The "Scheich" Family

Where's Carter?

2012-02-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when mommy leaves the room for just a couple of seconds. Surprisingly, Carter was not crying but rather just looking around not caring at all that his brothers were playing with him.

Monster Truck Unit

2012-02-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

What little boy wouldn't want to do school work when all you talk about are Monster Trucks?!!! We had a lot of fun learning the letter "M" and about Monster Trucks. Sawyer now can identify the letter "M" and make the sound.

Sawyer and Mason making Monster Truck tracks with their own monster truck toys and paint!

Sawyer practicing wearing his earmuffs for the Monster Truck Rally.

Aunt Toni and Ken took Sawyer and his cousin Treyton to a Monster Truck Rally in Madison on Sunday January 29th! Sawyer's favorite part was the car eating monster that breathed fire!

Counting Monster Trucks in the mud.

Resources:
www.1plus1plus1equals1.com

Focus Books:
"I'm a Monster Truck" by Dennis R Shealy
"Monster Trucks on the Move" by Kristin L Nelson

Sawyer's Prayers

2012-01-31T19:23:00.000-08:00

Jumping around with Mason! (01.31.12)

Sawyer helping Carter get more comfortable. (01.31.12)

First time going squirrel hunting with Daddy! He wanted to hold up 6 fingers and we have no idea why. (01.31.12)

Sawyer had asked for more juice and both Tom and I said he could not have any and that he had to wait until we ate supper. Sawyer did not have to wait long due to the fact that we were getting supper ready when he asked and Sawyer knew this because he was watching us. Sawyer, however, began throwing a little tantrum that involved a somewhat raised voice and whining while saying "I want juice". He continued on until we placed his supper in front of him and asked him to prayer. He then folded his hands and said, "Dear Jesus, I need juice." Tom and I lost it!

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Carter began crying so I picked him and went into the nursery to feed him. As I was nursing him Sawyer walked in and was admiring his brother, this is very normal. Sawyer then looked up at me and asked if he could pray for him; I said that he sure could. Sawyer then folded his hands and said, "Dear Jesus, thank you for his food and protection, help him to drink well and for him to stop crying."

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Carter Coming Home

2012-01-23T21:16:00.000-08:00

The following day after Carter was born Tom and I enjoyed our Celebration Dinner at the hospital. We then began to pack up and left to go home at about 4:00pm. Shortly after we were home Mie Mie brought Sawyer and Mason home as well so that we were all finally home together for the first time!

Hard to tell in this picture but Sawyer's hand is underneath Carter's head. He really wanted to hold Carter's head while he slept.

Mason warmed up to Carter right away!

Carter's Visitors

2012-01-22T22:43:00.000-08:00

You had lots of people excited to see you the day you were born!

Mie Mie - she was also there to watch you enter this world!

Papa was very excited to see you!

Aunt Holli, Simon and Uncle Ben

Auntie Sharyl and Mich Friedel

Your big brothers, Sawyer and Mason. Sawyer was so excited that you finally came that he kept showing you off. He was very protective and always made sure you were covered up with a blanket. Mason wasn't too sure at first; he just sat on the bed, stared at you for about 5 minutes and then got down and played with Audrey. Deep down we know he really loves you though!

Aunt Toni and Audrey

Uncle Tim (Alexa was there as well)

Aunt Amber, Audrey and Treyton

Kris Vilwock

Happy Birthday Carter!

2012-01-22T21:19:00.000-08:00

I woke up Sunday morning at 2:00am with hard contractions. I didn't think too much of it because they were only 8-10 minutes apart. At 3:30am I finally got out of bed because I could not fall back to sleep or get comfortable. I went downstairs and checked my email, went on Facebook and paid our car insurance bill. By 4:30am I went back upstairs and woke Tom up. I told him that I didn't think we were going to make it to church and asked him to rub my back due to the back labor pain. He rubbed my back for about a minute and then that is when I said "my water broke" and I quickly got up and jumped in the tub.

While I took a shower Tom called my mom for her to come over and watch the boys. Tom also took a shower and ate some breakfast. Mie Mie was at our house just after 5:30am; we sat and talked to her for a little bit before we headed off to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital at 6:00am. By the time we got checked in and all situated in the delivery room they checked me at around 6:30am and I was already 4cm dilated.

The morning was pretty uneventful in the fact that the contractions continued at 6-8 minutes apart and I had my normal back labor. At 9:30am my friend, Kris Vilwock, stopped in to check on us and that is when things started to progress a little faster. She ended up staying for the whole delivery with the way things took place. At 10:30am Dr. Strabel stopped in and rechecked me; I was then at 6cm. At this point I really started to feel discouraged in the fact that it took 4 hours to only progress 2cm.

The nurse asked if I had to use the bathroom and I decided to give it a try knowing that it would be awhile until I actually would meet Carter. Little did we know that getting up to use the bathroom was all I needed to do. It took me a half hour to get up, go to the bathroom and back on the bed. The contractions intensified and became closer together. At 11:48am I began pushing and Carter entered this world at 11:56am!!!

It was a wonderful Sunday afternoon being able to hold our precious new baby for a full 1 1/2 hours before they took Carter to weight and measure him. He weighed 8lbs 11.9ozs and was 22" long.

You and Dr. Strabel the next day

Growing Belly

2012-01-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

20 Weeks September 2nd

24 weeks October 5th

28 Weeks October 29th

32 Weeks November 26th

36 Weeks December 22nd

40 Weeks - Due Date! January 20th, 2012
Waist = 50"
Weight Gain = 46 1/2 pounds

Sidenote ~ weight gain with Sawyer and Mason was 38 pounds.

Sleepy Boys

2012-01-16T21:39:00.000-08:00

Since the boys have been in the same room, they have been incredible with staying in their own bed and going to sleep. On Christmas Eve everything changed. Mason now loves to get out of bed and crawl in with Sawyer. Often times we will find Sawyer sleeping in his bed with Mason sitting right by his head playing with cars or reading books. Every night before I go to bed I check on the boys one last time to re-tuck them in and prayer over them. It completely melts my heart when I see them snuggled together.

(December 24th, 2011)

(January 8th, 2012)

(January 16th, 2012)

D5 #10

2012-01-14T18:59:00.001-08:00

Today we decided to have our D5 day at home in our jammies; it was wonderful!!!! We started the morning off with waffles. I then decided that maybe we should be productive and try to speed up Carter's progress on meeting us. So we cleared away the furniture to sanitize the floors. The boys saw this as a wide open space for their remote control cars! While they were busy racing I decided to scrub down some walls that needed some major help. While I was busy at work Mason noticed my bucket full of bubbles and decided to help by dunking his hand in and wiping it on the floors. Once the floors were clean, the boys had fun playing with their horse.

For lunch Daddy got dressed and got us all sandwiches at Murph's Chop Shop; it sure was a special treat. The rest of the afternoon consisted of Mason's nap, down time, playing together, watching football and enjoying just being together. For dinner we enjoyed a fabulous meal made by our friend Kris. Even though we had nothing spectacular planned it was one of our best D5 days! It was so nice just hanging out and having three meals together sitting around the dinner table!!!

Time with Mie Mie and Papa

2012-01-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Mie Mie's birthday by going out to eat at Red Lobster; it was delicious!!! Sawyer and Mason bought Mie Mie one of her favorite toys; this one sings Happy Birthday! (January 2nd)

What better way to spend time with Papa then on the tractor!!! As you can tell by the picture all THREE boys are enjoying their time plowing snow. (January 13th)

Dentist Unit

2012-01-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

This was not our typical school unit in that we did not do our normal tracing, cutting, counting, etc. type learning. We did a lot of reading, talking and explaining to Sawyer about what a Dentist does and how to properly take care of our teeth. We knew he had a Dentist appointment arriving so we wanted to make sure he knew exactly what was going to happen when he got there. Needless to say - it worked!!! Sawyer did an incredible job at the Dentist; we were very proud of him. When he came home he told Daddy "I didn't like it just a little bit" then showing how little with his thumb and index finger; it was really little. Daddy asked him why and he explained that he didn't like the part where they went in between his teeth. I don't know if this is when they used the pick tool or the floss.

Sawyer is "brushing" the yellow teeth to make them white.

Sawyer's Hygienist - Valinda. She was so nice and explained to Sawyer what she was going to do before she did anything and even let him touch every tool she used!

Sawyer and Dentist Seubert, normally we have Curran but he was not in that day. Dentist Seubert did tell us that Sawyer needs to come back though and get two little holes fixed - yikes!

Focus Books:
"Going to the Dentist" by Anne Civardi (Usborne First Experiences) - This one was the best!!!
"Brush, Brush, Brush" by Children's Press (Scholastic)
"The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist" by Stan & Jan Berenstain
"Clarabella's Teeth" by An Vrombaut

Deich Christmas

2011-12-31T20:57:00.000-08:00

Today we went to Uncle Tony and Aunt Rachel's house for Christmas! We had a great time; it was very relaxing and lots of yummy food!!!

Cousins! Simon, Kennedy, Kaylee, Sawyer, Cameron and Mason

Aunt Rachel helping Sawyer open his present from them. Sawyer and Mason both received a Green Bay Packer Pillow Pet from them! Uncle Ben and Aunt Holli got Sawyer a box set of Curious George books and Mason received a Thomas the Train book that makes sounds; both are huge hits already.

Mason proving the theory once again that really all you need to get a kid for Christmas is a box!

Sawyer giving Great-Grandma Deich a hug after saying Thank You for the iced animal crackers she gave him. Mason got goldfish from her.

Cameron and Mason playing trucks together.

Christmas Unit

2011-12-30T07:36:00.000-08:00

We took the entire month of December to focus on Christmas for school. We did a lot of different things to keep everything fresh and interesting. We had our normal Advent calendar (see picture below), a Jesse Tree, our countdown list (where we did something each day; well was suppose to - I started slacking towards the end due to being so tired and exhausted with Carter getting bigger each day) and school projects.

Tracing Letters! (November 29th) I was really impressed with how well Sawyer traced these letters on his first try!

Hot Chocolate Day! (December 5th) Both Sawyer and Mason loved this and the marshmallows that went with it!

Colored Popcorn Day! (December 7th) How could you go wrong with Jell-O and popcorn mixed together?!!!

Hand print Sheep! (December 7th) We talked about how sheep where there the day Jesus was born. Sawyer really liked this because he was a lamb in one of his Christmas programs.

Root beer Float Day! (December 11th) Sawyer thought it was really cool how the root beer would fizz up to the top after pouring it over the ice cream! Alright I will admit I still think it's pretty cool too!

Practicing our Cutting Skills! (December 26th) Sawyer is doing better but when asked to cut along lines then he still needs help holding the paper.

Our Advent Calendar! Sawyer put all the pieces on by himself; I think he did a great job!

Our Jesse Tree! Each day we had a little devotional that took us from the very beginning of the Bible to when Jesus was born. We really enjoyed doing this. The one that Sawyer still talks about is the first day when God created the world. We will cover our eyes so that we see nothing and then uncover them to see all that God created!

Our completed Christmas Unit!!!

Focus Books:
"The Littlest Christmas Star" by Brandi Dougherty
"Christmas in the Manger" by Nola Buck and Felicia Bond
"The Crippled Lamb" by Max Lucado

Resources:
2 Teaching Mommies
www.1plus1plus1equals1.com
www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com

Christmas Programs

2011-12-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

Sawyer was in his first two Christmas programs this year! He did an incredible job memorizing all his lines and songs. He was able to say both of his parts completely while we practiced at home. He did get a little stage shy at the performances but he still did great!

