Just Me!!

We did a lot for Mark's birthday this year. I bought him lots of gifts: Shoes Xbox 1 Madden Game Book Jacket (didn't fit so Ethan got it) Cake Dinner And tickets to see Tesla, Styx, and Def Leppard in concert at the White River Amphitheater! We went, we didn't have the best seats, but we had fun listening to our old high school love and rock and roll songs. It's amazing how many lyrics I made up! It Bites ! I was singing watermelon to most of the songs, even the ones I thought I knew. Some songs even brought up some old memories of boyfriends past and hubby present! I remember years ago driving to Grants Pass, along the scenic byways, with Mark blasting a few Def Leppard tunes. I was Pour -ing my voice out to the tunes, while secretly wishing Mark thought I could sing. I'm glad we could get Rocked  together, both then and now! Happy 43rd, you Rascal!

All grown up! She finished her training and is officially the best landing girl ever. Landing is where they place on the toppings to a pizza. She isn't too keen on the hot ovens or folding boxes but she loved one thing...her first paycheck! We went to the bank immediately and opened up her own checking account. Her first paycheck, checking account, and debit card. She is currently saving for a nice computer, then maybe a car and college! I am so proud of her for keeping her grades up, keeping her responsibilities up at home, and working hard at her job. 

I do love September   because of the colors, the weather, schools in session, and of course....SCONES! You thought I was going to say the Fair, huh? No, I could do without the noise, the cows (been hiding that secret from Mark for years), the crowds, and the hobby hall...oops, that cat is out of the bag too! Actually this year the hobby hall wasn't too boring, plus it leads straight into the As Seen on TV barn (or so it feels like). We had a great time, for the second year in a row, on Multicare's dime! They gave us free entrance for everyone, one ride each, and $10pp meal vouchers! Awesome, and thank you Mr. CEO!!! We had some Seahawks lemonade, scones, elephant ears, burgers, garlic fries, cow chip cookie and a bit of yummy healthy soup from a Vitamix demonstration (want one but refuse to pay 400)! We split up for awhile (that's when Charlie and I ate the yummy cow chip) and the older two went to the Star Wars exhibit, and Charlie begged to ride the gondola across the fai...

We are finally at O-N-L-Y two schools this year! Yahoo.  Valerie isn't too excited about her year since she selected hard courses. She has already been working hard to complete her summer course work before the first day. She even signed up to work/help new freshman, transition. She is excited to see her friends though. From what I've heard so far she has made Ethan feel extremely welcome and invites him and his friends to have lunch with her daily. She loves her brother so much. She actually thinks he's cool too. What a great big sister. Don't mess with Ethan or you'll have Val to deal with! She is still working the LC and today should be her 1st payday (only 1 week though). She recently discovered Offer Up and has been selling her used stuff for money. She is extremely intelligent, fun loving, and kind hearted. I love my baby girl so much and am so proud of her! Ethan is enjoying H.S. and his new found freedom! He gets nervous about directions but I think he will ...

I got this idea from a lady at work, but I'm pretty sure Charlie is going to be excited to have 12 jars of pickles in the house. Her favorite food is ham roll ups. They are basically a piece of ham with pickles rolled up inside. When Ethan and Val found out I was making pickles they jumped into help. Their pickles have more jalapeños and hot peppers in them! Spicy♨️! In just 30 days, we will be in pickle heaven. If they turn out we will be doing a lot more pickling of various foods next year! Charlie even made me a chef hat so I could work as a professional!

The final days of summer hit us and ran! If happened so fast but we enjoyed every minute of it! We had a blast having BBQ's at Jers nearly every two weeks. The out up a pool this year, so that was a bonus. I can't get over how much the cousins love each other. This is what I wanted for the kids when we were in Arkansas. Sad that the other two missed out. Valerie just got hired for her first job...Little Cesears Pizza. Excited for  the huge growth in responsibility for her this fall! Mark is doing great..skinny and great! I am very proud of him. I am jumping on the wagon tomorrow! We have been having fun visiting the taco trucks for street taco'! Yummy. The tomatoes are finally slowing down..which is good because Mark might turn all yellow from eating so many mini pear tomatoes.