2009 in Photos

If you are one of my regular blog readers, then most if this is not new to you. But, I thought it'd be fun to take a look at my year- visually. Of course, this doesn't encompass everything from the year, but it's a glace at things I've done. I take a lot of pictures, and obviously, I document each month (not really on purpose). So, enjoy! It's been a fun year with lots of family and friends!


JANUARY: Returned home from my mission.


FEBRUARY: Visited Rexburg (pictured above), applied to BYU-I, got accepted. Visited family in AZ for the first time. Loved the warm weather.


MARCH: Reunited with MTC Comps. Moved to Rexburg! (there was still snow there, of course).


APRIL: Turned 23; had a party.

MAY: Attended Kelley and Bryan's reception in Utah.

JUNE: Visited the Sand dunes.



JULY: Continued to enjoyed the Idaho summer, while attending school. Visited Monkey Rock with friends (not pictured). Also went to Las Vegas for a mission reunion.



AUGUST: Enjoyed a short break from school. Flew out to Connecticut to visit family. Also, went to the Ocquirrh Mtn. Temple open house.


SEPTEMBER: Started Fall semester at BYU-I and became a photographer for the school newspaper. Also, was present for my friend's engagement.


OCTOBER: General Conference. Mission Reunion. (Me pictured with an MTC comp).

NOVEMBER: Thanksgiving at home and more time in Rexburg (pictured here)


DECEMBER: Finished up my 2nd semester at BYU-I (me pictured here with a friend). Tried not to freeze to death in frigid cold temperatures. Spent fun times with family... my first Christmas at home since 2006.

What a fun year! So long 2009! Can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for me! :)

Merry Christmas!

(I realize it says I posted this on the 24th. That is when I started it. I finished it on the 25th though)

Relaxing on Christmas day!


We took family pictures the other night. That was fun! Here's the whole crew. We have a growing family!

Merry Christmas! This has been a wonderful one for me. Very busy, but great. This year, instead of giving eachother gifts, our family did a sub-for-santa. We divided everything up and each of us shopped for a different person. I had an 11-year-old girl. It was a bit challenging- I don't normally shop for that age, so I had to really figure out what an 11-year-old would like. But, it was really fun shopping for someone else. (I wish I had more money so I could shop for a lot of other people.) It was fun. Once everyone had the gifts, we all wrapped them up. Then, last night we set them on their doorstep. It filled the whole doorstep. It was great!

The dad of the family we did it for just lost his temporary job last week. They have six kids. We hid in some bushes as they came out. It was great. I felt so good. I really don't need anything for Christmas, but they did. Really bad. I'm glad they can have a great Christmas. This, for sure, tops all of my Christmases in the past.

Also fun for me this year was being able to be "Santa's helper." I've been gone on my mission the past two Christmases and now there are grandkids who are older who enjoy Christmas. My 5-year-old nephew was especially excited. It was fun to see everyone open their presents this morning.

What a busy month this has been for me! I realize it's so important to take a step back and soak everything in. It's sometimes hard to do, especially when you are really busy. But, it's so important. Christ should be at the center of our lives. It is His birth we are celebrating. There's a lot of symbolism in the gifts we give, etc.

I hope we will all remember our Savior and what He has done for us the whole year. Merry Christmas! Lots of love from me to you!

Done!

Well, I am probably one of the last BYU-Idahoites to finish their finals this semester. I had an online class and our deadline wasn't until today. I finally finished this afternoon. It's nice to be done for a couple of weeks... I start up two more online classes in January. (I must clarify. I have recently had a large amount of people assume that I am graduating soon for some reason. Maybe cause I'm getting "older." But, I still have about a year and a half of school left-- atleast.)

Funny thing- my worst grade this semester will be in my Old Testament class. I am getting a C. I couldn't be happier about that though. It was a REALLY hard class. Our grade was based off of quizzes every class period and a mid-term and final project. The quizzes were very hard. I always did the reading, but sometimes it was up to 6 chapters. I can't remember everything I read. So, when our teacher would ask random quiz questions, I had a hard time.

