I remeber back a few years ago when all my children were little and people would say to me, "if you think it is hard now just wait until they are teenagers." I am finding just the opposite to be true. The older my children become the better they become. I really love the poeple they are becoming.

Just over a week ago I attended the YW General Meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with my two oldest girls. It was wonderful; full of love, kind words, and encouragement for the beautiful young women. Afterwards we discussed what touched their hearts and mine. It was a joy to hear them share their thoughts.

I feel very blessed to have my children in my life, and I look forward to the coming years along with the joys and the challenges that mold us into the great people we are born to be.

Warmer Weather

Andrea and Jeshua

Monkeys

Andrea, Jeshua, Melissa, and Roberto

Linda and Matthew

Roberto's baptism.




Roberto's birthday

Andrea and Matthew playing

Rebeca, Melissa, and Matthew at Shark Reef

Gabby, Melissa, Andrea, Rebeca, Matthew

Rebeca and Andrea in Aladdin Jr.

Snowy Las Vegas

I am a desert rat. This winter seemed to drag on too long for me. I am so happy to have the sunshine and warmth back. These last few months we have had some snow, and taken some field trips, had some birthdays and a baptism. Since pictures do a better job at sharing than I do, here are some to enjoy.

A Brand New Year

What a great time to be alive. During 2008 I spent much of my time studying natural laws and how they work in our lives. One of these laws is the Law of Polarity. This law states that Everything has an opposite. A bad situation is equally good. Therefore we can choose to focus on the good in EVERYTHING. Also the word equally is important. There is no denying that the forces of evil are strong among us. But if we look to the Law of Polarity we can see that the forces of good have to be just as strong among us. With that in mind I choose to focus on the forces of good.

The Church-meaning the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- has just come out with a new program for the youth including it's own website. It is great for youth, parents of youth and anyone that knows youth. Check it out. www.abrandnewyear.lds.org

Merry Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year. This Christmas season has been truly joyful as we have been surrounded by good friends and wonderful family members. Jeshua has gotten really excited over all the lights and was our reminder every evening to turn on ours. Every one else has had fun baking cookies and partying.

What a great way to end the year with a reminder of our Savior and His great love for us. May we remember Him through out the coming year and live our lives in a manner that reflects His light.

Thanks Grandma for the yummy Christmas Eve dinner and the wonderful traditions and memories we share with you and Grandpa.

Christmas morning-presents here we come.

10 Secrets for a Happy Marriage

Last Friday night Antonio and I were asked to come to the Relief Society enrichment meeting and give a class on how to cultivate love and friendship in marriage. I based my talk on 10 things I have come to call 10 secrets of a happy marriage. I want to share them so here goes.

1. Kiss each other often

2. Be each others best friend

3. Practice tolerance

4. Forgive

5. Avoid criticism

6. Put God first

7. Find time to spend alone with each other

8. See your spouse with eternal eyes

9. Be a place of refuge for your spouse

10. Love always

It has been wonderful reflecting on this theme for the last 6 weeks. I love my husband very much and the last 13+ years have been the best so far.

Summer vacation

Here are some pictures of a trip we took this summer to Utah.

Singing in the rain

The kids had so much fun playing in this down pour. There was a lot of thunder thus the plugging of the ears.