Friday, December 26, 2008

Happy Anniversary



Five years ago I married the most handsome guy the world has ever seen. And tonight we went out for a nice little dinner and remembered all sorts of funny things from when we were dating and earlier in our marriage. I remember thinking he was too cute to not be stuck up. Lucky for me, Alyson made me go with her to say hi to him and I quickly realized what a nice guy and what a catch he really was. We were friends for almost a year before we started dating. And dating Julio was so much fun! We've had even more fun since we've been married and I've realized many times since then how lucky I am. Julio, you are my best friend, the most talented and motivated artist I know, a great spiritual leader for our family, the hardest worker, a loving and attentive father, a great example for our children, my perfect match, the funnerest person ever, rediculously smart, and the hottest guy I know! I don't know what I did to deserve you but I'm thankful and I'll keep you. Happy Anniversary Babe!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

A Time of Miracles

As many of you know, my husband has been searching for work for the last few months. He's had several good interviews and several responses to the effect that companies are cutting back on the number of people they're hiring. It has definitely been a test of my faith. I am fortunate to have a husband who fixes computers, designs websites and logos and business cards, and knows how to network computers together as well as the 2d and 3d animation he's been studying. Because he has so many talents and skills we've been able to survive on side jobs that have often miraculously come his way. The other day I was driving home thinking about how blessed we've been to be able to survive so far and how worried I felt about paying this next month's bills. I said a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for all he's already done. I said "I know you've already given us so many miracles but we need one more." A few minutes after I got home, yet another person called looking for Julio to do some work for him and it will work out to be a little more that what we need. I don't tell this to get anyone's sympathy because I don't feel like it's a trial anymore. I want anyone who reads this to know that God answers prayers and looks out for our needs. I know it. He has blessed us time after time. We have seen so many miracles these last few months that it's been truly humbling. And what a blessing to have it happen at Christmas time. I hope we all remember at this time of year that the reason we're all going crazy shopping and running to parties and wrapping presents is because a little more than 2000 years ago God blessed us to have His Son among us. We can't bake Him a birthday cake or wrap a present for Him. All we can do is give the gift of loving others. I think that's why we give gifts, donate for those less fortunate, and gather together with friends and family. And isn't it amazing that this time of year seems to bring out the best in most of us? I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and that you will be as blessed as we have been.

Alma 7
"9 But behold, the Spirit hath said this much unto me, saying: Cry unto this people, saying—aRepent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God bcometh upon the face of the earth.
10 And behold, he shall be aborn of Mary, at bJerusalem which is the cland of our forefathers, she being a dvirgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and econceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and aafflictions and btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him adeath, that he may bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to csuccor his people according to their infirmities."