Schow Family

Family Pictures

2011-12-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

Beckam Michael's Birth Story 10/28/2011

2011-11-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

4 Days to Go!

2011-10-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

We are frantically trying to get ready for baby number 4!!!! We are so excited to meet Beckam Michael. My hope is that he is healthy and everything goes smooth- my secret hope is that I have a child that looks like me- brown eyes please!!! We check into the hospital Friday morning October 28th at 6am to start antibiotics for strep b and then an induction. I've been induced with all my babies and would completely freak out if for some reason I go into labor on my own before then. We have been organizing, cleaning, repairing, and building to get everything in order. We've had a friend here making our bonus room so awesome with built in shelves, a door to the attic, cubbies, and extra shelves in the master closet. It is looking amazing and almost done so that we can put everything away. I'm starting to get nervous for labor (I always think I might die)!?!? I'm kind of dramatic that way though. I'm nervous about trying to juggle life with 4 kids- Halle and Tyson are alot of help (most the time). Gavin is going to get his little world rocked though- good thing he's a daddy's boy! Can't wait but so nervous...

Garden Ball

2011-10-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

We like to get together in the fall and "clean out the garden." We like to play baseball with cucumbers, tomatoes, this year sugar beats made it in, and rotten apples. I had to only take pictures this year because I'm too pregnant- I really missed out and it was hard not to take a couple swings. Everyone played this year including mom, and all the grandkids. We had so much fun getting dirty!

Gavin's New Look

2011-09-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

It was finally time to say goodbye to Gavin's bleached surfer boy hair from our fun summer. I hate giving my babies haircuts because then they look so grown up. He is still a doll though and we keep looking at him because he looks so different.

First Day of School!

2011-09-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

Tyson got a little lost the first day and was crying by the time we found him- then we couldn't get him to go into class- it broke my heart!

What Gavin did the first day of school - took over Tyson's DS ...while I cleaned!

Halle with all of her school supplies- (5 different stores later) what a nightmare with the brand specific supplies!!!

Scrapbook Weekend

2011-08-12T16:37:00.002-07:00

Back in June my sisters and I met in Burley at my moms house to catch up on some scrapbooking with NO kids! I loved it! Family time without my "family"! So for some reason I didn't get a picture of Des. Mom had to leave for Saint George for Grandpa Dean's funeral & then Colt and Michael showed up to keep us company. They both had to pose for pictures in mom's scrap space- although they secretly did want to do a layout! We set up Aislinn's space outside since she's always insisting she's left out- she is the middle child after all!!!

Camping at Sagehen

2011-07-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Camping Highlights of Schow Campsite!

Bart saying everything was "Schow camp rules"- and everyone ignoring Schow camp rules!
hours and hours on the rope swing
yummy food
great company
homemade cookies (2 kinds!)
roasting starbursts?
protecting everyone from the wrath of Gavin's sticks
Hunter's bike getting demolished by white trash campers- hey "that's what you get"
a rain storm that most people could not sleep thru
a massive pancake flip
Calvin's treasure of a caterpillar nest
fishing and swimming off the dock
Halle catching her traditional camping toad- and Ella completely stressed that it would die!

Such a fun weekend!!! Thanks everybody- we had a blast!!!!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Independence Day!!! We started out doing the Baldwin Park bike parade followed by a pancake breakfast. At around 6 we headed over to Osborne's for some swimming, fishing, lots of eating- smoked salmon, steak, hot dogs, lots of salad, watermellon, brownies... lots of food. Then a night of fire works, a bonfire- quickly followed by a firetruck showing up with 4 firemen. What's more American than a firetruck on the 4th of July?!

Last Day of School!!!!

2011-06-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Halle with her 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Knight
Tyson with his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Clegg

Tyson at the Kindergarten Graduation

Go Seminoles!

2011-06-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

Tyson played softball this year. He had fun but I don't know that he'll want to sign up again. He liked playing once we got there but he would rather just stay home and ride bikes and scooters. We had fun watching him- he was a good hitter and would hit right handed even though he's a lefty. He was the most fun in the out field though, where he would spin in circles marking his spot where the coach told him to stand!

