To Market, To Market...

to buy a fresh hen! Actually today it was just fruits, vegetables, and bread! The weather is getting nicer, so we have been enjoying being outdoors. It was not so long ago that I was pushing the double stroller to the market and getting a serious workout. Now SA is walking and running next to the stroller all the way there and back. She says "Bonjour" very cheerfully to the boulangere so she can get a lollipop, and wants to go and visit our friends who have a shop in town after our shopping is completed (and she has visited the park, of course). My, we have come a long way! I remember when we first moved here and she was the baby in the stroller. Now CG is the one I am strolling around town with SA in tow as well.

After 2 and half years, I finally feel as if I really live here. We ran into several acquaintances at the market today with whom I chatted. I remember the days when I was so proud just to be able to ask for the bread that I wanted at the boulangerie and get the fruits and vegetables I needed from my veggie guy. Now that I know the shopkeepers around town and am "known" as well- probably as that strange American mom that can't speak French very well, but hey, at least she makes an effort, I feel that I am actually making progress in becoming part of the community. That is after all, an objective that I have had since we moved out from the city "a la compagne" (to the country). I am still working my way to integration- slowly but surely!

Snowy Easter

We woke up this morning to beautiful white snowflakes falling outside. Since it hasn't been that cold lately, the snow didn't stay on the ground, but it was pretty while it was falling. Easter is always very different here- no Easter lillies or dressing up in a new "Easter dress" like in the southern US. Now those could be considered random cultural traditions without much meaning, but I must say that I enjoy them. It seems strange and sad to me how we had NO mention of Easter at our church today or for the last 2 years at Christmas or Easter- except when everyone leaves and we all say, "Bonne Fete"- i.e. "Have a great party!" So my friend said that we are just trying to be non Catholic about it since every Sunday is really a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. But, I still think it strange- not even one mention or "He is Risen" proclamation. Oh, well, I don't understand alot of things around here. Tomorrow is the real public holiday so I guess all the stores will be closed. Seems like D is always out of town on those days- days that we would have together were he in town- bummer. He left today for Thailand and will be away for 3 weeks this time. So... you could be hearing from me more- in my attempt to stay connected to the outside world and all.

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." Ps. 43:5

My Big Girl

...is three years old! We had a ballerina/ princess party last week to celebrate and have much to report since then. She is drinking out of a big girl cup now (as opposed to a sippy cup), sitting in a big girl chair at the table, and (drum roll) wearing big girl panties! Here's a picture after her return from the garderie this week where she painted, and played, all in French! The most wonderful and challenging transition, of course, has been her transition to big sisterhood,but I have been encouraged this week as I have watched her playing with CG. The two of them giggling together melts my heart! We have been learning Genesis 12:2 together, "I will bless you...and you shall be a blessing." When we talked about all of the blessings that God has given us and drew a picture to illustrate them, SA wanted to draw a picture of her little sister, CG!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

The Auvergne is a region known for its exceptional natural environment: a rugged landscape of mountain ranges and volcanoes, and lakes and springs in the heart of France. Because of the volcanic nature of the region, it is very hilly, and it seems that the cloud formations over the valleys are very conducive to the formation of rainbows. To put it bluntly, I have never seen so many beautiful rainbows so frequently in all my life! Whenever I see one, I am reminded of the Creator who cares so deeply for His creation. Yesterday while driving into town, I saw a gorgeous rainbow arching over the city of Clermont- Ferrand. It was such a special reminder to me of God's love and faithfulness to me personally. The above photo was taken from my back window last spring.

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Ps. 61:1

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation...My salvation and my honor depend on God, He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Ps. 62:5-8

It Takes A Village

Hilary is right about this one. We need each other. Raising children while maintaining one's sanity is not a walk in the park! With D in the Czech Republic last week and in Germany this week, I have been in need of help, and I have had it. We expat mamas know how to lean into each other and help each other. Without family closeby, we really have to depend on each other. Last week I needed help taking my car in to the garage and picking it up, and this week I have needed help as all of us girls have been under the weather but in need of groceries and party supplies as SA is turning 3 on Sunday. F (she's French but has adopted us expat mamas!) came by on Tuesday and stayed with the girls while I jetted out to get groceries, and today I had several offers for help if I needed it. Thankfully, we are now recovering and were able to get out today. Running is another outlet that provides mental sanity, and lately we have been figuring out ways to help each other in that arena as well. I am so thankful for my "village" lately!

Savon de Marseilles

This type is seemingly considered the "only real" soap in France. It's traditionally made with olive or palm oil and is great for the skin. There are bars, and liquid bath gels touting the "Savon de Marseilles" name, and I have always kind of wondered what makes this soap so great to the French. It is almost like in America when we say "Kleenex" to refer to any paper product that we use for our noses. The word "savon" is soap, but so often you hear people refer to "le savon de Marseilles" and I always see it written on bottles of laundry detergent and such. When I was in the hospital after having CG, I was slightly taken aback when there was no hygeine recommendation for after childbirth other than washing with "savon de Marseilles"! Last week after having some French friends for lunch, I learned that I should be using it to scrub my dishes with! I had no idea! I thought it was just for bathing and in detergents. Apparently it is the only thing that can really get anything clean by French standards. Here's where you can learn more...http://www.marseillesoap.com/