Houston, Texas

On Friday after camp, we headed to Houston for the weekend. I was so excited to see Michelle, Nathan and the kids... When we arrived in Houston we met them all for dinner and then headed back to their place. On Saturday morning, Alison, Taylor and I headed to Katy, we stopped by Michelle's dad's place and Taylor saw her grandpa, and I dropped some stuff off to him and picked up some stuff for Michelle. After that we headed to my grandmother's house and picked up the stuff she had for Charlie and Alison. At 12:30 I went to meet my goodfriend Mike for lunch at Casa Garcia's, it was great to see Mike and sit and talk, it's been way to long. After lunch we headed back to pickup Michelle, who had to work till 2. On the way home ALison got a DVD stuck on her finger, only my little girl could do something so crazy. I tried to get it off, but I had to pull over and do it and we finally got it off. I hope and pray she doesn't do that again, ever! Got Michelle and then we headed to the Galleria Mall, went to Dylan's Candy Bar, Bath & Body Works (gotta love the big sale) and then to the Disney Store.. While we were at the mall, Craig and Charlie headed to Johnson Space Center (NASA) for the Cubscout Space Camp.. It was from Saturday at 5- Sunday morning at 9ish.. After enough of shopping and looking around it was time to head back to Michelle's house. We got back and let the kids play while Michelle grilled some steaks. Dinner was great, the girls played, mine boys were at Space Camp, Nathan was at work, and Caleb was everywhere (he's 2)...Sunday the boys came home, we packed up and we headed to Calvin and Erica's for a Father's Day BBQ (We gave Craig's father's day gifts to him before we left Dallas). The kids all played and we sat and talked and Erica grilled and we had an amazing lunch. After lunch we needed to head home. We left around 4 and we stopped for Gas, and drinks, and we got home at 9. Great weekend!

Princess and Prince Warrior Camp~

Last week our church put on not 1, not 2 but 3 amazing camps...There was Princess Camp, Prince Warrior Camp and Impact Camp. Charlie and Alison attened the Princess and Prince Warrior Camp, and Charlie can't wait till next year to attend the Impact Camp. They did some amazing crafts, games, music, and had some great snacks. It was a blast, it was from 9-12 everyday. I was worn out everyday after working the camp. I need to upload the video's from the last day and when the kids performed for the families. Amy and Bryan Holt you two are amazing and I am so happy that God put you two at COC Metro and with our children, you are both great Children's Ministers. Thanks for all your hard work, we all are so blessed....

Today was the hardest day in my life....

I think today (know I know today) was the hardest days of my entire life. Matheus left America to go back home to Brazil. I so wanted to do this program to make a impact on their lives and wow was I fooled. Matheus made a deep impact on my entire family, and friends and everyone he met. It's seems so weird to come home and he not be here, see his room and him not there. After 10mths to have them gone, it makes an impact. It has been real emotional for us all, Matheus included and his friends. I know you will be back, but next summer seems so far away. I am thankful for facebook, email and webcam.... I am truely thankful to Miguel & Lilian and your entire family for sharing Matheus with us, we learned so much from him. I love that he bonds our two families together. I so can't wait to come to Brazil and meet you all in person.

Matheus, we love you so much and thank you for being apart of our family.. Not many people can say they have families in two countries, but you can. You will always be apart of our lives. You have made such a deep impact on us all, hugs and kisses you you and don't forget to write often, call and photos...

Love you kido!

Girls Night Out!

I haven't gone out with the ladies in a long long time, so we are all going out tonight. Can't beat dinner, Christian Comedy Club, and then some yummy yogurt afterwards. But the best part is being with some amazing women.

Prayers for a Close Family Friend~

Yesterday on the way home from having dinner with the family, Alison and I ran an errand. I called the guys to check on them and while I was talking to Craig I got a voicemail. When I called and checked my voicemail and I think my heart stopped for a moment. I called my inlaws back to talk to them. I was informed that our good family friends "The Waite's" that Wanda was rushed to the hospital. They said that it's didn't look good and that was at 9:20 last night. When Craig got home (10:00), I had to tell him about one of his closest friends mother. Craig called Craig (yes the same name) and we were told that she just passed away. They believe that she suffered a massive heart attack. The Simmons and The Waite's have been friends for over 30+years... They are more family than friends. So please say a prayer for everyone.

This is a busy week, trying to get everything done before Matheus leaves. Trying to visit with everyone before Monday. It's been an truely emotional week at least for me.. Tuesday he went out with Lydia for dinner at Texas De Brazil and they enjoyed there time together. Then yesterday I took him and Charlie to meet Craig and head to the mall to get last minute gifts for family. And we stopped and had BBQ together as a family. The boys keep making me laugh, they are nuts. I really cherish those little moments together. Today we are running some more errands, and then he is heading to SpeedZone with his friends tonight. Tomorrow, he is going to go and play some poker with some more friends "Guy Time". Saturday while Alison and I are at women's bible study and the boys are heading to "Deleay Plaza" to see the JFK and 6th floor Museum. Afterwards we are meeting to go to Mat's and then Lydia's graduation party. Sunday we have church and then meeting my dad and stepmom at Texas De Brazil for lunch. THen some more get togethers on Sunday evening. And then the dreaded Monday. We start our day with church camp, and then to pack up the car, and head to our last meal together at Rainforest Cafe before heading to the airport. Not sure I am ready for this at all. I thought when we signed up to be an exchange parent we would be changing their lives, but it worked the other way, he changed our lives. It helps knowing that this isn't goodbye, just a see you next year. But man it's going to still be very hard. Thank you Miguel and Lilian for sharing your son with us. I feel that I will always have a bond with you all as well as Matheus.

Some photos from the Picnic with COC