Moving Kids to Mexico

Visitors

2010-06-30T22:56:00.003-05:00

Camping Friends Checking Out the Beach on Day 1

In our year living in Mexico (July 2008 - July 2009), we were fortunate to have many visitors - special time with special people in our lives.

We were able to replicate that experience last week. Two couples, I will call them our "Camping Friends" stayed a week in the same place we are in now and we were able to show them bits and pieces of Mexico. While Camping Friends have children, they were able to go SOB for an adult vacation.

We had a great time with them.

Here is a glimpse from Camping Friend #1 Husband thanking us: " ... for showing the path less traveled - the taco stands, raw tuna, Tu Pollo, the pie lady, Sienna and fish on a stick at the beach, surfing, Latcho and Andrea, etc."

And another email we just got from Camping Friend #2 Wife: "I want to go back to Mexico. Very crazy week. Very much like in Mexico. Plumbers saying they will come and do not. And, when they finally got here, they even spoke Spanish. Spent 48 hours with plumbers, inspectors and atmos trying to figure out gas leak mess. Trying to board dogs, but petsmart phones at location I want are down until next week...ugh......all this hassle and no waves to go with it!"

Mexico is a frame of mind. It is a way of thinking. It honestly thrills me that our Camping Friends took a part of the "path less traveled" and the "things do not go as expected" paradigm with them back to the USA.

Mexico is way more than geography. Mexico can change you. Or maybe it is just the concept of exploring other ways of approaching life that is the change agent. I do believe that tolerance is the real goal and living abroad for even a small part of my life has made a difference. So sharing that experience with people important to our lives and the lives of our children is significant.

Special time with special people in our lives ... this is what really defines our lives where ever we are ... who ever we are ...

Guest Blogger: Youngest Son - A Poem

2010-06-27T12:42:00.004-05:00

Mexico

by: Youngest Son

Mexico Mexico is the best

You can swim in the water

But you better put sun screen on every day

Or else you'll burn up that day

Note: Oldest Son and Youngest Son are keeping a journal this summer. Youngest Son asked to write a poem today.

Boys Are Boys ... Where ever they are ...

2010-06-25T22:29:00.007-05:00

A Cheap Mega Plastic Power Rangers Ball
Two Cardboard Boxes

A Rectangle Play Area
An 8 Year Old in Ben 10 PJs

A 10 Year Old excited about the Recent NBA Playoffs ...

"You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing. What! Is it nothing to be happy? Nothing to skip, play, and run around all day long? Never in his life will he be so busy again."

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Emile

Los Piojos for Oldest Son

2010-06-18T20:43:00.004-05:00

Well the adventure continues for Oldest Son. He has his first case of piojos ... lice.

Wednesday: The Nayarit schools announced that they will close school on Friday - 3 weeks earlier than planned! Husband checked with kids' Mexico school to see if Oldest Son and Youngest Son could attend for last two days. Yes.

Thursday: Kids went to school and had a great day. Oldest Son was excited about high marks on a math test. Youngest Son brought home a great picture he had drawn about his summer: Oldest Son surfing, Youngest Son hanging on to Oldest Son, a flattering depiction of me wearing a bikini (which I never do!) and Husband colored in with a sunburn all over. Ummmm, there must be some kind of deeper meaning to these artistic choices by Youngest Son. Something to ponder.

Friday (today): Parties all day long at school. Youngest Son came home covered in dirt from playing outside. Oldest Son came home with lice. Well, to be technically correct, we only found the eggs. We have treated Oldest Son's scalp and are hoping no hatchlings reveal themselves tomorrow. We have switched all the linens and quarantined the stuffed animals. Husband, Youngest Son and I are piojos free so far.

Saturday: We will see ...

Oldest Son Gets Stitches

2010-06-14T21:05:00.010-05:00

BEFORE

Oldest Son continues what appears to be a tradition of sorts. He has taken our family further into the Mexico Health Care Experience. (Remember http://movingkidstomexico.blogspot.com/2008/12/chanukah-6th-night-day-of-family-lore.html)

As you can see from the BEFORE picture above, Oldest Son fell and busted open his chin this afternoon.

Husband and I began the very common parental decision discussion: does he need stitches or not? We decide he probably does.

Husband and I then have the uncommon parental decision of how to handle in Mexico. While we have been to the Mexican doctors many times, we are a little more conscientious due mostly to the risk of infection and some to the cosmetic considerations. We call Other American Family to see if they have a doctor suggestion. We end up with 2 choices: (1) go to large tourist town hospital or (2) go to local small coastal village doctor who only speaks Spanish and seems reputable. We call local doctor. He is there and says he can handle it. Note it is 5:30pm.

Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I walk to get Other American Family's car and head out.

Doctor is ready for us when we arrive. He is very friendly and welcoming. His office is pretty much like other small Mexico village doctor offices: small, sparse and dark. Doctor is dressed plainly. Husband and Oldest Son translate Doctor's Spanish for me. Youngest Son is eager to watch the "show."

Doctor lets us know after first examination that Oldest Son will probably need a couple stitches. Doctor indicates he will use a topical anesthetic. Hmmmm.

Doctor starts cleansing. I am most concerned about infection so his aggressive attack on cleaning puts me at ease. His assistant is a young Mexican girl - sweet but definitely not a nurse. She opens package after package of sterile gauze for the doctor to use. There are several squirts of the topical anesthetic.

Doctor then advises us that a just proper bandage will probably be enough and demonstrates (no stitches.) We decide that we want him to do the stitches so he gladly does as we request.

Doctor starts but the topical is not enough anesthetic. Assistant is off to get the needle. Several injections later Doctor is ready again. Oldest Son's body language shows he is relieved that the stronger anesthetic is used. There seems to be a good bit of blood. Doctor puts in 2-3 stitches, has us look to see if we want another one in the middle. This time Husband and I agree with Doctor that the additional stitch is not necessary.

Whew. Oldest Son was our usual stoic, brave soul. No complaints. No tears.

Doctor writes down the antibiotic and something for pain. He instructs us to keep area dry for couple days, no ocean swimming and come back on Monday (no particular time.) Doctor also says to eat no fat or pork and drink no sodas. Hmmmm.

Husband and I are comfortable that Doctor did a good job and Oldest Son will be alright. We think we made the right series of decisions.

Doctor Cost: $650 pesos which included all the supplies he used (about $46 USD).

AFTER

Shabbat Shalom

2010-06-11T20:10:00.014-05:00

I love that Reform Judaism is portable and tolerant. We embraced both of these attributes this Shabbat evening.
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Our Shabbat preparations started with a bus ride. Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I caught the local bus on the nearby road. Our 30 pesos took all 4 of us on a 30 minute ride to Mega. We purchased items for our Shabbat dinner. We took a taxi back for 190 pesos in order to transport our 4 boxes of groceries and make a quick stop at our favorite bakery.
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It was time ...

Oldest Son lit the candles. My Chanukah present this year was this clever Shabbat Candle Travel Holder. It folds to a ball (see the hinge) and then opens to hold the lights of Shabbat. There are scenes of Israel on the outside.

We recited the Blessing Over the Candles:

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu

Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us

l'had'lik neir shel Shabbat. (Amein)

to light the lights of Shabbat. (Amen)

Then ...

Traditional: Kiddush is recited while holding then drinking fruit of the vine (a cup of wine or grape juice)

In Mexico: Well - we embrace the spirit that moves us and customs around us ...

We recited the Kiddush:

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha-olam

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
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borei p'ri hagafen (Amein)

Who creates the fruit of the vine (Amen)

Finally ...

Traditional: We lift the Challah loaf and recite the Ha-Motzi. The challah is then ripped into pieces or sliced and passed around the table, so that each person may have a piece. The family meal may then begin.
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In Mexico: Youngest Son lifts the Totopos ...
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We sang the Ha-Motzi Song:
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Hamotzi lechem min haaretz,

We give thanks to God for bread.

Our voices rise in song together as our joyful prayer is said,

“Baruch atah adonai, eloheinu melech haolam,

hamotzi lechem min haaretz. Amen.”

(Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe

who brings forth bread from the earth. Amen.)

The Family Meal ...

Traditional: Brisket or Chicken, Vegetable

In Mexico: We made Sopas - Muy Bien!

Guest Blogger: Oldest Son - Going Back to MX School

2010-06-10T18:53:00.008-05:00

Heading out from our Villa

Yesterday, I went to school at Colegio --- with my friend Other Oldest Son. I was nervous because I didn't know if my Mexican friends would remember me. But when I got there, everything was fine.
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First I went to Spanish Class where we read a story called "La Fantasma de Canterville." Then, the Spanish Teacher had me write a reflection in Spanish (see below!). I enjoyed Spanish Class because we got to read an interesting story.
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Afterwards, I went to English Class. In English Class, we had had a spelling competition but no one won. Each student said one letter of the word but it seemed like most kids had not studied. We had to translate from English to Spanish.
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It was fun coming back to Colegio and seeing all my friends.

My brother, Youngest Son, also went back yesterday. When he arrived, his friends happily chased him around the school singing a song that included his name!
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He did this excellent work below. He also sold his Silly Bandz for pesos and used the pesos to buy Oreos, 2 Ice Creams, Pie and Bolita (frozen juice.) He ate all of it after school in 10 minutes except the Oreos!

Busy First Few Days

2010-06-06T11:53:00.010-05:00

We have been very busy settling in the past few days. We have already done so much!

On Thursday, Other American Family (Other Mom, Other Dad, 3 Boys) and our family picked up USA Friends (2 Dads and Son) from Cruise Ship. We caravanned to the Zip Lines. So fun. Above you can see Oldest Son jumping into river after we did all the Zip Lines. The 6 Boys had a great time swimming and playing on the large boulders.

Then we went back into town. The 6 Boys then opted to swim in the ocean. You can see where 6 Boys have hastily abandoned shoes for the sand and surf.

On Friday, we finally were able to move into our small villa (2 bedroom w/ kitchen) in a "resorty kinda of place" for the month. The view above is from our balcony and shows the haze of the rainy season approaching. I was able to get a really, really reasonable deal for this low season month! Husband has been busy setting up Skype lines and computers and cables and internet so we can work remote this month.

We are right next door to where Other American Family lives. So on Saturday, Youngest Son spent 5 hours building sand fort with Other Youngest Son (age 6) and Other Middle Son (age 8) while Oldest Son alternated body surfing and pool play with Other Oldest Son (age 10.) Husband went to Mega to stock our kitchen - it was the usual spotty experience - some stuff there and some stuff not so much.

And this Sunday morning, the crabs were moving about in multitudes as happens every year as the rainy season starts. Youngest Son carefully shows his morning catch. We do, of course, practice catch and release.

I have not written about our Friday night yet - quite the night - next post!

Back - June 1, 2010 to July 8, 2010

2010-06-02T22:58:00.003-05:00

We arrived South of the Border on June 1, 2010. Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and American Mommy in Mexico are back but only for a short time. We will be here until July 8th. We are back in the same Pacific Coast area.

Happy.

I will work remote just like before (when we lived here July 2008 through July 2009) but no commuting. I worked most of today. However as I sat in front of 3 computers, I had a great view of the ocean and palm trees and a lovely coastal breeze. Not bad work conditions.

Happy.

Oldest Son and Youngest Son took sailing lessons in local marina today. They were able to man their own boats. Very cool.

Happy.

We had tacos and flan and cerveza at Tacos on the Street.

Happy.

About to go to sleep to the sound of rolling waves and bats chirping and geckos singing.

Happy.

Re-entry

2009-08-30T10:41:00.005-05:00

It was August 1 when I last blogged. It is almost painful to bring up this blog now (I seriously have tears in my eyes). Mexico and this Blog have been our life and our adventure since March of 2008 when we decided life was to be embraced. And embrace we did!

How is re-entry?

Husband and I feel like we are on the "Truman" set - you know that movie with Jim Carey where everything is perfect. Mexico is raw, untidy, unstructured, messy, loose, unpredictable, tolerant, imperfect ... and the USA is the opposite of many of these things. The USA is an amazing country and it is easy to see why people want to live here. Everything just "seems" so perfect ... it is surreal ... like a movie set.

Oldest Son and Youngest Son have re-entered their fancy private school. They are adjusting seamlessly. Youngest Son's exciting news is that he broke his arm but he will be fine. Interesting side note on Oldest Son is that we did private tutoring in August to catch him up in Hebrew - he successfully "did" a full year of Hebrew in 3 weeks - could this have been affected by the language skills he acquired last year? Maybe.

Yesterday, we spent time with friends at their ranch. They lived last year in Spain with their 9 year old daughter. It was great to talk with another USA family that had made similar choices and ended up with similar conclusions. Not everyone here can understand who we were before and who we are now.

And one topic of discussion with these friends of kindred spirit : Where will we go in 2 years?!! Moving Kids to ...

So we are back ...

2009-08-01T08:43:00.003-05:00

It has been a very busy time since we arrived in USA. Here are quick updates:

Final Leg of Trip
It is ironic that our drive through Mexico was fine but getting across border and drive up through Texas was challenging. We sat on the Nuevo Laredo Bridge for over 2 hours in over 100 degrees heat! Not fun. But we finally arrived at our destination at 11pm Monday night, 7/20.

Oldest Son
Oldest Son had a GREAT time at Jewish Sleep Away Camp. He started Hebrew Tutoring last week to catch up on the year of Hebrew he missed. So far so good. I think, perhaps, those language development skills he acquired this year should help ... maybe ... who knows.

Family Emergency
My grandmother (age 78) went into ICU last weekend for Congestive Heart Failure. I actually landed in Atlanta airport and had to board a plane to head straight back. While still in the hospital, she is doing much better.

Before I discontinue this blog, I have some wrap up and transition kinds of posts I want to write about so more later ...

We made it to Saltillo!

2009-07-19T23:12:00.007-05:00

My view from front seat to back of SUV - every inch is full - good thing Youngest Son is small!
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We left at 7am (about an hour later than we had hoped) and arrived at the Hampton Inn in Saltillo at 9:40pm. Whew. Here are some highlights of today’s Road Trip.

Taco Stands – I Love Them!
We got our first tacos and tamales at 10:30 am from roadside stop off 15 outside of Tequila. Youngest Son and I had bean/steak small tacos and Husband had chicken tamales. I dressed mine with cabbage, salsa and pickled onions.

Our next stop was late afternoon where Youngest Son ordered quesadillas and I got flautas dressed with cabbage, tomatillo sauce, salsa and crème fresh. Husband got a cheeseburger and it had a slice of ham on it which he quickly removed – pork creeps into everything in Mexico!

The day's meals totaled about $11 USD.
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Youngest Son Antics

Scene #1 – In car headed down Mexico highway.
Youngest Son “I gotta poopie.”
Mommy “Can you wait a few minutes?”
Youngest Son “No, I gotta poopie.”
Mommy “Well, you are going to have to wait because we cannot stop here.” (no facilities in sight and no shoulder to pull off onto)
Youngest Son “I went poopie.”

The scene deteriorates from there with me quickly finding a Poopie Bowl and you do not want the rest of the details. Side note: Poopie Bowl now joins Vomit Bucket and PeePee Bottle for our Road Trips.

Scene #2 - Federales Checkpoint # 3 of 4 (we were pulled out 2 of the 4 for search)
Federales ask to purchase our Roller Blades. Husband respectfully declines to sell.
Youngest Son “We can sell Oldest Son’s!”
Note: Oldest Son is not with us ...

Quota is My New Favorite Spanish Word
We took a different route this time by going through Guadalajara to Quota 80 to Aguascalientes. It was a bit out of the way but we avoided the curvy, curvy curvy (but very, very, very beautiful) 54 route. Quota describes the toll roads in Mexico and they were worth every peso today.

We almost made a Mexico Road Trip with no wrong turns which never, ever happens. We made it all the way to Saltillo with no major logistical issues. We arrived at Saltillo just as it got dark and there is tons of construction. So we had to back track a bit but all is well.

We leave at day light tomorrow and cross the border at Nuevo Laredo.
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Below is pic from car window of view between Zacatecas and Saltillo. Those "trees" always make me think of Dr. Suess!

Saturday, July 18, 2009 - Part 1

2009-07-19T05:04:00.017-05:00

Saturday was our final day in our Mexico Casa. How did it go?

5:30 am drip, Drip, DRIP
Awaken by drip, Drip, DRIP. Husband, Youngest Son and I are sleeping in master bedroom with wall unit air conditioner. It is leaking allot. On the wood table. On my 2 computers! “Husband!” We spring into action with towels and pans to catch the water. Yes, we have done this before so know the drill. Computers seem fine since I caught it early.

drip, Drip, DRIP. Husband cannot go back to sleep since it is like water torture.

7:30am-1:00pm Packing
Pack Pop-Up Camper and SUV. We have 1 majorly rude exchange which is good for us when getting ready for a trip. Husband is in shock that we actually got it all in the truck. We brought all in two trips but only going back in one. Husband is then stressed about the weight - good grief.

We gave 2 large loads of stuff to our housekeeper which helped.

