There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters

This post is dedicated to Lindsay and Nikki (my sisters on either side. Sorry Heidi and Kristi!)

Lindsay is currently serving an 18 month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She has always been there for me. Lindsay is 4 years older than me, I don't feel like we really grew up together but she has been my biggest supporter and friend at all hours of the day and night. She is everyone's best friend and has taught me so much about patience. She is also an amazing scriptorian. I miss her more than I can explain. She is the strongest, most beautiful woman and I can't wait to see her again.

Nikki is my younger, by 2 years, sister. My other sisters I call by name, but when I tell a story about Nikki I just say 'My sister.' Nikki is the goofiest, smartest, loving-est sister. She is the one I remember in all my childhood memories and most of my grown up memories. She is my best friend and I'm so grateful that we have gotten so close in these past few months and years. Nikki can always make me laugh, she has an extremely quick wit. I love that she allows me to see the side of her that she doesn't show to most people. I miss living with her. (even though she always uses my clothes without asking.) 

I have been blessed with four of God's choice women as sisters, and more importantly; friends. 

Creativity in Progress

A few of my more frequent readers may remember that I am trying to become a more creative person. Those of you that know anything about me realize that this isn't nearly as easy as it sounds. 

This weekend my sisters, mom and I went to Park City for Swiss Days. We generally all bring a craft to work on. I saw something on pinterest that I fell in love with and had to have. After a miserable failed attempt, I tried something else but I hated the end product. (Sorry, I'm not going to post it. It was awful.) 

In the end, (after a few more changes) I am happy with the outcome and am grateful that I didn't give into my frustrations with the first few attempts. 

Now I've got this lovely art work hanging in my room. 

I'm slowly working my way up the creative ladder. 

So Entirely Blessed

Today I was thinking about where my life was 5 months ago, and comparing it to where I am today. I can't even explain the amazing changes I have made and the person I have become. I want to take just a moment and thank the people that have helped me make these changes; I know without them, and their examples I would not be half the women I am today.

I am grateful for the men in my life. They are so caring and are always there when I need them. They are the perfect friends and always seem to give me a compliment at the moment I need it. I'm grateful for their ability to forgive my errors and continue to strengthen and support me, even when my ideas are ridiculous. I couldn't ask for a more solid and loyal group of males, both friends and family.

I also love the women in my life. To all the girlfriends that support me unconditionally: I'd never have made it without y'all. I am better just having met them and I strive to be the woman that my friends make me out to be. 

My good friend told me the other day: "No one is better than anyone else, we are all at the same level and we all need each other to succeed" I know that these people have changed my life and I pray that I will never have to know a time without them.

Finding Nirvana

Men are great and everything. I love them. But they are nothing compared to mountains! Where else can you feel so at home, so close to heaven, and so tiny and insignificant all in the same moment? 

I summited Mt. Timpanogos for the first time on Saturday. It was a glorious experience.

See? That is even my name on the registry. 

My older sister Heidi asked me to say 'Hi' to the mountain goats for her. I did. They said 'Hey' back.

I found Nirvana and didn't want to leave.

Alright.... I might have gone with a man. But it's just Ben, so he hardly counts. He's more of a that-older-brother-I-never-had kind of relationship.

Reminiscing

I would like to take a moment and reflect on two of the best friends I have ever had. 

Meet Landon. This handsome hunk has been in my life for years. I met him in 8th grade and we've had our ups and downs, as every relationship does. He was my first love and now is my best friend. He graciously opened his door to my last boyfriend  when he came home with me to meet my family (can you say awkward?) He let me cry all over his shirt when I lost a friend.  He has skyped me while sitting in the middle of a college course, and he was always there to tell me when I was being stupid. I once even tore my pants in front of him. He is encouraging, happy, helpful, patient, open and honest. He put up with my crazy schemes and was always willing to put one of my plans into action.  He is serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints in Belo Horizante, Brazil, he'll hit his one year mark August 10th. I'm so proud of the man he is turning into and I can't wait to see him again. 

This little stud is Frazier. I met him my first semester of college, we had a few classes together. Frazier tried unsuccessfully to get my number about five times; he was a little shy about it. Eventually he came out and said: "Katherine, can I please get your number? I really need help on my homework." or something to that effect. We soon became good friends. (Mostly because I made sure he finished his homework and fed him lunch almost every day.) We always had a lot of fun together. He made me laugh uncontrollably with his beat boxing skills and crazy dance moves. We loved to have towel fights and do the dishes together. He's also ridiculously good at making jello. He is serving in Albuquerque, New Mexico and hits his one year mark July 29th.

I love these boys with all my heart and miss them dearly. Can't believe it's already been a year!

Self Reflection

This summer has given me lots to think about; mainly about what kind of wife and mother I'm going to be. (I'm not planning on getting married any time in the near future, but it's been on my mind a lot.) I have amazing women in my life who are such great examples to me of what kind of woman I should be, the problem is, I'm not that woman most of the time. 

I decided to start small, after all I have eternity to work on this, right? I changed my eating habits. (Eating cheese and BBQ quesadillas for every meal probably isn't the best idea when trying to raise a healthy little family.) When I started craving apples and bananas I decided I could move on to something else. 

I'm now working on cooking and being creative. (This is what I call 'Heidi Things' My oldest sister is my biggest role model, but that's a post for another time.)

I'm a fair cook, and I enjoy it. Right now I'm actually working on apricot fruit leather (with apple sauce instead of sugar!) It's fun to slowly see myself turn into the person I want to be. 

Have you had a similar self reflection time? What are your tricks for becoming a better person?

And Along Came a Spider

 I was laying on the couch with this adorable boy sleeping on my chest

While I was wrapped up in reading Jane Eyre, (highly recommend it!) My father walked into the room and was talking to my mom on the other couch and then says to me: "Oh look, there's a spider hanging down." He's pointing in my direction. Now, I normally ignore people while I'm reading but he caught my attention at the word spider. I don't do spiders, they freak me out and leave me jumpy and shaking. 

I carefully followed his finger and found that there was indeed a spider hanging down. It was hanging about 6 inches in front of my face! I'm not proud of what happened next. But it was involuntary. I started screaming, something to the effect of, "Get it! Get it! Why are you just sitting there? Get it! Get it! Get it!" I also started moving the only direction I could; into the couch, the blasted spider had cut off my retreat. I continued to  scream nearly in tears. By this point little Ev was wide awake and screaming as well. 

It seemed like an eternity before Dad stood up and clapped the little demon between his hands, while he laughed at me. Poor Ev took a lot of persuading to calm his screams. But can you blame him? He was almost eaten by a spider!