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.

The reason

With so much going on in the world today,  there is still a reason for celebration.

Our Easter wish is that each of you have peace, joy, and HOPE.

Life is uncertain (more about that at another time) but love is eternal.

May your Easter weekend be full of blessings.

Keith Green was a favorite of mine back in the day.  His music lives on.

Enjoy.

XOXO

Chocolate facials

What do young ladies try when given the opportunity?

A chocolate facial.

The grans and a good friend in the midst of beautification.

Looks like Fun?

Ooh la la- A french market

Isn't he marvelous?

 

Last month, hubby and I spent a little time in France.  Well, not France but it sure felt like it.

Downtown Glendale was the scene for a French Marketplace and we decided to stop by.

I spend quite a lot of time down there (my son lives close by)  and I'm never disappointed.

Always something new to see.

 The weather was perfect.  Not too hot.  Isn't this little sign sweet?

  My pal Carol has 2 shops in the area and she had so much going on.

I was able to get a quick photo of her.

She was busy taking care of about 1 million things.

I need that hat!

There is just something about a picket fence......

Carol had set up the front yard for an delicious french lunch.

Both stores were packed.  Hubby took one look and said he would hold my bag.

It was a shopping frenzy.

The Astrology store had set up a tent

for readings. 

The 2 golden oldies-hehe.

I had just taken a photo of hubby when a woman came along and offered to take

a photo of the 2 of us.  She said she regretted not having many pictures with her husband.

 I'll take it!

 Dorothy and the ladies are driving to Az as I type.  Can your see me happy dancing?

I can't wait to see them. The baby is almost 8 months old.  Where has the time gone?

I am not sure if I like the "new and improved" blogger.

The jury is out on that....

 Have a Blessed week my friends.

Big hugs!

Flown

The photo above pretty much says it all. I have been riding on an out of control carnival ride.
Well, kind of. Not a real carnival ride. Just life. I know you can relate.
Health issues come and go and then come back to stay for
way tooo long.
I'm not complaining, just saying......

The scare with soldier son added a few more gray hairs.
I am just glad he is safe and back at base. No more R&R for him- hehe.
FB people, you saw my comment.
When energy is lacking, sometimes it is easier to just put one comment
out there than do a whole post. Is that whimpy?

I wanted to show you this great French marketplace (in Glendale)
that hubby and I went to. I took so many pics. Carol, it will have to wait
but the post will eventually be here.

I have added some items to The French Elements.
Moving slowly but surely.

Big hugs to everyone and take good care of yourselves.

Happy Mardi Gras

Tomorrow is the start of Mardi Gras in New Orleans ( I think) and the end of
carnaval in Nice. I am feeling as green as the King.

No more of these for me-hehe.
See you soon?

My confession

In high school, I was kind of a hippy. O.k, I WAS a hippy but in a good way.
My hippiness was legal-hehe. I can remember my high school days so
that says a lot. When I saw a re-do of what I called the ultimate
hippiemobile, I was intrigued.
If you haven't seen it, this is The Bulli.

He was (I think it's male) introduced at the Geneva Auto Show.
This is not the VW van I knew and loved.
How sweet is this? I sound like a hippy!

This Bulli is a one- off.
It seats six, is electric, and uses an iPad for just about everything.
With gas prices what they are, he is looking cuter every time
I glance at the pic.
Can't wait to see them on the road.

Today is Thursdays Marketplace at Shabby Cottage Shops.
Stop by, if you have a chance.

I want to thank all the blog followers that have come from Networked Blogs.
YOU ROCK!
Of course, the followers from Blogger, you know I love and appreciate you.

In keeping with my hippiness- PEACE OUT PEOPLE!



PHOTO'S BY ANJA NIEDRINGHAUS/AP.

32 today

Today my little soldier turns 32. Now, that is unbelievable cause I am way too young
to have a 32 year old son-hehe. This post is for Jeff. I don't know if he will
even see it since their internet service is wonky at best.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!

The picture above was taken in 1981. Halloween. You were 2
and wanted to be an "army guy".
Here we are, 30 years later and you are a soldier.
For real.

We are so proud of you. You and your family have made
huge sacrifices. Andrea will probably be walking by the
time you meet her (she is soooo adorable).

You have brought so much to my life.
Love, laughter, joy.
I am so proud to call you my son.

I hope you have the best day you can possibly have.
We are there with you in spirit.

I love you.

XOXO and a big salute.

A "frenchy" Valentine's Day

During our long marriage (o.k, not that long- only 7 years), Hubby and I have
had the opportunity to spend Valentine's day in some wonderful places.
Can you tell from the photo above that I am collecting ephemera
for the grans? They will have quite the collection someday.

A few years ago we were in the South of France for that special day.

The hotel was a favorite of mine from the "old" days.
One of the restaurants in the hotel was having a special ROMANTIQUE
dinner. It sounded like it would be spectacular. We decided to
find a small, local place. It was the right decision.

We were able to celebrate with some French families.
This was a highlight for both of us.

Today finds us at home, and that is just fine with me.
However, just to keep the "French is a state of mind" thing going,
I have some treats for you.

French goodies from LADUREE.
Their site is magical. A must visit.

