He's Here!!! Yipee.

After 18 days apart, we are together again. I think you can see that we were happy to be reunited at the airport.
My whole family turned out and we had lots to talk about!
For a minute there, I thought he and my brother-in-law were going to fight over who would carry the luggage.
When João got in and caught his breath, then we had a mini, late birthday celebration for him. That was definitely fun.
After grabbing a bite to eat, I think he felt the effects of the looooooong trip and right now he is conked out. That's okay. Just having him nearby is good enough for me. I am glad we are back together again. Life is good. I think I understand even better the old song: "You are my sunshine. My ONLY sunshine!"

Ma Momma

Today was Mother's Day. For the first time since was 1992, I was with my momma on Mother's day. It was so much fun to wake up and give her a hug and a card and a gift. After church, we went out for lunch with Carol and Curt and Chuck. Then we were able to spend the afternoon together.
All that after being able to be at Megan's graduation last week and then spend a week at Jeri's house made the whole trip worthwhile. I am really enjoying being with the family. I am anxious for the next 10 days to pass, however, so that I can share this with Joao.
For so many years Mother's Day was not a day of celebration for me as I dealt with my own sterility. However, gradually God has taken that burden away from my heart and I have moved on.
I also know not everyone still has their mom or can be with her. I've spent 24 Mother's day without my mom, making today more special. For my friends who are childless or without their mom, I do hope that God will comfort your heart and He will give to you the ability to rejoice with others.

Sunny, sunny day

Even if I couldn't believe it a few days ago, it really all happened. Arrived in US on Friday afternoon, right on schedule. I was delighted when the trip was over and I was off of airplanes and out of airports. YEAH!!! It is a long 22 hours. On Saturday we got up bright and early to travel up to Ball State for my niece's graduation. It was also her birthday. What a day for her. We were 5 of us in the car so we didn't have much wiggle room. It was rainy and dreary and we were concerned about the outdoor at graduation at 10AM. Jeri says it has never rained on Megan's birthday, but I was skeptical that since I was present, the string of 26 years of good luck would be changed.
Nope, it was bright and sunny for the graduation (a little too bright and sunny at times). I enjoyed the band and the speakers. Got a little warm, but what else is new, right? After the group graduation, then we moved to a gymnasium for the jornalism school's graduation. At that part they called each graduate to the stage and we got to see her hooded with her master's degree.
Then the entire entourage took off for Indianapolis for a lovely luncheon (albeit late lunch at 3:30) and lots of talk around the table. What else would be expect from my family???? These moments when the entire family can be together are rare and I enjoy them. The last time I was with Megan on her birthday she was one year old and was licking icing off her fingers from sticking them in her Barbie cake. This was definitely a more sophisticated setting, although she's still my cutie pie.

I am glad I came in for the graduation. It's nice to be able to share in these "Kodak" moments. I have feeling they will be growing rarer as time passes. Speaking of Kodak moments, I am sorry but I am having a hard time adding a picture to this post, although I have over 100 of them. I forgot that dial-up connections are on the slow side.

Enjoy your sunny sunny day today, even if there is no sun in the sky - hope you feel it in your heart.

Up, Up and Away

I am looking at lists and more lists. Lists of the things I need to leave ready here in the apartment before travelling. Lists of people I need to talk to. Lists of files to copy. Lists of clothes to pack. Lists of things to do and buy. Lists of things I am supposed to buy for people in the US. I am listing very badly. (Sorry for the pun).
I can't believe I am going to be travelling in just two more days. Can't believe I'll be gone for almost two months. Can't believe I will be without my sweetie for 18 days! I can't believe I am going to see my baby niece (who was 2 years old when I came to Brazil) graduating with her master's on Saturday. I really can't believe how expensive the plane tickets were (talk about sticker shock). Can't believe I am might be heading up to Ottawa in June to see our friends there. Can't believe we have been here in Rio for a year already (but that must be true because this photo was taken on Sunday to celebrate our one year anniversary).
I am excited. Hope I get some sleep on the plane... that's a big hope. Guess I might as well get some sleep tonight in my own bed. There is just one more night in it. Cheers... hope you see you during my travels.