This isn't the best picture but we did get it on video. This is the Christmas Program at Mie Mie's church on December 18th where he goes to Rainbows. He had to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Jesus Loves Me". He also was suppose to say "My name is Sawyer and Jesus Loves Me" but he got a little stage shy.

This was our "Nativity Celebration" that we had at our church on December 23rd. Sawyer was a Lamb and I was a Sheep (we were a little short handed on kids).

Sawyer saying his lines into the microphone along with the actions that we made up for him so that it would be easier for him to remember. He said "I'm just a little lamb, but I can plainly see, a King in the manger, born to set me Free!"

Sawyer holding up the letter "S" while the Christmas poem was read.

Sawyer holding his "Joy" sign while the song was being played.

D5 Christmas

2011-12-22T20:29:00.000-08:00

Today we had our family Christmas and we woke up to SNOW! The boys were so excited that right after breakfast we headed outside to do some shoveling.

Since we had our family Christmas on a Thursday due to Tom's work schedule (Christmas is on Sunday) we decided to take advantage of going out to eat for lunch at a restaurant knowing that it wouldn't be busy. We went to the Log Cabin in Baraboo and it sure was YUMMY! We took the back country roads coming home and stopped alongside the road so that Daddy and Sawyer could look over the bank and check out the river.

Sawyer and Mason taking their picture together before we opened up our presents. I just love the brother bond that they have already built between each other.

Sawyer opening his present from his Rainbow teachers (Miss Donna and Miss Sherri). This is right at the moment where Sawyer turned to look at me and yelled with excitement "It's God!" when he saw that it was a Bible Story coloring book.

Sawyer also was able to "buy" presents at Rainbows to give to us for Christmas. Daddy got a ball (it was actually a round candle), I got green nail polish, Sawyer gave himself two bouncy balls, Mason received binoculars and Carter got a stuffed bear. Sawyer was very proud of the gifts he picked out for everyone.

One day while shopping at Kohl's with Mie Mie I was standing in line for the check-out and Mie Mie and Sawyer were bringing up the rear taking their time walking to the check out lane. I turned and noticed that they were looking at some jewelry when all of a sudden Sawyer comes running to me and says "Mommy these are for you for Christmas!" According to Mie Mie Sawyer stopped all on his own, picked out a pair of earrings and when Mie Mie asked him if he was going to wear earrings Sawyer replied with "No these are for Mommy" and then he took off running. How could I say no after he brought tears to my eyes. (Good thing they were on sale and we had a coupon!)

We ended the FUN day by playing with all our new toys/games. Here is Sawyer and Mason playing with the game "Trouble".

Schoessow Christmas

2011-12-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated our Schoessow Christmas at Aunt Toni's house! We sure did have a lot of fun and Aunt Toni had a lot of cool things planned for us to do!

Cousins with Mie Mie and Papa! Treyton, Alexa, Brenna, Mie Mie, Audrey, Papa, Mason, Sawyer, Ava and Emma.

Mason opening a gift from Mie Mie and Papa; he was pretty excited that he got a pig!

Sawyer's books from Mie Mie and Papa; I really don't think you could have found two books that fit Sawyer so well. He loves his Garbage and Recycle trucks!

Aunt Toni got all the kids bath bubbles from LUSH. Here they are all watching the ball turn into fizz in the water. Sawyer now request for Aunt Toni's bubbles whenever he takes a bath.

After all the gifts were opened, our bellies full of lasagna and balloons sent to Trent we headed off to Green Bay for a walk-through light show. It was really cool! There was a lot of people so to get to the beginning a school bus picked us up at the parking lot and took us to the front door. Sawyer loved riding the school bus and Mason sure did enjoy all the lights and the train set at the end.

D5 #9

2011-12-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Our D5 this time was a two day event! Our adventure was to pick out our Christmas tree and decorate the house for Jesus' birthday!!!

Our 2011 Family Christmas Tree from Miller Farms!

Everyone say "Cheese"!

Daddy cutting down the tree. Sawyer is holding Mason's hand to make sure he doesn't get to close so that he stays safe; he is such a good big brother.

Sawyer putting the Star on the top of our tree - reach Sawyer!

Mason sure does make an impressive supervisor. We did get him to help put a couple of ornaments on the tree though.

When we told Sawyer we were going to put our tree up he said "and the train!". Tom and I both looked at each other wondering if the other person had mentioned anything to him about the train around the tree; neither had. Sawyer remembered the train going around the tree by himself from the previous year. We are pretty impressed by his memory skills.

We celebrated all our hard work by getting pizza from Papa Murphy's!!!

Mason is 18 months!

2011-11-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Mason,

I don't even know how to put into words the love that I have for you. You have brought so much joy into our family that it's hard to imagine our life before you. This past 1 1/2 year has been so much fun watching you grow and discover new things. Your personality is contagious and you make everyone around you smile and laugh. We definitely think you will be the class clown. Even though you may not say many words yet you make us laugh by your facial expressions and actions. You are a very adventurous little boy who is not afraid to try something new. I pray that you continue to stay in the Joyfulness that you have in Jesus and take your willingness to try new things throughout your entire life.

I Love You!
Mama

September 4th

October 3rd

November 2nd

November 20th

November 23rd

Thanksgiving Unit

2011-11-27T12:47:00.000-08:00

It was fun to do schoolwork with Sawyer while also talking about what we are thankful for the things that Jesus blesses us with.

Sawyer really enjoyed showing Mie Mie and Papa how to trace lines!

We painted a toilet paper roll and attached strips of color swatches to the backside to make it look like a turkey. Sawyer wanted his turkey to be green! When Daddy came home I showed what Sawyer did in school and he thought it was an Indian chief; which after looking at it it does kind of look like that as well. So to Sawyer it's a turkey and to Tom and I it's an Indian chief!

Sawyer using markers to color a picture by coloring by numbers. I still identified the numbers for him but he definitely knows his colors. He is showing off his muscles because he made the marker cap click by himself!

Sawyer also learned a new memory verse at Rainbows which went right along with our unit; "Give thanks to the Lord." (Sawyer now knows three memory verses!) The corn with popcorn glued on he made at Mie Mie and Papa's house during the Schoessow Thanksgiving party.

Focus Books:
"Five Silly Turkeys" by Salina Yoon
"Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks" by Margaret Sutherland
"One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims" by B.G. Hennessy
"Turkey Bowl" by Phil Bildner
"Thanksgiving Day" by Anne Rockwell

Website:
www.overthebigmoon.com
www.a-heart4home.blogspot.com
www.homeschoolcreations.com

Thanksgiving Parties!

2011-11-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

What a fun Thanksgiving weekend! Whenever we would go somewhere I would tell Sawyer that we were going to a Thanksgiving party; he loved the idea! On Thanksgiving day Daddy had to work all day but Warren and Marti Carter (my second cousin) invited us over to their house along with Mie Mie and Papa. We had a lot of fun watching the Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions! Then it was eating a delicious meal that Marti made for us.

Marti knows how to win the hearts of little ones; she let Sawyer and Mason lick the beaters clean after she made homemade whip cream for our pies.

Mason, Sawyer, Cousin Joel and Aunt Kathryn relaxing after a big meal.

Sawyer had no problem making himself feel at home. Although I think Aunt Kathryn enjoyed the little snuggle time just as much as Sawyer did!

On Saturday we headed out for another Thanksgiving party at Mie Mie and Papa's house. Daddy was only there for a little bit right before the party started because was able to go to a Wisconsin Badger game who in the end beat Penn State. The kids all sat around one table; 8 kids under the age of 7 actually went really well.

Mie Mie had lots of crafts for everyone to do. They first made turkeys out of apples and candy. Then it was gluing popcorn on a picture of corn and there was also gingerbread and snowman to decorate. Sawyer was pretty proud of his finished turkey and made sure that we did not forget to take it home.

Mason thought it was a much better idea to eat his turkey than to decorate it with candy!

Amber showed me her new iPad and Sawyer and I fell in love right away! We ended up having to set the timer so that everyone could take turns. Here we are all playing the doctor game together; which was Sawyer, Lexie and Ava's favorite game.

It was a fun filled day then ended with having to say good bye to our cousins until next time!

10 Pointer!

2011-11-25T21:47:00.000-08:00

Today was Tom's third and last day hunting for this season. At about 3:00pm he texted me and asked me to ask Sawyer if Daddy should shoot a deer; of course Sawyer said yes. Tom then asked if he should shoot a girl or boy deer; Sawyer said to shoot a boy deer. I was thinking that he had shot one but when Tom texted back saying that he had seen a lot of doe but now had to wait for a buck I figured he would not be getting a deer this year. I texted Tom telling him that he had gotten my hopes up but then he texted back and said "Buck down". While we were texting each other a buck had walked right out in front of him! Tom was pretty excited but I really think Sawyer was more excited. When Daddy brought the buck home that night Sawyer and Mason spent an hour outside in their jammies celebrating with their Daddy and the some of the neighbor guys.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.~1Chronicles 16:34

This year we once again learned how much God loves us and carries us through each season of our lives. As a family we went through several ups and downs but God always reminded us of His love and faithfulness. We have also realized how fast our children are growing up and we wanted to make sure we cherish every moment with them. We now have “D5” (Deich Party of 5) days. Once a month we dedicate a Saturday to just our family; the memories made have been priceless! Some other highlights this year are:
•I completed my first two running events; Crazylegs (8K run) and Best Fest (5K run)!
•May 14th was a very exciting day. We went to a birthday party at the Brewer game in the luxury suite and that is where Mason took his first step! That evening when we came home we also discovered that I am pregnant!
•Sawyer turned “3” and Mason turned “1” this year. We celebrated by having Mason dedicated at church and then had a combined birthday party.
•Our family found a new hobby that we all enjoy – Camping!!! We are already making plans for next summer.
•Tom and Sawyer had fun this summer by going golfing together – Sawyer thinks he is a professional now!
•Tom was able to have a “Man Week” at home with Sawyer and Mason while I went to Maine!!!
•Sawyer is completely potty trained! We also started homeschooling him and he is LOVING it!
•Mason is running everywhere he goes! He is also sleeping in a big boy bed and shares a room with Sawyer.
Remember that no matter what you are going through God’s love is never ending!!!
We Love You!
Tom, Tami Jo, Sawyer, Mason & Baby Carter

Our Bloopers!

Rainforest Unit

2011-11-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

We didn't get to do as much as we typically get to do in each unit just because we only had one week. We cut it shorter due to Thanksgiving coming up and wanting to spend enough time on that. Even though it was short and sweet we still had a lot of FUN!

Sawyer's main project was making a snake! He painted a row of empty egg carton to make his snake. This did get a little confusing though due to the fact that we do have snakes in our backyard even though we don't live in the Rain forest.

Our big event was during our D5 day when we went to Olbrich Gardens and explored their Rain forest! Sawyer and Mason also were able to make their very own Terrarium which was a lot of fun! (See our D5 post on November 12th for more about this fun day.)

Focus Books:
"Busy Day, Busy Night" by Sue Hendra
"Rain forest" by Penny Clarke
"Rain Forest" by Helen Cowcher
"A is for Anaconda" by Anthony D Fredericks

D5 #8

2011-11-12T19:34:00.000-08:00

D5 day went right along with what Sawyer was learning in school! All week we focused on the Rain forest so when it came to our D5 day we headed out to Olbrich Gardens in Madison to check out their Rain forest! Sawyer really enjoyed the scavenger hunt. As we walked through the rain forest we had to find what was on his piece of paper (ie. bananas, coconuts, coffee (the plant that makes coffee), etc.).

Here the boys are in front of a Rubber tree which makes golf balls; all three of them were pretty impressed!

