazing and/or attractive.
But again comfort
is the name of the game.
They are the most
comfortable shoe I've ever worn.
And I look somewhat trendy wearing them
And so does someone in Africa.

Spicy Chocolate

Neutrogena

I do not wash
my face at night.
It is a hassle,
wakes me up, and I
don't like getting dry
hair around my face wet.
But when I do wash my
face in the morning,
I always apply this cream.
Love it.
Not sure it is really
helping with the wrinkles,
but it is the perfect
amount of lotion thickness.

I haven't been
to starbucks
since I got
this for Christmas.

So now I've been able
to carry a little
more cash in this
coin purse from
anthropologie.
You will never see
me carrying a handbag.
Just a coin purse.
And I will carry that
coin purse until
it is so dirty that you
will loose you appetite
at one glance of it or smell.

This bed was not my favorite
thing, but Lela's.
Well that not true,
it was one of my favorite
things ever!
Lela slept in this bed until
three weeks ago when
we graduated her to
the pack n play.
She needed to not
be elevated anymore.
The yeast infection in her neck
needed room to breathe. No
I'm not just being gross,
it's true. You try having
yeast in your neck folds.
You'd want it to breathe too.

And when a dog bites me
I'll remember
these things.
And then the bite
won't feel so bad.
Or those pesky bee stings.

First Food; Donut.

2012-01-13T10:49:00.006-06:00

She's only going to have
breast milk until she's one.

Oh, and a Shipley's Donut.

While looking for the
perfect chinet plate,
I heard Jane shouting out to
every lady walking by
us at the grocery store,
"Look, at Lela."
They would smile and nod
and go about their business.
It wasn't till I walked over
and put the new chinet in my
cart that I noticed
Lela was sucking on a donut.

She did in fact love it,
and screamed the rest of the
way through the store
because I took it from her.

Our original mission at the
grocery store was
to get Miss Janey
sippy cups.
We have been talking about
throwing away her bottles.

And so she did,
at HEB.

We will see if she is going
to be so enthusiastic tonight
when she is trying to
fall asleep without it.

Ice Ice Baby

2012-01-12T21:19:00.008-06:00

They Grow Up Fast

Biggy B took Bella buns
on a date tonight.
When it's date night
she's like her mamma
and milks it for all it's worth.
Nails
Toes
Chick Fil A Dinner
Feather Earrings at Claire's
and why not just
wrap the night up
with lap or two
around the skating rink.

Rowan, Jane, and I had a date too.
My kind of date.
Food and Rest in my Bed.
Take out dinner from Mirth.
That place has the
best to go food.
Not the cheapest
but worth every dollar.

Then we watched
Mr. Poppers Penguins.
Rowan played DS while
(not)watching. I slept.
And Jane poured water
all over her side of
the bed. Sad when a
water bottle is
more entertaining
than a movie.

After being awoken to
Ice, Ice Baby blaring
on the TV,
I put the kids in their beds,
wiped up the water spill,
made a decaf latte,
and started my new book.

The techniques I'm learning
must be working,
she doesn't look too
fearful here.

Now can my date night
be tomorrow?
But only if I can
score some of those
feather earrings.

2011 Picture Review

2012-01-09T18:20:00.013-06:00

January

went on a ski trip to breckenridge
with the wiethorn's
- and we bought some land in otto-

February

Brett turns 3-0

March

Learning how to work cows

April

Really learning how to work cows

the last of my highschool besties gets married!

May

Bella had her last day of 1st grade!

June

Janey girl turns 2

Bella girl turns 7

and we went on a family beach vacation to
Gulf Shores, AL; grandma joins us too

July

Bella gets her first set of stitches

we spend time on our
houseboat we share with
the Gaines'

August

Lela June Swartz is born and Lesley turns 32

and Bella buns breaks her toe

September

Rowan Butler turns 4

Took a camping trip to breckenridge

October

Rowan goes on his first
hunt with his dad

Lela and Lesley go to Auburn
to visit Mikey and her family

November

Haley comes for a visit!

December

Bella has her fist piano recital

Baylor wins it first bowl win since 1992

Bella's First Piano Recital

2011-12-12T07:28:00.003-06:00

Jingle Bells and Oh Come Little Children
Never heard it better.

Hey, what kind of belt do you have?

2011-12-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

Canvas. JC Penney, $3.98. You like?

Here's our own little
Ralph Macchio

And He Even Broke a Board
With His Awesome
Stomp Kick!

My little Yellow Belt

Miss Lela June is 4 months!

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

I love this little lady.
She is so easy and sweet.
She goes with the
flow and loves to eat.
She has yeast in her neck folds.
That smells like old mold.
Dad gave her that double chin.
That milk gets trapped in.
Her left tear ducked is clogged
So she can't see far
And wakes up looking
like a pirate, ARRRR.
She doesn't like to sleep
in her car seat.
And cries at the smell
of Jane's feet.
I love her so much you see.
Without her life wouldn't be
so fun to me.

4 Month Stats
2 feet 35th percentile
13lb 6 oz 40 percentile

2011-12-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

Dad thought it would be fun
this year to decorate the Christmas
Tree with candy canes.

Jane got really
focused on one spot.

After that she
was worn out and
needed a coloring break

Finished.

The stockings my aunt made me
from the stockings her grandmother
made her, my dad, and my uncle.

Hope your holidays
are...

The kid who loves the craft room the most

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Making an elf costume.

Looks more like a gnome

Than an elf

Thanksgiving

2011-12-07T10:30:00.000-06:00

This year we spent Thanksgiving
at the Ranch with all The Swartz's and Finnell's.
The kids had a blast together.

Running from the parents who were
chunking corn hay at them.

Little Lela's first Thanksgiving

The kiddos.

Rowan checking out the fried turkey

Rowan and his cousin Joel are
such good buddies.

Janey wanting the
photographer to chase her

The ladies being thankful

Granpy, Will, and the turkey

Thankful for family

and the next generation

A few days after Thanksgiving our cousins
from Colorado came for an overnight visit.

fun times

This is a true expression of Brett's feelings towards taking family pics

2011-11-30T13:52:00.001-06:00

or he thinks
I'm really heavy

Haley Came for a Visit!

2011-11-28T23:24:00.007-06:00

I love her so!

I had such a fun time
just being with her.
We went out to the ranch
and watched Brett "Armadillo hunt"
Played with the kids.
Fed the cows.

The headed back home and crafted.
She made a wreath with me.
I got the idea from pintrest.

Love you Haley!

2011-11-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

I found a picture of this wreath
on pintrest. Click on the LINK for the how to.
They were fun to make. I gave one to Bella's teacher.
Try it- If you like this sorta thing.

Baylor Homecoming!

2011-11-16T13:40:00.008-06:00

Homecoming 2011

Not only did one of my favorite
people in the world come to stay with
us homecoming weekend,
Marcie!

but she also brought
one of my favorite families too!
her parents and her kids

Friday night we went to bonfire.
Or as Rowan and Bella would say,
"Is it time to go to the firebomb yet?"

bella and rowan LoVe sophia and micah

ashleigh, marcie's sister, and Lela's favorite babysitter
was a wolf for pigskin

Homecoming Parade!

we saw Jamie at the parade too
& Baylor Won!

