Meet our new friend, the Potty Chair

Hey, we joined the potty trained train! Well mostly. It all started when I finally convinced Trevin to simply sit on the potty. And he went. Just like that. So we put on our big boy undies and off we went. Some days he's a rockstar. And some days I clean up a lot of pee. And poop. And it's no fun. It's those days that I watch my hair turn gray. The potty chair has now become an accessory for us. It goes to church, goes to the store, goes to Grandma's. It also has become a new decoration for us. It can be found in the bathroom, laundry room, garage, bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Basically wherever we are. 

And also Trevin has been constipated, so we did the prune juice thing. It worked. A little too good. Poor guy. Thankfully we were outside when it happened. Hosed off the sidewalk. Hosed off the child, (and then bathed him.) Threw away the totally awesome Cars undies. (Because there was no way I was going there...) 

Besides hitting the bathroom every other hour, we've been farming.  Harvest is rolling along, with about a week off due to some wet popcorn. Have I ever told you how cool it is to grow popcorn? So cool. We eat a lot of popcorn. And my guy knows how to fix it to perfection.





Also, if you're looking for some rocking awesome organic kettle corn. Check this >>>  http://www.kettlepop.com/

(Shameless plug) If you buy some KettlePop you very well might be eating corn from the sweat and tears of James Huenefeld. His sweat and tears are what irrigates the land; it gives the popcorn a little more flavor and certifies it as organic.  

Moo.

Everyone loves a good "fail blog." So here's one for your enjoyment. Baked mozzarella bites. I've made them once before with string cheese and they turned out great. I tried to make them again but used fresh mozzarella cheese instead of string cheese, and the result was fail blog worthy. 

We called them mozzarella chips and they might be the next big thing. Or they might not. Either way, though... 

I hit a milestone this month. It was a pretty big deal. I went to my very first Grandparents Day. (Technically it was Grandparents and Special Friends Day, but I prefer just Grandparents Day.) Ashton and I were lucky enough to accompany our nephews, along with my mom and grandpa. We had cafeteria food again, and sat at undersized desks. I used a SmartBoard and played at recess. Elementary school is the coolest place. 

Proud grandma. 

This is a spinning arm torture device. Kids consider it "fun." This is what we did all of recess time. My arms were burning. I really looked pathetic when the other grandma at recess (approximately age 60,) was swinging from it with impressive form. 

Confession time. I go through obsession phases with everything. Food, music, shows, styles, clothes, hobbies, etc... My latest obsessions are...

#1. 19 Kids and Counting (Love me some Duggar's, and was mortified when it was taken off of Netflix. I found out today that Jill is having a boy, can't wait for Jessa's wedding, and love to watch Jim Bob attempt to speak Spanish.)  

#2. My Eagles Pandora station (A little Eagles, a little Steve Miller, a little CCR. Also a tidbit, this is the best music to have on while cleaning. Killer beats for vacuuming.)  

#3. S'mores bars  http://www.pinterest.com/pin/121808364897296714/ (My mom used to make these when I was a kid and she broke out the recipe this weekend. I ate 4 pieces. 4. Within 2 hours. I think that qualifies it for making my latest obsession list.) 

October has brought another month of pictures. Clayton and Sandy Kliewer were my latest experiment. And this colored, matte family shot may be my favorite picture I've ever taken. They're even my family, so it doesn't get better. 

This was taken in between poses and would have normally been a throw out picture, but something about this shot kept me coming back to it several times. I love the innocent expressions of each personality.  

On Sunday, I crashed a surprise birthday party for a grandma that wasn't mine. It was my uncle's mom, and we were able to squeeze in some LARGE family pictures. Large in quantity and head size. But they say, big head, big brain. I'd say that's the case with this bunch. Meet the extended Schelkopf family.

Grandkids

Kids

Happy 80th birthday, Bev! 

Coming soon: Another photo shoot, a girls trip to IKEA with my besties, Halloween, and bunco.

A day as a grandparent, growing on the farm... 

C-3PO is in the Building

My nephews are what you would call "sports junkies." They do it all. And love it all. I might be reliving my sports days through them. My competitive nature comes out and my blood starts pumping. Then I have to remind myself that it's 2nd grade soccer... I'm so proud of these munchkins and their hard work. 

Hey, guess what! More fishing...

Digging for worms. 

Meet the latest toy in the Huenefeld house. The new iPhone 6. Gold edition. Now I feel like I'm carrying around C-3PO, but that's ok because Star Wars is the bomb. 

This device is remarkable, but totally ridiculous. No one needs a device like this. I certainly don't deserve something this cool. We could absolutely live without this. America is the spoiled brat of the world. I mean there's like 780 million people in the world without access to clean water, and a smartphone is a "staple" in almost every home in America. I give a pretty intense "privileged" rant, just ask James. My latest beef is with the push for minimum wage increase. I've read several posts on Facebook about how you can't "support" yourself working at a fast food restaurant. So these workers take to Facebook on their smart phones to make their voice heard. <Insert heavy sigh> 

Don't get me wrong, I'm drooling over this and I'm incredibly grateful to have it. But I also know it's the first thing to go when times get tough. This is a luxury item, and I'm fully aware of that. 

