SchultzeeGirl

Project 52 Wk 8

2012-02-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

"Reflection"

Next week is my son Jordan's 1 year birthday. So, this week I took some birthday pics of him. During the shoot both my sons had moments of "reflection." I love these candid faces...

...I only wish I knew what they were thinking. :)

Next up, is the lovely Laura Quick - Flutterby Photography, Jackson, MS Photographer - http://flutterbyphotography.blogspot.com/2012/02/852-52-wednesdays-reflection.html

Happy 1 year Jordie!!!!

2012-02-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

Oh my CUTENESS!!!!! Check out these urban sweeties! :)

cool dude

classic

peek-a-boo

I'm ONE!

baby blues

The Birthday Boy!

O those cheeks and lips!

he doesn't even have to try to be cool...he just is!

hehe...senior picture

sharing cotton candy...what sweet bros!

yummy!

Happy 1st Birthday JordO! We love you SOOOO much! His birthday party theme is "Carnival." He sure looks like a clown in some of these pics! :) What a FUN photo shoot with my boys! But I have to give credit to Daddy also for getting all of the awesome smiles and chaperoning this session! :)

Project 52 Wk 7

2012-02-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

"Ruffles"

What an interesting theme this week! Next up, head out west with the fabulous:

Carrie Hyche, Wheatland, WY - http://heartofthewest.blogspot.com/2012/02/project-52-wednesdaysweek-7.html

Project 52 Wk 6

2012-02-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

"COLD"

This week kind of snuck up on me. I wasn't really sure what to do for this theme but then noticed my dog's nose running and remembered that dogs noses are "cold!"

...and yes that dog's cold nose is responsible for the constantly dirty window!

Did I mention I got a new lens (50mm 1.4) for my birthday this week?!!!! I'm still learning how to use it, but i'm so excited to have a new toy to play with!

Welcoming to the group this week is the talented

Patricia Anderson - Chicago, IL http://patricia-anderson.blogspot.com/2012/02/chicago-photographer-chicago-newborn_10.html , go check her out and all of the other amazing entries!

Project 52 Wk 5

2012-02-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

"PINK"

What a fun theme! I have always felt uneasy about taking out my camera in shops/stores. This week I wanted to challenge that fear and so I busted it out in Target! It wasn't as scary as I had thought. (disclaimer: just the first 2 pics were taken in store, i didn't open any candy until I got home)

*Check out all the pink goodness going on this week starting with the fabulous Marsette Guerrero- Kingwood, Tx- http://mdgphotographyonline.blogspot.com/2012/02/project-52-2012-week-5-pink.html

Project 52 Wk 4

2012-01-31T15:51:00.000-08:00

"Emotion"

My favorite expression that Jordan makes is his sweet pouty face. Those lips and cheeks melt my heart!

and a sweet bonus picture...

...sigh, I just love this little guy!

Now you must go check out the fabulous Amanda Gros - Houma, La. www.amandagrosphotography.com/blog/?p=107

Project 52 Wk 3

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

"Bokeh"
(A Japanese term for the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light.)

At first when I found out this weeks theme I was so bummed! I didn't think I could do it due to my lack of awesome camera equipment. However, with a little more research I learned that I indeed could! It might not be as dramatic as some other entries you will see this week but I was excited to really focus on getting "Bokeh" in my photos this week! It is week 3 and already I feel like I have learned so much! I can't wait to see what is in store in the weeks to come.

Early this week we had a small ice storm come through, coating everything in a thin sheet of ice...so I decided to go out and take some pictures and try to achieve some "Bokeh" in the process. Here is what I came up with.

Now take some time and visit Tiffany Anderson - Katy, TX photographer http://tiffaphotography.blogspot.com/2012/01/yeahbokeh.html to check out her "Bokeh."

Project 52 Wk 2

2012-01-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

"Eyes"

The wonder of the first snowfall

I love how eyes can express so many different emotions. I am so excited to see how everyone captures "eyes" this week. Follow the blog circle all across the country...starting with the talented,

Megan McGee - Chattanooga, TN

Ode To January

2012-01-13T19:57:00.000-08:00

January oh January I've been pleasantly surprised!

You've wow'd me with 60 degree days and a beautiful sunrise!

