cosmOclan

The Look of Love

2012-01-18T05:41:00.002-05:00

(Photography by: Pita Snaps)

A look. A glance. A shared, yet-simple, dance. The moments with you I treasure. They are graces God sends to inspire. Heaven is not far-off. No, it is here being lived in your love. I give God thanks. I open my soul. I ask Him to shower our marriage with graces of gold. May we always be united in spirit, in prayer, a look, a glance, or a simple dance. You are my channel of grace here on earth.

Precious in His Sight

2012-01-07T12:23:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, our three treasures sat on the step near the backyard and gazed upward toward Him. We give you thanks, Lord, for your goodness in sharing these three precious lives with us. We thank you for the individual personalities you have blessed them with. We thank you for their sweet and wondrous ways that are so good, so sweet, so holy. It is no wonder that you say, "Let the children come to Me." (Mt. 19). It reminds me that so many times you see the goodness in each of us that so many times others do not see. And, you see the difficulties too, but you love us nonetheless. For this, I am grateful.

A song we love to sing as a family:

Lord, you are more precious than silver. Lord, you are more costly than gold. Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds and nothing I desire compares with you. And, nothing I desire compares with you.

Never too Young to Contribute to the Family

2012-01-03T12:45:00.003-05:00

Thank you for being selfless, my three little helpers. I love you so much and appreciate your many contributions to our family. What a difference they make.

The great danger for family life, in the midst of any society whose idols are pleasure, comfort and independence, lies in the fact that people close their hearts and become selfish. Pope John Paul II

The Little Boy Who Could Fly

2012-01-02T18:29:00.001-05:00

Little Caleb has been enjoying being tossed into the air in the pool. Mares was able to capture some great photos of our little guy.

Happy Feast of the Holy Family!

2011-12-30T19:15:00.006-05:00

(Drawing by Maddy, age 5)

Today we enjoyed "A Festa Beleza da Sagrada Família" with Holy Mass at the Cathedral in Brasilia, followed by a surprise from Daddy that he received a half-day of work (so, the rest of the day with us!), family grocery shopping, family swim, yummy pizza dinner, and cake decorating, with each of us having one small cake to enjoy.

Somos cinco!

We are so blessed to have the most beautiful and humble family to look at and celebrate and learn from day-by-day in the Holy Family. We give God thanks for our little family and our parents, grandparents and siblings who continue to inspire us to shoot for the heavens, where one day we hope to share an everlasting feast with the Holy Family. Saude!

(Drawing by Caleb and given to Mommy on Christmas day)

(Made by PaPa)

It was so enjoyable to wake up again this morning, sit with Caleb and say morning prayers with our girls nearby (and Little Caleb soon-to-awake) and know that we have the Holy Family's feast to celebrate. I look at the three of our little treasures and give God thanks, for I know that I did nothing to be blessed with such gifts, and that they are not ours but His to return. But, they are gifts. And, gifts are to be enjoyed, well-cared for always with a grateful spirit. I am grateful for family. We sat this morning and read reflected on Blessed John Paul II's strong and encouraging writing in the meditation of the Magnificat today (only in part below):

The Church is deeply convinced that only by the acceptance of the Gospel are the hopes that man legitimately places in marriage and in the family capable of being fulfilled.

Willed by God in the very act of creation, (3) marriage and the family are interiorly ordained to fulfillment in Christ (4) and have need of His graces in order to be healed from the wounds of sin (5) and restored to their "beginning," (6) that is, to full understanding and the full realization of God's plan...

(from Familiaris Consortio)

Where would we be without the family? Madge told us today on our way home from Mass how excited she was to hear Daddy was staying home. She said, "During Mass I was getting distracted from looking at Jesus, because I just kept thinking 'Daddy has to go back to work." Caleb told me later that during Mass Madge had her head on Daddy. How loved each person is in the family. Thank you, Lord, for your gift of life. May it always be sanctified.

__________________

So, Bring Us Some Cookie Pudding!

2011-12-21T10:21:00.001-05:00

We have been singing Christmas songs around the house lately, trying to prepare ourselves for Christmas.

Unfortunately--or fortunately--there are no radio stations here in Brazil with 24/7 Christmas songs. On the one hand, I miss some of the songs. On the other hand, there are lots of songs I've heard enough ("sir, I want to buy these shoes..."). Perhaps this dearth of radio songs has incentivized more singing ourselves. Madge has recently been enjoying the song, We Wish You a Merry Christmas. It's pretty cute: she has her own rendition that goes, so, bring us some cookie pudding, so bring us some cookie pudding... Mares and I think that it's so cute that we haven't wanted to correct her. I say let the world eat cookie pudding for Christ's birth. (Besides: I have heard some reviews that figgie pudding is overrated.)

Santa Picture at Park Shopping Plaza

2011-12-19T12:57:00.003-05:00

We walked through Park Shopping Plaza on Saturday. There was a nice Santa Claus (from Minas Gerais). Maddy was excited to sit on his lap. Pita was looking askance at Santa the whole time and wanted to sit on my lap. Baby Caleb was pretty clueless. All in all, a wonderful Christmas memory. We topped it off with frozen yogurt at the mall: for toppings, Madge chose colored marshmallows, Pita chose gummy bears.

Breakfast with my Loves

2011-12-15T05:32:00.003-05:00

This morning we were all up, except for the Prince, Mr. Cal-see-don, as Pita calls him. :) Pita asked for crepes, which are a breakfast treat usually left for the Saturday morns. But, what a treat it is to be here daily with my three little loves. These moments are treasures I need not wait to celebrate on the weekend, but to live, and live now, in the moment. (If I could only remember and raise up this great gift every second of every day.) Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity to serve you, through Your little ones.

Generosity in Marriage

2011-12-09T12:18:00.001-05:00

The NYTimes article The Generous Marriage pointed to new research that more fully describes the importance of generosity within marriage. While I doubt it comes as a surprise to anyone, I always think it's interesting when research backs up common sense and expands on it. This is one such case. According to the researchers, the top three predictors of a happy marriage are (1) sexual intimacy, (2) commitment, (3) generosity.

Furthermore, the article states:

Preliminary findings suggest that children with more-engaged parents are more likely to be generous toward others, which may bode well for their future relationships — and their parents’ too.

As I was reflecting on the article just now, I realized that if I were pressed to encapsulate my spouse in one word, this would be it: generosity. Generosity is the best word to sum up Mary, my spouse, my best friend, my companion on this journey of life. Anyone who has met Mary will immediately sense this incredible generosity that she has. Her generosity flows out to me as her husband, to our kids, to anyone who enters our home, to anyone we come into contact with, really. Such generosity is a true boon for our marriage and is incredibly hard to come. Mares, thanks for your example of generosity. You help me to break out of the self-centered bubble I all-too-frequently occupy.

The Big Show

2011-11-27T12:56:00.001-05:00

Madge and Pita put on a big performance last night, showcasing some of what they have been learning in the first quarter of their school-year. I was so impressed. Mares did an incredible job preparing everything: poems, recitation, songs, psalms, plays and more! They were awesome. Here are some of their performances. The girls were able to keep all the performance a secret over the past two months, a real accomplishment especially for our 3-year old Pita. (Madge is already an expert secret-keeper.)

