friends don't let friends...

So, I never thought I'd let Jillian have a femullet (female mullet). But, sometimes, love is truly blind.

How could I not see it?? I mean, this isn't the best picture, but you can see, right? Actually, Jillian's hair was growing to a point like Joan Jett or something...maybe even--dare I admit it--it was rat tail-like...


Just replace this pacifier with a cigarette and the hair works. But, that's not the look we're going for....


I convinced myself that the once every two months I managed to keep her hair up like this made it all worth it. But, I was kidding myself. She pulls these things out quicker than you can say "sit still".


So, Molly, thanks for the little subtle hints, which lovingly told me I had fallen back on my NO-FEMULLET pledge. You'll be happy to know, I snipped off the rat tail and she is now sporting a bob.

I'd show a picture, but my camera is in the (still unnecessary) hospital bag in the car...argh!!!

this "due" date feels more like a "do" date

Well, folks. This is the first time that I've ever been pregnant ON my due date. It's kinda strange.

But, I must say that even though there is a measure of disappointment, I'm grateful, because I'm still pregnant with what I'm hoping is a healthy baby.

The boys are home from school today and tomorrow. I was dreading this, because they can be quite a burden with their arguing and constant nagging. I mean, they're kids. That's their natural bent. But, Brent gave them VERY clear instructions to help me out today. And,

Avery has...
dusted a bookcase
unloaded half the dishwasher
straightened up the basement
made his bed
changed his pillow case
straightened up his room
taken out the recycling
written a thank you note

Miles has...
unloaded the other half of the dishwasher
read countless books to Jillian
played games and entertained Jillian
vacuumed the family room
made his bed
changed his pillow case
and also written a thank you note

Jillian has...
skipped her nap
whined
nagged
put her hand in her poopy diaper for the first time
received a long, soapy bath
put glue stick on like chapstick

Unborn baby has...
squirmed around
REFUSED TO COME OUT!

I have...
had a resurgence of energy and cleaned maniacally most of the day. I don't think this means I'm going into labor since I've been like this most of the last month. Just saying it feels more like a "do" date than a "due" date.

I appreciate any prayers for a safe delivery.

being self-absorbed led to this belated birthday wish!

Okay. So, ALL day yesterday, I thought, "I want to have the baby today, because it's Aunt Carol's birthday!"

The day came and went with no labor or delivery.

The day came and went without even a BIRTHDAY CALL TO AUNT CAROL!!!

Oh. My. Goodness. Could I have been more self-absorbed????

Dearest Aunt Carol,

You are the coolest! You remember all of our birthdays AND faithfully remember our anniversary!!! You send care packages. We always feel so loved by you!!! The boys consistently mention how, even though you are their GREAT aunt, you are SO YOUNG! (It's true.) You are so tender and sweet and we love your constant smile.

I am SO SORRY that we didn't even CALL yesterday. Honestly, I promise, we were thinking of you all day!

Thanks for putting up with us!

We love you to pieces!!!

okay. i'm ready. c'mon baby!

So, the hospital bag is mostly packed.

The baby bed is set up.

The nursing cover is made.

The windows are washed, the floor is scrubbed, the laundry is caught up.

The wardrobe is truly dwindling.

The--I'm not kidding--shopping lists for double coupon Wednesday are set.

I've run out of things to keep me busy.

Wait...I see a smudge on the mirror and some lint on the wood floors--see ya! Gotta keep cleaning....

And, don't worry, Mom! I'll call you when I go into labor. And, you blogger buddies, you'll get an update as soon as I'm able. You ARE my BFFs (bloggie friends forever!).

thoughts at 39 weeks pregz

1. Do you know why I love Avery the most? (Okay, I don't really have a favorite, but I did for about five minutes this morning.) On the way to school today, he said, "You don't look pregnant enough to have the baby."

2. I am still in shock and denial that I'm pregnant.

3. The last thought is somewhat surprising because, wow, I have gained a lot of weight, I can hardly breathe, and I have one outfit that I like to wear.

4. I don't like blogging about pregnancy, because it feels insensitive to those who would really, really like to be pregnant right now. At the same time, it's a major reality for me. I'm torn.

5. If I should go another 24 hours pregnant, this will be the longest pregnancy I have experienced. That's right. I've never had to go the full 40 weeks before.

6. I thought that I'd get an epidural this time, because I've had back labor (read: hell-on-earth-kind-of-pain) during the last two deliveries. But, I'm truly freaked out by the needle going into my back. We'll see.

7. I've had three children before. I can't imagine having a newborn. Figure that one out.

8. I have not set up the baby bed or fully packed a hospital bag. denial, denial, denial...

9. I am most tired between 4 and 6:30 p.m. I can make dinner, but I feel like I'm in a waking coma at the table.

10. Did you know I make nursing covers?? (of course.) Yeah, I haven't made one for myself. Maybe I should do that.

11. Most common question: Have you named the baby? Honest Answer: Not really. In fact, we've never named a baby officially before they were born.