Grass Fed- What about donut fed

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Halloween

2011-11-07T23:15:00.002-06:00

Ever since I started having
kids old enough to know
what Halloween is,
I have struggled
with whether or not
we should participate
in celebrating Halloween.
I don't love that
Halloween glorifies
the dark things
of the world with
its focus on ghost, witches,
horror, and death.
And that it is deeply
rooted in the occult.
But with that being
said, I do not
judge people
that get into it.
One of the people I love most
in my life, my sister,
loves!! Halloween.
For now we
(along with The Gaines')
have settled on going to
"10" (non-scary)
houses and then off to
dinner at Cracker Barrel.
It works for us,
and I love seeing
the little people in costume.

Here are some
pictures of our past
Halloween's, as well as,
this year.
Oh, how I love to bring
back old pics.

2009

(i didn't get a group shot this year) sad.

2010

2011

This cow wasn't so sure about going
up to people's doors.

She just stood back and watched
until the sweet butterfly
came back to take her.

(i didn't get a cracker barrel shot this year) sad.

Soccer Awards

2011-11-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

Soccer is over and my
little people are so sad.
Bella and Rowan both really
fell in love with soccer
this season.
They both scored goals
and played with all their might.
We had an awards day last weekend.
We loved our coach.
He was so good and intentional
with the kids, and he gave
each of them an award.

Even though Rowan was the youngest,
he always ran to the battle.
So his award was
Run to the Battle Award.

Bella had a broken
toe for the first four
weeks of the season.
But she came to the
first game ready to go after it.
So her award was
Come Back Player of the Season

Fancy Gray

2011-11-01T15:36:00.001-05:00

My husband and his bleeding
heart for animals.
Here is our newest friend,
Fancy Gray.

No, she does not
look so fancy.
In fact she only has
three working legs,
her hair is in one big mat,
and she has a wound on
her belly that smells like death.
I told Brett to leave her
where we found her,
he accused me of
not having a heart.
He said his tender loving care
will save her.
She was thrown out like trash
and she is his treasure.
Seesh.

Trip To Auburn, Alabama

2011-10-31T15:39:00.001-05:00

Went to Alabama to visit this lovely lady.

Lela on her first flight.

We had so much fun.
Eating the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had!

Shopping.
Watching movies.
And playing with the girls.

We were sad to leave, and pray one day those people
will live in this city again!

Lela waiting for the flight home.

Brett watched the muffins while
I was gone. He did such an
incredible job I do have to brag on
him. He even took off work to do it.
He said he only forgot Rowan's lunch one day,
Bella wore the same thing twice in a row to school,
and Jane split fingernail polish
all over the kitchen floor.
not bad at all!
Thanks, Biggy B!
You truly are the best.

The kids eating their Auburn, AL souvenirs.
and the sign Bella made me to see when I walked
in the door.

(I love you. Come in we will surprise you)
Not sure why she signed her teachers name on there too.

Fall Festivities

2011-10-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

In the beginning Rowan
wanted to be a cowboy.
So then Bella agreed to be a cowgirl.
Jane a cow and Lela a horse.

Rowan then had a change of
heart and wanted to
be a bull cow.
( couldn't find that costume)
So then he wanted to be a crocodile.
(shoot couldn't find that costume either)

Well, I let time get away from me
and dropped him off to school
not knowing it was dress up day.
So I ran to Old Navy to get the last
4T costume left.

So Rowan ended up being a
BLUE MONSTER!

Pics from his class party

On top of the superhero dogpile

Friday Night we headed to
the church carnival.
Bella dressed as a "Barbie Butterfly"

Happy Fall Y'all.

The Fair

2011-10-19T08:29:00.007-05:00

For the last three years we have gone
to the HOT fair and rodeo with
some of our dear friends.
It was fun looking back
at the pictures from
then till now.
2009

2010

2011

2009

2011

and then there is
little Lela's cowgirl boots

oh and the fish
Jane (rowan, I mean)
won

And last but not least
Bella's 1st time on a "big" ride

another successful year at the fair

Her First Ingrown Toenail.

2011-10-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Poor Lela lew.

Geo Cookie

2011-10-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

The kids have been asking
to make an Umizoomi cookie
since they saw the
"how to"on Nick Jr.

Close.

Rowan dug it.

I Bet You Didn't Marry Your Sister on Columbus Day

2011-10-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

It started with squirrel puppets.
Bella made a husband and wife named,
Lesley and Brett.
Mind you, Bella LOVES putting on shows.
Dancing shows, puppet shows, movie shows.
So Bella made Rowan
participate as Brett, the squirrel,
in a wedding ceremony.
Cute.

Then onto the next show.
This time Rowan was to be the
groom and Jane was the bride.

Notice the outfits Bella made out of
material she found in
the art room. Doesn't every
bride use a little blue painters
tape to hold their dress together?

Here Rowan is proposing with
my dad's college ring.

Here Bella is in full effect...
as director

Bella officiating the ceremony.

Asking Jane is she will take
Rowan to be her husband.

And yes, she made them kiss.

Happy Columbus Day!

Alive on earth for 2 months!

2011-10-10T08:55:00.004-05:00

Lela is 2 months.
I can't even write about
how fast it goes... yada yada...
it just makes me sad.
Brett and I have felt compelled
lately to really try and clear
our calendars of so many
obligations to allow for more
at home family time. Really
I'm not sure how you slow
life down any other way.

11.25 lb 61 percentile
22.74 in 64 percentile

Happy 4th Birthday Cowboy

2011-10-09T23:10:00.008-05:00

My little buddy celebrated his forth
birthday a few weeks ago.
Since his dad has become a "cowboy",
he too is now a cowboy.
Therefore, we needed to have a
horse (pony) party since cowboys ride horses.
So that's what we did to celebrate
the little (i mean big) guy.

The day of his birthday
We had cake for breakfast

He went to (pre)school
and sat in the birthday chair.

Then I took him on a date to see
The Lion King at the "big movies"

Where I cried like a baby.
Man, that movie moved me.

Happy Birthday Row B!
You are an amazing
little boy!

You Go Around the White Lines

2011-10-06T11:00:00.001-05:00

Watching the Game.

Spots Dad on the Other Side of the Field
Decides to go see him dragging her
Dora chair behind her.

Realizes there is a shorter way to get to him.
Coach rescues her from
getting trampled by the players.
All the meanwhile
daddy catches it on camera.

Rowan is loving soccer.

His face after his first goal!

Soccer.

2011-10-05T22:16:00.004-05:00

He is finally old enough!
Sweet Rowan has been wanting
to play soccer since he was this age...

And his day has finally come.

Bella on her first day of practice.

And her now.
(no more smiles,
this is serious stuff)

Camping Trip to Colorado

2011-10-02T22:23:00.004-05:00

Brett came home from a walk/hike
with the kids a few Sundays
ago and said, "I have a great idea,
let's go camping in Colorado."
When I hear the word Colorado I'm in!
So a few hours later-
we were headed to Summit County.

We borrowed Brett's mom's pop-up camper.
We went on some hikes.

My sister and nephew came up for a night.

Made S'mores.

Then is got too chilly.
So our trip was cut short.
In Colorado it is hard
to get electrical spots,
so we had no heat in our pop-up.
It was a fun adventure.
But a lot of work.

More pics
HERE

Her Rite of Passge.

2011-09-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

Bella asked us about a year ago
if she could get her ears pierced.
Both Brett and I didn't really
have a strong opinion either way.
So we told her that she could
do it whenever she was ready.
After hearing they used a needle,
Bella decided she didn't want them that
bad and never really asked again.
Well, since starting 2nd grade
she has asked quite a bit more.
I think most of the girls in her
class have their ears pieced.
So again we told her she could whenever
she thought she could handle the pain.
So, Thursday night she talked herself into it.
I told her Friday after school seal the deal.

