I had the amazing opportunity to sing and play the flute in the lighting ceremony for the Washington DC temple lights this year. The Mormon Choir of Washington (of which I am a member) was asked to sing at this special even on Wednesday and Thursday (Nov. 28 & 29). They didn't tell us who the guests would be, although we did find out that it was by invitation only.
We rehearsed there on Tuesday night and then arrived on Wednesday night ready to sing. I also accompany the choir occasionally on the flute and in this concert I was not only playing the flute, but the piccolo also. They told us while we were warming up that we would be performing for President Boyd K. Packer, Elder Dallin H. Oaks (both one of the 12 apostles of the church) and Elder J.W. Marriott Jr. (area authority) and also the guest of honor would be the Ambassador of Indonesia.
President Boyd. K. Packer
Elder Dallin H. OaksIt was an amazingly spiritual night. I was so humbled to be able to share my talent for apostles of the Lord. I was seated directly behind Elder Oaks and was singing in his ear (he was about 6 inches away). I prayed that my voice was OK and that I wouldn't make any mistakes so he wouldn't wonder who that soprano was behind him! President Packer made some remarks that touched my soul in particular. He said that many people don't know the meaning of the word Father. When we are young, we think we know or that we will find out when we are parents, but that isn't so. When we do have a child, we begin to understand a bit more about what it means to be a father but it isn't until we hold a precious child in our arms and Heavenly Father whispers to us that we cannot keep this child that we truly understand what it is like and what it means to be a father. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much and wants us to be happy and to return to live with Him but many times we stray and don't do those things and He feels pain at the thought of losing us, and He has lost many of His children. This made me think of my role as a mother and the deep love I feel for Jasmine. I would be utterly heartbroken if I were to lose her. It only gives me a glimpse of how our Heavenly Father feels about the love He has for us. Well, the music went well, and the other remarks were great too, and I left with a light feeling that I was in the right place that night. They were there on Thursday night as well, and the remarks were nice, but different. I knew that I had heard what I was meant to hear the previous night. I played well and I hoped that my music touched the audience.
Marcia and I got pictures by a few of the Christmas trees that they had decorated in the Visitor's Center in our choir dresses! What a priviledge it is for us to sing in this choir!
Saturday we had another fun time. We got up and after breakfast, took Jasmine to the YMCA to go swimming. The house we rented came with a membership and so we tried to take advantage. Jasmine had a great time in the water and kept telling us how she was a mermaid. After swimming, we met the crew at the Bodie Island Lighthouse and took some pictures. It was nice but a bit windy. This was the only lighthouse we got to this time around, but there is always next year!
The afternoon was spent relaxing and Lorne went to play racquetball with Jeff. I hear it was a good match. Before dinner, we headed down the street to see some flying kites that were decorated with lights. We saw them very briefly as they began taking them down as we approached. After dinner, we packed up as we were leaving the next day and then watched a movie.
Sunday, we finished packing and went to church. It was nice to visit another ward. Afterwards, it was time to head home. We all said our goodbyes. I was carrying Jasmine and we were skipping happily towards the car across the parking lot when I lost my footing and fell - HARD. Jasmine landed on her back and luckily was not hurt. I was another story. I skinned both of my palms, both of my knees, and my inner right elbow. I haven't fallen like that since I was a kid. Everyone was great, they all came over to help out and Lorne bandaged me up. I was very grateful for everyone, even though I felt absolutely foolish for falling down. That's what I call ending your trip with a bang!
Thanksgiving was great this year. It was chock full of activity. The day began with Lorne playing a little football at the annual turkey bowl that his Elder's Quorum has every year. As Lorne is the Elder's Quorum president, it was his responsibility to organize the event. It was held at the Grist Mill park which is practically across the street from us. Jasmine and I walked over and watched the game. Jasmine really got into the excitement of things and when daddy took a break to come say hi to us on the sidelines, Jasmine decided she wanted to get in on the fun and went out on the field to play. She played for about 10 minutes before she got accidentally tackled (run over) and then she decided the game wasn't for her and joined me again on the sidelines. 