Easter Weekend

2011-04-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

We had an action packed Easter weekend that started off with the annual Baldwin Park Easter celebration. Our neighborhood does such a great job and my kids love the egg hunt, bounce houses, and booths. That afternoon we FINALLY bought trees for our back yards (post to come later). That night we had date night with AJ and Tessa at stake conference followed by dinner and dessert at Wingers. The next day we went to Easter dinner at Aj and Tessa's and had amazing food and company. All of the Osbornes except Taylor was there. I love this family and it seems like we don't get to see them near enough- I miss the good old days when we saw them daily.To finish off the weekend we colored eggs- 18 of them and me and Bart might eat two in a salad!!We had such a fun weekend- beautiful spring weather and soooo much food -I'm so sad it is over!

abcs of me!

2011-04-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

abcs of me!

Age: 33

Bed size: king

Chore you hate: cleaning my shower

Dogs: dislike- almost as much as the cats in my backyard!

Essential start of your day: ice water

Favorite color: RED

Gold or silver: silver- i think last time gold touched my skin was almost 2 decades ago

Height: 5"7

Instruments I play (or have played): piano

Job title: house slave to my hubby and kids

Kids: 3 - soon to be four!

Live: organized

Mom’s name: Kathy

Nickname:Lisa, Liser greaser, grease, hoops
Overnight hospital stays: only for tonsils out and having my babies

Pet peeve: I have a too many- but I HATE when real animals talk in movies

Quote from a movie: this is too hard for me- I quote movies so much with my family- some for so many years I can't remember what movie they are from...

Right or left handed: right

Siblings: 2 sisters/ 2 brothers (and I still love taking care of all of them!)

Time you wake up: 7:40

Underwear: the sexy shiny white kind

Vegetables you dislike: love all that I have tried

What makes you run late: Bart

X-rays you’ve had done: neck

Yummy food you make: bbq pork

Zoo animal: giraffes

I found this on my cousin Livi's blog and I loved it Thanks cous!

Oh the Places You'll Go!

2011-03-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

So I try to read to the kids every night (sometimes we miss) and Tyson found a book that Des gave to me when I graduated from High School. I hadn't read this book in years- like over a decade. "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Doctor Suess. As I was reading it to Tyson I was having a hard time not crying. It hit me so hard- the words I was reading and what a great book it is about life. I know this sounds so crazy (it is Dr Suess) but it was exactly what I needed to read today. It's about life experiences and choosing your way, messing up, getting confused, failing, starting over, being alone and left behind. It's also about getting up- keep going, moving mountains.

"I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you."

"Remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act."

I could go on and on with the quotes- I can't believe how long it has been since I have read this amazing book.

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting.
So..... get on your way!"

and I think that last line should read- "So, get out of your way"

Thanks Tyson- I needed this!

Maui!!!

2011-02-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

Bart's dad took everyone to Maui this year so we could all spend some quality time together. We had so much fun!!! I had a couple of first's in my life- body surfing in the ocean, a helicopter ride, seeing whales (finally!!!!) and I sang kareoke! Bart had some firsts as well- surfing, helicopter ride, and growing a mustache that he refused to shave and of course everyone but me thought it was hilarious! We always have so much fun together and laugh most of the time. It's always so hard to leave even though we're always ready to see our kids.

Tyson's 6th Birthday!

2011-01-26T14:33:00.000-08:00

This year I told Tyson, "No Parties"! I try to do the every other year thing with my kids and their birthdays. We always celebrate- just not every year with friends. So some of Tyson's friends (and their moms- my friends) met us at McDonalds for lunch before kindergarten. Most of them brought him a present (which was so not necessary). Then he went to school and I brought in chocolate chip cookies for his class. When the kids got home from school we headed over to "Bounce" for a couple of hours and we let him open his presents from us there. Then we let him pick his birthday dinner - Red Robin. After that we headed home to eat cake and play with his presents. The next day was Saturday and we made him his favorite breakfast of ebelskivers and bacon. We were cleaning up when the doorbell rang- grandma and grandpa Crane had driven up from Burley to surprise us!!! So then he opened more presents and then went to yet another birthday lunch! Good thing we said "no parties"- we might have been exhausted from a weekend of partying!
We love Tyson and he is such a sweet addition to our family. He loves to share, play with babies, play Donkey Kong on wii, make up words, combine name calling with anything chicken, (your a chicken who wears makeup) etc... I can't believe he is already 6! Everytime you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up he says "I don't want to grow up- I want to stay home with mom". I couldn't agree more!!!!

Night Skiing!!!!

