Red Bandana I Camarada

Ahhhhhh..... the week is among us! Twitter and Facebook has been full of memories of past and current Camarada & Dativus members as the week that changed so many lives is here once again. These two groups are one of my most memorable pieces that I took away from my time at Anderson University. Without the women that have made up Camarada my life would not be the same. The lessons and hardships of RUSH (I refuse to call it by another other name (bad decision by administration)) were some of the most important lessons I learned over my four years at AU. I love my school and I love my club.

My thoughts and prayers are with those planning and implementing RUSH this year and those who are taking part in it for the very first time. While the challenge was there and tears were shed, it was worth every step, every minute of lost sleep, every hug at the end, and every friendship I gained from it.

My sophomore year.

Yoda.

No sleep.

Avoiding the valley.

Professor told me to just sleep during class.

First Nursing Exam of  college.

I will never forget.

Homecoming sophomore year, selling the best caramel apples in town. Little did I know it was only beginning.

I gained an awesome friend that was my RUSH captain. She became my accountability group leader & every once in a while we would eat our feelings in DQ ice cream cake. I miss seeing her goofy face.

I followed in her footsteps and took on the daunting task of being a RUSH captain to the next class. One of the hardest rolls, but more than worth it. I only wish that others could know that it was like to be put into those shoes. Priceless. I would do it over 100 times again.

The junior class at formal club just days after breaking my foot in our IM game (so I am rocking the boot)

Little did I know I would get the chance the be a RUSH captain for the second time. What an honor to be chosen. I gained life long friends and it was even better the second time around. I can't put into words what I gained, but I feel it every day of my life. All I can do is be thankful.

Every Tuesday night after Officers, we had quality Whooty time. Tuesday's became my favorite night of the week where I got to spend quality time with these girls and keep each other accountable. These girls are what kept me going even when I was questioning what was ahead.

Final Cheap Thrills that DKA put on. It is amazing how much a Friday night like this can come to mean to you.

When push comes to shove I gained a bunch of Jesus lovin' ladies that have my back no matter what.

I was then given the honor to come back as an Alumni with other RUSH captains and speak to the 2010 RUSHees. What an honor for all of us.

Homecoming 2010. 

While it was rainy, I was there with my best friends. Oh happy day!

2011 Homecoming is just around the corner and the countdown is on. The day that brings friends together & Camarada is at the core of it. Camarada made me a better and stronger girl for what I will face during and beyond those years at Anderson University. What a great club that can change a girls life for the better. 

I love you girls. I carry your heart.

-km

Prunie

Sunday morning I arose before the sun and put on a floral blouse & little black skirt. The gps is set for Lexington Avenue, Elkhart, Indiana and my heart could not be happier.

This is the morning I get to see one of my best friends. Over the past eight months, the telephone is what has kept us connected through the trials that have been before us. But today that all changes. This day I get to wrap my arms around her and put my hands on her prego belly for the very first time.To say that I was a giddy five year old would be an understatement. Seeing her step out of the car the squeals began and I got to give her infinite hugs for the six hours Elkhart held my presence.

The shower was beautiful & full of laughter. The owl theme was on everything and fit Jess in every way.












The gift I gave to Jess was home made. It will need some altering once the baby comes, but until then... Her expected due date is 10.23.11 and I made her this to represent her baby's birthday. She cried the moment she opened it. It was perfect!

Just as with any baby shower, there was CAKE! This was not your standard cake now. I received my piece and with excitement discovered it had RASPBERRY filling. Hollllllaaaaaaa! Let's just say I was in heaven.... and Lynnae was disgusted ;)









It was a perfect afternoon and at the end of it all I got to sit and spend some quality time talking to the girl who keeps my head above water. She keeps me calm when life is not panning out how I planned and I continue to wait for every important aspect of my life to happen. She reminds me regularly that God has a plan. In his timing these things will happen. I can see that she believes that with her whole heart and it allows me to breath a little easier. I don't know what I would do without her in my life. She is the person here on earth that can calm my raging seas when I question what God has in store for my life. After all, "I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength." She continues to show that in her life as she lives by this verse.

Until then we wait to see what bundle of joy He will bring to the world. Girl? Boy? For now just Prunie.

One month and counting!
I love you Jess.




















-km

Mr. & Mrs. Stang I Wedding

And so the party began, just before noon on one of those sweltering summer days in September. It was like everyone woke up that morning in Norwalk, Ohio knowing that this was a day to party, a day of celebration. Two people would be joined as one and then the toasts would erupt.

But before the cheers and the boogie went down, the beautiful bride must put on her perfect white dress and realize that all of her hopes and dreams of this day were now coming true. To say that Amanda was beautiful would be an understatement. She looked stunning in her lace dress, gemmed shoes, and dark features that made her look nothing shy of a princess.

The morning went beautifully! It was full of laughter and sheer joy as the three o'clock hour approached...

And then...
Here comes the bride....

Matt got his very first glance at his wife to be.

Their charriot awaited them.

And then the party really started! The bridal party was able to ride over to the reception hall in style and in class. The party had officially begun!

(Maid of Honor and isn't she stunning as well.... it must be in the genes)

We stopped to pose before making the grand entrance to all of the guests anxiously awaiting.

The newly pronounced Mr. & Mrs. Stang made their entrance and everyone welcomed them with a full celebration.

Instead of the traditional dollar dance the couple did a dash for cash. The loser had a punishment. Needless to say, Amanda won. No competition ;)

And they danced the night away knowing all of their dreams had come true.

I am so incredibly thankful for the two of you. You were my first wedding and will never be forgotten. Thank you for a wonderful evening and wonderful memories. I wish you two all the happiness in the world. And Matt, treat my Whooty right :)

-km