So Thankful

I really do enjoy cooking and baking. When I first saw this kitchen I new I would have to make do. I also new it would be temporary. A month and a half or so ago J was doing dishes and the little contraption above the sink blew up and it has never been fixed. Therefore causing me to be without hot water. I can still get it from the bathroom shower, so I get a giant bowl and carry my water in. In a way I kind of feel like I am camping. My stove doesn't work properly, I have no microwave and no can opener. I use a swiss army knife and I am getting really good.. I know the can opener thing is something I can resolve easily but who thinks about buying a can opener until you actually need it.

So why I am so thankful for this kitchen.

#1 reason...Well it makes me thankful for my old kitchen that I didn't exactly love. Decked out with a properly working stove, an electric can opener and hot water right from the tap that you can actually drink. Last but not least a counter top and microwave. Ahh the memories and what I have to look forward to.

#2 Reasons... I have seen some other kitchens here that makes this one look like a gourmet kitchen. It makes me thankful that I have a home with a place to cook meals for my family.

Truly Thankful.

Celery Hand

Had to take a picture. Yes it is celery and no not all of them looked like this. Shouldn't this be on ebay or in some wierd museum.

Family day at M's School

M has really enjoyed school this year. He is quite the talker and is loved by everyone.

Learning about the cycle of a caterpillars life.

Snacking on the same foods as "The Very Hungry Caterpilar"

How did you ever get this big?

Just over 110 cm....

Celebration of the World

Annually at Graded they celebrate all the different cultures that are represented at the school. It consists of great food and fun entertainment. This year J was introduced to Irish Dancing. J is always one to try new things and Irish dancing did not disappoint. She is a natural.

She has such great friends.

This booth was the American booth. My friend worked very hard on this and did an amazing job. They served up cupcakes, brownies, cookies and milkshakes.

A little taste of what "Carnival" is like.

Each classroom picks a theme and organizes a basket.

I helped with the All-American Breakfast basket.

It turned out rather nice.

The Last Hoorah!

I can't even say how much fun we had having Grandma and Grandpa and Tiffany here.

It was wonderful to share with them a little bit of what we have experienced over the past year and a half. We gave them a little taste of the food, traffic and the culture of Brazil. What an experience.

They came on a wednesday about noon. They pushed aside there exhaustion and we took them to school to see J and C. I wish I had good pictures. C about jumped into there arms and J came running over with arms opened wide to give them a hug. The car ride home from school was the last rest they would get. For the next 2 weeks they visited Sao Paulo, Iguacu, and Rio.

Futebol Museum

Zoo Safari

C admiring his teeth

Parque da Independencia

Rio de Janeiro

M and C fighting while at the Christ the Redeemer statue.

M gave C a bloody nose. Waking up at 5:00 a.m. to catch a flight and then going non-stop the whole day doesn't always bring

out the best in us.

Looking just past us is the Sugar loaf or Pao de Acucar.

M was in the stroller pouting. Atleast he was quiet.

The tram we took to the top of Pao de Acucar.

It was beautiful!

Signature design for Rio's sidewalks.

Enjoying the view from the Sugar Loaf.

Botanical Gardens of Rio.

This is where M and Grandma became best friends.

So Sweet!

M and the monkey river.

Toothpaste

This is R babes new trick. He loves to climb up on the bathroom counter and play.

My idea of a toy and his idea of a toy are not quite the same.

Reasonings of a 9 year old.

J and I were walking home from the store.

J: Hey mom, call dad and tell him we are going to the mall.

M: J I couldn't find my phone last night so I didn't charge it therefore I don't have it with me.

J: Do you know where it is because I do.

M: Yeah I found it in the weirdest spot.

J: I know because I put it there.

M: Why did you put it there.

J: I was getting revenge.

M: Why were you mad at me?

J: I wasn't mad at you, I was mad at Dad.

M: Then why did you hide MY phone?

J: Because I knew if I hid Dad's phone I would be dead meat.

M: So how was hiding my phone getting revenge.

J: Because Dad's company pays for your phone.

M: HUH? You do realize we can't go to the mall now because you hid my phone.

J: Oh, now Dad is toast, I am really going to get revenge.

M: Do you do this a lot?

J: No, this was my first time.