8 hours in counting…

Until my inlaws arrive at the Lisbon airport!  Yeah! (although, man…I should be in bed!)  But, just wanted to share a little of my excitement…the past two days have been spent trying to get ready for their arrival and to make them feel loved…and that we’re grateful for them coming to visit.  Hope they can tell when they walk in the door…after all, they’re going to see this…

Presents from Grandparents day and Momma Sue’s birthday that both took place earlier this month!  And this…

I hope you can click on this picture and see it larger.  I love that Henry’s favorite thing to tell anyone about Portugal is that there are castles here.  Not sure why, but anyhow…he drew a castle to represent Portugal.  He then proceeded to cry when his little brother colored on top of it a little.  I then took the opportunity to get him to stop crying by explaining to him that Calvin drew the graffiti like is on all the buildings in Portugal…and it seemed to work.  Hilarious.  Seriously…I love Portugal and think it’s beautiful…but it’s really annoying that people spraypaint EVERYTHING.  They put up a new fence by our house a few weeks ago and the next day it was already christened.  Urghh.   So…Calvin’s artwork is representing Portuguese graffiti…and of course my Lily just drew herself…I mean, why not…she is now the best thing about Portugal, right :)

And lastly…just because I was trying to make the house look a little cozier…I decided to go ahead and put out a few Christmas decorations.

Now this is a little tradition I could get used to.  I bought this little mini tree at Ikea of all places…and it is sitting in my kitchen.  Apparently it is common to get these little chocolate candy ornaments to put on your tree for snacks when people come over (kind of like our candy canes I suppose…they don’t have those here)….but I’m digging the cute little chocolates…I think they’re fun.  We’ll see how it goes though…my little permanent house guests like them so much we may not have any left for real house guests by time they arrive :)

Anyway…I think I’m as ready as can be now…now I need to go get a little rest because they’re only going to be here for five days…and Lisbon requires much more time than that to see its awesome sights…so we’ll see how much we can fit in…it’s going to be crazy busy…but should be fun too!

 

Fun “language” class today

So, two of my teammates…Michelle and Sarah are at the same school as me…we all have private classes.  But, since we are the main students of our teachers, sometimes we get to arrange field trips and go discover new parts of Lisbon all together…more of a “cultural” class than language, but fun none the less.

This morning we went to a part of town I’ve yet to see…where there was a big “market” being held.  It was truly more like a humongo garage sale, but really fun.  Here I am with Sarah (who would probably love for me to note is 7.5 months pregnant) and our teachers Vera and Diana.

I’m the oddball here…I never think to bring sunglasses on a day I’m wearing a sweater…it’s time I learn that cold does not necessarily mean the sun is not out :)

Ha. Ha.  Now you’re really jealous and want to come shopping with me here!

I love the above picture because I honestly did not touch it.  I love the beautiful, bright colors here.  No photo shop needed.  Aren’t the old tile buildings beautiful?

just…cuties.  I love the old men here.

poor guy…hope he likes birds

oh, you know…just catching the trolley back into town…

And lastly for today…the Christmas decorations are coming out all around town.  I am LOVING it!  They have lights stung out across nearly every street…all over the city.  I can’t WAIT for them to start coming on…it’s going to be amazing!  Anyway, hope you weren’t too disappointed in today’s post…there’s no deep thoughts or pictures of the kids…two stikes, I know, but thought you might like to see my adventure anyway :)

Graça

“De cada vez ele me disse: ‘A minha graça te basta.’ “  2 Corintios 12:9

Warning…this post contains no pictures, only stories of God’s goodness :)

I was recently reminded of the many things that fall under the category of God’s grace towards us.  It’s not just the BIG thing He did by saving us, but it also includes ALL the little things He does for us through out our lives.  I often remembered to thank Him for it in the process of trying to get here…but since then, I’ve not had much time to stop and reflect.  I mean, it’s BY HIS GRACE that I now call Portugal my home.  I am SO undeserving of this “profession” I now have.  I also think it’s by His grace that I’m actually enjoying this job.

For example, when Mg and I first got married we moved to North Carolina.  I pouted the entire year and just went on and on about how much better Texas was and how I couldn’t wait to get back.  We moved back after only one year in NC and honestly, Texas didn’t end up being all that I had remembered.  As a matter of fact, when we got back I realized how wonderful we had had it in N.C….we had made some wonderful friends, had been blessed with a great apartment, N.C. is amazingly beautiful and has all four seasons.  I missed it.  But I grew through that.  I realized that what I was missing was college and my old friends and  not having any responsibility….but when I got back…life in Texas had moved on.  I wasn’t surrounded by my old friends and my family…of course…we were having a baby and so we had lots of responsibilities now…and we had graduated from college…A&M moved on.  I should have enjoyed the wonderful life God had been creating for me in North Carolina.  This is not to say I didn’t end up seeing His grace in Dallas…we found a wonderful house, lots of friends and a good church…I loved it there.  It was really hard to leave to come here.  But, because of God’s grace in continually maturing me….I realize that even if I were to quit and move back to Texas today, it wouldn’t be the same.  The wonderful house I miss is being occupied…my friends have made new ones….etc.,etc.  What I’m now missing is a memory.  Does that make sense?  Because what I’m trying to say is that by His grace, I really haven’t been all that homesick.  There have been days, sure…I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t miss people and things that I love, but God has given me a love for this place and a sense to know that one day, when I go back to Texas, I am REALLY going to miss here (Portugal)…and so I’m trying to enjoy this time.  He has given me what it takes to have pressed on through this season of adjusting to a new culture without hardly blinking.  Now people, you know me…you KNOW I love all things TEXAS…my family, the food, my friends, target, people who speak English :) so this has been a total God thing.  His grace has been sufficient for me!

