I’m single again, which means Clint decided things weren’t going to work out after trying the long distance thing. Don’t worry, I don’t have hard feelings towards him. The situation is a little difficult and took me by surprise, but I can’t make someone fall in love with me. He gets points for telling me in person though. I still do look up to him quite a bit. I don’t regret any of it and am glad I had an opportunity to learn from him. Luckily working in the temple has given me a chance to reflect on the good a whole lot more then focusing on the hard and bad. I will be sad when I don’t get to work there anymore. It really has been a blessing in so many ways. 

I decided not to wallow in my own self pity, but to get out in the social world and prove to myself that being single isn’t all that bad. After a long tedious recording session with Vocal Union we all headed out to the new ice cream joint. It was pretty good and just what any girl needs after being dumped. ;) After eating the most delectable ice cream ever Val convinced a few of us to go Country Swing dancing with her. I had never done it before, and I didn’t really know how, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try. I had the time of my life! I danced with someone different for every song, and even had a few 2nd rounds. Nik came with us, and we had the best time ever. I am so happy to have such good friends. I really couldn’t ask for more. 

Ji Hye and I decided to go on another one of our girl’s nights out. We went out to Idaho Falls, went to the mall, got the oil changed on my car, ate at the best place ever; Red Robin of course, and then enjoyed watching Twilight to finish off the night. I wish the two of us didn’t have to split up when school ends. That will be a sad parting for sure. I haven’t been away from her for more then 3 weeks at a time since I have been back from my mission. Honestly, someone who can deal with me for that long really is a great friend!

I got the chance to visit Grandma and Grandpa this weekend. I skipped church to ensure enough travel time to get there safely. It was a bit of a scary trip seeing I was all alone driving on a road I had never used before and the weather was far from cooperative. I slid off the road once, which totally freaked me out, but I said a prayer and knew that I would make it there safely. I made it in time for dinner which was delicious. You can never out do grandma’s cooking when it comes to a big meal. 

Soon enough David, Katie, Lily, and Kylie showed up for a late dinner. I played and sang with Lily as usual and had a blast. Grandma and Grandpa were just as excited to see the great grandkids as they were to see Me. Lily just adores Grandma and enjoys being there with them.  We all had dessert together, watched Iron Man and then all headed to bed. I am still amazed at how much traveling can wear you out. 

The ride back to Rexburg started pretty early. I had to be down town by 7:00 AM and rode all the way to Rexburg sleeping. I was supposed to be studying for my biology test, but I was so stinkin’ tired after such a long weekend. I got home just in time to eat something and head to Vocal Union. We started our last two charts today to prepare for our concert in a few weeks. It is going to be a great concert. 

For FHE this week we did scalp treatments. One of my FHE sisters finished beauty school before she came up here so she taught us how to do scalp treatments with Tea Tree Oil. It was just the thing I needed after a long day with a headache. I relaxed and let Marylee get to work. 

I took my biology test on Tuesday. I wasn’t sure how well I would do seeing as I didn’t take the time to study this weekend. We had a small review in class and so I decided since it was all fresh in my mind I would go take it then. I was extremely surprised to leave the testing center with an 86%. This is much higher than expected and means that I could completely bomb the final and still pass the class. Looks like graduating is a done deal!

Sadly I caught quite the cold this week. I have been trying so hard to fight it off all week so that it wouldn’t effect my recital on Saturday. I spent all day sleeping both wednesday and Thursday. I didn’t want to take any chances. You would not believe all the water I drank and all the vitamin C I was trying to flush through. It worked pretty good...at least to hold it off until the end of the week. Thursday we all got together to do a full run through of my recital. We even got to do it in the Barrus concert hall. I had Andy and Jacqui take notes so I could know exactly what needed to be fixed or polished before Saturday. It ran pretty smoothly. I’m excited to perform!!!

Saturday finally came! I woke up and took my sweet little time getting ready and cleaning up. I was trying to get my apartment clean and ready for my family to come. I didn’t want to embarrass myself with the mess my roommates leave behind. Sadly after all that work my family didn’t even come inside. I went to Andy’s recital earlier in the day. It was phenomenal. I really enjoyed all of it. He has a very impressive classical voice. His family was here along with Jacqui’s mom. It was a very nice recital!

I left after Andy’s recital to get ready for my own. I then met up with Mom, Dad, and Audrey to go to a late lunch at Applebees. it was fully satisfying, and just what I needed to get ready for my recital. I met up with Sis. Brower for a few more touch ups and to run through my duet with Audrey. It was time to change and get the show on the road. But not before I took the time out to get a blessing from Dad. I knew I was still sick and wanted the added comfort of knowing that everything was going to be alright. The blessing mostly just calmed my nerves, and assured me that it would turn out great. Nothing else could be done at this point. It was all or nothing!