With that said I've been blown away by life with a smart phone. Here's my Top 10 smartphone loves:

10. Being able to find an answer to any question anywhere at anytime. 

9. Netflix on the go. 

8. My music is with me. When I say music, I mean everything in my iTunes, not just default ringers. 

7. Being able to sync calendars with my husband. He doesn't know it yet, but it's going to change his life. It's important that he knows when I have a Mom's meeting, hair cut, or need to wax my legs. He will love being so involved. 

6. Instagram. I'm new to this thing and feel like a baby that needs guidance. Hashtags make me feel uncomfortable. 

5. Apps for kids. There's an endless supply of resources for kids and I've only just begun to explore. 

4. Two words, "Group messaging."

3. The fact that I have a camera in my pocket. I had a camera on my old phone, but generally I could draw a better picture than what the phone took.

2. Devotionals. I've come across some incredible bible/devotional/study apps that really get me excited to dig in and learn each day. 

And finally my #1 love: No more printing directions off of Mapquest. Can I get an Amen?!

Just a disclaimer. Snapchat will never be on my Top 10 list. I have an odd hatred towards it and find it absurd. Just send a text. Good gravy. 

Autocorrect insists on changing "Trevin" to "Trevino" and "Trev" to "Greg." If I thought Trevin could pull off the name "Greg," it might stick. 

Trevin is almost two-and-a-half. Hard to believe. He's talking in short sentences and starting to say pretty funny things. Recently we found 3 bunny books that James had when he was young. They're put out by Focus on the Family and have a bible verse lesson in each book. Trevin is obsessed with them and we read them multiple times a day. He's started to "read" them and it's precious.  "Who tore book? I did, Mama. Who told twoof? (truth) I did, Mama!"

 Another Class of 2011 wedding is in the books! Taylor was the most beautiful bride and the reception was darling.  What a great day spent with friends. 

Harvest is here and Trevin and I rode along today! We are convinced that tractor cabs were not designed for toddlers. I'm going to start designing a baby proof cab made for family farming.  My first change would be the door. Trevin can get it unlatched and if he would open it up and fall out, he'd land right in front of the back tire. Talk about stressing out Mom. 

Next change, a third seat. Maybe even fourth. Or just a couch would be fine. While we're at it, let's add on a sleeper for nap time and a TV for movies. Ooo and a snack bar with a mini fridge. Feasible? 

Sometimes Dad doesn't like to share his toys. 

I've recently learned how to run a website and have been playing with a new one for CRC. Taking pictures, web design, photoshop, organizing, and counseling. Does it get better than this?
I love my job.

Today I sorted old camp pictures and came across this little guy. This is the boy I fell in love with. Those curls. GAH. And those swim trunks that he's wearing? Just replaced them this year... (I spy some Bennett's, Ashton's friends, and a Troester?)


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You guys, this is my second family. Well technically they're first family too, because they're my aunt/uncle and cousins. I grew up next door to them and made countless trips down the brick sidewalk to their house. They are some of the most fun-loving, generous, and giggly people you'll ever meet.
Here are the Schelkopf's.

Mom also wanted to take a family picture for the Christmas card. This is the best picture we've ever taken. EVER. And on the first try! Love these people more than anything. 

This is my life. These are my best. And love is here.

Selfies all around, growing on the farm...

"I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."

James and I had the honor of being baptized in the presence of our entire church family last Sunday. It was a decision that was long coming and it was so special to be able to share the day together. I was baptized as a baby, but was convicted to make the decision personally and cognitively. James had never been baptized but knew it was over-due and felt it was time for him to make that public confession of faith. We were so blessed by the support and kind words that were given to us. 

Without Christ, we are nothing. 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 

2 Corinthians 12:9

"Buried with Christ in baptism..." 

"...and raised to walk in the newness of life."

"But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me..." 

2 Timothy 4:17

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Fall is totally here. Football is in progress (Go 'Skers!) Cold weather jumped up and bit us in the you-know-what. Everything is pumpkin flavored. Everything. Scarves and boots are everywhere. Everywhere. Oh and the biggest tell that fall is here...we caught a cold. 

It's really hit this poor bug. Hate having sick babes. 

On the more exciting front, Trevin and I experienced our first Pumpkin Patch! He loved loading up the wagon full of pumpkins and squash.

We also visited a one-weekend shop called Willow Station that had darling decor. And cake pops. Trevin and mom were both happy. 

Here's some of my treasures! This tray is delightful. And the elk scored some brownie points with my husband. 

Washed by the blood, growing on the farm...