the news is out

I thought this was too cool to not share (and I know Kristi is way too modest to post this on her blog). A few weeks ago when a group of us gals were on our way to a dinner, Becky let us have a sneak peek of one of her new products out to market. To even Becky's surprise, Kristi's family photo was chosen as the wrapping for this product!! I thought it was SO cool!! The product is out so I can now spill the beans!! :) The product is called The Crafters Cube.

music

Lately we have been listening to XM radio on the TV. Logan and Addi have always liked music; all genres. They'd actually prefer listening to the radio then watching TV; I'm so glad they do because I do too. I am amazed at how many modern songs they know.

Today Logan is home from school again. He's been running a fever and has a real red throat. Poor guy, he just can't stop coughing.

Tomorrow morning Logan has a bball game and then we are off to the new office for carpet installation. Finally!! Our heating bill is high because the office stays so cold with the cement floors.

Next week my in-laws are coming for a visit. The kids ask every morning, "how many more days?" They are looking forward to seeing Grandpa and Grandma Schlegel. We are planning a couple trips. We want to take them to Williams and go on The Grand Canyon Railway to The Grand Canyon. Logan will LOVE this ... and it's a surprise for him!! The boys want to take a road trip to Tucson to visit the Pima Air & Space Museum, which I have to admit is actually fun for me too, but I think Elaine and I will find something fun to do with the kiddos. Should be a super fun visit!!

Happy Friday!

a little bit of hound dog

tired hounds

Rufus was so tired after a long day of playing with Regale

We are doggy sitting again! This time for our friends, The Cook's. They have a miniature Beagle named Regale. PS - if you need a good Realtor here in AZ, I'd give JP a call, he's great!! The dogs are getting along great and are so cute together.

Yesterday was soccer practice for Addi. She just loves it and I hate to see it end in March. I have fun chatting with Kristi and Becky for the hour. Not that I don't see them almost every day anyway, but it's just always fun to hang out with them. I'm definitely going to have to sign her up again or pick another sport for her to participate in. Last night we went out to dinner with David & Becky and their friend from Iowa, Jen. We had fun and so did the kiddos. We met at Streets of New York and had some yummy pizza.

Today is volunteering in Logan's class, basketball practice and then a baby shower for a friend who just had her third boy. I still need to go get a little gift for Lisa and then make a treat for the shower. There are lots of friends having babies lately, it's so much fun becuase it's really just an excuse to get together and buy cute baby clothes!

weekend

one of my little creations

Addi in the dress my mom made her

This weekend was AWESOME and so relaxing!

On Saturday morning, Logan had team pictures and then a game. The basketball cookies we made went over well with the kids. After the game, we ran some errands as a family and then headed home. After some lunch, I decided to take a run. We had left my car at the school Logan's bball game was, so I grabbed my car key and ran to the school to pick up my car. It was a 9.8 mile run. It was a really relaxing run and I'm feeling really good today. Saturday night we went to Firebird's with Michael and Amy. They have THE best Turkey Club sandwich; it's on jalapeno bread ... yum!!

Today is a beautiful day here in Arizona. Church was wonderful, the kids had a great time in their classes. When we got home from Church, Logan asked if he could go outside to play basketball on his new hoop. I said yes, not realizing he didn't change his church clothes and went straight outside with his flip flops and Sunday clothes on. I think we really lite a fire with the basketball hoop; he's LOVING it and getting really good at it. Addi looks so cute today. She let me do her hair and she put some makeup on. She wore a dress my mom made her.

My Adobe Elements 5.0 came on Friday. I am addicted! I'm having fun making little creations!

This week is fun-filled with school, soccer practice, basketball practice, Tues & Thurs 5 mile runs, a baby shower and visiting teaching.

Have a wonderful week!!

fun pictures from today

Addi's Lego men and Oreo creation

, Logan noticed the TV needed dusting before me (can you see his name?)

productive day

Yesterday was a super productive day, I couldn't believe how many things we knocked off the "to do" list.

We cleaned up the house in the morning until it was time for lunch. We ate a big, healthy lunch and then took Logan to school.

Addi and I first had the post office to mail some packages for Mark and get 400 stamps. The line was out the door and Addi provided the entertainment while we were in line. She's a ham!

Next to the library to get a membership. We hung out for a little and picked up a few DVDs.

Then comes the bank to do some biz banking ...

