Remembering Aaron

It was a normal Sunday morning lounging around, sipping coffee, and getting ready for church when my phone rang. These few minutes were a blur with my mom's tear-filled voice telling me my cousin Aaron passed way in a tragic accident. He was out with his best friend doing what he loves - duck hunting - when their hunting canoe capsized. Weighed down by his heavy clothing, Aaron unfortunately did not make it back up to the surface.

I couldn't believe it. Complete shock. I just had a special breakfast date with my cousin and his wife Amber last week while in town. How great it felt to laugh at their stories and spend time together. Oh how I had missed them both. Aaron and I were 16 months apart and we were lucky to all grow up so close together that my cousins feel like my siblings.

As you can imagine, our family is completely devastated. As we read the many stories flooding in from many of his best friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family, it's just another reminder that Aaron didn't know a stranger. He was the guy that would stop to help a stranger in trouble. The guy who always had a smile on his face and a funny story to tell. The guy that fiercely loved his family and wrapped anyone in a bear hug every time he saw them. 

We grieve for the awesome man we were so lucky to know and love for 30 wonderful, but our hearts aches for his sweet wife Amber, whom we love so much. After years of trying to conceive Amber is finally pregnant with their firstborn baby girl due in May. We are wrapping her in our love and support.

But Aaron was the life of any party. He wouldn't want us to cry one tear while he's looking down on us, so I had to dig up some of the funniest, warmest memories of him. An older brother, buddy, accomplice in trouble, comedian, and one of the kindest people I've ever known, we will never forget you - continue to party up in heaven, while we keep it going for you down here!

Flower girl and ring bearer - 1989

Aaron and Amber's wedding - 2011

My high school graduation - 2005

Aaron's college graduation - 2009

Double trouble - 1989

Water parking it up - 1990

Aaron and Amber's wedding day - 2011

The family has opened a Go Fund Me page for baby Summer's education fund and to help his wife Amber with funeral costs. The service yesterday was so difficult and heartbreaking, but yet so beautiful. So thankful to have been there celebrating my cousin's life with all of our family. We sure will miss my cousin Aaron! In the word's of Amber's dad, "We are so blessed that Aaron lives on in Summer". 

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A Very Hawaiian Christmas

Mele Kalikimaka, y'all!
 I can't believe I haven't told you about our impending holiday adventure!

 The Evans family is heading to Maui for a very tropical Christmas!
I can hardly handle the anticipation. Here's a little glimpse into the excitement...

We are looking forward to staying at the gorgeous West Maui Resort & Spa in Ka'anapali. I've been there once before and it was the most incredible place I've ever stayed. The hotel itself is a mini 

paradise!

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While the 6 of us (my MIL, FIL, SIL, BIL, hubby, and me) are in Maui, we've planned some pretty epic adventures with lots of exploring to be had.

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We can't wait to hike up Haleakala volcano to see the deserted crater and watch the sunrise. Then bike our way down until we run into the famous bakery + donut shop at the bottom! ;)

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I am counting down the minutes until we get to drive the Road to Hana around Maui's north edge. The terrain changes from volcano black sand beaches to bamboo forrests and rainbow eucalyptus trees along the windy road that takes all day to conquer. At the end is the Sever Sacred Pools that are crystal clear pebble lined natural pools overlooking a lush forest and beach.

Along the way there are mile markers, tons of places to hike and explore, gorgeous waterfalls, and famous fresh fruit and banana bread stands. Holy heck, I am so ready!

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Other highlights will include a boating/snorkeling trip, a visit to the luscious lavender farm, attend a luau, and hopefully spotting a few humpback whales along the way. We can't wait to relax daily on the beaches, sip tropical drinks, and spend time together.

At first I was so excited to go on such an incredible trip, but thought it might feel weird to do Christmas in Hawaii. The more I think about it, what better way to celebrate the birth of Jesus and God's gift to us than by surrounded and in awe of His amazing creation! So thankful for this gift.

Have you ever been to Maui?

What were your favorite must-do things?

 

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Saying Goodbye

For all of those who might have stopped by for a little Mingle Monday action, I'm sorry nothing was live yesterday, I've been a little distracted.

