sous chef

One of my favorite memories of the girls when they were little were all the moments we spent together in the kitchen. Ever since Marisa could sit in a bumbo on the counter she was beside me cooking. Making pizzas, baking muffins, and sneaking in bits of cheese...

Darren has suddenly taken interest in their toy kitchen and kitchen items and especially, hanging with me in the kitchen. I love it! Look at his ears sticking out of his chef hat that he always insists on wearing. haha And his face beaming with pride!

I can't deny that an added bonus to this all is that it keeps him entertained and out of trouble too. ;)

Mother's Day

"One cannot forget Mother and remember God. One cannot remember Mother and forget God. Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one." -Thomas S. Monson

9 months

Weight: 16 pounds 7 ounces 20 percentile

Height: 27.5 inches 42 percentile

Head: 17.75 inches 81 percentile

crawls with one leg up
crawls with item in mouth if she needs her hands
loves yogurt
finally sleeping through the night
still the happiest most chill baby ever
waves bye
gives high fives
says mama, dada, buh-bye

baptism day

Marisa has chosen to be baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and yesterday she was baptized by her dad surrounded by those who love her most. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, siblings, parents, Primary teachers and leaders. What a beautiful day for a beautiful girl in a beautiful occasion.

Leading up to her baptism I could tell Marisa was slightly nervous yet excited at the same time. The nerves kicked in more right before entering the water but once she locked eyes with her dad across the font, a big assuring smile came over her face and she went straight for him. A tender moment I am glad I got to witness. Of course, I got a little teary-eyed watching her get baptized. It is such a spiritual experience as a mother to be reminded of your own special day years ago, the beautiful promises and blessings that have been associated with that decision since then, and then to watch your own daughter start her own journey in life on the right path. To follow Jesus Christ. 

It is my sincere prayer and deepest desire as her mother that she always stays close to Lord, always knows that He cares deeply about her, and that she always knows that she is Daughter of a Heavenly King. What powerful knowledge and source of confidence for a young girl!

I am humbled that Marisa is my daughter. I am proud of her every single of day. She really does want to do the right thing and has the sweetest spirit. Her presence reminds me to slow down more and try to focus on the bigger picture. I just love her so.