Monday, July 26, 2010

Mexico wouldn't be Mexico without...

A trip to Mexico wouldn't be complete without some type of stomach bug! After being here an entire month (minus a couple of days) the bug hit... our little Ladybug and my wonderful husband! I will be M.I.A. for a little while nursing my sick daughter and feverishly hot husband back to health!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Cristo Rey Statue

Our family traveled to the state of Guanajuato, Mexico near the city of Leon to view the statue of 'Cristo Rey'. This statue is said to be in the center of Mexico. The people placed a statue of Christ in the center of their country to represent their lives and country centered upon our Savior, Jesus Christ. I though this sentiment was beautiful.

Our family enjoyed trekking up the mountain in our Suburban (my cute husband loved driving on the bumpy roads with mountain curves)!

The cherubs on either side of the statue of Christ each have a specific function; one cherub is removing the crown of thorns and the other cherub is stretching to place upon Christ his crown as our Heavenly King.

Inside the domed building is a lovely sanctuary with an empty funeral pyre - I assume suggesting that Christ has risen. There is a floating bronze crown of thorns suspended over the entire interior of the building. In the exact center of the ceiling is a golden leafed crown to symbolize Christ as our Heavenly King.

Our family enjoyed experiencing this lovely tribute to our Savior.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Pueblos Magicos in Mexico

Over this past week I took advantage of our children being at Summer Camp and I traveled a bit around Mexico! Friends and I traveled to Pachuca, Real de Montes, San Miguel de Allende, Dolores Hidalgo and Tequisquiapan! We visited friends who had moved as well as historical little towns.

While in Real de Montes we ate pastes - these are delicious, historical pastries filled with meat and potatoes or fruit fillings that were used in the mountainous mining towns in Mexico! SO delicious - one would almost become a miner!

In Dolores Hidalgo my adventurous spirit got the best of me and I tried Camarone (Shrimp) Ice Cream from a street vendor with chile on it! It was absolutely the taste of shrimp! The texture of ice cream and the flavor of chile shrimp do NOT go well together! My stomach paid for that little adventure for about 24 hours! But, it was definitely a memory!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Curso de Verano

While here in Mexico our children were invited to a Summer Camp with BOMBARDIER, Inc. Our children have had a fabulous time! They have now done more extreme sports than their parents! Each day they have the opportunity to do a HUGE zip line (1/4 Kilometer), Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Mechanical Bull Riding, Horseback Riding, Aero-Bungee Jumping and other absolutely wonderful activities!



Each morning we cover them with sunblock and each evening they have another sun-kissed tan! They are doing great, overcoming fears and having a wonderful time!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Zihuatanejo & Isla Ixtapa

Our family enjoyed a long weekend in the Mexican fishing town of Zihuatanejo. During our time there we visited Isla Ixtapa and many of the beaches! On Isla Ixtapa, the best beach was Cocohuatalate (I am so not sure I spelled that right.) but it was perfect for our children to play and calm enough that they felt comfortable going into the water without parents!

While on Isla Ixtapa I explored the island and found the "Wild Beach" which everyone on the island had a different name for - thus I am calling it the wild beach... because I had to hike over portions of the island, step lightly under a wasp nest the size of my entire body (I am NOT exaggerating here.) and enter the beach from underneath a small tunnel created by brush. But, once there, it was breathtaking - just myself on a beach with white sand and coral, waves crashing against the rocks and fauna growing to the edge of the sea. It was gorgeous! (I was tempted to bring my children and husband... but due to the ear-piercing screams I know would be heard the moment they saw the wasps nest - did I mention that it was the size of my body? - I deferred.)

We had a wonderful, restful time as a family! The days of resting and relaxing were needed and appreciated!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Queretaro...Ano Bicentenario

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Mexico's independence. Queretaro is known to be part of 'la cuna de Independencia' or the Mexican cradle of Independence. It is here that their National Anthem was first performed, their governing documents were signed and it was the city where the revolution began with a woman, La Corregidora, locked in a room for conspiracy and treason - yet she still managed to get messages out through the keyhole to warn other revolutionaries in the city. The revolutionaries fled Queretaro and the actual cry of Independence was first heard in the city of Dolores Hidalgo early on September 16, 1810.



No matter where the cry of Independence rings out I believe we should celebrate. It always requires bravery and sacrifice to stand against oppression in whatever form. We are enjoying our time in this great city and we hope you enjoy some pictures and a bit of Mexico's history.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Estamos en Mexico... otra vez!


Yes, we are in Mexico once again! We are enjoying visiting with our wonderful friends, seeing the sights and tasting the antijotes of Mexico! We have been here only a few days and have packed in some sightseeing, visiting our church congregation, attending the last day of school at the children's old school and having a pool party with our amigos! We can hardly wait for the adventures of this month to unfold!

The Pursuit of Happiness

This month I have been studying, highlighting and making notations in the margins of two books I would highly recommend to everyone. The books are: "The 5,000 Year Leap: Principles of Freedom 101" and "The Making of America". Both books are distributed by the National Center for Constitutional Studies and can be purchased here.

George Washington said, "The power under the Constitution will always be in the people... and whenever it is executed contrary to their interest, their servants can, and undoubtedly will, be recalled."

To see this quote come to pass we, the people, have to become educated once again as to this magnificent document that is to guide the governing of our country. In my reading I am amazed how far off the mark we are already as a country. It is my hope that you will accept my invitation and take time to learn of how we can, together, make a difference.

If you either live in or will be in the Dallas, Texas area on August 28, 2010 there will be a "Making of America" Seminar with guest speaker, Mr. Andy Biggs. Mr. Biggs is a member of the Arizona State Legislature and a speaker from NCCS. The cost will be $15 per person or $35 for a family. For more information on "Making of America" seminars - this site will allow you to either schedule a speaker or find a seminar in your area.