Mrs. Utah Gala

On Thursday we had the Gala for the pageant at La Caille. It was our first time dining there and it was wonderful. My mother and sister flew in from Atlanta to support me and we had a really great time. The food was amazing and I have to honestly say, I felt more beautiful than I did on my wedding day (long story, no time to explain). Maybe we get better as we age. I was blessed to be surrounded by friends and family and I think we all had a really great time. In attendance was Jason and Merideth Christensen, Mr. and Mrs. Rogelio Franco, my mother and father in law, my mom, and sister.

On of the celebrity guest was Johnney Rogers was was a 70s Heisman Trophy winner. Here we are with him, the trophy, and the ball that was auctioned off. It went for around five grand, which was a steal.
Thanks to all who came to support me and for my wonderful visiting teacher who watched my girls that night. Caren you are the best!

My baby turned 1 !!!

I just can't believe it's been a year since our little Julianne was born. I don't think I could have enjoyed a baby more than I have her. She is such a delite and warms our home with her infectious smile. I just love her and can't get enough of her. This is her one year ago, when she was born. So cute!
I usually do these huge 1st birthday party for my babies, but we decided to celebrate Julianne's a little different. We went to Red Lobster where she enjoyed her popcorn shrimp, fries, and potoatoes. She celebrates like a big girl.

We then came home and had her birthday cake. Since we already had birthday once this week for Gabriela's birthday and again for the Relief Society birthday, Julianne got her own little personal cake. It was just right.

Unfortunately with four other people wanting in on the action, you had to eat fast because when it was gone...it was gone. Mom didn't even get a bite (that's probably a good thing)

She thoroughly enjoyed the frosting.

She got some bath toys for her present, because she likes her baths so much.

Then it was into the tub for a bath party. Unfortunately she didn't get much of an opportunity to play with her new toys. That's what happens when you're the smallest.

We love that little one so much. She's everyone's baby and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Miss Gabriela turned 4!

Little Gabriela turned four today. I can't believe it. She's becoming such a big girl and I love her for it. We have great conversations and I'm really starting learn who she is and what she's about. She had a birthday party with a few friends yesterday. A last minute deal, but they had a good time. She picked out her Ariel birthday cake, even though I tried to persuade her to choose another one. I'm so bad. Maybe I'll get an Enchanted cake for my birthday this year. Kids cakes are so much more fun.

Julianne is cruising around the house in her walker and towards the end of the party I turned around and realized she had swiped someones cake from the table and ate it all up. Sounds like Goldilocks, huh. Doesn't she look fat and happy!

For her birthday breakfast this morning, she got her favorite meal in the world. Pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream. To bad it isn't her birthday more often . We all enjoyed it.

This is her snazzy birthday outfit that I got her for her birthday. If the skirt would have fit me, I would have worn it. She looked so darn cute at church today. I just love that kid.

A little bit about Gabriela

Still takes naps, because she actually likes to sleep.

Most likely to major in Music, Dance, Theatre in college

Likes to have her hair done.

She loves going to her dance class.

She believes she can change the world to fit her liking.

For example:

If you correct a word she says, she just simply says, "I can say it like that."

Does not like to be corrected.

Is a complete social butterfly...everyone is her friend.

She is an extremely picky eater.

She's very courageous when she needs to be (doctor, dentist...)

Is very whitty, she has an answer for everything.

Loves to conduct Family Home Evening

Very affectionate with her mom and dad. We don't mind.

Gabriela is a blessing in our home and we love her so much. We can't wait to see the changes she'll make in the next year.

I haven't seen myself look that good in a while!

I hope they call me on a mission!

While I was making dinner the other night, this is what I found when I peaked into the living room. It was so cute. I wish I could have heard what Gabriela was telling Julianne without disturbing the discussion she was giving to her sister.

I just wanted to kiss the woman!

O.k. so I've been wanting to have my girls pictures professionally done for forever. I knew of a lady who I wanted to do them, but it's pricey and the point is, I've been waiting for a really long time. The thought came to me the other day that Julianne is just about to crawl, this was about two weeks ago, and I remembered how hard it would be to take her picture once she could move. After talking to my parents, I convinced them to pitch in to help me get the photos of the girls for their birthdays. We went on Tuesday and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. The pictures are fantastic, beautiful, unique...I could go on and on. She made my girls look gorgeous. I think this and I've only seen about six shots. Her name is Katie and her studio is Peekaboo Photos. You can see the pictures of my girls on her blog at www.peekaboophotos.blogspot.com . I would love to hear what everyone thinks. I would highly recommend her.

A Million Dollar Smile!!!

Horray, I got my braces off yesterday. I'm so excited and so happy with them. My orthodontist has been the best through the whole thing and I would highly recommend him to everyone I know. Looking at my before and after pictures, it makes such a difference and I'm really happy I did it. It was all worth it, even though I begged him to take them off the day after I got them on. I think I'll be smiling at everyone I see now!