The Morning of the Monarca Mariposas; Getting Ready

After breakfast we waited for every one to get ready so we could head out to the place of the butterflys. I marveled as this grandson, Erwin, combed his grandmother's hair. I tell my daughters that they can find a nice young man by watching how a son treats his mother; in this case, his grandmother. Enock's three sons are very loving to both, their mother and grandmother. Eatabean, one of Erwin's brothers, had picked his grandmother up once to help her down one step, while wrapping his arms around her, also giving her a big hug and kiss. Again, we are all impressed by the strong family ties and good manners.
Our family was served breakfast first, then everyone else sat down and chowed down after us. Mike remained at the table.
On Saturday morning we shared breakfast with Esther's family. A common breakfast is the cow intestine soup. Since this food is so new to our family, we all feasted on the refried beans, tortillas and scrambled eggs. Our friends were understanding of our inability to partake, commenting that if they came to the US, they would unlikely be able to eat some of our foods. I appreciated their graciousness.

Monarcha Mariposas (Butterflys)

This is at the top of the trail right before we reached our destination. Isn't this beautiful. Jake snapped this picture. That is the beauty of having more than one camera. Each person takes their own kind of pictures and sees things from a different perspective. I am usually surprised at my kids' ability to foresee a good photo.
On the way up the trail. The teens seem to doing fine with the elevation issue....
These tree limbs are hanging because they are heavy laden with millions of butterflys. Since it is close to sunset, they have nestled in for the evening. Unfortunately, our group reached the top at too late of an hour to watch them fly around.

Mariposa Monarca ~ Monarch Butterfly

During our most recent trip Morelia our friends, Enoch and Raramure took us to the easternmost part of the state of Michoacan to the Monarch Butterfly Reserve. This is the home of millions of Monarch Butterflies who travel from as far North as Canada and all over the United States to hibernate for the winter here in the Mexican highlands. They travel an amazing 3,000 miles at a rate of 7 mph at an elevation of 500 feet above the ground. Most arrive in October or November. March begins their breeding season. Males die shortly after breeding and females are left to make the treck back to the U.S. Interesting enough, the females will fly north but not reach their orignal destination. Their offspring will continue the journey northward. It may take up to five generations to make the complete mirgration from Canada back to Mexico.

After riding in the car for over 5 hours (we had taken the scenic route) we were ready to ascend the mountain to see the butterflies. Within the first minute of hiking, Tammy and I felt like we were going to pass out. We had to stop several times and take a moment to do deep breathing exercises. We then learned that the elevation of this mountain was equivalent to Mount Hood (11,000 feet). After reaching the top and enjoying the mass quantity of butterflys, we thought it worth the climb.

Refreshing Treats

In my freezer are the common fruit ice treats. Down the street a lady sells them from her home for one peso each. They come in numerous flavors and are delicious while the cool you off. I plan to make them myself once I return to the states but I doubt they will be as good as these.
All over towns and roadsides are these containers full of refreshing fruit drinks. Everything from orange, to watermelon, to coconut and pineapple, these unique flavors will quench your thirst.

This is our good friend Enock fetching some "aqua fruita" for Molly.

"Mi Casa Es Su Casa", My House is Your House

Raramiri is a teacher at the secondary school that Mike and the kids are attending. He is Enock's nephew and one of the four that will be traveling to America for the new teacher exchange program. Our family has spent a lot of time with him. We look forward to showing the hospitality to him in Oregon that he has shown us in Mexico.

Raramiri and Maddy have been very good friends. Madeline helps him with his English. They have a special and unique friendship. Raramiri, a single, 31 yr old teacher, has told us that when he grows up, he'd like to have a daughter just like Maddy. He appreciates her energy and enthusiasm for life. One day, Maddy was having a tough day and was down cast. Raramiri went out of his way to cheer her up. He couldn't stand to have seen the positive energy gone even for one day.


Raramiri owns three houses, two in La Huacana and one in Morelia (the city I love!). We went with him to Morelia this last weekend and slept in his house for two nights. He has made it clear that "mi casa es su casa". Funny thing, he really means it! We can stay in Morelia at his house anytime now or in the future. I have begun to speak of the house in those terms. When I stepped off the porch to take these pictures, I announced that I wanted pictures of "mi casa" in Morelia. Raramiri in turn says, "let's return to Tammy's house".

