Christmas Newsletter.

Its not Christmas without my families cheesy Christmas Newsletter. Madison wrote it this year and didn't do too bad of a job. I decided to attach it below. Enjoy!

It’s that time again, Christmas time is finally here! Cue the cheesy Christmas card from the Packers. This is Madison writing this by the way, so fasten your seat belts because you’re about to know what the Packer house hold has been up to for the past year.

Eric: Or as I like to call him, bishop. Yes, dad is sure enjoying the bishop life. Because who wouldn’t enjoy to be stressed out about being a bishop and a hospital administrator? He is seriously living the dream. Dad enjoys taking trips down to Utah Valley to see his three older and wiser daughters and still loves to go hunting when he can find the time.

Sandy: Mom was devastated this year when her favorite daughter, obviously me, moved out. Mom is staying busy with her calling in the stake Relief Society and being the bishop’s wife. Someone needs to keep that man in line. Mom does enjoy though having less laundry, less dishes, and not having to walk past my unorganized bedroom.

Courtnie and Dillon: (both 23) Courtnie and Dillon celebrated their one-year anniversary in November. Courtnie graduated from USU last December and the happy couple moved to Orem for Courtnie’s job. Dillon is currently attending UVU, studying political science and Spanish, and Courtnie is working at TopTenREVIEWS.com as a consumer electronics reviewer. Dillon is staying busy as Vice President of Governance in UVU’s pre-law club and as Young Men’s President in their ward. Courtnie serves as Young Women’s 2nd counselor and enjoys doing freelance on the side. They spend their free time watching Modern Family, playing games, and inviting me over for dinner.

Cami and Austin: (21, 22) If you weren’t aware, Cami got married in July to Austin. If you didn’t get an invite then oops, we will just say it got lost in the mail. Cami and Austin live in Provo but both attend UVU. Austin is going into construction management while Cami is studying political science and also interning for the Presidential cabinet of UVU. Can you say connections? Cami also is an ambassador for UVU so seriously, come get a tour. Cami and Austin enjoy making new food from Pinterest, stalking the Utah Jazz, and basically just being married.

Madison: (18) I graduated from Bear River in June and moved to Orem in late August. I’m attending UVU and love it! I was definitely made for college! I am a wolverine ambassador so yes, I get to work with Cami. How precious is that! This summer I also met the man of my dreams though my parents would have to disagree. I met Martin Johnson from the band Boys Like Girls and I’m sure my whole family is tired of listening to the story. Oh well. I also enjoy procrastinating my homework, eating my sisters’ food, and meeting good looking college boys.

Darci: (16) Darci is a junior this year at Bear River and misses me greatly. Although she sure enjoys having mom and dad wrapped around her little finger. Darci got her license this year so be sure to be extra cautious on the road. Darci decided not to do the high school drill team this year and decided to be on the high school ballroom team. So make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Darci on Dancing with the Stars in the future. Darci also loves supporting her Bear River Bears and causing chaos to Tremonton with her friends.

In May the family (minus Austin) went on a cruise (surprise, surprise) to Cabo San Lucas and Puerta Vallarta. Dillon braved his fear of sharks, I withstood a boy wanting me to run away to the forest with him, and Cami enjoyed winning prizes on the cruise morning show. It was a fabulous vacation and I’m thinking we should go again. Basically that is all the Packers have been up to this past year, nothing too exciting. We hope everyone has had a wonderful year and has a happy holiday!

Christmas Break.

The semester is over and I survived. Barely.
It is such a relief to know I have no more homework due, no more papers that need to be written, and no more tests to study for.
The next couple of weeks of my Christmas Break will be heavenly.
No school, No work, No internship.
If only the break could last forever.

Busy Busy.

As it is nearing the end of the semester my schedule is getting busier, my workload is getting bigger, and my stress levels are rising. Hence the reason why my blog hasn't been seeing any love for a while. With 5 papers due, all of which have to be over 12 pages long, I just haven't really felt the desire to write for fun. Please forgive me.

