john&mandie&kiddos

John, I'm a big fan of black&white... if your not just let me know and i can put them in color.

If there is anything else you want different let me know too.

I'll give you the rest Friday.

i wouldn't mind this outfit for the fourth...

Summer Lovin'!

i love summer.

the warm sunshine.

getting snow cones.

camping.

summer clothes.

sunglasses.

scooter gangs.

side walk chalk.

star gazing.

green grass.

bare feet.

rigby lake.

And Ellie this is for you. I did my make up again! Be proud. I've been mistaken as a man one too many times lately I guess.

Why?

I took school off this past week.

and ventured to soccer camp... as a coach!

Wasn't I a player just over a year ago?

It was kind of strange being on the other side of it.

It made me miss playing and being part of the team.

My soccer experience was the best anyone could ever have.

I hope I can help these girls have the same experience and be a positive influence.

Camp was filled with lots of laughter, lots of soccer, lots of sun, lots of driving, and a lot of fun.

Us at the All-star game!

Since another coach, Corban, and I are still in school we left Tuesday after classes and met up with the team in Cedar City. We had about 14 hours in the car round trip. Needless to say, we had plenty of time to talk. On our way home, Corban said something that has had me thinking. He commented, "You talk about your dreams a lot." and I replied with, "They're important to me." Hes right, I do. Not only do I talk about them but I'm constantly thinking about them. Since then I've been asking myself, why? Why are they so important to me?

I've come to the conclusion it is because I want to have purpose in my life. If I had no idea where I want to go or what I want to do then how am I suppose to accomplish anything? My dreams and goals give me purpose. They give me something to work towards. They make me happy, they push, and strengthen me.

What if I hadn't dreamed, planned and gone to Ethiopia? It makes me shutter to think of Alyssa being alone through the horrific trial of Wes being attacked. or what would have happened to the kids If I wasn't there when Alyssa and Wes couldn't be. It was far from the dream I planned on, but in the end, was better. No doubt it tested me, made me grow, and strengthen me in ways I didn't know was possible. And now, it's made me dream even bigger. Ethiopia, here I come (in January)!

It's one thing to dream it's another to make it a reality. Goals take work and sometimes you fail trying to reach them. Failure only makes the success that much sweeter. One of the best things about goals, aside from doing them, is crossing them off your list. I always feel accomplished, no matter what the goal was.

I love that there is no limit to a goal. They can be anything ranging from, self-improvement, seemingly impossible, childhood dreams, spiritual goals, and everything in between.

Here are some of the recent goals I've added to my never ending bucket list:

- Run an ultra marathon with Ellie. Preferably THIS one.

- Make a beautiful sidewalk chalk master piece. I just bought a box of 52 so I'm ready!

- Have Ingrid (My adopted Swedish grandma) teach me to knit and then complete a project.

- Make someones day.

- Attend all the LDS temples in the world.

- Publish a photography book.

I love dreaming and making goals. I'm thankful they give me a sense of direction, a purpose, and can give a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

Do you have a bucket list?

What are some of your goals?

Dear School,

I hate your stinkin guts.

You make me vomit.

Your the scum between my toes!

Love,

Kate