Rexburg then off to Turkey and Greece

So being back in the Burg has been great and exciting. I got off the bus to my wonderful boyfriend there to see me. As I looked towards the back of the bus I see his smiling face and I light up. We are reunited and have had a wonderful time together. I think I have learned so much with Robbie. He is completely opposite from me and I really do love that. He is calm, thinks through everything, and always seems to be there just when I need him. He is comforting and probably one of the funniest people I know. Robbie and I can just laugh for hours. But the most important thing is that We are still figuring everything out and we go through times where we don't know but I think that is the point of life is taking chances and hoping that it turns out right. When creating a relationship there is so much to learn, the ups and downs, and manly me figuring out things about myself I never knew. However those choices in life that change our life and set the path to a new adventure are never easy and it's always a "process" it's taking steps in life you never thought you would and taking chances that you have no idea if they will ever work out or not. However it's when we make that choice that the path is set. I have learned that making choices are hard but are so worth it. So going to Turkey and Greece will be ultimately life changing for me, I'm not happy leaving Robbie here however I know this is something I need to do.
So that is what I am doing I leave on probably the most amazing trips, I can take that will help define me and make me who I am. I can't tell you how strong the Holy Ghost is when I read my scriptures, pray, and learning about the New Testament and the things that Paul did. He is inspiring and a true disciple of Jesus Christ he has taught me to not fear the future but to embrace it with righteousness. That as we go through life with righteousness we should not fear. I have so much to look forward to and I know that Heavenly Father has a pretty amazing plan for me as long as I have the desire to do his will. I know this trip will do wonders for me but it makes me even more excited for what is in store for me after that.
One thing I remembered today is this sign my mom had up all when I was growing up. It was a statue of Jesus Christ and a quote that said "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it". That is something we have to remember all through life is that we will have good and bad times but there is always another chapter awaiting us. There is always something better awaiting us. Brother Call one of my teachers going on the trip with me said Friday "We must learn patience in our Heavenly Father, and have faith in our Savior Jesus Christ". I will hopefully always remember that and what my purpose on this earth is and that is to prove myself to my Heavenly Father.
The big day is Monday when I leave to Turkey!!! We will see what happens!
Love Shanel!!

What the Future has in Store for Little Miss Me!

So as I have sat here at home spending time with the family and seeing how much my family has changed and how much I have grown has made me realize a lot of things. Life i full of surprises and I can still remember being 8 years old and telling my dad that I wanted to go to BYU no matter what, that I wanted to have my own dance studio, to serve a mission, to go somewhere out of the United States and find my prince charming that would sweep me off my feet and take me to the temple where we would be sealed for all time and eternity! To think that an 8 year old had those kind of dreams! However as I have grown up I have found that no matter how much I plan and trying to manage my life Heavenly Father always has a different plan in mind for me and it is usually better! However I am accomplishing all those dreams but in different ways. Such as when I applied to the BYU schools I knew that I was supposed to go to BYU-Idaho! And oh how a blessing it has been! I have made the most amazing friends that I will have for the rest of my life, I have a stronger testimony then ever and I have a boyfriend that is so understanding, funny, and brings out the good in me in so many ways! I am heading on a New Testament Study Abroad to Greece to travel somewhere I have never been and to see a different part of the world and come to better understanding of the start of Christianity! I have realized that when you are obedient and willing to listen to Heavenly Father and let him guide you on the right path everything will always be happy! I can say that my life has been pretty happy, yes I have had trials and tribulation but I have always relied on my Heavenly Father and I always knew it will get better even if it gets worse! Nothing is more important then following what our Heavenly Father wants! And that is what I am doing full heartily! You have to learn to enjoy life before you can be happy! Life is short but there is joy in all things! Happiness comes from God! Sorrow and Sadness come from Satan! So be happy!

The End of Spring Semester!!!