We did have some trailer hitch drama which went something like this:
- Trailer hitch stolen several months ago off SUV
- Husband gets 2 new hitches when in USA in May
- 2 New Hitches do not work the greatest
- Husband orders another hitch
- I go out of my way to pick up while in USA on last trip
- I forget to bring them back to Mexico last week!
- We are going to make due with what we have and cross our fingers

One of 2 loads of stuff we are giving to our housekeeper.

1:00 pm-2:30pm Mexican Landlord
Mexican Landlord and Property Manager arrive for check out. All in good order. We discuss many repairs Mexican Landlord needs to make mostly around water leaks and talk for awhile. Mexican Landlord says is going to do a total re-do with new kitchen, plasma television – we will see – he definitely could since he made a sizeable sum from us this year having the villa rented in USDs for 13 months straight.

Housekeeper arrives. She cannot get a truck to our house to pick up stuff today. Our SUV is full now. We arrange for Property Manager to meet Housekeeper after we leave. We give her an extra couple weeks of pay – she has 5 ninos.

Husband secures items on top of Pop

1:00pm-3:30 pm More Packing
Complete securing items on top of Pop-Up Camper. Oh my gosh we can relax a bit.

3:30pm-6:30 pm Relax Watch a movie, swim in pool and take showers.

6:30pm-8:30 pm Walk and Dinner
We walk to ocean village for tacos and cold cerveza. We enjoy our walk:

Walk through marina.

One of our favorite taco stands in el centro that has been closed since April - I hope it re-opens in high season.

Walking through village to taco stand.

We check out the igaunas while waiting for our tacos.

I will "finish posting our walk later - gotta head out so we make it to Saltillo before dark!

Shabbat Shalom & Shehecheyanu

2009-07-18T00:25:00.005-05:00

Our candles are packed. So we improvised.

The setting is in the pool beside the ocean at high tide. The roll of the waves is soothing. The sounds of a large Mexican family on holiday are pleasant.

Husband, Youngest Son and I lit imaginary candles reciting the blessing, pretended our cerveza was wine singing kiddish and held up invisible Challah for the Hamotzi:

Hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz
We give thanks to God for bread
Our voices join in song together
As our daily prayer is said:

Baruch atah adonai,
Elohaynu melech ha'olam
Hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz

Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe
who brings forth bread from the earth.

I wish for Oldest Son a very special Shabbat tonight. His first Shabbat at Jewish Sleep Away Camp will be filled with song and tremendous fellowship. I think of the Shehecheyanu:

Baruch ata adonai elohenu melech ha olam, shehecheyanu, v'kiyimanu, v'higiyanu laz'man hazeh.
Blessed are You Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe who has given us life, sustained us, and allowed us to reach this day.

This joyous blessing is recited at the arrival of any long awaited occasion. Holidays come once a year, as does sinking your teeth into the first cherries of summer, and events such as b'nai mitzvah or the arrival of a new baby. All of these are occasions to say the Shehecheyanu. Any kind of a "first" ... First Shabbat at Jewish Sleep Away Camp and our Last Shabbat for this Move to Mexico.

Reciting this blessing enriches one's appreciation of the little things in life.

A favorite photo of the boys earlier this year along our beach.

Compulsion? Addiction? You Be the Judge

2009-07-17T16:32:00.007-05:00

Oldest Son reading at bedtime.

We are packing up today. I think I have a healthy appreciation for books until I look at the numbers of kid books (just kids not even mine or Husband’s) I packed today then I wonder if it is more of an issue …

English Books
48 Jewish
12 Art
12 Holiday (Thanksgiving, Kwanza, etc.)
16 Eyewitness Non-fictions (World War I & II, Pirates, Cats, Dogs, Boats, Cowboys, Vietnam, etc.)
60 Youngest Son Beginner Readers (mostly paperback)
57 Oldest Son Books (5 Ancestors, Biographies, Classics, Artemis Fowl, Mysterious Benedict Society, etc.)
5 Magic Tree house
3 Flat Stanley
5 Mini-books
87 Paperbacks (Magic School Bus, Scooby-Doo, Curious George, etc.)
26 A-Z Mysteries Paperbacks
106 Hardback Picture as well as Non-fiction
43 Paperbacks (Non-fiction Science, Nature, History, etc.)
1 Complete Tales and Poems of Winnie the Pooh (I read to Youngest Son this year and cried at the end)

Spanish Books
49 Comics (Avengers, Spiderman, X-man, Secret Invasion, etc.)
29 Spanish Books of various kinds

GRAND TOTAL: 547 Books!

Before you judge me too harshly, here is what Oldest Son said to me last week when we were planning a trip to the local 2nd hand book store in USA – I swear he did!

“Half-Price Books is my Heaven.”

And I do not regret that I brought all our books but I am not sure I am going to have room to get them all in the truck ... update ya later ...

Husband reading at bedtime.

Travel at a Glance

2009-07-17T01:35:00.005-05:00

Today (Thursday 7/17) was my last flight into Mexico as part of our Move to Mexico. Fittingly, it had some unexpected excitement. After flying for about 20 minutes the plane did an abrupt 180 degree turn and headed back to airport. There was possibly a fire in the cargo area. I admit I had a moment of crash fright. We were met by fire engines on the tarmac. All was well though – false alarm. We left again 3 hours later.

While waiting, I calculated some travel statistics for the year:
- I spent 245 days in Mexico this year (out of 13 months.) The rest was in USA working.
- I had 25 round trip flights between Mexico and USA with 3 others within the USA.
- We did 2 round trips via car between USA and Mexico.

Reflections: More Lifestyle Surprises

2009-07-15T21:50:00.004-05:00

Odest Son walking out our "backyard" with visitng buddies to search for sea life on the beach.

I may be in stream of consciousness mode for the last of my Mexico posts as I reflect on the year … so more lifestyle surprises:

15) Cash Basis: We have lived on a cash basis. No bank account. Just us and the ATM. We have paid cash for tuition, electricity, gas, groceries, everything.

16) Electricity Here It Is, Here It Is Not: During the rainy season, we can just expect the electricity to go out at some point when it rains but not always, of course. We really did not mind much. I just had to be flexible with work since all my work was via the internet and on the Vonage phone.

17) Books: Not much of a focus on books coming home from school or required reading. I guess it really did not technically affect our lifestyle that much because I had the casa stocked with lots and lots of kid books (wish me luck getting them all back to USA.)

18) Shots and Meds: We have been able to buy all our pharmaceutical needs right over the counter! And very inexpensively too! We have found when we do go to the doctor when sick that they give shots frequently along with several oral medications.

19) Medical Care Paid Out of Pocket: We never used our medical insurance in Mexico. We just paid directly to doctor which was always incredibly cheap.

20) Small Tiny Ants: Everywhere and on every crumb in minutes.

21) Commuting To Mexico: So one of my biggest surprises or miscalculations was how often I would travel back to USA for work. Grateful, grateful, grateful for the income. But, I missed my family very much and my personal experiences in Mexico were somewhat more limited than I had expected. Our family probably would have traveled a bit more within Mexico too. Husband took on all the heavy hitting childcare. However, I am not complaining just explaining. Husband and I would do it again in a heartbeat! The trade offs were well worth it.

22) Commuting To USA: While in USA, I have stayed with my Super Special Friend and Friend’s Daughter (7 years old). Logistically, I was able to keep all my work clothes in her home along with toiletries so no schlepping luggage back and forth. Emotionally, what I have is more family now. Simple truth. Super Special Friend sharing her home has kept me sane and gave me something to look forward to when back in USA. The gifts abound from the Move to Mexico - even back in the USA.

Reflections: Ten Lifestyle Surprises

2009-07-14T22:21:00.003-05:00

Youngest Son "stopping to smell the roses" while on a visit to PV botanical gardens - not posed and symbolic for Youngest Son's approach to life. We have tried to follow his lead this year.

There are many things to reflect on from this past year. Here are some things that impacted our lifestyle:

1) 1 Car: Having 1 vehicle in Mexico has been completely fine for our family of 4 .

2) Weekends Free: With the complete elimination of extracurricular activities for the kids for the first 7 months and just a couple kid activities after school the last few months, we got our weekends back!! Actually, we got way more unscheduled time all the time.

3) Taco Stands: Eating at the taco stands through all of Mexico has been fun, cheap and yummy!

4) Lack of Punctuality: Getting where ever whenever is just the way it is – once you accept and embrace this cultural style – it is a major stress reducer. This includes no shows.

5) School Trust: We did not know in any level of great detail what was going on with the kids’ curriculum, what they ate for lunch, when tests may pop up, etc. We had to listen to our kids, pay attention to the little information we got and be observant. Then Let Go and Trust Our Instincts.

6) No Trophies for All: There are winners and they get rewarded. Deal with it.

7) Fiesta! The school celebrations, birthday parties and other events are joyous and uninhibited full of song, dance and sweets!

8) Topays: Speed bumps are everywhere and it is a full time occupation to watch for them as you drive!

9) Seasons: I have enjoyed living through a full year with 6 months of dry season and 6 months of rainy season. I reacted strongly in a positive way to this climate and its impact on the land, the ocean, the temperature, etc.

10) Adventure: Just the act of living in another country and culture created unexpected experiences constantly which I have loved.

Timeline: I return to Mexico Thursday. Husband, Youngest Son and I have one more big road trip which we will begin on Sunday to return to USA.

Last Weekend - Snorkeling in the Mariettas

2009-07-14T00:14:00.011-05:00

Sunday (July 5th), we took an excursion (30% off!) to the Marietta Islands. It had snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, drinks ... the usual ... we had a great time. Our first adventure in the Mariettas was last Ocotber (http://movingkidstomexico.blogspot.com/2008/10/our-deserted-marietta-island-experience.html ). This was our last Sunday for all 4 of us to be in Mexico wrapping up our Move to Mexico.

Morning over the Sierra Madre mountains. I have become very fond of these mountains.

Oldest Son ready to snorkel.

Oldest Son and Husband in the kayak.

Somehow, Husband and I waited the entire year to drink our first beer and tomato juice and worcestershire and jugo maggi and tobasco and lime and salt - quite refreshing!

Ahhhh - brothers above ... and below Youngest Son crashed asleep in his shark towel.

1st Family Member Back in USA

2009-07-12T18:52:00.005-05:00

I brought Oldest Son back to USA this week. Today I dropped him off at Jewish Sleep Away Camp.

I am soooooooo back in USA. This is how our first 2 hours in USA went. We landed. Got through immigration and customs. Took taxi and dropped off 200 lbs of luggage. Jumped in car immediately to take Oldest Son to swim party with his friends. Can you say thrust back into the “kid social whirlwind?”

Oldest Son said as we rode in the taxi “I am luckier than most of my friends.” He was referring to being in Mexico for a year. At the same time, he was extremely excited to be home in USA and thrilled to be seeing his friends at the party. His emotions are very healthy. He appreciates our adventure while still loving his home. It is not one or the other.

I will mostly have to adjust to the more focused, ubber parenting approach in USA. Today at Jewish Sleep Away Camp I decided it was time for me to leave the new parent (of camper) meeting when a parent asked “The Menu was not posted as of yesterday, when will it be up on website?” Since I have not known what my kids ate at lunch at school for the last year, this just did not seem like something I am overly concerned about …

On the other hand, I was filled with bitter sweetness as I dropped off Oldest Son for 12 days! A parental threshold – my Oldest Son off on his own for the first time. Again, Oldest Son was extremely excited. He is a natural risk taker as shown by the picture taken on our last family outing in Mexico where he is diving off the second level of our excursion boat after we got special permission from the Captain.

I go back to Mexico later in the week for Husband, Youngest Son and I to drive back to USA. Here is what Oldest Son will be doing in USA ...

Youngest Son - Kinder 3

2009-07-05T21:18:00.012-05:00

Youngest Son

Kinder 3 Visitation Day
On June 25th, we attended a special parent breakfast and schoolroom presentations for Youngest Son in Kinder 3. Frankly, it was impressive.
We first visited the English classroom where the Teacher had prepared a program with the children to demonstrate their English speaking skills. The children were so cute and their English was commendable. Youngest Son volunteered his Mommy to answer a question presented to me by each child in English and I was to respond in English (I was one of only a couple parents who could speak English). I happily answered their carefully worded questions: What is your favorite color? How old are you? On and on along these themes … when it was Youngest Son’s turn to ask me a question – he asked me “Te gusta chile, cebolla y ajo?” in SPANISH! The whole class cracked up and I, of course, could not answer him without an English translation of “Do you like chile, onions and garlic?”

We then moved on to the Spanish classes. The first stop was a mini-class on mathematics. The kids “went shopping” and showed how they could count the pesos needed to “buy items.” The final Spanish stop was reading, writing and play acting a doctor's scene.

Graduation
July 3rd was Kinder 3 Graduation day. Youngest Son was a proud graduate and we were part of a large audience of proud parents. This was graduation for all the major transitions:
Kinder 3 – Preescolar – 35 graduates
6th Grade – Primaria – 24 graduates
9th Grade – Secundaria – 20 graduates
12th Grade – Bachillerato – 5 graduates

It was held at a local hotel and the school did a very nice job including a slide show presentation with current pictures and baby pictures of every graduate.

The Kinder 3 group then gathered at Peter Piper Pizza for an afternoon party. Think Chucky Cheese but not so obnoxious. The kids got a tour of the kitchen and played games. We finally headed home around 4pm. Fun was had by all.

How has this year been?
Kinder 3 is the ideal age to move a child into a 2nd language. There was very little stress with Youngest Son this year. He was learning to read and write in 2 languages just like his classmates. I know he did not understand everything at the beginning but in Kinder3 there is not allot of complicated issues. We did not hear any compliants from him, the teachers or the school ...

Youngest Son finished his year with honors. Just like the upper grades, diplomas are awarded in Kinder 3. Youngest Son ended the year with 1st place diplomas in Spanish and English! Youngest Son naturally combines his intelligence with spirit and lives life to its utmost fullest. While the acquisition of his Spanish skills brought on a bit more playing and talking in class, it was never extreme or a major disturbance and demonstrated his great ease with Spanish (how is that for spin!)

Youngest Son brings smiles, wit and laughter to this family every single day. Husband, Oldest Son and I love him with all our hearts. Youngest Son has the gift of making each day new and different.

Oldest Son – 3rd Grade

2009-07-02T16:24:00.006-05:00

Today was Oldest Son’s last day of 3rd Grade. Without exaggeration, this is a year that has changed his life. I truly believe his experiences will become part of his personal blue print.

Where We Began
We decided to Move to Mexico in late March 2008. Oldest Son had been in preschool and lower school with the same set of kids and families since 18 months of age.

Oldest Son’s Spanish aptitude was shaped as follows:

(1) Twice a week Spanish classes at his school from PK-2nd Grade. He knew basic stuff like colors and counting. He could read Spanish phonetically and had knowledge of how Spanish alphabet is pronounced. But reading comprehension was very, very low i.e. not much of a Spanish vocabulary. His accent was pretty good.

(2) During April and May 2008, Oldest Son attended twice a week 1-on-1 tutoring.
(3) In June, Oldest Son did a 2 week Spanish immersion camp at local International School.
(4) Throughout April to August, Oldest Son used Rosetta Stone software on average 1-3 times per week.

First Few Months of 3rd Grade
Oldest Son entered 3rd Grade with the day split between a Spanish Teacher and an English Teacher. Most of the kids are Mexican with Spanish as their 1st language. This school is a small Mexican private school with an English immersion program. It is NOT an Expat school.

Hard. Hard. Hard. Oldest Son’s Spanish half of the day was completely in Spanish. His teacher only speaks Spanish. No translation available. Oldest Son did the best he could to track in class. Homework was tough. An assignment that should take 10-15 minutes would take over 2 hours. Husband and Oldest Son would laboriously translate the Spanish to complete his work. Oldest Son, Husband and I had a family meeting. We all agreed we needed more help. We worked with the school to get an after-school tutor twice per week.

First Round of Spanish Exams
In October we got our first dose of Spanish Exams. The 4 days of exams covered all subjects (math, science, grammar, history, etc.) and were completely in Spanish. It was stressful because the teachers were very direct in their expectations that the students study and do well. Oldest Son actually did okay on this first round. We were all pleased. I think this was when Oldest Son first started to realize that he was actually getting better at Spanish and that things were probably going to be alright.

Second Round of Spanish Exams
As soon as October Exams were completed, there was another round in December! Oh my gosh. As you can guess, Oldest Son was less stressed since he knew what to expect. Oldest Son did better than October. Again we were very pleased. We then went on winter holiday.

January through June
January was the complete turning point. Spanish became a non-issue. Oldest Son was basically fluent. He could function in Spanish class as well as English class.

The next round of Spanish Exams brought a 2nd place Spanish diploma and the round after that brought a 1st place Spanish place diploma. I think I am safe in stating that no gringo at this school has ever gotten a 1st place Spanish diploma. (The entire year he had received 1st place English diplomas.)

He proceeded to gather various awards and accomplishments in Spelling Bees, Oratory, etc.