Anyway, I'm back in Utah now. My stuff is in boxes in my room. I've got to fix that soon as Traci, Gary and the kids will be here soon and will be staying in my room. Ryan, Aubrey and the kids get in tomorrow night. I am really excited. The kids are so fun to play with. I just love them sooooo much! I'm lucky I can spend time with them and don't have a job yet (even though I need one and I'm looking).

Tomorrow's adventure.... dun dun.... the real Singles' Ward. (As opposed to the student ward). Definitely should be interesting.

In the Christmas Spirit!

This cookie accidently turned out to have a sad face.

We have had a lot of snow up here. Look closely to see if you can spot the road and the temple!

Today has been a really good Sunday. Before church my roommates and I did "Christmas." We exchanged gifts with eachother.

Then we had church. It was really good. One speaker in Sacrament meeting talked about "The gifts the Lord has given us this year." I thought about that in my own life. I truly have been blessed by Him this year. In many ways it's been a hard year, but there are always blessings as well. I thought about just the fact that he has led me to where I need to be this whole year. I know I write about that all the time, but it is true. Just recently, I saw an ad for a job opening as a counter clerk at a drycleaner's here in Rexburg. As many of you know, I worked doing the same thing in Provo for a year and a half. So, I got kind of excited. I mean, I have "experience" doing this, so they'd probably hire me, right? I fixed up my resume and all, and I could hardly sleep the night before I was going to drop it off. All the while, however, I had these thoughts and feelings in the back of my mind that this was not right. I wondered if it was just me doubting myself. So, the next morning I woke up early. Since I have no car, I had to walk to the place. But, I could not find it. I searched and searched. I can't explain it, but I pretty much just knew this was not right. I have received the confirmation that I am supposed to move home and that's what I'm supposed to do.

I cannot tell you how many times I start going for something that would seem like a good thing for me in my life, and I want it really bad, but it turns out that's not what the Lord has in store.

In Relief Society we talked about the martyrdom of the prophet Joseph Smith. Towards the end of the lesson the teacher started talking about his mission in life. She then talked about ours- how we can discover it, etc. My patriarchal blessing actually spells mine out for me pretty clearly. But, the thing is, it is not currently happening in my life and it's something I really can't control too much. I got thinking though, and I thought about what I can do. I can prepare for what is to come in my life. This is something I am going to explore a bit more. I heard a quote by a general authority that I really liked. It says, "When the day of performance arrives, the day of preparation has passed." I guess I should feel blessed that my life mission is not unfolding just yet. I have more time to get ready.

After church we made sugar cookies as a Relief Society presidency. It was really fun. We then caroled and delivered them to the sisters in our society. I was really wanting to do something like this and am glad the thought popped in my head last week(even though it meant sacrificing a much needed sunday afternoon nap).

I then went to a "hot cocoa" party at a friend's place. It was nice to have something social going on. We then went caroling with some people from her ward. We went to some elderly people's homes. It was great.

So, anyway, I love doing "Christmasy" things. It's just really hard with school and all, but I'm glad I've been able to do a bit this season.

Latest Update

Wow, funny how I am posting more during finals than I normally do. (I think part of it has to do with the fact that I've been a home body this week- being sick and it being so darn cold that I don't want to go anywhere I don't have to)

I feel like I should become a meterologist or something- I am always checking the weather. In fact, today, as I was contemplating the coldness of Rexburg, Idaho, I had the thought, "I wonder why it is so cold (scientifically) in this small little town." Maybe one day I will research that on my own. For now I'm sticking with my major.

When I went to class today it was -13 degrees F. It is currently -8, but feels like -19, according to weather.com. Boy, I am glad to be getting out of this next week. Although, it's supposed to warm up to the 30s here next week. And, sadly, it's not like Utah is much warmer. It's 2 degrees in Lehi right now.

