This past week, we've been learning about families from different cultures. Something which I like about the Hispanic culture are their cultural values for parenting. The following are the main values emphasized:
1.) Familismo: an emphasis on family values and family well being, more than individual desires.
2.) Respeto: Respect for, and responsibility toward elders.
3.) Personalismo- a value on individual character and inner qualities.
4.) Simpatía- The value of harmony in relationships--gained by politeness, agreeableness, and respect for others.

What have you become because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/jesus-christ-directs-his-church-and-his-work?lang=eng

Today, my roommates and I watched this great movie called Charly. Such a sweet movie! You will definitely want a box of tissues! I am so happy to know that families are forever! I know that this life does not end once we die. I look forward to spending eternity with my future husband and children. I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful we have our Savior Jesus Christ who atoned for us; making it possible for us to return to our Father in Heaven :)

This past week in my Family Relations class, we watched a very interesting documentary on how the fertility rate in many countries has declined.  Definitely worth your time watching. There is the assumption that populations will always grow. This is false. One may assume that the choice in having children or how many does not affect anyone except your own personal life. Real Estate, immigration, retirement, human capital, your future children/grand children are just some factors affected by this choice. Some key words to know:
1.) Population: "Total of people living in a region."
2.) Birth Rate: "Births per thousand people born in a population during a year."
3.) Fertility Rate: "Average number of children born over the life time of the average woman."
I would love any feedback regarding the documentaries. Please comment and let me know what you think. What are some possible solutions to the decrease in fertility? 
(Part I Documentary: "New Economic Reality: Demographic Winter") http://byutv.org/show/5e819b00-5e99-4bf4-931e-c154d3c2dc8d/new-economic-reality-demographic-winter
(Part II Documentary: "New Economic Reality: Demographic Winter") http://byutv.org/watch/b3dfa9f3-6e20-4d64-af96-fbf3fd64670a/new-economic-reality-demographic-winter-part-2

"A stronger personal faith in Jesus Christ will prepare [your children] for the challenges they will most surely face," Neil L. Anderson.

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/tell-me-the-stories-of-jesus?lang=eng

Well Hello! I am new to this whole blogging thing. I didn't think I would have a blog until I was married and had a family of my own--BUT, that is not the case. Surprisingly, this blog is an assignment for a course I am taking, called "Family Relations". I was always fascinated and intrigued by the idea of starting a blog--and being this is a requirement for the class, here I am with my very own blog. Woohoo! 
            So, over the next couple of months, I will be posting my thoughts and share insights from my class on this blog. It shall be a fun and worthwhile experience. Please feel free to comment on any of my posts--I would love feedback and your thoughts/opinion on the matter. The main focus of my blog will be on the family unit--something which is very important to me. Thanks for stopping by! Have a fun weekend, and check back next week for my first "real" post :)