There was the whole Expo situation in February with life lessons galore. See previous series of posts for the gory detail. (Feb 17 - 28)

Mexican schools are big on competitive education – this one is anyway. They have a contest for everything and do not hesitate to publicly acknowledge the winners! Thankfully Oldest Son has been motivated by this paradigm. We are fortunate because I am not sure this approach is best for all kids.

Year End Accolades
Today was the final school assembly for distributing diplomas and year end awards. Oldest Son received several awards including 1st place Spanish and English diplomas AND the Medal of Excellence for Entire 3rd Grade for total year recognition (see medal in pic)! Tears are in my eyes as I type this sentence.

I am overwhelmed with admiration for my Oldest Son. He has shown bravery, perseverance and pride throughout the year. While we are certainly thrilled with Oldest Son’s academic success, there is so much more. I believe this journey has created strength of character and self-confidence that will shape his choices and decisions for all of Oldest Son’s life. Our parent-child relationship has grown stronger as we worked through the adversity together.

For anyone considering time in another culture and in another language with their young kids, do it! Realize it is not easy but the rewards far out way the challenges.

Red

2009-06-26T12:35:00.008-05:00

I took the picture above on the streets of San Pancho. Not sure what it is but the colors are lovely. Apparently, I was so impressed with the plant that I dropped my entire camera case here without noticing until 3 blocks later. Husband graciously backtracked to find it lying under this red beauty.

And more red below along the sidewalks of San Pancho.

Road Trip To San Pancho

2009-06-23T22:22:00.018-05:00

We have so enjoyed exploring various places in Mexico. San Pancho was no exception. It has its own unique qualities that we enjoyed. It is a small coastal village with lots of charm and an obvious prosperous element. There are many “2nd homes” to Canadians and Americans that influence the town. We were completely impressed with the sidewalks and street signs. Although the main drag was a total mess from construction.

Costa Azul
We stayed in an adventure resort on the beach called Costa Azul. We really liked it and enjoyed the luxury of air conditioning! It is not super fancy but just right for us ($99 per night.) The beach was gorgeous but no swimming due to the rip tide. The pool was really nice. And our favorite element? The Crabs!!! They were everywhere. (Just as you said they would be Steve: http://steveinmexico.blogspot.com/) Boys had a great time catching them, watching them and chasing them.

Horse Ride
The highlight of the trip was our horse ride on the cobblestone streets and through the jungle and up to the top of the mountain and down to the beach. Lots of wildlife including 2 snakes! And a Buddha statue put on side of dirt road on top of mountain - odd.

Professor Noggin
The boys love playing Professor Noggin games. We have many over various topics: American Revolution, Space, Civil War, Famous Explorers, Human Body, etc.. We took them to restaurants and played in hotel over entire weekend. We are a family of geeks. I admit it.

Father’s Day
We went to a great hotel restaurant in town for breakfast that had amazing food. Youngest Son presented gifts that he had cleverly transported as “extra toys in disguise.” He does have the biggest heart! Youngest Son enjoyed the courtyard mini-pool too! Oh and Husband also got a massage.

New Dessert

Ever had chocolate covered strawberries on a stick dipped in sprinkles?

Polo Club

Yes. This town has a Polo Club and field! There was supposed to be a match Saturday night. We were pumped - I have never seen a Polo match and to see one in Mexico beach village … but we get there and it was postponed. Bummer.

Rain & Fever
Oldest Son turned up with another fever and we did get some rain. But I read a quote recently: "Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain." And we did.

San Pancho!

2009-06-19T07:04:00.001-05:00

We are off to San Pancho this afternoon for a couple days. We are excited to have a mini get-a-way.

More later ...

Big Dose of Going with the Flow

2009-06-18T09:33:00.004-05:00

We definitely have to put on our Mexico face as we move into the final couple months of school.

The regular school day has been 8-2 Nayarit time (Mountain Time.)

In May, the school day changed to 7:30-2:30 Nayarit time to make up for swine flu days. We had 1 day notice of the change. Kids started 30 minutes earlier and left 30 minutes later.

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Yesterday we got the memo that the school day will now be 7:30-1:30. Kids will get out 1 hour earlier. Kids are excited. I guess this cancels out making up the time kids out for swine flu. Too funny.

There are several kid type events and presentations to attend at the school. The challenge is sometimes we know about them, sometimes we get 1 day notice and sometimes we get more notice. It is always a little vague as to what to do exactly whether that means providing materials for the projects or attending as the parent.

We completely missed Oldest Son receiving the 1st Place Diploma in Spanish! It was presented in a school assembly. This means Oldest Son had the highest marks in his series of Spanish Exams in his 3rd grade group. The exams covered Math, MX History, Grammar/Reading/Spelling, Geography, Social Studies in Spanish Language and were given over 4 days. Oldest Son was very, very happy. Diplomas for 1st, 2nd and 3rd are presented to the students. In the prior round, Oldest Son had gotten 2nd place so this was great way to finish the year! (Yes, I am blatantly bragging - I suffer from Proud Parent syndrome.)

Rain Oh Glorious Rain

2009-06-17T10:48:00.008-05:00

I feel a bit thrown back in time when villagers anxiously awaited the arrival of the rains. Today is the day for us. Lightening flickered throughout the night and finally rain tumbled onto our small part of Mexico this morning.

Unlike the villagers, the first rain has crippled our electricity. I have already missed one conference call and was not able to be heard on the second one. Electricity comes and goes so I try to quickly send emails when the electricity presents itself.

It was fun for our family to witness the beautiful rain this morning. Youngest Son commented “It smells like Hawaii!”

We arrived during the rains last July and have now experienced the full cycle. Feels special.

Night at the Museum

2009-06-14T11:38:00.017-05:00

I must admit that one of the things I have missed living away from our large USA city is access to museums. So Youngest Son decided to create a Museum with his Oldest Brother assisting.

After paying and receiving our tickets (remember this is Youngest Son who always has an angle) we entered as Oldest Son played the primary tour guide and Youngest Son providing color when needed.

We stepped onto the Dora Carpet to view the first set of exhibits. Just a sampling of the sights: a magic shell, Native American Indian paper, arrowheads found in a battlefield in India, a diamond owl with cameras in its eyes for security, ancient money from Korea, ....

Jewels from China (above)

Yes THAT is King Arthur's Crown! (above)

All museums have an exhibit where you are “Allowed to Touch” – here is our opportunity. (above)

The Warrior and Ninja exhibits were the Grand Finale. Notice the professional use of scotch tape and duct tape to display the artifacts. (above)
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So many reasons for Moving Kids to Mexico for 1 year. One was to allow our kids time to be kids. Imagination and the time to use it is a wondrous gift …

Guest Blogger: Youngest Son & Jelatina

2009-06-12T16:47:00.004-05:00

First we cut up the fruit. There were apples and pears and strawberries.

Then, we put all our fruit in a cup. One cup per person.

Then, we put melted jello in the cup.

Then, we put the cup in the freezer.

Then, we took it out in an hour.

And we put La Lechera on it.

Then, you eat it! It tastes fruity. And it is very good.

It is called, in Spanish, Jelatina.

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Today's class activity in Kinder3 as told by Youngest Son, age 7.

FYI: La Lechera (Milkmaid) is a brand for dairy products, specially sweetened condensed milk, manufactured by Nestle. It has been the #1 brand of sweetened condensed milk in Latin America for 60 years.

Guest Blogger: Oldest Son & Global Warming

2009-06-11T17:00:00.008-05:00

As dicated by Oldest Son, age 9, to American Mommy in Mexico:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“My Oldest Son said this the 12th of June 2009.

Hola, Buenos dias mi nombre es ---.

Voy a hacer mi oratroia sobre el calentamiento global.

El calentamiento global es una crisis global porque va a hacer dificil para vivir. Forma cuando los gases de las fábricas y la basura que tiramos entran la atmósfera y el los rayos del sol y lo calentan. Cuando baja comienza el calentamiento global.

El calentamiento global va a descongelar el Polo Norte y Polo Sur. Va a hacer que el nivel del océano se levantará causando tsunamis y huracanes. Podemos pararlo no lanzando basura y las fábricas no tienen que emitir tanta gas.

Gracias por su atención.

Hello, Good morning my name is ---.

I am going to present the Global Warming.

The Global Warming is a global crisis because it will make it very hard to live. It forms when the gases from factories and the trash that we throw on the ground goes into the atmosphere and sun's rays heat it up. When it comes down, it starts global warming.

Global Warming will make the North Pole and South Pole melt. When they do then the ocean level will rise causing tsunamis and hurricanes. We can stop it by not throwing trash on the ground and the factories don't have to emit too much gas.

Thank you for your attention.”

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Interview of sorts:

American Mommy in Mexico: “Where did you get your information?”
Oldest Son: “Out of a book and my mind.”

American Mommy in Mexico: “What book?”
Oldest Son: “It is called Global Warming. I found it in the library.”

American Mommy in Mexico: “In Spanish or English?”
Oldest Son: “Spanish”

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Oldest Son will be saying this in Spanish at school event tomorrow. I gather he was chosen to speak from his class. I will miss it due to work so I got a preview tonight. Oldest Son was kind enough to translate into English for me.

I am not sure the information is exact nor the translations perfect but it is good to know Oldest Son cares about his world and picks topics of importance.

Trouble in Paradise

2009-06-10T19:15:00.002-05:00

Trouble #1
The local Mexico Mega was hit by an ATM card reader. Starting May 26th we had multiple withdrawals a day hit our account. Several thousands of dollars were stolen. Since it was with Husband’s card number and he was in USA entire time, it was easy to demonstrate to bank that fraud was involved. We have been reimbursed by bank. Other American Family was hit as well.

Trouble #2
Oldest Son and I have been sick, sick, sick. Husband has been gone, gone, gone. Husband arrived back in Mexico this afternoon. Thank goodness!

Play Dates in Mexico

2009-05-30T12:59:00.007-05:00

Oldest Son, Youngest Son, Nanny, Nanny’s Husband and I spent yesterday afternoon at Punta de Mita. The intention was to surf. We went with Other American Family (Other American Dad, Other Oldest Son, Other Middle Son and Other Youngest Son) who lives In Mexico too. We have mutual friends visiting which includes Oldest Son’s Best Friend and Best Friend’s Dad.
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No surf. Zilch. So …

Youngest Son and Other Middle Son grabbed their boogie boards and used them to collect sand and rocks from the bottom of ocean to play some imaginary game. They were fully engrossed and had a good time.

Oldest Son, Other Oldest Son and Best Friend took a fishing pole and some bait to fish. They caught a couple of eels and a rockfish. I get the Mommy of the Day award since I removed the hook from the rockfish. Rockfish have spines that are poisonous so I used a plastic bag to grab the fish and maneuver the hook out of his mouth and then to release the rockfish back into the ocean.

We all piled into a water taxi to boat around. Some of the kids took a swim and we all enjoyed the views.

Finally we had dinner on the beach after which the 6 boys spent a long time playing and building stuff in the sand.

A Play Date in Mexico.

Swine Flu Effects at School

2009-05-27T20:43:00.004-05:00

The initial rumor was Oldest Son and Youngest Son would have to extend their school year from July 3 to July 14.

Tuesday we got The Memo effective Wednesday – the very next day.

Oldest Son will attend 3rd grade 30 minutes earlier and 30 minutes later each day until July 3rd. He will also go to school for the next 2 Saturdays.

Youngest Son will attend Kinder3 30 minutes earlier each day until July 3rd. Much to Oldest Son’s displeasure, Youngest Son does NOT go to school for the next 2 Saturdays.

So in usual Mexican fashion, things have been a bit confusing the past 2 days but nothing we are not used to in our Mexico life.

Just relieved that school year will finish as expected.

Yelapa in May

2009-05-25T14:14:00.015-05:00

Our favorite thing to do with guests is to spend the day at Yelapa. Nanny, Nanny’s Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I took a water taxi from Los Muertos pier. We got a surprise when the taxi took us through the tunnels of Los Arcos which are located near Mismaloya.

Once at Yelapa, we had a very relaxing day at the beach. Kids commandeered Chicos boat as a spot to jump into the surf. We snacked through the day with our friend, random dog, sprawled next to the table. Of course, we sampled pie from the Yelapa Pie Lady. Nanny’s Husband was a popular “playmate” for Youngest Son – thank goodness Nanny’s Husband is so good natured!

We decided at the last moment to hike up the waterfall through village with Youngest Son astride a horse. Guess what? There is no waterfall at the end of the dry season – only a trickle. Duh.

Culture Shock Already Beginning

2009-05-23T20:56:00.002-05:00

Husband and I were in USA this past week and Husband will be there another 2 weeks. Husband has not been back to USA since last July. So how is it going for Husband … well what has become intuitive to Husband is Mexico …

- Husband remarked “I feel like I am in the car all day.” In large USA city, you are. In Mexico, we have 1 main road and everything is right off it and we can walk to our coastal village and we do not go out and about too much.

- Say where is that and where did you say and which exit is it?

- Pants. Ties. Real shoes. Where are my flip flops?

- When did the mall get so big?

- Sinus headache anyone?

- USA money is all the same size and same color and it is paper – takes a little longer to count things out.

- Husband went to McDonalds drive through and started ordering in Spanish. The young woman kindly informs Husband she does NOT speak Spanish.

Meanwhile, I am back in Mexico. Muy Bien.

Kids Back to School After 3 weeks!

2009-05-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

So our kids have been out of school 5 of the last 6 weeks. We were out 2 weeks for Easter vacation, back in school 1 week for exams and then out another 3 weeks for swine flu.

When we dropped them off this morning we were greeted with an “official parent” asking whether we were sick. Upon answering no, we were allowed to progress to drop off where we were greeted by hand sanitizer and teachers in masks.

I am off to USA this afternoon to join Husband. Our much trusted and loved Nanny and Nanny’s Husband will be in Mexico with Oldest Son and Youngest Son till I return on Friday. Husband and I are a bit nervous leaving our two precious boys in Mexico without us but logically we know all will be just fine. The boys on the other hand are excitedly awaiting Nanny’s Husband’s arrival this afternoon - Nanny’s Husband plays in a band, writes music and is much cooler than Mommy and Daddy!

Overheard: Chess Anyone?

2009-05-17T12:04:00.007-05:00

Youngest Son: "I am going to play chess against myself."

American Mommy in Mexico: " Okay ... who do you think will win?"

Youngest Son: "I don't know."

The scene shows Youngest Son playing Chess and Oldest Son outside on patio with Housekeeper's Son (who only speaks Spanish and often comes to play) drawing pictures.

Role Reversals

2009-05-16T11:36:00.008-05:00

Husband breaking open cocoanuts with Oldest Son and Youngest in our "backyard."

Husband and I are quite fluid in the way we approach our life roles. We have had every configuration you can imagine since kids born:
- Both working full-time
- One part-time worker and primary kid caretaker and the other working full-time
- One not working outside the home and the other working full-time
- One part-time worker and the other working full-time while having a part-time nanny

This past year I have worked full-time while commuting between USA and Mexico and Husband has been in Mexico full-time taking care of Oldest Son and Youngest Son. Very traditional roles assigned to non-traditional genders. It has had its advantages and challenges.

Husband and our two boys have had the greatest gift. How many little boys get this kind of time with their father? Incredible really. Husband loves Mexico and the lifestyle.

My experience has been mixed. The remote commuting routine has taken a toll on me as a mother and wife. Although, it has been wonderful in my role as provider this year. Totally worth the sacrifices to have our unforgettable adventure in Mexico.

Now what?

Husband is in USA for 3 weeks and I am in Mexico with Nanny (our previous USA part-time Nanny). Husband feels odd not having kids 24/7 and feel odd running a household again (while maintaining work commitments.)

We hope to adopt the “Mommy working part-time, Husband working full-time and having a part-time Spanish speaking nanny” family model when we move back to USA this summer.

However, we have learned to follow life’s path which for our family is clearly a winding river with twists and turns.

American Mommy in Mexico Gifts

2009-05-15T13:59:00.009-05:00

MOTHERS DAY

We have become less consumerist in Mexico. As a result, Youngest Son has developed a new gift giving approach. He is a natural hoarder so he has lots of stuff stashed in his privacy drawer. When an occasion for gift giving arrives, he searches through his treasures, picks out something meaningful, wraps it in toilet paper and presents it to the deserving recipient.

On Mother’s Day I got many gifts of the heart:
- Handmade Card decorated by Youngest Son and written by Oldest Son
- Handmade rainbow (Youngest Son) and turtle (Oldest Son) using pegs kit (design on template and then iron)
- Spiral shell from Youngest Son

- Flowers picked by Youngest Son and placed in plastic shot glass

- "White bark" collected on one of our Mexico hikes that you can write on as paper - yes from Youngest Son
- Youngest Son took colored sand from one of his necklaces and poured into a shell and then placed another tiny shell in middle – lovely in so many levels

MY BIRTHDAY
I hope to take a collection of everyday pottery back to the USA. Husband, Oldest Son and Youngest Son surprised me on my 44th birthday with the beautiful cup and saucer pictured below. It is made in Puebla and is found throughout much of Mexico (I think.) I also received a large shell wrapped in toilet paper – of course - from Youngest Son.

