Fair week!

Fair week finally arrived! For all the planning and preparation you're never quite prepared for all the things that go wrong.

Monday's goal was getting everything out of the storage pod and setup. Thankfully, Don had his tractor/trailer there before I even arrived. We are lucky to have two storage containers (the pods) on site to store all the things we've got - and we've got a lot. Don shuttles volunteers over to the pod where they load it up and then the volunteers all walk back to unload it. We got lucky this year - a service missionary and his brother saw the service opportunity on JustServe and came to help. I was so grateful for them! I wondered if it was even worth posting about on JustServe, but having them come proved otherwise.

All the Junior Fairboard members showed up shortly after 8am. It was so good to see them all at the fair. For a lot of them, it was the first time seeing what a massive event looks like on the backside. I hope we didn't scare them away with all the work. The Payson FFA group committed to bring 20 kids to assist with setup, but none of them showed up. It's always really sad when that happens. Thankfully, the competitive arts board members showed up, and some of them brought their kids. We were able to finish getting things setup just after 11am. It was a record. 

This year Fiesta Days was scheduled for the week before the fair. As a result, we weren't even sure if we would be able to setup any of the 4H tables/risers. It was a massive surprise when we were able to get into their building. The gal in charge of the 4H area was so excited! With all that help, she was able to get most of her things setup on Monday instead of  Tuesday. It's always nice to have more time to get setup.   

There are a few large things at the fair that we don't have volunteers setup. Craig hires a company to setup the family fun tent/stage, entertainment tent/stage, kid prize tent, and Scales and Tales tent. We literally couldn't have the success we do without this company coming. Craig also rents tables and chairs. We use the tables in the competitive arts/4H areas. The chairs we use in the dining tent/family fun tent/entertainment tent. He also borrows a few tables from his neighbor to finish off the 4H area with a few leftover for the dining tent. 

This year his neighbor had round tables for the dining area. We didn't like them as much as the rectangle ones. So, we ended up ordering five 8' rectangle ones on Amazon. Thank goodness for next day delivery.  Craig told me he will order a few more 8' rectangle ones during the off season so we have our own tables for the dining area. I love that we have plenty of storage room to have our own. 

We decided to use tablecloths in the dining tent this year. It was a massive success. Last year we put tables in there as a last minute change, and the tables got so nasty with food droppings. The tablecloths were cheap plastic ones, but they had elastic so they didn't blow off in the wind. It was perfect because we stacked 6 tablecloths on each table, and then the garbage people just took them off as needed. 

Speaking of garbage people.....we typically hire a Scout group to do all the garbage. But, we decided to do something different this year, and it worked out a lot better. We had Sunset Markets (our 3rd party contractor for food/vendors) do the garbage. It worked out a lot better, and they were able to keep up with it all. It was such a blessing! I heard zero complaints about garbage being picked up, which was the opposite of last year. Craig still hired the scout group - they ended up cleaning garbage in the arena on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night. I don't think they came on Saturday night because the parents didn't want their kids working early Sunday morning. Don't blame them at all. Garbage duty started for them around 10:30pm. 

While everyone was setting up things, I was in the fair office setting up my things. I brought all the volunteer shirts with me, plus all the other things I had been storing since last year. The Jr Fairboard asked me to buy lip balm this year. This is the kind I ended up getting. I wish I would have bought double this amount. The kids went through it so fast, and we ended up getting this other kind (twice) at Costco on our food runs, which ended up being more expensive. I hate spending money so much! 

There were a few other fun things that I did this year.....I decided to try out an information table. I got a "information" banner printed, printed out the fair schedule of events, and then set the table in a visible spot where the most foot traffic was. I think it was beneficial enough that we will do it again next year. The most popular question was "how can I buy tickets for the monster trucks/demo derby". So, we taped a QR code to the table that people could scan it to buy tickets right there. Technology is amazing!

For the fun of it, I bought this little camera Lego set for the Jr Fairboard to put together while some of them were at the information table. They said it was a lot of fun. I think it helped to promote the fair photo contest that we hosted this year. 

I also bought purple sunglasses, purple bucket hats, and glow in the dark purple bracelets for the Jr Fairboard. I also bought them purple cooling towels, but none of them wanted to use them. I ended up going 'out and about' to find a few people that looked like they could use a cooling towel - one of which was Great Uncle John Misel, and my current ward RS President and her husband. Such much fun to offer them a little extra help on a hot day. 

