Yard Sale for Future

For the past month my family has been preparing a for a yard sale for Jason and Kristin.  They've been looking into adoption and felt like it would be a good idea if they sold some items to help raise funds for the cause.  We've wanted to help, but there really isn't a lot you can to help someone trying to adopt - then the idea for the yard sale came up and we all had a way to pitch in.

We've been collecting items for a while to donate and the recent room swapping meant all of our baby stuff was now available.  The crib, high chair, clothes, everything that moves us out of baby mode was added to the yard sale.  I really liked the idea of us moving out our baby stuff to help Jason and Kristin in their desire to move in their baby.

The sale was a big success.  We had donations from tons of different friends and family (thanks to everyone I bugged at work and on Facebook) and there was a steady stream of traffic looking for that one "rare gem".  I can't say how many items will make their way to Antiques Roadshow, but Jason and Krisitn came away with a nice haul and a good start towards increasing their family for the future.

PS - my favorite story from the sale was courtesy of Kennedy.  I guess when Tara and the kids stopped by the sale Dede spotted some of her toys and immediately bought them back.  Quite a deal for young Kennedy - rather than cleaning her room, she lightened her wallet to get her precious stuff back.  Classic!

Random Photos

Back in Class

I mentioned a while ago that I was asked to teach the "Technology in the Classroom" course for Ed Psych this past semester. It's a class that I used to teach regularly, but budget cuts and smaller enrollment in the course prompted a reduction in staff. I didn't mind too much though because I was still teaching an online course for the college on using technology in a language arts classroom.

So, the semester of teaching is coming to close and I have to say how much I enjoyed teaching in person again. I don't mind running the online classes, but it's not the same as teaching a group of students each week. It was a real class, with real relationships. There's something special about working with a group of students and seeing their progression over a period of time. I know it's possible for those things to happen in the online environment, but it so much more personal when it happens in a physical classroom.

I'm glad I was able to teach the course again. Let's just hope the students felt the same way about the class that I did. Who knows - maybe the class bombed and I was the only one who didn't recognize it?

Only on Campus

I had a couple of moments earlier today that can be described as something you'd only see on campus. The first was a trip down to the Bookstore to pick up an Apple Air Port Extreme. It was Apple's "Tax Free Day" at the Bookstore so I figured I could save a few bucks. Doors opened at 7:30 so I figured I was safe going around 10:45. I was wrong.

After my 90 minutes in line to save $11.24 on my purchase I was walking back to the office when I encountered this:

I'm not sure what kind of statement is being made on the library plaza, but it certainly had me thinking - only on campus!

Easter Fun

Our Easter started on Saturday with the annual Houtz family Easter party. Of course the weather was chilly, but just warm enough to be able to have a barbecue outside and a quick egg hunt in only a little bit of rain. The kids didn't seem to mind the rain at all. All they care about is the candy! We also squeezed in a few 4 wheeler rides around the orchard.

We always put a few eggs in easy places in the grass for the younger kids, but Dylan was having none of that. He stomped right out to the forest and joined in with the big kids. He loved finding the eggs and would get so excited after he would find one. He knew there was a treat inside and the second the hunt was over, he was stuffing candy in his mouth.

Kennedy and Alex each found a $5 egg. Kennedy was way excited about her extra dough but all Alex cared about was the candy. I'm pretty sure he lost the five bucks before we even made it home!

Saturday also happened to be my dad's 81st birthday so we had a little party for him. I'm so thankful that my dad is so healthy and still doing so much for us at his age. He is amazing and we are so lucky to have him. I love you dad!

Sunday brought us to church and trying to remember the real reason for celebrating Easter. It wasn't easy after doing Easter baskets in the morning and kids being whiny and mommy feeling yucky. (Probably all the yummy food and candy I downed the day before).

We finally made it to church and I was able to teach my Primary class about the resurrection of Jesus and remembering why we really celebrate Easter. It was really nice and I finally started feeling better about things. Then we went to sacrament meeting. Game over. Dylan is impossible in church right now. We couldn't wait to get home. I was still feeling yucky.

We made it home and I crashed on the couch. I felt better later and Char and her family came by to watch the kids round up more eggs and candy. I don't think I've ever seen Dylan eat so much candy before. I'm surprised he didn't get sick!

The day ended up okay after a rough start. I'm glad we were able to celebrate Easter and at least try a little to get beyond the Easter bunny and candy and remember Jesus, if only for a few minutes!