School.

Hello again.

Fall is my favorite season of the entire year: falling leaves, splendid colors, delicious smells, chilly weather, daylight savings, cozy scarves and sweaters, and the start of a new school year.

With a new school year approaching I find myself reflecting on the past and contemplating the future.  My husband and I have already created a legitimate bucket list for this semester and I feel completely optimistic about our recreational plans for the coming months.  School on the other hand it making me rather anxious.  I start my senior year of college tomorrow...Say what?  I still feel like a little kiddo.  Although I feel completely grounded in my educational choices including my major, I in no way feel prepared to be a college graduate and an official music teacher. Fall semesters tend to be exciting and yet exceedingly challenging for me.  There is something about the preceding five month break combined with a unique set of challenges that seems to always occur during this season.  Although I welcome the challenge and thrive in the environment of learning here at BYU-Idaho, I can't help but be anxious for tomorrow...

September 16th will be a big day.

Despite my anxiety, I feel optimistic that this could be the best semester yet.  There are so many wonderful things to look forward.  My mantra for the upcoming week is:

Valle Family Bucket List.

Jay and I's schedules rarely line up.  He works in the early afternoon and I work nights.  When our schedules do coincide or we have a day off we often lounge around eating bad food and watching netflix.  We blame it on the fact that we can't think of any good ideas of things to do.  So...we made this list of things we wanted to do.  We still have about 18 days to finish it up but I thought I would write a little re-cap of the fun things we have done this summer!

Climb R Mountain

Go to Idaho Falls Temple

Watch Sunrise

Spa Night

Essential Oils Shower

INSANITY

Dance in the Moonlight

Do Yoga

Host a Potluck

Have a Bonfire

Go Camping

Read a Book

Star Gazing

Rexburg Rapids

Cook Pork Perfectly

Make Homemade Rosemary Bread

Take a Nap Outside

Take Pictures!

Service Project

Dress Up and Go Out to Dinner

Make a Video

Record a Cover

Bake a Rainbow Cake

Lose 7 Lbs.

Make Crème Brulee

Stencil Shirts

A few weeks ago we went into Idaho Falls for the evening.  We went to the temple and did Initiatories.  It was a tender and sacred experience for me that evening.  The spirit in the temple is so strong.  Afterwards we used an Olive Garden Gift card to go out to eat [Dress up and go out to eat].  The unlimited pasta bowl was to die for.  They have a new sauce, Asiago Garlic Alfredo, that is amazing.  Afterwards we went to DI and found some pretty sweet scores.  We also went to Walmart. [Service Project]  We saw a homeless man as we were entering so we decided to get him a bag of snacks: jerky, gum, water, granola bars, etc.  Jay was so excited to do this.  He has been wanting to do something like this for a while but just hasn't had the chance. We were grateful for the opportunity.  

One morning Jay woke me up super early and made some hot cocoa.  He then gathered some blankets and told me to come with him.  We drove up on the hill of Rexburg, by the temple.  From there we sipped hot cocoa, day dreamed, and watch the sun rise.  It was a beautiful morning and we were able to reflect on the beauty of the world our kind Heavenly Father has created for us.  We are very lucky.  

We found some cheap essential oil at Walmart titled Rosemary Mint.  MMM.  And then we each took a shower.  It was glorious.  The oil heats up with the warm water and it smell divine and clears out your sinuses.  

INSANITY...well we got through about a week and a half.  Then we had to go home to Nampa for a little visit.  It is hard to stay on an exercise plan while you are on vacation so we kinda dropped that, but we were progressively getting better and it felt really good.   Hopefully we can get back on it once we get started into school and get a more fixed schedule.  

Dance in the Moonlight.  So romantic.  So at the closing of the Madison County Fair they had a large fireworks display.  A local told us that the best view would be from the top of the hill.  As we began to drive to the top I remembered a hill on campus that we used to go sledding all the time in the winter.  We found the hill and climbed to the top with our blankets in hand.  We watched the mesmerizing fireworks display and then decided we could kill several birds with one stone.  We got to star gaze for a while.  Then we ran to the bottom of the hill, turned on some cheesy music on my phone, and danced in the moonlight.  It was a blast.  So sweet.  

