Our 2nd Christmas

Have I blogged our 1st Christmas?
The suitcase finally arrived, and we were able to celebrate a "2nd Christmas" with the gifts that were in the suitcase.
We are all so thankful the suitcase arrived. The "big" gifts were Dad's Kindle from mom, the duvet cover and pillows for Mom and Dad from me, and Tim's anniversary book from Tim.
There were also things for the kids and other little goodies to boot!
God is good! What fun!

Papi et Mimi and the "French" Grandkids

Can't say we didn't try....

Happy 3rd Birthday, Stefan!

Three years ago we were sitting around wondering when you would ever come into the world to meet us.
Now it seems impossible to believe that you are already 3 years old.
You have given us so much fun and joy, and we are excited to see how you are going to continue to grow.
You make a great big brother, son, nephew, cousin, and grand-son!
WE LOVE YOU!!!

Micaiah's Gift to His Dad

Proof that it is more blessed to give than to receive! Micaiah heard his Dad say a few weeks ago that he wished he had some gloves and he told his Mom that day that he knew what he wanted to get his Dad for Christmas. He kept his secret but was soooo excited to give his gift this morning. Definitely a moment to remember!

Papi and Stefan Chatting!

Micaiah and the Case of Meat Fondue

This was just too cute! Notice the smug smile on the last picture. I LOVE IT! (I put in the two plate one's b/c I needed 15 pictures!)

Christmas Eve in Bordeaux

I assume these will all be self-explanatory, but we just wanted to give you a taste of our Christmas Eve.

I will explain Zacharie's black eye. He took a bad spill last night, and we are thankful that it didn't end up in the emergency room. He's fine, but it did leave a nasty mark. Micaiah's pj's are still in my suitcase which we hope is on a truck being brought down to Bordeaux through the night tonight...we hope.....

We had a wonderful evening, complete with guests from Hungary, and the story of "Bobby".

The only thing missing was YOU. Hope you all had (well, I guess that is "have") a wonderful evening.

Loads of love and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Fun!

Monday night we all took the tram to downtown Pessac to have some Christmas fun! First we went to the Christmas tree maze which unfortunately closed before the kids went through it. It wasn't too bad, however, since Grandma noticed that you could go through it alone and so we did our own run through! Then the kids (with Papi and Zacharie) rode the Merry-go-round. About then it was time for the concert in the church. It was a choir from Pessac putting on a Christmas concert. They were real personable (let the kids come on stage to sing O Beau Sapin! if they wanted-- our kids didn't :-). We all enjoyed the concert. Then it was home for some of Aunt Jennie's White Chicken Chili which was a big hit with the older ones but not so much with the youngsters. It was a great memorable evening! Wish more of you could have been here with us.

Happy Anniversary!

Four years ago today....
So exciting to see what God has done in your lives during the past 4 years.
We are so glad Brian chose to join our crazy family!
We love you both--enjoy celebrating with 2 church programs today!!
(Dan warned you about Christmas weddings!!)
Have a GREAT day!

Happy Anniversay, Dan and Brenda!!

We love you and hope that you are having a wonderful, marvelous day. We are sure that the kids are spoiling you rotten :-) We are so happy that the "what a gal" came into the family 17 years ago!

Celebrating Zacharie's 1st birthday

Thank you all for the birthday wishes for Zacharie. We had a great evening celebrating together as a family. While Zacharie didn't exactly start talking on the very day he turned 1, he sure did start becoming more active! I'm not sure whether it was turning 1, or his new "BabyHaler" (see us administering his medicine in the small picture in the collage where he is crying :( ), but he has definitely all of a sudden become more interested in all the little things in the world around him! Tonight, we even caught him picking clementines out of the tiered fruit basket and tossing them one by one into the nearby trash can! And this afternoon he removed Papi's hearing aid for the first time ever from his regular perch. He is fast becoming Mr. Busy-Body! It's a good thing. :) Just keeps us on our toes. And for the record, he did like his marble birthday cake with chocolate frosting. (Did anyone really doubt?) We love our little Zacharie, and sure are glad he's a part of our family.

"I'm ONE!!"

---and ready to meet all the challenges ahead. According to his big sister, he can't wait to eat chocolate! :-) Maybe we will find out tonight at the big birthday bash!
Happy Birthday, Zacharie. We love you and so enjoy having you around. You bring lots of joy to lots of people and I am sure you will in the years to come, too.

"QSB"

Just for your info, everybody. I finally got my Christmas present from last year. Well, at least, we ordered a mattress but it won't be in for 4 weeks. So now I guess this year's present will have to be a bed to put it on. Probably will take us a year to find that, too :-(

Decorating the Tree!

We had a fun and noisy time tonight decorating the tree!!! Along with Tim's family, we invited the Lee children over. We had waffles and hot chocolate. Dad put the tree together and Tim (with Ruth's expertise) did the lights. As to the rest, well, you can see the "finished" project :-) Had quite the "hand bell choir", too-- after almost 40 years, those bells have found another activity. We really enjoyed the "live" Christmas music, too.

