What did you learn in school today?

This is a question that we all ask our kids (myself included), but I am lucky enough to be able to do some cool stuff at school too. For example, today my class had a workshop with the coolest art lady I know (hey Codi!!) and she taught us how to use plastic sacks to make just about anything.

Sacks just like this. It reallly is simple. You take about 3 sacks, cut out the seams and lay them on top of each other. Then you lay that between 2 sheets of parchment paper and iron it. It is pretty cool when the iron heats the plastic. It shrinks and gets hard. After that is is up to you what you want to do.
Here is the outside of the wallet I made. I even used a sewing machine for the first time. I know, sad!
Here is the inside. You can make extra pockets if you want. I meant to, but forgot I would have to sew that on first. Oh well, next time.

Here is an example of one I found online. Obviously way better than mine, but super cool. We decided you could make lunch bags, journal covers, coin purses, etc. And pretty much for free! Nothing better!

So, what did I do in school today? I did art!!

All Hands on Deck!

Welcome to my new deck!

OK, so anyone who knows where I live knows this deck wouldn't exactly work, but maybe at my summer home! We are planning a deck off our kitchen and made the family trip to Menards to check out the materials.
Since our house is already a khaki(ish) color we decided to go with the same color for the deck. This is cedar and it is the composite material that never has to be stained. If you also know my husband and I we need low maintenance!

We also have to put in a door and take out the huge picture window. By the way when I say we I mean our good friend Ryan (props to you Amber!). Anyway - I am in love with the doors that have the blinds inside, so I am getting my wish. Yea!! No ugly vertical blinds that the kids are going to tear off and get food all over. You don't know how excited I am about this door!

I missed my episode of "Hoarders" tonight - good thing I have my own episode going on in the basement! Off to talk deck budget with the hubby - what a downer! At least one of us lives in reality. What fun is that?

How did this happen?

So I mentioned earlier that one of my new favorite shows is "Hoarders" on A&E. Well, I discovered yesterday there might be a reason I enjoy watching people who can't throw things away. I discovered I am a recovering hoarder! I have been making a conscience effort for awhile to keep things "minimal" at our house, but prior to that I may have been labeled a hoarder.
Lets start by saying I emptied all these tubs (11 in all) plus a few small boxes yesterday. When I say yesterDAY I mean DAY. I was in the basement sorting for a good 7 hours. I know - ridiculous! I had been saving all the kids' clothes thinking I would use them sometime, but I decided if and when we do have another baby I will probably buy all new things, so I might as well get rid of what I had been keeping.

There was a method to my madness. Each section is labeled by size and each pile is a different article of clothing - short sleeve, pants, sweatshirts, etc. These are all the girl clothes.

Here are the boy clothes. Obviously not as much since Tate is only 2, but still way too much!

Pile of "good" clothes and coats.

My "keep" pile. I am happy to say these fill up only 1 tub! Mostly keepsake outfits and gender neutral for a possible baby #3.
Anybody need some shoes. Come to my garage sale next week. I will give you a heck of a deal.
After all my work here is the end result. All but one contain clothes I am trying to get rid of. These pictures may have put a couple of my friends into a mad panic (Sonya!), but keep in mind at least these were away in tubs to begin with. I just wanted to share with everyone that if you have the same situation as me - don't be ashamed!! It happens to the best of us!
After golfing in a tournament today I got to hang out with Tate while Brad and Teagan went for a bike ride. What a goofball. He is a ton of fun (and a little frustration) right now!
The bikers. Teagan loves riding with Brad. Tonight the borrowed this "rickshaw" from friends.
Tate is ready to go. I could hear him giggling all the way down the street!
Have a great week everyone! See ya!

Fair Day

We did family day at the fair last Friday and had a great time. We debated about getting a room and decided to - ended up being a good choice.

Starting off the day - looking at these 2 I was wondering what the day would bring! They were both troopers.
The kids loved the "Little Hands on the Farm" exhibit. Tate wasn't exactly sure at first and wanted to give back everything they were putting in his basket. After a couple stops he figured it out (with a little help from big sis).
Peddling was a little tough, but with some help from Dad he made it around.

Teagan on the other hand booked around so fast that I didn't get a picture until she was done.
Meeting Clifford. Tate was content saying high from a distance!
Teagan loves rides so we took advantage of short lines that night. She has no fear and wanted to ride everything. Thank goodness she was too short for those (at least for now!)

That was our last "hurrah" for summer and it was a great family day. Now its back to the grindstone - work, dance class, meetings, and all the other stuff. I love fall and everything that comes with it, so here we go!!

1st Day of School

My memory card is being a little touchy so it took some creativity to get Teagan's first day of school pictures loaded. But, here they are.

Pretty sure she is telling Brad how it is in this one. Had to add it - this is the real Teagan!
Tate got in on the action too. He even got to go into school with us to say goodbye. Which, by the way, was very undramatic. Good I guess, but I wanted her to need me at least a little!!

It was off to the Dr. for Tate after that. His 2 year check-up went well. She checked what is left of his goose egg (it should go down, but he might keep the dent it left in his forehead - great!)

He is 90% in height, weight, and head circumference. And she didn't even have to ask if he could put together short phrases - by that time he had told her all about Grandpa, his tractors, and John Deere fruit snacks.

A good day for both Schaefer kiddos. We are all a little more tired than usual - trying to break in the routine. Have a great Friday everyone!

New posts

Hey blog followers!! I started a couple blogs last week and finished them yesterday and today. For some reason they aren't showing up as new blogs. Just wanted to let you know to look for them if you are interested. Love you guys!! Have a great day!

Leave it to a woman!

While shopping at Target yesterday I found this wonderful device (on clearance, of course - $6.98) It opens all that stupid plastic wrap and ties that hold down presents. And it was designed by women, unlike the men who probably decided that all those gifts should be impossible to open!
It has a retractable screwdriver to open battery compartments, a retractable blade for cutting open plastic, and the cutters cut through that ridiculous plastic and ties. Absolute genius!!

My find of the week - I saw these lamps at Lowes while getting last minute house stuff for the birthday party. I have been looking for some and really like these. The deal you might ask? $3 a piece! I know - awesome. There were actually some other styles that were $1 and $2. Didn't like them as much though. Now I need to find some shades and a home for them. I love a deal!