Here is a video of her telling her dad
the plan...

Before

Nervous

Her face during.

I accidentally pressed stop when I was recording.
I think I was too worried that Bella
was actually going to squeeze my other hand off.

And after...

Testimony.

2011-09-09T09:28:00.024-05:00

17 years ago today I woke up
to what I thought was a
pipe busting.
It wasn't until I stood up and
opened my bedroom door, that
I realized that noise was no pipe.
I guess it was the smell of
gun powder that gave it away.
I whispered, "I love you mom and dad."
I walked outside my bedroom door
to see what was going on.
That's when I saw the reflection of a man
in the window above the front door.
A man wearing a
tied dyed shirt, jeans, and a pony tail.

That's when it started coming together.
The smell, the time of day (3:30am),
nobody coming to my rescue,
seeing my brother trying
to leave the house
without even saying hi to me.
I ran back into my room,
straight to my closet
where I had left my phone.
I dialed 911.
The dispatcher came on the phone.
I have no idea what I said.
Except that at one point
I asked her if the police officers where on their
way. She answered, "Yes, stay calm."
I walked out from being barricaded
in my bathroom, and looked
out my bedroom window
to see the officers, swat team
(at this point that was a hostage situation),
and the ambulance pull up.
I stood in the middle of my room
where the bedroom door meets the wall,
hoping when they shined their flashlight
in my room they would see me.
It was seconds later I heard, "Is someone in there."
I yelled back, "Yes, I'm by myself."
It was silent for a moment.
"OK, we will be back."
So I sat on my bed and waited.
Wondering if I will ever hear
my mom and dad's voice again?
Will they ever come up here to get me?
I called my friend, Beth,
as I sat on the bed and waited.
She talked to me, calmed me,
cried with me,
told me she would come get me.
The officers came back up and had me
sit on the couch in gameroom.
There I sat in my mom's silky
nightshirt and shorts.
A little too short and a little too big.
I was 14 years old and thought it was cool
to wear such pretty things to bed.
Never thinking I would be talking
to grown men in such an outfit.
They asked me if I knew the man
that I had seen earlier.
I lied and said no.
They then asked if my sister was married.
She was, and I knew it wasn't her husband.
Afraid they would go after him,
I admitted the truth.
Telling the officers it was my brother I
saw running to the front door.
They replied, "That's what we thought."
I asked, "Are they gone? Both of them?"
The office looked down to the ground,
shook his head and said, "Yes."
I quickly asked,
"Is there anyway you can save them?"
He shook his head no.
Then I asked about Stephen.
They said he had injured himself and
was being life lighted to the hospital
where they were going to try and save him.
He died in the helicopter.

I have to stop here and
say I love Stephen will all my heart.
He is forgiven.
Not only by me, but by God,
by my sister, by my family,
by my mom and dad.
He was a good man.
A beautiful man.
A man that struggled, like all of us.
He made a really bad choice that night,
but I believe he is, with my parents, in eternity.

I know the next thing
most people wonder is why??
I don't know why.
We all have our speculations.
Past wounds that never got healed.
Mental instability. We will never know.
And for me, that's okay.

As the story goes. I looked at the officer and said,
"Well, God will give you the strength
to handle anything."
The officer looked at me and said,
"You have strong faith little girl."
I know can you believe it,
this man called me, ME, a little girl.
Did he not see my sexy older looking silky pj set?
I was not a little girl. The officer had me put a
shirt over my head to walk downstairs
and out the door.
For my mom was shot and killed
when she opened the front door.
Her body laid at the bottom of the stairs.
The officer did not want me to see her blood.
He escorted me outside
and into the patrol car.
I had my bible in one hand,
my mouse stuffed animal
and my mom's dog in the other.
I sat in the police car, bible opened,
starring out the window.

Let me stop again.
I am not some sort of a saint.
My parents were believers.
They had radically changed
their lives when I was in Jr. High.
And my dad did instill in me how important
it was to have a relationship with Jesus.
That you will me given many "tests"
in life and it is how we respond to the test that matter.
He gave me that speech a week before he died.
I also went to private school
were I was taught in times of trial
we turn to Jesus.
So there I was,
in the police car with the
only thing I knew to grab,
my bible and my dog.

This story could go on and on...
so to wrap it up...after some time sitting there
the officer came and got me
and took me to the neighbors.
That is where CPS came to check on me,
where I called my sister to tell her the news,
where the principle at my school
called me Lindsey instead of Lesley.
Where my friends came to visit.
And it was from there I left
and stayed with a friend from school.
Four days later, the day after
my parents funeral I was off to
live in College Station, TX
with my Aunt, Uncle, and 2 cousins....

Now here is where the good part comes in.
That is, that from that day,
the day my parents and brother died,
to this day,
the day I sit next to my sleeping
daughters on my bed...
God has fulfilled every promise
He has ever given me.
It has not always been easy and at times
I wished Stephen would not
have spared my life that morning.
But God did.
And I am here to say
God is trustworthy!
He is a Father to the Fatherless-
not only in who He is,
but who He sends in to be in our lives.
He did heal up my broken heart
and He bound up my wounds.
He sent in people to love me
in those empty places.
He made me comfortable with empty places.
He turned ashes into beauty.
He set my parents FREE!
No more tears, no more shame,
no more condemnation, regret, hurt, worry...
They are FREE! To love and live.
I remember someone telling me
if they had the choice to come back to earth
and raise me or stay in heaven,
they would stay.
That is how marvelous it is!

Great is the Lord.
So worthy of praise.
One generation commends
your work to another.

His Goodness is there,
in the hard places,
sometimes it's hard to see.
You have to look for it.
See it.
It's there.
It just might be in your
husband. In your work.
In nature. In your kids.
In the silence.
In His Promises
is His Goodness.

Rowan's First Opening Weekend

2011-09-05T22:26:00.008-05:00

Dove Hunt

We started the weekend off
hunting with
some friends on their property.
Rowan and Brett had a great time.
And us girls had fun hanging out inside.
Relaxing and watching BU's win!

Jane looks a litte freaked out.

The following day we went out
to the ranch to see if we
(brett and rowan)
would have any luck
with the dove out there.

Brett would hunt.
And the girls would watch.

Brett and his entourage

This little guy had the time of his life!

Reese did a pretty good job as the
"hunting dog"

This little lady celebrated
her one month of life over the
weekend.

Chillin' after along day of hunting/
hunt watching.

Summer in Photos

2011-09-01T13:50:00.001-05:00

Since I am a year in a half behind
on my scrapbook, this post is
to help me remember.

We started the summer
with Jane turning 2!

Then off to Gulf Shores for
a little family beach vacation

Bella did several camps this summer.
But tennis camp will always
have her heart.

Miss Bella buns turned 7
and celebrated with a pool
party at Gma's

Our friends from Dallas came for a visit.
We made lots of trips to Shipley's this
summer.

Spent some time on the lake.

Rowan started karate.

A little museum action.

Went to Houston. Got a new used bigger car.
And visited a bestie from highschool.
Did some fishing

Beat the heat by indoor activities.
Rowan decided he hates roller skating.
Hunting for coyotes.

Slipped and got some stitches.

Did a lot of this.
Resting the big ole preggo belly

Spent a lot of time at gma's.
Cooking.

Swimming.

Got Step.

Oh and pink eye
Celebrated 32 years of life.

Slumber Party with cousins.

