This morning was a rare morning - the kind where I woke up before the boys without an alarm reminding me that, if I wanted a shower, my day needed to start before theirs; the kind where I got a few precious moments to sit, relax, and reflect.  God used this lovely Valentine's Day morning to remind me to pray for my sons; to remind me how precious and innocent they are right now (sometimes it's easier to see it when they are fast asleep) and how much I hope for them to stay this way as long as possible.

Today I pray...

That they will personally know the love of their Heavenly Father who will never leave them nor forsake them.

That they will grow up as friends, supporters of one another, and confidants who spur one another on to good deeds.

That they will be men of strength and integrity who are humble enough to admit their weaknesses.

That they will live lives of passion and adventure.

That they will not let fear keep them from being whoever God has called them to be.

And that they too will believe in the power of prayer.

Happy Valentine's Day boys!

I love you.

So, I seem to be on a once a month blog post plan lately.  There are 2 reasons for this: 1) finding the time to write blog posts with 2 kids 2 and under is bit harder than with 1 and 2) after a little over a year of living in Mexico we're starting to get the hang of it and there are fewer new experiences to tell you about.  However, the Christmas season is upon us and there is much celebrating to being done here in Mexico.

After 2.5 weeks of building and tinkering our next door neighbor finally completed the most elaborate nativity scene (el nacimiento) I have ever seen.  The scene, which depicts an entire town in biblical times, takes up about a 7'x7' space and is complete with working waterfall and stream.  I don't think that this picture does it justice, but it's the best I have right now.

Last night was the viewing party at which we chatted with some of our neighbors and drank ponche, which is a warm spiced punch and traditional drink for this time of year.

This morning I attended Eli's preschool Christmas party.  As far as I can tell Mexicans like to put their kids in costume for every holiday possible.  So, I dressed Eli up as a lamb (his assigned costume) and we headed off the party.

They thanked the parents for coming, told the story of Jesus' birth (this would never happen in a non-religious preschool in the U.S.!), and then asked a few parents to share how they celebrated Christmas in their house.   I was called on first.  Lucky me!  Given a little prep time and the chance to speak in my native language I don't mind public speaking, but impromptu public speaking in a foreign language is not my idea of fun!  Nonetheless, I managed to at least tell them that we celebrate with a Christmas tree, gifts, and the story of the birth of baby Jesus.

This was followed by the whole group of kids dancing. (Sorry for the poor video quality.)

Then the kids performed an interesting rendition of the Christmas story.  My Spanish isn't good enough to get it word for word, but I'll give the gist.

Joseph worked on his carpentry while Mary was in the kitchen.

Not 1, but 2 angels came to visit each of them while they slept.

Joseph exclaimed "A baby, but I'm only 4 years old!"

Mary and Joseph went on a walk and bought candy from a vendor.  Apparently, Mary had a pregnancy craving.  Then they headed to Bethlehem and poor pregnant Mary had to carry the donkey.

They made it to Bethlehem and a very large baby Jesus appeared.

The shepherds and sheep danced together and then the devil appeared and tempted them to dance more instead of going to see baby Jesus.  Can someone tell me where you find that part in the Bible?

Eventually they stopped dancing and followed the star to baby Jesus.  The wise men followed suit and presented gifts. (Sorry, I have some lengthy video, but not a good photo of this part.)

Then the whole group, including the devil, joined around baby Jesus.

See the toy in Eli's hand?  He stole it from the devil on more than one occasion during the performance.  I'm sure some sort of biblical analogy can be made here.  More importantly I probably need to spend a little more time teaching Eli not to steal toys from other kids (particularly babies).

This was followed by more dancing.  Eli was paired off with his cousin who spent much of the time telling him he was doing it wrong, while he ignored her and kept dancing.

And here's one final shot of my little lamb.

At least I can say it was entertaining with much of the original story mixed in as well!

