Zach and Nathana

Ten on Thursday

2012-01-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

1. This week on Tuesday Elizabeth an I got to go to Cheddar's! The best part was we didn't have to wait because we went so early!

2. I have been sewing a skirt and the last step was to shir the skirt so it would cinch up and be elastic-y. It sounds all well and good until it didn't work! I realized I needed a bigger needle for my machine, so yet another trip to Jo-Anns was needed. Then I got home and I still couldn't get it to work just right. Ugh, I need some help!

3. Poor Zach had to work or be in class every single night this week, which has sucked, since we haven't gotten to see each other much at all. I missed him so much, but thankfully his schedule is better for next week!

4. This week has been so slow! It goes that way sometimes with 4 day weeks, so I am ready for the weekend.

5. Friday was our friend Ryan's birthday, so I went out to eat with he and Kayleigh since Zach was working.

6. Working out is going good and have lost another 3 lbs, which brings the total to 11 lbs! Hope I don't hit that plateau too soon and I can keep going down!

7. Suzanne and I went shopping on Wednesday night and had Chick-fil-a. She is going back to school on Sunday, so I am glad we got to hang out again!

8. Wednesday night my throat started hurting and in the middle of the night I woke up barely able to swallow because my throat was so swollen. I felt terrible but went to work and made it through the day. When I got home I had a temp of 99.8. In case you don't remember I was just sick in December and not happy to be like this again. I took meds, went to sleep, made it through Friday and was hoping the weekend would help me feel better.

9. Our weekend was crazy busy! I felt like it was go, go, go! Saturday we got breakfast from Chick-fil-a and then opened up a savings account! Woo hoo! Then we went to Zach's parents' new house that they are renovating and tried to help out. I screwed in three screws to hold the floor down! More than I've ever done with home construction! Then I ran to Wal-Mart with Zach's mom and Aubrie to get things for Jessie's shower the next day. Then Zach took me to the Heart of Newburgh and bought me a Vera Bradley tape measurer! Every seamstress needs one!
Then we relaxed with Papa John's pizza, yum!

10. Sunday was my sister-in-law, Jessie's, baby shower. I went to church with Zach's parents and then helped his mom with all the shower stuff and even made my punch for the shower. The shower went wonderfully and our little nephew-to-be, Isaiah, got so much stuff! He definitely will have no shortage of clothes! Pictures are on my camera, so when I am efficient enough I will upload them! We can't to meet our new nephew in March!

Ten on Thursday

2012-01-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

1. I spent a lot of time throughout the week making and getting things for Kayleigh's baby shower on the 14th.

2. I also covered for a 1st grade class while the teachers did DIBELS. It was a fun time had by all! They make you feel like a celebrity when they don't see you all day and then suddenly see you! Gotta love 'em!

3. I have been vigilant with my exercise for a couple weeks and have been counting calories and have lost 2 lbs since the beginning of January, which is 8 lbs overall! Yay!

4. I caught a cleaning "bug" and was a whirlwind during the week! Too bad it doesn't hit me too often! Ha!

5. Zach's promise of a ceiling fan and light for Valentine's day last year came true last weekend! We spent a fairly frustrating day putting it in! We were both about ready to scream, and thank goodness it worked or I don't what we would have done!

6. Zach's classes started and he is taking 12 hours! Pray that the semester goes well for the both of us!

7. The weather was calling for snow on Thursday and I definitely shrugged it off thinking we wouldn't get it because I really wanted the 16th off. We were scheduled for it off, but it would have had to be a make-up day. Well, it did snow, and pretty good! It had terrible timing, though. It was the worst during the commute home and after and hour (double my normal time) of sliding around and not being able to brake I was home! I was really worried they would call school off, but they just delayed it 2 hours! Woo hoo! The best of both worlds!

8. On Friday, Mama, Mama Joyce, Suzanne, and I went to Cheddar's to eat. We had to wait almost an hour and it was FREEZING in their foyer, but once we did get to eat, the food was really yummy. Hopefully Zach and I will get to go soon!

9. My 2nd grade kids were really goofy on Thursday. We play a review game where they use their vocabulary words in sentences properly. They kept using me in the sentences and I have to say they were a tad funny.
Ex: I imagine a briad (bird) on Mrs. Shceller's (Scheller) head.
Mrs. Sheller (Scheller) balance (so it was used incorrectly) on a jaguar and fell off.

One of their words was "wider" and I did threaten them that if in any way they used me in that sentence, I would be mad! Haha, I know they were considering it though!

10. Kayleigh's baby shower was a big hit. I was so happy she had a good time! Everyone loved the sherbet punch, fruit dip, and cupcakes I had made, which made me so happy!

Ten on Thursday

2012-01-05T17:33:00.000-08:00

1. Last Friday Elizabeth came over and we made spinach manicotti and apple cream cheese bundt cake. The cake I dropped bringing it out of the oven. Words couldn't express how angry I was! Ugh. At least our manicotti was delicious!

2. Saturday was New Year's Eve and we spent the day kind of lazily. I can't even remember what we did in the early in the day. That evening we went to Zach's parents' house to celebrate. We ate lots of yummy food and played Catch Phrase. I was so ready for bed at 10:00, but we made it until midnight, got our kisses in, and headed home. We were so exhausted we laid straight down in bed, and then naturally took forever to be able to sleep.

3. Sunday Zach had to work so I went to church and ate afterward at Mama Joyce's. Then I got my New year's presents from my Mama and Daddy. Yes, I still get a little something for New Year's! I got a pink necklace from Memories, an antique shop in Henderson, peach bellini lotion from Bath and Body works, and an umbrella for bus duty!

4. Zach got a magazine subscription to Fur, Fish, and Game from me for New Years. Magazines are about his favorite reading material.

5. Monday was my last day before I had to head back to work, so we made a fun day out of it. We slept in until 10:00(!), did a teeny bit of shopping, ate lunch at Shyler's and headed home for some lazy time. We watched The A-Team for the 4th or 5th time since Zach had his surgery, but we always enjoy it! Then we went out to Olive Garden for supper! I think I ate two bites of my food though, and was done! I just saved the rest for lunch on Tuesday. I can't lie, I was so sad for Monday to end! Not because I didn't want to go back to work, but because I just love sleeping in and being home with Zach and Nellie! Wouldn't that be the life? Sigh....

6. Tuesday brought the first day of this second semester of school. I can't believe the school year is half over! It is just going by so fast! Let's hope I can still say this a couple weeks before spring break! : )

7. The first week back to school went really fast and went pretty well. I had some serious sleep with drawl, but I think the kids did too!

8. I also started tutoring with my little guy and it was fun to hear all he got for Christmas and his birthday! (Which was Jan 1st!)

9. Saturday Ben, Becca, and Claire's parent's called me and asked if I could come babysit so they could go out for their anniversary! I of course couldn't miss out on that, and we had a blast watching Tangled which I am pretty sure has become my favorite Disney movie! I can't get enough of their sweet kiddos!

10. Zach worked again on Sunday, so it was another Sunday with church and lunch at Mama Joyce's! I am not spoiled at all! ; )

Christmas Part 1

2011-12-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

Our first Christmas celebration was on the 23rd with Zach's parents and his sister, brother-in-law, and our niece! We had yummy chicken alfredo and a great time opening presents!Zach's parents' tree. Isn't it beautiful?

Aubrie, our niece, opening her LaLaLoopsy doll from us. She said, "It's just what I always wanted!" Glad we could get it for her!

Zach got a picture of his Mom since he said she's always the one behind the camera!

Whoever made the Lalaloopsy doll didn't consider how hard it would be to wrap a pentagon shaped present!

It's out of order, but here she is again!

Zach got a gift card to Bucks and Jakes, a weed eater, and lots of stuff in his stocking.

I got a sewing machine!!!, some lotion and body wash, a cake pop maker, and lots of stuff in my stocking! I guess we must have been extra good this year to deserve all that we received.

Ten on Thursday

2011-12-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

1. Last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Zach had to do inventory at his store overnight. I was definitely apprehensive about spending the night alone, and a few times before I have gone to spend the night with his parents. This time I decided 3 nights was too much to impose on anyone and I was going to suck it up and just do it. Nellie slept with me each night and we were both pretty chicken, but I would say that with each night I felt more and more at ease. We both missed Zach terribly however and were very happy to have him back at home again at night!

2. Saturday I made a taco soup recipe from Pinterest, which was awesome, and then I went to Mama Joyce’s to wrap presents and make divinity. It was a very tasty day! Haha.

3. Sunday we played hand bells at church and that evening after Zach had caught up on some sleep after his overnight, we went to his Christmas Party for work. 4. On Monday we went to Turoni’s with Zach’s Mom, Dad, Granny, Papaw, Freddie, Jessie, and Aubrie. We didn't get to go to Zach's Mom's side of the family for their Christmas the day before due to Zach working, so I got to give his Granny the blanket I made for her and I got a family plaque from Zach's Papaw. It is really beautiful and I know he spent a lot of time on it. I will snap a picture to put on here soon.

5. Tuesday was the last day of school for the semester. We had a Christmas dress-up contest. Here I am as a tacky Christmas tree! I didn't win, but I definitely had fun dressing up! : )

6. Tuesday night Elizabeth came over to hang out and to eat supper. We went out to Olive Garden, which I think must be our favorite, and then came back to watch T.V.

7. Wednesday was my first full day of break, Zach didn't have to work, and it was heavenly! We slept in, went to check his traps, then went to see Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows, which was spectacular, went to Wal-Mart, and then to good ole Taco Bell for lunch. It was just such a perfect, perfect day with my hubby! Wish we got to do that stuff more often, but I gladly take what I can get! : )

8. Thursday I was a mad-woman, I tell you. I washed dishes for over 2 hours, then cleaned, dipped pretzels, rice-krispies, and peanuts in chocolate, ran to the store, cleaned some more and took a shower, all because of these two beautiful ladies in the picture with me!
We celebrated Christmas that afternoon by making yummy homemade pizzas and eating lots of chocolate covered things and chess cake! Then we watched Crazy, Stupid, Love which was really good. Plus, who doesn't love Steve Carell?

We also exchanged presents. I got an "N" tervis tumbler and lid filled with goodies from Megan and a UK tervis tumbler from Lizabeth along with the adorable beagle puppies calendar! I looooved all my presents! I have already been using the tervis tumblers!

9. I can't believe half of my first year of a job in a school is over! I love it, but am continually praying I will get a teaching position for next school year as well! We wouldn't have anything any other way right now though! We know God has a perfect plan for me and for us as a family!

10. I am just out of things to tell for the week, so you get to hear a fun fact about me. I alphabetize our DVD movies on a built in bookshelf in our house. Movies with numbers at the beginning of titles go first and then A-Z. If Zach wants to upset me, all he has to do is move a few movies around. Haha! I also don't like it if they don't get put back where they are supposed to go!

Have a Merry Christmas! I'm sure I'll have a long post for it!

Friday, the day after Ten on Thursday! : )

2011-12-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

1. Two more days of school until Christmas break!

2. Zach finished his semester on Tuesday night. I once again will brag on him, since I don't think he looks at our blog anyway. He passed all of his classes and did so well. I honestly can't express is words how proud I am of him or how proud I am to be his wife. All I can say is, God did an excellent job when he set Zach aside for me! I am just blessed. : )

3. I am finally getting over my sickness, praise the Lord! My nose is still stuffy off and on, but I will take it since my head no longer feels like it will explode!

4. Nellie has found a new love. Whenever I am drying my hair, as soon as I turn on the drier, she comes bounding up, lays down, and rolls onto her back. Then I blow it all over her belly and sides as she just wallows. (Don't worry, I make sure to keep it moving so it doesn't burn her!) She will even roll from side to side when I tell her too. This has become extremely useful for when I give her a bath so that I can get her dry without her getting our house all wet! Also, it's extremely cute, naturally!

5. On Wednesday Zach took me shopping to remind him of what I wanted for Christmas. ; ) (That's code for I had to pick a few things out!) Then we went to one of our favorites, Shyler's for supper. Yum! It was so nice to get to spend time together. It's been a little crazy with his finals and work, and me preparing for the end of the semester. Hopefully we can both relax and spends lots of time together on break!

6. It is so cold here today, but I looked at the forecast and it is saying that it is supposed to be in the 40's next week for Christmas. : ( I am still hoping for a Christmas miracle and some snow though!

7. I finally, finally finished the present I have been working on for Zach's Granny. It doesn't seem like I've been working on it so long since I didn't start it until October, but let me tell you, I logged some major hours in the making of it. I kept wanting to make it bigger/longer which led me to running out of the materials I was using not once, but twice! Ugh! Let's just say, I am really glad that I am done, really pleased with how it turned out, and am really hoping she will like it! I will post a picture of it once I give it to her Monday night!

8. We are still not quite prepared for Christmas at the Scheller house hold! Sure, our tree and decorations are up, but all the presents are not bought and wrapped under the tree. This makes me very nervous, as there are actually some things that I do not enjoy procrastinating on! I think we still have 6 people to buy for, and Christmas is fast approaching!

9. Nellie does not like that I have wrapped her Christmas presents. Some of them are pork chomps and she can smell them through their packaging and the paper, so she has already gotten in trouble a couple times for "snooping!" Haha, hopefully I can keep her out of any of the messes she got in last Christmas though!

10. 9 days until Christmas! (a count down that my students remind me of daily!) : )

Catching up!

2011-12-11T17:49:00.000-08:00

Nellie is just horrified my her Mama's lack of blogging these past couple weeks! Well, more like, this is how she feels about her Santa hat this year! : ) Either way, she is too cute in this picture.

So posting my ten on Thursdays has crossed my mind a million times in the last two weeks, it just hasn't made itself a #1 priority thus far! Sorry, but I do have pictures to make up for it! : )

Let's start with Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful day with both sides of Zach's family. We went to his Aunt Tammy's house at lunch time. I am not big on Thanksgiving foods, which I probably mentioned before, but I do like corn casserole, mashed potatoes, and lots of pretzels with rolos melted on them. I did not take pictures, but everything was beautiful and delicious.

Later that night we met Zach's Aunt and Uncle at Cracker Barrel. We were honestly still stuffed to our gills, so I ordered a side of hashbrown casserole and was good with that! This was the first "big" holiday without Grandma Scheller, and I don't know if it felt less real since we were at a restaurant instead of her house, but it still doesn't seem real. When someone is doing so well and then circumstances change so quickly, I guess our minds just take a really long time to wrap around it. I'm not sure that makes sense, but I think that is how we are feeling!

At our Cracker Barrel in Evansville there is a pretty big pond/lake where many geese and ducks live. They are pretty well conditioned to when they see people they think, "OOH, Biscuits, bread, must swim fast!" So we ended our night feeding them and watching them fight over the crumbs! : )

Then we did just about the craziest thing we've even done together. I had mentioned there being a few things that we wanted from Wal-Mart or Target on Black Friday, and the sales started at Midnight. So what do we little geniuses do? We get to our Wal-Mart around 11:30, and our jaws dropped. We had to park out in the far, far, far away lot that you know no one ever has to park in. Then, we proceeded inside, where I'm sure fire codes were broken. You could barely move in there! We looked around for about 10 minutes, abandoned an item or two in an aisle, (don't judge, that's like the first time ever!) and got the heck out of there. It was even before midnight when we cruised by our Target on the way home and chuckled at all the cars. Can we say never, and I mean, NEVER doing that again? Cause I mean it! There's just no sense.

So then we got up around 9:15 the next morning and went to the mall and Chick-fil-a. Zach had to head to work and I got to Target, where I actually found a few things on our list! I have to say though, the store looked like a tornado came through!

Since that weekend, we've had two busy weeks of school, with Zach gearing up for finals and me praying for Christmas Break. I promise I am not tired of my kids, my mind and body just need a little break! Zach had his engineering final this past friday (Dec. 9) and has his Calculus final tomorrow followed by his Chemistry final on Tuesday. We would greatly appreciate your prayers that God would allow Zach to effectively use all the knowledge he has attained this semester! We'll let you know how they go.

Last Sunday (Dec.4) I started to feel bad with a scratchy throat, congestion, sinus pain, etc. Well, by Wednesday, which was supposed to be an enjoyable half day of school, I was dying! I worked another half day Thursday and then Zach and I spent 6, yes 6, hours at the doctor, then hospital, and then, Dr. again. I was to the point if they had said cutting off my head would have made me feel better, I would have said, "Go for it!" After checking me out, the doctor thought I had pneumonia in my left lung so I had to go get blood work and chest x-rays at Methodist! You can imagine our delight! (haha) Turns out, it wasn't pneumonia (which was a huge praise!), but they weren't sure what was wrong. 5 prescriptions and $100 later at the pharmacy and we were finally home. I wish I could tell you I felt all better, but my head still feels like it could explode, so pray I get through at least tomorrow, and preferably the whole week alright! I just feel yucky!

Yesterday though I was able to wrap 24 presents for Mama Joyce while Zach got to take Nellie rabbit hunting. He was so excited because he bought her a dummy to put the rabbit scent on and he had been hiding it around the house for her to find. To my surprise, she found it every time. Zach couldn't even hide his excitement. He was praising her like crazy and enforcing the behavior with lots of treats. I think she was pretty proud of herself as well. When they went hunting, he even said she stayed on the trail of a rabbit for a little while. They also got one rabbit yesterday, but Zach said that Nellie wasn't even aware of the rabbit when he shot it! Ha! I guess they just have to keep working at it! They do make an awfully cute hunting pair though!

Last night we got to keep our niece while her parents went out! We had a blast and I have a picture or two I will have to post from my iPod touch. We went to Fazoli's and had supper, which Aubrie was so excited about. Then we came back home and she got to play with Nellie, whom she loves very much. I am pretty sure Nellie shot me a couple looks though that said, "Please, Mama, make is stop!" ; ) I think Nellie was just really tired from the aforementioned rabbit hunting! We also make brownies, during which Aubrie declared, "I really am such a big helper!" which I had to agree with! She was just having so much fun! Even when Zach and I were half asleep during our movie, she was bouncing around to the music and eating popcorn. It reminded us of all the energy we're going to need to keep up with her and our own!

Today we didn't go to church since I was still feeling so crummy, but we did eat lunch at Mama Joyce's and take our pictures for our Christmas cards! Here are a couple, for your pre-view pleasure!

Mr. and Mrs. Zach Scheller. This is our 5th Christmas together, which is a little hard to believe! I look forward to many more, though!
My heart! Such a sweet, sweet, girl!
Our little family! (Who sometimes have difficulty getting it all together for a good picture!) Hehe

Thankful Thanksgiving Thursday

2011-11-16T10:11:00.001-08:00

This year I'm giving ya'll the top 22 things I'm Thankful for, since I am after all, 22 years old!

1. I am in constant thanks for the life I've been given through Christ dying for me with the promise I can spend forever with him. I am so undeserving, but he loves me anyway.

2. I am so very thankful for Zach. God has given me a best friend, confidant, and husband. He is so kind to me, loves me, and makes me laugh. He keeps me in check when I get a little crazy and holds me when I need to cry. I am so blessed to call him my husband, and I love getting to spend time together.

3. I am thankful for our Nellie Girl. We are so blessed that we decided one day to get a dog, and that God set aside Nellie for us. She is such a stinker sometime, but she has my heart, so she rarely gets in trouble. She's my little companion when Zach is gone and she is always willing to howl when she fears trouble is around. (Which is usually just her imagination.) She makes anyone she meets smile and we've gotten so many comments about how friendly she is.

4. I am thankful for my Mama. I haven't been easy for her even before I was born. Then when I did get here, I was a sickly little thing, and I guess we should be thankful I only have allergies and asthma to worry about now! (Ha!) Each year that I get closer to becoming a Mama, I'm amazed that should could raise 3 of us and not lose her mind. Here's to hoping I can do half as well!

5. I am thankful for my Daddy. Some little girls are just born Daddy's girls and I think I am classified as one. He has adored my every move, and all I could ever think is that my Daddy is the best man in the entire world. Once I got older, I got to be his hunting buddy, and he got to see me shoot my first deer ever. He didn't even fuss after a while if I couldn't contain my sniffing in the cold. (Remember, allergies!)

6. I am thankful for my brother and sister, Ross and Suzanne. Without them I couldn't claim to have the infamous "middle child syndrome." Think of them as the chocolate cookie, and I, as the delicious creme filling in the middle. Beautiful picture, huh?! Truly, I should be grateful for them, because I would have made a truly horrendous only child. (As would have either Ross or Suzanne.)

7. I am thankful for my Mama Joyce. Not many people's Grandmas get to spend as much time with them as she has with Ross, Suzanne, and I. And for one second, I've never taken that for granted. I was so very, very lucky that we got to be with her and Papa while our parents worked. Their house is truly a second home. I even joked with Mama Joyce that if she wanted, Zach and I could move in with her when we got married. She assured me that I would want my own house. (She lived with her in-laws for, well, I'm not sure, but decades.) Haha. Mama Joyce taught me to bake, cook, sew, and I'm still waiting on a recipe for roses. (The ones that go on the top of cakes!) I am sure Zach is thankful for that!

8. I am thankful for my Mama Grace and Grandaddy. I don't think I deserve it, but they think the world of me, and I love all the memories that I have of visiting them over the years. I know it can be hard to not be close in distance, but we have always squeezed every ounce of enjoyment out of the times we do get to be together.

