This week was super busy, but also super fun. Clint was still here at the beginning of the week and so we continued our fun little outings. On Monday we were supposed to go to Katie and David’s for the ultimate FHE day, the only problem was my muffler and exhaust pipe were practically on the ground, so Clint, with his many skills, jimmy-rigged it with a hanger and bungee cord. We didn’t quite how long it would last, but we felt safe enough driving it to Salt Lake. 

While he was fixing it he seemed to have bloodied his knuckles. Poor guy! I felt bad, but I was happy to have the car fixed to a point where it was drivable. As soon as it was fixed we drove to Old Navy to use up my birthday gift card and then went and enjoyed our time at Katie and David’s. We started out by sledding down the back hill....

started our snow man...

and then began to get very creative with what our snowman would look like. He turned out to have a bushy mustache, and pokey hair. He had quite a bit of personality. 

Lunch included tuna sandwiches and chips, and then we got into our games. We started by being introduced into the Wii Fit group. It was a really fun way to get your body balanced and moving. 

Next came Rock Band 2 where we all made our alter-ego rock stars. I was a super skinny chick with really short pink and purple hair. Clint ended up with a beefy body, with black and red spiky hair. 

We got pretty into the game... I was up on the couch and everything! After wearing ourselves out we had dinner, which was very yummy, and then headed home to pack up and get things ready for the next morning. 

As soon as we got home we realized that we still hadn’t gotten any pictures of the new temple. we drove up there and took a very cold walk all the way around it getting a few pictures of just the temple...

and us! It was a great weekend and I am so happy I got to see Clint again after a very long month. When we goto home we had to wait for the laundry to finish so we sat down and had a very peaceful evening while reading the Ensign.

Tuesday had an early start. We woke up, loaded up the car, said our goodbyes and were out the door by 4:45 am. I drove Clint to the airport in time to catch his plane. We said our goodbyes to each other, which can be a little odd when you have no idea when you will see each other next. I am just glad mom was nice enough to get him a ticket to come home for the weekend. it really was the best gift in the entire world!!! I just hope he had as much fun as I did. 

Driving back to Rexburg was a little difficult seeing as soon as I hit Bountiful the snow picked up and I couldn’t see a single thing. I was scared to death to keep going. I finally pulled off and called mom to get a few reinforcing words and then kept driving. As soon as it got lighter I didn’t have as much of a problem driving, but up until that point I could have sworn I was nearly off the road a few times. I am just happy I finally made it back to my apartment 6 hours later. I laid down to take a nap before class... and didn’t wake up for another 4 hours. Luckily I did wake up in time to study a little and take my biology test. For sleeping through the review session I didn’t do too bad. Actually I got better than I was expecting. An 80% on Brother Carters test is on the higher end. No complaining here.

I finally got to go back to working at the temple on Wednesday. It has been closed for cleaning and repair for a few weeks. I really have missed going, and was very happy to be back. This Wednesday was a little different at the temple because we were missing a volunteer and so I got to cover her time in the chapel instead of being in the dressing room. I started to read a book called Following Christ. As I was reading it I got the impression that I needed to do baptisms. I walked over to my adviser and asked if I could quit my shift a little early and do baptisms. I got my own suit and waited for my turn. It has been so long since I have done baptisms. I Loved every minute of it. It was nice to remind myself of the first covenants I made. The temple is such a beautiful place and I am learning very quickly that it truly is the house of the Lord and that he and his angels are there all the time. I feel it every time I am there. I am so glad I have this opportunity to do this every week. 

Vocal Union was fun as we got a few new charts to look at. I spent a lot of time after class practicing on my own. I have come to realize that I don’t have a whole lot of time to get ready for my senior recital and I need to get a move on memorizing my songs. I then went swing dancing and then came home as pooped as can be and finally got to bed.

Thursday was completely uneventful, all I did was go to Biology, and practiced. The rest of the day was wasted on homework, errands, and sleep.

I had a great voice lesson on Friday. I didn’t do much singing, but I did get to talk a lot with Sis. Bossard about my goals and desires in singing. We talked so much about the importance of feeling and musicality and delivering the message. I am so glad I finally have a voice teacher who believes in me. It makes all the difference in the world. When I got home from my lesson i had a little extra time. I decided since all my homework was done and I had already sung today I would take a little time off. I sat down, enjoyed lunch and watched High School Musical 2. Yes I know, it probably isn’t something I should be admitting to, but I enjoyed it, cheese and all. 

