Zacharie Christian: 8 months old, first haircut

Monday our little guy turned 8 months old! He's also been needing a haircut, and so, remembering how I looked back at Micaiah's pictures and couldn't believe I had waited so long to cut my baby's hair, I decided it was time! (Although, the hair in the eyes was the biggest deal with Zacharie. With Micaiah there was no danger of hair getting in the eyes since it all stuck straight up! :) The haircut was pretty quick and simple, as he was well-entertained by a cartoon and his father. Other new landmarks are his two bottom teeth. Along with his teeth has come a new love for the pacifier, which he had positively refused before. All around, he is a very happy little boy, and is increasingly more interested in all that is going on around him. Our baby is growing up!

Pont Aquitaine in the News!

Apparently yesterday on the home front, the "gens du voyage" decided to manifest for their "rights." Over 1500 caravans were on the bridge for several hours because Bordeaux would not allow them to park where they wanted! Don't worry, Tim and fam were save and sound and knew nothing about it :-) I cannot even imagine that many trailers in on place!

Sunday Evening Concert

This afternoon we went back to the little town on Lorgues. We had gone there on Friday to the marché and noticed that they were having a Baroque Concert at the church today (bottom right). It was super. The Kammerensemble Cologne -- think that must mean the Chamber Ensemble from Cologne, Germany :-) Afterward we walked around the town again and then stopped for a light supper. As you can see, we were quite taken by the trees in town! Here is a clip of Dad's favorite piece!

Six Months Old!

The Grand Canyon of France!

Beautiful country, beautiful day. Does this bring back some memories? It sure did for us. Dad said over and over-- "oh, I remember doing this with the kids." Only thing we did not do was the paddle boats. It was mid-day and they were all in use. Too bad.

Make New Friends!

That is the name of the game here-- and the kids are all loving it. So is Papi. He has 3 new little grandkids to love. The Seelys arrived from Cameroon yesterday and we are leaving in 5 minutes, so the two young families will have time to bond while we are gone. Aren't these little guys cute?

Just couldn't resist sharing this photo of my little cutie-pie, and thought I would share a link with you as well. We just (finally!) posted some pics and a brief report here of our very busy but enjoyable visit with the Jensens.

CAR MK's!

This has been the year to re-connect with CAR MK's! What unexpected blessings to see Vicky and Aunt Cheryl in April, Christy flew to France to see me in June, and I drove up to see Teachout/Muhr families this week. What fun to reconnect!

Surprise Visit!!

Luc, Brigitte, Miora and Mialy were here tonight for prayer meeting. Wow! How times flies. They left Bordeaux 13 years ago!

14 juillet!

The pastors' families all got together for a picnic at our house on the 14th. We had a really nice time together. Let's see-- Corenthins (minus Benjamin who is at camp), Christys (minus Jana also at camp), Monribots (3 kids and counting), Jensens and the Bixbys. We decided we should make it an annual affair.

He stuck in his thumb and pulled out a plum....

Here are some pictures of the end results of Papi and Micaiah's pickin! (I forgot when I made the last blog that 'prunes' are 'plums' in English--but I am sure you all know that!) A joint effort produced a yummy clafoutis.

Papi's Prune Pickin Helper!

Tim's Birthday Party!

Delicious meal (he grilled pork loin!) and beautiful cheesecake made by his wife. Fun evening.

Tatie Donna-- You Hit the Jackpot :-)

With the gifts you sent out via the Jensens!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Happy birthday, Tim. We hope it's a fun-filled day even though you will be doing some entertaining.
I'm sure the cookout will be delicious and sure wish I were there to share it with you.
Have a wonderful day and don't eat too many double stuff oreos!

Last Photo Op!

Thank you for the GREAT visit!

Happy Anniversary!

Today (which is almost over!) is Mom and Dad's 41st anniversary.
Mom and Dad, we are so thankful for the godly heritage you have given us.
Go here to see the first 40 years! (For some reason 1/2 of the slide is cut off due to the stuff on the side bar, but at least you can get an idea of what it was!  Sorry--to those who view it.)
We had a nice evening.  Grilled steaks and yummy supper at T & R's.  Just getting home at midnight.  

We love you, Mom and Dad!!

A Glimpse of Our Wonderful Outing

A visit to Marcelle Rotiers

Marcelle was having a rough day on Sunday, so was not able to make it to church. Dad and I went over with Derek (visiting for about 48 hours) to see her on Tuesday. It was so good to spend just a few minutes with her and make her smile. She has had a hard time adjusting to Rene's death, but the church here has done a great job of keeping her alive. She isn't adventuresome and would rather be in Heaven with Rene, but overall she is doing well.

