M&M Farm Life

Long Time No Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 18:48:00 +0000

Recently my Mother-in-law reminded me that I still have a blog out here in internet world. She indicated that she keeps up on what is happening with us via the twitter updates that I had added a long time ago. Unfortunately, I don't do individual Tweets anymore and only occasionally link from my Instagram account, so I decided to see if I could update the blog to include my Instagram feed. Low and behold, I can. I have no idea if there are others out there keeping track of us the same way. If so, I'm so sorry I have neglected the blog for all these years! I'm not going to promise to start updating, but I did at least get you a new way to stay in the loop with all that is happening with us including the pictures this time. And who knows, maybe some day I will start blogging again.

Copyright © 2017 All Rights Reserved MMFarmlife - Melanie Schlatter

Ethan & Jonny's Christmas Program

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 14:11:00 +0000

Here is the link to watch Ethan and Jonny's program. Ethan was only at the beginning since he's in kindergarten. He is about the 4th from the left in a red/blue plaid shirt.

You will see Jonny towards the top middle during the rest of the program.

http://thecube.com/e/575289

Abi & Nate's Christmas Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 14:10:00 +0000

Here is the link to watch the program online. They both did a great job but Abi did have a trombone duet in the band and a speaking part in the program.

http://thecube.com/e/579084

Zachary's Baptism

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 00:41:00 +0000

Zachary was baptized today. We were blessed to have all of the Farmer's family, my sister and my mom here.

We are so very thankful for the three months we have had with him and for the family to share this occasion with us.

Our Newest Family Member

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:02:00 +0000

So, I haven't posted for a very long time. But a friend mentioned to me that maybe I should post some pictures of our newest family member. So here's a pic of Zachary Laine born on July 15, 2015.

This picture was taken by Zachary's sister on her new iPod.

Here is Zachary's birth story:

At about 34 weeks I started having what I thought were contractions. Our doctor ran some tests and decided I was very dehydrated. After two weeks of receiving IV fluids I was basically confined to the indoors with air conditioning and drinking a gallon a day to try to stave off the contractions and stay hydrated. It was also about this time that the doctor ordered weekly biophysical non-stress tests. These were to make sure that Zachary was doing ok inside. The weekend before Zachary came I stayed home from church not feeling well having back cramps and just not feeling right. On that Monday I had my weekly biophysical test and told the doctor that I just wasn't feeling well. He tried to encourage me that we just needed to keep baby inside as long as possible and that the longer baby was inside the better off he would be. Tuesday morning came and I went to the grocery store. When I got back I told The Farmer I would not be going to the grocery store again until baby was born because it just was too much. After taking the afternoon to rest and recuperate I went to bed early that night but I just couldn't settle down and go to sleep. About 12:30 a.m. I started having a cramp in my side and I got up to try to walk it out. The more I walked the more intense the cramping became and it was then that I decided this wasn't regular cramping. I went and woke up the Farmer and told him I thought I was in labor. After a short period of time he could see that I was seriously uncomfortable and agreed to call the hospital. We got the boys up and took them over to grandmas house (Abigail was already staying there with her cousin). I was pretty uncomfortable driving into the hospital but even at that neither the Farmer nor I really truly believe we would be having a baby that day. Once at the hospital they put me on the monitor and verified that I was having contractions every 2 to 3 minutes. I wasn't very dilated but I was definitely showing signs of something happening. Unfortunately the signs were not clear that I was progressing in active labor. They tried to start an IV but were having difficulties because once again I was dehydrated. At about three in the morning they decided to send me to Hastings Nebraska. Even as they loaded me into the ambulance neither the Farmer or I truly believed that we would be having a baby. We thought they would give me IVs, monitor me for a while, and send me home with an overactive uterus. However once at Hastings as they were moving me over from the ambulance gurney to the triage bed I felt a small trickle of fluid. I mentioned it to the nurse and she checked me. After a bit of discussion between two of the nurses and the doctor it was confirmed that my water had definitely broke and we would be having a baby that morning! The Farmer and I were in shock but we barely had time to breathe before the room was filled with people and I was swept off to the operating room for a C-section. We had arrived at the Hastings Mary Lanning hospital at 6 AM and by 8:05 Zachary Laine was born! He weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and was 19 1/4 inches long. He did have a little bit of problem breathing as is custom for a boy baby born at 36 1/2 weeks but by the end of the day he was off oxygen and doing really well. We did have to stay in the hospital for six days (a little longer than normal) but we were very thankful that it was not longer. Since then he has had a little problem gaining weight but at two weeks old he was back up to birthweight. We will still have weekly weigh ins for a while just to make sure he is still gaining appropriately.

I won't make promises to post more or to go back and post any previous pictures but at least I did manage to get this post on.

