It's raining Clothes!

Maybe you thought I have been gone for a few days reading fervently, nope. I've been sorting clothes. Piles and Piles of really expensive clothes. To make a long story short(if possible), Glade's business bought a foreclosure house. The people that lived there left a lot of things behind. I mean a lot. Now, they did have time to take all the door knobs and a few sinks, but didn't make it back to get the rest. So I brought it all home and decided to see what was there. Holy Cow! I think there were about 15 black yard bags full of clothes. It has been a daunting task, really, to sort through it all, but well worth it. I think in Glade's words "I'll never have to buy clothes again!". The man was just about exactly Glade's size and wore the same type of clothing. Button ups, jeans, shorts, work out clothes...it's insane. There were tons of little girl clothes perfect for Katy and bunches and bunches of baby boy stuff. I will be dividing that stuff out to some friends that just had babies. My girls were just about the same size as the woman so they hit pay dirt as well. The craziest part about all this is that they are all expensive, name brand clothes. Some, a big some, still had tags on them. Brand new, never been worn expensive clothes. My brain has not been able to wrap around the absurdity of it. It has been very fun however, to attain so many cute and FREE clothes for my family! There were also some bikes, toys, home decor, holiday decorations and (blushing) some embarrassing unmentionables that my 16 yr old happened across. Today I'm going back to get the rest. The pictures are of all the bags of clothes. I think I have it mostly under control and just need to let a few more people go through it before I decide what to do with the left overs. Very strange and yet quite exciting.

this is most of the bags, Glade had already taken some and so had the girls.



Katy clothes



The mess I have been living in since I brought it home!

"imprinting" for Chelsey

Saturday was a long, but full day. Chelsey's performance troupe was performing at the opening of a shopping center nearby. Mom, Whitley and I all went to watch her. It was so hot! I felt really bad because they were out there doing their numbers for 4 hours in the heat. They were sweaty and tired. They did really well though. I, of course, forgot my camera. They also did a fashion show where they got to go to a couple of stores nearby and pick out an outfit to model. They had a really good time. I left early to go get my other kids ready for their tryouts for the upcoming musical. Glade was supposed to be back from scouts in time to bring me my van. Didn't happen. Luckily my mom was there to help me transport all the kids.
We got there and waited almost 2 hours for our turn. It was crazy. They all thought they did pretty well, but we haven't heard back yet, so I'm pretty sure they all just got back up parts, but that's OK, it's tons of fun just to participate.
We were supposed to meet some friends to see a movie, but we had to pick Chelsey up from work and she got out late which made us too late to make the movie. We went to the mall instead to look for some shoes for Glade and return a skirt I had bought for a smaller size. We found what we needed and went to meet our friends for Ice Cream.
While at the ice cream place, I "imprinted" for Chelsey. Funny, huh? If you don't know what imprinting is, not so funny. Anyway, there was a boy there that I decided should marry Chelsey, at least take her on a date. We teased him the whole night and gave him the run down on her. She would be and was, mortified. It was all in fun and he took it really well. That's why I like him so much! After telling this story to a few people, I was able to find out his full name. When I did, it triggered something in my mind as to who's kid it might be. Really far out in left field, mind you. I did some checking anyway. Amazingly, the person I checked with happened to be the cousin of the person I thought his mom might be. (a girl from high school) It turns out not to be hers, but her brothers! I told my friend that his smile is what made me think of this girl. I knew they had to be related. Funny part, this girl and her brother are both adopted. No blood relation to the cute boy at the ice cream store. How weird is all that??? Anyway, I'm not done trying to match them up. He told us when he worked so she could come in and see him. I don't know if she will ever go after all that, but it was fun while it lasted!
Sunday was a little frustrating. Katy decided she wasn't tired in the middle of the night and was up for a couple of hours just wide awake. I finally just put her in my bed and let her play while I tried to sleep. By about 2 am, I put her back in her bed. She was up bright and early the next day! My class was full today and not very reverent. I'm still try to figure out what I can do to keep their interest a little better. They are the oldest kids in the youngest book. Anyway, we went to Glade's moms for dinner, which was very yummy! My kids like when we go there, gets them out of the house. They hate that it makes us leave early though, gotta get home for bed.

Garden, schools, malls, and My book!