Micaiah Finishes his 1st grade year in France!

Michaiah's classroom. It was fun to have him show me around his room and talk with his teacher. She had high compliments (which the French do not give out casually), and said that while she'd had apprehensions at the beginning of the year, Micaiah had made great progress and was working on level with French kids! Bravo, Michee !

Chubby Cheeks

It was sooo hot and Zacharie was so sweaty--but happy none-the-less! Such a cutie!

Micaiah's School Choir Concert

Last night Micaiah's school had their annual choir concert.  They did a great job and Micaiah, sang heartily.  The most amusing was the "older" kids singing Old MacDonald in English, and the "little" kids (M's age) doing the E, I, E, I, O part. Please note that the "O" is pronounced "Oh"!  :-)  It was GREAT!

Meeting Zacharie!

Afternoon at the Park

The blog is, afterall, for keeping everybody up to date! I hope I don't bore everyone and I realize that most of these will also go on FB, but just to help keep the blog alive and well, feel free to comment! :-) This afternoon, after Monte Cristo for lunch--per Christy's request--we went to the park near the house in Merignac. It is a nice park and cleaned up nicer than it was when we lived nearby.

Only in France....

Micaiah's first words to me (after greeting me, of course!) : "Guess what, Auntie Donna?! Jeudi is la grève, so that's good cuz I get to spend more time with you!"
Only in France!!!!
(Translation: Thursday the teachers are striking and there is no school!)
This is a picture of Micaiah's homework assignment notebook.

Tatie Donna est arrivée !

I went with Papi to pick up the kids and held back while he got them. I snapped a picture just as they saw me. Then the camera kinda got forgotten. It was preciously priceless. Sooo good to see them again. When Micaiah saw me, he was just in the process of asking Papi if I had made it. He was nearly running into me when he looked up and saw me. Cute. We then got to spend the evening together playing with their surprises from my suitcases. We had fun! Been busy due to MMT being here, but today is no school! The next blog will tell you what the FIRST thing Micaiah said to me was! It is so good to be here. The pictures of my seeing Zacharie for the first time are on Ruth's camera, and I had wet hair, so I'm not sure how likely they are to make it onto the www. :-)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

It hardly seems possible that it was 19 years ago today.  Rejoicing with you in God's faithfulness!  Have a WONDERFUL day!

Keiser Rehearsal Dinner

I catered David Keiser's rehearsal dinner last night.
It was for 50 people.
We had fruit salsa as the appetizer--outstandingly good.
Strawberry/Pecan Salad.
Jennie's Chicken, Sautéed Green Beans, Rice Pilaf.
Pear à la Mode.
I had great help in several church people--couldn't have done it without them.

Happy half-birthday, Zacharie!

Six months old today. Unbelievable.

Celebrated by going into town to do some scouting for MMT. It was rainy and cold!

Micaiah's celebration

Monday was the big birthday celebrating day for Micaiah. He got plenty of sweets through the course of the day's events: cupcakes with his classmates at school, ice cream Sundae at McDo with Diego and Miriam right after school, and of course, birthday cake and ice cream at our evening celebration with Papi and Mimi. He enjoyed his sweets like a real 7-year-old, so much so that he didn't have any room left in his stomach for the chicken pot pie he had requested until leftovers the next day at lunch! He also enjoyed receiving 7 presents to go along with his 7 years (pure coincidence--NOT a tradition!!!) Among them were: the official France coupe de monde shirt you see him sporting in the above collage, a REALLY snazzy multi-purpose tool from Papi, and the croquet set you see Mimi demonstrating. We are grateful for our big boy, and we all had a blast celebrating with him.

Ladies Banquet 2010

We had a great banquet today. There were 30 ladies present for the repas "Un instrument dans ses Mains." Kristi Colas was the speaker and did a great job. She and her sister, who just arrived on Tuesday, sang a couple of duets, piano solo, etc. Your musical mom led an opera :-) Thanks Brenda for the idea to make the napkin rings...it worked great. Was sure glad to have Ruth here as my sidekick!

MICAIAH TURNS 7!!

Joyeux Anniversaire, Michée ! I know this is a very busy day in Pessac, but I hope that you are able to do something special! I'm sure Papy and Mamie will have a special party as soon as they can after today's events.
GROS BISOUS! I miss you TONS!