Driving down a main street in town I look to my right before turning so and see a pre-driving-teen riding a lawn mower as his mode of transportation, complete with full stops for the traffic signals. I quickly think to... Continue Reading Renewed faith in today's youth »
It's inevitable - not having something to write about. Or at least nothing interesting. I'm always on the lookout for something that hits me and I think - Ooooh! I want to write about that. Not unlike the days of... Continue Reading bla bla bla »
4 out of the 5 bellies have popped! The latest one being last night - and so far Boys are dominating the popping. Hip Hip Hooray!! Photo Zoe Oliver Ezra Solomon Whose coming next???... Continue Reading YAY!! Babies! »
We signed Jessica up for an afternoon of fun at a local gym - she gets to swim, do crafts and play with other kids for upwards of 3 hours. I'll then have time to write a new and exciting... Continue Reading Coming soon »
I just found out that my Grandma was pointed towards this site and has actually checked it out - same with my Aunt. (Hi Grandma!! Hi Aunt Ranae!!) And since I don't have an "About me" page or any type... Continue Reading Disclaimer »
My brother in law just introduced me to Instructables.com and oh man, do I owe him something big. Like 7 batches of cookies and then a screen printed shirt I make, BECAUSE NOW I HAVE TUTORIALS AT MY FINGER TIPS... Continue Reading Screen printing »
I'm checking out all the local haunts for preschoolers and learning that until their scheduling begins alot of things are free ... For instance - The Critter Barn in Zeeland doesn't have any regular programming going on but visitors are... Continue Reading Free kids activities »
First of all - this is pretty cool - Roger, my mom's significant other, works for SVH (printing) and one of his clients just topped Oprah's Favorite things list for the month!!! This is a local business, based out of... Continue Reading Cool stuff »
Aaron leaves for SXSW today in Austin, TX - insert sad face. He's going to have a grand time networking and being around all the new technology and energy of other techy's like him ... and Jessica and I will... Continue Reading Update on life »
Um. 2008? I'd like to have a word with you, if I may. I know you're busy being a calendar year and keeping everyone on schedule, making sure we know when to look outside for the lunar eclipse and well,... Continue Reading 2008 - the year to kick some serious bum »
Today was pretty interesting. I get a phone call about 11:30 or so, my mom is on the phone and I think she's calling to tell me she changed her mind, she wants to go bargain hunting with me. Wrong.... Continue Reading Ouch. »
Since Jessica's swimming lessons have been canceled twice now and we still don't want to spend the money for gymnastics we've been looking in to a few other options for her. Here's what we've found - links and information -... Continue Reading Activities for a preschooler »
Jessica's birthday weekend was full of fun. We did a great amount of relaxing with her which was just what the doctor ordered. Plus, the bathroom was completed so she's been able to enjoy the benefits of the bath tub... Continue Reading mid-Jan stuff »
I have to share this little neighborly story. For the past 2 weeks there's been various stages of this bathroom remodel under way - whether it was taking 14 large garbage bags out of our house at 10 pm or... Continue Reading Neighborhood watch »
Anyone own 'Trivial Pursuit - 80s edition' or 'Twister' that we could borrow for our New Years Eve TOTALLY BODACIOUS Party ??? And a video for your enjoyment of Jessica bowling: Jessica bowling from Jodi Schaap on Vimeo.... Continue Reading Borrow, please »
Today we went down town like every other Saturday morning to have coffee and bagels together at a local coffee shop - and then it hit me. Jessica's birthday is only 2 weeks away and Christmas is this weekend. Good... Continue Reading Holiday palooza »
I spent about 2 hours last night reading through old posts about life with a newborn (when Jessica was born) and the 9 months after that. I laughed at a lot of things and cringed at some. Recently a friend... Continue Reading I started out wanting to write about how awesome my husband is, and then this came out »
It's true. We are not keeping the TV. We've watched 2 movies on it and it just feels ridiculous to us - it just doesn't fit in our house. Plus there's this super annoying PG-13 emblem embedded on the picture.... Continue Reading Getting going »
