My Brave Little Dental Patient

This picture was taken during Bobie's end of the year dental exam. Doesn't she look coooool?
She has several teeth loose with new ones ready to fill in the spaces. Unfortunately, like her mother, she has some crowding concerns that will definitely result in orthodontic work in the future.

Scott's Visit in December

Scott's visit in December. We went to Syracusa, Agrigento, and Mount Etna.

Mount Etna in December

A volcano in the winter. The snow was frozen and Bobie wasn't successful in making snow angels. Look at that steam! It must be hot under there!

More pictures from Agrigento

More pictures from Agrigento.

Valley of the Temples

On 13 Dec, Bobie and I took a trip to Agrigento, Italy. It is known for the Valle dei Templi or the Valley of the Temples...Greek temples that is. In this picture Bobie and I are standing in front of the Temple of Hercules. It is the oldest temple of four in the valley which dates back to the 6th century B.C.

Olive Oil at Chiaramonte Gulfi

This is Bobie at Chiaramonte Gulfi in the province of Ragusa in Sicily. This little town is frequently referred to as the town of museums as it contains total of 6 museums. For a small town, having popoulation of probably only 2,000 or so people, that's pretty amazing. We had the opportunity to visit all 6: the Battle (war) museum, the Bird museum, the Music museum, the Fashion museum, the museum of Sanctified Robes worn by Catholic Popes, and lastly, the Olive Oil Musuem. We also went to a modern day olive pressing factory. In this picture, Bobie stands in front of a bin of freshly picked olives that are ready to be pressed. It smelled so gooood! We brought home 5 liters of freshly pressed olive oil for only 30 euro. There was no denying that the oil was extra, extra, extra virgin. We witnessed the first drip with our own eyes! What a deal!

Bobie's 7th Birthday

My baby is SEVEN years old! This year she had her party at the pool with all her Camp Adventure friends and the primary kids. She had an awesome time. However, that morning she and I had a long conversation about "presents." She said, " Mom, you hurt my feelings because whenever someone asks you about what gift they should bring me and you always say, "Don't worry about it, just come." I aked her why it made her mad? She said, " Because I want to get a lot of presents on my birthday and whenever you tell people not to worry about it, then that means I won't get presents from them." I said, "Is that all you want? Presents? Let me tell you, the greatest gifts do not come wrapped in pretty paper and ribbons. Can you tell me some of them?" She quickly replied while looking out the car window, " The sun, the rain, the earth, the flowers.." "Exactly!" I replied. Then I said, " Now tell me what you would rather happen today. Would you be happier when you go to the pool and there's a table stacked with presents but with no friends or family in sight or would you be happier if you came to the party and there were no presents on the table but you're surrounded with people that love you?" She replied, "I guess." Then I asked, "What are other gifts we are very thankful for that we recieve everyday?" She replies, "Prayer, parents..." And then I said, "but most of all..." Then she replies, "The Saviour." And I said, "That's right. And he's not wrapped in pretty paper. When I tell people not to worry about getting a present, it let's them know that we appreciate their love more than anything else. If they show up, we should be grateful." Another lesson in life.

Sorrento, Pompeii, and the Isle of Capri

On July 7, Bobie and I went on a 5 day trip to Sorrento, Pompeii, and the Isle of Capri. We had a good time however, I must say that it was more due to the company we had than the trip itself. We were part of a tour group of about 25 people. We were on the bus for about 9 hours from Sigonella, Sicily to Sorrento on mainland Italy. The landscape was breathtaking. We stayed in a hotel located at the heart of Sorrento. It included all breakfasts and dinners. On the second day, we went to Pompeii and the Royal Palace of Casserta. Boy, it was a lot of walking in 95 to 100 degree temp!!! We were drenched. We made sure to pack water bottles to stay hydrated and for the most part the kids tolerated the heat. On the third day, we went to the Isle of Capri. I enjoyed this trip much more. I think Bobie did too. We took a ferry to and from the island and had the opportunity to ride on a boat from the Marina Grande, to the famous Faraglioni Rocks, then to the Marina Piccola and back. The fourth day, was a free day for the tour group. The Castro Family and I decided to just relax in the hotel and take advantage of the pool. I think the kids enjoyed that the most.

