Our Helpers

 (Madge changing Caleb's diaper)

(Pita filling up the water bottles)

 
(Caleb helping Mommy make hummus)


_____________________
The other day, Pita and I (with Little one #4 inside), and Little Caleb ran to the grocery store while Madge was at her rehearsal for her piano and rhythm recital. (Pita wanted to get Maddy some flowers.. they ended up being beautiful pink roses!). As we were checking out, Caleb was in the cart helping me bag groceries and Pita was beside the cart getting ready to help gather groceries. I looked over and a Brazilian woman said in Portuguese-- after seeing me with two of our four :) children--how difficult it is to shop with two (kids). Difficult? No. Helpful, yes. These are the little people who ask what they can help with next; if I can load their carts up (the other day we were at another grocery store and they each had a miniature cart, piled high with all our groceries.); and, they bring joy, laughs, opportunities for sanctity in the day, and so much more to our what-could-be dull grocery runs. So, I just had to smile and say to the woman that our kids are my help. I appreciate each of you so much. Madge, thank you for making me a coffee today. Pita, thank you for our surprises of setting the table so nicely. Little Caleb, thank you for going right after dinner to wash up your hands from our dinner. You are gems, and God truly blessed us with your presence. I am in awe of your goodness. As we prepared to go see Daddy the other day and then head for a family swim, everyone helped get ready. Madge got Caleb's diaper all changed and Pita filled our water bottled, and today, well, after asking "Counter," Little Caleb pureed boiled garbanzo beans, garlic, olive oil and spices for a fresh batch of hummus. What would we do without each of you?

War on Women

A great video about the Democrat's real war on women:

Article: Vatican to the UN: all parents have the right to homeschool

See whole article here.

“The State should respect the choices that parents make for their children and avoid attempts at ideological indoctrination,” the permanent observer mission of the Holy See to the United Nations wrote in a statement released last Tuesday. 

Parents “have the right and duty to choose schools inclusive of homeschooling, and they must possess the freedom to do so, which in turn, must be respected and facilitated by the State.”

Conversations with Madge Pie

The other day in the bathroom, I had a cute and touching conversation with our Madge Pie. She remarked:

Dad, you're the queen's knight. Mom's the queen, and you're the knight that keeps her safe and protects her. You're also our family's knight, since you watch over us and keep us safe.

Her comment brought tears to my eyes, since this is truly what I aspire to do, though I know too well how often I fall short in the midst of the trials of everyday. I told her, "Madge, thank you. I do try." She responded emphatically, "No, Dad. You are the queen's knight and our family's knight." Thanks, Maddy. Thanks for your encouragement and reminding me of my vocation. We love you.

Pita: When I become a Mom, I am Going to Cook Meat

Our Little Pita loves her food. Just like me when I was a little boy, she hums when she eats her food. You can hear audible sighs of satisfaction as she confronts her plate.

Apparently she particularly loves meat. The other day, she remarked, "When I become a Mom, I am going to cook meat." Three cheers for meat! I didn't really know how to respond, so I just nodded my head in assent and said okay. She is a funny girl, ever the charmer, always cute, and quite the carnivore!

UPDATE (5/10/2012):A couple days ago, we were getting breakfast ready. We asked Pita what she wanted for breakfast: toast, yogurt, or cereal? Her response as she jumped up and down with a big smile on her face: I want meat, I want meat, I want meat! She made us laugh.

Sharing Oped: Jesus has no place in budget conflict

A priest in inner Pennsylvania wrote an Oped in the Republican Herald. I found the piece to be extremely cogent and insightful. All too frequently the WWJD (what would Jesus do) expression is co-opted for manipulative purposes. Would Jesus oppose the Ryan budget?

The only human being who is authorized to command the consciences of all Catholics or of any particular group of Catholics is the pope. ... The sitting pope is the only human being authorized to command the consciences of all Catholics, whether all Catholics in the world or all in the USA or elsewhere. Popes command consciences only infrequently and only in matters of utter moral clarity. The pope has not made nor will he make any explicit pronouncements that are specific to our national budget. Even if, to be hypothetical, he were to overreach and make such a pronouncement, it would not and could not be binding on consciences.

