What we being up to?

Let  me try to think of what has been going on this past couple of week: (Man, my posts really suck without spell check! LOL)
Noah is using sign language a lot! I think he figured it out that we can understand him this way… =)
He also has popped a bunch of words: (In Portuguese)
“Sa” -Sai (Get out - for the dog)
“no que” - nao quero (I don’t want any)
“titi” - Titia - (aunt)
“bobo” - Vovo (grandparents)
And a bunch more I can’t think of right now…
The only one in English I remember at thistimeis”THa” (thanks!) He always says Thanks/thank you when you give him something.

He is doing great trying all kinds of diferent foods… also doing amazing developing skills with a spoon.
Benjamin is AWESOME without diapers! There’s no or little accidents - he still uses them at night time but the
rest of the time he is doing great! (It’s pretty amazing the amount of money you can save, uh!?
Even when he had diahrrea a couple of days ago he still didn’t want to wear diaper and did great on holding to get to the potty….
Benjamin runs to my dad everyday when he gets home from work and give him a big hug! IT broke my heart today, after they hugged for a long time my dad looked at Benjamin and asked: “What am I gonna do when you are gone???”
Oh dear! My heart is broken! Here we miss Daddy… there we’ll miss everyone else!
Sometimes life is not fair!!!!
Hmmm whatelse…
It’s being pretty much 85 degrees everyday. We get some sort of rain everyday - like on LOST - those “summer” storm that comes and goes on a blink of an eye and it brings a LOT of water. We only have another 3 weeks,it’s amazing how time flies!
Guga downloaded LOST for me so I’m being able to keep up even though it doesn’t start here until June… All the other shows I watch I guess can wait until I get back… I’m SO into this one brazilian soap opera that it’s on here… I may HAVE to get the brazilian channel when we get back! =) I forgot how fun they are!
Oh yeah - I alsmot forgot…
We went to our friend Erika’s house the other day, we had barbecue and a lot of fun! Just had a little incident…
her fiancee, Andre, was going to a soccer game and on the way out, he bumped into our car!!! It wasn’t too bad, just the back door got “bruised” hehe he was really upset and we felt really bad for him! We should take the car to the shop on monday and all should go back to normal…
We are planning a birthday party for Ben on the day of his birthday, the 17th! Tia Claudia got Cars theme everything! From paper plates and plastic cups to big postcards to decorate the wall and a candle for the cake!! We hope Ben has a good time and enjoy all his brazilian friends coming over to celebrate with us!
Elan is back in Cincinnati visiting with Dan - and he’ll stay until we get back! Cool!!!
Tia Sandra and Bisa came over again to visit this weekandbe here for Benji’s birthday! Weall went to the mall the other day, we walked for about 3 hours shoppingand stuff - at some point Benjamin said:
“Mom, please I don’t want to go back to the mall” LOL
Poor guy- was exausted!!!!
Anyways…
I can’t remember much more… we beingsobusy, doing stuff everyday but I just can’t think of it! I’ll post some pics to see if something comes up….
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Funny Noah - always flerting * Benji playing at the mall, a place like Chuck & Cheese. He loved this fishing game
  
Gigio & Lu came to visit last Saturday… We also saw Maria Eduarda, Benji wouldn’t stop kissing her!!!!
  
 
Benji helping Vovoh boy to load the Van! He as so happy & excited about this!
  
 Noah - modeling around… (before hair cut)
  
Benji surfing in the couch * B + N with cousin Gabriel- they had a ton of fun!
   
 The cute apron we painted to Bisa Geni * Grandparent’shouse full of lizzards - Benji LOVE them!
  

Tropa de Elite - (Elite Squad)

Simone is right- this is an awesome movie! (I’m taking this movie on DVD back home in case anyone want’s to watch it!!!) 

 

Tropa de Elite

In 1997, before the visit of the pope to Rio de Janeiro, Captain Nascimento from BOPE (Special Police Operation Battalion) is assigned to eliminate the risks of the drug dealers in a dangerous slum nearby where the pope intends to be lodged. Captain Nascimento is trying to find a man to replace him because his wife is pregnant and he intends to quit the command and become a trainer of the new recruits. Meanwhile, the two idealistic friends Neto and Matias join the Military Police force expecting to become honest policemen and fight the criminals. However, they see only corruption, lack of competence and stupid bureaucracy in the Military Police, and after a serious incident in the Morro da Babilônia, they decide to join the BOPE. The lives of Capitain Nascimento, Neto and Matias are entwined along the next months, first in the tough training period and then in action against drug dealers. Nascimento believes that Neto could be his substitute, but his impulsive attitudes jeopardizes his choice. Later, the intelligent Matias seems to be the correct choice, but he needs to prove that he has heart.