Side note- I have learned some tricks for dealing with the cold weather. First, keep your head down. When it's in the negatives, it hurts to breathe. It hurts even more if you have your head up and the cold air is hitting your face. I usually look down and breathe into my scarf. I, of course, occasionally glance up. Let's face it, we all know I'm accident prone, so that'd be bad. Looking down also allows you to see where you are stepping. With the icy sidewalks, it's a plus. Also, I've been taking longer routes to class that allow me to take quick breaks in buildings on campus. I walk through buildings to get to class, even if it is out of my way. That way I'm not in the cold for a long chunk of time. Oh, funny thing- I walked outside today and within a minute I noticed my hair was white. It was frozen! I had blown it dry, but apparently there was still moisture in it.

So, I'm not liking this weather. But, I AM liking iTunes free holiday music sampler. Check it out. Good stuff.

Also, I am liking the fact that I am completely done with two of my classes now. Now I've just got to tackle a little more reading for next week, an exam, portfolio, and two more papers.

Another thing I'm liking- I think I know where I am going to live up here summer semester. A lovely friend invited me to live with her. I love the apartments and I think she's great, so it'll be fun!

And, best news of all, there's a really good chance that the WHOLE family will be together for Christmas this year! I can't wait to be with all my nieces and nephews under one roof!

Finally, I am MUCH better. Not really sick anymore. Thanks for the prayers and concern.

God's Love

I have a testimony of the Lord's love for each of us. I just wanted to share some thoughts.

As many know, I've been sick the past couple of days. It's cold and it's finals time. I have a lot to do. On top of the final projects, etc, I am moving next week and I have white glove cleaning checks. Overwhelmed is an understatement. I am finally starting to physically feel better tonight. I went to my room and was contemplating some things. Some things occurred tonight that left me feeling off a bit- I can't really explain it. Before I could wallow in self-pity too long a knock came at the door. It was three wonderful friends who came to carol to me. I cannot express how much this simple thing means to me. It is THREE degrees outside. They came out of their way to sing to me. (They all live on opposite ends of campus). The Lord truly is mindful of us. He loves us. He loves me. Of that I am eternally thankful for.

What's Wrong with This?

Current Temperatures: (as of 6:22 pm.)
Rexburg, Idaho: 12 degrees F, feels like -1 F
Anchorage, Alaska: 18 degrees F, feels like 18 F.

Tomorrow's Forecast:
Rexburg, Idaho: High of 13 degrees F, low of -9 degrees F.
Anchorage, Alaska: High of 31 degrees F. Low of 28 degrees F.

Just My Luck!

Last night, all of the sudden I started to feel horrible. My stomach ached. Out of no where, things started coming out of my body on both ends (I'm sure you wanted to know that, right?) I was up all night.

I slept most of today. I just woke up and saw that it was dark outside and thought that it was tomorrow already. Funny when that happens.

I just hope I am better ASAP. This is the last full week of classes. I have so much to do- which includes writing three papers.

I'm not sure what I have. I don't have a fever at all, so it's weird. I got the H1N1 shot on Saturday, but I don't think throwing up is one of the side effects. I also got the regular flu shot a couple of months ago.

I guess I've jinxed myself. Saturday night I was telling my roommates how blessed I've been healthwise this semester. Summer semester I got sick at the beginning, middle and end of the semester. I wouldn't be surprised if I actually made myself sick this time too. Ever since I've been back from the break I've been stressed and haven't been able to sleep very much. No fun.

Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you!

This Christmas

"This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again." -Howard W. Hunter, “The Gifts of Christmas,” Ensign, Dec 2002, 16

Blessed

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share this piece of writing I came across.

BLESSED

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish some place, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways you may never even know.
By Stephen Eardley,
(http://www.healthe-livingnews.com/articles/blessings.html)

Priceless

[No words needed.]

Thankful Thoughts

In the mist of my extreme busyness this week (in trying to get everything done before I head home for the break), I thought I'd share some thankful thoughts I've had on my mind.

*Receiving a phonecall out of the blue from a recent convert of mine from the mission. As we talked she mentioned the fact that she was going visiting teaching the next day. Knowing that my recent converts are active or atleast still connected to the church makes me happy. I love hearing from them!

