Pictures from our House Hunting Trip - Poll at the End

Pennsylvania was G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S this time of year. The leaves were BEAUTIFUL. Golden yellows, lush oranges, bright reds. Here's my fav pic from the trip:
Loved the farmlands. I wonder what would be the premium to buy this guy? He's sleeping behind that sign there:

Michael's opinion on househunting. Loved his pose here in the car:

So...who was our best contender? Here we go...#1 on our list:

This is the gorgeous mature-tree lined street towards the house. The reds were a lot brighter in real life:

Gorgeous orange tree lined streets towards the community:

The front of the house. LOVE the wrap around porch. Don't love the grey siding and the grey shutters and the grey grey grey of the house. To re-side it cream would be a $10K job. Then, would need dark blue shutters - $1-2K. Then a red door. And don't bother asking about Brick. That's an additional $20K premium up north.

Lots of land. About an acre.

Let's go inside:

Here's the entryway. Love the stairs and hardwoods. Great quality house. 2 coat closets there. AWESOME. HOWEVER...notice how the view from the front door leads STRAIGHT to the view of the back door? BAD FENG SHUI. VERY BAD. Possible solution: Make the back door into a window and move the door elsewhere.

View of the living room/dining room to the left of the entry way picture above. Again, well kept and gorgeous:

Here we go up the stairs to the master bedroom:

Ignore the pink carpet, replace it with hardwoods and a nice rug. You see that hallway to the back there? Yes, that is a hallway in the freakin' master bedroom. The hallway leads to a his and hers closet and a dressing area. Plus the bathroom:

3 bedroom house. Need to finish the basement. GREAT quality. You ask about the kitchen? Needs a new stove...but the cabinets are nice. Could use an update with granite countertops and new cabinet fronts, but overall, great design. Good quality. All lower cabinets have pull out drawers and there are even built in utensil dividers.

Back view of the house. There's a gazebo there:

Now comes the poll.

I love this house. It's gorgeous. With some updating, it would be really beautiful. And the community is nice, it's in an award winning school district, and it's 30 minutes from Brian's work.

BUT...when I set foot in that house, I feel something bad. Not horrible, but bad. The first time. And when I went in the 2nd time WITH Michael. I felt something REALLY bad. REALLY REALLY bad. SO bad, I had to leave.

Come to find out...the lady is selling it because she lost her job. And when she bought the house, she was married. And now she is NOT.

Which means...in the 19 years she has had that house, she lost a spouse and a job.

Makes you think twice about the feng shui doesn't it?

SOOOOO...

POLL:

Would you:

A) Buy the house, ignore the feng shui. It's a great price, great value, great quality. Got a lot of things going for it. Figure out how to change the feng shui.

Or

B) Walk away. Will you fall off the face of the earth if you buy that house? Maybe...maybe not. But I think it's proven now that the house does not have the best luck associated with it. And if it doesn't feel right. It doesn't feel right.

Let's see...

PA or DE?

Jet-lagged. And homeless in January when we get to Newark. Can't say our trip last week was super successful.

But it was because:

1. We decided we want to live in Pennsylvania or Hockessin area
2. We got to hang out with Bill/AK and realized they are only 1.5 hours away. Awesome to be so close to family.
3. We had an amazing time with our friends who are already there and met some new ones too. What a relief to have such an awesome support network already there!
4. Have some rental options in case we can't find a home by the end of the month we have in corporate housing.
5. Got Thanksgiving paper goods at Target and got to go to Target. SWEET.

So...while it wasn't super successful in that we didn't find a great home we BOTH liked...

We still had fun. And we have some silly pictures to boot. And we got to see Pennsylvania in the fall, which was - GORGEOUS. The leaves were all orange/yellow/bright...SO beautiful. I can't wait for next year's photoshoots in farms with pumpkins and large farm fields with fall leaves in the back.

It's going to be great. At least I tell myself. And then I realize there's only 1 Target that serves Newark/Wilmington/Southern Chester County, PA. And it's 30 minutes away from anywhere we'd live. EEK. :)

And the nearest good mall is 45 minutes away. Well, we won't have any money anyways so it's best that those things are SO FAR AWAY.

Michael gets an F in Anatomy class

Today we were over at Karstyn's house. At some point she went to go pee. Michael followed her into the bathroom and while he was watching her pee (from a safe distance I hope - I was in the living room), I heard him tell her, "Karstyn, you have to hold your peepee down!"

Party!

So! Michael's official birthday was this past Saturday, Oct 17th and we celebrated with Michael's friends. We rented out the trampolines in the Tuileries for the kids for half an hour. The guy was 10 minutes late showing up.

