family history

So, basically this is me putting of my assignment a little bit longer (it's writing), but just humor me. As I am attending BYU, I am required to take religion courses. I think it is wonderful (this is new, I did not think so last year) and may even take more than is required! Note: I said "may" I am not making any promises. Anyways, this semester I am taking Family History and Genealogy. It is something I have always wanted to do, but I never knew where to start. This class has been a boost for me and I have had so much fun. We picked a certain ancestor to research the entire semester and I picked my great-grandfather, Vicente Mendoza. He is my maternal grandfather's father. In other words he is my mom's dad's dad. Still confused? Don't sweat it. Anyways, This has been such a great experience and I can truly say that I have enjoyed it and will continue. I feel kind of like a detective looking for clues about my ancestors and trying to find records . . . I know I don't make this sound super interesting, but I am trying! Well, I just want to leave you with a quote that will hopefully get you motivated:)

“The Bible says, ‘I will send you Elijah the Prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.’ [Malachi 4:5–6.]
“Now, the word turn here should be translated bind, or seal. But what is the object of this important mission? or how is it to be fulfilled? The keys are to be delivered, the spirit of Elijah is to come, the Gospel to be established, the Saints of God gathered, Zion built up, and the Saints to come up as saviors on Mount Zion [see Obadiah 1:21].
“But how are they to become saviors on Mount Zion? By building their temples, erecting their baptismal fonts, and going forth and receiving all the ordinances, baptisms, confirmations, washings, anointings, ordinations and sealing powers upon their heads, in behalf of all their progenitors who are dead, and redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection and be exalted to thrones of glory with them; and herein is the chain that binds the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, which fulfills the mission of Elijah. …

Okay, so it's a little long, but we talked about this a lot in class. (btw this is from: “Chapter 41: Becoming Saviors on Mount Zion,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2007),468–478)

These are some photographs I had my mom send me of Vicente Mendoza and his wife Manuela Cardoza Mendoza. Just thought I'd share a little of my research.
p.s. the last one of Vicente reminds of my grandpa:)