almost time...

12 spiral notebooks

17 glue sticks

48 crayons

48 #2 pencils

24 colored pencils

20 pencil grips

3 boxes of Kleenex

20 days...

But who's counting?

ME!

ME!

ME!

you're welcome...

So, if you've spoken to me in the last two days you've probably heard me pat myself on the back talk about how I spent (a few hours) of my Saturday.

Cleaning.

Cleaning Matt & Zach's room (they did help...a little) & cleaning the play room.

That's right, 5 hours.

I will be the first to admit that I am a little OCD when it comes to this task. This (unfortunately) does not just involve a little dusting & vacuuming. This involves organizing, moving furniture, two large bags of garbage (cheap toys) etc.

My kids want to run & hide when I get in this mode.

After the first half hour...I let them.

After the cleaning/organizing festivities I HAD to document the fruits of my labor. Who knows how long it will last, after all.

This dresser was COVERED with Lego creations, papers, books......not any more!!!

Each cubby of these shelves had papers, books, more lego creations , Pokemon cards & misc toy pieces CRAMMED into them...not any more!!!

I went through almost every bucket & sorted, and sorted, and sorted...

...moved bookshelves & train tables to vacuum...

And, showing absolutely no humility at all...left this message on their chalkboard...

Of course, only two of the four people (who rarely use this room) can read. Then, one of the two readers added the word "NOT" under my little message. So appreciative, aren't they??

Oh well...it made me feel better!!

friday fashion foto...

My mom, my sisters & my nieces are at the Mall of America shopping together...and I'm not.

sulk, whine, sulk

HOWEVER, they did call me from there yesterday to see what little Lizzie "needed" for her Fall wardrobe. Apparently, more clothes were purchased for my daughter than anyone else! So, even though I'm sulking I am glad that they are thinking of us & are able to have a little retail therapy on my behalf!

Love you guys!!!

smile...

These things (among others) make me smile...

My boys...being NERDS!

My nephew being a nerd...

(you asked for it Evan!)

Sammy learning to ride a two wheeler...(and a very patient dad!)

A big brother taking care of his little sister (my favorite of all!!)

Scout Camp...

Gotta love the Trading Post...fake snot & goofy glasses for $1 a piece.

Did I mention they had a BLAST & get to go back for more tomorrow?!?!?

Gettin' "cheeky"...

This one cracks me up...

Hee hee!

Pioneer Day Festivities...

The fun started (for us) on the 23rd. Bountiful takes their Handcart Day Celebrations seriously. For the city, the party starts about a week before Pioneer Day.

Who knew that a 15 pack of glow sticks (for $1.99)...

...hanging out in the front yard in your jammies...(good thing he's wearing thermals cuz it was a balmy 85 degrees.)

...waiting for this...

Could be soooooo much fun!?!

We have quite the view of fireworks from our front yard. The fireworks are just about 1 block away & there are no trees blocking the view.

Next year...party in our front yard!!!!

On Pioneer Day we went to the Carnival! Again, FUN!!! The kids were in HEAVEN! There's rides, cheap food, blow-up slides...you name it.

Sam & Liz

Sam & Matt (having a BLAST!)

Waiting patiently for a turn on the Ferris wheel.

Zach & Lizzie

Proof that I was actually there.

Covered wagon rides...

...and the necessary "post carnival melt-down"

We've only lived here for 1 1/2 years (and hope we stay forever!!) We had a BLAST participating in the fun! Can't wait 'til next year!!