Lesson learned: On our next trip, instead of buying the tour books of the places we visit during the trip, I will buy them before we go on the trip and develop a trip activity for Bobie to complete. I'll gather some trivia questions, take pictures of places and items of interests and embed them on a sheet of paper for her to check off when she sees them. Somewhat like the activity sheets during church conferences to keep the kids focused, inspired, attentive, and entertained. I think I'll select a few words as well that are relevant to our trip in an effort to broaden our vocabulary. I just feel that on this partivular trip, neither of us really retained any historical, educational, inspiring data. We'll do better on our next trip. We plan to go to Garmisch, Germany next. While in Europe, I also plan to take a trip to the following temple destinations: Frankfurt Germany, Stockholm Sweden, Madrid Spain, Copenhagen Denmark, and London England.

Bobie in Pompeii. On 24 August, 79 AD, Mt Vesuvius erupted and buried the whole city of Pompeii in pyroclastic rocks (lava). It was calculated that the volcano erupted about 3 cubic kilometers of lava in 30 hours.



The famous Faraglioni Rocks.

Trip to Capri

Typical Italian hotel by the Sea!


Waiting for the ferry to Capri!

Shy's 1st birthday! 

Sometimes...you just know

Often I think of how blessed I am but feel there's still something missing in my life.
Don't get me wrong, I've never been happier and my heart is almost whole. But there's one little piece that I cannot find and the one in my hand doesn't fit. I wonder if the missing puzzle piece is in the possesion of my eternal companion. I wonder if he knows that it belongs to me and it will make me complete. I sometimes wonder about my pre-existence then I begin to try and see his face, feel his spirit, hear his heart, for I know we knew each other before. What's even stronger is that I know that he feels an emptiness too. For in my hand, I hold a puzzle piece, that I know belongs to him.

At the entrance to the Preston Temple grounds. 

Me and Jamie on our two hour bus ride to Palermo enroute to England. 

A few pictures from our visit to the Preston England LDS Temple. We had originally planned to go to Germany but was somehow guided and redirected to go to Preston, England instead. We had some major spiritual experiences while we were there. I need to collect my thoughts before publishing my experience but one thing I can say, my testimony regarding the ordinances and great work of the Father to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of mankind has been absolutely strengthened.
 

Setting the Example

Bobie and her friends Alyssa and Toviya. 

One day, I picked Bobie up from school and she asked me,"Mom, do you know that Alyssa and I are the only ones who pray before eating lunch?" I was shocked that she actually took the time to say grace at school. Alyssa, is her classmate who is also an LDS member. And I said, "Really? I'm glad that you pray before lunch. Maybe, some kids pray in their hearts and some are not used to praying before meals." Then she says, "Yeah Mom, Alyssa and I take turns. Yesterday was her turn and today was my turn. Toviya sits on the other side of me and she doesn't pray. Maybe I should ask her if she wants a turn."

A few days later, she nonchalantly informs me,"Mom, today Toviya said the prayer at lunch." And I said, "Good, I'm glad."

The Power of the Blog

For those who responded to my invitation, thank you.
It's really nice to hear from family and friends.

- To my little brother, Ace, thanks for the posting the
pictures. I tried to reduce it in size but ended up
deleting them. Sorry.

- Kuya Norman, your comment just reminded me of how
blessed I am that Bobie's smile brightens my every day!

- Andrea, gosh, I miss you. I'm so glad that Heavenly father
blessed my life with your friendship.

Bobie and her baby "Shy" 
Shy is a Bischon Frise mix. I gave Shy to Bobie as a birthday present when she
turned six. Sometimes, Bobie and I feel really bad having to leave Shy at home all by herself during the day and have contemplated giving her away. But we can't, she's family, you just don't give family away.

Palermo I

What a day! Bobie and I went on a trip to Palermo with
some very good friends, the Castro family: Jamie, Derrick,
Olivia and Joshua. It was actually Jamie's birthday. We visited
three churches that were built in the 12th century. First we
went to the Palatine Chapel (Palatino Capella). Its construction
began in 1130 immediately after the coronation of Roger II as the
sovereign of the Kingdom of Sicily. It was designed as a
combination of the "Latin" nave and aisles with a Byzantine
raised sanctuary, covered by a dome. Supposedly it was made
for the personal use of King Roger II. On our way to the Church of Santa Maria Dell'Ammiraglio: The Martorana, we were able to
see the Circle of Shame. The tour guide said that it was labelled
this name due the collection of nude statues that were in the
circle plaza. Then we went to the Church of San Cataldo, built in
1160 by Maio of Bari, Grand Chancellor to King William I.

