My little Pre-Schooler

They had open house at the elementary school tonight and Alexis got to see her classroom for the first time. Her first day of school is Monday and she is excited because she gets to ride a bus for the first time.

Alexis found the dress up clothes. She likes the hard hat because daddy has to wear one at work.

I'm not for sure if this is the thinking chair or the time out chair.

Class of 93

I had my 15 year class reunion this weekend. We only had 12 out of 39 show up, but we had a blast talking about the past. Here is a photo of the ones who showed up.

Illinois State Fair

Had to get away from the kids for a while. We went to the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and had a wonderful time. Not too much going on at the fair on Thursday, so I was able to hit a shopping mall. Saw all the sites at the fair on Friday.

I thought Lincoln had aged nicely and the sunglasses were a nice touch.

This photo is for my dad. Yes I visited the Dairy Building and yes I had ice cream. Yum Yum! My last trip to the fair was 1988.

Pete looking at a buffalo hide at the conservation area.

I even earned credit toward my teaching certificate at the fair. And since I was the first teacher through this exhibit, they game me a lot of free stuff to use in my classroom.

The famous butter cow. They have this exhibit every year and everything you see that is yellow is actually butter.

After walking all morning and having tired feet, we rode the sky lift. I remember this from 1988 and this building always accumulates a lot of junk on the roof that is dropped from the riders. No I didn't drop anything, I held my camera tight because I didn't want to drop it.

School starts when?

I cannot believe that school is about to start up again. I have spent the last two days preparing my classroom for the beginning of school. I'll probably spend a few more days next week in the classroom as well. Teacher's institute is on the 15th and then the students start on Monday the 18th. Pray for cooler weather because the building where I teach is NOT air conditioned. Alexis will also start pre-school on the 18th. I won't be posting for a few days. Hubby & I are taking an overnight trip (without the kids) to celebrate our anniversary. This Saturday is the Noble Chowder and also my 15 year class reunion. Busy, busy days ahead!

Seals Family Reunion

Had the Seals Family Reunion this weekend at a park that I had never been to before. We had lots of food and fun. One family had to leave early because their daughter cut open her chin on the teeter toter. I'm just glad it wasn't my child that was hurt this time. We supplied the band aid because now we don't go anywhere without one.

Part of the Seals family.

Another part of the family.

Alexis wins the door prize for the girls. She got a pencil set with erasers and a sharpener.

Nolen enjoyed some time on the swings before falling asleep.

My pic for the 5 Minutes for Mom Summer Fun Photo Contest. Pete had to test out the playground equipment. What is the weight limit on that? You can't tell by the photo, but the spring had already been welded once. I wonder how it broke the first time, probably some adult too big and heavy decided to try and be 10 again.

I couldn't resist the bar! I just loved these things when I was young. I don't remember it hurting so much trying to get my legs up and over the bar. Pete wanted me to let go, but thought I'd better not, something seemed to be hurting & I didn't want to land on my head.

Crockpot Pizza Recipe

Need a new quick & easy recipe that will feed the whole family & more? Here is the recipe for Crockpot Pizza. I got it from my sister-in-law and everyone loves it. Thanks Audrey! Hope you enjoy it as well!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 onion chopped (or just sprinkle onion flakes in the beef when you cook it)
14 oz. pizza sauce
14 oz. spaghetti sauce
6 oz. pepperoni - sliced
12 oz. kluski noodles (wide egg noodles also work well)

Directions:

Brown meat & onions, drain. Add sauces and simmer. Boil noodles till al dente; drain. You do not want the noodles to be too soft. In crock pot, put a small amount of sauce to cover the bottom. Put a layer of noodles, meat/sauce mixture, pepperoni, cheeses, and any other toppings you want to add. Repeat layers one more time. Cook until cheese melts and warm all the way through. About one hour on high. Eat & enjoy.

Nutrition label:

Who knows, who cares! It's just yummy!

Making a barn into Home Sweet Home

Here is my brother's barn (house). He tore down several old barns to make this one. They are living in the loft while they work on the bottom floor.

Time to pour concrete in the barn. Uncle Richard makes sure Randy & Pete are doing it right. Hey Richard, does your wife know where you are?

Is that my other brother working the concrete? Does he know how to work that tool? Someone better check with the boss.