Heading out

Wouldn't it be fun to head out on a little

adventure in this sweet vintage car?

Well, sad to say, I'm heading out but not in this

vehicle.

I'm heading out to spend some time with my son.

Jeff sent him a special gift and he wants me to see him in it.

I'm thinking it is Army related.

This will be a busy weekend around here.

Hubby has his company party tomorrow night.

They are celebrating 50 years.

I am thinking about what to wear.

Not sure.

Maybe this photo will inspire me-hehe.

Sunday is a special day around here but more

on that later.

Off I go, with France in my mind.

It is a Parisian Affair

on Extreme Makeover- Home edition (10/10).

I have been a fan of this show since day 1.

I love their energy (it is contagious).

The families they help are so deserving.

I have yet to get through an episode without tears.

Trafalgar is helping to make it extra SPECIAL this week.

They are sending a very beautiful family on a trip of

a life time.

PARIS.

If you need a a little Parisian "fix"

and something very positive,

be sure to watch.

You know where to find us.

We'll be camped out in front of the TV

watching this amazing family.

big hugs!

One word.......

THRILLED!

It is official

Last night Jeff called and also sent this picture.

I was mentally prepared for his deployment on Sept. 15th.
The Army pushed it back but now it is the real deal.

He still has a day or so before he reaches the area
where he will be working.

He sounded fantastic!
He is so excited about being with the Special Forces Unit.
I am screaming in my head (hehe) and noticing
more gray hairs.

What I find so sad is the fact that he deployed alone
(I know we are never alone but you know what I mean).

Everyone who left a comment or sent an email.
THANK YOU!
You have no idea how precious they are to me.

I am keeping busy.
J.W is a full time job but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I have been blessed.

I have been working on new items and getting things listed
when I have the chance.

Hubby finds it hysterical that the Christmas category
is up. I thought I better do it sooner than later.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

There are new items here and here.

I will be making my way around to visit all of you
sweeties.
Staying busy will help the year go by so much faster.

Big hugs and a big thank you.

Godspeed Jeff

Jeff, this post is for you.

May God Bless you and keep you safe.

We are so proud of you.

There are no words to tell you how much

you are loved.

You are always at the top of our prayer list.

I am beyond proud to call you my son.

I love you!

Oh Happy Day

We are starting the week out on a very positive note.

Tommy is doing so much better.

While he will remain on medication, he feels good enough to

look for lizards (his thing).

He even feels good enough to to a doggy happy dance.

Yay oh yay!

As you can see on the sidebar, Andrea is growing like a weed.

I just love that 3 week old picture of her.

A few posts ago I had mentioned that J.W.

had services that were sorely needed cut.

Well, this squeaky wheel got them reinstated.

Big yay. That is a huge load off of our minds.

I was able to talk with JEFF!

He is not where I thought he would be by this time

but is headed there very soon.

I hate being vague.

His brother is calling him "Jack Bauer".

Kind of cute but not really :(

Only 1 year to go until he will be back in Hawaii.

I may have some good news coming up regarding

Dorothy and the ladies.

Lots of prayer going on about that.

With Christmas less than 3 months a way
(screaming in my head),

I have been working on some new goodies.

Below is a little preview of things to come
(that is a little piece of burlap on her skirt).

Some new items will be arriving this week.

I'm so excited!

All in all, today rocks and I am so grateful.

Have a wonderful week.

Never a dull moment- not complaining, just saying

Have you ever had the feeling that life has gotten

a bit out of control?

Not that it was ever in control-hehe.

The past week has been anything but calm.

It has been like standing at the top of a ski jump

and realizing that you have no idea what to do.

I'll give you just a taste of what it has been like around here.

Have you ever had lab work/tests done and they

mixed your results with another person's results?

NOT FUN!

I just feel really sorry for the other person because

they have my results

and must be very confused.

Sometimes I think the old fashioned way was better.
I have no idea how to remove the underscore or how it got here.
I guess it will stay.


Dorothy has been sending me pics of baby Andrea.

I can't believe she is 3 weeks old already.

What a sweetie.

Here is to a much better rest of the week.

big hugs.....

A taste of France

You are in for a treat in every sense of the word.

These

are

some

of the most

incredible cakes and treats that you will ever see.

And they all started with a dream.

Meet Julia Baker

A friend introduced me to her several days ago.

Julia followed her dream.

She moved to Paris to attend Le Cordon Bleu Paris.

Of course, she graduated first in her class and received

both the Grande Diplome de Cuisine

AND

de Patisserie.

Following that, she was invited to intern under

Jean- Louis Nomicos (Alain Ducasse protege).

Does it get any better than that?

Well, it does because she is known as

"the chocolatier to the stars".

She is smart, savvy, and the real deal.

Soon we will be able to visit her

boutique (if you are local).

If you can't visit in person, you can always order a

few of her treasures through her online boutique.


Viva la Julia!

Happy weekend!

A toast to the winner

Two posts in one day.

That is a BIG deal for me.

Well, this is a much happier post since it involves the winner
of my little giveaway.

I would not make a good judge on American Idol since
I'd like everyone to win.

