Dan had the brilliant idea of walking to our park for a picnic lunch.  We have a sweet little park right next to our local "Marie" or City Hall.  Every arrondissemont has there own "Marie".  Most are quite beautiful, including ours.   It's a fun place to relax and watch the world go by........

We walked to our local supermarket and bought some apples, cheese, salami, olives, chips and bread and headed over to the park. 

Our neighborhood park has the Eiffel Tower as it's backdrop. 

It is lined with roses that are just beginning to bloom........

The majority of parks throughout Paris don't allow people to sit or play on the grass.  Our park does not restrict the kids from playing or having picnics on the grass.  The french tend to sit on the benches that surround the park and eat their lunches.  

They don't know what they are missing.....

I love spreading out a blanket, organizing our lunch on the blanket; everyone digging into their favorite dish. 

And running, just running, playing, and hiding behind old statues.  I watched the kids play tag and this old statue was "safe". 

We were so relaxed today, enjoying the weather and each other.........

I layed back on Dan's chest, and snapped pictures of the beautiful buildings standing all around us.........

This morning when Dan and I were having coffee on the balcony, we were discussing what we should do today.  I mentioned, driving to Versailles and Dan said "let's just go for a picnic at our park".  Dan is incredibly insightful and knows exactly  what our family needs.  I tend to feel like I have to "go and do"  and pack as much as I can into this life of mine and my family.    

Such a reminder to slow down and smell the roses.  I can't smell them with my head hanging out the car window, driving 60 MPH towards our next adventure.  Thank you Dan for your wisdom and insight!  You are an amazing Husband and Father!!!!   I could not love you any more if I tried!   

Here's to a wonderful Saturday!  Enjoy yours!

These are the coolest stores all over Belgium and the Netherlands.  My Mom would feel like she died and went to heaven.  I don't think I would ever be able to drag her out of here.  These stores have everything to do with making a house a home. 

I have noticed smaller boutiques like these scattered throughout Paris and the French countryside as well. 

Come on in and have a look around....... (I would have had more pictures for you but the staff at this store were very unhappy with me and my camera) 

They had every size and shape of scrub brush you could imagine.  I have noticed this in France as well.  They make cleaning look very serious and so very chic.

Now that I have cleaned my house and watered my bulbs; I will grab one of these straw bags and walk to one of the many outdoor markets for lunch. 

Three days of sunshine in a row??  Yes, you heard me right.  We are exhausted from all the fun. 

The flowers in the parks are bursting with new life.  We feel the same way, we cannot contain ourselves!!

I wish I had the kids stand by this flower, it was almost as big as Sophies head!

I am forever slipping into the many churches that are scattered throughout Paris.  I love the reverance that these churches invoke in me.  I am forever awed by the beauty and the commitment it took to build these churches. 

I am so aware of God's refining process in my life right now.  It feels so uncomfortable, I don't like it, although I know it is what I need.  

He needed to take me away from the familiar, expected and constant of my life and push me into the sometimes uncomfortableness of this new life.  I am leaning into Him so much more while living in Paris, realizing that I am not in control.  Was I ever?

When will I learn that I am not always supposed to be comfortable.  I am to bring comfort to others. 

We grow in those times of refinement.  We are knit closer to God.  The bonds become harder to break.  The process, although troublesome is worth it in the end. 

The suns rays were streaming across our bedroom floor this morning.  The little finches in our courtyard were having a party and begging us to come.  (I couldn't get over how loud they were).

I felt exactly like those finches.  Every morning I wake, and peak through our curtain, 9 times out of 10, it is gray outside.  I had no idea how cold, damp and gray Paris could be.  It was beginning to affect my attitude.  Not today, today I felt like a new woman.  Ready to take on the world!! 

Such a reminder for me that our lives are fluid; struggles and hardships will pass, there is always a bend in the road.  It is also a reminder to enjoy those seasons in my life where everything seems to be going smoothly.  Embrace, acknowledge and appreciate those seasons. 

I am loving these "diptyque" candles right now.  Yes, they cost a small fortune but these little guys have legs.  They last forever and, in my opinion, are worth the steep price.

You can find this famous candle shop at 34 Blvd. Saint Germaine.  

My current favorite scent is Mimosa with a hint of citrus.  I love the simplistic packaging.

Last weekend was such an "eye opener" for Dan and I.  We realized just how important it is for the kids to get out and explore nature. 

They never complain about our many visits to museums, churches, and monuments.  However, last weekends trip and subsequent side trip into a green open field with a stream proved how happy they are exploring.

Throw in a trip to the beach and they could hardly contain themselves.

Dan and I sat down this weekend and revamped our travel plans for this year.  We do have a trip to Prague already booked for this month but after that trip, we are going to focus on more "kick back" beach type spots.  

Let me know if you have any kid friendly destinations that you think we might enjoy.   

Such a beautiful park, fun for kids and adults as well.  Enjoy some of the characters in the park today.........

I wonder how many times they have been photographed???

It's been too long since I have seen my family.  Not just those pictured  above, on one of our annual beach trips in California, but everyone.

I love the casual feel of California, running to the grocery store with a cover up and flip flops, kids cheeks sunkissed, kite flying, bike riding, roasting marshmallows, or hanging out having a cup of coffee in my parents back yard. 

The sun, oh the glorious sun that IS California, we have had six straight days of gloom here.  It is still in the 50's.  What gives? 

Today I sit reminiscing about my amazing family and friends in sunny California whom I love past love.   Ahhh, I love looking through my pictures, stopping and gazing at my family; they are life to me. 

Cousins running barefoot to the beach.........

My brother Tim who always has his shirt off, leaning on his shovel after digging a little pool for the kids to play in by the shore.    Aunt Sally always in the mix playing.  (I can't believe I get to see you next month with Mom!!!!!)

My sister-in-law Ana in the back with me, my Mom in front of her and my Aunt Sally in front of me.  We are forever laughing, our  voices getting louder and louder the longer we are together. 

Oh my gosh, the fun of being a silly girl with these women.  These women NEVER try and tamper my personality.  We (including Kerri, Rita and Carolyn) feed off of each other and are forever free to be ourselves.  It's a beautiful thing. 

There is nothing like walking back to the house, jumping in the tub and washing away all the days sun and sand.  Doesn't it look like they had a good time at the beach?

I love my crazy family!  These are my favorite kinds of pictures, THIS is my family, full of life and joy to me.  I love and miss you.  (Including those of  you not pictured!) 

****I just remembered that this was the trip last August that I came home to when Dan met us at the airport and told me we were moving to Paris.  It was an amazing trip from start to finish. 

I happily began my French classes a few weeks ago.  What a gift they have become for me.  I go twice a week in the evenings for two hours.  Once I set foot in the door, French is the only language spoken. 

The class is made up of a unique group of people from all over the world.  So many countries are represented ranging from; Africa, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Japan, Germany, Greece, Morroco, Portugal, Russia, Thailand, South Africa and the US. 

I am a girl who loves culture and am forever fascinated by the many differences and similarities we all share.  Everyone is so supportive and thoughtful and it is a treat to see them every week.     

This class is a reminder of how important it is to take time for one self.  We need to remember to take care of ourselves, enrich our lives and minds.  I hope that you are taking care of yourself and making time to do something that you enjoy.  If not, think about what you would like to do and find a way to do it.   You are worth it!