Sawyer and Mason also got to make their own Terrarium! Sawyer did awesome making his and needed very little help. He picked out a tan frog for his. Mason went right into his cup of dirt; handful by handful he put all his dirt in his container. Daddy picked out a bright yellow frog for his Terrarium.

For lunch we ate at Chili's. When we got there though Sawyer started saying he didn't feel good and just laid on the booth with his head on Daddy's lap. We hurried up and ate and had plenty of leftovers. When we got home Sawyer was back to his normal self and we ate Chili leftovers for supper. Mason decided to help Daddy eat his corn on the comb!

We also took a family break time (aka: nap) and then watched "Cars 2" after that.

Leaf Unit

2011-11-05T13:05:00.001-07:00

During our leaf unit Sawyer learned to spot different colors of trees outside. Now when he sees a colorful tree he will say "That's Beautiful!". I found that this unit really help to identify the colors red and yellow; those are the only two colors he still has a little bit of difficulty identifying.

Sawyer is painting his tree trunk. We originally traced his arm and hand to make the trunk but by the time the paint got on the paper you couldn't really tell it was his hand. I guess Sawyer wanted a bigger tree than what his hand was!

Sawyer is gluing on colorful leaves to the tree. The pieces of paper are all pieces that he cut up in the previous weeks while he was practicing using scissors.

This is Sawyer's first time doing a lacing project. He had to weave the string in and out of the holes around the letter "L". He amazed me by how well he did.

We laminated leaves that I brought back from my trip to Maine. He thought it was pretty cool to help with the laminating. The painted leaves was a project that he did while at Mie Mie's house. The colored different leaves was a project he did with no problem at all. Underneath each leaf it said a color which I read to him and then he had to pick out that color crayon and color the leaf; he did great!

Focus Books:
"Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf" by Lois Ehlert
"Leaf Jumpers" by Carole Gerber
"It's Fall!" by Linda Glaser
"The Autumn Leaf" by Carl Emerson

Links:
www.a-heart4home.blogspot.com
www.2teachingmommies.com

Mason's 1st Haircut!

2011-10-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

We were over at Mie Mie and Papa's house and Sawyer got another haircut. After his haircut Mie Mie and I decided that Mason needed to get his hair trimmed up in the front so that it wouldn't be in his eyes anymore. The amount of hair that was cut off was very little so maybe it will just be considered his first hair trim!

Mason's Big Boy Bed!

2011-10-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

Mason has now graduated to a big boy bed! Eventually we want to get bunk beds for the boys to create more space in their room. We have a feeling though that one of them will try to fly off the top so we got Mason a toddler bed until they are both a little bit older. I took Mie Mie and Mason to Madison (Target) to get Mason his new mattress, sheets, pillow and bedspread. Daddy took Sawyer to Wal-Mart to get the toddler bed and put it together.

Sawyer and Mason making sure the bed is jumpable! Mason is also showing off is new winter hat!

We laid both boys down at the same time. Mason is looking over at Sawyer while we were praying; I think he was trying to figure out why he was in Sawyer's room.

Tom and I could not get over how smooth the entire night/transition went! It was beyond our expectations. The next two pictures are proof that they both fell right to sleep in their own bed.

Pumpkin Unit

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

What a fun unit! I think we all liked this because of how many hands on things we did regarding pumpkins (see also post on D5 #7). Sawyer learned about pumpkins and the letter "P". We discovered that other words that also start with "P"; pumpkin, pineapple, pink, purple, Papa, pee, poop and push (what he says he needs to go #2). As you probably already have figured out Daddy helped us think of words that start with "P".

This time around I laminated his paperwork so that he could practice tracing a lot more. He really thought it was pretty cool to be able to use a marker and then just wipe it up.

This school activity is from Melissa and Doug. Each wood block has a picture and then letter cut outs on it that spell the word of the picture. Sawyer then had to find the letters that matched; he did a great job!

This is us doing our marble pumpkin painting. It was hard to tell who had more fun Daddy or Sawyer.

Sawyer and Mason then colored wooden stakes in the shape of a pumpkin that are now in our plant! I just love how much Mason concentrates when he does something new.

We invited Mie Mie over to do a special project with Sawyer. Together they made pumpkin pies!!! Sawyer did an awesome job; he even cracked open the eggs!!!

Focus Books:
"P is for Pumpkin - God's Harvest Alphabet" by Kathy-jo Wargin
"How many seeds in a pumpkin?" by Margaret McNamara
"Pumpkin Cat" by Anne Mortimer
"It's Pumpkin Time!" by Zoe Hall (I wasn't really thrilled about this book just due to the expectation of thinking it was going to be all about Pumpkins but it had more of a Halloween theme to it.)

Links:
www.mygrafico.com
www.confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com

D5 #7

2011-10-08T18:33:00.001-07:00

Today we went to Treinan Farms! This year we conquered the corn maze in 36 minutes with Sawyer leading the way and with Mommy bringing up the end while pushing Mason in the stroller. As you can see though from the pictures half way through the boys really started to give out on us. Sawyer complained of his toe hurting and wanting a snack; so up on Daddy's shoulders he went. Then Mason - we don't really know what went wrong. Daddy and Sawyer had fun going down the slides and playing in the tractor tires while Mason stayed in the stroller still not sure what was bothering him.

We then headed to a home that Daddy passes everyday coming to and from work that advertised Pumpkins for $3. We could not believe all the pumpkins they had and how big they were. They also had little ones for only $0.50 (you can't beat that price!).

At home we cut up one of the big pumpkins and baked it off so that we can make pumpkin pies tomorrow with Mie Mie (part of our Pumpkin Unit for school). Sawyer didn't really like separating the seeds from the "slim" he complained of them being wet so he just watched. (Even though picture does not show his enthusiasm he really did enjoy cutting up the pumpkins. We actually had to keep telling him to get off the counter because he wanted to be that close to the action but we didn't want him that close to the knife.)

Daddy and Sawyer then took the biggest pumpkin and carved a funny face in it.

Farm Unit

2011-09-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

Our Farm Unit went from Sunday September 18th through Thursday September 29th. We had so much fun praticing tracing lines, counting, tracing numbers and letters; our favorite part though was all the tractor talk!!! Here is a sneak peek on some of the many activities that we did.

In this project Sawyer had to match the corresponding animal with its shadow. After he did all that I then would hand him a slip of paper with the animals name on it and then he would have to match it with the animal. The only two that he was confused on was the chick and the duck; they did kind of look alike so I still think he did a great job!

Tractor Tracks!!! I wish I had my camera ready for his initial facial expression when he realized what we were going to do. I put the paint on the plate, put down the paper and then handed him the tractor. He was a little hesitant if he really could put his tractor in the paint so I put the tractor in the paint first and then he just went crazy!!! We ended up making two sheets; one for daddy's birthday card and the other for Mie Mie and Papa.

Here there were 5 chicken coops each with a number on it. He then had to put that many chickens in the coop that the number represented. He is not too familiar with identifing numbers yet so I would tell him which number it was and then he was able to count out the chickens.

The activity he kept asking to do over and over and over again. There were 10 barns (numbered 1 through 10), a pile of mini marshmallows in the grain silo, a tractor and a wagon. He had to load up his wagon from the grain silo and then put the corresponding number of marshmallows in the barn. I think his favorite part was eating the marshmallows at the end which is why he kept asking to do this project again.

We had one activity where he was to cut along a line that was drawn out on the piece of paper. He was having a hard time opening the scissors with one hand therefor making him open it with two but then he could not hold onto the piece of paper. I tried helping but he did get discouraged and frustrated. I then found a pair of scissors that automatically opens after he closes it! I had to convince him to try cutting one more time. He did much better so now to rebuild his confidence I am just having him cut little pieces of paper. Remember these pieces because you will see them again in our Leaf Unit!

Our Farm Unit Project Board! As much as this may look there was so much material we did not even get to use. I think we just may need to do another Farm Unit in the future!

Focus Books:
"Funny Farm" by Tom Arma
"Moo, Moo, Peekaboo!" by Jane Dyer
"A Very Funny Farm" by Smart Kidz Media
"One Weighs A Ton" by Salina Yoon
"A Year at a Farm" by Nicholas Harris
"Barnyard Banter" by Denise Fleming
"Wake Up, Big Barn!" by Suzanne Tanner Chitwood
"Funny Farm" by Mark Teague
"Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Farm" by Joy Cowley

Links:
http://thoughtsofesmeblogspot.com
2 Teaching Mommies

Happy 33rd Birthday Daddy!

2011-09-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Daddy turned 33 years old this year! We started the celebrations by taking him to his favorite restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings, two days before his birthday. The boys had a lot of fun playing the free trial games on the screen! Aunt Toni, Uncle Terry, Aunt Sandra and Emma were at the Badger Football game that day and also joined us to eat! We sure did have a lot of fun all sitting around one table.

When Daddy woke up on his birthday Sawyer gave him is birthday card that he personally made! (He ran his tractor tires in paint and then all over the paper.) Mason was just really concerned if we were going to eat breakfast soon!

This picture was actually taken on September 8th, but I just love how it shows the connection between the boys! Sawyer and Mason follow their Daddy around everywhere and love to help him on all the home projects that are being done. Here they are fixing Sawyer's bike.

Triangles

2011-09-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

We ended up not doing too much for our Triangles Unit for a couple of different reasons. The first being that I noticed Sawyer pointing out the triangle shape in different objects throughout the day without me even asking; so I knew he knew what the shape was. The second being that it ended up being a pretty busy week.

We did however read two different books about Triangles; "The Greedy Triangle" by Marilyn Burns and "Triangles - Seeing Triangles All Around Us" by Sarah Schuette. Sawyer also did a couple of worksheet with tracing the triangle shape.

Sawyer's Break

2011-09-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

The first night of camping Sawyer and Daddy took their bikes to empty our garbage. While they were on their way Tom practiced with Sawyer using his brakes; there were some hills on the way. Sawyer did really well on the first hill braking and stopping when Tom told him to. Then there was the second hill. Tom told Sawyer kept telling Sawyer to brake but he didn't. At the bottom of the hill there was a curve; Tom reached out to grab him but just missed and Sawyer went right into the culvert.

In the meantime I was in the camper beginning to zip up our windows because it started to get a little chilly. While I was in the camper I heard a child screaming and even stop to listen due to the scream sounding just like Sawyer. When I heard it again I knew it was him and just figured that Sawyer was throwing one of his tantrums or who knows what. I then looked out the window and saw Tom carrying Sawyer; there were no bikes, Sawyer missing a shoe, Sawyer still screaming and Tom walking very fast.

I ran out of the camper as Tom came into our campsite and laid Sawyer on the picnic table. At first glance he looked fine to me but Tom was so shaken up that I knew something bad must have happened. Tom asked me to clean him up while he went and got the bikes. While he was gone Sawyer would not let me clean his wounds, look at them or put a band aid on them. He was just very concerned with where his bike and shoe was. I then decided that the wounds could wait so I picked him up, sat down in the chair and laid his head on my chest while I held an iced water bottle to the goose-egg on his head.

Tom was really nervous about him due to when they got out of the culvert Sawyer's foot was pointed inward and he wouldn't stand. After all said and done though he just ended up with a scratch by his eye, under his arm, one on his rib, both knees scraped up and the biggest wound on his hip. (In the picture you will see a scratch on his arm is actually a wound from before.)

After going back to where it all happened Tom named the curve "Sawyer's Break". There was a positive through all of this though; Sawyer nows wears his helmet!

Blue Mound Camping

2011-09-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

We decided to take our last camping trip (3 days) of the season to the Blue Mound State Park!

The trip started by stopping at the Cave of the Mounds. The boys (Daddy and Sawyer) both thought it was pretty cool to be walking underneath the ground.

