As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many blessings we have experienced this year. It’s a time to pause and appreciate the journey we’ve been on as a family, and I want to share just some important things what I’m thankful for this year (as there are so many to list them all).
A Journey of Change, New Beginnings and Achievements
Most of you may not know this but this year brought us to a crossroads regarding our beloved farm, Oak Hollow Manor (used to be W & C Farmstay). There was a time when we considered letting it go so I could retire (young), but after several offers that didn’t come to fruition, I felt a strong calling to hold onto it. I am so grateful for this decision, as it has allowed me to rebrand the farm into something I’ve always dreamed of. We are on a path to transform it, and I look forward to what the future holds for our family legacy; something I take pride in passing it on to our children.
With this decision to keep the farm, I’ve made several significant improvements to Oak Hollow Manor. We rebranded it from W & C Farmstay to Oak Hollow Manor, launched a new website, and enhanced our social media presence. We’ve also invested in several upgrades, including a new swimming pool, a 4-acre U-Pick Blueberry patch, and new features like a paved driveway, updated flooring for the house, and many more. It’s been an exciting and fun process, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
We’ve had the opportunity to travel to different countries this summer, reconnecting with amazing people and making new friends along the way. These experiences have enriched our lives, reminding us of the beauty of family, community, and the value of relationships.
One of the highlights of our year has been our older son, William, who finished elementary school last May and started middle school as a 6th grader at Trinity Preparatory of Florida. He has made incredible strides academically, achieving top grades, while fully committed to his extracurricular activities, which fills us with pride, just like how he did it the entire elementary school. Watching him thrive in an environment that challenges and inspires him to grow into a fine young man is a joy. Our younger son, Christopher, also made significant progress at Evans Elementary School as a 4th grader. He has made new friends and grown in ways we could only hope for. From struggling to memorize the alphabet in kindergarten and earning Bs and Cs, he has now earned all As and received a Good Citizenship Award, landing him on the Principal’s Honor Roll—The highest accolade one could receive this past quarter. It’s heartwarming to see both of our boys flourish, support each other, and grow closer as friends. Yes, they fight, but they are also each other’s best friends.
I had the opportunity to start a real estate brokerage in Florida, operating under the “AgencyOne” trademark—a name I’ve been affiliated with for many years in Washington. While AgencyOne is still a relatively unknown brand in Florida, it only makes sense for me to continue doing business under this name, as I’ve already been practicing real estate under it in Washington. The connection to the brand feels natural, and I’m excited to expand its presence in this new market while still having my presence and availability in Washington. Real estate and investing in properties have been our primary tools for building wealth, alongside our W-2 jobs and 401(k) contributions over the years. My husband has been loyal and faithful to his current employer for many years, which allows him to have more time with the boys and, yes, help out with household chores. I’ve personally invested heavily in real estate and just love to be an entrepreneur. I’ve faced setbacks, but I’ve also had my share of little successes. In the end, I feel incredibly blessed to be where I am today. This little success has allowed me to acquire this GEM in Central Florida, and grown it into the Oak Hollow Manor it is today.
Looking Ahead
As the year comes to a close, with 2025 just around the corner, I look forward to continuing to grow Oak Hollow Manor into what I’ve always envisioned. I’m excited to build a strong ecosystem and team around it. I also plan to invest more time in my real estate brokerage, which I’ve neglected for too long. After all, real estate is like my 4th child—another daughter I never had 😊 (William is 1st child/son, Christopher is 2nd child/son, Oak Hollow Manor is 3rd child/daughter, and Agencyone FL is the 4th child/daughter.
Health and Happiness
Above all, we are thankful for our health.
I have been able to let go of what caused me stress, whether it be certain people, projects, or businesses. This release has been liberating, allowing me to focus on what truly matters and pursue my passions with renewed energy.
The kids are growing up so fast, and it’s a blessing to witness their development and happiness. Amidst all the changes and challenges, we are reminded of what truly matters: our family, friends, community, and the love we share.
I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on your own blessings. Let’s cherish the memories we’ve created and look forward to new adventures together.
Thank you for all your continued support. Happy Thanksgiving!
Warmest regards,
Abby P. Nguyen
Owner/General Manager
Oak Hollow Manor