Cascarones...An Eggcellent Tradition

Noah trying to assist Chelsea in filling the confetti inside the eggshell.

Here is something my tejano friends in Texas can appreciate. Making cascarones. Why do I insist on making cascarones every year? Oh yeah...because my mom and grandma used to make them every year when I was little. That was another fun thing I remember during my childhood. My sister and I cracking them on my brothers head. Now I am carrying on the tradition of making cascarones with my kids. They look forward to this every year. They may be time-consuming to make, but in the end...cracking them on the heads of friends and family, and those you just want to give a good smack to on the head is all worth making them. Oh...how I miss my friends and family both in Utah and Texas right about now. However, I can think of plenty of heads here in Jersey I would love to crack one on. 

I'm reading to crack some heads.-Noah

We are ready for some fun this weekend. You can read about how to make cascarones here.

*Do you have any easter family traditions?

*Have you ever made cascarones?

FROSH HOP 2011

Dance till the stars come down from the rafters,

Dance, dance, dance till you drop.

~W. H. Auden

I'm still not getting used to the fact that my firstborn is growing up and is now attending high school dances. This was Sierra's first time attending a dance at her school and she was so excited. Don't get me wrong, she's not sheltered or anything, she just chose to do other things than rather go to a dance. They have one every year, and she was planning on going to her sophomore one anyway. I'm positive she won't miss out on her junior and senior prom dances.

A guy named Chris did ask her to go, but because she isn't 16 yet only attended the dance with him as a friend, and not a date. He was so sweet as to wait for her by the entrance door to hand her a pink rose because she was part of the "Court of Honor". She ran for sophomore queen and was two votes away from winning (according to Mrs. Rowland.) She had a great night dancing the night away with all of her friends. I don't think she is in any rush to turn 16 as most girls are...she's enjoying her youth and taking her time in growing, learning, and having good, clean fun... while she's still 15!

Serena & Sierra

Floriza & Sierra

A Day of Silence

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. 

~Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)

Yesterday at my daughters high school dozens of students participated in the "National Day of Silence". Students refrained all day from speaking in hopes that they can get the feeling of how it feels like to NOT be included in fellowship or to be accepted as a human being. Most people cringe when the word "gay" is mentioned or when the topic comes up in a conversation. I have taught my kids to be valiant and to accept people as they are whether they are of a different faith, color, nationality, rich, poor, straight...or gay. 

"My silence is one step towards fighting these injustices" was one of the sentences that stood out to me as Sierra showed me the badge she was to wear during the "Day of Silence." There are many injustices in this world. It seems like the numbers in bullying, hate, and being discriminated against because your gay have increased. 

 Someone said to her the day before that she wouldn't hold out being silent because of her bubbly personality. She said to them, "this is a different and meaningful purpose, and I will." I asked her how her day was during the day of silence, and if anyone thought she was crazy or weird for doing it. She said to me, "It was a very trying and challenging day because I got a taste of what gay people go through. I felt how they feel when they come out of their shell and say they are "different." I felt the isolation and the feeling of being trapped. Trapped because someone asked me if I was a lesbian, and nodding NO wasn't a good enough answer. My silence prevented me from defending myself in also telling them that I'm doing this because we should treat them the same as we would anyone else. It's shocking to see that even your friends treat you differently and shun you just because you view life differently. It's crucial to let them in and to not judge them because I have felt the isolation, and now I can see why we must help them." She went on to tell me how there were certain people who thought it was "gay" for taking part in being silent. She can also see why their last resort would be suicide, and how we need to help them in not letting them get to that point...just because they are gay.  

We are a Mormon family. We love everyone unconditionally and accept everyone as they are. Sometimes being a mormon we are misunderstood. Just because we have gay friends and relatives doesn't mean we support or agree with their lifestyle. We don't go to rallies, but we respect them and love them for who they are.  

While reading C. Jane's blog a while back she shared a post that was written by a member whose blog is titled (Gay) Mormon Guy. I am amazed at the level of his spirituality and boldness he shares on his blog about how he has to fight every day of his life in being attracted to men while being active in the mormon church. I can't imagine how hard it must be for him. I admire his firm belief in knowing that praying to our Heavenly Father gives him the strength to remain undaunted, and to stay strong in fighting those urges. We are not perfect. No one is. 

I am happy for my daughter to have participated in this. She is such a unique individual and I continue to learn so much from her. Here I am almost 40 years old whose 15 year old daughter is teaching her. I love it!

I hope that whoever is reading this will learn that we are all children of God, and that if you know someone who is gay, and is being discriminated against to please help them...and be a friend.

