This is my favorite time of the year. I used to dislike Christmas so much until I got married. My parents never made Christmas about Jesus or family and we usually just ate and later everyone would leave to do their own thing. My last real Christmas present was when I was 11 years old and after that my parents just gave us money... yeah, pretty sad. Jared taught me about the true meaning of Christmas and family. He taught me that it is better to give than to receive, and that having the latest piece of clothing or jewelry won't bring me happiness. The last few Christmases, Jared and I bought hardly any presents for ourselves. We enjoy seeing Mario opening presents, bonding with family, eating great food and making wonderful memories that bring us closer as a family.We spent Christmas eve with Jared's family and Christmas day on our own. I really appreciate having a special program in which we talk about Jesus before opening presents, it makes everything more meaningful. I am really grateful for the opportunity to have Christ in my life. I wish a lot of people would remember Jesus Christ more and try to make fun, clean family memories because I think the only thing that we will always cherish are the good memories we make with our families. I am still learning and I know someday I will be the perfect mother, wife and friend that I am meant to be; that is one of the promises I have in my patriarcal blessing.
Christmas Eve (December 24th)
Santa Claus came to visit Mario at his Grandparents' house. Mario was upset with Santa because Santa gave him a "crappy piece of candy" instead of the toy car he asked for when we were in Utah. Santa promised Mario that he would bring all the toys that he wanted, and he did.
Christmas Day (December 25th)
Mario was so happy and excited. He couldn't believe that Santa actually brought him all the toys he asked for. After opening presents we made some breakfast burritos (yes, we are proud New Mexicans) and a Dominican drink called "Morir Soñando" which is like an orange julius but without the egg.I didn't take very many pictures of Mario opening presents this year but I recorded Mario going down the stairs and seeing all the presents for the first time which is priceless.
Jared opening presents.
Jared teaching Mario how to play chess.
In other exciting news, our baby will be born in less than 50 days! We are really excited about finally meeting this little man face to face. Being pregnant is not my favorite thing in the world; I like feeling the baby kicking but that's about it. I must say that this pregnancy has been nicer than my last one but I still get really impatient because I want to hold my little guy. I know I will regret those words when I can't sleep through the night...
