The Schweigert's 4

Preschool Day at the Library!

2012-02-08T14:06:00.001-08:00

Graduated

2012-02-06T14:24:00.001-08:00

Paige finished her first round of swimming lessons this year, and now on to P3!

Paige's "Rock Star" Party

2012-02-03T22:33:00.000-08:00

Complete with Wii Just Dance Kids, backstage passes, hair tinsel by our most favorite beautician Alicia (found here), microphones, cool star glasses, rings and bracelets, pop rocks and bubblegum!

Paige Turns 5

2012-02-01T18:55:00.001-08:00

The Big Game

2012-01-30T20:37:00.000-08:00

For one whole week the girls went to a "mini cheer camp" with the high school cheerleaders. Such things as high/low V's, touchdown, candlesticks, right/left punch, and toe touches became common language around the Schweigert household. Tonight being the very last day, they performed at a varsity game sporting the very own Squalicm High School Cheer shirts! GO STORM!!

An Early Sign of Spring?

2012-01-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

Paige's bird feeder craft at preschool!

Self Portrait-Piper

2012-01-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

Cheerleaders in Training

2012-01-24T20:05:00.001-08:00

"Because Mom, we are the real deal!"~Paige

Winter Swim Lessons

2012-01-23T14:36:00.001-08:00

Sneak Peak into my French Getaway

2012-01-22T19:52:00.000-08:00

Idea inspirations came from cute hot and cold canvas (from TJ Maxx $10), an old antique french mirror (local antique store for only $35) and a french antique towel rack (free-refurbished off the bathroom wall of a very good friend in exchange for babysitting). Thanks to some really great friends for spending their Saturday helping us finish it!!

Backstage Pass

2012-01-21T19:48:00.000-08:00

Snow Day!

2012-01-16T13:08:00.001-08:00

Christmas Card Craft 2011

2012-01-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

For previous years and instructions:

2010

2009

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T16:34:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when you fall asleep on the couch well before 9:00pm!

What A Year It's Been

2011-12-31T15:57:00.000-08:00

A Little About Me:

Name: Mary

Age: 30

Favorite Food: Pho and Sushi

Favorite Activity: Running

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Book: Cutting For Stone

Highlights From 2011:

Greatest Lesson Learned: With time, all things pass.

Hardest Thing Of The Year: Change

Favorite Memory: Finishing my very first 5k race under 30 minutes.

What I Loved Most About 2011: Turning 30!

Looking Forward To 2012:

Want To Learn: To take one day at a time (and truly believe and stick to it).

Want To Get Better At: Being a better wife, momma, friend and nurse. Making my health a bigger priority.

Biggest Goal: Finish a 10k under 1 hour (and maybe even train for a 1/2 marathon with my friends...we'll see)!!

December Daily {12.24.11}

2011-12-24T16:42:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS EVE:

8:30am: Slept in, nice homemade breakfast, last minute packing and waiting for the girls last Christmas present to arrive in the mail so we could start our holiday vacation trip back to Montana.

11:00 Still no sight of arrival of the girls' NECESSARY gift. Last minute laundry and making beds. My friend Kelly arrives with the most awesome homemade jammie pants (one of my favorite gifts, btw).

12:00 Still no present. Send Chris and the girls for lunch and last minute errands as I do secret stuff at home.

2:00 Decide to let the girls open family/friend/godparent gifts (as these are things we cannot possibly take with us on the trip). Still no present. Quarrel with Chris awhile, as this was his job to order the present and why he didn't ever check the order confirmation. In his defense, I guess the order did process through his debit card.

4:30ish Still no gift. Chris calls manufacturer. No present is coming. Meanwhile, our friends Jason and Kelda arrive with more gifts for the girls.

5:00 Mad dash to Best Buy to pick up car DVD players (our gift to the girls). Pick up quick dinner (Wendy's chili).

6:00 Leave Bellingham, the beginning to our Christmas Holiday.

11:30pm Arrive in Spokane.

12:00 Midnight Mass

1:30 Check in to hotel, hoping Santa can find us (as we have been on both sides of the state).

2:00 BED

3:30ish Awaken to hear Red biting on Santa's leg...WHEW, he found us!!

