RIP Phone

Once upon a time there was an awesome phone that was taken advantage of. It was purple, with pink buttons and a cute pink case.

I LOVED it!! But I realized this too late....

One unfortunate day, my phone screen decided, "Lets play a trick on Kaitlyn and not work!!"

I could receive calls, texts, whatever, I just couldn't see what the heck was going on on the screen. It was really annoying. Bzzzzzz. Oh gee pal, I know youre texting me, I sure wish I could answer!!

Then comes the insurance company. Sure! We'll replace your phone! For $40!! Oh wait. you want your phone now?? You've been without a phone for two days?? Who cares!! It's a holiday weekend. You're gonna get one on Wednesday (the day is Thursday- a whole week without a phone!? Unheard of!!)

Well.. I was pretty depressed. Super. Then one day I was going home with Brandon. He asked to see my phone. He took it, hit it against his leg as a last resort. and TA-DA! It worked!! Simply magic!! Don't even ask me how. I was so so SO SO happy!! I got to read all my texts... and realized some friends sent me texts just to bug me, the stinkers!!

So I had a phone, but we had already ordered the new one. I figured might as well replace it in case my phone decided to do that again. Well... The phone... yeah... I got the black version. With blue buttons. Do they even know who I am?! BLACK!? And they wanted my old one back. And wouldn't let me request a new one in purple. Ugh. I was not happy.

SO! Since my case was broken and I had a warranty on it, I decided to go into at&t to get it replaced. I go in and the guy says, "Oh. I dont know if we have those kinds of cases anymore. Nope only clear, and it's the last one. You're lucky."

Shoot.

"Oh! Wait! Let me see if other places have any that they could ship to us.... hmm... oh! Looks like you could get a purple one!" (fake happiness for me).

I start to mutter my, "That'd be lovely! Thanks!!!!"

Before I can even get the first syllable in he says,

"oh. just kidding. nope. not happening".

..............................................................

So. I got stuck with an ugly black phone with a clear case that doesnt cover up any of its darkness.

Then.. I discovered this really cool thing.

It's called, cut scrap book paper and put it behind the case to make it a little more pretty.

It's not the same.. but on the bright side it's interchangeable, and that makes the sting a little better.

Oh, how life changes

So many emotions!! I literally.. cannot.. hold.. STILL!! I'm so happy right now!:)

Today was such a spiritual day... I wish I felt comfortable sharing more. But my testimony has grown so much. It's amazing what giving up a little bit of what you want ends up giving you in return.

I went to a wedding reception on Saturday. Let's just say, that was a pretty dangerous thing for me to do. With my recent obsession with them, it just intensified!! I want to get married SO BAD. Err... I want a wedding, the guy can wait ;). I was literally skipping up and down the roads and twirling, I was so full of happiness. There was a little girl who was untying the bows on the back of chairs and I went and fixed them, it made me so joyful, I think I want to look into a job of helping out caterers, that'd pretty much be perfect!! I'd just be pretty hyper all the time;).

Then after church today I sat down and talked weddings and old love stories with my grandma, I was in HEAVEN! So much fun for me to listen to. I love her so much, and the stories made my heart swell. I love these kinds of things!! Plus I had a homemade ice cream sandwich, yum:D.

I also love making these little creations...

I also got to play piano for an hour, how I love that little (big?) instrument!! It gives peace to my soul. And I sang, even though it hurts!

Oh!! Wanna see what I did? $0.00!! Wahoo!!

Does this make sense to you?? This is just my life lately, weddings, coupons, ice cream.. all I can think about.. and not much other than that..

There's so much trial and hardship going on right now but,

I LOVE LIFE!!:)

So I Don't Get Discouraged

Lots has been going on lately.. Mostly regarding my health. Let's just say...it'll be a glorious day when this is over. For now, here's a story I really like. It's from "Living the Book of Mormon"

"Elder Hugh B. Brown and two other officers entered the city of Arras while it was under siege. The city had been evacuated, and Elder Brown thought that no one was in the city. He described what they found when they entered a cathedral:

"There we found a little woman kneeling at an alter. We paused, respecting her
devotion. Then shortly she arose, wrapped her little shawl around her frail shoulders, and came tottering down the aisle. The man among us who could speak better French said, "Are you in
trouble?" She straightened her shoulders, pulled in her chin, and said, "No, I'm not in trouble. I was in trouble when I came here, but I've left it there at the altar." "And what was your trouble?"
She said, "I received word this morning that my fifth son has given his life for France. Their father went first, and then one by one all of them have gone. But," straightening again, "I have no trouble; I've left it there because I believe in the immortality of the soul. I believe that men will live after death. I know I shall meet my loved ones again." "

She lost 6 members of her family...all of her family...yet she was okay because she dropped off her troubles and had faith. What an amazing testimony. I definitely don't have troubles like this going on in my life. And I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for me and there's a reason why I'm sick and in the end it'll all be for my benefit. Because, that's the way it always is :).

