Final Completion of the Office Re-Org!

Closet Before

Office Before

Office After

HIS

HERS

HIS

HERS

Sisterly Love

There really IS such a thing! Fleeting moments caught on film at the LAST swim meet of the year. 68 degrees, cloudy, and cold. Felt more like we should be at a football game.

Weekend highlights included Madison knocking 5 seconds off her IM time, 3 seconds off her butterfly. Kennedy being DQd in the freestyle for failure to touch the wall upon turning/sinking.

Will Kennedy be participating EVER again on swim team? When interviewing the next potential, Janet Evans...the answer was 'NO!'

Other weekend activities...lounging on the deck for hours on end. A visit from PaPa and Grandma, a couple bottles of wine, a trip to Target for new school back packs, BBQue ribs, corn muffins, seven layer salad, and Delicious cookies. 8:30 church to hear Kennedy play her 'original composition'. 10:45 AM movie, 'My Sisters Keeper'. Bring your tissue. I don't think I have EVER gone to a movie at 10:45 AM. The afternoon brings fetching some groceries, house straightening, and tonight...VBS! Crocodile Dock. I can't WAIT!

Office ReDesign

Carter made his way safe and sound back to Dell Rapids, SD this morning. By 9:45 I was in Office Max planning, modeling, and shaping my plan for an office re-organization in order to accommodate Mr. Milo into my space along with all of HIS stuff!

You could say, 'we are movin in together?' Sounds scrumptious!

The office re-org is nearly complete. Minus the bookcase and desk that had to be ordered. Not a drawer, corner, or cupboard went untouched. 9 hours later, I believe I am happy to now have a 'companion' in my space. Barring he is a tidy one!

So instead of facing the windows, I know face the wall. Nothin fuels my blood more than a day of reorganizing and throwing away!

One super, duper trash bag headed out to the garage and can you believe that was only for one room! But a fresh CLEAN, re organized space feels delightful.

Due to some downsizing many EMPTY containers made there way to my woman cave, which means another reorg is on tap for tomorrow!

So with that I believe my Colorado Bulldog and I will make our way to the bedroom for a face wash, a cozy comforter, and some channel surfing.

Sounds scrumptious!

My 'office mate' appears to be a bit pre-occupied with a Wii boxing game.

At some point I may consider asking my new office mate if he would be interested in a little 'office hanky panky'?

will keep you posted.

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 5

Well I can't say I was around much of the day as work obligations prevailed over playing. From the looks of things Carter has been in the same outfit since yesterday morning, including sleeping. ooppss.. I promise he will be showered and clean upon drop off tomorrow at noon!

Last nights episode of Oreos and Nutter Butter almost proved to be a disaster. I am not kidding when I say those two downed 3/4 the bag of Oreos in 10 minutes! Before I knew what happened, Carter was gagging as he came running into my office, convinced he was going to throw up! Within 15 minutes the impact of the Oreos consumed pasted and the sugar rush was in FULL swing!

Madison taught Carter 'text language' all day. So last night during Mario Cart coupled with 3/4 bag of Oreos, can you say 'fast forward'? ttyl, lol, omg, etc

So tonight the volcanoes erupted!

The classic line of the day was after unpacking a product order and with packing peanuts in plenty, Carter and Madison decided to 'pull a fast one on Milo'. Luring him over to the front door suddenly from up above came a shower of packing peanuts!

Carter was laughing so hard. "This was the BEST thing about Cousin Camp."

So forget the worms, virtual vomit, pseudo snot, Imaginrium, volcanoes, treasure hunting, and endless games of Mario Cart, give them a box some packing peanuts and that is the highlight of the week!

And so that nearly wraps up Round 2 of Cousin Camp. We are still waiting on confirmation from Cousins Jordan and Olivia for their arrival date and time in the next few weeks. Looks like Cousin Eric however will be having an extended one month stay at Cousin Camp, while he waits to move into his apartment and start his new job on July 20th.

While Uncle Milo has driving duties tomorrow, Aunt Jill needs to catch up on some work and do a MAJOR office reorganization!

For a complete pictorial recap of this week, please visit my facebook page.

So until next year.....BCFL (Best Cousins for Life)

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 4

And so the story continues.

Cousin Camp Day 4

The crew slept in while Milo and Jill headed off to work today. It appeared for the 6 hours I was absent that mac and cheese got made and eaten, a trip to Road Ranger for slushies, stories of a 'serial killer' were told (watch out Cheerios, your demise is close at hand..according to Carter), and endless and I do mean endless games of Mario Party 8 were played!

