Momster 2012

When we were preparing to move back to Brazil after our year on furlough in the United States, I somehow with my sister as witness, finagled a promise out of my dad that he would fly me up for a visit every year for the rest of his life . . . at least that's how I remember it.  Right, Kelley?  I'm sure he'll rue the day he made that promise, but I recently cashed in on the first plane ticket and spent two weeks with my family in Texas.  I had been looking forward to that trip for months, and immediately began to feel the time ticking away as I stepped off the plane.  My twelve days in Texas flew by despite my attempts to slow it down.  We still managed to do a lot of fun things, and I managed to have quality time with each member of my family.  We even continued the tradition of Momster Weekend (a two-day getaway with my two sisters and mom that we started six years ago).

We kicked off Momster 2012 at our traditional lunch spot, Hungry's in Houston.  Then we traveled to Galveston, Texas where one of my sister's clients has a great condo on the beach.

We settled in and began relaxing--eating and shopping.  In fact, a certain Vegan got caught with her hand in the non-vegan cookie jar.  Exhibit A:

But, then again, the rest of us weren't doing too great on our diets either.  Exhibit B:

On Saturday we shopped the historic Strand and ate a delicious lunch at Yaga's Cafe.

Our weekend was about more than food.  There was reading . . .

And memory book organizing . . .

And Downton Abbey screenings . . .

And Phase 10 torture . . .

And, of course, a lot of laughter and fun as well as a few mild irritations (i.e. Kelley's oversensitivity to a certain backseat-driving sister).  Hey, we are a family after all!!!  Strangely, there was no beach outing involved in our beach-side stay.

It was wonderful to spend time with each of them and catch up after almost a year of being apart.  I treasure the relationships I have with them--each unique and different.  It is hard to maintain a feeling of closeness when we are continents apart, but email and Magic Jack help (well, Magic Jack isn't always so helpful).  And, of course, my Dad's promise to fly me up TWO times every year helps.  Right, Kelley?!?

Until Momster 2013 . . .

Is It A Bird? Is it a Plane? No . . .

It's "Super Daddy!"

This past Sunday, Father's Day, the boys and I decided to have a little fun with a superhero-themed celebration for Nathanael a.k.a Super Daddy.  A special delivery from The Hero Supply Company Corp. appeared at the door after church addressed to "Our Real-Life Hero."

I could tell you what was in the box, but then I'd have to kill you.  Just kidding . . . The box contained special treats necessary for heroes to maintain their super powers:  Hero Juice (sparkling water), Energy Chips (salt & vinegar chips), Hero Vitamin Pellets (M&Ms), Secret Identity Bar (chocolate bar with hazelnuts), Hero Nosh (Spicy Peanuts), and X-Ray Vision Pellets (Hershey's Kisses with Almonds).

After Nathanael opened his hero kit, we showered him with homemade cards and a Smilebox card we put together with a few fun photos of his adoring fans:

Things went a little wrong when Lizard Boy appeared to wreak havoc on our photo shoot, but luckily Bat Brother was there to rescue the damsel in distress . . .

In the end, all was well, and our Father's Day plans were complete.

Truly, I am so thankful for Nathanael and his amazing example to our boys.  I admire and appreciate his faithful teaching of the Word in our home (it's like a mini seminary course after breakfast every morning) and his tender discipline of our boys that is always under girded with love and a desire for their growth and maturity.  From the time they were infants he lovingly served me and them by being a very present, involved dad from diaper changes and nighttime feedings to soccer coaching and guitar lesson driving.  And most especially, as both boys mentioned in their cards, reader of many, many bedtime books from board books to chapter books.  We love you!

he-ro:  noun  A man admired for his achievements and noble qualities

P.S. Hero Kit Idea found here.  Super Dad printable signs found here.

Seven Guys and a Grill

For nine years my husband has been a part of a weekly accountability group.  It started the year we moved to Brazil with three guys--my husband the fledgling pastor, his childhood friend, and a basketball buddy.  It has now grown to seven guys, having gained and lost a few over the years.  These seven guys meet early Thursday mornings to ask each other tough questions, give honest answers, and pray intensely.  I'm so thankful for this group of guys, some of whom I barely know, and the influence they have on each other's life--on my husband's life.  They are godly men who desire to lead their families with integrity.

The Original Accountability Group:  (L to R) Joel, Scott, and Nathanael

These past few weeks have been tough on the group as two of its members say goodbye to Brazil for the foreseeable future. I can count on one hand the times I've seen my husband cry, but he's been choked up several times thinking about the empty space these men will leave behind. One of the men, Scott, has been in the group since it started nine years ago. Steven only joined the group a couple of years ago, but this pastor-friend and natural leader has had a big impact on the group. They and their families will both be missed.

A couple weeks ago, the men decided to grill out and have a special father/son evening as they blessed two of the sons--one who is entering his teens and one entering adulthood. So while our men were gathering for some manly grilling, the "Accountability Wives" decided to have a little party of our own along with the two daughters in the group of thirteen sons.

The Guys and 12 of 13 sons

The guys' dinner consisted of meat, meat, and more meat. Ours was a delicious eggplant rollatini on pasta with fresh salad and bread not to mention homemade apple dumplings with ice cream for dessert--yum! Good times were had by all.

The Gals (minus a couple) and the 2 daughters.

Our Italian feast!

Maybe this group isn't such a good influence!!!