We had such a wonderful Christmas!!!! It was wonderful, and I was really excited that actually Christmas just started because we’ll keep on celebrating until Three Kings on January 6th. We spent Christmas Eve with our wonderful neighbors and friends, and Jeff’s parents. I was such a good wife!!!! I made empanadas, alcapurrias, tembleque, and arroz dulce. Barbara brought a delicious ham and arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas). One day I’ll post the recipes–I’m exhausted tonight. This morning the opening of presents was magical…Juli got his skateboard and playmobil castle; Joax got a car service station and a doll boy whom he loved as soon as he saw him; Areli got her dolly, and Maga got…Dandelion!!!! The Yorkie puppy she has wanted for ever, and whom she wasn’t suppossed to get until Areli was at least three years old…but oh well! Santa had other plans. She’s thrilled with joy, and currently sleeping on the floor to be closer to her puppy sleeping in a kennel.

Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I love the snow we got last night, and the peace we feel at home. My family is the greatest present I have. I feel so blessed I could cry with joy.

I’m so thankful to Heavenly Father for sending his son to Earth. I gave Jeff a book called “Father and Son: A Nativity Story;” a Christmas story told from Joseph’s point of view. Joseph wonders how to teach his newborn “son” when He is I Am, the Creator; how to comfort, teach Him. My children aren’t The Savior, but I often wonder how I can teach, inspire, protect, discipline these spirits sent to me. These giants who are more loving, wise, and smart that I could ever aspire to become. But when I see them sleeping, so fragile and innocent in bed, all I can pledge them is my life, my love, to guide them back Home.

Merry Christmas everybody. Our Savior was born in Bethlehem!!!!