2011-01-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

Last Friday we talked Colt and Michelle into hanging out with Gavin for the night and the rest of us headed up to Bogus Basin. Amber and Tanner rode up with us and Roberts were already there taking charge of the mountain!! Halle and Tyson had never skiied before and I had not gone for 19 YEARS!!!! We had a ton of fun- Halle was a natural (of course). Tyson not so much- he was trying but was very frustrated! He wouldn't just try and stand up and ski- he was leaning on me or Bart at all times! So, I decided to give Bart a break from Tyson and I volunteered to take him down with me- BIG MISTAKE!!! Right off the lift he was sliding in the wrong direction over a steep part & I was with him trying to get in front of him to stop him. It was so steep and icy and our skiis were overlapped so I couldn't get a good grip. My inside knee was holding him and I and my knee got twisted so much I thought I would break it. I was able to keep skiing even though it was hurting. But the next morning it was swollen and I couldn't walk on it. I headed to the Dr just to make sure. He did some xrays and I didn't have any tears or anything major wrong. It had alot of fluid hitting cartlidge and they gave me a prescription and crutches and told me no weight on it for 4 days. Easier said than done! Grandma Adonna and Ron to the rescue! I am feeling better now and have ditched the crutches. We want to go skking again because we had alot of fun- we just need the kids in some lessons! Our last run down the mountain turned out to be a little too steep for the kids so they had a blast when ski patrol showed up and sled them down the mountain! Bart & I skied down together- the easiest part of the night!!!

Christmas Time!

2011-01-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas Season. We decorated gingerbread houses, drove around and saw Christmas lights. We went to Burley the weekend before for our Crane Christmas party and did our gift exchange. We had our annual Christmas Eve dinner with the Anderson family with yummy salmon. For Christmas Eve and thru that Sunday Grandpa Ron stayed with us for the first time. We had alot of fun with him sharing in on all the excitement!

Grandpa Calvin Cottrell Crane

2011-01-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

I'd been putting off this post because I can't seem to put into words what I want to say about grandpa. My friends and I go to lunch once a week to take a break and catch up. Today they surprised me with this picture of grandpa ( everyone else was cropped out) in a beautiful frame. Of course it started up my tears again. When I came home I felt like I could finally write some things down.I was so touched by their thoughtfulness. It really meant so much to me. That's what life is about- spending time with people you care about and trying to let go of all the rest.

Grandpa died Christmas Day and we had his funeral in Burley January 31st. Even though he had been sick for awhile and he wasn't really "grandpa" anymore it was a hard week. I don't think I have ever cried so much. I have been flooded with memories of him through the years and trying to write things down in my journal about him so that I won't forget. His funeral was so nice and I loved hearing things about him and grandma. I worry what will happen to her now that he's gone. She has a broken heart and has been with him since they met in 6th grade! I've never seen two people so in love. I loved his sayings and jokes when I would see him first thing in the morning while we were feeding cows. I of course would roll out of bed at 6 and blindly get dressed and go get in the pick up to head over to the farm- grandpa would tell me when I got out of bed I should brush my hair, brush my teeth, and wash my face! He would say "it's a great day for the race" and you were supposed to say "what race" and he would answer "the human race"! He always had a poem to quote everyone and I remember "The Ambulance Down in the Valley" was his favorite. It was printed on the back of his funeral program. He looked like John Wayne when he was younger and it was brought up at his funeral how there was a picture of John Wayne in his office and most of us grandkids growing up thought it was grandpa- not John Wayne. He was such a hard worker and taught me how to work hard. I will miss his smiling, 'twinkly" eyes that he had and miss his laugh that was loudest after he told one of his jokes! It was so nice to see all of my family- cousins, aunts, uncles at his viewing and funeral and honor him. To be crying one minute and laughing the next! Grandpa Calvin will be missed but not forgotten!

Halle's Baptism

2010-12-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

Halle was baptised December 4th and it was such a special day for her. We had so much support from family and friends that have helped Halle reach this important decision in her life. We are so proud of her and know that she will be blessed because of her choice. She looked so pretty in her white dress. When I was helping her get into her baptism clothes as soon as I saw her in her white jumpsuit I started crying. I can't believe how old she is and how fast she is growing. I am so proud of her and I hope that she will rely on the gift of the Holy Ghost to help her throughout her life.

