The Netz News

BEST THREE DOLLARS I'VE EVER SPENT

2012-01-21T08:54:00.000-08:00

At Menard's that is.

Snow block makers

Audra will now demonstrate the best way to make a snow fort. First you pack the snow in the maker.

Stomp on it.

Beat on it.

and lay on it.

When none of this is going well, mommy will take pity on you. (Or when she is finished taking pics of your brother, dog, whatever else she can find to get out of this.)

TADA! Snow fort. A big shout out to the house for providing the extra walls!

BORED

2012-01-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

The kids want to go out and play in all of the snow. Mike is downstairs taking a class, and I am waaay to busy with pinterest! So anyways. I am on pinterest and come across a snow icecream recipe. Time to bring the snow inside. Way better than taking myself outside to the snow.

You need one cup of sweetened condensed milk.

1/2 cup of sugar

Teaspoon of vanilla

Stir it all together until the sugar melts.

Add 5 cups of snow.

I think I added about 20 cups of snow. It was like soup. I wanted icecream!

And icecream we got!

The kids loved it. This took about 10 minutes, the icecream is gone, and now they want to go outside and play. *sigh*

LUNCH AT GRANNY'S

2012-01-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

Most weeks my sisters, and I all get together for lunch at my parent's house. This is what organized chaos look like. Six kids six and under. With another on the way in the next few weeks. (which will give Lori 3 kids 3 and under. YIKES!)

NEW YEARS EVE

2012-01-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

This year we rang in the New Year in Holland. With 10 other families. We stayed at the Double Tree. Our rooms all opened onto the pool area. The kids swam, and we had pizza, etc.

This is the only picture I have of the whole night. I can't even tell you who took it!

FREDERICK MEIJER GARDENS

2011-03-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

I purchased a season pass to the Frederick Meijer Garden's this year. I took Lori and her kids to see the butterflies.

Perhaps he is sick of posed shots!?

Perhaps Lydia is sick of being stuck in the stroller all the time?

We were trying to get a nice photo of all the kids together. The boys refused to sit down.

After the butterflies we went outside to the children's garden.

Eli LOVED running down the big hill.

Not even sure what to think about this!

UNDER THE SEA

2011-03-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Audra had her spring musical at church Sunday night. It was called Under the Sea.

It was very cute and everyone did a good job singing. Mike had taken her to the rehearsal the day before. Apparently they were told to wear blue jeans and a colorful shirt. I felt so bad. Out of all these kids she was the ONLY one who wasn't in blue jeans. Thankfully she had no idea!

NEW ROAD

2011-03-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

They have started on the new road that they are putting through our backyard. Yeah! Not so much. We are going to need a fence and some pines.

We love taking walks down there to throw stuff in the river.

Audra loved climbing on all the big equipment. I'm sure that is completely legal!

Look forward to this being done!

BLIZZARD

2011-01-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

This January we had a HUGE blizzard. I don't remember exactly how many inches fell in one day, but it was plenty.

This is what Mike woke up to in the morning and had to shovel before he could leave for work!

It was a good opportunity for neighbors to help each other.

The kids played outside for hours, and built a snowfort.

Sophie LOVES the snow.

COMPLETE DEVESTATION

2011-01-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a little boy who is screaming and crying. His daddy and sister are out having fun, and he is stuck inside. I am trying to decided which would be worse(for me). Stay inside and listen to the screaming, or get dressed and go out into the arctic. It's only 8:30 in the morning!

FRIDAYS AT GRANNYS

2011-01-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

We can usually all be found at my parent's house on Friday's. We go for some playtime and lunch, then head home for naps. This particular Friday was very wintery. Grandpa and the mommies took the kids outside for quad rides. Grandma stayed inside with Lydia.

Lori and Eli waiting for their turn.

SNOW DAY AT THE SCHUT'S

2011-01-04T12:51:00.000-08:00

On a not so snowy day, the kids and I headed over to my sister Lori's house. Grandpa and Grandma were there as well. My dad decided to pull the kids around behind the quad. They have ten acres so there is plenty of space for outdoor fun!

Chase was not a big fan and decided he would rather hang out with Jeff the cat.

Audra, Chase, and Eli

Audra and Chase on the wood pile.

New Adventures in Hiking

2010-08-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, Mike, the kids, and I decided to try our hand at hiking. Our first adventure was the Hall Lake trail in the Yankee Springs area.