Next ... "the makeup store" (that's what we call it), Ulta. I was in need of some advice on colors. The gal asked Addi if she wanted some makeup on too. OF COURSE SHE DID, she's a girl!!!! Addi sat so still in the makeup chair and had some makeup applied. She looked SO cute and loved being pampered!

We came home to pick up Logan from school and then back to the library. We spent 1 1/2 hours at the library; reading books, playing with puzzles, the train tables and picking up more movies! The kids LOVED it!

Next ... dinner. Mark was working late so the kids and I picked up some Taco Bell (their fave).

Sports Authority comes next for a basketball hoop.

Last stop ... home, for baths and bed!

I'm SO glad yesterday was so productive because today Addi is throwing up! She woke up around 2am with a fever and started throwing up almost immediately. We're just hanging out today, watching the movies we got from the library.

lunch with friends

Porter higgins

Trent rogers

Today I brought Porter and Trent home from Preschool for some lunch and a little play time. We ended up making a little craft for their mommies; they turned out cute and they had so much fun playing with paint.

A little quirk about these three ... they like to run around without shirts on. They also like to pee together in the bushes in the backyard and play games in the dark. If you can't already tell, they are great friends.

Tonight Logan has basketball practice. Mark hasn't been to practice yet, so he's coming home at 6 to take Logan. Addi and I will stay home and she's going to be early.

Addi has been sleeping from 8pm - 9am, sometimes longer. If she's going through a growth spurt ... HOW TALL IS THIS KID GOING TO BE??? She's going to be taller then me soon. Tonight we're trying an early bedtime of 7. Hopefully it will make it easier for her to get up for school tomorrow, at 8. Maybe a nap too, if I can convince her to nap tomorrow. I have to fight with her each morning to get up for school. She wants to go, but doesn't want to get out of bed. If this isn't a growth spurt ... I'm in DEEP trouble when she's a teenager!

Tomorrow is Pajama day at school for Addi. They are supposed to bring a blanket and a flashlight. I wish I would have gone to preschool when I was younger ... it sure sounds like lots of fun!

Next week Addi has a field trip to the Peoria Library. I think she'll love going on a school bus. She's never been on one before. In fact, she's never been to a public library ... I think she's going to have SO much fun!!

photo shoot for grandma

I am doing a special project for Mark's mom's birthday on Feb 1. This includes trying to get my kiddos to sit still and smile nicely. Here are some silly kids after school! Tomorrow I am going to attempt BEFORE school and see if I can get better cooperation and better lighting! :)

hey mark, do you think it's cold enough to snow?

This was the question I asked Mark about 15 minutes before it started SNOWING!!!!! We were hitching up the boat, getting it ready to take over to Wendy's. It started sprinkling and sure felt cold enough to snow ... and then sprinkles of water turned to SNOW! Just as quick as it came, it went and turned back into rain. Addi had fun trying to catch the snow on her tongue.

So the million dollar question is: did this freezing weather stop the Schlegel's from wearing flip flops??

race photos

race pictures are ready to view!

Race - PF Chang's 1/2 Marathon (Jan 14)
BIB# 40000

rain!

Today it is raining! Yay!!!! I just love the desert when it rains, it smells so clean and fresh! My ONLY problem with the rain is that because it is so rare, the kids find it that much more fun and want to ride their bikes in it! That's fine when it's monsoon season, because it's still 90-degrees when it's raining, but NOT in the winter ... it's so cold! None the less, I'm loving it!!

On Wednesday night, at 8:00pm, we were putting Logan to bed and he reminded me that I had promised a bike ride to the waterfall (1.5 miles away) "NO MATTER WHAT after dinner". He's right. When I picked him up from school, he wanted to ride his bike and I said, "after dinner, NO MATTER WHAT, we'll ride down to the waterfall". I looked at Mark and he said, "you know what you have to do". He was right ... Logan and I bundled up and got on our bikes and rode to the waterfall. It was COLD and dark. There are no street lights here so it does not "interfere with the desert beauties" (so we've been told) ... so it was SUPER dark. I was surprised that Logan wasn't scared ... I was a little. Not of people, but coyotes and wild boar. I hope Logan learned that we keep promises, no matter what. It was also fun. He told me, "Mom, I like it when we just cruise. Just you and me". That was so worth it!

