I think I’m part Brazilian now

I’m not gonna lie.  I love Brazil.  Part of my heart is there.  I’ve been there 5 times now and I love it a little more each time. 

Daniel led our mission trip there again this time and honestly, that’s pretty stressful.  The preparation for the trip was especially frustrating this time and almost made me dread going.  And now after the trip, I can’t even believe I said that!

Daniel with Baby Daniel (yes, named after him!)

Damiana and family, including Baby Wendi

 

After our guys beat the Brazilians 3-0

Not quitting my day job to become a brick mason anytime soon

 

The cutest siblings in all of Brazil

 

Ok, maybe THESE are the cutest siblings

 

Sweet sisters

Our Brazilian daughter, Laura

 

Bailey sharing the gospel with witness bracelets

 

Encouraging the girls to use the bracelets to tell others about Jesus (and they did!)

 

 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

Around Here

Heard around the house lately:

Yesterday, while I'm Shredding (Day 7 or 8, first day of Level 2):

Hayes: What are you doing?

Me: Resting a second.

Hayes: You're not supposed to rest!! (He's heard Jillian say that.)

Me:  Thanks, Mr. Lying on the Floor. 

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Hayes, after doing 5 jumping jacks and lying on the floor for 7 minutes:  I'm dying!

Oh please.

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We were playing Uno and I called him out for not saying "Uno" and he says, "Come on, Lady!"

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Getting out of the car after being gone for almost a week:

Hayes: Home Sweet Home!  Sweet Home Alabama!

Um, yeah, we live in NC.

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And just a little taste of where we've been lately:

               

               

               

               

               

Show Us Your Life

So I'm participating in Kelly's Show Us Your Life Friday. And today it's How You Met Your Husband. 

Anyone who has known us for a while probably knows this story and usually gets a good laugh from it.  It's pretty involved. ha!

Once upon a time, way back in 1985, I was going on my first beach trip with my youth group.  Every year they went to Garden City, SC to the retreat center there.  And every year our youth group met another youth group from Asheville there.  Our pastors were friends and somebody had the idea to join our groups together for a trip and there ya go.  That year was like the 12th or 13th year for the trip.

And THAT year I met Daniel, who was in the Asheville youth group.  I definitely remember him that first year.  Not sure he remembers me though.  Honestly he was just a goofy almost 9th grader hanging out with his friends.  I was a shy almost 7th grader who was just trying to figure out this whole youth group thing.

So years go by and every summer we see the same kids who live 1 1/2 hrs away from us.  Friendships develop. During the school year, we would write letters (real, actual letters!) and keep up a little that way. 

Then yada yada yada, Daniel and I start liking each other just before my senior year in high school.  (yes, I just yada yada yada-ed my whole middle and high school years!)  We started dating at the beach that year.

Here we are!

                             

This was my senior year and Daniel was in his sophomore yr of college.  3 1/2 hours away.  And my parents, in their infinite wisdom, would not let me go visit him.  So he came to visit me a few weekends a month. 

And then somebody (ok, me) broke up with him in December of that year.  On a Saturday night. While he was at my house.  For the weekend.  How horrible is that?!

Years go by. Ok, about 6 actually.  I'm out of college, working nights as a nurse and living at home.  We re-connect and date for a few months.  This time he breaks up with me.  At HIS parents' house.  The night before we are to go to a wedding.  Together.  Oh yeah.  Fun times.  And some (not me!) might say, pay back. 

More years go by.  Really, 3.  I'm working nights still, just bought a townhouse, loving life.  Enter into the picture again, Daniel.  Meets me in the parking lot before work and basically tells me I'm the one for him.  I'm pretty sure I just let him talk and then told him I was finally loving my life and who did he think he was to come in and throw this at me. I'm sure I was a joy to behold and why in the world didn't he high-tail it out of there?  Well, thank goodness he didn't!

After a good talking-to from our friend Ashleigh, he backed off and gave me some time.  A few phone calls over the next few months and I was ready to date him again.

So get this:  First date (again) in July 1998, engaged in September (in Garden City), married in May 1999.  What can I say?  When you know (FINALLY KNOW!), you know.

