Could you do it?

One of our less favorable tasks this summer included going through the phone "upgrade" process.  We are simple people and don't care for all the bells and whistles of technology particularly that which we don't think is necessary (data package, or camera on our phone for example).  We use our cell phones to- what do you know!?!??- make phonecalls! 

Consequently this severely limits the choices we have in selecting a phone- which we welcome.  Unfortunately, the process also includes hours-yes I mean hours- of dealing with rude, inconsistent, uninformed customer service representatives.  Before I go into a rant, I'm going to pose a few questions that welcome response or opinions.


-Could YOU survive-living a comfortable and fulfilling life without a cell phone, internet, or cable/television?

- Can you raise competent, well-educated children with little or no access to these "necessities"?

- Would upsetting these social "norms" or "going against the grain" lean more on the side of courage or cowardice? Ignorance or bliss?

- Do you think social communication skills are enhanced or diminished by the regular technology user habits of children? of adults?

Could YOU do it? No phone, internet or cable/television for an hour? a day? a week? a month?

Still growing

Schafer, Schafer fan of 'taters
How does your garden grow?
With hots and bells for salsa smells
And zucchini squash not in rows.

Truth be told I didn't make any homemade salsa this year.  We actually didn't get that overwhelming explosion of tomatoes and our jalapenos didn't do well until the end of the summer.  Regardless, we enjoyed the family project and most certainly the yummy goodness that the God's great earth produced!

Humble Beginnings

First fruits

A little later in the season.

Lovely Golden Acre Cabbage we used for Cabbage and noodles one night.  One of Pete's and my dad's favorites.

Broc-o-lock-a lock-o-li

yumm...sun gold

 My sister Kate started a variety of tomato plants from seed in Philadelphia and shared the seedlings.  They took a little longer to ripen up because they were heirloom seeds but they were worth the wait.  I would tease Pete because upon his arrival home he would stay outside and inspect the blushing skin of the fruit for done-ness before greeting me with his usual "Honey, I'm home!".  Even though I would give him a hard time, deep down I was smiling seeing that he enjoyed gardening as much, if not more, than I.  While we were dating he had come over to my house to help till and plant.  It seemed to foreshadow some of what God had in store for us- plenty of hard work and "dirt", sprinkles of living water to nourish the seeds of faith, hope, and love and nourish the beginnings of a life together, that continues to produce fruits.  Like gardening, marriage requires time,effort, care and  ongoing learning and growth (of course).

First batch of beans

 We tried a new strategy this year and did a second planting of beans mid summer after pulling out the first batch of plants in order to increase our production despite our limited space.  Pete learned of this practice after working at the Interval Brotherhood Home garden in the Akron area for the Hoban High School service week.  This will probably become a consistent habit for us considering our liking for this humble legume Pete's mom dubs "God's candy".

Last major harvest in early October.

It's about that time (Not to be greedy but if you were looking for some ideas or inspiration) Wishlist Revised!

Well, it wasn't even officially Halloween and they were already decking the aisles with fiber optics and glitter and "ho, ho, ho's"

I was hesitant to post a wish list last year but it turned out to be a valuable tool.  And now looking back at it I have a moment to reflect on how truly blessed we are!

#1 New Couch Arrived shortly after Augustine was born and has held up pretty well considering the variety of tasks it is employed for by our 2.5 year old's imagination.

#2 Plain Stone Statue of Blessed Mother (24-36")
#3 Stone Statue of St. Francis (24-36") Thank you Grandma Angie- we had a recent incident where St. Francis seemed to migrate across the flowerbed.  I accused my mother and father but apparently it was Luke.  What can I say?  He comes by his orneriness honestly.

#4 Subscription to Magnificat
#5 Cricut Cartridges (specifics to come)- I've added to my collection, I suppose this is my new vice sort of like CDs used to be in my teen years.  There's always more to get!  I updated the "Cricut Collection" blog to give specifics.
#6 Cookie Press
#7 Pastry bag and other frosting piping equipment I took a crash course in cake decorating just before Luke turned 2.  More tips and spatulas, Wilton dye colors would be helpful (tips # 3, 16, 18 especially ) but I've got a good base.
#8 Cheesecloth #9 New kitchen (this one will require plenty of patience and prayers and not expected in the near future :-))
#10 Carcassonne extension pack (princesses and dragons or towers and something...there are many options)- Thanks Tess and Adam for Inns and Cathedrals!
#11 Tea Kettle- Much appreciated Uncle Joe, Aunt Missy and family!

And now to add to the list...

A.)Fiestaware gravy boat, sugar bowl, or other accessories
B.) Anything Burt's Bees
C.) Toaster Oven
D.) Microwave
E.) Non-stick frying pan
F.) Cloth Napkins
G.) Yard Games (Corn-hole, yard golf, etc. Note:we already have Bocce)
H.) A Sturdy Chess/Checkers set

We've been stationed back in Ohio now for approximately 1.33333 years and there's no saying what the Lord has in store for us next but we are most truly grateful for the love and support of family and friends near and far!