My sweet grandpa passed away on Friday, and left an incredible 88-year-old legacy for us to remember him by. That guy was the sassiest, most giving, funny, and most rebellious old man you ever did meet. I'm sure going to miss him. So, we piled in the car this morning and drove to Wichita to celebrate his life and be together.

Although he is no longer here with us, I will forever keep the amazing memories we made in my heart until we meet again. He taught me some of life's most valuable lessons...

1// It doesn't matter if it's 8PM or 1AM, it's never too late to play a wild rumpus round of dominoes.

2// Greet people like you've known them for 20+ years with wide open arms and a huge smile across your face, even if you met them yesterday.

3// Always put the border pieces of a puzzle together first... unless you're feeling like living on the wild side.

4// It's never a real party unless it's done Porter style. Everyone's volume must be way too loud, the living room has to be heated to a balmy 85 degrees, and the corner piece of the chocolate sheet cake must be MIA.

5// You can't spend a whole afternoon planting a garden, forget to water it, and be shocked when all of your plants die within a week (it's safe to say I am still working on this one...).

6// God first, other second, I'm third.

7// Sticking out your tongue at other people is always acceptable no matter what age you are. :)

8// You will never find the meaning of life until you give yours away. Seek out to serve people who desperately need to be cared for the most, and then put them under your wing and love them unconditionally.

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I definitely inherited a splash of his naturally rebellious side, and we always bonded by teasing each other. He was a family man to the core and truly loved his family fiercely. Now although he is no longer with us, I will always remember him and smile when I think about...

+ sun tea on the porch
+ a beautifully kept garden
+ sonic happy hours and cherry slushes that turn your tongue bright red
+ jello popcorn
+ puzzles and mexican train dominoes
+ elbow nudges after cracking a good joke
+ the phrase "cool it" and "the look" everytime I was being crazy (which was all too often....)
+ an afternoon donut run
+ illegally feeding the ducks despite the sign
+ a good Sunday church service
+ family time

Thanks all for the many kind messages and love already sent my way. I am just blown away by your thoughtfulness and it's truly been a bright spot of sunshine.

If you think about saying a prayer for my family tomorrow, that would mean the world to me. It will be a tough day, but we're looking for forward to celebrating a wonderfully lived life.


Miss you already, Grandpa!

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More Prayers + Update

As many of you know, it has been a crazy week for my family and I feel like I know live in a hospital! :)

Before my mom's scary hospital stint this week, my brother already had his back surgery scheduled for today. My mom was going to be the one to drive him to surgery and bring him home, but now that she is recovering, our family and friends have all stepped up to lend a hand. 

So thankful for the meals. 

The rides.

The texts.

The support.

And of course, your prayers.

We have been very optimistic about Kelly's surgery and supportive of his decision - we just want his quality of life to go back up. My brother originally injured his back while playing Division 1 soccer in South Carolina causing chronic pain and the end of his collegiate athletic career.

He's managed the pain until re-injuring his back about 6 months ago, this time his herniated disk had ruptured causing fragments to break off and press on a large nerve in his lower back.

Since then, he is unable to feel things in his left leg (hip to ankle), it fall asleep quickly, and he's in constant pain. Not to mention the back pain to add on to it.

UPDATE // Very happy to report that he made it out of surgery okay and is now in recovery at KU. The surgeon said they successfully removed all disc fragments and he should instantly regain feeling and have lessened pain in his legs. We'll keep you posted - he will soon be moved to the neuro care unit. He's in a lot of pain, so please pray for that specifically.

Kelly will have a 6+ week recovery for his back, but he will be in good hands! Thanks all for your continued support/prayers this week with all that's been going on with my mom and brother - we appreciate each one of you!

Meanwhile, I think I should've earned my RN by now, don't you think? Haha!
Just happy to be healthy enough to take care of my wonderful family - love them.


As of 10/26/13 - Both of them are home and recovering!!


Wishing you all a wonderful and healthy weekend!

Vacationing

Greetings from the beautiful family cabin.

Our little piece of heaven.

The rustic little cabin is tucked away in southeastern Kansas, and has been in Adam's family for decades. We love eating breakfast out on the patio, playing cards and reading on the screened in porch, and sitting on the dock with our feet dipped into cool pond water.

Can't get enough of it.

