Long Week

It's 9:01 on a Tuesday night and I'm exhausted. I don't even have kids to feed, bathe, and put to bed. All I have to do is worry about myself, oh, and my 26 "kids" I greet 5 days a week at school. Every night, I get ready for my nightly chat with Derek.

Some nights, it's fun. We talk about our days, laugh, joke, share stories. Other nights, it's not so fun. We're stressed and tired. On these nights, Derek is usually studying for a test. Now, here's where it gets hard. I support him 100% in his endeavors. I always tell him "If there is anything I can do, let me know!"

But, I know that's silly! I can't take is anatomy test for him. I can't study diseases for hours on end in his behalf. I can't see him everyday like we used to in Rexburg.

But, I can support him. I can tell him I love him. I can make him yummy dinners. I can clean is apartment.

He always says "Thank you". He is always so happy to see me. He is always smiling & saying "I love you".

Then I realize,

It's the moments like these, that make it ALL worth it.

Memories

Today was the day. I packed up my car full of clothes, books, shoes, picture frames, mirrors, and memories. Played "tug-of-war" with some items, but managed to fit them all in. Revved the engine & drove. Drove away from 4 years of memories.

.Cold Winter mornings on campus.

.Hot summer afternoons at Rigby Lake.

.Riding bikes.

.Slipping on icy walkways wishing to be home in California.

.Making so many new friends.

.Watching friends leave and return from missions.

.Watching friends get married and start families.
.Laughing until I cried.

.Late night chats with all my favorite girls.

.Feeling EVERY emotion in 1 day.
.Smiling even though you failed.

.Living on my own & experiencing independence.

.Remembering all the dates with countless boys.

.Remembering the jerks who brought me closer to my Mom & girlfriends.

.Meeting the love of my life.

Every year, I knew I would come back.

Not this time.

Now, I find myself driving away from Rexburg and memories to not return in a few short months. This time, I will leave and go to a new city. A new place to call "home". A place to settle down and start over. A place to make new

Memories

Thanksgiving Fun

Thanksgiving Break Highlights:

1. Seeing Derek for the first time in 3 months!

2. Playing in Oakley for a few days with Derek's family and friends

3. Getting lots of kisses from this cute boy....

4. Riding horses out on the Ranch

5. Flying to San Diego and spending a few days at the beach

6. Visiting La Jolla and Old Town San Diego

7. Being in warm, sunny, and beautiful San Diego for a few days with family and friends.

Next Thing on my To-Do-List:

1. Finish the last 3 weeks of school strong.

2. Take finals.

3. Graduate.

BYU Homecoming Weekend

This past weekend, Rachel and I drove down to Provo to meet up with Dad, Mom, & Dallin for BYU Homecoming Week

We enjoyed the Homecoming Parade on 9th Next to the

Creamery,

Attending the ESPN broadcast,

And cheering on the Cougars during the game,

(which they sadly lost)

Twenty-One

My Birthday celebrations started a few weeks ago when Mom & Dad surprised me with a visit to Arizona

to see

Derek!

We spent the long weekend swimming, shopping, eating yummy food, talking, and having lots of fun!

While there, I opened my present from Derek, which, he wrapped by himself without scissors- talented, huh? I excitedly opened it to see a Webcam!

Now we can video chat with each other every few days, which will be a fun treat!

Thanks Derek! I love you!

On Saturday, my roommates and I headed out for some yummy dinner and a movie to celebrate.

Sunday, my actual Birthday, was full of fun, friends, and treats!
For a few highlights:

{Stephanie, Zack, Meghan, Me, Shawn}

I met Stephanie and Meghan last Fall and we've been friends ever since. I love these girls!

Zack and Shawn were Derek's roommates in the summer, so we had lots of fun together and it was fun to see them!

{Spencer, Katie, Whitney, Me, Kyler}

It was probably the most fun to see all these cute kids walk in the door! We all met our 1st semester at BYU-Idaho back in 2006. Spencer and Kyler were gone the past 2 years serving missions, and returned for a fun reunion! Thank you all for the Birthday wishes!

It's going to be a great year!

09.10.09

Today was my

{LAST}
 FIRST 
Day of School at 
BYU-Idaho.

[bitter sweet, but i smiled all day]