Yesterday I awoke amazingly early after a really good night's sleep. I decided to make good use of it and go plant my garden. It was beautiful outside. A little humid, but not very hot. Today, I can't hardly walk. More on that later. It was a good day. Not only did my garden get planted, but I got a lot of cleaning done. You know the days where you're going to just do one little thing and then you think "as long as I'm down here" or "since I have the rag already"? Then you end up with a whole bunch of clean things! I love that. After spending most of the morning cleaning (and a little reading), I had a meeting with the principal at my kids school.
They had called the day before and said there was an opening for Nick to come back. (he goes to a different school but I wanted him here instead) I was so torn. He seems to be having a good year so far at his old school. Now, they haven't actually started doing much work yet. He even seemed to make a new friend or two. The dilemma is: if I switch him, the work will be MUCH harder, but if I don't, he is still with most of the same friends which is NOT good. He and I had a very mature conversation about the pros and cons and he was not completely opposed to switching. During my meeting, he just kept telling me how much work there was. I can't help but feel like if Stephen and I really help him out, it will be worth it. That puts a lot of work on my shoulders. Anyway, I made the decision and he starts Monday. I went to his old school right before the day ended to withdraw him and they said it was too late in the day and I would have to come back Monday. I suggested a few options and she just kept telling me it wasn't possible today. After a slight pause and some hmmm-ing I said "this doesn't work for me". Her face was kind of funny at that point. She got a little irritated and said "sorry!" Finally she got someone else for me to talk to. He was withdrawn in the next 15 minutes. I rock.
Glade had a scout campout last night so I decided to have my own date. I went to eat and went shopping! This is where the soreness from gardening set in. I couldn't figure out why it hurt to walk. I mean uncomfortable! I kept thinking "what did I do?" It didn't dawn on me till almost the end of the night. Planting was like doing a half hour of squats. Ouch! But anyway, now I have a few church clothes that actually fit. My mom would tell you I still bought them too big, but we had to agree to disagree on that one. I really enjoy shopping for my children more. I found very little I liked for me. I kept wandering into the kids section and would have to pull myself out reminding me why I was there.
Lastly - I got my blog book! I love it. It's really nice. I will continue to do that as long as I do this. It's a wonderful journal with pictures and colors, professionally bound. Not cheesy at all. I can't wait for you to see it!

Too Too Much

Do you ever stay away from the computer because there's just too much to report? That is how I have felt. So forgive me for my very messy, scattered entry!
Meet the Teacher
Crazy! That's all I can say. Screaming baby, noisy kids, crowded hallway. Shopping after meeting teachers. Crazy! 6 kids, screaming baby, lots of fun things at arm's length. Nap after shopping. Wonderful! By the way, my baby never makes a scene, but today....possessed.
Did I mention that last Sunday was her first day in Nursery and she did GREAT? It was also her first "baby ponytail". She wouldn't keep her headband on so I gathered the 10 hairs she has that are long enough for me to wrap a rubber band around 40 times and gave her a ridiculous but very adorable pony right on top her head!
First Day of School
"It's the most wonderful time of the year", no not Christmas....After only one day of normalcy and quiet and fun baby games, I almost feel sane again. I was excited to see my kids when they came home and they were nice to each other and I'm not sure I yelled even once! That's how a home is supposed to be!
Garden
Hoed, but not planted. We are going to miss the pumpkins for Halloween, but we are still going to try. Says they need 100 days and we're passed that. Hoping for a miracle!
Books
Finished the first two and am on my third. I'm a little vampired out, but must keep going!
Reading has taught me a few things. (Other than how a vampire and werewolf can't get along).
- It's not so bad
- I don't like the nagging it brings of "i have to get back to it". I have enough things nagging at me!
- My kids shock that I'm holding a book - not good!
-Stephen -How did you read that much in one day??
Me - I don't know.... I'm a fast reader?
St - Soooo (confused)..You're good at it, you just don't like it??
Me - I guess so...
St - Walks away befuddled shaking his head (This too, not good!)
- Reading before bead = vampire dreams
- Reading = less blogging
- Opens up conversations
All in all, it's been OK, but I wouldn't like it on a regular basis.
PTO
First meeting, probably won't stick with it. I'm not super in love with how they work and what they do with the money. Remember my entry about the aggravation over school supplies? The PTO seems to exist to provide teachers with more stuff. Not the students, teachers. They want to buy all the teachers $25 logo'd polo shirts. Are you kidding me? I can't continue to support that kind of behavior.
Laurie
Much more sane and much less anxiety. Feels like a normal human and much more in control. Loves having a dinner menu and a routine. Would love to have an 18 month old forever. Needs a little more sleep. Can't wait for Christmas and cool weather. Loves her life.

