Spencer loves Football!

About two years ago, I lost my little boy. He left behind his Toy Story toys & Legos, and morphed into this sports addict. He not only loves to play Madden '08 on his PSP, but he loves to play the sport like crazy. He couldn't wait to be old enough to play tackle football. He remembers every sports fact & statistic, ESPN is his favorite channel, and he truly loves the sport. I could not be more proud. John & I are football fans & enjoy talking with him & sharing in the excitement & frustrations of his games.

He is playing for the Packers team this year. They are 1-1 so far. We have two games this week. Spencer has been playing as a receiver, punt return & corner back. He isn't always as aggressive, but he plays with a lot of passion. I think he is still scared he will get squashed to the ground or the wind knocked out of him. Who knows? It is so fun after the games to hear him talk with such intensity and analyze the plays. He tries really hard and wants to play in college some day.

High School Musical Scream

On Wednesday, we informed Kate that she would be attending the High School Musical 3 Movie Premiere in Hollywood, CA. Her cousin Tamera was kind enough to get an extra ticket for her. She will be joining one of the producers (who is related to Tamera's husband), Tamera & Chloe.

She is so excited to go to the premiere, but equally excited to spend time with Chloe.

John will be flying out with her. Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend with the girls. They will have time to sight see the Hollywood area, relax, and enjoy the movie hoopla. I was so excited for her I thought I would cry. This will be a memorable experience for Kate.

You can check out her reaction on the video below. John gave her an envelope that told her she would be attending and it unfolded from there.

I am always struggling to write in my journal. I know my own handwriting would make it more personal, but it seems I rarely take the time. I have found my solution...www.ldsjournal.com.

Check it out. It allows you to make daily entries, answer "all about me" questions, and then you can print it out in a hard bound copy or put on DVD for your family. It really is an amazing thing.

First Day of School

Well, it has finally arrived...the first day of school. Yesterday, the kids had back to school night. Spencer's teacher, Mrs. Phillips, was a no show and the principal seemed quite disappointed. I can't wait to hear about his day. He is in the 6th grade this year. It is his last year at elementary school. He will be signing up for football this week and can't wait to get on the field.

Kate is in the 4th grade. Her teacher, Miss Shelford, could not be more perfect for her. Kate already thinks she is fun and will have no problem getting her to do her work & reading. She is excited that her good friend, Micaella, is in her class this year. She will be starting dance after Labor Day & hopes to get started with piano lessons too!

John had his first day of early morning seminary. He has 5 students that arrive around 6:15am and they catch the bus at the corner. He has a good bunch of kids. Wednesday mornings will be rough since he works at the bowling center in Anderson & doesn't get home till midnight or later. Yes, bowling season is underway.

No school for me. I am able to enjoy some free time and tackle some projects that I have put on hold. I have lots of scrapbooking to catch up on, Christmas gifts to make, and books to read. With the kids at school, I don't feel as guilty when I scrapbook or read for hours.

That's our back to school update!

Park City, Utah

Spencer & Kate in Park City

We took some time to ride the alpine slide & the alpine coaster. We had a really SLOW, afraid and wimpy boy in front of us on the coaster and he caused all of us to check up several times. Unfortunately, Kate was the one who drilled into the back of John. It was much faster than I thought and was so much fun!

John & I decided to do the zip line. After a 30 minute wait, we took off! Kate & Spencer watched from below and captured a few photos of us.

We had a really great time in Utah. The weather was beautiful and the kids had so much fun hanging out with the Walker gang. Thanks Melanie for taking in my kids! Kathleen always takes care of us, and I figured out how to make Grandma Downing's butterscotch pie. I'll get John to post more pictures this week.

Olympic Opening Ceremonies 2008

Clutter Control 101

I decided to start my own blog of tips & tricks to get organized. I am an organizational freak bordering on the line of being obsessive-compulsive. It drives John & the kids crazy, but guess who they come looking for when they can't find something?

I think everything has a place & everything should be put in that place. I have limited my sleeping & television watching because I am always cleaning something up or re-organizing something.

I am always up for a challenge & am willing to help any of you tackle that BIG CLUTTER MESS you keep avoiding. Thanks to those of you that let me feed my desire for neatness. I have organized play rooms, cleaned out garages, and set up new bedrooms this past year and loved every minute of it.

Crazy, right? Maybe it is a gift, but I really enjoy helping people find solutions that work.

Check it out.....http://cluttercontol101.blogspot.com/