D.A.R.E. Graduation

I wish I would have had the D.A.R.E. program in my life while I was in elementary school. Not that I did any major drugs when I was younger, but  I did hang around friends in middle school and high school that did. I thought that drinking was cool when I was a teenager...it wasn't. I thought that if I hung around those that drank and going to keg parties would make me popular...it didn't.  I woke up and realized that I was heading down the wrong path. I count my blessings to have escaped that scene and to have turned my life around in saying "no". I want different for my children and am glad to know that the D.A.R.E. program is being enforced all over the country at a younger age.

Alexandra's D.A.R.E. graduation was nothing like I've ever seen. There were four fifth grade classes and they began the program with reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. We had the mayor and an officer from our county talk to us about the history of D.A.R.E. The whole student body sang the D.A.R.E. song and recited the D.A.R.E. pledge:

"Taking a stand against drug abuse"

I know who I am and I know that I want to stay healthy and happy. 

I can stand up for myself and stick to my decision to live a drug-free life. 

I can ask for support from my family, friends, teachers and even the police.

I pledge to say "No" to offers to use drugs and alcohol.

I can help others say "No" to drugs and alcohol.

This pledge is a comfort to me and it helps me know that not only am I teaching my kids to refrain from drugs and alcohol, but to know that their educators are also enforcing it in their school. 

I hope that all of our children will always make good decisions in their life ,and that they will always have the strength to say "NO" to drugs and alcohol.. today- and all the days of their life.

One more month to Nursery

"Father asked us what was God's noblest work. Anna said men, but I said babies. Men are often bad, but babies never are."~Louisa May Alcott

I was having a little conversation with Noah the other day about how he will be attending nursery in one month! I had my camera phone with me on hand and was planning on taking pictures of him just for fun. It seemed as if he knew what I was talking about.  I just kept snapping pictures. He is pretty sharp for a 17 month old and having three older sisters helps his intelligence increase quicker. He was being goofy and laughing the whole time I was explaining to him about how he will be having snack time, playing with other kids, and being surrounded with toys.

TRUE STORY... I know he's still a baby and I wasn't really scolding him, but I told him how he would need to behave himself, play nice, and not snatch away any toys from other kids in the class. I then mentioned how he will also be learning about Jesus and Heavenly Father. He calmed down a bit and had this serious look on his face. I just had to snap a quick picture! I tried not to laugh, but I couldn't help it....

and then he began laughing again! Little kids cannot be serious.

 I'm pretty sure he understood what I was telling him. I believe that small children do listen and have an inkling as to understanding things. I know he'll have fun and learn a lot about the Savior. He's so lucky to soon be going to a place every Sunday where he will be learning true principles.

Sometimes I wish I had that at 18 months of age.

General Conference-A Time for Reminders

“We hope and we pray that there will continue to go forth to the world from this pulpit declarations of testimony and doctrine, of faith in the Living God, and of gratitude for the great atoning sacrifice of our Redeemer.”
—President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), 15th President of the Church

This week my life has been moved by many wonderful things such as a nice visit with a nice family, a text from my half brother whom I hardly talk to, a nice letter in the mail from my mother- in- law who still believes in the joy of handwriting, sunshine, rain, my family, and last but not least...listening to the conference talks online given by our church leaders including President Thomas S. Monson, and each member of the quorum of the twelve as well as general authorities.

I found all the talks to be extremely powerful this year. Maybe it's because of all the adversarial things that are occurring in this world. They are reminders to me of becoming a better member. I noticed in most of the talks the words "service" and "discipleship" are mentioned.  I believe that we are all disciples of Christ and I really strive hard to be a GREAT example like the Savior. Some of these talks may sound familiar to most of us, but there are reasons why these talks are given. It truly awakens my soul, and uplifts me in the end making me feel like I can accomplish anything in the world, and be of good service to my neighbors, friends, the brothers and sisters in my church, and everywhere I go.

Sadly, I've encountered disappointment in others behavior that I can't understand why... when we have these magnificent leaders in our church who give us perfect counsel, and "know" that we have the truthfulness of the gospel- can be discourteous to others. I admit... I'm not perfect, and at one time or another may have hurt someones feelings, but in the end... I'll recognize it, apologize for it, work on it, pray for forgiveness, and hope to never do it again.

One good thing I was taught growing up was to always respect my elders. I'm turning 40 this year and I am dismayed when someone in my congregation who are five, ten, or 15 years younger than I, treats me with disrespect. My own children don't even disrespect me. They may not do it intentionally, but I digress and love them unconditionally. Having and knowing the truthfulness of the gospel really strengthens me. Listening to these talks and reading my scriptures daily reminds me of why I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints.

