A Heritage of Honor and Courage, They searched for a brighter future for themselves and  their four children.  Traversing the sea from Faial to a bigger island, then by air to a home unseen and a fear of what was to be. 
With God beside them, Francisco and  Rosa, along with the children, Malinda age 8,  Joe age 7,  Mary  age 5 and Leonard the baby at age 2.  Not knowing one word of English, one suitcase carried their belongings, with everything they now owned, leaving their home and those they loved with the knowledge of perhaps only the beautiful memory, forever they retain. 
Right, The church in Pedro Miguel, Faial, Azores before the earthquake brought it down in 1998.  Below after
Close Loving Families are getting rare....   Let us not forget where we came from and how different it could've been.  Our  heritage came with us as the base of our character, the ethical way we were raised, our beliefs, our early years, and life back in the 60's and 70's, made us who we are today.  Of course, we learn on our own too without the influence of our parents, but they set the stage.       
     Coming from a close loving Portuguese family, we're one of the honored ones.  Pedro Miguel, Faial, a beautiful little village where our parents and siblings were born,
​Living life to the fullest means to embrace this glorious life God has made for you. 
I feel very honored to have amazing, giving and the most honest people I've ever known, as my parents.  Thank you Mom and Dad....   Frank Silveira and Rosa Silveira.  Thank you to God for giving us the gift of you both, as our parents.   :)

Dad playing his Mandolin

Mom turns 90 ! 

We had a great time at Mom's 90th birthday party. My mom and dad were surprised as they were picked up by limo.  But that's not all, 
her brother, sister and sister in law popped out along side more family.
  That was a joy to see !   Lunch was served, music played,
​wine flowed and visited with many long time family and friends 
I hadn't seen in a very long time.   
Everyone had a good time, at least I hope so !!
Meet the Parents
Frank, 91 and Rosa, 89 Celebrating their birthday in August.  
Like branches on a tree,
We all grow in different directions,
but our roots remain the same.
Jacob Collier, reminiscing with his Ava and sharing some love.
Dad with Joe's boys, Michael and Eric 
Mom with the grand and great grand girls
Google map of Pedro Miguel, Faial.
<-- If you'd like to test your patience and research skills. :)
Picture


Here is Jade, our newest addition to the family,
with a smile and personality that will melt hearts :) 
with her mom and dad, Misty and Justin Johnson

Serenity Prayer

Lord grant me the Serenity to accept
the things I cannot change,
​
Courage to change the things I can,
and
Wisdom to know the difference



Picture
Katelyn, Michelle, Dar and Mary
(and Bear)
2011
Picture
My Grandoggies, Bear and Copper (in front)
  Mom and Dad ~ Pinecrest 2012
Annual Family Camping Trip   with the Doggett's  ~ Pinecrest ~  Lifetime of Memories
2014
When Families join together..... 
Love is shared,
Families grow with Love.
Pinecrest 2015