Since that is not possible, hubby pulled the winning name.

BONNIE you won!

Bonnie has a terrific blog and she is "the real deal" as my dad used to say.

I would like to thank all that left a comment,
became a new follower, or just stopped by to check it out.

The day didn't start out so well but it ended on a high.
Yay giveaways!

Ms Bonnie, send me an email with your addy and I will get your goodies out ASAP.
You'll find a little something extra in the box.

big hugs

***DEPLOYMENT***

Many years ago, a friend painted this picture of Jeff.

He was 3 years old.

The ladies always laugh when they see this picture

because daddy is in a skirt.

They don't understand the "kilt" thing.

This is one of my treasures that someday

will be passed down.

When this photo was taken last year at Jeff's graduation from basic

training at Fort Jackson, this Army mom was so proud.

Proud of him and all the other soldiers that made it through.

This photo says it all.

I had been crying. My eyes are closed but I was so happy to see him.

Tomorrow he leaves for a ONE YEAR deployment (unless the Army changes their mind).

Due to his job, I have to be vague and that kills me.

I can tell you that I am heart sick!

He hasn't met his new daughter yet.

Yesterday, she was 2 weeks old.

My heart breaks for Dorothy and the ladies.

They are strong but it is difficult.

I know that many of you have been praying for him.
Please keep the prayers coming for the brave men and women that
serve our country.
Please say an "extra" prayer for Jeff.
We appreciate every single one!

OOPS! I just hit the publish post by accident.
I'm not known for long posts but... I'm not finished-hehe.

I will be back later tonight with the winner of my little giveaway.
See you later.

Big hugs from a very sad but proud Army mom.

Wake up!

Just a gentle reminder that The French Elements

giveaway ends Sept. 14th (in the evening).

If you like embroidered burlap pillows and CHANEL

products, this one is for you.

I appreciate every one that has entered

and all who have stopped by to check it out.

See you in a few days with the winning name.

YAY!

We will never forget

Happy weekend!

May your weekend be filled with beauty and rejuvenation.

Big hugs!

Time

Time.

Something that seems to be in short supply these days.

Do you ever wish that time would just SLOW DOWN A BIT?

So much to do, so little time.

The past couple of weeks have been interesting to say the least.

A blessed birth, news that Jeff may deploy (can't go into detail),
and trying to get services that have been cut for J.W.
It is so sad that the people that need the most help are
the ones that seem to fall through the cracks.
The disabled.

Not the most positive post, I know.
Guess I am just tired-hehe.

I am so thankful that I can speak up on his behalf.
Yes, I am THAT squeaky wheel.
I think I may need to "squeak" for others.

Celebrating the birth of newbaby2010 ver.4.0 with a giveaway

If you are a regular visitor to The French Elements blog,

you know that Jeff nicknamed Andrea- Newbaby2010 ver.4.0.

That was before they knew whether they were having

a boy or girl.

Newbaby2010 ver.4.0 was how I received the news

and I was over (still am) the moon.

Another wee one to LOVE.

It just doesn't get better than that.

O.k, it could be better since I have not seen her

in person yet (some health stuff going on with J.W.)

but I know that day will be coming soon.

In celebration, I wanted to have a French inspired giveaway.

There are 5 French goodies for you to win. YAY!

The First is an embroidered burlap pillow.

As you can see, it features the Eiffel Tower

and Merry Christmas in French.

Christmas will be here before we know it.

Cute, huh?

CHANEL.

Very French, very fabulous.

You will also receive this collection of 4 Chanel goodies.

1. Mousse Douceur- the most wonderful facial cleanser

2. Gommage Microperle Eclat- an exfoliating gel that really will
give your skin a glow.

3. Quick Shadow Brush- one of my favorite tools for
applying shadow with the speed of light.

4. Exceptionnel De Chanel- this Chanel mascara gives intense volume
and curl.

It is very easy to enter and you have the opportunity to
receive several entries.

1. Leave a comment

2. Follow the blog. If you visit occasionally and don't follow,
this would be a great time to follow along.
Let me know if you are a new follower.

If you already follow, you have 2 entries right off the bat.
Double check to make sure you really do follow.
There are blogs I thought I was following but when I
clicked on "follow", I found out I wasn't.
Not sure if that is a blogger glitch.

3. If you post the giveaway button on your blog, one more entry.
Yay!

4. If you tweet or do a Facebook post about the giveaway,
yet one more entry.
Just come back and let me know.

The winner will be announced September 14th (evening)
so that gives you some time to spread the word.

So there you have it. Long post for me-hehe.

I am so excited about Andrea Jeanne.

Our family has been blessed with this precious new life
and we are so thrilled.

Thank you for sharing in our joy.

big hugs!

Making her debut into the world and on to Grandma's blog

YAY!

Mademoiselle Andrea Jeanne joined our family on Monday morning.

The doctor was wayyy off on her weight.

She only weighed 9lbs 6 ounces.

She is a lanky 20 inches.

Jeff called from Hawaii once he received the call that all was good.

Dorothy and Andrea are fantastic and this Grandma is over the moon (again).