Vocal Union rehearsal was fun. We got to practice in the Barrus Concert Hall to get ready for our performance on Saturday. We are doing surprisingly well for not performing a whole lot together yet. Because our sound is so good we worked more on stage presence and delivery. Oh man! I love this group! I can’t wait to go on tour with these people. After rehearsal I practiced myself for 3 hours and then ran home for my date... with Ji Hye. We go on roommate dates once a month to stay caught up. We had ice cream and went to a movie at the cheap theaters. I normally talk to Clint at that time of night, but seeing as he was off camping with his singles ward and having the time of his life I figured I could get away with having a little fun of my own. 

Saturday was an important day for a few people. One roommate Becky had her engagement pictures taken, in the freezing cold, and then my other roommate Bekki was going through the temple for the first time. If you recall she received her mission call to Finland and she invited me to be there at the temple with and her family. It was beautiful and wonderful. 

After the temple her parents took us all out to Applebee’s for lunch. I love it when parents come to town. It was her parents, grandparents, Mary (her best friend, whom I know from Project Inspire over the summer) Megan (my roommate), and Me. It was turning out to be a great day thus far. 

Later that evening I had my performance for the Collegiate Invitational. We started the concert off with two songs and then I headed home. I started to do a little Biology studying, got bored and so I went back to watch the rest of the concert. They did fantastic. I am so glad I came back because my friend Max (the piano player from last semester’s nerd act) was in town visiting. We got to chat a little and then all went out to Winger’s to get dessert. Alan and I shared an Asphalt Pie and then came home. I didn’t really feel at place there. I mean I was happy to see Max and all, but everyone else there was in collegiate choir and I don’t know very many of them. But I made the best out of it while I was there. Plus I got a free dessert out of it, I’m not complaining!

Well, today has been filled with sleep and relaxation trying to rid myself of this terrible headache I have had now for three days. Hopefully it will be gone by this evening. I would hate to start off another week with the same headache. Overall it was a great week and I hope next week will be just as good!

Sweethearts Weekend... Finally posted!

I meant to write about this a long time ago, but I never had the time to write everything down. It was such a full week! So now, three weeks later, I am finally making an effort to tell you about the best week on the planet! This makes up for Feb 8 through the 15th. 

Monday was more busy than most mondays because I had to take time out of my regular boring day to make Mom’s yummy hot fudge for 150 people. Dang, that is a lot of sugar and butter. I was nearly grossed out making it. I left it in a crock pot to keep it warm until it was time to serve it up. I left and went to Vocal Union rehearsal. I found a little extra time to practice afterward and then headed to our ward party. I am the Activities Chairman for our ward so I was in charge of putting it all together. We had a battle of the FHE groups. We had dodgeball, four square, and volley ball. I soon came to find out that not only was I athletically challenged, but my entire FHE group was the same. We didn’t win a single game, but we sure did have fun! Soon we all headed to the dessert table that was set up. Warm brownies, ice cream, hot fudge and walnuts. Who could ask for a better treat after playing your little heart out? I won over quite a few hearts with the hot fudge... Thanks Mom!

Tuesday was a day of relaxation as soon as I got out of Biology where we learned about photosynthesis. Something that I find very interesting. It amazes me how finite God’s details are and how he keeps his world moving by natural science and self produced energy. I never knew a biology class could open my spiritual mind so much. After class I took some time to catch up with Alan, seeing as we hadn’t really done anything for a while. We went to our regular mexican restaurant to get the best bean and cheese burritos in the world and then went back to his place to watch a movie with his roommates and Shpanks...that is his roommates doctor prescribed dog. Then I just came home and chilled a while with the roommates. A lot of down time on that day.

Wednesday was just as relaxing. I went to Vocal Union where we got a bit of new music to learn seeing as we have already learned all the stuff Sis Brower was planning on. I love being a head of the game! It makes life so much more exciting. Seeing as I had so much extra time I decided to go to a kickboxing class at the gym. It was so much fun, and now I hurt in places I didn’t even know existed. I am hoping to continue going to this class seeing as I don’t really have any organized exercise this semester. Since I was so sore I didn’t get to go dancing. My legs would have been jelly by the end of the night if I went. Instead I just stayed home and read my Biology book so that I wouldn’t have to do it at home. 

