Alfredo has been taking Portuguese classes through community ed. He's been practicing vocabulary and even reading a book in Portuguese. He's learned a lot so far. I am impressed with his ability to learn languages.
But my favorite part of him learning Portuguese is hearing my kids talk about it. Michelle sometimes pronounces it correctly, if she stops to think about it. But most of the time all three of them say that he is learning "porkajeez". I love this sweet mispronunciation.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Defining Moments
Tonight (Sunday, December 23...I will post this in January).... I find myself contemplating defining moments in my adult life. There have been more than the few I will mention, but these are some that I reflect back on over and over and that have, I think, helped shape who I have become.
The first that stands out occurred about 15 years ago. I had been teaching for a few months and my Branch President, President Bennion, in my singles ward asked if I had considered receiving my endowments. As a student at BYU they discouraged girls from receiving their endowments unless they were going on a mission or getting married. But I was a graduate now, I was teaching and after giving it some thought and prayer, I decided to receive my endowments. I took the Temple Preparation classes which were wonderful. I had an interview with my Branch President and then with my Stake President. I remember the moment that my Stake President handed me my temple recommend and how amazing it felt to know that I was worthy to enter the House of the Lord. I wanted to always feel that clean and that happy. That was a defining moment and I loved the temple.
Of course, being sealed in the temple 3 1/2 years later was another defining moment. It was wonderful to have some of my dearest friends and family members there with me and to know that if we lived worthily, Alfredo and I could be together forever and that our future children would be ours forever as well. We had a beautiful luncheon where each guest gave us advice and a nice reception and it was such a beautiful day.
Giving birth to children and becoming a mother was as well, but perhaps most especially giving birth to Ella at home. I had a long and difficult labor with Michelle and had pitocin and an epidural. Ella came much more quickly and easily (she was born at home, on accident) and was born naturally. I have never considered myself very strong but after that, I felt much stronger. I don't know how to explain it exactly other than to say that I was so empowered by that and it has given me the courage and self confidence to do other things that I would never have dreamed I could do previously. I am stronger and more capable than I had realized.
Another defining moment came when Ella was having her open heart surgery. I really felt the power of the priesthood as she received two blessings, one from my dad and one from our friend/neighbor Kyle Cannon and Alfredo. Before surgery they tell you all the possible things that could go wrong. And it is scary and not fun. But there was also a sense of peace that she would be okay as she was promised in the blessing. She was protected by Heavenly Father. Children with VSD like her often have respiratory illnesses and other health problems, but she was such a healthy baby. She rarely even got colds. She recovered far more quickly from the surgery than the doctors had predicted. And furthermore, we received so many outpourings of love from friends, family and neighbors. It was one of the times I have received a great deal of service from others and it meant so much. I can still recall most if not all of the people who brought meals, gifts, or who made phone calls to check on us. I felt so loved by my Heavenly Father and Savior as well as by my family and neighbors. There are times when I start to feel lonely and I can remember this experience and know that there are many people who care about us even if I don't talk to them on a daily basis. I know that if we needed something, people would be there to help. I am not alone. My prayers are heard and answered. The priesthood power is real. Miracles do happen today... and not just healing. The outpouring of love felt like just as much of a miracle to me as Ella's quick recovery from the surgery.
This past week has been a defining moment for me. My call to be Relief Society President has filled me with such a great desire to do what is right, to do my best, to be closer to my Father, to attend the temple more frequently, to bless others, to be in tune with the spirit. I have been praying to know who my counselors should be and I attended the temple. I received an answer and also had perhaps the most spiritual experience of my life. I don't know why of all the amazing women in my ward it is I that was called, but I do know that this call did come from my Heavenly Father. I know that my Savior lives, and He knows and loves me. I know that if I trust in Him, I will receive the help I need to magnify this calling. And already I feel my heart swelling with love for the sisters in my ward. I mean, I know and love many of them already. But today was our annual Christmas program and the choir sang. I found myself filled with love for the women in the choir singing. I looked around the chapel and felt my heart swell with love for the women I saw...and also worried about and wondered about several that weren't there. I can't remember a single time in my life when tears were so close to the surface for so many days on end. Especially tears of joy and humility. I have felt the spirit and rejoiced in my Savior's birth more than during any other Christmas season.
The first that stands out occurred about 15 years ago. I had been teaching for a few months and my Branch President, President Bennion, in my singles ward asked if I had considered receiving my endowments. As a student at BYU they discouraged girls from receiving their endowments unless they were going on a mission or getting married. But I was a graduate now, I was teaching and after giving it some thought and prayer, I decided to receive my endowments. I took the Temple Preparation classes which were wonderful. I had an interview with my Branch President and then with my Stake President. I remember the moment that my Stake President handed me my temple recommend and how amazing it felt to know that I was worthy to enter the House of the Lord. I wanted to always feel that clean and that happy. That was a defining moment and I loved the temple.
Of course, being sealed in the temple 3 1/2 years later was another defining moment. It was wonderful to have some of my dearest friends and family members there with me and to know that if we lived worthily, Alfredo and I could be together forever and that our future children would be ours forever as well. We had a beautiful luncheon where each guest gave us advice and a nice reception and it was such a beautiful day.
Giving birth to children and becoming a mother was as well, but perhaps most especially giving birth to Ella at home. I had a long and difficult labor with Michelle and had pitocin and an epidural. Ella came much more quickly and easily (she was born at home, on accident) and was born naturally. I have never considered myself very strong but after that, I felt much stronger. I don't know how to explain it exactly other than to say that I was so empowered by that and it has given me the courage and self confidence to do other things that I would never have dreamed I could do previously. I am stronger and more capable than I had realized.
