Just Me!!

                 It's all comparative isn't it? I love the new idea of taking a photo of the first and last day of school. It's so interesting and fun to look back on their progress throughout the year. Everyday the kids change but it is so slight that we don't see it. Ethan and Val really changed the most this year. Val started dressing up (thanks to her Aunt Jill's prodding) and Ethan, oh my! He looks like a man!  Val spent this year buried in her books, honed into her many hobbies, and singing Hamilton  at the top of her lungs, around the house. She received Student of the Year in Mathematics (it was even posted on FP Facebook page)! She has even made herself an organized checklist for her summer obligations without a mamma prompt. I am OVER the TOP proud of her.   Ethan is done with this year and has managed to survive with all the changes that he had to go through. I will say that I am glad to get a break from his Bio...

The Saturday before. Life was good! Giving this handsome Grandpa Kisses! My mom with my Auntie and Uncle! So glad you guys could make it! Love spending time with both of you. The Fenstermackers at Mike's memorial Service Lanie and Ryan at Daddy's Campsite Tillamook Cheese Factory Family Bingo TIme. Lots of laughs but NO cash! Auntie Kisses are the Best Grady, Joe, and Charlie at the Compound! Aunt Miget telling her famous secret "Don't tell anyone, but YOUR my favorite!" The Abston, Gibson, Lewis, Wegley Clan Mom and Aunt Kathy. Can't tell they are related, right? Debut of Mary Poppins with Mary herself- Kaarin Vail They definitely needed this hug from Bert- Matt Vail aka Charlie says "My boyfriend's father!" Really enjoying spending more time together but going to TGW every other weekend! Yes, they all have to go now! He hee! Love these pumpkins! Taking the k...

Picture linked to his Obituary May 9th,  The last post on my blog was posted on the same day that we lost a precious part of our family, my Brother-in-Law Michael Patrick Cortez. He was a man that hardly any person could call a stranger. If you had a chance to meet him, he would talk your ear off, grab your cell phone digits, and consider you a friend. He was full of advice, recipes, reasons for this or that, how to's, a helping hand if he could, discounted car parts, tips on living, and whatever else that would come up in a conversation. He never showed judgements, and was always happy for another person regardless of what he thought you should be doing, or buying. I remember the first time I showed him our Honda that we had just leased (I know he was most like others and was against the LEASING of a car). He didn't ask all the crazy questions others do when you did something wrong and they wanted you to know it. He only asked if he could drive it around the camp ground...