Rain. This week we've had one rainstorm after another. It makes the mornings exciting. From our school room, we watch the mango trees swaying back and forth, and with every sway they seem to stretch their branches closer and closer to our window--almost hitting it, but not quite. Our shutters make loud wolf like howls as the wind whips through them. It really is quite exciting, sometimes too exciting. Ever since our storm last spring (October), we all feel a little apprehensive when the windows begin to howl again.

Yesterday, Makaela made her third attempt to attend Cristo Rei elementary school. The plan was that I would stay in the library for the entire four hours just in case Makaela needed me. This plan was way to exciting for me. I was armed with books that I have been dying to devour. As we entered the class room, I started chatting with some of the other mothers and their kids. I introduced Makaela, and I thought all was going just great until I realized my precious little girl was crying, and now clutching to my waist. Ugh. Such heart break for me. Crying in public is something she just doesn't do. I think sometimes the whole Portuguese, Brazil thing just gets to a person. Sometimes hearing me talk in Portuguese makes her sad (as well as everyone else who has to endure me!!!) (When I talk in Portuguese Makaela says that I don't seem to be her mommy). Well, we didn't want to quit before we had even started so, I joined her class. We sang for the first twenty minutes out in the playground--walking in circles, holding hands...it was great! I wish I had had my camera. After singing time, we went back to her classroom. I know her teacher from previous activities, and she is a sweetheart. She was very receptive to me staying in the classroom and she put Makaela's desk in the front row closest to her own desk. I sat in the back corner with all of my unread books, and thoroughly enjoyed watching my little girl interacting, reading, doing math, and making friends in her Portuguese world. Makaela told me that this was her best day ever and can't wait to go back as it is "so much fun having you in the room with me!" So, for now every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon I will be attending Cristo Rei also. I'll have plenty of years to read in the future--for now it's Kaela and I in the second grade.

New construction in town

On Thursday, I looked into having the girls take some afternoon classes at a local school in town. The afternoon classes that we had been taking in town , have been canceled for various reasons. So, in order to get more exposure to Portuguese, we opted to enroll them in some classes at the small Christian school a few blocks from us where several of their friends are already attending. The girls were very excited to start. So, they attended classes the very same day that I inquired about our options. To make a long story short, Samantha had a great time--a nice teacher, sweet girls, and 2 hours of P.E. class--what could be better? :) Makaela on the other hand, had a miserable time--unfriendly teacher, four hours of sitting in "boring" over sized classes with little to no teacher interaction, and dealing with clicky girls who wanted to keep her in their "group." She disliked every part of it. We are going to try a different class this coming Tuesday and see how that goes for her. It's the class that she originally wanted to be in, but due to her reading ability, they put her in a more advanced class. However, she is not attending this school for academic reasons in the least, so we are going to bump her down to the kindergarten class where she can do more fun things like painting, story time, etc...she's crazy excited about this idea, as one of her "best" friends from here is in that class. We'll see how it goes.

The entire experience of the girls being at an "outdoor school" as we call it has been interesting. I have received many unsolicited, ignorant comments regarding how "great" it is that the girls are now attending a "school" where they can be "socialized" and "experience the real world." I respect the fact that these folks are speaking out of ignorance (as homeschooling is obsolete--not to mention illegal in Brazil). I am deeply thankful, that I have had the good fortune to be born into a country where I can choose how to raise my own children, a country where the government cannot take my children into custody because I have chosen to make sacrifices from my own career possibilities, and give my children what I deem to be a superior education at home. Here in Brazil, two boys who have been homeschooled in Sao Paulo are in the midst of a vicious lawsuit in which the country has threatened to take custody of the children for no other reason than for homeschooling. The children are well educated, and bilingual. The revoking of the parental rights is purely political. The belief that one person who has limited vested interest in a class can teach 25 students better than 1 teacher (a parent with vested interest) can teach 2 children does not seem sensible. That is why after all, private classes are sought after, right? The students who I teach at the local English School, pay a premium price to have a private class with me. Why do they pay more for one on one? Why does this concept not pass over into elementary school? Anyway, it is absurd that we punish the conscientious parents, and reward those with the herd mentality who make little to no purposeful parenting decisions. Parents should be allowed to be the parents--not the state. I personally support all school options--we need every sector. I am grateful for the wonderful public schools we have, the private schools options, and the hundreds of homeschooling curricula a parent can choose from. I am grateful that I can put to use all three of those options depending on the need of my children. I have had such awesome support regarding my homeschooling decisions back in the States--support from my family; from my friends who send their kids to public schools, private schools, or who homeschool; friends who are teachers in every sector; neighbors, etc...but, here it has been one attack after another due to the intense need to conform. I am truly thankful for America, and the freedom we still have--the freedom to be who we choose to be.