They have now officially titled themselves Toad and Toadette, aka....brother and sister.

So once I arrived home it was time to get these video game junkies out for some FRESH air. I think their brains needed it!

We ventured for our FIRST of many geocaching experiences! HOW FUN!

One of my customers clued me into geocaching and I think I might be addicted! All over the world are 'buried treasures' just waiting to be discovered and logged!

So despite some bumps with figuring the GPS navigation coordinates, we ventured off with only our map and a few clues on hand.

Our first discovery was a SUCCESS! Inside the cache box we found some GEO coins (of which you CAN NOT remove unless you can replace them with others) and a LOG book to log WHO discovered the treasure and when.

Our second VENTURE? Well lets just say...CHALLENGING. This map and clues led us DEEP onto the trails of Beaver Park where we walked and walked and walked looking for the camouflaged ammo canister which claimed to be LOADED with loot!

We were convinced we were in the right 'neck of the woods'. But after two 'squat and pee attempts' one being an unsuccessful aim resulting in wet jeans, flip flops, and a distraught daughter. Coupled with a convinced Cousin Carter that we were lost and would NEVER find our way out we GAVE up our search and headed home for a shower and supper.

I AM however returning to Beaver Park at some point!

I believe it is most advantages when deep in the woods to have your trusty GPS system to guide you in the right direction. We were simply operating on a few clues and a perspective on our situation.

However according to our clues, a 5 year old found it!

After we cleaned up we whipped up some grilled cheese/peanut butter sandwiches along with some fruit for supper. Aunt Jill was pooped!

Sorry to say, but the video maniacs are back at it in FULL force! In fact I just got hit up to run to the Road Ranger for Oreos and Slushies...

And it looks like the 'room service' order phoned into Uncle Milo just pulling into the driveway is going to be fulfilled as I hearing flip flops and feet racing out the door.

Sugar and Video games at 9:00 PM at Cousin Camp? Does it get any better?

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 3

whew....we are closing the end of Day 3 cousin camp and with a mothers confirmation it was decided that Carter gets to extend his time a few extra days! So with a load of clothes in the washer we will be golden until Saturday.

We picked up some Magic Rocks that we plan to start growing tomorrow! AND good news. Milo's GPS started working which means we are going treasure hunting tomorrow after Aunt Jill wraps up things at work! woooo...hoooooo!

So today was a road trip to Waterloo to the Imaginarium. We all gave it a mediocre rating. The web pictures and description certainly did it MUCH more justice! Honestly there should be some regulations on that! After 'exploring' everyone was STARVING and just could not decide where to eat..so we ended up at the food court in the mall in order to please every ones taste palates. After fillin our stomaches, we wondered around, tried our luck at a few arcade games, and made a stop at Hobby Lobby before we headed back south.

A significant house pick up was in store so instead of cooking we did a quick run through McDonalds. After all Carter never did get his chicken nuggets and fries for lunch because his pick was Mickey Dees.

While in Waterloo it was decided that Kennedy became McLovin, Emily was Jamison, Carter of course, Jerry, Madison was Sherry (because they are brother/sister) and me, well .... Dakota.

So McLovin and Jamison proceeded to wondered aimlessly around Hobby Lobby crying out Jerry..... Dakota...... Sherry.........

Silly Girls.

Not too much else tonight, beside me beginning to come up with my MASTER organizational plan for this weekends, office re-org in order to absorb Milo and all HIS stuf. This week he made the decision to switch companies he is writing business under which mean he is now officially 100% working from home.

The down side...Milo is NOT a thrower and keeps every piece and scrap of paper imaginable! That WILL pose a problem in our 'shared' space.

So it sounds like all are convening in Wii land, so I best head on down to assume my #12 position.

night to all..

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 2

As I was dragging myself up the stairs last night for bed I suddenly realized that I forgot to post Cousin Camp, Day 2 (round 2). oopsss.

The day was a full day!

The night before went down in laughter after playing Blom Box on Wii. Uncle Milo cemented a catch phrase for us that Carter thought was hilarious! Between the two of them they milked that into the night and of course into the next day. 'It's gold, Jerry, gold.' Which of course became whatever word you could substitute for gold. Milo and I could hear the laughter from the basement that traveled all the way to the third floor. Madion and Carter were 'trying to go to sleep'. It was a good night as I drifted off to sleep, hoping that these moments were creating memories that would last a lifetime for 'cousins'.

