The Schroeders Home

2011-04-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and with it has come the new lambs. Babies and mom's are all doing well. They run and jump in the sunshine (when we are lucky enough to have it). It sure is fun to watch. Mandy's ewe, Alexus, gave birth on her due date, March 23rd to baby girl "Blossom." She weighed in at 6 pounds.

The day before her due date, Paul's ewe Hannah gave birth to twin girls "Hera" and "Athena." They were born on April 2nd and weighed 3.5 pounds and 3 pounds respectively.

We Will Miss Them

2011-01-02T22:25:00.000-08:00

We are honoring two of our dear pets. They both passed away in December 2010.

Passing away December 17th was Boomer. He had not been with us very long, only since September. However, we sure found him a charming ram. He will be missed. Hopefully in the spring when the lambs are born we'll have at least a couple little reminders of Boomer.

Passing away December 27th was Maddie. Maddie found us a number of years ago. We were lucky to have her! The cancer got to be too much and now we will miss her greatly. She had become a steady and dedicated member of the family, loved by us all.

New Life

2010-07-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord. On July 18th, Paul and Mandy were baptized!

For various reason it took a while to get the kids Baptized. First was the time spent with each child after their profession of faith. Then came the search for a baptistery to borrow since we don’t have our own church building or a baptistery. Plan B was the nearby river! At least the baptistery water was a little heated :)

Regardless of the details, we rejoice in the Lord touching the hearts of these kids!!

The other reminder of new life at our house is the new eggs. Here are the first two eggs from the first chicken to start laying. I think two are laying now and we have 7 eggs total for the week.

Lambs

2010-04-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

The lambs are here! Mandy's first year in 4-H - she has projects in sewing and in sheep. Here are her two lambs.

chickens

2010-03-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

We officially now have chickens. We got them this afternoon. Maybe it was the whole Easter egg thing. Maybe it was some other mental lapse, but here we go.

Blessings

2010-02-27T22:19:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since the last blog entry - too much going on I guess. Today was another one of those crazy days, packed full of the fun and not-so-fun tasks. Most of the day was spent "stressed" trying to get the check-list checked off. In fact the whole month has been that way.

Then something wonderful and unexpected happened. Truthfully, what was unexpected was that I slowed down enough to not only notice "it" but also cherish "it."

What is "it" you say? Well, I'm not exactly sure how to describe it. Pure kindness maybe. Love maybe. "It" wasn't a miracle or tremendously out of the ordinary. However, in the wake of being tired (read exhausted) and on edge, it was pure joy to my heart.

Most of the time my kids do get along together pretty well. Then there are those days when they seem to ceaselessly fight with each other. Today had some of both. But tonight, Paul was digging around in his room and found an old toy - a view master projector. He pops out of his room and immediately wants to know if we have any batteries. Yes, we did. Next thing I know, he is turning off all the lights and has this projector working as a spot light in the family room. "Mandy" he calls. "Dance" he begs.

Now you have to understand that Mandy spends many moments each day making up ballet dances to whatever music is playing. This is true for the music from the stereo or even my banging out a song at the piano. If there is music, her feet want to move.

Seeing my two kids enjoying and encouraging each other made this tired Mom really happy. For a few minutes, the check-list disappeared and the stresses of life vanished. This is what “it” is all about – being blessings to each other.

May we all remember to be blessings to each other!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

This year has been busier than usual; at least we are hoping next year is calm in comparison :)

Here was the schedule: Getting the Christmas tree, a dear church member passed away, the school auction event, the church potluck, the piano recital, Cliff did the service for a distance cousin/friend of the family's Mom who passed away, a week of extra ballet rehearsals, the black belt ceremony, and the Nutcracker ballet.

Here are just a few pictures.

Getting the tree:

Ballet practice:

The black belting ceremony:

The Nutcracker - Mandy danced in the party scene, Waltz of the Flowers and the Chinese dance. Here is the Chinese costume.

