Warm Fuzzies

So the other day I am waiting for a friend in the Mount Timpanogos lobby and there were a few missionaries there and as they were entering the temple one of the sister missionaries looked at me and told me that I had a pretty smile. Now I don't think that she necessarily found my smile out of the ordinary but I do believe that she is one of those people that like to compliment others. And I was really surprised at how it affected me, and as a result I was looking for people to compliment all day long so I could let someone else feel how she had made me feel.

A simple act of kindness goes a long way. President Monson taught that these acts bless both "the giver and the receiver," with even one good deed having the power to affect many people.

We invite you to join the Warm Fuzzies Movement by doing acts of kindness and service, and then to represent your service. Visit http://www.deseretbook.com/warmfuzzy to enter your name and the act of kindness or service you have or plan to do. In January, we'll send your Warm Fuzzies to President Monson.

Here is a little video that you will enjoy!

Last night I went to my friend Miriam's place who is Veteran Mommy on Wholefoodmommies.com. Her mom met Sherri Hall the wife of Kevin Hall who wrote an amazing book called Aspire-The power of words. Kevin agreed to come and speak to a small group at Miriam's house free of charge! It was amazing! I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. His is big on discovering your purpose and your passion in life and inspires those to reach and exceed their potential, very neat guy.

Halloween Party

On Friday night we went to Grant and Emily's for a Halloween Party and it was great fun! Gabe and I dressed up as Cleopatra and Caesar!

Jasmine and Chase playing the "Apple Game". Couples had to hold an apple between their foreheads while Gabe called out commands, hilarious game!

Me, Emily, Jasmine and Samantha

The boys had to go through a plate of whipping cream and look for little spiders, the Milk Man won!

Family Pictures

So I finally decided to jump back on! Thanks to Becky ;) We took some family pictures last week and as Heidi knows it is hard to get "normal" pictures of my girls because Mercedes has the cheesiest smile and Kayla LOVES to pose and make faces. So out of about 100 pictures here are my favorites! The editing is thanks to Laura Taylor!

Family Vacation!

Last week Gabe, I and the girls went to Cancun! Gabe won a trip with work so we went as a family. We had a blast and I wouldn't say it was a "relaxing" holiday but it was great getting outside with the girls and swimming and playing!

Kayla's "boyfriend" Travis

We went to Xcaret one of the days which was a bit like sea world.

They had these tiny little baby turtles that were adorable!

We probably saw about 100 Iguanas on the grounds, and when Kayla saw one she said to Gabe, "His head looks like yours dad, because he lost his hair too!"

Gabe swimming with the girls!

Little did we know it was spring break so the hotel was packed but luckily we were in a different part of the hotel then all the students!

The resort had a ton of restaurants and this is us at the Thai restaurant having some lunch

Playing on the beach!

In Your Name

I have been immersed in helping my Mame out with her genealogy lately and it is easy to forget the importance of what you are doing as you are going through the motions. But every once in a while you are reminded. As I was flipping through the February ensign today I came across a poem by Sharon Price Anderson that read:

Descending

below all things,

bleeding sorrow

from every pore,

He was fully

bathed in grief

that we might be

cleansed,

rescued from

death and hell.

I descend marble

temple steps, enter

baptismal waters.

Completely immersed,

bearing His name

and yours,

I hold my breath,

emerging, rising.

May you inherit

everlasting life;

together may we

dwell in heaven.

Silly Girl

So this is a conversation I had with Kayla today that I got a kick out of!

Kayla: Momma, boys aren't smart.

Me: Really? Why do you say that?

Kayla: Because, they don't like girls!

Me: Oh...are girls smart?

Kayla: Yes

Me: Why are girls smart?

Kayla: They just are.

Too funny!!

A few pictures

Just wanted to post of few pictures of my girls! They are so cute together, and we were wondering when the novelty of Mercedes would wear off for Kayla and I think it is just now starting to. Mostly because now Mercedes can annoy Kayla and steal her toys and bite her and pull her hair! So cute! Actually she hasn't bit her or pulled her hair for a while but she definitely went through a time when she thought that was fun.

Kayla just started primary this year and loves it of course. She is also in preschool and I am shocked at how much they can learn in such a short amount of time! They are just little sponges. One of her favorite things to do right now is laugh like spongebob and say "just kidding" all the time, she is always a joy to have around.

Mercedes is obsessed with Barney right now which is funny because she was never interested in TV until she discovered him. Now she will tolerate other shows as well, such as spongebob! She has a million words now and I am always shocked at how much she understands. She is 16 months and acts like she is 13. I joke to my mom that she is a teenager trapped in a toddlers body. She is very attached to me but luckily she seems to be ok when we get babysitters and she doesn't really notice that I left. But for the most part she won't tolerate any one but me and on occasion her own father!

Kayla and Mercedes are so cute together, and I can't get Mercedes to smile any other way!

Kayla imitating Mercedes

Mercedes denying Kayla a kiss!

Messy little baby girl

Christmas Party

Kayla goes the the greatest preschool! They had a Christmas Party for all the parents and families and the place was packed! The school is from preschool to grade 5. It's a cute little place that looks nothing like a school and more like a village. Here are a few pictures of the evening

They just had performances every 20 min for whoever was there at the time since it was an open house and people were coming and going all the time.

This is Mercedes "smile"

Sisters having a little treat

They had a santa there and luckily a professional photographer that got a

better picture than the one I got

Sweet little Kayla posing for the camera, they had all the kids bring a new teddy bear for the Orem firefighters to give away, incase you were wondering what was up with all the teddy bears!

Hawaii!!

Gabe and I were able to go to Hawaii the week before Christmas without the kids!! My parents were nice enough to come in early for Christmas so we could go just him and I. I was beyond stressed about leaving them but as soon as I got on the airplane I was totally fine! We went with Gabe's sister Charity and her husband Dan, we had a blast. Some guys from Gabe's work were there at the same time as well so we had a lot of fun!

First morning in Maui at this amazing breakfast gazebo.

Driving in the jeep we rented

Hanging out with the Pinnacle guys at The Grand Wailea

Gabe and I hanging out

We went on a Molokini snorkeling excursion and we were lucky enough to see a few whales breeching! Absolutely amazing!

Beautiful Charity hanging out on the snorkeling boat

Reflective Gabe

Gabe out snorkeling, the water was an amazing color

Also saw some turtles

Gabe and I also went on a Helicopter tour of West Maui and Lanai. I had never been on a helicopter before and it was breathtaking!

Charity and I boogie boarding! Greatest time!

Except for the part where I flashed everybody when I almost lost my top!