#92

Today was General Conference Sunday and we watched it at home over the internet. It wasn't on until 1pm and 5pm so it was nice to sleep in and have a nice lunch together. Yes, the kids were out of control most of the conference jumping off the couches, pulling hair, biting, complaining, spilling snacks, yes- the picture is painted. I got cabin fever fast! Luckily we were able to listen to most of conference and I always love the words the prophet's say and they sink deep into my heart. I am so grateful for the guidance of the Gospel. We went on a walk around the lake between sessions as a family and it was so nice to just be together. Later I asked Maile to clean up and she said "I'm not Cinderella! Cinderella has to clean up everything!" oh princess. Yes your life is so hard. I have new goals to be more patient and really pray for this each day as it doesn't come naturally to me, be a more loving and dedicated wife and mother, read the scriptures more and as a family and be more grateful. I love conference. 

#91

Today was corrida!! We had the Primary activity 'Regras de Fe' in the morning and it was fun but always a lot of work and a lot of energetic yelling kids. :) Today is General Conference too and we had to go to Joao Pessoa to get the malas that didn't come with Lee. We went to Ale & Lehielton's for dinner (parabens twins!) and had a nice dinner. I wish Priscila and Lehivelton could've been there. It's sad they're not wanting to be around the family right now. :( 

#90

Parabens Ligleydson!! Yeah!!! Papai is home!!! After a week and a half in Boston he is back and we're all so happy. Maile got her makeup and Barbie and is "going to snuggle Papai tonight". :) Me too! Happy 32 years old my love.

#89

I've been teaching English to Maile's class every Thursday and love it. Today we talked about the Easter bunny and did a little egg craft. I just make stuff up but it usually turns out pretty well. We miss Lee so much!! Can't wait until he comes home!

#88

One word- Mari. Yes this woman keeps me going. Someday I want to have her disposicao! And the meals she makes are the yummiest thing ever. She was laughing that I took a picture but I just have to capture these moments. She is a true friend. I like a traditional brazilian meal like this about 3x a week but don't love the arroz and feijao every day. I made the yummiest meal for the elders and was so proud of myself. I even made maracuja and goiba juices natural. It's so easy and so yummy! 

#87

Today I had no energy! Probably because yesterday the missionaries came for lunch, Fran called and the basement had a flood, Vania and Lihledna and Quiteiria came over in the afternoon, and then we had a Primary meeting at night and the kids were crying and well- it was a long day to say the least. This single mom thing is so not cool at times. But I'm glad I've kept busy to not feel so lonely. But we are ready for papai to come home and Maile is cobrando her maquiagem do Barbie. 

#86

Lee has been gone and I've been missing him like crazy. Maile has been snuggling with me each night and last night Lukey had nightmares or something cause he kept letting out these little squeeky cries so I brought him to bed with me. I woke up to this little vision. As I looked at his eyelashes I just stared and thought about how much I love this little boy. He is so special. I gave him a cheiro and looked over at Maile and just breathed in my sweet children. It is so wonderful to have them in my life. 

I took a bolo over to Quiteria cause it was her birthday today and she was so happy. The kids had made her a card and she just loved it so much. I had a nice visit with them and just realized how important it is to go out of my way to do little things like this for people. Even if I do get lost on the way over like 5 times. :)

 #85

Sunday I gave a talk in church about Primary and raising kids in the Gospel. I love to speak and bear my testimony. I felt really good about it. And of course talked about Luan and what a little bit of love does for a kid. :) I had them come over for lunch and they ate the whole pan of macarrao! :) These kids can eat. They are great kids and will have a bright future if they continue to hold to the rod! 

 #84

 Vania and I stayed up until 3am just chatting the night away. She is such a dear friend and my best one here in Brazil. I will miss them so much. The kids all play so cute together too- well, when they're not tired, that is. :) They had a fun day in the sun and we did biscuit, swimming, played with the chicks, rocked in the hammocks, made lunch and had a great time. I got home and we were all so tired we fell asleep until 8pm to get our breath back!