So, Adam and I packed up the Jeep, grabbed the pup, and hit the road this morning for a much needed weekend away. As we drove I could feel the stress rolling off my shoulders and good times waiting for us.

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I'm craving rejuvenation, peace and quiet this weekend.

Can't wait to enjoy a few of my faves...

watching the stars + s'mores + sitting by the campfire + sleeping in late

lazy mornings + sipping coffee in my PJs + going on long hikes

pie at Carolyn's Essenhaus + my favorite kitchen store

movie date + spending time with Adam + cooking

crochet projects + fresh air + me time

Happy adventuring to you too, sweet ones!

Boston - Recommendations Needed!

The countdown is officially on.

In t-minus three weeks, the hubs, in-laws, and I are all taking off for a nice long Boston/Cape Cod vacay, and I can hardly contain myself. In fact, I am so excited thinking about the endless possibilities that I just might pee my turquoise cropped pants!

A big reason is because we will get to see my awesome sister-in-law and brother-in-law, and it's been to stinking long. Meredith and Kyle moved to Beantown this spring there and we can't wait for our largely anticipated reunion.

Have I ever told y'all that I hit the in-law jackpot?
Well, I totally did. Absolutely love 'em.

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Anywho, this little blonde has never been to lovely, historical Boston (or the Cape!) and I am dying to see anything and everything! Mere and Kyle are awesome tour guides, but they're going to be at work during the daytime, so we'll need to keep ourselves occupied.

On my radar...

+ Flour Bakery + Cafe
+ Freedom Trail
+ Charles River Esplanade
+ Kane's Donuts
+ Harvard Yard
+ Sam Adams Brewery Tour
+ Kick Ass Cupcakes // Georgetown Cupcakes // Cakeology


And I wish we could catch a baseball game, but we're only going to be there a few days before we jet off to Cape Cod. My list is just too long

So, long story short... I need your help!


Restaurants? Shopping? Sights? 
You name it - I want to see it all!

I'd love to hear your recommendations! And... GO!





PS - Don't forget to link-up and gain new readers ALL WEEK at my Mingle Monday Blog Hop link-up!



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A Beautiful Day in Photos

Just glancing through my future sister-in-law's wedding photos and fell in love. Their photographers, Paper Antler, did such an incredible job. What stunning photos to help us always remember the magic that was November 3rd.

Here are a few of my favorites from their big day...

The chapel they got married in was so gorgeous!

Isn't Meredith a stunning bride? So cute.

Aww... love that guy.

My future fam :)

We were aisle buddies - so fun!

That's our little flower girl, Lauren.

Melt. My. Heart.

Yup, that's my mom. Juju is the life of the party!

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Aren't those photos so great?

Just looking back at all of them makes me relive such a beautiful day that was. I sure love my future family, and I am so happy we all got to celebrate them together.

Life is good.

Happy Wednesday! More posts to come later!

Celebration Time + Weekend Wishes

Raise your hand if you're overly ready and excited for the weekend...
Yay! Me too. Like big time...
Fridays always make me super happy, but especially today. Birthday weekend has arrived and I'm ready to have a reason to just celebrate with friends and family! We've got quite the celebration agenda.

Friday

Tonight, we are rounding up the gang to hit the town for a swanky dinner, and then we're heading back to Adam's house for yummy German chocolate cake and drinks! I wouldn't be shocked if we rocked out to Spice Girls Pandora station and broke out beer/wine pong for a fun evening with tons of my favorite people! If catch phrase was included I wouldn't hate it... just saying.

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Saturday

Tomorrow morning, I am heading out to breakfast with the world's greatest group of small group girls. They crack me up, so a little brunch (while clad in yoga pants and a messy pony) will be such a fun way to start the morning!

Saturday night, we're headed back over to Adam's house with our crazy k-state friends to watch the big game. I'm planning to be overly ambitious and make tasty Wildcat themed purple sugar cookies. I know... I'm just out of control.

I'm super pumped about Sunday! Bud (Adam's "pet" name) and I are headed to lovely Crate & Barrel to begin our wedding registry. Shockingly, we're both way too excited - we love C&B!


Sunday

Sunday evening is church with our little church family, and then enjoy a relax night... and probably some Christmas decorating! Ahh!


