A Change In Plans

So I woke up this last Saturday with a list of projects to do...fix this, hang that, etc. Turns out God had something different in store. The kids walkie talkied me and asked if I would take them on a bike ride to the old stone corral, and being that I shot them down on Friday I figured it was only fair I did. We headed out and as we got to the top of the dirt road I heard some motorcycles, so we pulled along the side and watched them ride by. There were six and each one did a different trick. Then we continued on and played in the remains of the river...pools of algae. As you see below the kids had a blast giving this dinosaur rock different faces. I was looking for frogs, but had no luck. So the kids said, "Lets pack a picnic and head to the other stream and hunt for frogs." So, we biked home packed lunches and I drove them down the dirt road to another stream with much lass algae. We enjoyed our lunches, sharing cookies and trying each others different flavored drinks like I use to do in school. Then we caught a ton of little tiny frogs. I still made it home with enough daylight to finish my list.

Theives

So I have this awesome startbucks hard plastic cup that comes with a straw. I washed it last night and left it out to dry on the motorhome kitchen sink. This morning I went to put everything away and the straw was no where to be found. Seriously? What in the world would mice want with a straw? I am so bummed!

Taken Over

Earwigs have invaded and taken over the school house. I will clean it one day and the next day the floor will be crawling with those little creatures. What would they be coming for...except to make me crazy? Does anyone have any ideas on how to get rid of them? We may have to rethink where we begin school until we can get things under control. There is no way the kids will concentrate if they are worrying about them crawling up their legs or falling from the ceiling on their heads. So gross!

So I truly abandoned this ship last school year, but I am raring to try again this year. I really love to write...it has become a stress reliever for me in Mexico. I journal a few nights a week, the stories I don't ever want to forget and hope to someday pass down...so all I need to do is spend a few extra minutes typing them here for you guys to share in this adventure with me. If you are not seeing anything new, shoot me an email and hold me to my word. I might just be putting it off or it is very likely I am struggling to get an Internet connection =) I plan to add pictures, but I make no promises there...the upload is slow going!

A Precious 36

One struggle for me being here in Mexico is the long nights. Right now, come 5 o'clock, it is pitch dark. What in the world do you do? Well, I suppose there are many things, but for me most require a comfy place to sit. The trailer bench and my sleeping bag in the loft just didn't cut it last time. This trip down I brought some pillows, my fleece blanket, and some decor items. It has made a world of difference. 

Any ways, a few nights ago, I made a big mug of tea, lit a candle, popped in Pride and Prejudice into my borrowed laptop and curled up with my fleece blanket on my "day bed." I was in heaven! 36 minutes went by and the computer shut down. 36 minutes is all the laptop battery can last. I will not complain...those 36 minutes were all I needed.

Feeling A little Lost

Sorry I did not post while I was in Mexico...I am having computer issues. I had to use the McCoy's computer and so I would just spend a few minutes checking emails and updating my facebook. It takes me a while to write a post...I probably think about it too much.

Anyways, I have one story after another I would love to share, but since they are old I will just put them in my next Newsletter. Today I just want to say I am thrilled to be home to visit with family and friends, but I feel a little lost and bored. My days are filled on the ranch...at least till night fall. I am busy teaching and playing with the kids. I am helping with preparations for the weekend group. And then there are many little random things that pop up. I also had begun adjusting to that new way of life...showers every 2 to 3 days, no heat, light, or TV, unpolluted night skies, authentic Mexican food, etc!

Everyone here is working and so I am floundering trying to find things to do. It gives me time to read and journal and pray! I guess I can't complain about that =)

Ripped Jeans & A Bee Sting

I love that God has such a great sense of humor because I love to laugh! This past weekend I was on a build in Mexico and well here is the story:

I squatted down in my old jeans to paint the stove table yellow and I hear a... Wait a minute, let me set the stage. My back is to a trailer that is full of men who are taking a little water break. Okay so I hear a little rip. I reach around and find a good 2 inch hole in the rear end of my jeans...and yes every guy behind me saw. I ran to the van holding my pants together and grabbed my sweatshirt to tie around my waist. I went back to work after many comments and many many laughs. My favorite comment..."Thats a new side of Jen". Well see the story continues...I squatted again to continue painting and i hear another rip and another and then one more. The rip became (i should really measure it) at least 8 inches long exposing my entire left cheek (under the sweatshirt of course). Plans were to return to the ranch for dinner but the church we were helping out invited us to stay at Estero Beach and eat with them. So me and my two dear friends took a little trip to Wal-Mart and we all three bought sweatpants so I didn't feel ridiculous by myself.

Maybe a half hour later, I was stung by a bee under my right arm. I was wigging out because i knocked the bee off but the stinger was still in me. One of my friends tried to get the little thing out but I could just feel the venom releasing in me as she attempted 5 times to remove it. As soon as she got it out one of the guys on the build ran over and through water in the dirt and slapped some mud on my arm to absorb the venom and keep it from swelling. It worked well, but man did it hurt for quite a while.