*Connections. I have recently made several connections- so and so knows someone else I know, etc. (If that makes sense). Heavenly Father never ceases to amaze me. On this campus of thousands of students, and in this church full of 13 million + members, I keep running into people and meeting people who know other people I know. It is a small and simple thing that witnesses to me that God is in our lives.

*Tonight are clean checks at our apartment complex. That means my apartment will be clean for atleast one day....!

*I worked really hard last week and completed six photo assignments for the Scroll and other campus organizations. I actually had a really hard time with the fact that I was getting all of these assignments and I had so much on my plate already. But, the Scroll came out today and it was satisfying to see my work in there. Also, I won an award (a candy bar) in my class today for my hard work.

*Finally, we here at BYU-Idaho get a whole week off for Thanksgiving. BYU-Provo doesn't even get that! I am heading back to Utah this Friday evening. It should be a fun, relaxing time with family.

Lately

Well, my friends, it's already November. Time sure does fly! That seems to be main lesson of my year- time just flies by. Seriously, sometimes it is mind boggling how fast this year has gone for me. I have been home for ten months now! How in the world is that possible?!

I just finished mid-terms, and am glad those are out of the way. However, I've still got a lot going on every week. I am keeping busy with school, homework, ushering at devotionals, Scroll photography, and my calling as 1st counselor in the Relief Society presidency. (Believe me, each one of those things keeps me VERY busy!)

Last night I watched the C.E.S. Fireside, given by President Uchtdorf. He was really funny last night! It was great! The fireside was really good, exactly what I needed to hear. He talked about a few questions Y.S.A's in the church have. He also talked a lot about our divine worth. He told the story of the ugly duckling. He said "we need to stop wondering if we are defective."

I am getting really excited about Thanksgiving! Miracles of all miracles, we get a WHOLE week off school! Yeah! I am really looking forward to meeting Benson, my new nephew, for the first time. He is already two months old. :( I really wish I could be closer to all my nieces and nephews and see them all the time. Anyway, Benson is going to be blessed down in Utah, so that will be nice. I also look forward to spending time with Traci, Gary, and cute little Anna- of course. It will be a nice little break.

Well, not much to report. Really, I've just been doing school lately. That is my life. I am off-track winter semester and will probably end up at home again. I need to save money. I have enough money for housing or to take some online classes winter semester- not both. There are pros and cons to both decisions. But, I think it'll be best for me to avoid Rexburg's bitter winter, and take online classes while at home for a semester. Plans could change at any moment, but that's what's on the agenda for now. We will see.

So, that's my life as of now!

P.S. You can't really tell in the picture, but my hair is getting longer! I've decided I like it better longer rather than shorter, so I am growing it out.

Lessons Learned From a Broken Laptop

I think I've mentioned in previous posts about some of the computer issues I've had in the past few months. There have been many. My sister has the same computer and has had very few problems. Guess I just have bad luck.

Well, I sent the laptop in for repair well over two weeks ago. If you remember, I was a bit frustrated, as I was talking to customer support located in some foreign country- and their accents are hard to understand.

Not only that, it was going to cost me a pretty penny to get it fixed.

Well, I sent it in.

Days and weeks go by. Because I am a worry wart, I start to worry about it. "What if the support lady didn't hear me right? (What if she got my address wrong) "What if... what if...."

Seriously, this start to become a huge thing for me. I was very worried. Part of my worry comes from lesson #1 I learned:

*Always, ALWAYS, copy down the Serial number and keep it in a safe place!!!

Did I do that? NO! I was in such a hurry to get the thing sent in, that I didn't! So, when I tried to check the status of the repair online, I couldn't because it required me entering in the serial number! (I really don't like gateway's customer support, by the way...)

Because this was something weighing heavily on my mind, I started seriously praying that I'd get my laptop back. I really thought I may never see it again. My roommate and I even included it in our prayers at the temple on Saturday. Even if something doesn't seem like a significant matter to someone else, it matters to the Lord. Our problems are His problems. I know the Lord loves me and everything would work out- whether or not I got my laptop back.