Getting home was almost here! I woke up Thursday morning, packed up my car and went to class. I got a 100% on my quiz, which was a great accomplishment, and then went to get ready for our promotional pictures for our tour pamphlets. Everyone in Vocal Union was there waiting for the rest of the Sound Alliance to show up. 2 o’clock rolled around there was still not a band member in sight. Turns out Dr. Watkins never told them about the scheduled photo shoot. We all waited for a little while Sis Brower decided what to do. We rescheduled for the next week and I booked it out of there to get home. I was so excited to just get home. I hopped in the car and drove all the way home on clear roads. I got home to find Mom leaving, and Dad was already gone. I think it is funny that I leave Rexburg to spend time with my family and it turns out that no one is there to spend time with me. Oh well, I could handle one evening alone. I took time to do my laundry and practice a little. 

FRIDAY!!!!! I was so excited to see Clint! I woke up and cleaned the entire house to make sure it was just perfect for when he came. I then went over to Des’ house to play with Evylee and to kill a little bit of time before i had to head out to the airport. I got to the airport and started to get nervous. I don’t know why I was nervous, but I sure was. I pulled up as soon as he called and informed me that he had landed. I waited in the pick up lane and as soon as I saw him coming got out of the car, fixed my hair, and walked up to him. That was one of the greatest hugs on the earth! I was so happy to have him back. I know it has only been a month, but it felt like forever. 

We drove back to the house just to change our clothes and head up to the temple open house. It was so pretty. I love going to any temple! Clint and I got to go to the Rexburg Temple Dedication together, and now we got to go to the Draper Open House together. It was absolutely amazing. I cannot believe all the beautiful details in the sego lily motif. I loved every minute of it! After a quick bite to eat we headed out to meet Mom and Dad at the Jordan River Temple to do a session. I must say it was a little weird at first going on a double date to the temple with my parents, but it was a fun experience none the less. 

After the session we were all starving and so we headed out to Pei Wei to get s late dinner. It was pretty good, for the most part. Everyone got something different, and I ended up with the bum dish. What ever it was that I got was way too spicy and I could hardly handle it. So I just mooched off everyone else until I felt satisfied. Soon we were home in our comfortable clothes watching nothing else but Monk! I love that show. Apparently Clint was a little more tired then I was because he fell asleep ten minutes into the show. Soon Mom dropped a clock off the counter and startled Clint. He decided it would be better if he just went to bed. I stayed up to finish the episode and then headed to bed myself.

Saturday was the official “Sweetheart’s Day” or to the rest of the world known as Valentines Day. I woke up and helped Mom make heart shaped muffins and eggs for breakfast. They were the best muffins I have ever had. Thanks to a recipe we found in the cookbook Jenni gave us for Christmas. We then just relaxed and doodled a bit on the piano. 

Soon enough it was time to meet the rest of the family at Chili’s. I was sad that we weren’t going to Red Robin, but I think I have been there enough in the past little while. It was a fantastic meal and wonderful company.

Knowing how much I love my little niece I was happy to be with her at Chili’s and to sing our little hearts out (It is a new tradition with Lily, to sing anytime I am around!) while we waited for our food. As soon as we all finished eating Clint and I jumped in the car to head down town with Mom to go to the Ballet. Yes, I took Clint to the ballet... I still don’t really know if that was a good or bad move... ;) It was his first time, and he was very willing to go, knowing that it was one of my favorite things to go to. 

When we got to the theater we walked around looking at all the art displayed outside while we waited for the doors to open... these don’t look too comfortable to dance in. OUCH!!! The doors opened and we headed up, and up, and up to our seats. We were far above anyone else, but I guess those are the benefits of complimentary tickets. Mom, I am not complaining one bit. I actually loved the seats we had because we could see the entire stage at once and could take in every little detail. 

The ballet opened with a contemporary dance called “Gong.” I think it was a little too much for me to handle. If it was too much for me I can only imagine what it was like for Clint. It was a bunch of angular movements that I didn’t understand with a lot of bright colors as you can see. 