 #83

This week we got an Easter package from Grandma! And boy were we happy to see all that chocolate and yummy and fun things. Grandma is the best!! :) And TGIF! It was a long day and tonight we're headed to the shopping with Vania, Juliana, and all the kids! We're going to sleep at her house and have a big slumber party. We're husband-less so we decided to keep each other company! :)

 #82

Then off to teach English at Maile's school on Thursdays and I send her ready in her ballet outfit. We did the sock bun today and it looked awesome! Brazilian bun! :) She is so sweet. 

#81

I am teaching at CERC school which is such a great school and am loving the sweet little kids. I teach 2 hours in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. My favorite are the little kids- they are so sweet. I teach them about "hello" "bye bye" "baby" "cow" "dog" and so many other little things and they just love it. My favorite are the 2-3 year olds and 4-5 year olds because having kids those ages it's easy to know their levels and what they love. How cute is this little guy, Rodolfo!

#80

I can drive!!! Ahhhh- freedom!! It's so nice to be able to put my way around Campina. Dodge the bikes, motorcycles, donkeys, but hey- it works. And I went out to Vania's to spend the day! Check out the size of these avacados! I love the natureza out there. Juliana and Jennifer came and she loved getting out of the house and said at the end of the day that I was her best friend. It was so cute. No telling what a simple act of kindness can do in someone's life. I went home just beaming that I helped her feel that way. It was a nice distraction to the fact that Lee went to Boston for a week to fix the maquina. I hate it when he goes. :(


 #79

Mari is back!!! Halelujah!! And Maile is so happy cause she got her "papa" in the morning! :) Oh man- there is no comparison to what Mari can get done and Quiteiria in a day. Even though I love Quiteiria, Mari is just Mari. It was so happy to have her here- she is the best. A casa esta sorrindo!! 

#78

Sunday is always corrida but at night we had Sharles and Aline over (sorry you were deleted from my facebook :) lol) and Marcio Teles to seranade us in some good ol brasilian classics. The only one not on board.... Ligleydson! "Estou escutando ele desde 15 anos!" kkk. Well, I loooove his music and it was so fun to be around good friends, good food (chilie!) and fun!

#77

Saturday was the clean out at the church and we went over for lunch and Surama made a yummy homemade brazilian meal with the best puree ever. I love how our little ward is a family. They came over to swim that night and we had a great time- Hercules and Cida came too and they're always fun to have around. These little girls are so sweet. I love my primary kiddies. 

#76

We love to put the couches together and have a movie night. Tonight was Mission Impossible 3 and it was great. I have to admit my love for Tom Cruise definitely diminished since the first MI but I appreciate a good movie still. I love how excited the kids get to "put the couches" together. Lately on the weekend a family movie night sounds like the best option. 

#75

I mean, why would we go visit a zoo when we frequently see chickens, dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, and lizards on the streets! :) This pic was taken if front of what we thought was Eliene's house. We went to do a church visit to her and Pamela and turns out who lives here now is Abigail's noras. Which was inspired cause Juliana was needing a visit. 19 year old mother with father in rehab. As I walked into her house it was just so simple and it reminded me about the important things in life. I love doing visits with Elizete! It makes me feel so good.

 #74

These two are keeping me on my toes lately. Just so busy busy busy and making so many little messes all over. Maile is always "too cansada" to help clean up but she has her moments that she's a good little helper. Lucas is hitting so much lately. Patience. sigh. 

#73

This is every brazilian's dream: watching two big screen tv's with soccer games at the same time. I think it's great that Lee loves soccer so much, and let's be honest- every other brazilian here! This was the end to a long day as I was at CERC all day teaching English. The little kids are so beautiful and so sweet. I love how their culture is all about hugs and touch. Unfortunately, not everywhere is like that because of such perversion and evilness toward kids. But I love being able to give hugs and kisses at school and I'm really enjoying teaching. At night I went to the parent/teacher meeting and I loved presenting and talking about my teaching. I can totally see myself going back to teaching someday. 

