Dear Family and Friends,

What a wonderful year the Martinez Family has had. We have been so blessed again this past year. Here are the monthly highlights.

In January, Olivia turned eight years old and chose to get baptized. What a great experience for our whole family. Yes, I cried and No, I cannot believe she is eight, almost nine now! Livi is already becoming a young lady and (most of the time) she acts older then her age. She is a wonderful helper to everyone. She loves playing board games and computer games.

In February, we added a puppy to our family. Lusha (pronounced like luscious) was only 6 weeks old when we got her. We had a lot of fun with her at first, but after the newness wore off, we realized that we are not a dog family. In August we found a new home for her with a family that loves her.

In May, Isabel turned six and is as adventurous as ever. She is always looking to put a smile on our faces or snuggle up with somebody to read a book. She is coming along in her reading and writing, and she is super quick with her math skills. She has a lot of allergies and seems to get sick quite often. During this time she shows her testimony by always asking for a blessing from Daddy. She has such a sweet spirit.

In June, Gabe turned 30 something. (I really don’t remember.) He was part of the Juvenile Unit for most of the year. Just recently he switched to an office unit that takes care of security for the movie studios and red carpet events in Hollywood. He hasn’t met any “stars” yet, but he is a lot less stressed out. We are happy that he is in a safer place. He also lost 50 pounds over the first half of the year. He does a workout called Cross Fit. He has recruited quite a few people from the ward to be in his “garage gym” where he trains them. He really enjoys it and the people keep coming back because he is very motivating! He is still the Young Men’s President and does a great job being the leader of the Redhill Special Forces Unit. He is a great example to the boys.

In July, I turned 31 – Holy Cow. Let’s see, we took our annual trip to the beach. The kids liked it (mostly) and Gabe is totally becoming a “surfer dude.” I don’t like the beach much. After that I took the girls to Idaho for a couple of weeks to see our family there. It was fun for them to see their cousins and grandparents. They got to play in the irrigation water in the back yard, just like I did when I was a kid.

In August, I got to go on a retreat up in the mountains. Some friends and I rented a cabin for four days. I got a ton of scrapbooking done and a ton of relaxing, alone time too! After that we started the school year with a Homeschool Program through the Public School District. The girls are doing well, but we are starting to get burned out on it. We really believe homeschooling is the right path for our family. It is a day by day learning process of how to make it work though.

In September, little Miss Sofia turned three!! If only she knew she was three not thirteen. She acts and talks so grown up, sometimes it is scary. She has a very strong spirit and personality! She is really into movies right now and out of nowhere she will start quoting a movie we watched. She already knows how to deliver a punch line. Too cute!! If only we could get her to wear her PJ’s at night, clothes during the day, leave her shoes on for more than five minutes!

In October, Gabe’s sister took us to L.A. to see the Broadway play, “Wicked” and we all loved it!! What a great experience for the girls. We got to wear our fancy dresses and go to a grown up event. Then for Halloween, we had a Ninja, a Woodland Fairy, and a Princess Fairy. We got a ton of candy. Oh yeah and I fractured my foot and had to be in a “boot” for six weeks. What a pain, but made me glad to be healthy and not have any broken bones in our family.

In November, Gabe and I celebrated our eleven year anniversary. His family took care of our girls for two days so week could take a mini trip to San Diego. We had an amazing time there and have decided it should become our way to celebrate every year. We also spent the month “Giving Thanks” for our abundant blessings.

Now it is December, we had planned a quiet month her at home. But when my family from Texas went to Idaho, I decided to load the kids in the van and drive there to see them. It was a fun, crazy, chaotic trip where we were very blessed. After getting back home on the 19^th, we finished decorating our tree and house. I finished Christmas shopping today, and am feeling good about celebrating Jesus’ Birthday. I am feeling peaceful about ending a year and starting on a new one. I have learned so much this past year about the importance of family, friends, and the blessings of the gospel. I am happier then I have been in a very long time, and for that I give thanks. I know that happiness comes from the Lord, who lives and loves us.

Merry Christmas and Love to all!!

If you would like to see pictures check out our family blog: www.gaberadel.blogspot.com

Or email us Radel: gabenradel@gmail.com Gabe: gabenradel@yahoo.com