End of November

I have many things to be thankful for this month, but I took one blessing for granted. Last week in Relief Society we had a lesson on tithing. I can already hear you groaning, however this is a happy post! LOL.

The teacher taught us that all blessings that come from paying tithing will not always be monetary blessings.

My husband works for the Department of Corrections and it can be a dangerous job, at times. He comes home telling me stories of things that either happened that day or happened when he wasn't there. They are pretty scary stories.

One of the blessing that comes from paying our tithing is my husband's safety at work. I didn't realize this until I was thinking about the lesson last week. It hit me like a ton of bricks... The teacher asked for examples of blessings we have received and I immediately raised my hand and shared what I stated above. I didn't realize that his safety was a blessing from paying tithing.

I shared this with my mother-in-law and she said that our prayers are answered as a result of paying our tithing. It is one of the promises given us from obeying this commandment. We always pray for his safety and I am especially grateful that all the seriously bad things happen when he isn't there. He has been blessed, as has our family.

So this month, I am especially thankful for the Law of Tithing.

Thankful Friday

I think what I am most thankful for this time of year is my family. I have the best little family I could ever ask for.

I have a husband who is thoughtful and keeps me in line... Yes, I need someone to keep me in line. He also works really hard for his family, which means I only see him a couple of days a week, awake. Otherwise I see him in the morning when I get up for work.

I have a wonderful daughter who keeps me young. She teaches me so much about how thin the veil really is. Her line in the Primary Program was, "My name is Catarina. I am a child of God." I told her this past Sunday that she was giving the scripture in Primary and she immediately repeated the line above. I told the Bishop later that I was grateful for Primary and all that they teach. My daughter is such a wonderful example of Heavenly Father's love for us. She reminds me that He is real and cares about all of his children, young, old, and in-between.

The Endres Family Visit

The Endres Family came to visit us from the 6th to the 9th. Eric had a gig at a school in San Bernardino. They stayed with us and the girls had such a good time hanging out. Catarina still asks where they are. She really misses them.

All because two people fell in love. Aren't they a cute couple?!?!

Sisters forever! Although Evee doesn't seem like she is interested at this time...

While they were here we decided to do family portraits. Unfortunately we waited too late in the day to do them, and we ended up at the church instead of the UCR Botanical Gardens. We did manage to get some really nice pictures of the family. Becca was goofing off and I couldn't resist getting goofy pictures of her. She is such a card.

We had a good time hanging out, even though I wasn't feeling well, and eating. We love to eat at this house! HA HA HA We miss them already and can't wait for them to come back and visit again.

Alyssa's Blessing

On Sunday, the second, we attended Alyssa's blessing in Gary & Beth's ward. She did really good and didn't cry during her blessing. She looked like an angel in her beautiful blessing dress.

Proud momma, Beth, and her angel, Alyssa.

Steven & Colleen Guerrero came to the blessing. They moved to Utah when they got married. It was a treat to get to see them.

The happy Fewkes Family.

Gary & Dianne and their three grandchildren. This is the only picture I got because I was busy on the phone giving someone directions around Disneyland. I hope there are better ones out there.

Miss Alyssa.
The kids had a good time playing with the toys that Gary brought over from the condo.
Even the big kids had a good time with the toys. Danny & Gary caught red-handed. LOL
The three Fewkes grandchildren. Alyssa was not a happy camper with the paparazzi flashing every five seconds. We got better pictures at the house.
Gary and Aiden messing around. This was too funny!
Me and Mr. Man. He is such a sweetie! He is wearing the suit we got him for Christmas a few years ago. He has almost outgrown it. We had such a good time in Utah that we didn't want to go home. Reality really bites sometimes...

Utah 11-01-08

Dan and I flew up to Utah on the first to attend Alyssa's blessing. At the airport we stopped and had lunch at Applebees. We almost missed our flight because we were enjoying the food too much! It was a nice lunch and a nice flight.

Mr. Aiden was a hoot to watch and play with. He posed for this picture, after trying to get him to do so for about ten minutes. He has a lot of energy. He is sooo much fun to play with. We stayed with Jeff & Aiden while we were in Utah. They live across the street from Gary & Beth.

Gary's pumpkins! These are totally awesome. He showed me pics of them lit up for Halloween. He is amazing!