Along with helping the homeless man we plan on doing service as we volunteer as team leaders for Get Connected.  Get Connected is a program at BYU-Idaho that connects new freshman to other new freshman and introduces them to all aspects of their new college life.  I've always wanted to do it and I'm so excited for the opportunity to share all that I love about this campus.  It's the best place on earth for me.  

Ever since I bought Jay a SWEET recording mic for his birthday we have been trying to record a cover.  We are finally making some headway and we recorded a good portion last night.  We are not completely done but it's getting pretty legit.  We are recording a slow piano version of La Roux's Bulletproof.  Look out...it's gonna be good.  

Rainbow Cake.  What a fun adventure.  We've seen millions of pictures of these babies so we thought we would make one of our own.  When we completed it had SIX layers, tons of frosting, and loads of sprinkles.  We invited some of our dear friends over to help us consume this monstrosity.  It was actually pretty amazing and relatively healthy.  Quick recipe for you: 1 box cake mix, 1 cup greek yogurt, 1 cup water.  That's it.  You can make it into cake, cupcakes, whatever.  It is incredibly most and cuts out a ton of the calories.  MMM.  After the cake we played Balderdash.  If you don't know what it is you need to buy it immediately.  It is one of the best games out there.  Trust me.  

Even though this is not on our bucket list I thought I would share that we went to the fair a couple weeks ago on dollar night.  We rode the ferris wheel and some other ride and then shared a Reed's dairy ice cream.  It was a blast.  We both had to conquer some fears but it was such a simple, fun, beautiful night.  

This summer has been blast.  

To be continued...

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Forgiveness.

Alright, now that you have watched that incredible video let me ramble for a minute.

Perhaps I am behind everyone else but I definitely just had this epiphany.  Bear with me...

Just has the higher Lord forgave his servant our Heavenly Father forgives us.  When He must practice justice we plead with him for His mercy.  We beg forgiveness.  If we ask with a sincere heart and are truly repentant, the Lord freely grants us the peace of forgiveness.

BUT...

Do we do the same?  I can continually find things in my life offensive, frustrating, etc.  Do I automatically forgive the individuals who, often unknowingly, "commit" these "transgressions"?  In my pride I expect Heavenly Father to freely forgive me of all of my shortcomings, faults, and sins and yet I sometimes fail to do the same, especially when it comes to the little, minute details and interactions of life (which we all know don't matter anyways).

My goal for this next little while is to continue to come closer to my Savior and in so doing gain His spirit's constant influence.  Through the spirit I hope to gain a glimpse of the love the Savior and our Heavenly Father feel for those I come in contact with, especially the customers at the gas station I work at.  I think then I will be able to have a soft enough heart to freely forgive others, so that I deserve the forgiveness of my Heavenly Father that only comes through the sacrifice of my elder brother, Jesus Christ.

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Happiness.

I've decided it might be easier (and more uplifting) to blog about more than just what occurs in my life, but to what makes me happy in each day.

Yesterday the things that made me happy include:

getting off work at 5.
slow dancing in the kitchen.
my husband.
whole wheat chocolate chip cookies.
mac and cheese from The Hickory.
visiting neighbors and delivering cookies for FHE.
having FHE in general.
clean house.
warm shower.
free Paradise doughnuts.
Dan in Real Life soundtrack.
new green Addidas running shoes.
my loving choir instructor!

4th of July Weekend

Hey friends!

It's been a little while...but I thought I would update you on the excitement of this past week!

On the third of July, Jay's parents came up to visit!  Yay!  I love having family come visit.  Anyways we got to visit and introduce them to our FAVORITE treat: Karie Ann's (gelato and shaved ice).  nom nom nom.  On the morning of the 4th we watched Jay march and drum in the Independence Day Parade.  That was so fun!  It was a cute small town parade.  From there we got some Subway and headed to the hidden gem of Rexburg: Rexburg Rapids.  This water park is sick. We had a blast racing down water slides, floating the lazy river, and doing handstand clapping competitions.  Ha.  Oh, good times.  Then we had a wonderful BBQ.  Jay and I made shish-kabobs with steak, potatoes, peppers, and onions.  We had corn on the cob, watermelon, and our favorite Crystal Light (Strawberry, Orange, Banana).  Then we had strawberry pretzel jello salad for dessert.  MMM.  We headed to Idaho Falls and after a late start caught part of the fireworks.

