Happy New Years

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Years Eve!!!!

On a short note...we decided to celebrate early.

We did several things to kick off the celebration...a combination of chores and goals!

1. Decided it would be fun to run ten miles into the new year. I really wish now we would of done 11 miles for 2011 but we didn't think about it at the time.

2. We took down all of the Christmas Decorations and carried the tree down the ravine which is a tradition. The boys had fun carrying it with dad plus they checked out the cove that's down there by the lake.

3. Logan had to get his reading assignment. In less than, a week he went from not being able to read a single word to reading very simple sentences.

4. I decluttered my wardrobe and decided to get rid of a lot of old clothes.

5. Leroy and the boys had some bonding time shooting his pellet gun.

6. I didn't spend any money this week but leroy had a couple of slip ups.

7. All the kids ate their dinner and we meet another goal leading up to New Years. We sat down as a family and ate together.

8. We also read scriptures at the dinner table as a family for the whole week as well.

9. So, we meet several goals.

10. Time to celebrate. Leroy took the kids to the border and bought fireworks to celebrate reaching our accomplishments.

11. So, we celebrated early...I can't wait to meet our new goals for the year.

12. Also, I'm working hard on my new weight loss plan. I'm hoping to drop five pounds by the end of Jan.

Marshmallow Sciene

What do with the kids when it's too cold to go outside to play... a pratical sciene experiemnt. I told a good friend that we would not be joining them to Jump zone today becuase I told my hubby I wouldn't not spend any money this week. It really sucks to pass up a good opportunity to spend it with friends and even harder to tell someone you can't do something becuase you don't have money. Life stinks sometimes. I really fighting the urge not to run to the store for every little thing. So, I came across this idea at ABC-123 blog and here's the link to the blog, if you want to do the same thing.

The kids loved this idea...We decided to be smart and use the marshmallows that I have in the cabinet left over from Xmas and some old Halloween Peeps. The boys were so excited...what boy wouldn't be excited about playing with a candle of course with proper supervision. We discussed all the different aspects of how a flame works, why does the marshmallow burn faster when it's closer to the flame, we talked about how the marshmallow changes when it's heated up. I could go on but I don't want to bore you with all the details...you get my point.

I came to the conclusion that you don't need money to have fun and it sucks having to tell a friend "no" becuase you don't have the money. I'm really working hard on fighting the urge not to run to the store everytime I want something for the kids. Plus, being my kids teacher is very rewarding and fun!

Logan's Reading Tree

I never thought this day would come...Landon was reading before he started Kindergarten so I was hoping for the same thing for Logan but that didn't happened. His teacher told me not to worry but I wouldn't lie it concerned. Since Logan started school in the fall...I would pull out my Phonics Pathways book which is the same book that I used wtih Landon. He flat out refused to do it. So, on Monday...I decided to give it another try. Sure enough...he was sounds out simple short vowel words.

I love how this book is set up. The directions are very clear and simple to follow. The student learns how to read by using strictly phonics not sight words. Logan's class has been working on sight words which are great but it's not really reading it's just memorizing words. It really gives a child a false sense of reading. As soon as a child comes across a word that he doesn't know it freaks them out. I think both methods have their merits but I love this program.

To keep Logan's attention and help him see his progress. I came up with this great idea. We made a tree on his bedroom door. For every words, he can sound out and read he gets a leaf to put on his door. He only has about ten minute attention span. This is really helping. Logan is reading one page in the morning and one page right before bed. After reading each word, he writes down the word on a leaf...but I decided to change this up. I have him write up to six words and I do the rest. It was a little bit to much of reading and writing in one session.

I'm so proud of him. Reading is hard work but Logan's reading confidence is getting better each day. It wouldn't be long and he will be reading by himself.

4 years ago

Leah was finally evicted...after weeks of false labor. I finally gave up trying to go into labor on my own. It only took the doctor breaking my water for Leah to make her grand entrance. I think I was in labor for a total of four hours. Let me just preface...I wasn't overdue. My boys only weighed about 7 lbs each. I have know idea where she came from...the german side of my husband's family. Is the only thing I can think of...because it's four years later and she's still a big girl!