In a year our family will be coming back to LaHuacana to stay for a month and we will be living in Raramiri's house in LaHuacana. Since Mike's sabbitical will have been used up, he will be using accrued vacation days. This allows us to go home and study Spanish diligently for the next year and then to come back to brush up on it with our new Mexican friends.

"Just Because"

I like this picture since it is typical of what our home looks like on a daily basis. There are kids around the corner in the living room and likely a couple in the kitchen to the left. One of my kids just randomly snapped this picture and I like it since it looks so natural. (Although Carlos is posing). My pictures always serve some purpose while this one is "just because".

Molly and Xavier are studying languages together, Molly Spanish and Xavier English. They often sit at the table and help one another.

There are many entertainers in Morelia. Aren't these young men so handsome in their attire? We asked to take a picture, tipped them and were on our way - didn't hear them play. Three amigos, reminds me of some movie title. ???

Pictures of the Beach

Look - no people! This beach was enclosed by the rocks which made it private and quaint. I have climbed some stairs to take this gorgeous picture of the ocean. It was a cloudy day, the first we have seen since our arrival.

This is the hut where we relaxed in hammocks, played games and shared a meal, overlooking the ocean.

More on Our Time at the Beach

The meal we shared together on Sunday evening after playing in the tropical ocean. We ordered a seafood platter. Since tortillas are served with everything in Mexico, it is easy to figure out what to do with the new foods you are served. Our family has come accustom to eating with our fingers.

I can see and hear the ocean from the hut I am resting in. Little did I know I was already infected with Mexico's famous dysentery and that I would be violently ill in a little more than 24 hours.

After witnessing the turtles make their venture into the sea world, the group drove to a privately owned beach. Enock has friends all over these parts so were able to relax the rest of the day in a covered hut that served as a restaurant and provided numerous hammocks with an ocean view.

Our Trip to the Beach

Holes were drilled into coconuts so we could sample fresh coconut water.

The fishermen prepared us an incredible seafood cocktail. Yum!

It was a beautiful drive to the coast, the roads being lined in palm trees, banana plantations and other fruit trees such as mango and agave. The locations we visited were privately owned, which meant they were not flooded with people and were quiet; a huge difference compared to our trip to Ixtapa.

This is Esther and Enoch with their three grown sons. Last week alone, we spent 6 days out of 7 with them. Enoch made the arrangements with the fishermen so that our family could witness the harvesting of the sea turtles and then them being released into the ocean.

I can't say enough good about these 3 brothers. They have joined their parents in their effort to entertain us, and take care of us. They are incredibly nice young men with hearts to serve others.

My Valentine Took Me to Santa Clara, Part 11

Mike and I walked through 2 long streets of shops which ended up being 6 hours worth of shopping. Happy Valentine's Day sweetheart...

These are a few of gorgeous items that are made in Santa Clara. It is hard to believe they start as ugly pieces of brick or wire and are hand-crafted into this.

Finally, a fruit bowl large enough to hold a bunch of bananas and all the other fruits my family enjoys. (It's huge!)

These canisters were taken to the next level of craftsmenship. Because of the gorgeous overlay, no polishing will ever be needed. Azucar means sugar and cafe means coffee. I can't wait to add these to my kitchen counter tops in Oregon. I will discuss later why there are butterflys on these canisters. That will be for a future post, after we travel past Morelia next weekend.

A smaller fruit bowl perfect for Mexico's lemon and limes. I particularly love the leaves.

Every shop sells the classic Mexico designer plate. It was overwhelming to see all the copper items. One shop in itself was enough but this town has two long streets full of shops, each loaded with beautiful merchandise. A woman's paradise!

U.S. Soccer Team defeats Mexico's 2 to 0

We had a house full last Wednesday night for the U.S. soccer team vs Mexico. We had over 8 students here and 2 teachers. You can imagine the huge disappointment when the US beat Mexico by 2 to 0.

Tammy prepared two batches of guacamole and two of Mexican Salsa. Tammy brought back to life her infamous 3 can chili green sauce that she had frozen by adding it to one of the batches of guacamole. It was hot! Hugo made a face that made us all laugh when he bit into his tostada with the secret guacamole sauce.

