Last Weekend in Rexburg!

This was my last weekend in Rexburg for a while, and it was honestly one of the best ones I have had. Friday night Erica and I went out to dinner at Pizza-Pie Cafe, one of my favorites, and then watched a couple of movies. 

Saturday was probably my favorite day because we got to go to Island Park to get the cabin ready for Summer! It was so so so fun! The weather was beautiful and everything was so green! It was such a fun little drive. 

It was Erica's very first time in two years to be back in Island Park, to say she was happy is an understatement! 

We, Kyle, had to hook up the cable while we were there and there was still a huge snow drift so we were unable to get the ladder from underneath so Kyle got creative and this was the outcome! 

I was a nervous wreck but Kyle was ok with it so I guess if the Alaskan feels safe, we should all feel ok right? ;]

We made a quick trip to Elk's gas station for some jerky, and then went to go feed the fish! 

It was quick but it was really fun! It made me so excited for Summer and to be up there for our vacations!

When we got home we watched a movie and Erica decided to sleep over! 

It was a great weekend that I would not have spent any other way! I love being so close with my family, they really are my best friends! 

Mother's Day!

Ok so I kicking myself today because I didn't take one picture over Mother's Day weekend and I am so mad about it! So I apologize for just words but hopefully you can create a picture in your mind! :]

So....

For Mother's Day I was able to go home and had spoil my great mom! Friday night we made it home and just relaxed, we watched some old movies and didn't do much. Honestly when I go home I just love to relax, and spend time with my family! It doesn't happen as much any more, but it is wonderful when we get to the chance!

Saturday we woke up and ran errands in town, and got stuff for dinner. I was able to go get ice-cream with Dakota. It was so fun to catch up, life is so crazy sometimes and I am so glad we were able to talk other than snap-chat and texting! 

Saturday night we made my mom one of her favorites breakfast for dinner! We had Crepes, bacon, and fruit! We watched a couple of movies and then called it a night! 

Sunday we went to church and then came home to have another dinner with my grandma Stocking. We gave my mom a book that we made of us all growing up. It made her cry, so I guess that counts as a successful Mother's Day right? haha! 

I love my mom SO much! She has taught me so much and continues to teach me every day! Her self-less love and Christ like spirit are things I strive to be like! She always puts her kids first, and even at 21 years old no one can make me feel better like my mom can! She defends me, supports me, cares for me, and loves me unconditionally! I may be a bit biased but I have the BEST Mom in the world! 

Oh and the prettiest! 

Goodbyes are not forever

I made a quick trip home to go to this sweet girl's funeral: 

It was such a beautiful service, I was honored to be there. 

I knew Dakota fairly well. I can remember being her youth leader at girls camp her very first year. Her and Mylee, the two beehives bunked together and threatened to prank whoever fell asleep first...well they fell asleep first and needless to say their threat backfired on them. 

I served on student council throughout all of high school and her grandma, Catie Smith, was our advisor. I became very close to her and still am today. When I heard the news about Dakota of course my heart broke for her entire family, but I especially was devastated for Ms. Smith because I knew and saw how much she loved Dakota. Dakota would come in every day and would just talk with her grandma and I could see how much she genuinely cared and worried about Dakota as if she was one of her own children. 

It was so wonderful and inspiring as not only Minico surrounded her family, but the entire Community. They held a candlelight vigil for her the Sunday after her passing, schools in the surrounding area sent flowers, posters, and honored her. People made t-shirts to sell for her family. Dakota was a cheerleader and cheerleaders all over asked for donations at cheer functions. This past week was truly an amazing  and spiritual week for the Mini-Cassia area! 

My little sister Holli a fellow Minico Spartan also knew Dakota well. She worked with the cheerleaders all year, and so Holli had the opportunity to get to know her well. Holli said all week was just a serene feeling at the school. Students were sad, and devastated at their fallen friend. They certainly had a right to be.

But as devastating and tragic as this loss is, there was sure comfort at the service as the speakers comforted, inspired and brought the Spirit to reassure the families of the eternal plan the Lord has in store. 

 President Arritt promised the congregation and her family that Dakota was in a much better place, and she was being taken care of. 

Mr. Kontos also spoke reassuring words as he talked about his own son's passing just over a year ago. He told the family the saying "time heals all wounds" is the most incorrect statement. He talked about how he is shortly a year a head of them and it is just as hard today as it was then. He said you just get used to a new normal. He then said that faith in Christ and His plan is what makes it easier. Having trust that there is a loving, kind and gracious Heavenly Father up above with love so big we cannot comprehend is in control. And faith in him will be what gets them through. 

I cried the entire time not because Dakota was gone, or her family was sad, or the fact that the entire school was at the funeral in support. I cried because I KNEW it was true. I felt so much peace listening to the inspired words all of the speakers said. I knew she was happy, and I knew her family would be ok. It is so easy to question the Lord's judgment, but that is when we need to allow our faith over shine our doubts. President Utchdorf said it best, "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith". 

Dakota is such a beautiful and kind hearted sweet girl who everyone loved. She is still here with her family helping them along this journey. She will surely be missed but never forgotten. 
Dakota's Obituary