Lela June Arrived!
She is actually opposite of this.
So mild and sweet.

A little pool time with friends and neighbors.
Spent some time with Pooh Daddy
and Aunt Connie.

More cousin time at Grandma Jane's

And our Pittsburgh cousin even
came down for a visit!
Someone's in love.

We wrapped up the summer
with a broken toe.

My Little 2nd Grader

2011-08-25T21:39:00.003-05:00

First Day of School

Jane resorted to playing Strawberry Shortcake
with her three week old sister, since Bella was
off at school.

We Met Her...

2011-08-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Our Teacher. Well, Bella's Teacher.
I am really excited about her.
I firmly believe that
God does hand pick teacher's
that fit perfectly for Bella.
So as a gift we made Mrs. Jackson

this little basket of candy.
I stole the idea of pintrest.
Oh- pintrest we have
such a love/hate relationship.

I used the idea above. But got a
basket that looked more like this.
I got it from the fruit and veggie
guy at the gas station on Lake Air.

Got these candies from Target.

And the note said. We are grateful
God hand "picked" you for Bella.
(Or something like that)

We also made these for
the first day of school.
They weren't ready for Rowan's
first day of school,
so they are for the second.

Also got this idea of of pintrest.

Can't Say We've Gone Injury Free This Summer

2011-08-22T22:58:00.005-05:00

Poor Bella Buns.
She had her first set of
stitches a few weeks ago
and now
she's had her first broken bone.
She broke her toe.
We are not sure how it happened.
She said she crashed into a wall.
Then her cousin said she crashed
into her foot. Bella couldn't
remember if she walking/running
oh, maybe it was skipping.
Needless to say it was a clean break.
She is a tough one.
Toes hurt!

The Happenings.

2011-08-19T23:01:00.007-05:00

After two weeks of the big kiddos
visiting both of my aunties
and staying at my mother-in-laws.
And days of me and the little
girls laying in bed.

It is time for real life.
Bring on the 4 kiddos!

but no thanks on this...

Pink eye. I hate it. It's miserable.
Fire. Watering. Fire. Watering. Burn.
I have retinol working on those
crowsfeet right now.
------
In other news...
------
Rowan started Preschool 3.
He felt like such a big man walking
out to the car in the carpool line.
"That's what Bella does."

Dad got the little cowboy a bb gun.
And that is all he thinks about.
Here they are shooting
cans in the backyard.

I took all 4 kids out for the first time.
The picture would only load upside down.
That is sorta how it felt.

Lela went to her first movie.
We saw The Help.
We had to sit up in the balcony.
She has a bit of a snore,
and I didn't want to make anyone mad.

She's been doing a little of this
in the evenings. Bless her.
I think it's gas.
The last few night have been better!

And this lovely lady and her mom came for a visit!

You May Ask...

2011-08-13T11:11:00.000-05:00

Which Sibling Does Lela Look Most Like...

Bella, Rowan, or Jane??

Bella and Lela

Rowan and Lela

Jane and Lela

We are thinking we can see a little of Rowan in her,
but mostly she just looks like her own little self.
She does for sure blend with the Swartz kiddos.

TODAY IS ALSO THIS BLOGS
FOUR YEAR OLD BIRTHDAY!!
I can't believe I have
blogged for four years!
Brett was looking through our blog
book the other day, and told me how
glad he was that I had captured
the details he had forgotten.
Whether this blog is read by
one or read by twenty, I am so grateful
to have our family memories
captured in a unique way.
So here's to at least four more years.

My Little Watchdog

2011-08-12T22:17:00.004-05:00

Jane loves her little baby Lela.
She is always by her bed,
watching her, rocking her,
saying shh shh shh in her ear.
It is rather quite lovely to see the
bond they are already creating.
She did, however, slowly try
and pick her up out of her bed.
So mom's gotta keep a watchful
eye on the little tot.
But seeing the love she has
for her little sis is endearing!

Jane felt like Lela needed her hair brushed.

BIRTHday

2011-08-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

Here are all the birthday details.

Woke up at 5:30am.
Bella went to bed in a fret the night before,
begging us to wake her up before we left for the
hospital. She hugged and kissed the belly one last
time. We headed out as they got back in bed with my sis.
We got to the hospital and while
checking in, Biggy B,
gave me my birthday gift.
Which consisted of the hot guy
in a banana hammock, money for
some new "in-between" clothes and
a two night stay in Hyatt Hill Country.
We got into the room around 7.
They hooked me up to pitocin.

I asked for a wireless monitor,
so that I could walk around.
I was aiming for a med-free labor.
Since it was my 4th,
I thought the recovery would
be easiest if I tried
to do it without an epidural.
So Brett and I ambulated...

Soon after, the nurse
made me lay back down,
because Lela's heart rate
would decelerate with every contraction.

After laying down for a
while I convinced her to
let me sit in the rocking chair.

At 12:15 my pain was at a 6.
I was dilated to a 4.
Completely effaced.
At 0 station.

But again laying in bed.
My contractions seems so much
more painful when I would lay day,
so I would get up and go to
the bathroom every 20 mins.
Each time asking the nurse if
I could move around.
She would just say no.
And I would sadly return to the bed.

Around 1:45 my contractions were
coming every 2 to 4 minutes.
I was so tired. I could barely keep my eyes open.
The nurse checked me again.
I was at a 4. and so discouraged thinking
I can't do contractions every
2 minutes for hours on hours.
I wish I would of had her check me one more time,
but at 2:30pm and thinking I was at a 4,
I asked her if it was too late to get an epidural.
She said, "noway" And ordered one.

At 2:30 the man came
in to give me an epidural.
It didn't take on the left side.
I still seemed to be in so much pain.
The new nurse (there was a shift change)
told me to give myself more.
Therefore, I did, but it didn't change.
Then it came...the irresistible urge to poop.
And the deep moaning.
She came to check me at
3:15 and I was at an 8.
So she yelled down the
hall to call Dr. Rister.
I told her I wasn't ready to have the baby,
because I needed a nap before I had to push.
But oh man was I in some pain.
Needing to push, but couldn't yet.
The nurse was sweetly giving me a play by play
on what she thought Rister was doing.
Gathering his papers.
Getting in the car. Driving over.
Getting out of the car.
It seemed like forever.
She asked to check me again.
I told her she couldn't.
If I opened my legs the baby would
come out.
At 3:50 Dr. Rister walked in.
Checked me.
The baby's head was in plain view.
I pushed. And there arrived
Lela June Swartz
3:54pm

Tears of Joy.
Tears of a Season Past.
Tears of Knowing my
Family is Complete.
Tears of Relief.
Tears of what the hell
are we gonna do
with four kids.
(kidding nothing like that crossed my mind)

My sweet mother- in- law.
Who rubbed my back and held my hand.

The brother and sisters coming to
meet their little sis.

Rowan asked if he could pet her.
Jane just wanted her daddy.
Bella wanted the gift that Lela had
gotten her.

Sisters

Proud Parents

Opening their gifts.

Sweet Family and Friends
Came for a Visit
and to Meet Miss Lela June

I asked the nurse if she got nervous
at all thinking that she
was gonna have to deliver the baby.
She responded,
"I started sweatin' it. I had
to take off my jacket."

This guy wants to hold her
ALL the time!

Here's All the siblings in one frame.
After two nights and almost 48 hours.
It was time to take Lela home.

First Thing When We Got Home
Naps

Lela June 2 days old.

-my sweet friend Alissa made the door hanger-
- all the black and white pictures were taken by my dear friend,
Kathy Wiethorn-

Pictures!

