A Nose Job, a Homecoming, a Blonde, and a Present

Well... it's been a while since I posted an update on my boring life. Let's go back a while... 

I didn't really get a nose job, but it got you to click on this huh! I'm so clever. This will be a long post, but don't give up! if anything, skip to the end about my present from Trace. Anyway! 

As many of you know, I have a hard time breathing through my nose... I've suffered much turmoil because of this in my life. "I can hear you breathing upstairs!" "What's up Darth?" anyway, something had to be done. Well good news, there's a surgery for that. I don't even know what they did, but suposedly I"m supposed to be breathing like never before in 3 more weeks. (Ish)

Luckily, I made it without anyone taking pictures of me... but I laid on the couch for a week with a lot of water and drugs. I slept every 2 hours for about 2 hours. and the day I took this picture was the craziest because I was dumb enough to drink diet coke (caffeine) while taking lortab (which puts me to sleep...) needless to say my body was asleep but my mind was wide awake. very bizzare. 

So I spent one week on Lortab, and the next week with my head spinning. But now I'm doing much better. Hoping to see results and start exercising again in a few weeks. 

Next! My best friend since 7th grade is HOME! It's so nice. Lexi is very blessed, because he sure did grow up over the last 2 years. It's very impressive. (and makes me so excited to see what's gonna happen to a certain someone) Caleb was such a trooper, he has a back disease called Scheurermann's disease, so his bones are softish. He had fractured 3 vertebra in his spine and finished his mission strong, only seeing a doctor about it 3 months before his release date. He's doing alright with that. But prayers for him would be great. 

He gave the greatest homecoming talk. We are grateful to have him home safe! 

Next! I'm me again! In case (for some weird reason...) you missed it, I'm a blonde. Mom paid for it and I'm used to it again. Sometimes I still wish it was brown but I can deal with looking younger again. 

Last but not least, I finally got my Christmas present from Elder Rodgerson. (give the kid a break, he's focusing on the work! Thank heavens)

So I open t the package and first get very excited about some English Chocolate :)

But, then I got even more excited about this...

Trace's mini book of mormon that he's been marking for a year. he marked all the verses that taught him something about Christ. Then he wrote them ALL down in the back in the tiniest little writing I've ever seen. (not surprising coming from him) Anyway, I can't wait to study it. He included his testimony on the inside of the cover...

Katelin,

Thank you for instilling in me a love for the Book of Mormon. Your example has led me to understand that scripture study in a patterned way, opens the doors of revelation. My life has been changed by these Scriptures and I wanted you to have this special copy i have prepared. I'm sad to give it up! I have read from its pages to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ. No where else is his mission so well understood and recorded than by the writings of the prophets of the Book of Mormon. I have questioned the origin of this book and can find no other explanation than the one given by Joseph Smith in the precursor to the translation. He truly is a prophet of the Lord, with all the same powers and keys as the man found in this book. By his translation, I have been convinced that "Jesus is the Christ, the eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations." In this book I have read the expectation of me as a child of God: perfection. A standard that I cannot amount to on my own, but the Book of Mormon has taught me "that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ." I have come to understand that his grace is sufficient for my weaknesses. Because he was "wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastenment of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." I, like a sheep, have gone astray. I have turned to my own way and God has laid on Him my iniquities. Daily I strengthen my faith in Christ so that I might obtain a brighter hope of rest to my soul in his kingdom eternally. To be found one day holy and without spot. The Book of Mormon is true. I know it by the power of the HOly Ghost. These things happened. These are real men who gave everything for this great cause, I am in debt for the sacrifices they have made. Right now I feel my Saviour near.

to understand how small his writing is... you should probably see this:

that's the index... it's ridiculously small... 

All in all, it's been a good month. I read hunger games, I saw hunger games. I got a raise. I signed up for some classes in spring, I'm figuring it out. One prayer at a time. 

Best Friends.

Today, I bore my testimony and included this little example that I wanted documented.

I love having good relationships with people, and because of this, I have a lot of best friends. Some would say, oh so you just have a lot of friends? No, when I talk about them, there is no other way to refer to them. They are each my best friend. Let me take a moment to introduce them.

Let's start with someone you all know...

Ah yes, the love of my life. Mr. Trace Ashton Elder Rodgerson. You all know our story, so I won't bore you. But he is my best friend. I have no reservations around him. I can be me and that's it. And belive it or not, he likes that!