Also, I got asked all kinds of questions before we moved here…one being what I was most scared of.  People couldn’t fathom that I really wasn’t scared to leave the familiar, or worried about what it would do to my children, or adjusting to a new country.  My biggest fear was the feeling that I would be incapable of learning the language.  I knew it was a latin language like Spanish…and I HATED Spanish (no offense Spanish speakers…I blame bad teaching)…and I just feared I would never get it.  I know I’ve made mention before of my first day of language class and my teacher telling me that “this was going to be very hard for me”…I think because it usually is for Americans.  Satan really used that line over and over again to instill a sense of worthlessness in me…telling me I was incompetent to learn this language.  Well, of course we all know God’s grace is WAY bigger than satan’s lies, so…do I find it ironic that that same language teacher is now one of my good friends…and I can carry on really well with her in total Portuguese?  No, I shouldn’t, I should recognize that as God’s total and complete grace in my life.  Yes, I still have SOOOO far to go in this crazy language, but when I look at the fear that was almost overwhelming me a few months back…I have come SO far!  Thank you Lord!

What else?  Should I mention the fact that you sometimes hear horror stories of the hardest thing about being a “m” is getting along with your teammates?  And all I have to say about that is, I LOVE my teammates.  Really, I don’t think God could have chosen better people for us to be working with…I love them all and thank God for His grace in putting us on a team that we can work well with.  Or should I mention the fact that it’s been said to take forever to make a friend here…and even longer before you should admit what you really do for a living?  I’ve made several friends here…and two of them know full well that I work with the envangelical church and STILL are fine being my friend even if they don’t share my beliefs.  Thank you Jesus :)  Should I mention the fact that my children are doing beautifully at school…the teachers all love them and are impressed with their Portuguese?  And that they have almost found an “adopted” grandfather in Manuel?  We took them back to the cafe this weekend to visit our good friend Manuel, who doesn’t yet have grandchildren of his own, so is absolutely smitten with my kiddos.  The first time we took them they were shy and wouldn’t speak to him, but this time they gave him kisses and spoke in Portuguese to him and he was in heaven!  And he SPOILS them…he literally tries to give them everything in the store…he lights up like a little kid, it’s precious.  My kids are adjusting to the culture here beautifully….Lily even uses silverware more properly than me now…it’s a little embarrassing!  It’s only God and His grace.

I could honestly go on and on.  When I stop and look back, all I can actually see is His goodness to me.  There have been bad days, sure, but even looking at those….I can see how God moved us through those and continues to push us forward.  I am excited about our future here.  Nervous, certainly, but sure that it will all work out for our good….even more certainly :)  Anyway, I just felt I needed to share this today.  I’m not sure what’s going on in all of your lives right now…but maybe you too should just stop and recognize the grace that’s graciously given on a daily basis.  Love you!

Just boys

Feel like I haven’t added a pic of the boys in a while…so, here they are :)  What’s really cute, is how much Calvin wants to be like Henry.  Anytime Henry is playing Wii…Cal comes in and climbs up on the couch and grabs the other remote and gives it all he has…whether its driving, or fighting with the nunchuck…it’s super cute.  Yesterday we stopped by a park on the way home so the kids could get out a little extra energy.  We wanted Calvin to wear a hat because it was a little chilly, but he wanted nothing to do with it…that is, until he saw Henry wearing a hat…then he came running back up to us asking “hat, hat”…and from there, he wore it with pride.  Super cute.

Here’s just one more pic of Calvin.  Recently my mom sent a care package which included of all random things…popcorn balls.  Just might be the greatest thing ever to Calvin…it’s a ball, but you also get to eat it.  Was a sticky mess by time he was through because he would nibble, then throw it…go fetch it then nibble some more (gross!)  Anyway, he had a good time.

Lily the Elf…what’s your favorite costume :)

My children are infatuated with the movie Elf.  I am SO proud.  Lily is especially smitten.  One day she was singing her heart out in the shower…it was really cute.  When she got out she said, “I was singing in the shower like the girl in Elf.”  And recently, their favorite dinner time song is “Baby it’s cold outside”….again, super cute when they’re both trying to sing.  She tells me often how pretty the girl in Elf is (she’s much sweeter than me :) )  Anyway, the other day we were in a store that was already putting out their Christmas stuff and they had little Santa outfits for boys and girls…for only 4 euros.  Couldn’t pass that by, and honestly, probably one of the most well spent four euros ever.  She’s been wearing her new attire pretty regularly as of late….

