Spiritual Matters of the Heart...

I have been thinking the last few weeks about posting some spiritual moments that I have yet to write in my personal journal (an actual notebook which requires writing with a pen).  But I have not taken the time to do so yet.  But with Easter Sunday coming up and then General Conference I'm just more inspired to blog it instead.

There is a vast amount of small experiences to share.  They vary from feeling my testimony grow, to celebrating a friend's sealing, to sharing the Gospel with friends and invstigators, to fasting about adoption and Rob's job.    But overall I have been experiencing an increase in gratitude and overwhleming joy.  All that I have felt, seen, thought, and expereinced the last few weeks have reminded me of my blessings and the importance of doing what I'm supposed to be doing, as well as doing things for the right reason and purpose.  Mainly when it comes to fulfilling Heavenly Father's Plan and Striving to live Fully the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have had so many opportunities to reminisce my experience as a convert to the Church and bear my testimony of its truthfulness and fullness in Sapnish with the help and inspiration of the Spirit.  I have shared personal experiences that I had not thought of in years with families that are investigating the Church as we have gone out with the Spanish Missionaries the last 3 weeks.  I have felt inspired to do things and I have actually done them and see the blessing that come from obeying.  I have spoken Spanish more than I have in months.  I have seen the living circumstances of struggling Mexican families and wondered How they are making it?  But yet I'm touched by their humility and faith to move forward.   

I have witnessed my 4 year old give more than any child at her age I have ever met.  She has become one of the kindest kids around our home.  She is so willing to give of herself for others at all times, unconditionally.  She has become a great example to all of us, and is following her Daddy's great gift of Selflessness and Compassion.  My husband has grown to love me more and is constantly showing it and expressing it in very creative ways.

I have greater admiration for my Sister-in-law, whose husband has been out of work for over 15months, as she moves forward with faith and lives a very simple and humbling lifestyle.  She has been blessed with the love of many that have helped her and her family with food, money and whatever else that they may need.  I'm grateful for all those that live near them and have taken care of them.  Heavenly Father has sent an abundance of angels to watch over them.  Our prayers keep getting answered in unexpected ways.  We keep praying that employment is found, but the Lord keeps fulfilling their needs in other ways.  Thanks Michelle for your great example of perseverance, dedication, devotion, obedience, Faith, hope, selflessness, unconditional Love, and the list goes on.  I know that all of your trials and challenges from the past have prepared you for this experience.  You are amazing to me!!!  I'm truly inspired by you!

Our kids have also done some deep thinking and a lot of questions have come up about the atonement and eternal families, etc.  It has been refreshing for me to answer their sweet, tender and honest questions with the help of the Spirit.  Because of such, I am more motivated to read my scriptures more often and read more Books with a Spiritual-deep doctrine theme, as well as listen or read more talks, devotionals, and whatever podcasts I can get my hands on in regards to the Savior and His Gospel.  

I have been reminded often about the Love our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for us, for me and how I must give of that love back uncondtionally.  I have to KNOW my Savior to truly LOVE HIM and love others.  Then with that feeling and knowledge pass it on to my children, husband and fellow beings.  I must show it in my actions, words and deeds.  I know that I need to strive harder to live His Gospel and grow closer to Him.  I find Joy and happiness when I do.  But, life happens and I get too easily distracted.  But soon after I'm set back to my place and humbled.  I cannot express the amount of love I feel from my Savior.  I'm so grateful for His Atonement and His great example.  I'm touched by Heavenly Father's abundant love and grateful for His gift to us, His Son.

With Easter celebration this weekend, I pray that many will remember the real reason for Easter and think of the Savior in great appreciation and love.  I'm grateful for my husband and children.  I'm grateful for my parents and siblings.  I'm grateful for Rob's parents and his siblings.  I'm grateful to the two missionaries that came knocking on our door and a faithful Home Teacher that helped me and my family accept and embrace the Gospel.  This world may become more chaotic as time passes and people may start to forget who they are and believing that there is a God, but there is Hope and Light in the truth, that there is full joy and happiness found in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in families that stay together. 

My heart is full.  I'm humbled by the many blessing I have received.  I'm not perfect, but I know that because of Jesus' grace He will make up the difference in places where I have come short.  As long as I'm striving I have hope that I will make it back to His presence.  I know He lives!

P.S  I can't wait to hear our prophet Pres. Monson speak and the rest of our church leaders, this weekend!  Ican't wait to be edified and inspired!

Son of God-Lds Website (click)

Artwork of the Savior (click)
Mormon.org Videos (click)

My Beautiful Sisters & handsome Little Brother...

