Dear Grandma,

Today I'm really angry that these letters don't go to box 343 in Armour. Sometimes, somehow - even though I know you do get them- it just isn't the same. But then I remember the beautiful weather I had on my birthday - dead in the middle of February, and I realize you're probably closer to me now than you ever were living in Armour. I just wish I could see you.



This weekend was - overwhelming. I had a wonderful, incredible, perfect birthday. Friday night Casey and I had a nice dinner with my good friend Allison and her boyfriend. Even though I woke up the next morning feeling as though I had eaten a Dolphin, it was such a great night. I woke up the morning of my birthday and Casey and I just spent time relaxing. We made an early trip to the gym and I stood in awe of the beautiful weather you sent our way, and in my head I said "Spring will conme" over and over again, becuase I felt like it had. I was overwhelmed with counting my blessings that day and I realized that even on my darkest days I have so much to be thankful for and I am never, ever alone. Casey took me to get a pedicure and to see my friend Ryan and his brother's in the Beatles show I take my parents to every year. But this night they were joined by the UNO Orchestra. I was so proud to introduce Casey to Ryan and Ryan to Casey. The night ended at a little wine tasting place in town where we met up with a close friend who I had lost touch with for far too long. She's a reminder of why God wants us to forgive one another and why he puts us in certain situations to teach us things. The lessons were learned and the wounds have healed. She will always have a place in my heart and I'm so thankful to see her doing well and to call her a friend again.



Sunday was a sad day. Spring had gone back to where ever it had come from and it was just a sad, gloomy day. We got up and went to church, but this time my heart was tugged at a little more than usual. I had just told Casey the night before about how I was sad for the way some things were, but that I felt as though I had done what I could and that it was time for me to let it go, becuase, really, it has nothing to do with me. But seeing people close to you hurt is harder than feeling the hurt yourself. Especially when the person it hurts the most is someone who has helped me become the person I am and is someone that would turn his world upside down just to keep mine turning. I don't know what part I'm suppose to play. But the verse we read in church hit home (Matthew 5; 21-26) and it wasn't long before I was "that girl" crying in church while Casey tried franticly to find the cause of the problem and make it better. So, Sunday ended up being a long day and I keep wondering why I feel like I've said all I can say and something always brings it up. But it does make me thank the Lord for giving me such a great family and one incredible brother that I am lucky enough to call a friend. If it takes everything we have, I will never let anything come between that relationship.

I pray this week goes quickly. Casey is away for work in Salt Lake City until Friday and not only am I lonely but I sure do miss him and he's been gone only 24 hours. It's suppose to snow on Thursday and if that happens it looks like this girl is going to need to re-introduce herself to Mr. Shovel. Casey doesn't think that's a woman's job, and even though I don't agree with that, I certainly can't complain. I'm very very lucky.

Thanks for visiting on my birthday and for bringing the sun. I know the day will soon be here that the sun will come and stay awhile, and I am certainly looking forward to that. I always say I'm happy to live somewhere that I have four seasons...but I only make that statement in Spring, Summer and Fall.

Love you,
Kristen

Matthew 5; 21-26
21 “You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and here remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come offer your gift. 25 Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the guard, and you be put in prison; 26 truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny."