Blessed on Mother's Day and Everyday

This had potential to be great  mother's day picture...except my 2 girs decided not cooperate. Jacqueline put her hand at her face and Vivian looks like is going potty

It was a great day spent with my wonderful mother and the 2 reasons why I get to celebrate today too---- my sweet girls!

I'm so thankful for my mom and all that she has done for me and continue to do it.  I'm lucky to have her and for the amazing grandmother she is! 

I love these 2 little creatures beyond what I can comprehend. They bring constant joy, daily laughs and give me a glimpse of God's love for me. They are a reminder every day of God's promise

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose". Rom 8:28"

Raising these 2 precious lives are my favorite job ever. I feel blessed to have the privilege to be able to be at home with them, to raise them and be present to see all the milestones and to experience life with them as they discover the world



First Family Vacation

 We finally braved up and took our very first family vacation. Until now we've being hesitant to take the creatures on a family vacation with fear that would be a disaster. But for our surprize, they did great! We stayed in a resort in Myrte Beach (Dunes Village). Each girl had their own room and we had ours. We changed the dates of our trip after my Dental Hygieniest advised me that the week we were going was biker week (as in loud and obnoxious Harley Davidson!!). How did she know?! Well, she was going to biker week--riding in the back seat of her boyfriend's Harley Davidson! :>

 We stayed 4 nighst--which it seemed the perfect amount ot time to be away w/ a 3 yr old and a 2 yr. old. Our biggest concern was the sleep schedule (especially naps). How would Jacqueline sleep in a big girl bad during nap and not get up 27 times? She still sleeps in her crib w/ covered with the "tent prison". She gives all kinds of trouble at home to take her naps and sometimes it takes her nearly 2 hours to fall asleep...well, for our complete surprize she would fall asleep as soon as we read her a story. Sometimes she didn't even want a story. She would just cover herself up w/ her blanket and hold "Sulina" (her bailarina doll). Vivian also did wonderful during naps (didn't do so well at night--she would cry in such a desperate manner that we would just pick her up and bring to bed with u which we never do it at home unless she is sick)

The girls had so much fun making sand castles with Daddy, chasing innocent birds and running around at the beach

"Bye-bye"

We went to the aquarium and they totally fricked out when they saw the dinossaurs (If you are asking yourself WHY there were dinossaurs at the aquarium...well, I'm still wondering the same thing!) 

We went to a place called Barefoot Landing where there are tons of restaurants, stores and an old fashioned rides for kids. Of course, I forgot my camera the day we took them there. Above is a picture of of the rides when it was closed (the day before ). The girls didn't mind playing in it although it wasn't moving.



The downside of taking advantage of lower rates going in May to the beach is that it might be cold...which it was. Definetely cold for a Brazilian! But even my husband, who is always hot, felt chilly. Here the girls were having dinner while enjoying the view of the ocean or "awrora" as Vivian says



Our last night-- pizza and lots of rain! After dinner the girls got up and started dancing by our table (I hate that I didn't  take a picture of them!!!). They were so free spirit...dancing around and smiling big. Enjoying every moment. Too bad as we grow older we loose the ability to be so care free.  It's nice to have little kids around to remind us to be more spontaneous

We took pictures in one of those photo booths that take 4 pictures withing a few seconds. Here is our family portrait...Silly and care free--we are fast learners!



Second Annual Strawberry Picking

 Last year Vivian was too little to participate in the strawberry picking. She sat patiently in the stroller the whole time since she didn't even know how to walk yet. This year she took the event very serious. She carried her own basket and managed to pick only green strawberries!

Jillian (our next door neighboor) and Jacqueline posing for a picture



College Roomie's Wedding

My college roomate Stephanie got married yesterday. Mrs. Mcguire looked beautiful on her lace gown!  As she walked down the aile, James had tears coming down his face. I love when the groom cries. I think it's so touching and incredibly sweet.

First Dance!

During the father and daughter dance I started to cry. It made me reminisce when I danced with my step-dad in my wedding. I really miss him and how I wish we could dance again! 

Kyle suppose to be in a work conference in Dallas and I was going to the wedding solo. But he ended up not needing to go to the conference and I was thrilled that he could go with me!

Karrie (who is preggo with her 2nd baby), Kristen (friend from church) and Candace (college roomate)

Katie (college roomate)

The beautiful bride and Marjohn

What a wonderful wedding! Everything was perfect. We had a blast dancing, eating good food and hanging out with friends.

PS: The cake was so moist and delish!!

the days are long, but the years are short

Two years ago, I was holding her for the first time. I  was gazing into her eyes and smelling the scent that only newborns have. I was so in love as I held her for the first time. These 2 little feet are still small, but everyday, without me noticing, they are growing. I love tiny little feet. I love this time of my life. By far, the best years of my life. I wish I could freese time and have her be this tiny for a long time

She has the most delicious chubby cheeks ever! I can park my mouth on them and kiss her all day long. One day her face will thin out and she will won't look like a baby anymore

She is discovering the world.  She looks at everything with so much wonder. Life is fascinating even when she is at her own backyard. 



I will even miss the tantrums (no, not really). Well, maybe just a little. Sometimes I step back and take all in. This time goes by like a blink of an eye. As my neigboor says: "The days are long, but the years are short".  So true.

Vivian's Bday Party- Part 2

  She was in her "own world" during the party

 We sang "Happy Birthday" in English and Portuguese

 After she woke up from her nap, she opened her gifts

 After we handed her the last gift, she looked at us and said: "More"! :>

Piggy

Yesterday we celebrated Piggy's 2nd bday (Piggy is one of Vivian's many nicknames). I had a lot of fun organizing the party and coming up with creatives ideas  (copying) ideas from Pinterest!  It was a lot of work, but worth it. People seemed to had a good time and the kids ran around high on sugar

My mom helped by making "docinhos", which are traditional sweets from Brazil, that are a MUST for a Brazilian bday party. She also made the mini-tuna sandwiches and a delicious Asian salad

For those that don't know anything about the cartoon Olivia The Pig, I need to explain the Olivia "rules of life"...Olivia has several rules of life that are pretty funny. I used her rules to decorate the food tables. The one above is not really one of her rules. I added that one b/c I LOVE sweets!

Cup cakes from Harris Teeter with personalizes cup cake toppers

I got  the polka dot fabric from Hobby Lobby (my new fav store). I got the blue V from there as well

Personalized water bottles  and another "rule of life" ("If you really really really want something, it helps to say triple please"). Love this one!

My sweet friend Lu, made the black letters for Vivian's name. I was so happy she offered to help (Thanks, Lu!).  On the mantel are the goody bags--stickers, lolipops, a little farm animal, and gold fish

Birthday girl taking all in

Proud Daddy

Vivian and her "boyfriend" Nicholas--She is only 2, but is already a cougar. He is 4 months younger than her. This is Lu's handsome boy.

I blessed to have my sweetness and my 2 beautiful girls. I have so much love in my heart for my family. I'm blessed beyond words.

One of my best friend's (Adiel) made baloon animals for the kids. They loved it!

He learned by watching a you tube video. It's nice to have smart and resourceful friends!

Funny girl

BFF's--what a sweet picture of Jacqueline and her adorable next door neighboor friend (Jillian). They love each other and are partners in crime. They both "disappeared' during the  party and my mom found them in Jacqueline's crib jumping on it

Vovo and Vivian

Happy birthday to my baby girl! I love you so much, Vivian!