9. I am thankful for my cousins. We are lucky that we have gotten to spend so much time together through the years. We are also blessed for Norah Kate and Lexie, who can't help but make everybody smile when they are around. Thank Heaven for little girls!

10. My Mother and Father in law. God could not have given me a better "second set" of parent through marrying Zach. When I married him, I got a great package deal. They love me so much and I know how much they love Zach. They would go to the moon and back for either of us, and I am just so blessed to be a part of their family!

11. My Sister-in-law, Jess. For starters, I wouldn't be an aunt without her. But that's not the only reason. Second of all, she's giving us a nephew! (Which takes the pressure of us having a bebe off for a while! ; )) I kid, I kid. She has treated me just like a sister, and for that, I'm so thankful.

12. Our niece, Aubrie. She is silly and goofy, but oh so sweet. She also is a shameless "Uncle Zach's" girl, which I have to say makes me knees wobble a little when I see them together. I love that they love each other so much. Not to say that she doesn't love moi, "Aunt Fana." I usually am requested as her sit-by person at meals, which also, yeah, makes my knees wobble! We love her so much! We also can't wait to see her in action as a big sister in March!

13. I am thankful for Zach's family. He has such a loving family that has readily accepted me into their family. What more could I ask for?

14. Our home. At my school there are children going through the unthinkable of not having a place to live. I can't imagine having that worry as a kid and still having to work hard in school. I am so thankful we have a nice house that leaves us wanting for nothing, even if I sometimes complain about its size or flaws.

15. I am thankful for my education. I don't know where on earth I would be if I hadn't gone to college. #1, I would have never met Zach, which is unthinkable! Even if I forget everything else USI gave me, I'll always be grateful that's where we met. #2, I don't think I will forget all I learned, and I hope I'm a better teacher from allllllllll those classes. (All 156 hours of coursework!)

16. The internet. It helps link me with my family that I don't see or talk to everyday. It is also an outlet that yes, I waste a considerable amount of time on! hehe.

17. I am thankful for my Aunts and Uncles. All of them have been excellent influences upon me. With two aunts as teachers, I have gotten many, many books and lots of good advice. Then there is of course, my Uncle David who married us last June. I wouldn't have had it any other way! It was truly a family affair and was so special! And let us not forget, my Uncle Reid, who you will read about now, on numero 18!

18. I am thankful for modern medicine. As you know, my Uncle Reid was diagnosed with leukemia this summer and has been undergoing treatment at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee. He had his stem cell transplant in September, and is almost through his 100 days there. He and I have always been close as he always loved "my expressive eyes" and he once let me put make-up all over his face at Christmas, which thrilled my 6 year old self to no end. So, I am so thankful for those smart doctors out there that are working hard to get him better! I love you very much, Uncle Reid!

19. I am thankful for my job. Loge is a wonderful school to work, and I couldn't be prouder to say I am a teacher there. I have a wonderful principal (even though he loves to taunt us when we're doing bus duty and it's cold) who supports his staff 110%. All of my fellow teachers are so supportive and great at guiding me when I have (multiple!) questions. I am thankful for each and every one of them!

20. I am thankful for my students. They make me laugh, they make me think, and sometimes the things they say can throw me off and rock me to my core unexpectedly. I know some people in my job would grumble about being an aide rather than in an actual teaching position, but I feel that it is good for me to work with such a range of students and to get to know so many of them!

21. I am thankful for my freedom and the men and women who serve to protect it daily.

22. I am thankful for the 22 years, 7 months, and 14 days that God has given me on this Earth so far. I am thankful to him for all the gifts he has given and will give to me. Hopefully I will get to experience many, many more Thanksgivings surrounded by my family and friends!

Ten on Thursday

2011-11-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

1. Friday I covered a 5th grade class in the afternoon. Let's just say that Friday was a loooong day. I know every grade is different, but you wouldn't believe the difference between even 4th and 5th. Whoa! I was perfectly content returning them to their teacher!

2. Friday afternoon Zach went hunting so Nellie and hung out and did dishes and a little laundry. When Zach got home we had broccoli deer braids for supper. Yum! Then we were uncharacteristically spontaneous, changed out of our pajamas, went to Target, bought 2 pints of ice cream, and the movie, "Just Go With It." Which is hilarious, by the way! It was such a great night to simply relax as a family.

3. Saturday morning we slowly and eventually woke up, loaded up Nellie, and went to my Mama and Daddy's. We dropped off Nellie and went back to town to look at Memories, an Antique shop in Henderson. Each year, the owner's mom, who is in her 80's (I think) hand makes ornaments with old jewelry, materials, or whatever else she wants. Suzanne and I have bought them for a few years now, and I was wanting to see if she had put them out yet. She was just pulling out the new ornaments as we walked into the store! (As Zach said, probably jokingly, "It is fate!") I picked out a gorgeous pink one and Suzanne and I are going back next Saturday for their Country Christmas.

4. When we got back to Mama and Daddy's we headed to set up our new deer stand. It took a while to put together, especially considering we got the seat and foot rest mixed up and didn't notice until they were both bolted down. (In case you're wondering, they were exactly the same, but one had two holes on the edge of it, and one only had one.) It was kind of frustrating. Daddy came to help Zach actually attach it to a tree, because I have a feeling Zach didn't want to depend on me holding up the ladder. ; )

5. I then mowed for Mama Joyce where a GINORMOUS spider landed on my arm. Therefore, I began incessantly screaming, while jumping off the lawn mower. I swiped it off my arm, stomped it into an oblivion, and then realized my shin was throbbing. I pulled up the leg of my pants and I already had a knot on my leg. Zach thinks I'm dramatic, but I promise I almost had a heart attack. Quite literally. Mama Joyce said she could hear me screaming from inside the house and if there were any passer bys, I'm sure they enjoyed the show. My leg still smarts from the incident.

6. On Monday, we went to Chick-fil-a for supper. For one of the first times ever, the fries were pretty burnt, so I was pretty disappointed. That never really happens though, so I'm sure they'll be good next time.

7. At 3:00 on Tuesday morning I woke up feeling just sick. It was like I had to throw up and my stomach just was in knots, but I never did actually throw up. I eventually got back to sleep after about an hour and a half. I got up at my normal time and went to school, but could only make it until lunch. I took a half day and just rested and felt some better on Wednesday.

8. Every morning Nellie tries to jump in bed with Zach before I leave for work. Sometimes he lets her stay and others he has me put her in her kennel. Lately when he rejects her and I tell her to "Go to kennel," she runs out into the living room and will just jump up on the couch or chair and just stare at me like she is saying, "Oh, don't you worry about putting me in my kennel, I'll be just fine right here!" It is so funny to watch!

9. Elizabeth and I went to Panera Bread tonight and I got the soup in the bread bowl for the first time. I brought home to remnants of the bread bowl for Nellie and she LOVED it! I was hilarious to watch her eat it, because she kept rolling it around and sticking her nose in it. Wish I had pictures of it!

10. Tomorrow is Veteran's Day and we are having a special program at school. I think it is so important to teach our students why it is important and to appreciate all the men and women who protect our country day in and day out. I hope we all take a few minutes tomorrow to pray for all our veterans and service people, including all of their leaders who carry such tremendous responsibilites.

Ten on Thursday

2011-11-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

1. Saturday I went to IHOP and Sam's club with Elizabeth. We got to have all sorts of samples and see all of the Christmas stuff!

2. I also made a Christmas wreath with a wreath form, glitter paper, and a hot glue gun. Unfortunatley, Zach won't let me put it up until after Thanksgiving, so you'll have to wait a little bit longer to see it!

3. On Sunday Daddy, Suzannne, and I went to church, then Hunan's, and Rural King. I bought myself a lil' pumpkin to carve and Zach a two-man ladder stand. He was so surprised when he came home and saw me with it in the driveway!

4. Mama and Mama Joyce spent 1/2 week at Vanderbilt with Uncle Reid this week as well. It appears my Daddy did not starve, even in their absence. Haha.

5. On Halloween, we were grinches I guess, because we left candy on our front porch and left the house to find good place to hunt. Zach had to scope out the place for his new stand.

6. At Sam's Club I found the cutest baby outfits for Ryan and Kayleigh's baby, who they found out is a sweet baby GIRL! I have also started pinning ideas on Pinterest because I offered to host Kayleigh's babys shower in Evansville. I myself, just can't wait to meet sweet Natalie Claire! A little over 18 weeks to go!

7. Tutoring is going well, my little guy is doing so well, and he always cracks me up.

8. Zach got another 10/10 on his Calculus quiz! I am so proud of him. Only about 4 weeks of class left in this semester!

9. Zach's parents got back from Hawaii on Sunday and we had dinner with them at Shyler's. They had been 29 hours without sleep, so I know they were glad to get home!

10. So many kiddos have been sick lately. On average, just from my small groups, I've had at least 2 out per day. I just hope they don't give it to me!

I am so excited for this weekend, because Zach is off! I can guarantee it will be good. Nellie and I love having him home! Have a great weekend! Don't forget Daylight Saving time!

Lately...

2011-10-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

1. School has been pretty monotonous! I can tell the kids are feeling it as well, and we get closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, I think it's going to get worse!

2. Zach and I went turkey hunting on Monday after school at his parents' new house. It was quite warm, so at least we weren't freezing, which I always like. I think I came close to dozing off a few times, but then we heard a really loud noise close to us. It turned out to be a stinking little groundhog, but got it anyway! One less little pest running around there.

3. We are getting "ready" for Halloween. We don't really do much for it, but we've gotten out decorations out and bought a bag of candy.

4. I have getting to see Elizabeth a lot lately! In case she is reading this, I am so glad you are home this year! We went to the mall to get Dippin' dots the other day and they were delicious.

5. This week is red ribbon week. We have had an anti- drug theme for each day. I will gave to upload some of my glamorous pics from the week.

6. I have not been exercising near enough lately. I know I should, but I am just in a rut. Blah!

7. I also haven't been cooking enough. Must pick up the pace soon!

That's about it as of late! Hey, at least we have no complaints!

Ten on Saturday

2011-10-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

1. This week has been crazy. More on that in a second.

2. Today was only a four day work week, and I am on "Fall Break" from yesterday (Friday) through Monday. This makes next week a four day work week as well. Yay!

3. Zach had his first test in Calculus this week!

4. This week I wore eyeliner and mascara to school and was informed by a couple different kids that:
"Mrs. Scheller, you have eyeliner on." (Why do 6 year olds know what it is?)
"You look like you have glasses drawn around your eyes!" Thanks, N, I guess that is a legit comment.
They all saved themselves by saying, "You look just as pretty without your make up too!"
The lesson here is, if you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen!

5. Now the reason behind the horrible week. Poor Nellie girl has been so so sick. The last time she had eaten was Sunday night. She kept throwing up, so we took her to the vet on Tuesday. They gave her a shot to make her stop throwing up, two sets of pills, and specially prescribed wet dog food for her to eat. I was thinking, "Great. If only she'll eat." She didn't feel like eating Wednesday. I think maybe 4 bites of the food, but they (the vet) seemed satisfied with this enough that we didn't have to bring her in again if she ate better Thursday. Thursday came and she ate 3 bites/ Tbs of cottage cheese (weird, but the vet said it was a probiotic) and about 1/3 can of dog food. I was so thrilled with her feeling better I just about cried.

She is eating even more now, feeling better, and is most of all back to herself. I can't explain how good it feels to see her little tail wagging and her holding her head up. I hope she is not sick like this ever again! Daddy and Mama love you, Nellie girl!

6. Nellie and I also spent last weekend with my parents as Zach was gone hunting down at his grandparents' farm. We are chickens, so that's why we went! My sister, Suzanne, just adopted an Australian Shephard, German Shepard, and Golden Retriever mix from the Humane Society in Bowling Green, so to say it was an eventful weekend is being generous. On Friday night I think they barked at each other for 15 minutes, and on Saturday, they tried to bite one another half the day. By Sunday, they could look at each other without freaking out, so I guess you could say the weekend was a "success." Albeight, a very stressful success!

7. On the hunting front, Zach shot two deer last weekend; a buck and a doe. Unfortunately the buck did not leave a blood trail, so he was not able to find it, but he did bring home the doe.

8. Zach also got to use his new smoker this week. He smoked two of the "hams" from the deer legs. It was so sweet to see him so excited! He then pulled it all apart and we smothered it with barbecue sauce. (Think like pulled pork.) I have to say it was pretty good, only bad thing was that the very outside of it was a little tough and that got mixed in with the tender stuff. But hey, that's nothing a little dental floss can't take of.

9. Yesterday on my first day of my fall break, we slept in until (or should I say Zach did) until about 10:00. I woke up around 8:30, gave Nellie her medicine, and couldn't really go back to bed. After getting Donut Bank with Zach and getting to hang out, he had to go to school. Nellie napped on me through a couple episodes of Baby Story and What Not to Wear when I decided I should get up and do something. I mowed the grass... again! Crazy, isn't it? Especially if you know me, I have only used riding lawn mowers my entire life. Add in my allergies and asthma, and we'll just say it got done with me coughing just a little. I also laughed, because Zach came home in the middle of it and thought it was funny as well.

10. American Eagle has a promotion that ends tomorrow for people with worn out, old, or unusable denim. There is a project that it is turning the old jeans into insulation for houses. How cool is that? You also get 20% off your entire purchase when you donate. I seized the chance to take in the pair that got the huge hole in them last spring when I took my third graders on a field trip, and my skinny jeans that had been tragically ripped when I stepped up into the van. (It was tragic, because I kept trying to think of ways to mend them, but Zach knew there wasn't any way for that to happen!) So basically I went in last night and replaced my favorite pair. I didn't even have to try them on! Score. When I got home, I did put them on, and they fit like a glove, holding up even my non-existent booty. (Just ask any of my friends and family... they'll testify it's true. Haha)

Here's the run down on my payment for those who may (or may not) care. I was just impressed with me-self! : )

Reg. price- $39.95
Special promo of $10 off any jean - $29.95
20% off for donating old jeans- $5.60
Total price- $25.60 after tax

THEN, I still had a giftcard for $15. and something, so I paid only $9.62 out of my own pocket! I realize this is a long story for one pair of (ridiculously cute on me) jeans, but I just LOVES me a good deal. Yes, Mama, I get that from YOU!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Fall weekend! Zach is itching for me to finish this so we can get our hunting underway! We have to fill up that freezer, after all!

Ten on Thursday

2011-09-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

1. Saturday was the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which Mama and Suzanne were going to walk in, but Suzanne already felt under the weather and it was raining, so we ended up going shopping. I got an adorable dress and sweater from NY & Co. I will be wearing it for picture day tomorrow at school.

2. A negative however is that I had a stupid, awful, no good fever blister pop up over night, so I don't think I am going to look very pretty for picture day tomorrow! Ugh! I guess there is always the retake day if they don't turn out well.

3. Tonight was our Pizza Box Party for the kids at school who completed the worksheets and activities that they were given at the beginning of the summer. We went to Walther's Golf and Fun and I played laser tag with a group of twenty second graders. I was thinking I was going to go easy on them and not be aggressive. That was until the little stinkers decided that since I was the only teacher in there, they were going to all, and I mean all going to go after me... for 20 whole minutes... and keep shooting at me, even when I told them I had been hit and would be out for 8 more seconds. So then it was game on. I showed no mercy and you can see the results below. Don't forget kids, Mrs. Scheller is # 1! Haha! Really, we all had a great time and it was the most fun I have had in a while.

4. Here is the much-anticipated (I'm sure : )) picture of our new bed! This is without our lovely bedspread on it, but hey, I have to work with what I finally got uploaded. The picture is from my iPod touch, as I stiiiiiiill haven't found my camera charger. I'm starting to get really aggravated that I can't find it!

5. Tuesday and Wednesday were the first afternoons of tutoring my little guy from my second grade reading block. At first I wasn't sure how it would go, but he has quickly become the highlight of my day! He is so sweet and just really loves the one-on-one interaction. Now if only I could get him to be less of a ham in class! : )

6. On Saturday I got to open all of the things my Aunt Melody, Uncle David, and my cousin, Rachael sent for my college graduation. Among the goodies were 30 or so books, a book bag, a blanket, a coat and sweater from Rachael, and a basket filled with tacks, post-its, writing cube, stickers, "to-do" paper clips, and much more! I sooo loved smelling all the new books and writing over and over "Mrs. Scheller" in each one. I still love doing that! : ) Thank you so much for the gifts, I'm going to put them to good use!

7. I have lost another pound or two since the last time I posted about exercising! Woo hoo! It's coming off slowly, but that's the best way to do it!

8. Zach got a 100% on a Calculus quiz this week. He would hate to know that I am bragging on him, but I am one so very proud wife. I caught a cutie that also has smarts! : )

9. Zach has tried to get his deer stands up for the past couple weeks and decided today that he just isn't going to be able to make them work with the trees he had in mind. I supposed this means we'll sit on the ground, which seems a bit safer to me. You know, as long as there are no rabid deer charging us or anything! (No telling what Hoosier deer are like! ; ))

10. Sweet Zach went to lunch with me today. I can honestly say it made my day. I just love getting to see my husband's face, especially when I haven't been seeing as much of it with my school, his school, his work, and my early(ish) bedtime. Gosh, I love that man!

My favorite picture of Nellie Girl and Her Daddy. What can I say, they are my world! : )

Ten On Thursday

2011-09-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

1. We got our mattress set in this past Saturday! It was about time. While Zach was at work, my mom and I tried to get the bed frame together. Zach's parents met me to pick up the mattress and then with the 4 of us, we got it all together! We were so excited! It is wonderful and we sleep so well on it!

2. I can't find the charger for my camera battery, which is why I haven't had pictures in a while. I hope I find it soon, especially because I want to share pictures of our new bed!

3. Saturday night we celebrated Zach's Mom's birthday at Texas Roadhouse. She was scared to death we were going to sic the birthday singers on her, but Zach was nice and didn't tell it was her birthday!

4. This week has gone by super quick! I can't complain because I just love sleeping in on the weekend.

5. Yesterday the teacher of a boy in my reading block 7. asked me if I would be interested in tutoring him. I said yes of course, but now I'm nervous and hope I know what to do with him for an hour two days a week! Haha.

6. On Monday we got yummy Chick-fil-a for supper. It is about the only night Zach is home for supper! Other nights I cook, eat by myself, and then he eats when he gets home. Some nights I am just too lazy for that!

7. Tomorrow at school we are having two programs, leaving me with about 2, 30 minute classes teach. I am very much looking forward to it!

8. Zach tried to put up his tree stands again today, but said he needs ladders for them. He is soooo ready for hunting season!

9. Tonight was the season premiere of the Office. Elizabeth came over, we got Panera Bread, and we watched it! We enjoyed it very much even without Steve Carell, and I look forward to the season!

10. We found out that the Dr. thinks that our newest niece/nephew is going to be a BOY! Zach is pretty happy about that, and hopes it stays a boy. Me, I'm happy with either, especially since they make some awfully cute things for little boys these days!

Ten on Thursday

2011-09-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

1. The Office comes back on a week from tonight! Woo hoo! I can't wait.

2. Nellie has been hiding all of her toys. I could be wrong, but I think she forgets where she puts them. I think today is the first time I have seen her Kong toy since her birthday! She is too funny, because usually they are in a place she can't reach under. She usually will whine/cry until I figure out she wants me to fetch something for her!

3. Yesterday was Zach's mom's birthday! Nellie says," Happy Birthday, Nana! We love you!"

4. This week at school has gone by pretty fast! Now I only have to get through tomorrow!

5. Tomorrow is my first pay day! We are praising the Lord that it is finally (well, almost) here!

6. Zach got two new small tree stands this week! As I understand, he has big plans for them!

7. I am also FINALLY getting my hair cut tomorrow. I would say it's been no less than 9 months since my last one, and my hair is driving me crazy. Let's hope it turns out well!

8. Nellie is going to hang out with her Aunt Suzanne while I get my hair cut. I am sure they will have lots of fun!

9. I made quesidillas tonight. I sure do like them!

10. Did I mention that Zach and I are going to be an aunt and uncle again? Zach's sister told us a few weeks ago that she was expecting, and I am pretty sure everybody knows, so surely they won't mind our congratulations on here! I can't wait to hold him or her and welcome them to the family!

Nellie Girl is ONE!

2011-09-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

Nellie's birthday was over a month ago, but it's been a busy month, so here are some pictures from her PINK birthday party.

This is the centerpiece of the table. Pink everything! I was loving it!This was Nellie's cupcake. It had the extra dots because she chose to pull a cupcake down on Sunday morning when I was decorating. I snatched it back and made sure not to confuse it with everyone elses!

These are her "pup cups." We filled them with either puppy chow or your drink of choice. Elizabeth and I spent a couple hours making them! I think they turned out splendidly, though!

Nellie's birthday banner. Which I spent about 4 hours on by myself, and Elizabeth helped with for about 1 or so one day! It was beautiful though. (It's actually still up! hehe) Zach wants to know when I am going to take it down. Also, ignore our ceiling, we took down the ceiling tiles and have yet to refinish it!

Our sweet girl in her birthday outfit!

All of her gifties!

Nellie with her Aunt Suzanne. Who refers to herself as "Favorite Person" when Nellie is around. (The name is self explanatory!)