I'm a super huge fan of wooden toys for kids, my kids especially. I love how they look and feel and how durable they are against the wear and tear of teething, chewing, banging and, in general, just experiencing life... Continue Reading Wooden Toys »
The conversation started a few weeks ago when Aaron and I were talking about what it looks like to have another baby around the house come spring. Where I'll be most of the day with a newborn and how to... Continue Reading A whole lotta somethin »
Like Free Samples? Google "Walmart Freebies" - you won't be sad.... Continue Reading Also »
Since I'm in the market for a few new things I thought I'd share what I've found and how fabulous I think they are. Bra's. That's right. Let's just be honest here, I'm pregnant, soon to be nursing once again... Continue Reading Great Finds »
We've been making good use of the outlets around town that allow Jessica to run around like a madwomen and be recklessly 2 1/2 years old. Insert Crazy Bounce. This morning we had a play date with Stacey (the mom)... Continue Reading Keeping busy this winter »
Was your holiday weekend as relaxing as ours? I don't think it's possible. We spent some time with friends from out of town and hosted a party - went to another one and just had a blast hanging out in... Continue Reading Wishing like a 4 year old »
Happy Thanksgiving!! Our day has been one of relaxation and bumming around so far. It's been wonderful. Aaron was gracious enough to let me sleep til almost 9 this morning (mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm) and when I emerged from our bedroom I was... Continue Reading Thanksgiving 2007 »
I know quite a few pregnant women right now - my sister-in-law and brother found out they were expecting a few days after we found out, and a couple girlfriends are all due right around that same time next year.... Continue Reading It's in the water »
CONGRATULATIONS! Madeline Jes was born to my cousin Laura and husband yesterday. Laura is the big sister to Jessica (Jess) - whom our Jessica is named after. Madeline is the first grand baby in their family and much anticipated! All... Continue Reading Madeline Jes Korhs »
It's a bit rainy outside and getting colder - I love this weather. I finally get to wear my sweaters and scarves. And I always feel like crocheting around this time of year too. Probably some sort of nesting I... Continue Reading Fall is here! »
Aaron has his photos up from his week and our weekend in Boston.... Continue Reading Photos »
Yes yes yes, we are home! And exhausted from traveling but it was a blast. As soon as Aaron moves my photos onto our hard drive I'll have those up and I'll write more about Boston later - my birthday... Continue Reading Home »
We have some options with Insurance - Blue Cross Blue Shield has a plan that would work for us, it's double what we're paying now per month but the deductible is more than half of what we currently have. So... Continue Reading Updates »
Our insurance doesn't cover pregnancy. Someone please hold my head up while I wail. They do offer a pregnancy rider ... which we're looking into - but it would add a good $200 or more to our monthly premium PLUS... Continue Reading Insurance »
Today feels a whole lot like Fall around here and I'm loving it. Apple picking season is in full swing and pretty soon it'll be time to pull out the pumpkins to decorate and celebrate a growing belly by seeing... Continue Reading Feeling like Fall »
This month is the start of a very busy couple of months in this house. Yesterday Jessica and I dropped Aaron off at the airport - he headed to South Dakota for a client meeting, back on Thursday. Then the... Continue Reading Busy 8 weeks coming »
Do you have a family? Live in West Michigan? Well, here's some great, free, activities going on Labor Day Weekend ... Friday the 31st at 3pm Break Dancers Center Stage at Centennial Park downtown Holland. Also Friday at 8:30pm a... Continue Reading Family Activities Labor Day weekend »
Not so long ago my family referred to Jessica as "baby Jessica" and, in some cases, "baby Jessa" for those who couldn't get all the letters together in one mouthful. Those little people are here now. My niece Tara, who... Continue Reading Relatives »
---------UPDATE---------- Thanks so much for commenting, Amanda - for some reason I can't comment back on my own site, we're looking into this and will hopefully have this bug worked out soon. And Kerrie - don't you worry, you'll be... Continue Reading Check this out »