First Performance: Bom Dia, Tudo Bom?

Song: 7 Continents

Madge's Poem

Pita's Poem

Aesop's Fable: The Fox and the Grapes

Aesop's Fable: The Dog and the Sow

Maddy's 50 State Song

Pita's 50 State Song

Pita Psalm 23

Pita's Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Caleb Saying Cheese to the Camera

Our Homemade Water Slide

2011-11-27T12:44:00.001-05:00

All of our things finally arrived from Virginia. It was the day before Thanksgiving. The girls promptly got out their bikes. They also wanted the slide set up. We jerry-rigged a waterslide for the girls in the backyard.

Thoughts

2011-11-23T05:10:00.003-05:00

Appreciation. Simplicity. Love. Admiration. Hope. Joy. Tenderness. Realism. Fruitfulness. Abundance. Inspiration. Happiness...

I recognize all of these blessings when I am with you. I...WE love you! Thank you for being that channel of grace God desires you to be in our lives.

Baby Caleb Dancing

2011-11-18T18:06:00.000-05:00

(Sorry for the fuzziness. The camera wasn't in focus. He's still a cute dancer, either way!)

Sisters

2011-11-17T19:25:00.002-05:00

(Music: Wherever you Go, Pierce Sisters)

Her

2011-11-17T13:33:00.005-05:00

"The Lord nurtured and taught her; he guarded her as the apple of his eye. As the eagle spreads its wings to carry its young, he bore her on his shoulders. The Lord alone was her leader." (Dt. 32:10-12)

Education

2011-11-15T09:07:00.003-05:00

...always taking place at home and is the foundation for a lifetime of close relationships.

The other day, Madge had her reading books out and was sitting with Little Caleb reading (he loves the dog, Pat, in Jane and Peter, and says, "Daw-daw! Daw-daw!" as he points to the doggie-- and any birds he ever encounters.) As soon as Madge left to come to the dining room table for a lesson, Caleb squwaked... as if to say, "Where do you think you're going, biggest sister?" Madge totally got the message and wanted to be finished with her lessons just to get back to her best lesson of the day: sharing reading time with her little "Jr." as she calls Calsee. We love you, our sweets. You teach us life's best lesson: love.

The Recipe for Sweet Imaginations:

2011-11-15T09:01:00.003-05:00

...Quiet

The other day my sweet girls had a royal getaway in the school room as they built their king and queen chairs. I love the fact that there is minimal noise in the house-- except for the smooth sounds of soft music--because I get to hear all of the chit-chat, exotic trips the girls take through imaginary play, and the love messages they share. How blessed I am to have them in my life. Royal chairs or not, you two are my sweet royal ladies!

Never thankful enough

2011-11-10T07:53:00.004-05:00

Each day is exciting. There is so much room to grow, in a number of ways. But, one thing that makes me so happy to practice our Faith is that there are constant ways and helps to grow. Each month we try and focus on a certain virtue, with this month of November being that of Gratitude. Although I am thankful for so many things: waking up, drinking a cup of hot coffee next to Caleb as we gather for morning prayers that pave the way of the day, kissing our three treasures and intently watching their sweet faces and studying their little mannerisms that are just so much fun to watch and soak up, pounding the pavement in a fast-pace-run with jogging stroller in one hand and precious cargo within it, listening to the sounds of beautiful birds sing hymns to the Creator outsidem meeting a good friend, having a good conversation that is full of nothing other than love and care for another; I could go on, but, something, someone I want to say "Thank you, Lord" for today is... my dear husband, my rock here on earth, my channel of grace, my helper, my inspiration, my balance, my goodness in so many ways.

I love you.

Three Treasures

2011-11-09T07:24:00.003-05:00

...no words are necessary. You say it all with your sweet faces. I cannot help, but say three things:
I. Love. You.

Pineapples and Perspectives

2011-11-08T08:01:00.000-05:00

The other day as we were grocery shopping at Carrefour, our neighborhood supermarket, I noticed that there was a guy across the street with a wheelbarrow of pineapples. He was obviously a vendor, as he walked among the cars trying to sell his wares. He approached us as we were loading up all of our groceries into our two running strollers. Perhaps we seemed approachable because we weren't going anywhere fast or perhaps it was the novelty factor of seeing running strollers, or a family of blonds in Brazil. Either way, he came over.

He first asked where we are from. Finding out that we are Americans, he went on to say that he believes life is so expensive in the United States. (Mares and I have found the exact opposite to be true: living in Brazil (Brasilia, at the very least) is much more expensive than life in the U.S.) I told him how cars, electronics, groceries (seemingly everything) has been more expensive for us in Brazil. Not missing a beat, the pineapple vendor noted that pineapples are much more expensive in the U.S. than in Brazil. He did have a point. Pineapples here are like a half to a third the price of pineapples in the U.S. So, I suppose if selling pineapples is your livelihood, life in the U.S. is more expensive. It made me reflect on the reality that all too often we perceive and view the world from our unique prism, with our unique perspectives. The context can make all the difference. If selling pineapples is all you know, then life in the U.S. is expensive. It's all relative. Good thoughts that help me analyze my base assumptions and premises.

My Brother Joe

2011-11-07T18:53:00.003-05:00

I came across these photos of my little bro. They're five months old now, but I couldn't pass them up without making a video of them to tell my brother I love him.

Working in the field of international agriculture, I liked this photo

2011-11-07T13:13:00.001-05:00

The New York Times' Profile of Brasilia

2011-11-04T12:08:00.003-04:00

In case you're interested in learning more about where we live, yesterday the NYTimes' travel section published the article 36 Hours in Brasilia. We think it's a great place to live. We have already been to eat at one of the restaurants referenced in the article, Mangai. Of course we have made it to the Metropolitan Cathedral.

If You Give a Calsee a Pancake...

2011-11-02T12:13:00.004-04:00

you better give him a stool to go with it!

Discoveries

2011-10-28T20:59:00.001-04:00

...from the moment of our arrival here, we have been on a journey of discoveries: the beauty and goodness in self-giving from "strangers", now-called friends; the humility of our three little ones, only desirous of our love, stability in our home and union as a family that makes them so at-home in another house, another country, a whole new continent; the joy that comes in having less, so much less, and being reminded daily how awesome it is to come up with new, so new, recipes; realizing that we cannot always see what we think we can really see until we step foot inside that place and begin to discover and be. This whole idea of discoveries came to me about one month ago. Well, to me and our camera, as I stepped in to our "grove" of a backyard. We could not enter it until a week and a half after our arrival because of a padlock that had no key until the beloved workmen came and O.P.E.N.E.D it. (I do not know if it would have been a bit strange, but I think the girls and I wanted to give them all a big American hug to say OOOOOOOOOOOOOObrigada!)) We ran into our yard and delighted in the vastness of it. The beauty of having such space to run, play, swing, climb, and collect bunches of fruit in due time was overwhelming. Thank you, God. Truly, this yard is a gift, as it all is. (The night before the backy-yard's (as Pita calls it:) opening, while we were out for a family run, we thought one of the tires was a flat, but the blessing in it all was that the backyard was opened the next morning, and I have been running laps --real laps-- there. God has it all in control.) This backyard is a wonderland. We have, as Madge describes, 4-5 mango trees, 1 avocado tree (that is the girls' climbing tree!), 2-3 banana trees, 1 guava tree, and hibiscus bushes as well as palms. Nao acho que poderia fazer justica ao quintal, por isso, eu mostrarei-lo essas fotos.