Chase loved his new ride! Audra did great as well. I thought for sure she would tire-but she did well for the most part. Her tennies could have been a size (or 2-oops) larger.

The scenery was great.

In true Audra fashion, we came home with an endless supply of rocks, acorns, weedy flowers, and leaves. We decided to paint this rock and write the date, and place on it.

YOU HAVE TO BE

2010-07-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

This stinkin' cute......

To rock the mohawk-curley mullet combo!

FRIDAY'S

2010-05-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

Most Friday's we can be found hanging out at my parent's house. This past Friday the weather was gorgeous, so we had a slip and slide party! Deb and the kid's had a squirt gun fight, and the play cottage is always a hit!

Preschool Graduation

2010-05-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

This past year Audra attended 4 year old preschool at Minnie McFall in Middleville. Last night she graduated! Next year she will be attending young 5's.

Receiveing her certificate from her teacher, Ms. Law.

Rollar Skating

2010-02-19T15:01:00.000-08:00

We recently took the kids to the Kentwood Fun Spot to try out rollarskating. What I was assured was "family hour" turned out to be teenage kids and ghetto music. There is a place in Grandville that plays Christian music-I think we may try that next time! Even though she was completely AWFUL at skating, she had fun. Mike and I took turns dragging her around the rink.

As long as it wasn't too busy they allowed strollers. Chase even got in on the fun!

Not My Calling

2010-02-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

Audra and I decided to make a Valentine's cake for dinner at Grandma Huizenga's house tommorrow.

This is the worst cake shape I have ever seen. Both tiers of our cake broke in half coming out of the pan, and the decorative pink frosting on the sides will probably slide off the top! She has fun decorating however. That is all that matters!

9 months

2010-01-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

He is climbing on stuff, crawling all over the place, and always happy!

This is how you know it is time to put the crib down!

Chase 8 1/2 Months

2010-01-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

It has been over 2 months since I have blogged! Chase is now 8 1/2 months old. The time has gone so fast. Most days! Underneath the table is a great place to chew on stuff. On the off chance I should ever decide to cut some teeth!
He has only been crawling for 4 days now, but he sure can move. (And I can not find all the parts for my babygate. Poor kid gets confined to his exersaucer everytime I am out of view!)

Love those cheeks!

6 Monthes

2009-11-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

Chase turned 6 monthes last week and has finally decided to sit up on his own. He is still a little shaky, but we are getting there. I have been waiting for this moment for 6 monthes now! He can finally sit on the floor, play with toys, and hopefully start to entertain himself a bit more!

Random Pics

2009-09-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

Audra had her hair cut for school. We are trying bangs. She was very proud she got a new "haircut" (she means style). She keeps pointing it out to everyone. I am so happy that Chase is finally big enough for his exersaucer and other stuff. It makes it nicer to have more play things to rotate throughout the day. He is definetely not as easy going as Audra was. This one needs to be entertained!

First Day of Pre-School

2009-09-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday Audra started pre-school. She will be attending Minnie McFall here in Middleville. She goes from 12:45 until 3:15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She has always been a bit timid and shy so I was a little leery about how this was going to go. Thankfully she did fine. She keeps asking when she gets to go back. We are so happy she liked it. I still can't belive I have a child in school!

4 MONTHES

2009-09-04T10:27:00.001-07:00

Chase has turned four monthes. That means the start of cereal, fruits, and veggies. That also means a four month check-up! His stats are:

Height 26 1/4 90th percentile

Weight 15 pds 2 oz 53rd percentile

I forget the head size. I was surprised it was only in the 25th percentile. It looks like a giant melon to me!

Real LIfe Baby

2009-07-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

Audra loves to dress up her real-life baby. He was strapped in so this was all the worse it got this time. He does look kinda cute in his girly sunglasses!

Cousins

2009-07-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

We layed the babies next to each other to see which was longer. (I am pretty sure I have a giant baby, so I like a little reassurance once in a while!) Audra and Abby decided they needed to be measured as well.

Summer Play Date

2009-07-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

Today we went to my friend Racheal's house for a playdate. The weather was perfect, the kids were all in a good mood! Rach, her son Caleb, and Chase

Caleb R enjoying the tent!

July 4th Fishing

2009-07-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

We went out to a friends cottage on Pine Lake on the fourth. This was the first time Audra had been fishing. You can't really see the fish in the picture, but she got one! I turned out to be a very relaxing afternoon on the pontoon! Thanks to Jamie for the boat ride, and to Becky for staying back with the baby!

