This Blog is about my life and the different adventures that I experience being a wife, homeschooling mother, homemaker, friend, and daughter of the king of the Universe. I am a follower of Yeshua (Jesus' name in Hebrew) He was born a Jew and lived as a Jew on this earth. It's because of him, and his incredible love towards me, that my ashes were turned into beauty. I'm a native of Brazil. I have been married to my DH, for 22 years. We met while he was there on a Mission's trip. We have one wonderful 13 years DD. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Sat, 9 Feb 2008 13:01:00 -0600 Sat, 9 Feb 2008 13:01:00 -0600 I didn't realize how long it has been since I posted. Well, its about time you get another little lesson about Brazilian culture. Today I would like to take you to enjoy a nice Brazilian dinner by the beach. Our menu consists of a typical North Eastern Brazilian Churrasco   We went to the beach that morning it was wonderful to smell the sea and just savor the Lord's beauty "WHAT A GIFT" I was telling my friend Lori the other day that I feel like a dried out sunflower this time of the year here in Indiana. So, I close my eyes and dream that I am at the beach in Natal.   Lets enjoy the beach view as we wait for our delicious dinner. It was a bit cloudy that morning, then when we left the beach the sun begin to shine. I would give anything to be at that restaurant right now, it beats my -6 degree here in Indiana   I think I see our garson (waiter) coming OK, I was so hungry, that I forgot to take a picture of our meal, then I went and followed our garson and asked him if I could take a picture of him with food that was going to the table next to ours. Let me tell you what's on the tray. Rice with peas and carrots. French fries and fried mandioca (cassava) - my favorite Fresh shelled beans flavored with onions and cilantro. Tossed Brazilian Salad (yummy with olive oil and vinegar) Assorted grilled meats, like sausage, chicken, beef and lamb - My family and I had Grilled Sun Dried Sirloin (simple the best). Farofa de manteiga  (read about it here) And of course we can't finish this delicious meal without our delicious cafezinho. I hope you enjoyed your tour of a typical Brazilian beach Churrasco (((Brazilian hugs))) Katia http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/477621/ Sat, 9 Feb 2008 13:01:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/477621/  I have been asked many times to speak to homeschool co-ops, Girls Scouts and churches about Brazil and often I am asked for recipes. I usually take a batch of the coconut and one of the chocolate candy below. This is one of those recipes that children love to get their hands on.  As simple as this recipe is, Americans seem to have a hard time understanding  how long these need to be cooked; I took several pictures of the cooking process, in hopes that  it won't be too hard to make them for your next International event at church. They are very easy to cook it's really a matter of watching the heat and stirring constantly.   Whenever you go to a party in Brazil like a birthday or wedding you always find the table of sweets (mese-de-doces) and the appetizer table (mesa-de-salgadinhos) along with other main dishes. They usually have so many variations of yummy things. I can remember as a child I would put one of everything on my plate. Wonderful yummy childhood memories.   Brigadeiros de Côco   Ingredients: 1 can Condensed Sweetened Milk 1 Tbs. Butter or Margarine 1 cup of Coconut (very full) More coconut for rolling it   Preparation:   ~ Grease and set apart a dinner plate. ~ Combine over milk and butter and cook over medium heat stirring constantly  As the milk warms up and the butter melts the mixture will seems almost runny it becomes thinner.    ~ Add coconut and turn heat down a bit, for at this point it can scorch easily. Keep stirring. It scorches very easily;  at this point you might want to turn the heat down to low.     Keep stirring until it reduces a bit and begins to form a ball and starts to come off of the pan. Again, don't stop stirring.   After you have felt that its coming off easily from the sides and the bottom of the pan. Pour onto the greased plate and wait until it cools.   After its completely cooled you are ready for the fun. Wash hands really well with hot water and soap, dry them well with a clean towel. Grease hands a bit. Roll about a 3/4 inch ball on the palm of the hands, then roll them on coconut.   When I don't have the little paper cups from below I just take them like this. Usually I line the plate with a pretty paper doily.   When I was in Brazill this last time I bought 600 of these little paper cups they are about a 3/4 inch. I have never seen these here in the states. This is how they are served in Brazil.   The chocolate recipe.   Brigadeiros de chocolate   Ingredients: 1 can Condensed Sweetened Milk 1 Tbs. Butter or margarine 1 Tbsp. Chocolate powder Colored sprinkles for rolling the candy   Preparation: Same as the coconut recipe above.   My local P. Library was featuring this book last year, so I decided to check it out.  