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Thursday, May 27, 2010

Differences

Two things that are always hard to adjust to in Mexico--US.

1.) The Toilet Paper Issue.
When I get to the US, I am usually looking for the trash can... and then remembering that I can just flush it. In Mexico, it takes a couple days to "go back to the right way".

2.) Carpet or The Shoe Removal Issue.
I forget how almost all US houses have carpet. Therefore, mostly people pad around in socks or barefoot. I forget that walking around barefoot on my tile floors in dusty Fresnillo usually leaves me depressed at how quickly my feet turn black.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

New Year's.... wishes??

A report on how it's going with this year's New Year's resolutions.

Hmmm..... A note to those wanting to keep resolutions. Don't have a baby on the 10th day of a New Year or spend the last weeks of the first month running around getting paperwork for same baby or leave for 3 months roaming through the US and Mexico at the end of the 2nd month of said year... if you want to keep your resolutions.

So what does that sound like? A wopping excuse. An "it's not really my fault that I haven't kept my resolutions"??

Exactly.

And it sure feels good to be back here, trying to make them happen again.

Here's to a more successful 6 months....

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Family Defined

Our trip through the US these last couple months have given me many things on which to reflect. We met so many people who gave us so many new insights, new experiences and new friendships.

One of the things that seemed to be wherever we went was this idea of family. What really makes a family? Should you only call people who are related to you by blood "aunt", "grandpa" or "sis"? Or are we all related anyways--thanks to Adam...and to Jesus for making us one in Him?

Since I was a teenager I have longed to adopt. I've always seen myself with a large (reasonably large, I should say) ;) diverse family. A family connected by love and diverse in background and ability... but united by the knowledge that they all belonged to each other.

I have come to understand that adoption is not as "beautiful" in Mexico as it is in the US. That is to say, the cultural viewing here seems to be more like, "You adopt when you need an extra servant around the house." Or that the adopted child is inherantly less than the other family members. When I'd try to bring up the adoption issue to Rey, he just couldn't picture it. "I don't want the child to feel less loved, and I don't know if I honestly would love another child as my own."

Rather than loftily telling Rey how "unspiritual" he was, I applauded his honesty and just decided it would have to be something God showed him--and perhaps it wasn't even in God's plan for me. Maybe it was just in my plan for me, which would have desastrous results anyway if I proceeded.

On this trip, I don't know how many families we have interacted with that had either adopted members or member who were just "understood" to be family--even some movies we happened to see on the trip spoke to this issue. One large family in particular had such a diverse makeup that we immediatly were swept into their family. We were made to feel special and loved from the moment we walked in their doors. I truly believe it is because of the unconditional and unqualified love modeled by the parents, that the children then showed that same love to anyone.

That is what I imagined in my mind when I imagined a family made up of not just "blood-children", and I am so grateful that Rey was able to see these beautiful examples of God's love. How God has called us to love all and how God has brought us into His own family regardless of our race, gender or status. How can we not but do the same??

I am not saying we have a direction we are taking at this point. But, I can see that God is opening hearts, and perhaps putting us on a path towards an end I desire.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Here's the truth of the matter...


I'll save you some time. And some money.
It's just that I've stumbled upon that ONE THING that will make you have an awesome marriage. Like a happy, healthy one.
Here goes:
"The key to having a happy, healthy marriage generally just
boils down to me acting like an adult."
Funny how that is.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Remembering to revel...


Recently, I've realized that I really enjoy being stinky and covered in any combination of slobber, spit-up, snot and tears. Deep down inside.

Ya know why?

Because those are the little badges of mommyhood given to me by my very own munchkins, and even if some days I moan when I see a mirror, I am coming to see that this has it's own very special beauty.

I am so glad I have babies.

Babies keep me humble. Nothing like a temper tantrum in the middle of the store or a baby out of his/her comfort zone to make you think twice before you judge another momma.

Babies keep me accessible. It is incredible how toting a baby on your hip automatically makes people feel they can talk to you more easily. And how it makes ME want to talk to THEM. (What?? An ADULT???)

Babies keep me young. When else could I have a legitimate excuse to clamber through the McDonald's playland or gyrate to a kid's music video? I ask you.

Babies keep me smiling. How can I not? When I look at those big beautiful eye framed by awesomely long lashes. When a roly-poly doll-baby beams her face-splitting grin up at me. When he does something mischievously goofy just to see me smile... how can I not?

Babies keep me full of awe. Really? Truly? All of this personality... beauty... life... come from my own body? This little tyke is the same little 8 pounder that keep me up nights??

Babies teach me what love is. They teach me what it is to dream big for little lives. They teach me that I want to live a better life, so they can have a better example. They teach me to reach out in empathy-- to cry with others, laugh with others.

I can truly say babies are a gift. I can truly say they have changed me forever.

Now, I'm off to change a diaper.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Points for the Good Guys


Rey's getting better at saying what I want to hear. The proof:




Me: Guess what? I just weighed myself and I weigh as much as I did when I was pregnant.

Rey: How can that be when you look so great??


Yes!! I think I may just keep you around a little longer.