Peer Pressure

It's been a very productive last few days. I really tried hard on Sunday to not just "clock watch" till we could all be normal again. An observation by my friend Leslie. I worked on my food storage, my activity day stuff, and read some. It really was a much more pleasant day when it was filled with good stuff. I even found an activity book I had gotten and never used. I printed out some papers for my kids to work on they actually liked it. They worked really well in my primary class too!
Yesterday, my last free day with a babysitter. Kids start school tomorrow. I spent the morning cleaning my kitchen from Sunday dinner. It feels so good to actually have things cleared and cleaned. Stephen and I even got the floors cleaned. After cleaning myself up, I went to the bank and to get my nails done. I got home right around lunch time. I laid down with Bo for about 1/2 an hour and then my kids started getting home from school. Did I mention I did laundry off and on all day? I was also waiting for the A/C guy to show up, which he finally did. Right after he showed up, it was time to start making dinner. I have really been liking my menu thing. No decisions, just grab the ingredients and go! After dinner, we had family home evening and then Glade and the boys went out to till the garden so we can get our pumpkins planted. All in all sounds like a productive day, huh? What I have yet to mention......the peer pressure.......Today I have read over half of Twilight. Yes, I gave in. I'm not yet loving it, but will finish it. Chelsey said the first book is the least exciting. They were shocked that I had read that much in one day. I guess since I don't enjoy reading, they just assumed I wasn't very good at it. Anyway, today will not include much reading. Meet the teacher, get the last of supplies, PTO meeting and then scouts. That's kind of a nice busy day for the last one before school starts! The cherry on top....I think I slept for 7 straight hours last night and didn't wake up once! YeeeeHawww!

Bella ends up with....

JUST KIDDING!! I do know the answer to that, but I would never spoil it! Mom got the book and although I haven't read a single one of the others, I decided to read the last chapter of the new one to find out the answer to every one's big question. I've been teasing my girls all day.
Glade and I went on a hunt to find the remaining two hooks to finish the mud room. Then we went to the gym. I have decided to to more weight training. I totally don't like it, but I'm so stagnant right now, I thought it might be a good idea. We'll see if I can walk tomorrow. After feeling bad that my kids have been at home day in and day out for most of the week and definitely all day, I asked Glade to take the boys to a movie. So they are gone seeing Speed Racer and I'm about to take Chelsey, Brooklyn and Katy to the mall. I got my $20 gift card in the mail and Chelsey needs new dance shoes. Whitley is babysitting so I guess she's SOL. Fast Sunday tomorrow and the boys have a 6 am priesthood meeting. Fun for them. Gotta go shop till I drop!

I'm a terrible, wicked mom. Still on the hunt for whatever went into my closet, (Glade says a mouse) I bribed one of my children to clear out my closet. He was unaware of what happened the night before. A little extra computer time and he was more than willing. On my behalf, I knew he wasn't going to get hurt or anything and that it probably wasn't still in there. I got rid of half of what was in there and reorganized so that nothing is on the floor. I checked for holes or nests or webs and nothing. I guess that's a good thing. Next I will be doing the same thing to our office which is right outside the bathroom. We put out two little sticky traps to see if we could catch something, no luck last night. I will keep you posted.
Last night Glade and I went to dinner at Rigatony's, didn't love it. I thought I remembered that from before,but we had a coupon.... After dinner, we went our separate ways. I needed to get Whitley some seminary scriptures. I hate going to Deseret Book. I spend way too much money with the rationalization that "it's good for my family". I did pretty good last night, even got a Christmas present that was on clearance. Glade went to get the rest of the hooks to finish the re-do of our mud room. Now our kids have no excuse to put their backpacks on the floor! I think I'm going to paint it kinda fun in there. I'll have to do before and after pics.
Today we are going to finish the mud room and then start on the garden! I know Glade is not excited about this. I really want to plant some pumpkins and see if we can have them by Halloween.
The new Twilight Series book came out last night at midnight. I think my mom was going to go get a copy since she is out that late anyway. I have yet to read any of them. Slightly tempted at this point, but I'm pretty sure I can hold out for the movie. I would love to know though, all those of you who are avid readers - How do you do it?? Are you super diligent at reading scriptures? I feel like if I'm reading, it should be scriptures. Maybe if I were really really good at reading everyday I would enjoy reading other stuff. I don't know. Not to mention, what uninterrupted time do you have and where can I get some?!?!