The kids were READY and had settled down after attempting to break and enter into the place:
Jumping fun:

Michael lovin' his trampoline:

The kids had a FANTASTIC time. Here's my attempt to get all 9 kids on one trampoline and sitting still:

You try this too and let me know what you get! :)

After this, we took all the kids to the carousel and let them ride that. After which we walked the length of the Tuileries, which took nearly 30 minutes with 8 adults and 7 kids.

Got home, did cake. Here's Michael blowing out his candle:

Michael told me he wanted a cake with the number 5 on it. So I did that, and stuck a #3 candle on it. I think he'll be ok.

The kids were happy to chill out and watch a movie. And frankly, so was Larry:

The gorgeous colors of the Tuileries inspired me to get a family photoshoot. We went back around 1pm and the lighting was so much more different, but I did the best I could. And had photoshop help me with the rest. Here are some normal posed pictures that I like:

And we walked to the Luxembourg Gardens and I got this pic of Brian and Michael that I love.

And voila! Michael's birthday weekend done! We loved every minute of it and loved having such great friends to celebrate it with. We are just so blessed!

Big 3!

Today's the day my little boy turns 3. Seems all of a sudden so grown up to me. THREE.

At one, I was celebrating that he was still alive and so were we. And that we survived. Somehow, by the grace of God, we survived. That first year as a family in a foreign country.

At two, we didn't make a huge deal. Just a little ice cream party with our playgroup friends. It was festive, joyful, and happy to be surrounded by his playmates. And quite frankly mine too.

At three. He's started school. He speaks in complete sentences. He has a real personality with likes and dislikes. He's kind to others and offers babies toys when they cry. He pushes us because he's three. He knows Go Dog Go almost by heart. He loves playing with his friends but gets into fights with them at times. He's still not a great eater.

After our rather unsuccessful attempts at continuing our family this year, I get choked up thinking about how 3 years ago Michael came into our life, became part of our family, and changed our life forever. And how what a blessing and gift he is. And how thankful we are to have him here with us.

And so, to my Little Buddy: Happy 3rd birthday to our gift from God. I will always love you and I will always cherish the day you came into our lives.

What If

What if...everyday of my life in Paris for the past 3 years was like today?

I would never want to leave. Ever.

The day started sunny and gorgeous.

I dropped Michael off at school. He was happy to go. I saw him run in there and grab a basket and start on his craft.

I ran off to do a photoshoot. It was awesome. Here are my 2 favorite pictures that are 1) different than normal and 2) not at all altered in photoshop:
To see more standard ones and more from this shoot, you'll have to go to my photography website.

Then, went back to pick up Michael up from school, but was early.

So went to a boulangerie, ordered some mighty delicious ratatouille.

Sat down next to the Seine and ate my gorgeous ratatouille while watching the boats go by on the Seine next to the fall foliage lining the river.

Picked up my happy Michael from school.

Took him to "Eiffel Tower Park." AKA: Champs des Mars.

Went to McDonalds for lunch.

Michael napped for 30 minutes while I shopped.

Bought some birthday party supplies at Monoprix.

Met Katie/Karstyn/Elayna at Champs des Mars for a playdate.

They did the caroussel. Michael with his wand that they give the kids to get rings onto:

And then a photoshoot with Karstyn and the Eiffel Tower:

Michael trying to be a part of Katie's family. I mean, who doesn't want an Asian son?

Went home, had leftover blanquette de veau for dinner.

Done.

More 20K Pics

Thankfully, Chad Nickel took pictures with his phone for the 20K!

Here is Team Air Liquide at the starting line. From Left to Right: Chad Nickel, Albert Atkins, and Brian:

Chad took this picture after 10K. Look at Brian. All smiles...walk in the park for that guy!

We were SO very happy and proud for him! I can't even DRIVE 10 miles sometimes!

Love,
P

Interesting Picture

Cathedral pics...I mean, who hasn't seen their share of the same grand nave and walkway leading there? I am guilty of the same.

Mountain man took this awesome picture in the Notre Dame cathedral. I can't get over it. I'm In LOVE with it:
He's had the camera (D50, 18-200 lens) for 2 days. That's it. TWO DAYS. And he took this picture. I am so amazed. Trying to recruit him as my 2nd shooter. :)

Love,
P

20K or BUST

Brian ran the 20K de Paris today, and he did AWESOME. His pace was 9:47 a mile and that was taking it slow for him. He felt pretty good afterwards!

