welcome to year three

Yes, I have officially started my third year of college.
There's not much to say except for....
I'm very grateful to only be 30 minutes away from my family. Sometimes I get embarrassed when I tell people I'm from Idaho Falls- like, "Yeah I haven't really grown up and moved on 'cuz my parents live in the next town over!" But the truth is that I have seen so many blessing come from it. And I wouldn't trade these memories for anything.

Annie Laine and Grandpa

This is one of the many....

My nephew,s Conner and Max, had a flag football game on Saturday! They are all-stars! I was so proud of them. Conner is a natural athlete and has a deep passion for the game (and sometimes looks a little too much like the guys on sports center). Max on the other hand is still getting used to the idea of playing sports with Conner...he is one patient kid. (But never hesitates to give us a thumbs-up at the end of a good play). I'm so glad I was able to cheer them on and see their cute little freckle-face grins when they looked to the side lines and saw their fan club! I couldn't be more thankful for these memories!




The other day Shay and I took a trip to the shoe store. Shay said she NEEDED shoes really bad. I didn't realize that this is what "really bad" meant:)

She really bought 5 pairs (the 6th is mine

Oh... and we won a Frisbee...Thanks for the killer deals Shoe Carnival!!


















Spud Day:
Did you know there was such a thing??
Here in Idaho we are proud of what we are known for... Potatoes:) Spud day is in Shelley (where my blood runs deep through the streets) Both of my parents grew up there and can I just say I love it there??
This year my cousin won her school beauty pageant and we now refer to her as 'Miss Russet' little did we know that she had such a big part in the spud day celebration! she performed her dance routine, strutted her stuff (crown, sash, and all) and even tasted the potatoes from the spud tug pit. Yep... the spud tug pit. Then the Coop Troop signed up for the spud tug and gave Rachel the opportunity to be in the front. Here's a little taste of the excitement we experienced :)

even the missionaries participated!

this is how they mix and fill the pit:)

                                                                   Happy Spud Day!

little brother, best friend

Have I ever mentioned that I have the best little brother anyone could ask for?
He basically holds our family together. 
I've always claimed Jeff as my best friend. He's always been there for me. As my awesome and exciting summer comes to an end and a new chapter begins... I can't help but think of all the good times we've shared. He's my partner in crime, my shoulder to cry on, and most of all my hero. Growing up we were pretty much joint at the hip. Some people thought we were twins:) Even though he is the star of the football team, the baseball team, and even the basketball team... he's also a celebrity. He is the best at making you laugh, being a true friend, and caring about others- especially those who need a pick-me-up. I've always admired his attitude towards life. The other day I heard him talking about someone who was sitting alone at a church activity. He told me everything the two of them talked about that night since Jeff decided to sit by this person...and at the time, I couldn't believe my brother could get any cooler. But every time I get blessed to spend more time with him I see that he is the perfect example to our nephews, he's the funniest person I've ever met, and he really does love life. A week ago I came home from work... tired and grumpy. He is always the first person to poke me in the side, pass on a big smile, and give me a hug to make me feel better. This particular day i was lucky enough to be invited to go bowling with him and two of his friends. my first thought was "me and three 18yr olds going bowling together?" But i decided it couldn't hurt to have a little fun... so Jeff ran downstairs to get me a sports jersey- i had to match the boys:) that was probably one of the best nights of my summer. See what difference you could make by being selfless for a few minutes and reaching out to someone? I got a chance to see how much Jeff's friends look up to him. He has a big influence on the choices they make and the kind of guys they want to be. Tonight he texted me before he went to bed. the text said "Alma 7:23" I couldn't be more grateful for a best friend.
Jeff will be turning 19 in a month. And he made one of the biggest decisions of his life so far... he will be going on an LDS mission. He was called to the Chihuahua, Mexico Mission. I couldn't be more proud of him for realizing the importance of this decision and serving the Lord for two years.
I joke about the day he leaves (Jan. 9)... I might have to go on a mission too, just so I don't miss him too much. Or maybe I could just fit in his suitcase? He's going to need someone to do the dishes for him since he has to 'go to the bathroom' every time the water starts running!.
Even though I might be joking... the truth is that this kid has made a huge impact on my life- since the day he was born... literally! (I was the princess until he came along) But I'm happy he did. I'm grateful for families but especially for little brothers.
Today... reach out to someone 
from me, to you

[useful] junk sold here...

Garage Sale Anyone?

Since I've done a terrible job at updating my blog as exciting events happen... this may seem a little out dated. sorry:)

But a couple weekends ago I participated in my very first garage sale!! woo woo:) I had two friends who were putting the event together at her house in Rigby, ID and I couldn't pass up a great opportunity to get rid of some old junk. After going through all the work of planning, advertising, cleaning, boxing, packing, taping, pricing, driving, loading, and selling... I made $125! For sitting on Kylie's porch for four hours letting people buy things I didn't need anymore- I'd say that was a pretty good trade! :) you know what they say... one man's woman's junk is another man's woman's treasure!

In my opinion the best part about this business is spending time with my buddies. ShayNiel and I made signs and hung them around the little town of Rigby... and I mean little:) we weren't complaining though, since we were able to cover every business on state street with our bright pink fliers! We talked and laughed, we sang songs and ate peaches... we decided this is something that SHOULD be done every summer. It helped us organize our stuff as well as throw out our useless clothes and decorations! And now we can use the $$ towards our education!! :) or maybe towards books... or A book... or a page of a book. college is gettin' a little spendy these days.

today, enjoy the last FEW days of summer.

from me, to you

it doesn't get any sweeter than this

On Saturday August 18, 2012 @4:52 our sweet little [Ruby Mae] Chappell was born! 17 1/2 inches and 6lbs 12oz We couldn't be happier for my sister, Whitney and her husband, Drew. Three years ago Whitney lost her first baby, [Nora], and as much as we wanted to keep her here forever, she was needed somewhere else. We weren't sure how long Whit would need to recover from the sickness and heartache. But prayers were answered. Saturday was a day of miracles and this perfect little girl has brought so much happiness to our family already!. We couldn't be more grateful for this blessing in our lives as well as the health of both Whitney and Ruby. It's amazing how hearts can be healed and babies can bring so much joy!  :)

Today, count your blessings...