Well, the good news is- my laptop arrived at my apartment this morning. It is fixed. Also, I was not charged for it. I guess the warranty covered it. (Funny though- the customer support lady told me it would still be $200. to fix- even though it was still under warranty.)

In the midst of all of this, some other things I learned include:

*Humility- For one of my classes we are required to have a laptop in class. Not having one required me to be humble enough to ask my roommate and my sister to use theirs (which required me walking up hill back and forth several times to get the laptop from my sister). (I really like doing things on my own- I have a really hard time asking for favors!)

*Something I had always know, but became even more apparent to me is that there are effective ways to use your time other than on the computer. Not having computer acccess 24/7 forced me to be creative. There were times when I sat in my room wondering what to do (besides homework). I usually decided to clean my room and I even read a book as well.

*It is possible to get the songs on your iPod back onto your new iTunes! I was worried about this as well. In fixing my computer, they took everything off the hard drive (I had no way of backing things up before- it was shot). :( But, this was a small price to pay in order to get my computer back. I learned how to get my songs back by visiting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtRFsX6FBVo.

I am very, very grateful that I am even fortunate to have a laptop... and an iPod! Seriously, we live in a society where these things are tending to become necessities. But, in all honestly, it is possible to live without them. I think we really need to be grateful we live in a day and age where we have access to such wonderful things. There are so many people in the world who will never in their lifetimes be able to have and experience the things we have.

I am reminded of something I heard a while back: "The best things in life aren't things."

Potato Harvest

As you may know, a few weeks ago I was given the assignment to take pictures of the potato harvest (for BYU-I's newspaper). It was very interesting. I was out in the middle of it all- in the fields, etc. I even got to take some potatoes home with me- fresh from the ground!

I can't post pictures on here because the files are too big. But, if you'd like to see some of the pictures, you can visit http://kickapps.byuicomm.com/_A-Season-of-Harvest/video/815238/96698.html?b=. It is posted as a video entitled, "A Season of Harvest."

Rachel and Bradley's Engagements

This weekend I took my friend Rachel and her fiancee, Bradley's engagement pictures. Now, who wants to help me buy a D.S.L.R. so I can go full-swing in this and start my own business??? :)

God Must Love Me

I've had an eventful past couple of weeks!

The other night while cooking dinner the following occurred- I put a cookie in the microwave to defrost, but unfortunately kept it in too long. It burned and sent smoke into the air. Meanwhile, I had some rice cooking on the stove. I failed to put enough water in the rice, so that was interesting. Also, I forgot that I had left another burner on. Too bad I leaned over and burnt a hole in my shirt! Thankfully it was just a T-shirt that I've had for a couple of years.

Ok, then there's my laptop. It's had issues. About a month and a half ago the power cord went out. So, I got a new one. Then I discovered my computer had a virus. I was able to get that fixed. Also, for a while one of the mouse buttons has been broken. Well, last night it gave out completely. It's wedged into the computer now. While I was looking at that problem, my computer completely turned off. It won't come back on. The power cord isn't the issue, either. This thing is only a year old! C'mon!

So, today I looked up Gateway support. Well, they only had two options listed: chat with a representative or e-mail them. So, I chatted online with one. He basically left me high and dry and said, "If the problem persists, call us back." Well, I was thinking, "We didn't fix the problem! Gee!" I was able to get the actual phone number for them and call them back. It was, of course, a lady from the Phillipines. No offense to them, but it was just very difficult to understand her. I guess they have customer support based from there, as it is cheaper labor. Well, it turns out that I paid a pretty penny to ship it and have it fixed. Sad, sad day. Hopefully it gets back to me fixed and like new.

Oh, boy. oh boy! Just a little venting there. I say God must love me, because he sure keeps sending hardships my way. But, I realize there are so many out there who have it worse than I do. For instance, my roommate had a bunch of items stolen while she was down in Utah this past weekend. Her laptop, wallet, textbooks, etc. Her father just passed away a couple of months ago too. It must have been a high crime weekend, because the photo editor of the school paper also had his laptop and camera equipment stolen while he was in Utah for the weekend.

