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!

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