12. This is the coldest weather that I've had to endure during a third trimester. Miles was born in October. But that was in St. Louis. Generally, there aren't forecasts for flurries in St. Louis in October. I don't have a maternity coat. It's cold.

13. It's really hard to have a positive tone when you're this pregnant. That's another reason I haven't blogged much. I kinda just feel grumpy and don't want to subject you (too often, anyway) to this negativity.

14. I think we can attribute #13 to LACK OF SLEEP.

15. Please don't say, "That prepares you for baby." It doesn't. There is NOTHING that can prepare ANYONE for a newborn...except for previous experience. It is generally easier every time, depending on the health of baby and mom.

16. Did I mention that Jillian doesn't nap anymore. It sucks. It really, really sucks. I am also in denial about this. I still put her in her crib and say, "night night," and just let her deal for awhile. Eventually, her chit-chat turns into, "MOM!!! MOM!!! I mot a cacker! MOMMMMM! I'm ah done. Come hAre!!!" oh brother. Lord, help me. It's more mind-numbing to hear fussiness through a monitor than in person. Amen??

17. If I give birth this weekend, Jenny W. or Jenny R. better bring me some Sunday papers. I still want to clip coupons!!! ;-)

18. I decided about a month ago, that I'll deliver the baby October 9. That's tomorrow. The doctor and baby are not aware of this decision. And God didn't necessarily agree to this plan either. hm.

19. I started a sewing project for someone a LONG time ago. I'm convinced that God loves this person so much that he won't let me go into labor until it's done. I'm gonna try to get it done tonight.

20. Jillian is yelling "MAMA!!! I am AH! DONE!" Better go. Good news is that Brent called earlier to say, "Don't make dinner. I'll take care of it." THANK YOU, BRENT!!!

Before Felicity, there was Paige

There are people you meet who change you. And then there are those who haven't met--who have never even had a first breath or cry--who change you. Today, I'd like to honor the life of Paige, who was born on October 6, 2000, by sharing how her life and death changed me deeply. I am so grateful to God for her and look forward to meeting her when I get to heaven.

Nine years ago, one of my dearest friends in the world, Joy, called me at 6:30 in the morning crying. I arrived at her house shortly after to care for her son. She left for the hospital unsure of whether the little one she'd been carrying for 17 weeks was going to make it. Other than a huge supply of tears, I felt empty as I dreaded what seemed imminent.

I have never known a darker day than this one.

It was so dark. And I was so inexperienced with grief.

I had no idea what to say...what to not say...how to communicate my deep grief. There were so many questions that day and the days that followed I hadn't ever dealt with before. Was I allowed to grieve deeply as I felt like grieving??? Should I bring up Paige? Should I just wait to see if Joy wants to talk about it?? Should I ask to see Paige's pictures? What do I write in a card? Should I give flowers? If the flowers die, will that make her more sad?

It felt like every option of entering into Joy and Craig's grief was risky. It felt like I could fail at loving them by saying or doing the wrong thing.

I praise God for Joy, because it wasn't long before she called to check in. She didn't wonder what she should say. She shared the story of Paige's birth...about getting to the Emergency Room, the horrible bedside manner of the first doctor, the comfort they took in trusting God even after learning of Paige's death, the painful labor and delivery, the beautiful little baby that they were at first afraid to meet, and how they loved her so deeply, about the true presence of God they both felt in the hospital room. I wanted to know every detail, but would have felt invasive asking. I wanted to know as much about Paige's life as I could. I wanted to hold on to the details of her short earthly life.

In the days that followed, Joy would share with me how people at work wouldn't say anything. They didn't ask how she was, or share their sadness with her over the death of her baby. They just awkwardly entered her office to ask a question, and then took off. (Not all, but many.)

I felt convicted, knowing that I might have acted the same way. And so, I determined to not be that person.

I learned from Joy, through the life and death of Paige, that it is good and right to enter into grief with those who are grieving. It is good and right to take risks that express love, even if I doubt my eloquence. I learned that I don't have to have a close relationship with someone to express my own grief over their loss. I learned that it's better to say something, than to remain silent because I'm afraid it might make them more sad.

I still wish that Paige had lived her first 80 years, or so, of life here on earth.

But, I am grateful to God that He used her life to teach me how to love others better.

confession: i'm drinking the coupon kool-aid and loving it!

It's true. I have plunged into the depths of the couponing underworld. It's...it's...it's a phase for now and I'm enjoying it while it's fun. Thanks so Jenny at A Latte Talk for inspiring me.

Are there any fellow coupon lovers out there? Here's a test for you:

FIVE SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE OBSESSED WITH COUPON DEALS

1. Much of Friday you think, "Just ONE more day before I can get the early edition of the Sunday paper!"

2. Every time your two-year-old sees a scrap of paper, she says, "Yook Mama, a pookon."

3. You have a minimum of 10 boxes of cereal...which you either got for free or got for mere tuppence!

4. You're more inclined to take pictures of your groceries than your children.

5. You are unashamedly talking about the pleasures of couponing on your blog...or you abandon your blog altogether for the joy of clipping and grocery shopping.

