I was looking through old pics from this blog and found this gem.  Mom, this blog post is dedicated to you because you are the most amazing mom and Marmee anyone could ever have.  You have taken on more than most women ever have and come through with grace and humility and quiet power.  You never toot your own horn, even though you definitely should, you are always quick with a tidbit of advice, a recipe, a funny story or comment, and last but not least, a kind word or inspiration that you share with others.  Being your daughter, I know how what seems like millions of people cherish you, but I feel extremely lucky being one of three to call you my mom.  My children have been so lucky to spend the last week with you and they loved every minute of it....they love you as much as I do.  Love you so much Mom and I wish I could be there this morning to give you a great big hug and kiss on your birthday, but know that up here in Northern Idaho, we will be celebrating you all day long :)

Love,
Kara Bear, Calli, and Teags

To The Greatest Man

Happy Father's Day!! My dad is my hero.  He has taught me more things about life than anyone else, besides of course, my sweet amazing mother :)  Dad, you are my phone call I look forward to getting every week, sometimes more than once.  You are the wise sage that always gives me great advice.  You are so complimentary when I do something well.  You are hilarious and have passed on your sarcastic, goofy sense of humor to me. You have also given me my nose, which I know I always said wasn't my favorite, but I realize now how grateful I am to share that with you! As I woke up this morning and thought about fathers in general, I know that I always wish my own daughters could have such an amazing role model to fill their lives, but I think the majority of this world is not so lucky as my sisters and I have been to have a father like you.  I count my blessings every day that I am lucky enough to be a part of our family.

Also, Happy Father's Day to my awesome bros-in-law....... Ry and Cam.  You are both such wonderful men and fathers to all of my wonderful nieces and nephew! I hope everyone has a delightful day and puts a lot of loving energy towards appreciating their fathers :) Muah!!

Pictures!!   A picture says a thousand words right?  Here's a bunch for you to look at...

Gift of a Lifetime

This past couple of weeks has been the most wonderful gift from two amazing people...my parents.  If anyone could be so blessed as my sisters and I are to have parents like ours, I am so happy for them.  Mom and Dad are the most generous people I have ever encountered.  They give of their self-made money, their patience, love, and time.  I am so, so lucky to have them.  My daughters are so lucky to have them as well--they teach them so much.  After all the hard work they put in making my backyard dream come true, they still left me with compliments instead of asking for thanks, telling me I'm a great mother and a good person, but I wouldn't be any of those things if I had not had them guide the way.  I truly love you and thank you, Mom and Dad, for everything you have helped me realize as I grow, and specifically for the massive amount of work you both did here.  Love you all! Please come and visit me so we can have S'mores over the firepit and listen to Louie howl in his dog run :)

 BEFORE...

 DURING...

 Mom, you're so cute :)

 Dad, fretting over measurements

 Only Calli can rock slippers and socks while digging in the dirt!

 Sir Louie, patiently awaiting his new mansion...

 DIRT!! and more dirt, and more dirt...

 Duane, our hilarious new friend and concrete man...

 Amy, Megs-- can you only imagine the conversation here between M & D?

 Everyone goes in the dog house!

 :) It's not very comfortable for me Mom

 Firepit! ...and Dad doubted my gapping abilities :)

 Soon to be filled with every veggie and melon we can fit

 Mom's handiwork... I helped a little, but she did the hard stuff

K, now just wait for a couple of months and it's going to be green and full of life! Can't wait...