Happy Birthday Halle

2010-11-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

Halle turned eight November 18th and had such a fun birthday. She had some friends over that night and had a pizza party with Hello Kitty cupcakes. Bart and I surprised her that morning with a tether ball pole that Bart had made. She LOVES it and keeps saying "I can't believe I have my own tether ball court". Tether ball is ALL she does at recess and she has asked so many times for one at home- the perfect gift idea! She is so excited to be getting baptised and also got her own set of scriptures for her birthday with her name on them. She is a little nervous but says she can't wait! Halle is such a sweet heart and I am so blessed to have her as my daughter. I don't know how she is eight years old- it seems like we just had our chubby little Halle running around the house playing dress up. Our family would not be the same without her. We love you so much, big girl!

Our Family Pictures

2010-11-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

Crane Family Pictures

2010-11-05T09:04:00.001-07:00

"This is Halloween This is Halloween"

2010-11-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

Halle with Milo (dressed up like a ghost)
Aunt Carla with the kids- every year her Halloween decorations are better than the year before
Colt, Michelle, & the cutest dinosaur ever!!!!

Livi as Sherlock Holmes- investigating where I could find an 80's dress this awesome!
Couch Potato gets the 80's Prom Hotty!

Trick or Treat!

Haunted World!!!!

2010-10-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

So this year Bart has FINALLY got in the Halloween spirit with me and he wanted to go to Haunted World. Of course we couldn't have all the fun alone- we had to drag (literally) some friends to go with us!! Thanks Roberts- (Tracy took some convincing from Bart) Tracy you are always such a good sport! And for some reason can be talked into most things if Bart is asking!!!???? Thanks Swensons- I don't know what was scarier- your decorated front yard or haunted world! We love you guys- HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! btw we are pulling out some scary movies tonight if your still wanting a scare!

Pumpkin Carving Party

2010-10-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Every year we carve pumpkins with the kids about a week before Halloween. This year we planned a last minute carving party with Roberts and Swensons. We had fun pulling out slimy pumpkin guts, roasting pumpkin seeds, & eating yummy treats (especially that lemon cake- I'm addicted) This year Halle did her pumpkin all by herself- she didn't want help and she did the whole humongous thing ( except for cutting the top off). We were so proud of her and it was nice to not get stuck finishing it- which is usually the case. She carved a kitty pumpkin (of course)!

Pocatello Fun

2010-10-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

Mummy Pizzas

Pumpkin soup

Halle with Grandma Adonna
All the grandkids

Sadie and Halle
Mckay and Tyson
Grandpa Ron, Mari, Leann, & Sadie making pizzas
tping grandma's backyard
Aunt Cammy as a scary witch

October 7- 10th we headed down to Pocatello to spend some time with the Schow's. Blake and Kerri were on Fall break and we always try to spend time with them since they drive up from Arizona. The kids had a Halloween party with games and costumes. We had alot of fun playing a new game- "Things" both nights. We laughed so hard - we need to take it to Hawaii in February- I can't wait to play it again! Grandma had fun Halloween food and games for the kids of course.My favorite fall treat is her buttermilk donuts with the Watkins family cider. We ate so much food we came home and had to detox!
We visited my favorite cemetery ( I know that sounds weird) but there is a beautiful cemetery in Pocy by my college apartment. I think it's called Mountain View- I used to go running in there alot and also used to sneak in at night and play alot of night games with roommates ( a few times we were chased out by cops). I have alot of fun memories there and have asked Bart to bury me there one day. He says "no" becuz he would have to go to Pocy to visit me- but I disagree- we're not really "there" are we? My dad wants to be buried in this certain spot on my grandpa's farm. Anyway- the kids wandered around and we looked for the oldest graves we could find- some dated back to the 1800s and some were so old all dates and names had beed worn off. I'm sad I didn't take any pictures while we were there.I get very nostalgic in that cemetery- its very peaceful and I love all the huge trees, especially in the fall.

Crane's love a good scare!!!

2010-10-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Conference weekend we headed down to Burley for some good old fashioned fall fun. The main reason for the trip was to take family pictures for the first time in 15 years. We went to the pumpkin patch in Paul (my favorite fall activity) ate grandpa's famous chili, played Mexican Train, and went to the Albion Haunted Mansions. We had a blast getting scared and exploring the grounds- I think the best were the ones still empty and not with the spook alleys in them.

First Day of School!

