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

It's a day to celebrate!

Drumroll please....

Wes, Alyssa, and ALL 6 grubs are coming home!!

The trials up to this point makes the victory that much sweeter.

I can't wait to see them all together again.

They are flying home THIS week.

A day, week, year, lifetime, and eternity to celebrate as a family.

Everett (Almost 2!)

Gutama (9)

Tofik (11)

Beautiful Damitu (14)

Mesafinet (15)

Mubarek (15)

Wes&Alyssa&Everett in Dubai- Before they flew to the States and I flew back to Ethiopia.

This was the last time I saw them all together- Just before me and Wes flew to Dubai.

Let the party begin!

One week...

Ellie has been gone one week.

It's strange to think that we only met ONE year ago.

It seems longer.

We've had so many good times together.

It was a hard goodbye.

Especially knowing I could be going too.

I hope I made the right decision.

We made our last week epic.

Canvas art, DI shopping, running adventures, photoshoot, ice cream and dancing:

I miss you.

[{Travels}]: aka Utah, Oregon, and Pocatello.

April has been busy.

Really busy.

in a good way.

I survived my first semester of college!! so weird. Am I really THAT old??

Final projects and tests were stressful.

But somehow, the week of finals, I still managed to spend several days in Utah.

That Monday morning, I got up early, finished my final photography portfolio, skipped some classes and drove to Eden and met up wish some friends from Ethiopia- Mike and Julie Rhodes and Jason Burton.

Mike&Julie&Family:

I spent my first two weeks in Rome/Ethiopia with Mike, Julie and 2 of their kids and friends.

Julie and Mike are very loving and service orientated.

Undoubtedly, some of the most Christlike people I know.

They recently (in November) adopted Taye from Ethiopia.

Jason had taken him in from the streets and had been caring for him previously there.

Spending time with Taye and the Rhodes again was so much fun.

I love this family.

Jason Burton:

First went to Ethiopia at 18, went back a year later, wanted to make a difference, eventually started an NGO helping street boys, he lives there permanently now, has made a BIG difference to so many- including me.

His total selflessness amazes me.

I hope to be more like that someday.

Seeing everyone made me miss Ethiopia even more.

(For you curious readers, I'm going back in January. Hopefully for 8 months-ish)

Lots of planning needs to start.

Anyway, loved catching up with Jason.

Not only did I get to catch up with Ethiopian pals but also my Grandparents.

The older I get, the more I realize the importance of family and those relationships.

I've learned to love and appreciate my grandparents.

Thanks for letting me stay again Grandma and Grandpa Hall!

After finishing off the remainder of finals week it was off to OREGON!

Sam and I flew off on Saturday. It was Sam's first time flying.

Needless to say, It made take off WAY more exciting.

I have been up and down the coast before but not since I was little so it was really fun to go back.

We stayed at the Seaside hostel. If you're ever in Seaside I would recommend staying there! It is so fun meeting and interacting with new people there.

The trip was pretty spontaneous. We spent a lot of time at the ocean- walking/talking, finding sand dollars, laughing, taking pictures, building sand creatures, and being crazy!

We rented bikes one day and cruised all around.

We also went on a beautiful 8mi hike.

Everything was so muddy and green.

This is the mountain that we hiked. It really was so beautiful.

I love nature.

Portland was an adventure too! We mostly just explored and rode the train. All in all, great spring break!

After flying to Boise on Friday and driving home the adventures didn't end...

My little soccer team I coach had a tournament in Pocatello.

Since it was Ellie's last Saturday (Before she moved to Provo) she got work off and came with me! We drove fast and jammed to music all the way down. Our first game went okay we lost 1-0. We had a long break before our next game so me and Ellie went shopping (Ellie is a shopaholic. no joke). Nonetheless, I did buy 3 shirts. Lunch was yummy too at 5 Guys. Hmm... game number 2 was just plain bad. We lost 6-0. We've had a lot to work on this week at practice. I'm teaching them all my amazing defense skills. We have a game today, we'll see if they follow in my ways.

