The living room is back to normal with the Christmas tree snug in its box, waiting to be pulled out again in eleven months. The small pinata that Logan had made in Bible class has been taken down from the front door frame and smashed to smithereens. Josh Groban's Christmas CD has been returned to its case (much to Bernard's relief). Another Christmas on the Mexican Pacific Coast is recorded in our minds and in my computer picture library. The three of us en
joyed an intimate holiday season. We had big plans of making visits that get overlooked during the regular weekly busy schedules, but alas, many people were away visiting family in other parts of Mexico. After the last of our "pre-holiday" activities: visiting with our elderly and hosting a Christmas posada w
ith our grupo de siervos, we finally packed up our week's supply of food and necessities and headed for our beach retreat at Memaw's Manor at Miramar. We enjoyed various activities that were not interrupted by TV, telephone or internet tyrannies. We enjoyed the solace offered to us by the crashing waves and clear, star-filled night skies--far removed from the barking dogs, crowing roosters, heart-thumping car stereo woofers, and the constant noise of the tortilla factory that characterize the sights and sounds of Lazaro Cardenas. 
For the first few days, Dad and Logan worked steadily on Mom's Christmas present: the second addition to the birdhouse collection springing up all around the Manor's yard. This, however, is no ordinary birdhouse. This is the deluxe bird mansion version. The thoughtfulness and love that went into this precious gift brings a smile to my face every time we drive up to Memaw's Manor. Thank you, boys!!
We splurged at Thanksgiving with a family-sized turkey that fed eleven of us, so for Christmas Eve, we decided to adopt the Mexican tradition of a
Noche Buena Asada. We lit the grill and enjoyed a lovely supper of grilled beef with all the "fix'ns": guacamole, tortillas, and grilled veggies. Satisfied, we sat back in our chairs enjoying the signature sunset of our God declaring that all is well, as He has sent His Son for Peace and Good-Will to all men.
Noche Buena Asada. We lit the grill and enjoyed a lovely supper of grilled beef with all the "fix'ns": guacamole, tortillas, and grilled veggies. Satisfied, we sat back in our chairs enjoying the signature sunset of our God declaring that all is well, as He has sent His Son for Peace and Good-Will to all men. 
The peace and tranquility were soon interrupted by cracks, pops 
and booms from Logan's favourite gift: a whack of fireworks. The truth be told, this is the primary reason Logan loves living in Mexico: Fireworks are "somewhat legal" during the holiday season. Logan saves his allowance all year just to blow it up during firework season! Knowing his love for these dangerous toys, against our better judgement, we made his Christmas memorable by buying him a cache of loot he'd never forget. They were gone in two days!! But he sure had lots of fun.
and booms from Logan's favourite gift: a whack of fireworks. The truth be told, this is the primary reason Logan loves living in Mexico: Fireworks are "somewhat legal" during the holiday season. Logan saves his allowance all year just to blow it up during firework season! Knowing his love for these dangerous toys, against our better judgement, we made his Christmas memorable by buying him a cache of loot he'd never forget. They were gone in two days!! But he sure had lots of fun.
Christmas Day was spent in a lazy, relaxed way. We discovered a GREAT secret to have that yummy holiday ham without all the fuss: Soriana, our local grocery store bakes a great pineapple/cherry/pecan stuffed ham. I added the baked sweet potatoes and green beans, and Voila! Christmas Dinner!!! The rest of the day was spent reading in the sun, cat-napping in the hammock, and playing table games. The only thin
g that would have made the Christmas 100% perfect would have been 
having our extended family with us!!!After spending two Christmases without our twins and extended family, I have come to the conclusion: no matter that the plane tickets are at their highest cost, no matter who's left to attend any "emergency" in the church back in Lazaro, Christmas is meant to be spent with our extended family back "home"!!! As wonderful as our little piece of heaven was at Memaw's Manor during the holidays, I sure missed being with our twins and other family members in Canada. We have enjoyed new traditions and a new kind of Christmas on the Mexican Coast, but Christmas just isn't Christmas without the whole family. Christmas 2011 will be in Canada. (Book our reservations at the Krogsgaard Bed and Breakfast, Dad!)
We were blessed to have Bryan and Angela Gately visiting Miramar. We haven't seen them since they left Mexico 15 months ago. It was wonderful catching up on their lives. Few people stimulate and encourage me as Angela does when she shares the many things her great God does in her life. We love and appreciate them deeply!!
The Sunday Celebrations have been small these last three weeks because of the holidays. With Ivan and Ste
f in Texas, it has afforded the opportunity for a few others to spread their wings with some of the preaching. Rigo, Francisco and Bernard have blessed us tremendously with their study of God's Word. L
ogan had the idea that he would like to lead the Lord's Supper. He did his own study and organized his thoughts. He even invited Ikel to participate with him. My heart was full!! The break in schedule also gives us a reality check that we are so very blessed to have Ivan bring us messages from God each week. Bernard and I both look forward to getting back to our "regular schedules" next week!! I think Logan's about ready to get back to school.
f in Texas, it has afforded the opportunity for a few others to spread their wings with some of the preaching. Rigo, Francisco and Bernard have blessed us tremendously with their study of God's Word. L
ogan had the idea that he would like to lead the Lord's Supper. He did his own study and organized his thoughts. He even invited Ikel to participate with him. My heart was full!! The break in schedule also gives us a reality check that we are so very blessed to have Ivan bring us messages from God each week. Bernard and I both look forward to getting back to our "regular schedules" next week!! I think Logan's about ready to get back to school. I love the sentiments that the Mexicans verbalize as they wish you the best in the coming year. I leave you with a few of their thoughts: !Que Dios te bendiga en el anyo nuevo con buena salud, buenas amistades, y la felicidad! (May God bless you in the new year with good health, good friendships and happiness.) I'll add to that: May 2011 be a year of the realization of Romans 12:2: that God will transform our thinking from the ways of the world to His ways by the renewing of our minds through the reading of His Word and falling in love with HIS Son and HIS ways. May 2011 be a year of TRANSFORMATION for us all!!
Blessings Abound,
Blessings Abound,
Until the next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards
1 comment:
ha was that your holiday ham? ha Logan is funny
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