My sister is trying to sell her condo for a steal of a price. This would be a great investment opportunity for rental - she's lived there herself for almost 3 years now and has redone almost everything. She's studying... Continue Reading Condo for sale on Craigslist $65,000 »
It's raining It's pouring The old man is snoring He went to bed And bumped his head And couldn't get up in the morning.... Continue Reading Rain. »
Today is gonna be busy around here - starting at 9 (I'm trying to get it to 9:30) I start taking photos of one of my mom's friends son's wedding. I'll have a small hour break this morning and then... Continue Reading Wedding season »
Jessica and I did decide to come home yesterday and I think we've finally recovered from our sleep deprivation and the traffic on the way home. Now we're just taking it easy until Aaron comes home on Wednesday. We'll have... Continue Reading Home again »
I literally just bumped into Jennifer Hudson on the corner of Chicago and Michigan in downtown Chicago. She was looking at a horse and carriage and I was trying to get around her with Jessica's stroller - I didn't know... Continue Reading Jennifer Hudson in Chicago »
Today Jessica and I are bringing Aaron to Chicago for a conference he's attending Mon - Wed. We're spending the night with him tonight and drinking in the big city life, from our posh hotel room. I'll be coming home... Continue Reading Heading to the Windy City »
I don't know that I'm back to blogging full time, every day, about everything. I might put a story up here once in a while or share exciting news and photos of Jessica and the like. I decided to quite... Continue Reading Not back but not entirely gone either »
This will be my last entry on this website. I'll continue to post photos on Flickr though. It's just time for a bit of a change in my daily routine and this website is one of the things that keeps... Continue Reading Inactive »
The wedding was fabulous this weekend. Aaron didn't get much better, although you would have never known it. We were so excited to sleep in this morning but heard our doorbell ring at 9 this morning and decided to start... Continue Reading Keeping it real »
It seems that a summer flu bug is going around - Aaron came home early yesterday to sleep the day away - which he did very well. Today he's back at work but planning on coming home early again to... Continue Reading Schaap sickies »
A great weekend visiting with friends from out of town - having sleep overs, bachelor parties and play dates. More awesomeness to come this week with the pending wedding of our friends. A week of celebration to ensue. Also Aaron's... Continue Reading Weekend »
Just finished watching Fast Food Nation ... it was a good movie actually. Although I will not be eating meat for a long time. Seeing that kind of stuff doesn't make any kind of food appetizing, I'm having trouble drinking... Continue Reading Fast Food Nation »
Photos coming soon of the new office for Elevator Up. Aaron recieved the keys yesterday and today we need to solve the problem of a place to sit behind the desk. There are no chairs. Shipshewana was a blast -... Continue Reading highlights »
This morning Aaron and I looked at a little house in Holland for investment purposes - and I got there a little early to see the outside of the house and just generally check things out. I'm standing there and... Continue Reading Stuck in the gutter »
I took some internet advice this morning and focused on some one other than myself or my pity. It's lonely in my head some times - and I feel bad about that. But life goes on and we grabbed that... Continue Reading Do you know the muffin man? »
I know I said I would put photos up tonight of the fantastic evening we had with Justin and Cara but it's late and I'm so tired. but I will say this - JUSTIN AND CARA ARE ENGAGED! Aaron's younger... Continue Reading She said yes »
This weekend Aaron and I enjoyed another small Tour of Freedom, sans the awkward run ins with our past. My mom took Jessica over night so we could do what ever we wanted. Like for instance, sleep past 8 am.... Continue Reading Tour of Freedom part II »
Aaron has a background in photography. Did you know that? He used to take Senior Photos, Engagement photos, even do Weddings and the occasional stock-shot of a car or house. He was the apprentice, if you will, of Dave... Continue Reading Look a like not siblings »
Summer is on it's way, but even better - so is Tulip Time which is the beginning of all kinds of festivities and going-on's around West Michigan. For instance this Saturday - if you go to Dutch Village off of... Continue Reading This Weekend in West Michigan »