Spent last week in USA and am now back. Husband left today for USA for 3 weeks! Our previous part-time Nanny (who we love!) is here to help over next few weeks.

La Manzanilla Critters

2009-05-09T10:41:00.004-05:00

Youngest Son gathered a posse of other young boys and set out to collect beach specimens. Dead specimens. Ugh. My life as the Mommy of boys is always full of surprises.

I also encountered another critter of some kind while in La Manzanilla. I returned home with bites which could be chiggers, sand fleas – who knows. I came home with the same affliction from Cuernavaca in December. Bites on my legs and arms were swollen knots, warm to touch, itch and ache. I applied cortisone cream, took antihistamine and pain reliever. I clearly had allergic reaction because kids had none and Husband had a few but with minor discomfort. Ugh.

La Manzanilla Mangrove Tour

2009-05-08T17:39:00.003-05:00

Last weekend, while in La Manzanilla we went on a Mangrove Tour set up by Visitlamanzanilla Mom and Lyle (Thanks!)

Highly recommend.

We left at 7pm in a small paddle-powered "panga" boat with 1 guide paddling and 1 guide talking and 8 participants a looking. We each had a set of binoculars in which to see all the wildlife. The talking guide, Dave, was a youngish and good looking scientist who was an excellent educator. We saw the crocodiles, of course, and many kinds of birds in their rookery (nesting areas.)

Here is some information from

http://www.visitlamanzanilla.com/la_manzanilla_information.html#mangrove
Mangroves are a wetland ecosystem formed by plants and animals that live where fresh water rivers empty into the ocean in tropical or subtropical regions. In general, Mangrove forests filter out pollution, stabilize sediments, hold nutrients, protect the shoreline from erosion and provide food, nesting and nursery areas for many animals, including at least 220 fish species, 24 reptiles and amphibian species, 18 mammal species and 200 bird species. It’s been reported that the mangrove in La Manzanilla has as many as 200 resident American crocodiles.

This is my favorite kind of outing with the kids – all about nature and learning how to take care of our world.

The evening did not stop there, oh no.

We then went to the town square for ice cream for three little rowdy boys and tacos for the mommies. Kids ran and played till dark. We said Buenos Noches to Visitlamanzanilla Mom and Lyle.

The evening did not stop there, oh no.

Oldest Son, Youngest Son, Husband and I went to the beach with flashlights and a bucket to catch the little sand crabs scurrying about the beach. This is a family tradition at all beaches we visit. The kids chase down fast moving crabs, catch them with their hands, quickly drop them in the bucket and run for more. At the end we release all the crabs and jump about as they escape around our feet.

It was a lovely evening in La Manzanilla with nature, family and new friends.

La Manzanilla: Bloggers and Swine Flu

2009-05-01T08:16:00.006-05:00

Bloggers
Husband, Oldest Son and Youngest Son and I met up with fellow bloggers Steve (http://steveinmexico.blogspot.com/) and Visitlamanzanilla Mom (http://visitlamanzanilla.blogspot.com/).

This was my first live meeting with bloggers and I was excited and a little curious on how it would feel to be “in person.” It felt like being with old friends. We already know each other and in some ways better than “normal relationships.” I guess this is how it felt when people got to know each other with personal letters.

I have followed Steve’s journey from planning to fruition. Given that he posts daily, I felt like I could talk with him openly about lots of stuff and it was like a continuation of a prior discussion. Meeting his Brother was a total bonus! Both are congenial, lovely men – no surprise. As Steve mentions on his blog, they seem very much like my two sons who are two years apart. Oldest Son sat at the dinner table reading most of the time and Youngest Son went from sulky to happy to looking for the next big adventure and back through all those again. Which Son matches Steve do ya think?

Visitlamanzanilla Mom arrived with Lyle. Here is how it went. When I asked Youngest Son this morning what he wanted to do today? “Have a play date with Lyle” Fast friends and very much alike in their blazing spirit to live life to its fullest.

I am still a bit overwhelmed that we literally arranged a play date in the virtual blogger world and I felt zero qualms. I knew Visitlamanzanilla Mom and Lyle would be a lot like us. In some ways more alike that many of our friends in USA in that we share this common (but uncommon) life of Moving our Kids to Mexico.

Husband (who is not a blogger and was hesitant on meeting up with what he would consider total strangers) said “They were surprisingly uncreepy.” Well said Husband (who had a great time too!)

I really, really enjoyed the La Manzanilla Bloggers Meeting.

Swine Flu Update
My own Swine Flu update is I am not flying to the USA Sunday. My client has restricted travel between USA and Mexico. So I think we may hang out in La Manzanilla longer or perhaps head up through Colima. All family members are healthy right now.

Kids on boogie boards right outside our La Manzanilla Casa - taken from balcony:

Arrived In La Manzanilla - Wow!

2009-04-30T11:25:00.002-05:00

Our arrival in La Manzanilla has been full of surprises.

First, I somehow thought La Mazanilla was closer to Mazanillo. La Manzanilla did not actually show on either of the maps we were using. So when we saw the huge sign for La Manzanilla - happiness! It took us just under 4 hours to drive here.

Then, our rented Casa is fabulous! We are right on the beach which is truly beautiful. The surf is loud and soothing. We have internet wireless service so I can work and will connect to my USA conference calls through Skype.

The next surprise is all restaurants in town are closed due to swine flu. Take out only. No problemo. Our Casa is well equipped to bring food in or prepare meals here.

Final surprise is one of my work laptops died. I cannot get it to boot up. Fortunately, I have a 2nd laptop in which I can work. I am back in USA Monday and have already talked with computer support to get help then.

Adios for now ...

Going to La Manzanilla!

2009-04-29T23:11:00.001-05:00

What to do with the kids with no school?

Take a Road Trip to La Manzanilla!

Going to meet up with Steve from http://steveinmexico.blogspot.com/ for dinner Thursday evening.

Going to hook up with fellow blogger Mom at http://visitlamanzanilla.blogspot.com/ as well.

Should be fun …

PS
We will still take flu precautions just as we would here.

Morning

2009-04-29T07:17:00.004-05:00

6:20 Nayarit Time

All is quiet - I have been up for about an hour working.

But all is not really quiet as I walk through the villa.

Windows are open and birds are singing and I can hear them float through the air in every room.

Sprinklers have been set and turned on as their rhythmic sound perpetrates my balcony window.

The surf is mild as it gently beats the rocks.

Random fireworks sound here and there as our town is celebrating its patron saint.

Oh - Oldest Son sneaks out of bed to give me a morning hug and snuggle up to Husband.

Eeek - on goes the morning kid morning shows in Spanish on Jetx ...

Youngest Son is 7 Years Old

2009-04-28T20:23:00.011-05:00

Event #1 - School Celebration
Youngest Son’s Birthday fell during Spring Break so we took cake, candy and juice to his K3 class on the last day before Spring Break. Husband’s Aunt and Aunt’s Friend were visiting during this time so they were able to participate in this class celebration. The preschoolers were SO enthusiastic and friendly and cute and loud.

Event #2 - Pirate Adventure
Youngest Son has a Sweet Buddy who he was in class with for 4 years before we Moved to Mexico. Best Buddy’s birthday is the day after Youngest Son’s birthday. A couple months ago Youngest Son requested Sweet Buddy and his family come visit for their shared birthday and They Did! Youngest Son excitedly planned to take the Pirate Cruise for their big birthday event. It was eventful alright. Youngest Son was chosen to play the Pirate’s Son in the skit – he was thrilled! During our beach respite, the kids participated in a treasure hunt, played in surf and road the banana boat to many times to count. BUT, Sweet Buddy’s Mom was very, very, very seasick – I felt so bad for her.

Event #3 - Party Shared with Special Families
We invited Other American Family with their 3 boys over for piñata, cake, swimming and soccer to celebrate with both Youngest Son and Sweet Buddy. We then went to local fish resturant and our 3 families shared a wonderful dinner. Although Sweet Buddy did take a mouth full of pepper dip thinking it was guacamole - poor thing - he was in tears - he did recover but OUCH.

Once again we are blessed with the diversity of our deliberate life. Sweet Buddy and his family live in USA but are originally from Turkey and are Muslim. The highlight of all the celebratory events was the singing of Happy Birthday in 4 LANGUAGES: Spanish, Turkish, Hebrew and English. Wow.

School Closed till May 6th for Swine Flu

2009-04-27T09:43:00.006-05:00

We got the calls this morning. No school until May 6th!

According to the information relayed this morning, swine flu reported in Jalisco and Nayarit now.

Oldest Son still sick. We will be taking him to the doctor this afternoon.

Update #1:
Websites recommend NOT going to hospitals, clinics and doctors unless absolutely necessary. We have decided not to go. Do ya sense the yo-yo action here? Since kids out of school we can just wait it out with Oldest Son unless he takes a turn south.

Update #2:
It appears we made the right call NOT to visit doctor. Oldest Son had a good day with not much fever and feeling okay. He is fast asleep in his own bed. However, Husband did try to secure olsetamivir (as recommended by our USA Dr friend) in case we turn up with symptoms or have a known exposure. No luck. Little to be found in Nayarit and if there is any it is at the hospitals.

Oldest Son Running a Fever

2009-04-25T21:40:00.005-05:00

Oldest Son has a fever. I looked up Swine Flu symptoms. He gets fevers often so probably nothing to worry about but he is sleeping with me tonight so I can keep him close.

Sunday Update:
Still running fever. We are watching for congestion as trigger to head to the doctor.

Back in Mexico

2009-04-25T10:24:00.002-05:00

I have been in USA for past 11 days. Back in Mexico. Happy. Happy. Happy.

I have reached Platinum status on American Airlines since moving to Mexico. I underestimated how much time I would need to spend in USA for work related needs.

Platinum status, while great, was not one of my measures for success in our year abroad. There have been many surprises this year.

Passover in Mexico

2009-04-18T20:47:00.033-05:00

Tradition! (Can you hear the sound of Fiddler on the Roof?)

In a Mexican frame of mind, we prepared for Passover. We combined family traditions and items from home with substitutions and transitions in Mexico.

Passover is the 8 day Jewish holiday of freedom. The Passover Seder recounts the Book of Exodus at a very fun and festive meal celebrated with stories, songs and prayers.

The Seder is celebrated especially for the children. It is important for Jewish children to be and feel involved in the celebration of Passover. Much of the ceremony is based on the commandment in the Bible that says, "And thou shalt tell thy son."

Here are the highlights of our Seder!

Horoset: The night before, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and Husband make horoset with apples, red wine, almonds (substituted for pecans), matzah (brought from USA) and black raisins (substituted for golden raisins and dates.), sugar, cinnamon and lime (for lemon.) They have been doing this since the boys were born.

Place Cards: Youngest Son uses his artistic talents to make place cards with dot paints, ink stamps, stickers and love.

Flip Charts: In our 1st Passover Seder years ago, Husband made flip charts (reading right to left of course) to help our non-Jewish guests follow along. Husband’s Aunt and Aunt’s Friend, both Christian, were the perfect audience.

.... 10 Plagues: How many ways can you show the 10 plagues? Oh so many …

Seder Plate: Our Fish Platter suffices as we patch together all the Seder necessities.

Haggadah: For the first time, Oldest Son reads and leads the Passover Seder using his children’s Haggadah and marked with post-it notes just like Husband's. The Haggadah stresses the importance of the Seder as "a spectacle meant to excite the interest and the curiosity of the children." Everything in the Seder is meant to make the children curious and to ask questions.

Exodus: In addition to the telling of the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt via the Seder, Oldest Son and Youngest son perform the entire story in costume. Oldest Son’s turn to be Moses this year and Youngest Son is oppressive as Pharoah. I, of course, am the narrator.

Elijah: We always set a place for Elijah in hopes he will join our Seder. Mysteriously Elijah seems to speak to us from behind the bamboo … wait where are the kids? Oh my, Elijah drank his glass of wine? Really?

Hillel Sandwich: One of my favorite Passover foods is the Hillel Sandwich made with matzah, horoset and shredded horseradish. Shredded horseradish can not be found in Mexico so the horseradish mayo substituted beautifully. The Hillel Sandwich represents "bricks-and-mortar" -- broken matzah held together by bitter herbs and haroset. The matzah was once whole. So too, the Jewish people can become crushed and divisive. But we are held together by our common links to Torah and our shared historical experiences. Hillel (born in Babylon) was a famous Jewish religious leader and one of the most important figures in Jewish history. He is popularly known as the author of: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?")

4 Questions: At the Seder it is the youngest child at the table that answers the 4 questions asked at Passover. Youngest Son answers these questions with his finger puppets to help!

1st: On all other nights we eat all kinds of breads and crackers... Why do we eat only matzah on Pesach? Matzah reminds us that when the Jews left the slavery of Egypt they had no time to bake their bread. They took the raw dough on their journey and baked it in the hot desert sun into hard crackers called matzah.

2nd: On all other nights we eat many kinds of vegetables and herbs.... Why do we eat bitter herbs, maror, at our Seder? Maror reminds us of the bitter and cruel way the Pharaoh treated the Jewish people when they were slaves in Egypt.

3rd: On all other nights we don't usually dip one food into another.... Why do we dip our foods twice tonight? We dip bitter herbs into haroset to remind us how hard the Jewish slaves worked in Egypt. The chopped apples and nuts look like the clay used to make the bricks used in building the Pharaoh's buildings. We dip parsley into salt water. The parsley reminds us that spring is here and new life will grow. The salt water reminds us of the tears of the Jewish slaves.

4th: On all other nights we eat sitting up straight.... Why do we lean on a pillow tonight? We lean on a pillow to be comfortable and to remind us that once we were slaves, but now we are free.

The 4 Sons: Each "son" asks a question regarding the meaning of the Passover Seder. Oldest Son was the Wise Son (of course) and can you guess which was Youngest Son? We hand out "son" hats and each Seder guest reads the following:

The Wise Son asks, with genuine intellectual curiosity: "What is the meaning of the statutes and laws that G-d has commanded?" The wise son seeks to understand the essence of the laws. In modern times, the wise son is the truly unique student, who eschews his own ego and is only concerned with grasping the truth. Yet even with a rare mind like his, the wise son must be positively challenged rather than pampered.

The Wicked Son is intentionally vague when he haughtily asks: "What is this service to you?" To you being the operative phrase, since the wicked son is choosing to separate himself from the Jewish community. In today's day and age, the wicked son is a metaphor for children who are more concerned with fitting in than honoring their family's values. With the right educational approach, a "wicked" son could easily be turned into a "wise" one.

The Simple Son asks plainly: "What is this?" While the simple son is definitely not an intellectual, he has a kind and generous heart. He is asking questions because he wants to do the right thing. But his understanding of Judaism - and life in general - comes from experience, not from books. In today's day and age, the simple son is the energetic, highly active student, who needs a more kinetic-based approach to learning. To grow as a thinker, the simple son must have all of his senses engaged in the learning process.

Finally, the fourth son is the one who does not know how to ask. He is not a simpleton - he is apathetic. He's so laid back he doesn't even care. In modern times, the fourth son represents the student who cares far more about his Game Boy than his studies. Not only does the fourth son not care, he doesn't even listen. The challenge is to turn his heart - to turn him on and tune him in to learning.

The Four Sons live in all of us: Sometimes we are genuinely searching, other times we are rebelling; sometimes we connect through our heart first, then our head, and other times we are just too tired, stressed or burned out to care anymore. The lesson of the Four Sons is to appropriately nurture that spark for learning that lives within all of us.

Octopus Hunting & Night Out

2009-04-06T10:21:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was a perfectly wonderful day.

Octopus Hunting
Husband’s Aunt, Aunt’s Friend, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I spent the entire afternoon at the pool and beach in front of our villa. Reading, relaxing and playing.

When the tide goes out there are lots of rocks and tide pools. Not great for swimming but full of all kinds of sea creatures. We spotted a Mexican Man with 4 Mexican Boys picking through the rocks. Youngest Son traversed the rocks to find out what they were doing. They were hunting for octopus. Youngest Son and Oldest Son hung out with the Mexican Man and 4 Mexican Boys for over an hour and 7 octopuses were collected – dinner for the Mexican Man and 4 Mexican Boys. This is exactly the kind of unplanned experience that I appreciate so much about living in Mexico.

Night Out
Husband, Husband’s Aunt, Aunt’s Friend and I went to our favorite sea side restaurant for pasta, fish and lots of wine. We watched the sun set, talked about interesting topics and did I mentioned we had lots of wine?

Good Times.

Overheard: Girls Again

2009-04-03T08:22:00.003-05:00

Oldest Son: "I wonder when the girls are going to wake up?"

Husband's Aunt and Aunt's Friend arrived yesterday. I am guessing they are in their 60s ... just girls in the eyes of a 9 year old.

Wash Your Own Dishes!

2009-04-02T11:53:00.008-05:00

Kids' School: Area where all students wash their own dishes after lunch.