God’s plans are perfect!

Dan’s car broke a couple weeks before I left to Brasil. It was not worth it to fix it so we decided that we were gonna wait until I got back from Brazil to decide what to do - in the mean time Dan was gonna drive the Van.

My friend Connie calls me every other day in Cincinnati, she has also a “calling plan” to Brasil, so she called me here a few times too. She never knew Dan’s car was gonne… Somehow we forgot to talk about that…
One day she calls me here in Brasil… she mentioned she is moving back to Brasil (that made me SO upset) she is such a good friend always there for me…
…we talked for a while and she said: “I praied about my car,it’s broken, I don’t want to fix it, but the Lord said it’s supposed to bless someone… I’m not so such what to do - do you know anyone who needs a car???”
Of course I sais “It’s me” - of course. LOL I asked: “Did u know Dans car broke???”

Anyways… we talked for awhile about it… She gave it to us, Dan sent the car to be fixed. It costed about $800 to get it all fixed up and now we have a 2001 black Stratus that is probably worth more then 3500 bucks!!! =)
 
Dan drove the car this whole week and said it runs great!!! We are so excited and thankful to the Lord and to Coonie!

- reporting from her side,she called today and said the Lord has being blessing her tremendusly - he actually got some money she wasn’t expecting from like 2 diferent sources and she is also VERY thankful for the work the Lord has being doing in her life!!
Probably by reading this post you can’t imagine howperfect God’s plan is/was. The way everything happened and the ways God works are just amazing!!

If 1 picture it’s worth a 1000 words….

….I’ll make into a 2300 words!!! =)
Benji and the cool train he got from Tuta & Ma - It makes a train sound, turns the light on and has REAL SMOKE!!!!
  
Noah always trying to reach for something - Benji & Tuta - best buddies!
  
 Cousins Victor, William, Augusto, Benji & Noah! They had a BLAST!
 And Tio Paulo made yummie homemade Pizza!!!!
 
 Noah enjoying the kiddy pool!!! 90 degrees!
   
 Benjis first birthday cake… it was also Victors 13th birthday… All Noah wanted was M&Ms
  
 Churrasquinho gostoso… - the best BBQ - My cousins Arthur, Sergio, Victor, uncle Paulo, my dad and Grandma
  
 Noah felt on theconcret andgot this big bump… - Me & Marianne
  
 My dad took Benjamin fishing- he LOVED IT!
  
 Benji & I at the ”Fish & Pay”
  
 ” Mommy, it’s too hard to catch a fish!” - After trying for hours without any success…
 Willy laied back and tok a nap!LOL
   
 Playing in the sand… =)
  
 Vovo boy & Vovo Girl with Benji
  
 
The kids absolutely love staying with my parents - so I get to go out a lot by myself! We were out all day last Monday, then we went out to “Mercearia Anos trinta” Yesterday and enjoyed a “rodizio” of Pizza… over 60 kinds of pizzas, salt and sweet ones… eat as much as you want to… the waitress bring them right into your table… Man!!!
I think I haven’t changed one dipper this past two weeks! =)))) Urru!!! hahahah
It’s really nice because all we have done is quality time together - nothing else!!!! =) (Tati - I now know what you were talking about!!!!)
Dani!!! Happy birthday!!! I called an left you a message!!! God Bless you and give you many more!!!
Also Happy birthday to Angela! Amy! Katia & Monica!!!! Love you girls!

Maria Eduarda

Isn´t she adorable!!! I think we should take herhome!!!!
She was 2.8 Kilos and 50 cm! Long long girl!=)
 

It's Carnaval Weekend!

