While I don't like pictures of me - I thought this turned out fun!~

While John is gone - something has happened to Ben. He's turned into John - the kid who doesn't spend much time on the computer has spent ALL his time playing Rome Total War. Bad parenting - today when I called him he told me his assasin was killing all the people in Macedonia & Rome. Thankfully, someone came along & took care of his 'assasin' before I got home from work. I'm repenting of my poor parenting tomorrow & he's going on a field trip with the school for a day of bowling & laser tag.

Perhaps I should explain Ben's errant behaviour. This summer J & B are attending Peak Adventures - it's the middle school daycare. The beauty of it is they are signed up to attend only 3 days a week, which saves me $$ & allows them to have 2 days of lazy home time. He is also signed up for the Boys Reading Book Club at the library lest you think they only play computer games :) I think they get tired of me calling them all day when they are home alone, but it gives me peace of mind & I know the neighbors are always there if needed.

Ok - have I justified that I'm not really a bad parent? :) :) :)

J & B made it back from Canada & after doing John's laundry he left again - this week he is at the Scout Encampment with all the stakes from Minnesota. It's extremely hot, so I'm hoping he's finding ways to stay cool - but he should be having lots of fun. Here are some pictures of their trip -

A lighthouse on the north shore of Lake Superior - they look like tourists!

I love this picture - I think it completely sums up their personalities. They just got on the ski lift to take them up for a ride on the Alpine Slide. John is looking up with excitement & anticipation for a new adventure. Ben has a look of worry, wondering if he really wanted to get himself into this. He was upset with John that he wouldn't immediately put down the protection bar.

While John is gone - Ben is enjoying having the computer all to himself. Monday he went to work with me - and was very patient when he got a bit bored. Today he stayed home by himself - but I came home early & we went to the movie "Up". I highly recommend it. Cute story & fun message.

John & Ben are off on a short adventure to Duluth, Lake Superior & Canada with their dad. I'm completely relaxed, but perhaps too relaxed to accomplish much :)






I had this 60 year layout printed out & it looks GREAT - so much better than on my computer monitor!!!

Today is the last day of school ... Ben's last day of elementary school & my last day as a parent of an elementary school student. Can you sense the struggle I'm dealing with? But... as a wonderfully fun way to send the 5th graders off - there is the annual 5th grade egg launch.

Prior to the launch... Eggward is seatbelted in & ready for launch...

And there you have it! Eggward still had the smile on his face though appeared to be nervous by the amount of perspiration on his face.

House update: While the foundation is complete this picture was taken a week ago . J & B are sitting on the new steps

Geocaching is fun!!!

And just so you can get a true perspective of life at our house...

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I don't make this stuff up... I merely report it...

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.And I shall introduce you to...

BULLSEYE BOY & NUN MAN!!

My latest creations...

After I had completed this layout I noticed that you can see Ben down climbing on the rocks in the picture I used for the background. Love it!

I blurred the faces - didn't think that was cool to put my coworkers on my blog!

The sad day finally came that I was released as Primary President. I was extremely sad for a few days - Primary was in a sense my security blanket at church (please don't psychoanalyze!), but as the news set in I felt an enormous sense of relief. I knew that many changes were going to need to occur & now I no longer needed to be the person to worry about it. I will miss the kids tremendously... but as with all things.. change is necessary. Here's a letter that Jennie E. wrote for me - is this just the sweetest little note? Put a smile on my face for sure...

How fun is this?

What do you look like?

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