The second portion of the ballet was beautiful. It was Madame Butterfly, which is normally an opera, but they extracted the music and made it into the most beautiful ballet I have seen thus far. It was very well done.

It was a tragic story, but what story that comes from an opera isn't tragic. I'm not going to lie, I did tear up a bit. I didn't know that dance could portray such passion and drama. I was simply impressed with the beauty of the production. 

We all went home and changed into our dinner date clothes. I borrowed a dress from my roommate and tried to look my best. We all headed over to the stake center for dinner and a dance. Dinner was tasty and fun. As soon as we finished eating we enjoyed a long night of dancing and music. 

We started by all dancing together as you would at a high school dance. 

I busted out a few sweet moves with Dave, like we did at Becca's wedding a long time ago. 

Then we broke out the swing moves and dazzled everyone! Well, I would like to think so. 

A dip here and there...

How can you get any cuter than my parents? I hope that someday I can be just like them. My parents and I ended up being the last couples on the dance floor. We enjoyed the music and just kept dancing until they kicked us out. We cleaned up Dad's camera gear and went on home. It was a lot earlier than we thought so we found a movie to watch. Dad got Sahara for his birthday from Des and Mike so we decided to pop it in (since we had seen nearly every appropriate movie from Redbox).

After wearing myself out completely on Saturday I had a hard time staying awake through church. Maybe I should learn to go to bed a little earlier. When we got home from church we had the most exquisite chicken noodle soup. I don’t think soup has ever tasted so good. As soon as we finished we said good bye to Dad, who was heading off to Vegas for a convention, and then all took a quick nap before Mike and Des came over. We played with Evylee and talked to Mike and Des for a while, or at least I did. clint just kept on sleeping... until we bugged him enough to get him up. ;)

I left to pick up Papa and brought him back home. I attempted to practice with Audrey but didn’t have much luck. The two of us just get the giggles a little too often. We soon left to go visit Clint’s sister, Rachel. Her poor daughter was sick and I felt kind of bad for intruding on their Sunday night, but they seemed happy to see Clint. If Clint didn’t enjoy his trip here at least he got to see his sister and her kids. 

Her kids are so cute. They all were fighting for Clint’s attention. Soon they found the camera and were taking all sorts of pictures. So here is a picture they took of us... not to shabby for a kid eh? 

I normally wouldn’t mention television shows, but this one had Clint and I laughing to no end. If any of you have seen Iron Chef America then you will know what I am talking about. 

Just imagine this face yelling very dramatically “BASIL!!!” I would have never guessed that would be a secret ingredient. It was so amusing that we actually stayed up and watched the entire show! Just thought I would share my joy.

Seeing as I already gave you an entire entry on just my birthday, I will try to keep it short this week. My biology class is getting harder and harder everyday, but oddly enough it intrigues me, and so I want to study... weird I know! We are starting to learn now about cellular respiration. It makes nearly no sense to me at all, but I want to understand it. I am determined to ace this test in a week. Study, study, study!

My Family Home Evening group is the best ever this semester. We have so much fun. It was the boy's turn to pick out the activity this week, but they wouldn't tell us what we were doing. After the song, prayer, and thought they got super excited and the Price is Right theme music started to play. Yes, that is right, we played a legitimate game of The Price is Right. Host and all. I learned that I have no understanding of pricing on anything. I wasn't even close on any of them. Good thing I have never tried to be on the real game. ;) 

Vocal Union rocked the performance this week at the Spirit Week Spectacular. I don’t think we have ever had such a successful first performance. We get another chance to perform at the Collegiate Invitational in a few weeks. 2 more songs learned and memorized to perform. It is just so much fun! This is the most amazing group I have ever been in. All the students want to accomplish something and are all willing to sacrifice to get there. We had a rehearsal without Sis. Brower this week and we accomplished so much. I was completely amazed at the focus of the group and how much we learned... I almost think we accomplished more this rehearsal than our rehearsals with Sis. Brower. Sometimes the students just need an opportunity to speak out without an intimidating teacher there. Our songs improved so much and although I don’t enjoy running rehearsal, it was good for me. I don’t know what I am going to do without this group in a few months when I graduate. Performing is my passion, and when I leave school I leave so many opportunities behind. I guess it is time to grow up, leave the performing behind, and lead a real life. 