Well, I was thrilled when I found the Chocolate recipe in this children's cookbook. I am beginning to see more and more Brazilian recipes in American cookbooks.  Serving size varies as to how large of a ball you roll. About 40 pieces. Enjoy it!  "I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.   My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD." Psalm 104:33,34 ((((Brazilian hugs))))       http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/464422/ Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:56:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/464422/ For Show and Tell today I thought we all could use a little of summer here in North America. I would like to treat you with some of my favorite things from Brazil, some of our beautiful flowers.  I really don't know their names, they are very common everywhere and  also have the most beautiful fragrance. What a most Awesome creator our Father in Heaven is. the beauty of such delicate things for us just to enjoy it for what they are. These lovely pink flowers were growing along the roadside, I just couldn't resist but to take a picture. The pictures below are from something more like a tree, than a bushy small plant. Can you believe this is a tree? I thought this was a neat leafy plant. I love pink! I was so sad, for I just couldn't get the camera to focus on this... it was simply breath taking and the fragrance, just heavely! (((((Brazilian hugs)))) For Show and Tell go visit our friend our sweet Mary here or the side button for S&Tell http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/459149/ Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:02:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/459149/ I wasn't able to finish my previous post today, and since I had this one already I decided to go ahead and do Show and Tell instead, I am hoping to be done with part 2 very soon.   One afternoon, almost at sunset I heard mom calling from the back of the house, and by the tone of her voice it just didn't seem things were quite right. I immediately jumped and thought she must have fallen or something???? As I started to make my way to the back of the house I hear her saying: "It's a miracle! It's a miracle! Only God! Only God can make it!" As I approached her, I saw why she was so hysterical. I was relieved to see such beauty.   She then proceeded to tell me about this cactus plant, how it wasn't doing too well where she had it and eventually something happened which broke off most of the plant. Now you need to know my mom - she is very frugal, and does not throw anything away. She is  also persistent. So, when the cactus plant broke off, she just transferred what was left of it, (as one can see by the pictures not much of a plant) to a smaller pot, and placed it on the other side of the house. Her thinking was that maybe it would grow again..... Day after day she watered her garden, and kept an eye on it. Just a couple of days before she took a pick at it and not much was happening......then it bloomed into this rare beauty - We named it "The Miracle". Only our wonderful Creator could create something so stunning and cause it to bloom out of such adversity.   If you know anything about Cactus’ and know about this particular one, can you please let me know?   As we can see below not much green plant at all.     My Mom the gardener by a blossoming mango tree, on our way to the beach. If you would like to be part of Show and Tell Friday and have a ton of fun. Click on the left side bar button or go to CanadaGirl. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/451272/ Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:06:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/451272/ I have taken some time off from posting and commenting, however when I had a few minutes I did sit and read some blogs.  I was specially blessed to read two blogs which gave me a little more to ponder this season.  I love the fact that these two sisters have shared their hearts in a very honest and loving way. Robin Sampson's -  Go Here TrainingHearts - Go here Here is my gift to you and yours this Christmas. May you feel His unconditional love in a way like never before. Merry Christmas! Mary, did you know? by Buddy Greene, Mark Lowry   Mary, did you know That your baby boy will one day walk on water? Did you know That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know That your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered Will soon deliver you Mary, did you know That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Did you know That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand? Did you know That your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little boy You've kissed the face of god Mary, did you know? The blind will see The deaf will hear And the dead will live again The lame will leap The dumb will speak The praises of the lamb Mary, did you know That your baby boy is lord of all creation? Did you know That your baby boy will one day rules the nations? Did you know That your baby boy is heavens perfect lamb? This sleeping child you're holding Is the great I am Because of Him, (((((Brazilian Hugs))))) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/447352/ Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:03:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/447352/ I'm sorry this is late. When we got home yesterday afternoon, we had some computer problems, so I couldn't post anything. I made my post this morning and by accident deleted the whole thing. Thank you my sweet friends who left messages on my C-Box concerning this.   