All year long, we wait for sun.

This summer has been super crazy. I haven't been out on the water once prior to this weekend! It's part of growing up I guess, work work work - all day long! So tonight, Dad allowed some of my friend and I to go out in the boat. It was so much fun to go tubing. There was 7 of us Total :

Kim
Me
Matthew
Rob
Marquee (visitor from Alaska, too bad we can't keep her!)
Catherine and Jacob

We had a lot of fun just laughing, and messing around. Getting hurt, going fast, and swimming:)

Me yelling at Rob for his 2 minutes of horrible driving. Not that he's a bad boat driver, just not for pulling my dad's tube's:)

We tried one more time, but it didn't last long. But it was fun!

Me driving the boat!

Jacob and Marquee. Marquee is visiting from Alaska! Her grandparents are from Sandpoint, ID so she spends some of her summer's here! It was refreshing to have another new face around for awhile!

Kim enjoying the fun times

Matthew enjoying the fun!

Me sporting the summer boating shades! Morgan got these glasses for me for my 21st birthday a few weeks ago:) They've been quite the hot commodity.

Just before 9pm, I dropped everyone off at the beach and headed towards home. The sunset was gorgeous in the mirror so I attempted to capture it with my camera! A great evening spent with good friends. I couldn't be more lucky in the friends I have now:)

We are the architects and builders of our lives

"All the knowledge in the world would not amount to anything unless we put that knowledge into actual practice. We are the architects and builders of our lives, and if we fail to put our knowledge into actual practice and do the duties that devolve upon us we are making a failure of life."
President Heber J. Grant

Blessings truly do come in all shapes and sizes. I have been stressed out about saving enough money to go to school. It is really hard to find jobs in Rexburg, Idaho for students attending BYU - Idaho. I moved back in with my parents as of the first of July to save as much money as I can in preparation to return to school.

A few months ago it hit me like a load of bricks while pondering the scriptures. I was studying the 3rd book of Nephi, Chapter 9. It is where the Lord tells the people that he will no longer accept offerings and sacrifices. The only sacrifices to which he will receive is a broken heart and contrite spirit. I thought to myself, Perfect people don't need to be perfected. The Lord is here to help us in our time of need. To lend a shoulder to cry on in a time of need. To help us when we're weak, to pick us up off the floor when we're down. Through a broken heart and contrite spirit, Christ can enter our lives. I started crying to myself, everyone has their fair share of hardships, but what does this mean to me at this point in my life. What do I have to offer? I have a job, I have all the time in the world, but there is one thing I am missing right now. A key area that even my Patriarchal blessing talks about. I need to finish my education. I have been very undecided and back and forth the past few years about what I'm going to study, why I want to study that, and where I can apply it. After returning to BYUI last spring, I changed my major to Child Development with an undeclared minor. I could not have enjoyed the classes more. I gained a greater appreciate for child rearing, and family hardships. Knowing I needed to return to school wasn't the problem, it's not like I have NOT wanted to go to school the past year...but responsibilities and circumstances kept me here in Sandpoint. Something was keeping me here, for some reason I still do not know. Maybe it was a lesson to learn, maybe it was to lend a hand, maybe to save money...I have yet to discover why I was supposed to wait this long - but I am going back. I have set a goal - FINISH MY BACHELORS BEFORE I'M 25, and this will be done. I'm the type of individual that when I have an idea, and I apply myself as much as I physically, emotionally and spiritually can, I will achieve in some way.

I have resubmitted my application to BYUI to begin classes in the Winter 2011 (January) semester. I hope to hear back from the school within the next couple weeks. But this is all a side note to the real blessing at hand. So yes, returning to school is quite expensive, and where in the world would I come up with enough money to go back. In the past I have not qualified for grants by the FAFSA at all, but I applied anyway. We shall hear more information as soon as I am accepted and assigned a track at the university. But this particular blessing comes quite unexpected but very appreciated.