I just wanted to show off my beautiful sisters and handsome baby brother.  I stole some recent pictures of my sisters from online and I just had to share how my brother is doing on his mission.  But, I also needed to publicly announce that I will be the proud Aunt of my sister Bianca's 2nd baby due in October.  We are so very excited for her.  I think it is a BOY!!  Anyhow, I am super happy for this new baby to come!  My sister is a wonderful Mother and any children she has are so blessed to have her. 

My other sister Frandi just got back from San Antonio Texas, where she spent five days playing with her Hubby during his Spring Break.  She posted some pictures on facebook and this one was just stunning that I had to post it.  It is pure ART!  I just think she looks like she should be in a magazine in this picture!

Goodness, I miss my sisters!

My little brother comes home from his mission this year in December.  Time flies (Rob's brother Matt also comes home this Summer)!  Elder Delgado was called to be the Zone leader in his mission last week and is undergoing some transferring and changes.  He has grown so much in every aspect, physically and emotionally but mostly spiritually.  He is so dedicated and devoted to serving the Lord and others.  He has been a great example of Faith and perseverance to us.  It has been a wonderful experience to read his letters and keep up a blog for him.  I can't wait to see him and hug him so tight!!!

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Japanese Pizza...

Last Sunday we had dinner at our friends' house.  We enjoyed some delicious authentic Japanese food.  Our friend Noriko makes the best American foods even though she is originally from Japan, so we asked her when she was going to make us foods from japan?  She finally made us some Japanese dishes and I couldn't get enough of it all. 

She made these Japanese Pizzas, that are more like these giant seafood pancakes.  They were loaded with shredded cabbage, shrimp, scallops, squid, some other seafood flavorings and topped with fresh bacon.  It was YUMMY!  We also enjoyed making our own Sushi rolls with vegetables and shrimp and salmon, ooooh Good!  I was more amazed with how she had taken the time to prepare all of this and how wonderful it all looked.  We also had this fish soup with fried tofu and mini-mushrooms, loaded with onions.  Oh, more yummy!

I brought the dessert.  James made Lava cake, and I made chocolate chip cookies and Caramel Chocolate cookie bars.  Not too bad either!  This coming Sunday we are having Easter Dinner together.  I get to make the Roast and potatoes.  I'm not good at roasting yet, but I will attempt to do it with confidence.  I cooked a Turkey successfully for Thanksgiving, I can cook a roast.  Any great recipes you can share, I will be much obliged. 

               

Adoption Progress...

Things are coming along slowly with our adoption process.  I feel there is no rush, but I didn't think that the first stages of getting in and approved would take this long.  The FBI background check has not been sent yet to LDS Family Services.  We sent out all the forms about 7 weeks ago.  We have some other forms that have not been sent from other sources either.   Then there are the forms online and applications of personal questionnaires, family background, preferences, pictures, etc.  that we have been working on.   We are almost there, the closer we get done, the more anxious I become.  It has been a growing and learning experience thus far to do all this. 
Filling out all the questionnaires and going through 1000's of pictures have brought back many tender memories, and feelings of great appreciation to my Heavenly Father for all that he has giving me and my family.  We are so very blessed wtih a rich life, and abundantly filled with much love and happiness.  I have come to know my family more, especially talking about my parents and siblings.  We have had to share our feelings and thoughts about each other and our children as well.  It has been an incredible humbling journey so far.      
We have all been praying about this and fasting.  Rob and I feel very strongly still about doing this and knowing that this is what Heavenly Father wants us to do.  It is the right thing for our family.  The kids are super excited and talk about a little brother or sister often, well mainly a brother, and how fun it is going to be to feed him, change his diaper, play with him, hold him, etc.  They have been wanting this for a very long time.  I can't wait to see them with their new baby brother or sister.  The most exciting part of all this is when we get to all go through the Temple and have this sweet baby be sealed to our family.  It just waters my eyes to think about it.  I can't wait for our children to have such a wonderful experience.
I know that when my family (my parents and siblings) got sealed  in the L.A Temple when I was about 19 years old, I was filled with so much happiness and gratitude.  I remember the room I was in with my sisters and baby brother.  I remember the smell, the clothes we wore, the feelings of joy we felt.  I was so at peace knowing that my family would be together forever.  Thanks Mom and Dad for taking this important step in your lives and making the changes necessary to get us to the Temple.  I also want to publicly thank my Heavenly Father for answering my 2 year long prayers. 
I'm tickled to know that Heavenly Father trusts us (Rob and I) with the kids we have and with another to come.  There are days that I wonder how in the world could I possibly handle one more when I can barely handle the 4 I've been given?  But soon after such a thought, comes the feeling or reminder of Heavenly Father's Plan for us and of His Son's Atonement and of how wonderful it is to have the Gospel and knowledge of who we are, where we come from and where we are going.  With this sense of purpose and divine worth, I want to have the opportunity to give another child to be part of our wonderful and crazy family.  Where there is often chaos amongst the Love, but over all a lot of Love.  We are a very happy family and have been blessed with very tender hearted and high strong children.  The Lord knew I could handle them and entrusted me with them.  I can do it because the Lord knows I can and I have His help to do so as well.
I'm honored to be a Mother in these Latter Days.  I know who I am, I know I can, I know I have been given much and as a result much is expected of me.  I know I can fulfill all my roles and walk in His ways.  He is always with me and I'm sorrounded by His Love.  I feel Him everyday...specially on my toughest times.  It is He who I can lean on and rely on to help me progress, become who I need to be and make it through the next stage in my life. 
Families are Forever!
 

