Just Me!!

Val hasn't been in her birth state for 12 years and apparently she doesn't care either. She wishes she was born in Arkansas or Copenhagen-crazy girl. The only saving grace is that when people tease her at school asking her if she is from "I-DA-HO" she says yes;) she said that joke has been around forever, but NickNorton the magician at Silverwood is using it every day in his performance. Pretty funny, that guy! We went to see his show both days. Funny little fact, he is Gary Norton's son. Gary Norton built Silverwood. We stayed all day both days at Silverwood, and went from dry rides in the morning to afternoon wetness at the water park. I enjoyed floating the lazy river, and wished the 21 and over bar was open the 2nd day. The weather was perfect. We had a few moments of showers but then it cleared up. The first day I encouraged everyone to ride "Thunder Canyon" right away, not knowing we would all be completely drenched the rest of the day. Everyone w...

I only dreaded one thing we had to do before we left on our trip to Idaho; saying goodbye to my baby! Charlie is currently with Grandpa and Grandma Nagel having a blast. She barely even notices that I'm gone. What's worse is when I come back I hit back to my work rotation and will be away from home again for another 7 days. Miss her terribly but having a blast with the older two. We talked on the way here about taking Charlie to Disneyland next year and I think we both agreed that its her time. Can't wait to see those cute eyes light up when she sees all the princess' from the Disney movies! It will be a special time for her. Our first night here was unscheduled because we didn't know what time we would get here. Good thing it was, because we barely had 10 minutes of sunlight left to set up our tents at Farragut. We all shared one site (next time we will get two), and had 3 tents. Packed house!! We stayed really warm thanks to Grandma Abston's awesome blanket ...

We had so much fun getting Valerie ready for her first dance. After our first experience of trying to find a dress for her 8th grade graduation, we got in the car, prayed asking God to send us the perfect dress right away. The 2nd dress she tried on was perfect. Poor girl had to listen to the sales clerk go on and on about she how she had a large chest and a small back and how she would need a corset dress because of it! Well we found the perfect dress right off and didn't even pick one with a corset back. Bailey, Val's friend came over and did her hair and makeup. I was instructed not to be a "creeper" when I dropped her off at the dance. Creeper=A mom who stands at the doorway and takes pictures of her and her friends and talks with them. Apparently Bailey was suppose to distract me when Val went in so that I wouldn't CREEP. No such luck, Val! One day she will thank me for all the photos I took, or that's what I am telling myself. (Val's thoughts on he...

Can't believe this has happened so fast! I guess I shouldn't be surprised because one day I was holding Valerie for the first time and then what feels like two days later she is 14 and graduating from 8th grade (but that's another post). Charlie absolutely loves Mrs Snowden and under her direction educationally has grown into a intelligent, responsible, reading, muti-lingual, thought provoking young lady! The preschool ceremony was informal, relaxed, and well thought out. Charlie gave us both a rose, to thank us for supporting her in her education. We will be paying a much larger price when she chooses a college;) The kids walked in to the ceremony with Pomp and Circumstance playing. The graduation caps were made of construction paper, yarn and puff balls (tassel). They were so cute, and Charlie made it way cuter. She graduated with Ryan at her side, just the way Shannon and I planned it 5 years ago. We are incredibly sad that they will be parting ways and going to separat...

My, how can she be this old? Currently we are on our way to Idaho and I just realized that this is the first time she has been back to her birth state, since we left 12 years ago. I have been blessed to have such a beautiful, strong, independent, artistic, fantastic, fun loving, animal crazy, Denmark driven young woman! She amazes me everyday with her new interests, desires, and of course her incredible voice. Is this the same girl who stood on her preschool stage and refused to sing? Now she wants to give Mark and I concerts daily! She breathes, eats and lives music. Her music teacher, Mrs. Sutter, gave out only two awards this year during the 8th grade ceremony and she got one of them!!! Excellent Val! You are soooo talented;) The ceremony was quick for the 300+ youngsters who were graduating. They all looked lovely in their dresses and suits. Mark's parents and my mom were able to make it to the ceremony. Afterwards we celebrated at "The Rock" with pizza and convers...

If you listened every time I go to check on my garden you will hear me talking to my plants! They get plenty of water, sun, and praise for growing the way that I want them too. Charlie is usually right there with me praising them or telling them to how to grow. She is my garden helper! I am very proud of my garden and am constantly looking for new plants to plant or containers to grow in! My dream is to own a garden like the one in California, Huntington Gardens. First off though I think it's time to go back to school. I want to get my Master Gardener degree. It won't make me a profit but will definitely help me learn to take care of my forever garden, when we move into our forever home! I love my small backyard but do dream of land to expand my talents with gardening. 1.What my backyard looked like without boarders. 2.The small potato plant that got transplanted to its new bed. 3. The new boarding on the new flower bed. It houses my hydrangeas, peppers, basil,...