Birthday

9 lbs 4 oz

4 years old

38 pounds

On a side note...I just finished making Leah's birthday cake. The look on her face explains it all.

Free Canvas Gift

A really cool Christmas gift to all of my friends.

One free 8x10 canvas print...it's $50 value.

You still have to pay for shipping but's still an awesome deal.

I decided to go ahead and order my favorite picture of my little girl to hang up in her room.

Click here, if you want to save $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ money!

The Best Christmas Gift Ever....

Our gift from Heavenly Father

My little girl is about to turn "4"!

I still can't believe it.

My Latest Creation!!!!

My sewing buddy came over and help me make this really cool Hobo Bag. It's lined with a contrasting fabric and it's soooo awesome. I just need to add a nice wool bird on the front pocket to finish up the bag. This bag took me less than four hours from start to finish. If you want the write I can write it up by hand. I made my own pattern and it turned out awesome.

Tulsa Zoo

No time to blog...sorry, my blog sucks most of the time. Life just keeps on getting busier and busier with each passing day. I thought once the kids reached a certin age I would have tons of free time but I was sooooo wrong.

During Thanksgiving break, I had planned to go to the Tulsa Zoo with several friends. At the last minute everyone bailed on me. I wasn't about to dissappointed the kids. I decided to take the to the zoo by myself. I know some of you would of thought that would of been crazy idea to go to the zoo with three kids all by myself.

I figured it would be best to keep them busy instead of being home and bored which is never a good idea.

This was our first trip to Tulsa Zoo...I seriously don't know why I never ventured to take them to this zoo before. It's the prefect size zoo not to small or big. The price was just right.

The kids were amazingly good. I was a miracle. A two hour drive to the zoo...no problems, four hours at the zoo, and two hours back home again no problems. Who took my kids space aliens. The kids were so well behaved. Leroy thought for sure I would call him at work to complained about the kids but I didn't.

So, if you haven't made the trip yet. You need to go! I swear...I have lived her for NINE years and this was the first time to the zoo. I always thought it would be really expensive but it's not. It only cost us $20 for one adult and three kids to get in.

Logan's favorite animal was the giraffe. He keep talking about how hard it must be to catch a giraffe to put into a zoo. Silly boy...I'm sure most of the animals at the zoo where born into captivity. Also, the zoo will be opening a new exhibit for seals. Logan also talked alot how hard it's going to be for the zoo to catch the sea loins...lol.

Anyhoo's...I feel so blessed to be able to spend the whole day with the kids without any distractions. We didn't even look at the clock once we were at the zoo. We just loved living in the NOW.

Also...one more last minute note...Leah couldn't stand the smell of the inside animal houses. She kept on pinching her nose to keep out the smell. It was really cute!

Gooble, Gooble Turkey T Shirt

Less than two hours...one turkey shirt applique done!

BRRRRRRR

This is where you will find me, on Saturday mornings with my cardio group. I'm part of a free running group which is open to anyone and everyone. Every Saturday, we meet up and run together wether it's hot or extremely cold. BRRRRR....It's only 24 degrees outside.

Look cloesly at hte picture...I'm one of the few ladies who doesn't have a some type of ear covering. I still couldn't believe how fast the weather can change around here. I decided no more cold ears for me. Why not try to knit up a headband. I was really jealous of all of my friends headbands. Nothing like running with numb ears. So, if you scroll down you will find the pattern and pictures of the finally project.

Plus, I'm going to knit up a couple more headband to give away as xmas gifts for my running friends.

b

Alpaca Headband

Yarn: Yarn Bee-med weighted Alpaca/acrylic yarn-color: Damson

Amount: 40 yards

Gauge: 3.5 stitches per inch on size 11 needles

Finished Dimension: 2.75 x 18 inches (will fit up to 23 inch cicumference when worn as pictured above)

Pleas note: I used size 11 needles but next time I'm planning on using size 10.

Cast on 13 stitches

Work back and forth in knit stitch-slip the last stitch in each row knitwise to produce a nice edge.

work until approximate length.

Bind off.

I used the mattress seem method to connect the two ends.

Unfinished Projects

Last year, I started this project but I never finished it. It's amazing all the stuff, I have not finished over the years. I thought it was quite silly me, the loom and knitting supplies sat in my desk drawer. I decided to finish it this weekend. The hat was so easy and fast. A total of three hours...done. One less thing, to have to haunt me. Another completed project. Plus, it's cute.