It was a smaller campground but they had several little play areas spread out. We had fun walking to each one and playing for a little bit. The was definitely Sawyer's highlight once he got his Daddy off of it!

Mie Mie and Papa also joined for one of the days and hung out at the campsite with us. We had fun exploring the trails and climbing the big tower with them. At first Sawyer did not want to come up with us so I joined Mie Mie and Daddy on the climb up. Once we got the top Papa yells up that Sawyer was coming up all by himself!!! He did the entire climb of the tower up all on his own! Once he got to the top he never let go of the railing, grabbed Mie Mie's hand and walked right back down.

Mason and Papa did all the tower climbing supervising from below; they did a great job!

Enjoying the view from the top of the tower.

Hanging out around the campfire; life just doesn't get any better!

Camping Unit

2011-09-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

Sawyer just completed his Camping Unit and he absolutely LOVED it!!! Ever since we went camping at Peninsula State Park he has been wanting to go back camping again. I took this opportunity as a learning experience. During our school time it was a little hard to capture all the moments because Sawyer insisted I put the camera down, but I still managed to capture some it.

Our first project was to trace the line to get the camper to the tent. The first sheet he did really well on. The second sheet was harder due to thin lines being more complex; he gave it an honest try and still did good. He did tell Daddy though that it was hard.

We then had little pieces of paper with a picture on it (backpack, compass, flashlight, lantern, bug spray, s'more, eggs, hot dog, sandwich and a fish). We had to sort the pictures out and glue them to the appropriate paper that said either "Things You Don't Eat" and "Things You Eat".

We then look at other camping items and had to determine which shape it was (ie. compass = circle, flashlight = rectangle, etc.) Instead of telling me the shape he decided to run to the hallway and point to the right shape.

Who can go camping without binoculars for seeing nature up close?! We just had to make some; he painted one side brown and the other side pink.

The finished product!

We went outside and collected some sticks to make a fire. When we brought them in we got right to work making a beautiful fire to roast our marshmallows!

We did other projects as well that included counting lanterns, tracing the letter "C" for campers and the letter "S" for s'mores. We read the books "Camping" by Nancy Hundal and "Just Camping Out" by Mercer Mayer.

And what better way to end the Camping Unit by going camping!!! You will see our adventures camping in the next post.

Sawyer's World

2011-09-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Sawyer grabbed his belt out of his room and he wanted to do his hair like mommy's. (08.24.11)

I was going to the bathroom and Sawyer insisted that he go after me (he thinks it cool when we both pee in the potty). He wanted to be super close to me while I went but I said no and to wait until I finished. He threw a fit and dropped his head onto the floor which was tile and that made matters worse. After I was down I told him he could go but he continued on with his little fit so I turned off the bathroom light and walked away. The fit now turned into a meltdown because he supposedly could not reach to turn the light back on.
Sawyer: Turn the light on!
Me: You can do it; you turn it on.
Sawyer: NO you do it!
Me: Sawyer I am not turning the light on for you because you can reach it yourself.
Sawyer: NO I CAN'T!
Me: Yes you can you are tall and a big boy.
Sawyer: No I'm not big I didn't eat my vegetables!

At least we now know he really does listen to what we are telling him.

Sawyer and Daddy going golfing. Sawyer insisted on wearing Daddy's hat instead of his own. (08.26.11)

Tom's clubs were in my trunk but I had to take them out to put the stroller in there today. I put them in the garage along with his shoes. When we came home tonight Sawyer noticed them.
Sawyer: What's that? (This is a VERY common question even when he knows the answer.)
Me: Those are daddy's golf clubs.
Sawyer: No it's not. That is to get the balls out of the water. (Now realizing that he was pointing to the ball retriever.)
Me: You're right Sawyer! You know a lot about golf.
Sawyer: Yeah I'm a good golfer. Daddy is a crazy golfer.

Sawyer wearing my sunglasses. (09.02.11)

Today (09.05.11) Sawyer wanted to play with Play-Doh so I decided that Mason was old enough to play with it as well. Mason was doing really well just kind of holding it in his hand smiling while watching his brother play with it. He then put it up to his mouth and I said "No Mason don't eat it." He put it down but then proceeded to do the same thing again. I said to Mason "Mason don't eat the play-doh it doesn't taste good." Sawyer then decided to chime in with "Don't eat it Mason it doesn't taste good; it don't have hot dogs in it."

Sawyer giving Mommy a big kiss! (09.03.11)

This was our conversation during bath time.
Sawyer: "Mom I love you."
Me: "Awww I love you too."
Sawyer: "I love your butt."
Me: "You love my butt?"
Sawyer: "Yeah and I love the baby in your tummy."
Me: "Oh you love Baby Carter?"
Sawyer: "Yeah"

D5 #6

2011-09-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today turned out to be our unplanned D5 day! We started off by going to our neighbor's farm. Todd was awesome and knew exactly how to make any little boys day! He showed us the cows, sheep and chickens. He also let Sawyer drive the tractor; Sawyer thought this was awesome!

We then headed to out to Sky High in hopes to get some apples. We were a little early for apple season but they did have a few kinds of apples available. We purchased one bag and made an apple crisp when we got home.

We then followed all these bright orange signs that had a picture of a teepee on then and found another adventure. There were all these people dressed and camping in the lifestyle of the 1850's. We watched a Blacksmith make a shepherd's hook and a woman spin wool into yarn. There was also contest for fire making with stones and tomahawk throws. It was pretty cool to walk around and see everything.

Carter Paul Deich

2011-09-02T12:03:00.001-07:00

Today I turned 20 weeks and we had our first ultrasound! We went in and told the Ultrasound Tech that we did not want to find out the sex of the baby. As the appointment continued I was pretty sure I saw the sex twice and at one point I looked at Tom to see if I could tell if he saw anything; we both just kind of gave each other a look. Towards the end of the appointment I finally said "Alright I can't take it anymore I am pretty sure I know what it is - do you know what it is." Tom with a smirk, "I think I saw it." To which our conversation then went on figuring out if we wanted to know to confirm what we both saw as a boy. After about a minute going back and forth the tech said "Alright look here" and there it was!

The Ultrasound Tech felt really bad but she explained how photogenic this baby was and she really has never seen a baby like this one before. She said the way I figure it was that this boy wanted you to know because every time I thought the coast was clear for you two to look at the screen again, there it was again. She said that she tried to hid it the best she could. We knew it wasn't her fault because this seriously was the best ultrasound we have ever had for being able to see the baby. It was pretty cool!

Carter Paul is measuring at 20 weeks and 4 days and weighs 12 ounces.

D5 #5

2011-08-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

We decided to have a low key D5 day. We really didn't do much of anything except for just hanging out at home; it was really nice. I am reminded of a story that my mom tells us about how when we were younger she always planned all these activities for us to do on the weekends until one day my brother Terry asked her if we could just stay home. So many times we get caught up in the activities and forget the importance of just being together.

It did rain that day so we sat in the garage and watched it and then realized all the great puddles! The neighbor kids also joined in on the fun.

Tom took advantage of the soft ground after the rain and was pulling out the weeds in the sidewalk cracks. Mason noticed what he was doing and if you notice you will see a bare spot next to Mason; that is where he copied daddy in pulling out the grass by the handfuls!

At the end of the day we did get a little stir crazy and ventured out to Culver's to use some of our free scoop token and enjoy a little custard!!!

Trip to Southern IL

2011-07-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

My cousin was having a bridal shower in Vienna, IL so Mie Mie and I packed the boys up and off we went! Our first stop was in Salem, IL where we ate supper with my friends Dave & Jenna Hilgers.

Once we got to the hotel we let the fun begin! Who knew a hotel closet could provide free entertainment?!

We stopped at a mall to walk around for a little bit and of course Sawyer convinced Mie Mie for money to take a little ride.

Luggage racks = always a good time!

On our way home we stopped at an Amish Barn that was filled with little shops and a restaurant.

D5 #4

2011-07-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

For our D5 day we went to Olbrich Gardens to see the Blooming Butterflies. We brought a picnic lunch and ate it at the picnic area by the main entrance before we started.

Both Tom and I were impressed with how much Sawyer got into finding and matching the butterflies that he found with the sheet that Olbrich Gardens provided us.

After seeing all the butterflies we decided to walk around outside and enjoy the little paths and beautiful flowers.

It was extremely hot and humid so we were thankful to see some water; just looking at it kind of cooled us off.

Afterwards we went to Michael's Frozen Custard and enjoyed a special little treat!

Learning about the 4th

2011-07-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

On the 4th of July Tom had to work so I thought it would be fun to teach Sawyer about the 4th of July. My main attempt was to get him familiar with fireworks because he hates them. We are trying to get him to not be so scared of them so we played some fun activities that involved pictures of firecrackers.

He first had to trace the dotted line (in various line shapes) from the firecracker to the "boom".

He then had to play a dice game. Each time he tossed the dice he had to put an "x" on the piece of paper with the picture that matched.

He then took 5 American Flags (there was also a set with a picture of a Firecracker on it that he did as well) and put them in order from smallest to largest.

Our final activity involved circling the picture that was different from the other three pictures.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

I must say that these are the two cutest little fire crackers ever!

Happy 3rd Birthday Sawyer!

2011-07-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Sawyer turned the big 3!!! We started the day of celebration with waffles for breakfast and learning how to hold up three fingers.

Mason was also pretty excited about Sawyer's big day.

Sawyer was then able to open his present from us which was a Hot Wheels track.

I am not really sure who enjoyed the Hot Wheels track more, Daddy or Sawyer. They played for a long time and made a lot of memories of sending cars flying through the air.

He then opened his present from Dave and Jenna. The present also included a Cars book and bookmark. The boys, Sawyer and Mason, have had a ton of fun in this pop up tent. There has already been a lot of wrestling matches inside.

Next on the agenda was a first Daddy and Sawyer date going golfing! Sawyer was very excited to go golfing with Daddy.

They played nine holes at Pine Trails and at the end of the ninth hole Sawyer was ready to still continue on to the next hole.

When Sawyer came home he made sure that he informed me that he rode in the cart; that is pretty big stuff you know!

Two very happy men after golfing. Tom said that he let Sawyer keep his own score. After each hole Tom would ask Sawyer what his score was and he would just through out a number; I guess he does take after me!

Today Mie Mie and Papa came over for supper to give Sawyer his present. Words can't even describe the look on Sawyer's face; priceless!

Several times Sawyer had to check under the hood to make sure everything was working good.

Both boys loved cruising up and down the sidewalks of Grove St!

Circles & Rectangles

2011-06-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

Today Sawyer learned about Circles and Rectangles.

The first thing we did was trace the shapes on some worksheet papers. For the being the first time he traced something I was very impressed with how well he did.

We then made a Stop-n-Go light. I first made a circle on the piece of paper and then Sawyer had to cut the circle out by following the line. The scissors were new and it was a bit difficult for Sawyer to open them so he had to use two hands. I then held the piece of paper for him and very minimally guided the paper that way.

We then worked with Play-Doh and he was to make the each shape with the play-doh.

Dominos were a lot of fun especially since each piece is a rectangle with lots of circles on it!!! Sawyer was very proud that he made a big rectangle with a bunch of little ones. He did this all on his own before I even realized what he was doing.

We then made a really long line of dominos by matching the colors of circles on each end.

Our final game was Choo-Choo Shapes. We took turns drawing cards and matching our card with the train cards on the playing mat.

We ended our fun day by making homemade pizzas. One was in the shape of a circle and the other in the shape of a rectangle! He is now doing a good job with recognizing circles and rectangles. Before today he knew what a rectangle was but not a circle. Now if you put to a circle and ask him which shape it is he will say "round and round" while taking his pointer finger and move it around to make a circle.