I had the most delightful and wonderful day yesterday. Yes, I am an official American citizen, I wish you all could have been there.     Let me walk you through my experience. I was told to be there at 9 AM. Each of us who was taking the oath yesterday was called to sign our Certificate of Naturalization and were assigned a seat. I set by two gentlemen, one from Korea and the other from Kenya. The official ceremony was scheduled to start at 10 AM, and it did. This gave everyone plenty of time to finish some paper work and guests to be seated. The very friendly and sweet Judge came and commenced the ceremony by welcoming us and telling us about this historical occasion and how more special it was for it have taken place in such a Historic beautiful place. If, you live near Indianapolis, you might consider taking a tour of this beautiful building.   I was doing really well emotionally, until the Judge called for the oath to be read and for us to stand up. I tell you, I'm glad I didn't have to repeat it word by word, for as the oath was being read, I had a lump in my throat, and when we said “I do” I lost it….. We then were told to face the flag and put our right hand over our heart and recite the Pledge of allegiance, I barely could even recite it, I had tears and they were flowing like a river.  I remember (through my tears) that it wasn't very loud, I thought since I was a little overwhelmed I wasn't hearing too well.... Later on, I was told that the whole place was very solemn, even the guests had tears. It was the most solemn Pledge everyone in that room ever heard. Something so special that so many take it for granted. And now for some pictures. My pictures weren't as good as normal, we had troubles with the lights in there. My Citizenship Certificate DD Anna, Esther and Connie Mark my wonderful husband, sweet Anna and the Judge My friends Rex, Connie and Esther. Thank you for coming and celebrating this special day with me. Rex filmed the whole ceremony, thank you Rex! I know my wonderful Rabbi really wanted to be there, but was unable to attend due to being sick, thank you Rabbi for your love. This room is a beautiful work of art. There is a picture of everyone of the first thirteen states painted near the ceiling. These columns are real marble. Celebrating afterwards at a downtown restaurant. Esther, Anna and Mark Connie, myself and Rex. We were given several special letters...one of them was from the President, a flag, and several wonderful books. Very neat!!!!! I thought some of you might like to read the oath and the pledge.      United States Citizenship Oath "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."    Pledge of Allegiance "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all." May the Lord continue to bless America!     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/423003/ Wed, 7 Nov 2007 19:30:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/423003/ If you would like to be part of Show and Tell Friday and have a ton of fun click on the left side bar button or go to CanadaGirl.     Today, I am taking you for a very special treat, a Brazilian Ice Cream shop. This is Premium Ice cream, so rich and delicious!!!! Yummy! You serve yourself, when you are done they weigh your dish. Yes, it's by weight. Somehow these are the only pictures I have of the Ice Cream shop. My other pictures got erased. You all should have seen my nieces and nephew's ice cream dishes, they had more candy than ice cream. Grape Cream, Caramelized Banana, Guava Cream, Coconut cream, and Prunes. Yes, you read it correctly! Prunes in Brazil are not considered a medication, it's a normal dried fruit and is in many deserts. It's actually considered a delicacy. The Ice cream was wonderful. Yummy!!!! My niece gave me a taste of her Grape Ice cream, it was very sweet but good, not as good as the Prune and Guava Toppings choices: Caramel, Chocolate of course, Marshmallow cream. Nuts, Crushed cookies, sprinkles, assorted candy, and yes, those are Prunes on the very back, Raisins, and of course a cherry for the top. These girls keep this place spotless and the ice cream needs to be decorated at all times.  Ice cream flavors: Graviola Cream, Caja, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Caramelized Banana, Chocolate, Grape, Coconut,   Raisin Cream, Mint Chocolate, Strawberry, Peach cream, Assorted Candy bar flavors. I love the way they mix flavors and colors! The funny looking stuff on the inside walls of the freezer is just Ice Condensation.  