Happy Halloween 2010

It's about time to head out and go trick or treating with the kids. We're just going to visit the neighborhoods with Destiny's family. A fun evening making new friends and fellowshiping with our neighbors. Logan had a low grade fever earlier this morning but he appears to be feel'n better. Tomorrow, is a school day. So, we wouldn't be out to long.

Also, Happy Birthday...Mom!

Scary Run

Running, it's my life. It's the best way to keep my weight down, it's great therapy, it's fun, I love the way my legs look, and the best part is setting the example for my kids.

I wasn't planning on having Landon run with me this morning. This is one of the fastest 5k courses in the area. I really wanted to bet my time from this spring. Landon begged and begged to come with me. I caved.

Landon hasn't even been training plus the little guy is only eight! I decided to bring him and I'm glad I did. I thought it was going to cost me $25 to enter the race but they didn't charge me because of his age. Yippee!

The only bad part was the weather. BRRRRR, it was super cold not as cold as last year but cold. My toes were frozen and my muscles were stiff. I wasn't sure how things would work out in the end.

The race was hard at first. My legs felt like lead plus I couldn't feel my toes. I wouldn't lie...it sucked big time.

Once, we made it to the one mile marker...I was happy with our pace 9:20. I was really hoping to have a nice strong finish. We must of slowed down a little bit during the second mile because our time was 19:00 at that point. I told Landon the third mile we were going to kick it up a third gear.

As we approached the playground, I looked down at my watch. I started to panic. Oh, no...I'm not going to bet my fastest time. Darrn't...Landon and I took off fast. Landon said he didn't know what happened but his legs went flying to the finish line.

Yes, I crossed the finish line before him by a few seconds. I figured it wouldn't be long and I wouldn't be able keep up with him. The kids a natural.

I finished at 28:20 and Landon finished shortly after me.

The end of it...I learned that running isn't always about me. I'm so glad that I was able to share this experience with Landon.

The only bad part was Landon really wanted to win a door prize. I managed to win $40 dollars in free car washes and Landon didn't get anything. He was so MAD. He told me he didn't want to run in another race with me because I always win a prize. Little kids can be really funny.

Also, I'm so proud of all of my church friends that came out to run. Everyone should be so proud of themselves. Running with friends and son makes me HAPPY.

5th Annual T or T

Don't let the Princess costume fool you...she's 100% tomboy.

I'm sucker when it comes to celebrating Halloween. The boys school isn't having their fall party which is really Halloween party this weekend. I decided to go ahead pull the boys out of school and have them attend Leah's preschool Halloween party.

This year, I made the costumes. Yippee...last year, I decided to buy them and it just wasn't as fun. My sewing buddy help me whip up this princess dress and we made the boys musketters outfits. The costumes turned out cute.

The Scheele's made their fifth appearance at Trick or Treating with the preschool. Yes, Five straight years at the Bella Vista Preschool. All three of my kids have attended back to back years starting in 2006...So, were working on our fifth year at the school.

All three kids love the preschool. I know some people don't care for the school becuase it's play based but let me tell you one thing. My kids love it and they always felt loved by their teacher and volunteers. When we started down the stairs to get to the classroom. Logan was so cute. He told me that going down the stairs made him HAPPY.

Every year, the preschool takes the kids trick or treating around the towncenter. They started off at Arvest bank and worked themselves around the Towncenter. The kids managed to come home with three full bags of goodies. I currently have the goodies stashed away. The kids are not happy but too bad.

Ten on Tuesday

1. All of my children seem to have inherited my bad teeth. Leah as well the boys all have weak enameling. Over the summer, I knew her teeth were getting bad. Two big holes on the sides of two of her back molars. I really was worried about taking her to the dentist but she did great. It turns out the two big holes only needed fillings not caps like I had feared. Well, today Leah had her first dental procedure done. She did an awesome job. Everyone in the office, was raving about how has the prefect patient. She did exactly as she was told and didn't move out of place one time. The dentist told me that "she's one tough little girl!" Yup, that's right my daughter is TOUGH. Tough as Nails! The dental assistant told me that Leah was the best patient they had all morning long. I thought maybe she would be upset when they were done but she just got right up and walked right out the door by herself.

