Las Posadas

People have been celebrating Las Posadas since its introduction in Mexico by Fray Diego de Soria in 1587. On the nine nights before Christmas, friends and neighbors gather to recreate the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and their search for lodging on the night of Christ's birth. These ceremonies are called posadas, which means inn or lodging. With lighted candles the procession goes from house to house and shelter is denied. Finally, the procession comes to a home where they are welcomed with refreshments and a piñata game for the children.

Tonight, Sister Petra (an old friend of my mom's) graciously invited us to attend "Las Posadas" at La Villa (Catholic Church). We had such a great night of singing and laughing and eating and talking and watching all the people. The "sisters" organized the event that brought different people of all ages and ethnic groups to participate. Walking from place to place and listening to the songs (all in Spanish), reminded me of my childhood.
My Mom's family used to get together on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Christ and have a great time with the family. The night would start off with a prayer and a Christmas Pageant play. The kids each took part in it and had a blast reinacting the Christmas story. Then we'd eat menudo and tamales (of course, talking away with our family and the kids running around with excitement like mad-children). Then, we would gather together to do "Las Posadas", going from room to room singing the songs and rejoicing at the end b/c finally "Mary" was able to settle and give birth to Jesus. We'd sing American Christmas songs and gather around the tree to open presents. Our family was so big that we had to pick names, which was always fun! We'd each get a chance in the "spotlight" (in front of the tree and everyone else) to open our gift from our cousins. When it was 11:30ish, we'd all get our jackets and jump in the car to go to La Villa for midnight mass. Once there, sometimes, we kids were able to dress up like angels to sing. What a night that would be for us all... young and old alike! :)

Okay, sorry for the long detailed flashback... here are some of the pics that I took tonight! :) We has such a fun and blessed time.

Me & Rachel in front of the chapel.R and Mom

Sister Petra (the lady who invited us) asked us if R could be an angel. When we asked her she said yes. They found the smallest outfit and it was still big, but we tied it up real well and off she went. :) She really took her part seriously. ;) She kept running to catch up with the other "angels". ;)



Tia Paz and Daisy showed up during the singing outside. Rachel and Daisy were helping each other to catch up to the other "actors". :)
God truly blessed us with a fun night. I am glad that R was able to experience one of our Mexican traditions first-hand. I believe that these experiences will help my little girl to embrace our Mexican heritage.



"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David), to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."

"And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

-- Luke 2:1-7

Oak Hills Family Fun Day

Our church had a great family fun day to celebrate it's 50th anniversary. R and I picked up my mom and headed over this morning. :) It was so much fun...

R got her face painted for the first time... yes, it's a chocolate ice cream cone! ;)


R jumped in the moon bounce.
R petted the softest bunny ever.
R got to sit on a pony.
R rode the "train".

And best of all, she got to go up on stage to sing praise and worship songs.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...

Well, a little bit! ;) We have a small 4.5 foot tree that we bought 3 years ago when we moved back into an apartment. Rachel is now almost as tall as the tree! She had such a blast helping me put up the ornaments. She loved to look at each one while I told her about who gave it to us. There are many stories from each ornament that makes it so much fun to share with R. :) Here she is showing off our little tree finally done! ;) (I usually try to put up the tree and decorations on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but we actually spent the morning at the stores then hung out at my parents house for leftovers. ;) Saturday was another day of relaxing and then going to run some errands then enjoying church. Sunday was the day we finally got to start the Christmas season in our home. ;)

On Sunday morning we went to eat at a local Mexican restaurant because Ben just has to have tacos or chilaquiles once during the weekend. :) When Ben was paying for the meal, I took R to the car to leave. The waiter came running out after us and gave us that reindeer that R is holding. He said that he was addicted to playing The Crane Game located in the restaurant and he had many stuffed animals. He said that he gave one stuffed animal to each child at his table. That was so sweet! R just loved on him all day. :) That was a nice blessing for R! :)

Craft time! R and I worked on a craft one night last week when Ben was working late! It was so much fun to get our "creative juices" flowing. She had a great time making this gingerbread bag for her friend Payton. :)

R showing off her new Disney princess slippers.

Matthew 1:21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Thanksgiving 2008

We had such a great time at my mom's and dad's house for Thanksgiving. :) We were able to eat our lunch outside this year because it was so much warmer than other years. :) It was so nice to see our family and friends. :) And of course the food was delicious! :)

God has blessed me tremendously and I am so thankful to Him each and everyday for His love and faithfulness and grace and mercy and redemption and goodness...

Here's a recap of our Thanksgiving day:
We took pics before we ate...
I'm commanding Ben to hurry! I was getting hungry and you don't mess with Hungry Melony! ;)
After lunch R was having a blast playing with her friends. Here she is running to her "clubhouse".
Yum, I want pickles too! ;) R's playing with her friends eating pretend food!

The Girls! Ashley, Fatima and R

Mom and DadBen and I

The loves of my life! :)

Colossians 3:14-16 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.