Swap N' Serve

So why couldn't i come to California this past weekend?

because of this madness!

I organized this entire project! i was so motivated because of the great blessing it is for everyone. everything was completely free; no money exchanged. This year I invited 4 units; 3 wards and a branch! Friday was the utmost craziest day; Brayland threw up at the grocery store that morning and then i had to figure out what to do for that afternoon because i was to be the leader at 4 o'clock! Brian came to the rescue. he left work early and took the kids the rest of the evening. rest of the evening?! til 10 pm! people donated so much stuff and then we sorted it all. i was amazed at the un-asked volunteers that stayed to help organized this mess. and this isn't even all of it! the primary room had all the adult clothing, the kitchen housed all the purses and backpacks, and two other classrooms had seasonal items in one and Cd's/books/movies in another. i didn't take pics of those. the gym was just kid clothing, toys, kitchen/decor/misc, and SHOES! i couldn't believe all the shoes! That night when i finally got home i was so tired; yet i couldn't shut my brain off! i hate that. i forgot i had a load of laundry in the wash so i had to put that in the dryer. i was starving so i had to eat some cereal. and when i finally laid down i couldn't get comfortable. and when i finally did fall asleep (sometime after one am) i dreamed of sorting clothes. ugh! tossing and turning~ i welcomed the kids at 6:30 (brayland threw up again-more laundry-and had a horrific cough the rest of the weekend). the three of us cuddled and watched a little tv.

Saturday was the big open-for-business day. and wow, it was incredible. not much to do in the line of work until the end. it didn't open til 9 am. Bri and i went a little early to do our own shopping. (i couldn't shop and lead at the same time the day before). well, we got there at 8:30 am and there were already five cars there~waiting to get in! a lady from another unit offered to list the event on craigslist and freecycle for me. as i went about mingle with people i spoke with 3 families that came because of the Internet. the missionaries were the door greeters. they had a small table set up with give away stuff AND they taught two first discussions and got an address. that right there is success. it felt so good to watch people get so excited about their finds and filling up garbage bags full of clothes for their families. We started with donations that filled the entire section where you now see the toys and half way along that back wall! just tons of stuff. by the end we could fill about half a horse trailer. this lady that help me list the event on the internet also wanted everything when it was over. she was using the stuff for a fundraising yard sale for a down syndrome group she is with. so convenient. we had the church looking like nothing happened by 1 pm. again amazed at the volunteers that stayed willingly to pack and clean up. when i got home my body was seriously numb. no exaggeration. i let brilee play across the street with the neighbors; turned out she stayed for a birthday party. she had fun! and brayland, who wasn't feeling well anyway, watch all he wanted of dora and boots. bri was working downstairs. i got into a hot bath with the jets and fell asleep. my legs were so sore. it felt as if i ran a marathon. i really think i was carried through this crazy weekend. and wait! it's not over because Brian and i celebrated our seven year anniversary! we just went to dinner and a spontaneous shopping spree! a few items of note: my red/black square dishes! i'm so excited! and trying #3 of the gel ice cream makers...