I also ended up ordering this custom logo rubber stamp that we can use year after year. I bought a purple stamp pad, and the info. table volunteers were stamping little kids hands. I think it ended up a pretty cute thing. I love that I can change ink colors to whatever our theme color is for the year.

The absolute best thing that I bought for the fair this year was a collapsible bucket. It came in handy so many times! I used it to wipe down surfaces in the fair office. I also used it to wipe off tables in the dining tent before we put on the tablecloths. It was also used when we had a throw up situation by the information table. I bought the bucket on Temu, so it was extremely cheap ($5). Hopefully it will last at least two years. 

Tuesday was the day all the entries were delivered to the fair grounds. We had an morning option, and an evening option. So, the Jr Fairboard kids were required to come twice in one day. They were good sports about it. It's a fun day because of all the diverse entries. I entered 10 items (the max you can submit), and Craig submitted 2. It was super fun to participate this year, and from here on out I plan to always do it. I'm currently pondering projects I could make that would win me a "Best in Show". 

I am kicking myself that I didn't take more pictures at the fair. I had high hopes that I would have enough time during an early morning to wander around taking pictures. Sadly, it never happened. 

My mornings always started early. The one morning I planned to come later Craig needed me and I had to go in earlier than I wanted. These were the hours I put in during fair week: Monday (6), Tuesday (14.5), Wednesday (14.5), Thursday (14), Friday (13.5) Saturday (17), Monday the 3rd (4.75), Wednesday the 6th (5). Whew, a lot of hours. I was super tired, but adrenaline kept me constantly going. 

Speaking of pictures - here are the contest photo winners. It was enjoyable to reach out to each one of them on the phone. They were all very excited. Next year I'm making sure we have prizes that we can mail - and I'll put it in the rules too. It was an extra burden to drive out and about to hand deliver a few prizes. 

Next year I am also eliminating the "Youth" category. We only had two photos that qualified in that category. Thankfully, the judges I asked all thought it was enjoyable enough to do again next year. I love that the winners are picked by judges that aren't affiliated with the fair.  

Food is the common denominator in happiness for our Fairboard, Jr Fairboard, and volunteers. This year we went overboard by making four separate trips to Costco. It was a bit much, and we had a lot of food left over. Next year, I'll be more organized with the things the kids actually eat vs. whatever looked good to the person making a food/water run. 

The one thing that we never skimp on is water. We went through 22 cases of water. That's what happens when you have multiple days in the 100's. If the public came searching for water we also freely shared The last thing we wanted was someone getting heat exhaustion. This year worked better than most because I used a third fridge in a different building to always keep at least two cases of water cold. The fridges in the fair office get opened up so often that the water doesn't have a chance to chill. 

One thing different we need to do next year is get more ear plugs. We ran out on Saturday night, and so many people were sad about it. One of the Jr Fairboard gals made these signs for us to put on each of the four boxes. I think they helped quite a bit. I'm thankful for the big rolling tech boxes we have to set these on at each ticket taking gate. Speaking of ticket taking - next year I'm going to have volunteers sign up for a specific portal gate. I think the more organized I can get it, the smoother things will go. One night we didn't have enough ticket scanners and an amazing sheriff deputy stepped right in, downloaded the app on his phone, and started scanning away. I was so grateful. 

On Saturday night everyone came to pick up their entries. I got a text first thing in the morning saying that two of the Jr Fairboard kids would be willing to do parking, but they would only do it if they could have a golf cart. I was more than a little annoyed. We rent golf carts for the week, but there are used by 'important' people and I can never guarantee one will be available. Fun fact, I've never driven one. I much prefer walking - even if it's to the other side of the arena. To try and remedy the situation I asked/called/begged a few people to bring me down a pop up canopy. None of them were able/willing. As a last ditch effort I called one of my ministering brothers. He was more then willing to step in and buy me one. He even drove it down. Thank goodness for so many kind people. The Jr Fairboard kids were grateful they didn't have to sit in the hot sun. 

Speaking of kind people, a few of my good friends braved the heat to come volunteer. I'm so thankful for them! They said there was no way they would do it again, so I didn't do a very good job preparing them. Hahaha, actually I think it was just too hot for them. Maybe next year it will be unseasonably cold. 

I have a very long list of things that we/I want to improve for next year. But, overall this year was a massive success. The county commissioners were very pleased, so that's what matters. Here are a few random pictures and videos for your enjoyment. I'm already looking forward to (and planning) next year. Pink fair shirts anyone? JK, it's a running joke to have pink fair shirts. I don't think it will ever happen. 

Craig - aka boss man.