Another defining moment came when Ella was having her open heart surgery. I really felt the power of the priesthood as she received two blessings, one from my dad and one from our friend/neighbor Kyle Cannon and Alfredo. Before surgery they tell you all the possible things that could go wrong. And it is scary and not fun. But there was also a sense of peace that she would be okay as she was promised in the blessing. She was protected by Heavenly Father. Children with VSD like her often have respiratory illnesses and other health problems, but she was such a healthy baby. She rarely even got colds. She recovered far more quickly from the surgery than the doctors had predicted. And furthermore, we received so many outpourings of love from friends, family and neighbors. It was one of the times I have received a great deal of service from others and it meant so much. I can still recall most if not all of the people who brought meals, gifts, or who made phone calls to check on us. I felt so loved by my Heavenly Father and Savior as well as by my family and neighbors. There are times when I start to feel lonely and I can remember this experience and know that there are many people who care about us even if I don't talk to them on a daily basis. I know that if we needed something, people would be there to help. I am not alone. My prayers are heard and answered. The priesthood power is real. Miracles do happen today... and not just healing. The outpouring of love felt like just as much of a miracle to me as Ella's quick recovery from the surgery.
This past week has been a defining moment for me. My call to be Relief Society President has filled me with such a great desire to do what is right, to do my best, to be closer to my Father, to attend the temple more frequently, to bless others, to be in tune with the spirit. I have been praying to know who my counselors should be and I attended the temple. I received an answer and also had perhaps the most spiritual experience of my life. I don't know why of all the amazing women in my ward it is I that was called, but I do know that this call did come from my Heavenly Father. I know that my Savior lives, and He knows and loves me. I know that if I trust in Him, I will receive the help I need to magnify this calling. And already I feel my heart swelling with love for the sisters in my ward. I mean, I know and love many of them already. But today was our annual Christmas program and the choir sang. I found myself filled with love for the women in the choir singing. I looked around the chapel and felt my heart swell with love for the women I saw...and also worried about and wondered about several that weren't there. I can't remember a single time in my life when tears were so close to the surface for so many days on end. Especially tears of joy and humility. I have felt the spirit and rejoiced in my Savior's birth more than during any other Christmas season.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Oh boy!
I am writing this post on Tuesday, December 18. I will not publish it until sometime later. I am feeling so full...overwhelmed and yet full.
On Saturday afternoon (Dec. 15), we got a phone call reminding us that we were scheduled for tithing settlement the next day. Then the executive secretary said, "Also, the Bishop would like to meet with you and your husband tomorrow morning at 11:30." I checked with Alfredo, said okay, and hung up. And my stomach dropped. For a split second, I thought maybe they would ask us to attend the Spanish ward to provide support there. And then it hit me...I was going to be called as Relief Society President. For the rest of the day, I tried to think of other possibilities. But I knew. I told Alfredo my suspicions. I got a stomach ache (which may have been caused by worry or by overeating at Alfredo's company dinner at Rodizio Grill :)
...or maybe by a combination of the two.)
For a year now, I have felt like I couldn't take on one more thing. Between working full time, having 3 children, and having my children take music lessons, complete homework and reading (in 2 languages), and practice their music, I am busy. I am often exhausted. I would like to work on a master's degree, but don't feel I have the time. I would love to have my kids dance or play a sport, but I don't have the time. My plate feels full.
Sunday morning, we headed to the Bishop's office. He had us come in and turned to Alfredo to ask if he would support me in the calling they were about to extend to me. Alfredo laughed (no joking! He totally laughed!) and then said yes. Then the Bishop turned to me and extended the call to be the new Relief Society President. I found myself nodding my head and almost mouthing the words as he said them. He explained a little about what it would entail and what some of my challenges would be, and he said that they had prayed about it and he knew that I was the one the Lord wanted. I am sure, too. I feel overwhelmed and grateful and scared, but I know that this is what I am supposed to do. I know that somehow the Lord will help me to meet the needs of the sisters in my ward, and I know that He will fill my heart with love for each of them. I know that He will guide me to pick counselors that will support me and that will serve alongside me. I know that somehow, He will magnify me so that I can handle it all and still be the kind of parent and teacher that I need to be and want to be. (Or at least as close as I can get... I make plenty of mistakes as both a parent and a teacher.)
While I listened to conference this past October, I was struck over and over with how important it is to serve others. I try to sign up to take meals or to do other small things when I can. But I also know that I sometimes use my busyness as an excuse to not do more. In November, I gave myself a challenge to try to find someone to serve each day. I didn't do something every day, but much more often that I would have previously. It felt good...even though the services I rendered were very small. And I have prayed repeatedly for opportunities to serve and to have the Spirit with me so I will notice when others have a need. I guess my prayers are being answered. I'm going to have lots of opportunities to serve! (As people sometimes say, you should be careful what you pray for!)
I have literally fallen to my knees to pray several times over the past few days. My emotions are close to the surface and in some ways it will actually be a relief to be sustained...because it will no longer be a secret and I will start to learn what this really entails.
I have taught Primary for four years now (and I was in Young Women's for 2 years before that...so six years since I've been to Relief Society with 2 or 3 exceptions), and I have taught the Sunbeams for two years. I love them! Quite often, these darling Sunbeams come to sit by me during Sacrament Meeting. They all vie for a chance to sit on my lap during Sharing Time. I love them. This past Sunday, they had the nursery class (that will soon be Sunbeams) come in for Singing Time. It is a big group and they are darling. I was told the previous Sunday that I would still be teaching Sunbeams and that I'd have a coteacher to help me. Two other Primary teachers leaned forward and said, "So those are the ones you will be teaching next year." I nodded, and then tears sprang into my eyes. I won't have the chance to teach them. I won't be sitting in front of my current Sunbeams and have the chance to see them and hug them and ask them about school. I got more emotional than I would have expected. I hugged my Sunbeams a little tighter and gave thanks for the chance I've had to serve them.
I am grateful that I will have the chance to bless others' lives. While I enjoyed being in the Relief Society Presidency six years ago, I honestly feel more comfortable with children than with adults. I feel nervous that my shyness may sometimes be interpreted as being a lack of caring. I feel excited for the opportunities it will bring...and nervous for how well I will handle them. I would love to be involved in strengthening the ward, and I know it will strengthen my own faith and testimony.
I feel both grateful and humbled that my Heavenly Father feels I am capable of this.