2. I'm almost done with Leah's bookcase. The only thing left is to paint it. I can't take full credit. I couldn't of done it without my dad and Leroy's help. I will post picture when it's done. It's going to be PINK.

3. I decided to make it easy on the kids this year and crave their pumpkins. I had them draw their picture they wanted cut out and I did the rest. No, crying this year. Also, Leah remember craving pumpkins with Grandpa from last year. It's amazing the things kids can remember. She was only 2 years old at the time.

4. Leroy's going to fix up the house. Hopefully, new carpet and windows for the sunroom. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

5. The kids costumes are done. Leah's going as a princess and the boys are musketeers. I'm still looking for boy turtle necks. I guess their not selling them anymore. Their costumes might be slightly unfinished looking.

6. I'm busy working on getting everything ready for this year's Super Saturday. If you look on my facebook page you can click on the link to see what where making this year.

7. Leah told me that boys and girls are different that boy parts stick out...lol! She's getting too big.

8. Report card time...Landon did really well except for Social Studies. I thought for sure he would have straight A's but his determined to work harder to bring up his grades.

9. Logan's doing great at school. His teacher loves him. She told me that she would take a whole classrooms full of Logan's. We need to work with him on a few things like he doesn't know how to rhyme. Any suggestions?

10. Destiny is still attending YW's. Last week, they had a mutual activity at Lake Ann. The youth went on a spooky hay ride and they roasted hot dogs and played games. She loves going to church and she's already made a ton of friends.

11. Also, both of the boys are attending Karate again. Logan decided to give it another try and loves it. The boys are working hard on earning their first belt.

Mt. Nebo

Pictures coming soon...

Pumpkin-tillas

Seriously, the easiest snack ever and the yummiest! I'm really proud of myself. One bite into these bad boys you wouldn't want to stop eating them. I seriously, can't believe how good these are plus some-what healthily.

Pumpkin-Tilla's

Plain Tortillas

Brown Sugar

White Sugar

Cinnamon

Cool Whip-made with real cream--a plus!

Directions:

Punch out the pumpkins using a metal cookie cutter and put them on a cookie sheet.

Spread butter on top of the pumpkin tortillas.

Mix equals parts of brown and white sugar in a small bowl with some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.

Sprinkle sugar mixture on top of each pumpkin.

Broil in the oven for a few minutes...don't leave the oven. These pumpkins will burn fast if you're not watching it.

You want the sugar to caramelize.

Serve, it with whipped topping.

One bite, you wouldn't be able to stop.

I also sprinkled some Halloween sprinkles to make it more festive.

Seriously, you have to try these...seriously good.

if you want more ideas check out...

Candy Corn Pudding and more!

A good friend of mine told me once to make sure to make each and every holiday special because it's a great way to build special memories. Last year, I was busy with myself and we didn't do too much. So, this year..I'm kicking it up a notch.

I love candy corn...it's the one thing that screams FALL. I managed to put together a candy corn wreath and some yummy Candy Corn Pudding. Leah helped with both projects...my little girl is such a big helper. I lover her, so much!

Candy Corn Pudding

1 small box of Banana Creme Instant Pudding

1 small box of White Chocolate Instant Pudding

1 small box of Butterscotch Instant Pudding

6 Cups of Milk

Red and Yellow Food Coloring

Clear Plastic Cups-size small!

Candy Corn (optional)

Directions:

Make your Butterscotch pudding as directed on the box, using two cups of milk.

After it's mixed, add 20 drops of red food coloring and 25 drops of yellow food coloring. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Now, make your Banana Creme pudding as directed on the box, using two cups of milk.

After it's mixed, add 20 drops of yellow food coloring. Mix well and refrigerate until your ready to use it.

You want to use the small clear plastic cups. I don't recommend using the tall plastic cups that's what I used by accident. I ended up buying the wrong size not realizing it at the store.

First, put the yellow pudding at the bottom of glass.

Next, the orange pudding.

Finally, add the white chocolate pudding or you could use cool whip topping.

Finish the pudding cups by putting a couple of Candy Corns in the center top of white pudding.

