Back to School Organizing Tips

http://www.simplify101.com/

Establish fresh routines If mornings are chaotic consider taking care of as many daytime preparations as possible the night before (Layout clothes, pack lunches, pack backpacks, etc). Make your new systems kid-friendly so your young helpers can help you get things checked off your to-do list. For example, place lunch making supplies on low shelf, and install low coat hanger hooks.

Create a homework station Decide on the best spot to set up homework central. Take into consideration your level of involvement and your child’s style (alone vs. people around, at table vs. on couch). Put together handy homework tools (pens, pencils, calculator, etc) to have nearby.

Create a system for school papers Get a command central binder with dividers. Have sections for school papers that require immediate attention and another for those that are for future reference (classroom rules, teacher contact info, class lists, etc).

Schoolwork and Artwork Purge unwanted items as soon as they come in the door. Store possible keepers in small storage bin. Go through bin in regular intervals that work for you (daily, weekly, monthly, etc). Keep in mind, the smaller the pile to go through, the easier it is to pick the best pieces out of the crowd and not be overwhelmed by the big pile of papers. Purchase a simple 3-ring binder for things you are keeping indefinitely. This way you have a year’s worth of keepsakes in one simple, tidy system.

Do your homework everyday Both you and your child. Pick a time that works well for your energy level and fits with your other obligations. Take action on any paperwork that requires your attention. Sign and return permission slips. Add important dates to the calendar.

Create a communication hub Include a family calendar, command central binder, phone message supplies. Consider color coding the calendar by family member. Use a bulletin board or fridge to post important reminders.

Create a put-away bin Assign one bin per family member. Clean out your bins every day to prevent clutter accumulation.

Remember not to forget Create system near exit to remember special items (gym shoes, musical instruments, snacks, etc). Hang a bin/basket near/on door with needed items.

Tax Credit for Military Buyers

We just wanted to remind everyone of the excepton for military buyers for the tax credit. For some, the credit has been extended through April of 2011 to make an offer. Please read below for the guidelines for this.

Service members serving outside the U.S. for at least 90 days between December 31, 2008, and May 1, 2010, have an extra year to qualify for the $8,000 first-time home-buyer credit or the $6,500 credit for current homeowners. They have until April 30, 2011, to sign a contract and until June 30, 2011, to close on the new house. Normally, if homeowners don't live in the new house for at least three years, they have to repay the tax credit. But there's an exception for members of the military who have to relocate because of government orders.

Military families also get a special break when they sell their homes. Most homeowners need to live in a house for at least two of the five years leading up to the sale in order to claim tax-free profits of up to $250,000 ($500,000 if married filing jointly). But because they move frequently, military families need to live in the house for only two of the preceding ten years in order to qualify if they are on qualified official extended duty, which means living at least 50 miles from home or in government quarters.

If you have questions or concerns about whether this applies to you, please give us a call. We would love to help!

Tax Credit

Only a few more days to make sure you captitalize on the first time home buyer (up to $8000) or move up tax credit (up to $6500). Make sure you have an accepted contract by April 30, 2010 and close on your new purchase by June 30, 2010.

This is an exciting time - interest rates are still super low and with this opportunity to get a little extra money, there is no need to wait to find your dream home!

For more information check out http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/extended_home_buyer_tax_credit_how_to

Call us today! We would love to help.

**And don't forget for all your military families, this deadline may be extended for an additional year if you were deployed or TDY or in certain other circumstances.

Spring time fun!!

So many things starting to happen as the sun comes out and flowers start blooming! Most cities have a Spring Clean Up day, where you can clean up your yards and such, and locate a dumpster close by. It is a great, inexpensive way to get the winter out of your yard!! Check out your cities websites for more information.
And don't forget, baseball/softball sign-ups are going on right now for your cities!!

March 27:
Bountiful -Egg Dive at the South Davis Rec Center 9am
Bunny Hop @ Bountiful City Park from 10am-1pm - Hop over for an "egg"citing time!
North Salt Lake - Easter Egg Hunt @Hatch Park, 10am

April 3:
Clearfield - Easter Egg Dive & Hunt - Aquatic Center & Fisher Park starting at 10am.
Clinton - Easter Egg Hunt @ the new soccer fields (2050 N 1500 W) 9am.
Farmington - Annual Easter Egg Hunt @ Main Park - 120 S. Main, 10am.
Fruit Heights - Easter Egg Hunt @ Fruit Heights City Hall, 9am
Harrisville - Easter Egg Hunt @Harrisville City Park, 9am
Kaysville - Easter Egg Hunt @ Barnes Park, 10am
Layton - Easter Egg Dive @noon, Layton Surf 'n Swim
Ogden -Easter Egg Hunt @11am & 3pm, Eccles Dinosaur Park
Riverdale - Easter Egg Hunt @Riverdale Park, 10am
South Ogden - Pictures with Easter Bunny & Easter Egg Hunt @Friendship Park, 8am
Sunset - Easter Egg Hunt @Central Park, 9am
Syracuse - Easter Egg Hunt @Founder's Park, 9am. Easter Bunny will be available for pictures.
Washington Terrace - Easter Egg Hunt @Rohmer Park, 9am
West Point - Easter Egg Hunt @Loy Blake Park, 9am

