Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Remodel Mania
Thought I'd take some "before" pictures - hopefully by Monday night we'll have some big progress! The goal is to be able to move our bed upstairs with a dresser or two before Tuesday night - who knows if it will all work out - but it is fun to see it all come together!
Are We There Yet?
So even though our house remodel project has been moving along ahead of schedule and for the most part we've been thrilled with everything; I woke today with a overwhelming sense that it must all be finish NOW. (If you listen very carefully, you'll all be able to hear James pulse rising, because I am NOT fun to be around when I'm in "clean it" mode.)
I've been without a closet for 6 weeks and pretty much every space in the house is either a.) dusty b.)sticky c.) messy or d.) all of the above. The basement has a chunk of concrete missing from where they needed to check the size of the sewage pipe - not to mention where all the floor paint is chipped from spilled water.
Anyhoo, I'm very happy with the project, but the "crazy Schneeman" woman is about to appear. Sorry James.
We also had a particularly stinky morning this morning. Seamus had the mother of all "accidents" although I quite sure that it isn't an "accident" when you tell your mom you "don't need go yet, mamma." and then race out to the playhouse to have your morning constitutional. Again, childbirth was a cakewalk.
Finn also lived up to his little monkey nickname in that I was greated this morning with poo flinging. Lovely. Anyway, everyone has had a bath this morning (including me). And we're going to have a fresh start to the day. Phew.
We're going to have a busy weekend trying to wrap up some of the almost finished projects and we're going to try and tackle the bathroom tiling. I'm hoping that even though we've got a lot going on - there will be some time for the Tour de France and a glass of wine.
I've been without a closet for 6 weeks and pretty much every space in the house is either a.) dusty b.)sticky c.) messy or d.) all of the above. The basement has a chunk of concrete missing from where they needed to check the size of the sewage pipe - not to mention where all the floor paint is chipped from spilled water.
Anyhoo, I'm very happy with the project, but the "crazy Schneeman" woman is about to appear. Sorry James.
We also had a particularly stinky morning this morning. Seamus had the mother of all "accidents" although I quite sure that it isn't an "accident" when you tell your mom you "don't need go yet, mamma." and then race out to the playhouse to have your morning constitutional. Again, childbirth was a cakewalk.
Finn also lived up to his little monkey nickname in that I was greated this morning with poo flinging. Lovely. Anyway, everyone has had a bath this morning (including me). And we're going to have a fresh start to the day. Phew.
We're going to have a busy weekend trying to wrap up some of the almost finished projects and we're going to try and tackle the bathroom tiling. I'm hoping that even though we've got a lot going on - there will be some time for the Tour de France and a glass of wine.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Good Ol' Summer Days
I'm having one of those days...some days are long, some days are loony, some days are exhausting, some days are exhilarating and some days are spent walking a fine line between laughing and crying all day long. But today is one of those days when I can just feel how short and precious these moments are.
For Finn's birthday, James and I gave him a collection of classic Dr. Suess stories. This morning we read The Places You'll Go and I think that's what started it all off for me. The boys played in the back yard for about an hour this morning while I read the paper and drank my coffee. It's not that they've been angels today (they haven't), and its not that we did anything particularly fun (though we did go see Maddie's new bird - which Seamus thinks should be named Birdie). It's that it's warm and sunny and summer's half way over already. It's that the flowers are taking off - which only makes you realize how short the season is.
The boys fell into bed this afternoon - faces still a little sticky from orange popsicles. Summer just wears them out (me too sometimes). They are growing so fast, and we love them so much, sometimes it's just too much to think about. You feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of it all, you feel awed by the speed of the development, and you feel a little panic that you might miss something.
I'm pretty sure Seamus thinks I'm a weirdo because I must have told he and Finn 50 times on our walk how much I loved being their mom. Seamus had pretty much the perfect responce. "Thanks mom. I so happy." Me too.
Monday, July 17, 2006
LifeTime Tri Fun!
25 Schneeman family participants started (and completed) the LifeTime Triathalon on Saturday. I hadn't found my camera yet - so we're waiting on pictures from the rest of the family. But we all had a great time and some of us kicked some serious swimming, biking and running butt.
