Just Me!!

Okay, as much as I fussed when planning this shower, I really did enjoyed it. It was wonderful having all my co-workers over, showing off my house, and just relaxing together. No matter how slow we are in Labor and Delivery we still don't get a chance to really bond. Three hours together celebrating a new mama to be, and her unnamed baby girl gave us that chance. A little wine spritzer, some cupcakes, and friends was a great combination. I love to entertain, while I am entertaining. Prior to, I have major anxiety about people looking in my closets (seeing disorganization), examining the walls (chipped paint on the stairs), and judging my choice of decorations (I have specific tastes which I think everyone should love). Now that is all said and done, my house is clean, and I am relaxed. My next seven days off should be stress free. One of which I need to work on...the stress I mean. According to my friend, I tend to judge too much, which makes me way critical of peo...

I was driving home the other day and stumbled on this Dahlia Farm off Waller Road. I know I have passed this gem a hundred times, but now I can spread the word on this awesome flower stop. We had a great time wandering around the Dahlia gardens (of which there are so many kinds) and eventually stopped back at the small stand with several Dahlia bouquets to choose from. The bouquets cost $6.00 for a huge bundle! If the owner isn't at the Dahlia stand, then you just put your six bucks in a slot in the mailbox, and choose your bundle. Valerie pointed out that he must be a trusting soul to sell his Dahlia's without being there. Reminds me a little of Arkansas, that state was filled with trusting souls. Glad to know that there are people like that here in Washington too.

Tuesday we were invited to cool off with Jackie and the kids on the Fort Lewis base! We had a great time swimming, tanning ( or burning if you are me) and relaxing with the Slaughter's! Valerie and Ethan both took jumps off the high dive, and Charlie loved the fact that they had a kiddie pool! Great times...

Please can I draw this into our backyard plans?

It was Charlie's third week at dance class Monday! I took a completely different approach to her and class, I bribed her to dance with a Starbucks' cake pop! I know, spank the parental hand, but at least it worked! She wanted me in her classroom the whole time and she surprised me by dancing! I can't wait till September 10th for recitals....should be great!

My mom and dad are back from vacation, our car is home from the repair shop...which means all is right with the world! Mark was in Seattle today helping Chris with his photography sessions so I was left alone to work hard on my to do list! I think I did quite well! I ended my night with a few peaceful moments on the swing! I love sitting in the dark looking at my lit gardens! So peaceful!

Updates are always a challenge for me. My kids grow so fast and life changes constantly that by the time I am ready to update then everything is different again. Here is what I know to be true today. The kids are doing great. Consumed by Mindcraft (a building type game), playing with neighbor friends, and sleeping in, they are enjoying every bit of summer. We aren't able to do Camp Gilead this year, but hope the kids are ready for Camp next year. Valerie is still doing Kung Fu, and this month we added, Mark to Kung Fu with Valerie, Ethan's Hip Hop class, and Charlie's Ballet class. I guess we are going to be one of those crazy busy families. Ethan really is hoping to try out for softball this year so we are going to be getting him a glove to practice with, since he already has a bat (and can hit balls).  Mark is still trying to find time to write, work, and be a slave to me on my days off. He has turned into a wonderful cook (which I have always wanted), and caretaker of ...

My Garden at the beginning of July....and now...  Mark calls this my bondage garden (I am constantly tying back the tomatoes)! Crazy huge squash leaves! Love how my garden makes me feel...I could care or less if it gives me anything to eat! We have already cut two huge buckets of lettuce and I need to cut more.   My tomatoes are giving my peppers a hard time. Move over tomatoes and let the peppers grow, will ya?

Numbering and painting the front door Subway tile, Open cupboards