Last Saturday morning, we packed up the car with bikes, Rollerblades, blankets, books, and a picnic lunch and headed to Santa Rosa (about 40 minutes from here) for a relaxing, rejuvenating, and fun Sabbath morning. We went to a fair ground that is open for public use. It's great for biking--lots of space and not too many cars. We were actually the only folks there on this amazingly gorgeous morning. It's the first time Andrew and I have roller bladed here, and it felt so good. I used to blade daily, and even when the girls were 4 and 6 I would pack them into the jogging stroller with some books, and bike along the river in Moline. Those are such delicious memories. This day we primarily bladed and biked inside of a large building for food stands. It had some elevated areas which made it all the more exciting to zoom up and down. The girls had a great time, and are hoping to go back this coming weekend.

We also attended a "first birthday" party this weekend for Gustavo Miso . The first birthday is the most important birthday celebration for Brazilians. There were tons of colorful balloon decorations, and every table was loaded with sweet and salty treats. Makaela had a great time playing tag and such with the other girls, and Samantha had fun doting on baby Lucas (one of the American family's baby boy).

Gorgeous song of praise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3ccf079gJI&feature=related

Thanks Jen for sharing this!

We "had" (we hope it's dead) a large poisonous snake in the long grassy area of our back yard. Senhor Fikes burned the area on Friday, and is going to replant it with grass.

Our gardener, Senhor Fikes -- He requested I take this picture, as he has a collection of pictures with all of his clients

It's election time here in Horizontina which means lots of speakers blasting campaign slogans...
and lots of campaign flags

At the John Deere Foundation Park -- We come here often to play

Makaela and Sir William hard at work

On our way downtown
Scoobi

A week ago Friday, the girls finished their first period of school. Yeah! (We have six, six week periods for their annual curriculum). To celebrate this accomplishment, we went out on the town Friday afternoon to shop for a new outfit for our furry family member, Theodore, our cockapoo. The girls chose this activity for their special day, as shopping for their beloved Theo is by far their most favorite thing to do. It so happened that we were puppy sitting for a friend's poodle, Scoobi, that weekend, so he also joined us on our puppy shopping outing.

Downtown Horizontina

Samantha's "little lamb"
Flowers from Samantha--when she bought them, she told Andrew, "I like to buy Mommy flowers, just so I can see the look on her face!"

Yellow plums
I love how our garage opens up in the back...
At the park downtown Horizontina
Shoes drying after being washed of the red earth

The first sign in Horizontina...everyone has to stop and take a look
Theodore's latest "do"

Makaela has turned her bike into a "horse" -- notice the jump rope turned into "reigns"

Orchids growing out of a tree trunk--this is a popular way to plant orchids
Three flowering trees in a row...pink, red, yellow
Papaya tree...
Love the laundry line

It's been a week of contrasts for all of us...the weather, events, etc....and yet, we're all doing great and taking it all in stride. The girls are such troopers. They deal really well with any prejudices they may face as foreigners. They are beautifully confident in who they are.

We've all been in and out of homesickness--for familiar friends, family, libraries, biking trails, Barnes & Nobles, The Indian Restaurant, malls, museums, our house! :) Two weeks ago, we showed up to our horse riding lesson (our most favorite part of the week) with the girls decked out in their riding boots, jeans, and special shirt from the ranch only to find our teacher had left town. The odd thing is we had just seem him two days prior at the grocery store in which he was very friendly. I recall saying to him "we'll see you Thursday" while he smiled agreeably. But, that was to never be. It seems the culture down here really hates to disappoint, so instead of saying, "hey, I'm moving!" He just left. The girls were crushed. They couldn't believe they couldn't ride anymore, nor could they believe their beloved teacher left. Lots of tears. Lots of holding. They've sustained many losses here; many special friends have moved, etc... But, today is a new day, and we can look back and chuckle at all of the cultural differences. Some days those differences are fun, and other days, well, you just want to pack up your bags and go home! :)

A favorite poem for those of you heading into fall:

Quick Silver

You can’t hold magic in your hands
Or touch a memory
Or lock a sunset in a room
Where it will always be.
But when you see October start,
If you are one like me,
You want the shining afternoons
To last for all eternity.
You want the sumac’s splash of fire
And soft winds to ever blow;
And though the splendor
breaks your heart,
You cannot let it go.
You want each glorious day preserved;
You long to hold them fast;
Your soul oftentimes yearns to keep
Those things that cannot last.

Mildred Keiser