I know without His help, I am not. Since Alfredo is only somewhat active, I sometimes feel that I am less faithful. I know in my head that is not true, but I can't always convince my heart that I measure up to others who attend the temple with their spouses and who have family scripture study and family home evening and pray as a family and a couple. I honestly try to have weekly family home evening and daily scripture study and prayer with my children, but there is a part of me that longs to have more support in these endeavors and to have him participate. He is a wonderful husband in so many ways, and he has always, always supported me in my church service. I just wish that his faith was stronger and I could share this part of myself with him more. And sometimes, it does make me feel that I am less worthy of blessings or something. Not to mention the fact that I am far from perfect. I lose my temper. I get distracted by good things and don't always do the most important things. I can be proud and selfish. That's a lot more personal than I usually share. And I want to emphasize how great Alfredo is in so many ways. He is one of the hardest workers I know. He is funny. He is smart. He is more organized than just about anyone I know. He always encourages me to go after any dreams or pursuits I am interested in.
I love him. He is a good man even if he isn't fully active right now. And I am trying to be better each day.
So I will do my best. I will rely on the Lord and pray for His help. And I will learn as much as I can and study as much as I can. I may not get to read as much as I would like and I may have to drop a few small things, but the sacrifice will be worth it. I have been reading/listening to President Monson's biography and the sacrifices I am making are nothing compared to his and his family's. He was called as an apostle at my age. He is such an inspiration. I will try to follow his example and will pray for the Savior's love for those I serve.
I am humbled and excited and scared and I have felt my Savior's love on so many occasions this week. I am grateful that this call came during the Christmas season, because even though it has been so busy (and stressful) this has really helped me to feel more love and gratitude for my Savior. I know He lives. I know that He loves me. I know that He atoned for my sins and that He is there to succor me. I also know that He loves the sisters in the ward and wants them to receive the blessings available from living the gospel. So while I adore my Sunbeams and could easily have spent many years happily teaching them and feel sad that I won't have that chance, I also feel so grateful for this new call.
**Edited to add (Sunday Dec. 23): On Friday, I was at Carin's house and she said how happy she was that I would be Jane's teacher. I smiled and said I was happy too, but I felt so dishonest saying that. I would have loved to be Jane's teacher. Today, Tatiana stopped me in the halls to ask if I would be teaching the Sunbeams again and I smiled and said yes (again feeling terrible to not be honest). She was so happy. I am very happy about this calling, but I am sad to not teach those sweet Sunbeams and will feel better once I know that they have found a teacher for the Sunbeams and I have been sustained.
**Edited to add (Sunday Dec. 30): My counselors and I were sustained and set apart today. I have shed quite a few tears...tears of joy, sadness, gratitude, love, and I am not even sure what else. I got so many hugs and congratulations and got to teach my Sunbeams one last time. They would have been moving on to Sister Delamare next week anyway, so it really felt like great timing. I am humbled and grateful that my counselors accepted and feel grateful for the service that they will be providing. I am thankful for the Bishopric and grateful to have this chance to serve. Today we sang "I Stand All Amazed" as our sacrament hymn. It touched me deeply, particularly the second verse:
I marvel that He would descend from His throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine;
That He should extend His great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.
(Hymn 293)
He came to rescue me, my children, my husband, and all of the sisters in my ward and their families. I am sometimes rebellious and proud and it truly does amaze me and fill me with love and gratitude that He loves me that much. I have learned a lot in the past two weeks already, and I am so thankful for the ways I am already being taught. I am so blessed, and I hope that I can serve to the best of my ability.
We also sang "Each Life that Touches Ours for Good" today. I love it. My life has been blessed in countless ways by Christlike friends.
Hymn 293:
1. Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.
2. What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
On Saturday afternoon (Dec. 15), we got a phone call reminding us that we were scheduled for tithing settlement the next day. Then the executive secretary said, "Also, the Bishop would like to meet with you and your husband tomorrow morning at 11:30." I checked with Alfredo, said okay, and hung up. And my stomach dropped. For a split second, I thought maybe they would ask us to attend the Spanish ward to provide support there. And then it hit me...I was going to be called as Relief Society President. For the rest of the day, I tried to think of other possibilities. But I knew. I told Alfredo my suspicions. I got a stomach ache (which may have been caused by worry or by overeating at Alfredo's company dinner at Rodizio Grill :)
...or maybe by a combination of the two.)
For a year now, I have felt like I couldn't take on one more thing. Between working full time, having 3 children, and having my children take music lessons, complete homework and reading (in 2 languages), and practice their music, I am busy. I am often exhausted. I would like to work on a master's degree, but don't feel I have the time. I would love to have my kids dance or play a sport, but I don't have the time. My plate feels full.
Sunday morning, we headed to the Bishop's office. He had us come in and turned to Alfredo to ask if he would support me in the calling they were about to extend to me. Alfredo laughed (no joking! He totally laughed!) and then said yes. Then the Bishop turned to me and extended the call to be the new Relief Society President. I found myself nodding my head and almost mouthing the words as he said them. He explained a little about what it would entail and what some of my challenges would be, and he said that they had prayed about it and he knew that I was the one the Lord wanted. I am sure, too. I feel overwhelmed and grateful and scared, but I know that this is what I am supposed to do. I know that somehow the Lord will help me to meet the needs of the sisters in my ward, and I know that He will fill my heart with love for each of them. I know that He will guide me to pick counselors that will support me and that will serve alongside me. I know that somehow, He will magnify me so that I can handle it all and still be the kind of parent and teacher that I need to be and want to be. (Or at least as close as I can get... I make plenty of mistakes as both a parent and a teacher.)
While I listened to conference this past October, I was struck over and over with how important it is to serve others. I try to sign up to take meals or to do other small things when I can. But I also know that I sometimes use my busyness as an excuse to not do more. In November, I gave myself a challenge to try to find someone to serve each day. I didn't do something every day, but much more often that I would have previously. It felt good...even though the services I rendered were very small. And I have prayed repeatedly for opportunities to serve and to have the Spirit with me so I will notice when others have a need. I guess my prayers are being answered. I'm going to have lots of opportunities to serve! (As people sometimes say, you should be careful what you pray for!)
