I know, I often post about birthdays in the May edition of “retro”. But, of course, there is a reason.
So this year I’m just going all out. Here are some pictures from 2015 of the cakes – and piñatas!
Hannah had absolute chocolate overkill in her cake, and a giant “Hershey Kiss” for a piñata.
Nathanael had an “under the sea” theme for his cake, and a shark for a piñata.
Don’t get too excited – he’s already gone again. 🙁 However, we enjoyed having Nathanael here for a few days at the end of February to the beginning of March! 🙂
There were some odd adventures along the way. We had decided to meet Nathanael at the airport and have some breakfast together there, before doing a few things in the city.
After waiting for I don’t know how long to get into the parking garage, I let Shari off to go and greet Nathanael, while I continued to wait. Finally I got in, only to drive around for over an hour trying to find a parking spot. I never did – but of course I still had to pay for my time in the parking area. So . . . let’s just say I missed breakfast!
And on the way home, Nathanael’s flight was not on time, and he ended up on a later flight, doing another all-nighter with an extra leg of flying that he wasn’t expecting.
But, in between, we had a good time! There was, of course, lots of Mexican food and friends, including time at our Sunday service, and the youth/young adults weekly event . . .
Nathanael made us some tea and some salsa (no, not mixed together) . . .
And I’m sure there were some board games in there somewhere.
And Shari added some cheesecake to the celebration . . .
So, in spite of some sickness which may have been going around the family, it was great to have Nathanael home in Mexico for a few days! We hope that we can see Nathanael – and Hannah – again soon!
Moving is always an adventure, and this move has been no exception! As is often the case, there has been so much going on, and I have so much to talk about, that I have no time to do it!
Moving in Mexico has some added challenges that you may or may not experience in the country where you live. When you move into a house, it may be pretty stripped down (the owners of the previous house were very thankful that we had left a few lightbulbs!), and not always exactly ready to live in.
I’ve explained to some people that the previous house would have cost us a lot more in the long run, but this one is costing more in the short term. So we’ve been working on things like:
… and that’s just a start. But we’re making progress! And the house itself is in much better condition than the one we left.
Thank you so much to those who helped with the cost of some of these things through your special gifts for our move.
We were so thankful to have the generous help from friends in our church with cleaning and moving. We got the majority of the furniture and appliances moved in one day at the end of November, and then spent a good part of December moving the rest and cleaning the old house.
But on top of all the moving challenges, we had other adventures. For example,
But amid all these things, we have been able to reflect on God’s provision, the kindness of friends, and, in this season, the joy of the coming of the Messiah!
Outside of our dining room window is a tree that hummingbirds and sparrows just love. They are a constant reminder to us of Jesus’ words:
Are not five sparrows sold for two assaria? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7
There’s still a lot to do as we unpack and continue to install what needs to be installed or repaired. But we’re so thankful for how God has provided over the past few weeks!
Choosing a photo from ten years ago was hard – July 2014 was a very photogenic month. I guess that’s because we travelled all across Canada and the USA, visiting family and friends. Lots of great memories!
After a breakdown in the USA (which led to more time with some friends there!), and an equally disastrous “repair”, we drove madly on to Ontario where we were finally able to enjoy a break at Fair Havens. I’m not sure it ever lived up to its name more.
So this is a shot of Hannah and Nathanael from a day of fun family games – 10 years ago today.
I can’t help a bonus – strolling with the Canada geese down one of my favourite roads in the world, also at Fair Havens:
I’m departing from my usual “10 years ago” posts to bring you this special presentation from 18 years ago today.
But first, a little background on this video. Nathanael was one week short of his second birthday. We were still living in Calgary (we would move to Mexico in 6 months). We had put elastics on the kitchen cupboards to keep little hands from getting into things (not that any of our angelic children would ever get into trouble!), and Nathanael discovered that these made excellent string instruments.
So, in a nod to his future ukulele career, he began to play this new kitchen string instrument and sing the song that was on his mind – Cristo Me Ama (Jesus Loves Me). I joined in, but I think he had chosen a key that was a little high for both of us. This amusement kept his attention for an unusual amount of time, until he finally realized that there was some delicious pasta cooking on the stove.
So, here it is – 18 years ago today!
Yes, 10 years ago today was the 4th Anniversary Service of the Path of Life Bible Church in Jesús María. Hannah (along with the rest of the youth group) presented a mime. Here they are, posing before the service (click the image for a larger version):
Did you find her?