Thanksgiving Break in California

This year, we decided to spend Thanksgiving with my sister Karen and her family in California. We had a really fun time. On thanksgiving day Rob and Ryan played in a ward turkey bowl which ended up being pretty muddy since it rained the whole night before, but they had a lot of fun. We had thanksgiving dinner at Ryan's aunts home where we met up with Ryan's parents and sister. During the same week we had the chance to go to Sea World twice where Arianna, Rachel and their cuisin Kianna, had a fun time watching the Believe Show with Shamu, the dolphin show, and petting the Manta Rays. They also went to see the Polar Bears and the Beluga whales among other amazing Sea Animals. We are grateful for the creations of God. We also got to see some of our dear friends Claudia and Ira, Justin and Jen, and wished we could have had more time to visit Chris and Mel and their beautiful Malia. The girls had a blast with their cousing Kiannita, and got to play and get very wet at Sea World. Now when we mention Sea World Rachel says "Fin (delfin)Mojo!"(The Dolphin got me wet!). My sister and I got to see Twilight and to have some "sister time". Thank you Karen, Ry and Kiannita for your love and all you did to make us feel at home. We love you guys

The Day I Became an American Citizen

On November 19Th of 2008, I became an American citizen. The sworn in ceremony took place at the Phoenix Stadium, where the Super Bowl took place this year. Can you believe how important I am? Incredible! 2178 people became US citizens that day. It was an emotional and special event. To be adopted by the country that has given me so many blessings and opportunities. I also love that I can keep both my Colombian and American citizen ships. Great! That is what we do at our home, we try to bring the best of both cultures and we teach our girls to honor, respect and love, both. I don't have a lot of pics, because the camera run out of batteries,even though we had charged it the night before (haha). To celebrate the event, Rob, Arianna, Rachel, and I ate at the Cheese Cake Factory:)

Trunk or Treat!

Isn't this the cuttest picture?... Our princess and our angel!





Best costume at the trunk or treat!


The joy of candy!


Rachel loves dressing up. Fun wig!

Here comes our climber



This is not photoshop, this is real! Only our little angel can do this. Next year she should be curious George.

A Tender Experience

Rachel woke up crying at about 11:30pm and I thought it was like 3:00am. I was in my deepest sleep. I tried to stay in bed hoping she would go back to sleep, but I figured since she does not usually wake up, I had better go see. I have to admit I kind of waited to see if Rob would wake up, but no... it did not happen. So I went to Rachel's room, and as soon as I opened the door, it smelled so bad. Yep, poppy diaper, a huge one. I cleaned her up. Washed her bum, and then put on a clean diaper. Rachel half-asleep, and half-awake gave me the cutest grin. I held her in my arms and rocked her for a while. With one of her hands, she caressed my shoulder and my arm. Then she half opened her eyes, looked at me, and smiled. You know, one of those moments where you connect, heaven seems so close. I felt the reassurance of my special mission as a mother, in this small act of service to my child. I know mothers have many of those moments, when we realize we are doing something for our kids, they cannot do for themselves, we are rendering the greatest act of service and love, and the Spirit is so close. Sometimes is hard. However, even behind those moments when we drag ourselves we can find spiritual and special moments. I am grateful for the blessing of motherhood and for the great experiences that spring from small moments.

Carving Pumpkins

Last saturday we carved some pumpkins and the girls loved it. We had them decorate the pumpkins and take the seeds out. Rob, the presision guy, did most of the carving, and I did the picture taking.

Rachel with my hat. Adorable!



Arianna and Rachel horseback riding.Rob is the horse, of course.



Arianna and Rachel leading the music, for family home evening.

Stretchy Rachel

Rachel is going to be our gymnast. Not only does she love to climb things all the time, she has no fear of anything, and she is very flexible. The pictures speak for themselves.

A day at the Farm

On Saturday We went to the superstition's Farm, they had a day on the farm type of thing. While we were there three Calves were born, and we were able to see two of those births. It was pretty neat and sad too. One of the caws had two Calves and one was a still born. It was sad to see that. Arianna was fascinated with the whole thing. I mean with seeing the little Calves trying to walk, and the mom cleaning them, etc. It was neat. As you can see in the pictures, Rachel is a little camera shy, and she wants to do her own thing, so is hard to take pictures of her. We do what we can.