R and B's Excellent Adventure

Guess who took this photo?  No, it was not soldier son or any of the grans.

It was the man in the photo below.

This is the former pilot of Airforce1. How cool is that?

I think he is quite handy with a camera.

O.k., let me back up and tell you about R and B's Excellent Adventure.

My hubby works for one of the kindest, most generous people you could ever 

meet. He has grown his company over the last 50 years and still closes on Sunday.

That in itself is remarkable. He thinks about his employees and what they

would like. How different is that?

  He decided to send several groups on day trips. Our group wanted to go to Santa Barbara.

 AMAZING! (WARNING- MANY PHOTO'S).

 These gentlemen were in charge of Airforce1 for President Clinton and Bush (both).

Mr B. hired them after they left that gig.

The gentleman on the left is the co-pilot. Hubby got to ask them about 911 since

they were flying that day. They talked about how surreal it was and what is 

was like having fighter planes surrounding you. Goosebumps.

These photo's remind me of the Richard Scarry books I used to go

through with the boys when they were toddlers. This is the hangar

with several cars waiting to roll. Look at that floor! I could put my makeup

on in the reflection. Just like at home-hehe.

 This plane was not used but I didn't want it to feel left out so I took a photo.

Some of hubby's friends were on this baby. I think we were in 

the best of hands with the former pilot and co-pilot of Airforce1

flying our plane.

I liked tracking our progress. I didn't know there were Chocolate Mountains.

When we landed in Santa Barbara, this was waiting to take us into town.

This is the coolest jeep I have ever been in. If you saw Hell's Kitchen the other

night, you saw this jeep with their logo over it.

We toured around Santa Barbara and Montecito.

This man was awesome. Brought back those hippy days......

Peace dude.

I thought this pedal car would be perfect for home BUT I would have

to power it.  Much too hot to pedal.

Many sailboats. A regatta was happening later in the day.

This is like a Richard Scarry transportation post.

Remember that little Kardashian wedding? Folks waiting across the street

from the hotel where the bridal party and guests were supposed to be getting ready.

Don't know, really was not following it.

I could move back in a heartbeat...maybe someday.

All good things have to come to an end.

So back to Az.

Backing up the first plane. The gentleman standing at the left was the pilot for

this plane.

I still don't see how they could fit all 3 in there.

Our co-pilot (in the red shirt) was hysterical.

 After we landed he said "yes, we cheated death one more time".

I think you would need a great sense of humor with that job.

Well, that's all folks.

I hope you enjoyed our excellent adventure.

If you haven't entered the giveaway, don't be shy.

Hugs!

Fairy tale coming soon

Hubby and I had a wonderful adventure yesterday.

Details and pics to follow.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Big hugs

MAKE SOME NOISE....

because it is giveaway time at THE FRENCH ELEMENTS.

I know, it has been a while since my last giveaway.

This time, I have 2 special ladies that are contributing some goodies too!

Double YAY.

First of all, the pillow pictured above.

 Laundered burlap in all of its glory. I adore clocks and this one is a favorite.

The embroidery is black. Simple.

Facebook friends, you will remember the tea towels I used to cover

these chairs. I bought all the towels I could find. I had so many emails about 

them I decided to add 2 to the giveaway.

In addition to the 2 french inspired tea towels, you will find

a collection of 5 BB (uh huh, that one) brushes.

I love my brushes and I know you will love these too.

What a difference a good brush makes.

Now, let's say you don't wear makeup or don't like makeup brushes.

well, you could use them with this.

Robyn from Robyn Story Designs Is donating a can of Annie Sloan

Chalk paint in Paris Grey. Doesn't

it sound fabulous? Yay Robyn. Thank you so much.

Many of you know Mimi from the Bonjour Romance blog.

Mimi is one talented lady and has put together a truly magical e magazine,

Belle Inspiration. Mimi is donating an issue to the lucky winner.

Yay Mimi and thank you so much.

I am so grateful that The French Elements is celebrating 4 official years in business

(since I got that business license-hehe).

It actually is older than soldier son and he is 32.  

I appreciate every single customer and every one of you that stop by.

O.k. we need some rules. It is very easy to enter.

1. Leave a comment here letting me know you are interested.

1entry

2. Visit The French Elements facebook page and click "like"

Come back and let me know..

2 entries.

3. Share with your friends. Come back and let me know.

3 entries.

The giveaway ends August 28th, sometime in the evening.

The winner will be announced the next day. YAY.

I am so excited about this. 4 years is a milestone in more ways than one.

  Now go enter-hehe.

CONTEST ENDED IN 2011!

12 Years

On August 6th, Jeff and Dorothy celebrate 12 years of wedded bliss.

I know this is early but I wanted to make sure I posted (or re-posted in this case).

I was reading through a post from 2008 and I decided to re-post since

it is true, mom is not always right.

So much has happened since that post.

Jeff in the Army, the addition of newbaby2010ver4.0 (Andrea Jeanne),

deployment, moving to Hawaii, the list goes on....and on.

To read the 2008 post, click here.

Jeff and Dorothy, I love you both more than words can say.

You and your precious family have brought so much love and life to us.

Again, I am SO GLAD YOU DIDN'T LISTEN TO MOM.

Happy Anniversary. 

I pray you are blessed with many more.

