My future husband . . . part 2

I know it seems like marriage is on the mind lately but really it's not. I just keep finding things that make me think of the type of person I want to marry (and therefore the type of person I would like to become).

Click -->here<-- to see the video that just made my week. No, scratch that -- life.

Moral of the story: I want to take care of myself and keep developing my talents so that this can be my husband and me after 62 years of marriage. Heck, I want this to be my husband and me forever! Enjoy.

My future husband

Today as I was walking from my last class to go to work again, I saw a woman with her husband, who was pushing a stroller with their crying baby inside. The father tried everything from baby talk to changing the pace of his pushing the stroller, but to no avail. That was one cold, unhappy baby. But then he started skipping and singing (I wish I could remember which song, but I don't) in a really silly voice. The baby still cried, but it was so much fun to see the happiness and laughter spread to everyone walking in the opposite direction. I've pretty much been smiling ever since then. That's when I realized how important it will be to me that my husband be just as silly, happy, and willing to sing and dance in public as I am. So all you men who take yourselves too seriously, go find yourself another woman. KthanksIstillloveyoubutbye.

New goal

So I've decided (at an inopportune moment, when I am trying to save every cent possible) that I want to learn to play the harmonica. Like, REALLY play the harmonica.

Any donations to the "get Katelyn a semi-nice harmonica" fund are appreciated.

I'll keep you updated on the progress.

In other news, I have just spent today mostly enjoying the last day off of school until April. Prayers are also appreciated. I'm in for the long haul now!

Also, belated happy Valentine's Day! Once I can get hold of some pictures, I'll have to post them. Until then, let's just say "chocolate on face = fantastic." Seriously.

As a final note on this post, I would just like to suggest that you never suppress a kind thought. Several times within the past couple of weeks, my day has been turned around just from something nice that someone has said to me. Always remember to tell people how much you appreciate and admire them. Tell people when you think they're beautiful or handsome or doing a great job at whatever it is they're doing. You can be the Lord's hands to lift and comfort in times of sadness or despair, and a kind word may be all it takes.

Here I am, my second post in a day. Maybe I should do homework. Maybe not.

Anyway, I am going to write a little bit today about something that has been on my mind quite a lot lately.

I have a fourteen year old cousin named Kayla. Kayla has always been one of the sweetest people I know. I remember when she was born, and it has just been a huge blessing (not to mention really fun) to have grown up with her all this time. We got to be in Young Women together, with a couple of fun years at girls’ camp and many a game of puffy poo at family reunions and such. Also, I always felt like she thought I was cool, which always helps a person’s case with me.

Anyway, Kayla and her family are very special to me and I just love that girl so much. Recently, we found out that Kayla had ovarian cancer. It was a huge shock, because she has always been so healthy and had no signs of being sick. As far as I know she was just in for a routine check-up when the doctor advised them to go see an oncologist and they quickly removed the tumor. 19 cm. 19 cm of a very rare type of ovarian cancer. There was no sign that the cancer spread, but because of the size of the treatment and the unpredictability of these types of cancer cells, they have recommended chemotherapy to assure that any cancer cells that may be lurking around are eliminated. She starts treatment this Friday.

From what I hear and what I saw when I was home, Kayla is handling this beautifully. When she first found out she’d be getting chemo, she put her facebook status as, “Kayla gets to start looking for some flippin’ sweet hats.” That is typical sunshiny Kayla! But it has been (and will continue to be) an emotional journey for all of us. But I have faith that it will also be a spiritual journey, bringing her and her family, as well as our extended family and friends, closer to each other and closer to God. The Young Women and Relief Society in our home ward are organizing a hat shower, where we can bring her hats, scarves, earrings, etc. The Young Women, along with Mama, Grandma, and probably many others, are also doing a sort of friendship bracelet thing, where we will have six bracelets (one for each of the chemotherapy treatments Kayla will have) beginning on our left hands. As she completes each treatment, we will move one bracelet to our right hands. Hopefully Kayla knows that, though we cannot truly understand what she is going through, we are also looking forward to the day when she does not have to endure that again. That will be our little way of supporting her through this trying time.

If you know Kayla, and even if you don’t, please remember her and her family in your prayers. The Lord is and will continue taking care of them; of that much we are certain. Our Savior, too, has borne that burden, that pain, and that fear, and He will carry them through.

When I originally started this blog, I wanted it to focus on love. I wanted it to be a way for me to express gratitude for love, to acknowledge the power of love, through the evidences I’ve witnessed in my life. At some times more than others, my posts have lived up to that goal. But, I think as I have explained in a previous post, I realized that every time I write, there is some evidence of love. Whether I’m sharing a new recipe, telling a funny story (or at least one that I find funny), or even speaking ever-so-vaguely about a trial I am enduring, there is something to be said for love in there. With the recipes and funny stories, I am able to recognize that my Father in Heaven has blessed me with so many things, not excluding nourishment, chocolate, and even small but significant reasons to smile. And He does so because He loves me! With the trials and hardships, I’m usually able, by the end of my writing, to recognize that God is in control and that He guides me through the rough time I’m having. And He does so because He loves me! I’ve written about strange dreams, high school memories, emotional freak-outs, my silly little quirks, weddings, scary dentist appointments, family, friends, finding my place in life. Heck, I've even blogged in my sleep. And I am able to write all of these things why? Because Heavenly Father loves me. He gave me my life, my body, my spirit, this gospel. He has given me countless things and people to love, and the means whereby I can feel and express that love. Through my writing this blog, as well as through other means, I know that Love is manifest in all things, and all things testify of Christ—of His and our Father’s perfect love.