Being that I have never qualified for any grants from the FAFSA, I applied last spring to a program called the Heber J. Grant Scholarship Program. They take individuals who have suffered a hardship, or ones with extenuating circumstances, and financially help them through school on a need basis. I was awarded 2 semesters (a years) worth of scholarship. My award was half tuition ($850). Because it was to be applied the next semester - which would have been fall 2009 - I never actually used any of the money allotted. After withdrawing from school I thought the opportunity had dissipated. In talking with my sister, I determined it might be wise to reapply for this particular program, and contacted the office. Surprised, the lady looked up my information and informed me that the money has been set aside for me to use whenever I return to school. Oh what a blessing. I thought I was going to have a wait a semester AGAIN to get the reward, but I don't. I am so happy that things are coming together quite nicely. I have a couple girls I want to live with and have been in contact with, and financially everything is seeming so possible at this point. I am so grateful for the many blessings that have come to me the past few months. The lessons learned, and the support given. I couldn't have been blessed with a better family or more inspirational friends. Everyone has been real encouraging of me to do what I feel is best!

I can only hope BYUI accepts me to start in January. It would be a real long wait to be readmitted in April! Anyways, with good news comes by way of a hopeful attitude. I can't wait to see what this next chapter in my book of life has in store:)

so, food for thought on the matter:

"We have all drunk from wells we did not dig, and warmed ourselves by fires we did not build."

Country Boys and Girls

WELCOME TO NORTH IDAHO!

My brother was visiting last week, so I got a few friends together to go shooting. We went up the hill behind the cabin. Matt had a pallet in the back of his truck so we screwed some targets onto it! It was so much fun! Daniel and Matthew Bouse came along, with Kim, myself and Matt.

Kim Barbee

My brother Matt

Kim, Daniel and Matt

Kim

Matthew

Me

I would laugh every time

Daniel Bouse and his hand-gun

Thanks Matt for a fun time:) It was kind of fun to get out in the country and enjoy the nice weather shooting:)

Testimony of the Book of Mormon

This really touched my heart, so I thought I would share it. Enjoy:)

Party Like It's 1989

I woke up June 28th at approximately 10am to Jeremy with a trey of my favorite breakfast. Being that my oldest brother Jeremy was visiting with his in laws, I was sharing a room with his immediate family. I was sleeping on the top bunk. I went to sit up to take the breakfast in bed, and realized that the ceiling in the pink room (Victorian room) is too low to sit up in bed. I got up for the day and partook of my all time favorite breakfast - biscuits and gravy! It was the best, and it was the thought that really counts! After eating we went on a short little boat ride. My birthday cruise is what dad refered to it as!

Boyd and I on the Birthday cruise

being I was moving this particular weekend, I didn't have much time to spare that afternoon. I went right into my apartment following the short boat ride. I packed all afternoon trying to not be distracted by my phone BLOWING up with calls and texts wishing me a happy 21st! Around 3 pm I headed back to mom and dad's to shower as I was told to be ready by 5 pm to be picked up by Rob.

When he arrived he blindfolded me, and made me walk all the way up the driveway without vision, then drove around bottle bay and all the way out to the surprise destination! Good thing we talked the whole way and I didn't get car sick!

Before leaving the house, Morgan and Jackie insisted that I take the picture with beer (used for beer butt chicken or whatever) being that I just turned 21! haha. I'm blindfolded mind you, so I wasn't sure what I was handed.

Rob and I headed out the door to my surprise party!
We drove out to Brittney and Minta Kramers house where I took off my blindfold to be surprised by about 20 of my greatest friends! They made a home made slip and slide in their back yard, and were preparing to BBQ for dinner! After the slip and slid we played volleyball, then water balloon volleyball, then we put the soapy tarp under the volleyball net and played slip and slide volleyball. After the games we ate a great dinner and visited in the grass. When it started to get dark we picked up the lawn, and headed inside for some games. It was so much fun and I'm so grateful for all the many wonderful friends who made my 21st birthday the best it could be:) I loved every minute of my party and am thankful to my family for also making arrangements for me to celebrate with them later in the week on one of my nights off.