There are the mushy reasons that I love him, you know the vulnerable ones, the quote on quote real ones but then there are a few other reasons like ... He does his own laundry He got his nipple pierced... Continue Reading My completely ridiculous reasons for loving Aaron »
I was planning on doing a retroactive pregnancy post and talking about the crazy nesting that went on in the final weeks of my pregnancy with Jessica because one of my girlfriends is due to give birth to twins any... Continue Reading Addison and Triston make their mark »
Aaron has been at SxSW in Austin, TX this past week and although I've been super busy with the kitchen and Jessica I've been ready for tonight for about 4 days. I miss you. Very old picture - but very... Continue Reading my fella's comin home! »
I'm off for a few days to my dad's house in Grand Rapids ... good bye internet.... Continue Reading Gone fishing »
You might notice things looking a little differently - thats because my awesome husband surprised me with starting to move this site over to my jodimichelle.com site. Soon this site will no longer be in service and I'll direct you... Continue Reading He's sexy, too »
Aaron might want to add to this list and we'll ask him specifically to dig in later but I'm going to let you in on some dirty little habits. And also ask you to inspire me to adopt new habits,... Continue Reading Hanging out to dry »
I went out this morning and bought the book and since I don't want to post scanned images of my teenage diary's just yet I'm going to go with the suggestion of posting about whats in my bag. Fair enough.... Continue Reading Whats in your wallet? »
Last night we had a great night wine tasting with the wedding party of the Boes-Perton wedding set to take place this summer. The night was a get together for the bridal party to get to know each other a... Continue Reading Wine Tasting »
Excuse the complete and utter disregaurd for camera quality for the next few weeks - had to take Nikon d70 back to the store for some repair. I miss her already.... Continue Reading Utter disregaurd for quality »
Every Sunday on our way home from church Aaron always mentions the fact that while growing up they went to Ponderosa quite often with the fam and how fun it was. Then he adds that he'd like to go with... Continue Reading less than par food experience »
Jessica and I spent the better part of our day in a waiting room in Kalamazoo while my mom also waited and then received Lasik eye surgery. The waiting room was really nice, there was a tv, comfortable seating, even... Continue Reading A day in the waiting room »
This is my newest nephew, Jamie. He was born this summer and I'm not even going to pretend I remember when. It's written down in my birthday calendar. I used to commit all of my immediate family member's birth dates... Continue Reading give me some lovin' »
There's something wrong with the governments policies when an obviously well to do young mother in her designer clothes, designer baby gear, and designer clothes for the baby come walking into the grocery store with 3 of their much poorer... Continue Reading taking it one step further isn't always legal »
Right now I'm in Ft Wayne, Indiana with Aaron - sans child. Jessica is staying with my mom for the 2 nights we're out of town, one of which was last night. Aaron is here on business and I came... Continue Reading An unhealthy amount of MTV »
I've finally uploaded most of the AFTER photos from our house. You can see what we did and what our house looks like now, here. Photos of the bedrooms will be up later this week, we're having them repainted tomorrow.... Continue Reading AFTER house photos, now up. »
I've been scouring our external hard drive for some photos that I was sure we had. Turns out - 3 hours of scouring and digging later - we didn't store them on any type of machine nor did we keep... Continue Reading Found »
Lets just say I did quite well for us on ebay this month - selling household things we needed to get rid of. I'm thinking of buying wholesale to resell on ebay but I can't decide what to buy to... Continue Reading ebay »
Here are a few fun links I've been enjoying: ASL Browser Home Depot pamphlet, how to save on energy. Sprinkling made easy. Shiitake Mushroom log. Among others, which you can view in my del.icio.us feed. Although the cost of heating... Continue Reading Maybe a little inspiration, maybe not. »
