Airing Dirty Laundry

Ok - I kinda liked that post title. Because of what I am going to talk about...

In the building we live in we share a community laundry room. There is 3 washers and four dryers, and to use them all you have to do is sign up! No quarters, no payment necessary. Considering our previous laundry situation, this room is a dream come true. I am still getting used to the luxury of it!

However everything has it's negative aspects. Take last week for example; I had a mountain full of laundry to do in the allotted 3 hours. As required I signed up and began the dreaded domestic chore of carrying the baskets downstairs, dragging my two kids behind me, sorting and pre-stain treating the laundry, retelling my kids that climbing into the dryer is NOT a good idea, and chasing them back into the laundry room for the hundredth time. Easy enough right?

Wrong! Someone who even to me remains a mystery, decided mid cycle to take my clothes OUT of the washer and put theirs in! I have a suspicion that this someone is single and isn't towing a group of rowdy children behind them which kinda irked me a bit. Part of me wanted to wait and see who would think of committing such a cruel act, and another part of me wanted to leave a letter explaining just how they had inconvenienced my day. I mean how DARE they!

I did neither. I am sure that this is just part of community living and one of the perks of a free laundry room. Besides that, I know that God would have wanted me to love this person like He loves them.

On a positive note. I went to do more laundry today and found THREE of my baskets of clothes already folded neatly for me. WOW! I mean who really had the time to do that? Whoever did it, showed me a real act of love and kindness! And if you are one of my readers THANK YOU! I took the extra time and played with my kids today. You were a blessing to the three of us!

So next time that my laundry time is interrupted instead of taking offence, I am going to see if I can be more of assistance. Even if that means folding another basket of clothes while chasing my hooligans! I want the heart of the stranger who folded my clothes for me, not the one who gets annoyed so easily!

The mouse

Our neighbour came by today bearing a "gift" of sorts. She came with a mouse in a jar! I personally was never happier to see this mouse. Perhaps it brought me joy because it was contained, trapped, and it's future uncertain or because for once the little bugger was scared. You have to understand, this mouse has been an unwelcome visitor in our home every since we have moved here. I don't particularly like mice, I don't like sharing my home with them, and I definitely DON'T like them interrupting a peaceful morning by running over my housecoat and under my sweet innocent girl's leg. (This happened on Monday) So the ugly rodent's capture was my best news of the day. I just hope it's mama doesn't come looking for him here anytime soon. The kids loved the mouse! Just look at Caleb's expression! Our neighbour is planning on getting "rid" of it. Like I said, I couldn't be happier!

A Baby Desire

A few weeks ago I was at the mall with my sister in law Michelle, we were shopping for a friend who is about to have a baby in the New Year. There really isn't anything MORE fun to shop for. Little cute soft baby clothes wins all. Anyways as I was feeling that all too familiar twinge of longing deep down in my belly for another child....it HIT me. That longing was FAMILIAR, meaning it probably has been there for awhile now! I must have been doing a good job at ignoring it, stuffing the desire away from my mind, and my heart!

If that thought wasn't shocking enough, Michelle pulls me over to the Maternity section to look at clothes for Patricia who is expecting in June, and begins handing me really cute- amazingly discounted- preggy -clothes -that I just had to buy- or i was going to regret it later!

I put my foot down, and walked out of the store without the preggy clothes. Sigh... but instead I walked out with something much heavier and deeper. A desire to have another child.

Since then I have reasoned myself out of that desire several times.

A cute baby ad shows up on t.v. - " We can't go to Brazil with a newborn - it is so unwise to transition that way. Besides we can't afford it right now."

I see a newborn at church- " How can I adapt to three children while adapting to a new culture? Impossible."

I see a beautiful pregnant mom- " I get so sick when I am pregnant, I really can't go through that again, not right now."

The reasons and excuses are endless, but that feeling is still very real. So part of me is sad that now is not the time. But I am also really excited that I truly do want another baby. For a very long time I didn't. And that made me sad too. ( Yes I don't always make sense and my feelings contradict each other!) Thankfully God is the author and creator of life, and he knows the best timing for our family. So for now I will try my best to just enjoy the stage we are in. It is definitely not a struggle to be thankful for the two beautiful children God has already blessed us with.

But for the record. "I do want another baby, I am ready today, or tomorrow, or next year!"

Thanksgiving Pics

The magic of movies

This morning began like most mornings; milk while watching Curious Gorge, messy breakfast, coffee fix for Mama, laundry, and basic clean up. The kids were in good enough moods, there were minimal screams, and tears. Then without warning something changed. All of a sudden Bella was crying, Caleb was wailing, and the stress level in the home increased by a hundred percent. AHHHHHHHH!

