Just Me!!

Stairs to the beach Grady showing us his Brine Eggs Drawing pictures of Totoro in the sand Dinner's served Winner's Circle for May I...Look at that view! Ethan loving on Aunt Miget Charlie and Grady quickly became best friends! My crazy kids out in the freezing cold Waldport waters Why is she crying, the waves are several feet away? Dad wrote my name in the sand! Family Reunions we all love them, right? After 17 years,I think this is the one I enjoyed most. I loved spending time with the Abston's. Arlene's sisters' and all their families are hilarious and full of fun. Every year we spend Memorial Day Weekend battling each other in golf, shopping, pool, ping pong, and May I (card game). We have three trophies that accompany three of the events. I had the pleasure of winning the grand poo paw...the May I trophy. The house that we all stayed at, was a new one. It wasn't the best decorated beach house I've seen, but it was the best for our LARGE exten...

I had this thought....I want to see progression. I love progression, not necessarily in my three year old (since she is the last one...although I've heard I can go to Mexico and get a reverse Tubal Ligation for 2800.00) but in pictures. I spent these precious moments with these wonderful children that God gave me. Sometimes I take it for granted, but photo's bring to a place where I can do nothing but praise these special times together. From those thoughts came...Then and Now. I think once a month, I will try to show progression pics. It humbles me, and hopefully thrills you!  May 2009  May 2010 May 2011

Shannon, I, and Valerie (who is now considered a Young Lady:0) took my mom out for a night on the town. Dinner and a Movie to be exact. We started the night with some yummy eats at Peanut Sauce. I love that place, it has something for the Vegetarian, Paleo Eater, and my cute 12 year old Meat Eater. I think the best part is leftovers though. We tried out the theatre at Lakewood Town Square and will NEVER go to another movie venue again. The seats were huge, comfy, electric adjustable chairs. What an awesome idea. My sister and I couldn't stop giggling at the comfort we were enjoying at just 10.00 a ticket! We continued laughing through the movie, Something Borrowed. I don't think it was the best film for Valerie to see because it promoted cheating, but on the other hand I hope she heard the main message in the film. GO FOR WHAT YOU WANT. Don't settle for second best, and love with all your heart. Life isn't worth living without love....that last one is my thought, not ...

Mark and I have HUGE plans for the backyard. I know people say that, and 5 years later there sits the backyard the same as it was 5 years earlier. My husband likes to follow through on projects though. I start them, and he completes them. We make a good couple. On Friday we began by mowing the grass, weed eating, and straightening up. Saturday we dug out sod to make way for our flowerbed border, and staked the ground where we wanted the garden box to go. Sunday, my wonderful husband actually built the box gardens himself. I am so proud of him. I never thought I would ever have a garden, and now I see my dreams become reality. We both love Asian flair and hope that by the time the landscaping is completed, it will reflect our love, hard work, and dreams. After a handholding circle prayer in the back yard on Saturday, the kids spent three hours digging out the grass with us!

I know I am behind. But oh well. Time I said it....I can't do it all. The important thing is that I am continuing to update. I love looking back to see how much the kids have changed. We spent a sunny April Saturday afternoon on the streets of Puyallup watching the yearly Daffodil Parade. It was our friends, the Slaughter's, first glimpse of how Washington brings on their magic for a beautifully, fun, family oriented parade. Well done, Puyallup! We were proud! We ate, Ethan had a chance to shake Abe Lincoln's hand, we visited with friends, laughed, and got alittle sun burnt. Great Day!  Heck yeah! How?   Love ya sweetheart!  Maybe Val or Charlie one day???  Me and Naomi   Abe Lincoln, I thought you were dead?  The gang! Valerie, Ethan, Clover, and Naomi (Charlie is laying down in between Valerie and Clover)  Ivar's Clam  Sharing Food, Fun, and Cheetos! Janessa S marching for the Sumner Band

 My favorite Bestie's at work...Nic and Em!  Enjoying Sushi with my work friends  Oh yes! She did eat Salmon Roe!  Charlie's Bestie....Clover  Tai Chi Chaun Fa on the Washington's Coast  Running from the waves because Mamma said NOT to get wet! Before the older two got soaked from jumping waves!