So as the semester ended the stress was on and a lot has happened. As the semester winded down Amber got all packed and moved which was really weird.. I will miss our long talk conversations I sure learned a lot from her! She was a fantastic roommate! Well I stayed an extra week up in Rexburg due to Ambers wedding which was nice because I got to spend some time with Robbie when there wasn't a lot of stress. We really opened up and got somethings out of the way which was nice! He is planning on coming home with me for Thanksgiving which will be a lot of fun. I really like that we have taken it slow and really gotten to know each other it has been a lot of fun!! However I will say I have been away for a week and we are already missing each other... I think being a part brings out your true feelings for someone and lets you have time to think about your feelings for that person. Well we finished the semester by driving down to Utah to go to Amber's Wedding which was a lot of fun!! Esppecially the drive haha Robbie caught me taking pictures of him so he put a pillow over his face =)


Well after the wedding and the reception


I left the next morning to Houston.... and Life has been a little complicated since I have been home but nothing I can't handle! Robbie is a huge strength and I cherish him very much at this point. I have realized the blessings in my life and how my Heavenly Father has prepared me for this point in my life! I have learned that when I listen and do what he says he prepares a way for me to accomplish the things I need to, and I am guided in the right direction. I love life and I love the people in my life they make me who I am today!

Erika's Proposal and Amber's Bachlorette Party!!

This is a long over due blog post so here it is!!!
So it was just a normal Friday night at BYU-I, Robbie and I finishing up homework, me fixing dinner, and then Robbie and I figuring out things to do. Robbie and I decided to hang out with Stephanie for a little bit and go get Twizzle Berry! Then we went and got a movie from RedBox. After the movie it was a chilly night as we walked back to my apartment and we sat down to hang out with the roommates when Chris Walker comes in and asked Robbie and I if we would like to go to Mesa Falls with him.. At first I hesitated but then I got the look.. I knew what that meant, he was going to propose! So I got many text messages about what Robbie and I needed to do and then I spent the whole night freaking out... haha I just wanted it to be perfect for Erika! So needless to say I only got 2 hours of sleep.. Well the next morning I got up and put a smile on and had a great time driving up to Mesa Falls and seeing all the really old cars taking the same drive! Then we arrived and took the board walk around to the waterfall!



Then once we made it around Robbie and I split off and left to the car to get the Rose Petals and roses with a card! Well we sprinkled the rose petals around and placed roses here and there then waited a few moments. Then I saw them coming! She had no idea what was about to happen. She walked down and then read the card, then she turned around and there was Chris down on one knee asking to marry her.!







She is so happy and so excited! Well after all that we went back home and I took a nap! I was so tired! haha

Well that night the boys left to have guys night with Christian and we took Amber out to Texas Road House! We had the waiter bring the sattle out and she got to ride the sattle! hahah After that we came home and Ashley had prepared some questions that she asked Christian and had him answer it! That was really sweet! Then we finished up with the fun gifts and ended the night with a movie.







Robbie called me in the middle of the movie and asked if I could go to the store with him. It was cute because when I got in the car there was a little shark stuffed animal that he got for me while he was out at guys night haha. He said he chose that one because it was the only one that had green in it =).

July 4th, 2011

So wow how time flies and it is already the 4th of July again! So up here in little old Rexburg they have a city parade which is cute and fun to be at. Robbie met me at my apartment at 9:45am then we walked over to where Amber and Christian were.




We sat there in the blistering sun! When Christian ran back to our place and got a umbrella!



So that helped a lot. Well after all the police and fire department went by we got to see some way nice cars! Which is always a great day!





haha Well eventually Robbie and I went back to his place and relaxed then left to go to my apartment and I made some lunch for us. It was pretty great then we took a nap watching Tangled. Well then we left to go with Robbie's roommate Jacob and is fiance Stacey to go to Idaho Falls. We ran some errands then we left to the Firework site we were at. We set up everything and then Robbie and I went and walked around the river and just enjoyed the sites.



