Portraits of Chelsea at Sayen Gardens.

This past weekend was Chelsea's first church prom and in spite of the 100 degree plus weather she had a lot of fun having her picture taken at Sayen Gardens. And if you don't mind me boasting, she is stunning! 

lovely young women of virtue.

When we arrived at Vanessa's place to gather with some of the other young women in our ward before mormon prom to take pictures I began to tear up just a bit. Everyone looked so beautiful, and this was definitely a kodak moment! Six years of living here & I have seen most of these girls blossom since the age of 9...including my own daughter, & now she's 14! When did that happen? Seriously Lexie...stop growing!

For some it was their first Mormon prom & for others it was their final. But look at them...they all look gorgeous!! 

I'm so proud of how far these young women have grown to be who they are. Each of these young women carry a unique personality, and are on a different level of spirituality. They carry themselves together really well, and although they may have had some struggles along their coming of age they have all managed to keep it together by never giving up on the Lord. Knowing that they are all daughters of a kind, accepting, and loving Heavenly Father gives them the peace to know that despite any adversity that comes into their life they are never alone. Luckily these girls have each other, and because they are all so unique in their own way, they each help balance each other out and that's what makes them get along so well. They all know how to love, fellowship, accept, and show kindness to others no matter the circumstance. They are our future young women leaders of the church, and virtuous daughters of God, and I love them all! 

Mandatory photo that had to make it into the blog. My wonderful friend Faith took this photo of Noah photo bombing it...too cute! 

This photo is majorly obligatory for the blog with Chelsea's little squint and all. Chelsea and Melanie have become little buddies. I love both these girls, and Melanie...if you're reading this I want you to know that you have come a long way in showing how much you have matured in the gospel, and how far you have come in life to being an example that other young girls can follow. I pray that you will stick to your values, and never let anyone bring you down. The only thing that matters in your life and in your heart is the love that you feel for others, and the Lord. You are loved by so many! Stay strong, and you will go far in life. 

This goes for all of the young women in our ward, stake, and all over the world. You are all beautiful in God's eyes. Stand firm in what you believe in, and stay true to your standards. Your beliefs are what define you, and strive hard to live by them. Remember the values that y'all were taught that we recite every Sunday. Be yourself every day of your life, and others will see that special light in which they want to have. Be a good example, share the gospel every chance you get, & always listen to the promptings of the holy spirit. Most of all...love! Love, love, love everyone that God puts in your way...even the ones that hurt you. Love & forgiveness is the key to happiness, and that is what the gospel is all about. 

"I truly believe that one Virtuous young woman, led by the spirit, can change the world."

~Elaine S. Dalton

mormon prom-senior edition.

One of the greatest things that I have taught my daughter is to love everyone unconditionally, accept those who feel unaccepted, forgive others, and to never exclude anyone no matter their race, gender, and religion. 

This year Sierra decided to take one of her dear friends to her mormon prom. Although he is not a member of the church he truly is one of the nicest boys we'll ever know. He is a gentleman, and is accepting of Sierra's knowledge with her belief of the LDS church, and where she stands as a person in holding true to her young women values. They are good friends, and I see that they have a wonderful friendship. 

I'm grateful for the way she stays true to all of her girlfriends inside, and outside of the church. Even though she may not see them very much because of distance & time, and the fact that senior year gets busy for everyone, she was happy to have seen all of these lovely young women.

**soul sisters**

**SENIORS**

When we first moved to New Jersey this lovely lady told me that Sierra reminded her of her only daughter. I was impressed because a compliment like that coming from such an amazing family whom I just met assured me that Sierra truly is a wonderful person. 

Soon after Sierra became great friends with her, and serving in the youth committee together last year was the icing on the cake. After seeing how sweet, and fellowshipping this young woman was, she too reminded me of Sierra. Personality, looks, the hair, big smile, and the bubbliness that they both exhibited. The example of this sweet girl grew on Sierra even more. Sierra will always remember her example of kindness. Now she's happily married & she & her hubby are both attending BYU. 

I am so proud of Sierra, and the way she holds herself as a virtuous, lovely daughter of God. She is one of my greatest gifts that He handed to me 17 years ago! The greatest gifts she has given me for every mothers day since she turned 12 is having that pure love of Christ grow & prosper, and to never forget who she is.  

Being different is what makes her such a special, unique individual, and that is one of the many reasons why I love her. The light that she portrays is that of the Savior, and she is always willing to share that  light of love that Heavenly Father puts in her path with others. 

She truly is something else, and I'm so happy that she brought JC along with her so that he can see the other side of her life. 

Here are links to her past church proms:

**mormon prom-sophomore edition

**mormon prom-junior edition