Holding Nellie as she dug into her "pupcake!" She loved it, even though I'm pretty sure her vet would frown upon us giving it to her! Shhh, don't tell!

Really getting in to it now! How sweet is her birthday hat! I made it as well. She wasn't a big fan as I made two seperate bands, one for each ear. It was hilarious to watch her shake it off though!

Sweet girl with her chicken. (RIP chicken, he hardly lasted a day. She chewed the heck out of him!)

Opening presents, at which she did a fabulous job! I couldn't believe how she would dig into the presents. I think she definitely knew they were all for her.
This shirt was from her Nana and Poppy! (Zach's parents) It says in glitter studded letters "Pick of the Litter." She certainly was! Although Zach loves to tell her that she was the only one left, so she wasn't! Haha. She doesn't care what he says, she loves him anyway!
Opening pork chomps from Aunt Elizabeth!
Birthday girl with her Mama! So stinkin' cuuuuuuute!
Nellie told me to thank Mama Ruth, Granddaddy Mike (I am making up these names as they refuse to be called dog grandparents), Mama Joyce, Aunt Suzanne, Aunt Elizabeth, Nana, and Poppy for coming to her party. She had such a fun time and after everyone left she kept running around looking for where all her guests went!

Her party also got some of my overflowing party ideas out, but lets hope I'm still as crazy with our human kids! ; ) (Otherwise they may be a little jealous when they find out the dog had a better 1st birthday party than them!)

Let's Play Catch up!

2011-09-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

Starting with...
1. Labor day September 5th. We got to sleep in and then went out and about looking for a new bed/ mattress set! We found a great deal at Baumberger's and are still waiting for them to come in. : ( I know it's not been that long, but I just can't wait to get them and sleep on them!

2. That afternoon we went to Zach's parents to cook out. It was freezing, so I got a cold/sinus infection! Boo, but we still had fun!

3. This 4 day work week seemed every bit as long as a 5 day one!

4. I am developing a highly undesirable raccoon tan on my face from bus duty. I told my principal I needed compensation! Haha

5. Zach has night classes a couple of nights, so Nellie and I usually go on a walk and I do my elliptical. Then Nellie makes me super paranoid by walking around growling and cowering like she's scared. I thought she'd be my little fearless protector, but we're thinking not!

6. We picked out our bed and I actually went out and bought it on Friday. I was by myself in Zach's Explorer, so thank goodness that the ladies helped me pack the huge thing in. I was able to carry the rails in when I got home by myself, but the main part weighed over 100 lbs, so he had to help me with that. We put the headboard together tonight! I'll get pictures up as soon as we get our mattress in!

7. Zach worked Saturday, so Nellie and I went to Mama and Daddy's. Nellie stayed with her Grandpa while Mama and I went to my cousin,
Neil's, wedding shower. I think Nellie had lots of fun with Grandpa!

8. Today was the first Sunday that Zach has had Sunday off (except his surgery) since June. We got to go to church together and I can barely explain how happy I was to be in church with him worshipping together! Hopefully it won't be so long before his next Sunday off again!

9. Zach is settling in to his semester of school and I am falling into my routine at school. Pray that both continue to go well for us. I know I've said it before, but I am so proud of Zach going to school, and I hope he learns so much this semester!

10. I get my first paycheck this Friday! It's been a long while since my last summer camp check, so we are super excited and super ready for my "big" aide pay! God is so good! I am loving what I am doing and can not imagine doing anything else!

I hope everyone has a great week!

Ten on Thursday!

2011-09-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

1. Here are a couple pictures from Zach's surgery. He is doing a little better, but is still so sore! He goes to the Dr. tomorrow for the second time this week and is scheduled to get the drain removed.

Here we are after they had placed his IV and had him changed into his fashionable hospital gown. (He was not liking it!)

Opening his basket from our Sunday school teacher, Jana! He loved it!

Nellie was cracking me up laying under the cover like this. She was laying by her Daddy making sure he was taken care of!

2. My Uncle Reid had a stem cell transplant today for his Leukemia. It sounds as if it went well and we are so glad! Praise the Lord! Now he must stay in the hospital for the next 100 days if all stays well!

3. Today two girls in the fourth grade (two of my third graders from when I was student teaching last year) seperately stared at my belly and said, "Mrs. Scheller, when are you going to have a baby?" Whoa. I know that my dress does not make me look so big I appear pregnant! Plus didn't those girls know I have been excercising my off to lose weight? So I can only reply, "Wait, do I look pregnant?" Sweet thing says that I don't! (Good answer!) Then I explained to her that Zach and I would probably wait a couple years especially Zach is still in school. She then replied in a totally serious manner, "Yeah, that is a really responsible thing to do. Plus, you don't want to ruin or keep him from his career or interfere with his school." Ha! Seriously? I had to hold back a laugh as I replied that she was so right. I then had the same conversation with my second girl. Sigh... Why are 4th graders so obsessed with babies? ; )

Much of the same

2011-08-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

We have not been too exciting around here since the last post. Yesterday was a real day of rest for Zach because he took about 2 naps, each lasting at least 2 hours. I was glad he could finally get some sleep. Last night Mama, Daddy, and Suzanne brought us supper. We watched "How To Train Your Dragon" while Suzanne and I did our nails with the Sally Hansen press-on nails.

Today has been discouraging in some ways. We were planning on going to church at first, and after a lot of consideration, decided that it would be way too hard on Zach. Then we decided we would just go to Mama Joyce's for lunch. I washed Zach's hair in the sink and got him dressed, and by the time that was all done he was in such pain! It is so hard for me to not be able to do much for him. So we stayed home and he got to take a well deserved nap. The afternoon passed by quickly and I was able to do my elliptical for the first time in three (I KNOW!) days. I am even more ashamed to admit that it really wore me out! I just didn't think 3 days should have done that to me!

Tonight Zach's mom and dad brought us Olive Garden! Yuuuuuum! It's about our favorite food to eat and it made me so happy to see Zach eat so much. He hasn't had his "normal" appetite in the past few days.

We are winding down day 4 post surgery and as you can tell, he doesn't really feel much improved since Thursday. We thank you for all of your prayers and support. Please pray that his pain will lessen more and more. We go to the Dr. on Tuesday to get the drain out. Please pray that it would go smoothly and that it will not be too painful (as we are afraid it might be!) I know that we are going through so much less than other people are, but this is our biggest "obstacle" right now and we covet your thoughts and prayers!

Night Night!
~Zach, Nathana, and Nellie : )

Our Day of "Rest"

2011-08-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

I of course say that because our rest has been few and far between. Our night went something like this.
•11:00 p.m.- Zach took a percocet, I emptied his drain and we collapsed into bed.
•1:00 a.m- Bathroom run
•3:00 a.m.- Bathroom run #2
•5:00 a.m.- More meds for Zach
•7:00 a.m.- We were basically up for good.

It took forever for us to join the land of the living. I don't think I took a shower until almost noon!
Zach's mom and sister came with our niece. She was definitely a nice distraction from everything because she is so sweet and funny, but our talking really hurt Zach's ears for some reason. ( and stop your laughing, we weren't even that loud, his poor head just couldn't handle the four of us. I got to run out to Target quickly while they were there to get movies Zach wanted. He was so happy when he saw I found them. I bought the A Team and (much to my future regret) Blazing Saddles. Trust me though, if you saw how puny he is, you would have too.

Overall he has been very sore today and he felt really awful when I changed his dressings. I am so glad I was able to care for him today and we are just praising God for his healing. We are thankful that Zach hasn't vomited or felt nauseous and pray that he would continue to not have those symptoms.

One big request we have for tonight is that Zach has just developed a fever. : (. This is what we were hoping to avoid, but he has it, so we're handling as best we can. Also pray for a more peaceful night, even though it seems that it won't be. God is good though and I am glad we are in the comfort of home and not in the hospital!

Goodnight everybody!

Surgery Thursday

2011-08-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Zach's surgery went well, but not exactly as planned. We are home and resting. After his pain meds, he reported that, "It (his arm) felt horrible." It broke my heart, but I know now he is on the road to healing! More tomorrow, for now, we must sleep!

7 Pounds and a Motivational Pep Talk

2011-08-23T17:52:00.000-07:00

And I'm not talking about the Will Smith movie that came out a few years ago.

I am talking about the amount of weight I have lost! (And I don't intend to go looking for it! hehe)

I was really surprised when I weighed seeing as it has only been about 3 weeks of really exercising. I have been walking on and off, but just recently started the elliptical. Zach and I have been cutting back on all that we eat for a little while though, so maybe that has helped some. : )

I ask that you pray for me as I know I will (and already am) tired every day just from work. I ask you to pray for me always to exercise when I just don't feel like it or have no motivation. I have to say though, right now, I have so much motivation. I picture so many good and positive things, and I intend to keep that up!!

It's up to all of you on my down days to lift me up! That's what friends and family are for, right? I also know that several of you are also needing motivation on many levels. Maybe it's planning a wedding (Jenna), or school (Jenna, Jacob, Natalie, Kasee, and Zach), or you have a classroom of children to motivate (Myself and my cousin, Lauren.) There are probably more that I am not even thinking of right now. I am thinking of all of you and lifting you up in my prayers for some good ol' motivation mo-jo! : )

So, in what area of your life are you needing motivation?

Exciting Events

2011-08-22T16:20:00.001-07:00

1. Well, the last week has been anything but boring! Last week was the first full week of school and I didn't even get hit by any cars on bus duty! That's a win/win situation! In all seriousness, I am having a great time getting settled in and getting lesson plans established for my first and second graders' reading blocks. I start with them next week.

2. Nellie has one obsession. Ice, Ice, Baby. The puppy girl will do anything for ice. She just loves it. So therefore, I love to watch her eat it. It's just too fun!

3. Today is Zach's first day back to school! I told one of the other teachers at school I was like a nervous Mama, wondering if he had gotten up on time, what he was wearing, and how his day was going. He will hate reading that! (That is if he ever reads this!)

4. Poor hubs had to go straight to work after school and will be there until 8:30 or so. I plan to have supper waiting when he gets home, though. Poor boy is gonna be tired and hungry!

5. I have been working out almost every day on my elliptical, and I already feel better. I also think I have lost some weight, but our scales are some that Grandma Scheller had, so I'm not sure how accurate they are. When I check on another pair, I will update for sure! (As long as it agrees with me! : ))

6. On Friday, Kayleigh and Ryan came over and I made Chicken Fettucine Alfredo. Zach got to make himself eggs and toast when he came home!!

7. Saturday morning we headed to Mama and Daddy's house with Nellie. They kept her while Zach and I went squirrel hunting. Zach shot one squirrel and I freaked out about all the deer ticks on me. I survived though, and it was just a little fun killing the ticks with my fingernails.

8. Saturday night we went to Zach's sister's house for supper. Aubrie was enjoying showing me their pear tree and riding her bike!

9. Zach is having surgery this Thursday to remove the lipoma (sp?) from his right under arm. We are so thankful for him to finally be having the surgery, but are still a little nervous. Please pray for us when you think of it on Thursday! We know we will feel your prayers. I will update on him as soon as he (hopefully) conks out when we get home. We hope it is not a repeat of when he had his wisdom teeth out. (He was crazy hyper, loud, and non-compliant! haha)

That's about it for this week! I don't know how consistent I will be on my Ten on Thursdays, so I may have to be innovative with my alliterations on other days! We will see, however! I leave you with a picture of our sweet girl! She was enjoying a little chew on the pumpkin juice her Aunt Suzanne had brought Mama and Daddy from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! (We had already drank it all.)

2011-08-20T19:42:00.001-07:00

Goodness. There could not have been a harder task for the last day of this challenge. First of all, I do not always enjoy looking at pictures of myself, and second, I hardly have any pictures of just me. So, here's what I liked best. My hair curly, holding the roses Zach got me for Valentine's Day! This has been a fun 10 days!

10 Day You Challenge

2011-08-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Two songs, almost as hard as picking my four books. I just love music so much and I could listen a hundred songs. So here are just the first two I can think of that mean a lot to Zach and I.

2.Fishin' in the Dark. It has been our song since we started dating and it has been Zach's ringtone for almost as long. Interesting note though, we've never gone fishing in the dark. And also every time I hear my phone ring that song my heart speeds up because I know it's my hubby! : )

1. When I say "I Do.". Megan sang it at our wedding and every time I hear it I tear up, overwhelmed by the love I feel for Zach. I really am the luckiest lady in the world to be his wife.

10 Day You Challenge

2011-08-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not day 8. Three movies.

3.How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days. My favorite movie probably ever. I just love Kate Hudson in it.

2. Pride and Prejudice. The one with Kiera Knightly. I could (and have) watch it over and over again.

1. Get Smart. It has Steve Carell, and is hilarious.

10 Day You Challenge

2011-08-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Today is day 7, so it is time for four books. You should know this is nearly impossible for me to just pick four books, so I may cheat and list some series.

4. Little House in the Big Woods along with every other Laura Ingalls Wilder book. I have always loved reading, but when I first read this book in the 4th grade I fell in love with reading. I also felt I was born in the wrong time period and would be better suited as a pioneer. I eventually come back to reality though and remember all the nice things we have now, and will have to settle with that!

3. Harry Potter. The release of all seven books spanned over half of my life at this point, and I just love the magical world you get to enter when reading them. My next goal is to get to go the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! (if only!)

2. The Holy Bible. Although I won't lie and say I understand everything I read in the bible all the time, I enjoy studying God's word and trying to figure out how he's using it in my life.

1. Pride and Prejudice along with every other romance (not the trashy ones though) known to man kind! Even when I was younger I loved to read about everybody elses romances and now that I'm married, I still enjoy them. Personally, I think our love story and marriage rival Darcy and Elizabeth's! (Except for Zach would never wear the clothes Mr. Darcy wore!) ; )

10 Day You Challenge

2011-08-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 5, so it is time for 5 foods!

5. Lasagna. It is my (and Garfield's) favorite food ever. I would eat it every place that Sam I am would eat Green Eggs and Ham.

4. Chicken. Fried, grilled, broiled, baked, fileted. However it's prepared, I'll eat it. My Mama jokes that we'll all turn into chickens because we eat it so often! Especially from Chick-fil-a.

3. Brownies with ice cream on top. The brownies also have chocolate chips in them. Yuuuuuum!

2. Cherry Delight. I had never had this delectable dessert until I started dating Zach and his Mom made it. It is soooo good. I will usually even choose it before brownies!!

1. Deer. We use it any recipies that call for ground beef and have recipies just for it. Deer stroganoff, "deery" mac (as we've coined it), deer burgers. You name it, and we probably use deer in it. Deer is so lean, when it is processed they actually have to add fat to it to help it hold together when cooked into patties and such. We always drain the fat thought when making "deer-ghetti" (like that one?) and all the others. Zach is already planning our hunting season for this year! : ) That's my husband!

10 Day You Challenge

2011-08-15T18:46:00.001-07:00

Six of the most glorious places in the world to me

6. Home Sweet Home. Nothing can beat it, especially when you've lived there your entire life. I love my parents' house and you can tell I still refer to it as home.

5. Our house. Yes, it is hard to call it home, but I am still working on it. I do love to come home and think about all we have done our little house and all of the memories we have already made here. It's where we settled in after our honeymoon, it's where we brought in our precious Nellie into our family, and it's where we celebrated our first Christmas as a married couple. So in a lot of ways it is becoming "home-ish." : )

4.Mama Joyce's house. It's where my brother, sister, and I spent many summer days and days after school. Less than half a mile from my parents' house it was our second home. We learned that we weren't supposed to baptize kittens or chase the chickens, but we could certainly pick up gum balls and sticks so the yard could be mowed. If only I could recount all the memories....

3. Florida. Our constant vacation spot. Sun, sand, water, and food. Who could ask for more?

2. Bellfield Baptist Church. Another place I have grown up in physically and spiritually. Also, half of the church is my family, so you are always well informed! ; )

1. Germany. I have been, and so want to get to go with Zach, hopefully in the next couple of years before we have kids. It was such an amazing experience and I loved to getting to be in the country my great grandparents hailed from.

10 Day You Challenge

2011-08-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

*Okay, so after my fear post yesterday, last night there was a tick on my upper thigh when we got home from Target! It was a tee-ninsy deer tick and I flipped. Thank goodness it was crawling and not bitten in! Moving on...

7 wants! Woo hoo! How can I pick just seven? Or how can I come up with seven? I have so much already!

1. I want in the next few years to build my idyllic "forever" house. It is much like the home in "The Notebook" in my head, but with tall, wide windows in the front. It would have wrap around porches on both levels, would be either white or brick, would have 10 or 12 feet ceilings, with a couple secret passages/rooms. Not too much right? I'm already making my own rough blue prints! : )

2. I want children. Obviously not too soon, but maybe in the next few years. It is so exciting to think about, and with friends starting to have babies, we can't help but talk about it! Now if you want specifics, I'd like 2 boys and 2 girls. Doesn't matter what order they're in, but I need a couple years in between each. Zach on the other hand will tell you no more than three, and hopefully more boys than girls! Haha, it's
a good thing that God is the dealer of those cards and we'll just take them as they come. Any will be a huge blessing!

3. I want a teaching position in a classroom! Of course I am thrilled to get to be an aide this year, but this want is for next year!

4. I want a dishwasher! Hehe, if you have been to our house you know how we struggle with dishes. I tell Zach if we had one that I would never complain about unloading the dishwasher if only I had one!

5. I want the perfect wardrobe for a teacher. I have a lot of things, but I would love to just have a blank check and not worry at all about the cost of what I am buying!

6. I want to be able to lose a certain amount of weight this year/ school semester.

7. I want a Cricut machine! It would be an awesome addition to my classroom and would make designing things so much easier!

Oh, and Zach said that I had to add that I wanted a Ford Edge... And he's right! (it's a "long time away" want.)

10 Day You Challenge

2011-08-13T13:53:00.001-07:00

Today is day 3, so it's time to face my fears!

8. I am afraid of the things in the dark. Not scared of the dark, as Zach would like to think, but just the stuff in it!

7. I fear/dislike change. i.e.- I get upset when restaraunts change out food items I like and mix it all up. I don't mind the good change, but the bad change is not as fun!

6. I fear being alone. When I am home alone, Nellie and I are always basket cases. It scares me, even though nothing has ever happened.

5. I fear losing my family. Even though I know memebers of my family are going to heaven when they die, I still don't like the idea of not having them here with me. Very selfish, I know, but that's human!!

4. I fear spiders. I would rather face about 5 poisonous snakes.

3. I also fear ticks. It is ridiculous how I act when I see them, but they just freak me out so badly!

2. I fear the robot type people that are at some museums that talk and move. They are creepy.

1. I don't like (but at not necessarily fearful of) driving by myself at night to places.

10 Day You Challenge

2011-08-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

Day 2, so it is time for my nine loves.

Jesus, after all, he is the definition of love itself!

2. My Mama, Daddy, sister, brother, and rest of my family.

3. Zachary Taft Scheller. I love him to the moon and back. He's my other half and he completes me!

4. Nellie-Girl Scheller. Be still, my heart. This little puppy holds the strings to my heart and bless me, I am just her silly little puppet. I never dreamt we would have fallen so in love with her. I even love her rottenness and strong will. Heaven help me when we have kids, because Nellie loves being our one and only!

5. Chick-fil-a. God gave Truett Cathy the finesse and skill to invent the chicken sandwich and God gave me the skill to eat them. I am also enjoying the Chick-fil-a being on my way home from school! Bad for my wallet, but oh so yummy! (Don't worry, I eat the healthy stuff on occasion!)

6. Being a wife. May sound like I'm talking about Zach again, but I promise I'm going a different direction here! All my life I dreamed about the cookie cutter life. I can't say ours fits that mold, but then again, why should it? I love trying my best to be the wife to Zach that God created to be. I love being able to support him and love him despite our imperfections.

7. Being a teacher. Somedays I actually think it is ridiculous that I get paid for hanging out with kids and teaching them. A lot of the time it doesn't feel so much like work as just what I should be doing. And I think that's a pretty great thing.

8. Fresh cherries. They are so yummy and just fun to eat.

9. Friend/family time. They are the most important people in my life, so to spend time growing even closer to them is a delight.

2011-08-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

One of my friends is doing this challenge, so I am taking it up too! It will mix things up a little bit! Secrets, Secrets, Secrets....

1. I still sleep with a teddy bear. Zach persistently asks when I am going to give it up and my response is always, "When we have children... maybe." Hehe

2. I tri-fold my unmentionables (underwears!). Like fold one side in, then the other, and then under. Zach thinks it is ridiculous.

3. I am constantly discussing things with myself in my head. Not crazy talk, but more like J.D. off of Scrubs. Hence how I end up day dreaming often.

4. Even though I am an aide this school year, I am still shakin' in my boots a little. Especially about bus duty. I really don't want to get run over in the prime of my life.

5. I eat food in sequence of what I like least to what I like most. I also eat only one type of food at a time. i.e.- eat all green beans, move on to roll which I eat all of, and then eat all of lasagna. My foods are also banned from making contact on plate, except for secret number 6....

6. I have two slightly weird food tendencies. I like corn mixed with macaroni and cheese and I like grape jelly with biscuits and gravy.

7. I love all the songs that play on K-love and in my wildest dreams, I think about actually singing them at church for a special music performance, but then Zach reminds me that I am the only one who enjoys my singing! (He was kidding! I think...)