About three weeks ago we moved into a new place here in Mexico City.  With another little boy on the way we wanted to upgrade to three bedrooms and something with some outdoor space for Eli to get out and play.  After lots of calls and going to see a few places we found just what we were looking for about a five minute drive from our previous apartment.  We have settled in easily and so far we are loving the extra space and Eli is loving the shared yard in front of our house and playground right inside our complex.  Also, our five minute move away from the main roads has made us feel like we are in more "real" Mexican neighborhood.  We are now in walking distance from the main square of our little area of the city, there are cobblestone streets, and lots of little family owned places to explore.  We have really enjoyed walking around and getting to know our new neighborhood.

Within that main square area is the local Catholic parish and they have been in all out party mode for the last week in celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.  The fair starts just a block from our house and wraps around down to the church.  I have nothing against fairs and we have taken the opportunity to go over and explore, enjoy the food, and let Eli get a pony ride, however it's the fireworks/firecrackers that get to be a bit much.  For the last week there has been an incessant "bang, bang" (as Eli calls it) going on at random times anywhere between 6am and 10pm.  At times there has been constant noise for up to 45 minutes straight and the majority of the time we just get the noise without any of the pretty lights in the sky.

Somehow Eli has developed an immunity to them and manages to sleep right through all the noise.  What a blessing!  However, our dog has been on edge constantly and none of us can manage to sleep through his barking when he really gets going.  Sorry neighbors...maybe he'll get used it at some point.

All of this to say, the fair ended last night and I will be perfectly happy if I do not hear any more fireworks for quite some time!

In doing a little internet research on the celebration and the local church I came across this You Tube video that someone took of the church and a bit of our neighborhood.  I thought you might enjoy getting a little picture of where we live:

P.S. Still no new baby.  We're still waiting, and yes, getting a bit impatient.  Maybe he'll be timely and arrive tomorrow on his due date!

Dear Eli,

Today is Mother's Day, well in the U.S. at least (we celebrated Dia de la Madre on Thursday here in Mexico). Today I get to celebrate because God graced me with the special blessing of having you in my life. For that I am incredibly thankful. Sometimes I think that you make being a Mom easier than it is supposed to be. And at times you try my patience, but these are far outweighed by the times you make me smile. You are an amazingly happy child with an incredible zest for life. I pray that you keep these qualities throughout your life.

I pray for you often, but in truth I spend more time praying for me. I pray that I will be a good mother to you, that I will have patience, wisdom, and dedication in teaching you the many lessons you have yet to learn in life. I pray that I will be a Godly example to you and the sibling you will meet at the end of the summer (I realize that you have not grasped that he or she is coming - it's going to be the biggest surprise of your little life so far!). I pray that in my life I will be able to give you a small example of the grace and unconditional love your Heavenly Father will bestow on you throughout your life. I pray that I will be quick to listen, slow to speak,and slow to anger throughout my life, but particularly in your presence. But the most important prayer is one that I began to pray before you were born and continue to pray. I pray that you will have a personal, life changing relationship with your Father in Heaven - that He will be the one you lean on when Daddy and I and others in your life fail to set the example we should. This is the greatest gift you could ever receive and one I long so deeply for you to accept from an early age.

You are a gift from God, my precious son. You have been in my life for only a short period of time, but I cannot imagine what it would be like without you now. I am so thankful that I get to be your mother.

I love you,
Mommy

Happy Dia Del Nino (Children’s Day)!  Although this is a basically unheard of holiday in the United States, in Mexico, and apparently throughout much of Latin America, it is a highly celebrated holiday.   Schools, parks, and other venues throughout the city have been holding events to celebrate the day for the last week.  There are performances, parties, piñatas and lots and lots of dulces (candy).

On Friday Eli’s preschool held their celebration.  The school simply sent home a letter informing me of the celebration and that children were expected to be dressed in cowboy/girl attire.  So we bought Eli a cowboy hat from one of the local costume stores, dressed him up in jeans and plaid shirt, skipped his usual Thursday school day and brought him to school on Friday instead, so that he could join in the festivities (treats, songs, and games related to a cowboy theme I assumed). 