January oh January you usually are boring and slow,

However this January has gone quickly and with minimal snow

January oh January I'm happy to say,

that if you can stay sunny & somewhat warm... you are welcome to stay

Project 52 Wk 1

2012-01-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

Last year I took part in a photography group where you received a new "theme" every week and you had to interpret the theme, get creative and post a picture related to the theme. This year I joined a new group! It is with The Bloom Forum, a place where professional and hobbyist (like me) photographers can learn and develop their skills. So, I am in a Project 52 group of all professional photographers! I am so excited because there are around 20 photographers from all across the US in my group, you will get the opportunity to see how they interpret our assignments as well. At the end of my post there will be a link to the next photographers blog...then on their blog there will be a link to the next and so on until you have viewed all 20 of us. So...here we go with week 1! Our theme was...

"Morning"

Now check out Tiffany Anderson - Katy TX Photographer and her take on "Morning".

Happy Engagement Sister!

2011-12-29T12:49:00.000-08:00

My sister recently got engaged and I was so excited to take some pictures of her and her fiance! I cannot wait for their wedding in May!

Kevin & Lindsey

I Believe in Santa

2011-12-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

I'm convinced that we met the REAL Santa Clause tonight! I think Isaac and Jordan thought so too!

Entertained by the Elves while waiting in line to see Santa (check out Isaac's hands in his pockets, hehe)

Isaac refused to make eye contact while Jordie was all up in Santa's face

This picture reminds me of the Santa from Miracle on 34th street...He WAS the REAL Santa!

tiny smile from Isaac, Jordie just chillin

this will go down in history!

and best of all...it was FREE! If you missed it this year you MUST check it out next year at Prasco www.prascopark/events in Mason! What a fun night we had with Grandma and Grandpa too!

Christmas Card Rejects

2011-12-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

A preview into the photos that did NOT make the Schultz family 2011 Christmas Card:

...coming to your mailbox soon :)

Happy Half

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

Isaac turned 2.5 this week! We are having more and more "conversations" with our lil guy. He is getting very inquisitive and his favorite questions are: "What are you doing?"& "Why?" He continues to love music, especially the drums. We started using the "Time Out" mat a few months ago and it has worked great as a form of disciplining Isaac. The most common things he gets put in time out for are: pushing Jordan over, stealing Jordan's toys, and not listening to Mommy and Daddy. Though we have moments of disciplining...he usually gets up from his time out mat a happier and more obedient boy. Isaac makes us laugh all the time. He loves to repeat what we say and has caught on to the fact that "mommy" and "daddy" have actual names of Nicholas and Laurie. He has quite the singing voice and can be found singing these songs often: Bare Necessities, Jesus loves me, and the Veggie Tales theme song. I could go on and on about this little man. We LOVE our ginger baby!!!

somehow his face is always dirty

but he does clean up well!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Isaac!

Shadows

2011-10-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am back this week with my photography assignment: Shadows

A heroic story: Wild Lion FOUND

2011-10-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you have heard that this week in Zanesville, Ohio a large amount of exotic animals were on the loose. Thankfully no one was hurt from this incident and we actually went out to help search for the animals...here is what we found!

Ok Ok...we didn't really find him all by ourselves...Batman helped!

Thanks to Batman this Lion was captured and was not harmed in the process.

7 months old!

2011-10-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

Jordan, JoJo, Jordie, Jordie Man, J- Money, the Jordster...is turning 7 months old this week! Time for yet another photo shoot with mommy. He started off happy...

...I love his little pouty face. I guess I will have to continue this photo shoot on another day...

Toast Art

2011-09-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

I found this idea on pinterest.com ...super easy and fun! We have done it multiple times now and have advanced from just making toast...to making colorful grilled cheese! All you need to do for this is put milk in some bowls and add food coloring...then let him go to town painting bread...and bake! There is nothing better for this 2 year old boy than an art and cooking project in one!

MB11

2011-09-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind on my blogging. Here are some pics from our Schultz family vacation in August to Myrtle Beach.

Slater

2011-09-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

Ugh...I have avoided this post. I know you see the title Slater and think awww another cute dog story. Unfortunately, not this time.

A few weeks ago we had Slater on our front porch with us the night before leaving for vacation. We had some friends over and were playing with sidewalk chalk when a lady walked her dog by. All of the sudden Slater ran off the porch and basically "attacked" the dog. It all happened so fast i'm still not sure if he just went and attacked the dog or if he tried to sniff the dog and freaked the dog out then freaked Slater out. I don't know, it doesn't really matter because the next 48 hours were brutal. The women (i'll call her Jane) walking her dog just stood there screaming, crying, and stunned while holding her small Chihuahua. In a matter of seconds Slater had bit this dog on the stomach and the dog was bleeding. I immediately got my keys and whisked Jane and her dog away to the emergency vet. The vet came in and said it looked bad and that the dog would have to undergo surgery and was unsure if the dog would make it. Immediately Jane started crying, I was trying to comfort her...but honestly felt more like a thorn in her side than a comfort. Shortly after, Janes friend arrived at the clinic to be with her and I returned home.

