Choose (Girls Camp 2015)

In the past few weeks I've been working two jobs, been to girls camp, American Red Cross LDC (Leadership Development Camp), made a tough decision, lots of tears have been shed, but so many smiles have lit up the storm that accompanied my mind. 
I've learned so much the last few weeks about myself and others around me that it amazes me that I've gone 17 years without knowing things about myself that I know now. I've had to make choices that could either benefit my life or destroy friendships. I've had to learn all about choices and choosing, but also doing what I need to do to help me. 


First things first, let me tell you about Girls Camp this year. I did not want to go to girls camp, and when I say that I did not want to go, I mean I did NOT want to go. I was new to the ward; I felt like I didn't fit in, that no one liked me, that me being there or not being there would not make any sort of difference for me or the other girls. I had different opportunities that I could've taken advantage of, instead of going to girls camp. I was frustrated and I did not have the best attitude about it. What was the point of me being there? 
However, by the end of that week, I had gotten personal revelation about why I was supposed to be there. It wasn't for me. It wasn't for my testimony to grow and for my love of the gospel to flourish. My purpose was to be there so that the beehives (12-13 yearolds), and the miamaids (14-15 yearolds) could benefit from my personal spirit, my testimony, and my love of the gospel. I knew that was my reason, that was my purpose. I had made new friends, I knew everyone's names now, and I had a best friend in the ward, Megan.

Back in my old ward, my best friend was Maddie J. We had gone to girls camp every year together, every year except for 2 we were in the same cabin/tent. She's been my best friend from kindergarten. Knowing that I had to go to my last girls camp without Maddie by my side, made me cry. This year though, my best friend became Megan. Megan is a beehive, she's 4'7 and oh my lanta that girl is full of sass. (No wonder why we get along so well!) Megan had sent me a text after girls camp that was my second witness about my purpose to being at girls camp. 

I can start my mission papers in 10 months and 4 days. I could have my mission call a year from now, and if it's in His plan I could be dropped off at the MTC or the airport in 14-18 months from now. Being at girls camp this year made me realize how truly blessed and excited I am to be able to serve a mission in a little over a year. 

I'm glad that I could be such an example, a leader and a role model for some of these girls. I am glad that my mother forced me to go to girls camp, because if I hadn't I would not have learned more about my ability to teach others by example, or learned more about myself in a spiritual way.

I have a testimony in the love that Christ and Heavenly Father has in me and everyone around me. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon and how it is a true book of doctrine that I need in my life, every single day. I have a testimony in prayer and how prayers are always answered, and if the Lord needs you to have specific personal revelation it will come to you. I have a testimony in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how it is the true church of the face of this earth. 

I urge you to go and find the truth in this world that is so full of confusion and different ways to go. There is no greater joy than knowing the truth, that will be revealed to you. 

My next post is all about my next camp; the American Red Cross Leadership Development Camp and everything else that I've been needing guidance about in my life. Be sure to read that one too!

A list of my favorite things

The last few weeks have been dark and gloomy quite literally and within me, thoughts that are dark and twisty have taken over my judgment and my mind. Instead of dwelling on those things that are making things worse, here's a list of my favorite things.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

General Conference talks.

how my Book of Mormon is all marked up and useful because of my own insights.

the giggles that fill the house in the morning from my sisters and their bare feet running across the wood floors. 

having my dad spin me around in the kitchen.

late night cuddles with my mom. 

having someone that I can facetime every single night that will read scriptures and say goodnight prayers with me.

that same someone who takes care of me and proves that maybe true love is a thing.

that someone in general.

late night drives.

giggles. giggles all the time.

blushed cheeks.

forehead kisses.

clear starry nights.

drives filled with great music and great people.

sunshine.

crisp, clean pictures.

babies. babies. babies. babies. Can't get enough of those tiny humans.

donuts. 

swig. 

sushi dates.

lights. candles. twinkle lights. sparklers. fireworks. lanterns. cute, unique light bulbs. light.

hugs from behind.

fries.

happy, smiley people.

peonies. fresh pink peonies.

pineapple. 

salty water.

sandy toes.

DISNEYLAND.

sleepy babies.

polaroid cameras and pictures.

smiley kisses.

water. cold water.

makeshift beds in cars. 

messy buns. 

jeeps.

rain.

wind blown hair.

planners. planning. organizing. 

pretty dresses.

little baby toes.

country music.

crickets at night.

old movies. 

perfect swing music.

lighthouses.

porch swings.

handpicked raspberries.

farmers markets.

braids.

big dandelions.

temples.

lace dresses

sleepy babies

long phone calls

love letters

unexpected door surprises

slow dances

walking barefoot everywhere

learning new things

new experiences

the feeling of being with someone who loves you

arizona 

california

colorful walls

sunsets

sunrises

the spirit

cookies

disney movies

sunday dinners

saturday adventures

friday fun

naps

the view from the top

freckles

ginger babies

long hair

weddings

knowing it's my senior year 

snocones

utah state

josh

seminary

falling asleep in an instant

But the most important piece in my huge puzzle of happiness would be knowing that Christ is rooting for me, that the atonement is REAL and that we can be made clean and perfect if we are continually coming unto Christ and wanting to be better, to do better.