The most important people at the fair get their own cushy chair. I am constantly kicking people out of these chairs if Craig/Don are in the fair office. It's a running joke. Also, a running joke - if someone leaves an unfinished drink/food for less than 5 minutes Laurie Ann will throw it away. It's true. In order to keep the office clean/tidy I throw away a lot of unfinished stuff. 

Cute Jr Fairboard kids......professional photos taken by Devin Pierce. He is on the competitive arts board. 

I had six Jr Fairboard receive their scholarships this year. It's so sad, but also happy that they put in three years of fair work. I need to find other amazing kids to replace them. Fingers crossed. The kids hate being presented in front of so many people, but it's good for them. Hehehehe. 

Lastly, here are all my ribbons. Not too bad for my first year submitting things. 

Actually one more picture - this lost and found bottle might come home with me next year if no one claims it. It's a huge misting bottle. It would be amazing for Rex. We had a record number of eleven water bottles collected as lost and found. I guess water wasn't as important as I thought. 

I lied - here is the last one - 10 miles with jeans/boots/socks was not a good thing for my poor legs. They got this weird rash and were swollen for a day or two after the fair was over. It was painful. I'm hoping next year I can brave wearing shorts. So far I haven't mastered that skill. 

Busy as a bee

So many things happened this week. Enjoy the picture overload. I took myself to the Orem temple to do a session. It was fabulous. Took a long time to sit in the celestial room. Noticed one young adult man that had completely fallen asleep in there. I felt sorry for him for a little while, then changed my mind because he was probably having epic dreams. Didn't notice I somehow left my 'temple reading' glasses in the celestial room. They have them in the lost and found for when I have time to go back. 

I painted these cute flowers for the fun of it this week. I have frames for them, and I'm planning to use them in my new office at work. They aren't perfect, but I sure had a lot of fun making them. 

I made a loaf of sourdough this week. I wanted to try a new technique that I learned. You put a doily in your basket before tossing the sourdough in. Then, after an overnight proof in the over you take off the doily and bake the bread. It comes out with a really pretty design on it. So much fun!

On Monday I went down to the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds and helped with parking for the Fiesta Days Rodeo. They were super organized and I was impressed. We were only parking people for an 90 minutes. I could have stayed for the rodeo, but it didn't sound very fun, and it was kinda hot. 

I went to a beauty school in Provo and got a pedicure. It was a weird thing to do, and totally unlike me, but I enjoyed it. It only cost me $16. I received a 20% discount because they girl that was supposed to do it never showed up and it took 30 minutes for them to find someone else to help me. 

I went and helped hang out T-shirts and bibs for the 2026 Temple to Temple run on Wednesday and Thursday night. I got to work closely with the two men who decided to organize this event fourteen years ago. It was enjoyable to ask them questions about their favorite part of the race, and how they decided to start doing it. They both said their favorite part was when it's all over. 

I was up bright and early on Saturday so I could get in my 3 miles before my assignment to clean the church. I have a favorite job - vacuuming the chapel. It takes me about 40 minutes, and I always go a little early for the assignment so someone else doesn't take this job. I worked up quite the sweat since the A/C in the building wasn't on. 

I also worked on lots and lots of fair things this week. One of which was writing a list of things Craig needed to buy at Costco for our volunteers/Jr Fairboard. It's coming together and we are going to have a fantastic time. 

One last thing that made me happy this week. I took a few minutes to sit down and dust this rubber tree plant. It's been horribly dusty. I don't know why I procrastinated the job because it's looks fantastic. 

Next week - FAIR WEEK!

A great week

This week has been such a great week. I was able to do a lot of fun things that I enjoyed doing. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I had data work to do. I was super grateful for it! I've had more data work than anticipated - it has felt very much like a little miracle. 

Quite a while ago part of the beading on this window failed. I called my ministering brothers to help me figure out what was wrong. We tried super glue and then hoped it would go back in the casing and close. It worked out. With above money almost in my pocket, I decided it was time to repair the window. I'm anticipating it cooling down eventually so that we can all our windows again.

I took it into the repair shop at the exact moment when someone that could help me was standing at the front counter,. Plus, they didn't charge me for the replacement piece. I was astounded, and grateful. Since the window had a bit of leftover paint from the first owners of our house, I took the time to get that paint off. I called Luke that night and he was so excited. He really loves open windows.

I took some pretty great pictures while out and about on my walks this week. I am so thankful to live in such a beautiful place.  