Our ward had a temple night in Idaho Falls this week. It was nice to get to the temple again. The Rexburg Temple is closed for cleaning for a few weeks, so I don't get top work there for another 2 weeks. The Bishop met us there and fed us all dinner in the cafeteria (which was fantastic food!) and then we went on to do a session. It was the fullest session I have ever been to. I can't ever remember having to add that many chairs. the session took a long time, but it gave me a lot of time to think, ponder and just enjoy the spirit of the temple. I am so lucky to live close enough to a temple to just go when ever I want and need. 

I had to go down to Idaho Falls again on Saturday to do a little Vocal Union shopping and while I was there I met up with one of my good friends Alex Trost. I hadn't seen him since the beginning of January. He was in my english class and Vocal Union with me last semester. Seeing as we knew each other in the MTC we were instant friends here at school. We talked, laughed, and caught up as we drove back to Rexburg together. When we got back we picked up Kimber, another friend from Vocal Union, and went to Dairy Queen for a little ice cream and some good stories. We got on the topic of unfortunate experiences with microwaves and embarrassing moments. It turned out to be quite the interesting conversation, but what can you expect with the three of us?

Church today was so good. I love it when all three meetings are super spiritually fulfilling. My bishop decided to focus our sacrament talks on the temple recommend questions. I hear them a lot, but very rarely do I think too much about them in depth. I know I should, but it is more a yes/no situation that I have taken for granted. It was a great chance to think about each one and where I stand. Sunday school was a fantastic chance to learn and express what I know about personal revelation, something I am always working on understanding. It was just a great Sunday!

I can't wait to come home this next weekend for Sweethearts day and to see the whole family... and Clint!

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!

My birthday was stretched out all over the board. It started about a week ago when my old FHE brothers and Ji Hye wanted to take me out the new Red Robin in Idaho Falls. I had no idea that it was for my birthday at all. We got there and I saw Ji Hye lean over and tell the waitress that we were there celebrating my birthday. Little did I know they also told the waitress that it was Cliff's birthday too... this was no where near the truth. Turns out... they thought we looked enough like twins to pull off a dual birthday situation. We got balloons and free ice cream. It was so much fun to be with all the old people in the ward. We laughed, ate, and just enjoyed an evening in Idaho Falls. 

The next portion of my birthday festivities happened at home. I drove home for Mary's wedding and ended up getting the surprise of my life. I had asked Mom for a new temple dress seeing as mine didn't really fit. I got the most beautiful dress that fits like a glove. I just love it. But that isn't even the best part. Earlier that morning Mom and I had been talking about Clint and she asked if he was going to get to be here for our Sweethearts Day. I told her that he wasn't able to make it because neither him nor I could afford to get him a ticket. Soon after Mom asked if he would want to come if he had a way. I was sure he wouldn't turn down an opportunity. It was then that Mom told me that she had a free round trip plane ticket for anywhere in the United States. She asked me to call Clint and ask if he would like it. He accepted it, obviously, and so I technically got Clint for my birthday. He is coming and spending 4 days with me and my family! I am so excited. I can't wait to see him. I know it has only been a month, but it was a rough month. Oh how I love my mother!

Sunday evening we all got together and had a combined Birthday party for Potts, Des, Evylee and me. We had the best dinner! Mom made Cafe Rio Chicken Salad, that in my personal view tasted better than the restaurants. Good food and the company of family is the best thing in the entire world!

As you can tell we got a little carried away with the fun and laughter, but how can you not with my family. We are just a gallon of laughs waiting to happen. 

Right before I went to bed Monday night my roommates wanted to give me their gift so they could all be there. Meagan pulled out this avon box from work. I waited for everyone to get in the room. they sang and I started to open the box. 

I guess you can't go wrong getting me things for my birthday. People know that if it is Tinkerbell, green, or food I will be happy with it! They gave me a Tinkerbell steering wheel cover, CD holder and little bathroom set. 