Here is a short recap of the latest events in the Richard's Household
* We have a new, adorable, little nephew. The guy is named Brody Galen Munns. Austin and I went up to visit him the night he was born. From Austin's perspective I think he thinks it was a mistake. I may or may not be a little baby hungry now. If only I was graduating a little sooner....
*The best deal on Black Friday was the one that ended the NBA Lockout. Yes, you heard me right. The NBA Lockout is over! Hallelujah! Games should resume on Christmas day. I think I am more excited to watch the games then opening presents that morning.
*I went with my in-laws to go watch Breaking Dawn. The movie made me a little nauseous with all the blood, Bella looked way too anorexic, and the honeymoon scene seemed a little too risky. Not gonna lie, I was a little disappointed Jacob Black only took off his shirt once too. All I can say, is the final movie better be rocking!
*Thanksgiving was spent at my Grandma and Grandpa Hunts house in Spanish Fork. I ate too much turkey and pie than my little stomach could handle. The best part of Thanksgiving was spending it with Austin for the first time and having my best friend, MarKel, fly in from New York.
*My dear cousin Kelby is leaving on his LDS mission. His farewell was yesterday and it was a bit bittersweet. He was the little brother I never had. I loved going to his basketball games and having him hug me from behind and knock me off my feet. He is going to be serving in Minneapolis Minnesota speaking Hmong for the next 2 years.
*I am loving my internship. This experience has actually made me think twice about Law School. As of right now, my plans are to go and complete a MPA instead. Ask me in 2 weeks and it might be different though.

NBA Lockout.

The whole NBA is still in lockout. I am going through withdrawals. I need my Utah Jazz fix. I need to be surrounded by Utah Jazz fanatics. I need to step foot in Energy Solutions Arena. I need to have a reason to wear my Utah Jazz shirts. I need to give my favorite security guard a hard time and glare at ninja lady. I need to tweet CJ Miles about his latest performance. I need to keep bugging Jeremy Evans until he caves in and gets a twitter. I need to see the hilarious interviews from Fesenko. I need to watch Okur sit on the bench. Moral of the story: I need my Utah Jazz!

To be honest, when I first heard about the lockout I was not a bit alarmed. I figured the players and owners would be wise enough to create a bargain and play ball. Boy was I wrong. The official NBA season was suppose to begin next week. November 1st to be exact. Now it has been pushed back to November 15th. With no deal in the making the reality is it will be pushed back even more. How much longer can I take? No games until December, January, or February would just be plain torture. No games at all this season would just be cruel and unusual punishment. If I am denied the privilege of witnessing the return of D-Will to ESA, the return of Jimmer to Utah, or the return of Kyle Korver in those sexy socks I will be greatly upset.

What people don't understand is the Utah Jazz is way more than just a basketball team to me. They are my form of therapy. When things aren't going well I know I can always depend on my Jazz to brighten the mood: Win or Lose. When I need a break from reality I know I can just go sit in the stands of Energy Solutions Arena and my mind will be cleared. When I need a reason to scream, shout, cry, or smile I know Jazz Games will always present that opportunity. Needless to say, I have grown attached and passionate for the Jazz. Miles of memories have been created because of Jazz games. Bonding moments and relationship builders that were crucial points in my life were often centered on Jazz games.

I wish there was more I could do to end this lockout. All I can do now is sit, wait, and be patient. *sigh*

Sunday Night Dinner.

I am addicted to Pinterest. No secret there. I stumbled upon this creation on the website and decided to make it for our Sunday feast since it contained one of Austin's favorite foods, hot dogs.

Is this not the coolest food creation ever?

Fall Hike

To kick off the beginning of Fall Break, my fabulous in-laws made the journey down to Utah Valley to spend time with us. We went on a lovely hike up to Stewart Falls in Provo Canyon. For those that know me will know I am not much of a hiker. Believe it or not, I actually enjoyed this hike. It wasn't too hot. The crunch of leaves beneath my feet were calming. My adorable husband would occasionally grab my hand and sneak in a kiss or two. The scenery was breathtaking and the company was perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate Fall.

Our First Apartment.

I have had a couple of people ask to see pictures of our adorable first apartment so here some are. Ta Da! It isn't very big but it is perfect for us. I have burnt food on the kitchen stove, snuggled with my husband in the bed, spent hours doing homework on the counter, done too many loads of laundry in the laundry room, and watched my husband attempt to do yoga on the living room floor. This is the place where memories are made. This is the place i can just let loose and be myself. This is the place I look forward to coming home to.