8. When I am home alone, which is not too often, I constantly go around the house checking on everything, and I keep almost every light on. Maybe that is where Nellie gets her nervous tendencies!

9. I often run the cart into the door at Aldi's, which provides at least 2 minutes of laugh time for my sweet hubby. Especially when I do it on the way out too!

10. I hate to take showers. Now, don't interpret that as I don't take showers. I do in fact bathe daily, but I do not understand people that find such relaxation and enjoyment from a shower. To me it is wash body, scrub face, wash hair, shave if absolutely necessary, and get the heck out! I would rather just lay down for relaxation.

So if you still like me after all these secrets, come back for my loves tomorrow! : )

One of the most exciting Ten on Thursdays

2011-08-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

....so far at least!

1. First of all, today was my first day of school... as a teacher for a change! I accepted the Title 1 Aide position at Loge Elementary where I student taught. I am so excited and happy that I am now an official member of Loge! (Although they made me feel so welcome when I was student teaching.) Some of you may be (or maybe not) wondering what that means my resposibilities are. As I understand it so far, I will:

Teach a reading block for both 1st and 2nd grade. (That'll be my whole morning)

Do SSP with grades 1st-5th in the afternoon. SSP is when we review math and language arts standards that students need to know.

Extra perks (haha) include lunch/recess duty for 4th/5th grade, which will not be bad as it's once a week and the fourth and fifth graders can usually handle themselves! My other daily (morning and afternoon) duty is bus duty. I am the main "Stop" person at our cross walk. I was so nervous this morning for it, but I have to say, I did pretty well. No one, including myself, got ran over, which is a feat considering how jam packed it was this morning in the parking lot!

2. So enough about my new job, onto our Nellie girl! We had her 1st birthday party this past Sunday night. I will give you a sneak peek at the fun, but we all know that my Nellie gets her own post! ; )

Little One Year Old!

Princess Nellie girl!

3. This past Friday was our last day of Summer Camp! Cue the Hallelujah chorus! (just kidding....nooooooot really!) : ) The kids seemed veeeery ready to go back to school, but still had a fun time. We rented a bounce house for the kids to play in and then we ordered them pizza for lunch. It sure was a long summer, but I think all us teachers had a good time!

4. Zach worked 60 hours this last week! It was so very hectic and we barely saw each other, but at least when he starts school I know things will be better off until I get my first pay check.

5. Oh, when I saw my students that I had in the spring while student teaching, they made me so happy. They were all yelling, "Mrs. Scheller, Mrs. Scheller!" and wanted to talk to me! It made me one happy teacher. : )

6. Saturday I got to babysit my favorite children! Ben was cracking me up as he told me that I was soooo old and that his Mama and Daddy were "24 (dad) and uhhhh 22, (mom) no fiiiiify two." He was full of funny things! Me thinks I could have a boy some day after all!

7. Monday was my last day of "freedom" so I slept in. Like really slept in. Until like 9! Yeah, I myself am sad that is now my new "sleeping in." When Zach got home from an early morning work meeting, he took me to Sugarbakers and bought me a Vera Bradley lanyard for my school and classroom keys! He promised he would if I got a job, and I'm glad he had to follow through with that!

8. Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with teacher meetings and preparing my classroom, and for Zach it was work and a well deserved day off on Wednesday!

9. Last night we went out to Shyler's with Ryan and Kayleigh to celebrate/anticipate the first day of school. Or maybe we were just going out like we usually do. Then Ryan wanted me to cut his hair at their house. I have only cut Zach's hair up until this point, but I took my trusty Wahl clippers, and I did a pretty good job! Or as long as his new students didn't make fun of it today, I did! Haha

10. We got a new (to us) elliptical machine today. I was searching a couple of days ago on Craigslist and found several, with the most expensive being $250! Well, at this point, that was not gonna happen! Good for us, that I found one for, hold your breath, $2o! I thought it must have been too good to be true, but I brought it home and tried it out, and it's good to go! Although I can't get the cord to the wall to work (so no calorie burned read out, but for now, at least it gets me movin'!) I'm so excited to have it now!

Vacation, All I ever wanted!!!

2011-08-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

Now that you are all singing along, here is a picture recap of our vacation to Destin, Florida. Zach was ellusive of pictures, so I worked with what I had! Hehe.

Here is Zach at the huge Alvin's Island in Panama City Beach. We drove over there on Thursday night to eat at Pineapple Willy's. He was way excited!

Here is Zach and I at Pineapple Willy's. He wasn't thrilled about having to wait 1 hour for us to be seated, but it was well worth it when I got my ribs!

Here I am before we went out. Zach was relaxing inside out of the heat.

Inside picture!

See, there he is! : )

This was Tuesday night when everyone else went out to eat seafood, but my sweet husband said we could go somewhere I could eat and that he didn't even care if he ate seafood!

We ended up at Jim N' Nicks BBQ with no wait and where we were given these delicious cheddar biscuits. They were seriously sooooo yummy! I wish we had a Jim n' Nicks up at home!

And again. I just noticed that Zach has on two different shirts in these past two pictures. I'm prett sure he wore the polo to supper.

My cousin, Jonathan, with his "short" coffee from Starbucks. He saw online that they offered a size smaller than "tall" and wanted to try one for himself.

This was Monday night when we cooked at the Town House while everybody went out to seafood. We had rib-eye steaks, corn, and broccoli with cheese.

Zach grilling the steaks. Look closely and you can see that it started POURING rain while we were cooking. I got soaking wet as well walking back and forth to the town house.

Pre-rain, hair up, still not very good for that day. I had been at the beach earlier.
Zach at McAlister's.
Zach when we first got to the townhouse.
Mama and Daddy when Mama, Suzanne, and Mama Joyce first got to the town house.

Well, I am disappointed I didn't even get a picture of the beach, but I didn't want to take my camera down there much, and I guess I just forgot! We had a fabulous time and I can't wait for the next time we go!

1 year old

2011-08-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well, our Nellie girl is ONE year old today! We have had her all that time except for the 10 weeks she was with her dog mama. We sang to her this morning (okay, just me, Zach didn't participate) and Nellie seemed to not care. We love Nellie so much and are so glad she is ours. So long ago I was so nervous to be bringing a "house" dog home. Now if she is at my or Zach's parents' it is just too quiet! I can't imagine our lives without her!

1 year stats:
20 ish pounds (hopefully not gaining too much!)

Things Nellie loves:
Getting her belly rubbed
Running, running, running
Riding in the car
Getting in the trashcan and chewing up Kleenex.
Hiding when she gets into trouble.
Playing with water bottles
Snuggling with her Mama
Playing with her Daddy
Bathtime
Chewing her pork chomps. They are her absolute favorites!

I think that is about it for her likes!

We are having her birthday party Sunday and Zach seems to think I have gone waaayy too over the top! Really I am just having too much fun! I hope to get some pictures from that day!

Ten on Thursday

2011-07-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

1. Last Friday was our last full day in Florida. I know I haven't even mentioned vacation, but I was planning on doing a vaca post!

2. Zach, Mama Joyce, and I drove back on Saturday. It was a long day in the car, but we had some yummy ice cream from Durbin's in Clanton, Alabama and Chick-fil-a for lunch!

3. Zach had to work Sunday the day after we got home! Boo, but I am really glad this new job is going well for him! He likes is so much and some of his old friends from Gander work there.

4. With Zach working Sunday, I went to church and then Mama Joyce and I went to Hunan's for lunch.

5. That night we went out to Olive Garden with Ryan and Kayleigh to catch up after our vacations. (They went to North Carolina to visit his parents.)

6. Monday was back to work... Bleh! Not that I don't enjoy the kids, but it is NOT equivalent to Florida!

7. Zach had a staff appreciation at work Monday night, and came home happy that he got a 16 oz. Rib eye meal for free!

8. Wednesday I got to go out with some friends from work to Hacienda. We had a great time talking and hanging out.

9. Tonight we took Nellie fishing for the first time at Zach's parents' new house! It was adorable the way she watched us pull the fish in. She also got wild when the fish hit the bank! Zach held one up to her and she tried so hard to get it and eat it. I feel she would have gobbled it up if we had allowed it. Sadly I didn't have my camera because the pictures would have been adorable! We did get a picture of the 1 ft bass I caught on Zach's Phone, but I wouldn't have a clue as to getting it on here!

10. Zach was supposed to go to the Dr. Today for the surgical consult for the removal of his lipoma (sp?) but the office called and it turns out that the surgeon he was going to see does not do lipomas! Ugh, all I'm saying is shouldn't they have known that from the get-go? So we are bumped up until August 18th. Pray that the Dr. He gets is a good one and the surgery would come at a good time. (even though I am not sure there is ever a "good time" to plan for surgery)

11. And here's an extra since I am slackerific! (yeah, I just coined that term) I am still searching for a teaching job! Please pray that God's path for us will be clearly laid out to us. It is very scary to think that there are only 2 weeks until school starts, and I have no job. And let me just acknowledge that I am aware that my impatience and fear are undesirable to God, but I always have trouble handing those over to him. I do trust that he has a specific plan for me. I just have to go with it and try my very best at each interview I have!

Ten on Thursday

2011-07-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

1. Last Friday we got to take the kids to the YMCA to swim. They had a blast and enjoyed watching all of us teachers go off the diving board!

2. On Saturday, I went to Mama Joyce's while Zach worked, and Elizabeth came over to swim! We had so much fun and got a little more tan!

3. I also mowed Saturday so it won't look so bad after we get back from vacation!

4. I got to meet my Mom and Dad's chickens (or should I say Suzanne's?) last week. They are very tame and a couple of them let me hold them.

5. Suzanne also got her first job last week. She is working a kennel helping take care of all the dogs! Welcome to the working force, Sister!

6. Saturday night we (Mama, Suzanne, and I) practiced hand bells at church with the other members of the hand bell choir for 2.5 hours. We played Sunday morning for the 4th of July and it went really well. I will try to post the videos my dad took on here later.

7. After Zach got of work on Sunday we went to his Granny and Papaw's to eat. His Aunt made Sopapilla (spelling?) and it was delicious!! I must remember to get that recipe. They also made two types of home made ice cream, but I only had room left to try the peach! It was pretty good!

8. We enjoyed a lazy day off on Monday and went to Zach's sister's house to eat that night and to set off fireworks. Aubrie wore earmuffs like you wear when you mow or shoot a gun, which I think was cute and quite hilarious!

9. At Summer camp this week we took the kids to "Bouncing of the Walls." It was a place with several inflatables that the kids could play on. I had a blast too, until I twisted wrong on one of the inflatables and heard my back go "crrrrrr-aaa-cck." If felt bad for a couple days, but it feeling some better today! So, the lesson of that is to learn when you are too old to play with the youngens!

10. Last night Zach and I went out to eat with Ryan and Kayleigh to Cheeseburger in Paradise. They were making fun of me because I always get the same burger and was reluctant to try a new kind. I'm proud to say (even if it is lame) that I did try the mushroom and swiss burger and it was pretty good! See, old dogs can learn new tricks! (Or at least try something different every once in a while!)

Hope ya'lls week has been great!

Our First Anniversary

2011-06-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

For now I am just publishing all of these pictures without headings. They are all out of order, but after we get back from vacation hopefully I can straighten it all out! Enjoy!

One Year Later...

2011-06-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

... and we've learned so much.
We have....

learned that you have to compromise, especially when one person wants the covers tucked in and the other doesn't.

learned that the "D-word" in our house is dishes!

also learned that dishes are something that are best shared... with the other person trying their hardest to find an excuse not to do them.

learned that the ceiling fan can be turned on and off multiple times during the night, but the true victor is the one that steals the covers when they are cold because they are too tired to get up and turn off the ceiling fan.

learned to lean on God to help us strengthen our marital bond. There are so many times that he has answered our prayers. It is evident in our daily lives of the love he has for the both of us, and we try so very hard to share this love with others, but I know we are definitely still in the process of learning how to accomplish that.

learned that coupons don't mean you're poor, they mean you are a smart shopper.

learned that it is best not to go to bed angry. Not just in the event you die in your sleep or something crazy like that, but more so because I've found I can't sleep a wink any how until I have put my anger to rest first. Trust me, Zach's ears can testify that I make sure all is right in
the world before I will let him sleep! : ) Hehe.

learned that there are little things in everyday life that just don't matter. If I don't get the laundry folded the second it is done drying, it can wait. I'd rather have the moment I get to spend with Zach laughing about what happened with my students at school that day.

If my house isn't spotless, but is still clean, I can be happy as well. I doubt at the end of my life I will be wishing I had cleaned more instead of spending time with my husband. (Because the good Lord knows we do not clean together.)

learned that money truly is nothing when you are incandescently happy. (Thank you, Pride and Prejudice.) Seeing as we didn't have oodles of money our first year, I was thankful to God for every cent we had that provided our necessities. I can honestly say our greatest concern this year was monetary. And then, we handed that last worry over to the Lord. He has provided for our every need, and not once have we been unable to obtain something we needed. Oh, how sometimes I would feel I was so unworthy of the care my heavenly Father had given to us, but I am so very glad he has. His love endures, and I very much hope we are pleasing him in our daily lives and marriage. I know he wants us to be happy, and I can report that I have never been happier in my entire life.

I come home to Zach and although we may not be just silly about each other daily, I sometimes just lose it thinking about how happy, full, and complete he makes me. There are days I want to squeeze him to death because I love him so much. Other (less often) days, I want to peep his Tom (this is where you pull the hair up on the back of the neck. It is a tender area and does not feel good. My Papa had it perfected!) because of small things he has done. (And hey, there are sure to be plenty of days he feels the same way about me. I am definitely not always a ray of sunshine!) : ) I know though, no matter how we feel day to day, ultimately we adore one another, and there is no one that I would rather share my life with.

I look forward to coming home each day and cooking supper for our little family.

I like to look around our house and think of all that we have already done to make into our first home.

I love to fall asleep next to my husband after dreaming about it the almost 3 years we dated before we got married.

I love thinking about the first time I got to introduce myself to a stranger as "Nathana Scheller" and remembering that I nearly burst open with pride and happiness of being a new wife to my husband. I love going out and getting to use the words "husband" and "wife" in relation to Zach and I... even a year later. It still feels new, and I insist that we are still newlyweds, even though Zach says we don't really count as that anymore.

I love the way my students call me Mrs. Scheller not knowing that I didn't respond immediately because I still listen for "Scott" as my last name.

I love that when I am crying for no reason, Zach will hold me and pat me on the back while saying, "There, there, Sweetheart," in the voice that I can not go a day without hearing.

I love that he thinks I am nosy, when really, I just need to know these things.

I don't love that he has a terrible memory, but I do love that he relies on me to remember significant and insignificant things for the both of us.

I love the way he gets excited about hunting season, but will not tell me that is what he is excited about. He makes me guess, because according to him, I leave him guessing several times a day. (Haha?)

So, in case you can't tell, Zach and I are so incredibly thankful we have one another. We can not imagine our lives without one another, and in having each other, we are complete. I love every day that I get to spend with him, and I can not wait to see what all our future anniversaries will bring!

I love you, Sweetheart! Happy First Anniversary!

Love,
Nathana

Anniversary Events

2011-06-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend is our first wedding anniversary! We are getting away and can't wait to spend some time away from all of our daily responsibilities! (If only for 2 days!)

Ten on Thursday

2011-06-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

1. Last Friday we took the summer camp kids to Hartke Pool in Evansville. It was supposed to rain, but thank goodness it held off until just after we left the pool. Thank goodness for that, because we had already had a field trip cancelled due to rain!

2. On Saturday we had a yard sale with Ryan and Kayleigh. It was without Zach though, because he had to work. It was pouring that morning and all our customers were well over 60. They also said we were one of the only yard sales that was open. We kept it going until about 10:00 when the rain was blowing side ways. We then went to Shyler's for lunch. Then Kayleigh and I abandoned Ryan to build up our underwear collection at VS. We had way too much fun!

3. When Zach got home from work, I am pretty sure we watched a movie! (I think, Saturday went by in a flash!!)

4. On Sunday I went down to my Dad's parents' (Mama Grace and Granddaddy) for Father's Day. It's a long day to drive 5 hours, but it is always worth it knowing they love to see us so much!

5. We also ate with Zach's mom's side of the family when I got back on Sunday night. So it was good that we got to see both of our Dads that day!

6. On Monday at Summer camp we took the kids to an Evansville Otters' baseball game. It was pretty sweltering in the heat, but the kids had a fun time, especially with the mini-games some o them got to participate in between the innings.

7. On Tuesday I met my Mama on Tuesday to grab Chick-fil-a and go to Sam's Club.

8. On Thursday, we took the kids to see "Gulliver's Travels" at the movies. It was definitely not something I would have let my kids see as they show half of Jack Black's butt (can we say disgusting?) and they say the a- word 6 or 7 times. I didn't even know what to say when they said it, but all the kids were gasping. Haha.

9. Then after work Thursday, Kayleigh and I went shopping again! : ) Both of our wedding anniversaries are in June (Hers is the 5th) so we spend well over a half hour carefully selecting the cards that our husbands will barely read! (Haha, maybe they will read them, but we both discussed how we couldn't buy the long, gushy ones because our guys don't like to read a lot of words on anything, much less a card!)

10. Today we took the kids to a park to play, had a picnic lunch (which made me feel sicky, therefore I hardly ate), and then bowling!! We play almost 3 full games of bowling, and the kids were having such a fun time. I think especially so when Ms. Nathana would do her victory dance!

Ten on Thursday

2011-06-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

Hmm, who's a slacker? I am! Since we've established that over the last few weeks, we'll just lay that to rest and I'll have you remember that every Thursday so you don't have to wonder why Nathana hasn't posted yet! Sound peachy?

So this past week
1. On Friday, summer camp went to New Generation Dairy Farm and let me to tell you, I even learned new things about cows! The kids loved it and enjoyed petting a baby calf most of all. I have to say it brought back so many memories of all of our cows at Papa and Mama Joyce's. It also made me miss all of them, which led to me asking Zach if we could get some cows when I got home! : ) I even scored a "We'll see." That's not a no!!

2. Then our weekend rolled around. Zach worked both Saturday and Sunday, so therefore, I spent those days at Mama Joyce's in the pool. I figure I may as well build up a nice tan before we go to Florida.

3. Speaking of, we will be IN Florida a month from now! I can't tell you how many times these past fews weeks I have been tired or frustrated and just the idea of it has soothed me. Sounds silly, but it's so very true.

4. Also in exciting news, our FIRST anniversary is a mere week from this Sunday. So many thoughts run through my head when I think about that fact. Happiness, disbelief, excitement, down right giddiness knowing that I have been the wife to my best friend for almost an entire year... The list can go on, but that'll probably go along with documenting our anniversary.

5. Zach has also been in the works of planning our anniversary activities (with some help from my Dad.) Sweet, since they are the two best men in my life!

6. Also, while I am bragging on Zach, he fixed our closet this week! The rod has been broken around 3 weeks and we just didn't find the time to tend to it. I came home and just happened to open the closet and find it in an even better condition than it was before! We now have two curtain rods so it can hold even more! Thanks for the hard work, sweetie!

7. I have cooked two week nights this week! That may not sound like a whole lot, but believe me, it is! We had chicken parm one night and homemade pizza another. Then one night we had salsa and chips, lucky charms, and pie. Don't judge, sometimes it just happens when no one feels like cooking!

8. Today we went to the movies and saw The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I had read the book when I was younger, but could remember very little of the plot. Therefore the whole movie was a surprise to me. Our friend Ryan said he didn't like it, but I thought it was really good, especially when you consider all of the Christian based parallels that C.S. Lewis wrote into the stories.

9. This week I finally did the dishes. That's pretty much all you need to know, not so much the details of how long the icky dishes may have sat there. I will say it feels good to have them all done and not have to worry about them. I wish house work could just do itself, or we could have a free maid... oh wait, that's me.

10. Our bath tub has been stopping up lately. At first it would just take a couple hours to drain, and at the longest, it took 36 hours to drain. Talk about ri-dic-u-lous. After Zach snaking it and using FIVE different kinds of drain clog remover products, it is just as clogged as ever. Anybody an expert plumber out there who wants to help us out? I'm tired of taking 5 minute showers and feeling that my feet may be less that clean. (Never fear though, we all get clean in our house!)

We are looking forward to a full weekend with Zach working and I am doing a yard sale with Ryan and Kayleigh Saturday and then going with my family to see my grandparents for Father's Day.

10 months!

2011-06-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Happy 10 month birthday to our Nellie girl! She has been a little difficult lately, but things are getting better! She is still our sweet girl whose face lights up when she sees one of us come into the room. She loves her pork chomps and will do just about anything for them. She is still chewing up her bed and it won't be long before this one bites the dust! We are hoping that one day (hopefully after her first or second birthday) she will stop chewing so much!

I can't believe she will be 1 in two months!

We love you, Nellie Girl!

Ten on a Friday

2011-06-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

1. Last Friday I hung out at Zach's parents' house since we STILL did not have power!

2. Also on Friday, we were supposed to leave for my cousin, Wesley's wedding. However, Zach did not get home from work until 12:30 on Saturday morning. Luckily I had packed absolutely everything we needed to travel and already had the car ready. We left our house at 12:45 in the morning and drove all night to get to Mississippi! As soon as we got there we are breakfast and collapsed into bed to take a nap before the wedding. The wedding was beautiful and their reception was lovely. We are so glad we made it! Congratulations, Wesley and Lara Tew!
(Pics are with my iPod Touch, so not the greatest quality, but I thought they were pretty good pics of us!)