In all the hectic schedule, we try to remember the reason for Christmas: Luke 2:11 says:“… born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Rejoice! Because born in a stable in Bethlehem was the guarantor of you life! It is within His loving hands that your life rests. It is within His loving hands the covenant relationship with God is sustained and upheld as He continually makes intercession for you! Even now, Jesus is there making intercession for you: and by that intercession, God’s faithfulness endures to all generations. Be joyful this Christmas; His faithfulness endures to all generations.

Merry Christmas to you!!

A Black Belt

2009-11-20T05:24:00.000-08:00

Paul tested for his firs degree Black Belt on Friday and while we don't have official word yet, there wasn't anything obvious that would keep him from getting it. He did great on his forms, his 3-steps, sparring and breaking those three boards. Yeah!! The belting ceremony is at the end of December. Congratulations Paul!

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

It was time for the annual Pumpkin Carving party at JJJ's. What a wonderful event - we had loads of fun as usual.

Mandy at work...

Paul at work...

The combined efforts....

Top row from left to right: Mandy's, Paul's, Grandma's, big one not carved.
Bottom row: little one not carved, Kris', Julie's, Cliff's, Grandpa's and Jason's.

Late Summer Adventures

2009-09-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

Since my last post, we have had a few new adventures.

We had fun at the County Fair. We saw lots of fun things and had a few snacks. Here is Paul climbing the Army's rock wall.

We had a BBQ at church.

The first day of school was Tuesday after Labor Day. Paul is in 6th grade and Mandy in 4th.

The weather is still pretty good in the northwest so on the 12th of September we went on a hike with my folks. Here is one of two waterfalls we saw.

Three generations enjoying the outdoors.

Thank you Lord for tall trees!

The hikers!

The second waterfall.

It was an easy hike but it was a really warm afternoon. Even the kids were sweating!

Newport Aquarium
For Paul's birthday he wanted to go to the coast and to the aquarium. Here he is at one of the touch pools.

Mandy got to touch the shark.

Here is a starfish.

We met my brother and his family at Kyllo's for dinner. Then we all walked down to the beach.

We saw the sunset from the beach.

It was another reminder we have so much to be thankful for!!

August Getaway

2009-08-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

We managed an end of the summer getaway last weekend. We had a great time.

After a lazy Saturday morning, off we went headed for The Dalles and Maryhill museum. Our first stop was Starvation Creek which was named after two trains were snowed-in the winter of 1884. No one starved, but the name lasted just the same.

We stopped there for the waterfall and to have a picnic lunch.

Then on down the road to The Dalles. It has become one of our favorite spots. After checking into the hotel, we swam at the pool, watched a movie, and generally relaxed. It was nice to just be away.

The next morning it was off to Maryhill. We had been there before but returned to see the new Ansel Adams display. It was fabulous!! As we walked up to the museum, we looked out around us to enjoy the view. The day was...
.... BRIGHT

and WINDY

Outside at the museum are various sculptures. This one represents the fun of rolling in the grass.

This one is a flower. I don't think it was Paul's favorite.

Next on the agenda was a late lunch at the CharBurger in Cascade Locks. We finished the trip with a stop at the Fish Hatchery near Bonneville Dam. It is one of my most favorite spots. It is so peaceful!

Here is Mandy feeding the ducks ...

and Paul feeding the fish.

As you might expect, there were LOTS of fish!

We always enjoy seeing "Herman" the sturgeon!

Mandy snapped this picture of us relaxing.

Here is a lasting memory of the beautiful gardens there!

Next time, you'll have to come along :)

First Major Hair Cut

2009-07-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Mandy wanted to get a shorter "do" so she got her hair cut today. She was able to get the minimum 10 inches without going too short so she'll be sending her hair to Locks Of Love. Her hair hasn't been this short since she was a toddler.

Here she is at about 2 1/2 years old.

Here she is now after the hair cut.

Here is the process.
Before:

During:

After:

Vacation – Part 2

2009-07-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

The second half of the week of vacation started with hiking in the Columbia River Gorge on Thursday. Mom gave me a book on waterfalls in Oregon and we finally used it! I love waterfalls!!
We started the day with a return visit to the Vista House. The view of the Columbia River was beautiful.