You and Me

2011-10-28T20:07:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, Little Caleb woke up from his nap, and it was just he and I. I took advantage of just being...with...him, my sweet little love. He is always looking at me, or peering into my eyes when I am holding him on my hip as he pulls his face infront of mine and just stares.
These are precious moments, my son. I dearly love you.

Thank you for the sweet ways of love. You plop into my lap as you take a few steps to Mommy, or you pull yourself over and then dive head-first into my lap. Joy. I love to hear your little voice call, "Ma-maa! Ma-maa!" The other day I was in the laundry room getting clothes folded, while you and Daddy were (making ice cream) in the kitchen. I don't think you knew I was where I was, until I opened the ironing board. You then made a noise and came fast into the room. Nursing time was our date then, and we didn't leave each other's side for the next half-hour. I treasure these moments with you, my boy. Ma-maa will always love you. Thanks for these moments when it's just you and me. Here is a song for you. It came to mind as I looked at you and thought, "It's just you and me," and Ma-maa couldn't keep her eyes off you!

Pita's Photos

2011-10-28T19:27:00.003-04:00

We bought Pita her first own digital camera for her birthday. Both Madge and Pita LOVE to take photos. Who doesn't, right? Anyway, they each received a camera in their own favorite colors: pink for Madge and blue for Pita. We finally downloaded the SD card from Pita's camera and are uploading the photographs. In her own way, this is a photograph narration of the past 4 months. I have left them unedited since, well, that's the way it should be.

Outdoor Dinners on the Patio are My Favorite

2011-10-28T19:13:00.003-04:00

We have been able to take advantage of the beautiful weather to have meals outside on the backyard patio. It's a lot of fun to eat out there, by candlelight as a family. You can still hear the tropical birds in the background. The sway of the palm trees in the yard soothes the soul as the slight breeze cools your toes.

Sunday Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral

2011-10-28T19:03:00.003-04:00

About a month ago now, we attended Sunday Mass at the Brasilia Metropolitan Cathedral. It has unique architecture and beautiful stain-glass windows throughout. One of my favorite elements is the entrance. There's a single entrance way. You enter from the front and basically end up going through an underground tunnel and then walk out right into the church. It's pretty cool.

(As we were walking home from the grocery store yesterday, with groceries in tow, Mares noted that we can see the Cathedral from our neighborhood, as our neighborhood is more elevated than the city and just across the lake. Hence, our neighborhood is known as Lago Sul (or Southern Lake).)

Priceless Expression

2011-10-24T13:12:00.004-04:00

Where did they go? What was that?

Our Gauchas

2011-10-24T12:58:00.007-04:00

Madge and Peach were showered and dressed the other night for Mass in their Brasilian "gaucha" garb. :) We weren't trying to get the gaucha-look, but due to the colder weather that hit this area of the country this past weekend, the girls got to wear their warm cow-girl boots, sweaters, and as always, their sweet faces. Madge came down the stairs to show Daddy her dressed-self, and said, "Sou uma gaucha!"

Good morning, my Sweets

2011-10-19T09:36:00.002-04:00

The Girls on the New Backyard Toy: Our Zipline

2011-10-15T11:10:00.002-04:00

True Love

2011-10-14T06:54:00.005-04:00

Just this morning, I loved you so much. Every day, I love you so much. But, there are those moments that I see love just captured for a moment in time.

You were just about to head out for work when you ran upstairs to get a towel before your run. On the way out of the room, I think little Calsee awoke. So, down you cam with a sleepy, fuzzy-haired, Calsee lingering on your shoulder. Sweet, I thought. In love, I felt. You are my love. The man who can make me so grateful by the simple things in life: washing the dishes, asking to bathe our threesome as I prepare dinner, "get them" in a chase around the house, take off in a jog with Madge at your side-- just Daddy and girly time, talk through tantrums with our girlies and help them find what's wrong through words, creating a date night--like last night-- for us at home: a cup of tea, a bowl of stove-popped popcorn, a chapter of He Leadeth Me, and conversations about our day and our life together. These are the moments, the precious moments, that I appreciate, and say, "Thank you" for being my knight. I do not want headlines; I do not want the "world's" idea of love where looks, money, and the "high-life" make us soar (and then probably crash in the next life, if not also in this one). No, I do not want the glitz. But, I will take and rejoice in your goodness, the little things that make you the man God calls you to be. And, while receiving that and rejoicing in it, I am blessed and so very happy to be the one, forever, at your side.

All my love,
Mares

_________
For a real-life reflection on what romance means to John and Lisa Clark's married love and a simple reflection of the extraordinary love that God creates in married love, read this.
(A small excerpt below:)

Sometimes when we’re doing some of the more mundane things in life, such as cleaning dishes, sorting laundry, or cleaning up after Veronica’s dog, we joke to each other: “It’s not the thrill it once was, is it honey?” But the truth is, it is still a thrill. I’d rather spend an ordinary day with Lisa than an extraordinary day with anyone else. I hope every man feels that way about his wife. But if your focus is on the proper things in life, why would life ever stop being thrilling?

In our modern culture, reporters and paparazzi seek out the exploits of famous actresses, professional athletes, and rock stars, and provide pictures from their romantic dinners and escapades. Six months later, many of these cultural heroes have left their former “loves” and have replaced them with someone else. I would like to hope that romance sets its sight a little higher than that. God intended romance to be better than that.

You always meet us right where we are

2011-10-12T11:37:00.005-04:00

In our lives, Dear Mama, you have continually saved us from scary situations, blessed us with your tender love in moments of new journeys, and always met us in our home, securing us with your presence, your love, and your closest connection to your Son. We were so happy to see your figure unwrapped from our air shipment (the first of two-- the second will be by-boat). We all kissed you. Welcome, Dear Mama, today, on your feast day here in Brazil.

We love you. Thank you for being such a loving Mom to us.

Air-freight arrival means more than...

2011-10-12T11:35:00.006-04:00

...just receiving the "essentials." It means: amazing imaginary times inside, one-of-a-kind, "Dad-built" forts. Cardboard-- thick, thick, THICK --boxes, and sweet imaginations, make for beautiful moments of discovery that only cardboard boxes and childhood can.

An Ode to the Birthday Girl

2011-10-09T14:06:00.004-04:00

To My Beautiful Wife Birthday Girl,

Happy Birthday! It's the big three one. Thanks for the blessing you have been in my life and for the blessing you have been in the lives of so many people--family, friends, colleagues and even random acquaintances. I thank God for the gift of your life. I don't know where I would be without you! It's incredible to think that we have been best friends for eight years now! It's been such a wonderful journey getting to know you. I look forward to getting to know you even more for the rest of our life. You make our life so much fun, so much more meaningful, so much more spiritual, so much more connected and intimate.

