BYU-Idaho Alumni

Alumni...me? What? Weird!
Three and a half years ago I started college at Brigham Young University Idaho. I started out as a music education major, but figured out very quickly that it wasn't for me. I wanted to still like music by the time I was done, not practice so much that I hated it. So for a semester I floated, not really knowing what I wanted to do. During that semester I took a child development class and loved it! Could that be for me? Sure we'll give it a try! The next three years consisted of child development and music classes (music for my minor) and I loved every one of them. I learned the organ, found my voice so I was comfortable singing in front of people (somewhat...) and learned how to be a good mother and raise/teach children.
My education was not just in classes, however. I learned how to live with five other girls (this can be more difficult than expected...), how to cook new things, and how to do a "white glove" cleaning without getting charged. I gained knowledge of "real world" things, leadership skills, and responsibility. I learned how to more effectively communicate with people, to serve more fully, to stand up for myself, and to forgive. Every person that I met has changed me in some way. Some taught me how to listen, others taught me how to express my feelings. Some taught me how to be an example, to be happy no matter what, to laugh, and to be myself.
Rexburg has been good to me. I loved living there at La Jolla. I loved going on walks, going to the park, Clarke apartments, ice cream runs, roommate dates, going to my "spots" to sit and think. I even loved the snow and ice and the roads that were never fully plowed. I'm going to miss this small town and all the wonderful people in it.
As I move to Logan, Utah for my next set of adventures, I will remember all that I've learned and gain even more knowledge. I'm terrified, but excited to see the turns my life is taking this next little while. It's a bit unnerving to not know what I will be doing six months from now, but I know the Lord will guide my path and will put people in that path to help me along the way.

Here are a few things from my last days in Rexburg... (I wish I had pictures with a lot more people, but sadly I do not.)

A poem that Travis Rust wrote that makes me smile...

Alexis is moving to Logan,
While she's there she'll need a slogan,
Best of the best is what I'll be,
Hey there big ole world, watch out for me,
She'll teach the children the ways of life,
And some lucky man will take her to wife,
She'll be out on her own making dough,
When we see her again we'll be like whoa,
Cause she'll pull up in a sweet red car,
With speakers so loud you can hear them from afar,
One of the kids she teaches will be like Aristotle,
cause she'll feed him knowledge like milk from a bottle,
Plato is what they will call her,
because she is such a baller.


Thanks Travis. :)

Jarek! We pulled off an awesome Christmas party. :)

Our white board that not many saw. Travis, half of this is from you.

My high school group of friends. I'm so glad we've all stayed such good friends!

We lived together for a full year. Best roommates ever.

My Brittany. I'm going to be lost without you.

Abigail. Put up with a lot from me. Lived in the same room for a year and didn't kill each other. I love you. :)

Kenon...I have no words. Thanks for being my best friend for so long.

I love you all!

 

 

 

**I wish I had a picture with the Clarke guys, especially Blake and Travis. Thank you for everything you two.

Birthdays

Birthdays...we all love them! I especially love the chocolate cake and ice cream every year. :) This year I've had a few days of playing that have made my birthday fantastic! It started with Lagoon...
Rochelle, Bailee, Hillary, and I made a spontaneous decision to go to Lagoon. We had the idea Wednesday afternoon and by Thursday morning at 7 we were on the road with lunches packed and ready for a day in the sun. It was possibly the best day to go--sunny skies, good friends, and hardly any lines!! We went on all the rides we wanted and had a great day. Bailee even convinced me to go on the Sky Coaster!! This is a "ride" that lifts you up 150 feet and then DROPS you. I was terrified! The worst part was being lifted up backwards the whole way...and then the first 5 seconds of falling. But it was SO much fun and I am grateful for Bailee making me go.

One of the best parts of Lagoon! Dippin Dots!

Sky Coaster.....

YIKES

Going up...backwards.

WOOHOO!!

 

 

 

The day after Lagoon, Abigail and I had a joint birthday party at my house. The people that came made it so much fun! We had food, games, and an outdoor movie.

Some of our guests :) Bailee, Rochelle, Lyndsi

Abigail forgot to make a wish!!

Finally, it is my birthday today! My parents took me to IHop for breakfast where I stuffed myself with double blueberry pancakes, eggs, and sausage. I then went with Mom to pick out my birthday present (an external hardrive...haha) and then home to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. However...when I got home I found that my room had been attacked! There are post-it notes EVERYWHERE and I love it!

There were things written on the post-its and I am still finding them. I love it :)

Hillary...one of the culprits...

