March is Springing

I like March. It’s still cooler here in Nice, but hints of warmth are around every corner. Spring officially starts, and jasmine and honeysuckle lure our curious noses to their petals. Enjoy a not-at-all brief overview of March in pictures. [Even though March isn’t offically over yet… I know, I know.]

Library love.

I love each stage with the kids. This age with Django is just the best.

Her passion for drawing and art is fascinating.

Django’s Judo class. Can you see him? I think he’s the smallest of the group.

Living room tent with the coolest Mamie.

When Daphné finds my phone. She definitely has her father’s gift at facial expressions.

Gilles and Marion and Eliot came over for lunch.

Papi teaches Django how to “play” with food.

Visit from our friend Dave, Denae and their doggie Lola.

Lola takes up 2 spaces on the couch.

Denae has become like an auntie to our kids - such a blessing that we get to see her every few months.

Lola’s back reaches Django’s neck, folks. That’s a big dog. The sweetest Great Dane.

Tonio working on his parents’ guest bedroom.

Laying parquet.

Parent Association meeting. I' love these ladies so much. It makes being president an easier task (I won’t say “easy” because it’s not.)

Papa’s helper.

And the beautiful finished guest room. Well done Tonio, Pierre and Nancy! This photo is taken with a wide angle, so it looks bigger than it actually is.

Waiting to pick up big sis from school.

There was a scary part in the movie, so Daphné comforts her little bro. Their relationship is so sweet to watch grow. The love in their hearts for one another is strong and beautiful.

The living room with signs of curious and creative children lurking about.

The kitchen, just for fun. And yes, that line in the distance is the horizon of the Mediterranean Sea. I praise the Lord for our home.

Waiting for Papa to get home so we can all watch the next episode of LEGO Masters together.

Drawing after church.

Cheesy Dorito mouth.

In the 4 years we’ve been coming to this park, I’m so surprised this toy has not broken or snapped. It’s impressive how many kids they can pack on.

We got a new bed!!! It’s a family celebration, because the kids LOVE wrestling here before bed every night. And I have room for my elbows without being afraid of falling off the side. It’s huge you guys. I don’t know the size, but I think we had a FULL and now we have a KING.

Lunch with Tata Cricri - we love her and Tonton Robie!

He gave Cricri some sweet cuddles. She was in Heaven.

Baking with mama. His speech therapist asked me to work on food, kitchen and utensils terms with him, so we make a rhubarb-raspberry coffee cake all while speaking French.

Before going in the oven.

After… it was delicious.

Meet Gunther. Many of you know him. I made him at Build-a-Bear in 2002 in San Diego. I was a junior at University, and we went as a group of Resident Assistants (RA’s) with our dorm director, Kim. Over the years, his nose slowly wore away, so my amazing mother-in-law had him repaired for my birthday this year. We have a neighbor in our apartment building who is in the fashion and sewing industry. She did such an incredible job. I just love Gunther. He’s been a faithful travel companion for 20 years now. I wished I would have made him a passport, because he has surely traveled the world - from China to Chicago and beyond.

Barb is a seamstress, a highly talented one at that. She and I often take fashion pictures together at church. Most of her clothes are her creations, that jacket and hat, for example. She is truly amazing.

Django was playing with a friend’s phone app.

Daphné too. Haha. The eyes crack me up!

The beautiful gal taking this picture is Julie, the mama-to-be. This was her baby shower. We had a blast loving on her, spoiling her, giving her gifts and spending time with her before the arrival of their baby girl. He due date was 2 weeks after the baby shower, but she gave birth the next day. Phew! We picked the perfect day to shower her with love before she met her first little girl. These are all ladies from church. I love my sisters in Christ.

Here I am at the local library with the librarian and Imtinen, another member of the parent association. The library donated almost 70 books to the school where Django goes. So cool to be a part of this kind of thing as the president of the association.

Tonio took this. I love everything about it. Carrot-stained mouth. Dragon mittens. Pink heart sunglasses. Camera. I’m dying of laughter!!!

Living far from my family stinks big time, so I’m thankful for facetime conversations with my mama and daddy. Daphné loves it too.

Mens group at church.

When it’s nice outside, we climb the tree. It’s a magical tree with so many “rooms.” I like how the sun lights Django’s hair in this photo.

I would like to leave you with two prayers from Every Moment Holy by Douglas Kayne McKelvey :

Practicing the Presence of God Upon Hearing a Birdsong -

“You draw praise from the frailest of things.

So also draw praise from me.”

Practicing the Presence of God Upon Sighting a Flower in Bloom -

“O Lord who so lavishly adorns the fields,

How radiant must Your eternal glories be!”

Amen. May spring help you remember the simplicity and beauty in life.

Love Linz