The next morning we were leaving for vacation...hard to relax and "enjoy" a vacation while thinking about all the unnecessary pain we were causing Jane and her dog. I tried to suck it up as much as I could and just pray. I kept in contact with Jane on the condition of her dog, but it wasn't until the day after that when I called and she told me her dog did not make it. The dog had surgery in the afternoon and then that night passed away.

This has been a horrible tragedy and I still cannot believe it happened. The most amazing part of it all is that Jane never said one mean, hateful, or hurtful word to me. It was completely our fault, and she was/is so gracious and kind. What a blessing she has been to me through all of this, and I am the least deserving. I wanted so badly to ease her pain and instead never expected her to ease mine. It can only be described by the fact that God was working in her and through her as she was trusting Him. She would say in the midst of her pain, I know God has a plan...I just don't understand what it is. Wow, i'm blown away and humbled by the love she has shown me and our family.

Thankfully, our home owner's insurance is covering all of her vet bills. Praise the Lord! We told her from the beginning that we wanted to help her financially as much as we could, we had no idea how but I knew God was going to provide...and He did.

What does this mean for Slater? We just cannot stomach the possibility of this happening again if he were to accidentally get out of the house or out of our yard. Or if he felt like someone was threatening our kids and were to attack a human. So we feel no other option but to give him away. This is going to be so difficult but i'm praying that the Lord would show us the right place for him and would give us a peace about it.

If you are the praying type, we would love your prayers! Pray for the right home for Slater and for wisdom of how or if I should further reach out to Jane.

PO'd

2011-08-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

PO'd= Pinterest.com Obsessed! Here is one of the "new" hair do's I am trying from a pinterest inspired post.

Beautiful Jen

2011-08-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jen for allowing me to photograph you and your beautiful family! I had so much fun...and you sure made it easy on me! You are absolutely stunning! Here are a few of my favorites so far...

many more to come...

F stands for...

2011-08-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

Freckles

You can't tell from a picture...but I just discovered about Four of them! They are so cute! One on the bridge of his nose, 2 on his upper left cheek bone, and 1 on his upper right cheek bone. Gotta love it!

Food

Jordan trying his First food...Squash! He didn't like it at first but is getting the hang of it now!

Fun

Isaac's Idea of Fun...I thought he was napping and went to check on him and look what I Found!

Sweet Jordan can do no wrong, at least for now. :) Did I mention he turns Five months old this week?!

a new addiction

2011-07-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

www.pinterest.com

it's a whole new world! Here are some of my favs...so far:

This image has inspired me to CAMP! I don't like to camp very much...but I have decided I am going to camp INDOORS with my boys! make s'mores, play flashlight tag...all in the climate controlled, bug free zone of my home! :)

what a creative and fun concept!!! I have windows like this in my kitchen...i want to try doing this with!

hmm...how did the photographer make all those light circles? I'm going to find out!

oh this site has me addicted! I LOVE creative blogs and this website leads you right to them...watch out world my creative juices are flowing! :)

We WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

Ok...well not really, in fact we only have 2 votes so far and 1 of them is my vote. :) So you have 25 days to vote for Jordan in the Gerber baby contest. You can vote every day one time. Wouldn't it be awesome to see someone you know win the Gerber baby contest, not to mention how adorable he is. :)

This is a facebook contest so to vote go on you facebook:

search: The 2011 Gerber Generation Photo Search

Jordan is #70550

Colorado Conclusion

2011-07-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

Our last day in Colorado I took some pics of Isaac exploring the barn at camp...

We had a blast visiting Uncle Gook and exploring Camp Kivu!

County Fair Night

2011-06-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Yee-Haw!

Isaac kept saying "Barn Dance!"...he was so excited!

Checking out the barn before the party began

Jordan has become so animated lately...check out that smile!

Isaac dreaming about all the girls he will dance with tonight!...and he did! Uncle Gook took Isaac out onto the dance floor and Isaac LOVED it! He danced with a girl and then when the song ended and uncle gook brought Isaac back to me he said, "No! dance with girls!" lol oh my...so back out onto the dance floor he went. He was a big hit!

Jordan testing out the "bull" riding station with uncle Gook

silly Gook with a fake parrot on his shoulder

The county fair food was good! Isaac also had his first cotton candy and thought it was fun to eat and play with.