2010-09-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

August 30th was the first day of school at Hunter Elementary and our family was buzzing with excitement (especially mom). Halle was going to start second grade with Mrs. Knight, Tyson is now in KINDERGARTEN with Mrs. Clegg, Dad officially started his new job with Flagship Financial, and mom got to stay home with sweet Gavin. Both kids had a great first day and wanted to celebrate with mom's spaghetti for dinner that night. Tyson was so excited to finally ride the bus- and he gets to sit by one of his best buddies Tanner! I can't believe my little Tyson is in Kindergarten- how did that happen?! He loves it though and even though I was anxious the entire day I managed not to cry!

Tradition

2010-08-25T18:17:00.001-07:00

the kids with Munsy the rodeo clown (Tyson was feeling too shy)

Grandpa riding in the Grand Entry of the rodeo

3 of my favorite boys!

checking out the livestock

Tradition...
Every August of my life I have gone to Burley for the fair and rodeo. My engagement to Bart was even announced at a rodeo where Bart proudly stood up in the stands and waved smiling at everyone! My dad was on the fair board for years until he was elected county commissioner- 15 years ago, so its still a big deal that we go to support him. We get to see all of my siblings and let the cousins play. We go to the rodeos, hit the carnival, eat "Lets go Dutch" ( Michael you know what I'm talking about), eat a funnel cake, corn on the cob, & see the livestock. Usually Saturday night after the rodeo we play night games outside at my parents- although not this year because Colt- leader of the night games didn't make it this year- and neither did Azy. Don't worry though guys- we ate plenty of fair food for ya!

Rainy Zoo Trip!

2010-08-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Fun zoo trip with great friends- Amber, Tanner, Kaden, and sweet Abby! It was cool and rained on and off but lots of animals were active and moving around. We had alot of fun even though it started down pouring toward the end of our afternoon- by the time we got in the car we were all soaked! The kids were happy eating popcorn and cotton candy though!

Happy Campers!

2010-07-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

The entire Crane family- mainly my dad has not been on a family vacation for years-( like before I was married). So, we decided if we did something simple like camping close to Burley- he would come and go back and forth camping, farming, & taking care of grandma and grandpa. He shocked all of us and stayed the entire time and was calm and relaxed- its a side we rarely see of my stressed out dad. We had so much fun just hanging out- eating, canoeing, hiking, more eating. We made lots of fun memories and the cousins had a blast being together!

Cutest Kids Ever!

2010-07-20T11:41:00.001-07:00

My friend Stephanie took these adorable pictures of the kids in my aunt's backyard. She does such a good job and I'm so lucky she likes to practice on my kiddos!

Kitty Love

2010-07-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Back in June we took Halle to the Humane Society to choose her long awaited kitten. We had promised her back when she was 3 that she could have one when she turned 8. The more we thought about it though that brought up some problems: 1 Halle turns 8 in November- where are we going to find a kitten? 2 This was going to be an outside cat and how are we going to convince our kitty crazed daughter to leave it outside in the winter? 3 Anytime we asked her what was happening when she turned 8 her response was "I get a kitty" not the answer we hoped for- "I'm getting baptised" So, off we went to the shelter.... Once we got there though we thought we should probably get 2 just in case something happened (Halle mauling it to death) and also so it wouldn't get lonely. So Halle chose an orange kitten- named him Milo and Tyson chose a black and white kitten and named him Oreo. The kids have been great with the kitties and are good about taking care of them, changing the litter box, and even leaving them outside. 2 weeks ago I accidently killed Oreo- I came home late at night from grocery shopping and shut the garage door- Oreo must have tried to run under at the last second... Halle found him the next morning. It was very sad for them (especially sensitive Halle) So, we buried Oreo and got on Craigs List in search of a free kitty this time- (just in case)- So Tyson picked out an adorable black fluffy kitty that he named "Witchy/Spooky". And so far... so good...

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

Gavin tired before our hike even began...

Grandpa Schow telling stories at the campfire

the kids loved Grandma's craft table

Me and my favorite girls- Kerri and Mindy

Grandma Adonna's decorated campsite

Setting up the tents

This year for the holiday we headed to Pocatello to get together with all of Bart's siblings and parents. We camped at Scout Mountain for one night and then hung out at Bart's moms house- ate alot of food, talked, and let the kids play. We bought fireworks and let them off Saturday night and then tried to get way too many cousins to go to sleep!

Week in Preston!

