Happy Independence Day!!!

This year, I celebrated the 4th of July TWO times. Once in Eatonville, a small little town at the foot of Mt. Rainier, and the other time at Sara Diem's, my friend who lives on the banks of the Puget Sound. It was a great time filled with food, friends and fun! Who could ask for anything more? Oh...and just in case you were curious, the Puget Sound firesides were much better...we were able to see about twenty shows at the same time! Plus, it was over the water! Mt Rainier, on the other hand, is spectacular and I LOVE it!!! Overall, it was a great weekend!!!

Dave and Tara's Wedding Day

June 11, 2009

On June 11, 2009, my best friend, Tara Johnson, married David Nielsen in the Mt. Timpanogas Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This was a day that we had waited for for a really long time. Dave and Tara had been friends for seven years before they finally tied the knot. This day was so special and I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of all of it! The ceremony, the luncheon, the dinner and everything in between...including the rainstorm (which I have been told brings lots of luck on your wedding day). I am so happy for you, Tara! I love you guys!!!

A Summer Surprise: A Visit from the Hughes Family

I was pleasantly surprised one June day when I received a message from my dear friend, Katie Wilson Hughes, informing me that she and her family were in town for the week. Her husband, Bill, had come up for some business and Katie and their kids were able to join him on his adventure. I joined them one day and we went to the Ballard Locks in Seattle and out to lunch. It was so much fun and I honestly think that Katie has some of the coolest kids around! Needless to say, it was also a great blessing to be able to reconnect with Katie. Katie and I go way back to the days when we were participants at Academy For Girls...probably when we were about 12 years old. We also had the incredible blessing of serving as counselors at Academy For Girls together. I love Katie and cherish the friendship we share. Thanks for the visit!!!

A Wedding Shower for Tara

I had the great opportunity of flying home for my birthday weekend in May. While there, I was able to throw a fun wedding shower for Tara Johnson. It was such a fun party with the ghetto gals and other friends of Tara. Not to mention, our amazing mothers that were there. What a great opportunity it was to celebrate and incredible event in Tara's life! As I was with my friends this particular night, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the people that Heavenly Father has placed in my life. I have often said that one of the ways that I can feel Heavenly Father's love for me the most is through my dear friends. They really are the best and I loved spending this evening with them and celebrating our little Tara Sue's engagement. It was well worth the trip home!!! :)

How Many Times Have You Been to the Senior Prom???

Autumn and I: One of my favorite kiddos of my whole career!!!

The Chaperones: Joanie (English Teacher), Me (Counselor), Denise (Psychology Teacher), Chris (English Teacher), and Stephanie (English Teacher)

The other night, I was with a group of my friends. We were reminiscing about high school days and the topic of senior prom came up. We talked about our crazy adventures the night of our own senior proms. They then asked, "Angela, how many times have you been to the Senior Prom?" I replied with 3. The past two years, I have had the opportunity to chaperone the Senior Prom. I LOVE doing this! It is such a special night for my kids and it is so fun to see them all dressed up and having the time of their lives! I am grateful to be a part of the memories! :)

Tip Toe Through The Tulips

Every Spring, Skagit Valley, Washington comes to life with vibrant colors and many tulips. I have never been to the Tulip Festival but in early May, I went with Sarah, Evan and Jeff to see what everyone had been talking about. It was definitely worth the trip. We also stopped to see Western Washington University. I love visiting college campuses whenever I get the chance. I always feel like there is something that I can share with my students once I have gone and seen the campuses that they are choosing to attend. It was a great day trip! :)