We've come a long way baby...

We officially fit into Mexico... ok, well we are still obviously 'gringos' - the pale, white skin and the little red heads give that away - and each day various Mexicans approach the children to touch their hair and comment on their beauty; BUT, we now feel comfortable in situations surrounded by spanish speakers and we don't think twice about most things - church, grocery shopping, ordering food at resturants, eating at places before we were scared of, talking on the street, etc.

Speaking of eating at places we were once scared of - this picture is of my cute husband's favorite Mexican resturant. Seriously. Whenever he and I meet for lunch or whenever he chooses where our family goes for a weekend meal - it is here! The food is absolutely great, the people could not be more kind and once you get over the 'open air' atmosphere (meaning an occasional fly near or on your meal - you will NOT ever get a discount due to a fly in your soup) it is a great place.



We were here a couple of weekends ago and I took a picture for memories sake... but then, I thought, this picture says a LOT. When we first arrived in Mexico we ate at Chili's, Dominoes Pizza, McDonald's, Burger King, Sam's Club & Costco - and paid an arm and a leg to do it (A meal at McDonald's here cost our family around $40 USD). Now, we'll eat just about anywhere - the food is great and of course, "When in Rome..." (or Mexico - "VIVA!")

The Mexico City Temple

This past weekend my husband and I traveled with our congregation to the Mexico City Temple. It was a wonderful, uplifting and beautiful experience.

We traveled in buses with the members from our area; leaving at 5am. When we arrived at the temple the parking lots were filled to capacity and there were long lines to attend the sessions in the temple. It was wonderful to see all the faithful Mexican members of the church literally lining up to take part in the learning and the supernal beauty that is part of the temple ordinances. My husband and I waited for approximately 2 hours to take part in a temple session. We were able to sit with and quietly visit with the members - we enjoyed immensely their testimonies, their spirits and their dedication.

Although it was a unique experience to attend a session completely shared in the Spanish language - we were each able, once again, to learn something new and to appreciate to a greater extent the absolute magnitude of having a worldwide church! What a blessing it was to take part in an international experience within the temple.

Below is a video produced by the LDS church and shares why temples are built in the church. If you reference the Holy Bible you will find that temples were (and are today) the great symbol of heaven and becoming closer to our Father in Heaven.

If you have question - please watch this video and reference your personal scriptures - look in the Holy Bible for how temples were used in the ancient days and you will find, for yourself, how the LDS church uses temples today.

Our little Iron Man...

Our little man participated in a Mini-Olimpiada - he was chosen to represent his school in the regional races - along with five other students.

He did a wonderful job! I was able to be on the course with all the students (instead of in the stands) because of my great Nikon D90 camera - the administrators of the mini-olympics thought that I was a school photographer - so, I asked the school if I could take pictures for them and I had my pass onto the field... I represented the school and took tons of pictures of all the students - but I have to admit I took a few more of one particular racer!



All the children did a wonderful job... but, of course, I am biased toward this adorable little boy!

Tula Ruins

A couple of weekends ago our band of explorers visited the site of the ruins of 'Tula' with the 15 ft. statues in stone - the Atlantes. The Toltec civilization lived here and the archeologists believe that the orders of the jaguar and eagle warriors and the practice of massive human sacrifices are likely to have begun here.

If you will look at some of the pictures of the reliefs you will notice the theme of a human being devoured by a serpent. This wall is located on the main temple grounds and depicts human sacrifice.

I find the symbolism of the serpent very interesting in this depiction for numerous reasons - first, these ancient peoples thought that they were worshipping a God through human sacrifice; second, in our Christian scripture there is an immortal that is also depicted by a serpent; third, human sacrifice is not practiced as worship to God the Father and his Son. Thus, I thought it was very appropriate that these ancient peoples who practiced human sacrifice to appease the 'God' were representing that immortal being as a serpent. The same being they are depicting in their reliefs, I believe, is the same being that is represented in our Christian literature as a serpent.

Our band of explorers had a great time visiting the museum and the pyramids and seeing the ancient statues and reliefs! We hope you enjoy learning a little about the Toltecs from our experiences! Adelante!

Geocaching!

Monday was the celebration of a Mexican National holiday. Our family had a leisurely day at home, eating out on the terrazas and enjoying the warm Mexican day. Finally, we got a bit wrestless (in other words Mom had to get out of the house). Our little band of explorers decided to go Geocaching!

We followed our GPS guide by car until we had to park and go at it by foot... all the children had turns being the guide and then... we found the box!

It is so exciting for the kids to find the geocaches. It is a treasure hunt for them, every time! It is a great acivity and we all enjoy 'hunting' together! The walking time usually makes for some great time to talk and visit with the kids as well as teach them a bit about orientering!

We had a great time together and hope you enjoy our pictures!

"Cutie!"

Thanks Grammy and Gramps for giving me the 'CUTIE' paint project. I loved it. Mommy and I made it with paint, glue and sparkles.

Mariposas y Caballos (Butterflies and Horses)

This weekend our little band of explorers traveled to the state of Michoacahn, Mexico to visit another Monarch Butterfly reserve. We had a wonderful time! As we began our trek we passed a corral of horses... of course that opportunity cannot be passed up! So, we purchased two horses (although my muscles tell me today that we should have purchased four) and our children had a wonderful time riding up and down the mountain! My husband and I walked along the horse trail - which I would venture to guess is a LOT more rocky and dusty than the walking trail! My knees, hips, ankles and toenails hurt! Yes, I did say 'toenails' while coming down the mountain (and trying to keep up with the children on the horses) my toes continually hit the front of my tennis shoes... so, therefore my toes are even hurting!

Our little man loved horseback riding - as well as all of our girls! All the way up the mountain my husband and I fielded questions regarding buying a ranch in Texas! (Which we would all love... but it will be farther in the future, if possible at all.) Little man barebacked it and he felt like a 'real cowboy'! All the children were full of life and enjoying the ride. At one point one of the horses with two of our girls on it reared and my heart almost stopped. The girls held on tight and stayed in the saddle! I began to wonder just how tame these horses are... or did the 'owners' just find these horses wandering in the mountains? Nevertheless we had a great time!