We continued on to Latourell Falls. Here we had a picnic lunch then a quick walk to the falls.

Our hiking really started when we reached Wahkeena Falls. The hike to Wahkeena Falls itself is short although steep.

We continued along the trail another mile or more to see Fairy Falls.

The day was hot in the valley (90+), but we spent the day hiking in the shade along an ice cold stream.

Back down the trail we go....

It was a wonderful day rejoicing in God’s creation!

The next day we finished cleaning the house as well as remaining yard work in preparation for the BBQ on July 4th: Cousins, aunt/uncles, etc. all attending the Molalla parade in the morning.

Later that afternoon, we met at our place for a BBQ and some fireworks. We even had homemade ice cream!! Happy Birthday America!

Vacation - Part 1

2009-07-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

This week is vacation week at the Schroeder house. It started with a quick get-away for Cliff and I to celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary. The kids stayed with Mom and Dad (thank you!) and we drove over to the coast. Since we had our honeymoon at the coast, it seemed like the best place to go. We had dinner at Kyllo’s in Lincoln City and then drove down to spend the night in Florence. On Monday (the actual anniversary), we drove up the coast to Newport and then over to Corvallis. There we looked up our first apartment as well as some of the college hang outs from dating days.

Tuesday was work day – pulling weeds, spreading bark in the flower beds, etc. Looks great :)

Wednesday we went to the coast with the kids. The day started with breakfast at Camp18 – yum! Then off to Astoria for a return visit to Fort Clatsop and Fort Stevens.

In the afternoon, we spent a few hours at Canon Beach. The kids built some castles in the sand and splashed around in the ocean. It was really windy but also very sunny and fun!!

We have the rest of the week to go, so stay tuned……

Busy June

2009-06-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

The month started with the Field Day at school. It is a half day of fun on the last day of school. In just a few hours, there is so much fun: Year book signing, hot dogs, snow cones and cotton candy as well as the awards assembly. We are humbled and grateful to God because both Paul and Amanda were selected for the Veritas Award this year. The Veritas Award is presented to one girl and one boy in each grade. It is given “for serving as an outstanding example to others by striving for excellence in character and diligence in academics.” We, as parents, are humbled to see how the Lord has worked in the lives of our children.

Ten days later Mandy danced in 3 dances in this spring’s ballet recital. We took some pictures afterward in the backyard. This was the costume for the dance to “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes”. The second picture is her as a Chinese doll in the Toy Shop dance. She was also part of the Can-Can dance.

The next day was the piano recital. Paul played “The Canary” and “Alphonse et Gaston”. He did a great job – lots of dynamics.

Mandy played “Greensleeves” and “Oh How I Love Jesus”. These are two of her all time favorites and it showed.

This weekend we canned cherries for the first time. The tree is still loaded and we have 13 quarts canned with about 6 more jars worth in the fridge. In December these will taste especially yummy!

And today is Father’s Day! Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s!!

Medieval Trebuchet

2009-05-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

Here is The Medieval Trebuchet, Paul's 5th Grade History project. In the 5th grade this year, the class had to do what was called a 3-D History project. Paul selected the Trebuchet. Parent's had to agree to help with these projects, so Cliff and Paul spent two weeks studying and constructing this weapon. I don't know who had more fun! Paul also made a costume, which was optional.

Here he is presenting his project at school. Did you know the trebuchet was first invented by the Chinese? And while it was used in medieval times to break down castle walls, it was also used to fling dead bodies over the walls to spread disease and fear. After the presentation inside, Paul and the others who made similar weapons were able to demonstrate them in action outside. Who knew a little wood and some tennis balls could be so much fun!

Spring Fun

2009-04-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

We have had a great spring so far! Spring break was another trip to the beach to see the Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not. Both were a first for our kids. Just a day trip, but lots of fun even if it was windy and cold. Later in the week, the kids each had a friend over to play and then we spent the afternoon bowling.

