“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

I havent blogged in awhile so while I have the chance Ill blog about my wonderful trip to the great state of Texas. After the internship I flew out of New Orleans into Dallas Lovefield airport where Trixie, Dallin and Joshua came to pick me up! I spent a busy fun-filled week with them. We went to the Zoo! I cant even remember the last time I've been to the zoo, it was great seeing all the animals! I loved it there and they let me in for free. (Its gotta be my priceless smile..HAHA) I really enjoyed my time there. We also visted the Arboredum! That place is beautiful!! I want my engagement or bridal pictures done there. It would be the perfect spot...or the ocean:) We also visited the Science place. At first I thought it would be boring but it was a really fun place! I think I had more fun than the boys! It was really great spending time with Trixie, Micheal and the boys! Thank you for putting up with me for a week and a half! Enjoy the pictures!.

The internship has ended! I absoultely loved my time in Louisiana. It was one of the best experiances I have ever had. I met some of the greatest people I know I will ever meet. Im so greatful for the kindness and love I was showed while down south. This is why I loved Lousiana and this internship SO much:

1. The Weather

- Lousiana has the best weather during winter. Picture Rexburg Idaho in the summer, and thats how it is in LA in the winter. Perfect weather with an occasional thunder storm, couldnt ask for better!

2. Melanie Tidwell, Natalie Thornock, Christopher Andrus

- These 3 people are 3 of the most amazing people I was ever forced to work with. :) I had so much fun working with these three and learned alot from them. It is crazy how three complete strangers can become such great friends. I will miss their humor, and spending ever waking moment with them:) I wish them the best in all they do. Hopefully we will all stay close.

3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

-The church is true! It felt like I was in a different ward every sunday during the last three months. It is such a blessing to have the church in so many places. It's like a built in support system. I got to meet so many amazing people! I attended church in: Baton Rouge YSA 4th Ward- This was by far my most favorite ward. I will NEVER forget the love and friendship I was shown. I always looked forward to going back to this ward. Lafayette Ward- Penacola FL Ward- New Iberia Branch- This is another ward I will never forget. We got invited to dinner ever night we stayed in New Iberia and I attended the best enrichment night ever and Patterson Branch- Thats all I can remeber for now but I appreciated the friendliness of all the wards I was able to visit. Thank YOu!

4. Mardi Gras/ Plantation Visits

- Mardi Gras is a National Holiday here in the South. They dont take Presidents day off from work but Mardi Gras, for sure!:) I went to Mardi Gras festivites the Saturday before Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. I enjoyed the parades, people, millions of beads and being able to spend time with Mel, Scott and Jason. It was a SO much fun and I got to see Kid Rock :) :)

5. LSU Baseball

-I had the opportunity to watch an LSU-Illinois baseball game one Saturday with Christan, Scott and Mel. It was perfect weather and I love to watch baseball! Go Tigers! (Little side note: We stayed that weekend in the Embassey Suites which happened to be the same hotel that the Illinois team was staying:) ) I wish we could have been there earlier to watch LSU Football!

6. Florida

-Louisiana is very close to Florida! :) I was able to spend time in Florida/Alabama for 2 weekends! They were both VERY relaxing weekends! I could sit on the beach for hours and not get bored. I love LOVE the ocean. We stayed in the same hotel both times because it was cheap and right on the gulf:)

7. LSU-Campus

- LSU has beautiful lakes on their campus. Scott showed me the running path around the lakes one night after intstitute. I was instantly hooked! It is by far one of my favorite places to run. It is about a four mile loop and there is ALWAYS people running,walking, jogging, cycling on it. I wish i could go running around it right now!!

8. Southern Folk

- There is somthing about the south and its people. I have lived in a lot of different places but never have I experianced such kindness and friendship from complete strangers as I have in the last three months. I cannot even begin to type the names of everyone who made a differance in my life during these last months. At work I would take away an entire claim for a month and then still get invited over for supper. I hope to change the way I treat and interact with others after the great examples I have had here in Louisiana.

9.-Maid Service

- For the last three months I have lived in various hotel rooms in various hotels. Nothin like maid service everyday:)

10. -Free Rental Car and Gas

- Definetly already missing my corporate american express

11. -My Buddies

- I cannot name everyone but.. THANK YOU THANK YOU!! You are what made the south so great!

- There were so many other great experiances i had but this blog is getting long..:) Thank to CN-Resouce and the State of Lousiana for taking a chance with me and hiring me! I AM SO SO BLESSED!!!