It was quite the challenge getting the steering wheel cover on. My fingers were cold, and it wouldn't stretch over the wheel. After a good ten minutes of trying to get it on, I finally got Meagan to help me. It slipped right on, now why didn't I think to ask for help a little earlier?

Today is my BIRTHDAY!!! I woke up and Ji Hye told me to wait for breakfast. she wanted to make me Banana pancakes with coconut syrup, mmmm... one of my new favorites. I went out to help her. She shoved me back into bed and told me I wasn't allowed to help. I sat patently in my bed until she finished. I came out to eat them, and enjoyed every bite!

She had to go to class so I cleaned up and opened my cabinet to put things away and there I found this note. Turns out Clint was in cahoots with my roommate and set everything up. He had her buy me groceries. Next to getting Clint for my birthday from Mom this was by far the best gift. It was something I needed and could use. He is so thoughtful and sweet. How did I catch such a good guy? I hope he doesn't mind that I put this little note on here, but it isn't like I could put a picture of all the food right?

I went to Biology, learned about global warming and then left class to find a sweet message on my phone. Payton had called to leave me a birthday song. It was a sweet as can be! I came home and enjoyed a relaxing day, got a few phone calls from friends and family, and then got ready for my performance. 

We had sound check and a quick run through. After all that Sis. Brower had us all sit down  so she could give us our instructions for the rest of the evening. the next thing I knew everyone started singing Happy Birthday. Jacqui came around the corner with a chocolate mint cupcake and a card from all of the Vocal Union friends. It of course was a Tinkerbell card that they had all signed. Jacqui even went through the effort of finding a little quote from the movie. It was so much fun. I love having close friends! Vocal Union is a blessing in so many ways. 

Jacqui also gave me my gift from her and Andy. It was this beautiful Tinkerbell porcelain doll. I love it and it is a nice addition to my collection above my bed. I know it doesn't look like the regular Tinkerbell, but it is her outfit she has when she is "born." You will just have to watch the movie to figure all that out... if you want to. 

Right after our sound check I had another sweet little message on my phone. Lily had called this time and sang to me in her tiny little voice. She is by far my favorite person to sing with. I just love her little sweet voice! I called David to tell him thank you for the phone call, and got to listen to her sing it again. Then I went right to my performance. After the performance we rushed off to Idaho Falls for my birthday dinner. Where did we go, you may ask? Well, only to the best place ever! RED ROBIN... again!

I got the usual Bleu Ribbon Burger and Freckled Lemonade. I was there with a bunch of Vocal Union friends... funny thing is, they were ALL married. So we left a seat for Clint, knowing how much he loves burgers, and pretended he was there. So Clint, if you read this, that picture was for you and so was that burger. Andy said he was going to superimpose you, but who knows how that would happen! 

My birthday was the greatest ever! I loved it and I am so lucky to have to best family, boyfriend, and friends in the entire world! Thank you to everyone and anyone who had a part in it!

I had a good first FHE for the semester. We played all those silly "get to know you" games and then ate a really good chocolate cake that Seth made. I have a feeling that this group will be a lot more fun than last semester. At least they know we exist this time. I'll take pictures of our next activity so you can see who is all in my group. 

Devotional was fantastic this week. I got to sing again, but this time it was for a general authority. Elder D. Todd Christopherson spoke this week on our baptismal covenant to "always remember Him" and what that exactly means. You should listen to it on our school's website if you get a chance. The best part of the whole thing was about ten minutes before it started. All the students were seated in the Hart Auditorium ready for devotional. There was a lot of talking going on, but as soon as Elder Christopherson walked in it went dead silent and no one talked until President Clarke started the meeting. I love that! Where else does someone get such respect? This church and the people in it sure do know how to respect the leaders of the living gospel. I mean, President Obama would never get complete silence, or any president of the country for that matter. 

It is unbelievable cold here now. I can't believe how fast the temperature dropped around here. I wanted to go to the gym to work out, but forgot my i-card for clothes rentals so since i had my water bottle, i-pod, and coat I decided to take a jog outside. My new coat was so warm I hardly noticed how cold it was. I ran up to the temple and then back down to the snow building and around campus. It was a good time to clear my head and enjoy the beauty of Rexburg. Right as I was finishing up it started to snow. They were the biggest most beautiful snowflakes I have ever seen. I just stood outside my car and watched it all fall. I love the snow, and I love rexburg... it will be sad to leave it, but I think I have done my time here. 