2011-08-06T00:53:00.001-05:00

Click Here to watch a slide show of
the pictures from Lela June's birth-day.
Thank you to this dear, sweet friend

for taking such amazing pictures.
I am blessed to have these memories captured
in such a beautiful way.

If you are looking for a photographer...
let me know I'll send you her info.
Birth Story is Next

Redeeming Love

2011-08-01T22:49:00.005-05:00

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the
sacred is torn from your life.
And you survive.

This is what is to
be loved and to know
That the promise was
that when everything fell
We'd be held.

He is always holding me.
And I can't wait to hold my precious
birthday present tomorrow!

As I lay here in bed the night before
I give birth to my last little girl.
I can't help but think of how good God is.
And how much He loves me.
And how I don't deserve it.
How He has redeemed my life when He didn't have to.
Not only did He bless me with one daughter,
but He gave me three.
And one on my birthday.

Birthday's are such a big deal to me.
It's the one day of the
year that is meant to celebrate YOU!
The day you share with your parents,
you know, the ones who brought you into this world.
Since my mom and dad died,
I always seem to yearn this loss on my birthday.
Like the two people that love and celebrate
me the most aren't here to.

This baby was due a week ago,
and it was God's plan to have us
celebrate our births together.
His redeeming love is something
I can't wrap my mind around.

It's not to say I wouldn't give anything
in the world to have my mom
in the delivery room with me tomorrow.
I miss her.
But am so blessed to have God send the
perfect people- His way of holding me.

Me(above)and Biggy B
being held by our mamma's

These Days

2011-07-30T21:46:00.008-05:00

This is what I do most hours in the day.

Watching this on Netflix.

I'm on episode 18.
Still wondering why I like it.

Sweet Brett has been
taking the kids on outings.
Fishing...

My sister took Bella buns
to Olive Garden with a friend.

They went swimming and roller skating.

All while waiting for this lady to come out.

40 Weeks 3 Days

Due Date

2011-07-27T23:11:00.006-05:00

And she's still in here...

I am dilated to one
and 50% effaced...
so nothing really
that fun.
I will be induced next Tuesday
on my birthday
if she does not come before then.

Things I want to remember this pregnancy.
- that the last time I threw up was week 18
in the Wataburger parking lot
- that you moved around a ton!
- you parked your foot in my ribcage
most of the time
- i knew you would be a girl
- Bella is the one who told us at the doctor
- they had to do two sonograms
to make sure you
were measuring correctly;
they couldn't get a
good read on your head the first time
- dad thought maybe you would look
like spongebob; even if you do
we will love you all the more!
- i CRAVED crushed ice
- and sweets
- and any edible
- I gained 34 pounds up to date
- I have read several books
and watched several movies on going natural,
but the jury is still out;
which means I'll probably
get meds
-I celebrated my birthday
early; the night you were due
-You didn't come
- Your brother and sisters
can't wait to meet you
- I love you!!! And I am honored
I was able to carry
you around the last 40 weeks
and honored to have you
be my last baby.

oh big belly big belly big belly

2011-07-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

By the end of this week, this belly should be gone.
well not gone... but maybe a bit smaller

I go to the doctor on Tuesday.
The due date is Thursday!

My Lady Took a Spill

2011-07-23T15:19:00.002-05:00

Bella buns had her
first set of stitches.
She took a little spill
at the neighbor's pool.
She was very scared and upset...
but took the numbing shot like a
champ dad said.
She just clinched her jaw
and closed her eyes.
No tears. Dad did reward her
courage with a barbie,
nail polish, and an ice cream cone!

The Office Now The Craft Room

2011-07-21T08:50:00.001-05:00

About two years ago, Brett and his dad
added an office onto our bedroom.
Having an office at home
lasted for about 6 months.
Ever since Brett has moved out
the office has been a catch all.
So within the last few weeks
I have reformed it into a craft room.
Thanks to Bloom and Bee Swanky
for making a table and IKEA.

I added a little place for the kids
to craft, so maybe we could get
stuff done together.

Karate

2011-07-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

My Little Man Started Karate Last Week.
"YES, SIR"
He loves it. Now the only problem is he seems to
practice his tiger claw and donkey kick at the most
inappropriate times.
ie. Talking to an adult man I barely know-
Rowan goes in for a jab at the gut.
Not my gut, though it sticks out far enough,
the strange man's gut.

Bella Buns and a taste of Summer Camp

2011-07-17T23:25:00.006-05:00

Bella just got back from church camp last night.
Granted she was only gone for two nights,
but I sure did miss her.
I never liked camp as a kid.
I hated to be away from home.
As a matter of fact,
Brett also says he hated camp as a kid.
I was a little nervous
about miss Bella going, because
she doesn't even really like
spending the night at a friend's house.

However, unlike her parents,
she loved it.
I do think the fact that her aunt
stayed in her cabin did have a little
to do with the fact she didn't get
too homesick.
We did agree that when she
started to miss us,
she could text us.
So here are the two text she
sent us when she got a little weepy.

Followed by I love you mom, dad, rowan and jane.

While she was gone we took
Rowan and Jane to the circus.
That show made me so nervous
and uptight.

I was so afraid my kids were going to
witness a fatality.
Those are some crazy
tricks they performers
put on.

Oh Rats!

2011-07-17T22:50:00.003-05:00

We have been invaded by roof rats.
Brett threw poison up in the
attic about 6 days ago,
and as of 6:00 this
evening we have found 22 dead
rats in our back yard.
Welcome Home, Lela June,
to your lovely house

that smells like dead rodent.

July 4th Weekend

2011-07-06T15:26:00.000-05:00

We started off the weekend with a little fun
on the houseboat and our LG.

July 4th morning...
I took the kids(biggie b was working)
to the Gaines' neighborhood
for a parade. Fun but hot.

To cool off we went back to the lake.
And the kids ended the night
with some fireworks.

Thankful for America!

Goodness, I'm not ready for her to grow up.

2011-07-04T23:18:00.012-05:00

It's funny and honestly a bit sad
how kids grow up earlier and earlier.
I really want to protect
Bella's innocents as long as possible.
It does seem to get harder and harder
to encourage her to watch
Sprout and Noggin and not
move to Nickjr and Boomerang.
What's wrong with Barney and Dora??
However, she is still content with kid
music and doesn't really know who Justin Bieber is.
She doesn't wear a training bra or shave her legs.
But I did get her a purse for her birthday.
And boy does she look old when she carries it. :(
Here is what was inside it this afternoon.

Soda Pop lip gloss.
My old Iphone she plays games on.
4 quarters for gum at the grocery store.
And Brett had just handed her my grocery money.
No, she does not have 100 bucks.
But I thought it was funny.
All the necessities of a 7 year old.

Here are a few pics of her
pool party she had with
some classroom friends
for her birthday.

7 Years of Bella Buns- and I couldn't love her more!

2011-06-30T22:27:00.003-05:00

You Know You're a Redneck When

2011-06-27T08:30:00.000-05:00

You have livestock in the backyard.
And a kiddle pool in the front.

yikes

2011-06-26T23:24:00.002-05:00

I was just trying to get a
little sun on the white belly.

Father's Day

2011-06-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed by this man.
And so are these kids!!

Everyone Got Tennis Rackets
for Father's Day.

Except Daddy's Number One Fan.

All the kids love Brett!
But little Jane's got it the worst.