Went Back For More...

Jessica called me Saturday in between games, to help her take some more pictures of Miss R.  I was delighted and super excited.  Miss R. was very sweet and so very cooperative this time around.  She was the perfect angel to take pictures of.  I couldn't get over how yummy she was.  Here are some of the pictures I took that Jessica enhanced and watermarked for us.  I think I can  get the hang of this...Thanks Jessica!

Bring It On...

I complain every Soccer season about my lack of time and crazy scheduling.  I'm what you call a "Soccer Mom" and a "Taxi driver".  With three kids playing soccer and 6 practices, we literally live in our van for 8 weeks.  I had to tell James that he coudln't do Track N' Field this Spring because I couldn't add one more thing to our busy schedule.   

Our first games were this Saturday.  It made our crazy week of practices worthwhile.  I watched my kids play their best, and scored goals for their teams.  It was impressive to see how they could go from being all mellow and calm to accelerating full speed, just to kick a soccer ball.  Amazing energy and skills! 

So, I'm trying to organize our time better so that we can get chores done, dinners cooked, beds made, laundry put away, do homework, read scriptures, go to bed on time, and spend quality time together.  I need sanity and order.  But, I also know that my kids and family life come first and that if we need to cut down on activities, then we will do it.  We do not want to become a TIME STARVING family.  We'll see how this goes...but for right now I can say that it was exciting to see our children play Soccer. 

   

My Best Friend...

Rob is the best thing that has ever happened in  my life.  I.m so blessed to have him as my best friend and eternal companion.  He makes life so wonderful and he is constantly coming up with ways to brighten my day or ease any burdens from me.  I just love his heart, his creativity, his selflessness and compassion, his sense of humor, spontaneouity, and corney actions, plus the list can go on and on, but Ihave no time or space to tell you all of the things I love about him.

His latest attempts to romancing me or flirting with me were that he wrote two poems for me (Papeles and Craziness) , he sent me an e-mail with over 50 ways of saying "I love you" in different languages and then he spilled all over the bathroom floor (during my shower) a bunch of Hershey's Kisses with stick it notes that said "I kiss the ground you walk on" with printed lips.  It just keeps getting better and better through out the years.  He never ceases to amaze me.  He is constantly thinking of ways to keep our love growing and the romance alive.  Thank you ROB! 

Desperate Creative Parenting...

Well, no matter what we do to teach our girls about using clean words, meaning no POTTY words/talk, they seem to be more drawn to them.  When they quarrell about something you can always bet that one of them will be calling the other "BUTT-HEAD" or "POOPIE-FACE", or my favorite:  "POOPIE-BUM-BUM HEAD".  They also have used hurtful words such as "Stupid" and "Shut Up" or "I hate you".  We tried washing their mouths wtih Soap, that didn't work...then we resorted to vinegar or tabasco sauce, that didn't work.  My last desperate attempt called for red curry paste, well that didn't work either.

So, Rob came up with something creative.  I believe it is working...So, when one of the kids say a nasty/hurtful word we write that word on their foreheads in black washable marker.  They have to keep it on for an hour.  They are pretty embarrased and walk around a bit ashamed.  Juliette was most affected by this, and she has the worst mouth of them all.  She ended up with 3 words on her forehead on the first day.  Then James comes along and says to me "DOOKIE", then laughs and walks away.  I knew he was playing with me, so I wrote DOOKIE on him.  He didn't really like that very much, but still laughed about it.  I told them that if it became a joke that I would use permanent black marker next time.  They all were appalled!! 