Snow has arrived in Rockford!!

SNOW!!! -- in Bordeaux :-)

Don't laugh too hard all you Northeners, but we were all excited to have a snowfall this morning. Especially when it meant we could have coffee/hot chocolate and cookies together. France is not like SC, so Micaiah had to go to school!

Thanksgiving in Iowa

Here are some pictures from our wonderful Thanksgiving in Iowa. The Sperlings hosted us in the most warm and inviting way as you can see from the above collage. And then Christopher took us all out for family pictures in the afternoon.

Zacharie takes his first steps!

Thanksgiving at 162bis!

A little late, but better than never :-) Friday we had a wonderful day celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends. Did you all hear that word "family"? It has been a long, long time since we have been able to add that to our Thanksgiving celebration at 162bis! We were 23 in all. It is the first time that Huguette has been in 3 years because of her stroke. Well, actually, except for her, the Bergmans and Christys were the only "regulars"-- everyone else was new this year! The Seelys were here along with another family that visited last Sunday for the first time (the husband is American and has only been here for about a week). Bergmans had prepared a little project for the kids and then we had a sweet time of singing and giving testimonies. Seelys and Tim and family stayed on long enough to play some games and eat some leftovers for supper. We didn't lack for yummy food!!

Our Day!

Today I woke up to the sounds of a 9mo old little girl chattering!  So sweet.  We lazied around the house for the morning, and then went to Chick-fil-A for lunch!  Jo and Brian were in need of a CFA fix!  Then we left Brian with the kiddos and Jo and I hit the stores.  It was definitely a good time to go because the stores were not crazy crazy.  We had a FUN time shopping--and yes, I said fun and shopping in the same sentence.  Won't my SIL's be so proud of me?!  =D  It's been a wonderful day!

Thanksgiving in Greenville

This has certainly been an unusual Thanksgiving!  I have been dying to see Johanna and the rest of the family, of course, so was seriously counting down the hours!  We were supposed to be leaving around 11:30-12:00 to go out to the Bixby Shindig at A. Ruths.  They decided, about 10am, (while still on the road) to change plans and just stay here in order to get the kids down for naps since they didn't sleep well on the trip down.  Since I couldn't stand the thought of not serving them a Thanksgiving dinner, off to Wally world I did fly!  Thankfully, they had thawed turkeys, and I was able to get everything I needed for a simple Thanksgiving dinner.  Turkey was in the oven by 10:30--and small so we could eat around 1!  We had a very simple dinner with just turkey, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, stuffing (which I left in the oven until the end of the meal  :(  grrrr!), rolls and a delicious salad.  It was simple, but so good to sit and chat and be together--while the kids slept soundly! 

We then loaded up and went out to Easley.  (I forgot to get my camera out until I was leaving!!)  Several had already left by the time we got there, but it was nice to visit with those who were there.  I think there were a total of 34ish today.  Jordahls: A. Faye and U. Ron, B.Bixbys: Jo's fam and me, S. Bixbys: US, Amy, and Na and David (who is expecting, for those who didn't know!), Alfaro: Ken and wife (who is expecting, for those who didn't know), Hutcheson: U. John, A. Lois, Esther, and I think 2 of the boys?  one was leaving when we got there and the other had already left--I think, no P. Bixbys, no Gambrells, Marshalls: A. Ruth, Vanessa and husband-to-be, Scott (pictured below), David (left before we got there), Kingston and family, Dierking: 2 boys (left before we got there), Renee and husband and Cara (pictured below in deep conversation with U. Ron!), no Whites.  I think that sums it up!

Johanna and Brian left to spend the rest of the evening with his family, and were home by 7 and in bed by 8!  So, I'm sitting here blogging to you all and getting ready to go run off some of these extra calories inhaled today!  It has been a lovely day--would have been better if we could have all been together, but I am soooo very thankful to have the Hansons here.  It's been so long (if ever), that anyone has visited me, that I'm sure I'm going to do some excessive spoiling, but... the rest of you need to make it down here so you can experience Auntie Donna's joy in having you here!  hint hint hint!!  =)

Love you all and eager to hear about your days in your parts of the country and world.  Pictures would be nice!

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!!!

We would love to be sitting down to a Thanksgiving dinner with all of you! But since that is not possible, we want you to know that we are thinking of each one of you today. We are so thankful for the 5 children, 4 children-in-law, and 10 grandchildren that God has given us. You are each unique and special. We love you!!

Micaiah and Miriam were here during Micaiah's lunch break (no vacation here :-() and we made Oreo turkeys for our Thanksgiving tomorrow. We might not win a prize for the outcome, but we sure had fun making them!