I understand that we all have problems and all of us are at different spiritual levels. Some of us may be going through a trying time and "forget" how to be a good follower of Christ. No matter what our excuse is, I look past that person's imperfections and just love them as I hope they look past mine, and love me too. We are all here for a reason and I want mine to be one that is "doing things for good", and to help serve and change for the better. Attending General Conference and really "listening" to the talks is a reminder to me that I can always be better.

"[The Lord] has created ways to bless both those who need help and those who will give it."

~President Henry B. Eyring

Signs of a Late Spring

The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day.~Robert Frost

Today has been a beautiful, sunny day thus far. I know we are still expecting rain and the temperatures today are in the fifties. Although it's officially Spring,  it comes a little late here on the east coast.  There are a few dandelions that have popped out in our backyard. Chelsea has grown tired of wearing long denim jeans and long sleeve blouses. She loves bright colors and obviously wore capri's and flip flops today.  Some of the kids at her school asked her if she was cold wearing what she wore today. She said, "no". I swear she is hot-blooded! Hopefully the temperatures will warm up just in time for Easter and Spring break. We've had Easter egg hunts before in cold temperatures and it was not as fun. I better take advantage of today while the sun is still out! If you live anywhere on the east coast, I'd do the same!

April Rain

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet

April has started off like a monsoon here in New Jersey and although it was a clear beautiful day of 79 degrees yesterday, we are expecting to have more rain for the rest of the week.

It came down heavily early this morning and it is now drizzling. I don't mind the rain at all. I grew up in Texas and we always got a lot of rain, especially during the hurricane season. Sometimes you just need to go outside in the rain and be like a little child (or like in the picture above, play with your child.) You would think on days like this that we should just stay home, complain and mope about why it is still raining and say things such as,"I want summer already!" Be grateful it's not snowing like it is in Utah!

Making Music

"Musical talent is not a prerequisite-just enthusiasm."

~Author Unknown

This past Friday night was Lexie's first spring violin recital, and Ms. Lindsay organized a good performance for her students. This picture was taken on the day of Lexie's first recital. She is now going on her third year playing the violin and she absolutely loves it! She has always wanted to play since she was about four. I remember she once had her eye on a purple violin at Daynes music store back when we lived in Utah. Her dad and I had mentioned to her that she would need to learn to play the piano first for at least two years, and then we can start her on the violin. She still plays the piano, but her favorite instrument is the violin. She is now eleven and in my opinion, plays it beautifully. 

Forward to two years later. This was the night of Lexie's second recital and she did even better. Lindsay is such a great teacher, and she will be missed. Now it's time to look for another violin teacher! 

I also just finished reading this book and it didn't surprise me on how strict chinese mother's are when it comes to playing an instrument. My two oldest daughters have been playing the piano since they were seven, and I have made friends with various chinese mothers. One question they would always ask me before a recital is, "Do you need to tell them to practice?" I would respond to them and say, "no." They would be amazed as to how I do it. "I just let them live and don't put a lot of pressure on them",  I'd say to them.  I am glad I don't have to be like a "chinese mother" and force my kids to play any instrument. All my girls practice the piano without being told. It would be nice if they had more time to practice, but an hour a day (per child) is pretty much the limit of practicing around our house. 

This past Saturday, we decided to have a mini-concert in our home and had Alexandra play her piece. Her dad had to work on Friday evening and couldn't take the time off, hence missing the recital at our church. That's okay. We love having family jam sessions at home. Especially right before General conference.

You can hear Lexie playing "The Two Grenadiers" by Schumann on my you tube channel here.

It's ironic though, our girls may not practice for four hours a day, yet our house has music playing 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No...not from the radio, from the piano and violin. So, if you happen to unexpectedly stop by our house or stroll down the neighborhood, you'll either hear the piano or violin playing, or the girls making their own music... by singing.

*Do you have a child who is musically inclined at playing an instrument?
*If so, how long do they practice?

Back to Back Family Home Evenings

And this gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.

~D&C 133:37

This week we've held back to back family home evenings. We made this decision as a family to strive hard to do this twice a week.

Some of you may ask... why two?

My husband works for AT&T in the sales department which requires him to work at least two Sundays a month. Since we moved to New Jersey, he has been working some Sundays. We are not thrilled about this, but we have become accustomed to it. The kids and I have talked about always having it on Monday regardless if their dad isn't home. If he is off on Sunday, we will have it both Sunday and Monday. If he's off on Tuesday, we will have it on Monday and Tuesday. 

Get the picture?

 The kids and I have been enjoying this and it's nice because it gives each of my girls the opportunity to choose the lesson. I think I created a little monster because Chelsea, my youngest daughter wants to have it everyday now!! As much as I LOVE having family home evening, and the blessings that come from it... having it twice a week is good enough for me! 