My other boy best friend...
Caleb George Elder Bills

Oh boy. Let me just start with... HE GETS HOME IN 8 DAYS!!!!!! I can absolutely not contain my excitement. Kee-ub and I go way back. We were madly in love in the seventh grade. ;) Our relationship consisted of msn messenger mostly. But, that sure brought us together later. We have been through it all, middle school, high school, some college before he ditched me for Brazil. He has always been strong in the gospel and the greatest example to me. 

Next, Miss Cyndi Anne Crawford.

Cyndi and I became friends through Caleb actually. He knew her from school or something... so she hung out in "the circle" with us. Literally, we would all hang out in Caleb and Ashley and Ty's circle, all the time. Cynd has been with me through those wonderfully awful high school years, we were roommates our first year of college, and now she's off teaching English in China!!

Through Cyndi, I had the blessing of meeting Emelia Karina Sines (soon to be Mrs. Brent Erickson)

Mills and I have a really great relationship. We have always just clicked. We didn't have a lot in common at first except dance company, but we can just talk. Or we can be silent. And it's perfect. We understand each other really well and she always gives the greatest advice. I'm so happy that she has found the man of her dreams and that she gets to be with him for eternity. He is truly a blessing in her life and mine!

Meet Jonny. He doesn't get a full name cuz he's just Jonny to everyone. :)

Jonny was my first date to a dance and he looks like Johnny Depp now which is cool... ha anyway. Jonny and I go back to middle school as well! We have always just been in the same group of friends. But, that means we know EVERYTHING about each other. We have grown closer and closer and I am very grateful to have him around. Luckily, we both live at home so I always know he's there if I need someone. Also, he was my date to The Vow on Valentine's day, so thanks for that bud. 

Almost last, but not least... Thanks to Caleb I met this gem. 

Lexi Marie Childs is my rock. She's younger than me, but I swear she is older sometimes... :) She just glows with the light of Christ. Even though she lives in Logan, our daily phone calls are what keep me going sometimes. We look out for each other and we just get each other. We are VERY similar (sometimes it's freaky) and I can't wait for her to be able to be with her lover in 8 days!!! 

Okay the last ones don't really connect to the previous, that's why they're last. 

I miss Kelly Joy and Emily Sue (Soon to be Mrs. Soren Barker) SO MUCH! They were just the roommates I needed when I lived in Florida. At first we all thought there was no way we would be friends. But, our constant communication now, being a home a year, definitely proves that wrong. These girls are the most optimistic and brilliant girls I know. They act, they sing, they cook, they clean! They truly are amazing, and Emily Sue is going to make one amazing wife. 

So! Last weekend... I was so depressed because none of my Best Friends were available to talk to me. Then something hit me like a ton of bricks. I have 2 best friends that will ALWAYS be available. Rain or Shine, no matter where on the earth I am, no matter what. 

It literally knocked me to my knees and I apologized for not coming to my Father in Heaven first! I'm so grateful that I can have a relationship with them. I'm grateful for all my relationships, but I know that no matter what happens, no matter who enters or exits my life, I will always have my Heavenly Father and my Brother, Jesus Christ. 

Sometimes I'm funny.

Doesn't this look like something viral? Nope. I made it. I've always seen it and I found the perfect picture.





This however is viral and I love it...




Also this kid is doing better than ever.






"I don't know what has happened to me but I feel like someone has lit a fire under me. It's the funniest thing, I have been praying and praying for strength and help and one day i wake up and i have this fresh view about everything. I feel an even stronger desire to be the best servant I can and it's not even difficult I feel as though I have found these rough spots that I didn't know were there and have just done away with them. What an incredible thing it has been. I feel so invigorated and urgent. I feel as though the conduit with heaven has been opened wider and is without restraint as it has been before with me. "

Sunday Night Blues

Trace and I used to always joke about the Sunday night blues. Sunday nights were our thing! We would play games, watch movies, have really good talks, etc.. Then I moved to Provo and thus began 3 long years of Sunday night blues. I think that's why Sunday is usually the day I visit his family. Anyway, it's been easier lately. Probably because Sunday's are super busy. Anyway! Here's what I've been up to.

This is Elder Tony Holman. He and trace are the best of friends. They were each other's favorite companion. Very bromantic. (see what I did there??) anyway. He is home! And from pleasant grove. So of course we had him over to dinner! (@ Rodgersons) it was so fun to hear all his stories!



