We live out in an old farmhouse in the middle of a whole bunch of walnut orchards. A few weeks ago a huge tree fell over blocking the road! My friend suggested we take a family picture on it or by it. After school I tried to take a few pictures and most were blurry - that is why I don't take pictures! I am more than willing to let someone who knows what they are doing - do it for me! This has been a crazy fall! I am supposed to be journaling more but it has been a struggle to find the time. This post is bound to be boring but I just thought I'd make a list of what we are involved in and it will help explain the pure exhaustion we generally feel. I know that we are not alone - most people fill their lives with "things" and are very busy. It has been so fun with 3 kids playing soccer (one night each for soccer practice and as many as four hours on Saturday - 3 girls taking piano lessons, making time for homework, and practicing piano, reading, accomplishing faith in God goals, achievement days, young men for Jer, and I am the enrichment leader. We've tried to feed the missionaries and work on our food storage; do home and visiting teaching. We have tried to volunteer in the prop 8 campaign - walking precincts and making phone calls. The farmhouse is around 5,000 square feet and has all hardwood floors! It is a ton of mopping! It is endless dusting and vacuuming spider webs. There are 3 full bathrooms and 5 bedrooms - we have had a pet rat on different occasions that i could do without! i know that i am a clean freak - and that contributes to the amount of time I spend cleaning. to me a clean house brings peace - needless to say - it has been a real challenge to keep it clean.