Here is our adorable living room/kitchen



The Bedroom

The Bathroom

The Laundry Room

Big 2-1

I am an official adult now! I had my lovely 21st birthday on September 8th. Austin spoiled me rotten, which I won’t complain about. I have decided that it’s nice to have a husband! For my birthday Austin bought me an Iphone. I am in love! I don’t know how I survived without one. He then took me out to Applebees followed by a trip to Provo Beach Resort where we did the ropes course and watched people attempt to surf. We then ended the day with my favorite, a Dairy Queen Ice Cream.




I also got to celebrate my birthday a few days early with my 2 favorite amigos. We all met in Salt Lake, went to dinner, and partied. I am so unbelievably blessed to have these 2 women in my life. They are absolutely incredible, not to mention beautiful and talented. Carlie and Josi are really the only people I talk to from high school, except my husband of course. We just happen to be lucky enough to have our birthday’s right next to each other. We have been through a lot together. We have jumped out of planes together, screamed our lungs out at concerts together, and stayed up all night together. These two have been supportive, loyal, thoughtful, and reliable. I love these two girls. Sorry Carlie & Josi, I am a little late in saying this but Happy Birthday! Let’s start planning our Vegas trip!

Many faces of Austin.

I stumbled upon these pictures on my phone. Isn't my husband adorable?

9/11

There are always going to be those days forever etched in your memory. These days might be the day you got your driver’s license, your first kiss, your wedding, or maybe even the birth of your child. It may be the day you moved away to college, the day your grandpa died, or the day your best friend moved away. One of those days forever engraved in my memory is September 11, 2001. I woke up like any other day, got ready for school, and sat on my parent’s bed waiting for a ride. As I sat there watching the news I remember watching video of the first World Trade Center burning. And sure enough I witnessed on tape as the second plane and its passengers met its fate. Being only eleven years old and growing up in a small Utah community it never alarmed me that my freedom was at stake. It never occurred to me that there were other countries who hated the USA. It never dawned on me that years down the road some of my closest friends would be sent overseas fighting because of this tragic event.

As the 10 year anniversary came upon me, I can’t help but think and reflect on how much our country has grown and how much opposition it has had to face. Every day I go to school and study America and its politics. I have learned why other nationalities would choose to target to America; what we possess that others crave; and why this really is the greatest country in the world. I have gained respect for the men and women fighting for my freedom. I have greater appreciation for the country I live in and the opportunities it offers me.

As I reflect on that tragic day 10 years ago I think of a quote given by President Thomas S. Monson. It says…

“Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Him [God] a fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for our happiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were.”

September 11th could be the worst terrorist attack and tragedy I witness in my lifetime. I don't believe it happened in vain though. God has a master plan. I believe this was part of it. There are continuous lessons and opportunities we must take from tragedy. The biggest lesson I have learned is that we cannot turn to God only in times of trial and tragedy. We need to show him the same consistency and faithfulness that he endlessly shows us. We need him in times of peace as well as in disaster.

Obsessed.

I found this quote. I may or may not be obsessed.

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often.
If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV.
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.
Stop over analyzing, all emotions are beautiful.
Life is simple. When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences.
Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.
Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.
Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating.
Live your dreams and wear your passion.
Life is short.

Short Recap.

I haven't died I promise. These past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind and I have slightly neglected my blog. Opps, my bad! Here is a recap of what I have been up to. More detailed posts are to come...

Katy Perry Concert with the amigos.
I got sealed to my best friend in the Salt Lake Temple.
Honeymooned on a beautiful Carnival Cruise to Catalina Island & Mexico.
Got deathly ill and lived in my bed for days.
Officially started my internship.
Markel came home from New York for a couple of weeks to visit.

School also starts in a week. Blah! Hopefully I can get all caught up and get my life back on track before then.

Temple.

"One thing have I desired of the Lord…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."
—Psalms 27:4

Friday I had the opportunity to fulfill a dream and goal of mine. Something I have desired for as long as I can remember. I had the chance to enter into the walls of the holy temple. It was a sacred, beautiful, and incredible learning experience. What made it even better was the fact that I got to enter through the doors holding hands with the man I absolutely adore.

Stress.