So, I am very lucky to have the trials that I do have. These "learning and growing" experiences are for our good. Deep down inside I know that- even though they are hard at the time. I am learning more and more that life isn't just going to get easier. In fact, it gets harder and harder! I, like many others, have lots of questions for God when I see him. We, in our finite, mortal states don't understand so much. And we try so hard and wish we understood everything- why things happen to us. But, we must follow what D&C 90:24 states: "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another."

God truly does love us- that is why He gives us these experiences that will shape us into who He wants us to be.

Fall Photoshoot

In between conference sessions today Chad, Buffy, Christi and I went up the canyon for a fall photoshoot. Here's a sampling:

Some Happy Thoughts

It's Sunday night. I have a had a busy, but wonderful Sabbath day. I am once again the first counselor one of the Relief Societies in my ward. At first I really felt I didn't deserve this calling, as I had some bitter feelings about being in a ward full of freshmen. I've had a hard time with that, but since I've received this call I've been humbled. I've spent a lot of time in prayer- asking the Lord to help me love these sisters. I have been blessed to feel his love. Age really shouldn't- and doesn't- matter.

As a presidency we were able to visit the sisters at their apartments this evening. I LOVED the sisters' enthusiasm and energy. Wow. It helped me, an "oldy moldy" have a fresh view on life. Some of us who've been in college a while just want to get out. It helps to have that excitement.

This past week I went to the temple twice. I had promised a friend from one of my classes over the summer that I'd go to the temple with her. I have been so busy and finally found a free night. Some homework came up and I was faced with a decision I never thought I'd have to make- homework or the temple? Remembering a talk I read by a general authority which said something to the effect of: "holding a temple recommend is more important than standing first in your graduating class," I chose to go to the temple. In so doing, I missed my evening deadline for the homework assignment. But, the temple was wonderful. My friend really needed me to be there with her at that time, as she was going through a certain trial.

The other time I went to the temple was Friday night. The whole week I encouraged my friend and roommate, Rachel, to come with me. This was because her fiancee and I were working closely together. He had not yet proposed to her. The rings came in at the beginning of the week. What happened was Rachel and I went to a session together. Her fiancee went to the session before us and waited in the celestial room to surprise her. I was so excited the whole time. It was very hard to keep the secret. I was filled with joy as she was soooo surprised to see him there. He quietly asked her to marry him. It was so beautiful! I'm so glad I got to be part of it!

In other news, this week my assignment for the Scroll was to take pictures for an article about the potato harvest. Well, being a suburb girl, I have secretly been wanting to know what this was all about. Lucky for me, I have a friend whose husband is doing harvest right now. She took me out to the field and showed me how it's done. I took lots of pictures. (I will post some when I get a chance and figure out how to get them into a smaller size)

I ran into another girl from the Scroll yesterday. She was helping work on the paper yesterday and cropped some of my photos. She said they were really good and everyone really loved them! That made me so happy! :)

Last night was the Relief Society General Broadcast. I really felt the Spirit. It was so apparent to me that this Gospel is for the individual. Each person is a child of God. I was really thinking about my calling and how I can magnify it. But, also, I was thinking of visiting teaching, as I had to teach the R.S. today about that subject. There was much said of that subject in the meeting last night, which was nice. In studying for my lesson and hearing the talks last night, I really realize that visiting teaching is very serious. It's not just an act- it's a lifestyle. As a visiting teacher it is my opportunity to be an instrument in God's hands. I have sisters to constantly pray for and think about. This is an area I am going to work better in. I'm pretty good about doing my visiting teaching, but I can do better.

Anyway, I've been very busy lately and those are just some of the things I am up to. School is going pretty well. Definitely keeping me busy!

Nashville Tribute

Friday night I had the opportunity to go to a concert here at BYU-I. It was performed by the artists that made the "Joseph: A Nashville Tribute to the Prophet" CD and "Trek." (These are the same people in the hit band "Due West.")