Wonder how our Fancy Private School in USA would view this approach?

I think it is efficient and simple while teaching responsibility and useful household skills!

Our Unexpected Mexico Evening

2009-03-31T18:46:00.011-05:00

So I have concluded that I do indeed like to take the path less taken. This may seem obvious but it has taken me awhile to recognize this fundamental characteristic. Last night was a night not like many others but like so many in Mexico – unexpected.

Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I take off on our bikes to get tacos in our marina village. We chug over cobblestones, slip on sand, zip through the marina and arrive at the village square.

First we bike to music place where we have seen lessons being given. We are looking for new guitar teacher for kids. We meet Edgar the Guitar Teacher. Yes he can take on Oldest Son and Youngest Son. Three 1 hour lessons per week for 200 pesos. Great. Edgar the Guitar Teacher does not write down our name or take or any money. Just bring kids next week. Done. Gracias. See ya next week. So simple.

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Oldest Son and Youngest Son spot friend and follow her to her grandmother’s house next to Art Gallery which is next to Edgar the Guitar Teacher.

We go to Art Gallery. We bought raffle tickets last week and won a CD and print. We pick them up and guess what? Art Gallery Owner is holding Auction next door at coffee shop at 7. We say we will come back. Now Art Gallery and Auction implies something grandiose. This is a small, small Art Gallery and the Auction is bordering on junk …

Oldest Son and Youngest Son lose track of friend. Where is she?

Taco Stand is next stop and we bike down the street. Oh drats. Closed on Mondays. We decide to try a place not visited before that has Mexican food and is across from Art Gallery. We bike back down street. Youngest Son orders pork stew – he is the best eater ever! I got wonderful sopes and Husband has surprisingly good shrimp. The cerveza and soda goes down smoothly.

Oldest Son and Youngest Son look for friend again. She's gone??

Time for the Auction. There are about 11 people including us and 63 items! Oldest Son and Youngest Son have the best time browsing, looking at list, determining prices.

The Auction begins! Art Gallery Owner is from France and speaks English, Spanish and French. He is very entertaining. I cannot help but wonder how this Art Gallery Owner makes a decent living.

Oldest Son vies for a stack of 5 books and snags them for 50 pesos:
- Animal Farm by George Orwell – 35th Printing
- In Cold Blood by Truman Capote – Hard Copy, 1st Printing (Obviously we will not allow Oldest Son to read this one)
- Edgar Cayce on Prophecy by Mary Ellen Carter
- Erewhon by Samuel Butler
- Art by Clive Bell

Youngest Son acquires a small ceramic mask for 30 pesos.

Youngest Son tries for a little truck but is overbid. Oldest Son swoops in at 40 pesos to lock in for his brother!

Oh the thrill of it all! We leave at item number 39.

Oldest Son and Youngest Son give up on finding friend.

So now it is dark. We bike back home on a different route through more cobblestone streets, sliding on sandy dirt roads, stopping to pee (it is nice to be a boy), pushing our bikes over mounds of rocks and arrive safely at our villa.

I had a great time.

Oldest Son is 9

2009-03-29T15:03:00.009-05:00

Oldest Son is in his last single digit year. Motherhood is a bittersweet experience for me. My greatest joy is seeing the boys progress through life. With each step forward, my job as their mother is being fulfilled. However, I do mourn the loss of the infant, then the toddler, then the small boy …

We had series of celebrations for Oldest Son:

Best Buddy and His Family from USA were visiting us and Other American Family (family from our same area in USA who we moved down with.) Oldest Son invited Other American Family 9 Year Old Boy (an his brothers too), Best Buddy and a Mexican Friend for swimming, Spiderman piñata and cake. American Family 9 Year Old Boy and Best Buddy stayed for sleepover. (Mexican Friend’s mama was not comfortable with Mexican Friend spending the night.) The 3 boys had a wonderful visit – a special time for Oldest Son.

At Oldest Son’s School we took a Tres Leches cake up at lunch time for all the 3rd Graders. Youngest Son joined us as well. The kids sang Happy Birthday in English and then Las Mañanitas in Spanish. Very sweet.

On his real birthday (actual date) we and Dearest Friends (last day of their visit) went to the Zip Lines over the canopy which was super fun. At home, we had a cake which Other American Mommy had made for Oldest Son - so kind! Unfortunately, Oldest Son was at the front end of a stomach virus. After opening presents, he asked to go to bed – a sure sign that our grown up 9 year old Oldest Son was feeling poorly.

Yep, We Shower Less

2009-03-27T23:48:00.011-05:00

In Mexico, we just seem to take fewer showers (I showered Monday and Thursday!)

Why is this?

We live at the beach and will get hot and sweaty anyway?

Most of our family and friends are not around to notice?

We are not going too many places that anyone cares?

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We are in bathing suits much of the time?

We swam today or maybe yesterday?

We have a manana attitude?

We all stink?

March 26th - The Day We Knew Would Arrive

2009-03-26T19:08:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we get a note from School saying we have a meeting at 8:10 this morning with K3 teachers for Youngest Son. I quickly re-scheduled a meeting. This is the first time we have been invited to what appears to be a parent teacher conference!

We show up at the school this morning and two other sets of parents arrive with us. Maestra Spanish and Teacher English pass out report cards and samples of school work.

Maestra Spanish does most of talking so I cannot understand anything. Husband translates when he can.

Good News First: Youngest Son gets the highest marks (E = Excellent) in all academics. Maestra Spanish says he learns rapido!

Bad News: All the parents gathered are parents of children whose conduct needs to improve. Since back from winter break, Youngest Son has been talking and playing too much in class. Now he still got a MB (muy bien) in all his conduct marks (E is highest then MB, B, P) so he is still within an okay zone - so far.

Comment #1: Husband and I are somewhat amused that the 3 rowdy children are being discussed in a group setting with all the parents together. We have no issue with this approach. But - you guessed it - the politically correct USA schools would never handle this way.

Comment #2: If I was staying here another year - I would HAVE to learn to at least understand Spanish as spoken. It is a yucky feeling to not be able to understand anything being said - especially when it involves my child.

Comment #3: The Day We Knew Would Arrive. We knew when Youngest Son was comfortable in Spanish that his true spirit would surface. Youngest Son likes to amuse his friends and himself. Youngest Son exudes a joy for life and living it to its fullest. He is outgoing, fun and appealing. But. Youngest Son likes to do what Youngest Son wants to do. Arrrggghhh. So now we will shift into higher parenting mode to make sure he does not fall down to a B or P ...

Just Another Day In Paradise: Scorpions & Surfers

2009-03-18T17:11:00.003-05:00

Scorpions
We got a call at 7:30 am this morning. Other American Family Dad got stung by a scorpion on his hand while picking a swimsuit up off the floor. (Other American Family is from same USA community as us and we caught their coattails to move down here last year.)

Other American Family had anti-venom serum and needle in house and Other American Family Mom administered it to Other American Family Dad. They dropped their 3 boys off at our house on the way to the hospital so we could take boys to school with our kids. The hospital gave him more anti-venom serum for later and sent him home. Other American Family Dad is in pain and cannot feel his hand at all. The numbness may last a long time – so the doctor says.

We have not seen too many scorpions around our home – thank goodness!

Surfers
Our Dearest Friends from USA arrived yesterday.

We dropped Dearest Mom, Dearest Dad, 13 Year Old Girl and 11 Year Old Boy off at local surfer village this morning. They had a great time in typical Mexico fashion. Dearest Mom had a series of negotiations with several surfer dudes for lessons and somehow started at $250 pesos per hour and ended at $500 pesos per hour. No that is NOT a typo – they ended up paying more but a good time was had by all anyway. 13 Year Old Girl did lots of “beach shopping” acquiring a silver opal ring, a ceramic bowl and a sarong without moving from under her umbrella.

Oh, they also noticed that the cerveza cost less than the fruit juice. Welcome to Mexico!

Solucion Inyectable

2009-03-16T23:43:00.003-05:00

In Mexico, the distribution of pharmaceuticals is handled VERY different than the USA.

First, most pharmaceuticals can be purchased without any kind of written prescription. This can be quite convenient at times.

Second, when you do go to the doctor it is common for them to use a shot versus pills to treat the illness. It is this practice that created a most unusual family scene.

Husband - standing with pants "dropped"
Oldest Son - cowering with a smirk on corner of bathroom
Youngest Son - overly anxious to be in the middle of all the action
Me - Syringe in hand, uncomfortable and nervous

The doctor had given Husband the first of 3 shots this morning and instructed him to administer the other two at home. Yikes!

Mexico - always an adventure!

Change through Knowledge

2009-03-15T23:16:00.003-05:00

I just read:

In the Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor’s Journey in the Saudi Kingdom
by Qanta A. Ahmed, M.D.

"It is a substantial book and should be savored by readers who feel as I do, that the more we know about the inner workings of countries the more understanding we have of their policies and their view of us." http://reviews.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/in-the-land-of-invisible-women-a-female-doctor

"In the Land of Invisible Women gave me a lot to think about, and just not about the complexities of Saudi Arabia but also my country’s, the U.S.A., interactions within the Middle East."http://bookchronicle.wordpress.com/2008/10/16/nonfiction-in-the-land-of-invisible-women-by-qanta-a-ahmed-md/

Much of what is revealed in this book is difficult to read as an American, a Jew and a woman. However, it is important for me to try to understand other belief systems just as I would like others to try to learn about mine.

Tolerance. Understanding. Equality. Acceptance. Someday ...

Differences in Kid Philosophies

2009-03-13T20:26:00.011-05:00

It is common for us to compare and contrast SOB and NOB.

Winners and losers.

In Mexico childrearing, we have noticed that the concept of winning and losing is portrayed realistically.

For example, every 2-3 months Oldest Son has a week of Spanish exams and a week of English exams. The exams cover math, science, grammar, spelling, history and personal responsibility. The grades are shared with all students after each exam. The scores are totaled and there are 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place diplomas awarded in 2 school wide assemblies – one for Spanish diplomas and 1 for English diplomas. It is a big deal. See somes pics above of today's assembly. (Oldest Son received a 2nd place diploma in Spanish a couple weeks ago – his first Spanish award! And, of course, he received a 1st in English today.)

At Halloween, there was a costume contest where winners were chosen by applause. Even the preschool winners were selected this way.

The Expo had a winning Country Group who gets to go to the movies as a reward. Interestingly, the preschool Mexico group won which was well deserved – their dancing was incredible!

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The kids all seem to handle in a good natured way. There are no trophies or prizes for all or for just participating as is often the case in the USA.

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Call me harsh but I think this real approach teaches important lessons about sportsmanship, effort, acceptance, humility, joy, pride and disappointment that should be absorbed in appropriate doses early in life. It is a good thing.

Futbol Sensibilities.

Oldest Son and Youngest Son are now playing soccer after school with boys their age. They meet a couple times a week at the school grounds. The coach (who only speaks Spanish) has the boys practice skills and then scrimmage among themselves. No weekend games. No uniforms. No snacks. No hovering parents. No car pools. No trophies. I guess you can tell I like this approach. It is an appropriate level of extracurricular activity for boys under the age of 11. And selfishly, it is also easy on the parents. It is a good thing.

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Lovely friends arrived in from USA tonight. We said our Shabbat prayers with them. A Jewish man staying with his friend walked over from next door to wish us Shabbat Shalom – he had heard our prayers through the open doors … Shabbat Shalom to friends and strangers alike …

Back In Mexico

2009-03-12T23:06:00.002-05:00

Back in Mexico. It was a rough trip in USA this time.

Lots of work so very busy - ya know - working.

Pa, see http://movingkidstomexico.blogspot.com/2008/06/dedicated-to-pa.html, my grandfather, had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital. Thankfully he is out of ICU and on to a full recovery.

I am in decompression mode right now. Thrilled to see Oldest Son and Youngest Son. Oldest Son is in book heaven since a friend sent him many great tiles to borrow and read.

We have two sets of visitors arriving over the next week starting tomorrow.

Glad to be back in Mexico and on the Blog.

Reality

2009-03-02T20:59:00.005-06:00

The last month has been so nice to work from home in Mexico even if I am still over the top too busy.

Friends visited us from the USA last week and I was able to travel back with them this afternoon.

So here I am. In the USA.

Left Oldest Son sick with a fever.

Youngest Son arrived home this afternoon and forgot I told him good bye this morning. He was a little sad.

I miss Husband. Husband misses me.

Yes, reality is ... well ... reality. Reality is having a job to support our family and being darn thankful to have it.

Digna Ochoa

2009-03-01T20:17:00.001-06:00

I just completed reading Betrayed The Assassination of Digna Ochoa by Linda Diebal. This book primarily deals with the murder of a Mexican human rights lawyer in 2001 and the cover up by Mexican officials to present it as a suicide.

This book clearly goes to the underside of Mexican human rights abuses. It discusses in great detail the torture, murders and disappearances of Mexican citizens. It spends a great deal of time outlining the plight of indigenous Indians.

A disturbing and intense book. A disturbing and intense topic.

The Expo

2009-02-28T17:42:00.008-06:00

The Expo was Thursday evening and it was glorious in typical Mexican chaos.

The Spokesperson situation was handled by having each Country/Grade represented by a child tell about the Country speaking in English wearing a banner with the Country’s name and then having a child wearing a Translator banner who spoke in Spanish. I am proud to report both Oldest Son and Youngest Son translated perfectely in Spanish!

However, this approach took longer since 17 Countries were represented. The 2 hour event went 4 hours! No one seemed to mind.

There were child decorated booths with childish homemade items for sale such as toilet paper rolls painted and converted to pencil holders, mini-flags, decorated pencils, cupcakes, etc. We are the proud owners of many of these trinkets.

Food! Yes all kinds of food items for sale donated and made by the parents.

This is our 2nd big event at the school (the other was the Christmas show) and I have thought about how this event differs from the similar school shows in the USA. It is the uninhibited dancing and joy shown through music. Every Country/Grade presented a dance routine in full costume and much enthusiasm. It just made me feel happy. Youngest Son did an authentic dance from Jalisco in full Mexican regalia and his partner Tessa, was beautiful in her yellow Mexican dress.

There were also moments of raw emotion. The 3 and 4 year olds sang Imagine where each child wore costumes and banners from different Countries. There were many teary eyes in the audience.

The finale was the entire school singing We Are the World. The Director gave Youngest Son the microphone several times along with a couple other Kinder3 girls. I am tearing up as I write this paragraph.

Oldest Son and Youngest Son ran around with their friends and had a special evening. They are comfortable and safe in their school. Once again we feel positive about this wonderful year they are experiencing.

I am starting to think it may be harder than I anticipated to go home to the USA for me …

Overheard: Husband and Oldest Son

2009-02-21T21:07:00.005-06:00

Husband to Me: "I got the best compliment I have gotten in a long time."

Me:"Really. What?"

Husband tells me that when Oldest Son playfully punched him in the stomach then this was the surprised exclamation: "Daddy, your stomach is not soft anymore!"

Husband joined a gym a couple months ago and has been watching what he eats. Husband turns 50 this year! Yeah Husband!!

Interesting Turn of Events

2009-02-20T17:15:00.007-06:00

Youngest Son with his sombrero for his Mexico costume for The Expo.

.
Perhaps we "made a difference." This is part 3 from the last two posts - the topic that just keeps giving.

Guess who is a native-English language Spokesperson for Kinder3? Youngest Son! He will talk about Mexico in Spanish at The Expo next week.

It appears that the fallout from Oldest Son being added as the native-English language Spokesperson for 3rd Grade is a wider adjustment in The Expo's protocol.

I am guessing that many of the Grades/Countries will now have 2 Spokespersons:
- A native-English language Spokesperson giving a speech in Spanish
- A native-Spanish language Spokesperson giving a speech in English

We are somewhat amused and awed by the turn of events. This approach makes allot of sense if you have a multi-cultural school who is putting on a multi-cultural event. And many (most I think) of the parents only speak Spanish so they will get learn about all the Countries too.

Life is never dull here.

Wonder what they will do next year ...

A Child's Heart is Mended

2009-02-18T16:55:00.007-06:00

This continues yesterday's unfortunate event ...

This Morning
Husband and I went into school office to talk with Director. She was not there. Assistant says there is no availability today to meet. We explain our situation and indicate we must have a meeting today. Reluctantly we are given an afterschool appointment.

This Afternoon
We see Oldest Son briefly before our meeting and he indicates there has been a Misunderstanding. Really.

We sit down with Director. Director is an attractive, well-spoken and fairly dynamic woman who speaks 4 languages. She immediately explains to us:

(1) That a parent on the Parent Committee felt that native English speakers should be not be eligible to present the country information in English at The Expo (this parent was aware of Oldest Son's role.)

(2) The Teacher misunderstood and relayed to Oldest Son and whole class that it had to be a child born in Mexico (this goes to the definition of who is considered a Mexican Child - note Oldest Son along with 4 other children were eliminated by this definition - even those students who may have a Mexican heritage.)