Your editorial concludes with this sentence: "As House Republicans continue to appeal to religious conservatives, it's pretty clear that their budget is not what Jesus would do."

Well, it might be clear to you what Jesus would do, but it sure isn't clear to me! I think it borders on sacrilege to presume you know exactly what Jesus would do in regard to the national budget. Pope Benedict doesn't know. I don't know. Quite frankly, you don't know either! We work it out via the political process, take a deep breath and hope for the best.

It's an excellent article in clarifying the role of the Church in commanding the consciences of the Catholic faithful and the ingenuous tactic of  framing a contrarian opinion as immoral when the standard setter is completely arbitrary!

Movie Night and Yummy Caramel Corn

On Friday night we enjoyed our weekly "Movie Night" with the musical Annie. But, to top off a night of family fun, we enjoyed one of our favorite sweet-savory treats: Caramel Corn, in "movie-atmosphere-style" with parchment cones. It is funny what a simple little thing does to a sweet treat. The girls and Little Mr. Caleb love having their own little cone to enjoy their popcorn from.

Celebrating Love: St. Gianna Beretta Molla

"Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without suffering and we cannot suffer without love." - St. Gianna Beretta Molla.

"Every meal should be prepared with love and eaten in peace, because its purpose is to strengthen us for the service of love."- Catherine Doherty

On Saturday evening we enjoyed a beautiful celebration of St. Gianna Beretta Molla with a family dinner: garlic chicken salad, with toasted ramen noodles, red onion and red-wine vinaigrette dressing, bruschetta with freshly-cut basil, and a Brazilian dessert of coconut custard and fresh fruit salad; bright sun-burnt-colored roses made the table shine.   Madge and Mommy made place cards for the table, and in honor of St. Gianna they colored Italian flags on them. The underlying adjective of the meal, fresh, reminds me of new life, and in St. Gianna we are given a beautiful example of sacrifice through death, which brought forth freshness, new life: for her eternal life and for her baby girl Gianna Emannuela, an opportunity to walk an earthly life and share God's gifts and graces through herself, thanks to her mom's sacrifice in laying down her own so as to give life, God's gift, to her daughter. 

 

As I think about the life of St. Gianna I am reminded of how closely related are St. Gianna's quote and Blessed Mother Teresa's quote on our daily duties. Mother Teresa says that we ought o be faithful in the small things for it is in them that our strength lies, and St. Gianna says that our sanctity, the real stuff, that will help us get to heaven is in the daily tasks, the dishes, the cleaning, the conversations, the hidden acts of love, straightening drawers, filling soap dispensers, sweeping, all of the "necessities" that are hidden. Hidden was Our Lady's life and so bright was her faithfulness, her love, her humility. These three lives are so worth contemplating, but more than that, their actions are so worth mirroring. 

Madge's Parrots

The other day when I was at work, Madge called me. She told me that she was not able to nap, like she normally does every afternoon. When I asked her why she couldn't sleep, in a sleep yet excited voice she responded:

Some parrots made a home next to my room. They were speaking really high in their language. And so I couldn’t sleep.

True enough, the parrots and parakeets outside can be extremely noisy, especially when there's a whole group of them. I just thought it was so sweet the way she expressed herself. We love you, Madge Pie!

Announcing...

Trumpet trills! We are so thrilled to announce that Little Guy/Gal #4 is on the way!

For the 10k Night Run, Mares sported her new shirt. She is definitely running for two! (Not only has she done this 10k while pregnant, she has run another 10k and a half-marathon to boot. Did I mention that she's incredible?)

The kids are all really excited for our October Baby. We saw the little on in our first ultrasound the day after Easter. I have never seen such an active one in utero. Because he is only 14 weeks old now, he still has some space in there to move. (Note: I am saying he for linguistic simplicity, but it definitely could be a she.) He would bounce around on the computer monitor and then apparently fall asleep. Then, he would begin bouncing again. He's quite the cutie...I can already tell...not that I am a biased dad or anything.

We'll have to write more about the kids' reactions when we told them, but both Madge and Pita probably spent five minutes asking us, incredulously, "Mom and Dad, are you joking?" As Pita said, "Is this for real or pretend?" When they finally figured out we weren't joking they were jumping around with joy.

