The best is yet to come

MARRY ME?

2012-01-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

Popping the question...such a big deal in a person's life huh?
I think back now and
(two short weeks later)
wish I would have taken it in just a bit more...
I think I was just in shock and so excited it all just whirled around me!
Anywho...it was the most perfect proposal...for us.
I loved everything about it.

So here it is:
We knew we were getting married
(I know I know such a mormon cliche...o well)
But for a number of legitimate reasons I didnt think we'd be getting engaged for awhile...im talking early January at the very earliest.
Therefore saying I was majorly surprised is an understatement...
but it was just the way I liked it :)

For a while we had talked about doing a hay ride/caroling outing with friends before Christmas.
So on wednesday (Dec. 21st) we planned to carry this out.
When I say "we" I mean Josh and his guy friends...haha
We met up, had a bunch of good friends there, and caroled the night away
in really really bad tone
poor neighbors...

At the end "we" decided to head over to Luke's house,
(Josh's best friend/other boy at slip n slide whose name I "forgot?")
carol to his family, and call it a night.
Sooooo we jump out of the truck and onto the tractor ready to carol.
At this point everyone is standing around instead of sitting (clue 1)
and the house lights are all off (clue 2)
So I am standing on the hay with Brooke and I think Kenz?
and have my arms around Josh below me.
Our friend Spencer gets his video camera out (clue 3)
and says he wants to video us singing really awesomely...haha ya right.
Spencer and Josh are literally staring at eachother and not saying anything with words (clue 4)
Then Josh grabbed my hand slowly while he said something to Spencer.

At that same time his voice changed a little...like he sounded nervous (clue 5)

I STILL HAD NO CLUE...amongst all the clues...this girl was clueless
get the picture?

All of a sudeen I looked over and saw Luke bend down and plug something in.
This is what turned on on top of his roof:

Want to know what I did?
Thought to myself:
"Cool they wrote something in lights on the roof!"
then...when it clicked...I looked behind me because there was no way this was for me!
haha retarted Im aware. but all who really know me shouldnt be surprised :)
At the same time Josh had turned around, opened the box and said,
"Katelin, will you marry me?"

Now, these are the best parts...

-I was so tall on the hay he couldnt get down on one knee
-Add together extreme excitement/shakyness/shocked+really clumsy...I fell onto my kness and onto the hay
-At that time he quickly got down on one knee after (I told him a long time ago I wanted a "kneee proposal"...sweet he remembered) he had asked me and I had yet to answer...poor kid
-As I am repeatedly saying "are you serious"..."are you kidding me"
-He sweetly says..."Please say yes"
I then say "YESSS" and knock the ring and box right out of his hand!
naturally
But it is all good because it stayed in the box
he put it on my finger
and BAM we were happily engaged!

It was the happiest day of my life thus far as I know it will be topped by our wedding day.
He worked for three days to build the massive contraption with Luke and tried really hard to surprise me and make it exactlty something I would have loved.
Two of my best friends were there
We now have pictures
We have it videotaped
He literally got me my dream ring
AND best of all:
He made me the luckiest girl by asking me to spend forever with him! I should have been on my knees begging him because I know im getting the better deal but I thank my lucky stars regardless!

APRIL 13TH here we come and you ALL are invited!

Pics of the lovely event :)

the sweet boys who made it all possible

soooo happy they were there!

haha just thought this was funny

I debated putting this up...but its my journal so hey! I gotta. The picture does not do it justice let me tell ya!

Story time

2012-01-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

So Im engaged...can you say weirdddddd

YUP

But I have never been happier!

So here is my version of our tale (journal time so beware)

enjoy...or just skip along to the end since they'll be lots of words

In may I had graduated from BYU and had come home for a couple weeks.

I had every intention of going back up and figuring out the life I would live for the next year. In Utah.

So I am sitting at church that first sunday and everyone is bearing their testimony about how it is important to do what the Lord wants you to...even if you dont want to.

The thought pops in my head

"you havent even prayed about moving home...you need to"

ummmmm ya right

the thought pops in some more

ummmmmm ya right

again

and again

o and again

(you get the picture)

So then I thought alright alright I really should...

but mind you I was NOT moving back to mesa.

IT WAS NOT HAPPENING.

I was set on that.

So I prayed anyways because my testimony of knowing what I should do of course ended up overtaking.

I immediately felt like moving back home was the right thing...

ummmmmmm ya right.

I remember telling my dad and he added to the idea and said he thought that all along.

(granted this was me making his dream come true)

I told no one else.

I continued to pray and reflect and think...

the answer was strong and hard to miss.

I pretty much got hit over the head with a bat that said

MOVE BACK HOME NOW.

So I told my family and friends.

The ones here were ecstatic,

the ones in ptown...not so much.

I cried, and cried, and cried a whole bunch more.

For some reason this decision and major change became one of the hardest things I had ever done.

Everything ended up working out perfectly as far as hours for certification, an incredible learning opportunity, living situation, friends...you name it and it worked out.

I was given tender mercies

ALL.THE.TIME.

Heavenly Father knew I needed them.

So July 10th I said goodbye to the place that shaped me more than any other experience

I said goodbye to many best friends

I said goodbye to my school

my ward

my comfort

my home for the last several years...

and cried my way back to mesatown

while my mom drove and my dad led us along.

(sidenote: I sound so dramatic im aware. forgive me. those who have done this understand)

So 10 short hours later I rolled back in to my home sweet home.

No clue what was in store

BUT beyond thankful for the assured knowledge that

this was Heavenly Father's plan for me.

It was where I was supposed to be

and therefore it would all work out perfectly.

Well it did...better than imagined.

And let me say, I think Josh is a HUGE part of why I was supposed to be here.

I dont, however, think it was the whole reason.

This job has allowed me to share the gospel many times,

Ive been able to travel and grow,

Ive been able to be with my family more

and spend time with friends that I need more than ever.

But let me go on to tell you the best story of all...

OUR STORY

Exactly two weeks after I moved home Brooke and I ventured to a combined fhe-a slip and slide

hahahahaha

Anyyyyyways we decided we needed to be outgoing and meet some new peeps.

So we were walking along and here comes two boys:

one I recognized from highschool

one I thought way wayyyy cute

Ya but dont worry he didnt look at me...not even a glance!

He was set on that slip and slide...so sad.

So a little later we are standing around with a bunch of our guy friends.

We had not accomplished our goal quite yet.

BUT if you know me at all you know I have NO problem going up to someone new...

and this time my sights were set on those two boys.

I kept making awkward eye contact with the cute one

and finally decided to head on over!

I promptly went up to the one I recognized, told him so, and asked him to remind me his name.

No worries I totally remembered his name but I couldnt look like a creep now could I!?

SIDENOTE:

Josh says the following:

"I saw you and thought you were hot (Im gonna go with "cute" since it sounds better) but you were surrounded by a bunch of guys so I couldn't...plus you kept catching me staring and I was awkward"

hahahaha o sweet Josh...

So we chat.

About how they are step brothers

lie

About how old they are

lie

and about some more lies...

Then they told us they were in a church movie

actually true.

They were funny I will admit

and I kept on thinking...dang this "josh kid" is cute!

Welp we said nice to meet you and headed out.

I thought to myself

"we'll see them again"

I was not worried.

Fast forward to that sunday where Brooke, Kenz and I are at Kenz's house.

I get a friend request from someone named Josh Figuero(a)?

Yes we thought it was figuero...and naturally all three of us started singing

FIGUERO FIGUERO FIGUERO!!!!!

After we got that out I looked and squealed,

"OH my gosh its that Josh kid, Brooke!"

We couldnt believe it.

How did he find me?

And better question...

how did he know how to spell my name??

Well he had messaged me too and invited me to a game night

I was gonna go so he got my number...

then we bailed.

Oops

BUT lucky for me he was persistent.

He invited me a couple days later to a friends dinner party thing...

I couldnt go.

Oops

Soooooo third times a charm!

We planned on getting icecream on thursday

(the night before I got surgery and would be down for a week)

The date was awesome.

We chatted and chatted till they closed.

I got surgery on friday and we texted that night.

We talked on saturday.

We talked on sunday...

and we have talked every day since.

He came to visit me that week

(I had on oversize sweats, greasy hair, hadnt taken a shower in days, no makeup, and was on major pain killers...yaaaa still dont know how hes around)

Its an understatement to say we hit it off quickly.

We continued to talk, hang out, date and get to know eachother.

8 weeks later he told me he loved me in good ol California...

and December 21st he asked me to marry him!

I count my many blessings for him and thank Heavenly Father every day!

He knew I needed him and will forever need him.

He balances me in the exact ways I need him and treats me like a queen...in return

I keep his life entertaining, haha yep, all im good for pretty much :)

We're excited and cant wait for APRIL 13TH!

Best part of 2011...

2012-01-03T11:21:00.001-08:00

So I vividly remember coming home after ringing in the new 2011 year and writing in my journal in the wee hours of the morning. I knew...I just KNEW that this year (last year) would be my best one yet. I knew it was going to have lots in store for me and that it would be amazing. Sure enough I was right! Let me recap...