(3) Director talked with Oldest Son today and gave him the option of presenting the information in Spanish and another child would present in English. Oldest Son enthusiastically agreed to be the Spanish-speaking Spokesperson for Germany (I suspect to the Director's surprise.)

So Husband and I agree this is a reasonable solution.

Commentary
Husband and I believe that this “explanation” was quickly developed today when Director learned of our afternoon meeting. That is okay though. The fact that Director knew we would not just let this turn of events by without challenge spurred them to provide a workable solution.

Oldest Son is happy and will get a better educational experience by having to do it in Spanish. He already knows it in English but now he will have to practice and make sure he can do it all in Spanish. He is quite confident.

This has been an interesting study in Human Nature.

Bad Judgment. Jealousy. Bigotry.
At its best we had a Director and a Teacher severely mishandle a difficult situation. At its worst, we have Adults exhibiting jealousy and bigotry.

Hurt. Disappointment. Acceptance. Flexibility. Confidence.
Oldest Son was raw with hurt and disappointment. With obvious support from us, he quickly accepted his fate and was grateful that we were going to try to talk with Director. He then embraced an alternate approach with confidence.

Anger. Love.
Husband has been very angry. Notable because Husband is a very mild mannered man. I think the combination of his son being hurt and the underlying prejudice sent him over the tipping point. Husband’s love for Oldest Son triggered an intense protectiveness.

Me. Well I have been rather calm. I quickly saw the value of the numerous life lessons to be exploited. Adversity is an important part of life. As a parent, I am grateful for opportunities to build strength and character in my children. I knew this would not permanently damage Oldest Son’s life and he would be stronger as a result.

Note to My Fellow Bloggers Who Commented
Thank you so much. Truly. Your comments were supportive, helpful and provided me insight into how to both handle and view this situation. You really did make a difference. Your time and opinions are appreciated. It is a nice feeling to have this extended community to help handle unknown situations in Mexico.

http://steveinmexico.blogspot.com/
http://mexicobob.blogspot.com/
http://www.cancuncanuck.com/
http://puertovallarta-ibis.blogspot.com/
http://cintia-y-miguel.blogspot.com/
http://theresainmerida.blogspot.com/

A Child's Heart is Hurt

2009-02-17T17:48:00.006-06:00

Today we have had a different kind of Mexico experience - painful, disappointing and confusing.

Background
THE major event of the year at kids' School is The Expo. All the grades are divided into two groups and assigned a country. The Third Grade is doing Germany and England. Oldest Son is in the Germany group. The teachers and kids are working really hard on research, booths, costumes, dances, music, items to sell, food, etc. All the parents are invited the evening of 2/26 to The Expo. There is a Contest for Best in which I was asked to be a Judge.

Oldest Son was selected to be the Spokesperson for Germany about 2 weeks ago. The selection process included the Teacher listening to all students recite the Germany information in front of the class to determine who knew and delivered the information in the most appealing and knowledgeable way. Oldest Son has been VERY excited and proud to be chosen. This selection honestly meant a great deal to Oldest Son - he has been talking about it every day. We have been gathering the pieces of his costume, printing pictures for his class, etc.

Today
According to Oldest Son, School Director and his teacher were talking when he arrived at School this morning. Teacher took him aside and told him there had been parent complaints that a Mexican Child should be the Spokesperson thus Oldest Son could no longer be the Spokesperson. The teacher announced to his class and the Mexican students all delivered the Germany information to class so she could choose another student.

This Afternoon
Oldest Son cried and cried as he told us the story. He does not want to even participate now – of course. We are flabbergasted to say the least. On so many levels. We have comforted Oldest Son and made sure he knows this has nothing to do with him personally nor his friends.

We use this as one of those teachable moments to discuss the harsh realities. Parents, everywhere, make bad choices and show intolerance. We explained to him what it means to be a minority. We tell him it is not fair. We talk to him calmly but truthfully.

I am disappointed and my heart hurts for Oldest Son but I am not surprised. This is the real world that I cannot always shield my children from experiencing. Husband is more on the angry side.

Tomorrow
We will go to School to talk to Director and Teacher. We are hopeful a compromise can be found but are doubtful. We will advocate for our son. We will love and comfort him. We will try to make sure this occurrence does not overshadow all his positives at School and in Mexico - of which there are so many.

Another life lesson in Mexico – just as important as all the others.

Guitar Lessons

2009-02-11T17:15:00.009-06:00

Guitar Lesson book kids brought home - it is in Spanish.

So we have purposely avoided any extracurricular type kid activities while in Mexico. Let’s just call it Parent Burn Out. See my prior post http://movingkidstomexico.blogspot.com/2008/08/soapbox-too-much-too-early.html for the soapbox.

We now seem ready to expand just a tiny bit since:

- Oldest Son and Youngest Son are now in the 2nd half of their school year and are both very comfortable in their studies. We appear to have weathered the Spanish transition.

- Youngest Son has been asking to take music lessons for over a year.

- Oldest Son has bonded with his Music Teacher at school who raves about Oldest Son’s recorder playing abilities. This Music Teacher provides lessons after school.

- Lessons after school do not interfere with our weekends.
.

- Guitar Lessons and books are in Spanish and both kids can function in a Spanish world now.

- Husband plays guitar and can guide their practice - enjoyable for Husband and another way to bond with kids. (I have less than zero musical aptitude!)

.
- For both kids, twice a week for 1 hour each Guitar Lesson by Music Teacher is only $1,200 pesos per month (that is about $23 USD per week!) – oh my gosh!

So we have made an agreement with the kids to try the lessons for 1 month. We think it is important to expose the kids to music lessons so this is a great opportunity before we re-enter the USA kid rat race.

Husband and Youngest Son practicing hand placement:

Balance

2009-02-08T00:23:00.007-06:00

My Saturday was balanced.

Work - I spent 3 hours working this morning but sat with kids with my laptop while they played around me.

Kids & Exercise - Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I went on a bike ride - sort of. Kids biked while I jogged. We had a good time. Youngest Son is doing very well with his biking skills.

Reading - While on our bike/run, Oldest Son and I discovered a "borrow book shelf" at complex office. I agreed to let Oldest Son read Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien - I am a little nervous about the complexity for him. I also picked up a fluffy fiction book which I read through the afternoon. So nice.

Rest - Took a little nap!

Wife - Managed to have quality time with Husband which included a night out with friends and dancing! The Twisted Rose has a really fun Salsa Band. One of my "secret" loves is dancing but I have never learned to Salsa Dance. I started getting the footwork down tonight but need more practice - definitely!

Balance. A day to day struggle in any country. Today I succeeded. Tomorrow - we will see ...

Willingness

2009-02-05T13:13:00.008-06:00

With the Moving to Mexico this year and writing a blog, I have hooked into the blogger world of Expats.

We have friends with a daughter in 3rd grade in living in Madrid, Spain for one year: http://steadsinspain.com/ (check out their fabulous history laced adventures!)

A recent post from this blog included:
"Knowing what I now know I am embarrassed that I got this far in my life before having lived outside the United States for any period of time. It only takes willingness."

I think this is a powerful statement. I have been mulling it over.

I feel incredibly privileged be taking this year abroad. For our family, it was tough pulling off the actual Move to Mexico but this probably had more to do with deciding to move in late March and then leaving the USA in June - these 3 months were very intense!

Personally, I wished I had taken some time to live outside of the USA right out of college. And I mean LIVE not visit. The rhythms of the life in a location are always changing. It is interesting to see how our Pacific coast ocean village changes from month to month, from holiday to holiday, from rainy season to dry season ...

I feel like I have acquired more sensitivity to different ways of doing things. Who am I to judge what is best? “Best” is different for everyone and there are way too many variables in this world to decide there is a “right way.” I will go home with more empathy and tolerance.

I will certainly be more understanding of those with English as a second language. It is hard for many of us to learn a new language as an adult. I am maxed out with work, family and experiencing Mexico so putting in the study hours for Spanish has been impossible for me.

I hope for Oldest Son and Youngest Son to recognize there is a big, wonderful world beyond the USA that they can choose to explore. I wish for them to gain the knowledge and confidence to choose the paths right for them and to realize there are many, many options.

I am thankful to be a USA citizen. The opportunities, freedom and education gained in the USA are what make venturing to other countries possible.

We will go back to the USA in July knowing this year was a priceless gift with rewards too numerous to outline in one blog post. Will we do it again? If the right opportunity and circimstances presents itself – you bet!

Our Spanish Superbowl

2009-02-01T20:37:00.008-06:00

Superbowl. Football. About as American as you can get. Husband, Oldest Son and Youngest Son engrossed right now – watching and cheering. Husband explaining to his two sons what is happening play by play. All three piled together on a loveseat.

Wait. There is something not quite right. Oh Yeah – all the explosive commentary is in Spanish. Husband, Oldest Son and Youngest Son do not even seem to notice. I ask Oldest Son and Youngest Son if they understand. Youngest Son proceeds to tell me some football fact about how it took 6 years to get … okay, okay he clearly understands the Spanish commentary.

Wait. No over-priced, obnoxious commercials. Most of the commercials are in Spanish and many are of a public service variety. Two commercials, Lays potato chips and Modela beer, seem to be made in Spanish especially for this American event.

Just for the record, Husband, Oldest Son and Youngest Son are all cheering for Cardinals.

Still in USA Working

2009-01-29T20:29:00.003-06:00

Still thankful.

Miss family even more!

Not so cold though.

I fly to Mexico tomorrow.

I will be in Mexico for the entire month of February! While I will continue to work remote, I will be at home each day with Husband, Oldest Son and Youngest Son. Words cannot describe how much I am looking forward to this next month ...

In USA Working for the Week

2009-01-27T00:19:00.001-06:00

Thankful for the work.

Miss my family.

Freezing cold!

Unexpected Days

2009-01-25T22:30:00.009-06:00

School Beach Day - Almost
It was Beach Day. Families were invited to meet at the local beach with a bucket, shovel, blind fold, broom and various other items. We had very clear instructions on where it would take place. So we thought.

First, the road we are supposed to turn down is blocked. There is an Extreme Triathlon and participants are running by us. We circle around and finally manage to get to the beach. No one is there. Are we at the right place on the right day at the right time? We have learned that in Mexico any of these factors can be misunderstood.

We call friends who are really not able to assist. We look at directions again. It seems like we should be in right place. Husband walks down beach both ways. A school of young children ought to be fairly obvious. No luck. I walk both ways. No luck.

We acquiesce to being a victim of Mexico logistics once again. (We find out next day at school that we were in wrong place – arrrggghhhh!) So we hang out at beach and have a fun time.

Festival

Then, we head over to beach village Centro for lunch. As we enter, we see there are booths EVERYWHERE on every square inch of every street. We have to park across the major thoroughfare and walk into Centro.

Surprise. There is a festival celebrating Our Lady of Peace (La Virgen de la Paz). The church is decorated with so many flowers. We choose a festival street vendor for lunch. So good! Tacos, sopas, hot dogs, cold soda and cerveza.

The boys spot a Rifle Shooting Gallery Booth. “Can we do it? Can we do it? Please!” Sure. It is hilarious. When you hit a target then some novelty turns on like the band of dolls plays. I get ready to snap a photo, Oldest Son hits a target and the Gorilla “pees” on me!

We thought we were going to play with kids’ school friends at beach but we ended up with other unexpected experiences. Another good day in Mexico.

The "Park"

2009-01-23T21:41:00.003-06:00

Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I went to dinner in our small ocean-side village tonight. We were going to take a walk along the beautiful marina but got sidetracked at the "park." Well not really a "park" in the USA sort of way.

We stopped at Centro or the town square. There were Mexican kids running and playing a spirited game of tag, climbing on the gazebo, riding their bikes around and around and kicking the soccer ball here and there. Parents were sitting on benches chatting or just soaking up the happiness before them.

Youngest Son jumped right into Tag and was soon talking Spanish smack.

Oldest Son was greeted by an extremely Giggly Girl from his class at school. He sat with me for awhile before joining the fun. Once engaged, he chased the Giggly Girl on her bike all over the square.

Husband and I watched the kids at the "Park." "Park" to us is now defined as Centro or the Beach. Note: there are no USA type parks here.

We have been here many times. It is a family favorite. Simple. Timeless. Universal. Free.

Puff The Magic Dragon

2009-01-21T19:11:00.010-06:00

Oldest Son and Youngest Son often go to sleep to music. Youngest Son has a favorite children’s CD that starts with Puff the Magic Dragon.

Last night I was awakened by this song - Puff the Magic Dragon. The CD player had mysteriously restarted.

I walked into my little boys’ room. They were fast asleep. I watched them and tears ran down my face.

Why you ask? Puff the Magic Dragon has prompted feelings of melancholy ever since I became the Mommy of boys. It so eloquently represents the innocence and imagination of little boys and that someday little boys are little no more.

Oldest Son and Youngest Son are still ripe with fantastic and imaginative play as they Live By The Sea. “Zorro” was in our tree this afternoon! (see above pic)

But, I have to tell you that motherhood is bittersweet. I celebrate every development but morn the parts of childhood left behind.

Puff the Magic Dragon written by Leonard Lipton, Peter Yarrow
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Little jackie paper loved that rascal puff,
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff. oh

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on puffs gigantic tail,
Noble kings and princes would bow wheneer they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flag when puff roared out his name. oh!

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, jackie paper came no more
And puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.

His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, puff could not be brave,
So puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave. oh!

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

A New President

2009-01-20T12:01:00.005-06:00

I will remember I watched President Obama take office while sitting at my Mexico dining table. Thank goodness the broadcast is in English so I can understand every word.

I love being an American today. I love watching the gracious transition of power.

Regardless of my specific views, I am thankful to former President Bush for putting forth the effort and sacrifice to lead our country.

I wish Presibent Obama and his advisors much strength to address the nation's challenges.

Shells Anyone?

2009-01-19T18:32:00.009-06:00

Youngest Son has officially begun his Shell Selling business. Here is how it has gone down.

Oldest Son is the Supplier – Apparently Youngest Son owes Oldest Son 500 pesos so far.

Special Friend’s Daughter is a Partner – Youngest Son will send Special Friend’s Daughter part of the proceeds back to USA with me - not sure of exact terms.

Goods – Shells ranging in price from 1 to 20 pesos depending on the size (I have not told him that oyster shells may not have the value he anticipates.)

Target Buyers – Anyone walking down the beach in front of our home which means most exchanges are in Spanish.

First Customer - Security Guard in our complex - 5 pesos! (We will be tipping Security Guard well.)

Youngest Son has spunk. Perhaps those Mexican Beach Vendors are having an influence - who can predict what our Move to Mexico will turn up in the years to come?

Below - First Revenue and Cash Register - Really

Whale Feeding Calf

2009-01-17T17:37:00.009-06:00

See the light blue part jetting out in above picture - we think it is the flipper.

While this whole year is a once in a lifetime experience - today reached new heights.

We spent over 20 minutes observing a whale sitting on top of the water as you see in picture above. Now the whales go in and out - that is what they do. What was going on? Noe, our certified guide who does this all the time said the whale was feeding her calf. He sees this about 2 times per year! The whale just sat at the surface and would blow every 4 or 5 minutes. We could see a light blue area to the side and believe it was her flipper. We never did see the baby. As we pulled away she went beneath the surface. It was even better that we shared this experience with Special Friend and Special Friend's Daughter.

How did I get this life?

Shabbat Shalom

2009-01-16T21:13:00.010-06:00

Our Shabbat Candle Stick purchased in Santa Clara del Cobre on our Road Trip.

I arrived back in Mexico this afternoon with Special Girlfriend and Special Girlfriend's Daughter (age 6 - same as Youngest Son.) Special Girlfriend is who I stay with when I am in USA. While being away from my family when commuting is tough, a surprising gift has been spending time with this family away from Mexico. So I am VERY pleased that they are visiting us in Mexico for the weekend.

We all went to swim and explore the beach when we noticed visitors who clearly looked Jewish. They are from South Africa and now live in New Jersey. It was nice to welcome them to Mexico with Shabbat Shalom.

Special Girlfriend's Daughter and Youngest Son have a unique connection. They were in the infant room together at our Temple's preschool and then spent the next 4 years in the same class. They literally have known each other since they were 5 months old! Both bubble over with personality and were laughing and playing immediately today.

Special Girlfriend and Special Girlfriend's Daughter are also Jewish. We celebrated Shabbat with them tonight. After we lit the candles and said the three blessings, Special Girlfriend's Daughter and Youngest Son alternated reading aloud Gates of Wonder, A Prayerbook for Very Young Children.

My favorite part is of this simple prayerbook is:

When I pray I wonder ...
I wonder what Mitzvah is;

I wonder about rainbows.

I wonder about day and night.

I wonder if I could touch the stars.

I wonder what I'll be like when I am older.

I wonder why people are different.

I wonder when all people will be safe.

I wonder about life.

Wondering is reaching for answers.

FM3s Secured - Family is Legal!

2009-01-15T17:12:00.002-06:00

Husband, Oldest Son and Youngest Son spent 4 HOURS at Immigration this morning.