December Daily {12.23.11}

2011-12-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

There is something about a freshly painted manicure for Christmas!

December Daily {12.22.11}

2011-12-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

Sealants for Piper and fillings for Paige today.

December Daily {Weekend Continued}

2011-12-21T23:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas is quickly approaching, and there are just too few days. Last weekend Piper and Paige were in the ballet production of The Nativity Story. Piper a townsperson and Paige a townskid.

December Daily {12.20.11}

2011-12-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

Holiday haircuts and Christmas jammies-GIRLS

December Daily {12.19.11}

2011-12-19T19:09:00.000-08:00

Holiday haircuts and new bandannas-BOYS

December Daily {12.18.11}

2011-12-18T21:21:00.000-08:00

This evening I went to my very first "Christmas Cookie Exchange". It's not so fun making 12 dozen (yes, I said that right) cookies, but it is so worth it when you take home 12 dozen different ones. My holiday baking is done and there is plenty to share with family, friends, and co-workers!

December Daily {12.17.11}

2011-12-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

This morning was the annual neighborhood "Santa Stop". It was a beautiful December morning filled with friends, hot cocoa, candy canes and firemen!

December Daily {12.16.11}

2011-12-16T21:42:00.000-08:00

The Nativity Story was the theme tonight for Paige's preschool pageant. She was chosen to play Mary and as you can tell, was ecstatic beyond words.

December Daily {12.15.11}

2011-12-15T21:32:00.000-08:00

This is what 12 dozen cherry cheesecake cookies look like. I am sure glad I took this picture, because I will never make them again (super yummy, but a LOT of work).

Recipe found here.

December Daily {12.14.11}

2011-12-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

Piper's Christmas List

December Daily {12.13.11}

2011-12-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

Here are the PNP (portable north pole) videos sent to the girls today by Santa himself:

Paige

Piper

December Daily {12.11.11}

2011-12-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Lists:

Daddy: Patagonia Sweater Jacket in Black

Mommy: Finished remodel of our master bathroom

Piper: Justice clothes, Wii and "Just Dance 2" (Wii game), and a water bottle that doesn't leak.

Paige: Wii and "Just Dance 2", Justice clothes, baby crib and accessories.

December Daily {12.10.11}

2011-12-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

My very first 5K was the annual Jingle Bell Run. So excited to finish under 30 minutes (29mins and 45secs to be exact)!!

December Daily {12.9.11}

2011-12-09T21:47:00.001-08:00

Big run tomorrow, and what better way to make an entrance than a team of beautiful ladies in their red tutu's!!

December Daily {12.8.11}

2011-12-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

Today I picked up my number for the race on Saturday. Starting to get really nervous...wish me luck!!

December Daily {12.7.11}

2011-12-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

Do you know what is absolutely great? Coming home from work to homemade Christmas cookies.

Do you know what is absolutely not? The average person gains 7#'s during the holidays.

MUST REFRAIN FROM COOKIES!

December Daily {12.6.11}

2011-12-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

The Christmas letters were sent.

December Daily {12.5.11}

2011-12-05T15:59:00.001-08:00

If only we could live in a house made out of candy!

O' Christmas Tree '11

2011-12-04T15:28:00.001-08:00

December Daily {12.4.11}

2011-12-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

Piper's own version of the "December Daily".

December Daily {12.3.11}

2011-12-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

Date Night: Dinner & Christmas Shopping without kids!

December Daily {12.2.11}

2011-12-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

I always wanted my own version of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree (kit came from Haggens grocery store)!

December Daily {12.1.11}

2011-12-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

Paige's Christmas list she left for Santa outside the fireplace.

Piper's Thankful List:

2011-11-22T15:31:00.001-08:00

*Did you notice that I made the #1 spot???

Our own "Wampanoag Indian"

2011-11-21T17:16:00.000-08:00

"Did you know that the Wampanoag Indians brought corn and turkey to the first Thanksgiving"?-Paige

*just a little fact about Thanksgiving that I didn't know either!

Being Thankful; said with a greeting card

2011-11-20T16:34:00.000-08:00

Made and designed by Paige and Savannah (our nanny).

The life of a runner.

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

Last Saturday marked my official 4th week running (over 40 miles), and what better way to celebrate than a new pair of "pumped up kicks", a new ankle stabilizer and dusting off the old knee brace.