2010-06-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

Gavin and his special buddy- Tarren

lots and lots of movies!

best friends- Elora and Halle

So, whenever we can my sister and I try to get our kids together either at her house or mine. Yes- it's crazy and exhausting with 6 cousins getting together (especially at bedtime) but definately worth it. The kids love being together and we always have a blast! Des and I joke how different our day to day routines are- city versus country- when we get together in Boise we shop, go to lunch, hang out at the pool, kids ride bikes... I have no back yard (or neighbors)- they have acres! In Preston kids play outside- getting filthy and loving it, this trip we took a crazy school bus ride on Trents bus that he and his redneck buddies bought to convert into their snow mobile transport! We did go out to dinner one night without kids- but Trent had to build a fence first for a horse! We scrapbook, eat great salsa, hang out, feed chickens for the neighbors, take care of horses, visit llamas, see half horse half donkeys, there was talk of a mink farm that we didn't make it to... My nephew Tarren took such good care of Gavin for me- he was his little buddy the whole trip. We had such fun and me and the kids loved spending time with the Bundersons- they are an amazing family!

Finally a playground!!!

2010-06-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Bart working into the night... he stopped working at midnight when I made him come to bed!

Josh and Bart hard at work!

Halle was such a good helper- she was always with Bart trying to help

Bart feeling a little overwhelmed...

Bart assembled a playset for the kids. The kids were soooo excited to finally have something to do in out tiny back yard! It took him a whole day and 3 nights to finish it. Josh Swenson came over a couple times to help and then him and Bart put all the finished pieces together.

2010-06-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

Memorial weekend we headed to Tamarack to stay in the Hopkin's Financial cottage- sooo nice! We always like to drive into Mccall and eat at the Pancake House. We had so much fun- lots of relaxing, hiking, hot tubbing, junk food, and movies. It's so beautiful there and we can't wait to go back.

Tyson's Preschool Graduation

2010-06-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Tyson has loved going to Harmony Preschool- he loves his teacher so much. Etta is such a fun lady- she even thought it was hilarious when he gave her a wedgie (mom did not!) He is so excited for Kindergarten and summer- but will always have fun memories of preschool and his feild trips. He had a cute graduation program last Wed with songs, a video, and cute questions and answers they asked the kids. We took home his alphabet book, name writing book, and finished scrapbook for the year- I love all those memories that are finished and we have them forever to remind Tyson of Harmony Preschool...

Chocolate Fountain Party!

2010-05-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun with friends and eating lots and lots of chocolate!!! We dipped strawberries of course- along with cream puffs (my fave), pretzels, pineapple, rice krispee treats, macaroons, pound cake, angel cake.... lots of yummy stuff!!!

Gavin turned one!!!

2010-05-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

My baby turned ONE- I don't know where his first year has gone! It seems like sweet Gavin just joined our family. He has been such a fun little addition- so good natured and happy. He has grown up so much faster than my other kids- I guess he's trying to catch up with them. He was our only baby to walk before their first birthday- he's still wobbly but he can walk across the room, pick something up and keep going! Such an easy baby - from eating to sleeping- all of it. We are so lucky to have him in our family. We had a little family party on Saturday with grandma and grandpa Crane, Colt ,Michelle, and Cash. Lunch, presents, chocolate cake and ice cream- fun and low key like the birthday boy! Gavin's favorite part? Definately the cake!!!

Zoo Feild Trip

2010-04-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

Tyson had a zoo feild trip with his preschool last Friday and let mom, Gavin, Uncle Colt, and Baby Cash tag along. Normally I dread trips to the Boise Zoo- we rarely see any animals at all but that morning was a little chilly and it brought out all the animals. We even got to see the Komodo Dragon eat 2 huge white rats!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

For Easter this year we have had a nest on our front door in our wreath. We thought the birds had abandoned it because we hadn't noticed any flying out of it anymore- so we didn't think we needed to get rid of it. Well starting last Monday it had a new egg every morning and now we have 5 little speckled eggs. While it has been kind of annoying to try and leave the bird alone while she's sitting on her eggs ( on our front door) it has been fun for the kids. A few people have had the bird fly straight at them scaring them to death when they knock on our front door!

