my melissa.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my beautiful stepmom Melissa? Because I do. In fact, I even hate the term stepmom. She is my Lissy Mom. She has loved Kylee and I as her very own for the twenty years that she has been married to my dad. She is truly incredible. 

Unfortunately Heavenly Father gives us trials, I feel like the biggest ones come when we least expect them. Melissa, my darling Lissy Mom, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is spreading quickly and everything is happening in such a blur that it's hard to describe the emotions that are coming and going and causing me to crumble into a pile of tears in mere seconds. I hate thinking of the pain that she is going through, the fear she is feeling, the bravery she has to summon each and every day... 

I know Melissa will get through this. She is a strong woman. I just ask for prayers. Prayers for the doctors to be able to best diagnose what she needs, for the family to remain strong and confident during this crazy time, for Melissa to feel calm and blessed. There is a big mountain that still needs to be climbed, but as my dad said, we'll all get to the top and the view will be amazing and even more appreciated. 

Lis, I love you. We're all rooting for you! 

things you need to know about right this second

The title pretty much sums it up. I am doing you a kindness here. Please go find all things I am going to show you and love them as much as I do.

Let's talk for just a second about how much I adore this video. The first time I watched it I was like "whaaaa?" because hi, that's Rupert Grint and I was slightly confused but now when I watch/listen to it I just bask in the amazingness of Ed. Love him. Love this song. Also, why are British gingers so cute?

yes, I realize this is super "hipster" but I am madly deeply truly in love with this song. I listen to it maybe 50 times a day. There is a radio station here that I like (which is a big deal, I usually hate the radio) and they play lots of local music & this is a mainstay. Go Colorado for having such amazing music. And this video? Yes, hipster. Yes, kind of annoying that you can see a guy in the mirror wearing a cowboy hat. But dude, that girl? Presh! And the look she gives the main singer before they start singing is just ridiculously cute.

Again, suuuper hipster but it makes me want to drive around singing all cheesy like I'm in a music video. Love it. 

Now, I guess that's enough music but there are a couple other things I'm in love with right now. Liiike...

Strawberry Watermelon Mio. Or any other flavor of Mio. Soooo much better for me than soda & it keeps me drinking tons of agua! 

This quote is amazing. And a good reminder for me to take life one step at a time.

Instagram is magical! I couldn't wait for it to be on Android & now I can take vintage-y photos on my phone to my heart's content! Find me on there! username: thelittlemartin (a nod to my nickname given to me by our cousin Ben, since all the Martins are pretty large creatures. Not me being weird.)

April 2012 General Conference talks online. Especially this one.

And last, but DEFINITELY not least. The most exciting news... at least until it's my turn. 

My first niece or nephew on my side of the family! (it's toootally going to be a boy, I just know it is) I am so excited for Kylee & Michael! They are going to be such amazing, loving parents! I can't wait to see what the little booger looks like and be able to spoil him rotten and all of the fun aunt stuff I will be entitled to! Due Halloween!