The Little Missionary!

These little eyes say so much....

Eric Lance...I'm in love every single day over and over many times a day. Just looking at him, hugging him, and having him ask for me, run to me, and trust me as his angel here in this earth.
Those little eyes say so much, they look at me in adoration...how can anyone not fall in love? He's conquered the hearts of everyone who's lives he's touched. As he goes out for walks every day by the beach, he greets everyone that passes by with a smile and a wave. He calls out to them, making sure to get their attention...now that's a great method for witnessing. He's a true missionary already. TYJ! Everyone goes crazy about how outgoing he is, and how he fears no one, man or woman, he isn't a respecter of persons. So much of heaven is in his little heart, which flows out... to love even the unlovely, the old, the poor, he sees no difference. I wish I were more like him. He's a sample to me of what a true missionary should be, we shouldn't let anyone pass us by without at least a smile of acknowledgment and a look of "Jesus loves you". He's a faithful little missionary.
Our next goal is to teach him how to hand tracks, though most likely right now he'll just stick them in his mouth or think they're his-ha! In time he'll get the point I'm sure, he is only 14 months old.
When asked how old he is, in all 3 languages, he'll already sticks out his little pointer as to say "1"...how smart!

Yesterday he grabbed 2 spoons and decided he wanted to "bug" Dada and Mama, so he began circling us and poking our backs with the spoons making some loud shrills of excitement and then waiting to see our reaction. We laughed so hard!! We couldn't believe he actually knew how to "bug" people.

This coming week I'm starting his school prep, and more seriously delving into his teaching. I'm planning on teaching him both english and Portuguese reading. LHM! A huge challenge.

I love my little Sunshine!

A little soldier, and yet, his baby boy!

Lance has been showing some amazing signs of maturity and understanding, he is intelligent, and gives kisses to everyone, and goes with almost anyone. Lot's of training from Dada. He loves to be around other children, and he's totally in love with mama,but his greatest respect is for Daddy. Daddy's taught him most of what he knows today, which includes many "early learning" verses, obedience commands, respect, and now he's even learned the Flamenco. Yup, Daddy showed him how to stomp his feet on the floor to Flamenco, and he does it amazingly good for a 1 year old. One of his favorite songs is Daddy's favorite Italian Opera "O Sole Mio" and every time he hears it, he will stop just about anything he is doing to listen to it. Daddy's always put him to sleep with that song, and now it brings him memories of comfort, safety and peace.
Daddy's also made a wonderful lullaby just for him called "Your Favorite Lullaby" which is so endearing and touching:

"As I sing for you my son,
This sweet lullaby
I pray you'll dream of heaven
And you stop your cry
When you wake up daddy will be here
Watching you ever so near
I"ll always be by your side
And always sing for you...
Your favorite little lullaby"

And here is a song from the classic Disney cartoon "Tarzan", which daddy sings to him every so often as well. Mom is the one who goes crazy about it most, and soothes her heart to hear him sing it so tenderly whenever Lance is fussy. It works for both Lance and Mom.-ha:

"Come stop your crying it'll be alright,
Just take my hand, hold it tight,
I will protect you from all around you,
I will be here don't you cry,
For one so small, you seem so strong,
My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm,
This bond between US, can't be broken,
I will be here don't you cry!
Cause' you'll be in my heart,
Yes, you'll be in my heart,
From this day on, now and forever on.
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart...
ALWAYS"

Growing hearing 3 languages is a gift we're imparting on him, and he already shows signs of comprehension of all 3, and will respond to each one. English, Spanish and Portuguese, are languages he's acquainted with on a day to day basis. Quite impressive for a 1 year old little sponge.
Daddy is so faithful, he watches over him like a guardian angel, teaching, calming, soothing, feeding and always making sure he behaves with honor. His schedule is kept to a T. Like a little soldier, and yet-his baby boy. What more could a boy want?
Today Lance yelled out for Daddy, in the highest tone I"ve ever heard from a 1 year old, "Da-da, Da-da" he knows his daddy will come. He seeks for Daddy's approval whenever he does something right, and daddy is faithful to give him lots of it.

And here's a poem I (mama) wrote for Daddy:

When God made the Daddies

When God made the Daddies,

He sure had you in mind

When he created the Daddies

He knew you’d be the kind

There was a little soul

Who needed tender care

Someone to also guard

And watch him everywhere

So then God formed your heart

And gave you strength and brawn

To keep away the wolves

To care while mom was gone

He made you sweet but firm

To keep Lance on the track

He blessed you with a love

That rascals couldn’t crack

Through dirty diaper pails

And many sleepless nights

You watched us like an angel

And battled all our fights

To us you are a hero

We tell the whole wide world

Your name among the stars

A story to be told…

Kathy and Renee!

