April Awareness

While I don't think I will ever TRULY understand their day to day [life] struggles.  I DO know how much I adore & love,  each one of the "K Clan".

I was able to have lunch with ALL of my sisters on the 24th.  The best.  While the day was certainly "Aunt A's Day".  I loved hearing a couple of other stories from my other sisters as well.

The one I went home sharing - - - was without a doubt the story "Y-von" shared with us about recent events at Ethan's school.  While we [and she] were able to laugh at the humor of it.  I know it's not always easy [or appropriate] to laugh.

The "K Clan" [as he'll explain further] don't blog too often. . . . so when he does . .  we all know it's got to be good. [Thanks for the heads-up on the post Mom].

Please take the time to read this.  You'll be grateful you did.

I love you Ethan.

Habitat Build

As told in photos.

6:45am - arrival

7am - I find the best. hat. ever.

7:30am-1:30pm --- workin', workin', workin'

Tiff and Troy . . . love you guys!  Thanks so much for coming out to help!!

My handsome nephew.

The hydration specialist. Yep, I caught her in the act of removing all the labels off the Powerade bottles.  Why?  "Well, why should we advertise for them?  We had to buy these."  - - I have no idea where she gets this. [The PitaWhat?]

Happiness is ..... not needing a ladder.

By the end of the day we went from foundation to all exterior walls.  Awesome day.

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really? for me?

So this amazing fruit bouquet arrived at my door this morning[ish].  I have never received one of these before.

a w e s o m e.

Such a thoughtful friend.

Thanks Angela!!

I'm thinking . . .

 . . .

Sounds intriguing doesn't it?  But I'm loving the idea of this right now.

Well, that is, if I don't get into this.

Who's coming with me?

Happy Friday!

what can I do vs. doing

When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. - Edward W. Howe 

This is my do-er friend Ashley.

The one on the right.  At my surprise party.  She threw for me.  [The candy ---- that's a whole other blog post.]

No, today is not her birthday.  No, she doesn't even know I have a blog.  [I know, seriously, how come I don't advertise this awesome thing.] ;)  I'm just lazy and have just now gotten around to posting this.

She is a "do-er". 

I met up with her for lunch last week [as I do most weeks].  We usually talk about her [way younger than me] life as it is ALWAYS changing & eventful.  So exciting.  We got a little side tracked last week.  I was having a little less than perfect day [no biggie / no tears].   

What's on my door-step 4 hours later?  These:

[sorry, still not too fab with my camera]

And a note.  One of the best "friendship" notes I have ever received.  You'd think I'd have know this girl since birth.  I've known her two years.  We only started getting together more often in the last 4 months.


It's the little things to me.  The little things make me love/adore/appreciate people big time.

Thanks Ash.  Going to miss you come August.  Chicago or New York?  Which ever you two choose ----- I'm coming to visit.

To "Baby E" / A.E.B

I'm so happy it's your day.  No, not even because it makes you one year older than me.  It's because I get to sit here this morning and reflect on you, on your day. 

Being that you are "X" years older than me [never mind that you look younger - whatever].   I'm amazed at how much I do remember about growing up with you.  Sure, some things were told to me . . . but a lot of the memories are right from this little brain of mine.

Nope, I don't remember this:

Or this:

What I do know is at a very difficult time in my life......you were the only one who could comfort me in the way I needed it.  I will never fully be able to express [in words] how much this meant to me.

You have always been there for me.

I have been told you would wake up with me at night so mom could sleep.  seriously?!  How many pre-teens would do that?  And as I'm told --- you'd sing to me when you'd get up with me.  [ahhhh, here come the tears]

I'm amazed.  often.  with you.  by you.  because of you.

Have you ever realized all you have done? All you do?  All you've accomplished?  All the trials you've come out "on top" of?  Things you do each and every day that are amazing?

Here's a few I can think of:

• Having 5 children
• The female college grad of the family
• Did I mention a Master's degree too?
• Eric
• Running
• Church callings
• listening
• forgiving [think tithing story]
• flying home to be with your crazy little 10 year old sister
• waiting [sorry don't remember exactly how many 7?] years to have a biological child
• your children in all their sports
• inviting me over to dinner when it was just you, R & Freddy
• kissing R after dinner prayer - I use your example every day now too ;)
• you had four kids - and you look like you've had none
• you working from home [on top of all the mom/wife work]
• dealing with that crazy dog of yours on Friday's ;)
• attending EXTRA family events
• you are a peacemaker
• you see the good in others
• you don't gossip
• texting me back
• texting me back fast
• always saying yes to me when I'm in a pinch
• always saying yes to most people
• you are kind
• you are emotional
• you are sensitive to other's needs/feelings
• letting me help [ha - is food helping?!] when I know something's going on [that's a big "KNOW" - as I usually would never know] ...which brings me to....
• you don't complain
• running a 1/2 marathon with less than 10 days notice
• patient.  you are the most patient person I know

Happy Birthday To MY Sister.

I love you.

I'm pretty sure

I'm pretty sure the quote goes like this, "A family that shoots togther stays together."

No?

Oh well.

So, how'd it go?  WE ALL had a freaking blast!

Here's a few photos from Saturday.

The lesson:

My lesson [took about 5 minutes longer than Peanuts]:

Peanuts pose:

Now, in action:

Her "hit":

My in action pose:

My "hit"[take that little glass cleaning lady]:

The best family outing in a while [minus the 20 minute bladder busting 4X4 ride to get there].

I would have included a photo of the Pita in action but his gun . . . well let's just say it looks a little agressive for a family blog post [semi-auto anyone?!].  It [the pita's new "this is what I got for putting up with her running gun"] IS awesome to fire.  Even I gave it a whirl.  Can't turn my head to the left but ehhhh it was soooo worth it.