This year for Easter it was really cold!! We colored eggs Saturday night with the kids- they always want to dye a ton but neither one will eat a hard boiled egg (good thing eggs are cheap at Easter, right) We started off our Easter Sunday with a yummy breakfast at Tessa and AJ's beautiful home- Tessa is an amazing entertainer! Then we had a fun egg hunt with the Anderson boys at Mindy and Jason's house and watched a little conference while all the boys and Bart were texting each other back and forth...

When we got home I baked a ham and we ate a yummy Easter feast complete with banana cream pie for desert. The kids had more egg hunts in the back yard and had fun eating tons of candy the Easter bunny left them! I couldn't help but think of last year when I was pregnant and ready to pop! I can't believe Gavin is almost a year old- how does that happen?

Cancun!

2010-03-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

Bart and I just got back from our 10 year anniversary trip to Cancun. We invited Blake and Kerri to help us celebrate and have some fun. I have been kind of depressed since I've been home because the vacation is over and I had looked forward to it for so long. At least we've had some sunshine and tulips have broken through the ground. It was hard to leave the kids, especially baby Gavin. When we got home he wouldn't come to me- instead he wanted grandma Kathy or dad. When dad walked out of the room he cried and would go chasing after him- I guess I'm being punished for abandoning him!!!

We had a ton of fun relaxing on the beautiful white beach- we had an amazing room right on the ocean with 2 walls full of windows to see the view. We played games in the room every single night with Blake and Kerri- even the night Bart was sick with a stomach bug he slept right thru the laughing and talking. My favorites of the trip was going to Chichzenitza for a day and also Island of the Women (but not the ferry ride back with a crew of 20 swimsuit models with their photographers!!!) Bart's dream come true is my nightmare! We rented a golf cart and cruised around all day. We went to a beach there and they brought us a table for lunch and we sat maybe 3 feet from the water- we got to see ALL of a 50 year old woman as she obliviously changed her bikini on the beach. The ocean and beach were so beautiful and after the first morning of Bart finding shells on the beach at 7 am Blake gave him the nickname- BC (beach comber). I love the ocean- listening to it at night, walking on the beach, all of it!!!

2010-01-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

Time Flying By...

My sweet baby Gavin is growing too fast! He is a maniac, busy boy and I wish I could just slow down how fast time is going by. He will be 9 months in just a couple of days- I seriously don't know how that happened. Gavin's doing everything faster than Halle and Tyson did- it's like he's frantically trying to catch up with them. I love my kids so much and even though on a daily basis life can be crazy and I yell at them too much- I know that in a few short years I'd giving anything to (un)patiently sit with Halle while she reads, talk Tyson into going to preschool, and chase Gavin around the house so I can take things out of his mouth...

Happy Birthday Tyson!

2010-01-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

January 14th was Tyson's fifth(even though he kept telling everyone he was turning 4) birthday. I can't even believe he is that old- where did my little blue eyed baby go? I remember Tyson was such a sweet baby- so, so, cuddly and such a mama's boy. He was so crazy wild and always had a big bruise, cut, or bump on his face! He is such a fun part of our family. He has always been so willing to share with everyone- especially with his big sister. I remember when we lived in our Loretta house, he got a scooter for his second birthday and he got on that thing and sped down the driveway as fast as he could- and has never looked back! Neighbors would ask us how old he was and could not believe he was only two. Of course dad will say he got that from him because we all know (as Bart's mom brags) Bart was racing around on a tricycle at the "precocious age of 14 months!"
These days you can find Tyson playing with his best bud Jackson every afternoon- hot wheels, Lightning Cars, or riding bikes in the culdesac. He loves when Halle gets home from first grade so they can play anything Halle wants as long as they can include Tyson's dog Chocolate in the game. They love to hide from dad when he gets home from work. He also loves to hold Gavin(even if he's screaming)Tyson will be smiling and so happy to hold him and is always singing to him. By the way- Gavin is the only person Tyson will sing for. Tyson loves anything sweet and wanted sprinkle donuts from Krispy Kreme instead of cake for his birthday.Tyson we love you so much and our family would not be the same without you.

2010-01-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

So, my good- patient, computer saavy friend Amber came over the other night and helped me start a blog. Anyone who knows me well, can tell you my computer skills are not the best well actually I don't know if I can say "skills" while talking about me using a computer. One of my New Year's Resolutions was to learn how and start a family blog. Bart has been asking me to for a few years and i have been too busy (intimidated) to try. So, here I am!

Welcome

2010-01-13T21:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Schow Family Blog