Start a list of all the things that make you happy and I'm sure that you'll have so many reasons to be happy that all of the reasons to be sad and focusing on all the bad things that may be clouding your little ray of sunshine that is YOU. 

You're the sunshine in your life. Choose to shine. Give others your warmth and your sunshine. 

Worth & Blessings.

D&C 18:10 "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."
Who knew that 12 words could hold such meaning and impact? We are told that The Lord loves and cares for us more than we can comprehend. We are told that we have at least 5 people who love us. But ever so often, we tend to forget about ourselves.

Do we love who we are? Are we content with ourselves? Do you value you?
We can be told over and over again that we are loved, and cared for and that people are there for us. The real challenge is not if they mean what they say, the real challenge is knowing for ourselves that we are loved, cared for, and are needed on this earth, at this time.

The challenge of loving yourself is not an easy task to take on. We are constantly growing, changing and becoming other, different versions of ourselves. Amidst all the change and the growth one thing is certain our Heavenly Father loves us.

He loves us. He does not measure our worth in the amount of followers we have on instagram or twitter. Our worth is not measured in likes or retweets. We could get as many likes as we possibly could, but when it comes down to it that's not how our worth is measured.
Our worth is measured by the amount of people we serve. The faith we have. Our love, charity, and meekness. Our worth is not something that can be bought or sold, it's inside of us, each of us.

I challenge you, each of you to get on your knees and pray that you may feel His love for you. I know that many of you read my blog, and you may not be LDS, but regardless of your religion, I challenge you to pray. Pray for His love. Pray that you may know for yourself if He loves you. I know that He loves you, and that He wants you to come unto Him, so that you can feel that love, that perfect love.

On another note, I have some big news!
Back in freshman year, I remember watching the Seminary Council welcome video in Brother Oviatt's seminary class. I remember seeing Maddie Brown's cute face and her cute voice introducing herself for Seminary Council. I distinctly remember wishing I could get the chance to be apart such a great thing. 3 years later, and after lots of prayers being answered, I am so blessed and grateful to say that I have been called to the 2015-2016 Seminary Council for my Senior Year.
This is such a blessing in my life and I can not thank my Heavenly Father for giving me this opportunity to strengthen my faith and my testimony, and share my testimony with my peers. I know that a lot of sacrifices will be made, but I know that I am called to this calling, at this time, for me.

I know the Lord hears and answers every. single. prayer. That we have, in His timing. Hold on, and don't give up. Be patient.

Remember that YOUR worth is great in the sight of God.

God is for us.

It's only Wednesday, and this week already has been a rough one for me. 

I won't be one of those people who only blog and tell others about the good stuff, to have that cover of being the "perfectly happy, smiley Mormon girl." 

I've cried a lot these past few weeks. 

I've felt defeated a lot. 

I've felt of giving up on so many different aspects in my life. 

I've felt worthless, unable to continue, and helpless. 

I'm emotionally and physically exhausted. 

And we haven't even started moving into the new house yet. 

(Please send your prayers my way.) 

However, I've began to notice the way my life has changed around me. 

I have friends around me who are talking to me at 11:33 keeping me entertained, distracted, but also reminding me of my worth. 

I have an amazing necklace that shows off all my hard work and dedication that I've done for personal progress around my neck. 

I have the gospel in my life. I have scriptures that have been marked in so so so many times I'm amazed it's still all together and looking good. I have a living prophet and his apostles who have advice and words of comfort that I need within reach. I have the priesthood power in my home, thank you to my father and all those other worthy priesthood holders. 

I have Heavenly Father and Christ rooting for me, they're on my side. They want me to succeed, to endure to the end, and to be able to know that I've done all that I can do and to turn my trust to them. 

I'm not okay, but because of His grace and the power of the atonement, I know I will be in His time. 

Romans 8:31 "What shall we then say to those things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" 

He's on our side. He is always right by us, and he's just a prayer away. 

I challenge you all to read Romans 8 (King James version) and I sincerely hope and pray that you feel Christs love for you, because I know I was filled with it. 

See you in 3 Disney.

Our very last day at Disneyland went by way too fast. We had to check in for our flight at 10:20, so we didn't end up in the park until 11:30. Because we got there so late, it seemed like time sped by quicker. And before I knew it, it was 3:44 and even though I had 7 hours, I felt like everything was going by like a blur. 