I tried to think of a late Christmas present for trace that wouldn't be too lovey dovey or distracting. So! I just finished the Book of Mormon on Christmas day and the whole time I was reading, I was keeping a study journal. Well this journal became the evidence of much spiritual growth happenin up in herr. So I copied the whole thing and shipped it off to Angland. Cute right?



For work, if we reach our monthly production goal, we get to go out and do a "team-building activity". For December, we went up to Park City and went tubing! It was really nice weather which allowed for a good time to be had by all. Then we went to a yummy Mexican restaurant and, get this, I ate food. Like a normal person. Salsa, peppers, sour cream, the works! I'm so proud.



Cute Eastie got to come to my work. He literally has perfect teeth. So that was fun.



Then I road tripped with these grumps.


So we could wrap Collette up and drop her off on the doorstep at shaylee's party. So worth it. So cute.


Then I colored this picture. Sometimes you just gotta color.



Then we came home and Lexi and I saw Beauty and the Beast in 3D! It was so magical. Highly recommend it.



Today Emelia's little bro, Noble, gave his farewell talk. It was an amazing talk on the atonement. He talked about how the lord was always willing. Some of the only recorded words in the premortal existence were "here I am, send me" then on earth, he was found "doing his father's business" and among his last words, "thy will be done". Makes ya think... How willing am I?



Last, but not least. I'm stayin up on my mission prep. I'm taking 2 mission prep classes and 1 book of mormon institute class. trace gets home the day after my birthday... Hmmm. I will just keep prayin.

2 lines from hymns that keep me going:
Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see the distant scene, one step enough for me.

In every change, he faithful will remain.




Until next time.

I could use a GPS right about now...

You know on your GPS when you're headed in the right direction and all of a sudden you miss a turn, or something changes and for a minute or two it just says "recalculating..."? If I wanted to follow the metaphorical formatting style of my sister, I'd just leave it at that. But, I love to explain myself.

So! A year ago... I had a very cool experience leaving me sure that I was supposed to serve a mission. (I had to write a paper... yada yada yada... long story) Since then I've been trying to make a choice. You know, because choices have to be made a year in advance these days! NOT! Just in my world. I like to know what I'm doing a year from now. Wellp. Turns out no one gets that kind of luxury. So I was set on going on a mission. I took Trace out of the picture (in my head... for a month or so) and that made my choice easy! But then I realized, he's totally in the picture. However he's not so much in the picture that I can plan on marrying him or anything. So it's all come down to this...

I can't make a choice right now. But, I can prepare. And I can prepare myself to receive guidance and revelation. That means I have be on my A game! All the time. I've shaped up my music choices. I've upped my scripture intake. And I've most definitely increased communication with my Heavenly Father.

Sometimes I feel like I'm living in limbo... and when people ask about a mission or about Trace I can honestly say "I don't know..." It's bizarre. I'm not used to it. I'm used to telling people exactly what I'm doing and what my plan is. But for the first time, I don't have one.

So here are my resolutions:

1. Don't Freak Out Over The Little Things
2. Be Supportive Not Distracting To Elder Rodgerson
3. Study My Scriptures. Don't Just Read.
4. Don't Get Fat.

Happy New Year. I promise to post more as well.

Chapter 10: See ya in 2?

Eventually I got used to her being in Florida, we were in contact pretty much all the time and that meant lots of phone calls with Katelin telling me absolutely everything about everything and of course, more Skype dates. My day to leave for my mission was the 9^th of September and the day drew nigh. Even up until the day I left she was my support. The night before I left on my mission, we had a final phone call. It wasn’t a Skype date because I don’t think I could have handled that. It was a pretty good call, relatively normal, considering the circumstances. I don’t remember much of the conversation but I said goodbye to her and went to sleep. I believe the next morning I may have sent her a text message or two but after that, I turned off my phone and I was on my way to the airport. I did surprisingly well for the coming days. I powered through the homesickness I felt and I moved on past the first bit of my missionary service with Katelin behind me the whole way.

This is our history as I can remember up to now. Excuse me if I have left out any significant details or events. As you can see, this woman had an extremely profound affect on me. Even to this day, I communicate with her often and think about her daily. Even to this day, I still look up to her example. The first time I met Katelin I had no idea it would turn into such a life changing relationship, but here I am now, looking back, and I stand in amazement and gratitude for what she has done for me. She pulled me out of the darkest hole I’ve ever found myself in  and has shown me the way towards the light of the gospel. She has been the one I can always rely on, always confide in, and one who will always make me smile. I thank my father in heaven for loving me enough to send Katelin Joan Cook into my life. I hope that by my actions, I have shown her that I do love her for who she is. And to Katelin, I would say, thank you and I love you. 