Okay, I also made the candy corn wreath. A big pain in the butt. I decided it would be a good idea to seal up the wreath by using Modge Podge...DON'T DO IT. The candy corn ended up all sticky and gross. I ended up having to scrap about half of it off. The wreath still looks good but every time I look at it just makes me want to scream. I hate it, when I screw a craft at the very final stage. Lessons learned the hard way!

if you want instructions on how to make your own wreath, Click here!

check out more here...
Thanks, for checking out my blog!

Pumpkin Pots

Doing what my kids love best of all...CRAFTING especially my little guy Logan. The little guy is always into my craft supplies, drawing his own picture books, and just plain fun to play with. Logan and Leah both made their own pumpkins. Logan decided he wanted to draw a picture of his very own pumpkin. I'm not sure if you can see all the details but the little guy has a very special gift.

If you want to make the craft with your own kids it's super easy.

Ceramic pots

Paint

Foam Paint Brushes

Green Wooden Blocks

Pipe Cleaner

Glossy Spray

Hot Glue

The first step in the process is to paint the pot orange. Let it dry for a good hour, draw on the face, and paint it in. I did write the name of each child on the back of each pot. You just face the pot upside down and hot glue the green block to be the stem. We add black pipe cleaner to be the vine.

Super easy and inexpensive the whole project cost less than $10...we're planning on making two more pumpkin pots.

Milk Jug Spiders

Cheap, inexpensive, and fun halloween crafing ideas. This idea came from my friend Ashley who found this idea from Family Fun magazine. I'm not really happy how they turned out but the kids love them and that's all that matters.

Isty Bitty Spider

Fall is here...which means it's time to get ready for Halloween. I decided to make this dress for Leah. It's super easy. It's called T Shirt Twirl Dress. The whole thing cost less than $5 to make. My sewing buddy gave me the spider fabric and I just picked up a cheap Halloween T shirt from Walmart. The whole thing took less than two hours to make. From An Igloo: is where I found the online instructions on how to make this dress, click here. So, what do you think?

Sunday Morning

The weather in my necks of the woods:

It's amazing how fast the weather can change. One moment it was blazing hot outside and now it's the prefect fall weather. The morning sky is nice clear, the weather is breezy cool but not freezing cold and the afternoons warm up perfectly. Talk about prefect fall weather.

Words Not Needed:


Things that make me happy:

After months of searching for my favorite apron pattern. I found it. Guess what, it was never missing. It was right inside my pattern box but inside a red bag inside the pattern box. I love wearing my apron but I'm sick and tired of fabric. I'm going to be spending the rest of the day online searching for some cute fabric to make myself a new apron.

Books I'm reading:

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith-a brilliant book...I'm going to recommend this book for our next book group to read.

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Knit Two by Kate Jacobs-I haven't started on this book but I loved the first book in the series. I didn't want to risk the book getting check out at the library. So, I picked it up and hopefully I will get a chance to read it next week.

Prelude To Glory by Ron Carter-The first book in this series was really good but the second book is really slow. I have been trying to finish this book since July.

Family Read Aloud book:

By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Audio Books:

We listen to these in the van...I can't stand listening to the radio or even music. Listening to the same old songs over and over again bores me to death. I'm not a music lover!

Henry & the Crazed Chicken Pirates by Carolyn Crimi

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting-this book is read by William Sutherland and it's horrible. The kids can't understand him...I'm really sad but the English accent is very heavy and it's hard to follow along.

Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk

On the Banks of Plum Creek-Laura Ingalls Wilder-My boys love this audio book by Cherry Jones they could listen to this over and over again.

The Cat In The Hat and Other Dr. Seuss Favorites by Dr. Suess

What's on my TV today:

To The Ends Of The Earth
Conference

On the menu for dinner:
Pork Chops, Mash Potatoes, Fried Okra, and Green Beans!

On my to do list:

Clean up Craft Room

New recipe to try:

This is a new recipe that I created..it's super awesome. The meat is so tender and yummy. It's prefect for a nice sunday dinner you can just put everything in the crock pot and it will be ready when you get home from church.