Arent you proud? Another post!

Disclaimer:
This was written in approxiately 3 minutes. It probably makes no sense.

Holy Guacamole!
Yesterday was a busy day. I had a pageant workshop I had to be at by 10, then I went home, grabbed my stuff and hung out with my friends at the park, then I went to a friend's house, then went home, grabbed my karaoke machine, and went and did service at the church and got home at 9, when I could finally eat for the day.
I feel like I never slow down!
I'm doing the pageant though, and that's going to take a lot of time. Especially towards my talent, a 2 1/2 minute memorized song (and I'm quickly realizing, the opening number).
I had a lot of fun with my friends. There were a lot of us there, so we all split up and ended up leaving different places from the park, but it was still fun! I did get hit in the head with a frisbee...ouch! My eyes went black and I felt so dizzy. Everyone said my head looked normal so I put my bangs back down and carried on. When I went to the church I had pulled my bangs back and when I passed a mirror I noticed a huge thing underneath my eyebrow....a pretty little gash. Quite honestly, it looks like a nasty picked at zit....lovely. Thank heavens for bangs!
This week (weak may be more appropriate) I tripped and twisted my ankle, bumped my knee and got a big bruise, was so sick I couldnt walk, got hit in the head with a frisbee, got sunburned, I'm feeling so beat up! :)
We also set off the firealarms at our fundraiser event at the church....too much fog going in that fog machine! The doors all shut at once and this voice came on saying "danger, leave the building" etc etc. It seemed so official and over dramatic :).
Anyways, I must go finish my valentines! I've been working on them all day. Can I ever have a breather? ;)
Have a fantastic day/week/month....however long it takes me to get back on here.




just kidding.
Have a good week...we'll shoot for that :)

Quick Tags, Simple Post

Want a quick recap? :)

January
First date, first prom, dresses, dinners, cheesecake, corsages, new makeup, high heels, dancing, slippery floors, pictures, late night, ice cream, pictionary. lip gloss missing left and right, small pockets, lockers being broken into, sadness, karaoke friday, first night, COLD, fireworks, happiness, laughing, friends, callings, singing.

December
Christmas, laptop, mouse, accesories, 2 week vacay, parties, love, gifts, 'sitting', madrigals choir trip, salt lake, cousins, coughing spell, losing voice, being in the presence of those who met the prophet, carriage rides, new blanket, boots, gloves, scarf, finished The Book of Mormon.

November
BIRTHDAY!, 16!, cell phone, cake, ice cream, homemade streamers, Peter Pan, closing night, Denny's, performances, late nights, Argh!, piano, matinees, stresssful times, slipping grades, cutting hair, Phantom of the Opera, Celeste visiting, new friends.

October
Daily play practice, final football game, UEA, 80's hair, ladybugs, crisp air, Halloween, stress keeping caught up, finished Doctrine and Covenants.

My friends complained of me being neglectant...and I really do miss it. I promise I post things in my head. I'm just too embarrassed to get on here and post things since the poor thing has been so forgotten. I wanted to do another resolutions post, and all that fun stuff. But obviously, that hasnt happened.
Life has just been so busy for me! Now that I have a phone people contact me and I go out and do a lot more than I ever have. High school life is definitely different than anything I've done before! I appreciate it so much though! What a fun time of life :)

The Quote of the Week :)

So, I'm sorry I havent been posting, busy busy times these are :)

I have a book, its called "A Young Women's Quote Book"

It's a pretty great book, one that all young women would benefit having. One of the quotes that stuck out to me this week was,

"Those who stand for nothing, fall for anything"

I pretty much love this quote. I have it written on my mirror to remind me every morning and I think about it through out the day to remind myself of who I am and what I should be doing. It's so important in these years to stand up for what I believe in because others may not. Also, I am representing a large group of people (LDS). Plus, I've not stood up for what I believe in before and I promise you, I feel it...the guilt and sorrow really kills.

I also need to discover now what I believe in and how to stand up for my values. I dont want to be a person who goes with the flow and floats through what they want. As I stand up for what I believe in I will not fall for wordly things and the way satan is trying to sway me. I dont want to be a person who doesnt have the courage to stand up for what they believe in and falls for anything someone suggests.