The girls are so excited to celebrate your birthday with you tomorrow. I know that they won't be disappointed since most of all, they just love being with you. That's one of your greatest testaments: how much the kids all love and adore you. They might come to Dad for a fun time, but in the moments that really matter, they always run to you. You're such a wonderful mother. Thanks for the inspiration you provide us on a daily basis.

Happy Birthday, Beautiful! I hope that you have a wonderful birthday! I love you!

Blessed Mama, We Love You

2011-09-30T19:55:00.003-04:00

On the eve of your day, Saturday, we give you these sweet drawings that your girls made for you (as I'm sure you saw already from your spot) as they spoke love notes to you. As we prayed a decade of the Rosary, Madge and Peach colored some pretty pictures of you and Pita wrote her note on the back, folded the picture and placed it before your image with St. Joseph and your Babe. Madge, at first, wanted to run upstairs to get a little picture of you as you appeared on the hill of Tepeyac. But, she drew a pretty, stained-glass-colored one of you instead. She could not stop telling you, "I love you," as she drew a bouquet and leaf on the back of her picture with "I love you." We do love you. Thank you for being our sweet and gentle Mama.

14 months...

2011-09-20T20:49:00.002-04:00

We are captivated. Thank you, Lord, for this sweet life in this genuinely good little boy. We will be forever grateful. We count ourselves so unworthy to care for such a precious gift in his life (along with his sweet, motherly sisters.) But, Lord, we lift high our praise to you, and say thank You.

Sweet Security...

2011-09-19T08:23:00.003-04:00

One, happy, snuggler. Explorer. Nurser. Growing boy. One-hand-holding-walker. Lover-boy. Boisterous-voice-little-man. Big-boy-sitting-on-the-couch-guy.

Whatever your title of the day, one thing will always remain. The very bottom line is:

We. Love. YOU.

Home+School= Life, Atmosphere, Discipline

2011-09-19T07:07:00.003-04:00

...a real, life-long experience.

Life, Atmosphere, Discipline

Pictures of our New Home

2011-09-17T19:09:00.000-04:00

We have now been in Brazil for two weeks. It's crazy how fast everything has been! Already, what was an empty house has become our home. Most of our stuff won't arrive here for a few months, but we realize that it's not the stuff that makes this home but our family living here together. Enjoy the pics!

Up and Running

2011-09-08T10:21:00.003-04:00

We do not need much to be happy. A pan for cooking (aka: an indoor sled), a nice smooth floor, happy faces, and sunshine coming through the new house. We are here. We are safe. We are happy.

Blessed.

2011-07-21T08:09:00.004-04:00

As I peek in on our three little ones in the living room this morning, each has a book, quietly looking, softly talking, enveloped in a world of leisure and learning. Blessed. I cannot explain the goodness of the days, nor the challenges that come with it all. But, it is not necessary. I am fulfilled knowing that I am doing what God has called me to do: to be the best mom He has created me to be: to fulfill the blueprint He has created for my life, or as Matthew Kelly encourages, "to be the best version of myself." (So often, this can be misinterpreted as a "competition" with another person-- to be better than another. But, that is no where near reality. We are challenges to ourselves.) Our Lady is my model in this area. To a T she fulfilled that blueprint. That is success to me. I cannot explain that completely to others; that is, how motherhood...choosing to s.t.a.y. at home with my beautiful children, fulfills me beyond all telling (that does not mean it is a breeze, by any means). I remember returning to my university and running into one of my former professors. As we passed one another she asked, "Are you teaching??" I looked at Madge and, then-very-little Pita, and replied, "Here, is my class." I am so happy to have the very best of both my worlds: to continue my discipline and fulfill my vocation simultaneously. Life continues to flow and ebb-- more flow, than ebb. But, I realize that it is each of us that must make situations ebb, slow down, be at peace by asking Our Lord to calm the "storms" and tranquilize the difficulties that surround us by making us "lie down in green pastures" and focus on Him. He is our purpose, our resolve, and greatest blessing. Thank you, Lord, for these opportunities to live out my vocation and Your call to fulfill my blueprint. I hope, as time goes on, that my blueprint will continually transform into the architectural piece You have designed already. May the masterpieces be the little lives around me who continue to quietly listen, softly look, and be enveloped in leisure and learning.

He is 1!

2011-07-20T23:44:00.002-04:00

Yes, you. Sweet, you, Little Calsee. We love you oh so very much. Today you turned one year old. We recall with such joy the day we welcomed your sweet little life into ours. You're our little guy and we can't imagine life without you. You're Dad's little compatriot around the house. Thanks for all the joy and happiness you have brought to us. Happy Birthday!

She is 3.

2011-07-20T22:08:00.002-04:00

On the first day of July, Pita turned the big 3. We're proud of you, Guadalupe. You are a sweet girl, loads of fun and laughter, ever sensitive and always a character. You love to lift up your hand showing five fingers as you respond that you are now freee yeas ode. We love you, Pita. Thanks for enriching our lives with your love and laughter.

Here's your song, to you! (Mom still remembers the day when that song hit her as she was waiting in the hair salon to get a trim. You were 9 months in utero--- waiting to come out and dance to that song. Now, you dance all the time!)

She is 5.

2011-07-17T00:45:00.005-04:00

When? Where? How...

...did you grow so fast and become F.I.V.E years big? Our sweet, Madge-Pie, I remember that sweet day of your birth. Awesome. Simply awesome to experience your entrance into this world. A world, our world, that was forever changed July 17, 2006, 1:15 pm (Beijing-time). Madge, you are a true delight. God has given you a sensitive soul, a fragile conscience, a gentle love for others, and how blessed we are to share in your goodness. You are our treasure. You are our Madge-Pie.

The Girls and Their Babies

2011-07-09T16:22:00.003-04:00

The girls love to pretend. They love to be moms (one of Madge's dreams is to be a mom and an artist.) The so enjoy nursing their babies, speaking sweetly to them, bouncing them on their beds (like I have done for them since they were in utero), just holding them. Today, as I was cleaning and de-cluttering, the girls were dressing up and playing with their babies. I mentioned to Madge that she could be caring for her babies and could pretend they are at an orphanage. She went back into her room and told her dollies just that. They were all in the orphanage and very loved. So, we celebrated. We celebrated new life. One of the little girls was just born! Pita was having a little baby! Madge and Pita went to a "restaurant" to celebrate the birth of a new baby girl (she is sitting next to Madge with one of our little ones' newborn caps.)

Sweet moments, captured...enjoyed.

The Boys

2011-07-09T16:20:00.001-04:00

I Miss You

2011-07-08T13:54:00.004-04:00

As Maddy would sing, "I miss you. I love you. You never have to ask."

Joseph Anthony
Thanksgiving 1996-07.08.11

You were a sweety and asked about so frequently with Madge and Peach. I will miss you, Joe-Blow. Thanks to wonderful parents that allowed me to have such a sweet dog, train him through 2 sessions of obedience classes, and fly him to Australia as we lived abroad. The responsibility that I learned through having my sweet dog was more than any book could have ever taught, and, I hope that St. Francis can be proud of how much I loved this little guy, as did all my family, who took such good care of him.