I have literally fallen to my knees to pray several times over the past few days. My emotions are close to the surface and in some ways it will actually be a relief to be sustained...because it will no longer be a secret and I will start to learn what this really entails.
I have taught Primary for four years now (and I was in Young Women's for 2 years before that...so six years since I've been to Relief Society with 2 or 3 exceptions), and I have taught the Sunbeams for two years. I love them! Quite often, these darling Sunbeams come to sit by me during Sacrament Meeting. They all vie for a chance to sit on my lap during Sharing Time. I love them. This past Sunday, they had the nursery class (that will soon be Sunbeams) come in for Singing Time. It is a big group and they are darling. I was told the previous Sunday that I would still be teaching Sunbeams and that I'd have a coteacher to help me. Two other Primary teachers leaned forward and said, "So those are the ones you will be teaching next year." I nodded, and then tears sprang into my eyes. I won't have the chance to teach them. I won't be sitting in front of my current Sunbeams and have the chance to see them and hug them and ask them about school. I got more emotional than I would have expected. I hugged my Sunbeams a little tighter and gave thanks for the chance I've had to serve them.
I am grateful that I will have the chance to bless others' lives. While I enjoyed being in the Relief Society Presidency six years ago, I honestly feel more comfortable with children than with adults. I feel nervous that my shyness may sometimes be interpreted as being a lack of caring. I feel excited for the opportunities it will bring...and nervous for how well I will handle them. I would love to be involved in strengthening the ward, and I know it will strengthen my own faith and testimony.
I feel both grateful and humbled that my Heavenly Father feels I am capable of this.
I know without His help, I am not. Since Alfredo is only somewhat active, I sometimes feel that I am less faithful. I know in my head that is not true, but I can't always convince my heart that I measure up to others who attend the temple with their spouses and who have family scripture study and family home evening and pray as a family and a couple. I honestly try to have weekly family home evening and daily scripture study and prayer with my children, but there is a part of me that longs to have more support in these endeavors and to have him participate. He is a wonderful husband in so many ways, and he has always, always supported me in my church service. I just wish that his faith was stronger and I could share this part of myself with him more. And sometimes, it does make me feel that I am less worthy of blessings or something. Not to mention the fact that I am far from perfect. I lose my temper. I get distracted by good things and don't always do the most important things. I can be proud and selfish. That's a lot more personal than I usually share. And I want to emphasize how great Alfredo is in so many ways. He is one of the hardest workers I know. He is funny. He is smart. He is more organized than just about anyone I know. He always encourages me to go after any dreams or pursuits I am interested in.
I love him. He is a good man even if he isn't fully active right now. And I am trying to be better each day.
So I will do my best. I will rely on the Lord and pray for His help. And I will learn as much as I can and study as much as I can. I may not get to read as much as I would like and I may have to drop a few small things, but the sacrifice will be worth it. I have been reading/listening to President Monson's biography and the sacrifices I am making are nothing compared to his and his family's. He was called as an apostle at my age. He is such an inspiration. I will try to follow his example and will pray for the Savior's love for those I serve.
I am humbled and excited and scared and I have felt my Savior's love on so many occasions this week. I am grateful that this call came during the Christmas season, because even though it has been so busy (and stressful) this has really helped me to feel more love and gratitude for my Savior. I know He lives. I know that He loves me. I know that He atoned for my sins and that He is there to succor me. I also know that He loves the sisters in the ward and wants them to receive the blessings available from living the gospel. So while I adore my Sunbeams and could easily have spent many years happily teaching them and feel sad that I won't have that chance, I also feel so grateful for this new call.
**Edited to add (Sunday Dec. 23): On Friday, I was at Carin's house and she said how happy she was that I would be Jane's teacher. I smiled and said I was happy too, but I felt so dishonest saying that. I would have loved to be Jane's teacher. Today, Tatiana stopped me in the halls to ask if I would be teaching the Sunbeams again and I smiled and said yes (again feeling terrible to not be honest). She was so happy. I am very happy about this calling, but I am sad to not teach those sweet Sunbeams and will feel better once I know that they have found a teacher for the Sunbeams and I have been sustained.
**Edited to add (Sunday Dec. 30): My counselors and I were sustained and set apart today. I have shed quite a few tears...tears of joy, sadness, gratitude, love, and I am not even sure what else. I got so many hugs and congratulations and got to teach my Sunbeams one last time. They would have been moving on to Sister Delamare next week anyway, so it really felt like great timing. I am humbled and grateful that my counselors accepted and feel grateful for the service that they will be providing. I am thankful for the Bishopric and grateful to have this chance to serve. Today we sang "I Stand All Amazed" as our sacrament hymn. It touched me deeply, particularly the second verse:
I marvel that He would descend from His throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine;
That He should extend His great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.
(Hymn 293)
He came to rescue me, my children, my husband, and all of the sisters in my ward and their families. I am sometimes rebellious and proud and it truly does amaze me and fill me with love and gratitude that He loves me that much. I have learned a lot in the past two weeks already, and I am so thankful for the ways I am already being taught. I am so blessed, and I hope that I can serve to the best of my ability.
We also sang "Each Life that Touches Ours for Good" today. I love it. My life has been blessed in countless ways by Christlike friends.
Hymn 293:
1. Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.
2. What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
Annual Christmas Letter
Here is the 2012 version of our Christmas letter. But first, a funny story about our Christmas card. I had a busy December. December is always busy, for everyone. But this one felt busier than usual. I ordered my Christmas cards online from Costco. I uploaded the photos and previewed the card, but for some reason I couldn't get my computer at home to write on the card. So I saved the card, and finished it up at work the next day. I looked at the card again, wrote what I wanted it to say, looked at the card again and hit checkout. It asks you to preview the card one final time, and I thought, "I've looked at it 4 times already. I'm in a hurry. I know it is fine." Two days later, I rush into Costco, pick up the cards and head home. And Michelle looks at them and shows me that half of Ella's head is cut off in one of the pictures. Fortunately, there is another picture of her that looks nice, but still. So I mailed out a bunch of Christmas cards with Ella's head cut off. I guess that is what happens when I get too busy. Oh well. As a friend said, at least it will be memorable.