It's been a while now since we've been gone from there, and everyday more we miss you girls. There are so many moments, great moments we shared together, and now, the only thing we share is the same distance, the same oxygen we breathe, the same love and the same God. All else is gone, but we remember you with every day that goes by. The few chats we've had made us feel like we're still a part of your home and hearts. Thanks for trusting in us, and for being such wonderful friends. Always count on us for anything you may need, that's what we're here for.

You two are nut cases...and WE LOVE THAT ABOUT YOU!!!

Aaaah! Family!

I can't get enough of having my family so close, united and enjoying every moment together...I know it'll wear out sometime, as it's only been a month since I've been back, but being gone for over 3 years it felt like an eternity, and I appreciate each moment so much...here they are again.
I love my niece....Alana, you're the cutest 2 year old I've ever met. I wish you didn't have to go.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABNER!

It's your birthday today, and you're not even moved. The day has just gone by for you, and it seems like it's just another day in your life, but the truth is, YOU'RE TURNING 30!!! That's special! You're starting a whole new decade of your life....you're still as young as when you were 16, and I still remember, going out with you, doing wonderful things together. You were a friend to me, a brother, a keeper, guardian, shepherd and a sample always. Your determination and love for the Lord and others is amazing. You're not easily moved by petty things, you're stable and sturdy, how do you do it? You've been through so much and yet you act as if your life was the joyous and most calm one ever. May you always be that way dear brother, and may your years only make you even stronger, and wiser.
I love you and am so glad to be here living with you at such an important time in your life.
You are and always will be BILLY to me-ha!

Family Collage

FAMILY REUNION

Many, many years have gone by since our family's had a Family Reunion, and without planning, it happened this beautiful January 2008. My dad came from the north of Brazil, heading to Rio, with his wife and my 2 half sisters. Along came my half brother with his wife from Rio for a 10 day vacation and their beautiful blue eyed baby daughter. My older brother also miraculously was able to come with his ADORABLE little girl, who conquered all our hearts. With Joey and I finally here with Lance, it completed the family. We were 11 siblings, 3 parents, 3 authentic grandchildren and 2 additions, plus 1 son-in-law and 3 daughters-in-law. We had a special Brazilian dish one day, which we were all craving for many years, "Vatapa and Caruru" all from the north of Brazil, where my parents are from. Dulci once again outdid herself and lavished us. The next day we had a family barbecue at the house, with lots of beer and my dad's favorite whisky.
One of the highlights was watching my dad and most of my siblings play together in their band. It's amazing how so talented they all are, even my sister puts on a show in her singing abilities. Dancing and laughing weren't skewed, and everyone was so thankful to have this precious time. We sat around late in the evening telling stories of past funny events in our lives, and remnenscing in time. I don't know when will be the next time, if ever we will, have this reunion again.
Families remind me of the love God has for us, to be loved and cared, to belong to something so dear, that makes life worth living.
Each of my brothers is a world of their own, and they each ad to our family in such a wonderful way. Seing my dad was also a thrill, it'd been too many years. I could see the change, feel the wisdom in his spirit and partake of his endearing and patient aura. A real patriarch. I love you Dad!

New Years 2008

New Year in Brazil is beautiful and happy! The dress code is white, for most everyone, and at 12 is a migration to the beach for the fireworks which announce the coming of a brand new year. TYJ!
A Chance to start again, to think, to ponder on what you did last year and for those who want, to be made wiser.
We had a blast of a party at home, after a warm, area get together for praise time, united activties, and Dad even participated from the spirit world in our get together by giving us a beautiful, stirring and uniting message. After going to the beach for the fireworks, we partied at home till 5 am, and then some jumpped in the pool. At 6:30 am we were in bed, so we got to see the turning of the new year, a beautiful and bright sunrise given to us by our precious Love.
I took pictures but I've lost them...so this post will have to go without any. It'll be the only so far. Oh well...

Christmas in Brazil 2007

Christmas in Brazil never felt so wonderful! Surrounded by family, an abundance of exotic and tasty dishes, as well as lots of music and laughter. My brothers are wonderful cooks, and Dulci (our bahiana FGA, who has a tremendous glory in all food she makes. And she's always cooking mind you) is an incredible chef. Someone told me I'd loose weight here in Brazil, now, I'm SERIOUSLY doubting that. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Yes, it's not your typical White Christmas here, but the warmth of the weather helps make the warmth of it's people in Brazil. Who needs snow when you can get a nice sun tan during your Christmas vacations?
Merry Christmas Brazil! Merry Christmas dear Family! Merry Christmas and Happy birthday My Precious Jesus! A Toast to You our King of Kings on this Your birthday!