I love, LOVE those CDs, so I LOVED the concert! I listened to those CDs for about the first half of my mission. (After that my mission president wasn't too keen on us listening to them, so I decided I better go a little more conservative on my music choice).

Those CDs are very popular among missionaries. They are very motivating. I remember the first time I heard the "Joseph" CD. It was two years ago this month. Sister Chapman and I were on our way to play "Chicago ball" with the Elders in our zone. Also, Sister Strong, another sister in the mission, introduced me to "Trek" when we were on exchanges one time.

I was very happy to hear that this group is putting out a new album in January of next year entitled "Called to Serve." I'm sure it'll be great!

For more info visit: http://www.nashvilletribute.com
(I'm such a fan, I think they should hire me as a promotion and marketing manager for them! Lol.)

Scroll Photographer!

Ok, so, when I’m excited about something, it’s usually no secret. So, many of you already know that I am a photographer for BYU-Idaho’s "Scroll", the campus newspaper.

Last week the editor sent out an e-mail calling for “summer photos.” I went through my files and found some that would fit under that category. I e-mailed them. They were not even in the right format (RAW file), so I figured nothing would come of it. I just thought it’d be worth a shot (ha ha, no pun intended). Well, I opened up the newspaper on Tuesday to see THREE of my photos on a photo spread in the paper! I was so excited!!! It meant a lot to me. I tend to doubt myself and my abilities. This to me was a confirmation that, yes, just maybe, I am a good photographer and not a complete failure. It’s hard when there are so many people out there who are photographers too. So, I don’t want to come across as being boastful or prideful in this. It’s just a big accomplishment for me. (The pictures on top are the ones that made it into the spread.)

This week I was assigned to take pictures for an article about the swine flu epidemic. Yippee. I discovered I don't like taking pictures for random assignments. I'm used to taking pictures of whatever I want! But, this is good. It will stretch me. Who knows what next week's assignment will be. We'll see!

Back to School... my billionth semester

Well, I made it back to the 'burg. I came in on Monday. I was very thankful for a good friend of mine who picked me up at the bus stop with my luggage so I wouldn't have to walk uphill with it all. We also went grocery shopping at WinCo in Idaho Falls. WinCo is a great place! It has really good prices on food. It's comparable to Food 4 Less.

Monday night I was hanging out at my friend Breanna's place and she asked me to give the F.H.E. lesson for her ward. So I did that. Then I went to a birthday party for her roommate.

School started on Thursday. My classes this semester seem a lot better than the summer semester. I think I may actually be able to have a life! I know it will pick up, but it still looks pretty good.

In case you were wondering, my classes are the following: Advanced Technical Writing, The Theory of Language (English Grammar), Old Testament, Media Law and Ethics, and a practicum class, i-comm. For my practicum class I am going to be a photographer for The Scroll, the campus newspaper. I am really excited about that. I get to use the school's digital S.L.R.s. I really want one of my own, but can't afford it.

Also, I am going to be volunteering as an usher for the devotionals every Tuesday afternoon.

In other news, my ward is full of the freshmen dorms. That's definitely interesting. God never ceases to give me "growing experiences."

My roommate situation is also interesting. I can't really go into details here, but if you want more info, let me know, I'd be glad to tell you my stories. However... one of my roommates is getting married in April and asked me to be one of her bridesmaids! I am really excited and touched by this. It means a lot to me. I served with her in the R.S. presidency last semester.

And finally, in other news, Christi and Mom are coming up here to Rexburg on Tuesday!

That was quite the random post, but that's the 411 on me at the moment. Slowly, but surely, I am working towards graduation!

BYU-Idaho: the Road Less Traveled.

The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

*Warning: REALLY long post about my life (my thoughts and dilemmas)... as usual.

For many of you, hearing that title might make you think, "What? There are a ton of people I know that go to BYU-I." Well, that's probably true. But, the fact of the matter is, more people attend BYU in Provo than BYU-I.

As many are heading back to school (myself in included- I head back to Idaho on Monday), many of my mission friends have headed to BYU. Also, interestingly, a great number of people from my mission are attending Utah State University.

