Webcam

Last night, Lauren and I were chatting on Skype. Love chatting on Skype with Lauren. She was mentioning how I don't really update my blog that often. I said that was mainly because I don't really take a lot of pictures. Well, that was a lie. After every Skype call, I inevitably spend about 10 minutes playing around with the silly features on my webcam software (which I can only access when on Skype) and taking pictures of "myself". Here are a few favorites. This one goes out to Cambridge West 11--I'm still the champ.
Author's choice. The most effective way to limit the Hatfield Chin is to focus on my Hatfield Forehead.
What I would look like as a man with long hair, I think.

This one I'll call "too many tacos."

Mexican Family

TITA

This is Imelda Hernandez. She scratches my back at church, brings me home for Sunday dinner, sends me home with carambolos and frijoles, and takes care of me when I need a place to stay.

TITO

This is Rafael Hernandez, Imelda's husband. Taking a nap after reading on a hot afternoon.

KIARA

Some of you may know that a little over a year ago, my very best friend here in Mexico, Lizeth Hernandez, and her daughter, Nitza, were killed by a drunk driver. This is Lizeth's youngest daughter, who has all the spunk and charm of her mother. She's becoming a really great reader and loves practicing writing new words. Lucky for her, I'm a schoolteacher who loves nothing better. She's my silly little kindred spirit, and we have a great time together.

GEMELA...TWIN

Adriana and I work together at the Four Seasons in Punta Mita. Apparently there is a strong resemblance, because even her husband, who also works at the hotel, sometimes gets the two of us confused. I think I'm on the winning end of this comparison, because Adriana is a beautiful person--inside and out.

Birthdays

Marypaz (in black) always makes the yummiest tacos. Here we are at her house for her birthday, with Miriam (yellow) and Adriana (blue).

Celebrating Eulogio's birthday in Sayulita. I must've taken the picture a thousand times thinking that the wrinkles were an accident...Sigh...Something has to let me know I'm getting older!

The birthday brownie. Unfortunately, the guys at the restaurant wouldn't help me surprise Eulo. Fortunately, Eulogio was a good sport and let me light the candle anyway.

Mi Casa...Su Casa...

If you had any doubt in your mind, believe me that I am fully aware of my nomad status. I just can't seem to stay put for too long before stirring it up and heading somewhere else. On the way to and from and in between, I have become keenly aware of the blessing it is to have friends and family who will take you in and feed you and give you a place to call home for as long as you need it. I have thanked God many times for this blessing, and as I returned to Mexico, really wanted to be able to offer that same blessing to others.

So, after a long search, I found my home. I don't think I will ever live in such a big house for the rest of my life--and I'm all alone! Why did I do this? BECAUSE I WANT YOU TO COME VISIT. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, living and dining areas, air conditioning, pool, washing machine, one block from the beach, complete kitchen, etc... Please do not hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity. I know that air fare is a little high (I am about 30 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport PVR), but the dollar will get you a long way down here with food and tours and transportation, and your "hotel" is paid for. But it might not be for long--March, April, May and the first week of June. Check it out...

Utah Snow

Here's me, shredding it up in Park City.
Slowing it down a little bit, Cross Country Style.

The famous Juleen, who was such a good teacher and fun friend.

Off she goes, tearing it up.

Family Time

The star of the show, baby Eve Olive, who bless-her-heart, put up with my numerous attempts to catch her with her eyes fully open after an annoying flash of the camera.
So little--you just can't resist touching their little mouths and noses.

Grandma Extraordinaire accompanies the proud parents and Boo, who just had to be part of the family portrait.

Never to be outdone, Sofia is as cute and charming as ever.

And Nicholas is the keeper of my heart, so snuggly and easy-going.

Lucky to Have Good Friends

Sarah put me up and kept me laughing in Meridian. When I imagine myself as a wife and mother someday, I have some pretty great ideas (if I do say so myself) of things I'd like to do with my home and family. Whenever I'm with Sarah, I realize that, although my ideas may be great, her real-life homemaking skills are amazing. Note to self: get her food storage pancake recipe!

From the LA days, the original "Vets", Suzanne, Jewels, and I, reunited this week in Salt Lake. We headed up to the Olympic Park in Park City and ate at Whole Foods, and I realized that true friendships can endure years without seeing each other face to face.

My buddy Lisa Teuscher from Long Beach is now a hot-shot literacy coach in Logan and was down in Provo for a conference. We got together for yummy salads and I learned a lot about taking chances and learning to accept wonderful things when they come into our lives. I ought to take road trips more often--there are too many great people in too many great places. I am very very lucky to have such wonderful friends.