Wednesday, November 27, 2013

School Pictures: Fall, 2013

With 3 kids in 3 different schools, it was no surprise that I had to wait until the end of November to finally have all of their school photos taken.  Ivie's were taken the first Friday of school, Bryce's in October, and Macie's not until the first week of November.  But we finally have them all back and ready to share!

A couple of comments...

Ivie always takes a solid picture.  I don't think we've ever had a "bad" school photo experience with her.  This year was no exception.

We had a bit of craziness surrounding Macie's hair the morning of her picture.  It was in a very cute french braid that morning, but then, given that it was chilly outside, we had to mess with coats and the inevitable head itch that, when scratched, pulled several (curly and unruly) hairs out of the braid.  And, given her crazy curls, there was no going back, especially with my frozen fingers at the school playground 5 minutes before carpool started.  So we makeshifted a braid from a ponytail, and below is the result.  I'm just happy she was able to dry up her tears and smile when picture time rolled around.  Because she was NOT happy when we had to take out the french braid...

Bryce.  What a sweet round of pictures for the little man!  Every time I see a picture of him, I am reminded more and more of how much he looks like his daddy.  And I continue to be amazed at how the photographer somehow gets him to STAND STILL and actually pose for the pictures...


Ivie:  7 1/2 Years



Macie:  5 Years



Bryce:  2 1/2 Years



Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Facebook: October, 2013

October 3 at 6:11a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
I love how Macie sleeps flat on her back with her ankles crossed. #Iwanttoalwaysrememberthis 


October 3 at 3:47p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
The entertainment brought to B's world by these "McQueen" mini-board books is endless...  



October 4 at 7:51a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Thanks to Aunt Sarah, Indian princess Ivie is prepared for her Green Corn Festival at school today!  



October 5 at 2:53p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Proud of the pumpkins she and Iv decorated today.  



October 5 at 3:28p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Glad he found a toy-free spot to rest his sweet head...  



October 6 at 3:43p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
changed her profile picture



October 7 at 6:09p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Cardinals, Braves, and Tar Heels. And Christmas. Of course. 



October 11 at 11:50a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Thanks to two with fevers and one with a croupy cough, we are on the road to Grandma's early. Bigs sleeping, baby awake. #bizzaroworld  



October 11 at 6:56p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Hard to believe they couldn't come up with a better name for this ride... #HickoryOktoberfest  



October 12 at 3:21p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Fall fishin'.  



October 12 at 4:08p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Cousins.  



October 17 at 3:42p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Two waiting patiently for our plane. The third? Not so much.  



October 17 at 10:34p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
They did not waste time climbing into Nina's lap for a late-night, welcome-to-Missouri reading session.  



October 18 at 11:17a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Time for the "train" in our planes, trains, and automobiles weekend!  



October 20 at 12:54p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
For the girls, we used candy as the potty bribe.  For Bryce this afternoon in his inaugural big-boy potty success, it just took me promising that he could flush the toilet THREE TIMES afterward. 


October 20 at 1:58p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Me and my sis!  



October 22 at 5:19p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
I think she may be attempting to figure out how many her arm can hold... #lovethenewRainbowLoom



October 24 at 6:07p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Seriously. It was only one school/work day.  WHY IS THERE SO MUCH STUFF?!?  



October 25 at 11:08a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
If you are at all amused by me working in Duke Athletics while simultaneously remaining married to Dale (a die-hard Carolina fan), you might get a kick out of my latest blog post.  Check it out here...
 
http://hermannation.blogspot.com/2013/10/conflict-resolution.html


October 25 at 3:31p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
In case anyone still isn't convinced that Bryce is Dale's mini-me...  



October 26 at 3:43p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Macie, in the Blue Zone at the Carolina football game, after eating a cookie, nachos, a BBQ sandwich, and another cookie: "Can I have dessert?!?" 


October 27 at 3:30p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Turkey legs. No longer just DADDY'S favorite.  




Friday, October 25, 2013

Conflict Resolution

As most of you know, I have been working at Duke for almost 4 months now.  And, as you also know, this has been very hard on my die-hard-Carolina-fan husband.

Below is an email exchange that I just had to "put out there" so that I would have future record of it.  Because this demonstrates what I now deal with on a daily basis.

I would give you some background information, but I don't think it's really necessary.  Other than to tell you that Dale is on a plane flying home from Arizona, which is why we were emailing (instead of talking) in the first place.  I fervently deny that we communicate mostly by email and text when he is traveling, as opposed to strategically planning out times of our days that we can have long, thoughtful phone conversations to catch up...

Anyway, enough lead-up.  Here you go.

______________________________________

From: Amy Herman
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 10:53 AM
To: Herman, Dale
Subject: Drury

Any interest in bringing the girls to the Duke/Drury BB game?  Do you remember Dad telling me about his friend whose son plays there, etc.?  It's 11/2 at 1p.  Or maybe I can just bring the girls and you can stay home with B.  Though I don't even know if you're here next Sat?  &*$% said it would be pretty easy to get tix if we want to come...   

(Note:  Name of ticket connection removed prior to publication to protect individual from unwanted ticket solicitations from those that read my blog that are Duke fans.  What?!?  There aren't any of you other than my cousin, Ted, who might read this only if his wife does and tells him that I mentioned him?!?)
______________________________________

On Fri, Oct 25, 2013 at 10:56 AM, Herman, Dale wrote:

Interesting question.    I will be here for sure.   We play State that day, and I am guessing it will be at 12:30 and I probably will want to watch, as you know.  I hate Duke BB, and really would not be very interested.   Immaturely, I would like to keep the girls away from Duke BB.   I would like to spend time with them in a sports atmosphere.  I want to make sure that we give them opportunities.   