Last night was Enrichment. I rode with Becky, Kristi, Amy and Deann; they are such fun women. We had a kick off to the year's theme "Garden of Life". It was inspirational and I have been really thinking of what I can do differently in my life. Some things, good habits, have been slipping and it's always nice to have a reminder to get back on track. It's always fun to see the women in the ward. I know I've said this a million times, but I JUST LOVE THEM!!! As I was sitting there on the floor of Kym's living room, listening to the message that was being given, I was looking around at the women there, trying not to get caught starring. The ceiling fan was on, the front door was open, the Spirit was there. It was such a confirmation that we're where we are supposed to be. I love it here in Arizona, I LOVE Peoria ... the ward, my friends, our business ... it's all so perfect! Everything has really worked out for us! I feel SO blessed.

Tonight we are having date night with the Baird's (Michael and Amy), the Rogers' (Ricky & Kristi) and the Trimble's (Brian & Erin). They are such fun couples, I'm looking forward to tonight. The Baird kiddos are coming over to watch Logan and Addi. My kids LOVE it when the Baird kids come over, it's always a little party for them. Zach is 12, Bailey is 11, Kayla is 9 and Cameron is 5 ... then they always bring their dog, Ozzy ... who Rufus AND my kids just adore too! I LOVE IT!

Today I bought Rufus a sweatshirt. If my mom didn't think I was "yuppie" enough in November ... she's really going to think it now! Poor Ruffie has been so cold lately and even sleeping under the covers in bed.

Tomorrow Logan has a bball game from 10-11 and then a birthday party from 11:30 - whenever. Sunday is Stake Conference.

Happy Friday!! :-)

endurance racing

Last night at basketball practice, Ricky, said now I should do a Triathlon. Oooo, that got my wheels turning and this morning I decided I want to try one! Just a sprint, not the olympic length. Ricky said his sister has a street bike I can borrow. I'm SO excited!

Today Becky is picking Addi up from school and taking her home to have lunch with Porter and Trent. Addi loves hanging out with her "boys", as she calls them. Logan and I have been hanging out and building legos. I also got some summer clothes out from last year that I am taking to a consignment store to sell this afternoon. It's a great way for me to make some extra spending/gas money.

Ricky & Kristi have made it official; they are moving to Gilbert sometime in the near future. I am SO beyond bummed! Kristi and I are like sisters and help each other out so much, I have really come to depend on her. We've already starting preparing Logan and Addi, but I don't think it will actually sink in until they are gone.

Tomorrow we are dropping off the boat at Wendy's home. I can't believe we actually sold it. I think I may miss it a little, but definitely glad to have that extra money to save each month. Tomorrow night is also Enrichment. I am looking forward to it. I just LOVE the gals in the ward, they are all amazing with such amazing talents. I feel so truly blessed to be where we are at right now and wouldn't trade it for the world!

Happy Wednesday!

13.1

Trina, Susan and me before the race

WOW! What an experience the half marathon was yesterday!! I had an insane amount of fun and I'm STILL on a high from it all!

It was THE coldest morning in 17 years! It was freezing ... well, technically, below freezing! It was 23 degrees when I got into my car at 4:30.

Trina and I met at her place at 5 and then headed to ASU. We got to the starting village, where they have bagels, drinks, massages, medical aid, etc. We called Susan to see where she was. We wanted to give her a hug & wish her luck before her race (she ran the full, alone)! She was only a block away being dropped off by her family, so we walked over to her and then walked her to her corral and cheered her on as she passed the starting line.

When Trina and I got to our corral, we tried our best to keep warm. It was 27 degrees at the start line. My goodness ... I thought I'd never feel my toes again! It was a rush to have live bands and hundreds of thousands of people cheering you on. I seriously wanted to cry a few times reading some of the banners the kids were holding up. Lots of them said, "go mommy" or "we are proud of you daddy". It was SO sweet! Trina and I talked the entire time and had a blast!

13.1 miles later, we ended up at the finish line in 2 hours and 30 minutes.

All 50 states and 36 countries were represented with over 43,000 runners and all for amazing causes!!

I'm ready to do it again! I think next year I will be participating in the full marathon.

... "one more mile" ....

first big game

keeping on his man

in action

getting put in the game for the 1st time

our favorite player ... #9

The Peoria Scorpions (well, half of them anyway)

Here are some pictures from Logan's first basketball game. Man, it was SO much fun!! The kids were hilarious and even though we lost, we all (including Logan) had a BLAST!! Logan stopped in the middle of game, came to us at the sidelines and asked how to play and said he didn't understand the rules. It was so cute!

