This is the Spring for home improvement projects...

Since our foodstores were quite adequate for the next few weeks, we decided that our grocery budget could afford a bit of a house makeover.  Over the last few months we have been compiling a list of things we want to change and fix up around the house and categorizing them into small, medium, and larger projects.  For example, a few of the smaller projects include putting non-slip rubber strips in the tubs, replacing our rare-earth metal magnetized curtains with actual hanging curtains that match some of the other deco around the house, and replacing a broken outside dryer vent.  And get some frames for our family photos.

Since our budget could afford it, we decided to do several of the smaller household projects.  While Sarah was at work yesterday, Russ spent some time hemming up and replacing the front door and kitchen curtains.

After work, we went over to a friend's house and spent some fun times playing one of our favorite past-time games of fantasy role-play.  Had a great supper of pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage, and lots of fruit and cream-filled puffs for dessert.  Despite stuffing ourselves, we had lots of leftovers!  All in all, a great end to a great day!

Worst. Refund. Ever.

I'm glad our taxes are done for last year.  Finally.

But I'm a bit disappointed.  I've been using an online tax filer for a few years now that claims to "find your biggest refund".  I also thought we'd qualify for a break because of buying our new home.  But to no avail.

Maybe its this Obama admin that's spending so much of our hard-earned money and not letting us keep it.  I don't know who or what to blame.  Maybe I'm just ranting.

Let me know if you've seen a similar trend in your taxes this year, or if you have another better suggestion for online filing.

Happy Saint Paddys Day!

Here's your obligatory ShamRock... er.

May all your drops be green!

@ the last minute... Reuse, Recycle, Re-invent!

The wife (like most of us) began to prepare her Primary Sharing time lesson the night before her presentation.  Little did she know that she would need 3 volunteers to portray characters from the past in proclaiming their testimony of the resurrection and visitation of Jesus.

Much to the chagrin of her hubby, he valiantly volunteered to be a robed Nephite, donning on his jedi robe and the bamboo staff from prior costumes (along with a wild-colored necktie for a headband), which were again re-used and re-invented into a new character... Jacob the Nephite!  She, herself, chose to be Mary Magdalene using lace for a head-scarf, a newly acquired dress from D-I, and an off-white long sleeve shirt as a belt and sash.  She also managed to coerce our home teacher to play the part of "doubting" apostle Thomas who used a spare bedsheet for a robe.

Scriptures were shared, ad-libbing commenced, and the kids were impressed.  I think the spirit was there too.

Ahh, the stuff we enjoy doing for our geeky-ness!

"Winter" 2014 Rexburg Fan Faire

Yes.  It snowed.  Again.

Took off to BYU-Idaho to attend the "Winter" semester 2014 Fan Faire.  A little slick on the roads, but survivable.  Geeks & Nerds unite!

The 501st Legion was invited to dress up in costume, and we had a pretty good turnout of supporters.  Lots of students and other faculty came dressed as well.  There was Geeky Trivia, retro-videos, contests, games, raffle drawings, and lots and lots of pictures to be taken.  A good time had by all participants.

Here's a few snapshots I managed to get.  Waiting for more, hopefully from the host at http://www.theclosetgeek.net

Valentines day weekend

step 1 - ask for time off from work
step 2 - take a re-training medication class on your time off, finish household chores including re-stock grocery shopping
step 3 - take a nap to get rid of a migraine and then throw out weekend plans instead to stay up to the wee hours of the middle of the night chatting and just being cozy together
step 4 - prep your sacrament talks the next morning

Scout blue and gold "Caveman" dinner

Pics here...
from http://bradleyziegler.com

Since the big Kid and his girl work in the Youth and primary programs, they are also involved in the local scout pack/den/troop.  The big Kid recently read an article in the scouting magazine about the 501st doing a Blue and Gold banquet -- http://digital.scouting.org/scoutingmagazine/janfeb2014/resources/index.htm

Then he heard about the local den's idea for the "caveman" dinner, and thought to put his costuming to good use, re-using his old 1st-gen jedi robes, sandals, and the girl's plain bamboo staff.  Apparently, it was a hit.