 To put in communication terms that you would understand.  “#conflicted”   :-)

______________________________________

From: Amy Herman 
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 11:19 AM
To: Herman, Dale
Subject: Re: Drury

Okay.  Hmmmm.  

How about we go with this:
1)  You will stay home with B so that you can watch the FB game and he can nap.  #nobrainer  #DaddydoesnthavetopullforDuke
2)  We will ask the girls if they are interested in staying home to watch FB with Daddy on TV, or if they want to see what a Duke MBB game looks like.  #ignoringimmaturities  #givingchoices  #providingopportunities

:-)
______________________________________

On Fri, Oct 25, 2013 at 11:20 AM, Herman, Dale wrote:

I think this is the level-headed, responsible parenting decision.  Not the one I would have made, admittedly, but one that I support fully.  

#thisiswhyilovemywifesomuch

Monday, October 21, 2013

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Facebook: September, 2013

September 1 at 7:29p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Thanks for being such troopers, Joanne and Rick! 


September 4 at 8:48a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Macie's first day of Pre-K!! 


September 6 at 7:43a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Dale is becoming increasingly intolerant of my casual Friday attire.  
 

September 7 at 1:54p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Birthday hair chalk, thanks to Miss Madison!  
 

September 7 at 5:41p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
At least he chose Mommy's favorite colors.  
 

September 8 at 4:59p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
If only this method worked without assistance.  
 

September 8 at 5:53p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
While the preferred flavor remains Nacho Cheese, Manwich over crunched Cool Ranch Doritos will suffice in a pinch.

September 10 at 8:43a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
My "baby" girl is 5 today!! 


September 12 at 9:17a

Dale Herman
A very special "Happy Birthday" wish to my wonderful wife, best friend, and amazing mother to our children. I am so blessed to share this journey with you, and I hope you have the special day that you deserve so much! 

September 12 at 9:21a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
I've only worked here for 2 months, but Cindy and Todd already know me so well...


September 13 at 12:39p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Hangin' with my sea lion friends this morning! #loveSanFran 


September 15 at 2:02p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
There are worse places to run.  
 

September 15 at 2:15p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
changed her cover photo


September 15 at 6:11p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
One of those rare photos of the two of us... Pigeon Point Light Station  
 

September 24 at 4:29p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Official tennis-ball-picker-upper at Iv's lesson.  
 

September 25 at 5:59p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
While driving through Chick-fil-A taking advantage of what she calls the "Momma Valet" (best program EVER), Ivie saw the high schooler at the register and said "I'm just gonna say this one time: That boy is cuuuuute!!!". (He DID have pretty blue eyes...) 

September 26 at 6:54p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Happy Johnny Appleseed Day!  
 

September 27 at 7:35p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Game point nerves.  
 

September 29 at 8:24a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Calling all friends with random dress-up clothes lying around your house... Ivie has a Green Corn Festival on Friday. Does anyone have an Indian costume we could borrow?!?

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Macie's 5th Birthday Party Photo Book

Many thanks to Brooke for serving as our birthday party photographer!!

Click here to view this photo book larger
Build your own high-quality photo books at Shutterfly.com.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Facebook: August, 2013

August 4 at 9:01a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
As Bryce (fully-clothed) sat on the training potty in the foyer this morning and spotted Macie and me looking in his direction, he declared, "No. Watching. Me!". He then promptly stood, picked up the toilet, and moved it to the other side of the room. 


August 4 at 12:01p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Bryce has taken the Harris Teeter spaceship to his own little world. 


August 4 at 5:05p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Ahhhh, the special treat of "colored water". 


August 5 at 7:17a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
changed her cover photo


August 8 at 8:14p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Beach vacation + permission to jump on a bed = 3 happy kiddos. 


August 9 at 9:26a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Pre-beach, tower-building focus. 


August 10 at 8:59p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Boat ridin' with the Campbells! 


August 14 at 3:40p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Was cleaning off my phone and ran across this video of Bryce (I mean ME) learning animal names. At least he's got the positive reinforcement part down... 


August 15 at 5:15p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Can't. Quite. Reach. 


August 17 at 6:29p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
As I expressed my displeasure at the girls' poor behavior while grocery shopping, "Mighty to Save" was playing in the background. Macie said, "Mom, everyone needs compassion. And you are NOT compassioning!". 


August 18 at 8:11a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
If Mac's little hands could learn to fan cards, the girls would officially be playing Go Fish entirely on their own... 


August 18 at 9:23a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
For those of you with toddlers that won't yet fit into Crocs, all you have to do is put a larger pair through a dryer cycle. Or holler at me. I have a cute navy/Carolina blue pair you can have. #crazyshrinkage #thankgoodnesssummerisalmostover


August 18 at 4:11p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Mac's first time to the peak of the play structure! 


August 18 at 8:52p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Lesson of the Day: When wearing spectacles, you should try to avoid walking into a door-hanging, eye-level tie rack. 


August 21 at 8:40a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
2nd grade. And not yet embarrassed by her camera-wielding mother. Phew. 


August 22 at 9:02p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Mac is officially ready for her new school, thanks to RegalRhino! My first, but likely not last, Etsy purchase. 


August 23 at 8:15p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Bubble Night 


August 24 at 8:58a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Bryce has met his shadow. 


August 27 at 7:54a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
You can never be too safe when mowing the cul-de-sac. 


August 27 at 6:53p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Back to a symmetrical smile! #losttooth#8 


August 27 at 7:36p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
2nd grade is going to be good for Mommy, too. Bring on the Bible verse memorization! 


August 30 at 3:01p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Before you know it, we'll be headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee... 


August 31 at 1:10p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Now THIS is more like it!