Nursery

My little buddies in the nursery.  We love to sing songs, and play cars.













Some Sundays we had as many at twelve 2 year olds.
It can be a challenge sometimes, but I am grateful for each and every hug and high five I got from them.










I loved this calling.  But we were upgraded to Primary.  January 2, 2011 we started teaching the SUNBEAMS!!!

Christmas 2010

The 12 Days of Christmas
Did you know the meaning of the 12 days of Christmas?  I sure didn't.  My true love is  "God,"  and the partridge in a pair tree is "Christ."  Each day has a symbol and a meaning that all leads back to the "Reason of the Season"
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  (John 3:16)
Christmas this past year has been like non other than we have had before.  The strangest part was that my parents were not here to spend Christmas with us for the first year in my life.  So here is what went down.  Christmas Eve we spent alone... I cooked a prime rib, potatoes, and corn.  Christmas morning we went to my sister Amy's house for breakfast.  She made this really yummy French toast casserole, and bacon.  Bacon is probably my favorite breakfast food, even though it is not good for you or me I should say!!  We then went to spend Christmas afternoon with the V's.  We started some new traditions that we intend on carrying on for a very long time.  Instead of giving gifts we all decided we would take nine different aspects of the traditional "Mexican Christmas," and share with each other what each one means.  I learned so much that night.

"The Nativity"
Each family member received a part of the scene.  Each year when we gather together we will bring our part.  When the Nativity is complete so will our family be.  Baby Jesus will be passed throughout the family to the newest member.

"The Poinsettia"
It is said that on Christmas Eve, a little girl made the trek from her home to the nativity where the baby Jesus lies.  Being poor she had nothing to give the Christ child, she gathered some weeds into a bouquet.  As she go closer to the child the weeds turned to beautiful red flowers now know as the poinsettia.  Also known as Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night.

Ornament
This ornament holds the story!  Made by Tim.

Luminaries
Lit on Christmas eve to light the path to homes and church services!

The Pinata
Filled with candy and other yummy treats.  This part of the night started with a Christmas Carol sing off with the neighbors.  It was so fun.

We also enjoyed a feast of enchiladas, chip n salsa, guacamole, homemade egg nog, tamales, and sweet rice.

Merry Christmas 2010,
love, april & paul

Why I love Kansas

Most people know that Kansas is the "right to live state."  As you drive through the state, there are signs everywhere.   There were way too many to stop and photograph, but worth mentioning.  One said "smile your mom chose life!"  I just loved that.  But as we drove past these two, I could not help but stop the car and snap a shot. 

Priceless!!

Thanksgiving 2010

I have been really bad about keeping this blog updated.  It's been a little crazy with the holidays.  I thought I'd catch up on the happenings of the past 3 months.  We took a trip to Kansas for Thanksgiving.  We had so much fun, and it was so nice to spend some time with my parents.  We took Kylie with us, because she really misses grandma and grandpa.  We drove to their house and we could not have asked for better weather for that drive.

Us and mom.  We spent Thanksgiving Day at my Aunt Linda's house.  We had lots of food to share.

My Aunt Linda on the right and my Aunt Denise on the left.  Me and Aunt Denise have an amazing bond.  I really have looked up to her my whole life.

We played Mad Gab.  First time I ever played.  Let me tell you it was super fun.  It was great.   When we were kids, my grandpa always had M&Ms when we would come to visit.  Now my parents have this little guy filled with M&Ms waiting for grandkids to come and eat them.

Just before we left for home Dad made us homemade cinnamon rolls.  They are/were so yummy.

New Additions!!

Yesterday my brother Paul popped the question to his girlfriend Emily.  We thought she might say "yes."  We had our fingers crossed anyway!  She makes him smile, and that is really all that matters!!

This picture was when she went to Kansas to "meet the parents".  It's not too hard to notice right away that they are so very happy.  After the past few years she is like a breath of fresh air!  She fits right in like she's been around us forever. 
Most of all, she has never tried to change who my brother is!  She likes him just as he is... which is good because so do we!

They are like peas and carrots!  It wasn't hard to tell and didn't take us long to know that she was going to be around for a long time.  And to tell you the truth, we are excited to have her become a "sister" in our family!!

Miss Emily, from the bottom of our heart we are so thrilled that you have walked into not only Paul's life but ours as well.  It's as if you were the missing link that he has been searching for.  Thanks for making him smile, and letting him be Paul!!! There just are not enough ways to say, "thank you" for finding our brother again!!

Our Nephew has Arrived!!

Demetrius Robert V.   aka Baby V

At about 5:15 last Sunday night we got the text we had been waiting for for a few days.  It's time for baby V to join our family.  So typically we hopped in the car and headed to the hospital.  We were so excited.  Made it to the hospital in record time.  This is pre baby.  Jen was "more than ready." 

In between visiting Jen and John in the room, we all hung out in the waiting room.  In the green shirt is Aunt Silvia.  She is an amazing member of this family.   After Demetrius arrived she led the family in a prayer of thanks!  What a woman.  I love you Auntie!

Caitlyn is teaching Michelle and I how to play TRASH!  Not sure if I got it completely figured out, but she was definitely a good teacher!  Oh yea and she is sporting her new T-shirt!!!

I'm an Auntie again.  Finally to a little boy.  What more can I say then, "blessed".   He arrived safely to our family at 10:14  Sunday, November 14, 2010.  We loved you for the 9 months we waited for you, and now that you are here we can finally show you all that love!!
April and Paul

Halloween 2010

3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest with the V's

Last night was our annual pumpkin carving contest.  We all gathered at Mom and Dad V's house for pumpkins, food, and family time.  Here I'm working on my second masterpiece. 

It's picture above.  I usually do just one, but the pumpkins at the pumpkin patch were so Awesome!! I had to get 3.  Which means Paul only got to carve one!!  Pretty sure he didn't mind.

Paul's creation!!

Jen and John are about to be new parents.  Pretty sure she is ready for baby "V" to get here, just like the rest of use.  The anticipation is very intense!!

Tim usually dances around and takes pictures.   Alex and him are dancing in this picture.  

Michelle is SUPER creative and she is working on her entry!!

And the WINNER is  Ryan!  For the second year in a row he has won.