What else???

what was a brain dump became a school update

1. Howdy peeps! When I haven't written a post in awhile I get the same feeling as when I miss church. I come back and think, "Where have you all been??" oh. that's right. I was the one who was gone. yep. That's how I feel right now.

2. It's official. Summer is over. In Minneapolis, they shut down the pools BEFORE Labor Day. Oh, and just so you know, they open them WEEKS AFTER Memorial Day. I would have grumbled and complained about this, but for the fact that it wasn't even hot enough to actually go swimming. Speaking of cool weather, I saw some Canadian Geese in a V-formation flying south today and felt like an idiot for living here. But, really...I do love it.

3. Actually, I REALLY love it here. Even though we're politically in the minority, I feel like I fit here more than I've ever fit anywhere in my life. Have I ever told you that I get teary-eyed when I see the skyline after I've been out of town? It really feels like home in this frozen tundra.

4. Oh yeah...back to my original (although not even touched on!) point from #2. Summer is over... in terms of school! The boys are in school. And guess what?! We're all pretty happy with it. Did I tell you we switched schools? Did I tell you that we were going to homeschool? No? Here's the story:

For various reasons, in February of this year, we felt like it was time for a change of school. As I had done for the last two years, I applied hopelessly for the charter school of my dreams. Kids get in based on a lottery system. (But, once they're in, they're in. It seems obvious to me, but it's a common question.) So, we revisited the home school possibility. After reading some helpful books and having some really insightful conversations, we decided "YES!" home schooling is the way to go! But, dun-duh-duhhhhn!!!! The next day we were VERY surprised to find out that Baby Scheetz #4 existed. I waffled back and forth for a month about the home schooling decision. I know other people do this newborn/homeschool thing with success. They are amazing. But, I couldn't...and I found out eventually that I didn't have to because, BOTH BOYS GOT INTO THE SCHOOL BY LOTTERY (aka God's sovereign will!)!!!! So. As you might have figured out, this was a HUGE relief. Did I mention that our great friends and neighbors attend the same school? Yeah. That's right: instant carpool! And, did I mention that MANY families from my church attend this PUBLIC school? Yep. It's awesome. Public school. Classical Education. Lots of Christian families. Uniforms. And, after one week, my first grader is talking about the Fertile Crescent. And my third grader is taking Latin. I'm in love.

4. Dang. That was long. I'll do you a favor and stop writing. But first, I'll leave you with a few pictures. I hope to have part deux posted soon!



I said, "I know it's bright...just close your eyes and on the count of three open your eyes." And then this is what my boys did. See Corene? Yep. She opened her eyes. Now, look at what Avery and Miles did (or did not!). I was pretty convinced I did something this past Summer to make my boys stupid. (stop with your, awww...don't say that...look at the picture. they look d-u-m, dumb.)



That's my boy. My little man. The first one who called me Mama. I just love him!!!



Here's a sweet one. I love, love, love uniforms. They're just so adorable!!!

lines of hymns (modern and ancient) that get me...every time.

There are certain lines that put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes every time I hear or sing them. Here's just five of my most favorite lines of hymns which brought tears even now as I typed them. What are your favorites?


1. "When Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within;
Upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end of all my sin."
from Before the Throne of God


2. "When through the deep waters I call you to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow.
For I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
And sanctify to you thy deepest distress."
from How Firm a Foundation
(actually, I love cry through every word of this hymn)


3. "Jesus paid it all"
from Jesus Paid it All


4. "My chains fell off, my heart was free
I rose, walked forth and followed thee"
from And Can It Be?


5. "I will weep when you are weeping.
When you laugh, I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we've seen this journey through."
from The Servant Song
(this really got me last time...the commitment to be there emotionally for our brothers and sisters in Christ...not to push them through, but to share in the joy and sorrow until the end!)

a shout out to the two psycho old ladies we encountered today

1. Dear Crazy Lady from Target,

Thank you for sufficiently freaking out my children today. When you approached me with your hands clenched claiming, "I've been a good girl...please give me a couple dollars," my eldest son's heart was racing and he got a "tingly feeling" up his spine. Way to go! It's commendable that you don't discriminate against ridiculously pregnant women accompanied by three young children with two shopping lists in hand. sweet.

2. Dear White-Haired Lady Buying 4 Loaves of White Bread And a Wedge White of Cheese,

I assure you (AGAIN) that I did not see the "15 items or less" sign. But, I do appreciate you making a nasty comment and rolling your eyes at me several times. Also, I think it's swell that you watched me unload my cart and also waited for the cashier to begin scanning my items before mentioning my error. That was good, because at that point, I COULD DO NOTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. It's a wonder how a woman who can HARDLY maneuver her body through the check-out lane with three children, could miss a sign that the cashier kindly admitted was often missed! But, you're right: I did have more than 15 items. You are right.