3. Since Zach's parents kept Nellie, we went straight there to pick her up! It was so sweet when we saw her. She could not contain her excitement and she kept rolling over for us to pet her and rubbing up against our hands and legs. We know she had a great time with her Nana and Papaw, but she sure missed her Mama and Daddy! (Who also missed her a great deal as well!)
4. On Memorial Day we got sleep in! It saddens me greatly that this is now so exciting to me. It's even sadder that 8:30 is now sleeping in. We then went to mow and weed eat at Mama Joyce's! Have I mentioned that I LOVE mowing? Love, love, love it!

5. Tuesday Zach found out the hours he would be working at his new job! Oh yeah, did I mention he quit? He sure did, and instantly got a new job at Buck's and Jake's (a hunting store) in Booneville! God is so good! He has provided us with our every need and never ceases to amaze us with his unending love. I sure hope that we are living a good enough testament to others we meet. Trust me, we are the first to admit we would be on a sinking ship without our Lord and Savior!

6. Tuesday was also my first day of Summer Camp at my daycare. I found out I am filling in the k-1 room until my friend, Ryan, is done with his teaching job on Union Co. Then I will be with the 2-3 graders the rest of the summer! Our first field trip was to the Zoo yesterday! The kiddos were Sooo incredibly exhausted, but had a great time. I think I may have been even more tired than they were, especially in the calf region! (the hills at the zoo are killer!)

7. Our second field trip was today. We walked to the YMCA to swim and play in the game room. I got to swim the whole time with the kids, and loved it. It sure did make me miss swim team though! It was also a reminder that I am way out of swimming shape! I would love to join if we had the extra money right now, since it is not really that far from our house.

8. I overheard one of my kids casually telling a friend at lunch, "Yeah, don't you know that Jesus died so that we could live?" My heart melted... Until I heard him follow up with, "AND, he he, he was NAKED!" I suppose he'll be forgiven for the last comment since he is only 5.

9. Tonight I took Nellie to the Starbuck's drive-thru with me. I got my drink and the girl was enamored by Nellie's charming show she puts on at any drive through. (Ahem, especially a particular Donut place.). Any way, the asked if she wanted a "pup cup," "What is a pup cup?" you ask. It is a small cup filled with nothing but frothy, thick whipped cream. Nellie bowled over my purse to get at it. This led to her getting my purse splotched with some of the yumminess from the pup cup. Then, naturally, Nellie thinks, hmm, this white stuff is on Mama's drink too. I had better check to make sure hers is good too! Yep, she licked my frappucino! Oh, how I regretted the pup cup at that moment. I with held the rest from her until we got home and inside the house, and with my drink then safe, I have to say it was cute to watch her eat it! I have pictures that I will post later!

10. I cannot believe we are 3 weeks away from our first anniversary. I know it was jut yesterday I was saying, "I do," to my new husband. It couldn't possibly have been that long, could it?!

Once upon a time...

2011-05-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

There was a little puppy girl named Nellie. And when she was good, she was very, very good.

See what I mean?

But when she was bad, she was horrid.

Exhibits A, B, and C. I should have known she would pull this crap after Daddy leaves the coop for work. Oh Nellie girl, you really ought to think more before you take action...

If you look closely, in the grass lie the little mesh bags that held the clumps of dirt. Apparently Nellie found them tasty.

This was after our Come to Jesus talk. Can't wait to have those with real children (not!). I think she was actually begging the Lord for forgiveness as she sat in her kennel. Pitiful, right?

This is after I tried to reassemble the plants she ripped, dragged, and tore apart. Zach planted all of these for our garden.

Nellie should be quite glad that her Daddy is at work and was not the one to catch her doing this. I have a feeling that she will still get punished by him when he gets home!

Ten on Thursday

2011-05-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

1. We have had a very busy week! I have not had a "do nothing" day so far!

2. Nellie has been difficult lately! I told Mama today that if dogs have terrible twos, she isdefinitely in them! Hopefully things get better soon. The worst is her whininess in the mornings and her not always listening! Sounds like a puppy, right?!

3. Last Saturday Suzanne and I went shopping for clothes for me to wear when I teach. We got GREAT deals at New York and Company! I got 3 dresses, 2 skirts, and 1 top. Suzanne also got a dress. It was a very successful shopping trip!

4. On Sunday, Zach accidentally left his phone at Mama Joyce's, so we drove back to the north side of Henderson after just leaving it! Haha, isn't that just how it goes sometimes?

5. Monday was a day full of cleaning and washing clothes! The cycle never ends! Suzanne and I also made a special trip to Target to get the 3rd season of The Office since it was on sale!

6. On Tuesday, Mama, Mama Joyce, Suzanne, and I went to visit Aunt Lynn and Uncle Reid at Vanderbilt in Nashville. My uncle just finished chemo last week for AML, a form of leukemia. We also took my Aunt Lynn out to lunch, because it was her Birthday! We pray that the God gives the doctors and nurses treating Uncle Reid wisdom in all they do. His nurse seemed especially nice, so I feel he is in good hands.

7. I finally got to sub for my teacher that I student taught with yesterday. I was so ready to see the kids and they were ready for me too! One of my girls said , "When Mrs. Daub said you were coming today, my eyes nearly popped out of my head... And I screamed too!" hehe, see why I love them?

8. After school on Wednesday I was running around from store to store trying to get ready for Zach's Birthday dinner. After I finally get through all the chaos, we just decided it would be easier to go out to eat so that his parents, sister, brother-in-law, and niece could come. (we would have had it at our house, but despite all my cleaning efforts, there is still a lot of junk to put away!)
Anywho, we ate at Shyler's and Zach received more parts for the gun he is building. I also got him the barrel to the gun, but it is not here yet. (of course.) I don't think any present I have ever ordered him has gotten here in time for the occasion! He still had a very Happy Birthday though, and I sure am glad we got to spend it together!

9. Today I got the oil changed in my car, go me! Yes, this is for you, Mama! I also mowed at Mama Joyce's.

10. Zach was too full last night to eat the birthday pie I got for him, so we baked it tonight and Ryan and Kayleigh helped us eat it... And it as Sooo yummy! It was a Dutch apple pie for any of you who were wondering! (bought, I might add. I didn't have time to make one!)

Well, that's all for now, it's nighty night time!

Happy Birthday, Zach!

2011-05-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my dear husband's birthday! He will be 22! I feel so blessed to be able to call him my husband for this first birthday that we are married. Zach is the best husband I could have ever dreamed or prayed for. I thank the Lord for him and pray that He grants us many, many more happy birthdays together!

I love you so very, very much, sweetheart!
Love your adoring wifey, : )
Nathana

Ten on Thursday x2

2011-05-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, I wish I had a really good excuse for missing two Ten on Thursdays. I had to wash my hair?

Well for the one that should have been on May 5:

1. Our Nellie Girl turned 9 months old on May 4th!

2. I enjoyed my last week with my class so much! They were little angels! (Ha ha!)

3. I turned my last review paper in to my University Supervisor ever! Woo hoo!

4. Zach and I got to enjoy Aubrie's Birthday party! I lied though, as I did forget my camera! I got some pictures on my Ipod touch, but I haven't figured how to upload them to Blogger yet. though!

5. I finally picked up my honors chords for graduation. At least I wasn't too late!

6. We also brought home my big book shelf from Mama and Daddy's! Now they want the rest of my stuff out. I know Zach will want to have a yard sale when that happens!

7. Since it is my last week student teaching, I got to observe a fourth and fifth grade classroom. It was definitely an eye opener since I haven't done any work with students in those grades!

8. I got to take my last field trip with my kids on the 5th! We went to the down town museum in Evansville and the kids had a blast!

9. Zach and I got Olive Garden as take-out one night and were surprised! They fix you up huge salads with their dressing in seperate containers and parmesean cheese in packets. It's like you are practically there. Our entrees were a little on the cool side, but it was so nice to eat at home! I don't think we have been eating at home enough these past couple months, so I am working on some tasty menu options for me to cook! I find it is so much easier to cook when you write out a menu, go to the store and buy all the ingredients you need for a couple of weeks, and then have all of your things for a long time!

10. The next time I post, I will be a college graduate! Wow, I can hardly believe that!

For this past week:

1. My last day was so bittersweet. I enjoyed every minute of it and we got to celebrate me leaving by watching Tangled, which the kids loved!

2. Saturday was a busy day! I cleaned, cleaned, and cleaned all morning since Zach had to work.

3. That afternoon Suzanne and I went see Water for Elephants. Despite not reading the book and not knowing much about the plot, I enjoyed the movie. Without ruining the movie I just want to say, I love Rosie! That's all about that!

4. On Sunday, I had my college graduation. It was sooo incredibly long. I had to be there at 1:30, it didn't start until 3:00, and wasn't over until after 6:00! It was sad that it wasn't that enjoyable. Instead everyone was just thinking, "Would this please be over soon?!"

5. Sunday was of course, also Mother's Day. We got spend it with both our moms since they were of course both at graduation! We are both blessed to have loving moms who have raised us in Christian homes and loved us unconditionally!

6. On Monday, Zach and I mowed and weed eated at Mama Joyce's. My shoulders and chest got very badly burned. We couldn't find sun screen, so obviously next time we'll just take our own!

7. On Wednesday I helped Mama and Daddy bring a lot of Suzanne's things home from school. She has quite a lot of things! I told my Mama, "You're welcome for getting married last summer so you don't have to move the both of us out of college this year!" : ) hehe.

8. On Thursday I got everything set up to be a substitute in Warrick County! I get to sub for my 3rd grade class next Wednesday! I am so excited to see them!

9. A certain husband of mine has a birthday coming in 4 days! He will be joining me in my oldness!

10. Nellie is so good at "Roll over" now, it's ridiculous! Our little girl is so talented! Now I just have to think of what to teach her next!

This had been and incredibly long post and I think I have now caught you all up on the important (or not so important) happenings of the Scheller family the past two weeks!

Happy Birthday, Aubrie Lynn!

2011-04-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Aubrie, Happy birthday to you!

Uncle Zach and I want to tell you some important things on your 4th birthday!
First of all, you are our favorite niece! ; )
Second, we love you and your sweet, funny personality so much!
Uncle Zach loves the cadence of when you pronounce his name, "Zach-uh-ry," instead of Zach.
I love that one of the first words you ever said was a variation of "Zach!" : ) You love your Uncle so much, and I love to watch how much he loves you!
We love that you never forget to pass out your mooches when you leave, even if we have to bribe you into giving them to us sometimes! : )
You don't remember it, but one time down at Granny and Papaw's farm, Zach rocked you to sleep in the rocking chair. You were faking sleep, so then I got to hold you and rock you all the way to sleep! It was a memory of the three of us I will never forget. It was just sweet.
I love that I am your Aunt and have practically been most of your life!
We love how you love "Nellie-Wellie Scheller." She love you too, as long as you are not dragging her around on her leash! : )

We are so blessed to have a sweet, sweet niece like you, Aubrie! We can't wait to see all you do in the coming years! Happy 4th birthday! We love you!

Love,
Uncle Zach and Aunt "Fana"

Ten on Thursday...

2011-04-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

That is actually on a Thursday!

1. My work load feels like a heavy burden that has been lifted since I completed and submitted my portfolio Sunday night! It was my last undergraduate assignment to turn in, and let me tell you, it felt wonderful, amazing, relieving, any word you can think of for "good," that's how it felt!

2. I am praying that I get more interviews so I can find a job!

3. Since I'm on a "me" kick, I would like to continue my countdown to graduation. It's only 10 days away!

4. I only have 6 days of student teaching left. This leaves me bewildered and astounded that it is has flown by so quickly and befuddled because I have a constant voice in my head saying What will you do if you don't get a job? Then I remember that I am not supposed to worry: Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you.- (1 peter 5:7) I like that voice in my head much better than my own thoughts. We, or should I say, I, need to fully put it in His hands so that he can take care of me! I am soooo working on improving this!

5. Enough about moi, let's move on to current events and the rest of my family. Zach's company truck broke down on Tuesday this week, leaving them stranded on the side of the road on Henderson. Nellie girl and I hopped in the car and went to pick Zach and his co-worker up. They were walking down the highway with their lunchboxes and were pretty dirty, so Nellie didn't recognize Zach. Let's not forget she has never even seen the other man before. So naturally when I slow down, pull over, and they start walking towards the car, she transitions to defense mode and starts barking at them! It was hilarious, because she never, ever acts this way towards people. It was also comforting to me, because I feel if there was something or someone was trying to hurt me, she would go into defense mode!

6. Our Easter was lovely! Too bad I left my camera at home and I have no pictures to show. I'll try to get the ones off of my daddy's camera.

7. My Mama leaves for Montana tomorrow for one of her doctorate classes. It's 2 very long days long. Pray that she has safe travel and does well in her class.

8. Our niece, Aubrie, is having her 4th birthday this Saturday. I can't believe how fast she is growing and learning. She is so smart, funny, and beautiful. I think you could safely say that Zach and I are so very proud to be her Uncle and Aunt! We love you very much, Aubrie! (Don't worry, I won't forget pictures of this occasion... hopefully!)

9. Zach is getting a promotion at work! He is going to be a foreman himself and have his own crew! We are so proud of him!!

10. Nellie wants to go for a walk, so we are going to go! We've got to both get into shape!

Yet another Ten of Friday...

2011-04-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

because I just couldn't fit it in to my Thursday!

1. First of all, some very exciting news! I have a job interview for an elementary position this Monday! I am simply thrilled that I even have an interview! Please pray for me on Monday!

2. Zach didn't have to go to work today. Lucky man! He did deserve a day off though because he has been working so hard!

3. Nellie enjoyed having her Daddy home so much today! Much better to her than staying in her crate all day.

4. We went to IHOP with Ryan and Kayleigh tonight. It was soooooo yummy.

5. I now have two weeks until graduation! It doesn't seem real to me, not yet. I'm not even sure it will feel like reality when it's going on. I'll just have to see. Oh, by the way, everybody is invited. USI had invitations, but they weren't pretty, and I had the brilliance to think that everyone who was invitied would know it. I guess I'll find out on May 8th, huh?

6. I sang "Jingle Bells" in Latin to my kids today. I have been telling them if they had a good enough day I would, and after a week, today was finally the day I got around to it. It was ridiculous how much it thrilled them!

7. We had a pretty bad thuderstorm this past week. I hate storms, so we were in our hall and then squeezed into our tiny hall closet... for around 30 seconds. Then we decided if it were a true emergency we would stay in there, but at the moment it was too crowded with Zach, Nellie, and I in there.

8. Zach is happy that "Swanp People" has started up on the History Channel. Okay, I'll admit, I think it's fun to watch too. Especially when Troy yells, "Shoot 'Em, Shoot 'Em" in his thick Cajun accent.

9. We get to babysit Ben, Becca, and Claire again tomorrow! The girls will already be asleep when we get there, but we are going kick back, relax, and watch a movie with Ben!

10. I'm watching TLC and wondering why our American Channel is going to have "Royal Wedding Week." Why do we need to obsess about royalty in another country, again?

Survival

2011-04-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

It's the goal of everyone. We all have different things we are trying to make it through. Some of us struggle through work, some through school (cough, cough.. me!), and some even through everyday life. I've been thinking lately "Goodness, there have been so many bad days. I am never going to get through this." I forgot in my simple "human-ness" (Silly human ways that are much too worldy) that God gives those incredibly bad and difficult days so that we can fully appreciate the splendor of those great days. This weekend was just plain bad with all of the work that I was doing, I thought there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Then it occured to me that Easter was this next Sunday, and that I get the celebrate the Light! : ) That thought brought me so much pleasure and I can not wait to celebrate Easter with our church family.

So whatever surviving you are up to this week, whether it is school and finals, work, marriage, or just plain old life, remember, there's a light at the end of the tunnel, and his name is Jesus! He brought you to it, and he'll bring you through it!

p.s.- I no longer feel student teaching is going to bring about my untimely death, in case you couldn't tell! : )

Ten on Friday

2011-04-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

1. It was craaaaaazy at school today, with a side of insanity. The kids were slow to liven up, and then I wished they hadn't! (Or at least not as much as they did!) 2. This weekend is the ever so "classy" tri-fest in Henderson. We can't wait to get some Philly Cheesesteaks and Gyros! 3. We are babysitting tonight, which will be fun because we haven't seen the kids in over a month! 4. Nellie got into brush and tall grass this weekend and came out with over 25 ticks on her. I just pulled off three more that had bitten into her! So gross and I hate to do it! Ticks are one of the creatures that I wonder why God would create them. They really serve no purpose! 5. I graduate in 20 days! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? This has gone by so incredibly fast. 6. My load for school is massive. I have to finish my portfolio for student teaching, lesson plans for all of next week (when I will be teaching everything), a paper evaluating my own interview I had to record online, and two reflections. 7. We have had a lot of fun playing with the iTouch Zach got me for my birthday. I have already gotten the apps for bubblewrap and sudoku, so now I think I need to get around to putting my music on it! 8. Nellie went back to the vet on Wednesday for her final round of shots. They weighed her and she is now 19.8 lbs. Down 2 oz from before, but I know it's from her losing all the weight after surgery and now gaining it back. Hopefully we can keep her around this weight so she doesn't get hefty! 9. Zach got registered for classes at USI today! Yay! 10. Tomorrow my cousin, Wesley, and his fiancee, Lara, are having a brunch wedding shower in Alabama. We are sorry we can't make it, but will see them at their wedding in May!

NOT a Ten on Thursday

2011-04-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

For my sanity's sake, I can't do a ten on Thursday tonight because I have 500 things on my plate at the moment. I will try to get something up on here tomorrow or Saturday! I just wanted to make sure ya'll knew I wasn't a slacker or anything! ; )

Ten on Thursday

2011-04-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, this week has been a blur! 1. My first field trip with my 3rd graders was yesterday. We went Ag day out at the 4-H fair grounds. The kids got to see all kinds of farm animals and tasted things like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and fresh-churned butter. They seemed to really enjoy it! They even had enough energy for an outdoor recess when we got back to school. Mrs. Daub and I were exhausted, though! 2. My birthday is now 2 days away. I can't believe it. Seriously, how can I be almost 22? I know it will be a fun day though, and I am eager to see what Zach got me! 3. Our lap tops from college are ka-put, so last night we bought a new one. It's an hp something-or-other and we really like it! 4. Zach goes next week to register for classes at USI! (So glad I don't have to this time!) 5. One month from tomorrow, I will graduate from college! It is so crazy that it has been 4 years. I can definitely look back and say college went by much faster than high school! (Thank you, Lord, for that!) 6. Zach and I finished our puzzle! Maybe I already said that, but I didn't tell you we went ahead and decopaged it too! It looks great, and now we are looking for a frame that is big enough for it! 7. We ordered some larger wedding photos along with pictures for Mama and Mama Joyce this week. I was ecstatic because Shutterfly was running a promotion for 50% off prints 8''x10'' up to 20"x 30." Our order also qualified for free shipping, so we saved $41.00! I was even more excited about that. The 4"x6"s, 5"x7", and 8"x10" should be here tomorrow, and I can't wait to see them. We also got a 20"x30" of us, and I am dying to see that one too, but the larger pictures are being shipped by a different company! 8. Zach is literally counting down the months until deer season. Prime Example: We lay down in bed and Zach says, "Hey, guess what?" Me:"I don't know. So many days till my birthday?" Zach: "No, only 5 more months until deer season!" Then he squeals in the manliest way he knows how! Ha, you think I kid, but just ask him and see if you don't ellict the same response! 9. Nellie's incisions are healing perfectly and her poor hack job of a fur trim on her belly is beginning to grow back. We go to the vet next Wednesday to get her next round of vaccines! 10. I am so ready for swimming and sun in Florida, it is unreal! Come on, July, hurry it up! I hope ya'll are having a great week! Just remember, it's almost Friday! : )

Happy Birthday!

2011-04-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that my family has a busy time in April with birthdays! I like to call it "Birthday week!"

Yesterday was my Mama's birthday and tomorrow is my Daddy's birthday. I am doing a post today to cover both and it is perfect that it is a day between both! God has blessed me with the best parents ever created. (Although, let's be honest, and I am shamelessly biased. Zach also happens to think that he was blessed with the best mother-in-law and father-in-law ever as well.) They have taught me so many things, and I know they aren't finished yet. They are the example of the parents I want Zach and I to be someday. I want us to always love our children unconditionally even when they color on the walls (like Suzanne) or cut their baby sister's curls off (Okay, that one was me.) They have never let me live in the assumption that life is all easy (even though my childhood pretty much was) and they have taught me to work hard for the things I want. They took me to church and founded their family on faith in Jesus. I can only pray and hope that our children will follow in the same footsteps as my siblings and I did when we all trusted Jesus to be our Savior and Lord. I am a product of my parents' labor.

I know they are proud of me and I know they know how much I am thankful for them and love them. But it never hurts to reiterate, does it? Mama and Daddy, I love you both and hope that each of your birthdays are your best ever.

Love, Your #1 (as in firstborn), blue-eyed, blonde haired, daughter. (And Zach, your favorite son-in-law!)

8 months!