I guess I should mention that as part of Zachary's story, he decided to arrive just as the Smith County fair was starting and his older siblings were very occupied with exhibits and animals. This made it a bit more difficult for the Farmer but with lots of help from Cousin Sheila and Grandma, they made it through. He also arrived the day before Abi's 11th birthday!

Jonny's Spring Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 12:35:00 +0000

Our last minute 'spring hat' for #showandtell. It seems all our Wednesday mornings are last minute 😳 #Jonny #picstitch #schoolfun

(see full image)

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 20:48:00 +0000

How time has flown. He's already FIVE! And wanting carrot cake (w green frosting in the middle). #boyswillbeboys

(see full image)

Sent from my iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 20:46:00 +0000

Presenting at the Downs Nursing Home. They loved the kids and animals. #4h #proudparents

(see full image)

Sent from my iPhone

2-2-15 A Memorable Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 22:02:00 +0000

As a combined Christmas and birthday present the Farmer wanted to get me a recombinant bike. After doing a lot of research online we thought we found what we wanted in Omaha Nebraska. So I scheduled a trip with my sister to have some sister time and get the bike.

One Friday afternoon in early February, We met on the interstate at Grand Island and headed off to Omaha. We had a great time visiting and doing some shopping on Saturday, and even got to go to the cheesecake factory. However, by the time we left Omaha it had started to snow pretty good. We weren't concerned because the weather said it was only supposed to be an inch.

However by the time we got to Lincoln the snow was really coming down and visibility was not that great plus it was getting dark. So we made the decision to stop overnight and try to start the next day during daylight. Unfortunately, when we woke up it had not snowed 1 inch but five. We still were able to get out and on the interstate driving just a little slower. But we hadn't gone more than 10 miles out of Lincoln when all traffic came to a complete standstill.

This was was what it looked like when we were parked still on interstate 80 in the morning.

The first time we were stopped for two hours. And then we were able to slowly start moving and exited for a potty break and some food. By the time we were done the interstate looked like it was moving freely so we got back on the interstate but after only another 10 or 15 miles we were at a standstill again. It ended up taking us 12 hours to go from Lincoln Nebraska to York where we had to get another hotel and stay another night.

At one point in time I was able to get out and stand in the middle of the interstate because traffic was at a standstill again. Here is what my view was:

Even though our two day trip turned into a four-day trip, it was successful. Here is a picture of my new recombinant bike and the kids enjoying it.

I'm not sure how much I'm going to get to use it with all of them enjoying it so much. Even The Farmer raves about the video feed that takes him into the Rocky Mountains while he bikes along.

Even though it wasn't the trip we had intended I thoroughly enjoyed making the memories and having lots of laughs with my sister.

Jonny's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 21:37:00 +0000

Jonny wanted Jiffy Burger for supper so we made a quick trip in to get burgers and fries. Then we enjoyed our family Ninjago cake (sorry I didn't get a pic w the candles in but I'll try to upload the video when I have my laptop later.)

Then he couldn't wait to open his presents so he dug in.

Lego Ninjago with Lloyd and a villain and a sticker book.

He also got a rocket to build for the fair from Gma & Gpa S. And a really neat card with stand up characters and trading cards from Gma M.

He had a great day at school and we finished the night by watching the first part of "The Sound of Music".

Abi's School Valentine 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 22:32:00 +0000

I had the privilege of helping out at Abi's Valentine party. We did this foil craft and I also took a pic of Abi's Valentine that she handed out to her classmates.

(see full image)

I'll try to get a pic of her finished work and update the post later.

Nathan's Class Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 14:45:00 +0000

Nathan picked to do goldfish with a note that said "I'm glad we're in the same school."

(see full image)

With a crazy schedule this week, he was finishing them before school today.

Jonny's Valentine's 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:32:00 +0000

Here is the class valentine Jonny is taking this year.

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We tried to go sweet but healthy. Hoping his friend with diabetes can enjoy a treat too!

Valentine's 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 23:35:00 +0000

We were in Osborne for taxes and the Farmer asked if I had my valentine flowers yet. I said no so he stopped in and bought me these.

(see full image)

I'm beginning to like tax day 😘.

Jonny's 7th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 22:22:00 +0000

So, Jonny wanted Ninjago's Green Ninja Lloyd for his 7th birthday. And unfortunately they do not have a lot of party helps for Ninjago's so we had to wing it. What I did find were lots of Ninjago eyes! So, here is the cake we will share after dinner:

And here are the Ninjago cupcakes he will take to school:

And these are the little favors to give his classmates made from a Ninjago picture I found:

I'll try to remember to post pictures after he opens presents later.

Third day of Christmas 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:33:00 +0000

(see full image)

First Day of #Christmas 2014 & Last Day of #School 2014...#2015 here we come!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 12:48:00 +0000

Christmas pencils for school and a personalized ornaments for the first day!