-started my last semester at BYU and lived up every minute
-met new friends and enjoyed every minute I could with old ones
-graduated from BYU
-moved back to AZ
-traveled a ton
-got surgery
-got the first job I applied for
-began life as a speech teacher in the real world

AND the very best part...I met a cute boy named Josh Figueroa in the summer. We dated, fell in love, experienced a lot in our short 5 months of dating, then on December 21st he asked me to marry him! I of course said yes :)

I can't even tell you how shocking this year has been to me. I still can't quite believe all I've learned, grown, and experienced...but I could not be more grateful!

So here's to 2012 and becoming my new "best year yet". Now on to wedding planning...wish me luck!

DC day 1

2011-12-06T07:39:00.000-08:00

So this trip may have been a month and a half ago

but better late than never

and this is mainly for Suz

and myself

so its getting posted :)

I went to visit one of my dear and best friends

Miss Suzette Swallow

(who I miss terribly)

in her recent stomping grounds of

WASHINGTON DC

when she found out this was where she would be in the fall

I assured her I would be paying her a visit

she didnt believe me

but you bet your bottom dollar on

that October 20th morning

I stepped off a plane on the other side of the country

and it was a blast

I took the red-eye out on wednesday and had a layover in Boston

lets just say sleep wasnt really on the agenda this trip

But I successfully got to DC

checked in at Suz's apartment

and headed to the capitol to finally see ms. suz

It was grand reunion!

we then took a tour of her office

met everyone in her office

took a legit tour of the main capitol building

and if you know suz...we went where we werent supposed to and never waited in line

of course

then it was back to pick up our stuff and head out...

we went downtown to eat dinner at this yummy burger joint

then to gelato to meet miss kendis

(o how I miss the days of the 5th)

Then Suz and I decided to head to the White House

and experience some touristy fun

On our way back towards the metro we decided to stop for pictures

naturally (thank me for not overloading...because these are like 1/100000)

o and then ya know

check out the occupy DC protest

hahahahahahahaha

is all I can say to this

Suz was dead set on heading here...

so we did...

I was afraid for a bit but then I realized how funny it was

and it made my night

Moreeeeee to come!

Happy Birthday Ky Ky

2011-11-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

It is this child's birthday

she is 23

can you believe that?!

I cant...I swear it was yesterday that we met at age 15

Kylee

or Kyky to me

is one of my very very very best friends

and seeing as she lives in Mississippi (sad)

and I cant be there to celebrate with her

this public declaration will have to do

Here are 23 things I love about Ky

-she is a riot...can always make me laugh

-shes always late...I pretend like I hate this but if she wasnt she just wouldnt be Ky

-she is the best broadcast reporter ever

-she braved living with me for 3 straight years

-she has the most bright and contagious smile

-she is so gorgeous inside and out

-she is perhaps the most gospel strong gal I know

-she always writes thank you notes

-she hardly wears makeup and is still stunning

-she loves her family more than anything

-she would drop everything to do anything for me...or anyone for that matter

-she took me to newport with her like a billion times

-she is the best quarterback the punishers ever had

-she wakes up really chipper...like really chipper

-she has the best boyfriend whom I also love

-she loves to travel

-she stays true to what she wants, goes after it, and gets it

-she refreshingly doesnt care what others think...she does what she knows

and feels is right no matter what

-she is the only person I have ever met that can say "fag" and it be so funny no one could take it

offensively...I mean no one

-she calls her dad, Douglas, not dad

-she has been there countless times to listen when im crying and can always make me feel better

-she is going to be big time one day in the news world...and I cant wait to boast that shes my best friend

-Last but not least, my favorite thing about ky, is that although I miss her like the dang dickens and it sucks being away from her, I never worry that we'll lose a step or lose touch. She will always be there for me and we will always be the best of friends...I know she'll always love me and goodness knows I will always love her

I love you Ky

I miss you more than you know

Happy birthday best friend!

Grateful

2011-11-24T06:15:00.001-08:00

I am so grateful for this day

I absolutely love thanksgiving

It starts off the holidays,

its spent with all your family,

its full of food (duh)

and it reminds you the impprtance of being grateful...

although we should be remembering this each day

it never hurts to get a nudge right?

I have so much to be grateful for

I am truly blessed

so I had to take a few minutes to write just some of very special blessings

My family

We are random and different from one another

but still so much alike at the same time

My parents are my rock and my best friends

My brothers teach me something new all the time

and the rest of my family are the ones I know will always be there

I know these people are mine for a reason

I love them so much

Travels

the opportunity to explore and travel

throughout my entire life

has been incredible

It has given me some of my greatest memories
and taught me some of my greatest lessons

My friends

haha its no secret: I have a million best friends

I call everyone my best friends

and I mean it

I used to cry and cry if my mom wouldnt let me "play" or "hang out"

I would say, and I quote

"but my friends are all I have, they are what get me through my week"

dramatic?

yep!

But I was serious

I love my friends very deeply and they truly are one of my greatest blessings

A phone

O thank goodness for my phone!

Kylee is in mississippi

Suz is in DC

Brooke is in Hawaii

Scott is in NYC

Brad, Chels, Torrie, Daniel...and way more

are in Utah

being away from these people has been heartbreaking

but I am beyond thankful that I can still talk to them whenever

its makes missing them a little easier...

a very little...but still!

Health

I am healthy and able to do whatever I want

I am young and excited for my life ahead

I complain about not being/looking exactly the way I want

GET. OVER. IT

I have to do the above ^

because Heavenly Father blessed me with this body

I should be thanking my lucky stars for its health

and then putting it to good use

This boy

Dont know what I would do without him

He truly treats me the way I know any father would be proud

He loves me unconditionally no matter my moments

He makes me happier than I have ever been

I am SO grateful

Most importantly:

This place and the gospel it represents

Seven years ago I discovered something and I had no idea where it'd take me

It was the absolute best decision of my life

I gained a relationship with my Heavenly Father and my Savior

The gospel has brought me so much peace, joy, comfort, happiness...

the list could go on

How grateful I am for a plan, an eternal plan

and for the chance to live my family forever

Lieutenant Colonel Hink

2011-11-11T10:15:00.001-08:00

(So this is a little late...I tried to get it posted on friday but wasnt working...better late than never!)

This is my Veteran Dad

Lt. Colonel Hink

He is pretty awesome

and he served our country for

26 years in the US Army.

I could list all of his military accomplishments,

but I know I won't do them justice...

or even be able to list all of them.

But when I say he was/is a big deal,

I am not exaggerating.

(third from the left)

He has sacrificed so much for my family

and for all of us.

I could not be more proud.

(2nd from left..what a stud)

On friday morning when I told him

thank you

He said...

I feel bad when people tell me thank you for my service

because I enjoyed it and I feel like it wasnt service...

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Welp there you have it.

Like I said: he is awesome.

He sacrificed a ton and yet he feels guilty for being thanked

all because he enjoyed serving.

I love you Dad and Happy late Veteran's Day

Travel.Travel.Travel.

2011-11-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

This semester has been quite the whirlwind

but so much fun.

Im graduated and have a real job

so I figured...

why not travel!

right?

Well it has been worth it for sure!
My bank account may not agree...

but I say nows my chance so take advantage.

I am happy to be done and home though

for now of course :)

I started with California in September

(these are pretty much the only pics I have...I accidentally erased them in New York...sad day)

We flew out to Carlsbad to stay with Josh's family for the weekend

I fell IN LOVE with the quaint town, it is adorable!

The weekend was filled with LOTS of family and little kids

It was honestly the perfect weekend

Then it was off to Utah

to see many best friends

my old stomping grounds

my favorite family

my favorite eateries

and to all around have a grand ol time

Then off to our cabin in pinetop with my family.

Mom, Dad, Chris, Josh, and Uncle Bill...

made for a wonderful weekend.

We went into some interesting stores (ahem josh)...and some adorable ones

We ate
We moved furniture

We vegged

We rode the go-carts (where dad and josh collided..haha see below)

and had a blast!

Then less than a week later I left for DC and NEW YORK

To visit this bestie-beauty of mine
More on our adventures later...

East Coast Livin'

2011-10-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Got back last night from 4 days of amazingness on the east coast

Ask anyone that knows me...

I am fascinated with the east coast

So naturally, I loved every minute

(Again, no camera cord...so a complete update soon)

We packed so much into those 4 days...we are exhausted

but it was o so worth it

Amongst everything we fit in,

heres a little preview-

I took the red-eye out on wednesday night and got to DC on thursday

I met up with this lovely lady

in her super cool National Capitol Building office

Doesn't she look legit? Yep. She is.

we ate breakfast at my favorite...The Corner Bakery

Had the most gorgeous view everywhere we went

visited Georgetown

I am in love

THEN we headed to New York City to stay with this guy

I am obsessed with NYC too

Everything about it is incredible

and the weather was beautifully perfect

The gorgeous temple

Central Park
the fabulous Suz

Cant beat Times Square

It was a blast!