Poor Mares has had some awful nausea for the past few months. This has been the worst nausea yet. The first trimester will be ending soon, so hopefully the nausea will be out the door, too. Say some prayers for her. In the meanwhile, the kids have been great helpers at home.

Now we'll have to figure out whether we need a new running stroller!

Family Runs

...we just returned from another family run (10k). It was a night-run! A great path, quietness, inclines and declines were super parts of the track leading up to the finish line where we all were excited to say, "Viva a familia!"

As we returned to the car to head home, we could hear our family song playing. What a fun night, together!

(Translation: Here the World Cup begins.)

It was also pretty fun to start and finish the run with the 2014 World Cup (in-the-works) stadium in the background.

Funnies

Peach, Peach, Peachy! We love you. You are full of animation and so much depth. Sometimes you are noticed by others for your cuteness and your spunkiness, and you do have both, but you are so much for than those. You have deep thoughts, a sweet, truly loving and sensitive personality, very similar to your big sister who also has a heart of gold and warmth for Jesus like you, Miss.  

Last night, Momma was kissing you goodnight, and you had the heating pad under your legs. (You have enjoyed many times the luxury of warmth and relaxation that the heating pad gives to your ...
g r O I w I N G legs. As I kissed you goodnight and asked if you wanted your Dora sheet or Ballerina quilt on you, you told Momma "no," because you were too hot. So, you tried to fix being hot by asking me, "Mom, can you make the heating pad cold, not hot, really, really cold?" Mommy had to smile inside and laugh... since the heating pad just isn't quite able to jump to extreme temps like that! I love you, Peach. You make us smile.

Another "funny" from last night. Pita came down the steps after being put in bed. She had her water bottle in her mouth but was trying to converse with me. It was a jumbled, mumbled voice that I heard, with the water straw being half in her mouth. She had a couple of excuses to leave bed:

#1: "I have a "skeeto" bite" (which the girls have been calling "Ba-geeto bites, and cracking up over!)
#2 "I'm filled with potty" (aka: "I have to get to the bathroom!)

Pita, we love YOU and all your little and BIG ways!!

It's All About You, Lord

As I look at the countless ways you serve, ultimately the way you love, I reflect on this song, The Heart of Worship, particularly these lines.

"...You search much deeper within
Through the ways things appear
You're looking into my heart ...And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus "-- song, Heart of Worship, Matt Redman


I know that what we can give to Our Lord is filled within and without with eternity, living out out the everlasting right here, right now.


I love you, and I am so grateful for the countless ways you serve and desire to be God's channel of grace in my life. We are that channel to each other, and instead of waiting to live heaven, thank you for living it now in service to God through your every day actions in our marriage: washing the dishes, grocery shopping, washing the vegetables, folding the laundry, wiping up the sinks (even if it is on another day than the scheduled "Tuesday Bathroom Cleaning Day"!) I love you.


I know I did not do anything to deserve goodness, and that it is all a gift. I gladly accept that gift, you, and I will treasure you and pray for you every step of the way that you may fulfill His plan and purpose for your life.


_______________________________________
When the music fades
And all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the ways things appear
You're looking into my heart

[Choras:]
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You Jesus
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/matt_redman/the_heart_of_worship.html ]
[Verse 2:]
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath
I'll bring You more than just a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

[Choras:] I'm coming back to the heart of worship And it's all about You All about You, Jesus I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it When it's all about You It's all about You Jesus Its all about you Jesus

Always New and Exciting Callings...

Tonight as I was putting Madge to bed, she was telling me how her throat was still bothering her. During the day, I had taken our usual steps to help: garlic oil rubbed on her throat, elderberry syrup and cherry bark syrup swallowed, and warm salt water gargled. So, with these ways of "nursing" her back to health, she whispered in my ear tonight, "Mom you do such a good job taking care of me. Whenever I tell you something is wrong you take care of me and say you have it. I think God will call you to be a nurse or a doctor." I love you, Madge. You never know what God has in store for us next. But, I know my favorite duty is just being your mommy-nurse!

Happy Easter from Our Family to Yours!

Alleluia, He is Risen! Let us rejoice and be glad! We hope you are enjoying the fruits of the Season and are dipping into some yummy basket treats... if there are still some chocolates left!