The reward was their FM3s. Now we do not have to worry about taking them across the border every 6 months to renew the FMTs.

A Mexican Milestone Accomplished. No small feat.

FM3 - Can it be?

2009-01-14T20:57:00.006-06:00

I am in USA this week and got this email forwarded from Husband today:

"Dear Mr. Husband:
I was at the Immigration office today, and I was told to change the appointment because the officer to sign and stamp your FM3´s won`t be working this Friday.

Could it be possible for you to go tomorrow, same time? ...
Thanks,
Attorney"

So Husband, Oldest Son and Youngest Son will be at Immigration in the morning at 9am.
Getting closer!

Canopy Zip Lines

2009-01-12T12:43:00.009-06:00

We explored the Canopy Zip Lines with Atlanta Friends last week. Our family had never done this before. Highly recommend. It was quite fun. We caught an excursion bus which took us into the mountains of Puerto Vallarta.

A Canopy Zip Line Team of 8 charming, charismatic young men helped suit us up in a harness & helmet and provide training. You must be age 6 and 3'8" to participate. Youngest Son is exactly 3'8" - we measured. Husband, Youngest Son and I were asked no less than 7 times if he was age 6 - I do not think they believed us - he is a little guy.

We hiked up to first Canopy Zip Line. It was a short zip line and that is where they got The Photo - you know the one to sell at the end.

We then proceeded through a course of about 15 lines over trees, rocks and the river. It was really enjoyable. The kids had a blast. The Canopy Zip Line Team did a nice job of helping the kids and even riding with them on certain lines.

The final Canopy Zip Line had two zip lines side by side to race into the Landing Area. Landing Area had a bar, restaurant and beautiful mountain river. The river had huge boulders to hike around on and there was a swimming area with two rock slides. It was too cold for me but kids jumped right in!

The last bit of entertainment was a small animal menagerie. We got to go into a cage with small, rambunctious monkeys to feed them. The was also a large iguana to hold and few other creatures.

Another fun day in Mexico!

FM3 Update - Almost There

2009-01-11T13:00:00.002-06:00

Email from Mexican Attorney says Husband, Oldest Son and Youngest Son can pick up their FM3s next Friday morning!

Looks promising but will believe all in order when really happens!

Interview with Sons

2009-01-10T11:57:00.006-06:00

We are 1/2 way through our Move to Mexico and how is it going? I interviewed Oldest Son (age 8, 3rd Grade) and Youngest Son (age 6, Kindergarten):

How would you describe your ability to speak Spanish?
Youngest Son: Amazing
Oldest Son: Better than Mommy's - Amazing

Why is it Amazing?
Youngest Son: Because at 1st I did not think I would be able to speak Spanish when came to Mexico
Oldest Son: Because I thought it would be super hard

What really happened when learning Spanish?
Youngest Son: We learned how
Oldest Son: We learned really fast

Why do you think you learned so fast?
Youngest Son: My teacher helps me speak Spanish. My friends talk to me in Spanish and I talk back correctly.
Oldest Son: My parents encourage me. My friends just speak Spanish so I have been determined to learn.

When at school what percent of day do you speak Spanish?
Youngest Son: 50%
Oldest Son: 45%

Do you think in Spanish?
Youngest Son: No
Oldest Son: When I think in Spanish, my mind thinks of a sentence and then translates to Spanish.

Do you dream in Spanish?
Youngest Son: Sometimes in Mexico
Oldest Son: No

What do you still need to work on in Spanish?
Youngest Son: Learn rest of ABCs
Oldest Son: I have trouble knowing where to put the accent (in writing)

What is it like to read and write in Spanish?
Youngest Son: Kinda easier in Spanish because I can pronounce letters easier and find what means faster (he is actually reading in Spanish easier due to vowels being easier)
Oldest Son: Been a little frustrating but in end works out

How do you think knowing Spanish will help you?
Youngest Son: When I grow up I am going to go to a business in Mexico and speak Spanish
Oldest Son: My work might send me somewhere where I need to speak Spanish or I might meet someone who speaks Spanish. I will also get better grades in Spanish in USA.

How do you think next 6 months will go?
Youngest Son: I think I will start learning more cursive
Oldest Son: Some hard times but I am ready for it

What foods do you like in Mexico?
Youngest Son: Red snapper, little snack fish, crab, lobster, shrimp, coconuts, coconut milk, mahi mahi, tamales
Oldest Son: Red snapper, tacos, quesadillas, lobster, helotes (local corn snack)

What do you miss from USA?
Youngest Son: My friends, Thai food place
Oldest Son: My friends, pizza

Are you glad to be in Mexico for 1 year? Why? What is best part?
Youngest Son: Yes because I am just happy. It is fun. I get to do things I don't do in USA. I like Birthday Parties and friends.
Oldest Son: Yep because Mexico is going to be an Adventure and I get to go activities like zip lining and the Road Trip/Camping. Best part is meeting new people.

My Comments: Nothing obviously profound in the literal answers. The profoundess of the answers is that of a child's happiness and unquestioning acceptence of the world in which he exists.

Oh Where, Oh Where Can the Piñata Be?

2009-01-09T20:46:00.007-06:00

Atlanta Middle Son turned age 9 while visiting this past week. We of course promised a birthday Piñata.

Embarrassingly, we could not find one! We looked in local town south of us and the one store was closed. We looked in the larger grocery stores and in shops along main thoroughfares. None.

We went to local town where we live but I have never seen any for sale there either. Then driving by on the street was the Local Whale Man who took us Whale Watching. He was dropping off son at town square.

We yelled out at Local Whale Man. He told us exactly where to go. We walked a few blocks up and the Piñata Store was closed. Local Whale Man had driven to Piñata Store to make sure we found okay. Local Whale Man talked with Mini-grocer next door to Piñata Store who said it would be open next day.

We go by next day. It is still closed. Oh Man! Atlanta Mom goes over to Mini-grocer next door who then goes somewhere. 10 minutes later up comes the metal sliding door and the Piñata Store was open!! Hooray!

So the Piñata Store was a new experience for us. It has traditional and modern designs and all are handmade. The shelves are neatly stacked with various kinds of candy. There are also the largest marshmallows you have ever, ever seen!

Atlanta Middle Son chose a Batman design for 90 pesos.

We get it home; stuff it with Mexican candy and string the Piñata up. Husband is quite clever to spray pulling rope with Pam to make it slide over tree branch easily. We locate a broom handle to whack it. Oldest Son and Youngest Son sing Mexican Piñata Song in Spanish. (I have updated since original post when I realized there are several versions! Thanks Mexico Bob http://mexicobob.blogspot.com/)

Dale, dale, dale.
No pierdas el tino. Porque si lo pierdes. Pierdes el camino.
Ya le diste una. Ya le diste dos. Ya le diste tres.
Y tu tiempo se acabó.

Here is a translation but I have NEVER heard this sang:
Hit it, hit it, hit it.
Don’t loose your aim. Because if you loose it. You loose the way.
You hit it once. You hit it twice. You hit it three times.
And your time is up..”

And as a special touch we had the Lucha Libre mask as the blind fold!

As it bursts we are thrilled to see the actual clay pot that is the body (not something you see in USA.) At every party or celebration we have attended in Mexico, there has been at least one Piñata. I enjoy reading about the history, tradition and symbolism of the Piñata. I have respect for this lovely Mexican tradition.

School Starts Wed, No Mon, No Wed ... Monday

2009-01-08T09:43:00.006-06:00

This is very typical of our life in Mexico.

We have a Mexico School Calendar that indicates the kids would go back to school Monday, January 5.

Other American Family (3 boys in same Mexico school and from same USA city) has a Mexico School Calendar that indicates kids would go back to school Wednesday, January 7.

We try to get in touch with teacher - no luck.

Sunday night at Taco Stand, January 4th, we run into a Local Property Manager Family (our Property Manager) who have 2 kids at Mexico School and have gone there for years. Local Property Manager Family says YES we DO have school Monday, January 5.

Then later that same Sunday night Local Property Manager Family calls us and says NO we do not have school for students - only teachers on Monday and Tuesday.

So we and Other American Family do NOT send kids to school on Monday and Tuesday - they return to Mexico School Wednesday, January 7.

Everybody asks our kids "Where have you been last 2 days?"

Oh well. Our family tagline coined by Oldest Son on our Road Trip:

"It's Mexico, It's an Adventure."

Whales

2009-01-07T22:27:00.007-06:00

Woo - It has been a whirlwind week! We have maximized our visit with Atlanta Friends. So last Saturday …

Whales. Whales. Whales. Yes, we saw the Whales!

Majestic. Calming. Serene.

Honestly I could spend the entire day watching them and enjoy every minute.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T05:19:00.003-06:00

Atlanta friends arrived yesterday. Oh Joy. And Fun.

We had a low key evening at the ole Casa. Kids played among the ocean tide pools and swam in the concrete pools . There was a pretty aggressive game of "water football catch" with some Mexican boys. Youngest Son was the smallest but who could tell?

Three repairmen showed up in late afternoon to fix our family room air conditioner unit (even though we are not using right it now). Laughter from all. The culprit? A large dead frog and a very small live frog. Even the Mexicans were surprised.

The evening had a competitive game of Risk with Atlanta Middle Son, Oldest Son and Youngest Son. Oldest Son had read all the instructions and was READY to play. Alliances and shifts in power were ramped. We finally had to call stops at midnight so I am viewing the world carnage now for the fight continues today.

Midnight brought explosions of color all around the bay. It was fun to scan the horizon and watch the New Year alight. I have never brought in the New Year in a country other than USA. Check that off the list!

Road Trip Finale

2008-12-30T17:52:00.012-06:00

Last Friday we left Angangueo to go to Cuernavaca. Husband was adamant that we avoid Mexico City so the route we selected was intentionally “round about” however our 4-6 hour drive turned into one of our worst navigational attempts. Suffice it to say we missed many turns, back tracked and were generally frustrated. My last word is avoid the "Yellow Roads." We left at 7:30am and arrived at 5:30pm. We did give the boys Dramamine so they did not get car sick and slept the 1st 4 hours.

Las Estacas
We went through Cuernavaca to Tlaltizapán to Las Estacas to camp and explore the balnearo (swimming park.) We finally got to use our pop-up camper that we had hauled all over Mexico! The irony is this was the most expensive place so far and we were camping!!

This balnearo is spectacular – really. There are 300 year old palm trees brought in from Madagascar, 1,000 year old local trees, a crystal clear river for all kinds of water activities, mini-golf, restaurant, hotel, camp ground, cappuccino bar, gift shop, horses, hotel, spa and on and on.

We decided to spend Saturday at Las Estacas. We did the following:
· Mini-golf
· Raft ride with guide telling history of the balnearo
· Oldest Son flying out on trapeze swing and dropping into river
· Both boys (and Mommy) riding on trees swings over river and sometimes dropping in
· Mommy and boys taking raft down river – mostly Mommy doing the “taking” with oars
· Jumping off diving platform into river
· Playing in large kids water area
· Oldest Son doing zip line trapeze into river
· Boys watching Finding Nemo (in Spanish) while Mommy & Husband had drink at bar
· Youngest Son and Mommy going to bonfire for singing and marshmallows (Oldest Son too tired)

This place clearly caters to Mexico’s upper end. Even the camping area had 40+ tents that were nicer than some homes I have seen in Mexico (like you would buy at REI.)

The boys were thrilled to camp for 2 nights and play in water all day. We did have a great time.

Xochimilco
We left Las Estacas Sunday morning by 7:45am and headed south to Xochimilco, our last excursion. We had the usual logistical snafu. We missed the exit which was right at a toll booth. So we ended up paying 5 tolls versus 2 – all well. It was well worth the stop.
.
Xochimilco is the 4th most significant archeological site according to the guide we engaged. It had a sophisticated museum of Mayan artifacts and the site itself was impressive. We spent over 2 hours learning many historical facts and exploring.

Even among all this Pyramid splendor, the boys alternatively discovered Ant Lions and seemed just as interested in sticking small sticks in small holes to lure out the small creatures.

Journey Home
We stopped for the night in Ixtapa – what a zoo – ugh. After the Colonial villages, mountains and locals, Ixtapa was a shock back to American tourism.

Monday morning we left for our Pacific Coast Mexican Casa. The drive along coast line is very beautiful but very curvy. Youngest Son was car sick again – we did have the vomit bucket but obviously forgot the Dramamine. He is quite the little trooper and recovered quickly.

What’s Next …
We are home now. Atlanta friends arrive tomorrow. We are excited to see Atlanta Mom, Atlanta Dad, Atlanta Oldest Son (age 11), Atlanta Middle Son (age 8) and Atlanta Youngest Daughter (age 6).

We also have a dryer not working - hanging clothes to dry - very Mexican of us ...

We are back!

2008-12-30T12:28:00.002-06:00

We arrived back in our Mexico home last night! The last few days of our Road Trip great and full of adventure as always - more detail in next post ...

Chanukah 7th & 8th Nights – Butterflies, Pyramid & the Gifts

2008-12-25T18:54:00.014-06:00

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
Wednesday we headed up to the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. The hike to the Monarch Butterflies was a good 1.5 to 2 miles each way with some pretty steep inclines on well groomed trails. We enjoy hiking so the pine trees and views across the valley and mountains created a peaceful feeling. There were signs posted along the way to educate visitors about the environment, the reserve and of course the butterflies.

We really did not know what to expect. At first you just saw trees. Then you see the “clumps” of butterflies all up and down the trees – millions of them. As the afternoon warmed up they began to fly out of these groups. It never warmed up enough for us to see all of them fly but there was enough to create absolute awe.

Humorous moment: Husband reached in to bring out the two water bottles for us to drink during the long hike. The first was – you guessed it --- the Rubbing Alcohol from yesterday's poisoning incident!

On the way back, we were dropped off in Centro where we had Chicken w/ Verde Mole Sauce - so good. We visited the churches and bought some produce where the Mexican clerk gave both boys a jicama at no charge - they were thrilled. On the walk back to Hotel, we spotted the shingle hanging for the Doctor who had made the "Hotel Call" Tuesday. We stopped in to show him how well Oldest Son had recovered. The Doctor was SO sweet, hugging and kissing both kids.

Los Alzate
Today we drove into the valley to the archaeological area of San Felipe los Alzate-Zirahuato. There is an impressive pyramid built by the Matiatzinca culture abandoned in 1250 A.D. As we have found at most places on this Road Trip, we were the only gringos there. Many Mexican families gathered there to picnic and enjoy their Christmas Day.

Ruins are always great places for little boys. They climbed, jumped, ran and played ball. Youngest Son befriended some Mexican children with whom the boys played with for over an hour communicating in Spanish! The sun shown bright and we relaxed completely.

Chanukah Comes to an End
Last night, in front of the flickering lights of the fireplace and the Hanakiah, the boys acted out the story of the Macabees and The Miracle of Chanukah. They do this every year and really enjoy picking the parts and obviously they like the big battle scene.

Tonight is the 8th and Final Night of Chanukah. Our true gifts this year are the many acts of kindness shown to us by Mexican individuals during this trip. I have to say it has been a joyful surprise.

A Mexican family literally shared their lunch today at the pyramids - they brought us 3 cups of jicama & hot sauce, 3 tangerines and candies. Another family gave the boys some sugar cane – the raw kind you peel and chew. These were clearly not families that had an abundance. We have been overwhelmed with the generous spirits of the Mexicans we have encountered.

Miracles take many forms ... Amen

Chanukah 6th Night – A Day of Family Lore

2008-12-24T19:05:00.010-06:00

Yesterday became part of our Family Lore including the part of day when I tried to poison Oldest Son - oh I am jumping ahead. Let’s start at the beginning. The target for the day is to get to Butterfly Sanctuary by early afternoon …

Day Begins
We had packed and organized everything Monday night so we could leave at 7am Tuesday morning. Tuesday morning, we go out to the hotel parking lot to hook up the pop-up camper and the parking lot is super full! We along with a couple Mexican helpers manage to maneuver the SUV and move the camper manually to hitch to SUV. We are off by 7:30 am.

We go the wrong way once in Patzcuaro but correct our direction quickly to head toward Morelia. We get through Morelia with minor stress. In Mexico, we seldom know exactly where we are but measure success as the ability to get from place to place without too many wrong turns. No wrong turns in Morelia!

And Let the Vomiting Begin
The mountainous Hwy 15 to CD Hidalgo is breathtakingly beautiful and very, very, very, curvy. We know that Youngest Son gets car sick on these twisty roads so we should have had a vomit bucket ready for him. We did not.

Youngest Son announces “I have to vomit!” and 2 seconds later he is vomiting.

I yell “Stop!”

Husband says “No, it too dangerous!”

I say “Stop!”

Husband stops on side of curvey mountain road.

I yank Youngest Son out while in his booster seat while he is still vomiting. We are on the other side of a curve and it IS dangerous. I quickly strip Youngest Son, Husband empties a small ice chest (now the vomit bucket) and I thrust Youngest Son in seat clothed only in Superman underwear with a Dora the Explorer blanket and the vomit bucket. Husband resumes driving. Breath.