And Kenon, the other culprit. :)

Also...my computer was open. BAD IDEA. I found this on facebook...

*AHEM*
(play that track yo... vibe in da headphones please, Uh Uh ya
FRESHY LEX IN DA HOUUUUSE)

Dis one goes out to my peoples, Hillary Crawford and Kenon Fenton... hit it!

dees two buddies o' mine,
are always keepin me real,
dey put some sticky notes in junk
all up in my grill.

you know im hooked on the goods
like dr pepper n salt
and without chocolate i trip man,
Its Not My Fault!

but my homies are there,
i know dey got my back,
dey even wrote me rap songs
on my unlocked lap... TOP

Man dis birthday is da best,
Thanks for keepin it real.
Dey gonna put my face
on da Five Thousand dolla BIIIILLLLLLLL!!!!!!!
FRESHY LEX! In Da HAUS! I Pitty da fool!

....I love my friends. :)

People We Meet

People come in and out of our lives everyday. We meet new people in line at the grocery store, have a two minute conversation with them, and never see them again. Others we meet and are friends for a lifetime. What makes the difference?
This week my family had the opportunity to host two Russian dancers for the International Dance Festival. We were a little nervous---they didn't speak much English and we had no idea how we were going to do everything. The first day was the hardest. Waking them up so they could be on time, figuring out what they wanted to eat, where they were going, how to do laundry, etc. However, like with most things, the first time is the hardest. We got into the swing of things and the week flew by. We all became accustomed to pointing and acting things out so we could understand each other. Sometimes we ended up just laughing and giving up. These two girls were so sweet. One was 15, the other 20. They brought us gifts from Russia and wanted to share their world with us. We went to their performances (which were amazing!) and they told us our food was "tasty." (They especially loved the chocolate pudding!) Tonight as we had to say goodbye, I regretted not getting to know them better. True, we couldn't speak to each other...but I wish I could have spent more time with them and share more of our life with them.
That got me thinking about the other people I meet. On campus, in my classes, in my ward...so many people each semester. And at the end of each semester a few of those good friends leave me forever. I realize how much each person and each friend impacts me. I know for a fact I wouldn't be the same person I am today without all these people. Some of the friends I have made I know I will keep in touch with for years to come. Others I will not, but I will forever be changed by them in some way. My mom has always told me that when I meet someone that I like, look for the qualities that make me like them and try to copy those qualities. As I try to do this, I am molded into a better person because of people I meet.
From Wicked...

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

Just a few of the many good friends I love that have helped change me :)

Abigail, Blake, Me, Hillary

LouBah....not sure how to spell her name :)

Rita :)

Lauren, me, Hillary, Brittany, Abigail, Kelli

My wonderful Kadi :)

My Amazing Mother

Today, all of Southeast Idaho had the opportunity to hear a wonderful conference given by Sister Julie B. Beck, Relief Society General President. She came to BYU-Idaho campus and spoke to women from 45 different stakes.  Her suggestions and words of advice were greatly needed and felt by all.  I was able to have a little different of an experience with this.  My mom was in charge. :) It was her idea about a year ago to invite Sister Beck to speak to our stake. As it went along, it just rolled into a huge event covering the region.  I got to hear all of the plans, changes in plans, complications, and worries going into this event.  Many people told my mom how amazing she was to think of everything that needed to be done and covered for the meeting. After sleepless nights and a stressful and nerve-racking two months, her day finally came. My mom was able to conduct the entire meeting and she did absolutely wonderful! She looked completely comfortable up there in front of thousands of women. Every time I looked at her I got a little teary-eyed. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful mother.  I heard from countless people today that she could be general Relief Society president someday. I have a feeling she would already be called, but she just needs to take care of me for a little bit longer. :) I owe my mom a lot. She is an amazing example to me and I am lucky to be her daughter. Love you Mom!!