So! it's over. That was a trip right?! Well, I love this kid. I love him a lot. We've both changed a LOT in the last 16 months, but every guy I go out with still leaves me wanting that 6'5'' dream I used to date... Anyway. Now I can go back to blogging about myself... and you can all stop reading it! Haha. Anyway, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

Chapter 9: Hello and Goodbye

I was going to stay in Nebraska until the end of July, but Katelin was due to leave to Florida for work on the 17^th of August. So, that would have left us only a little over two weeks together. I got my ticket home for the 3^rd of July and set off for Omaha from Lincoln early in the morning. I took an extremely large amount of time that morning getting ready because I was seeing my long lost love again. I had butterflies in my stomach from the time I woke up that morning and the feeling only got worse when I landed in Salt Lake City after a short plane journey. By the time I was leaving the terminal down to baggage claim, my heart was racing. I was trying to play it cool, but I was freaking out on the inside. Knowing Katelin, it was probably worse for her. She had probably been at the airport since I left Nebraska. Nevertheless, she was waiting just outside in her father’s pathfinder. I walked out the doors and saw her a ways off. She immediately jumped out of the car, ran around the side and, on her tippy toes as she always did, kissed me and gave me the best hug I had in a long time. It was hard to find the words to say to her. I just loved her so much, it didn’t help that she looked absolutely stunning as well.  I could tell you what she was wearing but I don’t want to seem too girly. We finally got my bags into the car and driving way, just like Katelin would later explain, it was like I never left.

Sugarhouse Park for fireworks!

From the airport we went straight to Sugarhouse Park for a fireworks celebration. We met my family and my grandparents and aunt at the park. It was one of best nights of my life.  It was a proper 4^th of July festival. It was so good to be in the warm night sitting on a blanket on the grass with all of my loved ones around, I had missed them all so much. Katelin was part of the family by this point in our relationship. She always fit in quite nicely. The fireworks show was great but not nearly as great as being with Katelin again. We drove home together as well. Ha, I mean I drove her car home with her because there was so much traffic, we parked in the car park of Shopko and it took us ages to get out of it.

He may have said I looked stunning... but he didn't mention the mustache. Quick shout out to Desi... a little waxing gone wrong left me with a scab on my lip. Yeah... welcome home dear. I have a stache. 

Life went pretty much back to normal after I came home. I didn’t have school or work for a few weeks so I was really available for Katelin. I missed summers with Katelin. So it was excellent to be back again. I think I needed to have her absent to appreciate her even more because I wanted to be with her 24 hours a day. This was the summer that mike came home from his mission. Katelin and I weren’t dating when he left so I think it took a little bit of getting used to for him. It was good to have him back though. I got to spend quite a bit of time with her family as well that summer. Her family is so fun to be around, just because they are all the nicest people in the world. I had the chance to go boating to Utah Lake and learn how to water-ski, quite the triumph, I know.

Flattering boating picture. 

Layin on the trampoline watching Dad do fireworks. 

Feeding the duckies. 

I really loved that summer. Katelin and I were really at a high point together. We had been through so many things together and we were still on top. I love Katelin for how loyal she is. It sounds funny coming from the man’s perspective but she always made me feel so special. I always knew that she loved me and I always came first and I really noticed it that summer. It slowly winded down and Katelin was due to leave for work in Disney World in the middle of August. We spent one of our last nights together driving out to the desert making a campfire and looking at he stars. I enjoyed myself that evening, but I knew it was almost time to say goodbye. Our final night came and Katelin went home a bit earlier that evening to get some rest for her trip to Florida.  (The tears must have fogged his memory... I had a redeye flight, that's what I left for. Poor kid. haha) I walked her out to her car, kissed her goodbye for the final time and then sent her on her way. I immediately walked into the study in the dark and I absolutely lost it. I cried for close to a solid hour. Even Whitney was trying to calm me down but I was inconsolable. It was so hard having someone I loved and someone who was such a huge part of my life just leaving and knowing I would see her for two years. She meant everything to me, she still does, she had truly changed my life. In all honesty, I don’t’ think I could have made it though the years previous without her. 

Trip to Park City

Alpine Slidin

My surprise birthday/goodbye party. He is sporting his favorite shirt that I BOUGHT HIM, that my current teddy bear also sports. awww. 

missionary pictures :)

and our last picture together. Thanks squints.