Goodbye 2011, Welcome 2012

This was our Christmas greeting card that we sent out to families and friends around the U.S. and the Philippines. I printed 30 copies and realized I didn't have enough for everyone, so I just uploaded it and tagged my other friends on Facebook.
I usually write a family newsletter but with moving and a lot of other things in line, I wasn't able to write one.

Anyways, just want to write that my year has been great. It went by sooooo fast! One thing I could brag about is...Oopps, can't do that in any newsletter... Well, I am a certified multi-tasker! I have accomplished being a full-time mom, a wife to my husband, a daughter and a sister to my dear family, and a true friend to a few.
The year has been awesome to our family! Although there were a few trials, the blessings have been countless. I'm just grateful for the joy in our lives brought by our wonderful children and our dear loved ones. May this new year 2012 be fruitful one to us all!

Kalea Singing "I Love to See the Temple"

Nov. 17, 1984 was a very special day for the Manzano Family. We were sealed as a family in the Manila Philippines Temple. I was only four years old, but I have fond memories of this particular event.

I clearly remember playing with toys at the waiting area. We were told daddy and mama need to do something important. (Only when I was old enough that I knew they were getting their endowments then). I vividly recall dressing up in white. (There was a lady in white who opened a wooden closet filled with several small white gowns. She helped me look for one that would fit me) Then, we walked to this beautiful room and I was so happy to see daddy and mama. They were also dressed in white. We were all in white (my sisters Jennifer, Rowena, and Linette) As we entered the room, a man greeted us and I remember him saying that we were “angels.” We all knelt in that soft altar and the man in white said a prayer.

My experience at the temple for the first time, at a very young age, with my loved ones, was indeed a great blessing. Now, I have a family of my own. I teach my children the importance of the temple while they are young. We walk to the Laie Hawaii temple often. Kalea, my daughter, loves to sing her favorite primary song “I Love to See the Temple.” This video is dedicated to you, my dear family…

Grateful for blessings

It's been awhile since I've blogged...My excuses are:
We moved to different apartments twice in 3 months, been working on my grad school papers, and as usual...was busy taking care of my two babies. Oh wait, they are not babies anymore, but toddlers!!! Yes, I have to chase Joshua around and tend to Kalea's many requests and questions.

I just wanna share one highlight I wrote in my journal months ago. June is one of my favorite months because it is when my birthday takes place, as well as Kalea's and Joshua's. I always think of a double celebration, instead of a triple. I kinda forget celebrating my own birthday and only think about how to organize my kids' birthday party...

On June 7th, midnight, I just finished feeding and putting Joshua to sleep. I usually bed down as soon as he sleeps, but I remembered I need to drink my vitamins. As I walked to the kitchen, I was so surprised to see a big birthday balloon, an oreo chocolate cake, red roses, and a gift in a white fabric bag (inside was a very nice genuine leather bag from Italy) on our dining table. For a moment, I thought subconsciously, "Who's birthday is it?", and remembered it is my birthday. My husband always never fails to surprise me. President and Sister Querido and their sons, Francis, JV, and Papa P were there to witness such a mirthful event. Of course, I ate a piece of that yummy chocolate cake, then drank my vitamins. I felt so glad and felt so special...

Jemar and I planned to watch "X-Men, First Class" that night. So, the day passed by and I stayed home and watched the kids. Babysitters came in the evening...Pao, Newel, Kaye, JV, and Papa P were watching the kids so Mahal and I can go out and enjoy the movie. Jemar and I took off, then he parked in front of the BYUH Housing Office. I then saw my friends in the Pavillion waiting for me. It was a surprise birthday party! There was a lot of food. Lira cooked adobo, Jared made beef steak, and others brought all sorts of food! It seemed like the whole Filipino club was there. Kalea and Joshua arrived with the pretending babysitters. I was so happy and touched that I almost cried.

After the party, we went home and got to rest well. Before I slept that night, I just felt so GRATEFUL for the many wonderful blessings that the Lord gave me, especially for a loving husband, a beautiful family, and good friends who truly love and care for me. I received a calm assurance in my heart that my Heavenly Father loves me. I simply felt content with what I have in my life. I sighed and whispered, "thank you" with a smile on my face before I closed my eyes to sleep.

Kalea Taught me a Lesson

One of Kalea's favorite places to visit aside from the playground is the temple. She especially loves to see the beautiful water fountains. Everyday, we would go for a walk to the temple with baby Joshua in our double stroller. One day, I was soooooo busy with a lot of things---chores, doing my portfolio, and running some errands. Late in afternoon, around 4 pm, we went to play at the playground. She suddenly ran away from me and said, "I want to go [to the] temple." I was thinking how she remembered that we haven't gone to the temple. She ran to the bushes and was signaling to me that I follow her. I completely lost her. She was so fast and little. I followed her and from where I was standing, I saw a scenic view of the temple…

(Photo by Lee Brent Galotera)

I found Kalea and still, she was saying “Temple temple.” I told her “I’m sorry, but mommy hasn’t taken a shower yet.” I didn’t feel comfortable going to the temple without taking a bath. Anyway, we went back to our apartment and I quickly took a shower. After a few minutes, I felt so fresh and clean, and I took Kalea and Joshua to the temple grounds. She was so happy!!! I was too! As we were entering the temple gates, I was again amazed at the majestic beauty of the temple. As we were walking closer and closer to the temple, I realized a very important lesson. We all need to be clean spiritually before we can enter the Lord’s temple. Not being able to take a shower made me uncomfortable to enter the temple grounds, so it is when entering the Holy Temple - we need to repent first and be worthy so that we may feel happier and peaceful, and receive the full blessings of attending the Lord’s temple.