Things are definitely getting better every day. The kids are getting used to the house, the family, the food and time change. My dad is way better, thank God!!! He’s been interacting and playing with the kids everyday and they’re loving it! These past 2 days were very pleasant, sunny outside and hot.
 Happy birthday to all you born in January! Elica, Christian and Caramello… even though I didn’t call all of you, I always remember!
Speaking of birthdays… My cousin Ana had a baby girl yesterday, 920 p.m. It was a c-section so wasn’t able to watch it. Welcome to the world Maria Eduarda!!!!
 We are probably going to visit tomorrow and I’ll post pictures as soon as I have them.
Also Yesterday I went to the beauty parlor and had my manicure & pedicure done for like 10 dollars!! (Man I miss that!!! Full body wax for 25 bucks!!!) There I met up with a girl I went to veterinary school with, Thamis and the *not so macho* hairdressers LOVED Noah’s rainbow leather shoes! Ha-ha By the way, Daniela - those shoes are popular anywhere they go… Thanks again!
The boys are having a great time! My dad’s been spoiling them so much… every day he comes home with a different toy,sometimes two toys… today he got Benji a bike!!!! But I think he regrets because Benji wants to be pulled hahahahah

Carnaval started already – we got some family visiting since we have a 5 days weekend, Tia Ro, Tio Paulo & their 3 boys,  Tuta & Marianne & my grandma! We have a full house!!! =)
Fun fun fun ! Better could only be if Dan was here!

 
(I have a ton of pics but i~m having trouble downloading them - ~Ill try again tomorrow!!)
And Grrr I hate this keyboard - its set to portuguese so I have no ideawhere things are!!! =oP

Last couple of days…

Today is april’s fool day - I got quite a few people with bad jokes (how rude!) LOL
Question: [If I use an * like this between sentences when the subject its TOTALLY different – does that make look less confusing?! I guess I can’t say "I feel fine" if I’m still thinking about this…. ]

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I filled out an application at Kroger.com on Weds night, got a call on Thursday and had an interview on Friday… they offered me a job & I didn’t take it. I just know that this wasn’t the best for me, Dan & the kids! It may not make sense or sound like I’m exaggerating but this was an awesome “buster” to my confidence…  

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This weekend was very laid back but I had a really good time. We quite didn’t plan anything; things just came along in a nice smooth way…

Saturday morning we got to go to Findlay Market – As usual we got a bunch of good produce for little money =)  -K got us some Dates (Damasco) and I tried them for the first time. We just saw this show on Food Network about dates and talked about how I never tried them; so my review is:
“Dates are pretty good!!”
Noah eats them as if they were M&Ms (And so do I)… and You know what else I being very addicted to? ARBYS!!!! Angela & Dan were always talking about it, now they got me hooked!  

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Tim, Shay & the girls came over to watch the Xavier game (they lost =oP) but we had a great time, a few drinks and some good time to talk, M & K came by too… they ended up crashing over & sharing an “UP-all-night” night with us… =oP
Shannon came by again last night and I think I scared her out; I was kind of hyper and didn’t shut up for a second! I believe she is never coming back… 
Here is a pic of the coolest family:

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Sunday I drove up to downtown to take Tati to turn in her short film “Maladjusted” [the frame & alarm clock on this video are mine - I also found this motel where they taped it - so proud! =) lol]. After that I gave her a little tour of my fav places in downtown Cincinnati … I just love the city! =)))

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Oh yeah – I almost forgot… Priscilla lost her baby. Keep her in your prayers! Only God and woman that goes thru this knows how painful it is, specially when it’s the first pregnancy. =(
Funny is that just a few weeks ago I was telling her how strong I feel about doing something to woman that goes thru miscarriages (since I had 3 of them). Now, more than ever I feel like I need to do some sort of work with it… not sure what - but sure I feel strong that I should do it. Maybe just volunteer in the support group at Bethesta Hospital or whatever… I’ll look into this soon!
*tears here*

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Last but not least “WHEN IS SPRING GONNA BE HERE ALREADY?????” The kids did spend maybe 30 minutes out this past couple of days, but man! It’s still very wind and chilli out! I can’t wait until they can just hang out with friends….
 Calvin & Benji are playing *so* good together. Benji & Isabela too (I was impressed yesterday!)
 I’m also looking forward to Noah spending some time with little guys: Thomas and Braybray. (Ohh Totally OOT - Shel - Before the end of this week i have a surprise for you!!!) Anyways… going back on talking about spring - as that noggin song from Moose A. Moose says: 
No matter how dark and gloomy the night, You’re certain to wake up to morning’s light…

And whenever storms make skies rainy and gray, You can bet that sunshine will be on its way

That’s why winter’s reasonable robin can sing, He’s sure in no time he’ll be welcoming spring!

Every beetle and bluebird and blossom knows That patience pays while the cold winds blow

Squirrels don’t worry, and chipmunks don’t fret and the flowers have faith spring will be here yet they know it’s as close as in pods peas are so let’s be as savvy as the birds and bees are!!!

