That's a wrap!

I think its time for one of those end-of-semester and annual blog. 

SO much has changed, week by week... I can't even comprehend the emotions I went through in the last months. I can't begin to explain the personal trials and thoughts that soared in and out of my head. I can't even tell you why things happened the way they did, but I know through all the ups and downs, my testimony of Jesus Christ has been strengthened, my relationship with God has grown stronger and the gospel has continued to guide and redirect my life.

Started the school year in August I was a Special Education major. I was living at Old Farm with three of my very best friends. I was happy, taking eighteen credits, working two jobs and loving life. I went through the semester visiting friends, meeting people and just smiling about the good times and the bad. I changed my major about two times before I decided on FCHD with a child development emphasis and a Special Education minor. My hobby was re-writing my four year plan with all my classes, or so it seemed. There were some hilarious stories... including the time I received laxative brownies, got broken up with via text, wrote signs in the bathroom or spent the night dying alone on the couch downstairs. 

There was an interesting end to the semester and Kylee and I parted ways from the others. 

We ended up in Oak Ridge. We were two buildings down from my at-the-time boyfriend, upstairs from the best pants neighbor in the world, across the way from my best guy friend whom I love and miss dearly and surrounded by only the most awesome people. Since moving in we have gained tons and tons of friends, made so many memories and really been through a lot of struggles and accomplishments. As of mid-March I was working no jobs and down to fourteen credits. My health declined, emotionally and physically, I went through one of the hardest trials of my life... combining all my weaknesses together at full force. I had to stop working, I was sick to my stomach or crying all the time. And then one day I decided it was time to pull myself together. I stopped crying all together, I started smiling even when I didn't want to. And I told myself it was all going to be okay.

It's not going to be okay just because I told myself that. It's going to be okay because in the biggest moment of doubt and fear... I remembered who I was. I am a daughter of God. I have the most incredible family and friend support that I could ask for. I don't give up, I don't quit. It's really annoying how persistent I am. I make mistakes and I learn from them. I love people. I love to teach. I love to laugh. And no trial or hardship was going to stop me from being who I am. No boy, no health problem, no scooter crash, no loss of job... is going to change me!!! I can't EVER let it.

I am Lauren Elise Falter and I love my life.

I love my Savior and I have faith in His plan for me.

I'm going to mess up and make silly mistakes, big or little. But I know that no matter how much I let myself or others down, I can always be picked back up. Even when I'm bitter at boys (often), disappointed in myself (often) or mad at the world (not as often)... there is a reason to smile. There is always a reason to give thanks, because I am blessed in so many ways! 

In less than three weeks, I'll be in Costa Rica volunteering in an orphanage with my best friend. In a couple months, I will be a Retreat for Girls counselor for 12-15 year old girls coming to USU campus. In a few days I will be living with my amazing Aunt Barbi and by friday seeing my daddy and grandparents. Jerry will be up and running, I will be changing wards and really working on being who I want to be, which is better than who I am now, far better. This summer the goals are happiness, service, health and making what's most important my greatest priority.

THIS SUMMER IS HERE... after thursday. WOO!!!!!!!!

I have such amazing people in my life and to you all, I owe thanks! Thanks for being my rocks! I honestly couldn't have done this year without you. You are my angels on earth.

Big shout-out to the people I started and ended the year with!!!

 

My life has been touched by the people at this school,

and the beauty of the valley.

How I love Logan, Utah.

With bittersweet emotions as people part their ways,

I wish everyone an amazing summer of opportunities and happiness...

Here's to another amazing year at Utah State!