Catwalk Models & Slicked Back Eyebrows

Yes, it's that special time of year
where fathers escort their daughters to Junction's
most anticipated event of the year...

The Annual Father & Daughter Dance!

 For me, it means an opportunity to 

dive into the kitchen to create something extra special

for the dessert table.

It also means that the mommy-salon is open for business!

  

The girls are all a twitter with the "Night at the Oscars" theme...

  

 ...and unfortunately, they aren't the only ones!

  

 Samuel, 

a.k.a. Catwalk Model/Top Hollywood Actor, 

really hammed it up!

 Nice!

The slicking back of the eyebrows

is always a must on the red carpet...

The girls ate it up though, and love that their dad is silly!

They are so beautiful!  

How is it that they are growing right before my eyes, 

and still I can't keep up with all the changes that are taking place?

Samuel, ever the proud father.

  

 Iris, our 4-year old, was such a good sport.  She knows full well that she can't attend until next year, but she dressed up just the same, and was delighted to see her sisters off for their special evening.

  

 In addition to my motherly duties as baker, salon stylist, and photographer...

  

...I also chauffeured!

  

 Sadly, moms are NOT allowed inside, so Samuel was kind enough to take photos for me. 

  

 I am so grateful they have this time together.

 

It truly is a magical, magical night!

There's a Fairy Lurking...

  

...in all of us!

Chubby Thighs!

   

Who says they're bad?

  

Certainly not me!

  

Gabriel,
We love you so!

   

You are joyous to behold and we love that you're apart of our family!

  

You are absolutely beautiful, in every possible way!

  

 All my love,

Mom

The Fold of God

"...and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

  Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

  Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"

Mosiah 18: 8-10

On January 16th, 2010

Isabella was baptized and became a member of 

the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  

When we arrived to see the font filling with water, the steamed mirror held the promise of a toasty warm baptismal experience.  Unfortunately, the warm water gave way to cold after only a few minutes!

  

We have all looked forward to this day, but perhaps none more so than her younger brothers and sisters.  They LOVE watching children be baptized, but seeing their big sister enter the water was especially exciting.

  

Our beautiful girls.

Isabella and our handsome sons.

  

Isabella, we love you so.

We are all strengthened by your faith and testimony!

  

  

Isabella and her dad, Samuel.

  

  

And of course, with mom-whose already crying!

  

These are the moments you live for.  

These are the treasures you lay up in heaven...

  

Our beloved missionaries.

 

Isabella and her grandparents, Rose & Jesus, and her aunt Julia.

  

Isabella and great-grandma Lopez.

  

After the baptism we had a luncheon at our home.  

Per Isabella's special request, we served egg salad sandwiches!

We love you Isabella!

  

And your father and I know that as you keep these sacred covenants 

that you've made with Heavenly Father, 

your life will unfold in a 

beautiful, beautiful way.

White Dresses...

 

 My beautiful Isabella trying on her baptismal dress.

  

 Is it really possible that this is my child?

Eight years old, gorgeous, supremely intelligent, kind, loving...

  

This proud mama could go on and on!

  

 Isabella loves posing for pictures and is notorious for her "camera smile"!

  

 We try to break her by making her laugh, and as you can see...

  

 We are ALWAYS successful!

  

 Congratulations Isabella!

Your big day will soon be here and 

we are so happy to see it come to pass.

You are a lovely girl, 

and we are grateful you are apart of our family!

What a wonderful example you are 

to your younger brothers and sisters, 

and your parents!

We love you!