I challenge you all to make a change this week. Look for an opportunity to stand up for what you believe in. Whether its defending your family, helping someone who is lonely, or finding a missionary experience, we all can do this. As we each take another step towards being better in this area, it will become easier and more natural. People will look to you as a role model.

And remember, pray for help, dont do it alone!

When Life Knocks You Down

Two buckets were sitting on the edge of a well. One turned to the other
with mouth drooping down, "All I do is go down and come up and go down and come
up all day long. No matter how many times I come up full, I always go down
empty."
The other bucket gavea warm smile. "That's funny," she said. "I do
the same thing. All I do is go down and come up and go down and come up all day
long. But no matter how many times I go down empty, I always come up full"
-Bits and Pieces.

I've been thinking about this and I just thought it was a funny coinicidence that I found this story. I hope that everyone will remember this...I know a couple of people that I should share it with. Remember that with every trial there is a learning experience and it will all work out for the better and we will all be made such better people through all of it. God will only give you as much as you can handle and you just have to turn yourself to him and trust that He will know where that line is. I look back at situations where I thought I'd rather die than go through with what He was putting me through, and those situations are where I have had my life changing growing points that have made all my good qualities today. So if you are ever down just remember, every time you go down you must come up. And when you are up be prepared so that next time you go down it wont be so hard, and you can remember that in due time you'll be up again, and have another chance to prepare.

This Month

This week has been really hard for me. I have all the reasons to be happy right in front of my face, but for some reason, I can't grasp it and I can't be happy. It's so disappointing, since I just don't know why in the world it won't *click* and I will be happy.
A couple of things happened this week that had me down...most too personal to share here. Just know it has to do with family. To top it off I haven't been able to talk to Celeste, and the two seconds that I got with her last night were cut short....I was pretty frustrated. So I wrote my friend a much needed note. We usually write each other notes when we need a place to record a journal like entry, but need someone to read it and I thought it was the perfect opportunity. I thought that would be all I needed, just someone to see my pain. But then my mom came into my room and it all just fell apart.

I couldnt stand holding this burden by myself any longer and I told her how I just can't find happiness. I told her how despite the hardships of the past month I had been able to be happy and now its vacant. I have been disappointed by certain people in my life the past week and I told her all about them and how its just not right at this moment. Everything that can is going wrong and it has no reason to! I see and can count all of my blessings and I would dare say I am one of the most blessed in the world. This is a little awkward balance of the scales. But my mom knew exactly what to say and it made complete sense.

I have a set date for my patriarchal blessing. Because the patriarch was hurt, I have to wait six weeks from my interview date before I can get it. Getting this blessing is a huge step in spiritual maturity, a step Satan would hate me to take....and he will do anything to stop me from getting it. She thinks getting the blessing is up there with going to the temple and going on missions. When people have those dates set, Satan is working his hardest in the days that lead up. She also explained that, while I should not take this in a conceited way or feel like I'm responsible for everyone, I have a lot of people who look up to me. I give a lot of people advice and help them through their day to day problems. I have siblings who I need to be an example to. If I allow something to bother or hurt me, people who are watching will see that even though I was strong before, I wasn't strong enough and that is a ripple effect that will hurt those secret people. Not that it's my fault, but satan knows how to work things. I need to let that inner happiness shine through so that they can see I know it's there and I can get through it. Afterwards, she let me read her patriarchal blessing. It was nice to be able to see what type of person she is in the eyes of God and see how mine will sort of be.

So, I have a feeling this next month is going to be challenging. I will get thrown whatever is possible at me; friends, school, feelings of not being good enough, whatever....Satan knows my weaknesses. I'm going to have to be strong and do everything possible to choose the right. I'm going to need to surround myself with good people, ways to spend my time, and spiritual encouragement. In the note to my friend I told her that I know I'm being whiny but I'm going to need her help this month to be patient and encouraging. I hope that everyone will be understanding, and I also hope that I don't use it as an excuse. I can't wait until I prove to Satan I am prepared, I am ready, and I've got a solid testimony. Getting that blessing and getting through these months will make me such a better person, a person more prepared to be with her Heavenly Father.

I ended my night by getting a priesthood blessing. The blessing was nice and I hope it gives me the boost I need. Afterwards I knelt down and just pondered while I prayed. It's the most sincere prayer I've said in months. This morning I felt happy, joyous even. My heart was light and I felt peace. I know that this month will be very difficult, but I'm ready.

If you don't have anything nice.....

Some people were mean this week.
I noticed lots of disapproving glances.
One person told me "Your hair is greasy"
Another person told me that I needed to "humble myself"
One exclaimed to another girl "Why are you wearing that? You wear that ALL the time"
And another person seemed to find fault in everyone around her.