Last night was no different after supper, we headed to the basement for Mario Party 8 and some more Mario Cart. Again I took responsibility for obtaining #12 in all 12 races. Me and video games just don't mix, that is when I have to run, jump, punch, or block.

So the rest of yesterday....pseudo snot (BIG hit). Another layer on volcanoes so we can paint this morning. Swim meet in which we had a heat WINNER! Congratulations Madison for winning her heat in the freestyle! Milo and I had to drive separate because Milo had an appointment at 5:00, so of course we had a Mario Cart race on the way home. Guess what? I lost! But then again, I was carrying the precious cargo. Carter was providing the play by play action and who was hitting who with mushrooms and receiving speed burst.

Supper....Ramon noodle salad with the addition of chicken, watermelon and strawberries AND the option of left over spaghetti.

So today the rain allowed us a wonderful morning to snuggle in and SLEEP! It was a slumber party in Milo and Jill's room last night in which we almost thought we had convinced Kennedy to participate.

Aunt Jill is OFF for the day to PLAY! We are taking all of our scientific knowledge gained over the last few days and road tripping to the BIG city of Waterloo to take in the Imaginarium!

Where science comes alive..Pet a 12-foot python. Fire an air cannon. Create your own laser show. Everything in a three story building to satisfy our curiosity about physical science!

I, of course will PASS on the petting of the python while maintaining a far distance!

Lunch/Supper at the Hwy 63 diner where all of the food is made from scratch! YUM!

We are also picking up Kennedy's BFF, Emily for the day because Carter is her FAVORITE cousin!

P.S. To Carter's mom....you might want to anticipate a phone call begging for a few more days at Cousin Camp. At least that was the pitch beginning last night! It is fine with us, we have nothing pressing for the next few days.

"Afterall, at the Japengas....the video games are in endless supply!"

That is until Saturday when most get returned to the video store.

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 1

We are nearing the end of Day 1 of Cousin Camp (round 2). The highlight of the DAY....Virtual VOMIT!

The morning was a bright and early one as Kennedy and Madison had swim team practice at 7:30. Even though he was offered the opportunity to sleep 'as late as he wanted' he was up with the rest of us.

After swim team, Carter was introduced to the Japenga girls 'all time favorite' breakfast of champions. Peanut Butter on toast topped with chocolate chips.

Aunt Jill headed out to get her work done by 1:30 so the rest of the afternoon we could 'PLAY'. For the sounds of things, the morning was spent riding scooters and assembling the cuddly pom pets. I think the BEST craft project to date! They are DARN cute!


Of course Carter picked the cat and guess what the name is.....BOO!

Hot dogs and chips for lunch followed by our scientific project of the day....VIRTUAL VOMIT!

SERIOUSLY it was soooo gross, my gag reflux was engaged the entire time. Applesauce, cocoa powder, peach gelatin, corn flakes and oatmeal. After an hour of continuing to smell it EVERY where I went and despite REPEATED hand washing, I came to the discovery that the hand soap I was using was PEACH scented. dahhhhhhh.....I will NEVER look at a peach the same way AGAIN!

AND of course in this afternoons round of Mario Cart, I was.... PEACH! hmmmm I am wondering if it will make it all the way back to Dell Rapids, SD safe in its zip lock baggie and still be FRESH virtual vomit. Just typing triggers acid reflux!

Another layer on our volcanoes. We hope to be painting by late tomorrow afternoon.

Speaking of tomorrow....I hope the pseudo snot is a bit more appealing than virtual vomit. The girls have a 4 hour indoor swim meet tomorrow afternoon and Madison has violin lessons.

Milo is whipping up some spaghetti for supper. I am off for some HEATED Wii action...Deal or No Deal, Mario Party 8, and Mario Cart. My goal....not to come in LAST place EVERY time.

Signing out from Cousin Camp...Day 1, round 2!

Sincerely....

Aunt PEACH...

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 0

Milo, Madison, and Carter arrived safely around 5:30 from their afternoon road trip. A last minute church commitment prevented me from road tripping today, however it gave me some extra time to set up our SCIENTIFIC laboratory for the week!

Upon arrival, hugs were shared by all, Madison and Carter headed down to rock out to some Guitar Hero. Carter's favorites are Crazy Train, Eye of the Tiger, and Beat It. Of course we can't forget about doing a tribute to Michael this week.