And here's to all the men that have
shaped me and been a father to me.
I miss that man in the middle dearly!
And can't wait till the day I will
join him for eternity.

I love this picture!

A Little Early Summer Beach Action

2011-06-22T22:26:00.012-05:00

We went to Gulf Shores, AL for
a little family beach vacation.
We had such a great time,
we extended our trip three more nights.
Rowan continues to ask me when
we are going to go back and live there.

Here are some pictures of our trip.

At the Pool.
Jane loved it!

On this trip Brett decided he was going
to start taking up tennis with Bella.
We went crabbing.

Rowan loved playing ping pong.
And asked endless amounts of
strangers to play with him.

Jane finally felt sorry for him, and played with him.

Sweet Grandma Came with Us!
The kids were sad when we got home
and realized she was not permanently living with us.

We celebrated Jane's 2nd Birthday there.
Chocolate Cake for Breakfast!

Taking a nap with daddy was all
Jane wanted for her birthday.

Bella the little daredevil.

Jane yelling at her dad to get down.

Oh man, Bella really is the sweetest sister!

Night Crabbing for tiny white crabs.

And the fam.

Miss Jane Turns Two!

2011-06-18T22:48:00.007-05:00

We had a simple, small little morning party
at the park by our house.
It was filled with polka dots.
It was so cute how Bella played and
followed Jane around the whole time!
She is such a sweet big sister.

I am believing that Miss Jane will be a woman that is transformed by the word of God and moved by His spirit within her. That she will be a lady that walks in confidence because of the seal of ownership that God has put on her. And that her identity will always be found in Jesus.
AMEN
Romans 12:2
2 Cor. 1:21-22

Happy Birthday, Jane Emery!!

Proud of thisLittle Lady

2011-06-03T21:31:00.004-05:00

Being Busy

2011-06-02T22:48:00.015-05:00

I am not very good at being busy.
I really like to only have one
or two busy days a week.
However, the last couple of
weeks have seemed
a little nuts.
With school parties,
end of the year stuff,
lifegroup at our house, tutoring,
errands, getting ready to leave town,
getting ready for Jane's birthday,
cleaning, doctor appointments,
etc...
Just feels like a lot right now.
Maybe because I am also lugging
around a huge belly in
100 degree heat.
But now that tomorrow is the
last day of school,
I am hoping things will slow down.
And I really want to take in
these last 8 weeks of pregnancy.
Since we are planning on
this being the last...
I am going to try to
Not Complain-
And Really Embrace
and Enjoy It!
---------------

Here is some of what we have
been doing in picture review.
--------------
End of the Year Gymnastics

Spending Some Family Time on the Lake

Bella's catfish pose

Jane Catching Up On Brad and Emily

Rowan getting a Mullet

Jane Modeling Her Birthday Dress

Moments before she got accidentally
hit between the eyes with a
hand shovel

Getting Teacher Gifts Ready

Beach Towel, Sunscreen, Magazine
I copied these ideas off the Internet
Gift Card on Flower in Pot

Bella getting the progress award in READING!

Proud Mamma!

Rowan becoming
a bonafide Rancher

Weekend Thus Far

2011-05-21T23:55:00.004-05:00

Weekend

Bella graduated from
a Daisy to a Brownie.

not sure what the other mom's
think about their
kids pics on blogs

Mom + Tired + Nap +
Kids + No Nap + Chalk=

Got My Mom's Sewing
Machine Tuned Up!
So I got to trying it out.
After a few tears
and some threading coaching
from my mother-in-law...
I started on my first project.

And idea I got from a friend.
A life sized doll.

I started with Jane.
She must have been a little
wiggly when I was
tracing her out.
That or she is
really disproportionate.
Give me some time.
I'll keep working on it.

It sorta looks like a
rubber chicken

Looks like she found
a friend that loves her
no matter what she
looks like.

My Boy's First Shiner

2011-05-17T08:40:00.001-05:00

When an eye and a head meet in an inflatable.

Guitar Hole

2011-05-16T21:56:00.009-05:00

So I lost my grandmother watch. I looked and looked for it for hours. So sad. Was talking to a friend and reminded myself that I was so sad when our house was broken into 7 years ago and all my parents jewelry was stolen. And how I prayed in faith multiple times a day that it would be returned. And it was found on the anniversary of when my parents died.

However, when I do pray for material things I am
reminded of my dad's last testament where
he stated that his heart was that his children
not set their hopes on earthly treasures.
So I know it will all burn in the end.
But I just love wearing my grandma's watch.
It reminds me of her delicate, sweet, gentle spirit.
And I know he didn't mean specifically my grandma's watch.
Which is really his mom's watch.

I LOVE reading this.
If you have not written one.
You should.
Your loved ones, will love it!

After sharing the story of when we were robbed, my faith was stirred to keep praying I would find my watch. I was reminded of the verse that HIS DESIRE IS FOR ME! (Song of Solomon 7:10) Waited on the Lord to give me a picture of where it was. Didn't get anything. So started searching again in faith. (it was about as much as a mustard seed)

Felt led to look in this hole.

And this is what I found.

Along with two of Brett's toothbrushes. a cracker. a small barbie. a black sock. something I could not identify. then I got grossed out and stopped looking.

I've Gone Facebook Mad

2011-05-16T21:55:00.002-05:00

I think I have written more on facebook tonight then I ever have, and I kinda really liked it.

Easter and Mother's Day

2011-05-09T20:56:00.010-05:00

Easter
We went to my aunt and uncle's.
And had such a nice time.

Here are a few pics from our time there...

Bella buns looks so big to me here. The picture above.

Mother's Day
We spent the Saturday before
Mother's Day on the Lake with the family.
It was nice to get a little sun on the
mayonnaise legs of mine.
Here are the kids drifting off to shore.
The only picture I have of the
occasion because my memory stick
was lost for the first three hours.

On actual Mother's Day
little Bella started puking her
guts out around 4am.
Bless her little heart.
After spending the morning with her,
I took the two little kids with
Brett's mom and sister's
to Johnny Carinos.
I do love Italian Food!
While Brett stayed with sick little Bella.
After a nap Brett took me
on a Mother's Day date.
It was fun until we went to
Barnes and Noble and got a couples
question book and started
asking questions like...

"When is the last time your
partner embarrassed you in public"
"What is something your
partner wears that you hate"
"What are three things you
would change about your partner"
And yes, we just kept answering
away till we realized the questions
seemed less than beneficial to our
marriage.

No matter how hard I try to be
a hard @** (rear end) and not care
that it is Mother's Day
I still can't help but feel a loss.
A loss for not only myself,
but for my kiddos.
A life taken too soon,
but it God's timing- perfect.

I do feel a sense of being made
more whole again with the
births of my own daughters.
It is almost
as if I have regained
that sense of a
mother-daughter
relationship again.

So, I do love
spending the day with them.
Even if I chance
getting puke in my hair.
Or on my pillow.

The Next Shawn Johnson

2011-04-20T21:28:00.008-05:00

Easter Crafts

2011-04-15T08:00:00.004-05:00

I stole both of the ideas from friends much more craftier than myself, but I thought I'd share.

Brown Paper Bag Bird's Nest

- Get a bowl. Cover it up in clear wrap.

- Soak shredded brown paper bags in half paper mache/half water.

- Cover bowl

- Let it dry

- Add grass and candy

I also had my kiddos make these birds. I got the idea from this friends blog.

