So, basically, my life rocks! I have been so blessed this week with so many good friends, good people, and amazing experiences! This past week I have crossed so many things off my bucket list (refer to second post). First, I went on a way fun date with a friend from work. He treated me to a wonderful dinner at a Gringos, the local Mexican restaurant, and then we saw a campus talent show. It was a blast!

Then last Monday night I was invited by a married friend, Rachel, and her husband to spent the night and all of Tuesday with them and a friend at a cabin in Island Park, Idaho. It's only an hour from Rexburg, but id infinitely more beautiful! We got there late on Monday night, watched a movie and had a slumber party in the living room. (For all of those thinking I am scandalous, I made sure we did everything by the Honor Code!) The next day we got up early and had an amazing pancake breakfast, and then went to ride ATVs, which I have really never done before! I even got to drive one, and caught some air going over a bump. That really caught Rachel by surprise! It was so fun! After we got back from four wheeling, we rafted down a part of the Moose River. We were all in a little raft with oars, and we just got to enjoy the beauty of Idaho! We were pretty much spent after that, so while the boys went to get the truck, Rachel and I improvised some lunch, and after lunch we all drank some hot chocolate and took a quick nap before heading home. Luckily, work was canceled (Rachel and I work together) so we got to take our time getting back.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to help open a restaurant for my Culinary Arts class. We had to plan the menu-including developing our own recipes-and do all of the pricing, ordering, and dining room design. After planning all of that, we also had to be the kitchen staff and front of house staff (waitstaff, host, etc). I was in charge of all main dish plating, as well as telling the cooks when to put certain things on the grill to cook, when to prepare items, and all that. It was very hectic, and I felt that I was in WAY over my head, but I loved it! It was a long day, but turned out very well. I also had the good fortune of having my recipe for a main dishes be selected for service, so I got very uplifting comments on my food. It was amazing!

But that was far from the end of what happened this week! On Thursday I had a final in y floral arranging class, and did very well on both the final exam and the practical exam. I now have a beautiful silk arrangement in my living room, and some skills I can use for the rest of my life. I have really enjoyed learning about flowers and the way they can me used to enhance a room or and outfit! I can now make beautiful corsages, vase arrangements, and table pieces.

Okay, finally we get to the weekend! Friday I had the pleasure of going on yet another date with a friend's roommate who I have been acquainted with a few times. We went to get some frozen yogurt, then went for a lovely walk that ended with some star-gazing in Porter Park. When the caretaker came to tell us he was going to turn on the sprinklers, we called it a night. It was so much fun!

On Saturday, I got to go to work in the morning, and see some of the coolest people for the last time. It was sad! I love the people I work with, and I have had such a great time getting to know all of them! Later that day, Zach, Rob (from Friday) Stacy, and random dude, and I went to the Civil Defense caves in Ashton to play games. We hiked all the way through the caves, then found a level place to play. Then we proceeded to ply glow-in-the-dark hide-and-go-seek. The way you play the game is simple; you get some dollar store glow sticks, cut them open, and fling them all over the cave and your clothing. Then you extinguish all lights and everyone hides. It's so tough! When everyone is bespeckled with glow, they blend in really well with the floor and walls! It was one of the best things I have ever done! We had so much fun, we were a little late getting home! And now I get to cap off the whole week with a perfect Sunday with curry for dinner, a party in the evening, Home teachers and Visiting Teaching. I am so blessed, as you can tell from all the fun I've had! And next week, I get to see my family, and Graduate from College! can life get any better that that?

July the Fourth

This was such a fun day! It began with taking the Elderly residents of a nursing home in town to the local parade. That was fun, even though Rexburg's parade lasted for TWO hours!! It was very long, and I got a little sun for the first time this summer. I have been so occupied with graduating that the only time I spent outside is walking to classes and to work. But I did love the Giant Broulim's Cart. It was ginormous!


Broulims Cart


the High School Marching Band. This throws me back to freshman year in Alabama!

After the Parade, my roommates and I ate some lunch and then headed to Idaho Falls for some shopping and a barbecue at Bishop Bishop's home before heading to our spot to watch the fireworks. I got such a deal on new jeans that day! It was amazing!


The whole gang! There's Stacy, Zach, Charlotte, Angela, Bailey, and Amber.


Idaho Falls is supposed to have the best fireworks this side of the Mississippi!



So fun!

Things I Know

There are very few things that I actually know, without a doubt. Yes, I know many of you would describe me as an insufferable know-it-all, but unfortunately, I am very good at sounding knowledgeable. I really don't know very much at all. But what I do know, is that I am a Child of God. I know that he loves me, I know he answers my prayers. I know that my Redeemer died and rose again on the third day to atone for my sins, that I might have the chance to return to my Heavenly Father. I know God loves me, and I know he forgives me for my imperfections. I know that I love my family, and that they love me. I know that with and through my Brother, Jesus Christ, I can do anything and everything I put my mind to. The things I know may be few, but he fact that I know these things has carried me through my life, through my trials past, present, and future, and will be the rock of my salvation if I continue to be faithful and obedient.