Uma Homenagem a Minha Esposa (A mais bela do mundo)

2011-07-08T10:22:00.003-04:00

A Homage to My Wife: the most beautiful in the world!

I don't know how she does it! So often I feel like I am flailing in my two-dimensional world of work and home life. Yet, with such grace, Mary juggles tasks in about thirteen different dimensions, and ever so gracefully! In the course of the past three days, she has been unpacking from our last trip across the country, packing up for our move across the world, making homemade granola from scratch with the girls (in the midst of all the other meals every day), keeping up a robust daily prayer life, exercising, teaching the girls at home, maintaining detailed paperwork to document their educational experiences, preparing the house for rental, working to sell our second car, planning for the next year of our lives together, finding lots of time for intimate dialogue with her husband (who's madly in love with her...in case that's not obvious!), getting together with friends, making birthday gifts for family, cleaning our abode, nursing and spending quality time with Baby Caleb. The list goes on and on and on. I know that my unkeen powers of observation only catch a mere fraction of all that she accomplishes. Nevertheless, I am awed and grateful.

I love you, Mares. Thanks for all that you do. Thanks for being my best friend. You awe me and marvel me. You're the best! Estou orgulhoso de ter voce como a minha esposa e estou agradecido de ter a bencao de passar o resto da minha vida a seu lado. Beijos!

Rainbows

2011-07-08T09:11:00.005-04:00

"Mom, Um-eeer" Pita calls out to me as she anxiously awaits my climb to the top of the steps. She has a beautiful rainbow to show me. It is the light shining through our front door window, that has some prism-like glass, at its top. Beautiful. Simple. Simply beautiful. This reminds me of life. There are constantly moments to recognize in each and every day that say "He is near," and yet it is so easy to flutter from task-to-task without ever stopping to say, "Look! Look at this beauty." Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by the many things that come to mind during the day that I want to record, savor, share, learn from, and shout out, because they are truly glorious moments. They really are my rainbows. They are my children's faces, lit candles, a fresh bouquet of flowers, a kind conversation, a gentle reminder, a sweet hug, a quickly absorbed and wonderfully refreshing, "I love you," a deep conversation with my husband, a moment with my family, a rejuvenated relationship with dear friends, the sweet hope of Him that says "Come, and follow me," a yummy cup of coffee, morning prayer, Mass, memories that are sweet, times that were difficult yet outlined with silver from which rainbows and sunshine have broken through, each and every day of married love, a new baby, awesome school lessons, teaching moments that bring forth true character, clean sheets, a hot shower, renewing and recommitting to my marital vows and, realigning my will to God's in my vocation as a mom, speaking with family and friends, being inspired by wholesome people, books and ways of life, educating and being educated daily, praying the Rosary, a solid run, compassion, humility, Confession, overflowing baskets of library books, a hot cup of peppermint tea, a full red wine, and many, many more.

Rainbows.

The other day I was listening to Madge recount the Bible story of the Great Flood in Noah's time, and she said, "And Jesus said, 'I will never do anything like this to you again,"-- His promise to us through the sign of the rainbow. It is true, so true, that He will never send anything that will over take us, hidden or in-the-open, because He has conquered all things. I believe that is why I love the passage in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that says: "No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it."

Recently, I was reading from one of my favorite journals, Soul Gardening, which is written ordinary wives and moms reaching for the good in each day through her vocation and responsibility as wife and as mom. Sanctifying the present moment, through, as one priest told me, "the sacrament of the present moment." One of the writers wrote a whole article on her "rainbows" and how, she believes, (and I agree) that God gives us rainbows, or, little moments throughout our lives and days that refresh us just by recalling them. These are little gifts of hope, because as we all know, life is filled with suffering. It is a part of life. Everyone suffers. However, there is hope in it all. There can be faith in it all, if we simply take off our lenses of fear and embrace it all with hope in Him, while recalling the sweet, tiny moments, the rainbows, which God gives us to show us that He is in control, and good is abounding. St. Paul says it so beautifully when he speaks of sin and grace, and how when there is great sin, grace abounds all the more. So, when there is much rain in our lives, light will come, even in the smallest recesses of our days, and then, together, rainbows are orchestrated: in quiet, little moments.

Some of My Rainbows:

My Helpers

2011-07-08T09:00:00.004-04:00

How capable they are and so helpful. Yesterday as I was getting our "tools" out to sweep the floor, my helpers were there, ready and willing. While we cleaned we enjoyed a dance-fest too! It was pretty cool that both of Little Caleb's songs played as we danced. Sweet times. Deliberate times. Loved motherhood. I am grateful.

As I listen to the lyrics of Smile (Little Caleb's second "theme" song-- we have one for each our treasures as they've grown inside me), I realize the sentiments in this song, are true for each of our little ones. Particularly the line, "I see the best of me inside your eyes. You make me smile." Oh, so true!
________________________________________

Smile

You're better than the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler than the flip-side of my pillow (that's right)
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me
Let's me know that it's okay (yea, it's okay)
And the moments when my good times start to fade

[Chorus:]
You make me smile like the sun, fall outta bed
Sing like a bird,
Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record,
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like fool,
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold,
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone
Somehow you come along just like a flower pokin through the sidewalk crack
And just like that
You steal away the rain
And just like that

[Chorus]

Don't know how I lived without you
'Cuz everytime that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like fool, Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

[Chorus]

(Oh, you make me smile)
Oh you make me smille
(Oh, you make me smile)
Oh you make me smille

Teeth

2011-07-07T22:34:00.001-04:00

Today I went to the dentist...for the first time in mmmph years. Anyway, it was so cute. Madge left a message for me on the phone while I was out wishing me good luck. When I returned home for dinner (without any cavities, I must add), Pita must have asked me three times at dinner how my teeth were feeling. I was able to answer with utter honesty that all is well. They're such sweet and considerate little girls!

Beauty Boy!

2011-06-20T09:46:00.002-04:00

Happy 11-month birthday, Sweet Face! We love you so much and my goodness, you are loved more than you could ever imagine. I told your sisters the other day to pray for another baby, because I am afraid you may become disjointed because of the two sisters who want to hold you always in two different areas of the house! (Madge told me that she is already praying for another sibling!) You are one sweet joy. One happy, happy boy, with 6 teeth! You LOVE watermelon and we love to watch your "three-legged" crawl! You absolutely get ecstatic when you come in contact with your sisters. I surely cannot imagine life without the blessing of siblings. I told Dad the other day, again, just how much each of your lives bless the others and how after each of your births it has been awesome to love you in our arms, but then the next best thing is seeing your sisters come in and love you. God has been so loving.

It's All About You, Lord.

2011-06-15T11:53:00.006-04:00

By: Blessed Mother Teresa

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone may destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
Why?
Because in the final analysis, all of this is between you and God….
It was never between you and them anyway.