We also watched a bit of the Macy's Day parade, which isn't as good as it used to be when I was a kid. I wanted Jasmine to watch it and get into it - I remember when I was young, my dad would wake us up on Thanksgiving morning with very loud John Phillip Sousa marches playing on the stereo (so loud it shook the house) and he would march into all of our rooms, holding the fireplace poker like he was the drum major of the band. We used to act like we hated it (I think we did a little!) but now it is a fun memory to recall. After he woke us up he would announce the parade and we would sit in our PJ's and watch it. I don't think Jasmine was impressed this year because as we watched she would periodically turn to me and say, Mommy, can we watch Playhouse Disney - I want to watch Tigger & Pooh". Oh well, there is always next year.
The food was fabulous! Tio Robert went gourmet this year and really made some delicious food. Among my favorites were the creamed corn, the stuffing, and Abuela Meme's sweet potatoes (covered in marshmallows). The only thing I missed a little was the mashed potatoes, as we had roasted fingerling potatoes this year (which were superb). It was nice that alongside the turkey we had lamb as well. 
After stuffing ourselves, we settled in for some more socializing and I had a lot of fun laughing with my uncle in the kitchen and watching Jasmine run around with Lily, the dog. Everyone was in such a great mood and it was nice to spend the holiday with family. I don't know what I would do without them. They make my life more full and I know that Jasmine feels like she is part of a strong family. That is so important to me.
Dessert was great too. Along with the apple and pumpkin pies we had a pumpkin cake with an apricot filling, pastelitos and pasta frola.
I want you all to know that my heart is full of gratitude for each of you. My husband is the greatest blessing that I have been given and I would not want to imagine life without him. He is always a support to me and a confidant. He understands me and puts up with my shortcomings and my gratitude for all he does for us is always present in my heart. I have been blessed with the most amazing little daughter. She makes my life better, she is my joy. Caring for her is an awesome responsibility and I am grateful that Heavenly Father has given her to me. The love that I feel for my extended family (those near and far) cannot be expressed with mere words. They are my lifeblood and the place where I feel accepted and nurtured. And my friends, you are all like family to me and I want you to know that your friendship has blessed my life and made it rich with peace and love. It is so wonderful to know that I can count on you and have fun with you and make memories with you. Please know that I am eternally grateful for having met each and every one of you. My life has been blessed by you.
As you can see, I live a very blessed life, surrounded by people I love and care about. None of this would be if I did not express my undying gratitude for a Father in Heaven who loves me and knows me. All I am and all I will become is because He blesses me with my talents and abilities. I am grateful for Jesus Christ, our Savior and for his sacrifice for us, that through Him, we may live with our Father in Heaven again. He gave all so that we might live.
Jasmine & Titi (Natalia) play pool after dinner
Our lovely rented house in the OBX
After lunch we relaxed at the house, Jasmine took a nap and Lorne worked and I started reading a book. It was great. We went out to dinner at The Flying Fish Cafe. The food was pricey and tasty but I think it was a bit overpriced. They did make the best fried shrimp I ever had (actually, that is what Jasmine had for dinner but Lorne and I nicked a few of her shrimp to taste while she wasn't looking). 
At midnight, our friends arrived. I was watching a movie (I opted to wait up for them, Lorne was too tired and went to bed earlier). It was nice to see our dear friends The Childs and also The Shupes and The Kolowichs (whom we were using this trip to get better acquainted with). They settled in quickly, and when my movie was over (I watched Volver if you are interested), I went to bed and called it quits on day 2 of OBX relaxation.
On Wednesday we had fun hanging with our friends. We played pool in the basement, we took 2 trips to the beach (which incidentally was a block away), Lorne played tennis with the guys and I read more of my book. It was also our day to cook lunch for everyone (we had a baked potato bar with ALL the fixings). After dinner, we packed up the car with a few essentials and drove back up north to Virginia so that we could rest at home before spending Thanksgiving with the family. 
The whole group on the beach!
Jasmine and Ryan on the beach!
My Dad and Ryan's wife Casey happen to have the same birthday. This year, my mom decided to have us over for the birthday celebration and she cooked up a storm. I was so impressed. She made a full Mexican feast which was perfect. We had tortilla soup, tacos, refried beans (she didn't even take them out of a can!), and Mexican rice. Of course, for dessert, we had CAKE!! Yours truly supplied the good, making an individual cake for each of them. Everyone had a great time and it was nice to also see sweet baby Roman! I swear that kid is growing like a weed - he is always bigger when I see him! Birthdays are always fun, but it is so nice to be there with the family you love to make their day special!