On Thursday I had my final walk through at my apartment with my complex manager. Everything went great! I hurried home to celebrate my 21st birthday with my parents, and family. I requested Chicken enchilada's for dinner, and my mom's famous Apple Cake! MmmMmm good:) Everything was so delicious, I'm so grateful for the best mother in the world! We even had enough enchilada's for a couple days of left overs! LOVE IT! The apple pudding cake is always a hit. I have never made it myself - but I know that mom always does it best! We also had enough cake for leftovers the following day. My mom knows us all too well!

Preparing to light the Candles.

Thanks Mom for the best birthday!

Jackson (Morgan's Nephew) and Maggie help me blow out the torch candle !

The torch candle wouldn't light so I held the lighter and blew it's flame out. It's all the same right:) At least I got a birthday wish!

I couldn't be more satisfied.

Mom and dad have gotten me pearls for my birthday almost every year since I was 12. This year they had Andrew pick some out at Farr's in Idaho Falls and mail them up. They are absolutely gorgeous, and I have worn them to work almost every day since!

I have the most wonderful mother in the world! I'm so grateful for all she does for me!

Thanks Dad for all the many blessings, advice and wonderful support you have given me the past year. I have grown and learned to appreciate my parents more and more on a daily basis. I truly do love them!

A place we like to call home

Welcome to Sandpoint, Idaho. The most beautiful place on the earth!

A couple weeks ago my friend Kaynie (which I met up in Alaska the summer of 2008) came up from Post Falls to visit for the weekend. That Saturday just so happened to be free chairlift day at Schweitzer ski resort. A few of us went up the mountain to explore and have a fun filled afternoon together. It was a gorgeous day. Not the most clear but still warm and sunny!

We took every opportunity to stop and take some photographs with one another. Before hiking around we asked a couple to take our picture and this is what he came up with. It seriously looks like we're standing in front of a backdrop!

Kim Barbee and I.

Matthew Bouse and I.

Rob Robinson and I.

Kaynie Nelson and I. (This is also the day I received my new hip sunglasses from Morgan! They were my birthday present, and they are AWESOME!)

Attempting to get a jumping picture. Epic fail.

After walking around, taking pictures, sword fighting and picking flowers, we headed back down the mountain! We saw a deer on the way down, and I was able to quickly turn and get a photo. The gentlemen who rode on our lift with us was telling us that they transplanted a caribou on the mountain last year, and have also had problems with bears more recently. Wish we could have seen one of them - would have taken me back a couple years to my time spent in Alaska. Oh how I miss it.

The Date

Recently I was asked - Why is it important to date? Well... I gave real careful thought to this question. Out of bitterness to a routine broken heart, I would have probably responded out loud very quickly - well, it's not. Then you never get hurt:) But I've pondered this question a great deal the passed few weeks. I mean, it is very important for young single adults to date...not "date" or be "dated" but to go on dates. It's opportunities such as dates to get to know individuals on a more personal level and seek to find qualities you may or may not want in a future companion. It is important, I feel, to actively seek to find those compatible persons whom seek to find you also. This in no way means that anyone should be in any real hurry or rush to get married. There is no timeline to dating, nor is their any real pressing thing that should push couples or individuals to make rash decisions they themselves are not ready for. It's not a race - for anyone! But regardless of the end result, ladies and gentlemen should be dating.