#72

My little Lucas has laryngitis and is dodoi. :( We are using this nebolizador? or whatever to help him breathe better and I think he's actually getting a bit better. poor thing. Maile saw all the attention he was getting and said she had "dor de barriga". I told her not to worry cause we could go to the hospital and get a shot to make it better. Miraculously she felt better! ;) Then today when she was "sick" again I told her it was better for her not to get candy at her school but then she amazingly felt better again. :) she's so cute. "All the day you just take care of Lucas!" Ohhh- let me snuggle you sweet Maile!

#71

Stake Conference was maravilhosa! Tinha toda a ver com a familia e eu senti tao bem. Pres. and Sister Hall were there and spoke and I couldn't stop thinking about how wonderful my parents are going to be on their mission. I wish I could help them right now with all their stress. The choir sang and I just love to be a part of them. :) Foi um dia muito bom. We decided we need to dedicate ourselves more to as coisas do Senhor. 

#70

So we tried to go to Sao Paulo for Sister Melo's wedding but it just didn't work out! Mark Neeleman hooked us up but then the reservation was cancelled when we got to the airport at 1am. oops! It was so stupid. So we wheeled our suitcases back to the curb and decided to make the best of the situation. We went to a hotel in Joao Pessoa and slept in that dark room until tarde and had such a great morning. Then we went to the shopping and ate, shopped, and went to 'John Carter' in 3D. We were like to teenagers on a date watching the movie with our glasses and eating popcorn. We loved our day! :) We went home later and Mari had turned the whole house upside down in her clean magical way. sigh. I feel like I'm living a dream sometimes. It was so great to see my little babies earlier than expected. "mommy!!! where's my present?" And I even got to sing in the choir for Stake Conference so that was a plus. 

 #69

We had the noite cultural da estaca and it was fun. Our primaria did Branca de Neve and the kids were so cute. Maile was a little butterfly, that apparently flew away for this picture. 

#68

Maile has been into to taking pictures of herself in photobooth lately! :) so funny. Today was tiring. Went over to CERC early in the morning to teach Ingles. I love the little kids but the older 8+ seriously drove me nuts. Loud yelling and bouncing off the walls. Uh- reminded me of why I left CNA. Just not cool. But I loved teaching at Maile's school and there are the cutest little kids in her class, not to mention...her! 

#67

When I woke up today I just knew it was going to be a good "mom day". I just felt an extra desire to play with my kids and take advantage of this day off (Maile didn't have to go to school and I didn't have to teach at CERC) so we went to the pool. The minute I said "piscina" Maile had her bikini on and had gotten Lucas dressed. We had so much fun at the pool. I love how Lucas counts in what sounds like chinese "mash mu baba" something different each time and jumps into the pool. He is so cute. We went to Subway for lunch and I just love being with these two. Yes, good mom day!

#66

This day all I could do was laugh to keep sane. Vania and the girls showed up in the afternoon and Bea was so whiny, not feeling the best. From here we went to the capela for a snow white practice for the noite cultural and there were just so many criancas and it was so hectic. I felt my patience go out the window and not loving having to yell to get the kids on track. uh! Then we all piled in a taxi and came back to the apartment (including Aline and kids, I didn't want to leave her alone until 10pm) and it was a mad house here! ahhhh! All we could do was laugh because it was utter chaos. You should've seen Cida's face sitting on the couch watching all of it! I am so grateful for a friend like Vania who I think is just so refreshingly normal and fun. Thank you Vania for keeping me sane today!! 

#65

My little Lukey is in heaven with all these balls! And of course Monday consisted of scraping the birthday cake off the kitchen floors and cleaning up this bomb of a house. Thank goodness that Quiteiria was here to help me. Even if it was annoying when she wanted me to give Lucas his bottle when I told her we were cutting it. :) he he. 