And of course, everybody in our lives, including our parents said, "It's about time you two figured out what we've known for years!" 

So here I sit, 11 years later, homeschooling our 2 children and totally loving re-telling our story.  I love our special story and the way God kept bringing us back together.

 

And today:

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...the beautiful sunshine and warm weather.  And pollen.  Don't forget the pollen.

I am thinking...that I'm in big trouble because my daughter is not even 10 and the drama and attitude is about to put me in the crazy house.

I am thankful for...Girls' Weekend At The Beach!!! (See above!)

From the learning room...Transcontinental Railroad, 7s times tables, spelling words, pronouns, poems, and drama. :)
From the kitchen...fresh veggies and fruit from the farmer's market. Yay!!

I am wearing...green and purple pjs. Yes it's almost 11 AM, don't judge.

I am going...to take the kids to Carowinds even though my daughter's attitude might tempt me to leave her there.  It's called grace.  And also I don't want to be stuck here with her all day. ha!
I am reading...Eighth Shepherd by Bodie & Brock Thoene (series that my mom got me started reading)

I am hoping...that I will maintain my positive attitude and good mood all day long.  Some days it's a struggle.  (Who am I kidding with the 'some'?)

I am hearing...the hum of the computer, Hayes playing, and Becca singing along with her MP3 player (O, Happy Day!).  Almost makes up for the 'tude.

Around the house...kids doing school, dishwasher washing, toys on the floor. 

One of my favorite things...my parents' beach house.  I'm so stinking excited to go!  Added bonus, I get to see a bloggy-turned-real-life friend while I'm there!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  park with friends, washing clothes, packing, travel, then beach, sun, lots of laughing and talking and reading and oh my word I'm so excited!!
A Picture to Share:


                
What's a Star Wars birthday party without light sabers?  And can you believe I was the sucker who bought them?  I blame it on a weak moment at Party City. 
See more posts at Simple Woman's Daybook.

Things I'm Thinking About Today

Some are random, silly things.  Some, not so much.  And a few pics thrown in just because.

--My 5 year old (as of yesterday!) was talking about a little boy who threw dirt at him and spit at him last night at Becca's softball practice.  He said, "I wasn't mad.  I just had on my regular face." 
At first, of course, I laughed.  How funny is that?  My regular face.  Then the lesson started to come.  We'd just been doing a devotion using Resurrection Eggs.  Today was the dice, signifying the Roman soldiers gambling for Jesus' robe.  The devotion talked about Jesus praying for and forgiving the men who were making fun of him, beating him, and killing him. 
So we talked about what you do when people are mean to you.  And how like God to give us a real life situation the night before! 
Hayes had on his regular face when a boy was mean to him.  He didn't hit back, apparently didn't even get mad.  Wish I could say the same for my reaction when I found out. (I wasn't there.) 
                  

--Can't stop thinking about a neighborhood kid who was here when we were sitting down for dinner tonight.  With a very surprised look on her face, she said, "You all eat dinner TOGETHER?"  Yes.  "We don't.  Some of us eat at the table, some in the living room, some upstairs."  No judgement here.  I just can't help think of what they might be missing.

--I didn't watch Idol yet and I'm not sure I will.  I read BooMama's recap and it didn't seem like I missed much.  Should I watch or just skip it?
                

--Beth Moore's book So Long, Insecurity is rocking my world.  Anybody else?
                      

--Eight days until girl's weekend at the beach with my bestie and our moms.  CAN. NOT. WAIT.  I need a vacation in the worst way.
               

--Sometimes happiness is a Star Wars tent and a Darth Vader candle.
               
               
**Edited to add: I have no idea why this video is so big.  I tried to fix it but couldn't.  You get the idea. ha!
--Sometimes it's THIS:

American Idol - Top 11

Billboard's number 1 songs is the theme this week. 

Lee - The Letter  Totally agree with the reviews I've seen of Lee, he needs to show more personality.  He can sing for sure.  I like this jazzy version of the song and he could be in danger of the brass section overpowering him on stage.  But I think he's showing more personality tonight.  Probably his best performance so far.