Monday - Birthday Time!
I took Monday off (which is my actual birthday)and the entire week of Thanksgiving. So I am planning to sleep in, get in a nice workout to start year 26 off right, and then my little sis is coming into town for a Breaking Dawn - Part 2 date with me! So excited!

That evening, Adam is taking me out on a birthday dinner date, and then I will probably request to watch a Christmas movie. Yes, I know Thanksgiving hasn't hit yet. And yes, I listen to Christmas music all year round, so Christmas is always acceptable in my book! ;)


Thanksgiving Week

Heading home with sissy on Tuesday after she gets out of class. I'll be in Wichita celebrating Thanksgiving with family until after Black Friday shopping! Then I'm driving back to KC to catch a flight out to Phoenix for several days with Adam and his fam. Meredith, my almost sister-in-law's 2nd wedding reception is that Saturday!

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So anyway, I'll be around next weekend!! Be prepared to join me on my birthday for some Mingle Monday time! I have lots of great posts lined up!

I will also be having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale over at my Cozy Couture - Custom Crochet Headwraps Etsy shop!

What are you crazy kids up to this weekend?! :)

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For those of you who've been asking for a tiny bow headwrap....

* NEW *  Minnie Bow Headwrap in my Cozy Couture Etsy shop! 

Get yours HERE!!

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Spooktacular Plans + Halloween Wishes

Happy Halloween, boys and ghouls!
I'm sure many of you commuted to work in witch outfits, or have spooky plans for tonight - so fun! We're having a Halloween party here at the office which includes a costume contest, chili cook-off, and a haunted house!

This is wedding week for my sweet future sis-in-law, Meredith, so her and her fiance get into Kansas City this afternoon. We are planning a fun Halloween dinner and family time... counting down the minutes!

Today is my Friday, since I took off Thursday and Friday to help my soon-to-be fam get ready for the world's most gorgeous wedding. We are over the moon excited for MEredith and Kyle and I am looking forward to the celebration to begin!

Of course, I thought we all needed a spooky fun poem to get us in the trick-or-treating moon! {Yup, you're welcome for my nerdiness!)

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It's Halloween! It's Halloween!

The moon is full and bright,

And we shall see what can't be seen,

On any other night.

Skeletons and ghosts and ghouls,

Grinning goblins fighting duels,

Werewolves rising from their tombs,

Witches on their magic brooms.

In masks and gown, we haunt the street,

and knock on doors for trick or treat,

tonight we are the king and queen

for oh tonight, it's Halloween!

 

- Jack Prelutsky

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I wish I could give each one of you a yummy piece of candy to celebrate... but that doesn't quite workout throught the interwebs.

Sooo... in honor of Halloween, I'm offering a Sponsorship Spooktacular sale for 30% off all sponsor spots for new sponsors! So, knock yourselves out! ;)
Promo code: SPOOKTACULAR


What are your spooky Halloween plans, my friends?
Any crazy work outfits spotted? :)

Weekend Snapshot

Today is finally my Friday, and I'm ready to get the heck out of dodge tomorrow morning! Adam and I are off to Madison, WI for a nice long weekend visiting his sister and her fiance. It will be so much fun to enjoy a roadtrip together and visit some of our absolute favorite people!

Not to mention high 70's for the weekend forcast... not too shabby. Fairwell 105!

Generally when we see Meredith and Kyle, it's for short spurts at a time and we have to share them with tons of people - they're so popular! :) So... needless to say we're pretty excited to have some fabulous four time!

I feel very blessed to have such a crazy/fun/adventurous future in-laws! We just wished they lived closer so we could hang all the time!

Here's snapshot of the amazing things we get to enjoy this weekend...

roadtrip w/ future hubs + car games + trivia + backyard dinner picnic

kayaking on devil's lake + lounging + bike riding + sleeping in

new beers + dinner on the town + touring a fun brewery

gail ambrosius chocolatier + sunday lakefront brunch

dog park + great company + lots of memories

= one stellar weekend.

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How on earth will I sleep tonight... it will feel like Christmas Eve! I'm ready for Adam to knock on my door at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow (yes, going to need some major coffee), and get on the road to a fun adventure.

So much to do before then, but I can't wait! Madison trip recap + photos coming next week... stay tuned!


Wishing you a lovely {early} weekend!