My neighbors...

One day when I sit down to write a book, it will be titled: How I survived living next to my neighbors." Honestly, it has been such a challenge. For YEARS!!! The book would have 300 Chapters too- all depicting a different set of issues I've been dealing with while struggling to :love thy neighbor as thy self. Seriously??? AS yourself? Is that even possible? I have chapter titles already and the one I'm sharing today is: "Farm animals are not allowed in city limits- even if they are dead in your trailer because you haven't had time to butcher them yet" Followers on Facebook have traveled with me on the rooster problem and the pig problem for awhile now, but for those 3 who read my blog- we have had some serious city code violations the past few months. Apparently, overnight our neighborhood turned into a 10 acre farm where my neighbors decided it was ok to house a rooster, chickens, turkeys, hens, a horse, pigs (both dead and alive) not to mention the indoor animals; dogs, snakes, turtles, cats....The problem 2 weeks ago was the dead pig left in the trailer out front, plus the ones in the back, a few turkeys and a few hens. The city came out and gave them 5 days or a $500 fine. I was delighted to have a few critters gone, but a few days later, on Monday, a new friend arrived- a huge pig which they have left in a trailer 20 feet from my front door (they did move it down a few feet the other day, that was thoughtful!) Before the snow came, I got to look at poop oozing out the back of the trailer and landing on the street. The snow was a treat because it covered up the nasty-ness and it wasn't so bad, but really guys, a ginormous pig left to thrash around out there? When I asked the kids what was up with it, they said they were planning on butchering it or trading it for a cow. I am all into self reliance and I have my beautful shed and house well stocked, but stinky farm animals? He could be dead for all I know, but the city came out AGAIN 2 days ago. I had the biggest dance party ever when I saw him pull up, I was trying to be all cool and collective while I spyed, but truthfully, he was in and out and the pig is still here- so who knows. It's been fun, let me tell you. The crazy incidences keep happening which are going to make this book crazy huge- oh how I'm struggling to have Christ-like feelings towards them!!!

Dinner with the missionaries...

I am pretty sure the missionaries are tired of us! They were at our house last week for dinner, and then our AMAZING, wonderful, sweet and ever so kind friend- Janell- treated us to dinner last night with them on her behalf because she couldn't attend and she signed up to feed them. Bless her sweet heart! We met at Janell's favorite Mexican resturant and had a great time. I think I gained 5 pounds and am beginning a cleansing diet as soon as I polish off the cookies my VT brought me yesterday! The food was so good, and it was something we hardly ever do as a family- go to a sit down place and eat! *** And no, Tristin did NOT have permission to put the hat on his head! I was so mad when I found these pictures the kids took with my phone!

Van problems...

Well, it looks like we have a new machanic- DeArley's cousin who wont rip us off when we need work done! Thank you Lord!! He had the van one day last week and after a little over heating issue this week, a huge leak and some burning rubber smells, he took care of it again! Thank you Karl for being honest and able to help us out!

Math Day...

Yesterday, G-pa and I went to Grace's class to help out during math day. It was pretty fun! I actually did 2 math problems and got a 100%! I don't think I've ever done that well before! We love you Grace!

Ward Party...

I love Jana. She is the best Committee chairwoman I could have asked for (and I got her!) She is an angel, seriously, her wings are just tucked in her coat in these pictures and you can't see them! We went out the other day to begin purchasing food for our annual Ward Christmas Party. As 2nd counselor in RS, I oversee the activity comm and therefore get to help out with the activites, still! Its great, just a lot of work! We hit several stores on wed and had a few laughs along the way as we cleared shelves (which I know is the biggest coupon rule out there, but we wern't using coupons and I was really grumpy, so I didn't care!)We then assembled 18 pans of funeral/festive potatoes and delivered them to other ladies to make, bake and bring to the party. I also stole 3 cupcakes that were in the kitchen, which I still have not felt a single drop of remorse about, although my confession will probably come soon at my next sit down with the Bishop. It was fun, thanks Jana for being organized, helpful and oh so awesome to hang out with!