Personally, I think Lily’s a prettier elf than the girl in the movie :)

Ode to Papa

Henry came in tonight and said, “Here mommy, I made your dad.”  He built my dad out of Mr. Potato head….looked just like him, too :)  So, here I am in a picture with my daddy.

Isn’t it amazing daddy?  He hasn’t forgotten what you look like in the least…a funny hat, sandals, and a mickey ice-cream bar.  I really thought I was hugging you there for a minute ;)  Except…he needed a hawaiin print shirt, but I don’t think they make those for potato head…pity.  Love you!

Crazy tired

I am at a loss for how to describe this past week.  I am currently crazy tired…but the week has been really good.  Monday we went and hung out at Manuel’s cafe and had a great time talking.  It’s encouraging when we can talk over more subjects and understand each other and when he compliments how much better I’m doing in my speech.  He’s so precious.  He told us he wants to have us for dinner…he gave us our food for free again…and gave hugs and kisses and said he’s really missed us.  That just does a heart good…to have this precious man just love you for no real reason :)

Then Thursday I went out with one of Calvin’s little classmates’ mom.  We had a lunch date and hung out the rest of the afternoon until we went to get the kids.  It was lots of fun making a new friend.  We talked about half and half…she’s really good at English…but doesn’t believe me…so she wants to practice more.  She is incredibly nice and has since sent me some encouraging messages about how much fun she had and hopes to do it again in the future.  Yeah :)

Friday I baked and baked and baked and took sugar cookies to the kids’ school for their classmates to decorate with icing and sprinkles…kind of a halloween tradition for us.  It was hilarious…the Portuguese kids didn’t quite know what to think…they’d never seen/done anything like that before.  Some of them liked it, but many refrained from trying this “weird” creation :)  The teachers LOVED it though…thought it was so cute…so fun to decorate the cookies and thought they tasted great….they told me “we are so glad you’re at our school”….which was clearly encouraging.  I think they’re enjoying me being the crazy mom who brings her American foods and traditions to school (should I mention that the day before I took them pumpkin muffins…and last week I took them reese’s peanut butter cups…)  But, hey, I’m having a blast trying to bless them.

Last night, we went on a double date with my old teacher Ana and her husband.  I was really excited, but also nervous…I had no idea what we’d talk about and I knew my Portuguese had to be “game on”.  They took us to a really cute little Mexican food resturaunt.  I almost wanted to cry when I walked in at just how cute it was…it totally reminded me of home.  The ambiance was perfect…as well as the weather.  We sat outside right next to the river…it was lovely.  We all had so much fun…and we succeeded in speaking in Portuguese the ENTIRE night.  Four and a half hours later…my brain was definitely hurting :)  It’s a good hurt though!  They are SUCH a cute couple…about to celebrate their 25th anniversary and still very much in love although they were talking about their total differences in politics and sports teams…so funny :)  They even want to get together again…which really, my heart is just about to explode with the excitement over finally making some friends here.  It feels so good.  And, although it takes SO much more effort trying to speak in Portuguese the whole time…it’s a completely wonderful feeling when you succeed :)

When we were first learning…I remember Mg said something so true…”It’s like I don’t have a personality anymore…I don’t know enough to make jokes or be funny….or to even sound like I can talk about anything intelligent…I feel like a five year old.”  And it’s SO true…learning a new language is SO humbling….and we still have SO far to go…but when Ana was reminding me where I was six months ago…I really have come so far…and getting a little more of my personality back.  Mg’s doing great in this department…he had her husband laughing last night and ALWAYS makes Manuel laugh…it’s so cute.  I wish I had more pictures of all my business…but, frankly, I’ve been too busy :)  I guess that’s a good thing though.  It’s been such a crazy week….but well worth it as I sit and reflect today.  I’m thankful for all the extra language practice with friends :)

Don’t hate me

Please don’t hate me for changing the look up and taking the picture of the kids’ feet off.  I just wanted to freshen things up or change things up for a little while.  I’m always jealous of my friends that decided to go with blogger and change their backgrounds all the time…I wish I could do that, but haven’t figured out how with WordPress…but I don’t want to switch and loose everything I have.  So, this is the new page I’m going to try for a while.  It’s taking me some getting used to, too.  But, rest assured, the kids feet are still here…and may return to the blog in the future…but for now, I hope you’ll enjoy the beautiful picture of Lisbon and will continue to visit us on here, after all, I just updated my weekly prayer requests, and we could really use your continued prayers :)

I love this place

Where else could I take so many colorful pictures in one day :)

Mg ran in a 10-K this morning

This morning my wonderful husband ran in a 10-K.  What a great way to get out among the people :)  The kids and I had fun waiting and watching for him to run by.  He did great…accomplishing both of his personal goals…and got a cool new running shirt out of the deal.  I’m proud of him.  Here’s a few pics from our morning…

He’s not in this one…I just liked the blow ups they had to run through.  They ended the race running through this round-about…I love it :)  Only in Europe :)

Watching and Waiting…and enjoying fruit snacks :)

Not that the runners could stop and enjoy the view…but it was a nice one…right along the ocean.

Yay!  There he is and still able to smile!  It was fun for the kids and I … and I think Mg even had a good time :)