This is the best pic I could get of me with Isaac...he is kind of tired of his picture being taken all the time.

Out on the dance floor...he wouldn't go to bed that night so we brought him back out in his pj's to dance more...he had a blast!

Nini & Papa with Jordan

Isaac & Jordan go West continued...

2011-06-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

Class of 1946

Twice a week there is a party night with a theme. 2 nights ago the theme was "Class of 1946". Everyone dressed up in their best throwback outfits and went to dinner. Dinner was served on trays and was mostly soft foods. Then they finished the evening with a dance, lots of slow dance music was played and some kids did some swing dancing. Isaac had a blast watching the swing dancing and clapped for the dancers when the songs were over. Tonight the party theme is "County Fair". Can't wait to post more pics of that!

Isaac has loved all the rocks he has come across out here, it has provided great entertainment for him. His daily activities include collecting rocks and throwing them into the river.

Tiki & Isaac have become buds

Jordan chillin while Isaac throws rocks into the river

Colorado Beauty

Left: Tiki (he is so sweet to Isaac and Jordan) Right: Gabby (she calls Isaac her boyfriend and gets jealous when Isaac plays with her brother)...hilarious!

Video & Pics for Daddy-O

2011-06-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

AIR JORDAN & ISAAC

MORNING WALKS

Last night the party theme was "Disney", Isaac with the Braner Kids...Isaac is in love with Princess Gabby

Luke took us to the lake today

we tried paddleboating...Isaac thought it was pretty cool

Jordan took a nap on the dock

Skipper Isaac, taking uncle Gook for a spin

Nini, Papa & Jordan

Isaac found this flag on the boat and would not put it down

Good Times! Tonight we are going into downtown Durango to check out uncle Gook's town

Isaac & Jordan go West!

2011-06-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

For the next 2 weeks I am camp Nurse at http://www.campkivu.com/! My brother Luke works here and needed a nurse for a few weeks. So, while I am doing the nursing thing Isaac and Jordan are here along with my parents just to hang out and have fun! The camp is in beautiful Durango, Colorado (southwest corner of Colorado) and is nestled in the mountains. I'm excited to have some new beautiful scenery to take some pics! Here are some pics from our trip so far:

Isaac loved looking at the clouds and playing with the "door"(aka window)

we definitely had our "moments"

Isaac thinks he owns this place...he was made for the outdoors!

his favorite activity so far: collecting rocks

our first morning in Colorado...we went for a walk, he woke up saying "Go Outside!"

I think he is thinking..."this is glorious!"

a river runs through camp...isaac calls the noise of the river a "waterfall."

it's beautiful out here!

Stay tuned for more of Isaac & Jordan go west!

Blueberry Muffins

2011-06-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Isaac loves to cook and I have found the easiest thing for him to help make are muffins...just add milk! Beware if Isaac ever offers you a muffin, this is how it was made...

Jordan's 3 month photoshoot continued...

2011-06-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

A whole lot of ridiculous cuteness going on here.

can you tell i'm in love?

Happy 3 months sweet Jordan!

2011-06-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

My baby is 3 months old...bittersweet. This is the start of the baby stage that I love and that will hopefully bring more sleep and laughter! :) Here is a preview of his 3 month photo shoot, photographed by ME!

more to come...

Photo Contest

2011-06-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

I entered a photo contest via http://thepapermama.blogspot.c
om/2011/06/photo-competition-your-best-shot.html This contest is to enter your best photo you have EVER taken of a child or pet. Here is what I entered:

I mainly entered because I have become completely obsessed over this camera handbag that is a prize from http://www.kettihandbags.com

LOVE IT!!!!!!

SchultzeeGirl Special

2011-06-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

2 amazingly enertaining blogs all in 1 post...

Random
This is the part of my blog where I share a random thought I had today...wait for it....

I love turning on classical music while driving in the rain.

...I know life changing isn't it? Now do you think i'm slightly nerdy or really sophisticated for enjoying this? I think sophisticated. :)

Connie
This is the part of my blog where I share a great story about our sweet crazy neighbor...

This story occurred a few weeks ago while Nick was out mowing the lawn. Connie walked by and the conversation went something like this:

Hi Nick
Hi Connie
I see you are mowing the lawn (she always states the obvious)
yup
Where did Laurie go this morning, I saw that she left in her car. (she is always asking where we go)
She went to work.
Ohhhh, who is watching the babies?
both of our parents
O, well if you ever need help, i've watched kids before
ok, thanks!