Once everyone got settled in our first scientific experiment of the week was under way.... the creation of ooey, gooey, worms. There were a lot of oohs and haaas.

Our second experiment was a FLOP! Sparkling wintergreen lifesavers in a dark room. One is suppose to bite done, open up, and see the sparks fly. No sparks here, however the lifesavers were a BIG HIT!

Our BIG experiment of the week is the creation of volcanos which are set to erupt on Wednesday night. It is indeed a BIG project and it will take at least a few days to complete.

The first stage is already underway. 16 oz Sunkist were required to be drank in FULL at supper along with homemade pizza and watermelon.

We have attached our empty bottles to our cardboard bases and mixed our 'eruption concoction'. We hope to mix clay later tonight in order to apply our first of three volcano building layers.

While waiting for glue to dry, Milo and Carter are playing Mario Cart.

That looks to be it for Day 0 report from Cousin Camp (round 2).

Word on the street says the creation of virtual vomit is on tap for tomorrow. eeeeewwwww

toodles.

P.S. During supper tonight it was decided that Madison and Carter planned to switch siblings. Madison of course would LOVE a younger sister and Carter (definitely an older sister like Kennedy). After all, 'She sleeps until noon, then leaves to hang out with her friends, heck I wouldn't even have to see her all day. That would be SWEET!'

A New Me and New Look

Happy 4th of July. Welcome to the new all redesigned off shoot of Finding Balance In A Busy World. I decided today that I needed a change. Something new, a reinvention of myself, a proclamation that I am being the BEST me that I can. Do you ever have one of those days?

Actually I have decided that I need a daily reminder that despite my numerous short falls, I am really trying hard. To cut myself some slack. To remember that no one is perfect. To relax and laugh more. To be happy with the woman I am today and stop wishing for the woman of tomorrow.

And so the birth of Being The Best Me, That I Can was launched. I am sure that if previous readers of Finding Balance In a Busy World want to bad enough they will find me. So many changes have occurred over the past few months that I find myself constantly asking, who am I and where exactly am I going?

I thought I had such a clear direction of my path. One detour and then another, before I knew it I was asking myself, what happened and where am I?

So today I needed a fresh beginning, a new start, a clarification that this crazy path I am on is OK. That I am really enjoying the ride, appreciating the new sights, living for today, and not worrying about tomorrow.

To kick off my fresh start, I have proclaimed TODAY a pajama day. After a late night of entertaining friends, the comforts of the rain and my bed kept me engaged until nearly 10:00 this morning. I remember when my children where at the ripe young age of DAILY early morning wake up calls. Milo and I use to trade off weekend mornings of child duty, while the other slept as late as he or she desired. And so I slept until I felt like rising, as did most everyone in our household.

After a warm cup of coffee and chocolate chip pancakes compliments of my amazing husband, I decided today was going to be a great day to reinvent myself. To relax, be re inspired, and simply do nothing but veg out and lay like broccoli.

The daily struggles of life seem to mount up and before I know it, I crash and just need a day with nothing else but my messy hair, pjs, and blanket being completely surrounded by my family.

So after a scrumptious breakfast that will for sure satisfy me until late afternoon, I venture to the basement, curl up with my quilt and stitch for a few hours before I simply can't handle one more review of Michael Jackson's life.

I refill my tall glass of ice tea and head for the computer. After getting all snuggled up again with my blanket, pillow, and lap top I decide it is time for a NEW look. I laugh as Mr. Milo yells at the TV trying to win every race of Mario Cart.

O! I remember the days in college when my ENTIRE weekend was filled sitting by his side for hours on end as he would play Tetris. I simply sat in adoration and awe, just waiting for the minute when his attention would shift from the TV to me. 20 years later, few things have changed.

Riley is crashed on the couch. We have titled today a 'Riley Day'. For every day in Riley's life consists of napping, eating, and lying around

The house has received a modified cleaning attempt. But honestly I really don't care. The comfort of my slimy slams and blanket far out weighs any desire to do anything about it. Tomorrow will come soon enough and I will with a new focus and intensity hit the ground running, on a mission to simply be the BEST me I can be.

But for today I will be satisfied with no need for any schedule. I will enjoy my messy hair, no make-up, and lack of any fashion sense and be content with being the best ME I can be today.

Welcome to a new chapter.

Welcome to Being The Best ME....that i can.

Jill