We were really blessed by the the Math Teacher Raramule who gave us a carving of Jesus that his uncle made. We have been entertained by him and his family all week. The following night, he and his uncle the Physics and Technology Teacher Enoc took us to a fish hatchery and had a fish fry. Both Raramule and Enoc plan on coming to Oregon this summer when OSU 4-H hosts teachers from Mexico.

My Valentine Took Me to Santa Clara Mexico

Mike and I traveled to Santa Clara to visit a town that is known for it's hand-crafted copper. In Mexico, many towns are known for craftmenship of something. Mike drove Josh to a town known for it's guitars; we went to the clothing market in Morelos; we have heard of a town that markets it's woodworking projects, etc... Santa Clara was a perfect place to spend Valentine's with my husband.

Mike and I were invited inside a shop to watch a demonstration on how these hand-crafted masterpieces are created. The items in the shop were looking very expensive until we saw how much effort is required. No machinery, just artistic hands, a lot of heat and a few simple tools.

After the copper is red-hot, the craftsmen manipulate the medal with tools. This man is heaving the sludge hammer over his head and slamming it back down to form round decorative marks for eye appeal.

Creating gorgeous household items requires a lot of grunt labor and heat! As if Mexico isn't hot enough, this room is filling with heat and smoke. We tipped these men and were off to purchase a few items after gaining a new respect for what goes into them.

Young Men With Character

Today Mike and the kids went to the local swimming pool with a teacher's family. About 3 minutes after they pulled out, 3 of their friends showed up at the house. I invited Xavier, Eric and Antonio in for a few minutes to show them the beautiful bouquet my husband gave me for Valentines. The fact that I was the only person home didn't matter. These 3 young men stayed with me for the next 6 hours until my family returned home.

First, we visited for awhile. Next, I made them something to eat. After eating, they proceeded to clean my kitchen and then my house! I had swept and mopped my floors just two hours prior. Eric and Xavier would not take a No for an answer. Since Mexico is so dusty, they were successful in finding plenty of dirt.

After the house was spic and span, Xavier, Eric, Antonio and I sat down at the computer and looked through hundreds of pictures. Last, I decided to offer a DVD. Lupe has a hearty stash of Spanish movies. The movie occupied them for the rest of the time while I stole a siesta while pretending to watch with them.

Now it is almost 9 PM and they are all sitting at the table playing cards with Mike and the kids. They had arrived around noon. Pictured above is Xavier, sweeping, preparing for Eric to mop. He is 17 years old and has become family to us.


Eric has won my heart. Every time I turn around, he is in the kitchen washing a sink full of soapy dishes. Eric is selfless. He has brought gifts to all of us and is always looking for ways he can serve our family. If Eric hears the van pulling up to the house (Mike returning), he will run out to the garage to unlock the gate for him and make sure basketballs and anything else is out of his way. He sees what needs to be done, and does it on his own accord. But, it's not his willingness to do chores that has won my heart, it is his gentle, loving spirit.

What I like about the young men that visit our family, is that they come to see ALL of us. They engage their friends' parents and offer friendship to the younger siblings. They talk, joke, laugh and visit with all of us. This is especially true with Xavier and Eric.

Building Lifetime Relationships

Madeline with a couple of her amigas. These girls have a very shy, sweet dispositions.

When are house is full of teens, we are all happy and having a fantastic time. It is refreshing to be around young people, especially such wonderful teens as we have come to know in Mexico. Mike and I have been blown away by exceedingly good manners. Having a large houseful of our teenage Mexican friends isn't a headache because they make such good house guests. The only problem is my timidness when it comes to cooking for them. I know they all are used to the authentic Mexican food. Mine is only a sad attempt.

This is Jake with Tony and Carlos. With these two young lads, we have a whopping of a good time!

Molly with her new "little brother" Tony. He calls me "mi mama" and Molly "mi hermana". Tony is energetic, positive, humorous, considerate, very loving, and brights up our days. He will be greatly missed when we move back to the states.

An Average Day in the Life of the Knutzs

A few people have asked what a "normal" day looks like for us in Mexico. This is how most days work themselves out.