I have not heard any of the kids say any POTTY words or hurtful words in 2 days.  Perhaps this worked!  We'll see!

P.S  These pictures are of Juliette embarrased.  She tried to hide her forehead with her blankie.  Very silly, but I took so many fun shots. 

Week 3 of My Photography Lessons...

I cannot thank Jessica enough, ever, for taking me under her wings and teaching me how to use my camera and take better pictures.  She has been such a great teacher and has been so very patient with me.  Thank you Jess for sharing your wisdom and talent with me! 

She must see some potential since she has asked me to tag along on some of her photoshoots.  I went with her yesterday to take pictures of this gorgeous 3 week old baby girl.  I had a great time, although I was a bit nervous at first.  But once we got going I really enjoyed it and I also gained a greater respect and appreciation for professional photographers. 

I liked working alongside her and watching her in action.  She is so very talented and creative.  The baby had a hard time and cried much if she wasn't in Mom's arms, so cute...So we'll probably be back to take more pictures of her on a better day.

I'm truly honored and feel a good inmense amount of pressure to really learn and stay focus with this photography stuff.  I don't want to let Jessica down.  She will need a second shooter next year and I have been sweetly offered the possible position.  Now I really have to learn, otherwise I can't join her professional field and be working alongside such a talented friend.

Thank you so much Jessica.  I'm really learning a lot.  I will get this.  I want to!  I also need to learn how to photoshop pictures, or enhance them.  I tried to with a few I took yesterday but I have a lot to learn.  You are amazing at what you do!  You are very unique as well.

P.S  Thanks for enhancing my picture of the baby in the basket.  It makes my picture look awesome!!  I love that I caught her half smiling, so cute!

Here are two others I took:

Here is also a link to Jessica's Blog where she posted some more of the pictures she took of the baby yesterday:

EPIC LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

More Sock Hop fun photos...

My friend Jessica Bjorn owner of Epic Life Photography in town, was sweet enough to come to the Sock Hop and take some profesional shots at the Party.  Mine were all done on the AUTO mode in my camera and so they came out a bit orangey looking.  The pictures she took are much nicer.  THANK YOU JESS!!!

Here is what I got:

Brian and Angee's Wedding

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

We had the wonderful privilege of participating in my friend Brian's Sealing to his wife Angee this past Saturday!  It was such a beautiful ceremony and many wonderful things were said by the Temple Sealer.  Rob and I both came out feeling highly uplifted and touched by the spirit.  Thank you Brian and Angee for inviting us. 

I had the wonderful opportunity of seeing one of Brian's sisters (Rachel) and his parents.  I couldn't of hugged them tight enough.  It has been over 14 years since I last saw them.  It was just wonderful to talk with them again and try to catch up a bit.  I hope to be able to see the rest of the family in the near future, specially YOU Miss Jenni!  I missed you!  I'm saving the biggest HUG for you Girl!

It was a beautiful and the most perfect day to have a wedding.  We couldn't of asked for a more wonderful weather.  I had a fun time taking candid pictures of them.  It gave me a taste of how it will be to work alongside a photographer and all that they put into taking these priceless pictures.  I really like taking spontaneous, unexpected shots.  Thanks for letting me take your pictures!  I enjoyed that a lot.  I will get better at it...I'm learning!

James was hired to be their VIDEO-grapher.  He did a fantastic job and earned every penny!  He was just on top of things and did fabulous at sticking to his task for a 12-yr old.  Our friends were impressed and very pleased with his work.  He really took his job seriously!!  Thank you James for being such an awesome kid that people can trust and rely on!!  You are growing up the way you should and becoming who you need to become.

Being able to be a part of my friend's sealing was very rewarding.  I have known Brian for over 22 years.  He has made so many changes in his life in order to take the necessary steps to progress in the Gospel and become who he needs to become in accordance to the Lord's plan.  He has a magnificent wife now, whom he loves and will be with for ALL TIME and ETERNITY.  What an incredible journey?!  Thanks for your great example Brian. 

I'm so grateful to have the honor and privilege to be sealed to Rob for all time and eternity.  It has made our marriage more meaningful and increased our love over the years!  I can still remember one of the things our Temple Sealer told us when Rob and I got married almost 15 years ago (this April).  He said "the more you do for each other, the more love you will feel for one another".  We have followed that advice and it has become a reality!  Although, I believe that I'm more in debt with Rob for all that he does selflessly and uncondtionally for me, than he is with me.  He is just a giver by nature, at least when it comes to me and his kids.  I love him!!  Thank you Rob!