I cannot say that I absolutely love it (yet), but it's coming! Only 4 more weeks until the big 5k race, in which I might be singing a different tune-stay tuned!!

Self Portrait-Paige

2011-11-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

Housewarming Gift of a Clean Kitchen

2011-11-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Bummer Halloween!

2011-10-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, when we were supposed to have our Halloween party, Piper got sick...bummer.

On Sunday, when we were supposed to go to a Halloween party, Paigey got sick...bummer.

And on Monday (Halloween), Daddy started to feel under the weather and so we (Chris & I) decided not to dress up...bummer. However, the trooper he is, decided to still take them trick or treating.

*Costumes this year Piper a leopard and Paige Daphney (from Scooby Doo).

Our Own Mother Teresa

2011-10-30T13:56:00.001-07:00

Is what Paige is dressing up as for her All Saints Day Parade at preschool tomorrow!

Pumpkin Carving '11

2011-10-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

Our Boys

2011-10-19T20:34:00.001-07:00

This is how we do it

2011-10-19T20:26:00.001-07:00

On early release day while Mommy's at work!

The Road to 5k

2011-10-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

starts with 1 step! Here goes to a wonderful journey I am about to embrace, and thanks to a great bunch of friends who are leading the way (you know who you are)!!

"Bread Store" Field-trip

2011-10-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Carmel Popcorn (aka "Crack Corn")

2011-10-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

5 packages microwavable popcorn

1 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup white Karo syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

Microwave popcorn as directed on package. Spread out evenly on waxed paper. While popcorn is cooling; boil butter, sugar, Karo syrup and vanilla in sauce pan for 10 mins (remembering to continually stir so it doesn't burn on bottom). Remove from heat and drizzle over popcorn (being VERY careful because mixture is SCOLDING HOT). Allow 30-60 minutes to set and then ENJOY!!

*WARNING..this is very addictive and absolutely perfect for a movie night or sleepover treat

A very long time ago,

2011-10-11T19:22:00.001-07:00

just 1 year after having my second child, I ROCKED these size 27 Guess jeans. The reason I post these photos (besides torturing myself after finding them on Chris's cell phone) is it can be done, and it will be done again...someday!!

Red Racers

2011-10-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today was Piper's 1st Harvest Hustle; and according to her, parents (especially embarrassing moms) were not invited to come. However, I did find out differently (from a really good source) and the whole crew came to cheer her on as she ran the "jump rope" leg of the relay race.

Her team did not finish first (or thankfully, last) but everyone that participated got a really good apple as a reward (and all that know Piper can just imagine how well that went over)!

October is close to my heart...literally!

2011-10-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

For more info click HERE

Piper's "mini book"

2011-10-04T19:15:00.001-07:00

Supplies:

glue stick

white paper cut into little squares

leftover "proof" page from Costco photos.

*and to think she came up with this all by herself on a "boring" afternoon!

Paige's 1st Day of Pre-K

2011-09-30T17:40:00.001-07:00

Paige had her 1st day of pre-k today after a VERY long summer of anticipation (her, not me)! She wanted to wear braids in her hair, a flower to match and bring her backpack filled with preschool necessities (extra pair of socks, legwarmers, her favorite doll and a snack). Being orientation today (45 minutes), the parents were asked to stay; and in true Schweigert girl tradition Paigey politely asked me to "go get coffee with my friend"-nice!

Autumn

2011-09-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

Just something I found online and wanted to share...as it is "the season"!

Antique Shopping

2011-09-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Just spent the morning downtown antique shopping with my favorite 4 year old (after a quick trip to Starbucks for some "kidz coffey", that is).

Husky Run 2011

2011-09-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

Today was the annual "Husky Run" at the elementary school, and we couldn't have asked for a better one (almost 80 degree weather)! Both Piper & Paige ran 14 laps each (almost 3 miles). Even though it was difficult staying on the track (Paige), a big popsicle afterward was worth every bit of sweat! Great job girls!

Open House

2011-09-21T12:03:00.001-07:00

GOOD NEWS! It's not her...it's me!

