Mon cartable

One of Micaiah's first school projects has been memorizing the first two stanzas of this poem in French.

Mon cartable a mille odeurs,
mon cartable sent la pomme,
le livre, l'encre, la gomme
et les crayons de couleurs.

Mon cartable sent l'orange,
le bison et le nougat,
il sent tout ce que l'on mange
et ce qu'on ne mange pas.

The Matthew Beards!

Here is a picture of your cousin Matt (and wife Christine), your cousins once-removed Ashlie and Stephen (and his wife Killian) and your second cousin, Kasey. Hey, did I get that right?

Happy Anniversary!

Has it really been 9 years? How time flies!
Enjoy your first anniversary in the romantic
country of France, on the continent where it all started!
CONGRATULATIONS!

St. Louis

Finding we had some unexpected "free" time on our hands, we went on Priceline and got a hotel for 2 nights in St. Louis. We were surprised that we got a "long stay" Marriott Residence (small studio) but we didn't complain. We have had a good time and are now packing up to head to Arkansas. Sure wish some of the rest of you would blog!! We miss you :-)

Rockford Evening--

Do you think we have been here tooooo often? :-)

WE GOT TO SEE THE NEW HOUSE!!!

We had a special treat last night-- we got to be the first official guests at the Dan Bixby's new home!!! It is beautiful and is already looking great. (In deference to the lady of the house, we won't post any inside pictures until she gets it decorated!) But the cherry on the top of the cheesecake (which Brenda served for dessert-yum!) was seeing the kids and their parents. We had a great supper out on the porch and then an intense game of checkers :-) Everyone had to go separate ways in the morning but we loved the short visit.

Day of Visiting!!!

Great day visiting old friends. Thought you would enjoy seeing pictures. The top picture is the Hoijer family and then Debbie Vickery Olson with her husband. Their son Benjamin is only 9 and bigger than most 12 year olds!! They all send their greetings to all of you! We had two super meals and enjoyed the catching up time.

Rockford Welcoming Committee!

I made this sign to welcome Mamie and Papi. They liked it and I was just finishing when they drove in!
Posted by Patience

Grandma and some of her kids!

Last night Lois had all the siblings in town over for a picnic. There were 7 of the 10 kids present but Aunt Theresa and I were the only spouses! :-) We had a great time together---eating, playing catch phrase and then singing and reading together.

What we were surprised to find in our neighborhood...

Last night we were getting ready to eat outside when our neighbor called over the fence...

and there was a HUGE big balloon right above our houses!!

So we joined in following it until it finally landed about 2 miles away.

It was fun to see them land and take down that HUGE balloon in a matter of minutes!

He Made It!!!

Visit with Old Friends

Monday evening, Brian, Jo, Stefan and I went to Oxford, MA to have supper with the Wolpert clan. We were at Marlene's home and all three of her boys were there (one with his wife and two children). Gary and Sue came down from NH. Marlene had gone the day before to pick up her father, Dick, from E. Longmeadow. So it was a walk down memory lane. Dick is 91 and as sharp and witty as ever. We all had a great time. The Morgans and Wolperts have been friends for 60 years--- just because they were friendly neighbors when we moved in next door to them.

Visiting the French grandchildren

This is Dad. I've really had a wonderful time with Tim and Ruth and my precious grandchildren. That is the special bonus. I'm here for Marcelle, and have spent a good bit of time with her. There is no doubt that the Lord wanted me her at this time, and I'm grateful, but I'm looking forward to being back with Mom. And, getting on with our responsibilities there in the states so that we can get back here to the ministry. But I hate leaving Micaiah and Miriam. I felt we'd bonded last time, but I've really it this time. It has been merveilleux.

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday, Johanna!
Have a wonderful day with your family and Mom.
We love you lots!

My Birthday!!

I should say "My Birthday So Far"-- can you all smell the feast that Jo is preparing?? Yum, yum!

The Hanson crew took me to Newport, RI today for my birthday. It is a really quaint seaside town and so much to look at!! We enjoyed the cool weather until the raindrops started coming down. After lunch at Panera Bread (my treat, in true French style--that is the birthday girl invites and pays :-)), we drove around and looked at all the "chateaus"-- truly impressive. Then we took the Ocean Drive and ohhhed and ahhed more at the houses and scenery.

Great day and great birthday!! Only wish the rest of you were here--especially your wonderful dad :-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy birthday to the World's greatest Mom.
You always know just what each of us needs when we need it.
We love the fact that your family is so important to you and admire your selflessness.
Have a wonderful birthday!
WE LOVE YOU!

René & Marcelle

In looking for a picture of Mom, I came across this and had to share!

Sisters!

Before it is too old news, I wanted to post some pictures of our time together as sisters and hubbies. We had lots of fun together-- and we kept up some traditions: dominos and shopping at A Day in the Country (I have not been there since long before Grandma died). The guys worked all day while we played :-) We had a precious time of sharing on Wednesday night at our "prayer meeting." It was a great time and we hope to do it again before we go back.

Patience is Baptized!

Daddy got to baptize his little girl this afternoon. We were very thankful that

G'ma & G'pa Martin were able to come as well as Uncle John and cousin

Becca. It was a beautiful day and Pastor Jeremy had set up a small pool

in the front "lawn" of the church for the 6 people getting baptized.

Papi's here!

... And this is the entourage that was at the airport to greet him.

Waiting

Here he comes!