We spent the day wandering the Madeleine area and stimulating the french economy....

Success all wrapped up into two pretty packages I like to call "Mom" and "Aunt Sally".........

We spent our Sunday in the gardens of Versailles.  Beauty surrounded us, classical music was piped in throughout the gardens as we wandered the grounds.

It feels so unbelievably good to be together again, running and chasing after one another, listening to each other, "breaking" bread together. 

We sat on the grass eating our lunch, watching the row boats glide by..... 

Once the kids were fed and had a bit of energy they spent a good portion of the afternoon wrestling with Dad........

I'm not sure who was having more fun.........

I think the statues were cracking a smile looking down on all the fun......

When we bring love and sunshine into the lives of others, we are warmed by it ourselves.......  When we spill a little bit of happiness, it splashes on us.

~Barbara Johnson

Love and kindness are forever being poured onto all of us and we are all drenched from "the splash". 

Our home is bubbling over with smiles, hugs and pure joy.  I don't think I can put into words the pleasure that we all feel being together once again. 

After a leisurely morning spent playing and talking, we ventured out to give "the girls" a taste of Paris.......

Sisters.......

Family.....

Delight.....

These beauties were great big pom pom balls yesterday.  By this morning, they had opened up and literally look as if they are dancing in the gray pitcher that holds them. 

The kids and I wait patiently, doing the last few things before they arrive.  They land at 2pm and should be home by 4pm.  It is 10am and we are showered, dressed and ready, oh it's going to be a long day........ 

My family has been busy preparing the apartment; washing windows and curtains, cleaning from top to bottom, and stocking the fridge.  Our little apartment is ready to greet my Mom and her sister, my Aunt Sally!!!!

We are seriously beyond excited, pretty much "fit to be tied".  One more day and I will be able to see my Mom (it's been 7 months people!), hug her, smell her (she always smells so good) and scream when I see her and my amazing Aunt.  We are all very exciteable girls and have no shame when it comes to expressing it.

There's no need to say a thing when I'm before you. 
In this silence I feel refreshed with peace.
Break this noise that binds the voice that tries to speak.
Open my eyes to see your gracious sovereign reach....

It's hard to talk when I feel that you are near, when all is quiet, it's the beauty that I hear.
This hidden place where I know that You've calmed my fears.
I know that You've washed my tears.

The season's of change have never left me wounded,
Only scars of hurt, but never deeply rooted.
All is lost without the breath of life You give,
and You give so much.
I want nothing more than You, so here's my heart........

~Jeremy Camp

I am loving this "Jeremy Camp" CD today.  He is a wonderful songwriter who puts into words what my heart sings. 

I hope today finds you walking the streets hand in hand with our Maker.   It's a tough world out there and there is no need to walk it alone. 

Flowers in a home are like lipstick on my lips. 

I can go to the trouble of putting on make-up, but if I don't have my lipstick on, forget it.  I tend to look tired and not as bright as I would with lipstick. 

I feel the same way about flowers in a home.  There is something about a bouquet of fresh flowers in a room, a small posey here and there.  The house smells great and it looks bright and cheery..........

There is a lovely park near our apartment and on the weekends, they have a book market in the old horse stables.  It's a great way to spend part of the day. 

Most all of the books are written in french.  I search threw the many titles, the vast majority are unfamiliar to me.  I enjoy picking up the dusty, crackled books, gently opening the gardening books, looking at the illustrations.  I love the different colors that age has developed over time on the leather covers.....

I especially like the old primary readers and lessons for children.  I wonder how many little hands have held them, eager to learn. 

The idea of old books nestled together on a small table purely for the design element makes me smile.......

If you are in Paris and want to visit this market.  It is located in Parc George Brassens in the horse stables at 87 rue brancion, 75015.  It is called the Marche aux livres and is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am until 6pm..

Dan has taught the kids how to play the game of chess while living in Paris.  They absolutely love the game (especially Max).  They play everywhere; on our balcony........

At the park............

On vacation in Spain.........

These life size pieces were a ton of fun for the kids at our hotel.  Most hotels in Europe will have a chess game in the lounge area.   All you have to do is ask........

I love the way Dan parent's his children.  He is so involved, so in love with these kids.  They are so blessed to have a Father like Dan.   

Paris bypassed Spring and went straight to Summer.  Windows are open, fans are humming, and our covers are kicked off in the evenings..........I couldn't be happier.