Friday afternoon I came to pick him up at the usual time and was invited in for the end of the celebration.   The moms and others picking kids up were all called up in front of the kids, cowboy hats were placed on our heads, the older kids told us about all the party food and the songs they had learned, and then music came on and we were all expected to sing and dance for the kids.  I did my best to keep up, but I’m definitely not familiar with Mexican cowboy themed songs.  Next, the kids were all given bags of candy (just what my 1.5 year old needs!) and stick ponies to take home (Eli had managed to ride his occasionally, but mostly swing the stick around like a weapon).  And then we headed home.

It wasn’t until later that evening that I found out there was more to the day’s festivities.  My brother and sister-in-law apparently sent along a camera with my niece so that the teachers could get pictures of her enjoying the festivities.  They were nice enough to get several pictures of Eli as well….

RIDING A PONY! 

Nope, that wasn’t mentioned anywhere in the take home sheet or when I dropped off or picked up my child.  I can’t imagine a preschool in the U.S. bringing in ponies without some sort of hefty consent form being sent home well in advance and inviting parents to be there for the event.  But this is a little local preschool in Mexico…things are different here.

All of this to say, next time there is an event at the school I’ll be sure to ask a few more questions about what activities are involved.  I might want to actually stick around to see my kid ride a "large" animal for the first time

"Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. And behold there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here for he has risen, as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.""

Matthew 28:1-6

Amidst the eggs, bunnies, chicks, and time with family and friends, don't forget to celebrate the risen Christ today!

Sorry for the blogging delay.  I needed a little break. 

In two days we will head back to the United States for the first time in over 5 months.  There are so many things I am looking forward to – seeing friends and family, being able to fully converse with everyone around me, filling my belly with way too many cookies and various other American food offerings, the list goes on….

But for those who will actually have to get to see me in person I have a few warnings.  Some parts of Mexican life have become second nature.  Please don’t be surprised if I do any of the following:

1)      Greet every person I pass on the street with good morning, good afternoon, or good evening (probably in Spanish).

2)      Enter a room and greet each and every person before sitting down or stopping to have a full conversation (and also when leaving).

3)      Give you a kiss on the cheek when I greet you or say goodbye.  I assure you that I am not hitting on you.  It is simply the Mexican way.

4)      Feel the need to search for something for toilet paper and some change to pay the attendant before entering a public restroom. 

5)      Throw my toilet paper away in the trashcan rather than flushing it in a public restroom (although, unless you are stalking me, I’m not sure how you’ll know about this one).

6)      Expect there be someone to help me park in any given parking lot.

7)      Tip the bagger at a store or anyone helping out in the parking lot.

8)      Drive as if everyone on the road is out to get me and treat general traffic laws as somewhat optional (don’t worry, I’m going to really work at keeping this to a minimum).

9)      Try to light your stove or oven with a lighter.

10)  At any point reply to something you have said in broken Spanish.

That’s right, 2 days until we’re in Maryland and 11 days until we’re in Nevada.  Now you too can count down the days until you get to see these smiling faces.

Happy Thanksgiving from Zihuatanejo, Mexico!

Today we are thankful for this precious little boy, a gorgeous vacation spot. and so much more!

I am running a little behind, but I wanted to share with you our experience with Dia Del Muertos (Day of the Dead).  Halloween is celebrated here much as it is in the United States, but on a smaller scale and in many ways it just part of the several days of Dia Del Muertos celebrations.  The kids dress up for Halloween parties at school and some go trick-or-treating, both on October 31 and the following day.  The next days coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.  November 1 is a day for gathering with family and friends, visiting cemeteries, decorating with flowers (particularly yellow and magenta marigolds), holding parades and preparing food to honor the dead. Then on November 2 people gather to view the altars and ofrendas (offerings) that have been created in the prior weeks in remembrance of lost loved ones.  These altars are decorated with pictures of the deceased, flowers, candles, and favorite items of the individual for whom the altar was created (cds, beer, political figures, you name it). 

