MY HUSBAND

Steve accompanied me to Salishan Lodge at GlenEden Beach for a Fire Prevention Conference that I attended. Mind you, this is the first time I actually "remember" seeing the ocean. I know my family went in California when I was very young, but this was like a "first" for me. I was a little bummed that the weather was pretty rainy the whole week we were there but after spending all day in classes, I was anxious to get out and explore a little in the evenings. I was so excited when we came over this crest because I could hear the ocean long before I actually saw it. I really enjoyed this week, but the best memory was when I noticed Steve approaching the stage on the last day of the conference and asking me to join him. Little did I know that I would become engaged before the day was over. Microphone in hand, on one knee, Steve proposed to me in front of over 200 fellow firefighters. That was the cap to an EXCELLENT week. We certainly had a lot of fun and the Lodge was absolutely georgous. Sadly enough, the morning we headed to the Coast, Steve scared me while I was getting in the shower and I swung without looking and knocked his tooth clean out of his head. Upon arriving at the hotel and finding white terry bath robes with hoods on them, I was dubbed "Ali" and "Bruiser" all week. But, apparently, it was "Love @ First Punch" because he still asked me to be his wife!

KEANNA DONN KESTIE

My youngest daughter has suddenly emerged from her "own little world" into her "own little personality". From a very young age, she was content to play in the corner, by herself, for hours on end. When she started pre-school, she wowed the teachers from day one with her ability to learn. She has beautiful little freckles and green eyes that sparkle with mischief. She's a good kid, does great in school, and loves everybody. She's still a bit shy, and tends to hang back on the edges of whatever activity is going on. She was our "team helper" while we coached 4th grade basketball, and now she's starting Little League Coach Pitch after spending last season on the sidelines in a wheelchair with a broken leg. Keanna is in 2nd grade and will turn 8 on April 25th. She often has a smart little comment and loves to tease. She is constantly making up her own dances and can often be found doing them to initiate laughter. She calls Steve "Poppa-Bear", he calls her "Cubbie" and they love to tease each other. I notice in pictures that she still has that "little girl" quality and with her sister growing up so quickly, I'm happy to keep Keanna as my "Baby". I'm enjoying her changing personality and love watching her grow into her own person.

Kamille Genea Kestie

So, my oldest daughter has went from a light-hearted, happy-go-lucky little girl to a beautiful young lady with many talents and a wonderful personality. It seems like just yesterday, I was expecting my first child, anticipating motherhood with the normal apprehension and anxiety, and suddenly, we're approaching Kamille's 10th birthday on April 17th. Where does the time go? Kamille is in 4th grade and is an amazing artist. She loves music and sings every chance she gets. She is also a great athlete. My husband and I just finished coaching her 4th grade co-ed basketball team, and now we're heading full speed ahead into Little League Coach Pitch. She is so beautiful and the camera most definitely loves her. I hate to see her grow up so fast, but at the same time, it's rewarding to watch her little personality unfold and I'm enjoying the new relationship that is blossoming as she matures.

I FINALLY GAVE IN TO THE BLOG CRAZE

Well, here we go...I finally decided it was time to give in and build a blog page. With the girls getting older and the acquisition of a digital camera, it just seems like a good way to keep friends and family current on the events in our life. It might be a bit hectic and crazy, but it's our life, nonetheless. So, here goes....hope you enjoy.