CHRISTMAS TIME

Every year at Christmas time we try to always remember the true meaning of Christmas and think more of Christ.  Surprisingly, it seemed easier this year than it has in past years.  This year was similar to when I was on my mission.  Maybe it was coming home everyday passed the temple with the lights, wise men, and nativity.  The whole Christmas weekend was enjoyable.  It started on Friday December 23.  One of the women that I visit teach went to the temple to receive her endowments and asked me to be her escort.  Before we went to the temple we took her and her daughter out to eat.  Being in the temple with someone who has never been in the temple before makes you think about everything in a new way.  It was a very special experience and I'm grateful that she asked me to be there with her.  After the temple we went straight over to the baptism of my nephew who had just turned 8.  The spirit was very strong.  It was such a tender experience to see that little boy make such a righteous decision to be baptized and covenant to follow the Savior.  I got teary eyed as I thought about my children who are not here yet.  I hope that I can lead and teach them in such a way that they too will make the decisions to be baptized and later receive their endowments.  I am grateful for a righteous husband who will be able to baptize our children when the day comes.  I am also grateful for the guidance and hope that the Gospel of Jesus Christ gives me.  I am grateful for eternal families.  My parents and a couple of my sisters came to visit for the baptism and for Christmas.  It was a great way to end the day to spend the evening with my family.

Me and Karen Camacho after she received her endowments

Christmas Eve and day were spent with Mike's family.  Mike's family has a tradition that we all get pajama pants on Christmas Eve which we then sport for Christmas morning.  It was especially nice to be able to attend church on Christmas, and I thought it was very appropriate.  After the weekend I was feeling a little sick, but I think I was emotionally and spiritually drained as well as over fed.  All in all, it was worth it.

Opening presents on Christmas morning

Our pajama bottoms, and yes my legs are that long

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MIKE

This year for Mike's birthday I got him a couple of shirts that he wanted and a small charcoal grill.  Our apartment isn't big enough for a regular size one, so I got a small one that we can also use camping.  The day before his birthday we went out to eat at Joe's Crab Shack again for his yearly dose of crab.  On his birthday I made him clam chowder.  The day after his birthday we went to his family's house for carne asada.  It was definitely a yummy weekend.

The ASU sweatshirt that was "sick."

Polo sporting the W.P. Carey Business School logo

Mike obviously loves BBQ

The requested tres leches cake

ASU BASKETBALL

 I am a firm believer in getting things in life because of who you know and not what you know.  For example, my brother-in-law had some great seats to an ASU basketball game that he wasn't going to use.  As a result, we got to use them.  We were on row 2, aka right in the action.  If you don't believe me, see the pictures.  They ended up losing but it was still a fun game.  Thanks Spencer!

Sparky was imitating the security guard