LOL...that's right dear Connie offered to babysit the kids! One day I am going to get a picture of Connie...and no she will not be watching the kids for us anytime soon (though I think it is sweet that she offered).

Do what you love

2011-06-07T18:21:00.000-07:00

Recently I feel like I have heard this a lot. Find the career you were made for, something that excites you and you are passionate about. I am a nurse and though I like it, I wouldn't say it is my passion or that it is the one thing that makes me feel alive. So I have often thought...what career, hobby does make me feel that way? Honestly, I have come up with nothing. I love being home with my kids but then after a few rough days, I really want to get out. I think well if I get really good at photography I could try that...but that is a lot of work and time spent away from my family and then I ruin a hobby I enjoy. In my fantasy world, this blog would become a sensation and I would have sponsors who would be dying to pay to be on my site...haha.

I was talking to Nick about this last night and he said something very smart (like usual)...he said, "Don't get caught up in chasing a feeling." Hmmm...I am a total dreamer, and while it isn't bad to be a dreamer, sometimes it makes me feel really restless because I am chasing a dream or a goal that wasn't made for me. Sometimes I get caught up in thinking if only I had that... then I would feel more fulfilled. In reality, I know God has placed me where I am for a reason and that I am living an extremely blessed life. I will continue to dream and know it will drive me to do some things I wouldn't otherwise try. However, I know I need to focus more on the positives in my life sometimes than the what ifs.

Slightly obsessed

2011-06-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

Yeah I know I'm more than slightly obsessed with my boys...but seriously I can't help it! I have become "that" mom who is constantly posting pics of her kids, annoying some people but entertaining some people too! Well the truth is I am really trying to get better at taking pics and who better to photograph than your own kids!

Confession: I entered Jordan into a Gerber baby contest...I seriously think that he is the cutest baby out of all the photos, I mean his photo even looks like the gerber baby. There is NO way we won't win. haha :)

Here is the photo I entered:

Double Confession: I sent the Isaac and Slater first year and second year video to the Ellen Show...of course I know she will air this as well, it's only a matter of time until she calls or has Jeanie knock on my door. :) ...maybe i'm becoming delusional, is that what comes after obsession?

_________________________________________________________

Photography Assignment: REFLECTION

"a reflection of his daddy"

...and just in case you are tired of looking at pics of my kids...Nick is in the picture :)

Where we've been

2011-06-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

6 amazing years!

and so excited for the future!

Code Brown

2011-05-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

This morning I thought Isaac was "sleeping in" and so I got up and took my time, actually got a shower and then finally heard Isaac stirring. So I went in to get him and immediately smelled poop. I thought that maybe it was just a poopy diaper...well it was and so much more! As I got closer I saw that my little artist Isaac decided to do some painting...

...no wonder he was so quiet!

Random

2011-05-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have random funny thoughts throughout the day...so i'm going to start sharing them.

Todays random thought: I love the word BLOG. that's it...just thought i'd share. :)

ps. the word I hate the MOST and gets under my skin when people use it is: BEHOOVE. I think it's because I feel like people think they are better than you when they use the word. ugh...i hate this word!

Now I'm curious what word do you strongly dislike?

Connie

2011-05-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

Meet Connie...

I figure I always have a story to tell about sweet Connie so you need to know her. She is a 50 something year old neighbor of ours who has some sort of developmental delay thus making her a little socially awkward. (yes i am trying to be PC)

History with Connie:

-The first week in our house we didn't have curtains in our upstairs hall window...we would walk "freely" from our bathroom into our bedroom until Connie told us that "we really needed to get curtains." LOL...a little embarrassing but not really since it's Connie.

-Everytime a branch or tree falls in our yard or house...a note is found on our front door from Connie stating that a branch or tree fell (like we wouldn't figure it out).

-If we park in front of her apartment complex for even 15 min...she will be knocking on our door or yelling out her window asking us to move our car...even though she doesn't drive.

-After Isaac & Jordan were born she was knocking on our door 5 min after getting home from the hospital ready to see the new baby! ...with Jordan we finally learned we could just ask her to come back a little later once we got settled in.

-She clips coupons for us for diapers which is super sweet...however I never use coupons but don't have the heart to tell her, so I just smile and say thank you. One time she gave me a coupon for feminine pads...hmm...that is getting a little to personal. :)

-I think she is trying to steal my husband...she is always trying to lure Nick into her apartment by asking him to take her trash out, flip her mattress, or fix her "broken" tape player.

-For Isaac's birthday she gave him a card with a $1 bill in it...that was really cute.