Lara's Crocky Crock Pot Roast

In the craft basket:

Sewing:

I'm working on the boy's costumes-Musketeers. I still need to finish up Leah's costume by adding some trim to her princess costume.

Knitting:

I finished knitting Leah's angel on her stocking but I'm not sure how to finish the stocking. So, I'm starting on Landon's stocking with a Santa on it. As soon as my knitting buddy gets back into town, I will have her show me how to finish up the stockings.

Looking forward to this week:

Girls night out, Running with my new running group on Saturday mornings, and Checking out the craft fairs looking for some craft ideas to recreate at home.

Tips and Tricks:
I have discovered that if I take my pre-workout drink before cleaning that it's a lot easier for me. The amount of focus, I gain from the drink as done wonders. I really was able to focus on the nitty gritty and managed to get the house really clean. Maybe I'm a little bit ADD...ha ha.
Lessons learned this past few days:

Using my time wisely, I really would love to hole myself up in my room and just read or knit. It's really hard sometimes to be in reality. I still have a hubby and kids that need attention. Life just isn't what I want...I have to make sure I'm using my time wisely. It's all about balance.

On my mind:

I'm still trying to figure it all out. How to read a couple of books, work on a dozen projects,and still find time to be spiritual. I'm not a big scripture reader. We just finished reading 30 talks in 30 days. I really enjoyed it. I'm really dreading reading my scriptures again maybe I need to find a really good spiritual book instead. I did managed to read the Book of Mormon, New testament, and Doctrine and Covenants each in 90 days periods. Any good book ideas? Nothing too preachy or cheesy?

Ten on Friday

1. Labor day weekend-I decided it would be fun to run in 5k and 10k in the same weekend. I don't recommend doing this but it workout fine. I just was a little bit sore in the legs. On Saturday, Landon and I ran in the ward 5k together. I'm so proud of my son. He was the youngest kid to run in the 5k and he didn't stop one time. He ran the whole thing.

2. On Monday, Puan and I decided to would be fun to train and run in the 10k together. I was super sore from Saturday's 5k but I managed to push myself. This race was one big GAINT mental game with myself. They decided this year to have us run the course in the opposite directions. The first two miles were uphill. I came in close to my time from last year. I was only five minutes slower this time. The heat is finally gone and I'm finally getting back into running.

3. My knitting projects are coming along nicely. Last night, I screwed up the xmas stocking. Luckily my knitting frined doesn't live to far away. I had the neighbor girl watch the kids while I drove over to her house to fix the problem. Thank goodness for 12 yr old girl that loves to watch my kids for FREE!

4. The past couple of days the heat has left us and we have had lots of showers from the hurricane that came thru the gulf of mexico. The rain is so nice and refreshing after our heat wave that felt like it wasn't going to end.

5. Leroy is sick with another sinus infection.

6. Leah still loves going to Preschool. I just wish she could go everyday.

7. I'm slowly working on making Leah's princess dress.

8. I just finished reading "The Help". If you're looking for a new book to read, this is the one. I loved everything in the book. The book isn't hard to get into, it grabs you right at the beginning.

9. We're headed for a bbq tonight at a friends house.

10. Our last enrichment meeting was a huge success. I was able to take part of the Yoga class. Fun...if you haven't tried Yoga it's so good but hard. You'll be surprised how much you will sweat!

First Day of School

Ten on Tuesday!

1. Leah started preschool TODAY! I can't believe but my little baby is going to school. Right after the boys left to catch the bus; Leah was really to leave to go preschool. She was really bummed when she learned she had to wait two hours for school to start. She was so excited. She even went outside to take pictures in front of the flowers. This is was her idea!

2. I wanted to get a picture with her teacher. She decided to take off running and didn't want to have her picture taken. She wanted to get to the classroom as fast as possible. I'm about to pick her up in a few minutes. I can't wait to find out how was her first day of school.

3. Last Saturday, I took the kids plus the neighbor girl to Frisco Festival for the afternoon. The kids had a blast on the free rides and snow cones were even sweeter on a hot day. Of course, Destiny dropped her snow cone as soon as I was done paying for them all. You would expect more from a 11 yr old.

4. We managed to get one last dip in the swimming. I wouldn't lie. It was cold but doable. As long as you didn't get out of the water and kept on moving. I'm not sure if they will want to go again this summer.