Just Don't Ask!

2009-06-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, she is wearing underwear!

WHATEVER!

2009-06-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

I turn my back for one minute and this is what happens. He does make a cute bunny though!

2009-06-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to Target today to have their pictures taken. I was very impressed that they both smiled.

Outdoor Fun

2009-06-03T11:42:00.001-07:00

Here is our new swingset. I have been begging (nagging) for over a year now! Thanks to Mike, and our parents, whom it took countless days to put this thing together. Give me a call if anyone wants to come over and play!

Chase Micheal Netz

2009-06-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

So I am not very good at blogging! Here is Chase Micheal Netz. He is five weeks old! Time flies. Most days!

2009-04-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

This past week I babysat the neighbor girl McKenna for the day. I also watched Abby in the morning while Deb had a Dr.'s appt. It was nice for Audra to have someone her own age to play with for a day! Abby is hoping the big girls don't eat her lunch?

Audra and Kenna showing off their princess shoes!

Dr. Suess on the Loose

2009-03-19T17:29:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday we went to the Bright Beginings playgroup at the local school. This weeks theme was Dr. Suess. Here Audra is displaying the Dr. Suess hat she made.

Sunshine and Beer Buddies!

2009-03-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Monday we took advantage of the great weather and headed outside. The neighbor Mandy and her two boys came down to play. It was a bit quiet in the garage and this is what we found. Audra and Colton were "drinking" a Bud Light Lime! (The top was still on don't panic people!) Audra would take a swig and pass it to Colton, and back and forth they went. Cute at this age, maybe not so much when they turn 15!

Re-learning to ride the bike after the LLOONNGG winter. Time to upgrade to a big girl bike perhaps?

Rainy Day at the FM Gardens

2009-03-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

This morning we headed to the Frederick Meijer Gardens to see the butterflies. Audra was scared at first but decided to enjoy them as we were leaving. BIG SURPRISE! I didn't think there were as many butterflies as the last time we went. There were a lot of neat looking flowers though! It just felt nice to be in a warm "tropical" setting for a while. I just pretended that I was on vacation for an hour.

Brave Mother

2009-02-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

Audra thought it was great when Lori let her push Eli around in her baby doll stroller. He is such a drooly mess! At least Sophie smiled pretty for her picture.

Poor Big Eli!

2009-01-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

I don't know why every time Eli comes over someone is dressing the poor kid in girl's clothes! At least this time it was his mother! Here is Eli, Audra, and Abby-soon there will be 5!

Fun with Grandpa

2009-01-12T09:21:00.001-08:00

This past Saturday Mike went to Detroit to watch the Red Wings game. Instead of being lonely all day, Audra and I invited ourselves over to my parents for dinner. She had been begging all day to go outside and play, and I am just sick of the snow. Thankfully my dad gave her a sled ride, and they plowed the driveway together!

2008-12-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

I was watching the 12 noon news yesterday and fell asleep in my lazyboy. I am fat, tired, and knocked up-give me a break! Anyways-I crack open an eye, and there is a macaroni and cheese with crackers encrusted face just staring at me. Audra says "I made a mess on your awm" I look down and I am covered in crumbs. I just wonder how long she was standing there staring at me while I slept.

Four-Wheeling Fun

2008-12-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday night we had the Tewinkel's over for dinner and to go sledding behind the quad. I was surprised Audra was brave enough to go alone! She is becoming quite the big girl!

Drew and Audra waiting for their turn!

2008-11-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

Poor little guy doesn't have a chance! He has nothing but girl cousins on both sides of his family. Audra loves to play with her "live"dolly!

Busy Weekend

2008-11-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

I just uploaded these pics and they all went in reverse order. So I will just start with Saturday! Audra and Abby had their birthday party at Grandpa and Grandma H's house. Abby is one on the 2nd, and Audra will be three on the eighth!

I will just be getting Abby some ribbon and an empty box for Christmas!
Finally able to open her own gifts in a timely fashion this year!

Friday night we started Halloween at Deb and Eric's. The girls walked the kids around the neighborhood, and the guys handed out candy. After that we headed to the church for the trunk-or-treat!

Carter, Abby and Audra

Mike and Audra carved the pumpkin!

YIKES!