Ohhhh P-Utah

2011-10-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

So I have plenty of happenings to update...but I kinda lost my camera cord

soooo all those will have to wait.

BUT thanks to instagram (obsessed with)

I have these v lovelies to document

The trip was perfect and just what I needed.

I needed another chance to say bye to Provo and my life there.

I saw the whole world...literally.

It was the greatest part about it!

Heavenly Father knew I needed that and I am so grateful.

Among the random run-ins and planned get togethers, I...

went to a wedding

ate at all my favorite Provo eateries

had lunch with this beauty

walked my old route to school (haha)

visited with sister gygi...shes amazing

wandered around campus

visited the fifth floor (yes pathetic I know)

ate lunch with all my mesa girls and laughed LOUDLY

watch a football game in the alpine village clubhouse

visited the BYU bookstore candy shop (Suz this was for you)

Went to a wonderful birthday party and saw SO many people I miss

Saw much missed best friends (wish I had pictures of all of them)

went to my old ward...seriously I was so lucky in that department

went to ward prayer

sat in the courtyard and talked with friends...just like I did every sunday

visited one of my favorite families-The Banks (cant wait till they move back in 2 years)

It was amazing to say the least.

I had a blast and THANK YOU to everyone who let me sleep on their couch, and who put the time into entertaining me...you are all the best and I love you!

Then I got to come back to this face thank goodness

Its shocking hes smiling in this picture...his dislike for BYU is heartbreaking for a bleeding blue coug like me...but I guess no one is perfect right?!

Happy Monday!

Cali bound

2011-09-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

In exactly 10 hours I will be boarding a plane and heading....

Here

Carlsbad, California

I have never been and the word excited does not do my feelings justice

Newport/laguna/huntington...

those are my places

but this is new and I can not wait!

Highlights from the trip soon!

Aloha Brookie

2011-09-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Brookie Baby

Aka Brooke Skousen

One of my long time besties

Just moved to Hawaii

In highschool we were literally inseperable...seriously not an exaggeration

And throughout our last years of college and adventures

We have done great at keeping in touch...

and not so great at other times...

but whenever we are back together

Nothing has changed.

I feel so so so grateful for the last 2 months.

I have been able to see her almost every day

and I have LOVED IT

So to my dear Brooke...

Good luck!

I will miss you so much

but I am so excited for you!

Kenz and I have already spent hours crying,

but we will see you in 4 months

AND every sunday by means of the wonderful invention of technology

I love you lots and am so grateful to have you in my life.

Thank you for being an amazing friend

and for always making me laugh!

Go be social

and dont forget to bring home a polynesian :)

HAVE FUN LOVE!

Changes

2011-09-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

So lots has happened in the life of Katelin recently

I got surgery

I got a job

I turned 22

One best friend got engaged

Another best friend is moving to Hawaii

Yet another one (the one im used to waking up to everyday) moved to Mississippi

And this is all in a matter of 1 month...

and the month before that I moved back home

It has been crazy to say the least

but O so fun!

I ironically turned 22 on the day that BYU had their first day of school

It was weird...

the whole being an adult and working on your birthday

and at the same time realizing you arent at BYU in class,

doing school...like I have for the last 21 years

It was definitely bittersweet.

I miss it and the people but I am so grateful for where I'm at right now

I KNOW this is where I am supposed to be

and my life has fallen into place like I never imagined

Another testament to everything being just as it should

So I guess the biggest news is that I am officially a

SLPA

(speech-language pathologist assistant)

mouth full huh?

To be one of these super cool peeps you have to:

Graduate with a bachelors degree in ComD or Speech

check

Complete 100 hours of clinical work with speech clients

check

Apply for a license with the Dept of Health

check

sooooo the end result being me as the

haha yaaaa right

I honestly have no idea what I got myself into

I am working at a charter school and I am on my own

I see my SLP once a week...maybe

and thats just for housekeeping stuff

I plan therapy

I am in charge of writing goals

I am responsible for these little kiddos in achieving better speech and language

No pressure right???

Im hanging in and trying my best and it is so fun

Just a bit stressful....

but im learning a lot

I feel so thankful that I found a job in my field right out of college

So heres to me trying to become the best speech teacher

haha we shall see!

At least the kids like me because I bring them their favorite candy right? All that matters.

Big day

2011-08-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is Jessica (Johnson) Mitchell

And she is having a baby today

I could not be more excited for her and cameron!

I got a bit nostalgic for the good ol days and had to write a shout out post

Jess and I met in 6th grade

We became fast friends when we realized we had a beauty mark on the same spot

She introdcued me to the church

Her family took me in as their own

And I will forever love her more than I can say

Then, in 9th grade she developed a crush on a boy

His name was Cameron Mitchell

I still vividly remember the day he came home from hawaii

on the last day of school

and told me he liked her too AND that I could tell her

I was so excited to inform my best friend the great news!

Now here we are, about 7 years later

and those two are married and having a baby!

Crazy how things work out...

Jess and I have been through our fair share of ups and downs together

But when I think back to my childhood...I think of her

She has had so much to do with my life

and we have gone through so much together

I love you Jess and im excited for your new adventure as a mom!

And here is missy whit...

Its her birthday today and she is 22

That means in exactly 27 days...im 22 too!

hahaha I love you whitley

^She is the sister I never had...and I tell you what, by the way we act

you would totally believe we are blood related :)

She left me at 18 to marry the love of her life...

bummer for a bit, but amazing I have come to find!

She is happy, generous, loving, crazy fun, an amazing cook, and just the best all around

Shes been with me since we were in 7th grade.

Her family is my family

And they will be forever

I love you whit and HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

"Not to be rude...but you dont deserve to have a blog"

2011-07-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

This ^ was a text I received from one of my very best friends just yesterday. I had to laugh, but I know she is completely right. So I decided I need to be better...whether people look at this or not, it'll be for my own gain.

To start, I guess I should say...

I am a college graduate!

Weird

As exciting as it is, it was harder for me to grasp than I thought it would be.

I feel like it was in an instant and my childhood was gone.

Now on to real world jobs, paying bills, and a whole different type of responsibility

I loved every minute of my time in college.

I loved BYU

I loved the zoobiness (as much as we made fun of it...we all secretly loved it)

I loved the games

I loved 5th floor "study" habits

I loved meeting new people

I loved the emotional breakdowns because they made me stronger

I loved the trials because they taught me so much

I loved being spiritually strengthened every day

I loved the people and the lasting relationships I made

I loved being the "punching bag" to absorb everyones problems because it meant they loved me and trusted me

I loved living with amazing girls

I loved funny dating stories

I loved watching my friends fall in love

I loved ALL of my wards

I loved feeling loved all the time

I loved gaining an appreciation for Arizona and my home

and most of all...

I loved finding out who I am and becoming confidant in who I (think) am meant to be

The day of graduation I couldn't help but be sentimental.

I sat with tears in my eyes as I watched my best friends in my major walk across the stage with a huge smile on their face and realized who knows if and when I will ever see them again.

I thought back to each person I met and the impact they had on me.

It is remarkable...the people I met and the amazing light they showed to me.

I gained relationships I will have forever

I learned lessons I will have forever

I am totally and completely changed because of my time at BYU

And where in the world where I be without these two?? I recently had the opportunity to go to girls camp and help teach a workshop to all the cute campers. As three other girls and I sat in front of these younger girls, we tried our best to tell them everything we wish we would have known in school. One of the things I reiterated over and over was this: YOUR PARENTS ARE ALWAYS RIGHT. It took me awhile, but I figured that out. And these two are no different. All they want is the best for me and they believe in me more than anyone. I could not be more thankful for them!

So this is me, a newly graduated BYU alumni at just 21. I am young, excited, nervous, happy, and scared out of my mind all at the same time. It is so interesting how life works...and how fast it goes. I had a hard time leaving this world and stepping into an unknown new one...but I know itll be great. Another one of my best friends said as I left Provo, "I feel bad for people who look back on college as the best time of their life. It was great and fun but the best is yet to come". So here is my new motto...The best is yet to come

And I cannot wait!

Its official

2010-11-15T21:04:00.001-08:00

I just received an email and it included the following:

Congratulations! Your application for April 2011 graduation has been reviewed and accepted by your Advisement Center.

So its official....

Come April 2011 I will be a college graduate from

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

Crazy

Pretty sure it was just yesterday I was graduating from Highschool

Now onto bigger and better things I guess!

Who knows what...but itll be an adventure!

Thanks to this one (below) for living with me

throughout my whole BYU experience

couldnt have done it without ya!

April is approaching faster than I thought.

I go home on saturday, then back for 3 weeks, then home for Christmas.

Then just one semester

WISH ME LUCK!!

Dear Natalie Evans:

2010-11-13T11:28:00.001-08:00

I am officially a terrible friend

I admit it

and I am deeply sorry.

This is my PUBLIC declaration of my awfulness

and again

I am sorry.

I promise I am calling you in approx. 20 min.

