Do I belong on "Hoarders"?

I keep hearing about this "Hoarder's" show. I'm really curious about it but havent' taken the time to sit down and watch. I'm afraid I might see a part of myself on this show! I often wonder if I'm I hoarder or just terribly unorganized? Although I don't yet have a plan, I'm determined to make a big difference in the amount of (my) junk that's in our house. My goal is to be "Junk Free" by the end of September. I'd love to show before and after pictures but that would be way to embarrassing!!!

Back...at last!!!

School is out, and our first summer vacation is over. Let the summer fun begin!!!

Life was wacky-crazy with school doings. I'm so glad to report that things have calmed down considerably. My tenure as PTA president is over, and I'm hopeful that things will get back to normal. I'm looking forward to de-cluttering my house, working on scrapbooks and having some summer fun.

We've just returned from summer vacation with my in-laws. The annual Benson Family Vacation took us to the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It was a fun and beautiful but exhausting trip. We're still trying to get our body clocks back on track. We have hundreds of pictures to sort through but now it's time for lunch!

Gotta Stay Warm!

The forecast is calling for freezing temperatures starting tonight and lasting through Sunday...freezing as in a low of 12 degrees tomorrow night and the next night too. I'd meant to cut scarves before Christmas but never got around to doing it. Today I made Taco Soup in the crock pot and spent the afternoon cutting scarves. My husband will sure be glad to get some of this fleece out of the house!

Ready, Set, Go!

I have a few resolutions this year, but have them written down on a few different pieces of paper. Let's see:

Read and study more of the Bible
Save money
Get organized
Exercise
Eat better
Get organized!
Improve handwriting
Get my priorities straight wife/mom/PTA
Get Organized!!!!
Make time to scrapbook

Whew! It feels good to get them written down where I can see them. Right now my primary focus is on getting organized (really). I feel like I'm drowning in the Sea of Clutter. I did start cleaning off and reorganizing my scrapbook desk. The only problem with this is that not nearly all if my stuff will fit on/under my desk, so I'm going to scrapbook more (one of the wishes on Emma's Christmas/Birthday list was "a full scrapbook)!

I've recently done a little soul searching. I've enjoyed my time as president of the PTA and have made lots of new friends but I've also let it consume my time. I've got to keep reminding myself that I'm a wife and mom first and PTA priorities come second. The end of my second, and final, year as president is almost here. Sadly, I feel like I've lost too much of myself along the way. Some days it's hard to remember who I am. I chose not to be a "working" mom so that I could spend more time with my kids and make my house into the ideal picture I have in my mind but the past 2 years of my life have been about involvement outside of the most important thing - my family. Don't get me wrong, I've learned so much during this time and hope I've made a difference in some child's life but my journey isn't about being the top dog and stressing myself out volunteering to do whatever's asked of me. It's all about priorities, and I've got to change mine. But how do you say no when a friend is in need? Something to think about...

I Never Believed It Would Happen

The impossible has indeed happened...I now have a Gamer Tag on X Box Live! For many years, I've despised our X Box 360. I've always seen it as a waste of time. Everyone in my house seems to always end up in an argument when involved in the game of their choosing and they'll play it for hours on end.
Boyd subscribed to a new game called "1 vs. 100". It's a trivia game, and if there's one thing I love, it's useless trivia!!! I started out helping Boyd with the questions and quickly became enthralled with the game. He bought me my own X Box Live membership, so now I have my own Avatar. Look for me, MissTriviaous, the next time you play!

The Most Exciting Thing to Happen to Me in a While!

The Bedford Heights PTA organized a Penny Drive for Santa USA. Students brought in their pennies and silver coins and participated in a grade level contest to keep Santa flying. Our school raised over $2,500! I walked outside to wait for Santa's arrival via helicopter. Right after he arrived, the organizers asked me if I wanted to take a ride to the next two schools!

Have I mentioned that I don't like to fly??? The mere thought of it makes me want to barf. But how could I say no? I looked at it as a once in a life time opportunity, put on my big girl panties and did it. I will say that it was a totally cool experience! My cheeks hurt because I couldn't stop smiling. Pretty sure I prefer it to flying in an airplane. Thanks Santa USA!

It's All Down Hill from Here or so it Seems

Yesterday was our school carnival. By the time it had ended and everyone had gone home, I was exhausted. I worked 23 out of 48 hours. I wasn't in charge of the carnival but I needed to be in several places at the same time. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to be outside. So many parents, especially parents of 5th graders, helped to make it a success. Dylan had a blast helping to scare people who entered our Fun House.

My greatest accomplishment, outside helping run a successful event, was my giant cupcake cake. I'd been shopping at Bed, Bath & Beyond and came across a box with the prettiest cupcake pictured on the outside, and I thought "I have to have this pan". I even decorated it by using a plastic bag and a decorator tip. I was told it sold quickly at the Sweet Shop.