The next day I was off to work at Freshens at 6:30 a.m. Jay and his family met me at the end of my shift and we ate bagels and smoothies from my work for brunch.

On Saturday Jay and I and some good friends and neighbors got to participate in The Color Run.  We ran our first 5K together in about 35 minutes.  Pretty impressive considering we didn't train for more than about 2 days and we were being blasted with color chalk all the way through.  It was the most fun I have had in awhile.  We got free Kiwi Loco afterwards!  Yum.  But most of all I was just stoked that we had actually completed it.  Completing a 5K has been on my bucket list for over a year.  It was so fun and I can't wait to do another one.  After showering I headed to work for 6 hours.  Let's just say my legs are not happy with me today...oh well!

Our rockin' restaurant concept.

Imagine with me if you will...your favorite simple comfort foods revamped from normal to gourmet.  

Jay and I always think about opening a restaurant even though we probably never will.  We came up with a new idea today that we think could go over extremely well.  

We are going to make gourmet smores.  

We'll start with homemade graham crackers with a hint of cinnamon.  Then we will cover that in legit dark chocolate.  Then we will make homemade marshmallow creme with a hint of vanilla.  On top of that will be a sweet and salty homemade caramel.  MMMM.

Then we will serve gourmet cereal.  

We will come up with a to-die-for whole grain no artificial sweetener cereal that has a balance of crunchy, salty, and sweet.  Then we will cover that with layers of fresh berries, honey, and the finest goat or almond milk we can find.  NOM NOM NOM.

And our last idea is gourmet grilled cheese.  

We will start off with your choice of homemade artisan sourdough or rosemary bread.  We will cover that with a light layer of homemade pesto mayonaise.  Then we will combine three fine cheeses: gouda, brie, and provolone (for texture).  Then we will toast that and offer a side of sun-dried tomatoes or marinara sauce.  HOLY GOODNESS.  

Well that's all we've got for now, but yeah.  It's gonna be good!  

Thank you.

It's been exactly four months and and nine days since one of the best days of my life.

On Decemeber 28, 2012 I married my very best friend, the one and only Jay Valle.  We are so so happy.  Even when our work shifts overlap or we have dinner at nine o'clock (or not at all) we love being together and figuring out the adventure of life as a couple.  It's da bomb!

I'm here to report that we have finally finished our wedding thank you cards.  But I can't help but think that these cards don't even serve to express a fraction of the gratitude we feel for all the family and friends that helped with our wedding in one way or another.  Every time I finished a card I wanted to re-do it and express more of my gratitude.  I just kept realizing how much everyone truly did for us to help with our special day and our life together.

So this is to you.  If you helped with our wedding at all or you were there physically or spiritually...

Thank you.

First off, our wedding was beautiful.  The decorations, flowers, cake, set up...everything was divine.  It was exactly what I wanted...earthy, whimsical, romantic, fresh.  I loved it.  The refreshments looked incredible and tasted even better.  Wow.  The reception was filled with the people we loved the most.  The dance was a blast!  We honestly didn't want to leave because we were having WAY too much fun.  The energy was tangible and the smiles and laughter were brilliant.  The temple was sweet, touching, and full of true bliss.  Honestly, we couldn't have done any of this without you.  The photos, videos, and memories captured by all of you are priceless.

Thank you.

I am deeply touched by the love we felt at the temple, reception, and daily as we use the gifts we received.  You are way too kind.

Thank you.

One last shout out to my mom specifically, we never could have done this without her.  What a blessing she is!  She is the real mastermind behind this beautiful event.

Thank you mom.

Thank you, again.  For everything. 

This.

In our world we have a problems.  One of these problems is that we are constantly striving to be this.  We don't exactly know that this is.  We say we want to be this size or have this house/job/article of clothing/etc., but once we finally have obtained this, this is no longer good enough.  We cannot quantify this, it is always changing.    

