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

Scotty McCreery!

Last night Erica, Hyle and I went to the Scotty McCreery concert on campus! It is so funny how insane people can get when a celebrity is in town! I love Scotty McCreery; I love his music and his personality! He had so much energy and was really fun to watch!

So at one point he was singing this song and he told all the girls to come up and he wrote his “number” on their hand. We were all laughing at all the girls that rushed down to the stage…then out of nowhere I decided to go down! I got so close to the stage and he gave me a high five! I probably looked like an idiot, but it was a great memory! He sang my favorite song “The Trouble with Girls” because there were probably 100 girls surrounding him! It was pretty awesome!

The only disappointing thing about the concert was no one was standing up, everyone was sitting down. It was really lame and really made the concert kind of boring. But our little corner stood for a majority of the time so that made it better, but it didn't feel much like a concert which was kind of a bummer.

On a much more serious note, I learned today of a tragedy in my home town. A young girl 30 days shy of graduating high school was taken from this world in a horrific car accident. As devastating and upsetting as this is there is sure comfort in knowing that families are forever, and she will be seen again one day! Dakota was such a sweet girl, and someone who everyone loved! She surely will be missed!

Easter Weekend!

Easter weekend was wonderful! I am so eternally grateful for my Savior and all He sacrificed for me! What a great life I have!

So the semester has ended and life couldn't be better! I am taking one online class but that is it! It is so much easier and my workload is cut down to nothing. It is nice to still be busy but not stressed! Summer is going to be great!! 

I was able to go home for Easter which was so wonderful. I am currently living with Hyle while I finish up the after school program and they were gone for a majority of last week so I was all alone and I came to realize how much I HATE being by myself. It was Spring Break for school so I didn't even have friends to visit...it was brutal. But it all ended on Friday when I was able to go home! 

Saturday we went to Twin and my Dad bought Holli and I new bikes, it felt like Christmas! We were so excited! We went on a bike ride right when we got home! The weather was beautiful I could have stayed outside all day! We practically did! After our bike ride we dyed Easter eggs- what's an Easter without colored eggs?

Easter Sunday was wonderful, Mom made the most delicious turkey dinner and the Easter Bunny came and spoiled us lots! 

I Sure do love my family!

Peace out Social Media!

Well it's that time of the semester again, finals! I have a huge love hate relationship with this week: I love it because it means we are close to the end...like REALLY close! However, I hate it because of the stress, anxiety, over-worry, sleepless nights, merciless teachers etc, etc...that goes along with this week! 

I was thinking about how many final weeks I have endured through my college career and the grand total is 6 (counting this one)! It is so unreal to me that I am going to considered a senior in college next year...I still feel like I should be a 16 year old in high school! 

But....I am SO grateful I have the opportunity to gain an education and for all of the memories, and knowledge I have gained the past three years! 

So I say adios to Facebook, Instagram and my blog because I have no self control and I have lots to do that need my undivided attention! 

Five more days and I'll be free as a bird! 

Wish me luck! 

In a bloggin' mood!

Do you ever just get itching to post something, even though you really have nothing to post about? Ya I am in one of those tonight... it might be because I have a lot of homework to do but really don't want to do it! ha! Story of my life! 

Soooo I'll just update you on what's been going on! 

Well for starters school ends in TWO weeks! Holy moly! I still cannot believe it! Then I will be DONE with school for five months...which is a really long time but I never complain about not having homework! Finals are quickly approaching and all I want to do is watch 24 with Erica, (yes I'm into that show again...even though I've already watched every season! It's that good!) And get on Pinterest and imagine myself one day being a DIY'er...

P.S. I just learned what that stood for like a week ago (do it yourself) And this is why I am going to college! 

Anyways, I am working my hardest but it begins to ware on an English major after writing 30+ papers in 6 months...it's a rough life, but one that I'll appreciate later! 

Summer plans! Ok so let's back-up a few months! I wanted to do something that would allow me to have a new and exciting experience this Summer! I thought about doing EFY (Especially For Youth). I went to the interview, met some cool people and was told I would hear back in 3-8 weeks either way, meaning even if we didn't get the job we would still be notified...that's a long time if you ask me. But they said they interview 1200 and accept 600 so I guess they need time or whatever. Anyway I had a girl in a class that interviewed as well, and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday we would ask if either of us had heard any news...we never did. Ok so here we are 8 weeks in, and no news. So I was offered a job at the after school program where I am currently doing practicum. I thought sure, it would be some extra money, and give me more experience with the kids. So right after I started working they needed to know for sure how long I would be staying, til the end of their school year, or mine. Well EFY would start in the end of April beginning of May so I did not really know because I had no answer on the EFY job. After talking with my Mom and really thinking about what I wanted to do I decided to stay with the after school job and move home for the Summer! 

A part of me is a little bummed because I really wanted to prove to myself that I could do something I had never done before, step out of my comfort zone which I don't like to do at all, and I knew that EFY would be an AMAZING experience! 

However, I am really glad I'm not going because of several things: 

1. I have a lot of friends coming home from their missions this Summer that I want to be there for. EFY is not every week but I didn't want to be trying to figure out schedules and traveling and not be able to be there when they came home. 