(see full image)

Hope you are all having a great holiday season!

School Christmas Appreciation Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:35:00 +0000

Here Abi and Nate are helping me make the Melted Snowman Cookies for the gifts. We added Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix and a little note that said "Oh no! The Hot chocolate melted your snowman!"

(see full image)

It was fun to make and we hope everyone enjoys a little treat! Merry Christmas from the Schlatters!

Christmas is here!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 01:15:00 +0000

I think I finally have all my decorations done for this year!

Here are all our Christmas trees.

And here is our snowman display:

We've actually added a few more since this picture and we put all the snowman ornaments on too!

I don't have a picture of the lights out front but maybe I'll get those taken yet! Now I'm working on Christmas Program Videos from the school and practices for the church!

School Christmas Programs 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 02:19:00 +0000

I'm going to try to post each of the kids' school program videos in one post. They will all be YouTube videos so hopefully you will be able to watch them all in one post. I will warn you, some of them are long. I recorded the whole thing to the best of my capabilities with only a few blimps excluded due to technical difficulties, So, feel free to skip through if you want or enjoy the whole thing.

We will start with Jonny's part of the program on December 1st. His class had a few individual parts before the 'skit' with the 3rd Graders.

Next is the joint skit of K-3. This is where Nathan had a speaking part.

Next is Abigail's vocal program on the 4th. Her class, like Jonny's, had a few individual songs, and then the whole 4-6 joint skit. I think I put all of them into one video so this one is really long...like 40 minutes!

Finally we have Abi's band concert. This was the entire school band program, but in this one I only kept the portions with Abi's participation.

I hope you enjoy all the videos. Due to the length of time it takes to upload and create the videos you'll need to come back and check for the various links. But I wanted to at least get the base post up and going.

Copyright © 2014 All Rights Reserved MMFarmlife - Melanie Schlatter

Girl Time

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 19:47:00 +0000

Abi and I were invited to attend a Secret Keeper Girl Conference in Kearney. We were able to go with our friends the Halls and the Rorhchilds.

The theme was crazy hair and we had no idea how crazy it would be. Girls had everything from balloons to lights to chenille sticks in their hair! The set was very cool too:

They played games, sang songs, had a fashion show and told a story about a peacock raised with the chickens.

It was very fun!

Of course they also talked about modesty and how being 'normal' is overrated. Here is a pic of the girls afterward.

Abi and I stayed over night and continued our girls night out the next day with bowling and getting our nails done. We were excited to have cousin Kim and Aunt Roxanne join us! (Sorry I failed to get pics as my phone battery gave out. 🙉)

Old Settler's Day Parade 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 13:39:00 +0000

Here are some pictures from this year's Old Settler's Day Parade. The Farmer was in the field so he didn't get to join us, but we still had a great day!

The Herredsbergs and Decotes sat next to us and the kids saw several of their friends from school.

I'd have to say the biggest surprise was the float of boys who after seeing Abi threw lots of candy and cheered her name! She blushed terribly and we all (including her) laughed. Apparently my daughter is already popular with the boys of her grade. And so it begins. 😉

Nathan's 9th Birthday Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 23:01:00 +0000

Nathan picked the theme of Monster Trucks for this year. After looking at several trucks, we decided to do Blue Thunder. Here is a coloring page of what he looks like:

I started out making a simple chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Then I covered the coloring page with wax paper and started filling in the page. The one thing I forgot to do was print the page in mirror image. So the words were backwards and we had to 'erase' them and redo, but I was able to salvage enough. Here is what it looked like before the details:

Then I tried to put in some of the details with a fine tip. When I was all done this is what we have:

I asked Nathan what he thought and his answer was 'It will do!'

Tomorrow I will do the cupcakes he wants to take to school. I'll update and include themat the bottom here:

Abi is trying volleyball!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:11:00 +0000

The community offers a short 5 week introduction to volleyball for girls grades 3-6. After some consideration, Abi decided she would try it. Here are a few pictures of her first night:

For it being completely new to her, she did great and said she enjoyed it. Three weeks left to go.

A Lesson Learned

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 04:39:00 +0000

So Nathan is responsible for this bulletin board at school. The theme is 'all about me'. Each kid in his class will take a turn decorating the bulletin board. I've not seen this bulletin board! But I'm thinking "Oh, that won't be hard", and I put it on the back burner of things to do.

Fast forward to the night before the items are due:

Our schedule is booked. We've got activities lined up from 4:30 to 7:00 plus homework. Kids are tired, cranky, and causing problems, and I'm like "Crap, I don't have everything I need or Nathan wants!"

So, we stop by Grandma's on the way home and get a picture from her and I text my niece at 9:30 on a school night. And I stay up until 11:00 putting it all together!

And what do we have????? Something like this:

For the record, I'm not complaining. I'm laughing! THIS is being a school mom.