5. Enrichment meeting is this week. It's a back to school night. I have to come up with a few after school snack ideas??? Any suggestions?

6. Leroy and I are still debating about taking a trip to Hawaii this fall. I'm leaning towards going but Mr. Money pincher isn't sure he wants to spend the money. What's the point of earning the money if you can't enjoy it once in awhile.

7. My garden is almost all done. One of the watermelons ended up splitting in half. Only one is left. Hopefully, it will make it. I'm really craving watermelon at the moment.

8. I just received three stocking in the mail. Yes, I felt inspired by my Aunt Julie to knit my own xmas stockings for the kids. Hopefully, I will complete them by xmas.

9. I'm running in a 5k and 10k race this weekend! Landon's going to join me in the 5k race. It should be a fun weekend.

10. Also, this Sunday...we will be celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary. I still can't believe how fast time goes by.

Ten for Tuesday

1. It's amazing how fast summer vacation goes by. I just seemed like the kids were off from school and now their already back.

2. Sorry, about the neglect of this blog. I kids are keeping me super busy. I seriously have hundreds of pictures from our big summer vacation trip out East. I'm experiencing computer problems and I can't seem to upload any pictures at the moment.

3. We traveled out East for four weeks. The kids had a blast with their grandparents and their Auntie Jenny. It was so nice to have additional help with the kids. Leah just told me the other day that she misses Grandma in Tennessee and Grandpa and finally Auntie Jenny. It wasn't easy being all together but the kids did have a some great memories especially at williamsburg and the outer banks.

4. I managed to drive all the way out to Tennessee without a driver license. I didn't realize it was missing until I got to my parents house. I went the whole trip without it. Luckily, I didn't need it. Dad is most of the driving on our trip out East. Well, after two months of being about find it. I decided to go down to DMV and pick up a new one. Surprisingly, We didn't have to wait at all. I was up at the front counter geting my new license when I realized Leah wasn't with me. I turned around, look at the back of the room. There stood poor Leah covered in throw up. All the way down her front, on her purse, and all over the floor. I'm not sure how long she was standing their in her own vomit but it was probably five minutes. The girl at the counter gave me a couple of paper towels. I'm managed to wipe up most of the mess and the check out girl had my new license. We promptly left the DMV and we only recieved a few dirty looks. Leah's in bed right now resting. Hopefully, it's nothing to serious.

5. Landon and Logan both started school last Thursday. I was really worried about Logan starting Kindergarten. He went to school on Thursday with no problems. I thought he would be clingy but he wasn't. Logan waiting a whole extra year has been a huge plus. He loves his teacher and loves going to school. The first thing, he said when he got off the bus was how nice is his teacher is to him.

6. Landon just started the Second grade and loves his teacher. I'm expecting a good year for both of the boys.

7. Leah my little baby will be starting preschool next week. She will be attending the same preschool that the boys attended. The Bella Vista Preschool is a great school. My boys loved it and had so much fun. It's a play based preschool so it's all about socializing and making friends. Leah is really bored with out her "BOYS" which are her bothers.

8. I managed to get some canning projects in over the weekend. I managed to canned grape juice, salsa, whole tomatoes, and stewed tomatoes. I only have a few jars left. I'm still hoping to go raspberry picking but I have missed it for the past two years. Hopefully, Leah will start feel'n better soon and we go picking together.

9. I managed to get my hair cut and I love my new short hair do. I'm never going back to long hair.

10. I'm going to start working on the kids Halloween costumes. Leah's going to be a princess and the boys will be prince charming. My friend Eunice gave me a patten the fabric and zipper. We're going to start on her costume next week. I didn't make costumes last year and I really regretted it. So, I'm going to start early this year and get it done before October. The kids are going to look so cute!

11. Finally, the boys are taking karate and Landon just started Cub Scouts. Life just keeps on getting busier. Logan is refusing to go karate which I'm really mad about it. He went the first couple of times but now he wants to stop. I told him that I wouldn't be signing him up for anymore activities for the rest of the year. The kids can be so fickle about things.

Well, that's all for now.