It all started with Sis Bossard (my wonderful teacher) introducing my program. She said some silly things about me and my lack of middle name. Some people think she is a crazy old lady, but I think she is wonderful!

With Sis. Brower as my accompanist we started right into the program. I started it off with a few classical selections and some of my favorite sacred pieces. I wanted to be sure to have the right feeling, so I decided it would be best to wear a dress... at least for this short portion of the show. 

I got to sing a duet with Audrey, which is almost my favorite thing in the whole world. the only thing that tops that is singing with both Jenni and Audrey!

Yes, we still get the giggles even when it is a formal event... I guess that is just the way things go when you are best friend sisters!

I got a few of my friends together to sing an arrangement of The Lord's Prayer in honor of Clint. It is his favorite piece of music and I know he would have loved to have been there but he is held up in St. George and was unable to attend. So Dan being as greta as he was took his place... hence the music stand. 

While I changed my clothes Sis Brower put together a small interlude and played "Emily" in honor of, well, me! What a sweet lady she is. I just don't know what I will do without her when I graduate. I next sang a few jazz selections and ended the group with a surprise act.

While Sis Brower played the Mr. Rodger's Theme I smiled, and did just as he would. I put on my tennishoes and slipped on a sweater. 

Next in line, everyone came out in their best sweaters and we all sang Won't You Be My Neighbor. It was a nice comic relief for such a serious recital. 

I ended with a few favorites from some less popular musicals and then sooner then I knew it was all over and I had finished my greatest assignment in all of school. Wow, the end really is coming quickly!

I love Sis. Bossard and all that she has taught me in the past few months. She believed that I could do anything, and with her help I pulled together a recital that was far better than anything I could dream up. 

Mom of course supplied treats for a small reception after and in the process opened a bottle of sprite a little prematurely and got it all over herself and Audrey. Obviously members of my family. ;)

I met up with my good friends in the hall and thanked each of them for coming. I had about 58 people come from both on campus and people from out of town. It was a great surprise to have Megan Larsen, the Marsdens, Katie and Seffton, and the Slaughters show up. I am so loved a supported by all my closest friends! I love them all and thank each of them for coming from so far out of town just to show their support. 

Nothing could have been done without the loving support of a mother who believed in me from my little Annie-a-loud days to now. What a great mom! I couldn't and wouldn't ask for a better one!

What is a recital without flowers. Thank you Mom and Dad, and also Marsden family. I love the flowers and will keep them as long as I can. Thank you to all who came and also to those who sent their love and support in good luck wishes. It was  great experience that I wouldn't change for the world!

Crafting it Forward

Here's a fun little contest! I was the first to spot it on Courtney's blog this morning and I want to play!

Here are the rules:
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! This offer does have some limitations:
1. You will not know what it's going to be, and there are no guarantees that you will like what I make! It may be something simple and small or I may go crazy and do something amazing.

2. It’ll be done this year. Translation: you may be waiting a little while. ( My goal is the next 6 weeks)

3. Most importantly, you must offer the same deal on your blog - the first 5 people to comment on your blog (or Facebook or whatever, if you don't have a blog) get something made by YOU!

Update on Clint...well as of the end of last week he no longer felt like he was supposed to be in Texas anymore. I left on a whim and now has made his way across the southwest. He started by driving through Texas, made his way through New Mexico, Arizona, and then made a fun stop in Vegas. After a small set back of thinking he lost his car on the strip he made a quick stop in Death Valley California. He had no phone reception in Death Valley so he called his mother on a pay phone and had her let me know where he was. I’m not complaining here, anywhere is closer than Texas.  

For FHE this week we had a great time doing karaoke with the entire ward. I will admit that is was the worst planned activity I have ever been to, but that is because it was my job to plan it, and I forgot all about it until that day. I haven’t been keeping up with my calling very much this semester, and I feel terrible about it. We have one more activity this semester and I hope to make up for the poor planning I did on this one. It was fun nonetheless. That is the nice thing about a student ward, they will make anything and everything fun as long as there are refreshments involved. 

Good news! My Biology Lab was finally waived. I can officially graduate now without any problems. I have been waiting for that since the middle of summer semester. It was causing a bit of stress seeing as it was the only thing in my way of graduating, and now I have a straight shot, as long as I pass my Biology class. Two more tests and we will know!

My FHE sister’s birthday was this week. I took the time out to make Marylee a delicious meal, creamy chicken enchiladas. We then blind folded her and took her out to Chili’s to get a Molten Lava Chocolate Cake Dessert (my favorite!) It was a wonderful day, and topped off with a new boyfriend for her birthday as well. I guess she got more than she asked for this year. 