Now our annual Christmas letter:
Dear friends and family,
2012 has been a great year for us! The girls and I were able to travel to Canada with my sister Suzy to visit our sister Rebecca and her family. We spent a week there, and we had a wonderful visit. Alfredo, the girls and I went to Denver, Colorado over the summer. We had a great time at the aquarium, Tiny Town, downtown and WaterWorld.
Alfredo continues to enjoy working at Utility Trailer. He has been taking Portuguese classes for the past year and is gaining more fluency with Portuguese. Alfredo and Jenny trained for and ran a half marathon together in June, and Alfredo was an amazing running partner. He was so patient and encouraging since Jenny was much slower than him.
Jenny is teaching second grade. She loves it! She also teaches the Sunbeams at church. Gabby is in her Sunbeam class. Before the year started, Gabby kept saying she didn't want Jenny to be her teacher. Finally, she said, "But I want you to be my Mommy still." Somehow she thought if Jenny were her teacher, she'd have a new Mom. Jenny adores her sweet Sunbeams and her sensational second graders. Most of all, she loves being a mom.
Michelle is in fourth grade now. She is taking piano lessons and violin lessons. She is becoming quite adept at reading in Spanish as well as English. She loves her fourth grade teacher and she enjoys participating in Achievement Days at church. In May, she ran a 5K with Girls on the Run. Michelle has a strong desire to do what is right and forgives those who hurt her quickly.
Ella is in second grade now. Her kindergarten Spanish teacher, Miss Hair, moved up to second grade and is teaching her again. She loves school and she loves to read. She is taking piano lessons. She is in girl scouts now as well, and she really enjoys it. Ella is very aware of others' feelings and tries hard to help people when they are sad or lonely.
Gabby is in preschool. She loves her teacher and she loves singing and dancing (but she prefers to sing and dance without people watching). She can be kind of shy, but with those she knows well she talks and talks and talks. She has her own unique sense of style and likes to pick out her own outfits each day. Gabby loves to pray and she is full of spunk.
We are so thankful for our many blessings: our home, our family, our friends, the freedoms we enjoy, and especially for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!
Love, The Panamenos
Now our annual Christmas letter:
Dear friends and family,
2012 has been a great year for us! The girls and I were able to travel to Canada with my sister Suzy to visit our sister Rebecca and her family. We spent a week there, and we had a wonderful visit. Alfredo, the girls and I went to Denver, Colorado over the summer. We had a great time at the aquarium, Tiny Town, downtown and WaterWorld.
Alfredo continues to enjoy working at Utility Trailer. He has been taking Portuguese classes for the past year and is gaining more fluency with Portuguese. Alfredo and Jenny trained for and ran a half marathon together in June, and Alfredo was an amazing running partner. He was so patient and encouraging since Jenny was much slower than him.
Jenny is teaching second grade. She loves it! She also teaches the Sunbeams at church. Gabby is in her Sunbeam class. Before the year started, Gabby kept saying she didn't want Jenny to be her teacher. Finally, she said, "But I want you to be my Mommy still." Somehow she thought if Jenny were her teacher, she'd have a new Mom. Jenny adores her sweet Sunbeams and her sensational second graders. Most of all, she loves being a mom.
Michelle is in fourth grade now. She is taking piano lessons and violin lessons. She is becoming quite adept at reading in Spanish as well as English. She loves her fourth grade teacher and she enjoys participating in Achievement Days at church. In May, she ran a 5K with Girls on the Run. Michelle has a strong desire to do what is right and forgives those who hurt her quickly.
Ella is in second grade now. Her kindergarten Spanish teacher, Miss Hair, moved up to second grade and is teaching her again. She loves school and she loves to read. She is taking piano lessons. She is in girl scouts now as well, and she really enjoys it. Ella is very aware of others' feelings and tries hard to help people when they are sad or lonely.
Gabby is in preschool. She loves her teacher and she loves singing and dancing (but she prefers to sing and dance without people watching). She can be kind of shy, but with those she knows well she talks and talks and talks. She has her own unique sense of style and likes to pick out her own outfits each day. Gabby loves to pray and she is full of spunk.
We are so thankful for our many blessings: our home, our family, our friends, the freedoms we enjoy, and especially for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!
Love, The Panamenos
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Temple Square
A good friend of Alfredo's came to visit from California. They arrived on Christmas evening and then spent the day with us on Wednesday. Alfredo has known Adrian for nearly 20 years, although they haven't seen each other in many years. Adrian and his wife Alex have two daughters, Giselle and Tanya. Their girls quickly became friends with our girls and played happily all day long. (I envy my children's ability to make friends with everyone they meet and to play with and talk to strangers. I don't think I was like that as a child...I remember being quite shy and cautious. And although I would like to be like that now, I am not. I find it difficult to talk to people I don't know well. I feel tongue tied and unable to think of things to say. In that regard, my children take after their dad. Especially Michelle.)
Giselle and Tanya had never played in the snow, so everyone went outside and made snow angels and a snow man and had a great time. I was a party pooper and stayed inside cooking dinner. I did take a few photos from inside the house.
After dinner, we headed downtown to City Creek and Temple Square. I had felt sad that we just didn't have time to take the girls to see the lights at Temple Square this year. But it ended up working out beautifully to go the day after Christmas. It was snowing lightly but it wasn't that cold, and our visitors had never been. They wanted to see everything and we ended up spending over 3 hours there. We saw the window displays at Macy's.
Then we walked over to Temple Square. We admired the Nativity and I had a few moments to reflect again on how grateful I am for my Savior. Adrian's family was very impressed by the lights and the beauty of the temple.