Believe in spring, it’s on its way

Believe in spring, a brand-new day

Rest assured you’ll find it’s true

Spring is coming, just for you!”

So I must have faith and believe! =)
I even had a nice 45 days break from winter this year (in Brasil) and can’t imagine how anxious you all must be for some nice days!!!! =

Words to keep

I went to church today, finally for thefirst time since we got here….
My main prayer was for God to send me a Word about what He wants me to do for Him, because I want to work for Him. And the answer was: ****It’s not because the world is modern and things are changing that a Christian should adapt to it or follow trends. A Christian should be 100% focused on God! He also spoke about the power that God has to do anything in this world. How He can cure anything and fix anything and His plan is perfect. I’m not posting this private because it’s a secret but because this word God gave me is very personal and I want to register so I can remember later on and glorify God because He always keeps His promises in my life.

I have to share

“Not flesh of my flesh,

Nor bone of my bone,

But still miraculously,

My own.

Never forget, For a single minute:

You didn’t grow under my heart. But in it.”

Beautiful beautiful poem from my friend D’s blog (I had a chance to catch up with my e-mails today - lol) Anyways…
Beautiful friends, beautiful kids, beautiful family, that I’m proud to be a “part” of it! =) -(Yours too Tati!!!!) BTW - I saw Daniel yesterday - it was so nice to have him over!!!!

Its being a week in Brasil...

A week an a half away from our home…

Now that Im done bitching and being frustrated i can share the good things about this trio so far…

Im not even close rested as I would like to be, last night both boys were up until like 3 am, but i guess I just need to rest when I have the chance and give them time to get adapted.

We got some good news – like dad is feeling like 75% better this past two days – he actually went out with Benjamin and played a lot with the boys…

Everytime my dad pops at the door Noah runs to him with wide open arms to hug him and to be held by Vovo boy .

Benjamin had a nice & long talk to dad tonite thruw the camera, he got to show dad all his new toys and games. He is actually playing with a real fishing poll from Vovo boy

Noah hasbeing fantastic when it comes to eat… he also has a few new words – he says

Pirah = Pirate

Tatau = tchau- bye in Portuguese.

I being eating like a pig! Heheh My mom – the one who said all the time over the phone how overweight Im and how much I need to control how much I eat… and ^Im gonna help you diet when u get here^ has being cooking me all kinds of yummie meals… My plates are always so big – you would figure I had nothing to eat in days… but we just eat all day long!!!

Angela – that DVD player was a life saver on the plane! Girl – I dont have words to thank you! I must get one of those when I get back!

M + K – the finger paint and markers mess free were also AWESOME

Dani – I being doing prayer request every service I get to go for Isaacs surgery, Im really sad Im not gonna be there for you guys… I really wish I was, but just keep your peace and faith that everything will go well because our Lord is in control!

Jennie – You were so guide by God when u sent me that e-mail about my dad, because those words have being what is getting me trought this bad weather… God bless ou for that!

Im pretty much done with LOST season 3 – and I ate yummie Mangos like them! LOL

I wasnt too impressed this season and Im getting a little confused…. oh well!

We already saw Tia Sandra, Guga, Kadu, Mariana, S. Rose + hubby, S. Emilia + hubby, most of the friends from chirch, Lis, Daiane, Tia Su, Tio Geroge, all boys and Ana…
She is giving birth at anytime now and no one is going with her - So I offer to go and Ana was so surprised! I cant wait to be able to witness another miracle!!! Baby girl Maria Eduarda should be here soon (EDD Jan 30) - Im just so trilled to be able to be a part of this!!!!

Ill try to post some pictures of the boys tomorrow. Things are defenetely getting better, Im much happier – so are the kids!

So it's raining again

I’m not sure why I’m so frustrated since I got here, I guess its because everything is being going on a diferent direction then what I expected – That is why we should have none… I got to remember this next time.

My dad is not doing very well, he is having way too many reactions from the chemo… he has so many sores in his mouth he cant eat – he is weak and barelly enjoyed the boys since we got here.


