Another Semester is Ending

Besides not having anymore tests or homework, the thing I love most about a semester coming to an end is hearing all my professors bear testimony. Today I had one professor teach about ethics and how there is no amount of money that can compensate for being unethical.

Another professor spent our entire class period talking about general conference. It wasn't just a random tangent either. He specifically sets aside one class period every semester after general conference to talk about highlights. He went around the entire classroom and had everyone share something. I shared that I really enjoyed Paul V. Johnson's talk about trials and how if we handle them properly they can be a strength for us and help us build our character. But of course all the talks are wonderful. I am so excited for the text to come out on Thursday so I can go back and read all of them and ponder them more fervently.

I am so lucky to go to Brigham Young University, the Lord's university, and to be a member of this church. I am grateful for parents who had the courage to join the church and stay strong all these years and raise my siblings and me in a gospel-centered home. I know that I can be perfected through the atonement of my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ and one day return to live with Him again.

Provo-licious

I feel so behind in blogging. It's been more than a week. Highlights:

The Rooftop Concert

Attendees: Michael, Kylie, Kent, Brittany, Nicole, Andreas, ME!

Seriously, the coolest concert ever. Cute and quaint. Beautiful music, beautiful lanterns, beautiful friends. I'm looking forward to the next concert on October 1. The Lower Lights is performing. I just bought the album online today. It's ridiculously good and it's perfect for Sundays. 

The State Fair

They have some crazy fun rides there. I went with my friend Ezra and afterwards we ate the most delicious cookies at the Gateway mall. Everyone seriously needs to try these. 

Visits from General authorities

Yeah, how cool is that? I got to hear all five of these wonderful men speak in the past week. Elder Holland, Elder Packer, and Elder Scott last Sunday, Elder Hales on Tuesday, and John Groberg tonight. I know I talk about how much I love BYU a lot, but it's hard not to when I'm constantly reminded. This really is the best university on earth. 

And as promised, pictures of my new room. 

I'm wanting to buy a pink pillow to break up all the blues and greens, but it might have to wait a little bit. As for the rest of my apartment, I'll put pictures up someday, just not today. 

My home away from home.

So, like I said I'm back in Provo. There's always a first for everything. I drove all the way back to Provo, by myself, for the first time. That's a long drive, but I will say that it can be quite lovely at times.

I may or may not have taken this while driving...

I'm finally all moved into my new apartment. It took a few days because as soon as I moved in everything I had, I had to find places for all the stuff that I stored at various places. I will post pictures soon.

So, my first week back included a birthday picnic for my dear friend, Liz. It was fun enjoying the beautiful weather and old friends.

I was also able to have dinner with my newly married friends, Jared and Mindy. I offered to make a dessert and I think it turned out well. I made a skor bar cake. It tastes as good as it looks.

Another first: I made my own whipped cream. 

I am LOVING my classes and am so excited to be back in school. School is a wonderful thing and I hope I never forget that. 

Virginia is for Lovers: Day Eighteen

Today was hot, therefore we ran through the sprinklers =). I joined in the fun, but forgot to wear waterproof mascara, and therefore opted out of pictures. But that's ok, we managed to get pictures of these cuties having fun.

After the kids went to bed I went on a little run around Ie Li's neighborhood. Even though it's super warm and sticky, it is quite cleansing to run in this humid weather. I'm thinking of getting into running a bit more seriously, but we shall see.

After my run, Jonathan and I sat down to watch a couple episodes of Castle as we have been doing for the past week or so. We're making our way through season two. We seem to bond over shows and movies. It's fun.

And in this day and age, I can't seem to go to bed without checking facebook right before. Two wonderful things that I saw on facebook. Barrett got his mission call to Riverside, California, Spanish speaking. He reports September 1 and I'm so excited for him. Maybe he'll run into my Aunt Scarlet out there.

This next thing was a definite highlight of my day. I've watched it about six times in the last hour.

And if it doesn't seem very funny, then chances are you haven't seen this:

It's been too long...

Well, this semester is coming to a close and I'm getting ready for finals. I just finished a final project in my history of creativity class. I made another blog to document some creative things I've been doing. Some of it is a repeat of what is on this blog, but if you'd like to look at it, it is: http://ielingcreativity.blogspot.com . Enjoy!

My best friend, Cassie Crabb is in Hong Kong for a week with her a capella group. How crazy is that?! I meant to post this video a while ago, but it took a really long time to upload, but here it is =) She is singing the solo.

Spring has Sprung

Spring is officially here and I am very excited for it to warm up. On Monday it was all the way up to 60 degrees and yet as I type this it's snowing outside. I wish Provo would make up its mind. However, we did have lovely weather this weekend. I was able to enjoy the Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork and go for a Sunday Afternoon picnic with some good friends.




And for all of you wondering what the Festival of Colors is, the truth is, I really don't know much about it. All I know is that thousands of people from BYU and everywhere else come and throw powdered chalk in the air at the same time and everyone comes out looking like the people pictured above. There was a moment when I couldn't breathe too well, but I survived and it was pretty fun.

Food Preparation in the Home

SFL 110.

This is one of my favorite classes this semester. It doesn't even feel like a class because it's so fun. This is one of my creations. Apple pie. I made the crust from scratch, peeled and sliced the apples, made a lattice top, and here is the finished product. It was delicious, and I think it looks quite lovely.

go cougars!

hello to my fabulous readers who i love so much! I wanted to inform you that as of January 10, 2008, I am officially a byu cougar. =) So that makes six for six in the west family. I will be starting this summer and I'm super duperly excited. Thanks for all of your support! I love you all dearly!