World of Our Imagination

Our world has limits.  But those limits can be pushed.  It is my two year old that reminds me of this practically everyday.   I most definitely wanted to complete this post during the Easter season.  It just didn't happen.  Still, it seems rather appropriate as we recall the Resurrection of Christ  and how even with Jesus right before their eyes three days after his death the apostles still doubt.  Like Thomas so many of us today need to touch and see in order to believe.  A child, on the other hand, has the innocence and freedom to transport themselves outside of reality.  Most of these pictures are from months ago (January/February of 2013).  Regardless of how much time has passed and how much our Luke has grown up we hope that he always has faith.  That he understands that believing does not always require seeing and that he builds a relationship with our wondrous, magnificent God that loves him, Luke Francis Schafer, beyond measure.

Now follow along, if you dare, as we take you on a little journey to another dimension.  A realm where things aren't always what they seem.

I graciously accepted an invitation to dine at this fine table set meticulously by Luke.  He intermittently paused to describe the menu.

Light pink candle (upper right)= water
rust colored candle = toffee (aka coffee)
whiffle ball= apple
pencil = tarrot
different colored rings= spa-detti
dog with hydrant figurine= shate tease (aka shake cheese)
cheese crackers= well, cheese crackers

Quite the balanced diet.

I suppose Luke gets some of his material from the various books we read.  He has always been a patient and intent listener when it comes to books.  Augustine is a totally different story.  Nonetheless, we escape to a variety of locations amongst the turned pages meeting characters old and new and some downright silly.  Some titles are more educational than others.  Some of my favorite most recent loaners include Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco, We All Go Travelling By  by Sheena Roberts,  and  These Hands by Margaret H. Mason.  We time-warped back to Pete's childhood with our request for, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, one of his favorites.  It indeed won the honor of requests for repetition.  With this current batch of books, Luke is hooked on The Growing Story by Ruth Krauss and  The Butter Battle Book  by Dr. Seuss.  I'm not too sure how I feel about this one despite my general support for the rhythmic doctor.  It's politically charged and includes too many firearms and weaponry for childrens' literature for my taste. 

Nonetheless, I liked this photo of Pete and Luke exploring.  Mostly, I liked Luke's hair ;-)

Planes, trains, and automobiles. Typical boy stuff. Let me introduce you to our little bus driver.  He built it by himself, recruited passengers, and took his post with confidence. 

We were all invited to join him on his special motorcycle after dinner one evening.  It was a great night for a ride!

More typically nowadays we are ushered into his trut! (truck, of course) which has a frame strikingly similar to our amoeba couch.  The interior is decked out with the newest amenities, so new, in fact, you are hesitant to sit in it (really because you are sure that the pile of miscellaneous toys is bound to leave a mark or make for an uncomfortable cruise).  We do our best to oblige, though, and situate ourselves gingerly amidst the clutter as Luke hurriedly lifts our feet from the floor insisting that all limbs are kept safely inside the moving vehicle.  This is an upgrade from our old game of darbage trut, which as you can guess, was slightly more messy.

Just being a couple of silly monkeys!

And the mini maestro getting in a little practice.

One day we'll work on being superheroes and use the clothespins to secure the beach towels around our necks as capes like I remember doing in my childhood but for now we have the homemade Valentine bag from Grandma Schafer to keep the dream alive.

And, now, back to reality.

Can you believe it?!!?

To think...

Just over one year and one day ago I was sitting in the labor and delivery room discussing the nuances of transubstantiation as the contractions intensified.  I was bound and determined to make it through the last stack of tests I was helping Mr. Schafer grade before the baby arrived.  We didn't know then what exactly we'd be getting into...boy or girl?... little or big?... healthy? or...not?   It was LIFE.  Regardless, the moments were filled with anticipation.  This is what we got.

Augustine John Schafer.

 And here he is one year later soaking up the attention at his birthday party yesterday.  He got a pumpkin cake with walnuts and raisins and cream cheese frosting.  Our unsuspecting guests ate it despite the fair bit of "adjustments" to the recipe because of the limiting contents of the cupboards.

The second round of singing.  Francis tradition.

Here is an up close photo of the cake which I, at one point, dubbed "the chickenpox cake".  Mostly I was rediscovering my cake decorating tools.

And the schmear cake which I crafted out of the leftover pieces from the two 8 x 8 pans after piecing the "one" together.

And the action featuring the boy of the hour.

I don't think he ever made it past the frosting.

And the day after...

We also celebrated Augustine's feast day on Tuesday, August 27th which was actually St. Monica's feast day (YAY for praying moms!) since I work on Wednesday nights.  I tried my hand at a jello dessert.  It wasn't too terribly hard to make and the appearance was worth it.  The taste left a bit to be desired but I'm not a huge fan of jello anyway.  I was persuaded by the devil on my shoulder that whispered, "What kind of mother never exposes her children to jello?".

Thank you to all our family, near and far, that helped us celebrate the joyous occasions.  And thank you Lord for blessing us with this inquisitive, social, courageous, and musical little man!

Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest where mommy and daddy had one portion of our first date 5 years ago.