Jamestown Settlement

"Picnik Show"

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Hands On Museum

The funniest part of staying at my parents house is the Hands On Museum in Johnson City. This is the third time we have visited this children museum. It's worth every penny. The kids had so much fun. The current theme at the museum is nature. The boys had so much fun. They dress up as little squirrels and were running around trying to find acorns. The rest of the museum is just lots of dress up and hands on activities.

The funniest part was Logan in the grocery store play area. The kids decided to take turns ringing up food on the cash register. We expected Logan to ring up the food by punching in the prices but nope that's not what he did. He scanned all the food across the front of the register. I think we shop to much at Walmart. He kept trying to scan all the food. No matter how much we tried to explain to him to ring up the food he just didn't get it. I guess that's kids of today think everything should be scanned not punched in.

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Toltec Mounds

When driving with three kids and pulling camper it's important to make lots of stops. The first place we decided to stop off at was the Toltec Mounds which are located outside of Little Rock! I learned about these mounds in my Naturalist classes and decided it would be worth the stop.

On the way, to the mounds the GPS took us this weird back roads way. I couldn't find it because I thought I knew better than the GPS. Dumb...We ended up going 10 miles out of our way trying to find the mounds. We managed to get gas and decided to head back and we located the sign and made it!

The Toltec Mounds site was AWESOME. We only planned on staying for one hour but we ended up staying for two hours. We started off by watching a film, the cashier had the kids use blow darts like the Indians use to us back in the days. The boys loved it! We finish off the site by checking out the exhibit hall where we learned more about the Indians that use to live in this area. If you want more information, click here!

We finish up the visit with a walking tour of the Mounds sites. I don't recommend the month of July during lunch time. It was hot, hot, and hot! It's a self guided tour and the best part is feeding the turtles. The backside of the mounds there is a lake. They have a boardwalk that takes you out to the lake and you can feed the turtles. The kids loved it.

I love seeing the big cypress trees. The trees are so awesome in person. So, if you're driving thru or want to do something fun with the kids. Check it out!

Blue Ridge Mountians

The hike of a lifetime. We did this hike two years ago with grandma and the kids. The best part of the hike is the massive waterfall at the bottom of this trail. The hike is not easy. It starts off relativity flat and easy. The hike is only 1.5 miles long each way. It doesn't sound to hard but holy cow. It's hard! I type up a huge post and blogger deleted it. So, I'm going to keep this short.

Two years ago, grandma did this hike with us but she didn't hike down to the waterfall. It's literally stone steps that go down the side of this mountains. It's hard. My mom was disappointed last time because she didn't get to see it. So, this time she decided to give it a try. The hike down the steps is grueling and hard. My mom and dad slowly but surely they both made it down to the waterfall. My mom's ankle was all swollen up and she had to soak it in the cold water at the bottom of the waterfall.

I hope both of my parents know how proud I'm of them. It was a very hard and challenging at times. When we push ourselves and we overcome obstacles...that's when we grow as individuals. Also, they set a great example for their grand kids.

4th of July Celebrations

Two birthday Celebrations

A ton of waterballons

Yummy BBQ

Watching the fireworks

Spending time with Family and Frinds

Never a dull moment!

Red, White, and Blue Cookies

The Scheele Kids just wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!

We will be celebrating the 4th plus two birthdays this weekend. These cookies are sooooo easy to make, you can get the recipe at Jamie Cook's It Up, click here!

Nature Day Camp

Hobbs State Park

Nature Day Camp

Three Days

40 Minute drive each way and back

Two Happy Boys!

The boys were able to attend Nature Day Camp at Hobbs State Park. The boys were able to go on boat cruise on Beaver Lake, nature hike, and dig around the shore of Beaver Lake.

Some of the highlights...

Landon found a baby rabbit...managed to get in trouble for touching a wild animal!

Logan and Landon disected owl pellets.

The boys found rodent bones!

Bird watching

Live animals like snakes and turtles

Animal hides and they learned all about animal tracks

The week of camp it was super HOT and HUMID!

but it didn't stop the boys from having FUN!

Logan begged every day to stay a little longer becuase he wanted to check out the vistor center.

Logan was completely in his element.

Landon and Logan completed the program and recieved a really nice certificate and t-shirt!

Next year...the boys will be going again. It was worth the long drive and money.