Happy Father's Day!!!

2011-06-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!! We started the day of by going to church together. Tom had to work that day so we brought lunch (Culver's) to him. The boys really enjoyed seeing their hero at work. Sawyer was still talking about how he ate lunch with Daddy at his work the following day. Thank you Honey for being an unbelievable father to our children.

D5 #3

2011-06-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

On our third D5 day we got Sawyer to say the word "Adventure". We kept telling him that we were going on an adventure for D5 day; they way he said "adventure" was priceless. Our first stop was to the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory in Wisconsin Dells. After that we went out to eat at Mexicali Rose. We packed a lunch for Sawyer and he did really well understanding that he had his own lunch and couldn't eat what we were eating. We then headed home to make sure both boys got a good nap because we had a very special adventure for the boys. We went to the Portage Alumni Tractor/Truck Pull. The boys (all three of them) loved it!!! The truck shown in the picture is one of Tom's friends who were pulling; it was cool to be able to watch him in action. Some of the trucks and tractor got pretty loud so Sawyer want to make sure I covered his ears. We left at 10:30pm and the pulling was still going on. We could not believe how well the boys did being past their bedtime by that much.

Sawyer & Mason's Birthday Party

2011-06-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Sawyer's 3rd and Mason's 1st Birthday together. We had a great time just hanging out with our family and making memories. The afternoon consisted of eating lunch (hamburgers and hot dogs), eating cake, bouncy house, pinata and tractor rides!

Mason's Dedication

2011-06-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

This morning at church we had Mason dedicated. During the entire time that we were up there Sawyer kept trying to turn my face to look at Mason on the big screen; he thought that was pretty cool. Mason started talking at one point during it but then when Pastor Scott handed him the microphone he wouldn't say anything.

Thank you to all of our family and church family that were there to witness and agree with us in raising our son in the ways that God has planned.

Sassy Cow Creamery

2011-06-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Sassy Cow Creamery and Farm. We were able to go into the cow house (as Sawyer would call it) and visit with the cows. At first Sawyer stuck by my side very closely but it didn't take him long before he was adventuring out looking at all the cows.

We then had to enjoy some of the ice cream that was made from the milk from the cow's that we saw. We each had a different flavor; Daddy had blueberry cheesecake, I had mudslide, Sawyer had birthday cake and Mason had a little bit of everyone's.

Happy 5th Birthday Trent!

2011-06-01T18:01:00.001-07:00

Today our nephew, Trent, turned 5! All day I have thinking about the birthday parties that Jesus throws; I bet they are just more than we can even imagine!

We celebrated his birthday by going to the Henry Vilas Zoo with Mie Mie. We picked this place because Trent has a bench there with his name on it! We first made sure we all had our John Deere shirts on and then we started the day off with a picnic at the zoo, then sang Happy Birthday to Trent, sent him some balloons, looked at all the animals and then finished the day by relaxing on Trent's bench! We love you Trent and can't wait to see you again soon!

Good Bye Dryer!

2011-05-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

Typically laundry day is on Sunday but look at what I got today!!! I just had to do a load today (Tuesday). The picture looks like it's a small load but really there are a lot of small things behind it all; it was a full load. ;)

Mason turned 1!!!

2011-05-30T19:27:00.001-07:00

What an exciting day! Our Baby Mason turned 1 year old! I think I am still in shock that he is 1 but is awestruck by how much he has grown up.

This morning I snuck into his room and just had to take a picture of my baby sleeping one last time. Apparently he took off his pants in the middle of the night.

Sawyer and I made a special breakfast for Mason this morning. When we were done we woke up Daddy and then we all went into Mason's room to say Good Morning and Happy Birthday. It was already 7:30am so we figured he was just playing in his crib. We actually woke the poor guy up. Typically when you wake Mason up he is happy right away; not today the old age must be settling in already. We had to stand up him to which he then put his head against the crib, slid back down and buried his head into the blankets.

Breakfast consisted of pancakes and an apple topping. Mason does a rather impressive two fisted feeding.

It was time for him to open his present. Sawyer, being the Big Brother that he is, insisted that he helped. So he made sure to take every single piece of paper away from Mason that he ripped to throw into the garbage.

Thank You Mom and Dad for my Hot Wheels table and chairs!!!

Mie Mie and Papa then came over and gave him a John Deere tractor that looks just like Mie Mie's lawn mower and a huge box of Lincoln Logs.

For dinner we had Grandma Annie, Mie Mie, Papa, Uncle Ben, Aunt Holli and Simon over. We grilled out and had chicken, red potatoes, sweet potatoes, asparagus and fruit. The best was the chocolate birthday cake!

D5 #2

2011-05-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Even though this was only our second family fun day we already had to change the name to D5 instead of D4! This D5 was more relaxed than the first but we still loved spending the day together.

The day before we found out that Sawyer has food allergies so we thought it would be a good idea to "pig out". We ate lunch at HuHot (Mongolian Grill restaurant). Tom and I were very impressed with how well Sawyer did with his chop sticks! Then there is Mason eating little pieces of rice; it just doesn't get any cuter than that!

After we ate I would to Woodman's grocery store with Mason to buy some food that Sawyer can now eat with his food allergies. While we were shopping Tom and Sawyer went to Golf Galaxy just to do some window shopping.

We then headed back home to relax playing outside. Sawyer came up with this idea completely on his own; we just had to capture it. He put a bungee cord on his car and called it his car seat. Seriously, how genius is that! He even put it on the same side the door opens. That night we broke the D5 rules a little bit and hung out with our neighbors at a bomb fire; we had a blast!

Spring Fling

2011-05-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Mie Mie and Papa had their Annual Spring Fling once again this year; however, this year they made it into a Carnival themed party! We had so much fun and really did not want the day to end.

There was lots of food that you would find at a Carnival to eat. Here you see Sawyer eating with Brenna, Ava and Lexie.

You can never go to Papa's house without a 4-wheeler ride. Mason absolutely loves the 4-wheeler; I think he would be perfectly content riding all day long.

There was a pinata and I was highly impressed with how well Sawyer swung the bat. Last year we couldn't get him to swing the bat but this year was completely different.

There was a huge variety of carnival games that included ring toss, 3-legged race, sack race, cookie walk, relay races, and so much more. Here you see Sawyer and Daddy fishing. (If you look closely you can see that Daddy had his face painted into a Tiger.)

"Katie" came and did face paintings. She was really good!

Mason holding onto the peanuts we got (one of the many prizes we came home with).

New Front Yard

2011-05-16T04:17:00.000-07:00

As you know last fall we took down the six trees in our front yard; that was step one of the new front yard look.

Step Two: Removing the tree stumps. We all loved watching them being removed for two reasons; one - knowing the trees were finally gone and two - it was very interesting how he grinded our stumps down. (April 24, 2011)

Step Three: We also noticed that a good portion of our grass was not growing in our front yard so we decided to rototill it all up and start over. Step Four: Bringing in new top soil. Sawyer LOVED playing in the huge pile of dirt that sat in our driveway. (April 29th, 2011)

Step Five: We not only topped the whole front yard off with top soil but also made it level. We had some low point in the yard and we wanted it all even.

Step Six: Planting our Trent tree. When my nephew went to be with Jesus the place I used to work for before having kids gave me money so that we could plant a tree in honor of him. We never had a spot to plant a tree until now! We planted a Magnolia tree; now every time I look outside I smile because I think of my nephew Trent and all the great memories that he brought to our family. We even have some money left over so I think there will be another Trent tree planted in our backyard; I can't wait!

Step Seven: Enjoying the beauty! This is what our yard is looking like now. The grass is growing and Trent's tree is blooming!!! (May 15th, 2011)

What a Day!!!

2011-05-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was definitely one of those days that you will never forget. Several things happened that made the day really special so I will just explain each thing in the order of events that they happened.

We were invited to celebrate Maia's 17th birthday! We had the amazing experience of going to see the Brewers at Miller Park play against the Pirates in the Luxury Suite! It was so much fun and the food was unbelievable!

When we were driving down to Milwaukee (we carpooled with my parents) Sawyer kept asking where we were going and we told him that we were going to watch a baseball game. Granted for the most part of the day he just ran around with his cousins we did catch him watching the game a few times.

Sawyer gave the first piece of cake to the birthday girl. Happy Birthday Maia!

Papa and Mason

Then Bernie himself came to our suite to see us! The kids got to have their baseballs signed by him and have their picture taken with him as well; it was pretty exciting.

Our second major event of the day was that Mason took his first step at Miller Park!!! He was standing by the little table and took his first step to Mie Mie. I had just turned around to look at him when he took his first step. At first I questioned to myself what I saw but then when I saw Mie Mie's face I knew that what I saw was true! We are very proud of you Mason!!! (This picture was taken during our attempts to get him to walk again.)

Our third major event of the day took place after we came home. I took a pregnancy test and it was positive!!! Our third precious gift is expected to arrive January 20th, 2012!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T04:38:00.000-07:00

We woke up to once again eggs on our lawn. Every year on Grove St someone will come around and put eggs out on every one's lawn. It's a lot of fun! When Sawyer woke up I looked out his window and showed him all the eggs; he then said "I go get them". So out the door we went in our PJ's picking up our Easter eggs!

We then came inside and had to find out what kind of goodies were in each egg.

Sawyer even shared his eggs with Mason who also had a lot of fun playing with them.

Papa stopped over before we left for church to drop of some food for our lunch with them after church so we took our family picture. Say Cheese Everyone!

(April 24th, 2011)

D4 #1

2011-04-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had our first D4 day and we LOVED it! We are already starting to plan out future ones! We started the morning off by having French Toast for breakfast. I really wanted to sleep in but Sawyer's internal clock went off at 6:30am; we did however slowly get ready! Once we made it out the door we went to the Madison Children's Musuem.

This is Sawyer and I in the music making hut.

Mason getting up close to some of the exhibits as well. He really enjoyed just watching all the action.

Sawyer playing with the cars.

Mason had fun playing with one of the wooden houses and watching out the window while the cars went by.

Sawyer's favorite part was watching the train. Every time we let him just run he would run straight back to the train. We would then get him to another exhibit he would just look around and then back to the train it was.

After the musuem we went to Sam's Club. This weekend you were able to get in for free without needing a membership.

Tom and I were like two kids in a candy store! Mason, however, thought it was boring and fell asleep. Sawyer was so sweet and let Mason lay his head on his lap.

We then went to eat at Quaker Steak and Lube. Sawyer had so much fun sitting on the motorcycle; even without putting money in it!

On our way home we stopped at Starbucks to get a special treat for Tom and I! Once we got back to Portage we went and visited Uncle Eugene in the nursing home. He was recently transfered there from the hospital. Please keep him and the rest of the family in your prayers as we begin to say our good-byes.

Once we got the kids to bed Tom and I played Scrabble. Even though Tom beat me I was still proud that I only one one tile left and it was a "Q" and Tom had two left.

It was a very relaxing and fun day! We are so glad we made this day and looking forward to the next.

Timber Rattlers

2011-04-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

On Saturday April 9th we headed up to Appleton to visit Great-Grandma Van Handel in the hospital. After we visited with her for a little bit we went to a Timber Rattlers game with Aunt Toni and Ken. We had a BLAST!

Aunt Toni, Mason and Ken

I put Sawyer in this car when Tom wasn't looking just to get a rise out of him; it worked!

Both Sawyer and Mason loved the cotton candy as you can see by the two pictures below.

It truly was a great time and some memories were made to last forever!

