An Apostle of the Lord

Last night, while we were at Costco, we saw Elder Holland doing his shopping by himself. It was an interesting sight to see. Some would just pass by, unaware of who was in close proximitiy to them. Others noticed immediately and would stop to say hello or shake his hand. How I wanted to, oh how I wanted to, but that is just not something I do. I like to leave people alone. I could tell he was having a hard time getting any real shopping done. So I opted for the next best thing. I followed him around for a few minutes. He would go down a particular aisle and I would just happen to go down that same aisle and listen to his conversations with people. The Spirit that that man radiates can only come from God. I could feel the swelling in my chest and for some reason it was as if tears wanted to come to my eyes. I can't explain it other than the Spirit. I didn't speak to him or shake his hand, but I could feel it. I know he is an apostle of the Lord.

That brings me to another point. For the last month or so I've been reading a book entitled Fishers of Men from the Kindgom and the Crown series by Gerald Lund. It is about the life and times of Jesus Christ. In the book, the author describes these masses of people who would follow the Savior around each day. I'm talking hundreds who would be waiting for him outside while he went in to have lunch with someone or to speak to someone privately. I thought it was so strange and bothersome. I know I get bothered when my three kids follow me around all day. However, after last night's experience, I can now better understand. I think our souls long to feel the Spirit and they gravitate towards it. I now know, that I would be one of those followers of Jesus Christ. I think we long to feel anything that reminds us of our heavenly home. It warms us and fills us. As one of my goals this year, I would like to find many more ways to feel of the Spirit in my life. I hope and pray that we all can, and do so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Farewell 2009.

So another year has passed and I think it's been a great one. It's been the first year in a while that I haven't had a baby on my hip. I've had a little more freedom this year. I competed in a beauty pageant, which seems like an odd dream, and I've learned to do so many new things like sewing, making bread, making bows, and teaching children. I feel so much better about myself. I'm more confident and sure of myself, which is such a nice thing to find after so many years. I'm comfortable in my own skin and like the woman that I'm turning out to be. I have made such good friends this year and Miguel and I actually get to go out once in a while on a date. I love my children more and we have definately had some adventures together. Remember hiking to Battle Creek Falls by myself! We've been to Yellowstone and froze our rears off. I've been to NYC with the fam. Life treats me pretty good, I'd have to say. So here's to all that awaits in 2010. I hope it is just as good!

Christmas at our house.

Christmas was at our house this year. All of the Ruiz clan was at our house except for his brother's family. So it was a house full of little girls. Eight to be exact. We had an amazing dinner. We all voted it in as the new tradition. Fillet Steaks...seriously people. It was so ridiculously good. The kids table.
The grown up table.

Grandma made the famouse Mexican Christmas punch. It was so good. It's kind of like hot apple cider, but better.

We held our annual Christmas bingo. Each adult was paired with a kid.

This was the hit of the evening. I made some more of the cinnamon bread and no kidding a loaf would disapear in less than five minutes. Paired with the punch, it was to die for. We burned through four loaves in one evening.

After bingo, we made sugar cookie dough with the hopes of making cookies for Santa. We never got to that part unfortunately. Then the gift giving began. It was mayhem. The kids got some fun things from everyone.

Once everyone left, Gabriela paniced because the night before I told her that Santa was going to check to see if her room was clean and if not, he might not leave her gifts. I also told them that if they didn't hurry and get in the bed, Santa was going to fly by their house because they weren't asleep yet. I've never seen them get in bed so quick. We cleaned up and settled in for a long night.

On Christmas morning this is what our living room looked like! Santa did come and apparently the girls were pretty good this year.

Gabriela got a Barbie dream house, a cupcake making set, some clothes and accessories, and a stocking full of surprises.

Julianne got a baby doll set and some play food.

The pics I took of Sophia didn't turn out so good, but she got a Barbie horse, her own camera, and a computer.

On Christmas morning, we made a good breakfast complete with Reindeer pancakes. It was fun and will be one of our traditions.

When I looked over, this is how Sophia was eating her breakfast.

We then opened gifts from our own family and from my parents.

The girls gave each other new dance clothes that are so dang cute!

They also got new princess dress ups.

Sophia liked the dress ups Grandpa Steve gave her.

They also got a lot of other fun things, even though I don't have pictures.

Gigi gave them this beauty. Their own Barbie Mustang. It was so funny because they were playing on it for about five minutes and Gabriela says, "but I wanted a real car, you know, one that moves and that I can drive." Miguel then taught Sophia to push the pedal and it jerked forward. All of their eyes lit up and it scared them a bit, but then busted out in laughter. Every time Sophia mashed the gas pedal she would start laughing all over again. Unfortunately it's like twenty degrees outside and snow on the ground, so they only can go about four feet forward and backward. It has a working radio and everything. They love it and Julianne just loves sitting in it.

Gigi helped Santa out this year and made this adorable apron for her to go along with her cupcake making basket. She made us muffins this morning. Thanks Gigi and all of our family for helping us make this a special Christmas for the girls. We love you all and hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

I'm Not a Bread Making Virgin anymore!

O.k. so I can't believe I said that, but oh well. It's late and I'm exhausted. I'm a little delirious, but I couldn't go to bed without reporting my big initiation into serious womanhood. I MADE MY FIRST BREAD FROM SCRATCH, BY MYSELF. Well almost. My good friend supported me along the way and was an extra pair of hands when I needed her, but I finally did it. They turned out a little odd shaped, but I think it tasted pretty good. It was yummy cinnamon bread. I got a tutorial from a lady, who used to own a bakery in Georgia, and she showed me the ropes. I feel so accomplished. Like I've connected with women throughout history. I know that's silly, but I'm just being honest. Pretty soon, I'll be slaughtering my own meat, washing my clothes by hand, and using cloth diapers. No way, jose. Just kidding. I do wash all my dishes by hand though.

As a side note, we made a quick visit to Santa this evening as well. I think he was tired and wasn't very annimated. It was kind of a ba humbug experience.

Gumby

Do you see any resemblance?
Today during dance class, Gabriela surprised us all with this move. I haven't seen her do it this well ever. She said her teacher said, "today, we're going to try to get our heads off the floor." Well low and behold, Gabriela pops up with this. It caught all the mom's attention and her teacher's.

Here comes Santa Claus.

So we got to meet Santa at the ward Christmas party. The girls were so excited all day and when he came in jingling his bells, they went straight for him. Julianne bailed on them. Sophia told him she wanted a horsey that only she can play with and Gabriela wants her own car.

This is the girls waiting patiently for their turn. Julianne was fine up until the moment we threw her into his arms.

Just for the record, Sophia does have a clean face, well at least most of the time. She was eating her brownie when Santa came in and Miguel insisted that I leave it. I'm just capturing reality people. It is what it is.

Jumping off the Walls!

While Papi was trying to take a power nap in Sophia's bed, the girls decided to do this.

They were catching some serious air until Gabriela came down and hit her chin on her knee catching her tongue inbetween. After the bloody mess, the game ended.