One of the lessons Chelsea taught (with the help of her sister), was on missionaries. The purpose of this lesson was to help us as a family to appreciate the missionaries, and prepare to serve. Chelsea enjoyed holding up the gospel art picture book and showing us the picture of the missionaries serving and sharing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Lexie is pointing out on her Children's atlas of the world book that missionaries are serving all over the globe.

Noah even gets excited when we set this time aside to have family home evening.  I had to put this picture into the blog so you can see his ear to ear smile, (sorry about the foot in the corner) and how he wants to be in charge and take over the lesson. I think he'll be a good future missionary with the way he presents himself. He is so bubbly and outgoing!

I am so grateful to have the desire and to make time to hold two family lessons a week. I didn't grow up with Family Home Evening and I'm so happy to be doing this with my family. It really teaches us obedience and helps us get through our week. The lessons don't have to be long. They can be as simple as watching a church video about the Savior, or a simple lesson from the Friend or Ensign magazine.

This weekend is General Conference. We look forward to hearing the words of a prophet and his counselors...and I hope y'all will do the same!

Guardians of Virtue

"If we would have the companionship of the master and the spirit of the Holy Ghost, we must be honest with ourselves, honest with God and our fellow man...this results in true joy!"

~ President Howard W. Hunter

Every Spring on the weekend before General Conference the annual Young Women General Conference is broadcasted throughout the world. It was held this past Saturday and we enjoyed every minute of it. This is an event that I look forward to every year ever since my eldest daughter turned 12 in 2007. I didn't grow up in the LDS faith and sometimes I wish I did. The values that these young women are taught in the church have become so helpful in raising my three daughters. I believe that it all begins in the home. There are so many attributes that I wasn't taught as a young child. Joseph Smith wrote a document titled the 13 Articles of Faith. The 13th article of faith states, "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous and in doing good to all mankind; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

The General Young Women Presidency all spoke this evening on being honest, true, benevolent and virtuous, and to live by these principles. By being honest and true, we will always have the holy ghost guide us through troubled times and keep us on the right course. There are so many worldly distractions in our society today that we need this source of strength in our life. I didn't grow up with a firm foundation of Christ and so 18 years ago I decided to change that when I became a member of this church. I am raising my family different and am centering our life and home around Jesus Christ. We are not perfect by any means! We do strive hard to make wise choices. I have chosen to raise my daughters differently with moral values, and to be completely honest in all things!

Kindness was another topic. I know that by being kind to others, it makes us feel better.   Mary N. Cooke who is the first counselor in the presidency mentioned how, "Kindness begins with me". What  a strong statement that is. She also talked about how we should all be kind to everyone...even those who don't treat us well. She also talked about being helpful and considerate of others and seek to be a peacemaker. I look at my daughter's character and feel so blessed that I truly see and know that she is exemplifying all of these qualities. If any of you ever wonder why she is so jovial and smiling all the time, it's because she carries that light of Christ in her. She wakes up every morning and makes the choice to live a good christian life. The holy ghost guides her in choosing righteous goals and to refrain from anything that is not of good rapport. If someone in her life is having a "gray"day, she tries hard to change it into a bright day. She tries to include everyone in activities and is a great example on fellowshipping others.

Virtue and Chastity are my favorite and most important values not only in my daughter's life, but in mine as well. Elaine S. Dalton who is the General President in the young women states that each young woman is a "Guardian of Virtue". I chose to teach my girls at an early age to not wear anything immodest such as sleeveless or strapless clothing, to only wear shorts that are modest and not too short, wearing only one piece bathing suits instead of a two-piece- or even a tankini, and to use clean language. We've limited our usage in watching T.V. and I don't allow them to watch any "R" rated movies.  As a teenager my mom did the best that she could in raising me. I didn't hold these values dear, hence teaching and preparing my daughters to live and hold these values and to seriously appreciate them. These are standards that we firmly believe in, and my daughters are grateful to be raised in this manner. Sierra tells me when she dresses modest, it makes her feel clean and pure. She has been blessed with good friends, and knows that if she ever comes across "peer pressure" she won't need to give in. With all the immoral pollution that surrounds us, she has the holy ghost to help her be faithful, obedient and truthful. If she is surrounded by something that is not conducive to the spirit, she'll turn the other cheek. I know that by my example and the way that I model my behavior, she and my other daughters will learn to do the same. It's not easy raising teenagers today, but I am lucky to have an almost 16 year old following all the Young Women Values. 

Our kids are the "chosen generation". It is my hope that as parents we can teach our children true principles at a small age and endure to the end... and that is what I'm trying to do in this life with my children.