We went inside the South Visitor's Center and saw the displays there. My heart was touched as I read about the building of the Salt Lake Temple. I don't think I read anything that I hadn't heard before, but still I am so touched by the sacrifices the early saints made to build a temple. I am grateful for the temple. Alfredo and I answered questions that Adrian and his wife had (although mostly Alfredo, because they are most comfortable in Spanish and I am not fluent.)
We also went in the North Visitor's Center to see the Christus. The Spirit was strong as we listened to the Savior's words... "Learn of me. Listen to my words. Walk in the meekness of my spirit.... For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent...."
Adrian had heard about the Conference Center and really wanted to see it. So we headed over there and got a tour of the Conference Center. It was the first time anyone in my family had gone on a tour besides me.
Years ago, before Alfredo and I married, I had a dear friend named Diane. She served as a church service missionary at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. She was a teacher at my school, and we became dear friends. We traveled around Europe together and went on several trips here in the US as well. She loved serving at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and so I looked into it and was able to be called on a church service mission at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building as well. We served one night a week, on different nights. I served with wonderful older couples and two single women. They were amazing people and it was an amazing experience. It was while I served there that I began to date Alfredo and we got engaged and married. I was released just a few months before my three years of service were up because I was very pregnant with Michelle. Anyway, while serving there, the Conference Center was dedicated and they had each of us take a turn going on a tour. I have been on another tour, but I can't recall for certain who it was with...perhaps my parents? Anyway, this was my third tour...but everyone else's first. Michelle and I had been there just a few weeks ago for the Savior of the World performance and the girls and I had been there a couple of years ago for stake/regional conference. Alfredo and I have had tickets to conference there a couple of times. But on each of these occasions we saw just a small part of the conference center. We had a wonderful tour guide who showed us the assembly hall which was beautifully decorated for Christmas. She told the children about President Hinckley's black walnut tree in his back yard that had died and how he asked a carpenter if there was any possible use for it and how it had been carved and made into the podium.
She told us about the number of seats and how every seat is a good one and how the building is supported. She showed us pictures of the gardens on the roof (which was closed due to the snow) and she explained about Utah's symbol, the beehive. It stands for industry (working hard...doing your chores), thrift (not spending money you don't have) and cooperation (working together...minding your mommy). I loved that she spoke in a way that the kids could understand and she really kept their attention nearly the whole time despite us being on the tour for 45 minutes. She showed us the Book of Mormon hall and asked if the children had favorite paintings there. She talked about the importance of keeping a journal and how Lehi took the plates which was a journal or a record and how that helped his family and his posterity.
She showed us the paintings of the prophets and apostles and explained how our church is organized just like the ancient church at the time of Christ. I am reading/listening to President Monson's biography and I felt such an outpouring of love for him (as well as President Hinckley) as she talked about them and we saw their busts and their paintings.
One thing that I didn't know (or at least I don't think I had ever heard this) was that years ago, Brigham Young saw a huge building near the temple. It had trees on the top and fish ponds. It seated thousands of people. He wrote about his dream in his journal. Then in the 1950's the apostles thought they should build a bigger meeting place. But it was so difficult, so they put it aside and didn't. Then when President Hinckley was prophet, he set out to build the conference center. He didn't know about Brigham Young's dream. It wasn't until construction was underway that someone showed him the journal that described Brigham Young's dream. It is so amazing to be reminded that we have living prophets on the Earth today. They truly are inspired by God and cause prophecies to be fulfilled. I am so grateful for my testimony of the gospel. It is such a blessing.
The spirit was strong and she patiently answered questions, showed us as much of the building as we had time for (tours are supposed to end at 9, and we didn't finish until about 9:15). She said as we were leaving that one of the prophets or apostles (I can't remember now who) said that everyone who comes there is meant to be there at that time, and that the spirit had led us there to be there that night. I believe that is true. I am not sure whether Adrian's family felt the spirit as I did, but they were at least favorably impressed with what they saw and heard. Perhaps some small seed was planted that may take root later. If nothing else, I am grateful that my family was able to not just see the lights at Temple Square but to have such a spiritual experience.
After our tour, we headed back to City Creek to get some hot chocolate and then headed home. What a wonderful night!
Giselle and Tanya had never played in the snow, so everyone went outside and made snow angels and a snow man and had a great time. I was a party pooper and stayed inside cooking dinner. I did take a few photos from inside the house.
After dinner, we headed downtown to City Creek and Temple Square. I had felt sad that we just didn't have time to take the girls to see the lights at Temple Square this year. But it ended up working out beautifully to go the day after Christmas. It was snowing lightly but it wasn't that cold, and our visitors had never been. They wanted to see everything and we ended up spending over 3 hours there. We saw the window displays at Macy's.
We went inside the South Visitor's Center and saw the displays there. My heart was touched as I read about the building of the Salt Lake Temple. I don't think I read anything that I hadn't heard before, but still I am so touched by the sacrifices the early saints made to build a temple. I am grateful for the temple. Alfredo and I answered questions that Adrian and his wife had (although mostly Alfredo, because they are most comfortable in Spanish and I am not fluent.)
We also went in the North Visitor's Center to see the Christus. The Spirit was strong as we listened to the Savior's words... "Learn of me. Listen to my words. Walk in the meekness of my spirit.... For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent...."
Adrian had heard about the Conference Center and really wanted to see it. So we headed over there and got a tour of the Conference Center. It was the first time anyone in my family had gone on a tour besides me.
Years ago, before Alfredo and I married, I had a dear friend named Diane. She served as a church service missionary at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. She was a teacher at my school, and we became dear friends. We traveled around Europe together and went on several trips here in the US as well. She loved serving at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and so I looked into it and was able to be called on a church service mission at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building as well. We served one night a week, on different nights. I served with wonderful older couples and two single women. They were amazing people and it was an amazing experience. It was while I served there that I began to date Alfredo and we got engaged and married. I was released just a few months before my three years of service were up because I was very pregnant with Michelle. Anyway, while serving there, the Conference Center was dedicated and they had each of us take a turn going on a tour. I have been on another tour, but I can't recall for certain who it was with...perhaps my parents? Anyway, this was my third tour...but everyone else's first. Michelle and I had been there just a few weeks ago for the Savior of the World performance and the girls and I had been there a couple of years ago for stake/regional conference. Alfredo and I have had tickets to conference there a couple of times. But on each of these occasions we saw just a small part of the conference center. We had a wonderful tour guide who showed us the assembly hall which was beautifully decorated for Christmas. She told the children about President Hinckley's black walnut tree in his back yard that had died and how he asked a carpenter if there was any possible use for it and how it had been carved and made into the podium.
