What we do for Family

Despite being sick after coming home from VA I still made it a point to be at my little sister's Bridal Shower in Utah. Romulo and I made the 10 hr drive to Utah to be there. I knew Romulo would do most of the driving since he spoils me and all, still it was much cheaper to drive than to fly because of the short notice. Even though, I had bad images in my head about me being miserable on the ride, since I was sick, to my surprise it was quite pleasant. We made it there in pretty good timing and had a blast. Sure, I was running around like a crazy woman but after seeing my sister and sharing this experience with her it made it all worth it. I also got to see the apartment her and Calvin will be living in for the next year, pick out make-up with her for the wedding, and shop a little for her apartment. In between all of this Romulo and I were able to see some friends (not everyone we wanted to see). Plus, we were able to watch the Brasil Vs. USA soccer game with the Pereira family. And thank goodness Brasil won because that would have made our trip home miserable. Pictures of Emma opening her presents at her shower. She looks like a happy bride.

VIRGINIA is for Lovers!

So, I made it back from a 2 weeks visit in Virginia. I love going home but the past two times I've gone I've gotten sick. I know I know I need to calm down and take it easy for a while but I've got too many events coming up. Like, tonight Romulo and I are making a road trip to Utah for my little sister Emma's bridal shower that her soon to be in-laws are throwing her. Crazy you must be saying but hey family comes first. And much much more to come!
Anyway, my stay at home was nice and crazy. I was able to:

-see my oldest nephew (H) play 2 baseball games
-hear him talk about how he made the all-star team (super important for a 9 yr old boy)
-play at the pool with my two cute nephews (Z and A)
-play Lego's with the Lego King (E)
-going shopping with my mom and two sisters
-find wedding dresses for my little sister's wedding in August
-celebrate Father's Day with my dad and brother
-see my brother go in and come out of surgery
-get sick (yup that's right I got sick and still am sick)
-and much much more.

Happy Father's Day

To all you father's out there, have a Happy Day! I love you, Dad!

A LUSH Life

I love LUSH! It's all fresh, homemade cosmetics (soaps, lotions, creams, hair products, etc). I love how they are very organic, vegan, products all made by hand, pro-planet, no testing on animals, fresh ingredients, and they support the community. I first came across LUSH when my mom and dad came out to visit Romulo and I in SF. We were in Carmel-By-The-Sea walking the cute street and saw this store. I instantly fell in love with the OCEAN SALT and DREAM CREAM.
So, when Romulo surprised me with a vacation to Pacific Grove (close to Carmel) I knew I wanted to re-visit LUSH (even though they have a store in SF). I bought some of their solid shampoo's for my sisters to try and they instantly fell in love with it. I also saw that Tyson's Corner Mall had a store so today, my two sisters, Marian and Ellen, my mom and myself found ourselves wondering into LUSH. And today I fell in love with SMITTEN hand cream.

Waiting at the Hospital

I love that the hospitals now have free Wi-Fi because it makes the waiting much more pleasant. My only brother (who is the oldest of 6 kids), Thomas, is at the hospital today for surgery. He has been dealing with Crohn's disease for the past 6+months and today he is getting some scar tissue from his intestines removed to hopefully help relieve some issues. I'm sitting now in the waiting room of the Inova Loudoun Hospital in Lansdowne with my sister-in-law. Cross your fingers that this surgery will go smooth and well. (Picture of my brother and sister-in-law in DC in January when Romulo and I were there for Christmas.)