Paige -  Against All Odds  Don't know if it's her voice problems or what but she's seems really pitchy.  Awww man, the whole thing was just off.  I hate that for her. Can't believe Lacey went home instead of her. (Is that mean?)

Tim - Crazy Little Thing Called Love  Bless him, he's trying to show more personality tonight, but Simon's going to go OFF on the sliding around on the stage.  The vocals were ok for me.  I'm glad he was moving around more, so performance-wise it was better.  But vocally it was just, eh.  Whoa, he got slammed.  I feel bad for him but it really was kind of uncomfortable. 

Aaron - I Don't Want To Miss A Thing  I can tell his voice is not as strong as usual, but I think he's doing great.  Not his best performance, but pretty solid. 

Crystal - Me & Bobby McGee  Have no idea if she took Miley's advice or not, but it sounded crazy good.  I don't know that song but I could totally hear her recording it.  Do I sound like a broken record yet?  Winner.

Michael - When A Man Loves A Woman   Great song for him, although predictable.  He's in it to win it, as they say.  Homeboy can flat out sang.  Outstanding.  Seriously, Kara and Simon are just nit-picking now. 

Andrew - I Heard It Through the Grapevine  Didn't love it.  I think Simon may be onto something.  Maybe the Straight Up performance was just overrated. 

Katie - Big Girls Don't Cry  I like her voice, but I kind of think it fell apart a little at the end.  Not her best performance.  She does look better, younger.  And a better song for her. 

Casey - The Power of Love   Back to the Future, anyone?  I always think of that movie when I hear this song.  The other guitarists are showing more personality than he is.  He needs to work on that.  Vocals are great as always. 

Didi - You're No Good   I don't get the judges.  I liked this a lot.  I totally disagree with them.  I thought it was great and she looked comfortable on stage.  But what do I know?

Siobhan - Superstition  That girl is so different when she is on stage.  When she talks, she's so soft-spoken and almost childlike.  Then she gets on stage and starts channeling Adam Lambert with all the screaming.  I really like her but the crazy screaming is getting on my nerves.  Does she have to do it in every song now?

In my opinion, Tim and Paige are in trouble.  But the teeny bopper vote will probably save Tim.  Time for Lost!

Blog post ideas from an NBA game

                            

We took the kids to a Bobcats game tonight.  We actually won the tickets at another game a few weeks ago.  The seats were supposed to be in the upper level, but hey they were free.  When we got there, we found out they were lower level, 10th row from the floor, right behind the Bobcats bench.  Sweet!  With new owner Michael Jordan sitting on the end of the bench!

So I'm sitting there, taking it all in.  I admit I'm not a big NBA fan.  I'd much rather watch a pro baseball game or even football.  And would always rather watch a college game of any kind.  

Two and a half hours later there are all kinds of blog post topics running around in my head.  Here's some insight into my mind.

--The Lady Cats.  From the spandex to the knee-high boots.  To the not so great dancing.  And I know good dancing.  I've seen Making the Team.  These girls are not DCC material. 

--A grown man (a father, no less) who took a T-shirt out of my daughter's hands. (Oh yes he did.  Holdmeback. HOLD ME BACK.)

--People watching vs. Game watching (guess what I did)

--How excited my kids get over a basketball game.  Very into it!  Learning the players names and asking questions. So fun.

--So cotton candy.  How can they charge $4 for basically sugar and air?

--What is it about St. Patrick's Day that can make an otherwise sane and sober 20-something woman break out the green short shorts, skin-tight tank top, green and white striped knee socks, some green Mardi Gras beads, and a rub-on shamrock tattoo and go out IN PUBLIC? 

--Michael Jordan: How do you look the exact same as when you played at UNC? How?

--Beer in cups should have lids.  That way it wouldn't get spilled on my shoes.  Is it the 5 beers they had before they walked to their seat with the 6th one, overflowing and spilling on everyone they pass?  Or are all beer drinkers just clumsy and inconsiderate?  I don't walk around with my Coke sloshing out all over the floor and whoever happens to be in my path.  Just wondering.  Maybe a lid would help.  Or a sippy cup. 

Bobcats won by the way.  I do know that.  Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 100-92.  Who even knew OKC had a team?