Spiritual Pay Day.

Happy to announce the Baptism of Tofik, Damitu, Mubarek, Mesafinet, and Gutama Haws on March 27, 2011! It was such a rewarding day for Alyssa and Wes. I wish I could have been there for it. I miss those grubs so darn much! The kids were so excited to be getting baptized into the Church and today they will be getting confirmed. They are one step closer to being a forever family.

The Elders that helped teach the kids are amazing! I was so impressed with both of them when I was in Ethiopia. On the left is Elder Mcklenin (Sp?) from South Africa. On the Right is Elder Scoresby From Kaysville Utah! He said he knows some of the Brady and Becky Family. Kenny is his first name, do any of you know him?? Grateful they were willing to serve a mission.

I have so much to blog about but no time...

I take it as a good sign that i'm busy living my life rather then blogging about it.

In short:

1. I freakin' assisted a C section!! coolest thing ever? Yes.

2. I'm coaching a 12 year old travel soccer team. They go to Utah and such for tournaments. I question if I really have time for this but WHY NOT? plus I love soccer. I'll be helping to coach my good ol' high school team this fall too. and I'm really exited about it.

3. I'm going to Portland for spring break with Sam!! why? Because we can.

4. Wisdom teeth out today for the SECOND time. Who gets their wisdom teeth out twice?? I had 2 extra.

5. Registered for spring semester- woo. I'm SO excited for more school... it's ridiculous.

6. I think I'm going to be a track trainer for Special Olympics. This is another thing I question if I have time for. I hope I can!!... and still keep my grades up.

7. I'm attached to the sweet old people I work with. I cut my hours to only working weekends now. I know they are sad...

8. I teach sunbeams on Sundays. They are so cute and super full of energy.

9. A couple Saturdays ago I spent it with Melvin. We drove to Ashton and ate at Big Juds. Then I drove him up to his cabin in Island Park- He wanted to check on it. He told me stories and we laughed and had such a great day. On our way home we got ice cream. Going from driving his car (2011 Toyota Camry) to mine (1995 Ford Escort) makes me really want a new car! Not to mention mine is dying.. literally.

10. Ellie and I have gotten in the habit of running at the golf course... barefoot. We are in denial about the seasons. It's proven to be very painful to run without shoes on when there is snow on the ground. Running makes me happy. Being with Ellie makes me happy. I would be even more happy if it was summer and the grass we run on was actually green and dry and not snow covered. All in all, it's a good combination though. Ellie is leaving in 3 weeks. I am so sad.

11. I love my friends. We got to all get together and have a ABC night. twas a blast.

11. It's finals/ huge projects due time. Needless to say I'm a little stressed. "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..."

Kid-tervention!

I've had a rough transition coming back to the States... to say the least.

Growing up, making decisions, feeling lost, and wondering what to do with my life have all played a toll on me.

I've cried over it, prayed over it, and been depressed over it. Me and Ellie both applied to BYU, we both got in to BYU, but only one of us was sure about BYU.

In the end, we both made different decisions regarding BYU.

Ellie is moving away in three weeks and I am staying at BYUI.

Making the choice to stay in Rexburg was unbelievably tough.

I didn't want to stay.

But in the end I've decided to sacrive my college experience for my dreams.

I feel drawn, pulled, and needed in Ethiopia.

It is where I want to be.

It is where I feel my purpose is.

Staying at BYUI is significantly less expensive which will guarantee me a quicker return to Africa.

It is worth it to me.

Ellie has helped me through all the stress and uncertainty.

She even intervened, and surprised me, with a kid-tervention!

It was full of rituals (face paint, night kite flying, blowing out candles, blind-folded).

An oath was made to still be a kid.

to live in the moment.

to appreciate life.

to be happy.

Um, don't ask me why I look so... HOT. It comes natural.