All of this began with the ancient Aztec practice of ancestor worship and a belief that the spirits of the dead visit their families during these days, but it has become something more.  In Mexico death is respected, but not in the same way it is in other cultures.  Mexicans mourn, but more than that they accept death as a part of life and celebrate the lives of those who have gone before them. They gather together to remember family and friends, to share about their lives, and even tell humorous stories about the deceased. Skulls and skeletal figurines are simply a part of the culture, and as odd as it may sound some of the death decorations are truly beautiful.

On the evening of November 2 we visited one of the UNAM (the major university system here in Mexico) campuses to see the display of ofrendas.  Dave and I expected a sober evening of walking around and viewing the displays created for lost loved ones.  What we found was something very different.  Think an evening at the county fair, meets a gothic renaissance fair, meets a kids Halloween party, meets a science fair with very elaborate displays, meets a wake.

Got that picture in your head?

Let me see if I can help, as we walked out onto the large quad area we were greeted by dozens of individuals selling lighted headbands and toys, food booths, and individuals selling various other wares.  Next came crowds of families, many with children dressed in Halloween costumes who were getting their pictures taken with various individuals dressed in old fashioned dresses and suits with their faces painted to look like skulls.  In the center of the event there was a band playing and off to one side a radio station was playing music and giving some sort of presentation.  Next came around 40 ofrendas, which were generally set up in square spaces of approximately 12 feet on each side.  The ofrendas included all of the traditional items I mentioned above along with huge lighted papier-mâché figurines and buildings and various skeletal figures.  People were crowded around the ofrendas taking pictures and pointing out the various items favored by the deceased.

It was definitely an event unlike any I have been to before.  I have included some pictures from the night.  Unfortunately I did not have our good camera with me and the dozens of flashing lights reeked havoc on my little point and shoot, but I think you’ll get the basic idea.

My sister-in-law and niece with one of
the many costumed guests

Ofrenda

Ofrenda

Ofrenda

Looking back across the quad

So we're not the best at keeping up with this, but here's a little update:

Over Christmas Eli saw LOTS of family including 4 great grandparents, 4 grandparents, 1 great great aunt, 2 great aunts, 3 aunts, 2 great uncles, 1 uncle, 1 first cousin, 5 first cousins once removed, and 2 second cousins once removed (I think).  The whole cousin thing gets a bit confusing.

I've including a couple pictures of the many reunions.

Eli is now 2 months old and definitely thriving.  He's at 60% for height and 80% for weight for his age.  Needless to say he's pleasantly plump!  I haven't seen a growth chart for foot size, but I'm pretty sure he would be off the chart, as he's already maxing out the 6 month socks.

One year ago today I was frantically trying to prepare thanksgiving dinner on my own for the first time.  My mom had her second major neck surgery just a few weeks prior and the duty to prepare the meal fell on me.  Needless to say I was a bit stressed about getting everything just right.

Two years ago tomorrow Dave and I made the decision that we were ready to start a family.

One year ago yesterday I spent the afternoon in the hospital to get a procedure done that would hopefully determine why Dave and I had been unable to get pregnant over the previous year.  The procedure was unsuccessful and therefore inconclusive.  We had no answers.

One year ago today I spent part of my morning sitting on the floor of our laundry room crying, wishing for answers, and struggling to be thankful.

Today I am incredibly thankful.  I am thankful for my beautiful, healthy son who was born just 18 days ago.  I am thankful for the family and friends I am surrounded with on this holiday and so many other days.  I am thankful for the prayers and support of so many over the last two years.

Today I have no reason to be anything, but thankful.

This past weekend Dave and I attended a pumpkin carving party at our friends Dave and Candace's house.  Although we didn't win a prize we had a lot of fun designing our pumpkin.  Can you tell what it is?