Of course, our own Julia, has French goodies as well.
She is the real deal and so talented!

I couldn't let this day go by without telling you that I love all of you.
Tell someone you love them today. It could be a friend, your dog, yourself.
Those words have power.

Have a love filled day!

Don't mess with grandma

You have probably already seen this on the news.

I have to say that I was amazed by this grandma's bravery and the lack
of help (initially) from those just watching.
The robbers had sledgehammers, the grandma had a handbag.
I know my handbags are always heavy, I'm guessing that yours are too!
After seeing this, I think I will keep my handbag fully loaded-hehe.


Hugs,
Barb

P.S. Annika is A. O.K- Thank you God!

A trip underground

I grew up on National Geographic magazine. I think many of us did.
My dad enjoyed it and always had copies at his little barber shop.
This was good reading material while waiting for that hair cut or shave.

One of my favorite things to do as a kid, was to go over to his shop,
sit down, and read NG. Always fascinating.

When I saw the cover of the Feb. issue it reminded me of
my dad and an interesting little excursion I had in Paris years ago.

The article is UNDER PARIS, SECRETS BENEATH THE STREETS.
Trust me, you'll enjoy the read.

I knew about the catacombs (did the tour) but did not realize
that there were so many tunnels and old quarries underneath the city.

In 1961 there was a collapse and a neighborhood was swallowed.
Makes you think of Paris in a different way.
There are even people called "cataphiles" that spend time underground.
Definitely not for me-hehe.

If you have the chance, pick up the issue. If you are a "woman of a certain age",
it will probably bring back some memories.
You will never look at Paris in the same way.

Now on a different note. Please say a little prayer for Annika.
Tomorrow she is having a very grown-up procedure done.
Today is the pre-op work.
I am saying my prayers that all is well. We certainly appreciate any prayers we can get for my little sweetpea.


Big hugs,
Barb

P.S. I would love for you to stop by facebook if you have the chance.
Just click on the button on the sidebar.
It really is such an easy way to get updates.

Another big hug!

Getting those tickets

It is not French but so much fun.

I know, I posted sweet Snowball ages ago
on my blog.

Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks are coming to town.
We are trying to get tickets.

Perhaps this video will help our chances. Hehe.

Enjoy!

Have a music filled weekend.

Big hugs!

Come on through the door...

The celebration is about to begin.

Please help yourself to a glass of bubbly
as we toast the winner of The French Elements giveaway.

While I wish I could send something to each of you lovelies,
hubby said "no". Party pooper.
The winner of the 1st giveaway for 2011 is Miss Tattingchic.

She is the mistress of all things tatted (and a really terrific lady).
I am so glad we reconnected through facebook.
AND I thought I would never get hooked on Facebook. HA!
Congrats to you Tattingchic.
Thanks to each of you that took the time to come by and enter.
I appreciate each of you.

I know I have not been a great blogger but there is so much going on that
blogging has taken a back seat.
I do love all of you though!

Jeff called today and we chatted for a couple of hours.
Made my month.
When I mentioned his surgery in the last post, I was kind of vague.
I really had no idea there was a problem.
He had a small (thumb size) "tumor like" thingy appear
on the side of his head.
It interferred with wearing a helmet and the Army wants
you to wear your helmet when necessary.
The surgeon removed it (BENIGN-THANK YOU GOD)
and all is good.
As usual, he sounded fantastic. Music to this mama's ears.

So, let us lift a glass to Tattingchic on her win.
May there be many more winners.

Have a happy week.

Sending out a little LOVE

I am so thrilled that my little bout of "whatever it was"
is on its way out.
I have even been able to work on some custom orders.
YAY!

I think this calls for a petite giveaway.
My first for 2011 (I still can't believe it is 2011).

The giveaway starts today and the winner will be announced
on Sunday evening, January 23rd.
Now, the important stuff.

The photo above is of a sweet embroidered burlap pillow.
It is the perfect size at 14 inches.
I think it looks springy and cheerful.
The word LOVE is embroidered in Hot pink with pink and white detail.
I love it. I know I am biased-hehe.

Every giveaway I have, includes some Chanel.

I think French, I think Chanel.
The collection of Chanel products will be a little surprise.
I know you'll LOVE them.

If you are interested in entering, just leave a comment.
I will post up the winner on Sunday evening.
Yay!

I have to tell you that I got off the phone with Jeff just a little while ago.
He had surgery today. I didn't know about it before the fact.
That might have been a good thing.
He is fine and sounded just wonderful.
God Bless the Air Force Surgeon.
She ROCKS!

Good luck on winning The French Elements giveaway.
Crossing fingers for you......

big hugs,
Barb

In the grip of la grippe

When I said "bring it on", I was not talking about
La grippe.

It does sound so much better in french though.
Don't you think?

After Dorothy and the ladies left, I got a nasty ole bug.
Not how I envisioned 2011 to begin.
Thank goodness it didn't make its appearance until they had departed.
Ironic.

I may never catch up on blog visiting.
Energy-nada.
Appetite-nada. Not so good for a skinny mini.

This too shall pass. I just wish it would pass quickly.

Since it is taking its sweet time, I am focusing on positive things.
Like the harbor in Monaco.

Back to rest- you where what I'll be dreaming of.