Thank you God!

Don't you just love those chunky cheeks?

Jayde has always been a little mother and

is very excited.

The jury is still out on Annika-hehe.

Hailey adores her.

This is the first birth I have missed but I

intend to visit ASAP.

This will be Jeff and Dorothy's last child and

I'm so sorry he missed the birth.

But the onesie says it best.

If you LOVE your freedom, thank my dad.

I am so proud of all of you.

I feel a giveaway coming on (hubby is rolling his eyes-hehe).

Once I come back to earth, I think I need to celebrate

the arrival of newbaby 2010. ver.4.0 with a little something special.

Thank you for sharing this special time with us.

HUGE HUGS.

Inspiration from AARP Magazine? Oh yeah!

As a young teen, I looked forward to the arrival

of Ingenue (remember this one?)

and Seventeen magazine.

As I grew older, it was Vogue and Bazaar.

Now I look forward to the arrival of the AARP magazine.

I was sharing this with a friend the other day

and she went into mild hysteria. She is quite a bit

older than me. When I told her about this issue, she

wanted to borrow it!

It all started with a little dream.

After having the opportunity to be

an exchange student in the Netherlands,

I knew I was destined to live somewhere in Europe.

But where?

I ended up in Switzerland and loved every second.

This is not where I lived but isn't this FABULOUS?

So serene. I would chop wood to live here-hehe.

While in Switzerland, I became engaged to

a dutch lad.
It looked like I would be going back to Holland.

I wasn't planning on living in a windmill.

I just really like this photo.

Well, while the relationship was not meant to be,

the whole "someday, I want to move back to Europe" thing

never truly left my heart.

That is why I was so inspired from an article in the AARP Magazine (love it).

After hubby read it , he was inspired as well.

I know the kids will be living in Hawaii, hubby is not planning

on retiring anytime soon BUT now 2 people share that dream.

It would actually be 3 because J.W. would need to

come along.

We could spend hours (O.K, maybe not hours)

sitting in our favorite kind of chairs.

Meeting new people, making wonderful memories.


I have seen first hand how dreams can come true.

Maybe someday

I'll be visiting from a sweet little cottage.

Talk about French Elements.

I plan to hang on tight to this little dream

and hubby is holding on too!

Yay!


I am crossing my fingers that post options is working.
Blogger has not been too kind to me recently-hehe.

Big hugs from a French dreamer.

Multiplicity- The Life

Remember this movie?
A very funny movie and one I have been thinking about this week.

I know we all have moments we wish we could be
in 2 or 3 or more places at a time.
This was one of those weeks.
I am glad it is winding down.

You know how hubby doesn't like me to blab
"things" and I usually don't listen?
Well, I'm doing a small blab.
He was in the hospital but is home now and a bit better.
That is all she wrote- hehe.

Dorothy is scheduled for a C-section on August 30th.
Right now, "little" Andrea Jeanne is about 9.5 lbs.
Not so little.
The Doctor would like her to stay put a while longer.
He thinks she will be about 11 lbs at birth.
This is Dorothy's first c-section but all of the ladies
have been quite big at birth.
11 lbs, Holy moly!
I am so glad that items purchased have been for
a big girl.
It doesn't look like Jeff will be able to fly back to Ca. for her birth.
Big sigh.....

I also wanted to thank you for wishing mademoiselle Annika
a happy birthday.
This was the first one we couldn't spend with her.
Another big sigh.....

While I am not for cloning, I wouldn't mind being in
several places at one time.
I could get more work done, visit all the blog friends I am missing,
and maybe even post on a regular basis.

Well, it is what it is.

I miss visiting but will catch up eventually. Maybe.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Big hugs!

Quatre. Yay!

I just realized that this post could be taken 2 ways.

Either newbaby2010 ver.4.0 has arrived or Annika
Is 4 years old today.

Well, my little Princess is a very big FOUR!
This post is dedicated to you my sweet one (blog visitors, thank you for indulging me)

I have to tell you that when I look at the picture of you above,
(1 day old)
I just smile and smile.
What a precious little angel.

Four is a very special age.
Very soon you will become a big sister and with it
comes BIG responsibilities.

You will need to share what you have learned
with your baby sister.

Let her know that it is important to keep
singing her song.
Especially as she gets older.

You are full of joy and joy is contagious.

Let her know that it is important to run her race.
Competition will come at her and the only one you need to compete
with is yourself.
It makes for a much happier life as you get older.

Let her know that it is important to stay true to yourself.
Be who God created you to be.
Let her know that she is an original just as you are.

Let her know the little things are important.

Balloons

Of course, chocolate cake

and castles.
You are a girl after my heart with your love of castles and
of course Princesses.
When you said yesterday that you looked "just like a Princess",
it warmed my heart.

You are perfect in every way.
You have a generous heart, a marvelous sense of humor,
and you are filled with LOVE.

As you grow older, keep those traits and share them with others.
That is what counts.

Happy Birthday sweet Annika.
We love you so much and can't wait to see you again.

Much love from Grandma, Grandpa Ray, and Uncle J.W.

YOU ROCK!