I love you

You are the greatest

SUCH agood friend

and a shining example :)

Talk to you soon and see you in ONE WEEK!

disclaimer: I have not called Natalie back for a week. It is bad im aware...its been a rough one...but thats no excuse! Natalie still loves me and is probably laughing at this post. But I felt so bad that I had to write for the whole (blog) world to see. thanks!

21

2010-10-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

So I officially turned the big 2-1 on August 29th

So yes, that is approx. 2 months ago

But I struggle at blogging

and seeing as im pretty sure only my family

really follows my blog

im still going to post this because I know they'd want me to

Since my birthday was on a sunday

Some of my favorite girls(and missing many)

went out to eat on saturday!

Then on my actual day...it was a party!

It was the day before school started

up here at the Y

so it was the first day at a new ward and

you know what that means...

When I got up to introduce myself in combined

sunday school

Bro. Neilsen (I was in the ward last year)

announces its my birthday

So I was sang to

very loudly...and very off-key

but it was so funny! And embarassing/awkward...

Then Ky announces we're having a dessert party that night

so almost all of my ward came

along with so many other dear friends...

and some peeps I didnt know...thats what happens

when you say "dessert party" in provo...

But it was a blast!!

This is blury but O how I love these guys...had to give them a shout out!

haha my friend thayne (on the left) saw this picture

and named them the "409 dream team"

...enough said

This is my good friend Dave Andrew. We've been friends for about a year and a half now and we take the credit for Kylee and Scott...just for the record...we make a good team :)

My roommates this year. I have been sooooo blessed with amazing roommates my entire college career, and these girls could not be greater, I LOVE THEM!

These are some of the most wonderful friends! Ali and Amy also made their way back to their old home, good ol #426, to support me...see im tellin ya...ive been so lucky!

O Bradley...wouldnt survive without him!

This child. Where to begin. She made the day possible! Along with lots of help from my roomies and their boys. Kylee made me a book with pictures and notes written from so many loved ones of mine. It was the best gift I could have ever been given. To those of you that contributed, once again, THANK YOU, it means more than you know!

I really had the best birthday yet!

O Happy Day

2010-10-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Acouple weeks ago I was stressing out.

And really I have never, and I literally mean, NEVER,

felt so stressed...

Yet

SO blessed

Let's start with the bad news first, ya?

It hit me

like a ton of bricks...

worse than I have ever felt before...

I am 21 (more on that later)

and I graduate college

in exactly 7 months

WHAT THE HECK AM I TO DO??

Move to Washington DC?

Yes.

But

when?

and what do I do?

Or do I move home?

get a masters degree?

but in what?

Not what I'm getting my undergrad in..

But should I so that its not a waste??

Who knows...

All these answers are still undecided.

However,

Im relaxed and not worried.

Dont get me wrong.

Im terrified.

BUT

I realized something.

Life will figure itself out.

HE is not going to leave me hanging

I just have to do the best I can!
And Ill be where Im supposed to be

Now onto the blessings...

I had the opportunity to help Kylee film.

a news story for KBYU.

We went to the Utah National Guard Air Base

to watch 39 soldiers come home and greet their families after

one year of deployment.

Yes, that's right, ONE YEAR.

I had the exxxxxtreme pleasure of standing

in the middle of loved ones reuniting with their

heroic soldier while tears streamed down my face.

These men and women SACRIFICE so much for us...and they

DO NOT get the credit they deserve, not in the slightest.

I was blessed to be able to talk to so many people while

I was there and relay my experiences as an army brat.

I also got to brag about my dad :)

I dont think I had ever felt so proud.

It was truly an awesome experience.

Natalie and Rachel stayed with me a little bit ago

It was so good to see them.

Rachel brightens my day, shes amazing, and I LOVE her.

And Natalie, man did I need her.

I have not seen her for 3 1/2 months!

She gets me like no one else.

She knows what she needs to say to me

and when to push me.

I even broke down in zupas

yes...in public...crying...I know...

because I was so happy to have her in front of me

just listening to me

and offering comforting words.

Thanks Nat

I went to 3 out of 4 sessions of conference in the C.C.

Then I went to a luncheon with the presidencies of

Relief Society, Young Womens, and Primary.

I met Sister Beck, Sister Dalton (she told me I sparkled :),

and Sister Wixon, along with some counselors, and board members.

They are all incredible

SO happy and such examples

It was such a wonderful experience!

I went to a fireside where Stephanie (nienie) Nielson spoke.

It. was. amazing.

She's amazing.

What an example to us all!

Suz and I got there early, stood in line, and got good seats

this was a challenge...

But it was worth it.

She spoke about being beautiful.

Which, according to her, AND Heavenly Father,

each one of us are.

She was right...we all are.

She shared an amazing experience and I was once again

testified to that the Lord knows us, and he is aware of us.

How blessed are we?

AND my parents cam up to visit me

O how I needed that.

I needed my dad to tell me what to do with my life

And then for my mom to say...do what you want :)

I love them

More than I could express.

Im 21, yet no one can make me feel like my parents can

I am so thankful.

So all in all it has been a fabulous past couple weeks

Lots of ups and downs, but the ups totally outweighed it all!

Just like Presdient Monson said in conference,

all about an "Attitude of Gratitude"

Do you ever forget??

2010-09-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Because I know I often do.

Don't you love President Uchtdorf? This is just the pick me up we all need!

Bijou Market

2010-06-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

So a little while ago Rachel, Natalie, Aleesha, and I ventured to

The Bijou Market.

It's this craft/vintage market held at a beautiful estate in orem each year.

It includes 50 vendors, most of them featured on etsy.

As you can imagine this was a much anticipated event for us for during the weeks leading up, seeing as Nat and I love anything to do with clothes, jewelry, crafts,

hair accesories, and decorations.

Rach had just moved into town so when she came along, with her super cute styled self, she was loving just as much as us! I know leesh had fun too :)

It was so much fun spending time with girls I love and of course finding awesome buys.

Seeing as I'm kindof a shopaholic I had to limit myself...so 2 necklaces it was!

The first:

(I love teal, and the picture doesn't do justice but it has the insides of a clock mounted on the outside. It's very different and neat looking)

The second:

Ok, this is my favorite...and let me tell you why.

The maker of this necklace was so neat!

She was a sweetheart.

I have been looking for a necklace with my initial, but wanted to find one I loved.

I got to the "Ritzy Misfit" table, and BAM I was sold.

The maker's name is Brooke and as she explained to me how she made each pendant and how each one is unique and beautiful in their own way, just like each of us.

She melts lead metal and stamps it with the design and each dry differently.

THEN

Notice anything??

(please ignore the cheesy self portrait)

She tells me how the bachelorette's, Jilian and Ali, have both worn them. Kendra from "The Girls Next Door" too. Well I love the bachelorette, its a guilty pleasure, so that made the whole experience and purchase even more exciting! (yes thats pathetic im aware)

But all in all I couldn't be happier with my purcahse, I wear it all the time. AND Rach got one too, so we decided they could be friendship neckalces :) Haha I love her!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And here's cute Nat shopping away, absolutely loving life

So long, I'll miss you

2010-06-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

This is Miss Natalie Evans.

(yes, yet another tribute...enter at your own risk)

She is my partner in crime.

Lately we have been getting emotional on a constant basis knowing

we have now only 5 days left together as roomies.

Not only as roomies, but in college..provo..together.

Nat is graduating( YAYYYY CONGRATS!)

But that means shes out of Provo and on to bigger & better things.

Which then causes me to be extremely bummed.

I constantly tell her I don't know what I am going to do.

No joke...I get anxiety over it.

I have great friends, but there are just certain people that have a

real impact on you, and you CLICK with.

Most of my other besties have bf's so where does my life fit in

without my "always can count on" DATE, Natalie??

Bottom line, I'm really sad she's leaving me and I am going to miss her, but I am so excited for her, she has some great times a comin'.

Here are some awesome facts about and things I love about Miss Natalie.

-She just threw away her pink vans...thats a big deal

-She'll make a fabulous nurse

-She's very intelligent

-Our theme song is "My life would suck without you"

-She's an amazing dancer

-Her "hood-dances" are legendary

-We met in Junior High

-We became good friends Senior year in HS

-We became best friends in college

-She looooves music

-She loves to talk on the phone

-She is a conflicted soul

-She's a chocolate theif

-She's sensitive about her sleep/noise...(haha I love you Nat)

-She's an extremely loyal friend

-"Welp, time for my second dinner!"

-We love to have dance parties in our apartment (hence the robot pic)

-She's extremely faithful and trusting

-She has the best teeth/ smile

-She analyzes with me

-She is musically talented

-She is very clean/ organized

-She is histerical...like seriously really funny

-She can make you feel better when bummed...usually by doing or saying something funny

-Hard to believe but I'll miss her long "getting ready" routine

-She's protective in good way

-She loves snack packs

-She'll make an incredible wife and mother

-Most of all I'll miss watching movies with her, just us, when everyone else is out hanging out we're content to just hang out together and entertain ourselves...haha so many good memories!