#64

Sunday Giulia came to church with us and all the little girls were dressed as pink princesses! :) It was testimony meeting and it was so spiritual. I loved going to the fazenda after and eating Severina's gostosa carne and food! Then off to choir practice where I love to meet with Marcio Teles and my dear sweet choir friends. :) Gotta love it!

#63

Happy Birthday Lukey!! Today you are 2 Years old! 

Today you love to say "Mine! No! Go! Eba! Num-nums, bye bye, tchau, and scream "Mamaaaaaeeee!" at the top of your lungs when you wake up in the morning.

Today you take a 2 hour nap every afternoon and when you wake up like your "ba-ba" with chocolate milk and watch your show.

Today you love to kick the soccer ball back and forth. Daddy taught you how to drop-kick it and do a header!

Today you love to play with Maile and wear her pink flip flops all around the house and an occasional headband on your forehead.

Today you are so handsome with your haircut and smile when you scrunch your face up and say "cheese!" for the camera.

Today you like to eat cereal in the morning, eggs, rice and beans and hot dogs for lunch, and a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner.

Today you like to watch anything that has a "Uau-uau" in it and that is cartoon.

Today you are running around, almost able to push the pedals on your tricycle, and you jump so cute on the trampoline.

Today you want to do everything by yourself and are not much of a kisser anymore. When someone says "Da beijo" you yell "Uh-uhhhhh!"

Today you are admired by all.  Everyone loves to see "Luquinhas" chegar na Igreja.

Today your Mommy and Daddy think you are the sweetest little boy in the whole world.

Today you blink your eyes when Mamae blinks hers and make the cutest little faces.

Today you love to dance to music with Maile and love to stand underneath the shower when you bathe.

Today you are 2.

Today you are so special!

#62

Yes my little boy is turning 2. It sounds like he is speaking like Chinese lately and then every once in awhile you'll hear "Ball" or "No!" or "Mine!". Those are the favorites these days. But he is such a fun kids to be around. Full of energy but easy-going for the most part at the same time. I am soooo in love with this little boy. Happy Birthday Lukey!

#61
                                                   

My little cooks making 'cupcakes' while I was trying to get something done. These 2 crack me up!

#60

Alessandra came over today to help me get some things ready for Lukey's bday party. It's been so fun to get ideas off pinterest and scheme some soccer party ideas! Lehielton came over later and I thought these two looked so cute together. :)

#59

Alex came over and gave Lukey a haircut! Yeah! He looks so handsome! The missionaries were here for lunch and it was the farewell lunch for the paulista elder pollo. He is a real example of a missionary. Hard-working, kind, well-mannered, focused and shares his testimony beautifully with everyone. It is such a prazer to have them in my home.

#58

I love these mother moments. I just want to snuggle my "baby" forever. I just can't believe he's turning 2!

#57

Today was the Institute Formatura and I got my concluinte certificate for completing 1 year! :) I honestly was so proud because i love going to Institute and listening to Irmao Paes! I felt such a strong spirit at the formatura and loved singing Benigno Salvador with the choir. I got emotional just thinking about how soon we have to leave here and I've grown to love all these dear people! 

#56

Noite de Casais at our house was a blast! I did the message on the book '5 Love Languages' and Lee did the Newly-wed Game! We laughed so hard and had like 15 couples there! It was so fun to host and have dessert night. I just loved the good energy everyone was feeling and everyone was raving about what a fun night it was. "Umbu!" kkk

p.s. Happy Birthday to mom! I was thinking of her all day! 60!!

#55

Love all these colorful fruits. Today when I went up to the grocery store I saw that there was a keyboard and microphone and live entertainment! :) ha ha. So random. 

#54

Quiteiria is helping me these days and it's been so great to have her help and know that we're helping them too. Her daughters are so cute and they are definitely a special family. She has such a kind way about her and is so gentle with the kids. I like that. 