Youngest Son vomits again but now he uses the vomit bucket. Youngest Son seems to recover. Then Oldest Son announces he has to vomit. Vomit bucket goes to Oldest Son and he uses it. Oh man. Oldest Son completes his business and goes to sleep.

Road to Angangueo
After going through CD Hidalgo, we arrive in Irimbo were we are supposed to take a Yellow Road (see yesterday’s posting) to Angangueo. As often happens in Mexico, the road splits and there is no way to tell which way to go. We choose straight. Seems okay.

Sh-t! We run up into a DIRT road heading into the mountains. This cannot be right. Ever turned around on a narrow dirt road pulling camper? Not fun. We back track to Irimbo and choose other road and all is good.

Arrival in Angangueo
We had already decided not to camp (again) due to Oldest Son’s condition. We knew two places to stay in Angangueo and we chose Hotel Margarita - thank goodness.

Upon arrival we quickly access that Oldest Son has gotten progressively sicker and there is no way we are hiking to Butterfly Sanctuary on Tuesday. Frankly, we need a Doctor for him. It also appears the back of our camper is falling off. Someone was clearly trying to take a piece of it and took out 3 of 5 screws. We also have an issue with timing for our trip now since we cannot arrive anywhere on Christmas. Oh let’s not forget the bag of clothes with vomit on them.

I literally sit down on curb and cry for 5 minutes. Recover. We will stay here until Friday morning and then resume our journey. This is a wonderful setting to spend a few days. It will be just fine. A gift really.

In comes, Carlos who is the hotel keeper and son of owner. Carlos speaks some English and Husband speaks decent Spanish so here we go.

Husband lets Carlos know we will stay until Friday and we need a doctor, someone to wash our clothes, a guide to Butterfly Sanctuary for Wednesday, a hardware store and internet if possible – all in that order.

Mexican Doctor and Family Lore ...
Carlos arranges for his brother, Roberto, to bring a Doctor to Hotel Margarita. Doctor arrives. Husband, Carlos, Doctor, Oldest Son and I are all in hotel room for check up. Doctor recommends a shot.

Out comes a very large needle and Doctor sends Carlos out for something. Carlos returns with bottle of clear liquid (I think it is water) and cleans Oldest Sons shot area on his bottom. In it goes. Ouch. Oldest Son does great.

Carlos tells us Doctor will be back in 20 minutes with more medicine.

I want Oldest Son to drink liquids to stay hydrated. I fill his water bottle with the clear liquid and squeeze “water” into his mouth.

Oldest Son says “There is something wrong with that water!”

He immediately starts to gag and tear up. Oh my God. I have given him Rubbing Alcohol! I yell for Husband. Out comes the vomit bucket again. Oldest Son vomits it all up and is okay within 10 minutes. Perhaps I should learn to read Spanish better …

Family Lore is born. Tuesday, December 23, 2008 is the day I tried to poison my first born.

Doctor returns with 2 medicines that are to be administered multiple but different times through the day. Husband gets that task. The Doctor is very friendly and affectionate with the kids. We just hope he knows what he is doing.

Oldest Son is much better within a couple hours. We are so relieved.

Carlos and Other Stuff
Carlos is able to assist with the other necessities. Mucho Gracias Carlos!

- We handed off our vomit clothes to girls who work at hotel
- Roberto will take us to the Butterfly Sanctuary Wednesday
- Husband got directions to hardware store
- Hotel office/restaurant has wireless internet

Hotel Margarita
Hotel Margarita has 11 rooms, is family owned and just right for us. At $510 pesos per night we consider it a deal. We ate dinner in their family style restaurant which is more like a room with the family kitchen attached. Food is very comforting and good.

Federal Policia
Oh did I mention the Federal Policia are staying here too? There are 4 armed guards at the entrance and we had dinner with at least 11 policeman and their weapons Tuesday evening. Should I feel safer or not?
.

Chanukah 6th Night
Carlos came to build our fire since that is the only source of heat for our room. We lit the 6 candles for Chanukah. We were all thankful that Oldest Son survived the day. The 4 of us snuggled in our beds watching the Hanakiah flicker above the fire. Perfecto!

Images below are at the Hotel Margarita and The Poison!

Chanukah 5th Night – Angahuan , Volcano, Horses

2008-12-23T17:39:00.014-06:00

Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I set out for Uruapan with a vague plan for the day. We decided to start with a trip to Angahuan to see the volcano, Paricutin. We had the usual navigational misstep but ultimately arrived at Angahuan without too much trouble.

Angahuan Arrival
We are approached by a Local Man who offers to take us to Paricutin on horseback. He presents a 5 hour option all the way to volcano or a 2 hour option that takes you just to Church partially buried in lava. We elect the 2 hour version but indicate we need to eat first. Local Man says “Follow me”, mounts his horse and takes off.

Angahuan is a Purepecha Indian village.
Imagine
- Rustic - very
- Lots of dirt roads not terribly well maintained
- Short, plain square adobe buildings
- Men riding horses all over
- Women in traditional peasant type dress

We pass the village square and church and drive for about 10 minutes in a confused state. Are we going to eat? Where are we?

Horses
We finally arrive at a lodging area with cabins, playground, horses and lots of local people. We ask about food. Local Man says indicates we can eat at top. Okay, no food yet. We are handed off to Abel who we guess is our guide. He sets us up on 4 horses. Abel leads my horse while two little local boys lead horses for Oldest Son and Youngest Son. Husband gets to handle his horse alone. I feel slightly discriminated against but having someone else lead for once is kinda nice.

We are very excited especially Youngest Son who is wearing his cowboy hat purchased on Janitzio Island. The ride through the mountain and forest is so peaceful.

Paricutin and Church
You may have heard the story of Paricutin. In 1943, a farmer was plowing his field when the ground began to shake and a new volcano sprouted ultimately creating a volcano 1,700 feet above the corn field. It erupted for 9 years destroying two villages and leaving behind acres and acres of black lava rock. In the middle of all this black lava rock is a Church, built in 16i8, only partially destroyed - looks like a miracle to me.

We arrive at the Church with the Paricutin volcano looming in the background. There is a small shanty area where food and goods are available. Abel starts to lead us toward Church. We ask about food again. Abel says when we get back. Husband and I laugh because yesterday at Janitzio Island we had food at every turn and today we cannot seem to get a morsel.

Husband made a significant packing error for our camping and hiking vacation: he only brought flip flops. So Husband hiked through all the lava rock in flip flops. Not recommended.

Lunch Finally
We hike back to shanty area and sit down to eat. An old woman is making green tortillas and her old man is tending several simmering pots of mole, beans, rice, pork and beef. The wait for food is so worth it. All was savory. Oldest Son is chilled so we get him a great Mexican pull over. He looks very cute.

This Adventure Ends
The strenuous hike through the lava rocks and Church ruins was just incredible. Natural disaster, history and religion all in a setting of great mountainous, volcanic beauty – our family loved it.

We road our horses back through the lava rock and woods and were sad that the outing had ended.

Abel
Our guide was Abel. He did not speak English but he communicated with kindness and consideration. He focused us on points of interests, told us about the history, took several family photos (for once I am in a photo!) and conducted himself with humor. The two little boys were ages 9 and 10 and they were working on this lovely Monday ...

Oldest Son
Oldest Son starts deteriorating after lunch. Mistakenly, we left the medicine at hotel. We went in search of a Farmacia in Angahuan. With locals speaking a different dialect and buildings not labeled, finding anything was challenging. We did end up seeing Local Man (from start of outing) who pointed us in right direction. Medicine was found.

Yellow Roads
Our route back included a Yellow Road to Santa Clara del Cobre, known for copper metalwork. A Yellow Road is yellow on the map and is not usually as well kept nor clearly marked – think of yellow as “Warning - think before you make this road choice.” Husband got quite stressed as we ventured through rural villages and cobblestone Yellow Roads.

We did finally arrive at Santa Clara del Cobre late in day. I quickly purchased a candelabra for Shabbat. Oh yeah, Husband got a pair of $20 sneakers too.

The Day Ends
We head back to Patzcuaro. Husband gets provisions at Soriana grocery store. Oldest Son has gotten worse. Husband and I spend allot of time pouring over maps and books to figure out the next route – the best we can in Mexico – the land of adventure.

Chanukah 4th Night – Patzcuaro & Janitzio Island

2008-12-21T19:11:00.013-06:00

We put on jeans for the 1st time in months. It was fun to wake up to chilly temperatures. Our next surprise was a large hotel breakfast buffet that had so many appealing Mexican dishes. I had Café de Olla for 1st time – traditional Mexican Coffee with cinnamon sticks and brown sugar that I liked very much.

Little Fried Fish Snack
We went to Lake Patzcuaro docks to find a ride to Janitzio Island. Youngest Son begged for this small fried fish snack with limes. Husband and kids really liked it. It was everywhere today – obviously popular! See picture below to see how it is cooked. I have to say there were snack vendors everywhere with all kinds of foods.

Janitzio Island, Pescado Blanco & Potent Peppers

We boarded the boat and I was thrilled when Janitzio Island came into view. It was an entire community built up the side of the island with the Statue of Morelos topping it off. Local fishermen were in their boats with distinctive hats and nets to catch the pescado blanco (notice them in the pictures below.) Pescado blanco is a small, almost transparent whitefish that is local favorite – we had it for lunch. While eating lunch, poor Youngest Son picked up what he thought was an orange bell pepper ring – UH NO! His mouth was on fire from the potent pepper. We tried it and it was very, very hot. Youngest Son managed not to cry but he was quite uncomfortable for awhile.

Statue of Morelos
There were many, many steps to the top with steep incline with locals selling their wares all along the way. It was worth the climb. The Statue of Morelos was impressive and we climbed to the top of his hand for an amazing view. Boys loved sliding up and down the statue base and playing on a small playground.

Los Viejitos (the little old men)
We thoroughly enjoyed a colorful native dance, the Los Viejitos (the little old men), which originated in this area. It was an amusing and entertaining performance with lots of humor and wit. Boys liked it so much we watched it twice!

Shopping & Banos

I am not a big shopper in general but did acquire some items for me. Husband and the boys provided many opinions as I selected two shirts for $270 pesos. I also got a shawl for $85 pesos. Oldest Son handled the money transaction for me in Spanish. Happy Chanukah to me …

The other common but new experience for us was the $3 pesos for every time we went to the banos (bathroom.) and providing us with the neatly folded toilet paper. Next time, we will have lots of coinage – getting change can be a problem.

Janitzio Island was so much fun. I had not expected an extraordinary day of local culture, cuisine and beauty. While clearly a tourist destination, we were the only gringos we saw the entire time we were there - lots of Mexican families. As Oldest Son said today as we climbed the many steps “Mommy, it's Mexico, it’s an adventure!”

Our day is ending back in the hotel. Oldest Son is still running a fever up and down. And I still have internet!

Chanukah
Oldest Son lit the Hanukkiah on our balcony. We read from The Eight Nights of Hanukah by Judy Nayer which Oldest Son received as a gift on his 1st Chanukah. It has an excerpt for each day and we have read it for 8 years, every year for each of the 8 days -the comfort of traditions no matter where we are in the world.

Silver Shoe Mystery? And I will sign off with this - This silver shoe was hanging in the top of our return boat. Youngest Son asked why? Why indeed?

Chanukah 3rd Night – In Patzcuaro

2008-12-21T09:44:00.002-06:00

We began our Road Trip yesterday morning. Husband and I had our expected tense verbal exchanges (always occurs when we are leaving for a trip) as we prepared for our 10 day journey but recovered once on the road. We had various map versions and books to provide all the clues to figure out the maze of roads.

I was talking with a man from Guadalajara last week about our trip and was telling him the road numbers (200, 15, etc.) for our planned route. He started laughing and kindly let me know that no Mexican would talk about road numbers – only the gringos! I did understand what he was saying. It is imperative to focus on names of cities and towns when navigating because road number signs are few and far between.

Husband and I were quite proud of ourselves. We got through Guadalajara and to Patzcuaro fairly well. The drive into Patzcuaro is just beautiful.

Our plan was to camp in Patzcuaro but Oldest Son is not feeling great and I had some work (needed internet) to do so we opted to stay at hotel in Patzcuaro. It is quaint, clean and only $81 USD. And warm! It is cold here.

We brought one of our Hanukkiah. What a gift – to kindle the lights of Chanukah and recite our 2 blessings in this lovely Colonial village nestled in the mountains and lakes of Mexico:

Barukh Atta Adonay Eloheynu Melekh Ha-olam Asher Kiddeshanu Be-mitsvotav Ve-tsivanu Lehadlik Ner Shel khanuka

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.

Barukh Atta Adonay Eloheynu Melekh Ha-olam She-asa Nissim La-avoteynu Ba-yyamim Ha-hem Ba-zzman Ha-zze

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Chanukah 2nd Night – Macabees, Freedom & Latkes

2008-12-20T23:19:00.006-06:00

We celebrated the 2nd night of Chanukah with Other American Family (Mom, Dad and 3 boys) who also brought along a 10 year old Mexican girl.

I started our celebration with the story Chanukah from the The First Book of Maccabees:

"About 2200 years ago, Greek kings, who reigned from Damascus, ruled over the land of Judea and the Jews living there.

A Greco-Syrian King, Antiochus Epiphanes, forbade the Jewish people from praying to their God, practicing their customs, and studying their Torah. Antiochus forced the Jews to worship the Greek gods. It is said that he placed an idol of the Greek God Zeus on the alter in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.

In response to this persecution, Judah Maccabee and his four brothers organized a group of resistance fighters known as the Maccabees. They fought against paganism and oppression.

The tenacity of the rebels, which came from their steadfast faith in one God, is one reason this military victory has been so celebrated by Jews in future generations. In one battle near Beit Horon, Judah's small army is intimidated by the size of the enemy army and Judah tells them to have faith that God is on their side.

Against great odds, after three years of fighting, the Maccabees succeeded to drive the Greco-Syrians out of Judea. Chanukah proclaims the message of the prophet Zachariah: "Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit."

The Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. They cleaned the Temple, removing the Greek symbols and statues. When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they rededicated it. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev in 164 BCE, the Temple was purified and rededicated.

According to tradition, when the Maccabees entered the Holy Temple, they discovered that the Greco-Syrians had defiled the oil which was used to Temple's menorah. Only one vat of purified oil remained - enough for only one day. It would take the Jews a week to process more purified oil. Then a miracle occurred. The Maccabees lit the menorah and it burned for not one, but eight days, by which time the new, purified oil was ready. This is why the Chanukah Menorah has eight candles (not including the shammes candle used to light the others) and one reason why Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days."

The 6 children then lit all 7 Hanukkiah, we recited the prayers, exchanged gifts and then we got to eat Latkes!

Husband makes the best Latkes! Latkes are traditional fare for Chanukah. Many holiday foods such as latkes and donuts are fried in oil, a symbolic ingredient that represents the one-day's supply of oil that burned for eight days.

To complete our celebration, Oldest Son read aloud Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky, Illustrated by Greg Harlin. Based on the diary entries of Louisa Hart, the step-daughter of Michael Hart, a Jewish merchant known to Washington, Washington told the Harts about meeting a Polish-born Jewish solider at Valley Forge who explained the holiday of Hanukkah to him. I highly recommend it for people of all faiths.

Chanukah 1st Night

2008-12-20T22:03:00.006-06:00

Chanukah officially starts at sundown December 21st and then will continue for 8 days. Our family tradition is to open gifts on the 1st and 8th nights and have theme nights the other days (like game night, watch Fiddler on the Roof night, decorate dreidals night, etc.)

With the big Road Trip (more on this later) and Chanukah overlapping, we decided to start Chanukah on December 18th and open all gifts the 1st night. It is good to a Reform Jew!

The kids and I actually put out Chanukah decorations last Saturday. I transported a large box of special Chanukah items to Mexico: 7 Hanukkiah (the nine-branched candleholder), along with many books, wall hangings, dreidals and other good stuff.

Each night at sundown we light the shammes candle (server or lighter candle) and use it to light 1 candle the 1st night, 2 candles the 2nd night, on and on till we light all 8 candles on the 8th night. Each family member lit their own special Hanukkiah.

Youngest Son read his own Chanukah book he made when he was 3 years old - ahhh. Oldest Son read the 2 blessings, also known as brachos, which are spoken each of the eight nights of Chanukah. Together, we all said a special 3rd blessing which is only said on the 1st night:

Shehecheyanu
Barukh atah Adonai, Elohaynu, melekh ha-olam
she-hecheeyanu v'keey'manu v'heegeeyanu la- z'man ha-zeh (Amein)

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, king of the universe
who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season (Amen)

Oh Yeah – then it was then crazy present time! The kids had made us the sweetest message and laid it out to surprise us. Highlights included Star Wars Action Figures, Professor Noggin Games, Puzzles, Superman PJs, LOTS of Books, Risk Game, Sequence Game, and Charades Game. Husband got an AWESOME portable Chess set and I got very cool sterling silver dangle earrings.