I played with the idea of taking them out somewhere. I could take them to the mall, or outside to play, or even grocery shopping. But the more I pondered the worse the idea became.

To bundle them up I would most likely encounter tears, complaints, and tempers.
Then I would have to actually take them outside. In the cold. They may be ok with this. But I was already miserable, and winter doesn't do any good to my mood. Have I mentioned before how much I can't stand this weather? And then of course I imagined us actually in the store, HA! As if I was going to take them in a public place for others to witness my sweet children transform into booger face, loud, out of control, and unreasonable creatures. No thanks! I would rather keep that private!

After another hour of complete chaos, I did what any mom at the end of her rope would do. I called their DAD! He was very empathetic and understanding, but unfortunately his boss won't give leave of absence for disobedient children. Darn!

So I took action number 30078. I turned on a movie. Yes I did! And the tears stopped, the complaining ceased, and they are QUIET! I don't feel the least bit guilty, they can watch movies ALL day if they want. It is still another 2 hours before nap time. Oh how I love nap time! And how I love those people who make movies.

The thing is some days I am just plain tired of saying No. Explaining Why. Disciplining. Teaching. Having my personal space invaded. My hair pulled. Taking complaints. Sleep interrupted. Cleaning. Making meals, only to have them untouched or thrown on the floor. You get the picture. And if you don't , you clearly aren't a parent.

Anyways... enough of my complaining. Truth be told however I am thankful I have this blog to vent, or I would have joined the ranks of my children. It really is tempting sometimes to kick things, throw myself on the floor and really cry like a two year old! Any one else have that desire?

Funny Imagination

This morning in lieu of Mom's Group, the three of us headed to Caribou. We got there pretty early, ate cookies, and played with play dough. It was a ton of fun- one of the perks of being a SAHM. Then we went grocery shopping, and ran another errand. The kids were angels. Very obedient, kind, and polite. What does Caribou put in those cookies? (smile)

It was really good for me to get out with them and just simply enjoy their company. I wish that I could always remind myself to slow down and just BE. BE a listener. BE silly. BE funny. BE their playmate.

On the way home Bella was talking about accidents and mistakes. She was concerned that when she made a mistake she made Jesus sad. I explained to her how Jesus loves it when we say we are sorry and ask for forgiveness. Thankfully we were at a stoplight at this point or I might have missed the funniest display. She looked down her shirt and shouted very loudly. " JESUS I AM SORRY THAT I MADE A MISTAKE! YOU FORGIVE ME? CAN YOU HEAR ME JESUS?"

I laughed all the way home. It is so precious that she truly believes that Jesus lives inside her heart! But so funny that she thinks she has to yell to talk to him and of course that she looks for him in her shirt!

Blessed

Today I woke up feeling very blessed to be able to spend everyday with my children. Some days are insane. Well... all days are crazy with just moments of peace added in amongst the chaos but really my days couldn't be more full of fun, love, and laughter.

I absolutely love talking to my kids, and getting down to the floor to play with them. They are so bright, creative, and imaginative. And right now they are soaking up everything I say. Sometimes that can go against me, for example Bella loves to say, "What the heck!" ( sorry grandma it slipped one day) and I worry about what other bad habits she is learning from me.

But on the flip side she knows the story of Abraham by heart, and loves to talk about her Jesus. It is amazing watching the foundation of her faith being formed. Caleb loves Jesus too. He loves to praise Him, pray to Him, and heal in His name. Very sweet.

Right now Michael and I have been pondering the thought of homeschooling vs. public school. It is a couple of years away still but we feel the need to somewhat reach a decision before leaving for Brazil. I have been reading books on the subject, searching the net, and having tons of conversation from people who have experienced both worlds. I am sitting on the fence with the whole thing. Michael on the other hand is all for homeschooling, he must have had a great teacher!(wink)

What really rips my heart apart is the thought of sending my babies all day to a facility where I no longer will be the primary one to influence and teach them. Perhaps I am just feeling selfish, or fearful of letting go. I don't know. At the same time am I up to teaching them academically? Sigh... and not knowing what the Brazilian educational system or standards are these days is also intimidating. (Mom2- maybe you can help me out with that question!?)

Regardless, I am glad that I have a few more years of them to myself. Where we can play all day, read stories, and keep them young and close. Sometimes we just have to sit and see what the Lord has for us!

Party Time!