But there are some that were so very kind
One girl said to me "Kaitlyn, your eyes are soo pretty, they are my favorite shade of blue"
Another said, "Kaitlyn, I love how you randomly smile. Its so pretty and makes me smile"
I got countless compliments on my jackets this week.
And quite a few on my new hairstyle.
And during seminary a girl (who sits two rows over to my left) came up to me after class and said "you have such a beautiful voice, thanks for singing"

Those really made my day.

One does not know (okay maybe they do) the power a comment from your peers (or family, strangers, etc) can have. The compliment made me smile and it made me want to compliment others back. It made me want to make the world a happier place, one radiant smile at a time. The negative comments I heard made me miserable. It made me self consious and wonder what others were saying about me, and just not mean enough (or too scared) to say to my face.

The kind people are people I need to look up to. They are such good examples of positive feedback. I love seeing their cheerful attitudes and grateful outlook on life. I love seeing their light and example of Christ coming from within. And have you noticed, these people are SOO much prettier than those who sit there and complain all day about others?

It is REALLY hard for me to give a compliment. I'll tell my friends "Hey, she looks cute today" or even think in my head what a great person she is. And there's hardly an hour that goes by that one of these thoughts don't cross my mind. But I rarely if ever (1/1,000) tell it to the persons face. It's just really hard for me to approach someone to tell them that. Everyday I go to bed guilty of not expressing the positive attributes of those I see, and deserve to hear how great they are.

So I think that's going to be my goal for awhile. Speak less negative and recognize the beauty of God's creations.

Today....

Today I discovered that a lot of my Idaho friends have blogs! It made me happy. Granted, they haven't posted for weeks some of them months and some only once, but they are there and I will make them start blogging more! Just kidding. But it made me feel less weird I guess about having one myself.
Today I am in a laughy mood. I am laughing at everything. I saw some pictures of my Idaho Trip 2007 and we were all so young. I also saw people in pictures that I had met before and not even realized. It was hilarious. I was laughing out loud, my family must think I am crazy. I'm afraid if I see anybody today they may think I'm crazy. I would laugh at everything and probably roll on the floor.
Today I am missing my friends from Idaho. I miss (in no particular order) CC, Robert, Cammy, Richard, Lexi, Amanda, Taylor, Timothy, Adrian, Sarah, Becky, Kathryn, Brynn, Nicole, Elonna, Eliza, Bryan, Sheldon, Garet, Bret, Brianna, Madi, Hannah, Duke, Joseph, Blake, I'm missing someone and I'm sorry. They all aren't my friends, but they are people who I wish I could've created friendships with and I didn't, so therefore I'm missing them. It was fun creating friendships with most of CC's friends. Now the hardest part is not seeing them. I want to hang out with them or at least see them randomly but with being 12 hours apart, things are a little difficult.
Today, I'm thinking about school. I want to go to Idaho for school this year of course, but also I want to take some of the classes I need to here and I want to be challenged for once with my honors classes starting too. I dont know. I guess whatever happens, will happen for a reason. School is starting soon and I'm also thinking about school clothes and supplies. What I want to start off with and such. It's also fun thinking about it with no money!
Today, I am relaxing. I didn't put my contacts in, I didn't put makeup on, I threw my hair in a pony tail, and I am happy.
Today, is just another day.

The Simple Things

Yesterday I put some shoes on Ande and we headed out. She wanted to walk too so I let her hold my hand. Immediately she had a favorite hand and finger. My ring finger, on my left hand.

I loved walking and listening to her gibberish, pretending I knew what she was talking about. I loved seeing her face light up as she looked into the sky and saw bats. When I explained to her what they were she copied me "at at ats". I loved her smile as she occasionally looked up at me. The warmth of my heart as she said "thank you" with the smiles. I loved the expression on her face as she saw a flower and raced over to smell it. How she lifted her hands ever so carefully to pull it to her face, but not hard enough to break it off the stem.

I loved how every time she heard a dog her hand would go to her mouth in shock, she would look at me, then "woof". She would then look around saying "oggy, oggy, oggy". I loved the air that was just perfect. Like there was no temperature perfect. I laughed as I smelled the manure smell from the farm up the road that I have grown up with. I loved feeling the warmth of her hand on my finger as I realized we were going far for a little girl on foot. But the lovingness I felt when I went to pick her up and carry her home and she said "No, No". As we turned around to head back around the block she cried. But realized, we got to see everything we had seen before again. How happy I was that we got to see it all again!

And the tears that came to surface when she saw our house a block down and she started crying and trying to turn around while saying, "No, home please, NO NOO!"