The temple was wonderful this week. I had a chance to read through the lessons for this week's sunday school and relief society. Wow, what an inspiring thing. It was exactly what i needed. I love the fact that we are all entitled to our own revelation and can use the gift of the Holy Ghost to help us make correct choices. There was a small funny thing that happened while at the temple this week... all the workers had started to play match-maker while I was home sick last week. I got to temple this week and they all sat me down and asked if I was "attached" to someone. I smiled and told them about Clint. They all looked around in disappointment. I guess I blew all their plans, but hey, I like Clint so there is no guilt here. ;)

My roommate Bekki got her mission call this week after a long long wait. We were all in class until ten so she had her family wait a few minutes while we all got picked up. We all gathered around and waited anxiously as she opened the envelope. She began to read... Helsinki, Finland! As she continued to read I got a little teared up. I forgot all the wonderful things that a call letter says. She read through the whole thing and I just wanted to jump on a plane and head out to my mission and do it all over again. I miss being a missionary and getting to serve people 24/7. It is one of the greatest feelings knowing that you are helping the Lord accomplish his work. Hopefully some day I will get to go again. I wish her the best! I know she will be a fantastic missionary and that she will be a wonderful instrument in the Lord's hands.

We had our opening social for Vocal Union this weekend. It was so much fun... well for the time I was there. I got to know a few of the new people pretty good. This group is going to get a long just fine. All the girls already are best friends and the boys are just as sweet as can be. We had social time and then Sis Brower arrived with the food. We had it catered by Winger's. It was amazingly delicious. I enjoyed every bite. Sadly I couldn't stay the whole time. I had to leave so I could drive home for the weekend.

 I said all my goodbyes, gave my hugs and left to pick up Craig for the drive home. It wasn't all that bad this time around. Usually driving in the dark makes the trip seem really long. But seeing as we had no form of entertainment because my car has no CD player, or I-pod hook up we were left to entertaining ourselves. We talked about weird dreams we had, told jokes, and just laughed a lot. You know the mission was the best place to get life time friends. I'm glad Craig was able to drive home with me. It is always better making the trip with someone else. When I got home I went inside, said hello to Mom and Dad and went right to bed. 

Saturday was quite the adventure. I am going to leave out everything the has to do with my birthday because my birthday will get an entry all on its own. So much happened that I can't try to fit it into the rest of the week. I woke up, and got all ready for Mary Brissette's (My 2nd and last companion in the mission) wedding. I was supposed to drive out to Bountiful to the 

temple. On my way out I noticed traffic slowing down significantly. I soon came to a complete stop. I thought it was just usual traffic for the middle of the day, but I noticed we weren't moving... at all. I sat for a good 20 minutes before calling my dad. I finally turned off my engine and called Potts. He informed me that there had been a 5 car, 2 truck pile up. I wasn't going anywhere. Everyone was supposed to get off the freeway at 90th south... I had just passed that exit. I was stuck until the accident was all cleaned up. 2 hours later the cars started to move. By this time the wedding ceremony was over and I wouldn't even get there in time to congratulate her, so I turned around and came home. 

Luckily that evening I was able to make it to her reception. She looked beautiful and happy. What a sweet girl! And to think we didn't get along the first time around. I am so glad I was able to get another chance to mend that friendship. I am so happy for her and wish her the best. 

Sunday morning was a little out of the ordinary. Mom and I were getting ready and all of a sudden the power went out! Mom was left to finish her hair with her emergency butane curling iron, and I just pulled my hair up... this is one of those times when naturally curly hair comes in handy ;) I was on the phone with Clint all morning telling him about Saturday's adventures. Soon we started getting a few calls from the people in the ward wondering if we would still be having church. I guess it was out all over. Dad called from the church and asked us to bring a few flash lights. Church was still going to happen... in the dark! It was kinda cool to walk into the chapel filled with lantern light. I was really excited to have testimony meeting in the dark. It would be a fun experience to remember. Sadly as soon as Brother Heaton got up to start the meeting the lights came one and we had a regular day at church. The rest of the day has to do with my Birthday, so that will all have to wait for its own entry!