James completed the long course like a rockstar - he finished 52 out of 350 in his age group. They shortened the course because of the record heat - so he was a little disapointed, but by the time he finished I think he was pretty happy he didn't have to run another 3 miles.
I'll post some more pictures when I get them - but boy, did we have a great time!
As for news with the boys, they've been really funny lately. We went to see Shannon play soccer last night and as we were walking into the stadium, Seamus was marching and swinging his arms saying "Here I come Shannon. I'm on my way."
Finn is turning into a real little boy - a little more every day. I took a bunch of video the day of his birthday - I think that we can post some clips from it - but my tech support will have to help with that. Anyway, I took some pictures of the boys playing in their bedroom when they were supposed to be sleeping. When I walked in to tell them to go to sleep. Finn dove down in his crib, snuggled his face into his blanket and said nigh, nigh. He had an enormous grin on his face.
They were laughing in the tub last night - Seamus was playing "keep away" with a spray bottle. It was starting to get a little rough so I told them they had to stop playing. After a few minutes Finn, would find the bottle and climb onto Seamus and try and get him to take it away. Seamus was just looking at me like: "now what, mom?"
The house is coming along really well. I should finish painting and staining this week and Tony is hanging doors and cutting the trim. The floors get finished at the end of the week and carpet comes on the 24th! There is still a lot of work to do, but it's really starting to come together.
James completed the long course like a rockstar - he finished 52 out of 350 in his age group. They shortened the course because of the record heat - so he was a little disapointed, but by the time he finished I think he was pretty happy he didn't have to run another 3 miles.
I'll post some more pictures when I get them - but boy, did we have a great time!
As for news with the boys, they've been really funny lately. We went to see Shannon play soccer last night and as we were walking into the stadium, Seamus was marching and swinging his arms saying "Here I come Shannon. I'm on my way."
Finn is turning into a real little boy - a little more every day. I took a bunch of video the day of his birthday - I think that we can post some clips from it - but my tech support will have to help with that. Anyway, I took some pictures of the boys playing in their bedroom when they were supposed to be sleeping. When I walked in to tell them to go to sleep. Finn dove down in his crib, snuggled his face into his blanket and said nigh, nigh. He had an enormous grin on his face.
They were laughing in the tub last night - Seamus was playing "keep away" with a spray bottle. It was starting to get a little rough so I told them they had to stop playing. After a few minutes Finn, would find the bottle and climb onto Seamus and try and get him to take it away. Seamus was just looking at me like: "now what, mom?"
The house is coming along really well. I should finish painting and staining this week and Tony is hanging doors and cutting the trim. The floors get finished at the end of the week and carpet comes on the 24th! There is still a lot of work to do, but it's really starting to come together.
More Birthday Boy?
A whole new day of present opening! Aunt Katie, Aunt Andie and Uncle Tom sent some fabulous treats! Seamus may have gotten the best present of all though - check out his new uniform. He immediately announced he had to go see officer Bob.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Party On!
We had a great party last night! I've got a lot of video but this is the only photo (someone who will remain nameless misplaced our camera).I think we had more than 50 friends and family stop in during the night - talk about kicking off the next year right! Seamus got up this morning and asked if it could be Finn's birthday again. Ah, only too soon, only too soon.
:)
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Happy Birthhday, Finn!
As you can see Finn is already preparing for his wild party tonight!
One year ago today, we made (our second) trip to the hospital to deliver Finnie. Finn's delayed entry into the world was in some respects a lovely blessing and a reminder that there are so many things completely out of our control. We enjoyed a long vacation at home with Grandma and Grandpa Dougherty. Seamus got lots of extra love and attention before his world was to be forever changed and James and I felt totally ready and so excited for the birth of our second child.
After almost two weeks, Grandpa Tom decided that he had to go home. His mother had been failing for a few months and the family was going to talk about her living situation moving forward. Her absolutely sharp mind was starting to get foggy and she had been quietly suffering for a long time. So Grandpa left with a heavy heart and we hoped we'd have some good news to report soon. Grandma Barbara stayed home to man the fort (well, mostly Seamus). And we wondered if we'd be bringing home a baby girl or little baby boy.
