S enjoying cake on her first birthday
V started Kindergarten in the fall. She is our cowgirl, drama queen and firecracker. She knows what she wants and makes sure everyone else knows as well. She loves to sing and play dress up, and has a very vivid imagination. She loves to help me at home, especially with her sister. V is also incredibly smart, she knows all of her addition facts up to 10 and is reading at a 2nd grade level. She actually cries and begs to do homework… we’ll see how long that lasts!
Doing one of her favorite things, riding horses at her Uncle Jimmy's
A is our protector and tormenter; nobody is allowed to tease or bother his sisters... except him! He is all boy, and has a lot of energy. He also has a very vivid imagination and is always playing star wars or power rangers. He loves to play on our Wii, especially because he can beat everyone in our family in Wii sports! He has struggled a bit this year finding good friends to play with. But because of this, we have spent more time together as a family, playing games, etc. I have learned that’s it okay to put my chores aside to play a game of checkers, or read a book, and it has really been magical. I have really treasured having this time with my children at home, because I realize that soon the time will come when they will no longer want to play and read and snuggle with mom. A is also very smart and reading above his grade level, but not quite as enthusiastic as his sister is when it comes to homework :) !
Our Jedi, ready to battle forces unknown, and get lots of candy in the process!
As most of you know Jorge was laid off at the beginning of this year. While it was a stressful time, we were also tremendously blessed. We received so many words and thoughts of encouragement from all of you and we are so appreciative of it. We also felt the hand of the Lord in so many ways this past year. In March he began studying to get his license to sell financial products such as life insurance, etc. He was able to obtain this license and in September began working for Citi Financial, which is the loan/insurance division of CitiBank. He is excited to back to work full time and it’s nice to have benefits again. I think the only person who suffered when he went back to work was S, as she is truly a daddy’s girl!
Daddy's little girl!
As for me, well I just try and keep it all together and stay afloat. This fall I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in our local production of “Savior of the World,” which is a musical play based on the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The first act is about all of the events leading up to His birth and the second act begins immediately following His resurrection. After trying out for an ensemble/chorus part, you can imagine my surprise when I was chosen for the part of Mary!
It was an incredible experience. The part of Mary was the only one to carry over through both acts, and consisted of solos, duets, and of course acting. I was stretched and blessed in so many ways. It was incredibly time consuming, but my sweet husband really helped and supported me, and the kids loved seeing the production. They have such a love for the nativity and every time they see a portrayal on the TV, or even a crèche display, they say, “Look mommy, that’s you!”
Joseph telling me that Shepherds have come to see the baby.
In the 2nd act, after the Resurrection, now I am old & wise... ;)
It was definitely the experience of a lifetime, and one that I enjoyed more than I expected. Having never performed at that level, I wasn’t sure how I would react, with nerves, etc. But I was amazed at how comfortable I felt on the stage. In fact, I think I have found a new love, and I think now I want to try my hand at Community Theater, etc. So, expect more news to follow! Being in the play also helped me put this season into perspective, the story of our Savior’s birth and life have taken on new meaning and new depth. We love you and appreciate each of you and how you have touched our lives, and we rejoice with you in celebrating the birth and life of our Lord and Savior, and hope that you will all feel of His love, peace and joy during this time and through out the New Year.