News: CDC Reporting 78% Increase in Autism Among U.S. Children Over Past Decade

This is a pretty incredible jump, 78 percent increase in just 10 years! See article here and report here. It's hard not to think that there must be some introduced element that has caused this intense upswing.

A positive note, I was remarking to Mares over dinner, is the fact that autism spectrum disorders are not biological, i.e. they lack biological markers. As such, there is no danger of selective abortions to children with autism. I truly believe that children with autism and other "disorders" are an incredible gift to humanity. In and of themselves, people with autism are beautiful people who share in the dignity of the human race, worthy of our respect in every way. In addition, people with autism can help us to live outside our comfort zone, think of someone other than ourselves, and most importantly recognize the importance of truth over social mores.

Sisters enjoying sunshine

Today is another gorgeous day, still the rainy season but almost taking on characteristics of the soon-to-arrive wet season when there will be no cloud in the sky. With perfect sunshine above and lots of shadows cast below, I couldn't help but snap a shot of the sisters who were enjoying Madge's outside art creations: dipping her hands in water, making hand prints on the hot patio and tracing them with chalk. Fun art work... before Madge's making dog paw prints around the patio and making up her own "Blues Clues"!

Sister time and discoveries

Today the girls enjoyed their second Portuguese lesson, while Mr. Caleb and I enjoyed a little "date time" in the kitchen making some "Purple Slaw." The best part of it all, in addition to time spent with my sweet little son, was that I was making a dish that he and I love!
Yep, Little Cal and I are the two lovers of this slaw. Madge loves cabbage by itself, but not as slaw.



Little Caleb, however, cried yesterday after taking the last bite of slaw, with no more to replenish his bowl. After a healthy dose of veggies and fruits from our grocery run last night, we are stocked for two, good, loads of Purple Slaw. Delish! And, as sweet as the slaw, is the boy I shared my date with today...

Apt Quote on Life in Brazil

In a recent article, a Canadian expat who has been teaching English in Brazil for the last decade provided an apt quote about life in the country:

"Living here is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. Brazil is one of the most bureaucratic nations I have ever heard of and many of the rules and regulations simply don't make any sense whatsoever. One just has to accept the Brazilian way of doing things and exercise lots of patience."

Brazil is a big and beautiful country with many positive characteristics. The bureaucracy and regulations, however, can be intense and stifling. We've found acceptance and patience, as counseled by the above-cited expat, to be the best forward. We would add trust in God and his plan as an essential ingredient to sane living here as well. The final component that I have found helpful is "pessimistic persistence," a new term I just coined. Pessimistic persistence© is the art of insisting and not giving up in the attempt to resolve a conflict or accomplish something, all the while holding absolutely no expectations the persistence will pay off. Believe it or not, it's a form of optimism, as I have found myself happily surprised by the number of times there has been a pay off, in spite of the bureaucratic rules and regulations!

Roman Numerals and Microwaves

So many fun stories from the morning. Yet another from 6am this morning.

I was making coffee and Madge was helping out. She was heating up the cream for the coffee in the microwave. She asked me what buttons she need to push to turn the microwave on. I gave her the directions. She was thinking a moment, and then she stated matter-of-factually: [the microwave] "should have Roman numerals instead of these ones [conventional numbers]. That way I can learn right here when I use the microwave." This brought a smile to my face as I tried to imagine a microwave with Roman numerals...a little retro, nowtro action. (A quip from Mighty Wind.)

Madge has been learning all the Roman numerals in school--she has learned all the Stations of the Cross during Lent, and the accompanying Roman numerals. It's been really wonderful to observe. Throughout Lent, we have been doing the Stations of the Cross as a family. Madge gets so excited to do them, "Mom and Dad, I love doing the Stations of the Cross." Mares has done an incredible job of integrating many subjects into a Stations of the Cross learning module. For handwriting and spelling, Madge has written out each of the stations. (My personal favorite is when she reads from her handwriting book, "Jesus meets his afflicted mother." When she reads the word afflicted it's like she knows it's a big and sophisticated word.) She covers religion as they discuss the events in each of the stations. On top of it all, she has learned her Roman numerals! Now if only they made microwaves with Roman numerals...