The Party's Over...

All good things must come to an end, even my time with the cute Bassetts.  I had a fun week with these lovely children, and I miss them now that I'm home.  Did I mention that Ava spilled an entire container of pancake syrup one morning while I was taking a quick shower? Yep, Shelly, that stickiness you feel will never completely go away.

And all those extra miles on your car? You know how good my sense of direction is! I only got lost EVERY time I ventured out. Thank goodness I had Jordan to point me home---that girl is a living, breathing, GPS. I'd be 3 miles from the North Pole with a carload of kids right now if not for Jordan's directions. Kailyn, I love how you love to read. Even if I think you've drowned in the shower because you've gotten lost in a book while waiting for the water to warm up....

The boys were especially fun--I haven't had enough little boys in my life. One day when I told the kids to turn the TV off lest their brains turn to marshmallows from too much drivel, Caden brightened noticeably and said "Marshmallows?!?! Can I have a bowlful??" Chase is the sweetest of three year olds, full of smiles and hugs and one very funny bathroom accident.

 I forget how hard it is to take care of a family. Shelly left me with enough prepared, ready to cook meals for the week--good thing or we may have starved before I pulled a meal together.

Even so, mornings came way too early...

and occasionally, chaos was king. Nevertheless, the Bassett children are obedient, helpful, and (usually) so nice to each other. I just kept thinking what HAPPY children they are.
Thanks for letting me spent time with you!

 Now that I'm back home, I've had to hit the ground running. I spent time with my local munchkins,

who couldn't wait to tell me everything I missed about their lives while I was gone. (Makayla: "Look! My hair grewed when you were gone!")

 

A disgruntled Makayla because I took Hailey's picture first.

When I got home, I discovered Stan had surprised me and de-popcorned, textured, primed, and painted the upstairs ceilings----the hallway

 and the three bedrooms. Gee, Stan, maybe I should leave you home alone more often!

But it's ok-I had a surprise of my own for Stan. He painted this picture several years ago, then framed it with an inexpensive, white and shiny gold frame (wish I had thought to take a picture!). Since we are in the "Spiffy Up the House" mode, I left the picture at the framers-the result was even better than I hoped.

Now Stan's painting looks like a masterpiece, don't you think?

 Those scriptures belonged to his Grandpa Jones, and the violin was Amy's.

 I ended the week with leadership. Among other preparations, I assigned myself to make 6 simple, identical posters advertising our upcoming RS temple day, one to send home to each building in our stake.

My counselor helped set up the all important sign-in table,

and the main table. Before I left for the Bassetts, my presidency and I made a tile like the one on our table with our theme in vinyl letters  to send home with each of the ten wards/branches in the stake.

Between trips to the Emergency Room, my adventures in babysitting, ward visits, and church assignments and meetings, it's been a busy month.  I feel a looonnnnggg nap coming on......