I Love you Nattie-mc-nat-nat, thanks for being my best friend!

Go have an adventure, but remember Provo will be missing you!

Uncanny

2010-06-04T15:04:00.001-07:00

I had an epiphany the other day.
It is uncanny how similar we are as adults to the way we were as children.
(Ok maybe not totally unfathomable but considering all the developing and growing up we do, it is so cool how similar we remain all our life)
Anyways, in human development recently my teacher talked about children and their self soothing tactics. He mentioned that often those same tactics carry over to what we do as adults.

Exhibit A: As he is talking about this I am "ganking" on my paper edge.
(Ganking is a name my parentals made up for when I was little and would take the ends of anything smooth i.e. a tag, blanket end, etc, and rub it against and in my finger nails...weird I know) Anywho, I am 20 and without even thinking about it I am "ganking" while this very thought is brought up. I do it ALL the time, like multiple times every day. It is a way for me to calm down and be comforted. Odd, but true.

Exhibit B: We also talked about child temperment and how that carries over throughout a life span(for the most part) So what did I do? I called the parentals and asked what I was like as a baby. NOTHING has changed.
Happy
A laugher
Not much of a crier
Stops dead in my tracks when someone starts to tickle my arm or back
Grumpy when hungry but easily soothed
and the clincher...EASILY DISTRACTED.
I informed Natalie about all of this and when I said this last one she started laughing and said, "yep, nothing's changed!"
hahahaha so sad.
Its terrible how easily distracted I am in everything.
It is a bad habit and a resolution of mine to change.
ANYWAYS, I thought this was interesting...probably not to most of you but thats ok im sure mom and dad will get a kick out of it :)

Also, as an ode to our childhood, a couple weeks ago it was our friend Jake's birthday. After getting dinner at Happy Sumo we headed over to a new candy/toy store called BLICKENSTAFF'S at the Riverwoods.
Seriously, it is like the coolest place ever.
Us college kids were in heaven.
Here are some pictures of the place...we had a blast as you can tell,
enjoy!

The birthday boy!

hahahahaha Matt is my favorite in this, hiding behind Scott with a mouth full of candy. Ps Scott is the one on the elephant and the elephant's name is naturally, Kylee. (Natalie's thought process not mine, check it on fb you'll see)

This was taken for respects of AV #426..."Harmony in the Animal Kingdom"

Who the heck knows

wallssssssssss of candy, this was only one section

Completely made out of candy...a kid's dream...ok Natalie's and mine too

PS: I am going home in exactly 2 weeks to spend 2 whole months in my lovely mesatown. I cannot wait! Provo: you are good to me...well most of the time...but I need a break. Im stoked for contintuos sunshine and weather I can count on, even if it is 110 degrees. Excited for a funfilled drive down too....nat and I having some serious chats about life (whats new) and an overnight stay in Vegas with some darling girls. Now just 4 more tests and I am outta here!

A simple weed necklace

2010-05-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

I bet you are all wondering where I got that wicked awesome necklace I'm wearing.

Welp, it is courtesy of 6 year old Katelin.

In Germany, we would sit in the fields outside our house for HOURS making these.

So, sitting at Rock Canyon a few saturdays ago I picked up some weeds and tried to pull out my childhood skills...low and behold, It worked!

Now it got me thinking,

I swear it was just yesterday I was doing this as a 6 year old.

Do you ever sit back and wonder where did the time go?

Where did childhood, highschool, college, last year, last month even go??

Im watching everyone go these different directions in life and its freeking me out a bit!

Exciting?

Yes.

An adventure?

Yes.

A good thing?

Heck yes.

I just so often think, am I doing what Im supposed to,

am I making the most with what I have been given,

am I doing the most good I possibly can.

Just food for thought.

While I continue to ponder and live my life in a day dream...enjoy this amazing quote

"Face your doubts, master your fears, cast not away your confidence. Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you" ~Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Mother Rene

2010-05-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

These three are the products of "Mother Rene"

Whenever my mom says, "Katelin Ellen"

in that tone we all know...

I answer back with, "Mother Rene??"

Hence the name

Anywho I absolutely

LOVE MY MOM

And she is amazing.

Of course I am biased but I do think shes the best mom in the world.
I do hope though that everyone thinks that about their mom.

Everyone deserves to be loved and adored like a mother does.

So my mother is no different. :)

Since she has been a mother for 37 years here are 37 reasons why she is the greatest

1. She is my best friend

2. She is histerical...seriously

3. She does the best impressions/voices

4. She is addicted to Sonic

5. She is my biggest cheerleader

6. She is like the energizer bunny...just goes and goes...and only for the benefit of every other person but herself

7. She loves to shop

8. She loves mexican food

9. She has a beautiful singing voice

10. Kids gravitate to her

11. She works miracles with her students (parents of former students of hers are constantly acting as advocates for her to other parents looking for an amazing teacher)

12. All my friends ADORE her

13. She is the best cook

14. When I come home for a visit she makes me my favorite foods

15. She has the kindest heart

16. She is always saying the best way to make yourself feel better, in any situation, is to go do service for someone else.

17. She is in constant physical pain, yet she is always the last person on her mind (I hate this, but what can you do when your mom is all about others)

18. She can still highkick her forehead

19. She was a pommie in highschool and so was I

20. She has a light about her

21. She makes meals for our neighbors when they have babies, tragedies, etc, and she isnt even in relief society :)

22. She is a relief society sister as heart...haha I had to add it mom!

23. She went to my every concert, recital, performance, competition, game, and everything in between

24. She is genuine and loving to everyone

25. She taught and led by example...and still does

26. She still makes my dad's lunches in the morning and hes 56

27. She used to get up early and make me soup every morning in elementary school because I refused to eat sandwiches

28. She is sarcastic

29. Noone, and I mean NOONE, can make her famous cookies like she can

30. She is extremely creative

31. She loves to make crafts

32. She is supportive of my every decision

33. She taught us to be courteous and caring

34. She cannot stand to have an empty wall in our house, haha anyone who has been in our house knows this one is a concrete fact.

35. She pawned her jewelry for diapers when we were little

36. She is a wonderful wife

37. She constantly tells me I am beautiful and special and that I can make a difference and have an influence..although I always say, "you're just biased you have to say that". She tells me she doesnt have to say anything...and you know what, I believe her.

I love you mom, thank you for sacrificing and caring about each one of us. Thank you for giving me the world and beyond. Thank you for being my mother and for loving each of your children even when I know it couldn't have been easy to. Thank you for being a blessing in my life and for being my best friend.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

You are missed

2010-05-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

(warning: cheesy alert)

This is Kylee, my best friend.

She is pretty much the most amazing person ever.

And right now, I miss her a lot.

Ky is currently living the dream in NYC as an intern for NBC.

There is NOTHING this girl can't do or accomplish.

I am so proud of her and excited for her adventures...

but gosh dangit I miss her!

Anywho, I thought Id do a "Kyky tribute" seeing as shes across the country.

This may be boring for most of you but thats OK cuz this is for ky :)

We met sophomore year in highschool playing powder puff football.

hahahahaha quite the experience...but thats another story. I even remember a specific instance first knowing her where she dyed her hair...haha this is so random...but I will never forget a bunch of us running into her at school and Ive never noticed someone so enthusiastic and happy. She had this light radiating from her and I remember thinking, I want to be best friends with her...luckily my wish came true and we have since braved highschool and college together!

Anyways, that summer she invited me to Newport with her family

and the rest is history!

I have now been to newport 5 times with this child and those are some

of the greatest memories I have.

We will soon be going on our third year of living together and I have to say BRAVO to her for putting up with me for all this time because im positive im getting the better deal out of the situation, but im thankful regardless! She is the best roommate to have because she is always so chipper. ALWAYS. When Im having a good day, shes there enjoying it with me, when im having a bad day, shes there to make everything better. Plain and simple she makes it all fun!

Ky is seriously a ray of sunshine! Anyone who has come in contact with her for even a minute knows how true that statement is. This is so cheesy but this quote is perfect for ky: "If I had one gift that I could give you, my friend, it would be the ability to see yourself as others see you, because only then would you know how extremely special you are."~B.A. Billingsly~

I LOVE that!

Ky has this unique ability to make anyone and everyone feel loved, appreciated, and special.

Not many people have that gift, but she is one of them.

She has been there for me in ways not even she can fully understand.

She has sat with me through breakdowns, hardships, excitement, confusion, happiness, and everything in between. I am eternally grateful to her for that!

She is the greatest example of choosing a friend who makes you want to be better...

I love her so much.

I love our wrestling matches,

our shared love of food,

our love of the beach,

our hatred of utah weather,

our random things we do when bored,

braving finals together,

long drives,

our chats,

football games,

and our every memory.

I am grateful for the blessing of having her in my life.

I am so proud of her, and I know she is rocking NYC!

She is the greatest example to me of someone ambitious, hardworking, and who has their priorities in line.

How'd I get so lucky to have her as a best friend, I dont know...but ill take it!

