A Legacy of Love: Celebrating Dad's 71st Birthday

With our beloved Vicente Cruz Cornelio Sr. (June 30, 1940-May 7, 2006)

Introduction:

Today, we gather to celebrate a remarkable man who left an indelible mark on our lives. Dad's 71st birthday is not just a date on the calendar; it's a day filled with cherished memories and profound reflections on the impact he had on each of us.

Remembering Dad:

1. The Man with Wise Words: Dad was more than just a parent; he was a mentor. His words of wisdom, like "Aim high and hit the mark," still guide us daily. His advice transcends generations and continues to shape our lives.

2. Gratitude for the Plan of Salvation: Though we've celebrated six birthdays without his physical presence, our faith in the plan of salvation brings us comfort. We know that this separation is temporary, and that knowledge sustains us through our grief.

A Life-Changing Decision:

Dad's passing served as a catalyst for a significant life change. His absence made us realize the value of spreading love and light to others. It inspired a mission, one not just of faith but of service.

Answering the Call:

Answering the call to serve a mission was a pivotal moment. It was a decision fueled by a deep desire to share the gospel's joy and hope, especially with those who had never heard it. Dad's passing had shown us the depths of sorrow, and we wanted to be a source of solace for others.

California Calling:

The mission call led to California, a place with a special connection. The Lord had answered an unspoken desire to return to this beautiful state, demonstrating His awareness of our hearts' desires.

Mission Memories:

The mission journey was a tapestry of experiences - from the Missionary Training Center to various areas, each with its unique challenges and blessings. Companions came and went, but the friendships formed during this sacred service endure.

Homecoming and New Beginnings:

Returning home marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Dad's legacy of hard work and dedication continued as a career was restarted at IBM, and friendships blossomed across the United States.

From Love to Legacy:

Life took an unexpected turn when love came knocking. Meeting Royce was a blessing, and their love story unfolded, culminating in marriage. And now, as they anticipate their firstborn, Dad's legacy of love carries forward into a new generation.

Conclusion:

Today, as we celebrate Dad's 71st birthday, we honor not just the years he spent with us but the enduring legacy of love, faith, and service he left behind. Our family bond remains unbreakable, and his influence lives on in all of us.

Aloha o'e, Dad. We love you more than words can express, and your memory is etched in our hearts forever.

PS: Mom made spaghetti today, just the way you liked it. Your presence is still felt in every meal and every moment. We love you dearly.

The Devil Wears Prada - A Surprisingly Perfect Choice for Family Home Evening

Introduction:

Family Home Evening (FHE) often calls for wholesome entertainment and discussions that enrich family bonds. While "The Devil Wears Prada" may not seem like the typical FHE movie, its hidden gems make it a surprisingly perfect choice for a memorable and meaningful family night.

Why "The Devil Wears Prada"?

1. Life Lessons in Fashion: This film, set in the glamorous world of fashion journalism, offers a unique backdrop for discussing important life lessons. From the value of hard work and dedication to the consequences of compromising one's values, "The Devil Wears Prada" presents ample opportunities for meaningful conversations.

2. Family and Career Balance: The movie delves into the struggles of balancing a demanding career with personal life. This theme can lead to discussions on time management, prioritization, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which are relevant to family dynamics.

3. Character Growth: Viewers witness the transformation of the main character, Andy, as she navigates a challenging job. Her journey highlights personal growth, resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself. These are valuable lessons for family members of all ages.

Discussion Points:

During your FHE, consider discussing the following points:

- Hard Work and Ambition: What does it mean to work hard and pursue one's ambitions? How can we balance ambition with ethical considerations?

- Prioritizing Family: How can we ensure that our family remains a top priority, even when faced with demanding careers or other responsibilities?

- Personal Growth: How do the characters in the movie evolve, and what lessons can we draw from their experiences?

- Communication: Discuss the importance of effective communication within families, as seen in the film.

Conclusion:

"The Devil Wears Prada" may revolve around fashion, but beneath its stylish surface lies a treasure trove of life lessons and discussion points that can strengthen family bonds and inspire personal growth. So, grab some popcorn, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a surprising and enriching Family Home Evening with this cinematic gem.

An Enchanting Date with Destiny: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)

Are you ready to rekindle the magic? On July 15th, the world is set to be spellbound as the epic finale, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)," enchants theaters worldwide. The countdown to this enchanting event has us all on the edge of our seats, and I've even managed to work a little magic of my own on my husband.

He may not have been a wizard before, but I've successfully transformed him into an eager Hogwarts enthusiast. He read the captivating pages of the seventh book and embarked on an enchanting journey through all the movies, sharing in the bewitching world of Harry Potter. 

The anticipation is palpable, and our excitement is simply uncontainable! Mark your calendars for July 15th, and let's raise our wands to a night of pure cinematic enchantment. Woohoo! 🪄🔮✨

Faith and Infertility: A Journey of Hope

Introduction:

It was a beautiful Sunday, a day of reflection and faith. Our Relief Society President led a touching lesson, drawing from the Ensign's wisdom, April 2011 edition. Little did I know that the message that day would resonate so deeply within me, connecting me to the silent struggles of countless couples.

A Glimpse into the Unknown:

I can't claim to fully understand the profound pain of those who face infertility, but I can glimpse it. I remember those early days after our marriage, filled with the eager anticipation of parenthood. Each month was a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment, as we searched for signs of pregnancy. Those false alarms seemed cruel at the time, but they were only a foreshadowing of the trials to come.

The Blessing of Perspective:

One day, during a heartfelt conversation with a sister in our ward, I gained perspective. She, a first-time mother, expressed her inability to imagine enduring the same uncertainty. She hinted that a childless married life might become mundane over time. In her words, I recognized the blessings I had taken for granted.

Today, I find myself five months pregnant, with a due date in November. It took us just a few months after our October 2010 wedding to conceive. This lesson may not be solely for my benefit, but it has deepened my gratitude towards my Heavenly Father. He has entrusted us with the precious gift of life, a child who will one day bear the priesthood, embark on a full-time mission, and, in time, lead a beloved companion to the temple, where they will be sealed for all eternity.

The Purpose in Trials:

Life, as our Father in Heaven has promised, is rife with trials. These trials are not meant to be easy, but they are meant to be worth it. Each of us faces unique challenges, and infertility is a poignant struggle for many couples.

Questions and Faith:

During my teenage years, when I heard the heart-wrenching stories of infertility among my family and friends, I pondered why some unmarried individuals seemed to conceive effortlessly, even when they didn't desire a child, while married couples yearned for a blessing that remained elusive.

I once asked my mom about this paradox. Her response escapes me now, but deep within, I held onto a profound belief: Heavenly Father has a divine purpose for each of us, and His love embraces us all.

Conclusion:

Faith and infertility may seem like an incongruous pairing, but in the tapestry of life's challenges, they find their place. While I can't fathom the depths of another's infertility journey, I can offer empathy, understanding, and unwavering faith that, through the darkest trials, Heavenly Father's purpose and love remain constant.