Brazilian Independence Day Party

Glen, Tori and I went to San Francisco to celebrate independence day with the Brazilian community. After parking .5 mile away and finding the location, we enjoyed the music, loud people, and the food. Small venue and very hot but we had a blast! Sooo worth the drive over.

September 11

Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when the horrible news of the attacks happened? I do... and I will never forget.

September 11, 2011 @ 7:30am I was driving with both kids to Midas to get oil changed and tires rotated. Brent was 4 years old and tori was almost two years old. While waiting for the car to get worked on, the manager was glued to the TV and I turned around to see the horror on live TV. I couldn't understand at first and so I asked the manager what happened, he didn't know either. We sat glued to the TV and as the news kept showing

the images, and explaining what was happening, the other two ladies, the manager, one other worker , and I started to cry. Brent stopped playing and ask "whats wrong mommy?" and then he saw the TV "FIRE" he screamed. OMG.... I was in shocked and trying to think quickly how to explain what was going on to my little kids. My car took longer than expect to get fixed but I didn't mind because I didn't want to leave and miss any part of the news. As we sat in the small room, total strangers became the support for each other in trying to make sense of what was going on. I will never forget that day and send my heartfelt sorrow and love to those that

lost their lives that day, to those that worked hard in trying to save so many people and losing their lives doing so, and for those families and friends that lost their loved ones. May God send peace today and everyday.

Brazilian Independence Day!!!

So many friends asked me today... "What are you doing to celebrate Brasilian Independence Day?" Well.... since I was up at 5am and ran around all day... my answer is nothing ;( BUT.... this is the plan for the family for Sunday! I am sooo excited! Text Me if you want to go with or meet me there!

BRAZILIAN INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION!

BRAZIL IN THE PARK

Sunday, September 11 at Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park

9th Ave @ Lincoln Way

From 12 noon to 7 pm

A full day of Brazilian music and dance with the best of Bay Area Brazilian entertainers, including exciting and unique capoeira. Performing will be Brazilian bands playing Samba, Forro, Country Music, Axe and Carnaval. Special guest Pedro Paulo Band, releasing their first CD of Brazilian Country Music, plus Forrofiando, Amigos do Samba, Grupo Remelexo, Mandinga Capoeira, Aquarela Dancers and DJ Ellen.

Children will have activities such as, face-painting, games and kids capoeira. Young and old will delight in a variety of typical Brazilian food, arts and crafts, fashions, and much more.

Folks often say, "no nationality in the world knows how to party like the Brazilians!" So join us, bring your friends, family and be part of this festive Brazilian Independence Day Celebration!

Motherhood...

Ok... if you have recently had a baby or has received the mother award this year and for the past few years.... DO NOT READ THIS POST!

Being a mother has its ups and downs... Good times and not so good times... proud times and "what the heck were you thinking" times. Lately.... It's been "if I new then what I know now, I would not have had kids"! Crazy right?! Well.... life is tough right now with a teenager and a pre-teen. There are days I wonder if I will make it or if I should just lay down and say forget it. UGH.... if you have small kids.... enjoy them now!!!! I will enjoy mine once they grow out of this horrible stage!

RIO

I LOVE this movie!!!! We watched it again tonight.... it makes me a bit homesick but can't complain too much cause I was just there!!! It was fun to show the kids all the tourist spots and talk about where and what we did while visiting. They can't wait to go.... and.... the plan is to go 2014 for the world cup and 2016 for the olympics. Till then... will keep watching this movie! If you haven't seen it.... GO RENT OR BUY TODAY!!!!

Back to Reality!

What a busy summer we had and now life is back to reality. What is my reality? Let me tell you!

Brent -

The big freshman in the house! I cannot believe that he is started high school... where did time go? Well... He was busy this summer attending ASB leadership camp and right after that he went to RHS wrestling camp in Bakersfield. He had a blast and learned a lot from both camps and got him super excited about the new adventures he was getting ready to start. He is LOVING school and for the most part his teachers. He loves leadership class, I however, have my doubts on the teacher and her abilities on teaching the class! He is so excited that he shares about everything that happened in school. I am loving it because he has never ever shared anything that happened in school before even though I used to nag (yes... I nag!) him to share. He is now playing football and enjoying it. Coaches seem happy with him and he is trying hard. He has also started seminary at 6:00 am (WHAT ARE THEY THINKING???). Getting up early has been a challenge for me and somedays for him, but will see what happens with time!

Victoria -

Junior high school... really? Well, school is going great and so far her teacher seems ok! hahaha!!!! I love her teacher... he is amazing! Ok, ok... It's Glen... I have to be nice and say good things! jk! She loves her class and classmates. She is excited to start volleyball and her coach is just the best (that would be me!!!). Other than school and volleyball... Tori will not stop talking about running for activities director... she has the entire year planned even though she has not applied, ran for office, or won the position! Hope she wins!!!

Trevor -

Third and final year of having a high school leaving with us. It has been crazy and opened my eyes for my future.... not sure if I like it. Trevor is a senior. He plays football and wrestles, he tries to stay in my good side by trying to do chores without me asking but still much to learn!

Chance -

Well... my brother-in-law has moved back in with us and this time he brought Koda with him. We love the dog when he is not scratching my windows! I love taking him on runs/walks with him even though he gets crazy when he sees crickets, other dogs, and kids. Chance works opposite hours than us, so we really don't get to see him much. I love him!!!! He cleans up the down stairs for me so I don't come to a messy house!!! It has been great to have him around!

Glen -

Well, after 12 years teaching 6th grade, Glen has moved up to teach 7th grade this year. He likes the class (for the most part... same as last year!) He is trying to figure out the new materials but he is such a good teacher that it will be a piece of cake! While taking on a new grade, extra crap the government/DO is making our teachers do with less time and money... he is the student council director, football coach, wrestling coach, and 7th grade softball coach. So to sum up... no life! but he enjoys what he does.

Aline -

Well.... I am going crazy... literally! Like many moms out there, my life is very busy and chaotic... My days start at 5:30... take Brent to seminary, come back, take Glen (tuesdays & Thursdays) to morning workouts at the high school, go pick up Brent at 6:50. Home, get ready, must be off to school/work @7:15 and work until 4:00 (most days till 5:00). Starting next week... I am coaching volleyball after school, which means later work days after practice/games. Pick everyone up from different places and home to start cooking dinner, eat, and pray that I can get to bed in a decent time. Yikes... It sounds really bad on paper... oh wait... in real life also! Well.... I am happy to say that with my hard work along with good teachers and parents at school, our new computer lab is up and running! Beautiful state of the art lab for the students... too bad my son missed out on it. This year I have added athletic director, and girls basketball to my crazy schedule. I really need to learn to say NO! but it's for the kids so I just can't leave them hanging.

So to sum up my crazy life lately.... Long days, little sleep, cranky momma & daddy, house full of people to nag and when I am lucky.... I get to do zumba or run!

Brasil 2010 - Slideshow

I hope you can see and enjoy! I'll post all about the trip another day!