2008-10-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Audra's Big News!

2008-10-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

On or around May 1st!

????????????

2008-10-08T16:29:00.001-07:00

Audra rarely takes naps anymore. So imagine my surprise when I found her in her room, sleeping on the floor! She ended up sleeping here for 3 hours! If you want to nap on the floor everyday-you go ahead. As long as you're taking a nap!

Girls Day Out!

2008-10-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon we had a girls day out at an orchard in Fruitridge. My Aunts Sherri and Judy, cousin Julie, mom, Lori, Deb, Abby, Audra and I. We went on a hayride, picked apples, ate donuts, Audra rode the ponies. There was a petting zoo, and various other activities. It was a nice day and good to see family I don't get to see very often!

Big Eli!

2008-10-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here is my nephew Eli's first "homemade" photo shoot. Audra and Abby are happy to no longer be the subjects of Deb and I's boredom! Eli is about 5-6 weeks now.

Goodbye Summer!

2008-09-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

This is the first really cold and rainy day we have had so far this fall. It makes me reminiscent of summer! Goodbye kiddie pool
So long Aunt Deb's pool
See ya later beach
Until next year camping.

I hope winter is short, and summer comes again quickly!

Baby News!

2008-08-27T16:25:00.001-07:00

Finally after being 10 days overdue, Lori was induced last night. At 9:24 this morning little Eli Sidney Schut was born! He is 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and 20 1/2 inches long! He has a TON of hair. He looks like his daddy! We finally have a boy in the family!

Head Bangin'

2008-07-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

Just a little video of Abby imitating Audra when we were camping!

Church Camp Out

2008-07-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

This past week Deb, the girls, and I camped at Cran-Hill Ranch. The time was spent eating, swimming, eating, campfires, taking walks, petting zoo, and eating.

Deb taught Audra some inappropriate signage! (That could be a word?) Only one rainy morning was spent in the trailer!

Another good trip, but I am VERY happy to be home for a while!

Wanted:Beach Buddy

2008-07-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

I think that Audra looks like the loneliest little girl in the world in these pics! At least she had the birds to keep her company!

Tawas

2008-07-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

The campsites were all big and grassy!

There are miles of paved bikes trails

We were frequent visitors at the 2 HUGE playgrounds!

Over the week of the 4th we stayed in Tawas State Park. Grandpa and Grandma Netz came with us! This was by far the best state park I have ever stayed at. It was clean, quiet, and beautiful. Lake Huron is on one side, and Tawas Bay on the other. Definitely worth the drive. (Unless your two year old cries the last hour because the dog is looking at her!) The weather was nice. We didn't have any of the bad weather we had back home. We received numerous calls Wednesday that our back yard was flooded and about 6 inches up the back of the house. Thankfully my parents were able to come out and take care of the basement flood! It didn't turn out that bad! Friday night we sat on the beach and watched the fireworks. It was a great week of camping!

The girls!

2008-07-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

When Deb and I get bored-we make the girls do "photo-shoots". Here are the latest. These were taken in Deb's yard.

Camping in Holland

2008-06-23T13:07:00.001-07:00

This past week Deb, Abby, Audra and I went out to Holland State Park to go camping. My mom and sister Lori stayed for the weekend. The whole week was pretty cold and drizzly. For the most part we sat around, ate, and played cards. Even though Abby insisted that everyone would be waking up around 6:00 AM each morning, nobody got to crabby! (Somebody might need to provide their own shelter next year!) All-in-all, it was just nice to be able to get away for a week.

Random Zoo Pics

2008-06-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Detroit Zoo

2008-06-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday while we were in Detroit we visited the zoo. It is an awesome zoo. Anything other than the John Ball is going to be awesome! I could have a bird, spider, and a fly on my back deck at the same time and it would be better than the John Ball. The weather was 92 degrees. By the time we left my eyelids were sticking to my face. Gross-I know! All-in-all it was a great little getaway.

Take me out to the ball game....

2008-06-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to the Detroit Tiger's game with the TeWinkel family! They are big fans. Even though the weather was about 85 degrees-the kids all did great. I think all the souvenirs helped!

2008-06-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we travelled to Detroit for a Tiger's game and the zoo. We stayed in the Westin-which was awesome! We checked in early so the kids could take a nap before the game.

Poor Noelle could only watch all the bed-jumping excitement.

This was the first time Audra slept overnight in a big-girl bed! She only fell out once-but landed on her feet!