I've noticed that dating has changed significantly in the last few years. When my older siblings were in school, dating was different then steady dating. The term "dating" has become a loose term - and a more crucial term - for what we more commonly call a Relationship. When one asks, "Are they dating?" What they really mean to say is, "Are they officially together and off the market for anyone else to even consider asking on a date?" It's so true! Back in the day, I remember observing many fun group dates that my brothers and sister hosted. Whether it be sending a date on a scavanger hunt to find dinner, to having dinner in the middle of a median on a busy street, to burying dinner, to feeding your date, to making your own pizza's and pizza boxes, to dressing up and acting like superheros, to creating candyland . . . everything was so fun and creative. Giving individuals the opportunity to be themselves, have fun, laugh with friends, all the while spend time with someone they would like to get to know! To be asked on a date, and to accept a date was a big deal..and now it's so lazy. Either guys are intimidated girls will take an invite the wrong way (which in some cases holds much truth) or they just don't feel the need, there is seriously a lack of motivation to GO ON DATES in North Idaho.

That being said, our institute teacher shed light on the issue and asked us how we felt about dating...why we do it, and why we don't. It was enlightening to hear others veiw points which ranged from - to save from getting hurt, to not lead on someone else, to steer away from any misconception of feelings, to avoid rejection, to avoiding conflict. All legitmate concerns, and I had never really thought that someone else might somehow have the same irrational fears about "dating" as I do. It seems that I can probably count on ONE hand how many "not serious" dates I've been on. I have been in relationships where we go on dates, but I haven't gone on fun dates very often...(i'm not complaining, i don't really regret this.)

So, here's the deal. Following that institute a plan was formulated to create a date. The following is an accurate account of the evening (to the best my memory serves):

Group:

Brittney Kramer - Rob Robinson

Minta Kramer - Josh Wiltse

Deanna Noble - Anthony Trunnell

Dr. Kim Barbee - Matthew Bouse

Agenda:

Meet at 6pm at Kim's.

Drive Deanna's Father's truck out to her parents place

Load up the boat

Dinner and Fun

Fire

& back to town for a wally walk.

We did just as the agenda says. We met at 6 and drove out to Mom and Dad's. Once there we changed into swimsuits, gathered last minute items, and took off in the pontoon boat! We ate directly in the middle of Lake Pend Orielle across from Hope, Kootenai, Bottle Bay and Sandpoint. It was a beautiful night. Dad prepared 4 male foil dinners, and 4 female foil dinners and packed them in a cooler. We ate dinner then went swimming (I know real safe. Anthony pointed out that we should probably wait at least a half hour before getting in the water for safety percautions) but we we did say a prayer so all is well. After jumping in the FREEZING cold water (mind you, this was the first nice day in a while, a long while) we quickly got back out. Only swam for probably a total of 15 minutes. We got out, changed into dry clothes, and played games:) After awhile around dusk time - we headed back to the dock to warm up by a fire with s'mores. We talked and played a game that the YSA like to now call "the hot seat" which consists of talking about yourself, then allowing everyone to ask questions where anything goes! This really helped all 8 of us get to know one another on a more personal level. We put the fire out around 11:45 and headed back to town to Walmart where we purchased a card (and twizzlers for Anthony) and said our goodbye's for the evening. We shared many laughs which to this day offer us many inside jokes, and a great memory for us all. It was fun to actually go on a date, rather then the usual YSA "hangout"....

This week I was asked on a date to go hiking, but I had to postpone as my work schedule is currently chaotic due to lack of managers at the movie theater. But soon I'll have the new supervisor trained and ready for business and I'll be able to have a social life once more:)

There is already another group date in the works, and will update about that later!

The foil dinners dad made for us packed up in a cooler.

Anthony's towel really said "brave the wave" but Brave was more fitting for how cold the water was.

The oreo game my family stole from minute to win it. the object is to wiggle the oreo from your forehead to your mouth without touching it. haha harder then it sounds.

Brittney cleaning oreo's off her sister Minta's face.

The girls, Minta, Kim, Deanna, and Brittney

The guys, Josh, Matthew, Rob, Anthony

Anthony and I joking around. (He takes out the trash)

Anthony and I

Minta and I playing on the airplane and mom and dads during our fire:)