Let me introduce you...

to my box collection.

I've been collecting from neighbors and got a nice big basket of boxes from Wal-Mart the other day. Add these to the massive collection in our attic--Jill gave me all their boxes 3 years ago after they moved to Dallas--and we have WAY more than we need. So, when I've got what I need I'll start passing some on to our friends the Wake's who are moving this summer as well.

I have to admit I love a good box--but my real problem is bags. I love paper shopping bags. I don't know why...but I'd even say I get sort of a rush when my purchase is large enough in size or quantity to warrant a paper shopping bag.

In going through things the other day I found a teeny little paper bag with handles that dates back to 2000...a "snack bag" from Delta when Rachel, Jonah and I flew to SLC for a visit. It's amazing that I can remember that and cannot remember to send permission slips back to school the next day. Maybe if I unloaded some of my mental baggage...

So moving day is 4 weeks from today. I don't even like to mention it.

Yesterday we went to the school to gather Rachel's medical supplies from various corners and crevices in the school. I won't need to buy snacks for home for a while.

We went in to the clinic to say goodbye to Mrs. Jeffries who has served us well for 5 years. I knew that it was going to be a tough goodbye. Mrs. Jeffries is one whom I don't think cries openly much. You've got to be a little tough on the outside to be a school nurse!

I told the boys to give her a hug and could tell that she was trying to keep herself in check. She even gave Seth a hug. Then as she turned to Rachel she really started to cry--as did I. She is one of Rachel's (and my) dearest friends. Then she turned to me and we both REALLY started to cry. She is retiring this year which I'm sure added to the emotions that day. She has been at the school since it opened. About 24 years.

We are going to miss her so much. To Rachel she was like an extra grandma. She listened to all of Rachel's stories and supported her in many ways. She attended Rachel's baptism a couple of years ago which really meant a lot to all of us...and at her baptism she gave Rachel a beautiful James Avery charm bracelet with a baptism shell charm and a dove charm (which I believe represents the Holy Ghost). Rachel has added a few more charms to it now and will continue to as she grows. It will be a good reminder of our good friend Barbara.

The packing is coming along. I'm getting tired of it so I think I'm going to take some time off. We have lots of fun things we want to do before we go so I think we'll focus on that for a while. The packing can wait.

Have a good Saturday!