Darci.

Today my adorable little sister Darci is turning sweet sixteen. I still remember the innocent little blue-eyed beauty playing barbies with me or laying our sleeping bags side by side as we fell asleep on our basement floor watching Zenon or another Disney classic. And here she is old enough to break boy’s hearts and drive real cars on the road. Where has time gone?

Me and Darci are so much alike it is almost freaky. Not only are our clothing sizes identical (which results in many closet swaps) but I look at some of the experiences Darci is going through and I realize I went through the exact same thing during my high school years. There have been nights when she has called me complaining and venting and I can’t help but smile because I know exactly how she feels.

These past couple of months have been trying for me as I have been searching for acceptance and validation regarding choices I have made. Darci was there supporting me through thick and thin. I remember vividly a particular weekend when I felt like giving up. I felt like no matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t win. Just when my eyes were starting to tear up Darci said the simplest statement that turned my whole day around, possibly even my whole month. To this day I don’t think she realizes how big of an impact that incident had on me. Darci is the most loyal and trusting person you will ever meet. She is a true confidant. I love going on drives with this woman because I can pour out my whole heart and she won’t judge or offer advice, she just simply listens. I could sit and just talk to her for hours about my problems and I know a word wouldn’t be uttered to anyone about it. Not only that but she is one of the most spiritual girls I know. I love walking into her room because I always see scriptures, church books, journals, quotes, or pictures of temples scattered all over her floor and walls. Darci has her head on straight and is going places. I know without a doubt that she would never lower her standards for anyone, sometimes I wish I could have her spiritual strength.

Darci, when you read this know that you are the best! I am truly blessed to have such an amazing sister and role model in my life. I know you may look older and you may be taller than me but remember I am still older and wiser. I will always be here for you, keep those phone calls coming. I love you!

Jazz Season.

Last night the Utah Jazz season drew to close (with a win of course). This season has been full of ups and downs. We went undefeated in pre-season, Jerry Sloan resigned, D-Will got traded, we broke the NBA record for the biggest collapse in a season, plus we beat the Lakers in Los Angeles. Holla! In honor of a uh...interesting Jazz Season here is a video of my two favorite things in the whole wide world. Utah Jazz and Politics.

Ambassador.

I have the world’s coolest job. Seriously. And I am not just saying that because a couple of people from work follow my blog. I seriously have the world’s coolest job. I am currently a recruitment ambassador for good ol’ Utah Valley University (also referred to as the school of champions). Being an ambassador means I get to give campus tours, visit a few high schools, and interact with eager high school students daily.

Plus I also get my face plastered on a billboard. Aren’t me and my co-workers simply adorable?

I get to write sweet blog posts on the UVU website about my experience at UVU which can be found here

I also got to be an actress for a few days and be filmed for videos showing off our incredible university. (Video will be posted later. Don’t fret.)

This past week me and my super talented co-workers brought home the coveted UVU’s Office of the Year trophy. This was not an easy task but somehow we managed to do it, probably because we all rock. Because of our valiant efforts we get a sweet lunch, the trophy, and bragging rights.

My adorable sister Madison has been chosen to be a scholarship ambassador next year. Madison is pretty excited about joining our champion office but I think it is safe to say I just may be more excited. I can’t wait to let her experience the joy and satisfaction it is to be an ambassador. I can’t wait to let her meet all the amazing people I get to work and interact with. I can’t wait to have an excuse to see her beautiful face and make sure she is still surviving the life of a college student.

Because I do have such a marvelous job that I absolutely LOVE I will probably stick around forever or at least until they kick me out….

I stole these pictures from some of the nice people I work with facebook pages. Hopefully they don't mind :)

Conference.

No words can simply describe this General Conference. It never ceases to amaze me how every single question, concern, and doubt brewing in my head is answered sometime in the two days of conference sessions. This time there was no exception. It was absolutely incredible. There were so many powerful lessons, advice, and words of comfort from the servants of God.

Elder Scott gave a talk about simple expressions of love, this easily became an instant classic for me. He gave a very similar talk last September during a fireside but it is so fabulous I didn’t mind a little repeat. The unique thing about Elder Scott’s talk was the message itself wasn’t the point that stuck out to me. The point that became cemented in my brain was the way he so spoke so lovingly of his wife. He made it sound like his wife was the greatest thing to ever grace this planet. I want to be the kind of woman that my future spouse will want to speak of me like that. I want to develop that kind of love with someone where it is completely natural to leave love notes in clocks or out of scraps of paper. I want that kind of eternal love that comes through righteous living and a temple marriage. I want that and I will fight until I get it.

Happiness.

The past couple of weeks I have been completely
Discouraged.
Miserable.
Frustrated.
Empty.
And simply Unhappy.
I have been trying so hard to please and make everyone else happy that I have completely abandoned my own feelings. I have second guessed the revelations and promptings I have received because they did not quite match up with those of the ones I trust most. But I have finally made a decision. I am going to do what I feel is right and I am going to do what makes me happy.

Who is to tell me that my answer that I have been searching out for months is wrong especially when I have prayed, fasted, studied, gone to the temple, and done everything in my power to receive that answer? Who is to tell me that I am not capable of receiving personal revelation? Who is to tell me that what I am feeling isn’t real?

I know everyone is not going to agree with my decision but I am not asking for opinions or advice. For once I would like to make a decision, tell the world, and only receive hugs and the kind words, “Congrats Cami. That’s great.” Just once I would like to hear no criticism and feel some acceptance. That would definitely ease my burden and finally make me happy.