The Boy

Happy Friday everyone! Finally heard from Aaron yesterday after about 2 weeks. He sounded better and seems to have adjusted to life in Krygyzstan as best he can. Still working ridiculous hours and can't share anything with me, but says he will have lots of stories when he gets home (hopefully that is sooner than later). He sent this picture and I think he looks great (and tan!). WE LOVE AND MISS YOU AARON -- BE SAFE AND STAY STRONG!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLIE!

Happy 35th Birthday to my incredible husband! Played a little Texas Hold 'Em Saturday night. He wasn't a big winner, but had a great time!


Carlie wearing glasses to hide those "shifty" eyes.....HA!


Carlie and Carl
Carlie, Deb and his friend Jeff Tucker

Lifetime friends are priceless

When I was born my parents lived next to the Axtel family. They had a little girl; Shelly that was just 6 months younger than my sister Kelly ~ so about 2 years old when I was born. We have literally known each other our entire lives. Both our mom's divorced our dads, my mom moved to Coeur d'Alene when I was still small and they stayed in Lewiston, Idaho (about 2 hours from Cd'A). Although our mom's re-married, we all kept in touch. As Shelly and I got older, I would get to spend some spring breaks and alot of time in the summer's with her in Lewiston. We had great times together all these years and although we have always lived apart, we have remained close friends. Now of course we both have kids. She moved in May from Pocatello, Idaho to Bothell so now we are neighbors (okay...a good hour and half away, but we'll take it)! Gracie spent the weekend with her daughter, Marisa who is 7. We are really excited for our girls to grow up together as we did. Her mom Betty was here this week as well and we surprised her by showing up on Friday night for dinner. I had not seen her since our wedding 8 years ago (she made our cake). I was so great to see her. Shelly ~ thanks for having Gracie this weekend - she had a great time!!


Gracie and Marisa
Gracie, Jarica and Marisa
Shelly, Aunt Betty and Me

TGIF

So as a rule, I usually try to keep this blog light and fun. But ya know....sometimes things just suck and ya gotta share (and you all know I am a "sharer"!). Today work just sucks. I am sick of my staff that act like children, I hate my customers that think the world revolves around them and them alone, I hate that I find out that my Seattle facility is paying shop guys more at a starting wage so my guys are getting screwed. Bottom line - I cannot have a pity party even though I want to. I have determined that we choose to live a life style that forces me to work and to be away from my daughter and for what? Pure pain and suffering!! I think I need to buy another lottery ticket..........

I am sure Monday will be a new fresh day.....thanks for letting me vent! Hope everyone has a great weekend!!! (Really...I mean it!)
K.

Miss Alena - 6 months old

My great niece Alena is already 6 months old and just so cute. Got a chance to see her for a bit at my sisters last night and how fun they start to become as they get older. Couldn't get a smile out of her darn it...but it didn't matter. Adorable!




I love this picture of my nephew with his niece. UNLCE CODY!
Grace (5 1/2), Cody (13 - almost 14) and Alena (6 months)

Email from Aaron

Good Morning and Happy Monday! I was so glad and relieved to have an email waiting for me this morning from "the boy". He says he is working constantly and is tired but "it is not too bad". He advised me to check out his myspace as he had a few pictures posted. This one is of him on May 31, 2007 in his Riot gear before going out on patrol. Those are some goggles, huh?!
We love you Aaron - stay safe.