Friends of ours welcomed their baby boy into the world this morning: Everett Matthew Cooper was born this morning at 10:47 7lbs 3oz 19in long The parents are exhausted, the baby is doing great.... Continue Reading It's a BOY »
We just got the catalog for SXSW in the mail, which Aaron will be going to in March ... but dooce is also going to be there! I knew this, since I'm a big fan and read her site almost... Continue Reading SXSW »
I just received this sling in the mail ... I love it! As does Jessica. This is great for the evening when she's tired but not ready for bed and just wants to be held, but I'm making dinner ...... Continue Reading slings »
Aaron and I have decided to move into the digital photography world. We've both had extensive practice in 35mm film photography and have loved it dearly. Me especially. I just loaded the last roll of 35mm film into my Minolta... Continue Reading going digital »
For some fun and inspiring art work, check this out. Which I came upon through Camilla Engman which linked to this guy.... Continue Reading Paper art »
Christmas was great this year. Our time in Virginia was fun and relaxing. Jessica did great on the trip and her schedule didn't miss too many beats - so adjusting to being home has been OK - although we haven't... Continue Reading Quick update »
I know this looks odd - and it's annoying that you have to scroll so much to actually get to photos or words. Mostly the photos - and I'm sorry for the lack of them. But Aaron is redoing the... Continue Reading I know, this is a little odd »
Traverse City is awesome. We are having a wonderful time. We've done some window shopping, ate at Poppycocks, which I highly recommend, as well as Minerva's, also recommended but not more than Poppycocks. We took in a flick, did some... Continue Reading Ramblings of the free people. »
I'm wondering if I opperate better through out the day on less sleep than the average joe. When Jessica was waking up in the middle of the night and I would get 6 hours of sleep, I could function at... Continue Reading Motherhood »
I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to make a scrapbook album of/for Jessica. I've gotten out of the habit of doing these kinds of books, but I did start one for her. Should I finish it? I've... Continue Reading Photo album making, or photo album making? »
I was reading my parenting magazine, which is only useful for the one nugget of consumer spotlighting they do in each issue, and they did a small paragraph on coupons. They included some sites that I went to and are... Continue Reading Good links »
I planted a garden this year, my first. Full of watermelon, tamato's, zuchini's and beans and more. And I planted the flowers for the year ... And this is my helper :)... Continue Reading Garden 2005 »
I know I'm lacking on the whole updating aspect of this website, but I'm trying to get another website up and off the ground, which will be announced here in a few days hopefully - and I'm busy with this... Continue Reading Been busy, »
Apparently Ebay is some kind a addiction for most people. Did you know you can sell COUPONS on Ebay??? WOW. So I keep getting these coupons for formula in the mail, and since I'm breastfeeding, I don't have any use... Continue Reading Ebay - is it "soft gambling"??? »
Man, oh man. I love this baby girl. I can't explain it - there are no words for the emotions she evokes. What a blessing, more than a miracle. She has the most incredible dimples, and the cutest squeak -... Continue Reading Doing awesome »
I spent the past hour and a half on the floor of the nursery going through papers, magazines and other informational jargon that's been pilling up since we found out we were pregnant. There is some pretty interesting stuff that... Continue Reading Baby information overhaul »
Yeah, so I changed the header of the site ... very exciting. I'm learning Photoshop all over again. I took a class in high school but haven't done much since then - and I like to fiddle with design. Not... Continue Reading New Header »
I was doing some errand running today which brought me to the Holland Mall which brought me in direct contact with every jerk living within a 50 mile radious to the mall. Let me explain. I'm shall we say obviously... Continue Reading Happy holidays »
I used to be able to go a total of 3 hours max before I had to empty my bladder - but these past few nights have chosen to show me a new routine - one in which I'm required... Continue Reading Prepared »
I just got word that a friend from church just had their baby. A girl: Anna Joy 6lbs 12oz 19" long BABIES ARE IN THE AIR PEOPLE, BABIES ARE IN THE AIR!!!!!!!... Continue Reading Baby girl Muma »