We started our day at Tomorrowland. I brought my student council sweater, bought a Thor pin, and was ready to meet Thor for the second time. Then to find out Thor and Captain America weren't even there. I cried. Real tears. That's how much I love the Avengers. 

It's crazy to think about that in the 1960s Disney had "real" mermaids in this little lagoon that now is the finding nemo ride. Man. Let's go back to those days please! 

This freaking storm trooper. I hate him. So we were sitting behind the Jedi Training Academy show, we saw Darth Vader and these storm troopers. So I took this picture, and then he kept walking, right as he's walking back, he jumped at pointed his gun at me. I screamed and jumped 3 feet back. Granted I made everyone around me laugh and made their whole entire day, but my goodness I died. 

This is Lillian. She's cute and she's the one who's most like me. She's going to do great things. And that snaggle tooth smile is pretty cute isn't it. 

I really regret not buying this hat. Also holy dang my hair is getting long!! (You can tell it's almost midnight.) 

I spy with my little eye, the sparkly and beautiful Sleeping Beauty castle. The sad thing is that 2 years ago I thought the castle was huge! But now it's like it's shrunk down in size, it's like the magic is gone, I want to cry because now I'm growing up, and I'm not ready. 

We really like Tower of Terror. It's a really bad addiction. 

Toy Story Mania is my favorite ride. I love it, it's definitely worth the wait, remember that. We got to go twice in a row! 

As the trip came to an end, I realized one thing. This was my last trip to Disneyland before my mission. Granted, we're going to Disney World right before I leave on my mission, but not even Disney World can compete with the memories I have of Disneyland. 

My first time going with my family of 5 people, opening that little present with a princess skirt inside of it and my mom telling me where we're going. My second time going when I was 10 with my grandparents, my grandma's brother and my cousin Dallas. Oh man the pictures from that trip, let's appreciate puberty for a second.

My third time going when I was 13 with my sister Jordyn, and my grandparents once again. 

My fourth time with my entire family for Christmas and my grandparents surprising us at the hotel and me crying when I saw them. That trip is one that I will always look back on. It was the first time for my 2 little sisters. It was when I was going through something, and realized that I wasn't headed in the direction I needed to be headed. 

My fifth time going with all my family, my grandparents and my best friend. All of the giggles, holding hands with my sisters, and staying up way past my bedtime.

I'm going to miss the castle, the feeling of being transported to a place where I belong, the smell of a Disneyland churro, hearing people scream on the rides, seeing little girls light up when they see their favorite princess, but most importantly knowing that Disneyland is my happy place. 

I know I'll be back there soon, but for now I bid farewell to my childhood and teenage years spent at the happiest place on earth. 

Magic Morning

 

We had a magic morning pass for Day 2 of Disney. We got there early, took tons of pictures, and walked on to 2 different rides (which is the greatest thing ever next to sliced bread). That picture was the hardest one to take by the way. 

Isn't she just the cutest little thing you ever did see? She's loving Disneyland. She's always smiling, she's pretty funny to be around, and she thought the birds in the Tiki Room were real right up until the flowers started to sing. 

See she's pretty cute. Here's the story of Alexa. At school she doesn't have friends, she'll bring candy and things to help make friends but everyone she tries to be friends with don't like her. She's having a really tough time, and she's only 8. Before we left, I prayed that I'd be able to help her. Help her feel loved, appreciated, and wanted. I'm really hoping when we go back home, she stays her cute, little, smiley self. 

Everyone always talks about going to Disneyland with their best friend. Well I can check that off my bucket list. Done, deal. 

This was taken on It's a small world. We made fun of it. Enough said. 

After we got off small world my mom texted me a picture of Peter Pan. I literally ran from its a small world to the dumbo ride in .5 seconds. 

He compared our hair. Gingers for life. 

He got mad at me because I'm 17, which means I'm too old. 

Instead of growing up, I need to grow down. 

I pinky promised him that I would stop growing up. (sorry Peter can't keep that promise, but he was just so cute I couldn't say no..) 

We're best friends now. 

You're always walking at Disneyland. So by 9:00 I had already gotten 6,000 steps. The grand total of steps that were taken was; 29,346 which ends up being the equivalent to 12.59 miles. Look at me I'm above average. 

I've ended up walking at least 22 miles in the last 3 days. 

 

Dole Whip is life. Enough said about that subject. 

And so are Ghiradelli Square Sundaes. Heaven in a cup I tell ya. 

The total of rides we went on before 6:00 was; Snow White, Pinocchio, Small World, Carousel, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean (again), Splash Mountain, big thunder mountain rail road twice, Indiana Jones, California screaming, Radiator Springs Racers and the nightmare Ferris wheel. 