Grandma Bea

2011-04-14T19:01:00.001-07:00

Dear Grandma Bea,

Even though we knew your time here was not going to be forever it was still very hard to say good-bye. I can’t believe that exactly one month ago I was playing 500 Rummy (a card game) with you trying my hardest to win because you were so good (although you were getting all the wild cards). I just didn’t think now would have been your time to go.

Last Saturday (April 9th) was the last time I saw you. We went to see you in the hospital (Theda Care Room #619) and I didn’t know what to expect walking in. Even though I was told this would be my final good-bye a part of me really thought you would pull through. I know that sounds ridiculous considering that the Dr.’s had given up, Hospice Care was already there and you were put on Morphine but come on we all know how stubborn of a person you were. Part of me was relieved when you did wake up and I leaned over you to say hello that you could respond to me. You said, “Hi Tami” (you knew who I was), you said “Thank you for coming” and “I Love You”; being able to hear you talk was a sigh of relief. We stayed with you for an hour and a half and then said good-bye. We left so that Sawyer and Mason could get some energy out.

We called my mom at 4:00pm and said that we were coming back up to the hospital and that is when she told me to leave it the way it was because you were no longer coherent. What? Even though I was told over and over again that your end was coming it was still a shock to me; how could three hours make that much of a difference?

Now all we have are memories. Here are just a few.

Pickle Roll-Ups!!!! These were your signature item; you brought them to every party and if you forgot we made sure you knew you forgot! I remember the times you would make them at our house sitting at our dining room table. You made sure each one was perfect and you wouldn’t let us eat the good ones before the party but the scraps were fair game! I think we had it timed out how long it took you to make one roll-up because we (well for sure I did) came running the minute we knew there were “butts” of the roll-up available to eat.

That UGLY Wreath!!! I once made a wreath for you for Christmas. I was only 9 when I made it which for that age I guess it wasn’t that bad looking but looking at it now, YIKES! What surprised me the most was remembering that wreath hanging up on your kitchen closet door for the longest time. Every time I went to your house I felt so special knowing that you were proud of my wreath.

Dawn!!! Nope I am not talking about the dish soap; I am talking about the name I never knew I had! My mom and I went to see you one day while you were working at Target. You were introducing us to one of your co-worker friend. After you introduced your daughter Donna (my mom) you then turned to me and said “And this is my granddaughter Dawn” immediately you looked at me and starting laughing and said “I don’t even know a Dawn, this is my granddaughter Tami!”

Washcloths!!! All thanks to you I have enough washcloths to last me years. Now when I see a washcloth I don’t just think of a plain washcloth I think of you sitting in your chair just being content. I guess I should really take that to heart; the fact that it’s okay to just sit, be still and do something you enjoy to relax.

These are the memories that stick out the most but there are so many more. I won’t forget how you laughed, the way you would smile when you saw me coming or how you would give me a big hug – oh the memories!

I Love You Grandma!
Your Granddaughter Tami (AKA: Dawn)

The UGLY Wreath! Christmas of 1992

At my High School Graduation in 2001

At Tom & I's wedding on May 5, 2007

Sitting with Tom, Sawyer and myself at Chirstmas of 2009

You holding Mason at Tom's birthday party on September 26, 2010

D4

2011-04-07T18:06:00.001-07:00

We would like to introduce to you D4 (Deich Party of 4)!!!!

Now for the explanation. This has been a decision in the making since the end of March. At the end of every summer I think to myself "where did the summer go?". We are so good at filling our time with busy things just to keep us active but then all said and done we don't have much to show for it. I recently heard a teaching how our days are actually suppose to start in the evening; the part of the day where we rest first and then go to work (morning/day). This is found in Genesis 1:19 "And there was evening, and there was morning the fourth day."

I absolutely loved this concept of putting your rest and your family time first instead of the other way around that most Americans do. Let's be honest most of us put our work, busy things and ourselves before God and our family. I wanted to definitely change this for our family. Now this may seem like a contradiction but evening time for family time is nearly impossible for us because Tom does not get home from work until 10:00-10:30pm.

I started brainstorming ideas of how we could make sure we put our family first; to make sure our kids grow up knowing that we put them first and we value our time with them. I then looked at the calendar and realized that there was only one Saturday left with nothing in the box. How said is that? Already summer has begun with the busy things and no real family time.

I then brought the idea up to Tom of blocking off one Saturday a month for a family day - he LOVED it! The decision was made but I still didn't block off the day. Then the other day we found out that Tom (once again) has to work six days next week leaving his only day off Saturday. I finally said to him that we were starving for daddy attention so on the calendar it went...D4!!!

Please don't be offended if you ask us to do something with you and we say that it's D4 day. We just want to make sure that we set away that special time for our family to make memories and bond together!

Mason is 9 months 3 weeks!!!

2011-03-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today we took Mason in for his 9 month check-up and to be honest I am a little surprised by the numbers. Granted he is still a big boy but not as big as what I was thinking. Over the past 3 1/2 months he only gained one pound; I guess he sure is getting a lot of exercise now that he is crawling the right way and standing up. And let me tell you - he is quick when he crawls! His officials numbers were: 28.75" for height (54.21%), 22# 10oz for weight (73.16%) and his head measurement was 47cm (86.35%). Yesterday was also a big day for Mason. He ate whole peas for the first time and climbed onto the first stair step; I am pretty sure my heart skipped a beat when I saw this.

Mason will tend to grab the spoon after you put it in his mouth. He will then chew/suck on it until all the food is off and then give it back to you for more. March 6th, 2011

Mason pulling himself up to play with his big tractor. March 7th, 2011

Mason watching Curious George with his brother. Sawyer was sitting on his chair and yelling at Mason to move. March 11th, 2011

Mason has discovered the Tractor Room! March 15th, 2011

Boys will be Boys

2011-03-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

Today before leaving for church I just wanted to try and get a good picture of my boys in their matching shirts. It started out great but I guess two little boys can only sit for so long!

And then it all ends with both of them saying "What Mom?"

Happy 28th Birthday to Me!

2011-02-27T12:18:00.001-08:00

My birthday celebration really began on Friday. After I came home from the gym (8:00am) Tom said he was taking the boys to Madison and that I had the morning to myself and then he gave me money so that I could go to Krista's Kitchen! I quickly jumped in the shower and hurried the boys out the door. I then went to Krista's where I enjoyed a Rocky Road specialty coffee drink paired with a Cup o Joe Muffin and had time to relax and journal. I then went and got my hair cut and straightened! My mom was actually the next client to come in so I stayed and talked to her while she had her hair cut since she just came out of a week of being in quarantine for being sick. It felt really good to catch up with her. I then went out for lunch with my mom at the Corner Pocket here in town. By the time I came home the boys were home and Sawyer & Mason were napping; so I took a nap as well!

On Saturday (my actual birthday) Tom made eggs and sausage for breakfast; it was delicious! I then received my presents from the boys (refer to pictures below). This weekend was also the Alumni Basketball Tournaments so we went and watched both my brothers play ball. At 3:00pm we left for Beaver Dam to eat at Benvenuto's with Tom's family. It was a great weekend and I am so incredibly blessed!

Sawyer giving me his present which was a Chris Tomlin CD and a heart decor that said "Live a Life of Love. Ephesians 5:2". He picked it out all by himself.

This was me after opening Mason's present which was a picture frame that had a picture of him and Sawyer in it and then a $25 gift card to Starbucks!

This was my reaction after opening the present from Tom. He bought me diamonds earrings!!!

Me with my two boys - I am one lucky mommy!

Brothers!

2011-02-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for the love that my boys have for each other. It is so fascinating to watch them interact with each other. I will never forget the day that I took Mason to do some errands and Tom took Sawyer. We all came back home just a couple of hours later and the boys acted as though they had been apart for ages. There was lots of hugging, smiles and laughing. It melted our hearts!

Holding hands in the car. (01.15.11)

Playing together with the fridge magnets. (01.24.11)

Sawyer taking Mason's temperature. I just love Mason's look it's like he is saying "Seriously Mom why is Sawyer taking my temperature again?". I love it! (02.12.11)

Nothing better than a little wrestling match. (02.14.11)

Mason Stood Up!!!

2011-02-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

Tonight we were hanging out in Mason's room getting ready for bed. Mason was finished getting his jammies on. Sawyer and I were on the floor playing with the dice from Yahtzee Jr when we looked over and saw Mason stand up in his crib!!!!

We then called daddy at work and he admitted that was the first time he smiled all day (he wasn't having a good day at work)!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to admit I am now editing this post. When Papa saw the pictures on our blog of Mason standing up he told me to either lower the crib or put cushions down. The good daughter that I am I listened. ;) I just knew that Old Man Papa would not be able to sleep unless he knew his grandbaby was safe and sound.

We are very proud of you Mason!!!

Change of Plans

2011-02-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

Today we had gone to Madison for the morning. When we arrived back home we decided to go to the Ice Races in Cambria. The boys had fallen asleep in the car so we decided to leave them in the car to nap while Tom and I went inside to pack up our lunch and grab warmer clothes for everyone. We got everything ready and headed back out to the car to continue on our way. What why isn't the music playing anymore? Why won't the car start? Yup you guessed it, dead battery. So it was back to carrying everything inside. As I was walking into the house I could sense that the boys (including Tom) were all a little disappointed in having to stay home. I did some quick thinking and made a fort for all of us to have our picnic safe and warm at home!

Mason discovered a tunnel within the fort!

Daddy was really proud to show off how big his mouth was.

#2

2011-02-16T18:28:00.001-08:00

It has been 35 days since we officially started potty training and up until today Sawyer has not gone #2 on the potty. I was talking to my dad on the phone and Sawyer informed me that he had to push (aka: poop). This has been a progress for the last couple of days of him telling me he has to push but whenever we would sit on the toilet nothing would happen. I continued talking to my dad thinking that the same thing would happen until I looked at him and his face was red and then there was the smell. I couldn't believe it! There was then a lot of celebrations that followed - I was so unbelievably proud of him. The first thing we did was go to the closet to get THE garbage truck that he could have when he poop on the potty. (There was actually so much excitement that I initially forgot to wipe his butt; we had to quickly go back into the bathroom before removing the garbage truck out of the box.)

Sawyer played with his garbage truck ALL afternoon. I have never seen him play with one toy for that length of time. At one point he even carried the garbage truck into his bed and then shut his bedroom door. After about ten minutes I went into his room just to see what was going on and he was sitting on his bed just playing. He looked at me and said, "playing with garbage truck, shut door" and I re-asked him "you want me to shut the door?" and he said "yeah". So I guess he just wanted some time alone with his new garbage truck! A little while later Mason woke up from his afternoon nap so both of us went into Sawyer's room to check on him. Sawyer then said, "Mason play with garbage truck too" as he put his hand on the bed next to him as a signal for Mason to sit with him. It was the cutest thing ever and definitely melted my heart!!!!

Later on this evening Sawyer informed me that he had to push again and sure enough he did it for a second time. What an awesome day!

Growing up too fast.

2011-02-11T18:29:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that my baby is now 8 months old! Seriously, where has the time gone? Mason is now eating three meals a day with snacks in between. I don't think he is ever really full; he is always wanting more. He recently moved him up into the next size of clothes (12 months) and they are none too big on him. Tom weighed him this morning and he was 23 lbs 2 ounces.

Eating his treat, "stars", for the first time. (01.10.11)

Mason does an impressive downward dog yoga pose. Usually his head is down but he looked up for the camera. (01.15.11)

We have now re-baby proofed our house for he is getting around to all parts of the rooms. (01.16.11)

Sitting in his 12 month size jammies; like I said none to big. (02.05.11)

Eating his teething biscuit that Papa bought him for the fist time. (02.09.11)

Cooking

2011-02-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

Sawyer has develop a love to help cook. Whenever I walk into the kitchen he is right behind me asking me what I am doing. If I say that I am cooking he will then go to the dinning room grab a chair and push it into the kitchen so that he can help. Usually as he is pushing the chair he will say, "Help Mom" or "Sawyer help Mom!".