You see she does do really sweet things with some sketchy stuff in between which is the reason why I needed to introduce you to her because I am sure I will have more stories to tell soon. :)

The Ricks Kids

2011-05-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

I took some pics of my close friends newest lil addition and his big sis. I love this family! Here are some of my favs:

Photography: Window Light

2011-05-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

My best attempts...which one is your favorite?

#1- I'm learning how to make a sunburst

#2- A different perspective of "Window Light"

#3- my favorite and the one I submitted for this weeks theme

#4- Don't you love my kitchen curtains made from vintage handkerchiefs?

#5- I love the texture in our bathroom window

#6- A different angle

Schultzee Time: No Wardrobe Malfunction Here

2011-05-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Check out my Husbands most recent blog post:

Schultzee Time: No Wardrobe Malfunction Here: "This is my legendary outfit I wore when I was 6 weeks old. Isaac was 6 weeks old when we put it on him. Jordan was almost 8 weeks old beca..."

Last Month

2011-05-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

I'm in my last month of maternity leave. It has surprised me so much by how much I LOVE being home with my kids. I am one who doesn't love the newborn stage, but actually have been surprised by how much I am enjoying Jordan in this phase. I feel like all of the sudden, God has changed my heart and has increased my desire to be a stay at home mom. It feels really weird for me to say that because with Isaac it really didn't bother me that much to go back to work. I think now that Isaac is getting older and the thought of him being ready for preschool by next year really freaks me out. I don't want to miss a second with these boys. I find myself really wanting to be there to discipline my child, to watch him expand his vocabulary every day, potty train, etc. Isaac and I have really bonded over this maternity leave and it's been really fun and special for me to be able to be home for this amount of time.

So I am taking a small leap of faith and dropping more hours at work and praying that God would make it possible for me to eventually stay at home.

ISAAC

JORDAN

Easter Weekend

2011-04-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

"I have come so that you may have life, and have it to the full." -Jesus- (John 10:10)

I think Easter has become one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. The meaning behind Easter is so significant and has given me so much hope and joy in my life. What an awesome holiday to celebrate! Hope you enjoyed yours, here is a glimpse of our weekend...

Butterfly Exhibit @ Krohn's Conservatory

Big Kid

Lil Kid

Jordan enjoying the butterflies

Grandma time

Grandpa and the boys

Easter Sunday

Not many pics taken on Easter Sunday...but we celebrated with both sets of our parents, needless to say it was a great time and our kids were definitely spoiled!

Isaac spoiled by Grandma and Nana

Photography: Furry Friends

2011-04-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

BEST BUDS <3

Photo Block

2011-04-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

This week's theme had me stumped. So I ditched it and just had some fun with my camera and took random photos. The theme was supposed to be "How others view you." Well...as I write this now I'm thinking of stuff I could have done...but oh well. Then another photography site's theme was "Brothers", so I was going to do some brother pics...but Isaac wouldn't cooperate. But I did get a cute one of him this week. Here are some fun random pics from this week:

Isaac was staring at a lawn mower that was about to come and ruin my beautiful field of dandelions!

WELCOME SPRING!

Retro Isaac

2011-04-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

Photos taken by Nick and edited by Me. We're a good team :)

Catalog Isaac

Photography: Fusion

2011-04-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how often I will get to post new photography assignments, but I'm going to try really hard to complete it every week. It is so fun for me to be able to do something creative, especially when I have been cooped up inside so much recently. I recently challenged my lil bro to do these assignments with me every week. It is fun to see how he interprets the assignments, so I will try to post some of his as well.

This week the theme was: FUSION, and we were supposed to edit our photos with a free program that they provided. So I thought I would provide you with my before edit and after edit photo. It is AMAZING the difference! I'm learning the secrets of photographers!

When I saw the theme I immediately thought this photo has to be colorful.

BEFORE EDIT:

AFTER EDIT:

Amazing the difference isn't it?

Jordan's Newborn Photo Shoot

2011-03-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peak into our photo shoot...

Thanks Lauren! Check her out on facebook: Designs by Difulvio...she is Awesome!

Our Ginger Child

2011-03-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

A very talented high school student from our youth group used Isaac as a model for her senior art project. Didn't she do an awesome job?!!!!! LOVE IT! Thanks Lizzie! Her theme for her art project was on "Gingers." For those of you who may not know, Ginger is an affectionate term for red heads.

wondering what i've been up to?...