2011-04-04T17:19:00.001-07:00

Today is our Nellie Girl's 8 month birthday. As I type she is lounging around, going from chair to chair, and laying on Zach. She seems to know that she is the little queen bee around here, especially since her surgery. She even thinks she is entitled to laying on our laps at all hours of the day! Her 8 month stats:

20 lbs on the dot when I took her to the vet last week.

So incredibly long from head to tail!

She has figured out how to jump into the chairs in the kitchen. Her first victorious consumption was the crust of an apple pie! She was very impressed with herself! Especially more so that her Mama.

We are still working on the command "Roll over." We haven't been working on it due to her sore belly after surgery, so I'm going to start back with her on it soon. For those keeping track (haha, okay it's just me) she now knows sit, stay, lay down, get it, drop it, shake, and (almost) roll over. I think she is building a pretty good repetoire!

Nellie is incredibly mischevious these days. She has also learn the skill of stealth. I think she tiptoes sometimes, because she will be across the house and suddenly be standing right under me. Half the time, she scares the life out of me too! (Because let's face it, I'm kind of a chicken.) She is also good at sneaking items to chew on. Unfortunately she is not very good at hiding while chewing on said items, because we find her within seconds! This is a good thing though as we would be short a few pairs of shoes, gloves, socks, and dryer sheets if she was!

We are so thankful everything went well with her surgery and she is now back to her energetic, fast, crazy, sweet self! We love you, our precious Nellie girl!

~Mama and Daddy

Ten on Thursday

2011-03-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

1. Jacob and Jenna get here tomorrow and we are so excited!

2. We also have been cleaning like mad men for their arrival! Don't worry, our house definitely needed it anyway!

3. Nellie is getting her stitches out tomorrow! I can't take her since I'm not allowed to miss school, so Daddy is taking her. We took her to their house tonight because it would be easiest for everyone. Our house sure is quiet though and I miss her! This is only the second night since we have had her that we have been apart.

4. I forgot to mention last week that during my spring break, I got to go down and see Suzanne's dorm. I hope this rectifies that mistake, sister! We also had a lovely lunch at Olive Garden and got to run to Target while she was in one of her classes.

5. Zach got to have the day off today. He cleaned so hard, I don't think he got a break!

6. Not that I am counting, but I only have 5 weeks left of student teaching after tomorrow! In a way this is jaw dropping, because I just can't believe graduation is finally here. In another way, I feel like I am blatantly ignoring the fact I will be a college graduate in 5 weeks. i.e.- I have yet to check into purchasing my cap, gown, and invitations. *Note to self- Probably should do that stuff.

7. I tried to get ahead in lesson plans so that I would not have to work on them while Jacob and Jenna are here, but alas, I'm still going to be working on them! Fortunately, I don't have any reflections or assignments for my synthesis class!

8. This past Sunday we got to worship with Zach's parents at their church. We then got to have a yummy lunch at Olive Garden! Always good to have family time!

9. Zach's parents also brought us supper Sunday night and got to check up on Nellie. She was so glad to see her grandparents!!

10. Neither one of us has gotten much sleep this week, so on that, note, we are going to bed now! (Which will still not be enough shut-eye time, unfortunately!)

We hope everyone has a great Friday!

Update

2011-03-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Our Nellie girl is doing soooo much better! This afternoon when I got home she was much more peppy and moving a little faster. She still can't jump up or down from the couch, but other than that she seems to be feeling so much better than she was yesterday. Her appetite has picked back up too, so hopefully she won't look so shockingly skinny for much longer!

On a funny note, I guess we may have been catering to her too much. One of us has basically been laying on the couch with her on top of us since Friday. Now if we are walking around she follows us frantically until we pick her up, put her on the couch, and sit down with her! So very, very rotten! It is okay though, because after all, she has been through quite a lot! : )

Pick-up

2011-03-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

I was already on my way to pick up Nellie when the ladies called me and said she was doing just fine and ready to come home!

I walked in and she immediately went back to get Nellie. She came out and gingerly handed her to me. Her two incisions were scaring me because I didn't want to hold her in a way that would make me hurt her. Poor Nellie Girl's eyes looked so blood shot and worn out. They said she had been sleeping the day away.

I walked out the door with her and a combo of the anesthesia and the cold were making her poor little body shiver like crazy. I praised the Lord that I thought to bring a fuzzy blanket with us! When I got to the car though I remembered I now had to open the door. I cursed myself for locking it (habit) and reached for the handle, which by a miracle, I hadn't locked! I somehow shifted Nellie's weight just enough to wiggle out two fingers to pull the door open and then proceed to pull it out with my foot. Then there was the lovely wind that slammed it back into my back. Any-who, I'm not the little invalid. I got Nellie all snuggled up in the seat and she rode home in a semi-trance/sleep look. It was soooo pitiful, but at this point, I still don't think she knew anything that was going on.

We faced the other obstacle of actually getting in the house once we got home, but I was smarter from the 20 minute drive home and the time it gave me to plan. I unlocked the house door, left it wide open, propped the screen door open, and went back to fetch Nellie. Poor baby was still shivering so I double swaddled her and we cuddled on the couch until Zach got home at 5:30. She drank a little water from my fingers, but wasn't interested in eating.

I hate to see her in such pain, but at least now she won't have to go through the pain of having puppies, right? (Yes, I'm trying to make myself feel better for putting her through this!)

The worst was when I had to carry her outside to go potty. Poor thing needed to go #2 and it took her 5 times longer than normal because whenever she would push it would hurt her. I just wanted to be able to make it easier for her. Thankfully she was able to go and I scooped her back up and we went to bed.

Thank you to all of you who prayed for our Nellie girl! She is on the road to recovery and we now pray that she quickly returns to being our fast, energetic, sweet puppy!

Drop-off

2011-03-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

I dropped Nellie off at 8:00 for her surgery. When they tried to take her away from me, I just couldn't let go! I gave her a quick kiss and they carried her to the back. That was when I started boo-hooing! The sweet ladies assured me she will be okay and not to worry. Yeah, right! I then assured them I wasn't leaving Henderson today and that I would be there in minutes after they call me to come pick up my Nellie Girl! I will post later letting ya'll know how she does!

Ten on Thursday on Spring Break!

2011-03-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

1. At long last, this is my Spring Break, and it is almost over!! It has not been the most relaxing one either.

2. I took Nellie to the Dr. for the first times yesterday. They said she looked great except for a small hernia!! Come again? I did not even know dogs could get hernias. They gave me a lovely quote for her to get spayed and the hernia taken out for as little as $236.13 and at the most $363.68. Yikes, Zach is not going to like that. Turns out I was right, too! When I told him, he said, "She looks fine to me!" Haha.

3. On a similar note, we are having Nellie spayed tomorrow. Just not at this vet's office. I think we will have them be her primary veterinarian, but we are doing the surgery in Henderson. I called them today and they said they would take care of the hernia too! That is great news, as I know they will take good care of her and the cost is much better there! If you think tomorrow, stop and pray that her surgery goes well! (And that her Mama doesn't lose it waiting!) I am terrified that something could go wrong, and I think ya'll know how much we are in love with our Nellie girl!

4. I am working a puzzle this Spring Break. 1000 pieces. Which is another reason I'm not relaxed! : ) I get so frustrated if I am looking for a piece and can't find it or if I can't find where a piece goes! Also, add keeping a sneaking beagle from stealing said puzzle pieces off the cardboard table! If I get done and have one missing, I'll know who to blame!

5. Zach has been working so hard lately that I hoped he would have a day off this week that we could spend together. Wouldn't you know, he gets Monday off next week... yeah, when I'm back in school. That just stinks!

6. The job fair in Union County seemed to go pretty great. I had a short interview with the 3 elementary school principals all at once. I felt very at ease and actually able to convey good things about myself. Shocking, I know. Although I did knock my chair over as I stood up to shake their hands again!

7. We are still trying to get Zach's truck fixed! Let's hope we get this taken care of soon! Thankfully his parents are letting him borrow their truck so he can get himself to and from work!

8. The weather was so nice Monday I decided we would eat on our back deck with a picnic blanket we received as a wedding present. Zach didn't want to eat outside, so we sat the blanket on the floor of the living room and had an inside picnic! Haha.

9. I have done absolutely nothing in preparation for school next week. Which means starting tonight I better do something!

10. Today Elizabeth and I got to get together. We got soft pretzels at the mall, tried on dresses, got Starbucks, and then went to Borders! It was a great afternoon and I am so glad I got to see her while she is home on her Spring Break!

: )

2011-03-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Not that any one cares, but in 3 hours EXACTLY my spring break starts! I'm thinking about blogging a little when I get home, so watch out! : )

Ten on Thursday

2011-03-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

1. I am home from school today sick with what Zach likes to call the "creepin' crud." I thought it was Strep, but alas the Dr. said it wasn't. Thank you, third graders!!

2. Zach's truck quit on Sunday. He got a new battery and put it in and it worked fine Monday. Then on Tuesday morning he woke up and it wouldn't start. So I have been getting up early, taking him to work, and then coming back home to lay down for a few minutes before I head to school. Thank goodness he has this job now where they drive the box truck or van to jobs!! Hopefully we figure out what is going on with it soon.

3. This week a kindergarten class was walking by my room as I was putting up a bulletin board. One of the little boys extends his arm out and pokes me in the belly! It was funny, but oh so random and weird.

4. We are really praying that we get our tax return back very soon! It has our first-time home buyers credit on it that will help us out bunches!!

5. Nellie cracks me up. Whenever she sits on a blanket or towel she spins around multiple times, all the while taking her paws and pulling, pushing, and swishing it around. It is so funny and sweet to watch. Sometimes though, she does this for 5 minutes, and I have to ask her if she is done yet! Then she gives me her crazy cute stare that says, "Mama, you are nuts. I have nooooooo idea what you are talking about!"

6. Another funny thing Nellie did this week was on our bed. I had just laid down and was waiting for Zach to come to bed too. Nellie hops up on the bed and is cuddling with me. I saw Zach coming down the hall and so I said to Nellie, "Uh oh, Nellie, Here comes Daddy!" She leaped off the bed and ran under the couch. Good Girl! I have tried to upload some videos of her several times and have never gotten it to work. Anybody have guidance about that?

7. I am still working on my resume. I also need to get it done because I am going to a job fair in Union County on Saturday with our friends, Ryan and Kayleigh. I think Ryan's plan is for Kayleigh and I to impress his principal and get hired while he and Zach play with the Smartboard in his room! Pray that it goes well! I do not care what job I get, any job for now will be wonderful!

8. My birthday is less than a month away. I will be 22. Oh. my. goodness. It seems like just yesterday Suzanne, Ross, and I were running around at Mama Joyce and Papa's house. Our biggest concern was when 3:00 came, because it was snack time. : ) Or maybe if Mama Joyce had made a cake for somebody that day while we were at school, and if there would be three mini cakes waiting for us to decorate when we got home. I miss those days, but these days are good too, it's just different.

9. Speaking of birthdays, a certain husband of mine is having a birthday 2 months from tomorrow. He also will be 22. I would ask his comment about this, but I have a feeling all I would hear is how I'm older! : )

10. Tomorrow is Friday, my last day of school for one glorious week! I am trucking ahead with lesson plans today even though I'm sick because I want to do nothing school-related the whole week!

There are a couple more things I wanted to share, but I forgot them (of course) and it is a glorious day outside. I may just have to drag my poor self outside and take Nellie girl on a walkie!

Ten on Thursday

2011-03-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

1. Zach is on Spring Break this week! Even if it is just from his one class, we still enjoyed it! I actually got to have him with me all last night!

2. I am almost done with my first week in third grade. So far, so good! The kids seem to really like me and I'm becoming rather fond of them as well!

3. I was working out last night and accidentally kicked Nellie in the side of her head. She is okay, but Zach may still be dying of laughter! I felt awful and was trying to pick her up as she was trying to scurry away from me. She must have thought I did it intentionally! Poor baby! She got lots of hugs and kisses after that though!

4. We have kept our sink free of dirty dishes for over a week now! This may not sound like such a feat, but trust me, when you don't have a dishwasher, it is!

5. Tomorrow is the "Spring Fling" carnival at my school. I am going to help set it up after school, which should be fun!

6. Warrick County School Corporation announced this past week that they are going to start having full day kindergarten in their schools. This means they will be hiring 16 kindergarten teachers. I will of course be applying! : ) Pray that if that's what I'm supposed to be doing, that I get to do it!

7. We have started to looking into vets to take Nellie to. She needs a couple shots we didn't give her and has to be spayed. : ( I know that will not be fun for her or us, but we have no desire to ever let her have puppies, so we are going to go ahead and just get it over with. Sooner is probably better than later, I am guessing. Any body know good vets in Evansville?

8. Zach and I got to go back to church this past Sunday after not being there for two weeks. It was so good to worship and be in fellowship with our church. We also got to see our friends' baby, so it was great Sunday!

9. I can't wait until we can open up Mama Joyce's pool. There are several weekends in the future I see myself floating around in it! : )

10. I have one more full week of school and then I am spring break for 9 glorious (hopefully) days! I don't know what I will do with myself. I imagine Nellie and I will sleep until at least 9 every morning and then do nothing, but that's probably only a dream. I know I will be doing lesson plans, but I have already made a point to make this spring break relaxing, because it is my last one in college. Ever. And that makes me smile.

Turns out...

2011-03-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

Third grade is not bad at all! The kids are still pretty sweet and are so excited for me to be there and I am excited too! I think it will be fun to see all that they can do and have fun with them. Yesterday I received 5 notes on my desk about how excited that I was there and about how much fun we were going to have. I think they are right! Hopefully I get the hang of them quickly, because I start teaching Science (Mon and Wed), Social Studies(Tues and Thur), and PE (Fri) next week!

More First Grade Fun

2011-03-05T08:22:00.001-08:00

So today my sweet first graders presented me with some pretty sweet letters. The majority of them told me that I was a great teacher, to have fun in 3rd grade, and to never forget them. (Which I never will!)

I did really well, hardly even cried as each student read their letter to me. One of my little girls leaned in and said, "You smell so good today!" Another said "I can't believe you're leaving us!" (Break my heart, why don't ya?) ; ) One of my girls even left the room in tears when I hugged each one of them goodbye at the end of the day. I am so glad I had the privilege to work with each and every one of those 20 children. They were so sweet, and I truly wish I could teach them up until they graduate! (Haha, I bet they don't wish the same!)

Here are some bits and pieces of their letters. (I didn't change the spelling of their words, because it's still cute when they use inventive writing in first grade!) : ) I also wrote a sentence or two of what I would say back to them if I could write them a letter! Which may not be a bad idea! hmm...

Dear Mrs. Scheller,

"I will miss you and thake you for helping me learn. You are a great teacher. Good luck at third grade. You will be missed dearly. Here are some flowers I made you." Apart from it feeling like I died (As I will be missed dearly!) so sweet! She also make me flowers with stems out of tissue paper. Thank you for the flowers, sweet girl, and never change your sweet, loving, and caring personality!

"I will miss you a lot. You are so nice. Good luck in third grade. You will be a good teacher. You are so pretty. I was so surprised when Mrs Tubbs said you were going to leave." She gets bonus points for calling me pretty and she was one of my little favorites! We are both from Kentucky so we had a common bond.

This next letter is from is from a little girl who had a mini-breakdown when Miss Tubbs told her I would be coming. Miss Tubbs told me the little girl said over and over, "I don't want her to come!"

"You did a good job. I will miss you. You are a good teacher. Good Luch in third gradr." So obviously, this letter meant so much to me! I turned her whole idea of me around and she ended up loving me. And I have to say I loved her too! Never be afraid to try new things, because they could just be your favorite things about life, sweetie!

Now from my little suck up! Haha. He was a difficult student at times, but could be oh-so-sweet!

"You war a grat teacher and a verey smart tether." Buddy, try to stay sweet and out of trouble, okay? Plus, I know you know what you do is the wrong choice! : ) You are too sweet to be doing bad things!

This little girl told me on the first day that her mother left her. Just flat out, like that. It broke my heart. In my head I was telling myself, I could be your Mother. It would be so easy. You are so sweet. How could anyone leave your adorable face. I don't think I ever even had to get on to her. She was simply good. So when I read her letter, rather she read it to me, I started to cry.

"I loved you like you was my sister and I hope that you have a wonderful job in third grade. I am very sad that I will never forget about you." (I translate that last line as "I am very sad you are leaving and I will never forget about you.") I will never forget you either, sweetie. I will probably think of you for years to come.

This one is from my smarty pants boy. He was oh-so-cute everyday. Button up shirts with sweater vests over them and wearing khakis and dress shoes. My perfect idea of dressing my own boy if I have one. Only if Zach is blind of course, as he would probably not like it! Haha!

"You were a good teacher. You were a good reader. You will be a good teacher next year. Hope you read new books next year." I definitely will read lots of new books, don't you worry!

Next comes the boy who thought would be the bane of my existence on my first day. On the second day, we were pals and I loved his ever loving hunting body. (I also told him my husband would like him too!)

"You are so fun that my heart coulb explode. Be good in third grade. You were a good teahcer. I hope you didn't forget are class." I promise to be good in third grade if you promise to be good all through the rest of first! I am so glad your sweet little heart didn't explode, although mine almost did when you read me this letter! : )

My sassy girl, who really tried to pretend she didn't know what was going on sometimes, but I know how smart she really is!

"You are a good teacher and you help do are work. Miss you and Miss you always. and I Love you." I miss and Love you too!

My girl who was just like me when I was little. So worried about grades and what her parents would think if she ever attained a poor grade. Except she got to take gymnastics lessons if she got all A's. (I was more of a dancer.) : )

"You did a great jod. I have a lot of fun on the day together when you were here. I sad that you are leaving!" I love that you love the exclamation points, girly! She had 3 more on the letter, but erased them for some reason.

Those were the best of my letters. I loved first grade because I know they meant every single word. In a way, I wish the whole world could be like first grade. They are all innocent and sweet. If someone gets their feelings hurt, we just discuss it and all is right in their world. No one is excluded because they are overweight or have a speech impediment. No one cares that she has on worn out clothes and not the newest GAP attire. First grade loves you for who you are and they always accept you. I see in a lot of ways why Jesus would say "Let the little children come unto me." They are the future and from my class, the future looks sweet.

Ten on Thursday

2011-03-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

1. At long last, the moment I have dreaded for so many weeks has come. Tomorrow is my last day with my first graders! It breaks my heart to leave them, so I hope my third graders will be equally as sweet!

2. Speaking of my sweet kiddos, they are not too thrilled about tomorrow either. On Tuesday one of them said in such a sad voice, "I don't want it to be Thursday because the day after that is Friday and you have to leave us!" I reassured them I don't want to either, but I have to move on to Third grade. I'm sure tomorrow will be bittersweet for all of us!

3. Tomorrow is Nellie girl's 7 month birthday! We just can't believe how big she is! More about her tomorrow or this weekend though!

4. Zach had another Calculus test this week. With Grandma Scheller's illness these past few weeks he didn't get much studying so he didn't do his best on the test. He was thrilled however because everyone did horribly on the test and the teacher is letting them do it over! : ) Praise the Lord!

5. Zach had to do his first over night job in Columbia, Kentucky Tuesday night. I was definitely sad he was leaving and didn't want to be alone, so Nellie and I packed up and went to Grandma and Grandpa's house (Zach's parents.) It was so nice because I could actually relax and sleep and they live closer to Boonville than we do so I got to sleep in! Thanks for letting us stay!

6. Suzanne lent me Nicholas Sparks' new book Safe Haven. I read it from front to back yesterday. It was so good, but so sad. I don't want to ruin it if you haven't read it, but in general it is about a woman who has run away from her extremely abusive husband to start a new life. It was so hard to read, because the sad truth is that this happens in real life to real women. I am so thankful because I know what a wonderful, loving, and caring husband I have. I can't imagine not having him in my life!

7. We went out to eat with our friends, Ryan and Kayleigh, tonight. We had Olive Garden and it was soooo yummy! Plus, we have left overs for lunch tomorrow.

8. This weekend it our little cousin, Norah Kate's, second birthday. We wish we could make it to her party, but after these past few weeks, we have not gotten to really rest at all, so we are just going to stay home! Happy 2nd Birthday, Norah Kate! We wish we could make it!

9. Ryan and Kayleigh were telling us about this new ice cream place in Newburgh called "Sweet Cece's." They went last night and said it was good, so we may look in to trying it out sometime this weekend!

10. We have been married 8 months as of this past Saturday! It's hard to believe that we are already thinking about plans for our first anniversary! Time sure does fly when you are having fun, though! : )

Ten on Thursday on whatever day it is today....

2011-02-25T13:56:00.000-08:00

I say that because this past week is pretty much a fog. We have been either asleep, working, at school, or at the hospital.

1. I will start off and just say the most important thing. Grandma Scheller passed away this morning around 2:00 a.m. Please keep us and all of Zach's family in your thoughts and prayers. Visitation will be Sunday with the funeral on Monday. We still don't know times, but should find them out when we see Zach's parents tonight.

2. We have taken Nellie on a couple walks this week. On both occasions she was terrified by other dogs running up to her. The first time it was 2 Golden Retrievers and the second time it was an ugly teacup chihuahua. It was so pitiful to watch her cower to the ground until I would have to scoop her up and carry her down the street! : )

3. Zach got his first paycheck from his new job today! Can we say "Hallelujah?" I am so proud of him!

4. Nellie has also learned a new trick. She now "shakes" hands with you on command. She prefers that you have a treat for her after she does it, but will still do it without reinforcement.