She told us about the number of seats and how every seat is a good one and how the building is supported. She showed us pictures of the gardens on the roof (which was closed due to the snow) and she explained about Utah's symbol, the beehive. It stands for industry (working hard...doing your chores), thrift (not spending money you don't have) and cooperation (working together...minding your mommy). I loved that she spoke in a way that the kids could understand and she really kept their attention nearly the whole time despite us being on the tour for 45 minutes. She showed us the Book of Mormon hall and asked if the children had favorite paintings there. She talked about the importance of keeping a journal and how Lehi took the plates which was a journal or a record and how that helped his family and his posterity.
She showed us the paintings of the prophets and apostles and explained how our church is organized just like the ancient church at the time of Christ. I am reading/listening to President Monson's biography and I felt such an outpouring of love for him (as well as President Hinckley) as she talked about them and we saw their busts and their paintings.
One thing that I didn't know (or at least I don't think I had ever heard this) was that years ago, Brigham Young saw a huge building near the temple. It had trees on the top and fish ponds. It seated thousands of people. He wrote about his dream in his journal. Then in the 1950's the apostles thought they should build a bigger meeting place. But it was so difficult, so they put it aside and didn't. Then when President Hinckley was prophet, he set out to build the conference center. He didn't know about Brigham Young's dream. It wasn't until construction was underway that someone showed him the journal that described Brigham Young's dream. It is so amazing to be reminded that we have living prophets on the Earth today. They truly are inspired by God and cause prophecies to be fulfilled. I am so grateful for my testimony of the gospel. It is such a blessing.
The spirit was strong and she patiently answered questions, showed us as much of the building as we had time for (tours are supposed to end at 9, and we didn't finish until about 9:15). She said as we were leaving that one of the prophets or apostles (I can't remember now who) said that everyone who comes there is meant to be there at that time, and that the spirit had led us there to be there that night. I believe that is true. I am not sure whether Adrian's family felt the spirit as I did, but they were at least favorably impressed with what they saw and heard. Perhaps some small seed was planted that may take root later. If nothing else, I am grateful that my family was able to not just see the lights at Temple Square but to have such a spiritual experience.
After our tour, we headed back to City Creek to get some hot chocolate and then headed home. What a wonderful night!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Sears Photos
Here are some photos we recently had taken of the girls at Sears. I was quite happy with how they turned out.
Christmas Day
The girls slept until around 8 AM. They were allowed to look in their stockings, but nothing else until everyone was up. But within about 10 minutes, everyone was up and ready to open gifts.
Aunt Suzy had spent the night at our house and was able to participate in our gift opening and spend the day with us. We were so glad she was part of the festivities.
There were several things that were really for both Michelle and Ella to share or for all 3 girls. They were especially excited to get Just Dance Disney. Ella was thrilled to get boots with heels. She has been asking for them for months. They also got clothing, several books, Bible puzzle books, Ella got a webkinz, and they got lots of earrings from Aunt Suzy. Gabby got a couple of Barbie movies which she loves.
I gave Suzy a pretty watch and a pillow I'd made at Super Saturday. She gave me Elder Holland's new book For Times of Trouble. I've just started reading it, but I can tell it will be wonderful.
For Alfredo, I bought a new comforter for our bed. He really likes to change comforters regularly, and he has been asking for a new one for a couple of months. We have about 5, and every couple of months we put the current one away in the attic and pull out one we haven't used for awhile. This one is brown. I also bought him a cordless speaker that works with his Ipad or Ipod. We can use it outside for barbecues in the summer as well as around the house. He's really enjoyed it so far.
Alfredo bought me two pairs of pants and a Blendtec blender. Because my sister works for Blendtec, we were able to get a discount. I got my blender about 3 weeks ago and I asked Alfredo if I should save it for Christmas or open it right away. He said to open it and so I did. I've used it 18 times already, and I love it!!! I've made lots of smoothies and whole juices and a milkshake and a sorbet and a soup. The soup wasn't a big hit but we've loved everything else. I love it and can't wait to try even more things. In the summer, my kids are very excited that I can use it to make snow cones. :)
After all of the gifts were opened, Michelle said, "We haven't gotten our gifts from Santa yet. But they are down by the fire place. I already saw them." She had remembered that Santa put their gifts by the fireplace downstairs last year, so she had gone there first before she woke us up. So we headed downstairs to see what they got. They were all thrilled... Michelle and Ella had new bikes and Gabby had a Barbie Mermaid set that has 3 mermaids, a dolphin and a swing and slide set. They are all for the bathroom, and the mermaids' hair changes color.
We had a nice breakfast and the girls enjoyed their gifts for awhile. They played Just Dance. Then Michelle went for a short bike ride, despite the snow.
Around noon, we headed to my Aunt Elaine and Uncle Phil's house. We opened more gifts and visited with my grandpa, my Aunt Elaine and Uncle Phil, my Aunt Diane and Uncle Brent and their kids, as well as Phil's children and grandchildren. It was great to see so many family members. The girls got darling blankets that they have loved.
That afternoon, Suzy and I talked to our grandma on the phone. We also Skyped Rebecca and her family and talked to my mom and Mike. It was great to talk to all of them and to be able to see them even though we couldn't be with them. I felt so blessed to be able to see or talk to those that I love most. What a truly blessed Christmas this was!
Aunt Suzy had spent the night at our house and was able to participate in our gift opening and spend the day with us. We were so glad she was part of the festivities.