....Mother Theresa

Precious Boy

2011-06-02T13:18:00.001-04:00

Each time I hold you in my arms, Little Caleb, you snuggle up and nurse. I cannot help but look at you and take in these moments that are fleeting. The moments when you will actually fit in my arms. How dependent you are. You teach me so much: how dependent I am on God. I love you, Sweet Boy. Your sweet little laughs get me each time. I will look at you, and you look at me while you nurse, and then you giggle as you nurse. Ahh. The sweet sounds of you. Sleep well, little angel (with your sisters, in nap time.)

Three Cheers for Plastic Wine Glasses

2011-05-28T07:16:00.004-04:00

The other day, we augmented our goblet supply with some plastic wine glasses. As tacky as it may sound, they actually look and feel really great. The reason, of course, was to empower indiscriminate drinking in the presence of little hands and feet (that sometimes bump over wine glasses). There are two downsides: the glasses are so big that you can empty half a bottle of wine into a glass almost unknowingly; they don't make a regal chink at toast time. Otherwise, we have been loving our classy/plastic wine glasses!

Did You Know Killer EU Cucumbers Were Organic

2011-05-28T07:11:00.002-04:00

In article, 'Killer Cucumber' Bug From Spain Hits Britain, reporters chronicle the killer E.Coli strain found throughout Europe. Hundreds have been hospitalized and a handful of people have even died. The article does note, however, that the product in question was organic.

Schwinging and Bikes in the Backyard

2011-05-28T07:09:00.001-04:00

The glorious days of spring:

Do You Ever Wonder What Madge Looks Like When She is Talking to You on the Phone?

2011-05-28T06:59:00.002-04:00

Wonder no more. Behold.

Pita Post

2011-05-28T06:51:00.002-04:00

Pita,
Here is a special post just for you! Mom and and Dad love you so much! You bring so much joy to our life. Thanks for being our almost-three year old. Recently, you have been enjoying the fact that your hair is growing. You love massages, especially foot massages. You have been learning colors and numbers recently (you can even do 1-10 in Portuguese now).
Love and prayers,
Dad and Mom

May Crowning

2011-05-28T06:44:00.004-04:00

Lest the month of May expire before I get this up, here goes:

On Friday, May 6, our family joined a dozen or so other families from our homeschooling group to pray the rosary and hold a procession in honor of Our Lady. Our family was blessed to lead one of the decades. Cupcakes in the shape of a rosary literally sweetened the morning.

Planting. Painting. Living Spring.

2011-05-26T07:22:00.010-04:00

This past weekend we had a wonderful time getting our seeds in the ground for a summer garden. We planted a variety of flowers, marigolds, being one of them, while Daddy read aloud the story of the Marigold from Mary's Flowers. We also planted beans and tomatoes, and zinnias! The girls continue to love reading Zinnia's Garden. One new book that we just read a couple of days ago, before using watercolors to illustrate what was held in our art memory box, was Mortimer's First Garden. It was a great little book: one that will go on our garden book list! We loved how it talked about patience and how sometimes waiting for some miracles from God ask us to be patient. A good read! Before getting bitten by too many mosquitoes, we managed to get almost all of our seeds planted, bikes ridden on the patio, swings swung in, and moments shared together watching the earthworms churn our soil for a healthy garden to come! Another Sunday to be treasured in our family memory box!

Madge and Pita Singing "Ave Maria"

2011-05-22T16:22:00.002-04:00

Our girls, ever the actresses, give their Sunday-afternoon rendition of "Ave Maria." As you can probably notice from the video, Pita loves to hold music books in hand while singing. Enjoy!

Mr. 10 Months!

2011-05-20T17:48:00.003-04:00

Our little man of many wonders continues to put smiles on each of our faces. Now, Calsee, you are sitting, attempting (again and again) to craw, pulling yourself up and standing, while holding on to a bed or anything that helps you achieve your standing goal! You have 6. Meio! Seis dentes! You smile a ton, laugh a lot, especially when you see your sisters. Like today, you and I went in to wake Madge from her nap, and you glanced over, saw your biggest sister and got really excited. You love your girls. They love you! What a joy your life is and what beauty it has added to our own. I cannot imagine life any other way. And yet, I know, we know, you are a gift. You are not ours. Your are God's. May you always go to where He calls you, and we pray that we will always listen to His direction so that we can gently direct you toward Him, your true Happiness.

All our love, Sweets. Nos te amamos mais do que voce jamais saber!

Visit to Michigan over the Weekend

2011-05-04T20:53:00.002-04:00

Given our upcoming move, I traveled to Michigan over the weekend to spend some special time visiting and bonding with my parents and siblings (all five of us came together from four different states for the weekend). Mares was so kind and generous as to watch the kids during this time so that I could make the trip. Thanks, Mares, you're the best! Your generosity and efficiency around the house is ever an inspiration!

Highlights from the visit included celebrating my parents' wedding anniversary, playing board games as a family, having lunch with my folks, Mary Theresa and Joseph, and Grandma Gertie at Panera, playing Scrabble with Mom, Dad, and Micah at Panera (the next day...do you see a pattern here?), getting in two games of tennis, Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at a St. Stephen's Parish (a Polish parish that celebrates Divine Mercy in style), a family forum, frisbee with Joe, trampoline time and playing with the nieces and nephews, special breakfast date with Dad and Mary Theresa. The list goes on. Thanks to all for such a nice weekend.

Planes, Planes and More Planes

2011-05-04T20:37:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, the family came to pick me up from the airport. I was flying in from Detroit from visiting my folks and siblings. (Awesome visit, BTW.) Mares took the kids to early Mass so that they could spend some time at a park right next to the airport to provide time for the kids to watch the planes take off and land. While the girls are in some ways girly-girls, in other ways not so much. Both of them love trucks, trains, planes and especially motorcycles. (To quote someone famous: Who knew?) Anyhow, it was a great idea. With each passing plane (basically one per minute), Madge and Peach got excited all over again. A big holler for planes!

Briaaaaaaan Regan!

2011-05-04T20:28:00.002-04:00

On Sunday night, May 1, Mares and I went on a date to see Brian Regan live in Baltimore. Thanks to our friends Nicky and Dave, we were able to get out on the town. It was so enjoyable to spend such time together. Brian Regan was a lot of fun as well. My favorites were his lines about the royal wedding, only two days after it occurred! You've got to love it. We joined our friends Tom and Rebekah, Chris, and Catherine.

Date Time

2011-05-04T06:19:00.002-04:00

On Monday night, we split up for some special dates. Maddy and I went out on a date to ColdStone Creameries. Mary and Pita went to Ikea. We all had ice-cream. It was nice to enjoy special time with our kids. We love them so much! Thanks, Madge, for our date. Pita, you'll be my date next time.

Newseum Visit

2011-05-04T06:13:00.003-04:00

On Friday, Mary and the kids visited the Newseum with our local Catholic homeschooling group (a group that is now 80+ families strong!). They had a nice time. Iconic memories of the Berlin Wall, among other sites.

(This pic is in honor of Pita's godfather, Uncle Dan, a life-long Peanuts' fan.)