#53

Giulia came to visit and it was so fun to have them around. I got such a kick out of these two. It was fun to have Liahona's energy here! Just loving to cook and clean and talk and smile. She said she "conformou" with the kitchen and that's something I need to do. Just learn that there's going to be dish after dish and things to do and just conformar with it all! gostei. 

#52

These two were in heaven with all these girls around and so much makeup! :) They especially clinged to Kelvenline. We had so much fun at the pool- I'm so glad it was sunny and everyone could come. 

#51

I had all the YW come over for a sleepover ja que Ligleydson foi para a acampamento dos rapazes. We had a blast painting nails, decorating cookies, listening to music, watching 'Prom" movie, playing getting to know you games, eating cachorro quente and muito mais. It was fun to have them here and took me back to when I was 16! I remember I felt so old and now I look at them and they seem so young and innocent. I was pooped by midnight and they partied strong until 4am. I'm just not into the all-nighters anymore! :)

#50

Today I looked over at Maile and she had done her hair like this. Miss Independent wanting to do everything by herself. Today church was good but sacrament meeting was kinda crazy because people do not keep their kids. They all come to me and it makes for a noisy meeting! Speaking of noisy, there is carnaval music blasting outside our window. A full weekend of craziness. Lee is going to camp out with the YM, and the YW are coming here so hopefully it will be fun.

 #49

This little boy is a soccer fanatic! I took him over to a little party at the school next door and he just loved shooting goals! He is definitely approaching two years old! He is just so picky lately, yells at everything, pulls hair, throws fits...yes, it's lovely. I am having a real hard time with patience lately. But I just keep telling myself it's all a phase. 

#48

Tonight we invited ourselves over to Pri and Lehivelton's house! :) We took pizza and wanted to play cause we missed them. Isabella is soooo big and cute and it was fun to spend time with them. 

#47

So Lee really surprised me this Valentine's Day! He took me out on Thursday and I was just expecting a dinner and movie but after the wonderful dinner and Pe de Gateau dessert we headed to the "movie". Lee headed in that direction but then pulled into the Garden Hotel and surprised me with a night out! He had already talked to the babysitter, packed a bag and everything. I was just so giddy with surprise and excitement! :) Then we walk in the room and He had a huge bundle of roses on the bed with chocolates!! I was so happy and just felt so good that he planned such a romantic time!! They even had a heated indoor pool that we took the kids to the next morning. What a perfect night and with the perfect man!! Love you meu amor. 

#46

I swear Maile is so cute. "Mommy, I just always wanted slippers all the day and now I have some!" just soooo proud of herself and so excited. I find myself just soaking in all these cute words, "all the day, and udder (other)" and so many more. 

 #45

Mom and Dad sent me this pic that Ray Chandler gave them while they were visiting. Um ya- that little boy is my Lucas! :) I love that I have a little version of my husband. And speaking of the little one- he is driving me crazy. Yes, my sweet Lucas. Into everything, bossing me around, yelling "mamaeeeee!" at the top of his lungs, pulling his sister's hair. I keep telling myself, "It's just a phase!" 

 #44

This was Lee's moral support he gave me on the night before the big lunch. I swear I was in the kitchen all night so I was at least glad to have a buddy, even if he was half-passed out. This pretty much describes my mood today after that long busy weekend. So exhausted!

#43

I did it! Invited my in-laws over for Sunday lunch and it was so much fun. Everyone brought a prato and it wasn't too hectic at all. I made a yummy sal pica and I was so happy it turned out. Not to mention the brownies and ice-cream were a hit. I looove getting everyone together. 

#42

Saturday was our first Primary activity of the year and a total success! 30 kids came and we had so much fun in our cinema, Bingo, and our maze. I love seeing these kids happy. And let's be honest- it wore me out! 

#41

I've been making a ton of banana bread lately out of that huge caixa de banana que eu ganhei. It's so easy and I feel like my mom just whipping up these delicious loaves! How in the world are we resisting it on this protein diet, I'll never know!