On the other hand sometimes we get caught up in the quantifying of a certain this.  Many of us, myself included, get hung up on the idea that this type of music, this school, this style of parenting, this religion, etc. is the best version of this and that no other version can compare.  We tend to exclude and often criticize any other versions of our specific this.  

Lately this obsession of our world's has been a tad bit frustrating.  Why is it that we can't accept others?  We stand and preach the idea of tolerance from every soap box available but then we find it almost impossible to implement for ourselves.  Ug.  Why is this so difficult for us as a race?

I took a class this last semester entitled Educational Psychology.  It was a brilliant course.  One concept I thoroughly enjoyed was the idea of "schema."  Each person has grown up a certain way. Certain pathways, routines, and ideas become ingrained in the super highway of our brains.  These are termed our "schema" or the way in which we see the world and the things in it.  If we only use whole wheat flour to make our pancakes then that becomes ingrained and it is hard for us to understand how anyone would venture to use white flour (this is just a general example, no hidden meanings).  One of the biggest challenges of this life is to overcome our schemas or to enlarge their capacities.  In political correctness terms we call this being "open-minded" or "tolerant."  Our goal should be to stick to our guns on what we firmly believe but not to the point that we exclude any other answers/ways of life/etc. from having any bit of truth.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we often recognize the important role of all Christian faiths in their effort to bring people closer to Christ, encourage service, promote scripture study, etc.  We also recognize the efforts of other religions to cultivate Christ-like, although they may not be officially termed so, attributes in their followers.  Many religions encourage self-reliance, preparedness, service, brotherly kindness, etc.  We affirm the role of these religions in helping to establish peace.  We recognize the truth that we do see!  We should strive to do this with all areas of life.  This may be your personal favorite pancake recipe, but their are thousands of others that could be equally good, or suit someone else's taste better.  This type of music may be your favorite, but this one has catchy rhythms, this one has very technical elements, this one has a good dance beat, this one has a special place in someone's heart.  Each of these has something unique and special to offer.  Also, this school is in a wonderful area, this school has an incredible program, this school is close to home, this school has emotional and spiritual connections, this school offers good connections.  Each of these schools has something good to offer.  We cannot diminish that.  Although something may not be your personal this we have to remember that it could be precious/valuable/good for/etc. someone else, and there is nothing, At All, wrong with that.

Get the point?

My goal is to strive to view others this way.  Hopefully that will have a positive influence on those around me.  We are all different for a reason.  Wouldn't it be boring if everyone was a hipster, gangster, country boy/girl, etc?  Yes.  I believe so.  We need variety and change.  There can often be more than one way to be "right."  Isn't that the best?  We all have different strengths, needs, etc. that can help us to reach our own version of "right."  Let's strive to recognize this and use it to bond us together and help us understand and Respect each other.

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Stumbling.

"We have all seen a toddler learn to walk. He takes a small step and totters. He falls. Do we scold such an attempt? Of course not. What father would punish a toddler for stumbling? We encourage, we applaud, and we praise because with every small step, the child is becoming more like his parents." 
Dieter F. Uchtdorf

It's ok to stumble
And it's fine to fall
If we only remember
To get up after it all. 

Our Heavenly Father loves us infinitely.  My take-away from scripture study this morning was that the Lord still loves us when we stumble, because through stumbling we learn more easily what we need to do in order to become like our loving and dear Heavenly Father.  And that is the ultimate goal...to become like and live with Him.   

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Do you have room?

It's Easter time! 

Each year I learn more about the real reason for this season.  This year I have made it a priority to focus on the Savior and strive to understand his sacrifice more fully.  I feel that I usually get sentimental and emotional for one moment and then the next all I'm thinking about it my Cadburry eggs and the ham and funeral potatoes in the oven.  As good as those things are the thing that is truly important is the sacrifice of our elder brother and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ.  I have a few quick thoughts I have come to throughout my study of his life during this last week.