Now, let's be honest, I sometimes feel left out on the party being up there in Idaho when so many people are down in Utah. However, I chose to be where I am at. It's it's important to choose to do what the Lord wants you to do. For me, he wants me in Idaho. And don't get me wrong, I do want to be there too.

The other day I was reading through one of my old journals. The date was November 16, 2003. I was a senior in high school- a critical time for deciding where to attend college. I quote:
"Some people have tried to talk me into going to BYU-I, but I don't think that would work for me. If I go to BYU or UVSC I can still frequently see my family, yet have some freedom as well. I've never really had the desire to go to BYU-I. I'm sure it's a great school, but I don't think it's for me."

How FUNNY! I think the Lord has been giving me nudges and hints for many, many years. I do think I was supposed to be going to UVSC and living in Provo at that time in my life. I had a lot of good experiences and made a lot of friends.

So, fast forward to my mission. The Lord started nudging me again. It always happened through other people. While I was on my mission my sister started attending BYU-I. Then, my friend I lived with in Provo (who had attended BYU-I before her mission) returned to school in Idaho. My mom told them they should talk to me about going to BYU-I. I just thought it was kind of funny and had no desire to make important decisions like that until after my mission.

The "after" came and I had a hard time figuring out what to do. I think part of the problem was I was denying the fact that I knew I needed to go to BYU-Idaho. I remember when it hit me. I started moving forward and things fell into place.

So anyway, that's just something that's been on my mind lately. When the Lord tells you to do something you do it. It's not always easy, but in the end it's always right. The hard part is that most of the time we don't know why. I still don't fully know why I am needed up there in Idaho. But, I am grateful for the opportunity to be there. I love being at a church school.

As a side note- I am currently wondering why I am in the apartment I am in. I thought a lot about moving somewhere else, but in the end I hate moving so I decided to stay. It'll be interesting to see how this semester goes. Also, I recently totally re-did my schedule, as I have felt strongly the need to look for a job. I've been vigorously looking, and am wondering how this will all work out. It's a very hard time to find a job, especially in Rexburg where it's small and there are so many students competing to get employment. I was on the BYU campus in Provo recently and happened to walk by their employment office. There were pages and pages of jobs available. I couldn't help but think: "Well, gosh, maybe if I went here I'd have a better chance of getting a job." But, I have to keep reminding myself to have faith and that things will all work out.

Satan works very hard on us to get us to doubt decisions we have made. But, the Lord does not work through doubts. If we have felt it is right, then it is right. I know I am where I am supposed to be and the Lord is in control.

P.S. I am off-track winter semester and was originally planning and hoping to do an internship in a warm place... like Arizona. It doesn't look like I will be doing an internship at all, I still have one or two classes I have to take before I can. Also, it appears that many internships are unpaid. Therefore, I need to earn some money to be able to live while interning. Right now the plan is to get a job in Rexburg this semester and continue working next semester. We will see....

You know, when it comes down to it, I think I am just a good girl who is trying really hard to do what the Lord wants me to do with my life. It's a struggle to align our will with His. I just want to live a happy, successful life. I think as long as I have that mindset and work hard, the Lord will bless me.

Connecticut

Fairfield Beach

Me at a lighthouse at Mystic Seaport.

View from the plane

I was fortunate to find a good deal on tickets to Connecticut on Southwest, so on the 25th I flew out here. I fly back to Utah late tomorrow night. It's been fun hanging out with my brother and sister-in-law and absolutely adorable niece and nephews.

While I have been here we have had fun going to the beach, Mystic Seaport,a Children's museum and just hanging out at home.

I must say, it's been soooo nice to just be across the country and not worry about school or other things. It's been a nice break from life and has helped me get my mind off of things that otherwise preoccupy my brain.

I'm going to miss everyone here, and I don't know when I'll be able to come back. :(

As a side note- I head back to Idaho on Monday and start school next Thursday. I am looking forward to a new semester of working hard, and playing hard too. :)