Clearly we had way too much just during the day, we needed to come back for the night. 

We came back and did a couple more rides, we did terror of terror twice back to back, California screaming, the nightmare Ferris wheel, and lots of others. 

Selfie featuring the Mickey Mouse Ferris wheel that scared me to death. 

Fantasmic was fantastic. The dragon was killer. However, nothing can get in the middle of my love for Prince Phillip. 

Day 2 was full of magic, laughs, smiles and meeting new people. 

Fun story; my mom met this lady who asked her if we were Mormon and my mom said yes, and she said "oh I know, you guys glow!" This to me is the greatest compliment anyone could give to me. By "glowing" I know that people can see Christ in me. He lives so that other people can see Him through us. 

We're important to this time and age of selfies, likes and followers, and an abundance of blessings. We have to realize that we're here for a reason, and that reason is to invite people to come unto Him, and learn of the truth, his truth. 

I'm really sorry that my Day 2 post took forever, but when you're having fun you get tired easier. 

The last day, day 3 is next! 

Disneyland Magic

We started out our day by heading to space mountain first. While in line the crew member told us that they were experiencing technical difficulties and it would be a while before it could be started up again. Over half of everyone in line left, we decided to stay for 20 minutes to see if it would be fixed by then. I downloaded heads up on my phone, played it for about 10 minutes and that's when everything started to kick back on. 

It was so cute to hold my sisters hand during the ride and to hear her scream and giggle during it. Disneyland is sure a magical place. 

The rides we went on today: Space mountain, star tours, buzz light year astro blasters, storybook canal boats, califoia screaming, tower of terror and pirates of the Caribbean. 

My moms company is giving out FREE dress ups so we're pretty much making little girls dreams come true. It's so flipping cute. We met these two princesses, Raven and Emma. 

And I mean how can you not just fall in them with them! Those cute little smiles though! They gave pretty good hugs too! 

Disneyland is a magical place. 

Sure it's crazy and chaotic and everyone's trying to have the best time and make memories. 

But what we can't forget amongst all that craziness is that magic is real. It may not come from Mickey's hat or tinker bell's fairy dust, or out of a magic wand. 

Disneyland magic comes from seeing a little girls expression when she meets her favorite princess or to having a crew member be genuinely kind to you and answer any question you have, it may be as simple as a smile from someone cute or as big as giving away free dress ups. 

Disneyland magic is above all my favorite type of magic. 

Goodnight from Disneyland friends 💛 

Beach day ☀️

The first official day of this California trip began today and to kick it all off we went to Huntington Beach.

We all had our beach fix. My cute sisters tried jumping over the waves and ended up wiping out almost 70% of the time. 

They found me a cute tiny sand dollar. 

And to top off the whole beach day off a cute sea lion pup made an appearance. (Sea lions are my second favorite animal. Sea Otters are my first.) 

My baby sister Alexa was so cold she was purple! So we went to Ruby's diner that's on the pier. 

The walls outside were a perfect turquoise, so I had to take the perfect picture. 

I finally understand the whole beach waves trend now. I loved my hair with the salt water in it. 

Quick Sunday thought. 

I know that this church is true. No matter where we're at, where we're going, what we're doing. If we say a prayer or seven, we will receive an answer. I'm beyond thankful for the spirit and light that I've been given, for the chance to live in this time to be able to share the goodness of this gospel, even if I'm in Disneyland and the cast members roll their eyes at me. I know that it's true, and frankly that's all that matters. 

People can deny all they want, but it's our job to testify. 

Tomorrow starts our 3 days at Disneyland and I could not be more happier. 

Be ready for candid photos, lots of food pictures, amazing pictures that I think qualify me as an amateur photographer, and for magical posts. 

California/Disneyland Bound

 

I peaced out Utah, the gray skies, the wind, and my problems today. 

My family, Wilson and I are heading toward our hotel right now, and man it's exhausting. 

I've loved planes and airports ever since I was a little girl. (Still am little, but that's besides the point.) I love everything about it. Feeling the floors and windows shake from planes taking off, to getting Jamba Juice and heading on the plane and waiting for take off. 

Alexa, Lillian and I took a selfie and it's pretty much the cutest thing ever. 

We're pretty stoked to be going to Disneyland together. I don't think anyone even understands. We've been counting down to this day for 42 days! And if you ask me this trip was definitely needed. 

Flying over all the lights and seeing everything is so fun. Everything about it is a blast. We even tried to play I-spy. 

Anyways. I'm tired. This post was eh. Please deal with me. 

Beach tomorrow, Disneyland on Monday. 

Expect some pretty high quality posts then.