Come, Heaven, Linger Over Earth

We all grieve differently. I tend to write poetry. Not good poetry, perhaps, but thoughts that express in a different way what I am thinking. Poetry helps me, because, unlike an essay, it is not required to say everything. That is, in fact, the beauty of it. Sometimes it is hard to express everything we are feeling, and when we just write about it, it can get frustrating. Writing a poem removes that "obligation." See what I mean... I've written twice the same thing because I'm trying to make sure it is fully understood... I guess if you can't express yourself in writing, write poems.

Here it is, set to a classical hymn tune.

Come, heaven, linger over earth’s deep sadness
Grant us a glimpse of sweet eternity
Sustain our faith, so tested by the trial
Comfort our hearts as to Your arms we flee.

We sing, in hope, of Jesus’ loving mercy
Capturing heaven’s light on earth below
Even so come, our Risen Lord, come quickly
Banish the grief our hearts have come to know.

While they, in heav’n, enjoy Eternal’s presence;
We wait in faith for Resurrection Day.
Come, healing Lord, obliterate earth’s sadness
Reign here in love, in joy and peace, we pray.

We long for Christ, whose blood has bought perfection
We long to join those there, who touch and see.
Someday we’ll run, as they, with childlike freedom
Now Christians here look only eagerly.

In loving memory, and for the comfort of the friends and family of Chloe Sophia Barnes, who went to be with Jesus on November 19, 2010 at the age of two. We know that she is in a better place and anticipate the day when her physical body, deteriorated by MLD, will be resurrected in a whole and perfect state. The words are drawn from statements and illusions made by her loving parents in the few days before her death.

Ruth's Party!

Thursday night the Seelys came over to help us celebrate Ruth's birthday. We started off with a fancy dinner (the kids' choice). The hit of the evening was Tim's homemade cheesecake-- both beautiful and delicious.
There was lots and lots of good fellowship but the most important was the equal time that Papi was able to give Zacherie and Elliot!
It was a great evening and we were all happy to party with Ruth on her 34th birthday!

Isabelle is on her school website

If you look long enough (takes some patience) you might find a picture of Isa on her school website.

Happy Birthday, Ruth Renée!

Joyeux Anniversaire, Happy Birthday, etc. etc. etc. We hope that the day is special (sounds like it started off that way and there is more to come!) We have so enjoyed having you as our next door neighbor and getting to know you even better. You are a wonderful daughter-in-law as well as wife and mother. Be spoiled :-)

2nd 5K!

Saturday I participated in a HUGE racing event here in Greenville. Obviously, I was not racing to win! Vanessa graciously offered to walk it with me--though she normally runs them. I'm sure it was a total bore for her, but she stuck with me! One of my students wanted to do it with me--the first 5k I did was because of her. She stuck with us the whole way--though she struggled a bit, but then when we entered the stadium, she took off and left me in the dust. I just couldn't keep up with her!
They do this every year and have a costume "contest" as well. My student wanted me to dress up, so I told her I was going as a, um, school teacher! :) Seriously, dress up and do a 5k? Just didn't sound like fun to me! It was a fun walk--didn't run that much. Though my time wasn't great--not feeling well, didn't sleep much the night before--it was still motivating. Going to work at increasing the actual running time little by little. I'm just NOT a runner--sorry, Dad. :(
Anyway, fun event. We should plan one for our next family reunion!

Tim's Reentry into the Music World

It's Tea Party Time!

Today the little girls joined me for a Tea Party! They came all dressed up with their favorite dollies. We had chocolate chip mini muffins, chocolate-peanut butter covered bananas, candies, and hot chocolate and lemonade. How is that for a well balanced snack? Tomorrow is Krista's 3rd birthday so we sang to her, too. We all had so much fun that I am sure we will do it again!



And don't feel sorry for Micaiah. He and Papi had a full afternoon. They went to lunch at KFC and then delivered a care package together before they took off on an afternoon bike ride.
Gotta love vacation time :-)

Sweet Elise is 16!

Happy Birthday, Elise!! We hope that our "all grown up" granddaughter has a wonderful day. We love you!

Miriam and Mimi get ready for Papi's Return!

Yesterday Miriam came over for lunch and to help make some cookies (thanks, Aunt Brenda, for the Big Soft Ginger Cookies recipe --yumm!). We were getting ready for Papi to come back from Algrange and wanted to make it special.

At one point, Miriam climbed up on the stool and said "It's my birthday and now I am grown up." "And how old are you now?" The reply "16!" I laughed and said, "Do you know that your big cousin Elise is going to be 16 tomorrow?"

Papi made it home safely via Paris (his train was canceled) and he loves his cookies :-)

Playing Duets

Saying goodbye to Papi

Because of "la grève," Papi got off a day late for his trip up north to teach at the Bible institute. Miriam got a field trip to the train station out of it.

Patience & Stefan Having Fun!

Weigh-in time

Monday, at his latest wellness checkup, Zacharie weighed in at 9.4 kilograms, or 20.7 pounds. We are thankful to God for our healthy, growing boy.

Anniversary trip to Scotland

Had a fabulous time on our 10th anniversary trip to Scotland. Here's a link to the pictures of our trip.