Then it was time for the Spring Choral concert at school. The kids wore their Easter outfits. Because grades 3,4,&5 all sing together at the concert, Mandy (3) and Paul (5) were together too. They sang Red Dragonflies, My Labrador Rug, and Walkin' in the Light. Paul got to be part of the ensemble that sang for My Labrador Rug.

Soon afterward, Kris got to go to Cannon Beach with the other Moms for another Mommy Weekend Away. It was fabulous weather - even got sun burned! How often can you say that about the Oregon coast on the first weekend in April!

Easter!! HE IS RISEN!! What more can you say.... We had a Good Friday service which was a beautiful way to set our hearts and minds toward remembering what Christ did for us on the cross. We celebrated on Easter morning in several ways. That evening we joined the whole family at my Aunt's house for an Easter dinner.

This last weekend, we again had gorgeous spring weather. So Mandy and I went over to brush on Bill the horse. He seemed to really love the attention. Then we went riding for a bit. We even got little cousin Jonah to go for a quick ride.

Hope you are having a great spring too!

The Oregon Coast

2009-03-07T22:22:00.001-08:00

We had a quick get away to the coast last weekend. It was a great way to close out a busy February. We started out Saturday morning, intentionally timing it so we would arrive in Florence at lunch time. Mo's is a great seafood spot and we always try to dine there each visit. After lunch, we walked across the street to collect our weekend at-the-coast installment of saltwater taffy - yum! We also went to a cute bookstore called “Bears & Books”. The rest of Saturday was spent reading and watching movies. On Sunday we drove up hwy. 101 stopping a couple times. Once was to take these pictures and then again in Newport. We also stopped at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. We also peeked at the wharf to see what had changed. The evening ended with pizza before heading home.

Birdhouses!

2009-02-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

Mandy doesn't turn 9 for a few more days, but today we celebrated with most of her girlfriends from school. Almost a dozen girls built birdhouses today. It wasn't quite like This Old House, but Norm (I mean Cliff) did a great job making the kits and teaching the girls. It was a lot of fun - Thanks Dad! Happy Birthday Mandy!!

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-02-05T05:46:00.001-08:00

Today is Mom's 70th Birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!

This week we celebrated in style by taking her to dinner in a limo.

Happy Birthday Mom!! We Love you!!

5th Grade Assembly

2009-01-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

Each class has two assemblies a year. Paul's 5th grade class had their first one on Friday, January 23rd. They presented a skit about the Shepherd finding his lost sheep. The assembly was based on their study of John. This included a drawing of a sheep.

It is such serious work - acting!

First line: (talking about the Samaritan women) She ran back to the Pharisees, sir, at the Feast of Dedication. She said she needed to hear the Pharisees teaching on a certain set of Sabbath rules.

Second line, down on his knees: Dear women, I beg you to put down that stone and return with us. You are a daughter of the King -- of Jesus, the Christ. I would lay down my life for you because of Him, I have left my flock to come find you. Please return with me.

Ice Skating

2009-01-01T15:35:00.000-08:00

Mandy tries ice skating for the first time at a friend's birthday party on December 31st. She loved it!

Snow

2008-12-27T09:06:00.001-08:00

It hardly ever snows in Aurora - but we got our fill of it this year. We even had a white Christmas. Here are a few snow photos.

Our Patio.

Our buried car.

Icicles.

Paul watching the birds.

A Blog Is Born

2008-12-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

Let's get started. I'm so inspired by the many bloggers out there that I thought I'd try it.

To begin, we'll introduce ourselves.

Paul is 11 years old and in 5th grade. He is full of joy - a "whistle while you" work kind of kid. His favorite activities are reading, legos, and video games.

Mandy is almost 9 and in 3rd grade. She's the musical one. Mandy loves music -- singing, dancing, and playing the piano.

Kris keeps out of trouble by trying to keep up with everyone else in the family.

Cliff is busy with many activities but still finds time for trouble :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!