I am deathly ill. (maybe not deathly but that is what it feels like).
My voice sounds like a man.
School starts up in a month.
I go through the temple today.
I forgot my breakfast at home.
I am starting my internship.
My apartment is a disaster.
I have been sleeping on the floor for the past week.
I am trying to learn enough & be confident enough to teach a college-level government class.
My dinner last night consisted of Cookie dough & a little bit of a Easy Mac.
Financial Aid is due.
I get married in a week.

Needless to say I need a vacation. I need a break. I need a week with just me and my man. No worries, no wedding planning, no stress.

Engagements.

Here is a little Engagement Pic teaser. enjoy.

Wedding Countdown.

1 week...Bridal Pictures.
2 weeks....going through the temple.

3 weeks.
or 21 days.
or 510 Hours.
or 30618 Minutes until I am getting married.

Why won't time move any faster?

Wedding Plans.

The countdown is dwindling down. A little over 4 weeks and I will officially be Mrs. Cami Richards. Oh how I cannot wait!

We will get married here.

Eat dinner here.

The next day have a lovely reception in these colors.



Eating this food.

Taking pictures in this booth.

And then honeymooning on this ship.


Please let the next 31 days come quick...

Date Night.

With the stress of planning a wedding, finding an apartment, and trying to be patient enough to endure 6 more long weeks of being engaged my adorable fiancé took me out for a much needed date. The day consisted of golfing, PizzaPieCafe, fireworks, and pictures.

Aren’t we adorable?

Pepsi.

Pepsi. Cheddar and Sour Cream chips. Two of the greatest inventions ever for two reasons..
1. Creates the best roadtrip snack
2. Has the ability to get you out of a slump (which just so happens to be today.)

Love.

In 2007 my life changed, I met a boy, unlike any other.
I could talk to him forever & never get bored.
I could tell him anything & never be judged.
He became my best friend, my boyfriend, my true love.
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and now 2011
I spent all of my time falling in love with this boy.
Getting to know him on different levels.
Finding out more about him, as well as myself.
Being completely comfortable around him without having to work at it.
Seeing the world through different eyes.
Learning about love.
Feeling emotions I had never felt before.
Caring about someone else more than myself.
Realizing I would do anything in the world to see him happy.
It wasn't always perfect but no matter what, it was always worth it.
I wouldn't change anything.
He encourages me.
He believes in me.
He reminds me constantly that we are meant for each other.
& what we have is real.
And everyday we are just that much closer to what we've been waiting for.
And someday, soon, we will be living our dream.

That someday soon just happens to be this summer. July 29th to be exact. Thats right, I am engaged. I couldn't be more excited or happier.

Internship.

I have reached the downward slope of my undergraduate degree. Yet I don't feel old enough to be more than a halfway through my bachelors degree. I don't feel responsible enough to start taking LSAT prep classes. And I definitely don't feel grown up enough to start applying for law school. Reality really hit when I got asked to be UVU's Presidential Cabinet Intern. I will be interning directly with the Vice President of Student Affairs. From talking with him I have realized that we have alot in common regarding education and careers. Our educational paths align with political science degrees, master degrees, and juris doctrates (with no intention of ever actually practicing law). Our career paths are parallel with dreams of public administration and service. He is going to be a great mentor and advisor. One that I am confident will help me reach my full potential. One of my main responsibilities as an intern will be to help teach his American Government class. While some may find this slightly intimidating I find it extremely exciting. I have always had an internal struggle on whether I wanted to do law school or teach high school government. While a college level government class is nothing like high school it is going to be a definite learning experience. What am I saying? This whole internship will be a definite learning experience. One that will help me reach my goals, learn and grow, as well as succeed in all aspects regarding my future.

Cruise.

This past week my family and I sailed on the Carnival Splendor to the beautiful Mexican Riviera. It was a much needed vacation and one I wouldn't mind reliving. The great thing about cruising is there is soo much to do every second of every day. It was like a constant 7-day fiesta. During the week journey we made stops at Cabo San Lucas. twice. and Puerto Vallarta. The rest of the time was spent sailing the seven seas. Some highlights of my week were....

CABO SAN LUCAS

PUERTO VALLARTA

EATING

BEACH

POOL TIME

COMEDY CLUB

MINI GOLF