"Planting a garden"
"Crafting"
"Her Cake"

Cute


Joshy

Let me tell you, three year old birthday parties are a lot of fun! Bella's was great! We played two short games; a bug hunt and plant a garden. Then they did a craft, decorating picture frames with stickers and crayons. I was shocked at how well this went over. Can you imagine seven toddlers sitting quietly and content at the SAME time? The side of play dough helped a little!

After opening a mountain of gifts, we sang happy birthday and ate the most incredible cake- baked by yours truly! If you know me well you know that I don't bake, and I don't sew BUT I managed to do both this year for Bella. I got the idea of the cake from a friend who I think got it from a magazine, it was so easy and cute. And I finished a blanket that I started when I was pregnant with Bella- it turned out ok. Maybe there is hope for this Martha Stewart wannabe.

It was nice being in a room full of people who love and love on our girl. She is blessed with so many friends. Those who are far were missed greatly. Bella continuously asked for her grandma and grandpa until we tucked her into bed for the night! Next year right?

I think after two pounds of chocolate, balloons, music, laughter and tears she was all partied out. She is still recovering! Thankfully we have pictures that will last forever. Because my baby is growing up!

In the time it took me to...

In the time it took me to make a pot of coffee, and set breakfast on the table, my little monsters already had some fun for the day! The last few days these kids of mine have been extra crazy. I'm not sure WHAT has gotten into them. They are bouncing off the walls, jumping off furniture, and disobeying every mommy law. I am very close to pulling out ALL of my teeth!

Someone once told me that if you are about to lose it to just go grab a camera and laugh instead. So here you go!

Caleb at Tia's

These are pictures that Michelle took last week. I especially love the one of Caleb and Penelope sleeping together during naptime. Amazing Michelle how do you do it?

4:33pm

Ahh... the afternoon is gone- and I slept it all away. Wow! I went to bed a little after one and got up around 4. I could probrobly just go to bed now and sleep until the morning. I am still so tired. I have never been the best napper. I usually wake up grumpy with a headache. Right now I feel like I'm in a weird fog.

My husband is the best! Michael must have thought I needed the extra sleep because he took the kids somewhere to let me rest. I am so silly. Instead of relishing in the fact that I got three hours of sleep I am a little bit bummed that I missed out on this beautiful warm day.
I think that I am going to go try to find my family. Tired or not they are the best ending to a fun weekend.

Mommy I am Three!

Yes my little baby is three! It seems like yesterday when we brought her home from the hospital. And now she is running around, declaring her own thoughts and opinions, loving on us, and growing into a lovely girl. I want to be sad, that my little baby is gone, but I'm not. I am simply proud of our daughter. Gabriella's presence in our lives brings such a joy and sweetness. She is a light to everyone she encounters. She is a blessing in many ways. And I am so thankful for her life. God is doing things in her and through her. It is exciting to watch her grow.

She started her birthday at 6am by running into my bedroom and jumping on top of me! She knew it was a special day and was ready to get started on all the fun.
She had cookies for breakfast! Thank you Bekah and John Mark! She thought mommy was a little crazy for indulging her this way, and ate the cookies really fast for fear that I would change my mind. It was hilarious.

We had a Dr. appointment first thing. It was a great experience. This check up was more one on one between Dr. Heezen and Bella. It was too cute to watch Bella answering all the questions.
At the end the Dr. reported that Bella is very healthy, social and intellegent. "Yes we know, thank you very much!"

Then Bella and I had a special date together. We went to Lunds and shopped for her lunch. The highlight of this is that she had her own little tiny cart to fill up. And then we enjoyed coffee and chocolate milk at Caribou. Tia Michelle gave her a card with chocolate that she enjoyed while we talked. It was very fun and I think that this is a begining of birthday traditions.

The rest of the day included phone calls from Grandma and Grandpa, hamburgers with daddy, ice- cream, watching a movie, and opening presents. It was a great day! And of course she gets to party with her friends next Saturday! Yay!

Birthday Beginings

My Love's birthday is on Saturday. He is turning 26! I love to celebrate his birthday with him! This year we started the party a little early, as a gift I took him out to lunch at the new Brazilian restaurant Fogo de Chao.

Let me tell you, eating there was a little piece of what it must feel like to be a millionaire.
Pure Luxury! It was amazing. Michael was called 'sir'. And was treated like a rich snazzy business man. My chair was pulled out for me whenever I stood up, and every time my glass of guarana was empty, low and behold, tada! , a waiter appeared and refilled it for me. I was a little embarrassed with all the attention but hey it's not everyday that you get to waited on hand and foot!

