Someone is a big girl now...

Yes, she is officially walking!

 Kamila, you have been crawling around forever and have been taking steps for the past 3 weeks or so. You look too cute (as Bakka would say) moving those little legs as fast as they can carry you to reach and hug me and Daddy. You are growing up too fast, right before my eyes. You are definitely the rainbow in our sky.

Now, if only I could get you to be as happy as you are about walking about having your hair up in cute, little pigtails. I digress...with a happy heart though.


Love, Mamá

Us updated...

Ariel

My brother comes home in 28 days. It seems unreal. Unfathomable. I can't wait to see him. I find myself constantly imagining the whole airport moment. Anyway, I always get updates from him that uplift me and inspire me to share the gospel with those around me. Today his email made me cry; not due to sadness, but to supreme happiness. I thought I would share an excerpt and hopefully it will inspire you too.

This week has been an amazing week. We have had some really special experiences this week. We found a family from Iraq tracting about a 3 weeks ago. Our first lesson with them was awesome. The spirit bore witness of the truthfulness of the things we were sharing. They have been in the states for about 2 years and they don't speak too much English. The first night we went there we had something planned to teach but it definitely wasn't what they had to hear. We talked to them about the plan of happiness that our Father in Heaven created for us. We talked about the importance of families and the relationship that that has with temples. They said they wanted to come to the temple. One of the oldest daughters in the middle of the lesson stopped and said "I like how I feel right now... I feel peace." We then continued on teaching. We were there for about an hour and a half but it felt like 5 minutes. As we were getting ready to end the lesson we felt we had to share the first vision. Before sharing it we let them know that what we were about to share was something really important and that the spirit would bare witness that it was true by the way they felt inside in their heart and their minds. Muna following that statement said as she pointed to her heart and her mind " My heart and mind never the same. Always different." We then went on and shared the experience that Joseph Smith had. She was smiling, she looked at us and said "My mind and Heart the same!" Following that the Mother was in tears, her daughters had to interpret everything we said to Arabic because she hardly understands anything. They let us know that their Dad was in the hospital and that he was very ill. Elder Brewer and I felt inspired to let them know that if they read the Book of Mormon and prayed they would feel nearer to their father than ever. We had a prayer, left them with something to read and left. The following day we went over to sing happy birthday with some kids from the Young Single Adults. Towards the end of the lesson we asked them if they had prayed and what had happened. They smiled and said "Dad is out of hospital. He is OK." To that Mom replied " I felt really close to Dad." I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is real. It pierces the center of my heart to think that one day son I will no longer have the privilege to represent Him. I am grateful for the love the Savior has for us and for His infinite mercy. The Savior is truly mindful of all his people, wherever they may be. 

I stand amazed at the love that our Father and his Son, our brother, our Savior, have for all of us. I know that there is only one gospel, one true church and I am grateful for having it in my life.

My little model

Just playing around with the camera. Kami was cooperative because of the lovely rocks all around her. Yes, my child has a thing for rocks. I hope she doesn't grow up to be a Geologist.

Spanish Fork Demolition Derby

Never thought I would say this, but I am definitely a derby kind of girl! I loved the noise, crashing, fiery explosions, smell of all sorts of treats, mullet-counting bet with Chip, and our friends company. Kamila normally goes to bed at 8 but she was up till 11 p.m. She was definitely tired and would start to doze off in between each round but as soon as the engines revved, her eyes would instantly open and were sparkly all over again. I love that Chip is constantly expanding my world and trying out new stuff together. Boy do I love that man and that little munch munch.

Just for Baka

Baka asked me to find these pictures of Kami that I took a while ago. I am glad she did...Just looking at how much she has grown reminds me of how valuable time is, especially in the realms of motherhood. I love the phase that Kamila is in right now; but I also miss the days of chubbier cheeks, random ramblings, and a little babyface.

My little pea is beginning to look like a little girl now.

Hookups

Have I mentioned that I have the best friends ever? All of these friends of mine are so talented, in one way or another. My friend Jessica is super crafty, a go-getter, and giving. She is being so kind to offer an awesome giveaway: tickets to the  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus!! She absolutely loves the circus and is super excited to share her enthusiasm about it with one of her lucky readers. Check out her blog here. Good luck!