I love you Kylee Celeste and I miss you!!!

Senior

2010-04-23T12:09:00.001-07:00

(this was taken on our trip headed to take me to BYU)

On wednesday I took my last final of the semester.

Now that officially makes me a Senior. In COLLEGE.

When the heck did I get this old??

Where has all the time gone that even constitutes me to give myself such a title??

I am slightly freeking out.

Everytime I go home I drive by good 'ol Mountain View and think myself...

the majority of the teens there have NO idea how easy they have it.

No real world worries,

big decisions consist of what to do on friday,

or who's going to ask them to prom.

What I wouldn't give to go back for even just a day...life was so eeeeeasy!

Don't get me wrong I love my life now too.

Also, I am fully aware that I do not have it rough and

I am thankful for my experiences, lessons learned, and friends made.

BUT

sometimes I yearn for it to all stop flying by for just a second...even though I know it won't.

Usually I am one to enjoy each day, but I am always looking to the future.

New goals:

enjoy where I am at RIGHT NOW.

enjoy being 20(almost 21)

enjoy being single

enjoy living away from home

enjoy BYU for one more year

enjoy my friends since pretty soon we'll all be scattered

and just enjoy my life and my amazing blessings...every single second.

For your viewing pleasure I love this quote by Jason Blume:

"Listen to that voice inside you that says you can accomplish anything.

Trust that feeling that tells you you can achieve all that you hope for.

Believe that everything you want is waiting for you.

Hold on to the knowledge that nothing is impossible.

Remember that each person who has ever achieved a goal

started out with only a dream."

Hahaha reliving the glory days. I found this on my dad's computer and started laughing at all of us, youd really have to know each of us to know why its so funny to me. ALSO look at Natlie's face. She is the greatest, such a crack up! I received a text from her this morning and it said, "sitting at my college graduation...!" WEIRD! Im going to miss her this summer when she leaves, but cant wait for a funfilled springtime in provo with her! I love all these girls!

TORO Country

2010-03-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

I am a proud TORO, always have been and always will be

BUT

Somehow I thought when I came to BYU I would branch out of toro country

This is not the case

we do it to ourselves ill readily admit...I just find it funny

Im proud to say Im a TORO and love mesatown

I feel blessed to have best friends that I can reminisce about HS with

But I have to say that the following conversation that takes place usually at least once a day is getting a bit old... it goes exactly like this:

New friend: "Nice to meet you Katelin(or add any MVT person), so where are you from?"

Me: "Im from Arizona, how about you?"

New friend: (ignoring my question) "You from Mesa?"

Me: "Yep"

New Friend: "Mountain View?"

Me: "Yep"

New friend: "oooh...figures"

Me: "Yep....."

I kid you not...anyone from MV will tell you they've had this conversation a thousand times with people ranging from utah, cali, washington, florida, new york, etc...it nuts!

I slightly hate this, but I feel good about my ties to Mesa and wouldn't trade them for anything but I do feel just as good about the new friends Ive made as well..here are some of my thoughts..

You know you are a TORO at BYU when:

All 4 of your roommates graudated with you

At age 21 and away to college in another state most of those in attendance to your bday dinner (natalie's)youve known since you were 15..lots even sooner

You have a kickball team named the "MESA COUGS"

You hang out with boys you graudated with everynight...and while helping them plan dates with new girls you remember all the girls they used to like and all their awkward dating stories that happened way back when...I think this is my favorite :)

You walk 1 minute and can be talking to a friend you've known since 6TH GRADE

You hang out with Ben at age 21 and still call him "Benny Boo Boo BooBooBoo" like you used to when you were 14...haha ok maybe this is just me and Jessica that can claim this

You have a flag football team of 16 girls and 12 are from mesa...no joke

Finally: You know you're a TORO when you love Mesa, the people, and the weather...and THATS why your best friends are the same ones youve had forever...because that if all else fails...Mesa and all it has to offer you will never fail...cheesy but true!

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

AMAZING

2010-02-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

Sooo last week I headed, reluctantly I might add, to my language impairment class. My teacher, bless his heart, means well, but is a bit on the boring side.

I enjoy the material to an extent, I find it intriguing,

BUT
not the biggest fan of attending the class.

No worries Dad, I do, but its not so fun.

ANYWAYS

While walking to class I remembered something!

We would be having a guest speaker, so when I sat down I became perky and excited

to hear what this nice lady in front me was about to say

And let me tell you, I was NOT dissapointed.

Her name was Sylvia Allen, she is a principle at one of the elementary schools here in the Utah Valley and has also been a teacher and vice principle throughout her working years.

She began by telling us a story...

There once were 2 families, excited and packed to pick up their lives and move to Germany.

There was no real reason for the move, it was a life decision, one they made as a family.

Well, on the plane headed to Germany the two families talked and talked about what their

new lives in Germany were going to be like.

They couldn't wait to immerse themselves in the culture, language, and style of living.

Then...something unexpected happened

The pilot comes over the intercom and said that the plane would need to land in Holland

and that it would never be able to finish its flight to Germany...ever

As you can imagine the families were shocked and upset...but nothing could be done

They would need to accept their new change of direction, or forced to be unhappy forevermore.
One family understood that their fate had changed and Holland would soon have to be considered their home so they tried hard to keep a positive attidtude. Then they landed and saw the amazing fields of flowers, beautiful blue skies, clolors upon colors, and a quaint country that offered its own beauty and culture like that of Germany. They now accepted their new home and went off with excitement about their new life adventure and lived happily ever after

The second family, however, did not have such an attitude. They groaned and compalined about the new change in their life and never accepted this different, yet still wonderful adventure. They saw the beaty but would not acknowledge it, they smelled the flowers but turned up their noses, they were not happy and vowed to never be...all because Holland was not Germany.

What does this teach us??
Life is full of unexpected curcumstances and happenings. Changes in plans, hopes, dreams, situations, and list goes on. It is all about what you make of these changes that makes life beautiful.

She began with this story because she then told us about the moment she found out her son was handicapped...severely. She said, like the families, she had to recognize and accept the "change of direction" she was now face with. She said it was all about the help and support she received that made all the difference.

She then continued on in her lecture to speak about her son and the people that were ADVOCATES for him when she was so emotionally drained to be one herself. Then she talked about the children SHE advocated for, children and families she gave hope to because of her "never-give-up" attitude.

This all my seem pointless, random, or even odd to you, but my point is that this woman reminded me, as I sat in a simple hour and a half class, why I want to be a speech pathologist/teacher. Instead of worrying about my midterms, quizzes, or assignments...stressing about not understanidng something like I think I should, what matters is the difference I get to make.

I want to be an advocate

I want to change a child's life

I want to put a smile on a face that normally doesn't have one

I want to make a difference

I want to be a positive ifluence

I want to show that I care and will work HARD for whomever I am advocating for

I want to give a child a new hope

I want EVERY child to know they are special, unique, loved, royal, and able to accomplish absolutley anything they want to.

I want them to know that being different isn't wrong, its brave

I want to be an ADVOCATE

and I will work everyday to make sure every one of these goals is obtained :) Thank you Sylvia for your inspiration and thank you BYU for finally helping me figure out why im in college!

Orange Blossoms

2010-02-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

I AM GOING HOME IN 3 WEEKS! I cannot wait! I was in Ky's room this morning subjecting her to my usual incessant talking and she mentioned that she for sure would be heading to Mesa on March 11th and suggested I come with...so anyone who knows me knows I would jump at the chance to be home, so I quickly checked my planner and good news, all my midterms will be done by then so it took me .2 seconds to say, "KY IM COMING WITH!"

I seriously could not be more excited

Family
Friends

Warmth

Mexican food

My home

My mesa!

and best of all...

ORANGE BLOSSOMS

March is my absolute favorite time of the year

I LOVE having the nice spring weather, sunny skies,

and coming out of my house at night smelling the sweet aroma of the orange blossoms

I think only people from mesa appreciate this piece of heaven

I always tell people up here how much I love march for this very reason

and they always look at me with a smile that says...

"Hmmm you get that much joy out of an orange smell...ya...good for you"

But I dont care, its simply the best and I cannot wait so see you soon Mtown!

15 Days to Sunshine and Happiness

2010-01-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

That's right folks I'm headed to HUNTINGTON BEACH in just 15 short days

And I cannot wait!!

The trip is going to consist of my good friends Natalie, Britt, and Whitney

I wish I could even explain our excitement for this trip because seeing as we

are ALL from sunny AZ we not only love California itself...we LOVE the sun and you

don't getmuch of it here in snowy Utah. We've got lots on the agenda but even just being with these girls=PARTY

We are going to:

Hollywood

Santa Monica Pier

THE BEACH

TK burger(yes its better then in-n-out)

Pinkberry

Tour some campuses possibly

Shop

Eat

O and did I mention...Eat?

Anywho its going to be a blast and I cannot wait!!