First, if you haven't read this talk by President Monson stop reading this and study it.
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/he-is-risen?lang=eng


Now that you have read this talk think with me for a moment.  The Savior was born in a stable.  He was surrounded by dirty animals.  His bed was a manager which google defines as "A long open box or trough for horses or cattle to eat from."  He was scourged  whipped, betrayed by his friends, doubted, conspired against, and beat.  Name something you are struggling with or suffering from and the Lord of Hosts has been there.  He knows.  He understands.  After his death he was even laid in a borrowed tomb.  From His birth there was never a place for the Savior to call his own.  He was rejected by his own people.  Do we do the same?  

One of my favorite songs  at Christmas time is "Do you have room for the Savior?"  At this joyous Easter time where we proudly declare that the "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," "He lives!" and "I know the my Redeemer Lives" can we seek to incorporate these beliefs into our very being.  Can we find room in our hearts and daily lives for the Savior.  Can we seek to follow his spirit, serve and uplift others, study his words, and be more like him in all that we do?  Can we seek to engrave his countenance upon our own?  I believe if we do so the Easter season will truly begin to come alive and form a much deeper meaning for us.  I know I have been moved as I put the Savior first in my day by studying his words.  When I do so I am touched and strengthened.  I  renew my sense of hope and optimism. 

Seek the Savior and learn of him.  He is my rock and my salvation.  I cannot express my love, reverance, respect, admiration, and gratitude regarding his sacrifice, example, and continual outpouring of love in my behalf.  I love my Savior and know that His gospel is restored on this earth today.  

I know that my Redeemer lives.

Why?

My blog used to be so exciting, what happened?

Oh.  I got married...and started school.  

Too bad I love both of the preceding things and therefore believe they constitute a pretty good reason for the "lameness" of my blog for the past several months.  

Let's talk about being married.  

I love it.  I know that everyone says this but, I have thee best husband in the entire world.  Really.  He is the best.  He is super patient.  Not just normal patient, but like he never EVER gets mad kind of patient.  He always asks how he can help.  He asks about my day.  He makes me feel better when I am overwhelmingly stressed.  He is incredibly optimistic.  He is such an example to me.  AND....he is my absolute best friend.  Everybody wants to know about married life.  I promise there aren't any crazy secrets.  We just eat a lot of bad food and watch a lot of stupid, but funny, YouTube clips.  It's the life.  

Let's talk about school.  

Well, its my sixth semester and the end of my junior year.  Wait, let's say that again.  It is the end of my JUNIOR year.  What???  I still feel like a little freshman and the end seems an eternity away.  I love school though.  This semester has been incredibly challenging.  I have been learning so many things.  But I love it.  Learning is the absolute best thing in the world.  Things are finally starting to connect and become more applicable to what I actually want to do in life.  I have been stretching my abilities to a new level.  But throughout all the stretching the one thing I am beyond impressed with is my improvement.  I wish I could take credit for this but I owe it all to my Heavenly Father.  I am increasingly impressed and surprised by His infinite mercy and desire to assist me.  When I pray diligently He works legitimate miracles in my life.  Just last week I was nowhere near prepared for a test and I just pleaded to magnify the abilities that I already possessed.  I believe He did much more.  Why?  I'm still not sure.  He knows me better than I know myself but I am continually impressed by the miracles he can bring about in my performance.  Again today I took a test that I knew the information for but still felt overwhelming inadequate for.  He helped to calm my nerves by sending my best friend Raschelle across my path right before.  He helped me to be optimistic.  He cleared my mind.  He helped me focus.  Why?  Why does the Lord help me?  Why does He help you?  I wish I knew the exact reason.  What I do know is that He loves us more than we can ever imagine.  He desires and yearns to bless us.  What a magnificent hope this idea brings me.  I know I don't deserve half of what he gives me.  He blesses us one hundred fold.  Ah! It is just so inspiring.  I wish I could do the same.  Wouldn't it be great if we could think that way of others?  We could see the good in them and then seek to magnify that good, encourage it, inspire it, and uplift it.  Wow.  Take a second to imagine that.  Sounds divine.  Perhaps if I say it publicly I will be more diligent in seeing it through.  I want to make this my goal.  I know I will be happier and perhaps be able to repay Heavenly Father for all He does, and I'm sure will continue to do, for me.  

from mckensiesmith.blogspot.com

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