2011-03-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

...well this is it, such a glamorous life

...but definitely has its rewarding moments

How exhausting the first few weeks of life are on a mommy. I am constantly praying in the middle of the night when I hear that squeaky cry. Time to get up again to feed...didn't I just do this? I finally get him to sleep again and then I hear his diaper exploding. After being changed he is wide awake, ready to party. So I try feeding him again to calm him down and he ends up spitting up all over me. That is when daddy comes to the rescue. This is my typical night right now, and I am holding on to the fact that this is just a phase that will soon pass.

It's A...

2011-03-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

Introducing:

Jordan Nicholas Schultz

born March 7th,2011 @7:09am

8lbs 8oz, 21 3/4inches

we thought he had red hair until after his bath... it's actually brown!

Jordan getting some Isaac loving...Isaac has been adjusting well he asks to hold Jordan every morning

Nana, Papa & Isaac decorated our door to welcome Jordan home

We are adjusting well, despite being sleep deprived. It's amazing how you can function on such little amount of sleep. Isaac doesn't wake up in the middle of the night when Jordan cries...such a blessing! Jordan is typical baby...up a lot at night, last night I actually got 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep...that felt awesome! Our parents have been such HUGE help in adjusting to being home, cooking dinner, holding Jordan while we nap, playing with Isaac...it has made our transition home so much easier. I'm so thankful for such awesome parents! LOVE YOU!

OvErDuE

2011-03-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

For me journaling in the form of a prayer is both relaxing and a great way to keep me focused. If I start to pray, I often get distracted and end up thinking about a million other things. Here is a little excerpt from my journal today:

Day 1 of being overdue. It's hard to wait around, I get concerned about the baby. Is it moving enough, did my water just break?, will this contraction start labor?, what if I go into labor in the middle of the night?, What are we going to do with Isaac?

...and then i'm reminded:

For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
(Psalm 139:13)

How thankful I am that You are in control, that You know the day, the hour, and are in the midst of all the details. Thank you for this life you created and are forming. Give me rest and peace in knowing You are in control.

My Progress:

Last night I lost my mucus plug. However, it doesn't really mean much but at least it is progress. If no baby by Friday I have a Ultrasound scheduled at 3pm just to check the baby out and make sure everything looks good still. Then Monday if no baby we will talk about being induced. Let's just pray this babe doesn't wait that long!

PHOTOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENT:

This week my assignment is "Express Yourself". I thought what better way to express myself than to look as miserable as possible in a photo and title it "OVERDUE." LOL

I will send a facebook message out once I head to the hospital. After that you can follow www.schultzeetime.com for all the labor, baby momma drama. My husband will be updating it frequently. Love you all, thanks for all your thoughts, prayers and support!

Photography: The View From Here

2011-02-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

This week was fun...

Isaac and I went on an "adventure" today, we found this field behind our elementary school. Isaac had a blast running through the fields while I took some pics. The theme for this week is "The View From Here." Here is my take on it:

Happy 39 weeks

2011-02-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

Oh what a joy when you finally reach the last weeks of pregnancy!!!! I am so ready and excited to meet this new lil one. I wonder will this baby have red hair like it's brother Isaac, will it be a boy/girl? I don't think much about the delivery part...bc then I will freak out, but I do pray everyday that everything will go smoothly and QUICKLY! :) I also pray that my water doesn't break in public or at work. So, if you are thinking of me in the next few weeks those are the prayers you can pray for me as well! :) Here is the 2nd prego pic taken of me for this pregnancy.

39 wks!!! WOOT WOOT

Photography: Open Your Heart

2011-02-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

I'm realizing quickly that I just won't be perfectly happy with every submission, but I find this one to have turned out kind of humorous. My husband turned 30 this week and I decided to focus my assignment around him "Opening his heart to the 30's." Let's just say I may not use him as a model anymore...all his photos turned out slightly creepy, or maybe I should blame it on my concept. LOL... either way you may need to "Open Your Heart" when viewing this weeks submission.

I love this man... Happy 30th Babe!

Just for you...

2011-02-14T12:08:00.000-08:00

Photography Assignment: WORDS

2011-02-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

This week my photography assignment is: WORDS. There are so many ways you can interpret this, but I wanted to try to think out of the box and do something different. So I have been looking around town for some graffiti that is in a relatively "safe" place where I can take Isaac. I found this graffiti actually a few minutes from where we live, it's an abandoned building and says "NO TRESPASSING" all over the place. But I figured that "No Trespassing" doesn't really apply to amateur photographers and their 21 month old child. So here is my rebel son:

I have a hard time just picking one picture to post. :)

Great Genes

2011-02-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated my husbands grandpas 90th birthday! Look at how adorable him and his siblings are, 3 of them are now in their 90's!

