Christmas 2011

Our Christmas in Puerto Rico 2011 was a lot of fun for those who came: Mandy, Ani, Vale, Lexi and Ale. They went to the beach almost everyday. Unfortunately, I had to stay in most of the time to finish my last class at BYU which was super intense. I hated having to do that, I wanted to go out with them so badly but I knew I couldn't possibly finish all those papers due before the end of the year. We or I should say Daniel took them to the usual, yunque forest, Old San Juan and all the beautiful beaches. I managed to go out once but was super nervous that I was not working on my papers or reading some books. The last class was an English class where I had to read the novel, write a paper and take a open book essay test super hard. There were 8 novels left for me to finish by the end of the year or I should say, two weeks so needless to say, this was one Christmas that got skipped.

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Utah

Thanksgiving is not the same unless you are in the United States. It is a US holiday after all so what better than to go on vacation to Utah to celebrate it!

It was also Mandy's birthday on the 26. She turned 20. Wow, we no longer have teenager children. We were able to stay in our unit in Park City and also to see Pablo, Sydney and Charlotte. Hernan and Rachael, Valentina and Jami, Andres and the children: Sariah, Layna, Danielito and Joseph. All the grandchilren are so adorable and doing well ! Our children are all doing well with good jobs and for that we are so thankful.

Be a light unto the world

Again this year we were invited to attend the October Conference in 2011. It was also a chance to see the children living in Utah and this year it was Layna's baptism as well. We did the usual running around here and there but the hightlight was Layna's baptism. there was such a good spirit there. Layna was so happy and excited. Andy baptized her, Daniel confirmed her and I said a talk. We also had a chance in October to attend a convention for the seminaries Institutes of religion in Punta Cana and the Mission President seminar in Casa de Campo. Elder Clarke was our special guest and the theme was to focus on real growth.

Remembering September 11th

On Semptember 11th 2011 marked the 10th year anniversary of the New York's twin tower attack. A memorial was built to remember those who lost their lives there. September 11 is also a date that will always bring a tragic memory to my personal life as well hense I also mourn a dear loss barried in my heart. Ironicaly, what I celebrate every September 11 now is not a loss but a gain. a better understanding that my life can be renewed after devestation. Once tinted with trials but now, something like a beautiful flower has come out of those experiences. For many years from birth to age 42 I had been presented with an extrordinary life. No challeges to speak of and so very blessed until one day some unimaginable tragic hardship ruined my beautiful life. However,by the same token, I was given many angels who came into my life right when I needed them the most, bringing flowers and a sweet smile, providing me with hope and faith for the future. To all of these dear friends who have brightend my day at a crucial time in my life, I have no way to thank you. I especially can't thank my sweet husband enough who brings me flowers continously, not just on special ocassions. I of course feel thankful for my Lord who provided me with all the strengh and hope to keep going and to endure to the end.

A Piece of Heaven on Earth

On Sunday August 21 2011 elder Eyring dedicated the San Salvador temple. This picture in front of the temple was taken after our family had attended the dedication. From left to right: Cristi, Brooks, Aunt Dina, Paola, Maricela, mama Gloria, Liz, veronica, Daniel, Joseph, Bianca, Vanessa, Mandy, Andres and Alex.

There is no other place on earth that truly feels like Heaven. A place dedicated to the Lord where we feel the love of our Heavenly Father and Jesus. A place where we can find peace, we can meditate and pray. A place where we can seek answers to many of our questions. A place where we leave behind our street clothes to change for white clothes to sybolize purity. A place where we are all the same. A place for service and love. I had the opportunity to attend a session, an initiatory and to witness Mandy, Paola and Andres do baptisms for dead family members. In San Salvador, this is the place that will bring hope to people in a land that has suffered so many hardships. For members of the LDS faith, the temple is the ultimate goal.

Hooked on Family History

I attended the BYU 43rd Annual Conference on Family History and Genealogy and found my new love for Family History. I mostly remember the top ten tips I want to pass on:

#1 Work from the known to the unknown and contact family members you know.

#2 Research more recent data before moving back in time to find out what has already been done.

#3 Never presume that you have been told the truth in family histories.

#4 Focus on missing or incomplete information about an individual.

#5 Find and copy original records available such as: newspapers, marriages, birth certificates, journals, letters, photos, death certificates, census, biographies, etc.

#6 Look for background records such as: History, geography, economy, culture, etc.

#7 log on to familysearch.org, new family seach, Google, Ancestry.com, Roots Magic, Ancestral Quest, and Legacy Family Tree for starters.

#8 Keep track of information you find using a reserch log.

#9 Evaluate your findings by using real evidence.

#10 Share! make copies, share files with family members and submit information to databases on line.

Getting a good start out of College

Alejandro and Lexi are now moving to Miami Florida. Alejandro got a job at Capital Premium Financing and Lexi at Prize Waterhouse Coopers. Their huge smiles can't describe better their joy at getting real good jobs when unemployment in the U. S. is so high. They are now in our home in Bountiful while they get ready for the big move Southeast. Lexi just celebrated her birthday on July 20 and made a nice big UP (like the movie) piñata. A tradition in her family. Alejandro will celebrate his birthday on the Fourth of August. What a great birthday present for both of them to get amazing jobs and a head start in life.