Monday, February 9, 2009

Brooklyn's Day, Bridal Teas and Birthdays

Aren't weekends supposed to be for relaxing?

Well, it never works out like that for me.

This weekend I:
  • Had a Mother/Daughter evening with Brooklyn.
  • Washed an entire weeks worth of dirty clothes.
  • Baked for and attended a bridal tea.
  • Went to dinner at a friend's house.
  • Went to church twice, baked for a birthday party and shopped for Valentine's Day dinner supplies ---all on Sunday.
And I guess I'll spare you all the "little" details that fill a mother's day and always seem to be the most time consuming.

Bridal Tea:
Larissa is a precious young lady in her early twenties. She speaks English very well and has a way with children. When we first arrived in Portugal she was the only "friend" my children had. She would do a little Bible study with them in English in the small classroom during preaching time and after church would play hide and go seek outside the church. Counting in English of course. Now, almost a year later we're sending her off to New Zealand where she will be married in a few weeks. The bridal tea was a sad/happy time for me. Larissa helped my children (and me) adjust to our new environment and we will always be thankful to her for that.
Larissa and her niece, Sarah


The food table.


Praying for the Bride.


Ms. Dawne, our coworker, explaining the rules to a game.


Some of the food.


The grooms name in an acrostic.


I introduced them to cheesecake!


Sarah playing Peek-a-Boo.



Mother/Daughter Evening:
Friday night, after a quick pancake supper for the rest of the family, Brooklyn and I slipped away for a Mother/Daughter evening. There's only one store in Portugal that she's interested in and that's FNAC. Do you guys have these stores in America? It's a music store/book store/computer store all wrapped together surrounding a coffee shop. (I could spend hours there too...the coffee shop I mean)

Mom and Brooklyn

She went looking for a Mozart CD and the book Through the Looking Glass. She came home with the book, but no CD because the one she wanted wasn't there. At least it wasn't there for the right price I guess I should say.

You see, every Mother/Daughter day each girl gets 10 Euros (13 dollars) to spend as they wish. They may choose to carry their dear Mom out to eat, or eat at home and spend the money buying things instead. It's been interesting to see how each girl has chosen to spend their money. To watch them budget and try to get the most for their money.

  • One has insisted that we eat out together, regardless of the cost.
  • One didn't care what we did as long as I bought her a cheap toy so as to not "use up" all my money.
  • One 'let' me eat at home, so she could eat out AND buy herself something.
  • And one has been given a night out with Mom, only to give it to her sister who had not yet been given a turn. Thus making herself the last.

I'm learning a lot about their character, desires and their hearts. They are so precious in their different levels of maturity. Conversation has been a hoot as I have listened to each one specifically without interruptions. I recommend something similar for you Moms with more than 2.5 kids!


Mom and Brooklyn


14 comments:

Tori Leslie said...

What a fun time you had. I can just imagine that they loved the cheesecake, and why not? I'm sure you didn't eat too many of those little deadly squares, right?

BTW, Brooklyn looks just like her dad.

Mom said...

Brooklyn you are becoming a beautiful young lady! I love you so much. I can really see how much you DO look like your Mom in this picture. I love the sweater you have on. Pink and gray look good on you. I wish I was there to have a Mimi and Brooklyn day! And then a day with each of your sisters. I miss you and I hope I can come for another visit in September. Then it will be my birthday and the birthday party will be for me too!
Love to all my babies... MIMI

Anonymous said...

Boy you did have a busy weekend! At least they were all good things. Love the pictures. Mommy and daughter are beautiful.

-FringeGirl

Missy Wertz said...

What a great idea! And to budget with it is awesome. I think, especially state side, we tend to be way too indulgent with our children.

I bet is is fun to see what each one plans to do with the budget.

Starla said...

That is so sweet having a Mother/Daughter day. Also Mozart is GREAT!!!

Missy Wertz said...

Stop by my Little things in Life blog. I have something for you.

Unknown said...

You have encouraged me greatly! Thank you!

Michelle said...

Such a nice picture of you and your daughter. I am planning on having that kind of weekend this coming one. You seemed to be very busy! Hope you have a great week. Not so stressful.

Sue said...

It is so refreshing to see a mother make lasting investments into the lives of her children. My dear Nina, Your devotion to your family has truly blessed me .
Blessings,
Sue

Tabatha said...

Cheesecake.... they should be spoiled for sure! Hmmm, maybe it's a way for you to have a little business? They make all that yummy bread, you make the cheesecake! Zeus would love all that work out too.

Brookie, you are such a sweet girl. All of the children are! And I was just telling Dennis the other night; Can you believe it's really been a year??

Amrita said...

Such adorable photos.


Larissa abd Sarah are so sweet. And all the delicious food. I want to make cheese cake but can 't get cream cheese here. Its available in other cities.

Brooklyn and you look such a preety twosome. Youy really enjoyed the outing. This is such a precious tradition you have.The bonding together too.

Can Brooklyn download the Moxart?There are free download sites.

Unknown said...

This is a great idea! I need to start doing something like that. I remember Susanna Wesley made it her priority to spend time alone with each of her individual children, and she had several.

Thanks for the encouragement :o)

Unknown said...

I love the Mother/Daughter time out! We often read or hear of Dad and Daughter going on a date, but it's just as important for mom and daughter to connect awhile with no interruptions!
Love all that tile in the home!
Cheesecake, they will never forgive you for introducing them to such a wonderful addiction!

Christie said...

We only have two daughters, but I love this idea and think we'll try it. Thanks for sharing about your family. :)