diff --git a/fbchat/_core.py b/fbchat/_core.py
index e62df71..31f4019 100644
--- a/fbchat/_core.py
+++ b/fbchat/_core.py
@@ -1,8 +1,11 @@
 # -*- coding: UTF-8 -*-
 from __future__ import unicode_literals
 
+import logging
 import aenum
 
+log = logging.getLogger("client")
+
 
 class Enum(aenum.Enum):
     """Used internally by fbchat to support enumerations"""
@@ -10,3 +13,14 @@ class Enum(aenum.Enum):
     def __repr__(self):
         # For documentation:
         return "{}.{}".format(type(self).__name__, self.name)
+
+    @classmethod
+    def _extend_if_invalid(cls, value):
+        try:
+            return cls(value)
+        except ValueError:
+            log.warning(
+                "Failed parsing {.__name__}({!r}). Extending enum.".format(cls, value)
+            )
+            aenum.extend_enum(cls, "UNKNOWN_{}".format(value).upper(), value)
+            return cls(value)
diff --git a/fbchat/_graphql.py b/fbchat/_graphql.py
index 4bf8cab..7e83500 100644
--- a/fbchat/_graphql.py
+++ b/fbchat/_graphql.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ def graphql_color_to_enum(color):
         return ThreadColor.MESSENGER_BLUE
     color = color[2:]  # Strip the alpha value
     color_value = "#{}".format(color.lower())
-    return enum_extend_if_invalid(ThreadColor, color_value)
+    return ThreadColor._extend_if_invalid(color_value)
 
 
 def get_customization_info(thread):
@@ -379,7 +379,7 @@ def graphql_to_message(message):
     if message.get("unread") is not None:
         rtn.is_read = not message["unread"]
     rtn.reactions = {
-        str(r["user"]["id"]): enum_extend_if_invalid(MessageReaction, r["reaction"])
+        str(r["user"]["id"]): MessageReaction._extend_if_invalid(r["reaction"])
         for r in message.get("message_reactions")
     }
     if message.get("blob_attachments") is not None:
diff --git a/fbchat/_util.py b/fbchat/_util.py
index 5794fe7..f18d6e1 100644
--- a/fbchat/_util.py
+++ b/fbchat/_util.py
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ from os.path import basename
 import warnings
 import logging
 import requests
-import aenum
 
 try:
     from urllib.parse import urlencode, parse_qs, urlparse
@@ -331,19 +330,6 @@ def get_files_from_paths(filenames):
         fp.close()
 
 
-def enum_extend_if_invalid(enumeration, value):
-    try:
-        return enumeration(value)
-    except ValueError:
-        log.warning(
-            "Failed parsing {.__name__}({!r}). Extending enum.".format(
-                enumeration, value
-            )
-        )
-        aenum.extend_enum(enumeration, "UNKNOWN_{}".format(value).upper(), value)
-        return enumeration(value)
-
-
 def get_url_parameters(url, *args):
     params = parse_qs(urlparse(url).query)
     return [params[arg][0] for arg in args if params.get(arg)]
diff --git a/fbchat/utils.py b/fbchat/utils.py
index 4491d1c..66c5b9a 100644
--- a/fbchat/utils.py
+++ b/fbchat/utils.py
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@ from ._util import (
     mimetype_to_key,
     get_files_from_urls,
     get_files_from_paths,
-    enum_extend_if_invalid,
     get_url_parameters,
     get_url_parameter,
 )