His cold freaks me out since his lungs are so debilitated…

My mom is always in function of someone or something else – she is great with the boys, always feedinthis house is g, bathing or changing them… She is also like amaid here…. serving and cleaning after people. This place is always full…

Claudia really upsets me – she thinks I have no consideration and I think the same about her. We being here for 4 days now and the house its being full everyday. I understand she wants to hang out with her boyfriend and Im totally ok with that, but all I seing so far is a very selfish person that has no consideration to anyone. Our parents – I mean forget about it…. if its not convinient for her she wont listen to them, and this is just really sad because I guess its the way she is and I never wanted to see it. She is generous – very much so. I mean she would undress herself to dress someone else – when I talk about selfish its beyond that matter…

Its not about material things – but things we do – or dont do in this case.

I really want some quiet time – let the boys have some time alone with my mom & dad – let them bond a little! Everytime my dad wants to do something with Benjamin there is always someone else involved!

Its freaking cold here – I have not seing any sun – and when we were getting ready to come here all people talked about was how hot and nice was in Brasil. Well, that is no true

Its cold and grey – and I miss my love… and I just had to vent a little…

We made it!

We made safe to Curitiba…!

The trip was tiring but the boys were very good! A little crying here and there… Benjamin was VERY excited about being in the air…. my arms are STILL very sore from holding Noah like 24 hours straight….

Friends - Sorry I haven´t answer you guys´s e-mails - I have had no internet whatsoever besides the adaptation time here it´s being hard - we are like 3 hours behing - Noah has being going to bed like 2 - 3 am and Benjamin is up at 7am.

My dad is not doing well - it´s a very sad feeling in the air, I´m worried but for now there´s not much I can do, just trying to get settle here. I´ll be on as soon as I can posting more news about dad - the boys & everyone else!

Much love! Miss you all - a bunch! - DAN I LOVE YOU BABE!!!!!

We are getting LOST…

… on the Season 3 of Lost! I want to catch up before the 4th starts!!!

I haven’t being this addicted to a TV show in

I screwed up really bad

We get our tickets to Brasil – we leave to Columbus Sunday and Monday to Brasil so here I was happy packing when ….

BLAAAAAHHH!!!! Benjamin’s Brazilian passport is expired!

Man – I felt like an idiot! Dan drove all night to Washington DC in order to be at the embassy 8 am and get Benji’s passport renewed. It was very nice that Mike drove with him - it made me feel more calm the fact he had someone to talk to – share the driving and make him company.
They stopped at our friend sister Marilvia’s house in Maryland for a little nap & shower… They made back around midnight.
We still don’t have the new passport – it should come in the mail within the next 24 hours. I guess I’ll keep on packing!!

It was a long long past 48 hours for all of us

Bowling Saturday for the kids!

Dan made plans with Kip & Tim to take the kids out to bowl!  At first Benjamin wasn’t so excited!

After Dan & I gave up, Kip with all his patience talked Benjamin on giving it a shot – and of course he enjoyed! =)

 

I loved the shoes!!!! =) Too cute!

 

Grace - man she is a pro! It was sooo fun to watch!
 

Isaac was always wipping his bowling bowl with the towel and doing s lot of strikes! =)
 

Robyn’s funny “spinning” trow and Noah getting a turn too! =)
 

 We had a great time, lunch, dinner, and watching the game later that night. Shannon & Tim came over later for a little bit - They brought us (Dani & I) Guarana! heheh So nice!
 i’ll be posting Daniela’s movie soon - dancing - just HILARIOUS!!!!

This was better then a party…

Music of the day:
 

“…I’m gonna party cause it’s my birthday…

We gonna party cause it’s my birthday…” (My version! Lol)

After a lovely time with my family Thursday I went out with the girls Friday night for some desert & drinks at Grand Finale.

I had SO much fun – and so did everyone else! =) We had the best food and the best time!!!  I think we all got 2 years younger from laughing so much! We even talked about man, politics  & religion and still laughed! ( I mean – if you know these woman you know what I’m talking about!)

It was awesome to see Melissa – she is already showing a “bump”. I drove with Shelly (thanks for making this a great night!), Dari & Katia, we also meet with Dani, Simone R , Simone M, Nicole, Leslie, Angela & Vanina.

Even thou I wrote in bold – NO GIFTS – on the invitation I still got a bunch of gifts, one cooler then the other! But the best party of course was enjoying the girls and having a great time!

They kicked us out of the place because even after closed we were not ready to go…– I don’t think they’ll ever take a reservation for a Golan again! lol

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In another note:

I just publish a bunch of posts I had on “draft’ – make sure you scroll back and take a look! =)

   
Girls and their deserts!!!
 
Sorry to the other girls that I didn’t post pictures of you - it’s probably because I looked a little too funky on them! =oP