Roommates

2010-01-26T14:11:00.001-08:00

I have been blessed. Plain and simple. Last year I had such amazing roommates, Amy, Ali, and Kylee. We had fun together, NEVER got into any tiffs, could talk about everything and anything...and did this most often late at night(or rather early in the morning) after we'd all gotten home, and I truly love each one so much words cant even explain! This year Ky and I stayed in good 'ol 426 at Alpine Village and got ready to gain two new roommates, Aleesha Miller and Natalie Evans. We were stoked! I was sad to see Ali and Amy move on but excited for them and their new ventures. I wasn't worried about these girls because they are such great friends so I knew it would be a party...but I wondered how it was going to be having a new group of girls together with a new dynamic. Sure enough it has been a blast! So, back to my original statement I have been blessed to have such amazing sets of roommates and they both are unique and the BEST in their own individual way.

Recently I have been sitting back and thinking about all the hilarious times I've had with Leesh, Nat, and Ky. Seriously we are all sooo flippin weird, but beacuase of this fact we have dang fun times together. I wanted to put up a list of some 426 quotes and activities that may not make sense to all of you but none the less it will show you how random but fun we are together..enjoy!

-"It's lonely at the top"

-"You can change the size of your body...but you CANT change the size of your head"

-"I hate it when you burp!"..."Well I hate it when you dont bathe!"

-"Those who know what they want, get what they want. Those who dont know what they want, get NOTHING"

-"Look at my abs!"

-"2010 OUR TIME TO WIN"

-Playing rock band on a sunday evening...just us 4

-Having "story time" as Kylee reads to us from He's Just Not That Into You (P.s. every dating girl should read this it makes so much dang sense...unfortunately)

-Wrestling

-Pouring freeeeeezing water on eachother in the shower

-Smothering Kylee with the pillows HAHAHAHAHA

-Our major love of food

So these are just a few things but moral of the story im so grateful for my roommates and I love them dearly!

The amazingly talented BYU swimmer Aleesha Miller...lovingly known as

"Leesh", plain and simple she is HILARIOUS, love her!

Natty-mc-nat-nat! Shes a model...enough said.

Ky-Ky...what would I do without her! She keeps me sane, I kid you not, if it weren't for this girl who knows what kind of random weird things I'd be doing. O and shes going to be a famous broadcast journalist one day- mark my words!

T-Minus 55 hours...

2009-12-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

Sooooo Im sitting here in my cubby on the fifth floor of the Harold B. Lee Library at BYU trying my best to study up a storm for the next 4 finals I need to take...obviously its not going so well at the moment...so why not blog right?!

How many finals did I have all together?

How many of those are my grades completely reliant on?

Ya, this semester has been so rough, I feel like everyone tells you when you get into your major classes its easier because you love it supposedly...well not so much the case for me. As much as we all hate GE's I kinda enjoyed them because I love learning random things about random subjects! Also, I do enjoy my major but because its small here at the Y we dont have much of a variety in teaching and teaching styles...making it slightly difficult for me to fall in love with. Regardless I am happy I have a technical major that will open many doors and I am thankful for the opportunity I have to obtain such a great education from an amazing school!!

Moral of the story though throughout the semester talking to different friends, we all agree, junior year is quite the challenge! You would think by now we would have study habits figured out and ways to better prioritze and manage our time but that is NOT the case. Kylee and I were chatting and realized as you get older you know wayyyy more people, I cant walk anywhere- even to get a drink of water- without seeing someone I know! As fun as it is that just means I want to hang out more and spend time catching up with lots of different people...well this week, FINALS week has been no exception. Ky and I sit here and just stare at our computers because we cannot focus! We study, dont wory dad, but we are so burnt out from killing oursleves throughout the semester we have no more motivation, energy, or desire. All I can do is keep in mind there is an end in sight and work to crank it out these next 49 hours until I will be finally walking out of my last test! Until then all I can do is sit and dream about the following instead:

Yes, sadly this is first on my list, but when my southwest flight touches down a Sky Harbor Airport I will be jumping for joy I kid you not!

The temple lights....I LOVE the Mesa temple and even better when there are lights all around it celebrating the spirit of Christmas!

Tempe Marketplace atChristmas...not only do I love tempe marketplace but I love going home to familiarity and being able to shop with christmas songs and decorations everywhere!

This lovely group of people..and shelby...I am so excited to see and spend time with!!!

-The wonderful people in my ward family I miss throughout the year

-My friends still in Mesa or off to school other places

-MEXICAN FOOD

-WARMTH

-No school to worry about

-Watching movies with my mom

-Eating lots of good food and treats

-Pommie reunions

-Being able to be in a place that I can call home and that holds so many amazing memories for me...I love love love mesa!!!

See ya in 55 hours!

And wish me luck...

Here's to YOU!

2009-11-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

So today is VETERANS DAY as everyone I'm sure knows and I couldn't get away without giving a shout out to my wonderful DAD!! I wanted to take a moment and brag about my aweomse dad and let him know how proud of him I am. Daddy Hink is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and it is one of my very favorite things about him. The man the Army helped my dad become is who I love more and more each day. There is just something about Dad's and the amazing never-ending knowledge they seem to have. Without fail, I call him everyday with a new question or concern and whatever it may be...it ALWAYS gets answered! Amazing how that works, huh? Anyways, I regard my childhood as the best thing ever! I got the chance to live and travel throughout Europe and the United States due to my dad's assignments and I only have the best memories from those times. I highly respect the way my dad has raised me incorporating the things he esteems as most important in life and I never fail to learn a new lesson from him every day. Sometimes I'm not sure if he realizes how VERY VERY PROUD of him I am for his service in The United States Army. He loves his country and would lay his life down for it and any of us in a heart beat.

I am thankful for your example Dad and thank you for everything you do...I LOVE YOU!

OkOk....My own dad called me out

2009-09-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

Sooooo yes it has been quite awhile since I have updated this, I had trouble getting to it because I felt like I had no one looking at it...which isnt the case THANKS SO MUCH for the comments and those that told me you look at it :) but haha lets get real my life is NOT exciting. BUT then I realized that I love to blogstalk, and I know other people do too :) so why not humor you and I both. Also like my title says, my own dad called me out about not updating so I really want to keep up so my family back home can see what I am up to! Anyways here are a few updates from the summer and whats happened so far this fall...hope you enjoy!!

(WARNING: TONS AND TONS OF PICTURES...VERY LONG)

FALL!

This fall has already been so fun! I have met tons of new people, got back into the routine of school, been having great weather up here in provo, done new things, and have the ropes of BYU and ptown down so much better than last year. Although I miss Amy and Ali a lot it is super fun having Natalie and Aleesha living with me and Kylee, and Kylee back for that matter! School is rough this year...getting into my upper level major classes but I like the challenge and I have gotten MUCH better at studying thank goodness :) Its going to be a great year, I just know it, and Im stoked to see where it takes me!

I had my 2oth birthday...FINALLY. Seriously can I just say how excited I am to not be 19 anymore...crazy being out of the teens now though but still great none the less!

THANK YOU to wonderful friends who threw me a dessert party to celebrate AND to the one and only talented Amy Giles who made this awesome cake

Caught up with friends who have been gone all summer

AND had the first BYU home football game

THIS SUMMER!

Soaked up the last few months with the amazing girls in our ward...tons moved out of ward this year and seriously no ward will ever compare to the girls we had last year, they were ALL amazing

Hung out ALL THE TIME with these dear girls

80s dancing...always classic

BBQ

Went kayaking on Utah lake...hahaha quite the experience

Celebrated lots of birthdays

Ali and Jordan got engaged!

We threw Ali a shower

Went to Seattle with the family

Lots and lots of wedding stuff!

Mr. and Mrs. Christensen!

Mr. and Mrs. Porter!

And Paige came to visit good ol Mesa

So there is a summary..it was a great summer. Now back to reality and the school year. Thanks for reading my TOO LONG of a post!

CATCH UP!!

2009-03-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

Seriously it has been too long.....

this is why I havent blogged, my days consist of this:

-library
-class
-more library
-take a test, or write a paper, or do an assignment, or work on a project
-eat
-maybe gym(but I start hardcore again tomorrow no worries parentals)
-wind down for like one show...maybe
-go to bed
-start over

This weekend was so relaxing though and my days this week wont be like this since I finally got over my stressful times, but before I know it finals will be here and my schedule will be worst then that mark my words! Regardless, life is good...Im healthy and happy and dont have anything to complain about really so good times all around!! Heres a little update for ya, enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This past weekend Friday ended up being such a great day! I got to sleep in and take my time getting things done. Then Ky and me went to the gym and off to the temple, which was highly needed in my life right now, and it turned out to be perfect because we saw this sweet girl named Erin that we know and were able to be with her while doing baptisms. Once we got home we got ready and headed to the BYU volleyball game with Karly and Paige, a quick trip to arbys and del taco, and then off to see "Bride Wars". It was such a fun night and I seriously LOVE these girls so much!!! Like really words cant describe so here are a few picture from our great night!

Sweet Karly and I, shes our neighbor and I honestly love her so much she is so dang cute!