Putting the noodles into the chili. (01.19.11)

Helping make Mason's baby food. (01.25.11)

Making cookies from the dough we bought from Kaylee's fundraiser. (01.27.11)

Christmas Projects

2011-01-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

These are the "Snappy Bags" that I made for the Steering Team (Leadership Team) of our Portage MOPS group.

This is a wrap that you put around you coffee cup! This one was for my sister.

A Giant pillow (Sawyer calles it a tire) that was for Brenna.

This "tire" was for Audrey.

This is a tablerunner that I made for my mom's craft apartment.

This is a fabric matching game called "Don't Forget". Ava and Alexa both got a set.

This set of goodies was for my sister in-law, Amber.

I then made myself a gift!

My man!

2011-01-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

I want to dedicate this post to my amazing husband, Tom! He has just been totally rocking it as not only a father but a husband. I am so incredibly blessed that God gave me Tom. I will be honest that Tom is not what I had pictured when I imagined my future husband, but obviously God knew what I needed better than what I knew.

Last weekend we purchased a TV for my craft room. So on Monday Tom had off of work so him and Sawyer went to the "man store" (Menard's) to buy a shelf while Mason and I went grocery shopping and ran errands. That day he put up my new shelf and hooked up my TV. Normally Tom doesn't get home until 10:00pm so I have my one show a week that I watch on Monday nights at 9:00pm while I eat ice cream. It's my little "me" time. At 8:40pm I told Tom "oh my show is on tonight" to which he responded "college football is on tonight". I then said "well now what? well I guess we do have two tv's now". I finished cleaning up the kitchen and Tom went downstairs. I then soon followed to turn on my show only to find Tom sitting my craft room watching college football so that I could have the big comfy couch and the big tv to watch my show. Gotta love him!

I go to the gym in the mornings with my mom. I will leave before the boys (all three of them) are up, but by the time I get home Tom will usually (about 90%) will have breakfast ready for us to eat. He makes some mean eggs!

Last night I waited up for Tom to come home from work. It was about 10 minutes after 10 and he wasn't home yet so I just figured he had to work late and went to bed. I then woke up when he crawled into bed which was about 11:30pm. I asked him if he had just gotten home to which he then informed me that he had been home for about an hour and even feed Mason. I asked him why he feed Mason and he informed me that he was crying. I never heard a thing. So my incredible husband let me sleep while he went through the extra work of un-thawing and warming up milk for Mason to feed him instead of waking me up. Thank you Honey!

This morning Tom and I were talking while also multi-tasking with the boys. I was feeding Mason his cereal and then Sawyer asked for his nose to be cleaned so Tom was getting toilet paper (we don't have any Kleenex right now). When Tom came back into the room (we are still talking at this point) he held the toilet paper up to my nose and stood there. When he realized I wasn't blowing he looked at me and then realized that I wasn't Sawyer. We had a pretty good laugh.

Potty Training!!!

2011-01-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

On January 8th Sawyer sat on the potty for the 1st time!!! He has known the whole potty concept for awhile now but just would not sit on the potty. When we would try to get him to sit on the potty but he would tense up and become straight as a board. Tom was able to get him to sit on the potty one night while getting ready for bed. Tom refused to put a clean diaper on Sawyer until he sat on the potty. Sawyer sat in his room for a little while and then came running out of his room and into the bathroom.

He only sat on the potty for about 15 seconds and then he was ready for his diaper. Tom and I very excited though with his progress of just sitting on the potty.

Then on January 10th Tom did it again! He was getting Sawyer ready for bed and sat in the bathroom with Sawyer for what seemed like forever but really was probably only about 5 minutes trying to convince Sawyer to sit on the potty. Well not only did he sit on the potty but he went wee wee!!!

Then yesterday he still wore his diaper but we (meaning Tom and Mie Mie - I was at work) kept putting Sawyer on the potty all day long. He went two times for Daddy in the morning, once for Mie Mie and then once for me when I came home. He were extremely proud of him!

And now Today!!! Daddy put Sawyer's big boy underwear on and we set the clock. I was excited about today because we had nothing going on all day and knew we could really focus on the potty. The timer went on and every 25 minutes we were in the bathroom going potty. All said and done Sawyer went wee wee on the potty 22 times and only had 2 accidents!!!! The other exciting part was that Sawyer even told me 4 times when he had to go potty before the timer even went off!!! It was also really cute that when Sawyer would be on the potty he would look down and say "coming?!" and then once he started to go wee wee he would then say "there it is!". Today was a lot of work and not only made me tired but Sawyer as well ;)

Schoessow Family Christmas

2011-01-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

On January 1st we celebrated Christmas with the Schoessow and it was held at Mie Mie and Papa's house.

To start the day off we played a couple games of Twister. It was Tom and I versus Mie Mie (Mommer) and Treyton. Tom and I won!

We then had to discover who was the strongest. It started with Treyton wanting to know who was stronger; Papa or his dad (Uncle Tim). The results came in with Uncle Timmy as the winner. It was then between Treyton and Mommer, Treyton and Aunt Amber (his mom) and then Treyton and Emma.

Mie Mie had a craft project planned for the older kids. They sure did have a lot of fun decorating their clay pots.

After we ate we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus over Cars cupcakes.

Sawyer and Daddy helped Mason open his present from Papa and Mie Mie - it was a Big Scoop John Deere!

After all the presents were open there was one HUGE paper fight!

Happy Birthday Jesus from the Schoessow family!

Deich Family Christmas

2010-12-31T19:16:00.000-08:00

On December 18th we headed to Uncle Tony and Aunt Rachel's house to celebrate Cameron's 1st birthday and Christmas.

This is Cameron after he finished eating his birthday cake - I think he did a pretty good job!

The Deich Cousins - Mason, Simon, Cameron, Sawyer, Kaylee and Kennedy

Grandma Annie, Great Granmda Fakes, Great Grandma Deich, Sawyer, Mason, Simon, Kennedy, Cameron and Kaylee

The whole Deich clan!!!

Us!

The Snow is Falling

2010-12-31T19:01:00.000-08:00

Winter is here! We have already had a couple of snowfalls but as I type this blog it is all melting. It's 9:10pm and it's 43 degrees outside - now that is some strange Wisconsin weather. We did get some chances though to get outside and enjoy the snow.

Here is daddy giving Sawyer a ride around the yard. (December 10th)

Then on December 12th we had our first big snow storm. We ended up with about 10" of snow. Tom was very excited for this because we purchased our first snow blower and he just couldn't wait to test it out.

Tom then had to go to work but the plow truck had not gone on our street yet. Therefore I got my chance to test out the snow blower while I cleared the end of the driveway after the plow came through.

One of my favorite things about a fresh snow fall is the beautiful nature!

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

2010-12-25T20:03:00.000-08:00

What an incredible day we had together as a family to celebrate the birth of our Savior! It was a very relaxing and fun day. By the end of the day if you asked Sawyer who's birthday it was he would say "Baby Jesus' Birthday" - it sure was cute!

We started the day off by creating the navity scene with stickers. By the time we were done you could not see baby Jesus; Sawyer had put three sheep, a shepard, a donkey, a gift from the wisemen and a tree on top of Him. I guess everyone wanted to be up close to see the King of Kings!

We then did some coloring together. Sawyer had received mail yesterday and it was from Mie Mie full of coloring pages that involved the Christmas story - thank you Mie Mie.

Sawyer and Mason sitting patiently before opening up presents. Mason did an awesome job opening his gifts but I did have to keep taking paper out of his mouth. Sawyer did an awesome job of opening his gifts as well and allowing Mason to open his own.

Our friends from IL (Dave and Jenna) sent us gifts. Sawyer got a puzzle and Mason got a stacking giraffe. I (and Tom) got homemade candy cane biscotti!

There were a lot of John Deere tractor presents.

Mason got a wooden rocking horse but he shared with Sawyer. We are still trying to settle on a name; daddy wants "Turbo" and Sawyer has called it "Jesus" and "Mason's horse".

We normally make our own birthday cake but this year Culver's was having a sale on their custard cakes - we just couldn't resist a brownie thunder cake!!!

We then brought out the play doh and made a lot of different of animals with the play doh cutters we had. We also have these cards (shown in the picture) where Sawyer takes the play doh and makes the same shape on the card. He did great and was really proud of his work. Mommy and Daddy were super proud as well.

Then it was onto Yahtzee Jr Toy Story 3 edition. (Sawyer got this present from his cousins Kaylee, Kennedy and Cameron). Sawyer won one game, Mommy won two and Daddy didn't win at all. Daddy then wanted to play just against Mommy and I still beat him!

Mie Mie and Papa then stopped over to give Sawyer a present. (He got it before the Schoessow Christmas because it was a Bob the Builder movie with a holiday theme. They wanted to make sure he was able to watch it before it got packed away with the Christmas stuff - if we pack it away.)

Before we headed to bed we opened our stockings! All three boys got a movie; Tom got "Where the Red Fern Grows", Sawyer got a Veggie Tale movie and Mason got a Boz movie.

Christmas Eve Part 2

2010-12-25T19:50:00.001-08:00

Tom worked Christmas Eve but was home by 5:25pm. He quickly got ready and off to our Christmas Eve service together. We had a lot of fun getting together with our church family. When we got home we decided to borrow the movie "Toy Story 3" from Sawyer's friend (Calvin) and invited Mie Mie and Papa to watch it with us.

Papa is always cracking and eating nuts during the holiday season. Papa tried to cover them from Mason but he did manage to sneak one (don't worry we got it before it went into his mouth).

Sawyer and Mie Mie are two peas in a pod when it comes to their love for popcorn. (Earlier that day Sawyer and gone in the cupboards and found my pink mixing bowl and insisted that he eat out of it all day.)

Tom and I just want to make sure that it was documented that we were there b/c when Mie Mie and Papa are over the boys don't really know that we exist ;)

During the movie Mason fell asleep on Papa's lap (he has never fallen asleep like this before) and Sawyer wan't some snuggle time with Papa.

Merry Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!! I woke up this morning feeling like a little kid again with the excitement running through my veins. I love celebrating the birth of my Savior! The King that came to this earth to die for me - wow it amazes me how much love He has for me (and you of course)!

Here are some pictures of the boys after their baths this morning in hopes to still be clean for the Christmas Eve service tonight.

It may look like Sawyer is giving Mason a head lock but he actually is giving him a big hug.

This is Mason getting even!

Tractor Room

2010-12-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

In our basement we have, what I intended to be, a spare room. However, I am outnumbered (3 boys, 1 girl) in the house and the room became the tractor room. Tom has bins (yes notice the plural form of bin) of farm/tractor toys from when he was kid. He dug them all out of storage and made the spare room into the tractor room. They have been just playing with their tractors on the floor but I guess that just wasn't going to do. So this past Saturday Tom and Sawyer decided to make something to add to the room. (I actually really love how this room is turning out.)

Christmas Tree

2010-12-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

This past Friday we went to Miller Farms near Rio to pick out that perfect tree.

Sawyer really want this tree.

After giving him a few other options Sawyer decided to pick this one!

As always Sawyer is making sure daddy is doing a good job cutting down the tree.

Mason did an awesome job supervising everyone decorating the tree.

Sawyer putting the star on top of the tree.

On Saturday we decided to put a train going around the tree. This provides great entertainment for the boys (all three of them)!

The end result!

Mason's 6 month numbers!

2010-12-03T18:30:00.000-08:00

Mason had his six month check up today. He sure is growing!