Today at Addi's soccer practice Logan took a soccer ball and started kicking it around. He seemed really interested and said he really liked soccer. In March when basketball ends, I'll sign him up for city soccer.

basketball

Some pictures from Logan's first bball practice. His first game is Saturday!

back to school ... FINALLY

in action, running to the goal

stretching (in between Kali and Porter)

Oh man, I thought this day would NEVER come!!! The kids are finally back in school.

Addi started soccer this morning and Logan starts basketball tomorrow.

On Wednesday, I am getting an hour massage, just in time for the big race on Sunday.

Today for lunch I made a Chicken Pita Pizza from my Eating for Life book. It was AWESOME and by far my most fave recipe! I wanted to share it with you ...

INGREDIENTS

1 whole wheat pita

1/4 cup low-fat pizza sauce

1 portion chicken breast sliced (I used pre-cooked/packaged grilled chicken strips)

1/4 red bell pepper, sliced

1/4 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1/4 small zucchini, sliced

1/4 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425

2. Place the pita on a baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce evenly on pita. Top with remaining ingredients.

3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pizza is heated through.

pump it up

Tyson Rogers

The kids had such a fun time at the birthday party yesterday. Here are a few pictures.

first REAL hair cut

I took Addi to Trish's yesterday for her first REAL hair cut. Trish does my hair and I think she's fabulous, plus she's super cute & hip, so you know you'll always look amazing! When we walked in, I told her I didn't care what she did, I just wanted Addi to have THE cutest hair cut and that's exactly what she did. She looks adorable, doesn't she? We went out to dinner in the evening and Addi went to the bathroom and wouldn't stop looking at her hair in the mirror, she told me, "my hair looks awesome mom".

THANKS TRISH!!!!

relaxing day

Yesterday was THE most relaxing day I've had in a long time. The kids really wanted to go to the Train Park in Scottsdale so the deal was that we had to have the house clean before we left. It was SO nice to have the kids help pick up for once and not gripe about it. We took our time and didn't rush ... ate lunch at home and started out for Scottsdale (an hour drive).

When we got to to the park, I bought the packet of 12 tickets and told the kids no toys, no treats ... just rides and they could play at the parks for as long as they wanted, but once the tickets were done, we weren't buying any more. Logan asked once for a toy and when I reminded him of the rules, he backed off. We stayed for an hour and a half, just hanging out, riding the carousel and train and playing at the fun parks. The kids were on their best behavior the entire time which was a nice change from the constant bickering that has been going on this past week.

When we were done at the park, the kids asked to see their great-grandma Kuhn (my Dad's mom), who lives down the street from the park. We hadn't seen her since Thanksgiving and were missing her. We spent 1 1/2 hours with her and then decided to head home.

As we were getting close to Mark's work, I gave him a call to see if he needed any help packing boxes for the big move into our own office. So, we stopped to help Mark pack boxes and of the kids always have fun drawing on the large white boards. While cleaning out Mark's desk, we found a pom-pom we had bought Addi at the ASU football game a while back. We told Addi that when Logan starts basketball next week, she can been his cheerleader. We was SO excited and started saying, "Go Logan, Go!" Then she said THE cutest thing, she said, "I'm going to be Logan's cheerleader and CHEER HIM UP!!" We were laughing so hard, it was darling!

After we were done, we were all starving so we decided to head back to Scottsdale and go to California Pizza Kitchen (our FAVE place to eat) at Desert Ridge. Since Logan hadn't gotten his friend a bday gift yet, we also went to Barnes and Nobles to pick out a gift. We had completely lost track of time and realized we had been there for AN HOUR! It was almost 9pm.

We started to head home and the kids asked to listen to their most favorite CD, Smart Symphonies. My mom gave it to me as a gift when I first got pregnant with Logan and I listened to it 24/7 (I'm a sucker for classical music). I also listened to it while pregnant with Addi. The kids LOVE the music, it's very calming and relaxing. The kids started asked questions about when I was pregnant with them and what did I do while I was prego with them, what car did I drive, what did I eat ... it was SO cute to see them try and understand how the whole pregnancy thing works. Their favorite song is Giuseppino's 16th century ode to spring, Fuggi, Fuggi, Fuggi da Questo Cielo. It's in Italian and they eat it up!

Above is a picture of a wreath I have on a "picture wall" (you know, where the wall is cut out for a picture/painting). I was coming around the corner to go up stairs and this caught my eye. The light is coming from the windows on the 2nd story. I thought it was pretty ...

Today I am taking the kiddos to the Anthem Outlets to get Addi a pair of soccer shoes and then to the Anthem Community Park.

Happy Thursday!