Christmas Card Expanded Edition

Merry Christmas Friends and Family. We hope that the season has been at least as eventful as ours has been. Time has flown by this year, but as the saying goes "time flies when your having fun." If you have a little time for some fun, enjoy our year in review. If time is of the essence, you can skip to the highlighted links to our previous applicable posts or jump down to the little video clip to enjoy.

Captain Doctor Fernando Ramiro Tovar:


He has accomplished a lot this year. Most notably was his successful completion of medical school which brought us to Texas (an accomplishment in itself with two cars to drive and only two drivers). Once in Texas, he in processed whilst convincing me to buy our home. In typical Fernando fashion, he hit the ground running and hasn't stopped since. Though confidence has never been an issue with him, he has increased in his capacity to help make life for hospitalized people all the better. He even attempted an operation on Tiago. With all his first year general surgery intern free time, he serves his family and church. Fantastic example of fortitude and strength of character.

President Faust said it well in a conference address Oct 02:
At times all of us are called upon to stretch ourselves and do more than we think we can. I’m reminded of President Theodore Roosevelt’s quip, “I am only an average man but, by George, I work harder at it than the average man.” We develop our talents first by thinking we can. We are all familiar with the parable of the talents. The Master gave one five talents, another two, and another one, “every man according to his several ability. …

“Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

“And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

“But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.”

After a long time the Master asked for an accounting. The one who had received five talents reported that he had gained an additional five talents and received the commendation, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” He that received two talents gained two other talents and also received the promise of a greater dominion. . . .The Lord entrusts all of His servants, including every priesthood holder, with spiritual talents. The Lord, who endows us with these talents, tells us: “I believe you can. I believe you can.” While we are not all equal in experience, aptitude, and strength, we have different opportunities to employ these spiritual gifts, and we will all be accountable for the use of the gifts and opportunities given to us.

Mother of 3 amazing children who attempts greatness at homemaking and makes dang good pumpkin cheesecake muffins Rachelle:

By the world's standards, Fernando's title sounds more impressive, but it isn't about comparison (or the fact the the muffins are from a really good recipe). I have tried to think about accomplishments I have done that don't include my family members and their accomplishments and came up with nothing. That isn't to say I haven't been doing a lot, but that I am in mom mode which has a wonder all its own. Since you can read the other family members snippets, I will just say I did single handedly move us into our house (quite literal at times since I had to nurse Talia while commanding the movers), and taken to my new home base of San Antonio. I also revamped my hair do (it is in desperate need of an redo), and have been busting a groove at the gym in my new favorite, Zoomba. Sunday's I often make it through sacrament meeting successfully and single when Fernando's on call and spend the next two hours playing the piano in primary. I am ever striving to become the person this world needs me to be and often reflect on Elder Holland's April 07 conference address:

"So, brothers and sisters, in this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be “perfect” men and women in at least this one way now—by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels. Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today. With such words, spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail. I pray that my words, even on this challenging subject, will be encouraging to you, not discouraging, that you can hear in my voice that I love you, because I do. More importantly, please know that your Father in Heaven loves you and so does His Only Begotten Son. When They speak to you—and They will—it will not be in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but it will be with a voice still and small, a voice tender and kind. It will be with the tongue of angels. May we all rejoice in the thought that when we say edifying, encouraging things unto the least of these, our brethren and sisters and little ones, we say it unto God."

Imaginative problem solving artist,playwright/producer Mia


I don't say often enough how amazed I am at this girl. She is captivating. She has dealt with some major life changes and did if with style. Most of our family fun times are a direct result of some good idea she has had. Recently, a new tradition was created because Mia wanted to share her new knowledge about the First Thanksgiving with everyone. End product, a fantastic play.

Man Child who's connected to his softer side Tiago:

Tiago continues to be all man. Whether he is flying about like a jet or pushing some toy vehicle, he has energy that is non-stop. He misses his best friend Mia while she's at school, but at least he still has is Talia to kiss.

No failure to thrive, inquisitive sweet Talia

Beginning at birth, Talia has shown her ability to do more than survive. Lucky for her since she is surrounded by adoring and mauling fans (Mia and Tiago aren't the only culprits). Her calm demeanor is interrupted by bursts of enthusiasm for food, everyday objects such as pens or paper, and when she's been ignored for too long. The no teeth thing doesn't stop her from wanted to try everything on our plates. We love her in our family.



CHRISTMAS VIDEO FUN: