A Perfect Day for 95 Cookies

I'm going to start with an update on my life. This past week has been amazing. My sisters turned eight years old, my mom had a birthday, and Christian was able to baptize and confirm the girls (super proud moment). I couldn't have asked for a better week!

The night before the baptism, I was babysitting. When I got home, I promised my mom I would make cookies for the baptism. What I didn't know what that my mom wanted me to bake enough cookies for every baptism in the state of Nevada. (Okay, that may have been a bit of an exaggeration.) Well, we didn't have enough butter, so we had to wait for the boys to do the shopping, and I finally went to bed at two in the morning, with 95 cookies waiting downstairs.

Yum. I'd say it was worth it. 

I had planned on waking up early to write my talk on the Holy Ghost for the baptism (I had forgot about it until that night), and I woke up with time to do so until my mom asked me to curl my sisters' hair. So I'm standing in the bathroom with a curling iron in my hand, trying to type something up with my elbow (which doesn't really work out-- you should try it). When I went to print it, my family was all in the car so I picked up what I had and sprinted for our mini van (we call it our "swagger wagon". It's really cool). It was so hectic! But so worth it. We got there and my mom pronounced me photographer. I followed Lucia and Daniela around, trying to get some good shots.

I was chasing Lucia when she ran down the hallway and into a random classroom. She grabbed the Book of Mormon on the table and started pretending to teach. It was seriously the cutest thing. Her attention was diverted once again, and she ran back to the room.

Such a perfect moment. I love the fact that
she's in her white jumpsuit

The best part of the day was watching my brother baptize my sisters. I could not suppress the tears as I watched him. I am so proud of my brother. I have no idea what I'm going to do when he's gone! I am so grateful to have the Melkizedek Priesthood in my home. It makes a huge difference to have a priesthood holder in the home, and I am thankful for Christian and his worthiness. 

We got to take a few pictures outside, even though Diego was pulling ninja stunts to photobomb our pictures. We were then able to go have lunch with my Granda for her birthday (which was that same day). Oh, my cousins are too cute. Just look at those cheeks.

He just might be the smiliest (is that a real word?)
 baby I've ever met!

Right before Diego leaps into the
frame with a high ninja kick!

That's it for today, good people. Seize the moment, accept imperfection, and always opt for optimism.

Love, Camila

The Lessons Potatoes Taught Me

You know, it's not every day that your brother comes home with a fifty pound box of Idaho potatoes (perks of working at RC Willey). It really calls for a celebration, and my attempt to cook suffices. I never knew there were so many recipes for potatoes, until I dived into the Pinterest search engine. After  countless hours of research (okay, really just a few impatient minutes), I settled for the good old mashed potato recipe.

These might last a while... But I don't mind-- more time
for me to practice my cooking!

As I was peeling the potatoes, I couldn't help but think about an experience I had with my younger sister, Daniela. I took her out to eat for some special sister bonding time. When she asked me for a different meal, after she had already received her food, I told her no. She crossed her arms, furrowed her eyebrows, and scowled at me (like most eight year olds would). This wasn't the first time this happened to me, but it was the first time I thought to really confront the issue.

At my school, we've been working on this project to fill boxes with clothing items and toiletries for children in the Philippines. These children, who have nothing, marvel at the idea that someone in a completely different part of the world would donate their old, used belongings. And here I found myself, sitting in front of a child who was dissatisfied with a meal some children only dream of receiving. At first, this kind of annoyed me. I mean, how could we be so ungrateful? Then, I remembered that, even in our pouty moments our Heavenly Father loves us. I realized that Heavenly Father looks at my sister with understanding, loving eyes. Thus, I changed my perspective and explained these things to my sister.

Immediately, she understood. She was humble. She even apologized and thanked me for her meal. Man, kids are so humble. We should all be like kids.

And now I'm back in the real world, peeling these potatoes. You know, cooking really isn't too bad. I'm lucky enough to be in this kitchen, and have this endless box of potatoes. Let's just hope my family REALLY likes mashed potatoes.

Really, I didn't even make a dent in this box.
So. Many. Potatoes.

I think if I wear this apron, I might just
become a "domestic diva." *crosses fingers*

This is it for now, but never forget to count your blessings, thank your Father, and always opt for optimism.

Love, Camila

10 Things You Need to Know About Me

Hi, all. Blogging is a new experience for me, but I'm looking forward to this journey. The time will pass anyway, so I may as well document it! Here are a few things you should know about me:

1. I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. When I tell people this, they assume I'm Puerto Rican (which technically I am) but I am actually half Chilean, half German/Norwegian! Also, they assume I know a lot about Puerto Rico. I mean, being there for the first three months of my life taught me many life lessons-- I'm not sure I could ever forget that stage in my life! 
2. I am one of five children, and family means everything to me. I have two sisters and two brothers. One of my sisters, Lucia, has special needs, and she has taught me more life lessons in fewer words than anyone I have ever met in my life. I am so blessed.

   

   We enjoy the little things in life.
   

   
   

3. I'm a senior in high school. It's crazy to think that I will be moving on to the next chapter of my life, but I am ecstatic. And if you ask (because most people do), I don't know what I want to do with my life. But I feel like the Lord will guide me in whatever I need to do.
4. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love the gospel, and without it, I would be lost. It keeps me sane, and stitches my family together. 

   

   A photo I took in Salt Lake City, UT.
   Two of my fave things: the temple and our country.

5. My best friend is my older brother. Christian will be leaving to serve a full time mission in Lyon, France. He leaves in a few short months, and I could not be more proud. It's weird to think that the event you've talked about your entire life is actually happening.

   

   Post wisdom teeth surgery.
   Glad we can look back on this and smile at his chipmunk cheeks.

6. I am an optimist. Well...not all the time. But I continually search for the good in people and life. I try to see others as our Savior sees them, and this gives me a positive outlook in life.
7. I am a baking fanatic. And my cooking skills are lacking... But I could probably survive on brownies or banana bread! Happy tummy, unhappy thighs. Eh, win some lose some, right?
8. It is NEVER too early for Christmas. And if you tell me it is, I will plug my ears and sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".
9. I am currently the Northern Region VP on the state officer team for the Nevada Future Business Leaders of America. This organization has changed my life in too many ways to count. There have been many sleepless nights, but I would not be the person I am today without having joined.
10. I speak Spanish fluently. As I said, my mother is Chilean. My father served a Spanish-speaking mission in Philadelphia. Thus, Spanish is spoke in my home (all the time). And I am so grateful for it. It's a part of who I am, and I love surprising people who would never guess that I am a native speaker.

And these are the ten things that you need to know about me. Enjoy your week, love your life, and always opt for optimism.

Love, Camila