An Afternoon at the Park

2011-05-04T06:12:00.001-04:00

Easter Day

2011-05-04T05:54:00.005-04:00

Easter beckoned new life. We had our family Easter egg hunt in the morning before breakfast and Mass. It was so much fun to watch Maddy and Pita scurrying about in search of the eggs. Every now and then, Maddy would check on Pita and point out the locations of more eggs. They loved it, of course, and enjoyed some chocolate morsels before our special Easter breakfast of cinnamon rolls and eggs.

We attended 9:30am Mass at our Parish afterwards.

We spent the afternoon with friends Nicky and Dave and their family. The girls were able to partake in yet another egg hunt. All in all, it was a wonderful Easter day.

Easter Cinnamon Rolls!

2011-05-03T22:07:00.002-04:00

Watch out Cinnabun. You've got some serious competition. Mary made some awesome cinnamon rolls for Easter morning. We enjoyed the breakfast treat before hitting Mass on Easter morn.

Easter Egg Dying and Easter Nest Cookies

2011-05-03T22:02:00.002-04:00

We dyed our Easter Eggs on Good Friday afternoon after Stations at church. Late we made Easter nest cookies. They were delicious!

Holy Thursday Dinner

2011-05-03T21:59:00.002-04:00

On Holy Thursday, we were able to join up with some friends to celebrate a (not last) supper of our own. Here are some pics of the ceder celebration and the kids' theatrical performance that followed.

For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion

2011-04-21T21:34:00.004-04:00

Have mercy on us and on the whole world...Praying these next 9 days, beginning Good Friday for all His souls.

Mr. 9 Months

2011-04-20T20:40:00.005-04:00

(I had to snap this picture just before your going to bed tonight. Here you are, in all of your sleepiness and teething and smiling as if life just began, as it did... just 9 BRIEF months ago! Sweet dreams, Handsome Boy.)

(You and Peach...and GOOD TIMES! She always likes to say to you, "I yuv u A-yeb.")

Getting a good night's sleep before Spiritual Exercises begin. God's got the perfect plan for you, and boy are we blessed to be on this journey with you.

Geared up for St. Ignatius to help us grow Ready. Set. Smile.

(Packed for our retreat...I promised I wouldn't forget you, but I'm glad you climbed in just to be sure!)

(Here you are with your two mom-sisters that love you beyond telling. So, they use lots of hugs kisses, and holds to show you what they're "talking about.")

..with 3 + teeth (more are little gum-bulges--but, there's one that I think may even be peeking through.) We love you, Sweets. You are a gem to each of us. And, I know each of us would say, "What would life be like without Our Calsee??"

Sweet dreams

2011-04-11T14:34:00.003-04:00

I've just put you to bed, Little Peach, and now you join your big sister and little brother in the wonderful world of nap time and sweet dreams. If I had not been on a mission to get you down for a nap, I could have stared all afternoon at your little face and your little mouth as you jabbered about random things to yourself just before nodding off to never land. I love you, Little Peach. I was noticing again today just how much your hair is growing. You have a little flip in the back now.
Little Calsee, you are growing SO much. Two teeth, lots of smiles, and my snuggle-bum. As I laid you in bed this afternoon, you fell asleep beside me with your little leg on my hip. I treasure these moments of closeness with you and nursing you into your growing days, weeks, and months. I love you.

Madge, you are my big helper. Without being asked, you will oftentimes go into the room, turn on the sound maker and close the curtains so that everything is set for naps for you, Pita and Caleb. I love you.

Picnic Time!

2011-04-10T20:38:00.002-04:00

We had a lovely afternoon going for a family run, playing at the park, playing tennis, and having a picnic dinner at the park alongside the Occoquan River. It was wonderful to spend some time outside, as finally the weather was permitting. The weather around here has been extremely variable.

Our normal running trek is about 3 miles round trip from our home, with the first mile presenting quite a steep incline. It's quite a picturesque run: alongside a state park, by a waterfall, across a bridge, through the quaint-but-lovely town of Occoquan, through a lovely neighborhood and always ending at the park by the river.

Madge and I got to play some tennis. Already our third practice of 2011!

Dinner was delish: grapes, cantaloupe, homemade pizzas and veggie wraps, and Mare's homemade granola bars for dessert.

We prayed the rosary as we walked home from the park.

A great finish to a great weekend. When we returned home, it was showers, books, and bed. Once we got the girls to bed, Mares hit the Portuguese books while I have been trying to take care of some odds and ends...like this post. I am looking forward to a more-or-less normal week ahead.

My Little Love

2011-04-07T14:26:00.002-04:00

I love your SQUEEZE hugs.

The view of our backyard from the kitchen window...

2011-04-05T19:05:00.001-04:00

Each Life...Matters

2011-03-24T22:52:00.003-04:00

Prayer of St. Gianna

Jesus, I promise You to submit myself to all that You permit to befall me,
make me only know Your will.
My most sweet Jesus, infinitely merciful God, most tender Father of souls,
and in a particular way of the most weak, most miserable, most infirm
which You carry with special tenderness between Your divine arms,
I come to You to ask You, through the love and merits of Your Sacred Heart,
the grace to comprehend and to do always Your holy will,
the grace to confide in You,
the grace to rest securely through time and eternity in Your loving divine arms.

May we pray to this saint, our modern-day saint, to help us in our paths toward Him and to draw our families ever-closer to each other through Him and Our Lady.

I am astounded by her links to Brazil. God knows just why we are encountering Brazil in our journey. I cannot wait to find out His reasons.

Of Accents and Accidents

2011-03-24T20:17:00.003-04:00

A cute Madge story. With all of our current language studying going on, I asked Madge at dinner if she knew what an accent was. She responded that, "it's what happens when your undies [underwear] get a little wet and you have to tell your mom and dad." Of course, she had understood accident instead of accent. Pretty hilarious. Mares and I hid our smiles. We went on to tell her what accents are. We love you, Madge. You and your brother and sister keep us entertained!

Caleb at the Bathtub

2011-03-24T20:11:00.003-04:00

Here is our handsome boy.

No Matter Which Way I Gaze at You...

2011-03-24T14:32:00.001-04:00

...you are beautiful.

Three Treasures

2011-03-24T13:47:00.003-04:00

Sleeping...together...soundly. I love you.

Grateful to God for the Wife I have

2011-03-24T12:12:00.003-04:00

The other day I was riding home on the metro when I witnessed a scene that caused a surge of gratitude in my heart for the wife I have. Two young women (in their twenties or thirties) were riding the metro next to me. Both of them had babies who were around 2o months of age. One of the women appeared 6 months pregnant. (Yeah, I am getting good at the numbers guessing game. Not good with people's age, but good with kids and pregnancies.) They appeared to be urban, single moms. The moms spoke loudly and rather crudely to each other. One of the babies began to cry out loudly. The moms continued talking to each other while completely ignoring for a couple minutes the loud cries of the child. All this in the midst of rush-hour hustle-and-bustle. Finally, the mother turned her our attention to her child only to hit him, telling him to shut up. The child whimpered and just sat back down. The mom promptly returned to her conversation.

It was sad to observe. I have no idea of the context of what these women have been through, I have no idea of what they are living, but I do know that these poor children deserve more.