We then went to the Sicilian Regional gallery at "Palazzo
Abatellis" and the "Antonio Salinas" Archeological Museum.
This was a treat. We were told by our tour guide that the
facility normally charges an entrance fee, but due to a local
holiday, it was open to the public at no charge. After the museum, we were released for lunch. A little tired of pasta, we decided to eat at a Chinese restaurant. It took us a while to find it but we did. Yuckkkk! It was the worst Chinese Restaurant I've ever been to. Never gonna eat there again!

After lunch we went to our last stop, the Capuchin Catacombs. It is housed in the crypt of the Capuchin Monastery and was built
in 1621. It contains the mummified or embalmed bodies of some
8,000 wealthy Palermitans (men, women, and children) who were buried there until 1881. The mummification practice was abolished in 1881. Sorry, no pictures, cameras were not allowed. Good thing it didn't smell bad or all of us would have barfed out our lunch. It was quite interesting. The children were suprisingly NOT scared but were very fascinated. It was probably the best part of the trip, the children can only take so much of 12h century churhes. After a while they all began looking alike.

On the 17th through the 19th of June, Jamie, Derrick and I will
be flying to Frankfurt, Germany to do some sessions at the Franfurt Temple which is actually located at Friedrichsdorf. Then on 7-11 July, our families will go to the Sorrento, Capri and Pompei. I wish I could post some pictures.

The Real Work

I called my best friend Scott today just to say hello
only to find out he was preparing a brief he was
giving to his outgoing and incoming boss regarding
the status of their organization.

He said he stayed late at work yesterday to complete 30
powerpoint slides. Well, he ended up giving a well received
presentation, and although he would never admit it...he probably
blew them all away.

As I was thinking about the dedication Scott has on his duties
and the deadlines and the overtime that I've peronally invested on
my own "duties" at work and at school, I began to think about the
real work I was truly sent here to do and realized how little I spent doing it.

Often I get caught up on the daily chores that I forget about the
eternal ones. Somehow, I find myself concerned about the daily "deadlines" instead of the "livelines."

Our goal should be to prepare for the biggest and most important
presentation of our lives...the one to the big boss, our Heavenly Father.
I pray that I may blew him away with my presentation as Scott did
his new Commanding Officer. But just like all other presentations,
I know that it would be absolutely impossible to expect flying colors
unless we truly prepare. How do we do that, well,
First, learn how to follow directions (basically, study the scriptures),
Second, use the preferred medium or the preferred method of presentation
(In this case through Jesus Christ),
Third, apply directions with skill and expertise (live the gospel),
Fourth, don't forget that it takes teamwork (service, charity, and missionary work).

I guess you can say, that's my lesson learned.

Today

The person that I was, Always questioned in disbelief
The person that I was had no faith
The person that I was had no value for her life

The person that I was pretended and was afraid
The person that I was felt empty and alone
With no place she really called home

Frustration bred confusion, I asked what purpose do I have
Having a life that seemed so petty, to live only to die

I hungered, I yearned, I craved answers
Helpless, screaming not knowing where to go
It felt like I was in a room with a one way mirror
I can see everyone but no one can see me
I was never alone but always so lonely

Events in my life made me feel like a monster inside
Thinking no one would ever understand
I wanted to question but was afraid of answers
Thus I did not ask
Then one day as I laid in bed
Clutching the Book of Mormon to my chest
I closed my eyes in prayer
And suddenly the lock was unlatched
the lock that sealed my angry heart

I asked in desparation
With bated aching breath
To my surpise...
Not, what is my purpose?
Nor, where should I go?
These questions that always lingered in my heart

But...WHY HAS THOU FORESAKEN ME?

Immediately, I felt a warmth envelop my heart
And my spirit filled with calm and peace
Not a voice, bearly a whisper
I clearly heard
I clearly felt...
"For God so loved YOU...
He gave his only begotten...
Hear him...hear Him"

The person that I am today
No longer feels empty or alone
The person I am today can love
Because the person that I am today

Hears Him.

Bobie and Me

Today marks the anniversary of our arrival to
the beautiful island of Sicily. It's windy, cool
and not a cloud in the sky.

Bobie woke up in a good mood this morning and so
did I. She wanted to wear her cotton green long-
sleeve shirt with pants that she had already outgrown.
So, I took out my scissors, needle and thread. From 0630
to 0645, I had her pants hemmed up into a new pair of capris.
Things people do for their children.