The salad bar was phenomenal. My favorite part was the maionese ( potato salad), and the refills of hot fresh pao de quiejo (cheese bread) that just kept coming. Michael loved the alcatra (sirloin), picanha ( a Brazilian cut) and the filion mion ( don't ask me how to spell it!) . The chicken with bacon was also delicious.

His favorite part however was being surrounded by the smells of Brazilian food, the relaxed Brazilian waiters, and the ability to eat our meal at our own pace. He felt at home, which is a rare thing in the USA. It was nice to hear him speak Portuguese too.

We are about to watch a movie. Another one of his favorite pastimes. We will continue his birthday fun on Saturday. Our plans for him include sleeping in, breakfast, and homemade pizza!

In the meantime Bella's birthday is tomorrow! She is so excited and cute about the whole event! I love sharing in her excitement! We have a full day planned, I can hardly wait!

About Brazil...

Brazil Brazil... are you a distant dream or is the next year going to fly by?

Our life has picked up speed since we moved that Brazil has become a passing thought! We have been so busy playing, running errands, preparing for two special birthdays, among many other things that we haven't had the energy to focus on what is coming up!

Now that it is getting colder. * Don't get me started on how much I dislike winter! * I am hoping to make more time for all of the things that HAVE to get started. I tend to go into panic mode when I look at the reality of all that we need to do, and I end up feeling lost in it all.

Where do we begin? Support raising. Letters. Videos. Budgeting. Goals. Prayer. Power Point. Passports.Visas. Life Insurance. Health Insurance. Meeting People. Letters. Phone Calls. A will. Apartment Searching. And the unending list goes on and on.... Oh Lord.

The crazy thought is that there is really NOTHING holding us down in the USA. Aside from passports (who needs them anyways?) we could leave tomorrow if we were fully supported. Any takers? The idea of leaving fills me with so much excitement and anticipation that I could burst!

And then I pause and think of everything and everybody we are leaving behind, and a sense of loss and sadness fills me. Family. Friends. Church. Mom's Group. English. Starbucks. Easy Driving. Trusted Doctors. Babies to meet. Autumn. Famous Dave's. Neighbours. Long Heart to Hearts over coffee. Heated House. Dishwashers. Air Conditioning. Old Navy. Play dates. Tia's and Tio's. Target. English. Family. Friends. Bathtubs.

Our departure date still a year away and I am already feeling torn between two worlds and not belonging entirely to either of them... I am ready to make our family a home in Brazil. But not quite ready to say goodbye to everything that has been home...


So where do I go from here? Perhaps this is the part where we walk in obedience in accordance to God's will and take a step forward...

Dating Again

Last night I enjoyed a wonderful night out with the most amazing man. My husband! We had so much fun kicking back at Big Bowl ( thanks again Arika!) trying to eat with chop sticks, laughing, talking, flirting! Afterwards we walked around Barnes and Noble drinking bad Starbucks coffee ( don't ask), and looking at books. I even learned something new about Michael; he loves astronomy! Who knew? Anyways it was great. Michael is great. There really isn't anything better than being with him!

The best part about the whole night is that next week's date is already scheduled on the calender, and the next week, and the next week, and the next week, so on and so forth! Michael decided last week that we needed to have a frequent mandatory date night! He is brilliant, I know! I am giddy with excitement!

It works out perfectly too. There is a nice young lady that lives across the hall from us who has committed to be our babysitter. She has a pretty easy gig; kids already sleeping in bed, TV, coke in the fridge, parents right there, and a little extra cash!

Michael knows just how to love me! Thanks babe- and I can't wait till next week!

Creative little Sleeper

This is how we found our sleeping Caleb late last night!

Portuguese

Scene: Out on the Porch

Our daughter to our son :

Tira da boca Caleb!

Translation: Take out of mouth ( referring to a bottle cap)

Perhaps she is understanding more than she lets on! Smart girl!

Kindhearted Bella

Late last night little Bella came tip toeing into our room.

"Daddy" she whispers, tapping Michael, trying to wake him up.

"Caleb is crying, he is stuck, come help..."



Puzzled and struggling to understand what Bella was saying Michael follows her to Caleb's room.

The light was on, and sure enough poor baby Balec was stuck underneath his bed crying!

She must have heard him and tried to help him out before coming to us. We were really proud of her.



Then today I was very busy cleaning stuff that needed to be cleaned and Caleb was feeling sad. The following video is the scene I stumbled upon mid morning. The Lord has definitely given us a sweet little gal.