Oh Christmas Tree..

Puerto Rico vacation

We went to Ponce, Puerto Rico for the Thanksgiving holiday. We had a great time, even though it was very hot and we got eaten up by mosquitoes. We went to visit the Castillo Serralles (Serralles Castle). It was closed due to the holidays, so we could not go inside. The castle is located on one of the rolling foothills to the north of the center of the city of Ponce. Built in 1926 it belonged to Eugenio Serralles, a leader in the sugar cane industry during the early part of the 20th century.

Eating at Pizza Hut

My mom

My nieces, Cristina and Ivette

Visiting my aunt Ana (my mom's sister) who is 95 years old and still lives alone and takes care of herself.

My niece Cristina who loves everything Japanese

We showed the boys my dad's grave

Going shopping at the Mall which was decorated for Christmas.

In front of the giant tree at the Mall.

The marina near my mom's house.

My good friend Maricarmen came from San Juan to see me and took us to the marina. These are her little girls, Cristina and Marialis. I have known her since I was 8 when my family joined the church.

With the pelicans at the marina.

My friend Maricarmen.

Playing at my mom's house.

The boys washing abuelita's (grandma) car.

Conner watering the grass.

Conner and his cousin Ivette.

My friend Tai-Li (to my left) and her sister Betty. I have known Tai-Li since kindergarten.

My mom's oldest brother Uncle Rafael and his wife my aunt Lipi.

I have a lot of wonderful friends. This is Mildred, we have been friend's since we were babies and she married my cousin.

At Cana Gorda beach.

My brother Jose and his girls.

Homemade facewash

I have always liked taking care of my skin. When I was a teenager back in the early 80's and all of my friends were covered in baby oil and laying out in the sun, I would be sitting under a palm tree covered with sunscreen and staying away from the sun. I would stay away (and still do) from heavy makeup. I think it paid off because I get a lot of compliments on my skin. I also would do homemade facials and homemade treatments for my hair. I remember doing a sugar scrub that my 7th grade teacher told me about. I would put egg, avocado or mayonnaise on my hair. Well today I was watching a TV show and they gave a homemade facewash "recipe" that I had to try. Mix 3/4 cup of pumpkin and 1 Tbs. of sour cream. Apply to your face and leave on for 20 minutes. It cleanses and opens your pores. It is also an astringent and it gives your skin a glow. I can't wait to try it.

November 9, 1990

Brent and I have two anniversaries. May 7, 1988 the day we got married for time in the Los Angeles temple, and November 9, 1990, the day we got sealed in the temple. I was pregnant with Alison at the time. This is the only picture we have to remember that very important day. Happy 19th Anniversary to us.

Luncheon

My Visiting teaching companion, Cami and I had a luncheon for the sisters that we visit teach and some of the sisters from Playgroup. It is always fun to get together and to get to know the sisters in the Ward better. I have really enjoyed visiting teaching these sisters. I always come home after Visiting Teaching feeling better, happier and spiritually uplifted.

Some people are so DUMB!!!

Today I went to get gas and the guy pumping gas next to me was SMOKING!!! I gave him a dirty look and he quickly threw the cigarette on the floor and stepped on it. That is SO wrong!!!!!