Nick's grandpa is the 2nd one in from the right

Photography Assignment #1

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

I just recently found a photography website where they challenge you to one assignment a week based on a theme. I decided it might be a fun challenge for me since I have been wanting to have a creative outlet, but this first assignment has me frustrated. Not only do I not really like the theme, I also have been frustrated with my photography skills. So to help me feel not so frustrated I bought this book titled: Canon Rebel for Dummies. Well...I think I may need a simpler book than that. Out of desperation I also bought myself a new lens figuring it must be the lens that is the issue. I haven't received my lens yet to know, but I have a hunch it's not the lens either. LOL, it all makes sense until I pick up the camera and start taking pictures. Anyways, I guess this photography hobby is going to take some time.

So...here is my attempt for this weeks theme.

The theme is: MUSE

...yes aiming at Slater

Slater "Musing" over how his life came to this?

Stay Tuned

Quality Time!

2011-01-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out my husbands latest post? If not go to: http://www.schultzeetime.com/ and find out at the very least what your love language and your husbands love language is...it will change your marriage!

Finding your love language is all about learning what makes you feel the most loved and then being able to convey that to your husband and vice versa. I am one who values Quality Time with my husband and family SO much! If I have a week where we don't ever get to sit down together and connect, where someone constantly has to be somewhere...it drives me CRAZY!

This past week we were able to go on a date...our last date was before the holidays. Last night we also went as a family to Coco Key Waterpark...much needed time away to do something different even if we only lasted an hour. I like to be creative with our time because it means the most to me.

So find out your love language! It's fun!

StoryBoard

2011-01-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am learning some new things I can do with our camera and with help from photoshop. Thanks to the pioneer woman blog on photography, I made a "StoryBoard." I love doing creative things like this:

Isaac and I made Valentines this weekend out of tissue paper...we made one for each member in our family and hung them in our kitchen windows. Isaac loves to point out which one is daddy's, mommy's, Isaac's, and babies. He gave his first Valentine to his favorite girl Noelle this weekend. I wish I had a pic to show, he was proud!

Tales of a 20 month old

2011-01-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

So far 20 months has been my favorite age...but I think I say that about every age Isaac is turning now. I always say, "I wish I could birth a toddler!" They are soooo much fun, and everyday are exploring and learning something new. It is so exciting when Isaac says a new word to me or puts a phrase together for the first time, I LOVE THIS AGE! In case you were wondering Isaac's first phrase was "I need changed, I pooped." Typical boy.

Of course with saying new words comes new challenges like watching what we say. Some words Isaac can't say correctly and end up sounding like curse words. For example, "Shoot!" often sounds like a four letter word. This is where parenting gets interesting and I've been learning a lot about myself as a parent from what habits Isaac is picking up from me. I only hope and pray he picks up the good things as well.

Check out what Isaac is in to:

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Yup, we are training our child to be a Rockstar!

Take Me Away!

2011-01-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

Ugh... January is such a drag. Nothing exciting happens in January except for maybe one really good snow or something. I dread every January because of the cold and gray skies, not to mention it is 31 days long! I find myself always dreaming about summertime and vacation, which often leaves me even more depressed. But on a brighter note, it's in January that I really appreciate all the bright colors I painted our house like: green, mermaid treasure blue, purple, & yellow. Although since i'm stuck inside all day I often daydream about what colors I want to change my walls and all the household projects that need to be done. Man I really sound like I need to get out!

So to cope with January I like to plan little fun adventures. Like it is often the month Nick and I will take Isaac to the aquarium or children's museum, and Coco Key! We haven't made it to one of those places yet this month...but after blogging about it i'm inspired to make it happen! LOL

I would like to know, how do you beat the wintertime blues?

(a pic from our honeymoon in Mexico, taken in June 2005)

A Blog about Me!

2011-01-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

Yikes...the only prego pic i've taken so far, this was at 30wks, i'm now 33wks...and counting!

That's Right... it's time I start blogging Schultz life from a female perspective. While this blog will mostly be a bunch of random things that cross my mind, it hopefully will be somewhat entertaining and interesting too. I don't know a lot of big words and i'm not very poetic either, though I wish I was. I do journal all the time and find it very relaxing and fun. So I thought...I got things to say, and since no one is forced to read my blog, I feel free to write whatever is on my mind. I hope it doesn't get me into trouble! :) ...We will see.