Since we are at the Mall lets go to the candy store and buy some candy to take home.... I hope you had fun today. ((((Brazilian hugs))))) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/419430/ Thu, 1 Nov 2007 20:29:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/419430/ Show and Tell today will be about Brazilian fruit - If you would like to be part of S&T Friday click on the left side button or go to CanadaGirl. One of the things I miss the most from home is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. I couldn't help while there to take some pictures. Enjoy the pictures! This is a fruit and vegetable market on our way to the beach. Inside of the Styrofoam boxes were bottled water, pop, juice or cold coconut water (milk). Oranges, Tangerines, Passion fruit, seriguela, coconuts, bananas, guavas, cashews, watermelons, pineapples... Old fashioned scale. Weighing cashews. Family working together, shelling Fresh Green Beans. One of the most famous dishes of this region of Brazil is the fresh mature beans cooked with butter and salt only..... Oh, so good, yummy Everyone has a Cell phone..... Look at the size of these guavas.... they were the size of a Barlet Pear. I love Guava. Mom and my niece.....we had to have a taste of it before buying. These pineapples were sooooo sweet, Guess how much? $0.50, my Walmart has the sour ones for $4.00, not fear Mom tasting the Acerola. She really spoiled me, she made me some juice that day. Did you know Acerola is in a lot of Vitamin C supplements here is the US? It's loaded with antioxidants. I had to put the next two pictures in this S&T, Mom has always had a nice garden and lots of fruit trees. Mom's Acerola bush. Mom's Graviola fruit, not ripe yet :( Graviola is now sold in the US as a food supplement. Thanks for visiting my Show and Tell. ((((brazilian hugs)))) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/415495/ Fri, 26 Oct 2007 07:36:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/415495/ For S&T this week I will take you to my home city's Opera house.  It took 15 years to be built. It was build during the Amazon rubber boom. The marble, iron, glass and crystal work was brought from Europe. All of the wood work was done in Europe with wood from the Amazon jungle, then sent back to Manaus. "Work proceeded slowly over the following fifteen years with some stops and re-starts from 1885 to 1892. Roofing tiles came from Alsace while, from Paris, came furniture and furnishings in the style of Louis XV, much from the Koch Fréres company. From Italy came Carrarra marble for the stairs, statues, and columns. Steel walls were ordered from England. The theatre has 198 chandeliers, including 32 of Murano glass. The curtain, with its painting the "Meeting of the Waters" was originally created in Paris by Crispim do Amaral, depicts the junction of the Rio Negro and the Solimões to form the Amazon. On the outside of the building, the dome is covered with 36,000 decorated ceramic tiles painted in the colors of the national flag." (Read the rest of this article here ) I have been there four times. it's one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen in all my life. The pictures do not do justice to this most beautiful work of Art. The dome design resembles our flag At night..... An Italian artist was hired to paint the art work on all of the walls and ceilings. If you would like to be part of this fun and sweet adventure that we call  S&T Friday go to Canadagirl Someone asked me last week if these photos are form the internet? Yes, they are, for I don't have my own photos just loads of post cards. ((((Blessings and hugs))))) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/383102/ Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:52:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/383102/ CanadaGirl is the hostess for Show & Tell, if you would like to be part of it go here.     ~ Passion Fruit ~   There 16 varieties with  600 species of Passion Fruit throughout the world, with 150 found only in Brazil.   I can still remember our Passion fruit vines. Some days, I would loose my self into it's beauty and scent. I was fascinated with their vivid, deep colors and their beautiful exquisite, graceful design. I think it looks like a work of art. Only a creator in all His awesome infinite wisdom could create just so much beauty. I can't imagine the thought that this flower/fruit just evolved out of nothing.   These beautiful flowers are often used in flower bouquets and cake decorating. The fruit is very juicy and used in cakes, ice cream, candy, mousse and flan (our national desert). Yummy...... This fruit is also known for it's natural tranquilizing ingredients, which is also used in medicines.   This one flower resembles the one kind of Passion Flower we had at home.   Passion Fruit juice is sold at some grocery stores. My Super Walmart, sell it along with the other juice carton, in the refrigerator section and also at the international food section.       http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/378977/ Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:50:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/withHim4ever/378977/