Me, Sister Beck, Mom, and my sister Kristie

Country Dancing

The last few semesters I have had a lot of new experiences. For instance, riding in a limo, riding a motorcycle, long boarding, eating steak, having a fresh peach, trying lots of new foods, playing the organ in the Conference Center...I could make quite the list! I can now add country dancing to that list. My first experience was interesting, to say the least. I didn't really want to be there, and only danced once or twice. I told myself I'd never go back. Well...thanks to Abigail and Hillary, I was dragged back last week. They even made me go to instruction for an hour first! Granted, we all needed instruction. None of us know what we're doing and look like idiots! My second experience at dancing went much better than the first. I knew a little more what I was doing, and since it's the beginning of the semester there are a lot of us that look funny because we're trying to learn. :) Last night was an even better experience, but I'm not quite sure why. Probably because I decided to just give in and let myself look dumb. However, there is one guy I must avoid. He is in his 30's (I'm guessing) and just....strange! Last week he asked me some usual questions: What's your name? Major? Where you from? What do you like to do for fun? (I hate this question! I never know how to answer...) Anyway, by the end of the dance he had managed to ask if I was free for a date that coming weekend. I sort of just flat out lied and said that I was busy. It really threw me off when he said, "Well what about the next week?" Luckily the song had ended so I ran away with just throwing out an answer similar to "Umm....not sure."  Last night I was able to avoid him. I purposely walked away a few times, I'll admit. Unfortunately at the very end, he caught me by surprise. So I danced with him. (A really awkward triple-step.) Funny thing is...he had no idea who I was!! He started with the exact same questions in the exact same order! I answered the same way and I thought it would click...but it didn't. At the end of the dance he once again managed to ask me on a date for this weekend. This guy must be desperate! This week I just said plain, "Sorry, I can't." And walked away. I REALLY hope I don't have to say no again. Or dance with him again for that matter...
We'll see if my dancing experience gets even better next week. Maybe someday I'll learn all the steps and not have to feel bad for the guy I'm dancing with.

Abigail, me, Hillary, and Lauren getting ready for dancing! Even though Lauren goes swing dancing. :)

I wish I were funny

I want to blog, but every time I sit down and try to write something, I have nothing to blog about! Abigail says to write something funny. Only problem is, I'M NOT FUNNY! I can't come up with witty comments, I don't make stories funny...so nobody will want to read my posts. The only good story I have lately I can't really blog about, but Abigail is currently making a great story out of it, so visit her blog. :)
Recently, someone asked me to list some of my strengths. I was given 5 categories-- physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, and social--and told me to find a strength and weakness in each one. It was REALLY easy to find the weaknesses! :) I realized just how hard it is to see the good, strengths, and talents that I have. I'm sure it's the same for everyone. It was really good for me to sit down and think hard about what I am good at. You should do it too! It lifts your spirits and makes you have a great day. :)

Not quite sure what I'm doing...

I really have no idea what I'm doing, or why I am even starting a blog. I was bored last night so Abigail convinced me to make one. Half way through creating it I realized it was pointless. I'm not creative, not a good writer, and have nothing interesting to say! But we'll try I guess!
My off track semester is going great so far. I started off with a trip to Hawaii with my parents! We were on the island Oahu for 7 days (5 of which were rainy, but still warm.) My mom summed up our trip pretty well in an email, so I'll just copy and paste what she said.
"Hawaii was warm and wonderful. It wasn't so rainy that we didn't enjoy most of the things we had planned on doing. Sunday, we went to church at the Makakilo Ward and felt right at home. Then we drove to Pearl Harbor and visited the Arizona site. Monday, we drove to Wiamia Falls and walked with lots of posing peacocks and took a beautiful hike through botanical gardens to the falls. We spent a day in Honolulu at Wikiki Beach sunning ourselves and walking in the waves while Dad swam in the ocean; enjoyed a trip to the Northern part of Oahu where we visited the Polynesian Cultural Center, watched a parade on the river of colorful dancers from different Island cultures, ate wonderful luau food, and watched great entertainment; drove to Hanauma Bay where your dad taught Alexis how to snorkel while I saved our place on the sand; used the treadmills and elipticals on site and warmed up in the outdoor hot tubs; sunned again in the beautiful Lagoon at Ko Olina Resort (where we stayed) and enjoyed the splash of more waves; and enjoyed an afternoon and evening of great food and entertainment at the Resort Luau called "Fia Fia." Mid-week there were sandbags piled around the lobby to keep the water out since there are no walls to the outside. The lightening and thunder were pretty amazing and it was a little eery to experience them in a tall, tall building in the middle of the night. It was very noisy. We shopped at Target for a couple of movies and a game in case we were confined to quarters in the rain, but only watched half of one movie."

Rainy day at the beach.

Beautiful sunset!

Wikiki Beach

Luau

  It was an amazing trip. The only thing I didn't get to do was para sailing, but maybe someday I'll get there.  We also went to BYU-Hawaii campus and I loved it! I decided that I could definitely handle doing a semester or two there. :)
  Now that I am back in snowy Rexburg I'm getting into the swing of things. I am taking a night religion class that I love so far, and am teaching piano to 7 students. It is fun to not be busy with lots of homework so that we can go out and have fun. I went country dancing with my roommates a few nights ago....that was interesting. I'll definitely have to go more often so I can actually like it. :)