Where did August go?!

Well here we are in September...where did August go? Lets see, I decided to leave Stellar Fireworks, Inc. I loved the job but some of the co-workers were less than desirable to work with. The kids and I went to Alexandria,Indiana for two weeks! We had a blast! It is always fun to be able to hang with my 2 sisters and have all 11 kids play together! We stayed with my mom who took 1 week off of work for playing. We had an awesome taco burrito dinner; went canoeing, explored the "forest" behind moms house, played games, and so much more! I come from a huge family so I miss everyone back home very much! Alexandria is the most awesome small town ever! I am not just saying that because ALL my family lives there....ok maybe I am. Any how the 2 weeks flew by and now we are home. But we are only here for 1 week. This next Sunday I get the pleasure of escorting 3 girls to the Selena Gomez concert and then we head to Dallas Texas to visit our good friends the Ramages! We have missed them since they moved especially Zeke. He still doesnt understand why his friend Tay cant play! School is going great! The kids love the early schedule. They get up and start school by 7 am and are done by lunch! They then spend time getting their chores done and being kids. Such smart babies! Erik and I had a Biggest Loser competition. I told him I think it was a tie. He lost 22 lbs I lost 4.4 lbs however I did lose a higher percentage of body fat and we were within a 1/2 inch on how many inches we lost which was around 12 inches all over. He did beat me by that half inch though! lol. Life right now is pretty good.

WOW its been a while!!

So sorry it has been so long! This summer has been crazy busy!! Heavenly Help (my cleaning business) has taken off! Plus I went back to work as the office manager of Stellar Fireworks, Inc. Its part time but with both jobs, the kids, and the home I am a busy woman! Wouldn't want it any other way!
Lets see, Erik got a promotion at work! I am so proud of my super hero husband. He works hard to provide for us. Of course it came with a raise which is always appreciatted!!
Akia went to QSR (scout camp) for a week! It drove me nuts but he had an amazing time and earned 6 merit badges! He know ranks as first class. Eagle scout by 14 if he keeps it up! He was home 1 week and then turn and went to space camp for a week, earning the space merit badge! He absolutely loved it and wants to go back every year! I think Erik wants to go too!! It is truely an awesome program!
Arika has been my big helper. She has been helping with Akira and Zeke making sure they are ready to go. She LOVES the youth hip hop hustle at the YMCA. She has been gone on sleepovers with all her girlfriends over this summer! Is it already time for that?! hahaha She is my little diva and loves fashion. She too now wants to go to summer space camp! anyone need a babysitter?
Akira is my blue eyed angel! She loves reading and has been trying to read the book of mormon by the summers end. She is in 2nd Nephi but for a 6 year old that is pretty darn good. She is coming into her diva stage. She loves skirts and head bands. She loves talking on the phone and uses any excuse too!
Zeke was a little sad cause his best friend Taylor moved to Texas. He still doesnt understand that she lives too far away to go over and play. He misses her. But he is his big brothers shadow. It is too cute to watch him "anything you do I do" with Akia. Even riding his bike he rides with one hand and the other by his side with the I am too cool look! He is still my lovey boy! He hugs and kisses me all the time so it is ok that he is growing up!
School starts next week for the Schroeder kids. They all decided again to be homeschooled which is ok with me! We are trying to fit in a big family vacation in November to the grand canyon, disneyland, san diego zoo, the beach, hoover dam, Salt Lake City UT, Four corners and home again! Sounds crazy but we are crazy!
We are finally at peace with alot that has been going on with extended family. We have to concentrate on OUR family.
We are truely thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who gives us guidance every step of the way. With him at the center of our family we know we will be ok.

Busy Week!!

So this last week has been super busy!!! I started my own business "Heavenly Help". We prepare houses to go on the market. My first client was a little rough but the job is completed and I am excited to see where it goes! My friend Lindseys daughter was baptized on Saturday and I held a garage sale Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!! Crazy busy!!! Akia has earned all the money needed for space camp so he is super excited!! Erik has been working overtime which is better than not at all. Other than that, I am just getting really excited about school being over! The kids have been working hard to get done early!! As for crafts, I am concentrating on making the bags for the service project. I will post pics later!!

Homeschool

Two years ago, after much thought, we decided to home school. It was the best decision we could have made!! We love the extra time together and the freedom it gives us. We spend 4 hours a day working on school, and then we are done for the day. This allows extra time for scriptures and chores giving the kids lots of time to just be kids. By the time the neighborhood kids are out of school, mine are ready to play till dinner and with no homework they can go back out and play till bed time! We use the K-12 curriculum (we belong to a Lawrence Virtual School). It allows my children to work at their own pace! They are all working above grade level which is exciting! My 3 year old is even writing and reading 2 and 3 letter words! I enjoy seeing how close my children have grown together. Yes they still have the normal sibling spats, but they don't fight like they used to. They would come home from school, after not seeing each other all day, and be fighting! Now its just a spat here and there. They have learned to work together and compromise, leaning on each other for advice and help. Its awesome!

If interested in learning more about the curriculum: www.K12.com

My favorite pic of the kids

This is my favorite pic of the kids!! You can see how much they love each other!! You can also see how much they look alike!