The temple this week was great. I again had a chance to do a few baptisms while I was there. I just love the wonderful people I work with there. Every time I am there I find out something new about each person and learn a key bit of knowledge whether it is about gospel concepts or just good tid-bits about life. It is true, one year older and wiser too! I love getting those small bits of life lessons from the people here at the temple. I will always remember the beautiful things I learned here.

This weekend was fantastic. I had an opportunity this weekend to sing for the President’s Club Dinner at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City. We drove up from Rexburg Friday afternoon and caught a show at Hale Center Theater. It was a different rendition of Phantom of the Opera that we all enjoyed very much. That night we got to the hotel in Salt Lake and I stayed up for a while having “girl talk” with a few of the girls there. It was a great evening!

The next morning I woke up and headed downstairs for the free breakfast, ate and talked with Nik for a short while. I guess the rest of the group went to the temple. Mom came and picked me up so I could spend a little extra time at home. I did a little studying and practicing. Nothing I wouldn’t spend time doing at school, but there is always a feeling of comfort at home that I can’t get at school. As soon as Audrey got done with her violin lesson we practiced for our musical number in church. We can never take practices very seriously. It always ends up in the giggles. I don’t know how we ever pull these things off without laughing. 

It is pretty close to Audrey’s birthday...kind of...so we convinced Mom and Dad that they wanted to take us out to Winger’s for lunch. It was just as good as ever. Audrey of course was glued to the TV screen watching the March Madness game. To be honest I couldn’t even tell you who was playing. I don’t know where she picked up her interest in sports, but she sure does enjoy a game. 

I couldn’t stay much longer after that because I had to head back to Salt Lake to meet up with the rest of Vocal Union for our big evening. I found them in the underground parking lot and we all went upstairs to change into our performance clothes. We had a bit of time to relax so I called a few friends to catch up with them and then just enjoyed the view from a top the church office building. We soon had a chance to do our sound check. Everyone was so tired and groggy that practicing seemed to do us no good. Sis. Brower felt inspired to share with us an experience to help us portray the message of our song a little better. She told us about her son and how he was lost for a few hours at the age of 2. They eventually found him in the irrigation ditch, not breathing. Sis brower stood by as they waited for the paramedics. She told us how she felt the presence of guardian angels protecting her son. She wanted us to portray our message as if we were those guardian angels for those in the audience. We ran through our piece one more time, and it was amazing the difference that we felt.

Next we each got assignments for ushering the people in for dinner. I felt like a sister missionary again with my clean pressed clothes and a small tag with my name and who I represent. It was a nice little flash back. I led people to the elevator to take them to the open reception. I was coupled with Jonathan, which was pretty fun seeing as it had been a while since we had really talked. Next I got assigned to mingle with the patrons for about 20 minutes during the reception to help them understand the experience that each student has at BYU-Idaho. Then Adam and I got pulled upstairs to the 26th level to direct people to their seats for dinner. It was a wonderful job...especially when Elder Ballard walked out of the elevator. He stopped to shake my hand, and we had a small chat and laughed a bit. What a sweet man. After everyone was seated I found my reserved seat as “student host” amongst the donating patrons. 

The dinner was amazing. I sat next to a couple from Alaska who was giving scholarship money to the school, a couple from Logan UT who also donated to the scholarship funds. I expressed my gratitude to them for their donations, seeing as I have had the blessing of having received a  scholarship every semester up here at school. They had a lot of questions about my experiences here and about my view on all the changes. I enjoyed the chance I had to reflect back on my experiences here as a whole and evaluate the changes that I have made because of this school. 

We got up to sing as soon as everyone had been served dinner. The room was so full of the spirit. We first sang an arrangement of Bring Him Home that Sis Brower wrote. It was so beautiful and uplifting. Adam had the solo and did an amazing job at portraying the message of home love. We wanted the context of the song to be slightly changed to tie into the concept of the atonement. After we finished that song Eva stepped forward and bore her testimony of the atonement of our Savior and we followed that with I Stand All Amazed (another arrangement by Sis Brower). There was not a dry eye in the building. Elder Ballard and his wife, President and Sister Clarke, and President and Sister Eyring were all thrilled with the songs we sang and each openly thanked us for our musical talents and testimonies. It was such a good experience for each of us in the choir as well. 