YAY!

He is no longer here.

Still SCREAMING with joy.

Soldier son is now back in Hawaii.

The happy dancing has been going on all day and

will continue tonight.

Thank you God!

XOXO

The beginning

Once upon a time, MANY YEARS ago......

there was a young lady that was enchanted with all things European.

After spending time in the Netherlands as an exchange student she decided

to come home, pack up and move to Luzern. Shortly after arrival, she became engaged

to a nice dutch lad.  Aawwww (it didn't work out forever though).

The young lady did fall deeply in love with a wonderful way of life.

Walking most places, being satisfied with the smallest of  things, and the MARKETS.

The markets inspired her to try to make bath and body products.

AND. SHE. DID. FOR. YEARS.

Even after accepting a position with Clinique as a Regional Education Manager she

still made her products. She called her line THE FRENCH ELEMENTS and 

friends were given products whether they wanted them or not.

She started to get requests. After her long career ended, she thought "this is it".

An "aha" moment.

Things fell in to place.

She  worked on packaging. Still love it. It had that Provence thing

going for it-hehe.

Cute huh?

She decided to open an online shop. The look changed over time (and that was a good thing).

She loved the product, loved the shop, but something had changed.

After all those years, the PASSION WAS GONE and she believes in passion.

While still whipping up products, she started to work on other projects and 

that brings you up to date.

I am so happy to have found my passion for a second time.

Hubby, that includes you also, if you are reading this-hehe.

I know I have been scarce in blogland.

 I will attempt to ignite that passion again.

love and hugs to each of you.

Happy Friday

 Annika thought Deitrich needed a tiara.

We all look better with a tiara on.

Have a majestic weekend .

BIG HUGS

I hope it is happily ever after....

 Wouldn't  it be just wonderful to live in a Palace like this?

 

 And have a view of this?

Maybe... but only if you are truly happy.

And, I hope they will be.

 Viva la Monaco!

A big blast- the second time around

Long may it wave.

Thank you to the men and women that make our freedom possible.

May God Bless America.

In 2008, ( I can't believe I have been blogging that long) I

put this link on my blog. I enjoyed it so much, I decided to bring it back.

These fireworks are the safe kind. Crank your volume up.

Have fun, be safe, and Happy 4th of July.

Big hugs......

Happy dancing one more time

Let the dancing begin.

Last night I was able to chat with Jeff (big scream)!

The big news is that he may be back in Hawaii in a few months.

I am so thankful he is safe and all is well.

Let the countdown begin....

Thank you God.

 XOXO

TGIF

TGIF

May your weekend be filled with castles, fairy tales, and lots of love

(and hopefully not computer issues like mine....)

XOXO

Gifts from my dad

This has been a week of celebrations.  A birthday (me) and Father's Day (him).

This post is dedicated to my dad.  He has been watching over us for the last 6 years.

He lived his life with a quiet dignity.  He was nurturing and loving.

He was a true southern gentleman. He left us with a rich legacy.

 What is truly important in life.

 I love this photo of him. How young he was.

 He inspired me to go for my dreams, however crazy they may be.

He was the ultimate role model.

The first time I heard this song, It just blew me away.

It sums up how he lived his life and what he passed on to his family.

I hope you watch the video. I promise, it is worth the time.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.

Hubby, Jeff, this one is for you.

What a soldier daddy does while on R&R

First of all, he meets Newbaby 2010 ver4.0 (aka Andrea Jeanne).

That huge grin says it all. That is one happy daddy and daughter.

He needs to keep that Army training going by pushing a stroller.

His troop marches along- hehe.

He takes his troop on a strategic maneuver (to a cabin in WI.).

He takes Jayde and Hailey fishing and Hailey catches her first fish.

He bonds with his precious family.

 

AND......

he spends a whole lotta time with his beautiful wife Dorothy.

As I type this, Jeff is on his way back to his base.

He should be there in a couple of days. OH MY!

GOD SPEED. We love you and we are so proud of you.

Dancing with delight

and shouting with glee.  Guess who is back in the US for a little break?  JEFF!

  Jeff was able to make arrangements to arrive without Dorothy and the grans having a clue.

 Why is it that the wife is always the last to know? Hehe.

  He finally got to meet his 9 month old daughter (and change some diapers).

I can tell you that excitement doesn't begin to express the feeling.

With tomorrow being Armed Forces Day,  the timing could not be better.

Many, many thanks to all the truly selfless men and woman that put all on hold to

protect what is so important to us. FREEDOM.

May God Bless and protect you.

YOU ALL ROCK. I love you all!

P.S. Jeff is on the right.

P. P. S.  I hope Blogger is having a good day as my last post walked away.

Her Children rise up and bless her,

her husband also, and he praises her..  (proverbs 31:28)  Now, I'm not sure about that (hehe).

I do know that having the opportunity to be a mom has been life changing. All 32 years.

Every single moment- good, not so good,  have made me who I am.

I would like to think that at the end of my life,  I made a little difference in their lives.

This is dedicated to the women that do their best to make a difference.

A Big Mother's Day toast to you.

And of course a delicious and calorie free gateau au chocolat.

Happy Mother's Day my friends.

XOXO

I just love our Military!

God Bless all of our troops.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

You rock!

From a very proud Army mom.