Hogle Zoo

Today we went to Hogle Zoo with some friends. It was so much fun!

Highlights of the day:

Giovanna "riding" on the Polar Bear, and persistently asking to see the monkeys. When we asked her what was her favorite animal she said giraffe,

Giovanna pushing her stroller all by herself, saying hello and waving bye-bye to everybody,

Ale and I walking together holding hands,

Laughing with good friends,

Admiring the beautiful creations of Heavenly Father,

Life is good. Let’s enjoy it!

Elders of Israel

Spring started a week ago and it is still snowing in the mountains. We went to Park City today and everything looked bright white. Giovanna even wanted to climb the mountains to find Elsa's ice palace and build a snow man.

Today we also had the missionaries over for dinner. We love missionary work, and we are grateful for the missionaries who left their homes, family, and friends to dedicate two years of their lives to the service of the Lord. The least we can do is to feeding them! :)

We also love the messages they leave every time they come. It is always about something we need to learn or improve in our lives.

**General Women's Meeting. All women and girls, age 8 and up are invited to join us for this wonderful meeting tomorrow, Saturday, 29th at 6pm MDT

Tomorrow will be better

Today was just one of those days when no matter what you do, or say, or threat, or argue, your child simply WON'T listen to you. Giovanna cried all morning so I decided to get her out of the house. 

I took her to the museum and it was a bad idea. She didn't have any fun. The place was packed and she ran away from me several times, which made me yelled at her several times.

She pushed some kids and threw a tantrum when I reprehended her. One of the kids even said Giovanna would be on Santa Claus naughty list this year. I was so exhausted I promptly replied she would be on his naughty list for the next ten years.

Back home I thought she would wake up better after a nice, long nap. It didn't happen. Some days are just hard. On days like this I always remember my sister saying: "It was just one bad day. Tomorrow will be better".

And she is right.

Vogais Pontilhadas

Vogais para colorir e praticar

Fonte: http://www.danizinhaeduca.blogspot.com/

 

I am sorry. I forgive you.

• "(...) After several months of marital bliss, a serious disagreement erupted that so hurt the husband emotionally that he could not function at his daily tasks. As he reeled from the impact of this confrontation, he stopped to analyze the problem and realized that at least a part of the problem had been his. He went to his bride and stammered awkwardly several times, ‘I’m sorry, Honey.’ The wife burst into tears, confessing that much of the problem was hers, and asked forgiveness. As they held each other, she confessed that in her experience those words of apology had not been used before, and she now knew that any of their future problems could be worked out. She felt secure because she knew they both could say, ‘I’m sorry’; ‘I forgive’”.

• “I recall listening at length to a couple who sat across the desk from me. There was bitterness between them. I know that at one time their love was deep and true. But each had developed a habit of speaking of the faults of the other. Unwilling to forgive the kind of mistakes we all make, and unwilling to forget them and live above them with forbearance, they had carped at one another until the love they once knew had been smothered. It had turned to ashes with the decree of a so-called ‘no-fault’ divorce. Now there is only loneliness and recrimination. I am satisfied that had there been even a small measure of repentance and forgiveness, they would still be together, enjoying the companionship that had so richly blessed their earlier years".

Last Sunday on our Marriage & Family Relations class we learned about the healing power of forgiveness. These two stories exemplify how two simple words- Sorry and Forgiveness can make a huge difference and change lives.

This week we should make a list of things we would like to apologize for and give it to our spouse. We also need to pray together, and show gratitude for our spouse and children.

I believe and I testify that by following Heavenly Father's teachings we can strengthen our family relation. It is not an easy task and we need help. I know the Lord is our best help.

Fresh Monday

Today I woke up loving my life, 

loving my body, my clothes, my house, my car, 

loving where I live... the mountains, the blue sky, the birds, the trees, the sun!

Loving being a mom, being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the knowledge I have of the gospel. Loving everything I have and everything I am!

I love when I wake up feeling like this - fresh and happy!

There is nothing like a grateful heart!

Happy Monday!

❤

Eeyore Saga

Yesterday Giovanna lost her naninha- an Eeyore snuggle blanket my sister gave her when she was a baby. She carries naninha everywhere she goes, and I have lost count of how many times she has lost it and we had to hunt it down in stores, friend's house, parking lots, etc.

Last night we were at the store and Giovi was carrying naninha the whole time. As soon as we got back home and put her to bed we realized she had left it behind. We gave her another furry friend to sleep with and told her we'd be going back for naninha first thing in the morning.

Giovanna is a lucky girl. We went back there and we were able to find it! So I guess the Eeyore saga continues.

The Easter Story

Giovanna's been mixing Portuguese and English a lot. Yesterday she asked to do Noite Familiar. It was really cute! We sat down, sang Sou um filho de Deus, and we talked about Easter (3 Nephi 11) using some visual aids. Giovanna learned that on Easter some people were mean to Jesus and put Him on a cruz,

but some other people were good and helped Him,

then He was happy again!

Giovanna liked the happy ending.

St. Patrick's Day

Yesterday we spent our evening walking around downtown Salt Lake. We visited the Gilgal Sculpture Garden, then we headed to City Creek. We let Giovi play on the dinosaur playground for a while, then we stopped at Disney store to get some Easter surprises for her.

Today we drove to downtown again to watch the St. Patrick's Parade. It's our family tradition. We watch it every year and Giovanna loves it. After the parade we went to Discovery Gateway to watch a Leprechaun puppet show and take a science class. The kids learned about lights and colors, and they painted and played with bubbles at the terrace.

Everything was really fun until Giovanna swallow the dishwasher detergent they were using on a "scientific experiment". The staff called the Poison Control while Giovanna threw up the detergent on the floor. She drank plenty of water and after a few minutes she was fine, playing and running around again. After that we had dinner at Olive Garden.

St. Patrick's Parade throughout the years:

March 2014

March 2013

March 2012

Fun Time

Today I headed to Sugar House to watch the Agresta boys. The day was so warm and beautiful! After putting the kids down for a nap I stepped outside to laid down on the green grass to feel the sun and enjoy the blue sky. It felt so good!

After naps the kids played outside, running wild and free.

At dinner time I prepared a special meal to celebrate St. Patrick's Day- Ravioli Shamrocks with traditional Irish cheese. Yummy!

When we got back home Ale and I had dinner at Freestyle Sushi.

**Plans for the weekend? Come to downtown on March 15th to watch the St. Patrick's Parade and Siamsa at 10am at Gateway Mall. Also Discovery Gateway for $5 general admission through March- Fridays and Saturdays after 5pm and Sundays all day. 

Alfabeto Ilustrado

Consoantes para imprimir

 Fonte: http://cantinhodosaber.buscasulfluminense.com

Homeschooling in Portuguese

Giovanna is already enrolled to start preschool soon. Besides preschool I'm also planning on homeschooling her in Portuguese. In order to gather material I've created a new tab on the blog called Free Portuguese Worksheets where I will post printables, activities ideas, coloring pages, and more to help mine (and your) little one immerse in a fun new world.

Alfabeto Ilustrado - Cartão Vogais para imprimir

Fonte: http://cantinhodosaber.buscasulfluminense.com