The Janeiras is a Portuguese tradition consists of a group of people strolling the streets of a town singing in the New Year. To the modern eye, Janeiras is like Christmas caroling as this tradition involves a group of friends or neighbors going from house to house singing and sometimes playing instruments. Traditionally, people go out to the streets to sing Janeiras between December 25 and January 6. While singing, they review the most important events of the year with a spirit of happiness and great humor.
And that is just what we did.....we had a great time!
The elementary school here in our village where my 4 youngest attend went through the streets yesterday singing and petitioning donations for the school. I went along too...to help control confusion and keep pre-k kids from running out in front of cars.
This is my little Sunday school class that I help with. I'm the craft lady more or less, but we sure have a good time with these sweeties. Aren't they cute?!
This was Christmas Eve night, after all the kids were in bed. All the gifts to the right side of the tree were sent here by a precious supporting church in Alabama! Unity Baptist certainly spoils the Andrzejewski family! ;)
Church Christmas dinner in our home.
Some of the desserts, including a Bolo Rei (King Cake). A traditional Portuguese Christmas dessert.
The kids are allowed to open one gift Christmas Eve night before bed. Brooklyn chose to open a book she had picked out. She wanted to lay in bed all night and read.
Christmas morning
We've been dealing with a strange virus around our house this week. As well as having two of the 5 kids on antibotics for infections in their throats. The rain and winds have set in. Umbrellas offer little shield from this type of a rainy day. We stay wet and cold. Lots of soups, hot teas and of course coffee help keep us from freezing. I'm waiting patiently on the nice firewood man to deliver more wood so I can try to dry out the house. The floors and walls are staying wet and if they don't dry out soon, mold and mildew won't be far behind.
I'm thankful for a routine again. I loved having the kids at home for two weeks straight, but the confusion of no routine gets the best of me.
Michael has begun to work on our mini-furlough this summer. There is a lot to do in preparation. We're praying the Lord will bless and we can get everything accomplished in the 12 weeks we'll be Stateside.
So.......The month of December was a whirlwind of activity. I loved every minute of it and recorded most activities with my camera.
Now that the new year has rolled in and things will be going back to their comfortable routine starting tomorrow, I thought this was as good a time as any to try to catch up on my blog and let you guys know what we've been up to.
Thanksgiving dinner was such a blessed event. It was relaxing, spent with precious friends and co-workers. Filled with thankfulness and good food.
Kids Table
Ms. Dawne's Apple Pies
Blessed Friends
A few days after Thanksgiving, I received tragic news that my paternal grandfather had passed away. My dad arranged a quick flight for me to return to Missouri and attend his funeral. It was a blessing to see family I'd not seen in 10 years, even though it was under such sad circumstances.
My Dad (far right) with his sisters and Mom.
Dad, Me & Grandma
Back in Portugal 7 days later brought very cold weather, but kids happy to see their Mom!
Justice 4 and Me
Me, Lib 8 and Trinity 6 (Yes...we wear coats, gloves and hats inside!)
J-Dude and Trin
New hair cut
Surprising my Aunt with a quick visit while I was Stateside
My Uncle Bill cooked me supper!
And it was delicious!
My cousin Steve and me
My cousin Danielle and me
Christmas Program at church
Michael preaching after program
Surprise Christmas packages from the States
happy kids
Decorating Christmas cookies
Blogger is driving me crazy......Part 2 of this post will follow very soon.
