What's Been Happening?

Yikes! Where do I begin? So many things have happened since I've last posted...

Here's the simple version of what we've been doing:

[] Got back from our trip to Mexico
[] Spent lots of time with Bro. Juan from our church who became terribly ill. (Thank the Lord for a healing touch...it appears he will come home from the hospital this week!)
[] Prepared for family along with a PVBI group who came to visit
[] Trying to get a newsletter out (since we're behind again...!)
[] And, still feeling the need to recuperate from all of the above!

Oh...and did I mention I have a kitchen sink that is leaking, as well as ants trying to invade my kitchen...?!! :)

Now for some commentary and (not too many) pictures:

We were so happy to have Dan & Michelle Durkee (Michael's sister), their three boys, and the ladies trio from PVBI "stop by!" They arrived last Monday evening, had a service at our church Tuesday night, and left early Wednesday morning.

Somehow we managed to cram 12 people in our very small apartment for a few meals...we went to the hospital in MX to sing for Bro. Juan, then went to Progresso, MX to souvenir shop...the guys had a blast playing ball down at a park...I enjoyed seeing pictures from the group's trip to Ireland...and can you believe it? I Didn't Take Pictures!!! I wish I would have had the presence of mind to think of it then, and not now!

The only pictures I took, were of the group/s singing...

Wow! It's hard to believe how much our nephews are growing up!
And, here's a video clip of the group singing my favorite song of the evening...hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

News from Salamanca, MX

Wow! Our time here in Mexico has come and nearly gone!

Today was a very special day here at the Salamanca church. The new pastor was installed this morning. It was a very nice service and quite a few people attended. Below are a few misc. pictures that were taken throughout the day.

(except for this pic...this was taken Sat. afternoon.) This group includes the new pastor and his wife, her mother and two brothers, Philip Burch, the Mason crew, and Daniel - a student/assistant that Pastor Abel is tutoring/mentoring. We had a good time together before a few of them left for home in Southern Mexico.

The new pastor, Abel, and his wife.
...during the actual installation
Pastor Abel preaching

Me and a very good friend of mine ~ Grace with her little girl

Kyle and one of his best buddies ~ Carlitos

Tomorrow we are heading home! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we make this long trip!!

Update: We made it home safely!!!!

Tacos, anyone?

We recently enjoyed tacos & quesadillas at our favorite taco stand in Guanajuato. Michael's favorite is 'tacos al pastor'...pork meat cooked on a spit then shaved off, and then diced pineapple (from on top of the spit), cilantro, and onion are added to small corn tortillas to complete the dish. Served with salsas and guacamole.

A Good Evening

We were privileged to have a church family over this evening for supper. We introduced them to American tacos. There were no pictures taken while we were eating (because we were too busy eating!), but here's a pic of Michael showing Alejandro & Maria Carmen some pictures on our laptop.

Having fun playing...
(this couple also has a boy, but I didn't manage to get a picture of him).

The Market in Guanajuato, MX

Yesterday we were able to go to Guanajuato, MX (where we used to live). We visited the indoor market and since I have never shared pictures from there before, I thought I would post a few.

This picture is taken from the upper level. (click on picture to enlarge it and see more details) There are many different kinds of stands represented here...tourist trinkets, food, misc. items, juice stands...

There are lots of fruit stands!

I really wanted to get a picture of the meat stands, but since my husband and his stomach do not get along when viewing those particular sights, I decided not to! :)

Life in our Household

This is what one does when they don't take a pie plate to MX with them, and there's not many cookware options at the house they are staying at...but, they really want a strawberry pie...

...introducing the new "Frying Pie Pan!" (hey, it worked!)

And this is what one child does for play...may I introduce you to "Goliath!" Not only does he use the bat for a sword, but also a pillow for a shield. I do believe he gets his imagination from his Dad...!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAYLOR!

In the midst of having company and getting ready for our trip to Mexico, our little guy Taylor had a birthday (May 19th)! It's hard to believe he's two now...how time does fly! Taylor is full of life, loves animals, pretty much has a "no fear" factor, loves to eat, uses his face to express most everything, and still likes to cuddle! We are so blessed to have this little guy as part of our family. We Love You, Taylor Scott!!

Besides having my sister and grandfather to help celebrate, we also invited the Velazquez family and Morley family from our church. We ate out in front of our apartment on picnic tables...a fun time was had by all!

Thanks to Walmart for the birthday cake...I certainly didn't have time to be decorating a cake this year! And after the fiasco last year, I won't even complain about their sloppy hand writing!

Taylor blowing out the candle on his cake!

Taylor enjoying his birthday cake! Fortunately the ball that flew through the air and then landed on part of the cake didn't happen until most everybody had been served!

Taylor got some really nice gifts from everybody (Thanks also to those who sent cards!)! Here he is 'taking a spin' on his new bike from Aunt Brenda!