So Mad at Myself

We went down to the lake yesterday morning and while we were walking we saw several big, fat capybaras about 2 meters away from us ... and I didn't have a camera! I can't believe I forgot to take it, argh!

It was the first time we went out as a family, with Daddy driving, and it was such a nice day to be out and about and we passed by several scenic spots. All without a camera. I had made a mental note to take it while getting the girls ready for our outing, but somewhere between getting Alina's juice from the fridge and Laura's car seat while heading out the door, I completely forgot! My memory really hasn't been the greatest lately.

Oh yeah, and in the almost-14-years that I've been living here I never went to the famous "Casa do Baile" (tourist spot by the lake), and when I finally did go (together with the kids), I didn't have my camera. Argh and argh again! Ok, I'm done beating myself up over this. I do hope I learn my lesson.

Wiped Out

Gosh, today was pretty tiring! Well actually, it started with a tiring night (no, it's not what you're probably thinking). Last week we received a truckload of personal hygiene items to distribute at our social project. And so last night I carried a ton of boxes of shampoo and cream rinse, organized a ton of bags with different products, and left things all nice and ready to distribute today. Naturally, it killed my back (which had already been hurting for the past 2 weeks).

Anyhow, we had a small English immersion today in which I helped out a bit, and in the afternoon I had singing practice with a dozen of the Project kids. They're going to perform at an auction that a supporter will be hosting in September.

I'm trying to persuade myself that they're singing better, although I can't help worrying that when the time comes for them to sing they're going to forget everything and sing even more off key than they already do.

Yes, well, after that I took photos of the monthly birthday party we have for underprivileged kids, began making next week's schedule, hung up a load of laundry, ironed laundry, distributed the ton of stuff I'd separated the night before, ironed more laundry, organized my room, took a shower, and feel like collapsing.

I figured out why I feel extra tired: it's because I spent most of the day on my feet which, due to my health issues, kills me. At least I can relax now while Gabriel puts Laura to sleep. I think we're going to watch a movie afterwards.

Tired as I am, I feel pretty content knowing that lots of kids went home really happy today due to ours and others' efforts. Hurrah for a full life!

Our Girls

Time for lots of recent photos of them. Yay!

Alina at her ballet class:
Gabriel taught Alina how to play table tennis (notice the squaker in the background):


Laura's 11 months old today (such a big girl) and a couple of days ago she learned how to drink from a straw (this pic is from today at lunch):

I arrived home to this on Sunday morning:

Alina with a couple of friends at the Sunday Bible class:

After the Bible class, the Hubby and I went out for a drink and Laura tagged along:

Having fun with french fries (a favorite with the girls):


Alina helped me make strawberry jam yesterday. Here she is being a really happy helper:

This was earlier in the afternoon:


Laura entertaining herself while Alina and I make the jam:

It's ready!

Time to lick the spoon and scrape the pot. The best part of making yummy mush!

The final product:

I do believe I was on a photo-taking spree because these are from the same afternoon. Laura busy at play:





The little nut playing peek-a-boo while I select photos to post:

By the Way

Today was (it's a quarter to midnight) Gabriel's mom's birthday. I'm sure he would have many nice things to say about/to her, but alas, he never posts anything here. He's not much of a writer. Then again, neither am I.

Bem, Clara, se você ler isso, saiba que acho que você é uma pessoa muito legal e adorei te conhecer melhor no seminário. Bilo te adora, mesmo quando ele esquece seu aniversário. Fico feliz de ter uma sogra tão engraçada e bem-humorada. Com certeza o Bilo te puxou. Eu oro para que este novo ano de vida seja repleto de vitórias e realizações e que você continua sendo a pessoa especial que você é. Amamos você!

Educators Seminar

Try to imagine being in a place for one week with 70+ females and only 7 guys. It's kind of scary. I still had fun though, lots of it. It was super nice to be able to hang out with my many female friends. They're all such lovely, special people.

Yes, well, here are some pics from that unforgettable week.


The view from my room:

Part of the hotel:

Some of the classes:

All the male attendees. Poor guys, I really wouldn't like to be in their place surrounded by a thousand clucking hens, cackling hyenas, and the like.

A reminder of home:


My mother-in-law (middle) with several other happy females:

Relaxing in a jacuzzi:


My pretty sister-in-law Mana and her poochie Lianna:

It was sunny for about two days and so we were able to go to the beach. That's not me tanning, by the way. I'm the large person on the chair.


My friend Ana:

There was a party on the last night:

Dinner:


With Eli, one of my crazy dance partners and great friend:

Uh yeah, this was a good while later:

La-di-da:



Back to some sort of decency. A friend and I receiving our certificates the next day:

My super good friend and amazing mother, Angie:

Having lunch with my mom-in-law:

The Minas-Brasília attendees:

Most everyone:

I'm Back!

I arrived home this morning after a tiring trip, to find a happy husband and monkeys and LOTS of dirty laundry! It's amazing how much laundry can be accumulated in one week, sigh. I missed my little family soooooooooooooo much!

Well, after I'm finished with the laundry, cleaning the girls' classroom and toys, and putting things in order (which will most probably be tomorrow), I'll post photos of the seminar.

I miss most everyone already. It was an forgettable experience! The fellowship, food, and hotel were beyond great! It was really nice to be able to exchange ideas, get input and a new perspective on issues, and overall it was the best Family-oriented event I've attended.
 
Hurray for everyone who made this event possible, including my home which paid for me to attend and filled in for me. They're the best!

Traveling. Again.

This time to the beachtown Maresias (in São Paulo) for a week-long seminar. I'll be traveling tonight with a friend who's also attending the seminar, and will be back next Sunday. I'm so happy because I'll get to see several of my friends (fellow teachers) whom I haven't seen in over a year. Very nice!

Hopefully I'll manage to sleep on the bus, it's a 8-hour trip plus another 4 from São Paulo to Maresias. My back has been extra painful this week. Argh. 

Gabriel is going to stay back with the girls and the rest of the folks here are going to host an English immersion day and an In-House gourmet dinner while I'm gone. They'll be short-stafffed, but hopefully all will go well.

The Little Rag Doll

Miche trying to get Laura to walk:


Exploring the garden:

Hold it! Don't move!

More exploring. "Oooh, a mullberry tree!"

"Want a rock?"



Playing with auntie Marina:



Beating up Daddy:

A Sunday morning stretch:





This week I was finally able to set up Laura's corner in the kids' classroom. She's been making quite a bit of progress such as learning how to scribble on a piece of paper, as opposed to the table, how to look at a book instead of chewing it, and how to throw things instead of just dropping them. She's really got the hang of putting whatever small object she finds into a bigger one so she has no problem putting away her toys (most of the small ones fit in that big colorful cube).


Hasn't learned how to open them yet: