Wonderfully Bizarre

Its wonderful but bizarre to see my little brother holding his son. Hes only 3 years younger then me but I think no matter how much younger then you your siblings are its always strange to see them enter into the stages in life you have already been through. Some how they seem to little or not old enough yet. Ethan could not have asked for a better Dad though...I know he will be a Dad that will be there for him always.

Outing Us...

This year we have chosen to become some of those "weird,un socialized" home school families. lol. We didn't come to this decision lightly, it is something that took me a whole year to work up the courage to do. While we loved Danbury Catholic Paytins Kindergarten year, last year was a nightmare. We saw a little girl who loved school turn into someone who tried to bargain her way out of going starting the night before. First she would say she didn't feel good and when that didn't work the truth would finally come out. She was being picked on.

After a few vists with her teacher who tried to bribe her with stickers and prizes (this mama wasnt a fan but thought you have to let the teacher do somethings her way to...now I regret it...Im the Mom and I should have never settled for less then what my baby deserved.) and talking with the Principal a few times (who told me my 6 year old needed to handle things herself and that I was to much of an involved parent.) I was feed up and the more it happened and the more I got the same answer the more feed up I became. It really amazed me I thought here we are at a private school with no more then 40 kids in the whole building and they cant keep an eye on these children? (I worked at a BIG daycare durring college yes I realize they cant be everywhere but being somewhere would have been a start) We left Maple to avoid all that as well as avoid the morals that I feel lack at Maple Valley. So it has been a disappointing experience to find out that Danbury Catholic carters to these naughty trouble makers too. Seems to me that no matter what school you go to the bully and their parents always win out, the nice kid is just suppose to take it.

Im going to miss the school...we had really just started to feel at home the start of last year. But, until things change there I refuse to just get in line shut up and sit down. Im the parent and the answers were not good enough for me.

To all my teacher friends...you guys are great this in no way reflects on all teachers but is our own personal experience. End of disclaimer ;)

Amy and Tue {Married}

First off isnt she stunning! Her dress absolutely gorgeous!  It was a whirlwind of a weekend! Which included a bridesmaid fopa by me..we got lost on the way to the church and ended up missing pictures in the church. :( My fault though I could blame...the hairdresser that refussed to let Paytin get her hair done by the other two hairdressers that were already done...had she let this happen I would have had an extra half hour...but I will not blame her sure sure wink wink. Or the damn Verizon Navigaror that kept telling us the church was not on a street...SERIOUSLEY!?

Anyway the rest of the day (from what I could tell anyway) went off whithout a hitch. It was a gorgeous wedding at the St Mary Basilica in Minneapolis.  The place is amazing! I could have spent at least half a day taking pictures of it! The reception location was beautiful loved the candles they had lining the hall with LOTS of their engagment pictures! SO PRETTY! Just wish I would have had more time to take more pictures...watching kids at a wedding this big is crazy hard! lol

Anyway Mrs Nguyen...the future remains uncertin but one thing is for sure you and Tue are starting a entirley new journey in your lives. Somedays will be hard, somedays you will want to quit but remember they are far and few between and far more outweighed by all the good days and the joy this new path will lead you to! Embrace the tiny moments because they are really what matters most.
The best advice I can offer you after almost 7 years of marriage is to not let all the silly things bother you and thats really all there is to it...its working as a team that makes it all work.  Wishing you a lifetime of happiness! :)

Coast to Coast and Back Again

 Home to Washington State to Virgina to Kansas City to Home. What a ride!  We used to do this alot, all of us get in the truck and drive

Summer Made Us Salsa

well summer did as well as 5 hours of hard work by me.  My fingers are still stinging from the jalapenos...you would think one of these years Id learn pepers...hot..wear gloves, but I dont. Its worth the sting though...I love seeing what all the hard work (or this year lack of hard work) makes.  Next year Im hoping to tripple my tomatoe plants Id love to be able to self sustain our family and eat nothing but what we grow...someday...maybe. For now though this we will have to make due with what my 23 plants produce...its a good start!

I Just Cant

Ive had some requests for posts on the month of July...I just cant people...

Im not in a good place right now...I'm upset really upset. I hate that I am this upset I mean after all we are all alive well I guess that's not true either...

I miss my Father in law...
I miss fighting with him...who would have thunk it...
I miss him for my husband and for the girls...I to miss hearing him say hi a pumpkin to both of them
I miss my house...even though I always said I never liked it that much
I miss that it used to at least feel like home
I miss windows and doors that work the way they should
I miss it smelling like Front Porch Candles and not mold and yuck.
I miss a sense of security...right now it just seems like our lives are up in the air...we could have to move..we could have to stay, we could, we could, we could..
I miss giving chances to members of Daniels family...I'm done. Thats sad...but life is to sort to fall in line with people who are filled with hate. I hope one day they can solve their hate and love until then though I'm done, we are done.

this year is completely ridiculous, it really really is.

I keep thinking God only gives you what you can handle...but I'm starting to wonder if he went on vacation and left things on auto pilot!? If not I cant wait to see the stronger and more faithful person he shapes me into...but for today I'm just plain upset

Its a GOOD NEWS day!

Its been a little while since Ive felt so positive...a LONG while actually. This morning started early for us for some reason the girls and I were up by 7...so not typical we are night owls who sleep in. Not more the a few minutes after 8 my phone rang and it was Kurk one of the lawyers working on the insurance company (CRAPPY STATE FARM...by the way, State Farm is NOT there NEVER have them!!) Anyway, he says I have some good news they called me today and they want to settle this case! They want to come and view the house again.  Why I dont know its only gotten worse since April while its been rained on and allowed to mold and other fun junk. So, what ev State Farm people come and look no matter what you say Im not letting you off the hook! But its major progress so I am beyond HAPPY! Over the moon really!

 Then my Aunt Cindy called me this afternoon to tell me that my cousin Jakes welcome home cereomney will be tomorrow. Holy Cow tomorrow?! They just got back to the states not more then a week ago. It makes me tear up thinking of all the famlies getting their Dads and Moms back...and even more so the ones that will not get them back. We are lucky very lucky thank you God for watching over Jake. I thought I cryed like a baby at the scenes around me when they left I cant imagine the happy tears that will be around tomorrow! Excited!!

What a GREAT day! :)

Ethans Christening

July 10ths are special, last July 10th I gained a great sister in law. This July 10th my newpeh became my Godson and yes I shed a few happy tears.  Baptisms always make me tear up. Dosnt matter who's it is I always cry. Being there as a God parent was even more moving as I now share an even more special bond with Ethan.  Happy Baptism Day Ehtan I love you.