Auggie's World

Peek-a-boo, zooberts, dirty diaper, milk breath, nap, gummy smiles, footie pajamas, toe touches, goo-goo gah-gah, another dirty diaper, another nap, slobber, fussiness, rocking, mindless chatter, nursing, rinse, REPEAT.  Some days this mommy business feels like a torturous cycle where even the cutest of moments are overshadowed by the repetition and exhaustion.

I uploaded most of these pictures months ago.  It's funny to see how much the little rascal has grown.  Even though sleep is documented numerous times don't let it deceive you.  Augustine had a habit of taking short little cat naps through out the day.  I couldn't really complain since he slept decently at night but the twenty minute rest stops didn't leave me much time to accomplish other tasks.  However, now that he is sitting up, trying to move around and engaging in play for longer periods of time he tends to get tuckered out and now will take extended naps.

Loving the time to air out a bit

The death grip.  Those eyes seem to be staying a sort of greenish gray.

Below is a rare treasure since usually when we are spending time with Grandma Schafer she is the one behind the lens.  I remembered to take the camera one day when I was visiting with the boys.It's a double BONUS since grandma also has a tendency to have her eyes shut in photographs ;-) In light of the recent celebration of Mothers' Day I wanted to add an extra thank you for being a great mother-in-law and always making me feel comfortable enough to spend time with you whether Pete is able to be there or not.  This was a great afternoon where I enjoyed hearing the tales of your horse you had growing up.

The picture below of Augustine in the Mickey sleeper is from January 13th.  He's sporting the outfit from our friends Megan and Mike that live in Florida.  Unfortunately it only got a half day worth of wear because of a blow-up diaper and the stress put on the snaps during the first fitting.

The four pictures that follow the Mickey outfit are all from the beginning of January.   We made an attempt at solid food which seemed to go okay in the very beginning but quickly lost it's novelty.  I don't think it helped that both the boys got a little bit of a bug in mid-January.  Augustine is accepting more solids now but Luke was definitely more receptive at this age.  Of course I have a number of theories as to why this is but primarily I think it's the fact that I'm around more with Augustine than I was with Luke at this age so why should Augustine work so hard to chew/swallow the solids when mommy's milk is so readily available?

 The one where Augustine is laying on the quilt in the striped sweater and Luke is watching makes Augustine seem like such a tiny, helpless baby. But the one that follows soon after indicates that this here boy is likely to instigate plenty of trouble with his older brother as an accomplice.

Big brother pep talk

Cold January night where daddy made a fire in the fireplace and Augustine made himself comfortable on mommy and daddy's cuddle spot.

Up to no good.

These two pictures (above and below) are from the end of February putting Augustine at 4.5 months old. He and his brother are becoming pretty good friends.  It's music to my ears when I hear Luke talking with Augustine and they both erupt with laughter playing "Peet-a-boo" or having stare downs.  Auggie gained strength and endurance when it came to tummy time and even managed a smile while down on the ground allowing the abundance of drool to escape.

Notable dates include Monday, February 11th, 2013 when Augustine rolled from back to belly on his own.  He still hasn't really mastered going from belly to back although I've witnessed it in a couple instances.  Also, Augustine's first tooth broke through on April 15th, 2013. It's his bottom, left, front tooth.  It's neighbor is due to break through any time now but I don't know that any of the pictures will give a good view.



You can see Augustine's admiration for his big brother in the next few photos.  This was taken about a week before Easter when Augustine was learning to sit up on his own.  I asked Luke to touch his cheek to Augustine's for a picture.  This is the reaction I got. Eventually I got him to close the gap for the brotherly love picture but never accomplished the cheek-to-cheek arrangement.

I'm pretty far behind in documenting the vital statistics but perhaps doing it this way allows for an easier comparison.  Here are the measurements for his 4 month appointment on Feb. 20th

• 15lbs. 13 oz.(50-75 percentile)
• 25.5 inches tall (50-75th percentile)
• 16.75 inch head circumference

And for his 6th month appointment, according to the doctor, he had "perfect" measurements.  This assessment came the same week that the deacon gave the homily explaining that three was/is the perfect number...not too much and not too little.  Just right.

Measurements for Augustine John Schafer at 6th months (4/17/13)

• 17 lbs. (33rd percentile)
• 26.5 inches tall (33rd percentile)
• 17 inch head circumference

 Augustine is slated to return to the doctor for a 9th month appointment on July 31st.  We'll see where he is at then but in the meantime we'll enjoy watching the ways he continues to grow in all regards.

 

I have a feeling that Augustine is going to be quite the stinker.  He certainly likes to be right in the mix of things.  He wants to be right in the middle of the action.  Although he hasn't officially started crawling yet he manages to make his way around by stretching and scootching and bouncing.  He can go from his stomach back into sitting position.  He reaches and pulls himself up on whatever he can as you can see by the final photo where he pulled himself up from sitting position in the crib in a matter of seconds.  And boy is he proud of it!  His new trick is clapping his hands together and he continues to practice buzzing his lips.  I suspect he'll be more mobile soon which I both look forward to and dread.  He'll be less frustrated once he can move around on his own, I believe, but it will also mean I can expect him to get into more trouble.  Especially since he's got a ready made assistant.

Augustine John -7 months