I am very grateful to God to see how Mares works with our kids. While our kids are far from perfect, they're wonderful kids--the best! It is, nonetheless, always a work in progress: we're ever striving to improve, to work with them through problems, to talk issues through, to counsel, etc. Mares has such a delicate touch of always respecting the dignity of the child. I share with her in the belief of the dignity and respect owed to every person, even little people! Thanks, Mares, for doing such a wonderful job parenting our children. I love you and appreciate you!

Grandma Mimi's Visit

2011-03-21T21:07:00.003-04:00

Grandma Mimi came out to visit us over the past week or so. As always, it was wonderful to spend time together. Lots of exciting and fun times and lots of enjoyable down time at home, too. We love you, Mimi.

Spring is Here: To the Backyard!

2011-03-21T21:02:00.001-04:00

An Afternoon Stroll to Occoquan

2011-03-21T20:55:00.002-04:00

We live five minutes by foot from downtown Occoquan, one of our favorite family jaunts. Occoquan is a cute city (only 800 residents) with a lot of history (with traces back to 1735) and lots of fun shops. With such beautiful weather over the past week, we took a walk to beautiful Occoquan. We walked the docks of the marina (avoiding the green globules left by our friends the geese) and enjoyed simply being outside in the fresh air.

Madge Getting Wigged Up

2011-03-21T20:05:00.006-04:00

My Birthday Drink: A Caipirinha

2011-03-21T20:05:00.003-04:00

Mares treated me for my birthday by making me some caipirinhas, made from authentic Brazilian cachaça, alcohol made from fermented sugarcane. It was delicious. Here are some pics. Thanks, Mares!

Madge, the Kennedy Center, and the Brazilian Flag

2011-03-21T19:52:00.003-04:00

Throughout the course of her performances at the Kennedy Center, Madge never failed to point out the Brazilian flag inside the Hall of Nations. It was very cute. She got so excited to find it.

So proud of you

2011-03-07T21:57:00.003-05:00

Madge,

You must be getting ready to take your big bow of the night! I have been watching the clock as you perform tonight, with Dad's presence backstage, and dear friends watching from the audience, while Pita, Little Cal-see and I pray for you at home. I think it was the Blessed Mama who had me look up at the clock at 9:30pm when you would be onstage. I bet you will have lots to tell me when you get home. (Sidenote: our friends just called me, Madge, and said that you were so good on stage tonight! The mommy friend told me that I should be so proud. I am, just knowing that you are using your talent for Jesus and enjoying the beauty of His gifts and virtues, like simplicity, joy, obedience, and total enjoyment of life that He has given you!)

All my love,
Mommy

Sweet love

2011-03-03T14:11:00.002-05:00

Actions speak much louder than words...

Happy birthday... one day late...but partying for days to come!

2011-03-03T08:17:00.005-05:00

(Daddy and Madge-Pie, snuggle puppies, 2009)

Dear Caleb,
Happy 30th birthday! Wow. 30 years. I am so blessed to have you in my life as my husband, my help, my dearest friend. Thank you for your love, your sacrifices, your generous ways of love to me and to our children and our families. You are a true blessing to me, and I thank God for your life. You are an incredible father: always serving, always playing, always giving so much assistance, guidance, and joyful love. Our house glows with happiness when you walk in the door. You are a real gem, and we are grateful for shining your light and love in our home.

(So good at snuggling sweet little ones: Daddy and Pita, 2009)

The celebrating has only begun. Everyday is such a gift. I love you so much. Thank you for loving me. I will always give God thanks for your life, your love, your sharing your life in love with me.

(Kisses....Daddy and Caleb, 2011)

It was so beautiful and touching to watch you last night as you were so moved by Madge, her show, and her conversations with the "wig master" after the show. I saw your eyes fill as you looked on to our little girl be such a big girl, conversing with everyone, while dressed in her soft and warm jammies at the Kennedy Center. How special that you were watching her from the audience on a night to remember, forever. You are a wonderful dad. Thank you for loving our 3 treasures so very much. What wonderful footsteps from you they have to follow.

Looking forward to continuing our celebrations of your life tonight, and...for the rest of our lives, together.

I love you,
Mares

You went...

2011-02-26T21:12:00.002-05:00

You auditioned.
You rehearsed.

You enjoy, LIFE.
I love you so much,
Mommy

Love without ceasing

2011-02-26T20:54:00.005-05:00

"The way to love anything is to realize that it may be lost." –GK Chesterton
I wasn't planning to write anything this moment. It is quiet, though: Caleb is sleeping here (Little Caleb, that is). Pita is sound asleep too, and well, the man I am about to write about is out... with his biggest girl at opening night's performance. I didn't plan to come here until I read the quote above. It hit me. It is so true. Caleb's birthday comes this week. We have already begun celebrating. (How fun birthdays are with children around. How full of life and gratitude they become with the presence of sweet little ones.) I am so grateful for what we have, each other, the lives we have been blessed with, yes, they are true blessings. How quickly everything can be taken away, and yet I am so grateful to God for the fact that we can build our eternity now with the choices we make individually and together, as a family.

I am so grateful for the life of my dear husband. Giving. Loving. Gentle. Filled with laughter. Hardworking. Never counting the cost. Thank you. You have made so many choices that have allowed us opportunities to give and to receive, mostly, to grow together and challenge ourselves and each other. I love you.

A Little Love Note to My Children

2011-02-24T12:29:00.003-05:00

Dear Madge,
Recently with all of your rehearsals and shows at the Kennedy Center, I have had the privilege and wonderful opportunity to spend exclusive moments with you. Mom and I were talking how we love to watch you interact with all of the show cast and the technicians backstage. I'm always amazed to see how much you understand and how well you're able to articulate your thoughts and feelings. You're such a sweet girl and so much fun to be around. Last night, were to talking with the character Goro about how he had shaved his head for the role in the opera. I asked you afterward if you wanted me to shave my head (not that I would, but more out of curiosity to hear your response). You said, "no, Dad. Your hair is perfect just the way it is. I love your hair." And you began to stroke it. You're our sweetie pie. You and Pita are always so quick to think of one another. When we took you out for a special ice cream date on Tuesday, your first request was to take an ice cream home for Pita. Ever considerate. I treasure our moments together. I know that at some future moment we will to part, but for the time being I am enjoying every moment with you.
Love, Dad

Dear Guadaloops,
You are our sweet cuddler. My favorite moments with you are when you come running into my legs for a hug. Every time we see each other, you're coming over to spread some loving affection. You have so much to say...we can't wait for all those vocabulary words to arrive so we can understand your many thoughts! Know that your Mom and I are making a concerted effort that you don't develop middle-child syndrome. I don't think you'll have a problem with that as your creativity, uniqueness, and love overflow. It's wonderful to see your areas of growth. It's also wonderful to see your caring side. I find it amazing how one second I can be providing some rather strict discipline and then the next second you're all over me with affection and love, and we're playing again. Just like your big sister, you're so much fun to be!
Love you, Pita,
Dad

Dear Caleb,
Our healthy, happy and beautiful little boy! We all love. I will have to write some more for you later on as I am running to Portuguese lessons now.
Love you lots,
Dad