Our Christmas posadas

It has been great to have ten days with my parents-in-law, my brothers-in-law, sister-in-law and lots and lots of Spanish speaking. Being the only family with grandchildren on my husband's side has its advantages. Many of the festivities took place at our house. One of the highlights was that we put on our very own pastorela (nativity play). My youngest son was a donkey, my eldest an angel and my brother and sister-in-law (who are newlyweds) got to be Mary and Joseph. We did no preparations in advance other than making crowns for the three kings, donkey ears and throwing together a manger. It was fun though to read directly from scripture and just kind of improvise the acting with what was read aloud. We did it only for ourselves, there was no audience, but it felt good remembering the purpose of the season in such a hands-on way. My sister-in-law especially liked it when my youngest exclaimed "Tia!" for the first time at the end of our closing song. What can I say, it was a hallelujah moment!

There were pre-party setbacks, emotional family meetings and even late-night stitches this holiday (think forehead to sharp-cornered shoe stand!) but our family has been brought closer together and we're stronger for it. Strengthening these ties is, I hope, the foundation my children will need to keep hold of their Latin culture and Spanish-language heritage.

And my side of the family was a part of the action too. My siblings watched El Grinch (The Grinch in Spanish) with the rest of us and sang us villancicos they learned in their dual-language academy. Ever since my parents and younger siblings have buckled down and started learning Spanish, it has thrown a curve into my 2 year old's language separation. With talk of regalos and navidad coming from his tios who 6 months prior spoke no Spanish at all, he started chiming out in Spanglish "Quiero open it" with gusto during present unwrapping time.

Needless to say, we had a blast this Christmas.

A two-year thrill ride

Yesterday marked the two year anniversary since my husband and I were married. I like to think we've both matured and reached greater mutual understanding. It isn't easy working around each other's different cultures, but it's worth it! I read an article summarizing some thoughts given by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon in October of last year.

He said, "It is time to explain that different ... belief systems and cultural backgrounds are essential to the richness of the human experience."

My sweet husband has willingly shouldered the behind-the-scenes upkeep of the "American dream", that is, he takes care of the lawn and landscaping, grills a mean steak, and does all the other fix-it work needed on the car or in the house. Two years ago I don't think either of us would've seen far enough ahead to have predicted that. :)

And me, I've been learning more about ironing, cleaning and cooking especially. He loves that sort of thing because his mother always placed a strong emphasis on it in his home growing up. It's our balance of expectations, and we have really learned not to begrudge that daily give and take. And gee, our house sure looks good in the meantime!

At the same event I quoted from earlier, Ban emphasized that "men and women of faith around the world can be brought together, rather than separated, by their convictions and their belief in something greater than themselves."

My hubby and I are fortunate in this way. Our biggest common tie is our faith. Though I grew up going to an English congregation and he grew up going to a Spanish one, the doctrine we have been raised on is the same. We are both members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) through and through. And our common religion has been a great strength to us through these two years.

And in case you're reading this, amor, thanks for all you do! You're responsible, fun and romantic! Does it get any better than that?! Te quiero!