Ro-Ro

As many of you know, my husband's name is Romulo. But in Portuguese the "R" is pronounced as a "H" so in reality when you say Romulo it's Homulo or as many people say "Oh like Home Alone!" :), kind of but NOT really! We just go with it now since his name on paper and by sound is different. (Which I love!) Anyways, one of his many nicknames growing up was Ro (pronounced Ho). As Romulo and I've been married many people have reacted differently to his nickname since well Ho here in America is a bad name and people kind of look at me funny when I'm yelling his nickname when he's down the ail at the grocery store. But I don't care it's his nickname and so doesn't mean what most people think.
Why am I telling you all this? There's a reason because there is a little cartoon show that has a monkey character named Ho-Ho. And now I like to call my husband Ro-Ro (or Ho-Ho) only because of the name and not because I think my husband looks like a monkey!!! When I'm away from my Ro-Ro we like to communicate through the webcam and talk. So yesterday I had him on the webcam and we were talking and my little nephew Zander (nickname for Alexander) came to check it out. Now Zander is 2 years old and loves Ho-Ho. When you ask him "What is Ho-Ho?" he responds with "Ah Monkey!". When Zander was looking at Romulo through the webcam on the computer screen I told Zander that that was my Ro-Ro. Zander quickly looked at me and back to Romulo and said, "No, that not Ho-Ho!" And I said, "Yes, that's my Ro-Ro." . Zander thinking it through said "Ahh, that not Ho-Ho, that's BUZZ!" (Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story). I repeated what Zander said while pointing to Romulo, "That's Buzz?" Zander, "Yes, that Buzz!"
So, my husband has gone from being a Ho (a you know what not very nice word), to Ho-Ho (a monkey), and now Buzz! Can't get any better than that!

Airports GROSS

You can't live with them and you can't live without them. Well, if it wasn't for us living so far from both of our families I could live without airports!!! I've been flying for more than half of my time here on this earth and it still doesn't feel normal to fly or to be in an airport. Something about people's bad habits coming out annoy me! I mean come on, we're in close quarters so why do you think it's okay to cough and not cover your mouth. Or to be talking on a cell phone so loud that I can practically make out your conversation and it's not a good one either! Or people who bring disgusting food onto the airplane; the smell just lingers people! Or people who lay on the floor in an airport while waiting for their flight...it's not your carpet from home! I don't know the last time it was deep cleaned and I don't mean people coming by with a pan and broom sweeping the nastiness up. Or the girls who didn't think about the environment they would be in while they were getting dressed. Short skirts so not okay...I don't want to see more than I have too! Come on! Now, I don't mind children on flights but I do kind of get annoyed when they kick the back of your seat the whole flight and the parents not correcting it. But I guess at that stage parents are probably picking and choosing their battles. I know I would be. Let's not even go to the restrooms; I'll just leave it at that. And how does the airport get off selling a bottle of normal water for like $4 dollars...oh I know since they started that rule of not bringing in your own food/drinks...like I said can't live with them and can't live without them! Couples, a word of advise. I know you are in love and trust me I've been on a plane with my husband, Romulo, and I love the idea of going somewhere with your partner but please please refrain yourself from kissing too much. And I don't just mean the usual peck on the cheek, hand, or lips. But when it comes to slurping noises please just stop! It's gross enough that when you pass through security you have to take off your shoes but please don't think it's a sign that you can take them off while waiting for flight and while on the plane. I don't know the last time you washed them. Oh security, they pretty much want you to strip down to nothing...good thing I layer so I have something at least on! Like I said airports annoy me and I consider myself a frequent flyer but maybe that's why I get so annoyed. Good thing I have free Wi-Fi and can at least look at FACEBOOK to distract me!!!

HOME is where the Heart Is

Whenever I get ready for a trip back home to VA I always get these mixed feelings. Ones of childhood memories, excitement to be home around your old stomping grounds, and sadness. I feel like I am going home to familiar grounds but know that "my home" really isn't "my home" anymore. Home is where ever Romulo is. Home is where the two of us are together. Home is where family is. So, I guess home can be in multiple places. It's where ever love is found, people you care for are at, and where memories can be made and remembered forever!

This is the house I was born in (Leesburg, VA). Yes, that's right I was born at home and yes it was planned. This is of Nichols Hardware store. In the center of town; Purcellville, VA.

California has really welcomed us and made us feel good inside. Utah I won't say wasn't a good place and didn't make us feel welcomed it was just a stepping stone in our journey of life. It was a great place for Romulo and I to start our marriage off, to learn much from the Church, to meet great friends, and to get an education. I'm grateful for our time in Utah but am so glad we have moved on and wanted to move on the moment we set ground in Utah.
Now being in Northern CA we feel like we are at the place we needed to be and wished for being. Sure we miss our families in Brazil and in Virginia but we know they are safe and loved even from far away. We have also been fortunate to visit each side of the family often. Plus, both of our families are so close knit that we don't miss a beat. If I haven't talked to a family member in 2 days someone will call me to check up on us! That's what I love about my family; always the concern and the follow thru!
Virginia I hope you are ready for this girl to return to her roots! I love being an Virginian! Oh and I love being half Brazilian now too!