2. Holli is all by herself for 7+ months out of the year...ok I deserve an honor or something for saying this...I feel bad for her because the rest of us always had someone home to hang out with. We are all within 3 years of each other, and really close. Holli is 6 years younger than me and has my wonderful, yet slightly older, compared to a 15 year old of course, parents to hang out with. I would be gone a lot during the Summer and I don't want Holli to be bored to tears her entire Summer. Although even though I am saying this, let's face it all Holli will want to do this Summer is take naps...it's a hobby she has mastered! 

3. My best friend is getting MARRIED! Holy moly I still can't believe it! Remember these two? The most adorable couple on the planet? Ya they got engaged and I don't want to worry about scheduling, and missing out on some of our last moments as being kids! Because she is going to be a grown up pretty soon...tear, tear, sniff, sniff. But I am SO SO SO SO happy for her! Her ring is gorgeous and they make the most perfect couple! Insane! 

I have a lot of good reasons to stay! Family, friends, and plenty of adventure! 

Now these two weeks can zip by and I'll be good! 

Birthday Time!

Alright! I'm 21! Wahoo! I'm an official adult, not much I can nor want to do different but hey, I'm halfway to 42! ;]

This last week was a pretty crazy one! My best friend found out her missionary might be coming home earlier than planned so I was just as involved trying to be realistic and rationalize with her while still getting really excited and imagining all the possibilities! It was so fun...more on that later! 
For the weekend I was able to go home, it's all I wanted to do! It was so so so so nice to be home and not feel guilty for doing nothing for a day! That does not happen in a college students life! Friday night Erica and I drove home and watched a movie with Holli! Saturday morning it was My Birthday! All I wanted was to spend time with my family, and we all wonder why I am the favorite! And that is just what I got! My parents bought a new car on Saturday so they were gone for a while doing that while Erica and I still had some jobs to take care of but after they were all done we got to do my most favorite thing! Ride 4-wheelers! I don't know why this thrills me so much but it has ever since I was really little checking water with my dad! We rode 4-wheelers and then my mom made my favorite dinner! Fried chicken, with mashed potatoes and gravey! Comfort food is the best food! Then it was time for presents...I have been wanting a Cedar Chest forever and my mom finally got the hint! I got the most beautiful one for my birthday! I can't wait to fill it up! After presents we had my favorite cake, Strawberry shortcake! 

Sunday was church and Erica and I had to go back! But we did something pretty exciting...remember how I told you my parents bought a new car? well that meant my mom's old one was up for grabs which also meant Roger was going to be retired! I loved Roger I really did, but it was time for him to stay! Vicky is our new ride and she is wonderful! No complaints! 

I was really lame and took no pictures! Not one, except a blurry one of us riding 4-wheelers! Like I said it was a really lazy weekend! Overall, however, my 21st birthday was just how I like it! Simple and relaxing! 

Oh back to Dakota and Jake! Well check out the cutest videos and you'll get the jist of just how cute these kids are!  
kokobrooke.blogspot.com 

Seriously, I cried! I love these people! 

One of the Best Weekends EVER!!!

This last weekend was the best one I’ve had in a while! I got to go stay with Dakota in Logan, and she sure knows how to show someone a good time!

Erica and I got to Logan Friday night, and were greeted with wonderful sunsets. I'm a sucker for a beautiful sunset. Dakota had a delicious dinner waiting for me! It was so sweet of her! After I got settled for a minute we went to watch a gymnastics competition! It was sweet, some of those girls have got some serious muscle and skill! It was insane and so fun!

After the competition we hung out with some of her friends and went to meet who works at a Sushi place in Logan. His family owns the Chinese Restaurant in Rexburg called Fongs. It’s a favorite of my families…he was pretty cool and gave us some sushi! I don’t necessarily like sushi a whole lot, but I was willing to try it and it honestly wasn't that terrible!

Dakota and I got really hyper for some odd reason…it is always at the most random moments, but Friday night was a fun one. I’ll just leave it at that! :]

So......here is a glimpse into Dakota showing off her serious knife skills!

Saturday morning Dakota, her good friend Abby and I woke up to go to a Zumba class…it was a great way to start the day! Following Zumba we went to the Logan temple! It was such a great morning!

Afterwords we decided to nap and get ready for the day, Dakota came up with a brilliant idea to make her room darker for our nap…a shower curtain. It did the job, and that’s all that matters!

And again we got a little hyper! haha! 

Yes she is sitting on my head...yup that's my best friend! haha!

That night we went to a Utah State Basketball Game! Although they didn’t come out winners, Dakota and I decided to see the positive in the situation and congratulate them on playing hard! That’s what truly matters right? 

After the game Dakota and I went to Coldstone for some yummy ice-cream! What’s a party without some ice-cream?

Sunday we went to church and it was so nice outside! I didn’t want to leave to go back to ‘ice’burg! However, I can’t complain too much. It hasn’t been incredibly awful lately! Fingers crossed it stays that way!

This weekend was a blast! I’m so glad to have such a great friend like Dakota; she truly is the most genuine person and knows how to have fun! And that’s why we are friends!