A Temple in Rome!!!

I know that I am pregnant, but tears of joy flowed freely as the announcement of a temple in Rome was made. While in the MTC, Elder Richard G. Scott came to speak. He spoke about the importance of true conversion. He answered questions from missionaries. It was a really cool experience. Afterward, he stayed to shake the hand of all 2000 missionaries. It was an amazing experience.
When we returned to our classroom right after the meeting, our district leader had a story to tell. When he shook Elder Scott's hand, he told the apostle that we were going to "build a temple in Italy," and then began to walk away. Elder Scott held his hand tightly and pulled him back, placing his hands on his shoulders. He looked him in the eyes and said, "I know you will Elder. I know you will."
The message Elder Scott sent to our little district stayed with me throughout my mission. It reminded me of the importance of teaching people not only of Jesus Christ, but of the hope that families are eternal. There is no greater sadness then to see someone who has lost a loved one. Yet, worst still is the belief that his or her loved one is lost forever. The theme of my mission was eternal families. Now, the saints where I served will have an opportunity to be sealed to their families forever and to do work for their ancestors.
I visited an elderly member named Sorella Zanetti every week when I served in Rome. She was unable to travel because of her age. It was often difficult for her to attend church. She hadn't been to the temple in many years because of the distance to Switzerland. My promise was that we would attend the temple together in Rome. Unfortunately, I will not be able to keep my promise because she has passed on. However, I plan to get there. I know she will be waiting.

http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/rome/

Isabella Turned 2!

The temper tantrums have already begun, but she is still cute. On Thursday, we went to Disneyland to see the princesses. She wore the princess dress that Grandma made. Saturday, we had her party at a park. I tried my hand at decorating cakes. I am planning on keeping my day job, but they turned out alright. This was the first time that she got toys of her own and understands they belong to only her. She hasn't cried in two days. Don and I decided that every so often, we will just go buy her a new pile of toys, so that we don't have to parent. =)

Our Story... So Far

I have never blogged before, but I wanted a place where people I don't talk to often can see what is happening in my life. Don and I met in April of 2001 at BYU. He finished his degree in Spanish while I, Kimberly, served a mission in Italy. I returned in October of 2003, and we were married December 23 of the same year. Don worked as a graphic designer while I tried to balance work, school, and pregnancy. Elizabeth Louise was born on December 1, 2004.
Apparently, we weren't meant to stay in Utah because Don was laid off from two jobs within 7 months. After much prayer, we decided he needed a new career. We moved to Tustin, Ca with my fabulous in-laws while Don went back to school. Putting his Spanish degree to use, he began attending Chapman for a teaching credential. I had been working for 1 week at the worst job ever when I found out that we were expecting a new baby. Again, we prayed. We realized that daddy staying home and mommy working weren't going to work out. Don began substitute teaching, working part-time at Office Depot, and continued school full-time.
All the labor paid off. On September 7, 2006, Isabella Eve was born and on September 14, Don was offered an internship at Foothill H.S. Don finished his credential and continued at Chapman to receive a Master's degree in Teaching. He also received an Outstanding Graduate Student award. While Don was busy with responsibility, I was called to be Young Women President in our ward. I also participated in our Stake's production of Savior of the World and finally finished my AA in Business Administration. Last fall, we moved into our own apartment. With more space I was able to participate in a co-op preschool with my friends.
This summer, Don and I decided to switch roles once again. In April, I began working as a server at LoneStar Steakhouse so that Don could enjoy his vacation. Of course, he didn't realize that he would be working harder than I. One week into my new job, I found out that I was expecting another baby. This time, a little boy. In December, Don and I will be celebrating our 5th anniversary with the arrival of our first son.
I worked my last day on Tuesday, and Don started back-to-school on Wednesday. Lizzie is excited to start pre-school. She is very studious. She can sit for an hour drawing pictures, letters, and names. She is a princess. Usually Cinderella, but sometimes Ariel. Lately, all she can do is talk about Wall-e, the Pixar robot. Isabella isn't a baby anymore. She loves to ride her sister's trike, put puzzles together, and read books. She has recently fallen in love with Snow White. They are both excited for a new brother because they are sure he wont want to play with their girl toys. I guess that is the our story... so far.