April 7, 10:
Farmington Summer Musical Auditions

April 16:
Clearfield - "Tax Man Cometh" Softball Tournament at Steed Park

April 17:
Centerville - Spring Hiking Series begins! Free to participate, but you must register.
North Salt Lake - Community Garden Kickoff, 10am, corner of Center Street & Orchard Drive
Ogden - Earth Day Celebrations, @Ogden Nature Center, 12-4pm

April 24:
Safe Kids Day 2010 @Weber County Fairgrounds, free admission, 10am-4pm

May 1:
Clinton - The Miller 5k Fun Run/Walk in memory of Larry H Miller and diabetes awareness
Layton - Show Layton Your Talent Auditions

May 10:
Layton - Family Golf Night @Swan Lakes Golf Course, 4pm-dark

May 22:
Davis County Safe Kids Fest @Barnes Park, 10am-2pm

More Summer Fun!

It's time for Handcart days, rodeos, more fireworks & more fun! Check these out:

Bountiful Hardcart Days - July 23-24th: Parade, Art Show, Games, Food, Entertainment, Fun!

Ogden Pioneer Days - July 13-24th: Horse & Hitch Parade, Movies at Dusk, Special kids rodeo, Stage coach rides & robbery, Car Show, Children's Parade, Rodeo, Pops Concert & fireworks, Rodeo & fireworks, Rodeo & fireworks, Even more Rodeo & fireworks (sounds fun, doesn't it?), Parade, Pancake breakfast, more Fireworks!!

Sunset City Fun Days - July 25th: Skateboarding contest, 5K run, Breakfast, Parade, Car Show, Burn out contest, Helicopter rides, Bingo, Food & drinks, Flame throwing, Fireworks!

Harrisville Heritage Days - July 31-August 1st: Games, Parade, Entertainment, Good food!

Roy Days - July 31- August 1st: Games & food at the George Wahlen North Park

Fruit Heights Founder's Day - August 8th

Weber County Fair - August 5-8th http://www.webercountyfair.com/

Davis County Fair - August 12-15th (check out the website for a coupon on parking) http://www.co.davis.ut.us/events_center/fair/2009/index.cfm

Utah State Fair - September 10-20th http://www.utahstatefair.com/home/index.php

July 4th celebrations

Check out these Independence Day Celebrations!

Centerville: July 3rd: Children's parade, free concert in the park along with fireworks.
July 4th: Breakfast at Founder's Park, Freedom Run 5K & Children's Run, Parade
on Main

Clearfield: July 4th: Freedom 5K Run/2 Mile Walk, Parade, Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast,
Live entertainment at Fisher Park & fireworks. Come see
Imagine - Remembering the Fab Four - Beattles-tribute Group.
These guys are really good!

Kaysville: July 4th: Breakfast, 5K & 10K Run, 5K Walk, Parade, Fireworks - all in the DATC
area.

Layton: July 4th: Breakfast at Layton Commons Park, Fun Run/Walk, Flag Raising Ceremony,
All-star baseball games, Dutch oven cook off, Parade, Children's Carnival,
Concert in the Park ending with Fireworks.

North Ogden Cherry Days: July 4th: Flag Ceremony, Kiwanis Breakfast, 5K Fun Run &
Mayor's Walk, Dutch oven cook off, Children's & Cherry Days Parades, Activities
in the Park, Car show, Concerts, & Fireworks.

North Salt Lake: July 3rd: Games, Food, Live Bands, Fly-overs, Sky divers, Family picnics,
Fireworks - all at the Eaglewood Golf Course.

Riverdale: July 4th: Sunrise service, Lions Club Breakfast, 5K Run/Walk, Old Glory Days
Parade, Carnival, Kid's games, Watermelon eating contests, Pie eating contests,
Entertainment & Fireworks.

For more information, click on your cities link! Don't forget to post your comments on how much fun you had!

Air Force Week

DON'T MISS AIR FORCE WEEK IN 2009!

Air Force Week is an extraordinary opportunity to meet the dedicated men and women in your United States Air Force. Come hear their compelling stories of service in support of joint and coalition contingency operations--both in the United States and overseas.

The week offers a multitude of activities that appeal to children and adults. Events include performances from our awarding-winning bands and drill team, exciting displays, earth-shaking flyovers, and remarkable hands-on experiences with our unique equipment.

Air Force Week is also a chance for us to thank you, the people of the communities in which we work and live. Come interact with members of the Air Force at various community events and listen to speeches from local dignitaries and Air Force leaders.

Every Air Force Week culminates in an air show featuring the world-famous Air Force Thunderbirds and other amazing demonstrations. These one-of-a-kind weeks occur in only three cities a year, so don't miss out!

Check out www.davis.travel for more information.