Wouldn't it be nice?

I want more of this. 

The eleventh hour

Last night Laney suddenly remembered that she had her Sunnyside city project due soon. 

Like, very soon.

Like, tomorrow.

How does this still happen to people? Don't we have technology? Don't we watch TV? Can't we learn from the silly mistakes of sitcom stars?

Apparently not.

Things were further complicated by the fact that this could not look like an adult had done the whole thing. However, in their infinite wisdom (and a good measure of reality and past experience) the teachers did say that parents were encouraged to help. This is very good. It cuts down on the amount of purposeful messiness I would need to include as  I  we she threw this thing together. 

She designed it.

I found the materials and built the basic shape.

She painted it.

I suggested materials. I cut out a little door and she painted that too. 

I let her have total access to my doo-dad bucket. It came in very handy, once again. Thank you, failed scrapbooking hobby! All those nick nackies have rescued us time and time again.

And when it was all said and done (and past midnight), we had "Laney's School" to contribute to the city.

I think it turned out cute. I'll be sad when we have to finally toss it out because I just can't think of where to store it until she get's married and has a place of her own.

Goodnight!

Whippin Nae Nae for charity

There is something special about 14 year old boys. They are a paradox of awkwardness and charm. They are simultaneously shy and exuberant. 

They are absolutely willing to do the Whip 'n Nae Nae on the roadside to attract customers to the Boy Scout Yard Sale. In fact, it will be their idea.

And somehow you will return home from the yard sale with an October sunburn, an old quilt for the dogs, a Billy the Bass and a massage chair that you do not want or need. And all these things will find a place in your home until one day, a child will ask, "Hey! What ever happened to that Billy Bass?" And you will smile innocently and say, "huh! I don't know! Have you looked in the play room?" 

Enjoy it while it lasts, Billy. Your time here is shorter than you know.

Sunday selfies

Fire circle

I'm starting to realized more and more that my kids need to be with their friends. They need time to hang out and laugh. And we do that less and less these days. The technology combined with a parental fear of our kids being taken or hurt combined with being too dang busy makes it almost impossible for the kids to just walk to a friend's house to play. 

It almost never happens.

So, we've got to make it happen. 

Because they are going to need each other.

**Haley Johnson, Aubrey Tryk, McKenzie Clarke, Dax Hurst and Mathew

Proof of intent

I just came across this photo. 

Is it just me, or does it seem like Daphe was on a fact gathering mission for a future crime? 

I want justice! This was a first-degree arm breaking!

Manning the board

This is one of my favorite parts of General Conference weekend....a big old breakfast. The time to make it and the time to eat it. 

In our jammies!

Then hanging out in the basement and letting the girls take turns manning the General Conference Megaboard.

It's a big responsibility.

You've got to keep a sharp eye on the choir... they're always mixing it up.