After we finished our songs, President Clarke got up to speak. He pretty much recapped my entire experience at this school in just a few words. He is such an amazing man and has worked wonders with this school, while still keeping the beautiful feeling of the “Spirit of Ricks” that they always refer to. I love this school and am so grateful for all the wonderful things I have learned here. Next President Henry B. Eyring spoke to us. I know he was mainly speaking to the patrons and donors, but I felt at times he was looking right at me and telling me all the things I can accomplish after I leave the school. I got a little emotional thinking of leaving and having to go out on my own, but knowing what I do now, and reflecting on all the lessons I have learned here at school I can readily face the world. That doesn’t mean it will be easy, but I will get a chance to use all the wonderful skills and concepts I have taken to heart while being here in Rexburg. He told me, while speaking to everyone else of course, “You can accomplish anything you want with the help of your Heavenly Father.” I have heard those words before, but at a point in my life where everything seems to be changing it means a lot more to me. I will never forget the feelings I had that night being in the presence of a servants and apostles of the Lord. 

After the whole dinner and program was done we had an opportunity to speak with each person there. Both Elder Ballard and President Eyring expressed their gratitude for talents and spirit, shook our hands and left. What a wonderful experience to end school with. So many people in that room were grateful for our testimonies shared through the music. They took the time out to come and personally thank each of us and wish us luck in our endeavors. I have never felt so grateful for my talents as I did that night. I know that I can change lives through my music and that is exactly why I chose to do what I did here at this school. There is no better feeling then sharing your testimony through music and knowing it has lifted someone up. 

I got permission to stay behind the rest of the weekend while everyone else drove back to rexburg. I drove home on my own that night and met up audrey and Tiffany to watch Phantom of The Opera (the movie). You would think I have had enough of that this weekend. We didn’t get to finish it because of curfew, but enjoyed what we did get to watch. 

Our musical number in church was good, but made me giggle, after we were done of course. We had planned so many dynamics, and breath markings, and for some reason all of that went out the window. Mom and the two of us would be the only ones to really know that though. 

As soon as we got home from church Jenni, Mark, Payton, and Sadie showed up. I was so happy to see all of them. They are so fun and I miss them all so much. it had been about 6 months since I last saw them.

Sadie is just growing up so fast and is the cutest little Sadie-bug in the whole world. I love seeing all my nieces and nephew. The only problem is that it makes me baby hungry to have my own, but I guess that will all come in due time.

After our big family dinner with EVERYONE there we decided to take a walk around the bluff. We were the largest road blockade I have ever seen. Collier parade coming through! I don’t think I have ever seen so many strollers with one family. 

Audrey took a ride in the double rider...

I took a ride in Evylee’s stroller, which I know, it looks more like a wheelchair. 

We took a few family pictures

One with the kids and Gammie and Potts. 

and our small family addition... Fanny.

Then we just played around the rest of the evening. It was great to have everyone together and to get to catch up. I love my family!

Not a very eventful week, that is for sure. it seemed to involve nothing but practicing. With my senior recital in the works I feel like all I do is sing... good thing I enjoy it so much. I had my first rehearsal with Sis Brower for my recital. Boy, she is an amazing musician. I am amazed every time I sing with her just how good she is. I love it because I can do almost anything and she will follow me. She is probably the best accompanist I have ever come by. My recital will turn out great. 

I also had time to go swing dancing this week. It was the first time I actually got to dance with the "in" crowd. I got pulled into what they call the swing circle, which is like a break dancing circle where you show off lifts and quick foot work. One of the teachers pulled me in and we danced out little hearts out. I had such a good time. I hope I can go dancing again at least one more time before the end of the semester. 

I sang in church with a kid named Isaac this week. I have never practiced so much for a musical number in my life. It turned out nicely by Sunday. I am glad I got another chance to sing in church. I sure will miss this ward when I am done here at school. The students are so kind, and the bishopric is out of this world. They care so much for each student and really do know us and our needs. I am so grateful for all their efforts and sacrifices for us. 

The beginning of the this week was completely uneventful. You see I have been a bit sick lately so all through Monday, Tuesday and most of Wednesday all I did was go to my classes and sleep. I finally got up the guts to go to the doctor on Wednesday morning. He did know what was wrong for sure, but he did send me on for an ultrasound on my gall bladder. I still haven’t heard anything back so who knows what is really wrong?

Wednesday night I had a chance to hang out with Chelsea Adams. We went to go see a play on campus together. It is called Burdens of Earth. It is about Joseph Smith’s time and trials in the Liberty Jail. It was very informative and very well done. Adam was in it so all of Vocal Union wanted to go and support him. I’m really glad I went. It enlightened my mind and strengthened my testimony. 