Easter Pics 2011

2011-04-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Dresses and Tie were made by my friend, Alissa. I don't know her ETSY site, but her email is Alissaneely@gmail.com. And the pictures were taken by a very talented photographer friend, Kathy at kat_wiethorn@yahoo.com

American Idol in Training

2011-04-13T11:00:00.003-05:00

She can't walk by the mic stand without having to sing a little something.

If you thought this was a little much...

2011-04-12T22:43:00.012-05:00

The Chick

The Pig

The Hamster

The dog, Buster, we fostered until he ran away from us.

How About These Days...

Not only do we have our 2 dogs ...

We have these...

These... This... Oh wait...

And these...

Yes ALL in our backyard.

The pig kept getting out. The neighbor found him in our front yard Spring Break, and thought it was a wild boar. Called Animal Control. Policemen and animal control were chasing Hiney up and down our street. So we moved him to the ranch. He ran away there. rude

The chickens and rabbits we got for the ranch, but they live in our backyard right now. The cow was abandoned by his mommy. So he lives with us right now. I bottle feed that thing at least 3 times a day. It is like having a newborn. Except this one headbutts me and moo's when it's hungry.

If you would like me to host your child's birthday party here- I'd be happy to- Just don't tell the neighbors- pretty sure we are out of code.

Now That I Made My First Blog Book

2011-04-12T22:39:00.001-05:00

I don't want to slack off too much. I really love how it is an instant scrapbook. And it is more personal than the picture scrapbooks I do. So I'm not givin up.

Why Must This Guy

2011-04-06T21:18:00.003-05:00

put on his birthday suit every time and anywhere he needs to take a poo.

This is the same guy who tries to convince me that... no, he did not wet the bed, he was just sweaty... in his crotch area.

Brett Assisting in Delivering A Baby

2011-02-28T14:53:00.004-06:00

Cow from a Dying a Cow.

We bought some land and cows
at the beginning of the year.

Last weekend Biggy B thought
that one of our cows was in labor.

So we kept an eye on her for
a couple of days.

After day two and some council Biggy
was told the calf should have
been born, and he might have
to assist her in her delivery.

So he dives in. Brave man.

Feels around.
No calf.

We have a rancher
from next door come over.
He also dives in as well.
No calf.

He checks her teeth.
No teeth.
Which means she is an old cow.
He tells Brett
she is just dying.

And that is what she did.

She probably thought
she had already gone to hell.

Is He Going to be a Lone Ranger?

2011-02-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

We will know the gender March 1st!

When we got home from lifegroup tonight.
I heard Bella say, "I need to go to the bathroom."
Then there was a crash.
Then a picture fell off the wall.
I ran- well walked briskly-
over to the bathroom where Bella had

fallen on the floor- all to avoid this.

sick little snake

A few minutes later we find this.

Sad.

Then they meet and are set free.

Whew....

2011-02-16T20:25:00.006-06:00

Man on man this has been a doozie.
I am 17 weeks today and
hopeful puked for the last time on Sunday.
I am ready to start feeling better.
My kids and husband are ready
for me to start feeling better!

It's funny- it seems I have
three good days- then three terrible.

On the good this is what we have been up to...

Jane gave herself a shower fully dressed

We made Valentines.

Don't let this fool you... this is
coming from the mom who has
given her kids Oreo's for breakfast
the last three months
and bargained with her three year old
that he can watch two shows,
if she can in return watch two shows.
Yes, countless hours of watching television.
So these crafts are the one
thing I have done creative with my muffins
in a really long time.

And last but not least Brett turned 30!
In this decade he would like to be
referred to as the cowboy.

Resolutions

2011-01-24T19:00:00.003-06:00

Last Year's

1. Catch up on my scrapbook.
Transfer my home videos to DVD's.

Still one year behind.
Which means, I worked on it...
I just didn't catch up.
The DVD thing is a no.

2. Learn to sew.

I did. Thanks to my mother-in-law!

3. Exercise 2 to 3 times a week on average.

Some weeks great. Some not so great.
And I quit in November when I got sick
(pregger sick- not cancer sick).
But I got some DVD's my big butt's gonna
start doing as soon as I start to chipper up.

4. Wake up before my kids 75% of the year.

I did this 40% of the year. progress people, progress

5.Write 12 letters (one for every month)
of people who have been influential in my life.

no, so don't be sad if you didn't get one.

6. A family fun night once a month- that's themed.

We had a themed one in April.
I think my kids were to little to get it. Maybe next year.

7. Go on an adventure with Brett.

Yes, New York. We agreed we would never
make it far together on The Amazing Race.
He's a map reader, and I'm an asker.
That is just one reasons.

8. Take Rowan on one outing a week,
while Bella is at school.

Oh, I think I did alright with this.

9. Read three books.

The Help. Choosing to See.

The Forgotten God. The Furious Longing of God.

10. Get time in the word and hearing the Lord daily.

I love this one. And no I am a work in progress.

I am going to have one general resolution in 2011.
And then I am going to set monthly ones.
Let's see if I can get them all done!

Here is my 2011 resolution,
which I stole parts of it from a friend.

The Year of the Yes.
Yes to God. Yes to the promises of God. Yes to faith.
Yes to my kids more. Yes to my husband more.
Yes to serving others more.
Yes to thinking less of myself!
Yes to choosing life with my
thoughts, words, and actions.

And here are my first quarter goals.
January- Clean out my closet.
I mean really clean.
and call the lady from Nordstrom
about my bridesmaid dress.
Maybe that should just be my goal tomorrow.
February- make a craft room
out of Brett's old office.
March- Transfer my
home videos to DVD's.

Oh... and I updated the recipe blog

2011-01-04T22:06:00.003-06:00

sayitswartz.blogspot.com

Teacher/ School Staff Gifts

2011-01-04T21:28:00.004-06:00

I found "how to" make
these little partridge ornaments online.
And I got to it.

Now they do not look at

professional as retro-mama.

But 18 little birds later,
I had enough little birds for everyone

at Bella's, Rowan's, and Jane's

school that love them and squeeze them.
All for under (well I'm not sure)
but under some small dollar amount.
I added something I found
on the Internet I liked

about partridges.

And there you have it.
Teacher gifts from
the heart on a budget.

2010 in Picture Review

2011-01-02T07:32:00.002-06:00

JANUARY

took a ski trip with the wiethorn's to lake tahoe

FEBRUARY

Brett turned 29

Jane turned 8 months

MARCH

Bella started her last season of soccer

APRIL

Jane's First Easter

MAY

Bella graduates from Kindergarten

JUNE

Started Selling Stella & Dot

Jane Turned One

Bella had her first dance recital, turned 6 and
had her first sleepover.

JULY

We had a leak

Went on a two week adventure in Colorado.

AUGUST

Lesley Turns 31

Bella starts 1st grade

SEPTEMBER

Rowan turns 3

Brett goes fishing with Faustino in Telluride

Lesley goes to a College Roommate Reunion in Dallas

OCTOBER

Visit Mary Kay and Family in AL

NOVEMBER

Family Weekend Getaway

DECEMBER

Visit the Cousins in PA

Brett and Lesley Go On an
Anniversary New York Trip

How I also spent my
November and December

Nausea and real Tired

However, I am so excited about
what 2011 is going to bring!

pink or blue?

Puken In The New Year

2011-01-01T17:06:00.003-06:00

This was me all new years eve day and night.

If I would have been this sick with Bella,
she would have been my only.
I am a wimp when it comes to
nausea/ headache/ puke.
Today is lookin' better.

Maybe I'll even clean my room.