Then as the sun went down we went and sat with the group and just talked and played some games till the fireworks started. The firework were awesome and we were so close that after the fireworks went off the remains feel on us... It hurt my eyes so bad but it was worth it. =)



Then we headed out and it took us about an hour due to traffic. I had a great 4th of July!

Wow Does Time Pass!!

So here is a little update on my life and how things are going in the great freezing Rexburg! Well the temperature here is by-polar and can never make up its mind so I spend many of times changing and trying to keep my body temperature from freaking out! Amber is getting married in the Salt Lake Temple July 28 to Christian Shaw and I am a bridesmaid so I am spending time putting together a bachalorette party and a fun weekend with just girls down in Utah next month! I leave for Greece in just 2 months and I am so excited to go and learn the things that are taught in the New Testament and also to go to the beaches!!!
Well I decided to come home for the 7 week break to spend time with my family and to make a little money for my trip! So that will be a good break right before my trip!
I have decided not to go to China this Spring, I may just go home in the Winter to work and to take a little break from school ;) haha But life is great and I am enjoying the life of being a young adult! I hope you all are having a great summer
Lots of Love
Shanel!!

What A Semester!!!

So life has been great and so much has happened!!! SO I will start with the trip up too BYU-I! Lets just say it was a long drive but Amber and I made it in 24 hours! We both took turns driving all the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico. We got a hotel ad slept for 5 hours then got up ate breakfast and then headed to Utah. We made it to Provo around 5pm and we stayed with my really good friend Alissa. Amber and I just relaxed and then went out to dinner with Daniel Torres which was a little interesting but it was good seeing him. The next day we hung out with one of my favorite people in the world Aaron!! He picked us up and we went and had a great night out on the town! We went to jump on it, listens to JB(Justin Beiber), then took a drive up to the canyons and danced the night away. It was great.

Well the next day we headed up to Rexburg Idaho. As we entered into rexburg this whoosh of the spirit field the car and Amber and I burst into tears! But it was a great feeling. Well after that we got all my stuff out of storage and put our room together! Well finally Monday all our roommates arrived and it was great to finally meet them.



Well to catch up on the semester a little fast. Amber and I started going on dates and getting to know people but never felt it was right. Heavenly Father and I have decided that I am not supposed to go to China and I need to hit onto my major. He warned me that a lot of changes were going to happen this semester and a lot of changes have happened! Well First off Amber met Christian Shaw and after 3 weeks dating they are getting married July 27 in the Salt Lake temple!!! Crazy right? well the more I see them together the more I can see them being Eternal companions!



I on the other hand am dating Rob Talbert. He is my roommates cousin actually..
Hmmm you might be asking why Robbie? Well lets see him and I have been some what friends since the beginning of the semester. It was great because the night I met him Amber and I were on a date with two guys that were way nice but never had a plan.. So the date wasn't that great.. We stayed at our apartment and Robbie and his friend came over to hang out for a little bit and we started to play this game called signs which turned out to be so much fun! Mostly because Robbie makes everything fun. Well after Stephanie to him home and I told Amber I called dibbs on him.. Not thinking there would be anything between us. I'm just this little 19 year old with big dreams... Well we went through the month hanging out a couple times.. And something just kept drawing me closer to him... I just really liked his personality and how he can always make me laugh and just how sweet he is! Its different when you date a return missionary who is a strong priesthood holder.. It makes life seem more simple, safe and refreshing. Since the day I told Robbie yes I would be his girlfriend, life has been great and I haven't felt that it was wrong. We really just have a chill relationship and just enjoy the time we spend together.



Life is exciting and surprising in so many ways!!
With Amber getting married I feel it is right because but I also will miss her! She is my wing girl and we share everything together!!! I will miss her a lot! I'm not sure how life will be without her here during the fall but she will not be far away... I love her fiance!! He is like family already so it all works!!

I am excited to see what the future holds this last part of this year!!