I've recently become a full time house wife. My last day of work was December 1 in and effort to get ready for the baby and be a full time mom when it arrives. The extra time I have is... Continue Reading Pregnancy needs a routine »
So I have alot to tell you all, it's been a while since I've written, I'll blame this on the 4 books I've read this past week. I can't get my nose out this series of books. There are only... Continue Reading Eluding the slumber faries »
It snowed here yesterday. I love snow. I am SO excited that it snowed. Happy Thanksgiving. My favorite part about waking up this morning was waking up to the glistening snow out my bedroom window. I woke up giggling, Aaron... Continue Reading Turkey day »
I've decided to add Google Adsense to my site, in an effort to make a little extra $$ if it be. Aaron and I have long since decided that I'm going to be staying home with the baby full time... Continue Reading Google Adsense »
As I've made mention to in the past on this site, depression is a very real struggle for me, one in which Aaron and I are very aware of and taking precautions for postpartum. A member of my family has... Continue Reading Postpartum depression »
Since I only work part time I have the ability to have dinner on the table waiting for Aaron, which would leave left overs for lunches and solve a ton of issues he seems to be having with eating at... Continue Reading Inspiration »
That’s right, by the age of 2 a baby poops on $7,500 worth of disposable pampers. 2 years = $7,500 FOR POOP CLOTHS! You can see why it was a hard decision to go cloth. If Aaron were talking about... Continue Reading $7,500 bucks or $430? »
Yesterday I watched Oprah. Thats right. I. Watched. Oprah. And she had Greg Behrendt as a guest, he's one of the authors of "He's just not that into you". Now this book caught my eye, the whole show was really... Continue Reading If I ever write a book, my goal is to get on Oprah »
Remeber when I said I didn't mind people I knew touching my belly ... ??? I made that comment in "I swallowed a Watermelon" entry - and let me just rephrase that for the record. I don't mind people I... Continue Reading Belly touching »
Thats right! We're being featured on MTV's popular CRIBS show ...... Continue Reading CRIBS »
It's my birthday today people. I decided last night that I wasn't going to post about it, but it's my 21st Birthday, and I'm pregnant - ON my 21st birthday. So my reasoning for telling everyone it's my birthday is... Continue Reading Show & Tell »
Moving is over. For the most part, we're in our new house. We spent our first night here last night and I only woke up once and looked around frantic only to realize I was home. We have stairs now,... Continue Reading I swallowed a watermelon »
Today is the start of the move Aaron and I have been anticipating for over a month now. We signed the papers this past Wednesday and for the past 2 days my wonderful husband has been at that house, painting,... Continue Reading Moving day »
So I can't boy cot this forever, and since it was only a dramatic climax to get people to comment ... I'll regress and continue to post - but not now. Now I have a date with that one guy... Continue Reading Regress »
One of my many errands took me to the outlet mall here in Holland today. As I was driving in there was a sign and some things set up outside. BABY STUFF. It was 70% off, and when you went... Continue Reading Because I saw a sign for 70% off ... »
This morning I was wondering about my belly button. I mean, since that’s where I was connected to the umbilical cord and everyone else too, how does it work on the inside now that I'm not attached anymore? Aaron and... Continue Reading Umbilical cord - to tie or to clasp? »
This past Wednesday I fell so hard I might not ever get up - I had my first ultrasound. This amazing human being already active and kicking and o-so-beautiful - it's a baby, my baby. I've fallen in love, a... Continue Reading Fallen »
Apparently being pregnant makes my speech mechanism go on permanent vacation. I was at Subway yesterday getting lunch (have you had a 6 in turkey, lettuce, black olive and LOTS of mayo lately ... you should) and when the clerk... Continue Reading Speech impediment »
After being bugged by Jodi now for a couple weeks, I finally got up the Baby section of theParagon. I won't go into detail on any of the backend code and how easy it was to move to a design... Continue Reading New Baby Section »