Sad Day for the Bears

2010-12-31T07:00:00.001-06:00

We just got back from
the Baylor Bowl Game.
They played pretty terrible.
They are better than that...
so that's always sad.
However, it was a nice trip
with some good friends.
And Mexican Food.

Brett's Present to Me

2010-12-30T07:00:00.001-06:00

This present is very meaningful and is hard
for me to talk and or write about.

I can't think of a better way that
my parents would want to be honored.

And as a kid who lost both
of her parents at a young age,

my heart aches for orphans.

I can't imagine the lost feeling
these kids must face everyday.

Your parents are your anchor.

I love what Restoration Gateway is doing
and I love the McCall's and our church.
And if you have always wanted to donate to a
cause and don't know where to donate
please pray about donating to
restorationgateway.org

Brett bought an orphan house
in honor my parents.

This is a picture of the orphan house,
and the orphans that live in it.
This plaque will go in the house.
Along with the verse the
Lord gave me when I lost my mom and dad.

Above all, if you feel lead,
please pray for Restoration Gateway

and these orphans to come to know Jesus!

Christmas Morning

2010-12-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

2010 Christmas Card

Opening Presents

Brett got a bow and arrow.

Later that night some of the cousins on my side came over.
Along with the neighbor.
And gave us a performance on the new mic

my sister gave Bella buns.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-28T07:00:00.003-06:00

We always have Christmas Even at my In- Law's House
She has a little party with family friends and
Santa grampie comes for a visit.

Jane was not so sure about Santa.

Cousin Joel ran for the closet.

The other kids knew he had a
little something in his bag.

Rowan and Joel are little bff's.

The Swartz (/Finnell) family.

New York Pictures

2010-12-27T19:45:00.000-06:00

Our New York Trip...
Play by Play

We got in and stopped off at our room

at The Muse

If I were ever to stay in NY again, I would not stay so
close to Time Square
It was so loud at night.
I would try to stay closer to Central Park

Then to Serendipity's

Biggy thought the food was gross, the service was grosser,
and that the Jill's frozen white chocolate at Common Grounds
was way better than this places famous frozen hot chocolate.
We got in a little fight about his attitude.
But I think he was sorta right.
Sorry to all you Serendipity fans.

Walking through Time Square the next morning
on our way to find a breakfast place.

Then to the History Museum.
It was interesting. Brett read almost ever write up posted.
After that we went to see the
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

I loved Ellis Island. I think it was my favorite thing we did.
We went on a tour and it was so interesting.

(my camera was on some weird setting)
At dinner at Balthazar.
Where I got a yummy dessert my friend, Nicki, suggested.
It was just as good as she said.
After a short look off the Top of the Rock,
Brett and I went to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.
Yes, all that in one day. We were quite the tourist.

Day Two
We went to the museum of Modern Art.
Brett said quote- I don't get this s#*&.
I guess we are not sophisticated enough for the MOMA.
So we left and had food by our hotel.
Then we got ready for Weezer.
I didn't know any of the songs that they sang.
However, Brett knew and sang every one of them,
with his air guitar

Last Day
We took it pretty easy.
We went to the beautiful Central Park.

We got the kiddos there souvenirs.
Then had lunch at John's pizza.
Brett saw it on the Food Network, and our neighbor, Niki, said
she and her family loved this place when they lived in NY.
It was delicious.

Brett told me there, that it was his dream
to open a pizza place/ brewery in Waco.
This was Brett 90% of the trip. Looking at the little fold out map.

And then we order food to our room and watched a movie.
And here is one of the many extravagant window displays.

There is our recap.

First Stop

2010-12-26T19:15:00.008-06:00

Sickville.
I don't know why this pregnancy has made me so very sick.
I never actually throw up, but that has changed this last 5 weeks.
I am embarking on my 10th week, so I am hoping it will
subside in three or four more weeks.

Second Stop
PITTSBURGH! A Much Better Place to Be.
My Mother-in-law, Jane, and Bella went to

go see our niece and cousins!

We got to meet baby MiKayla Kristine.
Bella had a blast with Kirstin.

We got to see her run in a 3 mile race in downtown Pittsburgh.
We also were able to celebrate Kaveri's 4th birthday!!

Oh miss Jane..

Third Stop
NEW YORK
For a Weezer Concert and Brett and My Anniversary.
I came to the conclusion that
I am more of mountain girl like my mom.
For the hussle and bussle along with the smell of the portable nut stands
did not sit well with my mood.

Pictures to Come Soon.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

2010

And the Finale

2010-12-24T08:34:00.001-06:00

and it took me two days to remember my blog password

I Am Thankful

2010-11-28T21:37:00.006-06:00

That my kiddos are in their beds
asleep, healthy, and clean.

We just got back from my Aunt and Uncle's ranch near Houston.
That is where we spent Thanksgiving.

We had a nice time. Except for the fact I had to wear the same socks
and undies for four days. Oh stinky.

My aunt and uncle gave us our Christmas presents early.
My kids didn't even ask to open theirs early.

Brett and I couldn't even wait to get in the car to open ours.
We are literally worse than three year olds.

He got some nice golf balls and golf shirts,
and I got the computer bag I've been wanting.
Oh and some awesome socks.
I could have used two days earlier.
And a groovy candle.

The cousins had a blast together.

I'm sad I forgot my camera.

Oh, I'm Coming Back Baby

2010-11-18T22:20:00.003-06:00

I didn't give this blog a makeover for no reason.
I've been filling my time making homemade bird ornaments and

groovin the Stella parties. But don't leave me yet... I'll be back.

But I do have to say I don't have as much to write about in my

life at home with Rowan. He is so different than Bella at this age...

no tormenting Jake or hiding in weird places or eating weird things.

No, all he wants to do 24 hrs a day is play baseball game or soccer game.

Simple. Just like a man.

Here he is playing baseball game.

That's Right Baby

2010-11-08T14:24:00.004-06:00

I've Already Potty Trained

My 17 Month Old.

Have You?

Well, maybe I just saw some bubbles in

the bathwater and caught her just in time.

Fall Family Getaway

2010-11-01T09:08:00.009-05:00

We went on an overnight
getaway this last weekend.

We had nice little family time.
Here are a few pics from our trip.

http://www.roughcreek.com/

Have A Great Weekend

2010-10-30T10:16:00.002-05:00

Have I Got a Book for You!

2010-10-26T13:58:00.005-05:00

If you are looking for a
devotional book to do with your kiddos....

I love this book!

Off on a quick trip to
Dallas for a Stella Show.

A Monkey - A Pig- and A Really Sad Donut

2010-10-25T18:13:00.006-05:00

Bella's School Had a
Pumpkin Book Character "family" Project
Curious George was our Character
Biggy B got real into it.

Who You Gonna Call?

2010-10-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Roachbusters.

And that would not

be me or miss Jane.

Brett bought fake roaches at the

grocery store.

Gotta love Halloween.

And he thinks it is hilarious

to plant them all over the house.

In the sink.
Under wash clothes.
By my side of the bed.

Under my pillow.

In the bathtub.

Under a cookie.

I think Jane screams louder than me.

But it got me thinking.
Jane has this terrible habit

of turning on the bath water,

at least 10 times a day.

So, I planted a fake roach there.

Now she stays clear of the tub.

When my sister and I were little

we had a room over the garage.

It was like a breeding ground for wasp.

So when I wanted to play school up there,

she would go first and

capture the wasp with shot glasses.

And sing...
I ain't afraid of no wasp.
Who you gonna call.
Waspbuster.

love her.