I've wanted to go to the BYU museum of art to see their Gates of Paradise exhibit. One of my neighbors is taking a college humanities class at UVU and she agreed to go with me. That way she could get extra credit for her class. We spent 90 minutes at the museum. Not having kids pulling on me to leave was so nice. We looked at all the things while we were there. Here are a few of my favorites. 

Earlier on Friday I volunteered at the library, and someone had donated this book. I opened it up to peek inside and it was fascinating. If it is still at the library next week, I'm going to buy it. 

The week ended with me mowing the lawn, and going grocery shopping. It was quite a nice ending to a very nice week. Only one more week until the fair!

Sizzling summer

July has hit with force and we are in the middle of a really hot heat wave. We've had 100+ temperatures the last couple of days. The only way we are surviving is by staying inside during the day, and only going outside in the early mornings.

This week has a lot of fun things that we did. Most of them didn't get a picture to accompany them. The cucumbers in the garden are starting to sprout up. That makes this momma super happy. I give them a good soaking of water each morning. My neighbor also inadvertently gives them more water at night when he turns a hand sprinkler on full blast. The tomato plant by the garbage can has also settled in nicely and actually looks fabulous despite the hot weather. One thing that I'm confused about is my hummingbirds. They don't seem to be going through their sugar water quite so fast now that the heat has arrived. I'm not sure if they are just to hot to eat much, or if they are getting most of their food from flowers now. 

Last Sunday I was feeling a little bit of 'blah' and I took this picture as I was leaving my room to go to church. I feel old when I look at it. Serving in nursery always makes me reenergized, so I didn't feel gross for very long. 

On Tuesday I went to visit Larry first thing in the morning before it got too hot. I didn't take any pictures. Crying was involved. Two years in and I still have so many questions. I am also still mad. Not so much at God anymore, but definitely Larry. I don't think I will let go of this kind of anger until I am able to yell at him in person. I think he'll probably understand and feel bad about it. I wanted to get him some mini roses for his headstone, but could find any. I got a $7 pot of mediocre flowers. If he would have chosen he would have picked this kind of flower.  He loved the ones that were growing by his bedroom window. 

I made the boys a nice dinner that evening. Partly to honor Larry, and partly to keep myself really busy doing something so I didn't just cry the whole day. 

Wednesday was blood donating day. It's been a while since I've donated. It's so fun when the phlebotomist puts this little smiley face on your hand. It's to help them remember what arm they are using. I very much have a routine to donating. After they have everything going I ask if they will bring me a fruit punch juice box. Then, on my way out I get Lorna Doone cookies. This  time they were giving out these patriotic shirts. I would much rather receive a $15 amazon gift card, but the shirt makes a nice pj shirt so I took one. 

One of the days this week Peter and Luke were just sitting in my room chatting for around an hour. It was a rare event so I snuck a picture. 

At the end of the week I took Luke to the BYU museum of art. There were a few pieces of art that he liked. Neither he or Peter have ever been excited about going to an art museum, so we didn't stay for very long (20 minutes max). Luke was kind enough to take a picture of me with my favorite piece, and I did the same for him. 

When out exercising this week I snapped a couple of pictures. I want to submit some type of photograph to the fair, so I'm trying to compose a few that would be worthy. 

Lastly, here are a few more pictures Luke and I found interesting at the art museum.

 

Some of Luke's adventures

I started the garden really late this year, but I convinced Luke to help me so it will be ok. We have 6 spots of cucumbers and one tomato plant. It's about all I can managed this year. I water each spots once a day, so I'm hoping to see tiny green things coming up soon. 

On my Monday morning walk I noticed these cute Lego minifigs on a nearby mailbox. It made me so happy. I would love to go and see Toy Story #5 as the boys really loved those movies/characters when they were little. Anytime I see Toy Story stuff I immediately zoom back to many happy memories. It was a great way to start the beginning of a new week. 

Luke and I are trying to get out and do more things together. On July 4th he asked me to take him over to UVU and show him around. He said he wanted to know more about how college works because he doesn't know anything. It was fun to walk around and share with him many happy memories of when Bran and I were here. They have a done a lot of construction, but I still recognize most of campus. Luke thought the west side ponds were pretty cool. We saw a family of ducks which was pretty fun. 

When we got home from UVU Luke said he would be willing to learn how to make hamburgers. I was super excited. He didn't even get grossed out and need to wear gloves. He also is trying out new food. This week he tried onions, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, apricots, mandarin oranges, plums, and kidney beans. He thought most of the things were boring and didn't taste amazing, but he said he would be willing to eat them again. Happy, happy, happy!