A few January and February birthdays

My forever friend Alyson aka Pataly, Alypataly, Patalyson, Aly, etc... turned 67 this past January.  She looks young huh? We had a little party at our joint and had some cake.  Happy belated birthday Aly! (on blogger.com)!!

A few weeks before Alyson's bday, we celebrated Andrew's bday! We went to our favorite restaurant.  It is not hard to know which one it is! Tucanos!

Happy birthday baby!

Then, a few weeks later, it was Wilo's bday.  Since he is a bit more reserved and doesn't really like to go dancing... he spent his birthday with us =D Andrew made the cake! Thanks baby!

Valentine's day

What did we do for Valentine's day? That's the question. It's been 3 months and I don't remember that well.  I think I remember now, we went to dinner to PF Chang's (we love that place).  Unfortunately, I only found a picture of me having dinner; I can't find one of Andrew.  That's why I need to blog the events that happen right away! At any rate, we enjoyed our dinner.  Luckily, Andrew made reservations-- there was a very long line when we got there! Waiting was not going to be pleasant!

Just before Valentine's day, we went to La Jolla Groves, with our friends Raquel & Sergio, Vanessa & Miguel and Pooh & ... Diego =D It was good food, I just hoped they would have served us more haha! We all spent quality time together.

I am not sure if this was before of after Valentine's day... maybe much much later.  Oh well, we visited our friends Evita and Arthur.   They are one of my favorite couples! Evita's Arroz con Pollo was really good.  Every time I see the Weagels I always smile, why? Because they're always smiling and have a positive attitude.  You can just feel it. Thank you Evita and Arthur!

Recount

Well, all I have to say is that I am going to be good from now on.  I am going to make a recount of what has happened in our lives all winter semester! Maybe 99% of the time was spent doing homework, going to school and working. So, I will just write about that 1%

Memories...

So, I am a bit bored in class...  I was looking at old pictures and I thought I would share.
These are some Christmas 2010 pics! Fassa came and spent it with us.  She is a good friend, I love her!!!

Fassa's gift to us! PRECIOUS!

Cooking

Santa love

Husband, me, uncle!

My friend Raquel got pregnant, when I get pregnant, I wanna look like her.  She looks beautiful! This picture was taken at her baby shower. 

And this picture was taken a few weeks after!

Luisa and her family came and visited for a few hours... we went out to eat! Jacito likes Mexican rice :)

New years party!!
Andrew, Wilo, Estela and I went to a stake New Years party.  It was Wilo's first time dancing hard core! He did great :)

Siblings!!

Love them!

There's no snow!

FELIZ NAVIDAD!! 

For the first time, I wished for snow and it didn't come.  It was so freaking sunny! yeah, I found myself hating the sunshine in Christmas time haha!! I wanted a white Christmas so my sister Estela could have something a little different to see.  I have always been used to white Christmases too but no luck this year.  We spent this Christmas in Provo.  My uncle Orlando, Wilo, Estela, my husband and I were together and we loved it.  To keep building up the Christmas spirit, we went to a special program for the Music and the Spoken Word in the conference center.  They decorated it so comfy and the Choir sang beautiful hymns and Christmas songs.

Beautiful Christmas lights in Temple Square!!!

After the program, we took some pictures with the Christmas Tree in the Conference Center.  It was beautifully decorated in white with immense snow flakes! Alyson was there with us too... as always... she's practically our sister!!

Alyson, Estela and Wilo

Our noses were so red, our lips were chapped, our hands and ears were freezing... our faces were so rigid... we couldn't even say the words "mom" or "dad" Estela was getting used to this cold winter.

After retuning to the car to go home, we were delighted but nativities from around the world in Temple Square.  Each of us posed with a nativity...

Christmas tree made out of lights

 
Dinner time!!
While cooking our meal, we listened to the Forgotten Carols.  After eating our meal, we sang Christmas hymns, then we read Jesus' birth in the Bible.  We spent quality family time talking about Jesus and how important his birth was.  We asked questions like, "Why were those shepherds chosen? why not others?" "How did those wise men came to be interested in Jesus birth? and how did they prepare themselves to see Him?" I am going to share something that I read from the Church magazine:


Many people believe that it’s the thought that counts when it comes to gift giving. Maybe that’s because the thought behind the gift makes it more than just a useful or interesting object—it makes the gift a symbol of the gift-giver’s love or consideration for the recipient. Some gifts also mean more than the thought behind the gift; these kinds of gifts have a widely accepted symbolism that adds even more significance. When a gift has all three—practical utility, personal value, and symbolic meaning—it may be the most thoughtful and appreciated gift of all.

Consider the thought behind the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the Wise Men gave to the Christ child (see Matthew 2:11). The Bible doesn’t say why the Wise Men brought these particular gifts, but all three gifts had practical value and perhaps symbolic meaning for the Son of God and His earthly parents.

Gold

Practical use: For a young couple who would soon have the expense of traveling to Egypt to avoid the wrath of Herod, the gold would be an invaluable gift. Symbolic meaning: Gold is the typical gift for kings (see 1 Kings 9:14, 28) because it symbolizes kingship and royalty—a fitting gift for the “King of kings” (1 Timothy 6:15).

Frankincense

Practical use: Aside from its considerable monetary value, frankincense was used as a sweet-smelling incense and perfume.

Symbolic meaning: Frankincense comes from a sweet tree resin and was used in priesthood ordinances, in burnt offerings (see Leviticus 2:1), and in oil for anointing priests. Thus, it can represent the Lord’s priesthood and His role as the Lamb of God to be sacrificed on our behalf (see John 1:29).

Myrrh

Practical use: Myrrh, a bitter oil from a tree resin, was also economically valuable but probably more beneficial to Mary and Joseph for its medicinal uses.
Symbolic meaning: In the New Testament, myrrh is usually associated with embalming and burial because of its preservative qualities (see John 19:39–40). Myrrh’s medicinal uses can symbolize Christ’s role as the Master Healer, and its use in burials can symbolize “the bitter cup” He would drink when He suffered for our sins (see D&C 19:18–19).


I am so happy for Christmas time, I hope we always remember why Jesus came to Earth: It was to save us.  i feel so grateful for His sacrifice.