Height: 27 1/2" (83.87%)

Weght: 21 lb 12.8 oz (96.87%) I am a little confused by this though because when I looked at the scale I thought I read 21# 8ozs so who knows - either way he's huge!

Head: 46cm (95.31%) When the doctor remeasured she got 45cm.

The doctor also said we could start feeding him veggies. Well I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-12-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

We have been so blessed this past year! God has continued to be faithful to us and has shown us His love in so many ways. Our biggest blessing this year was the gift of Mason! He is the perfect addition to our family. We are also so blessed with how much Sawyer is growing and learning everyday!

Our Thanksgiving meal was Nachos!!!

On Friday we headed out to Aunt Toni's house for the Schoessow Thanksgiving!

Uncle Timmy and Mason

Lexie, Sawyer, Mason, Audrey, Aunt Amber and Treyton

Papa doing what Grandparents do best: load them up with sugar and then send them home! Of course Sawyer and Ava were very thankful for this ;)

Playing John Deere Dominos with Ava, Uncle Terry and Emma.

Brenna and Aunt Toni.

Mason, Ken and Daddy

I just love how this picture shows how much Sawyer and Mason admire each other.

Happy 6 Month Birthday Mason!

2010-11-30T19:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Baby Mason,

You have completely turned my world upside down. Everyday you grow so much that I am scared to blink because I know I will miss something. I love everything about you! You have now expanded your vocabulary to "babababababa" and a high pitch squeal when you get really excited. I absolutely love listening to you talk while I wake up in the morning. You also do this really cute thing where you will be lying on your tummy in your crib and when you hear me walk into your room you will then stretch your neck up so that you can see over the crib railing to see and then you will have the biggest toothless smile ever! That toothless smile has also turned into a one tooth smile this past month! On November 23rd you got your first tooth and I see that you have another one on its way! You have conquered rolling over both ways. You adore your brother, Sawyer, and you love to watch him play. You love to be tickled under your chin. And most importantly you bring joy and the spirit of contentment to this home!

I am so blessed to be your mother. Thank you for the love that you show me everyday.
Love ~ Mommy

November 11, 2010

November 16, 2010

November 18, 2010

November 25, 2010

November 26, 2010 ~ Happy Thanksgiving!

TIMBER!!!

2010-11-29T18:21:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday Tom/Daddy, Grandma Annie and Uncle Ben cut down the six trees that were in our front yard. It only took about 3-4 hours; they sure did work hard!

Sawyer watched them work looking out Mason's bedroom window. Even though it was really cold he still opened the window and watched.

Mason fell asleep in his crib even though his window was open, chainsaw running and trees falling!

Grandma Annie was in charge of the chainsaw while daddy and Uncle Ben loaded up all the wood. Granmda Annie kept all the burnable wood for the winter.

TIMBER!

The brush filled up this trailer and the back of our pick-up truck.

This is what our front yard now looks like!

Update from Mie Mie's (Mason)

2010-11-15T18:38:00.001-08:00

I love the fact that the amazing mom that raised and loved me spends time with my boys. Mie Mie and Mason have a special bond between each other - why else Mason roll over for Mie Mie first? ;)

This is actually a picture of Mason and I at Camp Cotton in Osseo, WI.

Update from Mie Mie's (Sawyer)

2010-11-15T18:22:00.000-08:00

Sawyer LOVES going to Mie Mie's hosue. He loves it so much that I have even caught Tom telling Sawyer that he is going to Mie Mie's just to get him in the car (even though they really are not). It is such an incredible blessing to have Mie Mie live so close to be able to watch my boys when I go to work. THANK YOU MIE MIE!

I also am so blessed to have Papa close by as well. I really don't have any memories of being around my grandpa so I am glad that my boys are going to be able to have that relationship between a grandfather and grandson. The thing that Sawyer (and now Mason also getting involved) loves doing with Papa is riding on the 4-wheeler.

Taking a break from the ride while Sawyer and Mason tackle Papa.

Happy 5 months Mason!

2010-10-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Mason,

Words cannot express the love that I have for you. It amazes me that how you (only being 5 months old) have taught me so much. You are a constant reminder of what contentment and patience means. Your spirit always encourages me; I pray that you never lose who you are. You have joy (your smile is contagious), patience (you know that sometimes I am stretched in two different directions and you just wait for me), contentment (you are perfectly fine playing by yourself) and love (I will never forget the smile that you have when you are with your brother).

You have been an incredible blessing to our family! I am so blessed that God choose me to be your mommy and I will be forever grateful for it. This past month you have grown so much! You can now roll from your back to your tummy going both ways (left and right) and can even roll from your tummy to your back. You are really beginning to talk; which I love listening to your stories. You also make the best "raspberries" sound ever! You are also now sitting in your high chair and eating cereal (first time was just yesterday).

I Love You Baby Mason!
Mommy

You are incredibly handsome!!! (October 17th)

You and Sawyer have so much fun playing with each other. (October 26th)

Sawyer feeding you your first spoonful of cereal! If you look at Sawyer's mouth you can tell that he is telling you to go "ahhh". (October 29th)

You giving mommy "raspberries" while she was trying to take your picture.

Watching mommy work in the yard. (October 30th)

Whistling Straits

2010-10-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tom had the great opportunity to golf at Whistling Straits on Thursday October 14th. When he came home on cloud #9! He had so much fun and even golfed a 97 - that's really good for golfing on a PGA course!

Yup those are sheep.

Tom, Caddy David and Chad

Mason's having more "1st"!

2010-10-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

This is Mason's first time in his Johnny Jumper (October 9th)! He sure did it - here his brother is pushing him.

On October 10th Sawyer feed his brother a bottle for the first time.

A little help here mom! The reason why the instruction manual tells you to strap your child in. ;)

Fire Station

2010-10-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday (October 9th) the Portage Fire Station had an open house. We were able to climb around in the fire trucks and look around. Sawyer then got a balloon and a fire hat!

We then for a beautiful country drive to see all of the gorgeous tree colors. We stopped at Owen's Park only to discover Papa and Mie Mie there as well. When we first got there the boys were sleeping. We had my parents take a picture of Tom and I with the trees and then the boys woke up so we also got a family picture as well!

Tom/Daddy turns 32!

2010-10-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Tom turned 32 on September 26th. We started the day by going to church together. Afterwards we came home to open presents, eat a quick lunch, put the boys down for their naps, and then out to eat in Madison for dinner - well that was the plan I told Tom. ;)

Sawyer and Mason got daddy the game Washer Toss which he fell in love with when he was introduced to the game at our church picnic.

I got Tom the "Final Pitch" picture of the Milwaukee County Stadium.

After gift openeing is when the real party started. I had planned a surprise party for him. When his third friend randomly showed up at our house - he finally figured it out! He was very surprised and had a ton of fun on his birthday!

Corn Maze

2010-10-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

We went to Treinen Farms in Lodi, WI to conquer the HUGE corn maze that was in the shape of a Gecko. It was a beautiful fall day

Sawyer is helping Mason smile for his picture. What a good big brother! ;)

Daddy was our fearless leader through the maze and he did a GREAT job!

This was a HUGE slide that was a TON of fun!

When Sawyer saw the tractors (there was about 5 of them) he had to ride them all. This was definetely his favorite part of the whole day.

On the way back home we took a ride on the ferry. This is the same ferry that Grandma Annie operated and Tom remembers riding on it all day when he went to work with her.

*This family fun day happened on September 25th, 2010*

Mason keeps on growing!

2010-10-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Mason had his 4 month check-up today. He is now 25" long (48.8%), his head measures 43cm (66.70%) and he weighs 18lb 7 oz (96.32%). He also got 4 shots today which is always hard but Sawyer stood by his side watching the nurses to make sure they did it right and then after they were done and putting the bandaids on him Sawyer said "sticker!".

Flood of 2010

2010-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Recently Portage, WI actually hit the National News. The Wisconsin River broke the record (set back in 1938) for being 20.5 feet high.

In this picture you will notice rocks and tree tops. Normally you are able to walk down the rocks to the trees and then that is where the river is.

The street is flooded.

The river almost up to the Hwy 33 bridge.

Where did the street go?

A moment in history.

Beautiful Fall Day

2010-09-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

It was gorgeous outside today. We ended up going out to play. We first started with sidewalk chalk, then moved onto our Tonka trucks and moving rocks around and then we washed the car!!!

Mason is 4 months!!!

2010-09-30T13:11:00.001-07:00

I can not believe how fast the last four months has gone. (I guess that is to be expected when you have a 4 month and a 27 month old.)

This is becoming your favorite place to be. Now that you are getting bigger you are not spending as much time in your crib. (We had you there because it was the safest place for you. Your brother loves you so much that he has a hard time figuring out what a gentle hug is.) You love sitting here because you can watch Sawyer. When you are in your chair Sawyer is able to bounce your chair, give you hugs, share his sippy cup with you, give you your pacifier and cover you up with a blanket. You absolutely love when Sawyer gives you attention; you just sit, watch and smile!

Yesterday (September 29th) you rolled over for the first time!!! I was at work, your daddy was at a doctor's appointment and Mie Mie was watching you. Mie Mie said that when you rolled over you just smiled! Then when your brother woke up you showed him how you could roll over as well; Sawyer just laughed. (Thank you Mie Mie for capturing this incredible moment for us on camera.)

Mason you have been such a huge blessing to this family. You have brought another whole dynamic into this home that only you were able to bring. You are the most content baby ever! You only cry when you are hungry. You can fall asleep on your own. You entertain yourself by just looking around or sucking on your thumb. You smile at everything and are love to be tickled under your chin. You are also becoming a little talker. Daddy and I LOVE laying on our bed with you and listen to all of your stories. Thank you Mason for being you!!!

We love you so much!
Daddy, Mommy and Sawyer

Days like today...

2010-09-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

Today was a little rough. Mason was not himself, he actually required attention, and I was tired (which things never seem to go well when momma is tired). I have always tried to enjoy these moments when my boys are little because I know that someday they will no longer need me or live with me. At the moments that I catch myself starting to get frustrated at my once again messy house, lack of sleep, etc. I remind myself that someday I wish these moments back. Here are a few of the moments I will miss:

I will miss when Sawyer no longer thinks that helping mom clean is fun.

I will miss when my boys will no longer want to sit on the couch with me to watch the football game.

I will miss seeing those artistic hands at work and the mess they leave on my chair when he gets down.

I will miss not being able to sit on my own couch because my son has turned it into a farm.

I will miss all the little moments that Sawyer shows his love towards his brother.

I will miss when he no longer wants to hang out with mom and dad and listen about how our day went.

I will miss being able to put him somewhere and him still be there when I get back. (Disclaimer: I did not just randomly leave Mason outside - it was my last resort to try and get him to stop crying and for him to take his nap today; it worked!)

Miller Park

2010-09-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

On Labor Day we went to a Brewer game with some family and friends (12 adults and 8 kids). It was a BLAST! Tom had been wanting to take Sawyer to a game all summer but we were nervous about his attention span and if he could stay in that one spot for 2-3 hours. Thanks to Mie Mie and her goodie bag he did GREAT! Mason had a great time as well taking naps, watching people, taking a nap, and watching people.

After the game they announced that children ages 2-12 were able to run the bases. We all jumped at this opportunity. When we got down to the field Sawyer did not want to let go of dad. So they let Tom go with him - I am pretty sure Tom enjoyed this way more than Sawyer ;)

After the game some of us hung out in the parking lot to eat the leftover tailgating food and wait for traffic to clear up. Sawyer was playing in Aunt Toni's truck but when it was time to go he did not want to get out. Tom hopped up there with him and Ken and Aunt Toni took them for a little ride in the parking lot.