5. On Sunday we went to Lowe's and purchased some special stuff with a part of our tax return. We got a new refrigerator, gas stove, and a deep freezer. (The deep freezer was definitely Zach's idea!) We are so blessed to be able to get them because our others were on their last legs. I can't wait for Zach to get the gas line hooked up so I can cook our first meal on the new stove! I will try to take pictures of it soon!

6. Today was my second day of going to school with very little sleep. I casually told a boy in the cafeteria that I was "so tired!" He looked back and said concerned, "You look tired." Haha, thanks!

7. This was my last week officially teaching in first grade. Next week I will still observe, but do no teaching. Then it's on to 3rd grade! Yikes! I am sure if the Lord got me through first grade, he will help me cope with 3rd!

8. Zach found out he has to work a job away from home (just one night) next week. Regardless, Nellie and I don't like it! : (

9. Monday was Mama Joyce's birthday! We got to celebrate on Sunday with a yummy ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins! Happy Birthday again, Mama Joyce!

10. Our friends Jacob and Jenna recently joined the world of Blogging! Welcome! Watch out though, it can become kind of addicting. They are coming to see us over Jenna's spring break and we can't wait to see them!

I think that's all for now. At this point we are both so exhausted and emotionally drained I know we are only getting through this by God's grace. This entire week when I through everything was just too much to handle I would pray "God, give me grace, give me your grace." He gave me every bit of it that I needed, and I know he will provide it for us and our entire family in these coming days! I hope whatever any of you may being going through that you experience the same wonderful, comforting grace!

Love,
Zach and Nathana

Grandma Scheller

2011-02-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a whole lot of detail, so I will try to catch everyone up now. Last Wednesday (February 16), Zach's Grandma Scheller had a stroke while she was standing up. This caused her to fall, and when she fell, she hit the back of her head and had a seizure.

The seizures continued and the doctors performed surgery around 6:00 Saturday night to try to reduce the blood building up in her head, which would hopefully cease the seizures. They were very unsure if she would be able to withstand the surgery. Zach called me at 9:00 (I had already agreed to babysitting and I knew I couldn't do anything at the Hospital, so I went ahead to babysit) and told me that she made it through surgery and was in the ICU recovering. When I got home at 9:45 we went back to the hospital to see her. She was still having seizures, but looked better than I thought she would after brain surgery. We went home around 11:00 that night.

Sunday morning we got up and went to visit her at around 9:30. She was still having seizures and looked a little worse due to the blood draining out of her head and down a tube. They told us to not really try and talk to her because any sort of stimulation seemed to trigger seizures. Today Zach's mom said she is doing maybe a little better as the seizures have become a little milder. We hope this is a step in the right direction for her.

Please pray for God's will in this situation. Pray that her seizures would stop and that God guide the doctors and nurses treating her. We appreciate all of you thinking of our family and will keep you updated.

First Grade Fun

2011-02-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

It has come to my attention that no matter how well you teach math, it will still take first graders forever and a day to make a train of ten one-inch cubes. That's all!

No matter how many times I tell students to listen closely to important directions, one (or two) will still mess up whatever we are doing.

On Valentine's Day I took down the sponge rollers I put in my hair the night before. My hair was so curly and out of control that I cried. I thought to myself There is no way I can go to school looking like this. The other teachers will wonder what on Earth I did to my hair. Well, I got the craziest part of it pinned back and headed on the school. The first words out of one of my little girls when she say me were, "Mrs. Scheller, you look so BEAUTIFUL!" My heart wanted to burst I was so touched. Only a child could see past all of the imperfections I see in myself. It is just so amazing to me how sweet and innocent they truly are. I pray for each one of them they will stay that way!

If I ever mess up drawing a shape or a picture on the board, one or more students will say, "I thought it was great, Mrs. Scheller." And I know they meant it from the depths of their little hearts. That is one of the many reasons I love, love, love my sweet first graders. Every time I think of leaving them in 2 weeks, I feel like crying. I don't want to go to third grade, I just want to stay where I am! I know that it will be a good experience to work with another grade level though, and will hopefully (fingers crossed) make me more marketable.

Stay tuned, because the antics and sweetness of my class are never ending!

Slightly More Than Ten on Thursday

2011-02-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

1. We celebrated our Valentine's Day on Friday night. I came home after a pretty long day and plopped down on the couch and proclaimed to Zach, "I am eating some Valentine's cakes!" (You know, the Little Debbie ones?) He said, "Well, I'm going to have a carrot." He then walked to the fridge as I am downing my heart cakes and pulls out a dozen hot pink roses! I have to say, for once, he completely surprised me! I had not been expecting and flowers at all and it was so sweet the way he gave them to me. We then went out to eat at Olive Garden and to Best Buy to get the movie, "You Again" for my Valentine's present. When we got home we watched the movie (which is soooo good if you haven't seen it!) and passed out at like 9:30! A pretty perfect first Valentine's Day if you ask me!

2. This past Saturday we were going to Wal-Mart and the Red Cross was there doing a blood drive. I have never given blood and for a good reason! Haha, so anyway, we agreed to do it. We had to get registered, answer some questions, get our fingers stuck to check our Hemoglobin, and eventually got into the chairs to give blood. I had enough time to work up myself and was pretty freaked out. So then, the nurse takes out a pretty ginormous needle and sticks me... nothing. I look at her and say "You didn't get the vein, did you?" She didn't really say anything, but proceeds to move the needle, which is still in my arm and pokes to the left... still nothing. Then she moves the needle and pokes to the right... deep, deep red blood finally begins to rush through the tube. It's too late for my composure though. Poor girl says that I'm the first person she made cry. She was constantly asking me if it was hurting and I kept assuring her that it wasn't that it hurt currently, but that she had freaked the crap out of me by continually poking around in my arm. During all of this, Zach was of course calmly giving blood with no tears. Although to my credit, he didn't have the same nurse as me. He said his was competent and great! No fair. So I have not been able to accurately account for each detail of this experience, but to sum it up... yes, I am glad I gave blood. I feel good to know the blood that ran through our veins will save someone's life. No, I probably will not be able to bring myself to give blood ever again as much as I know it helps others.

Here we are with band-aids and iodine still on.And our arms with band-aids off. I had a huge knot where she did all of that poking!

3. This past weekend we ~~finally~~ also got Nellie a new crate. It is one that is wire all around with a tray in the bottom, so it is much taller and much more open. She LOVES it! Sometimes she sits in it just because! Even though in this picture, it doesn't look like she likes it!

Of course I had to show her how it worked! Nellie thinks she is Queen of the castle! heheNellie is not showing her full love of the crate here, but can't you tell how much she enjoyed tearing up that puppy pad??

4. Zach's Grandma Scheller is not doing as well this week. She suffered a stroke yesterday morning and is in ICU right now. The doctor's will not do surgery because of her condition, so we are just playing the waiting game. Please remember her and our entire family in your prayers as we face the uncertainty of these coming days.

5. We had our Valentine's party at school on Monday. All the kids kept asking, "Is this the actual Valentine's day?" We had to reassure them it was in fact, the real Valentine's Day. Here is my Valentine's bag I decorated. I received many sweet Valentine's, and even a box of chocolates from one of my girls.

6. Something so simple, yet so sweet and touching happened this week. One of my little girls came into school one morning and gave me a package of these new pens that also double as highlighters. The little girl's mom always walks her into school each morning and she told me, "We were shopping last night and Bella said that Mrs. Scheller needed these pens and would like them." As silly as it may sound, I just about cried. I felt so special. She thought of me outside of school. She thought of me at all. Yes, they are only pens (although, let me tell you, they are cool) but I was so deeply touched. It is soooo the small things that make teaching worthwhile!
7. I woke up to this sweet card from my even sweeter husband on Valentine's day morning. It was a great start to my day!8. We got to go out to eat with our friends, Ryan and Kayleigh, on Tuesday night. We went to Olive Garden for the second time in only 4 days (I know, I know, we are BAD) but we love Olive Garden and can never resist it! We always have a great time when the 4 of us get together. As long as no one chokes on their food from laughing, that is! : )

9. My university supervisor from USI is coming to visit tomorrow while I teach reading. Although I know I have been teaching all day all week and it will be fine, I still can't help but be a little anxious! Pray that it goes well and my first graders help me look good! ; )

10. It's that time of year! Lovely girl scout cookies are in. I got mine today and have already enjoyed, um, several 0f them!11. Zach and I get to babysit our three favorite kiddos this weekend while their sweet parents get to celebrate Valentine's Day! I sure do hope both twins will warm up to Zach this time, but if not, I know now that one of them likes him! We always have so much fun playing with all of them!

12. Borders announced they are filing bankruptcy last night, and of course, it is my luck that one of their stores that is closing is in Evansville! It makes me so sad because they have such great coupons and are usually so much cheaper! We will miss it so much. : (

13. After such a hectic week, I will try to leave off on a positive note. Even though I am still a little shy of being half done with student teaching, I am worrying about if I will even have a teaching job when August comes. I am comforted by this verse with this worry and everything else going on. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 God has our future in his hands, and we know he will never leave us nor forsake us and has great plans for us!

14. God is so good, and I love where Zach and I are in this point of life and in our marriage. I don't think we could be any happier than we are right now. I feel as if my heart could just burst with all of the love I have for him sometimes. We have learned so much about each other and ourselves since we got married, and discover something new each day. You know what, I think I'm just going to have to do a separate post on love.

Sorry if I have been too all over the place with this. I reflect on things so much more and cherish things so much deeper the older I get. I am a mess! I hope you all are having a fabulous week!

Ten on Thursday

2011-02-10T20:01:00.000-08:00

1. Today we had a 2 hour delay at school since it snowed yesterday and got pretty slippery out. This was a great thing for me as I got to sleep in until 8:15. At the same time though, there was a disadvantage. Most of my students got to sleep in an extra couple hours as well, and therefore were crazy! Oh well, there's no way we're having a delay tomorrow!

2. Today after school I helped Miss Tubbs work the concession stand at the girls' basketball game. She brought me a Loge t-shirt to wear and as soon as most of my kids walked in this morning they were exclaiming, "You have a Loge shirt!" It made me smile and really made me feel like a part of the school. As usual I have a lovely picture in it, but have not uploaded it yet. I know, I am lazy!

3. We have basically nothing to drink at our house except water, so I made tea last night. I came to the realization I should make tea daily because we drink it as if it were water. That's just what you do when you're raised on it, I suppose.

4. We went to see Zach's Grandma Scheller Sunday at the hospital. They were allowing visitors if you wore the cute face mask, gown, and gloves. Let me tell ya, we looked hot! And were hot, seeing as those plastic gloves make your hands sweat. Anyway, his Grandma seemed to be doing alright, mainly just tired, but on Tuesday (I think) they found out she has a Staph infection. This of course was not welcome news at all! Please continue to remember her in your prayers and for healing! I know she was quite upset to find out she now has this to deal with, so she would greatly appreciate ya'll thinking of her!

5. Monday night we went to Cici's Pizza with Ryan and Kayleigh. It was going great until I took a bite of the buffalo chicken pizza, and then I got sick as a dog! Haha, I should have known better than to pick up something that spicy.

6. Tuesday night we went to Shyler's with my Mama and Daddy. I knew someone has told me they re-painted, but woah they re-painted! Instead of the mustard yellow, it's now a toned down grey with blue trim. Must more calming, and a lot less tacky! So if you're around in Evansville you should go check it out!

7. This marks (well tomorrow) the end of my FIFTH week of student teaching. People were not kidding when they say it flies by. I can honestly say I am probably learning more than I ever did in a classroom at USI. This is not a bad thing necessarily, but there is only so much they can do to prepare you. The only way to really learn how to teach is to well, teach. I so don't want to leave my sweet first graders in only 3 weeks! What will they do with out me? (Just kidding, I bet they won't even miss me! : (

8. My birthday is 2 months away... from yesterday! Yikes! Where has my 21st year gone? I just had a birthday for crying out loud and I'm not quite ready for another one! Zach only reminds me about it every other day. To which I reply, "Yours isn't far behind mine!" I do know that 22 will probably be an even better year than this one has been, and I just won't know until it gets here. So I'm just gonna have to enjoy these last two months of 21 before I meet 22! (22 is our number, the 22nd day of October is when we started "going steady," so I have a feeling it will be a good one for us!)

9. Zach is busy filing our tax returns, and oh boy, we can not wait to get our returns back this year!!

10. Random, but I can't wait to go Florida this year with my family! (Could it be all the snow we've had that is making me say this?) hmmm....

I hope ya'll are all having a great week! Almost the weekend!

11. Okay, I forgot one thing. Next week at school is my "Everything week. " AKA, the week I am the full time teacher. I will be teaching every single subject. I expect to survive with hopefully minimal damage and adequate sleep. If you can remember, pray I do well and don't spoil the future of our nation... or at least Boonville! : )

Passed!

2011-02-08T18:01:00.000-08:00

You read it correctly! I found out that I passed my last section of the Praxis II for my teaching license! In fact, I passed by exactly 100 points more than was needed. I am so grateful! God answers even the smallest of prayers. I think my Mom will be happy that she won't have to pay for any more of the tests! So there you have it... I am that much closer to being a licensed teacher. Only thing standing in my way is 11 more weeks of student teaching!

Scary, but exciting, right?

Oh, and no, I couldn't wait until Thursday on this! : ) Hope everyone is having a wonderful, yet frigid week!

Happy 6 months, Nellie Girl!

2011-02-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our sweet, sweet Nellie Girl's 6 month birthday! Aunt Kayleigh and Uncle Ryan went out to eat with us and then came back to see the half-birthday girl!

Nellie at 6 months:

Well, she still loves to watch the toilet flush! Don't worry, this flush was a clean one for the picture's sake!

She also loves to jump into the bath tub when it's NOT time for her bath!

She still loves to snuggle. She on Zach's legs in this picture.

Haha, she also gives great dirty looks! I think she was just squinting because of the flash!

She still loves to steal your seat when you get up out of it! I had literally turned around to get my bottle of water, turned back around, and there she was just looking up at me. Silly girl!

She also got a new toy the other day. You can see it by her head here. It is one of those long dog squeaky toys and has two different sounding squeakers! Anytime I call Zach on my lunch break at school I can hear her squeaking it! She is so in love with it!

Our precious "first bought" child! ; ) (Zach doesn't allow me to call her our first born!)

"Mama, I know I am adorable, but give it up with the camera!"

All worn out from the fun of yesterday! (This is her new bed I mentioned a couple of Thursdays ago!)

"Remember, my 1st birthday is only 6 months away! I'll be seeing you at my party!"

And yes, there will be a party for grandparents, aunt, uncles, and anyone else who has nothing else to do! Just don't tell Zach! : ) He will have to be surprised!

Nellie girl, we love you so much and are so glad we have you as our "child before children!" I just wish you'd stop growing because you are getting so big! Don't worry though, there will always be room for you on Mommy and Daddy's lap!

Love,
Mama (and Daddy, who probably has no clue I post about you!)

Ten on Thursday

2011-02-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

1. Today my kids were full of it! One little boy was telling a friend, "And you know, I know there's a girl, that thinks I'm HOT!" Another one of my kids told her dad the other day, "Mrs. Scheller is sloooowly taking over all of Miss Tubbs' job!" Yes, I was striving for world domination, but I suppose I will settle for domination of a 1st grade classroom! : ) Which, by way, I will only teach every subject for one week, and then start returning her classroom to her. It's going great so far!

2. This past week Zach has been pulling down the ceiling tiles in our family room! We now have an extra 2''-3'' of ceiling! One step closer to my light and fan!

3. This is my fourth week of student teaching, and only the first that we've made an entire week of school! Assuming we go tomorrow! (Don't worry, we will!)

4. Tomorrow is our Nellie girl's 6 MONTH BIRTHDAY!! Aside from the fact I can't believe how fast she has grown, she is so very smart! More on her half birthday tomorrow!

5. Zach also rearranged the living room while I was gone to school yesterday! It will take some getting used to, but it gives a little more room in the family room!

6. We babysat twins and their older brother last weekend. It was so sweet because last time both twins cried and did NOT want anything to do with Zach, and this time Claire loved Zach! He asked her if he could pick her up and put her to bed and she just stretched her arms up to him and smiled! Progress, and it was so adorable! As for Becca, she clung to me like there was no tomorrow! : )

7. Yesterday I found some biscuits that Zach cooked a few days ago. Nellie loved them! Hehe, she thought they were both a chew toy brick and a food!

8. Thursday is our biggest TV night of the week. Wipeout is on now, and we just love to watch it and laugh. If only we could go on there and win $50,000! Then The Office at 8!

9. This weekend I should find out the score from my last Praxis II test! I pray I passed, but am nervous to find out! Pray it went well!

10. I got to buy Valentine's (like the kids kind) for my students this year! They are Hoops and YoYo and I was a little too excited about them! I am looking forward to our Valentine's Day party though!

Kids say the darnest things...

2011-02-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had my first experience with not being able to hold my laughter in when a student answered a question.
Let me set the scene for you. Science class. 2:00 p.m. We have been talking about animals for the past few days. We have reviewed that mammals are animals that have fur or hair and feed milk to their babies. I was digging for these responses when I prompted, "Who can tell us one of the things we learned about mammals today?" Sweet little girl must have been only looking at the picture of the captivating border collie on the page because she responds, "They all chase cats!"

And here's the part where I seriously stand there holding my breath for about 10 seconds, which felt like forever, and then I let out a small laugh. I just couldn't stop myself though. As quickly as I could, I just kept on moving through the lesson. I didn't even laugh when a little boy said that "All mammals... go to the BATHROOM! hehehehe." Somehow then I simply responded, "Yes, they do. Let's look at the reptiles now."

A characteristic of the normal child is he doesn't act that way very often. ~Author Unknown

In case you were wondering, my children are definitely not normal. Goodness, though, I am happy to see each one of their sweet, smiling faces each day! (No matter how ~~rotten~~ crazy they are some days!)

Ten on Thursday

2011-01-27T20:02:00.001-08:00

1. Yesterday was snow day #5 in my third week of student teaching!

2. Today was the 100th day of school and I even made a nice little "100s display." My kids were so impressed by it. I will have to post a picture of it!

3. Zach has started to tear down the awful tile ceiling in our family room. Then we will have to spackle (I'm not so sure of the spelling on that) the ceiling and paint. I hope it's as easy as I make it sound.

4. Zach is also going to put in a new ceiling fan with a light in our living room. For those of you, well all of you, that haven't seen our house, there is no light fixture in our living room. We just have a lamp and it does not light the room very well. I am soooo excited to have the light and to have a brighter, less depressing family room!

5. We went out to eat with our friends Kevin and Aaron tonight. We have barely seen them since the wedding and it was nice to catch up. They did love to remind us however we are just old married people who shouldn't stay out past 7:30! Ha!

6. Yesterday was our 7 month anniversary of marriage. As Zach says, it doesn't "count," but I still like to take note of it! And I'm pretty sure after our 1 year anniversary I will stop counting months. It does seem unreal though that we are that much closer to our 1 year anniversary! It really doesn't seem like its been that long since our wedding. Hopefully we will be able to plan something fun for our anniversary though!

7. Nellie has been sleeping with us in our bed for the past few nights. Before you judge, hear us out. The little stinker will sleep the whole night like a rock in bed with us. In her crate she bangs around, shakes her ears, and whines every few hours. She also doesn't even get up to go to the bathroom until I get up. In her crate she wakes up at, well, really anytime she wants to. Sometimes, 3, 4, or 5. I am thinking if we go ahead and get her the next size crate and see if she is more comfortable in it, because I know it's not a good habit to let her sleep with us. But gosh, it sure is cute to feel her cuddle up next to you! : ) So anyway, until we get her that new crate, you know where to find her between the hours of 10 and 6!

8. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I was going to babysit overnight this past weekend. Well, let's just say after the night, I was telling Zach I don't ever ever ever want children! Probably a teensy bit dramatic, but oh boy did we have a rough night. The little girl was actually sick, but her brother was the one who woke up 8 times during the night! I think I got a 3 hour stretch of sleep in there, and otherwise I was basically awake all night. It just really reminded me that I am so so so so so not ready to be up all hours of the night exhausted with a baby, no matter how cute he/she would be! So after saying all that stuff about that, Nellie-girl, we love you and appreciate that you are in some ways not so much like a baby! We will just enjoy you for a year... or five!!! : )

9. Zach is still working on building his AR-15. He is very into it, and it sweet to see how excited he is about it! A man's gotta have a hobby, I suppose!

10. I had my first visit from my university supervisor this week while I taught a math lesson. She is the one from USI who will support me and evaluate my teaching skills. She is so sweet and had nothing but compliments! I was so relieved as I had been so nervous for it. I definitely know I have lots of work still to do, but it is good to know I am doing something right! I feel more and more each day that I am doing what the Lord has called me to do and I am trusting him to place me in a job I will be most useful in!

Ten on Thursday

2011-01-20T19:56:00.000-08:00

1. Today marks the 3rd snow day in my student teaching career, out of the two weeks I have been there! Tomorrow marks the fourth! (Not that I mind it at ALL, since no matter what I only go until May 6th. All other years when I'm an actual teacher I will have to make it up.)

