Baby Mason Has Arrived!

Baby Update

I was so happy to have finally received a package in the mail today! It contained a beautiful baby quilt my Mom made. I'm not really into the traditional baby colors, so this quilt makes me very happy. My Mom thinks it's a little wild - but I love it!

Well, since our little guy hasn't made his appearance yet, my doctor is going to induce me. I go in to the hospital tonight at midnight, and we will start this grand process! Hopefully, tomorrow we will finally get to meet Mason Baby #3...we're all VERY excited (especially this pregnant mama)! More updates (and pictures) should follow throughout this week.

Mama-to-be @ 40 weeks, 2 days
(this picture is especially for my sister) :>)

Our First Baptismal Service

The Sunday before we left Mexico (March 14th), we were privileged to have a baptismal service where 5 believers were baptized! We took a large group of people from Tapachula, and drove up into the mountains picking up others from Faja de Oro and Santo Domingo.

God's presence was with us throughout the day as we had a short service, then listened to the testimonies of how God had changed the lives of those who were being baptized.

The scenery was beautiful...

A look from above.
There were approximately 50 people in attendance.
Some of the children during the service.

Michael along with the 5 baptismal candidates.
Arturo.
He was originally saved at H.I.M.'s West Palm Beach church in FL, but now is able to be a testimony and witness to his family in Mexico.
Mario Antonio is only 12 years old...but God has changed his life!
In other news...

We have safely arrived in Texas and are awaiting the birth of our baby.

During our absence in Mexico, we will be having several different individuals/families fill in for us while we are in the States for our baby's birth and also for deputation. Right before we left, we were privileged to welcome Jonathan and Renee Springer and their family to our home. They will be filling in for us until June 1st. I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers!

A Special Service

Two Sundays ago (Feb. 28th), we were blessed to have special services here in Tapachula, Mexico. Our people from our church in Motozintla (2-1/2 hrs. away), from Santo Domingo and Faja de oro, and also from here in Tapachula gathered together. We had about 70 people total packed in our little "church"! Michael preached a good message in the morning, and our pastor from Motozintla preached in the afternoon. Even though it was scorching hot that day, God's presence could be felt and we had a wonderful time worshiping the Lord together!

Below are some picture highlights from the day.

Riding to church.
We loaded up our vehicle and a pickup truck with people.
The Sunday morning crowd.
The ladies serving up some rice, chicken, and mole...Yum!
Some young boys enjoying their lunch.
This little guy is so cute...just had to take a picture of him!
Pastor Javier preaching in the afternoon.

"Mommy, Our Friends Are Coming!"

Last evening we were privileged to have some of our church families over for a time of fellowship and food. We served "American" tacos and they really seemed to enjoy them! With 14 people total, we were a little crowded trying to fit everybody (and the food) at the table! We're still not sure why we did it that way...! But, we still had a good time!

As a side note: you'll notice I no longer have BRIGHT yellow walls downstairs...everything is a nice tan color. And there's no decorations up yet, but that's because I haven't decided where I really want the furniture, etc..., so there's no sense in putting more holes in the walls than necessary, right? =)

Valentine's Day Cookies

A Time To Celebrate

Yesterday was Michael's birthday!
We had a special day together as a family.

We started our day off with a breakfast/brunch of homemade sticky buns, fresh pineapple, and a creamsicle slushie. Yum!I used this recipe here for the sticky buns (minus the orange zest and chopped pecans) and then I added an icing glaze for on top. Below is my recipe for the Creamsicle Slushie.

Creamsicle Slushie
2 cups Orange Juice
1 cup Lemon-Lime Soda
2 snack packs Vanilla Pudding
15 Ice Cubes

Pulse in a blender. Serve.
(Fills approx. 4 drinking glasses)

For supper, we treated ourselves to Pizza Hut pizza, some PA Middlesworth Barbeque chips, Mexican Coke, and I made a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing. Aaahhh...such bliss!

Since it was a special day, my camera came out from hiding, and we snapped some other pictures besides birthday celebrations.