There were several things that were really for both Michelle and Ella to share or for all 3 girls. They were especially excited to get Just Dance Disney. Ella was thrilled to get boots with heels. She has been asking for them for months. They also got clothing, several books, Bible puzzle books, Ella got a webkinz, and they got lots of earrings from Aunt Suzy. Gabby got a couple of Barbie movies which she loves.
For Alfredo, I bought a new comforter for our bed. He really likes to change comforters regularly, and he has been asking for a new one for a couple of months. We have about 5, and every couple of months we put the current one away in the attic and pull out one we haven't used for awhile. This one is brown. I also bought him a cordless speaker that works with his Ipad or Ipod. We can use it outside for barbecues in the summer as well as around the house. He's really enjoyed it so far.
After all of the gifts were opened, Michelle said, "We haven't gotten our gifts from Santa yet. But they are down by the fire place. I already saw them." She had remembered that Santa put their gifts by the fireplace downstairs last year, so she had gone there first before she woke us up. So we headed downstairs to see what they got. They were all thrilled... Michelle and Ella had new bikes and Gabby had a Barbie Mermaid set that has 3 mermaids, a dolphin and a swing and slide set. They are all for the bathroom, and the mermaids' hair changes color.
We had a nice breakfast and the girls enjoyed their gifts for awhile. They played Just Dance. Then Michelle went for a short bike ride, despite the snow.
Around noon, we headed to my Aunt Elaine and Uncle Phil's house. We opened more gifts and visited with my grandpa, my Aunt Elaine and Uncle Phil, my Aunt Diane and Uncle Brent and their kids, as well as Phil's children and grandchildren. It was great to see so many family members. The girls got darling blankets that they have loved.
That afternoon, Suzy and I talked to our grandma on the phone. We also Skyped Rebecca and her family and talked to my mom and Mike. It was great to talk to all of them and to be able to see them even though we couldn't be with them. I felt so blessed to be able to see or talk to those that I love most. What a truly blessed Christmas this was!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, we went to dinner with my dad and sister. My dad took us all out to Chilis. We had a delicious dinner and a nice visit. It was wonderful to spend time together.
The girls opened their Christmas jammies.
We read Luke 2 and we did luminaries. It was very cold this year, so we only did 6...one for each of us, including my sister Suzy. I included photos of them in my post about our Christmas books.
Then we headed to Alfredo's aunt's house for our annual Christmas Eve dinner. We got there before most everyone else, so we watched a movie. I took a nap which was lovely. I haven't had enough sleep in weeks, so a nap was just what I needed. Then Alfredo's cousins arrived and we visited and the kids played and I napped a little bit more.
At midnight, we ate our annual Christmas Eve dinner. For Americans like me, this seems a little strange, but it is pretty customary in many hispanic countries to gather together on Christmas Eve, have dinner around midnight and open gifts after dinner. Most/all of the celebration is on Christmas Eve. And it has worked nicely for us, because we are able to spend Christmas Eve with Alfredo's family and Christmas Day together and then with my extended family.
Alfredo's cousin Irene has a darling little girl, Ileen. The girls loved holding her and playing with her.
After dinner, it was time to open gifts. By this time, it was one in the morning, but don't let that fool you. No one is tired when there are presents to open!
Look at this cute little guy, Elias. He kept falling over on top of presents and he liked the foam from one box as much as the gifts.
The girls got robes, pajamas, slippers and sweatshirts. They were thrilled. They had asked for slippers, and I'd only bought one of them slippers, so now they all have darling slippers.
Alfredo's family has always been so kind and welcoming. His cousin Patty has two girls that are the same ages as Michelle and Ella (in fact, Michelle and Daya were born two days apart.) She also has a 1 1/2 year old son, Elias. So the girls love seeing Patty and her family.
The women always kiss me on the cheek when we come and when we leave, and it is something that seemed very foreign to me at first, but that I have become accustomed to now. Usually I shake hands with Nelson, Miguel and Oswaldo, but this year I hugged each of them and felt such tenderness for each of them. They are not religious like I am, but they are good men and they have been kind to me and to my family. I felt truly grateful that we were able to spend the evening with both my dad and sister and with Alfredo's family.
We arrived home around 2:30 A.M. and the kids went straight to bed. I had a few things left to get ready, so it was nearly an hour before I made it to bed. Good thing Santa knows not to visit our house until the wee hours of the morning!
The girls opened their Christmas jammies.
Then we headed to Alfredo's aunt's house for our annual Christmas Eve dinner. We got there before most everyone else, so we watched a movie. I took a nap which was lovely. I haven't had enough sleep in weeks, so a nap was just what I needed. Then Alfredo's cousins arrived and we visited and the kids played and I napped a little bit more.
At midnight, we ate our annual Christmas Eve dinner. For Americans like me, this seems a little strange, but it is pretty customary in many hispanic countries to gather together on Christmas Eve, have dinner around midnight and open gifts after dinner. Most/all of the celebration is on Christmas Eve. And it has worked nicely for us, because we are able to spend Christmas Eve with Alfredo's family and Christmas Day together and then with my extended family.
After dinner, it was time to open gifts. By this time, it was one in the morning, but don't let that fool you. No one is tired when there are presents to open!
Look at this cute little guy, Elias. He kept falling over on top of presents and he liked the foam from one box as much as the gifts.
Alfredo's family has always been so kind and welcoming. His cousin Patty has two girls that are the same ages as Michelle and Ella (in fact, Michelle and Daya were born two days apart.) She also has a 1 1/2 year old son, Elias. So the girls love seeing Patty and her family.
The women always kiss me on the cheek when we come and when we leave, and it is something that seemed very foreign to me at first, but that I have become accustomed to now. Usually I shake hands with Nelson, Miguel and Oswaldo, but this year I hugged each of them and felt such tenderness for each of them. They are not religious like I am, but they are good men and they have been kind to me and to my family. I felt truly grateful that we were able to spend the evening with both my dad and sister and with Alfredo's family.
We arrived home around 2:30 A.M. and the kids went straight to bed. I had a few things left to get ready, so it was nearly an hour before I made it to bed. Good thing Santa knows not to visit our house until the wee hours of the morning!
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