AND I cant forget Ky! I've always loved her and always will, she is definitely the sister I never had!

Paige is such a great friend! Any time you need her...walk over to her apartment and whether its watching random shows with you, disney movies, honest opinions, or advice, she is the GREATEST!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mock Spring Break!

So Rachel and Sarah came up to visit a couple weeks ago during their spring break and because we were bitter about not having one ourselves we kinda boycotted school a bit and had so much fun spending every day with them. We hung out, talked A TON, had a two hour DANCE session in the living room, went to the draper temple open house, ate yummy food, shopped, toured Salt Lake, and tried our best to give them the good ol Provo experience! It was in a nut shell, SO FUN, and SO GOOD to get to see them and fall back into old times. I love these girls so much and am so grateful for their friendship throughout the years. Here are some highlights from our wonderful week!

*I am so dumb though and kept forgetting my camera, until Salt Lake(last day of their trip-idiot I know) but I did get some pics at least so these are from our great Salt Lake adventure!

*haha trying to be cool.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SHOUT OUT TO SARAH!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

So it's been a couple weeks since the actual time, but better late than never right! :)

Sarah Biro, my good friend from pommie/dance/highschool/days just got baptized and I am ecstatic for her and her decision to join the church. I know it was hard for her to get the courage to take the leap of faith to investigate and really search for herself, but she did, and she is so happy! I can see this incredible change in her countenance and light and it is amazing to be able to witness and be a part of it. She has always been a wonderful girl and friend, but to see the new found truth and happiness she has is such a blessing and example to me! It makes me reflect on my road to baptism and all it taught and gifted me with. She will accomplish such great things and will be an example to so many people the rest of her life. I am so proud of her and I want her to know I know she made the right choice and Heavenly Father is smiling down on her right now.

I LOVE YOU SARAH!!

For Suzette and some LOVE to go with it

2009-02-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

Sooooo I have definitely been out of the blogging world for quite a while...not without stalking of course....but posting is for sure not something that has been on my list of things to do. However my dear friend Suzette kindly reminded me that I need to keep this up! So because I know she does it and is so good at it, my attempt is to now and continually keep it going! Sadly I was trying to think of fun things I've done but I got nothing. So therefore I decided to give a shout out about Valentines day!

Soooo this weekend is we all know...the glorious holiday for celebrating love! Personally I don't think you should focus on one day a year to do this, but it is such a fun holiday with couples feeling special...and not to mention the treats! I joke often how Im such a loner because my three wonderful roommates all have boys and my love life is well....non existent- BUT honestly I really have nothing to complain about! I have such a great life and I feel so THANKFUL and BLESSED! So therefore I am going to list a few things that I love in my life in respects to February 14th!

-My Family...I have the greatest parents in the world and I feel so lucky to call them mine! They are so supportive and are always encouraging helping me to believe I can accomplish anything. They love me infinitely and they have made sure I've known that every day of my life. My brothers are so great as well! They truly are my protectors and would do anything for me. Not to mention my grandparents and how wonderful they are!!

-The gospel....I love love love this gospel and am so grateful for its power in my life. How amazing that I am a member of the church of Christ and how grateful I am for him and my Heavenly Father and the comfort and love they show me everyday

-My friends....Seriously they are all amazing! Enough said. Whether I have friends I've known for years, or even just a semester, I am so blessed and I love each one so much

-My roommates...Now keep in mind all three of these ladies are also in the "friend" category :) but I have to give a special shout-out to them. I LOVE these girls! Hearing about drama and tension in so many other apartments, I couldn't be more grateful for Amy, Ali, and Kylee. They are all so sweet and I have especially loved becoming closer and better friends with each of them. They make life so easy to live with and are there whenever you need them. I love these girls so very very much!!

-Mesa....haha funny thing to say I love, but I do! I get to go home this weekend actually and spend 4 days in good ol M-town and I could not be more excited! The reason I love it though is this....it holds my family, old friends, wonderful neighbors and people, warm weather, and last but not least, the BEST memories I have ever had. I have had more fun and lessons learned in Mesa than anywhere else thus far and that town is truly a place that I love

-BYU...Now to begin dont get me wrong but I have definitely had my fair share of venting sessions about BYU, and college in general, I guess you could say. But this university in a school that I love. Well in better terms, its a bitter-sweet relationship. After going to MCC I feel so grateful to go to a school where the students share your beliefs and standards, class often starts with a prayer, and the teachers(most of the time) really do just want to get the best out of you so they can help get the best FOR you. The classes are hard but you learn a lot and I am thankful for my parents support for letting me come here!

*A few other things*

-the beach

-shopping

-traveling

-christmas

-prayer

-snow(when you dont have to walk in it :)

-laughing

-movies

-treats (Chocolate especially)

-mexican food(preferably in mesa)

-the Army

-summer bike rides

-good books

So these are just a few things of which I LOVE...I really am looking forward to this holiday and hope everyone has such a great one...I know I will since Im so excited for my valentines date with the parentals! ha! :)

I DID IT!

2008-11-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

Yep this is how I feel right now! Granted, I didnt run a marathan, or anything close for that matter, but I made a goal at the beginning of the week and here I am on friday SO happy that I accomplished it.....with it being a tad easier then I thought too, so this is success in my book! I got up every day this week early before school and went running at the gym for anywhere from 25 to 30 minutes...yep its impressive I know...haha not really but for me its a big deal! Anyone who has been around me enough will have heard me say at least once (if not a hundred times) that I am NOT a runner, honestly like I majorly sturggle with it, but I decided the work out is so much better then anything else for me so I decided to give it a try...and lo and behold I kindof like it! Wow im wierded out that I said that but its the truth, so needless to say the routine will continue indefinitely, and im stoked! Maybe one day I really can be like this woman here and cross my own marathon finish line, MAYBE that is :D

Salt Lake City

2008-11-06T11:33:00.001-08:00

Absolutely LOVE these two...

So the day after Halloween I managed to sleep in until almost 1 in the afternoon and soon after recieved a call from Natalie Evans(one of my FAV. girls) inviting me to go to Salt Lake with a bunch of people. I was so excited becuase Kandyce, Haley, Kaelin, which are such great friends of mine were up visiting and that would mean I could spend the day with them....so of course I jumped at the chance and off we were!! We went to the yummy pizza place in draper on the way to SL and then headed to gateway mall, which is amazing by the way. After some window shopping...since us college students are broke, a collision between Natalie and a 5 year old girl, Ben's cookies, a meeting with a homeless person, who had just "got in an accident", asking for money, and many more fun little happenings we were on oru way back to Provo and still tired from our night's before. It was a blast though and it trule made my weekend to get to spend time with those girls...cant wait to see them at thanksgiving!

This is a shotty picture to say the least, well of me that is, but it shows the GORGEOUS Utah scenery so you all can be jealous that I look at that instead of palm trees.... ;)

.................AND thought I'd share this picture of what I look at out my window every day!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-11-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

So Halloween was definitely one of the funnest times I've had up here so far! I dressed up as a Gypsy along with Ali and Katie, and Kylee here was Juno...haha best costumes I think...wait until the picture of Bleaker (aka Kevin). But anyways we went to the Alpine party and partied our little hearts out, or just until we were sweating to death- it was SO HOT down there! Afterwards we went and watched What lies Beneath which is soooo freaky let me tell ya! Then as Im walking to my door I ran into a friend across the hall and she invited me over because tons of people were over making french toast at 3 in the morning...it was a blast and finally at 4:30 I was getting ready for bed! It was quite a night but a fun one at that!

These are my friends Bleaker and Richard Simons (aka Kevin and Jordan) haha we could not stop laughing at these two and their choice of shorts...

The 3 wheels of the tricycle....they would appreciate that :) LOVE THEM!

Juno, Bleaker, and their precious baby

Alright, alright...welcome to the world of Katelin!

2008-11-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Soooo after so many months of what I like to call, "blog-stalking" others, I decided to make my own blog to share basically and essentially just with my family. So hope this gives you a better insight into my exciting life in good 'ol Provo and hope you enjoy!!

The best is yet to come

MARRY ME?

Story time

Best part of 2011...

DC day 1

Happy Birthday Ky Ky

Grateful

Lieutenant Colonel Hink

Travel.Travel.Travel.

East Coast Livin'

Ohhhh P-Utah

Cali bound

Aloha Brookie

Changes

Big day

"Not to be rude...but you dont deserve to have a blog"

Its official

Dear Natalie Evans:

21

O Happy Day

Do you ever forget??

Bijou Market

So long, I'll miss you

Uncanny

A simple weed necklace

Mother Rene

You are missed

Senior

TORO Country

AMAZING

Orange Blossoms

15 Days to Sunshine and Happiness

Roommates

T-Minus 55 hours...

Here's to YOU!

OkOk....My own dad called me out

CATCH UP!!

*For Suzette* and some LOVE to go with it

I DID IT!

*Salt Lake City*

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Alright, alright...welcome to the world of Katelin!

For Suzette and some LOVE to go with it

Salt Lake City