Warning: we don't mess around.

We take our photo shoots very seriously.

If these photos don't make me famous I don't know what will.

Oh and Ryan Muirhead, Please hire me.

I experimented with some grunge effects on this one.

It's weird but I like it.

It only takes one to make a ripple...

"…We can to a certain extent change the world; we can work for the oasis, the little cell of joy and peace in a harried world. We can throw our pebble in the pond and be confident that its ever-widening circle will reach around the world." –Dorothy Day

I have a new adventure to declare.

I've written and rewritten this blog announcement.

but I can't figure out how to say it right.

A friend posted that quote on facebook.

I figured it was as good of spot to start as any.

I believe Dorothy Day.

and

I want to make a difference.

I want to design change.

and most importantly,

I want to create happiness.

thus,

(Drum roll please)

I'm returning to Ethiopia.

and it's not because change isn't needed here.

but rather,

Ethiopia needs me.

but most likely,

I need Ethiopia.

do I feel scared to go back?

yes.

actually, going back makes me feel a lot of things.

excitement.

nervousness.

uncertainty.

sadness.

happiness.

and yet,

it feels right.

I'm tossing my pebble in,

October 10th.

to help Wes&Alyssa's book author,

volunteer in..

hospitals

orphanages

and

other charity organizations.

until December 15th.

If you're interested:

I'm trying to collect art supplies to give to Where Love Is. (An organization helping street boys)

If you would like to contribute, please email me at- katehill8@hotmail.com

Any and ALL other donations are welcome as well.

After all, one pebble will make a ripple but many will make a splash.

on the bright side...

I did a fun shoot with my pal, Janessa Brown.

was creative.

and I put my name on some of the pictures.

do they look better that way? :)

More to come.

sometimes being a dreamer sucks.

Tonight I think I finally realized I should stop being wishful.

It's hard to make dreams work.

and it's painful when you know it never will.

but maybe I just dream too big,

who knows.

the fact is, reality always wins.

we one uped skype.

When your BFF lives in a different state then you, you learn to cherish the times you have together. Ellie had a two week break. Needless to say, it beat skype and 3 hr phone calls. Adventures were had and memories made....

Late night, spur of the moment, I had Ellie cut my hair. It was probably one of the better late night decisions I've made.

She did a pretty good job :)

R mountain sunrise hike!

Though waking up before the crack of dawn was hard it was totally worth it. The sunrise was beautiful, the company was great, and the Cap'n Crunch was delicious.

Sometimes I like to be 7 years old and eat rainbow cake.

Ms. Betty Crocker at her best!

For your information, my cake looked better then Ellie's.

And yes, it tasted as good as it looks.

We draw with chalk and have dance parties in the middle of no where. We are so cool.

Probably one of the best 50 cent purchases we've ever had.

Making the swim cap look better then Michael Phelps.

Golf course+ swim caps+ sprinklers= my idea of a good time.

Until next time, skype will have to do.

A day NOT ruined

Over a year ago, I got pulled over for the first time, on my way to work, going 76mph in a 65. I got off with a warning.

A month and a half ago, I think, I was racing to work through the back roads out of NO where a sheriff appears. I get pulled over. I was going 65 mph in a 50 mph zone. To make matters worse for me I didn't have my license AND my insurance had expired. Can you say HUGE ticket? I was positive I would get slammed hard. After telling me the price of the very expensive ticket, the cop says, "But I don't want to ruin your day. I'll just give you a warning today." Needless to say, I was very thankful.

Now to more recent events....

more specifically, yesterday.

I was talking to Ellie on the phone and going to drop off some pictures I took for a family when low and behold flashing lights appear behind me...

The cop comes up and asks me if I knew how fast I was going. Honestly, I had no idea. He bluntly informed me I was going 50mph in a 35 zone.... I was shocked, I wasn't even in a hurry! In that moment, I just knew I was about to get my first speeding ticket and yet, I DIDN'T.

and I feel like the luckiest person in the world.

It's no secret I have a heavy lead foot.

I'm going to try and ease up a bit.

there is no way I can get out of anymore tickets.

My sister made really cute kids...

19 to do's for 19 days:

in no particular order.

1. Hike the "R" mountain and watch the sun rise.

2. Make a rainbow cake.

3. eat a whole box of otter pops in a day.

4. volunteer.

5. TIE DYE

6. go to Rigby lake and eat Chinese.

7. Finger paint.

8. Go camping.

9. run, run, run.

10. Make a blanket.

11. Go to a rodeo.

12. make bubble art.

13. be crafty and make pillows.

14. Go boating!

15. Watch Soul Surfer.

16. Have a picnic.

17. Go to a chuckers game

18. eat at the taco bus on main street.

19. Make life epic.

"Why are you returning to THAT country?"

A year ago today I stepped onto a plane.

Little did I know how much adventure was in store for me.

and now, I'm planning to step back onto that plane to go back.

It's surprising how vocal some people have been about what they think/feel about me returning to Ethiopia.

I've heard a number of (but not limited to): "You really need to finish school." "You've already been there." "But America is so much better." "It's really unsafe there." "THAT country and THOSE people have so many problems." "What makes you think that you can help them?" "Why don't you stay here to date and get married?" "That is NOT a good idea." "You're crazy."

And I admit, some of them are viable reasons and sometimes I think I'm crazy too. I can usually smile and shake off the negative comments knowing how strongly I feel impressed to return. But lately they have piled up and been discouraging.

For others, but mostly for myself, I thought It would be helpful to quickly explain my reasoning.

I've always known I wanted to travel and help people internationally.

My first opportunity came when I got to go to Ethiopia.

It was the most amazing and hardest experience of my life.

It made me better.

My testimony was strengthened.

It forced me to grow, mature, and see things in a way I didn't know was possible.

I fell in love with the people and culture.

without a long explanation, that is why i'm returning.

to help people I love.

to serve, sweat, laugh, and cry with them.

to make a difference.

to them.

and me.

I'm not going into this naively.

I know what it is like there.

I know the challenges, dangers, and obstacles ahead.

But I also know the joy, happiness, gratification, and purpose it will bring.

and most importantly, I know I need to return.

and I can't wait.

the cutest kids on the block!

Mostly I just want these two little tots to get married when they grow up.

HOT date.

I love skype dates!

and Chloe.

Weekends are great.

But three day weekends are wonderful.

Turns out, I love both.

I'm trying to get all my homework/tests/responsibilities done today so I can party all weekend long. busy busy busy. should I be blogging? no. but my brain is feeling fried and it's only noon. crap.

After I survive today my weekend is looking like this:

- Drive to Provo 5:30 am Saturday morning.

-Hang with the Stangers and laugh, giggle, meet, and play with animals here.

-Drive home Saturday night. Ellie in tow.

-Run at the golf course, party, draw with chalk, go bridge jumping (Ellie, we're doing it whether you like it or not.), have a sleepover.

- See my super cool friend mary at Albertsons late sat night :)

-Go to church, teach sunbeams, work 8 hours.

-Go camping after work and eat a whole box of otter pops.

-Watch the parade, go boating, and ooh and ahh watching the fireworks.

Jealous?

It's going to be a FABULOUS weekend.

What are you doing for the 4th?

P.s HAPPY CANADA DAY!

P.p.s Pinch and a punch it's the first of the month!