2. Zach had his first math test last night and he got an 87! I am so proud of him!

3. It was awesome to just watch the snow fall all day long! I also got to make snow cream and Nellie tried a little!

4. My little sister, Suzanne, went to her orientation at Western today and is moving the rest of her things in on Saturday or Sunday. I can't remember which!

5. I taught my first lesson yesterday! I am starting with math and I didn't really think it went that well, but my teacher said it went fine! Yay?

6. Zach found out this week that his Grandma Scheller has Leukemia. They think it is a treatable kind and if they can get rid of it, it will stay gone. Please keep all of us in your prayers and that the Lord would be with her and the doctors as they treat her!

7. We got to take supper to our friends from church, Justin and Kristin, who just had a baby last monday, January 10th. Baby Jackson was perfect in every way and had the cutest little nose! He was also a very well behaved little guy and wanted to sleep the whole time we were there! Too bad his Mama and Daddy are wanting him to sleep at NIGHT instead of the day! Ha! : ) I can say though It makes me more anxious for a little bundle o' joy. But don't any of ya'll worry, because the sensible part of me still tells me it is SO not the time for that yet! Plus, what would poor Nellie girl think?!

8. Speaking of our dog-child, she was l-o-v-i-n-g the snow today! She was so happy as she ran around in the snow. She would dig her face down in the snow and then have it all over her nose and eyebrows. Sadly, I could not get her to take a good picture today!

9. This weekend I am babysitting over night for some of my favorite little kiddos! Seeing as they may or may not sleep through the night, I may repeal my want for kids even soon! (Especially since one loves to display the terrible twos!)

10. We got Nellie a doggy bed at Bed, Bath, and Beyond last Friday! She is still sleeping in her kennel at night of course (why break a good habit,) so it is just for her to lounge around in during the day! She does loves it though! It did take her a while to warm up to. It was so funny because she started out by sitting beside it, then half-way in it, and then finally she slept in it. Now she knows it is hers and she knows exactly what its used for!

Also, I know this is a picture less post! (Somewhat boring, right?) I just don't have the energy to upload them tonight, so I may upload them on here tomorrow (since it's a SNOW DAY after all!) : ) So if you really, really care, check back later!

Ten on Thursday

2011-01-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

1.Well, with all this snow this week, we have enjoyed some quality family time! I told Nellie to give me her best snow day look and this is what I got! Ha!

2. Here is the 2'' or so of snow that we got! It snowed in the early morning Tuesday and all that day! I got to babysit since my first day of student teaching was a snow day! Woo hoo!

3. On Monday Mama and Daddy bought me a new car. With student teaching coming up I needed a more reliable car that we wouldn't have to worry about breaking down. I love it! Aren't my Mama and Daddy the best? (That was a rhetorical question!)

4. This is the day of orientation for student teaching!
5. Suzanne and Mama picked out this T-shirt for Nellie. I can't say that she's an angel all the time, though! Especially in this picture she looks like a little devil!

This is her most angelic state! : )

6. We also took Nellie on a shopping trip to Rural King! I got tired of keeping her from eating the popcorn off the floor, so she got to experience to cart! hehehe. It kind of creeped her out, though!
7. Her 5 month old picture!
This picture was just too awesome. As you can probably tell, she is in mid-jump! She is like a kid when she sees a camera! She wants to see it and loves to ham it up for the camera!
Isn't she a little beauty? We adore her so very much!
8. Zach's first class went pretty well! We sure did miss him on Wednesday night though!

9. This weekend I am taking my last Praxis II test for my teaching license! Yay! Pray that it goes well! I am ready to get it over with!

10. Today was my first day of student teaching after all these snow days! There was a 2 hour delay and the group "Tales and Scales" put on a performance for the kids, so it was a pretty "empty" day teaching wise, but it was still good to experience. The best part is tomorrow is Friday!

Ten on Thursday

2011-01-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

1. I have one day left of my Christmas break. This makes me very, very sad.

2. I really need to find a job (still haven't applied at Buy Low yet.) We are waiting though to see how much financial aid Zach receives (if any) and hopefully he will be able to work enough to get us through this semester.

3. This week on Tuesday my Mama, Mama Joyce, and Suzanne came to help us clean and organize our house. It looks so much better now. Thanks to all 3 of you!

4. Zach and I will both start back to school on Monday. I have my orientation for student teaching that day and then dive right on in Tuesday. Zach has one class Mon, 2 on Wed, and 1 on Fri.

5. I am worried about how Nellie will do when I start back to school next week. I sure hope Zach will be able to come home and check on her in between classes or work, because if not I will feel awful all day!

6. I have worked Yesterday and today this week and am going to work one last day tomorrow at the daycare. I will miss my babies!

7. Zach and I have been thoroughly enjoying the Olive Garden gift cards we got for Christmas. We went last night and also had a coupon from an e-mail for a free dessert! Yum, yum, yum!

8. After talking about food, I will mention that I have been using my new weights and shake weight that Zach and his parents got me for Christmas. Zach loooves to harass me about the shake weight, but you really can feel it working, even if you look like a fool! haha.

9. My parents got Zach (and me too) a Sam's Club membership for Christmas and we have been enjoying it as well. Some of the stuff we can't really buy since there are only two of us, but the 5 lbs of cheese and 6 lbs of chicken will be great for us! Zach felt the 1o pack of kleenex was a little bit much to stock up on. Although we do blow our noses an awful lot! Anyway, I do like Sam's Club so far!

10. I don't think I even though to mention it while focusing on our post about Christmas, but the day after Christmas was our 6 month Wedding anniversary! It's flown by, so I bet our 1 year anniversary will sneak up on us as well! We are already trying to create a short trip or something fun to do to celebrate!

5 months!

2011-01-04T21:04:00.000-08:00

Our little Nellie girl is 5 months old today! The most recent pictures I have of her were from Christmas, so I will have to upload some new ones soon.

At 5 months Nellie has

Lost all of her baby teeth. (We think.) Her new chompers are huge! They are so funny to look at because her first set of teeth were sooo tiny!
She can easily jump places like the chair, couch, and now our bed. We will let her snuggle with us at night while we watch movies, but she still sleeps in her kennel at night. We don't want her to break this good habit!
She weighs 16 lbs. Still our little tub-a-lub! She still has lots of loose skin, so I'm assuming that she's gonna get at least a little bigger.
She lays down all the time we tell her to now! She is so very good at it and is highly motivated by treats. We are working on "Stay" next. It's not as easy as it sounds!
For her first Christmas she was quite spoiled! Suzanne made her a personalized food bowl, Mama got her a pink coat, we got her Pork Chomps and her Christmas dress, and Mama Joyce got her a squeaky toy that she loves, loves, loves! It is so funny to hear her squeak on it. Sometimes it takes her a little bit to locate the squeaker inside the toy and she will just keep biting it until she finds it! She is quite a determined little girl.
She has also almost outgrown her first collar! Too bad she hates collars in general, she looks so cute in them!
Zach has been taking Nellie rabbit hunting, but is not having much luck with her actually chasing/trailing the rabbits. Puppies are best trained by learning from older, experienced dogs, (and we have no other beagles to use) so Zach has been trying to research other ways to train her online. I hope he finds something, because I don't want him to get frustrated with her. I can definitely say she loves running around in the fields with him, even if she doesn't know what a rabbit is! : )

I think that is all the new stuff for Nellie! I can't believe we've had her for almost three months already. It seems like she has always been here. At first I know I said I didn't know what on earth would happen with a dog in the house, but we've figured it out, and I wouldn't change one thing of what we've done. It seems so natural to have her in the house with us and I just love it!
This was the only way we could get her to wear her Christmas hat without trying to chew it up!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

On this New Year's Day we are already having a great year! It was so sunny (yet cold) today! We got to eat lunch at Mama Joyce's and then go shopping! I was excited because I got a new pair of khakis and shirt that I can wear for student teaching. Woo hoo! I can't believe it is almost here and that I will be graduating in a little over 4 months. It doesn't even seem real. If you remember to, please pray for Zach and I this semester. The more I think of it, the more I worry about getting through this semester without going crazy (and broke! haha) I know we can do it, but extra prayers will never hurt!

I hope everyone's year is starting off great!

Well...

2010-12-31T21:16:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I missed my Ten on Thursday yesterday! I was doing so well!
I am just going to do a Five on Friday since there is not a whole lot to share since I've already shared our Christmas events!

1. Tonight we went to our friends, Ryan and Kayleigh's, to celebrate the new year! And we were home by 10:45! Haha, we were all falling asleep anyway! I guess you could just say we're old!

2. I truly can't believe that 2010 is almost over. It seems like it just got here! It has been the best year ever though without a doubt! I don't think next year can top this year, but we will just have to see!

3. I am looking for a part time job to do while I student teach. I am really nervous about having to do both, but at this point it is what is necessary, so I'm going to do it!

4. We still haven't taken our Christmas trees down and I don't want to! I just love looking at them!

5. Now for a little announcement. Zach is going back to school! We are very excited! It will be rough having us both in school this semester, but will be great when I (hopefully) get a teaching job for the Fall.

Christmas

2010-12-27T18:49:00.000-08:00

To start off, I must say that Zach and I are so so so incredibly spoiled. We must have been extra good this year! We got much more than we deserved but are very thankful for all we received. And in remembering that last year I took about 10 pictures, this year I was determined to do better and took about... 100! Haha, Here are some of the highlights! (Oh, and even though I took so many pictures, I didn't get my camera out at Mama Grace and Granddaddy's or at Zach's parents! I don't know what I was thinking. I know Zach's mom got some pictures though!)

This is Christmas Eve Night at Zach's Grandma Scheller's house. (Zach's dad's mom)

Here is Aubrie cheesin' it up for "Aunt 'Thana"
Here is Aubrie opening her present from Zach and I. A digital camera! She seemed to love it!

Let the picture taking begin!
As usual, Zach is not participating in the picture taking.
Aubrie was telling "Santa Zach" what she wanted for Christmas. She said. "A baby. A baby brother." Yikes, she may have to wait a while for that one!
I didn't even get a chance to sit on his lap and let him know what I wanted!

Zach opening a dirty Santa present.
Apparently he who opens the footie pajamas must try them on. Even if they are a size (or two) too small. (This is Zach's dad by the way.)
Sweet little girl! And favorite niece!
Testing out the dart guns. Which we played with for about an hour! Very entertaining while it was snowing!
Zach pleaded to open our presents to each other on Christmas Eve, and me being such a softy for my husband said yes. But I did tell him this is the only year that is going to happen!

Nellie "opening" her stocking. She was such a good little girl so Santa brought her some yummy Pork Chomps!
Zach opening his present.
It is a picture of an "A R lower" that I got for him. It didn't quite get here in time for Christmas so I just wrapped that up! He was very excited! (Oh, for all of us who don't know what that is, it's a part to a gun that Zach is going to build.)
Nellie and Mama on her first Christmas Eve! (Excuse her Mama for looking awful. We spent 6 hours in the car that day, so that is that!)
My new yoga mat from Zach.
My new 4 lb. weights!
Zach's enhancement on the name tag. Can you tell what he did to it? Soooo funny!
Hot pink thera-bands!
Pumping up my hot pink exercise ball! (Not as easy as it looks!)
Daddy and Nellie on Christmas Eve! I love them so much!
I love this picture! It showcases our Christmas Eve pajamas from Mama Joyce and adorable Nellie girl.
Nellie and Mama again. I know it almost pitiful how much I am crazy about this dog, but she is just too sweet!
Christmas morning! Our very first! : )
Cinnamon rolls homemade by Mama Joyce. All I had to do was bake them and make the icing.
Nellie's new coat from "Grandma" Ruth and "Aunt" Suzanne. At about the time this was taken she realized the coat was on her body! haha.

Nellie loving on Suzanne because of her doggy footsie pajamas.
Nellie's new personalized (and weighted) bowl from Aunt Suzanne.
Okay, so this was a big surprise. I shot this deer 2 years ago on November 9th. Zach and daddy were both with me and we were all excited! I had no idea that daddy was getting it mounted for me. We came into the house on Christmas morning and had probably been there about 30 minutes when Daddy asked me if I had looked around the room. About 30 seconds after that I saw this deer in place of my first deer and was very excited! (And impressed at how beautiful he still is!)
My pile o' presents from Mama, Daddy, Suzanne, Ross, and Sarah.
This is my new Willow Tree Nativity set featuring Mary, baby Jesus, Joseph, A shepard with 3 sheep, and a donkey. I can't wait to get to use it next Christmas!
Mama with the long sleeve t-shirts Zach and I got her.
Suzanne with the book we got her. We also got her a Terry's chocolate orange which I am sure is gone by now.

Zach's lovely coat from Mama and Daddy! (Sadly, it didn't fit and the store didn't have another in his size. Hopefully we can find a good replacement for it though!)
Daddy and his new trail cam from Mama!
Mama with her new pearls from Daddy.

Zach got a Sam's club Membership from Mama and Daddy.
Chuck: Season 3! I didn't expect to get it, so I was very happy!
The "kids" table at Mama Joyce's on Christmas day. I'm pretty sure mine and Jonathan's knees were touching!
Presents that evening at Mama Joyce's.
Zach got the TV special, Band of Brothers on DVD and was actually surprised by a gift for once!

Lexie on her new rocking horse from Mama Joyce! She is such a pretty girl!

She also looks at the camera so well! I was very impressed!Lexie with her Pops. (My Uncle Reid.) I couldn't decide which of these two pictures I liked best so I posted them both. Also, I thought Lauren might want to see them.
Hands taste so good!
Daddy with Mama, Aunt Melody, and Aunt Lynn. Who I just noticed are in order from youngest to oldest. (Starting with my mama.)
Suzanne opening a sweater.
Nellie on her 1st Christmas.
Smoking her pork chomp! Haha, or at least that's what it looks like! She looooooves them.
Our 4th Christmas together, but FIRST Christmas together/married.
And this was about 9 o'clock on the 26th of December after 3 days of intense Christmas celebrating. Hence the worn out faces, gross hair, and happy smiles.

We also didn't forget the important reason we were able to celebrate this season. A tiny baby, wrapped in clothes, in a lowly manger. Destined to be King of Kings, our Savior, and deliverer. Each year Christmas means more and more to me and I care less about the gifts and more about the people around us. We are so blessed to have loving, caring families who love us so much! We love every single one of you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,

Zach and Nathana

Ten on Thursday

2010-12-23T20:00:00.001-08:00

1. Lately, this is what I have been seeing a lot of when I come home! This little girl loves her daddy! It almost looks like she is laying her paw on him saying, "Back off, Mama, Daddy's mine!" haha

2. Last night our friends Ryan and Kayleigh came over for supper and to hang out! We played Mad Gab and almost died laughing! The results of the game are below!

3. Now for some of our Christmas things! I don't have nearly as many decorations as I would like to have, but I know that it is a collection that will grow each year!

Here is Nellie girl's stocking! : ) You will also see the matching hat in later pictures! Yes, I know it's meant for a real baby, and No, I don't care! She seems to love it! hehe

Here are Zach and I's stockings. We left our child hood stockings at our parents' houses for future use there. I didn't have any time to make us new "forever" stockings, so these $1 stockings from Wal-mart will have to do for this year!

4. Zach gave me this as an early Christmas present on Saturday so we could go ahead and watch it! It was so cute!
5. These are my absolute favorite ornaments on our tree.
This first one is from my first Christmas!

Mama got this for me in Rothenburg, Germany when we went in 2007.

Mary Ruth gave us this ornament for our first Christmas! Now we just have to take a stunning picture from this picture to put in it!
6. Here are our Christmas trees!
Mama just gave me this tree last weekend! I am of course in love with it because it is pink! It is also pre-lit with white lights, but to add a little somethin' somethin' I added my colored lights.... that also blink. Don't worry, Zach is a huge fan of it! ; )
Here is our big tree. I was surprised that we actually had enough ornaments to make it look decent. We both got some of our ornaments from when we were little and now we will add to our collection!
7. Onto our sweet Nellie girl! She has just recently started to like sleeping somewhere not on us! haha. So much, in fact, she enjoys a whole chair to herself! It was too cute not to photograph!
Oh, also she is fine tuning her driving skills! See what an attentive driver she is? (Disclaimer: We were parked in the driveway with the car off in this picture! hehe)
She still loves to cuddle though and we don't mind it one bit! Here she is snuggling with Daddy's toes! (Not the best choice, Nellie!)

Nellie is waiting up for Santa! This is her hat that matches her stocking! Cute, right?
We thought she looked like Mother Teresa in her towel! haha

8. It's Christmas Eve's Eve! (Which I may have mentioned earlier!) I am so tired at this point, I can't remember!

9. I have dipped rice krispies, cashews, and pretzels in both milk and white chocolate today and I am officially dipped out! I meant to take a picture of them, but forgot until I was already uploading these pictures! Oops!

10. I am so excited about Christmas, I will probably not be able to sleep because of the excitement tomorrow night!

On the off chance that I don't blog again before Christmas (which is likely due to all of the places we have to be in the next 72 hours) I want to wish each and every one of you (hopefully there is more than one person who reads this) the Merriest Christmas so far. Let us not forget the great reason we have the reason to celebrate new life and eternal life!

Luke 2: 1-12

¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Christmas line-up

2010-12-23T08:34:00.001-08:00

So, being the newlyweds that we are, we knew this year with all of the holidays there would be some give and take when it came to these events. Just in case any of you were desperately wanting to know how or if we we're going to be able to work it out...

Tonight, the 23rd (aka Christmas Eve's Eve) we are eating pizza with Zach's mom's cousins who are up from Mississippi.

Tomorrow, the 24th (Christmas Eve) we are going to my dad's parents in the morning to do Christmas with them. Then that evening we are going to Zach's dad's side to open "dirty santa" presents. (I.E.- Everyone steals presents from each other and I hate it!) Well, let's say I hate it less than I originally did 3 years ago! I have learned that the name of the game is you buy yourself what you want in hopes of getting it! Selfish, yes, I know, but it's either that or you depend on what others bring, which is usually dumb gag gifts! Another example of that is Zach is taking the movie Zombieland. Needless to say, I doubt anyone will fight him over that! : )

We will also stop by my mom's mom (Mama Joyce's) house to pick up our "Christmas Eve" pajamas. Which you can probably guess, we wear to bed on Christmas Eve!

Then on Christmas morning, to start off the festivities Zach and I will get up at around 7:00 a.m. (or before, if he gets his way : ) ) We are going to eat homemade cinnamon rolls on our new china we got for our wedding. Then we're going to open up our presents and stockings from each other. Then we are going to dress up little Nellie girl in her Christmas dress and head to my Mama and Daddy's. There we will open up presents from them, Ross and Sarah, and Suzanne. Then around noon we will head to Mama Joyce's to have Christmas Day lunch and relax until about suppertime. Then all 18 of us will open presents from Mama Joyce and the Aunts and Uncles. The day will be long, but I will love every minute of it!

On the day after Christmas we are going to church for me to play handbells, but we have to leave right after that to get to Zach's mom's side to do Christmas presents. They also do the "dirty Santa." Sigh. Oh well. Usually it turns out a little better than the other one though. I have to say that Zach and I have learned the importance of communication with each other in this game. Sometimes he will tell me to steal something for him or he will steal something for me, and everyone ends up happy! haha.

Then we are going back to Zach's parents' house and doing our Christmas with them! Whew, after typing all of this I realize how much we are going to be doing in the next few days! I better get a nap in today to rest up!! : )

This week...

2010-12-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

Didn't turn out exactly as planned, but is still going to end fantastically! I was supposed to work Monday and Wednesday, but it ended up that they didn't need me today. A little frustrating since we could use the money, but Zach and I got to spend the day together and do a little bit of very last minute shopping! I don't know why I'm posting tonight when I do my ten on Thursday tomorrow, I just felt like blogging I guess! Haha, you could say I have gotten a little devoted to our little blog. It probably isn't the most interesting all the time, but I think it will be great to go back and look at later to see all the fun we had when we were newlyweds and young!

Ten on Thursday

2010-12-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

1. Only 9 days until Christmas!

2. We are trying to get our Christmas cards mailed, but keep forgetting to buy stamps!

3. Nellie is starting to work on the command "Lay down." The day after I started with it, she started to listen! Our little girl is a genius! : )

4. I have started to wrap presents at long last! It feels like we didn't buy much this year, but I'm hoping everyone loves what we got them.

5. On the note of wrapping paper, sweet little Nellie chewed through a section of her grandma's present. Luckily the present is something that can't really be chewed up and the little devil was punished accordingly! Hopefully she has learned her lesson and will be an angel the next 9 days!

6. I really wish when we got all this ice and snow that the daycare would close!

7. I still have nothing for Zach. How could this be?? Well, when he tells me he doesn't want anything from me, I guess he means it. He says the only thing he would want from me would be money and he knows I don't do that for presents! : ) I do at least have him some candy for his stocking....

8. I still have that math review to turn in by tomorrow! Ugh, it stinks having one little thing in the way of my Christmas break!! I already have it partially done, so hopefully I will get it done tonight!

9. This week is my last week of finals ever! (Since next semester I won't have any finals, just student teaching.) : )

10. We got our Christmas stockings last night at Wal-mart. I want to make us some in the near future, so we just bought cheap $1 ones. There just wasn't enough time this semester.