I got to go to the Idaho Falls Temple again this week, but this time I went for a ward baptism night. The only problem is that they don’t let endowed sisters do any baptisms, so they sent me up to do inititories. I was a little bummed out that I didn’t get to spend time with the ward, but it was still enjoyable. I rode with my FHE sisters from the apartment upstairs. We did quite a bit of bonding, and now I am more part of their apartment then mine. You know sometimes I just need a place that I can go away from my apartment to clear my head and such, and this is the perfect place to do it. I have been up here nearly all weekend seeing as no one is ever home at my apartment. They are super sweet girls and i am so happy I have finally taken the time to get to know them and have fun with them.

Friday started out a little rough. I had my voice lesson and was asked to perform my song that I was to be singing in the recital later that night. My teacher just sat back and listened... I forgot words, sang wrong notes, and completely embarrassed myself. I am just glad it was only my teacher around to notice. I came home and practiced until there was no doubt in my mind that I had it all learned and memorized. I got my hair cut later that evening and then got ready for the recital. I was almost last on the program. I kept thinking about what happened in my lesson and it made me super nervous. I came out on stage, said a quick prayer, and the next thing I knew the song was over and everyone was clapping. I guess it all turned out. 

When I got home I called Dad and gave him all my input for my recital poster. I think it turned out great. Dad is an artistic genius. I swear it didn’t take him more than 15-20 minutes to put it together.  Thank you so much Dad! Anyone who reads this... you are invited and I would love to have you there!

Saturday was a day full of surprises and fun. I woke up and printed out all my invitations  so I could mail them on Monday, and then when I got back Marilee (one of my new quasi-roommates) asked if I wanted my hair highlighted. I am always up for free hair treatment. I sat down and let her go to town. It turned out a little more blonde then I was expecting, but as Clint said, I can now blame my falling up stairs on the color of my hair. ;)

We had Stake Conference that night as well. It was so good. It was all organized around the idea of lifting other people up and watching over them. I guess I have some work to do when it comes to my real roommates. Maybe I shouldn’t just run away, but should face the issue and learn from it. I hate it when the speaker is right and seems like they are speaking just to me.  

Ji Hye asked me later that night if I wanted to go Snowmobiling. Are you kidding me? Why on earth would I ever pass something like that up? I got into my warm clothes (which consisted of a double pair of pants, 2 shirts and a coat... not too warm, but it was all I had.) and we headed out the door. I wasn’t quite sure who was all going. I guess with 2 machines it only makes sense that you take 4 people. 

Ji Hye and I took a picture in the car just for the heck of it. (take note of the super blonde hair) As soon as we picked up the 4th person we were already out as far as Ashton. When we got there he asked if we would help him with something... He had a calf die today and needed us to help him move it out of his bathroom. Kind of an awkward start to an evening. I would put a picture, but I think a picture of a dead cow would be a little morbid. 

We drove out to Mike’s cabin and all got ready to go. Luckily Mike’s mom had some extra snow pants and coat. I was all bundled up and ready to go. I thought we all looked like ninjas because of our face masks.

And we were all ready to go! Look how cool we are in our helmet and all!

Half way out to the falls. I was getting ready to drive!

Mike and I shared a machine... a little odd seeing as I didn't know him at all, but hey I got a fun ride!

Ji Hye and Nick shared one... oh so cute!

15 miles later we made it to the cave.

And then out to the falls... that is if you can see them. This isn't the greatest picture of all of us, but you can at least see what we hiked to... in the dark! It was a great night, despite the one crash and the ripped snow pants. I love being outside! I needed this little outing for sure. 

I got home at curfew and was so worked up that I couldn't sleep so I stayed up and watched a movie with Megan... It was a good idea until the next morning when I realized we had stake conference at 9. Don't worry, I still woke up and went. I even took time to get ready. it was a great conference focusing on "looking to our home." He took it in four different ways. Look ing to our home with our families and everything and seeing what it is that we can learn and teach our parents and siblings. Looking to our apartments as a source of comfort and love and really turning them into a home, rather than just a place to live. Looking to the future homes we will all have and preparing ourselves to be the best spouses and parents we can. And then finally looking to our eternal home. Looking toward the eternal goal of living with Heavenly Father again and doing all we can to get there in one piece. It was a great conference!

When I got home I made my new friends a little surprise lunch. ENGLISH PANCAKES!!! yummy so good. they loved them and said that I have to make them for them every sunday. I didn't object to that! I could eat them all day everyday! After a long relaxing afternoon we took time to watch the CES Fireside. Any of you who didn't get a chance to hear it you need to read it as soon as it is available. It was a talk by Elder Hales. He spoke on stepping up to higher ground and getting there in time to lift others up with you. It was just a fantastic spiritually uplifting weekend. I love being here at this school!