6:45 AM
Mike, Molly and Josh leave for school


7-1o AM
Showers, breakfast, morning chores, Tammy starts laundry, ironing, floors, Spanish lessons on computer begin, alternating people


10-1 PM
*Home school for Maddy and Jake, email and blogging for Tammy
(Activities are interrupted multiple times from people stopping by to ask about this, to sell that, and students dropping in)


10 PM MONDAY ONLY
Monday market day. Vendors come from all over with fresh foods, household items and clothing. It is the cheapest way to buy things here. And, it's just plain fun!


1:00 PM
*Mike and teens arrive home from school. With them come 5-15 students on any given day. This time changes frequently.


2 PM THURSDAY ONLY
(No English class today) Mike hauls a van loud of kids to La Presa to swim and jump (see blog!)


1-4 PM
*Mike studies for his English class and does bible study with students
*Teen hang-out time, card playing, goofing off,
*Practice the language with the studengs through friendship
*Tammy: make snacks, wash cups, serve drinks, translate English for Step class that afternoon, serve salsa and guacamole
*Knutz kids try to get their daily chores done amongst the chaos, Kids teach card games

4-5:30 PM
*Mike teaches an English class to local school teachers
*Tammy & Molly attend Mike's English class since we learn Spanish at same time
*Josh and Jake practice basketball at school with the team
*Maddy chills at house

5-11 PM FRIDAY ONLY
Friday Night Fun Night, kids come to have salsa, guacamole, tostadas, soda and Pizza. Card playing, goof-off time, a movie in Spanish at 8

5:30 PM
*Lupe picks up Tammy. Tammy teaches Step class for 2 Spanish teachers at her ranch house
*Mike hangs out with students that come to house after basketball, gives kids snacks, sometimes prepares dinner

7:30 PM
*Tammy returns from exercising. Time to eat. Many times we walk to town for real Mexican food. We can feed the whole family for under $15. We have two regular students who have dinner with us every night.

8 -10 PM
Normal Activities, depending on the day:
*Shop in downtown tiendas for groceries.
*Walk and hang out in plaza.
*Visit with Fernando (see blog)
*Recap with our kids, take time to encourage and instruct with what's been happening in their daily lives in Mexico

Sunday Night is Plaza Night. The evening mass ends at 5:30 PM, the tiendas close up shop and everyone stays in (after mass) town in there best Sunday attire. The Catholic church opens up into the town square. People walk the town square, or gather on the benches to enjoy a long evening of fellowship and fun.

WEEKENDS ARE DIFFERENT. We try to leave town to see what else is in Mexico! It requires about a 3 hour drive whatever direction we travel.

Testing the Limits of My Hospitality

There is no quiet hour. Living here pushes all the boundaries of my hospitality. This morning I was in the shower. Around 7:45 AM, two of our regular student visitors show up. Maddy welcomes them into the house, something she does several times a day already. Unknowingly, I open the door to the bathroom to talk to my daughter who should be the only person in the house. She screams, "Mom! Be careful! We have company!" Madeline has to help me get from the bathroom into my bedroom and not be seen by the young men. This makes me chuckle and shake my head. Better be more careful!!!!

Welding class was canceled since a teacher didn't show up. Instead of waiting around school for the next class as normal, Reece and Rodrigo decide to come see us. I have learned to be extremely flexible! I am honored they all like spend time with us. Sometimes the noise level gets bothersome but I send up a quick prayer and remember why I am here.

I have finally drawn one boundary. No more basketball playing in the house. I am proud of myself.

Coolness

Xavier, Jake, Eric and Hugo. The three muchachos visit daily. Eric, behind, is wearing my women's sunglasses.
All the teen boys like to wear my sun glasses. The come into the house looking for them. In such a sunny culture, few people wear sun-glasses, at least in La Huacana. They are a luxury. A lot of times I leave them at home. Walking through town in sunglasses screams, "Rich Americano!"

Tony and Hugo sport both Mike's and my sun glasses. Mike gave his sunglasses to Tony; read I am Sad Tonight, Tony's Story.... He walks around town like he is real special now.

(I asked them to pose this way. It is a joke between us. They aren't really this tough looking They are well-mannered kids. I am hoping they rub off on my children).