Well, everyone knows the story, we had our perfect little man. And we hardly know how we ever got along without him. Great-grandma Dougherty passed at about the same time and though we were all sad, we knew she was smiling down on us with Grandpa.
Life is such a blessing, at the begining, during the joys, trials, and everyday experiences and even at the end of the journey. In our families we feel so fortunate because at each point, we've been given such shining examples. Parents caring for children, siblings growing together, spouses supporting and challenging, and children caring for parents with hearts full of gratitude and love.
Finnie, you've added so much to our lives already. You're a smiler and a kisser. You've got the most warming laugh and happy eyes. You look more and more like your dad every day and you adore your brother. I'll always remember and enjoy how you wrap your arms around me when I get you out of your crib in the morning. You fill us all up with love. We are so grateful for you. Happy, happy birthday little man.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Nothing Better Than A Water Fountain
We all went out to Aunt Helen's today for a little play time in the park - it's a beatiful day but there is not much shade at the park across from her house. The water fountain (if that's what this could really be called) was a very welcome relief.
Seamus went to the potty twice at her house and with such enthusiasm that I think I might relocate there until we are finished with training.
I don't have much news. House is still moving along. Potty training is a mind numbing and overwhelming chore. Childbirth was easier. I spend 98% of the day asking Seamus - do you have to go potty? Tell mommy when you need to go potty. At which point he promptly has an accident. Truthfully, he's been pretty good, but it sure is a lot of work (very, very messy, unpleasant work).
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Uncle Tom & Aunt Andie!
See what you have to look forward to? We are SO excited for you guys - all our love and thoughts and prayers!
Love multiplies!
Aunt Katie! We miss you!
The best part of our San Francisco trip was getting to reconnect with Aunt Katie - we love Minnesota - but we miss the casual dinners and morning coffee that we took for grant when we lived in San Francisco. We're all ready for some quality time in September - but it seems like a long ways away. All our love! XOXOXO
Happy Fourth of July - Eat My Dust!
This fourth of July we celebrated by being back together with our little family of four - Winsor's invited us to Connie's cabin for the day which included a "fun" run. Winsor's make Schneeman's version of competition look down right whimsical. James won his age group - running the 10K in 41 minutes. Paula won the all around women's division at about 41 minutes also - the third place winner stormed off after not crossing the finishline first (another Winsor relative was in second). Paula's 80 year old mother was hollering after all the kids and grandkids to "get going" - it was so much fun.
Seamus even got in on the action with a 50 yard kids dash and some turle races. He was having so much fun I thought his head might spin off his neck. We had around 20 various sized turtles - Seamus was into the little tiny ones. He sympathized I guess.
Seamus even got in on the action with a 50 yard kids dash and some turle races. He was having so much fun I thought his head might spin off his neck. We had around 20 various sized turtles - Seamus was into the little tiny ones. He sympathized I guess.
Escape from Alcatraz
We returned last week from our sunny CA vacation. James and I had a fabulous combination of good friends, a gorgeous wedding, lots of great wine and a little bit of rest. We missed the boys but I'm not sure how much they missed us. Spending a few days at the lake with the Reagan's and Grandma and Grandpa is about as good as life gets and than hanging out with cousin Shannon - who turns out is way more fun than mom and dad - was a blast for the boys. It was lovely to come home and find everyone so happy.
Some pictures - First of all - Margo and Julian's unbelievable wedding! Perfect day, perfect couple, perfect wedding limerics. Who can work wilderness guide so effortlessly into wedding vows? Only these two!
Chris and Cathy at Paloma Winery in Sonoma. Cathy got us hooked up with four fabulous small winery tours that were one of the key highlights of the trip. Wines were great - and the company was even better.
Humming birds from Hitchcock.
Chris & James imbibing.
Some pictures - First of all - Margo and Julian's unbelievable wedding! Perfect day, perfect couple, perfect wedding limerics. Who can work wilderness guide so effortlessly into wedding vows? Only these two!
Chris and Cathy at Paloma Winery in Sonoma. Cathy got us hooked up with four fabulous small winery tours that were one of the key highlights of the trip. Wines were great - and the company was even better.
Humming birds from Hitchcock.
Chris & James imbibing.
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