Translation: Piper didn't want me to go to her open house yesterday; why?? She is doing just fine in school: perfect behavior, completing her assignments on time, and excelling at being a 1st grader...the issue??? She is embarrassed of her mother!

I bet you didn't know

2011-09-13T22:56:00.001-07:00

that September is national sewing month...SEW, in honor of this I just had to sew me some cute lil' scrub hats for work!

The "1st" of many today

2011-09-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

1st day of 1st grade, 1st day Piper was embarrassed to be seen with me, and the 1st day I cried all the way home from dropping her off at school!

Overheard from the other side of the house;

2011-08-30T16:00:00.001-07:00

"Don't worry Paigey, this won't hurt one bit"!

There's no such thing as too many friends...

2011-08-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

especially when you live with 2 princesses and you leave the front door open while unloading the Costco run!

Tiny Brie Bites

2011-08-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

If you love brie, rosemary and almonds as much as I do, you will love this recipe.

2 older girls' trash

2011-08-25T09:38:00.001-07:00

are 2 younger princess' treasure!

Meet "Hop"

2011-08-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

He is Paigey's new friend that she found yesterday in our yard. And because he didn't change into a prince after a single kiss, she decided our pond would be a great home for him instead!

Day 23: Animal(s)

2011-08-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

Our "boys" patiently waiting for some of Daddy's eggie sandwiches!

Day 22: Sunflare

2011-08-22T19:28:00.001-07:00

*photo taken from my front porch at 6:08 am.

Day 21: Faceless self-portrait

2011-08-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

Day 20: Hands

2011-08-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

You can tell so much from someones HANDS; our family HANDS at this very point in time are fixing our fence, cooking dinner, playing on the swing set and make believing in her room!

At the fair

2011-08-19T21:34:00.001-07:00

Day 19: Bokeh

2011-08-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

So, here goes my best effort to achieve bokeh...and if you don't know what that means (like I didn't) click here.

Day 18: My Shoes

2011-08-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is not my favorite pair of SHOES, (and to be brutally honest) sometimes I dread putting on these SHOES; but being a nurse is me. I have traveled many miles in these SHOES and met many different people wearing these SHOES. So, instead of posting my favorite pair of SHOES, I decided to show you again one of the different SHOES I wear.

Just in-case you forgot where you sleep Chris

2011-08-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

(because you have a tendency to do so)...I have it clearly marked above your nightstand.

*idea from here and vinyl special ordered from here.

Sleepovers

2011-08-16T15:31:00.001-07:00

Even though they look stinkin' cute here, I now know why my mother hated them-sleepovers, that is (thanks, mom)!

Day 14: Eyes

2011-08-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

These are a pair of EYES that are very special to my heart. I can see the world from these EYES. They are the EYES that I fell deeply in love with, the EYES that gave me wonderful love in return. The sparkle and the blue from these EYES is also shared with our girls. Thank God for these beautiful EYES!

Neighborhood Block Party!

2011-08-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Day 12: Sunset

2011-08-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

This is what we did today

2011-08-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

(I guess daddy will think twice about being late from work again)!

Day 11: Something Blue

2011-08-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

Don't mind if I do...sit on this bad boy and read a book for awhile in the beautiful sunlight!

Day 10: Childhood Memory

2011-08-10T20:20:00.001-07:00

Meet "Puddin". My first and very favorite dolly, in which my mom snuck out to buy the second she found out that she was having a girl (after 3 boys), not telling my dad that she nearly spent $50 on this beautiful Madam Alexander collectors doll!

Day 9: Someone(s) That I Love

2011-08-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

My girls!

Day 8: A Bad Habit

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

I am a recovering exaggerator (ex-ag-ger-ate: represent something as being larger, greater, better, or worse than it really is). My husband used to have his own calculation on how to figure out the real validity to my stories.

Day 7: Fruit

2011-08-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

My favorite fruit; the greener the better!

Day 6: From A Low Angle

2011-08-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite walls (and to think with this project you are learning so much about me)!

Baby Shower Favors

2011-08-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

I don't quite remember where my Mom got this cute idea for baby shower mints (she could probably tell you), but every shower since I cannot resist!

