helping out

Ever have the feeling that no good deed will go unpunished? Sometimes I think that should be our motto around here. Do one good deed and it leads to many more - not always the best thing.
A couple of months ago my family spent the day helping out my sister in law. She has trouble keeping her house clean (don't we all). Seriously, If I sent in pictures of her home when we walked in she would be serious competition for the messiest house in America (ever watch" Clean House"?). Anyway, this is the house my kids were born in and lived until we built our home where we are now. We sent her away with another sister and just dug in. Several hours later, you could see the home we once lived in.
Now the yard didn't look good enough. (don't even want to go into this one)
Several years ago my father in law started putting in a kitchenette in this sister's basement. He never finished (I'd say why, but I don't know who reads this). There is a family in her ward that desperately needs another place to live. - Enter Clem. Kitchenette is finished, floor tiled, basement cleaned. Family moves in basement.
Now outside of house doesn't look good enough.
Enter Jim and his youth conference. They needed a service project. They got one. However, a slight mistake was made when the paint was chosen. (see picture). Now it needs to be repainted (gee - why?)

Ok enough griping. My family reunion is this week and I look forward to seeing my siblings, nieces and nephews. I really love them all. It's so nice to have everyone and catch up - then send them all on their way. It's a good thing we do this - or we would probably never see each other enough - and I know my mom loves it - but it sure wears her out!. Will post more after reunion.

sleeping over is great!

I wish I had some pictures for this post - but the best ones were when the kids were all asleep and I was afraid to wake them up with a flash!
This week, we got to have Romney overnight while him mom was at Girls camp and his dad went up with the bishopric to have dinner and help the girls pack up in the morning to come home. Laine got to go have a "hotel sleep over" which, translated means, her friend was having a sleep over party at their condo in Park City, but Laine called it a hotel.
We (I) thought it might be fun to have Wyatt sleep over with Rom, and since I was going to have Wyatt and Izzy the next night anyway, I just picked them up a day early and had them for 2 nights. Sleeping bags are fun when they look like "cars" or "princess" bags, and we put all three of them in the family room together. Wyatt was the example when it came time for bed (you've taught him well Judi), Romney had to make extra potty stops, and have "just one more story". Izzy - well she tried to stay away, and tried to keep the others awake, but finally gave in. I must say - I was very impressed that Clem got them to bed so well.
I was teaching a community CPR class at our ward, so he had the kids for bedtime. I got them after that (you know - middle of the night potty, I want to play, and When is mom coming to get me? stuff).
The next day was fun. I took the day off and I must say - even though I didn't get anything done - it was worth it.

This weekend is Jon's birthday - looking forward to family and fireworks!