Mexico Update

It is high time for a second update from the Ranch.  Things are going well here.  We are still alive and well.  I experienced the joy of life last night as I watched kittens being born.  Seemed much easier than having a child.  Life was really nice when we had power (from a generator) and running water (from water tanks up the hill) at the Johnsons.  Now we are facing reality as we come home to a lofthouse each night.  The Lord has totally been stretching us.  Our late night talks have been challenging, but wonderful.  Matthew and I are learning new things about each other, and I am excited to see how the Lord is going to grow us.  Please pray for continued wisdom and guidance and that we can be of great support to the missionaries down here.  Also, that we have fun!

Also, to my Beth Moore bible study ladies, I really missed you this week! but Jen & I watched the dvd and are looking forward to 2 more lessons together.  Can't wait til I am together with you all again soon.

Parents & siblings - we miss you all and wish you were here with us.  Hopefully we can do another family build next year!

The Johnson's house, where we spent our first 2 nights

Rick's lofthouse, where we will spend the remainder of our month.

The dining hall, where we do most of our cooking.

Playing Settler's, a game that can last hours

I saw some of these kittens being born... how often can you say that?

Matt & Jen trying to turn on the generator at the Van Nes.
This is right before Matt & I hoofed it up the hill to turn on the water.

These little guys helped me out with my journaling &
bible study at the Johnson's.

Jen & I with Shaina, the cake covered birthday girl

One happy six year old!

She's all smiles!

Trip to the Bay

Before I came down to Mexico, I went up North for my cousin's baby shower.  It was a fun, but all too short trip to my parent's house.  Here are a few pictures from our sightseeing day on Friday.

The Golden Gate Bridge

A view of the Golden Gate, from closer up

Davis and his awesome girlfriend Kaitlyn

With my traveling companions, Caitlin and Jen

Alex & Bryley (kinda cousins, born one day apart)

Without so much wind this time...

We got some delicious ice cream below the famous Ghirardelli Square

We're here!

Hey everyone!  I just wanted to put up a quick post to say that we have both made it safely to the Ranch in Mexico.  When I arrived today, Matt was hard at work on the coffeehouse with the McCoys.  Jen and I just finished up our workout and are now headed over to the McCoy's for Shaina's birthday dinner.  I will try to keep you all updated as to how our month is going.  Love to all!  -M & M

Manny & Dani Wedding

My cousin got married a few months ago, and it is high time that I post the pictures!

Matthew showing off the shot glass wedding favors

mmm Vino.  Thanks Uncle Bryan

And now I  present for the first time -- Mr & Mrs Manny Morales!!  Woo hoo

They all partied to Black Eyed Peas (I think). Very fun!

First dance.  How sweet.

We added a little bling to our centerpiece

My beautiful cousin Bryley & I

Danielle forced Davis to be in the garter toss. I think he's pouting

Not pouting, but no luck!

Mexico in May

I realized that I never shared pictures from our last trip to Mexico.  And thanks to Darren for all of these.  There are many many more.  But I don't have the stamina to sort through them now!  I think this trip was back in May... it was with our church, Go.

With my best co-worker :)  Doing what we love together!

Our little church (or at least those of us who came to Mexico)

A few lofthouses, including part of one that we built.  And Geeski's truck

Putting on the roofcap, Matt & Lonnie directing me from below (I had to use my nail starter to quickly get the nails through the cap)

Hopefully I will be able to update while we are down there during these next few weeks.  Love you all!

Disneyland with the Rents in May

My Dad posted these pictures in Picasa about a month or two ago.  It is high time that I share them with you!  Back in May, we went to Disneyland for my Dad's birthday.  Here are a few pictures from that day!

[and yes, looking at these pictures does make me miss my hair. :( I guess it will grow out soon enough!]

We ran into my Dad's old student (he was a college / high school pastor) / family friend and her husband and daughter.  It was so fun to see them!

Dad wanted a pic of he and Mom at the Tiki Room.  I think this turned out quite cute!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

The 3 of us, after Indiana Jones.  We were missing Matthew and Davis :(

Finally got the picture!

This is supposed to be like a pic that Davis and I took, years ago!

Have a great Monday!

Mornings in Mexico

When in Mexico, I somehow manage to get up early on Saturday and have an incredibly pleasant attitude. I am up at the dining hall around 5:30 or 5:45 to help cook breakfast and I greet everyone with a smile. I should really try and get a picture of this (because those who know me, know I am NOT a morning person!). Then we all go about our days, usually building a lofthouse.

But Sunday mornings. Those are a different story entirely. Last Sunday-in-Mexico (or SIM, as I call it), we left the Ranch at 4:30 am. I didn't sleep well the night before, so I was nauseus from the lack of sleep. Needless to say, I was probably a bit cranky until I got some sleep in the car. Usually on a Sunday we just kinda pack up and leave. If we do hang around, I usually look a little something like this:


Hmmm. I have a feeling that I am going to need an attitude check before August.

What I am loving today!

I have never done one of these things I love posts -- so today is a time to start! It all started because I wanted to show off my bright yellow nail polist. Sadly, it's not super bright in the pic. But I hope you enjoy a bit of what is going on in my life!

My nail polish -- and the signs to my craft room / office!

Iron-on Vinyl -- excited to start up my new business!

New crochet books (loving that I sold old textbooks to Amazon for store credit)

One finished blanket, which I love, and one almost finished blanket!

An almost completed Crochet Every Day pattern planning calendar -- not sure why it's crooked!

New dvds (more amazon credit! woo hoo!)

Orange Pumpkins

Red tomatoes

What I am hating today... this is the current temp in my house. Should I run the A/C? haha

What are you loving today? I would love to hear!

Mexico in August

This post has been a long time coming. In fact, the first draft is from June 13th -- which I am leaving below. Matt and I will be living in Mexico for the month of August. My company has graciously given me the time off, and not fired me! Praise the Lord. But yet, pretty intense, I know. What will we be doing? Well we are staying at the Hands of Mercy Ranch outside of Ensenada. [Oh yeah and if you are a creepy house break-in-er stalker, we have people staying at our house --- so don't even think about it] Anywho. We will be living in the Van Nesses house, but possibly in a lofthouse for part of the time.

This will let us know what they do down there during the week and how things work. Matt will probably be doing construction type things around the ranch and I am not entirely sure what I will do. I know I will be hanging out with Jen (she's the full time teacher down there) and Sue and Sara Lee (when they get back). I will probably get some crocheting done and work on my Spanish (looks like it is time for me to create a username on Matthew's Rosetta Stone... ugh!). I also want to do some other things that we have not had time to do when we only go during weekends. I am in need of some yummy ice cream! And I hope we can find those natural hot springs at the beach!

Please be praying for us during August. We are looking for wisdom about the future as well!

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Original Post from June 14th:

So the Van Nesses will possibly be gone for the month of August. Hands of Mercy is thinking about having us move down there for the month. That's huge. And exciting. It would most likely require me leaving my job. That is a major change. I am praying. Trying to hear the Lord. Matt wants to go. I want to go. But is it for selfish reasons? Is it just so that I can get away from my job -- which I do not like at times?