Lunch at Granny's

2008-05-31T19:56:00.000-07:00

Friday Deb and I went to my parent's for lunch. They are FINALLY moved into the new house. Grandpa was outside putting in the lawn, and felt Audra needed a ride on the tractor. Audra did not share that feeling!

Abby was fascinated with the flowers-and that made her sleepy!

HOWEVER-Audra does like riding on the quad. She was not brave enough to ride anything at Chuck-E-Cheese when we were there, so the tractor was no big surprise.

Garage Sale Jackpot!

2008-05-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

I went to the Bailey's Grove garage sales with my sisters today. Complete madhouse! Audra is proudly displaying her new shoes, shades, and hat! The girl loves dress-up! I found this old antiquey ( I am pretty sure that's a word!) chair. For all I know it is from IKEA! You can't go wrong for only $4.

Food Snob

2008-05-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

What kind of two year old will only eat pizza if it is dipped in ranch dressing?

View At Your Own Risk!

2008-05-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

I have no words! It must be her father's side shining through!

New Car

2008-05-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Mike has gone out and bought himself a "beater" car. It needs a little TLC-but that is what Mike does! Then-Friday, I tried to back over Deb's Yukon with my jeep! That make 2 vehicles that need a little work! (Deb swears hers is ok!)

The car was fixed last night-so that is one down-one to go! Mike does good work!

2008-05-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday was the Moline garage sale days. A few ladies from church got together to bargain hunt. Although it turned out there were only about 4 sales-Deb found an awesome new hat!

Play Room

2008-05-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

Now that Audra is a little older, I feel mildly comfortable letting her play on the deck all by herself. I can see her from the kitchen and the living room. It is as if we have put an addition unto the house! An outdoor playroom. She will play out here for hours.

I only wish that my furry "child" would spend the same amount of time outdoors!

Just a pic

2008-04-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Mike and Audra dethatching the lawn!

Could it FINALLY be Spring?

2008-04-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

After what had got to be the longest winter ever, we finally had a nice day! Audra and I went with the neighbors Mandy and Colton to the park in Caledonia. I feel as if we have been hibernating all winter.
Trying out the "big-girl" swing!
"Are you going to catch me this time mom?"

Easter

2008-03-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

Audra is finally old enough to really get into this kind of stuff, so I made her an Easter basket.

This turned out to be her favorite item! Even better than all that candy. She now insists on being called "princess".

Basement Project

2008-03-22T12:28:00.001-07:00

We are finally starting on the basement again! We had taken a break after the dishwasher exploded and flooded the kitchen and basement-but we are back at it now. Mike is priming the walls, then it is doors and trim! I am so sick of having it look like Toys R Us threw up all over my living room. Everything will be going down here! Here is to hoping it is finished soon!

Spring Pics

2008-03-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

We decided to do our spring photos this morning and this is what we ended up with. I think my lighting is a little off-good enough!

Misc!

2008-03-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

I don't have anything to say about these photos. I just thought they were funny. She watches tv in funny places, and wants to be a human Mr. Potato Head!

Photo Day!

2008-03-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Deb and I had an Easter "photo shoot". Cute little bunnies!

Family Playdate

2008-02-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

Saturday night Audra had her "boyfriend" Drew and his family (Keith, Andrea, and baby Noelle) over for pizza and playing.

Drew spilled jello on his pants and had to borrow a pretty pink pair from Audra. They match his glasses and handbag! His father was proud!

She is a cutie!

Drew, Keith, and Audra sharing a snack!

A shared bath is always more fun!

Lunch at Grandma's!

2008-02-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

Since they are finally home from their cruise, we were all invited to lunch at my parents. I think that Grandpa needs a little grandson for his lap. (LORI!)

Abby is modeling her new sun hat from Antigua!

Audra decided to try out Grandpa's glasses. Her vision is now permanently blurry!

This might be a face only her mother could love!

Sledding Fun!

2008-02-02T10:57:00.001-08:00

Since spring is right around the corner (yeah-right!) we figured that we had better get outside while we still had snow!

There was no way Audra was getting on the sled. Amazing how fast a bundled 2 year old can run!

Does it look like she is sledding down a giant hill of cottage cheese?

She will just stick to the snow angels for now!

2008-02-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

My sister Deb is making me do this. She said this is what bored housewives do-so I am giving it a try!