Mint Baby Binkies:

24 Lifesaver Mints

24 Jelly Belly's' (must use instead of Jelly Beans, as they are too heavy).

24 Dark Chocolate Covered Thin Mints (I usually find mine in the candy isle in a box).

Dec A Cake Icing

colored ribbon of choice.

Day 5: From A High Angle

2011-08-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

The sun's too bright to open our eyes!

Day 4: Something Green

2011-08-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite necklaces!

Day 3: Clouds

2011-08-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

Not many out today!

Day 2: What I Wore Today

2011-08-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

My hubbies jammie pants (short day at work followed by an afternoon nap)!

Day 1: Self Portrait

2011-08-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

30 Day Photography Challenge:

2011-08-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

After I found this on a friends blog (thanks R), via Pinterest, pinned from this blog; I decided I would try to follow also! So, here's to 30 pictures in 30 days!

a week in the life {7.30.11.} saturday

2011-07-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

I don't remember what time we awoke this morning, let alone what time I finally fell asleep (being so freezing cold ALL night long), but after a nature walk with a local native, a beautiful sunny day at the beach is all we needed! We really didn't keep time and spent the rest of the evening listening to music while the kiddos rode bikes and climbed trees doing the usual "camping things" (camp fire, smores, etc...).

a week in the life {7.29.11} friday

2011-07-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

8:00 am good morning to day off (for both Chris & I) and the beginning to our long awaited camping trip with friends. 9:00 last day of dance camp for Paige and demonstration for parents at 10:30. Meanwhile in between trips to the grocery store and camping supplies store last minute necessities. 11:30 lunch for kiddos. Piper off to dance camp at noon with demonstration at 2:30. Chris and I straighten up house, make beds, wash linens, load car, etc... 5:00ish leave for camping trip to South Whidbey State Park; girls in our car, boys in the "Jed Clampett"! Quick stop at Subway in Burlington and then off to our destination, roughly arriving at 7:45 pm. Just enough time to put up the camp site, tent, and start a bonfire. 10:30ish bedtime.

a week in the life {7.28.11} thursday

2011-07-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

4:00 am up and adam for conference in Seattle. ROAD TRIP 5:10 to 6:45 am, arrive a little early (thanks to good traffic, and GPS). 7:30 Conference at Seattle Renaissance Hotel starts with a great breakfast and lots of coffee! 8:00 to 12:00 pm-lecture. 12:00 to 1:00 pm Lunch-another great meal catered by the hotel. 1:00 Heart dissection...mmm right after lunch! 3:30 pm conference ends "a little early", but stuck in parking garage because of issue of validation with my parking ticket. 3:45ish finally get a hold of someone to let me out of the underground parking garage (pretty scary), only to have to find somewhere to park on Madison St. to run into the hotel to pay for parking (should have just drove off). 4:00 pm wait in line at the Renaissance for 20minutes, finally the concierges tell me to "forget about it" (again, should have just drove off). 4:30ish enter downtown Seattle traffic...the rest is self explanatory. 6:00 pm finally out of Everett traffic, only to run into CONSTRUCTION northbound to B'ham...great (again, should have just drove off)! 6:30ish arrive at home. Mexican takeout food thanks to hubbie. Pick up house. Start packing for camping trip. 9:00 Relax on the couch, resting my feet on my favorite rug...exhausted!!!

a week in the life {7.27.11} wednesday

2011-07-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

I believe it was 8 something when us girls decided to wake up (no work today...yippee)! And to top that, a great friend said she would drive Paige to dance camp giving me some time to pick up the house and get ready myself. 11:00 am time to pick up Paige and her friend. Come home and start to fix lunch while Piper gets ready for dance camp. Drop her off at 12:00 and come home to friend and finished lunch while the younger girls have a play date. 1:30-2:45 pick up house, dishes, and sit down to check out new website Pinterest (awesome and very addictive, by the way). Go pick up Piper from camp. Time for 10 minute nap before dad gets home from work. Leftovers for dinner. Neighborhood girl comes over to play outside, Dad to Costco and me to cleaning all bathrooms. 9:00ish time for bed for big conference tomorrow!!

a week in the life {7.26.11} tuesday

2011-07-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Not many pictures today as you can see this is what time I got up...and 2nd picture is what time I got home from work (8:30pm). TIRED. Not much else to say!