Thanksgiving 2008

As I think back over past Thanksgivings, memories go back to reunions at 323 Exchange Street in Houston where we would gather with the Gonzales side of the family and eat a combination of traditional American food along side Mom's famous Mexican cuisine. We hung out with our cousins, played games and ate to our hearts content.

We now find ourselves so far from the little barrio in Houston but continue many of the same traditions. As I'm sure all of my sisters can testify, we not only miss our mothers cooking but miss her company as well. Seventeen cousins played happily together in Moni's cozy house as we played games and ate 'til we dropped. Wonder what it will be like 20 years from now?

Mexico Lindo

As part of my sister Moni's job, she is sent to lush hotels to do site inspections and scope out possible places to hold sales events and incentive trips. Since her husband Jody had spent his allotted vacation time on a recent cruise, she asked me to accompany her. Leaving 6 children and a husband behind for 5 days was not an easy thing to pull off, but they survived and we are all the better for it.

Moni worked most of the time which gave me a chance to catch up on some much needed sleep and visit faraway places through the pages of books. I visited the big, hot pink house in South Carolina home to a bee-keeper named Lily and the enchanted lands of Kildenree where a goose girl named Ani talked to the wind. It was heavenly.

When we weren't with the other V.I.P's at fancy dinners we relaxed and talked about the funny things our husbands do, the joys of raising large families and how fun it will be when we can bring all of our family back with us someday. Mainly we just goofed off and had fun being together.

Here's a sample of how some our conversations went:

Moni (in a whispered tone): "Check out the girl in the two piece on your left."

Me (sun glasses pushed down to the tip of my nose): " WOWZA!"

Moni: "If you ever see me looking like that, SHOOT ME!"

While sipping limonadas catching a few rays by the pool before our check out time on Sunday, you might have heard this.

Moni (viewing conference on her video I-Pod) : "Do you think it's sac-religious to be laying out by a pool on Sunday while listening to conference?"

Me (engrossed in a book): "Well, I guess if you were sipping a Bud-Light in your bikini, maybe."

We just laughed.

This is the view from the balcony of our room. So beautiful!


Love you sis!

Care Center

I have been feeling down lately about all of the negative protests towards our church. Anti- Mormon preaching and talk of hate leave me feeling like we are truly living in the last days. I worry about my children and what the future holds for them as we define who we are and what we stand for. As I had an opportunity this past week to serve in a tiny way, I felt buoyed up and strengthened by the examples of those around me.

Every couple of months our ward is asked to provide church services to our local Care Center. Last Wednesday Sammy and I went over before preschool with some dear sisters and their little ones and held Relief Society. There were about 6 sisters in attendance from the center along with a Presidency that has been called to minister to them. Three of the 6 sisters were sound asleep. One was in some sort of daze and the other 2 sat on the front row alert and responsive. One of them was particularly happy the children had come to sing to her. As I conducted the meeting, Sammy jumped around from chair to chair and circled around my legs. The little old lady on the front row kept telling him, "It's okay. Mama is right there." My friend Kristin's daughter, who wouldn't leave her mothers side, kept asking if they were dead. After the talks, the children stood up in front and sang, I am a Child of God. As I knelt down by Samuel's side to help him with the words, the spirit bore witness to my heart that every single person present, young and old, was indeed a literal child of a Heavenly Father who knows us and loves us individually.

Yesterday my two oldest girls had a chance to participate at the center with the Young Men/ Young Women. Analisa played the piano as Sarah conducted the hymns. Talks were given and testimonies shared as the spirit once again filled the little room. These sweet, yet strong teenagers went around and visited with the dear people . We were all enriched in the process. Sarah asked if she could work there on Saturdays ;)

I still feel discouraged once in a while, but as I look at the faces pictured below, I am hopeful. The Lord is mindful of us and as we serve him and draw near he blesses us with his Spirit.

funny girl

Here is a little glimpse of an e-mail I received from Katherine's school teacher. What? Doesn't everyone get long e-mails from their child's teacher telling you how amazing your child is? I know. We are extremely fortunate. This was so Katherine, I had to share.


As I told you this afternoon, Katherine’s is extremely witty and has perfect comic timing. She makes me laugh on a daily basis. Let me give you an example:

One day the students were working on an art project. The kids at her group were comparing the cars that their parents drive. This is how the conversation went:

Student 1: My dad has a really nice car. He drives a BMW.

Student 2: My dad has a Trans Am!

Student 3: Really? My dad drives a Lexis!

Katherine: Oh yeah? My dad drives a minivan!

She had no idea I was listening in, but I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard at a student comment. The way she said it was perfect. She knows exactly what to say in every situation. She’s never rude or disrespectful, but she has impeccable timing!





That's my Kate. You can always count on her for a smile. Gotta love that girl.



p.s. my studly, minivan driving hubby drives dance carpool too. love you babe!

Concertino in CM, III -Vandall

It is wet, cold and snowy here in Utah. I thought I'd share this little concerto to brighten up our day. We are so proud of Matthew and his love and passion for music. His confidence makes us laugh. I don't think he knows the meaning of the word nervous. Sometimes when he plays he gets so into the music you think he might fall right off the bench. Other times it comes so natural his eyes wander around aimlessly. Props to his big sis Analisa for accompanying him and sacrificing a little bit of her social life to practice and perform with him. They are so cute together. I love these kids!

Election Day

I love my country. I love voting day. I love that I can go out and cast a ballot reflecting my convictions. I have neighbors on both sides of me that have opposing views. Only in America can we have meaningful, lasting friendships that aren't threatened by political preferences.

Regardless of how things turn out I know that the everyday choices I make and the values I teach my children will be a reflection of what I know to to be right and true.

I pray for all those who are elected that they can make good decisions that will benefit the citizens of this great country.


God Bless America!

halloween collage

I am having way to much fun playing in photobucket. Can you tell? Not bad for my first attempt, if I do say so myself.

a few more of Sammy

I had to include this cute little clip I took at the preschool program. His cute little neighbor cracks me up.

Sammy the piarte/ skeleton/ ghost

Samuel is all about Halloween. Maybe it has something to do with his fascination with Scooby Doo. He had a blast dressing up in his glow in the dark pirate/ skeleton/ ghost costume. Pretty scary!