This is the Red Fox Inn in Middleburg, Va where Romulo and I stayed on our wedding night. George Washington and his wife Mary stayed at this inn. Love the history in VA.
The Capital Building in Washington, DC (taken in January 09)

Airport Greeting

Yesterday afternoon I flew back from a 10 day visit in Utah and I found myself being kidnapped by Romulo. He picked me up from the airport to tell me that I was being kidnapped for the weekend. At first I was a little bummed because after being away from your home for a number of days you kind of just want your own bed, TV, sofa, etc. But after he told me where we were going I was super excited. We were headed to Pacific Grove, CA (Butterfly Capital of USA) to stay in the Seven Gables Inn Bed and Breakfast. We stayed in their Ocean Mist room and couldn't have had better views of the ocean.After we checked in we went on a walk around Lover's Point Park. Then we headed towards Monterey's Cannery Row. For dinner we ate at Abalonetti's Seafood Trattoria. After sunset we went on a walk to hear the night sounds. As we were falling asleep we heard the sounds of sea lions and the ocean waves. In the morning we enjoyed a full breakfast at the Inn and then headed off to Carmel-by-the-Sea. We drove along the 17-Mile Drive that is famous for showing off Pebble Beach (where there is a golf tournament).
It was amazing! That's what I call one great greeting at the airport and welcome back to home! (Pictures below)This view is from Carmel-by-the-Sea looking towards Pebble Beach.The beach at Lover's Point Park. It's super cute.The rocks at Lover's Point Park (which is right across the street from our Inn).

Food, Lots of Food

Why is it when we go out to eat to one of our favorite restaurants we tend to over order and over stuff ourselves? A friend of mine said "Because we're stupid!" Isn't that the truth? So, I've been in Utah the past 10 days and while I've been here my little sister got engaged and I've taken them out to eat a few times. Last night they came up to Salt Lake (where I've been staying) and we went out to eat at one of the best Italian Restaurants Buca Di Beppo . The restaurant if you've never been is very much a family style place where you order a dish and its enough for a few people. Well the 3 of us kind of forgot that and we all ordered a dish. Haha! We were crying trying to eat the food we ordered way too much! But it was great because we had plenty of leftovers to take home with us! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner! No but seriously it was good food, good conversation, and a great memory to keep!

LOVE is in the AIR

Yes, it's true my little sister (Emma Naomi) is getting married! It just so happened that I had planned a trip to Utah and she got engaged while I was here. It really couldn't have been better timing and all since she is the only one on my side of the family in Utah. So, I felt pretty proud to be there with her to pick out THE WEDDING dress. For my wedding planning I didn't have any one with me to pick out the dress but I think I did pretty good if you ask myself. I do remember wishing I had someone there to bounce ides/thoughts off but oh well I made it. Monday and Tuesday we were able to get a lot planned and decided. We went to 4 different bridal stores and after the 1st place and 4th dress later we found THE ONE! But girls can never settled on going to 1 place we need to see them ALL!!! And that's just what we did but nothing compared to THE ONE! I couldn't be happier for my little sister, the baby of the clan! The wedding is set for August 15th in the San Diego Temple. Hahaha, you're probably wondering why a California Temple when the groom is from Colorado and the bride is from Virginia and all I have to say is "Baby gets whatever she wants!" Plus, she has always said she wanted to get married on the beach so I guess this is close enough (even though there are beaches in VA)!!! We love you Emma and couldn't be happier! Oh and I guess we love you too Calvin!!! Here is Emma in the fitting room after trying on only 4 dresses. Oh she has no clue what she got herself into!!! Just Kidding!(In picture: Lydia, Emma, and Calvin) Here is the lovely bride and groom back in September when I first met my soon to be brother-in-law in Provo.