Here, you can see his arm up, an eye ball and a half, part of his light blue shirt and his one leg. He's in the middle of my picture behind Albert who is wearing a cap and a dark blue shirt. And behind them, is another guy with his hand up, that's Chad Nickel. All 3 Air Liquiders.
Also running today was the Eiffel Tower. It also had a number:

The kids were a good sport and waited patiently for their dads to run by!

We are so proud of Brian and his great accomplishment!

Mountain Man and T-Bird

Our friends Mountain Man and T-bird decided to adopt an Asian boy to be a part of their family: So not really. But it was hilarious because here's Michael trying to get in their picture:
He LOVED taking pictures with Tracy (T-bird) and Mountain Man (Brent). It was so cute.

They flew in from Austin and spent the first part of their vacation with us in Paris. We were SMITTEN! We had a great time with them and roamed the Luxembourg Gardens today.

Here's Michael being cute with Tracy:
Incredible! And then look what he does with his ACTUAL family: Thanks, BOY! :) We got whistled at to get off the grass by the park guards while taking pictures on the leaves but you better believe I'll be back. I had an idea of what I wanted to do but could never make it happen. So I'll be back! Thanks to T-bird and Mountain Man for finding this great patch of leaves!

But I did get one good picture of these two lovebirds: We got ice cream at Amorino and saw them off as they continue the rest of their European adventures!

And so mad that this is out of focus, but I'm posting it anyways:
Love,
P

Reflection

So we are leaving. Like. Soon.

Which makes you stop and take pause. What will you miss?

Me? THE FOOD. The lovely, fresh, delicious produce. The ga-billion types of lettuce there is available here. What am I going to do when there's only romaine, iceburg, or green leaf? And it all tastes the same?

What am I going to do?

WELL...here's my starting point right here:
http://www.thebrandywine.com/SIW/index.html

And I ABSOLUTELY cannot wait.

Food. It's a big deal to me. Fresh food...an even bigger deal. I want Michael to grow up knowing GOOD food...not bologna sandwiches.

Yes, he eats hotdogs and grilled cheese. But he PREFERS confit de canard, French cheeses, a good charcuterie plate, Chinese dim sum, practically anything Asian. And I want to continue that even in the States.

So this is important to me.

My Family

Yesterday, I was washing dishes and minding my own business when I happened to overhear Michael and Brian talking at our kitchen window.

There was a big flash of light and then Michael's face lit up with awe as he discovered lightning for the first time. Brian is explaining the thunderstorm to him, as it is the 1st he's ever seen, and he's just amazed that the sky can light up as much as it just did.

Michael says, "Mommy! Come look at the lightning!"

Heck if I need a reason to NOT wash dishes. So I stand there with my husband, holding our eldest son between us waiting and watching the sky for the next big flash of light. His little arms are wrapped so tightly around my neck that I couldn't even imagine moving. Not that I'd want to.

The flash of light appears and Michael says, "See it Mommy? See it?" He leans in, gives me this big hug and kiss. And does the same for Brian. And in this memory, I will always feel what it really means to be a family.

Compare and Contrast

I'm looking at real estate in DE and PA. Not too thrilled with the prospects...well, at least not too thrilled with the prospects considering we will be a one income family.

Anyways, for $283K in DE, I can own this house, 7 minutes from Brian's workplace:

22 years old. 4 bed/2.1 bath.

http://www.psre.com/public/vl.asp?ID=0.462.90925.129318.17903.21238838

Not bad in general. A roof over our heads is a roof over our heads! However, we are from Texas and compare it to a $283K house in Houston, 23 hours and 40 minutes from Brian's workplace:18 years old. 4 bed/3.5 bath. 3200+ sq ft. In a good school district.

*sigh* I am focusing on the fact that we will be back in the USA! And that makes me happy! And to have a house at all, will be a HUGE upgrade from our 700 sq ft , 1 bed/1 bath, 2 closet place.

Coldplay

SO! I've been meaning to blog that on September 7, I went to the Coldplay concert with my friend Laura. Brian and I were supposed to go, but he had a business dinner he couldn't get out of...so VOILA! Laura was HAPPY to sub in for me!And she was great fun at the concert!

It was really amazing and different than U2. U2 was very rock and roll and very standard - they stayed on the main stage in front the whole time. And played LOTS of rock and roll.

But Coldplay was like watching ACL on PBS or something. They did a bunch on the main stage. But then walked to another little stage smack dab in the middle of the mosh pit (while Singing in the Rain was playing during their walk)...and rocked out totally acoustic on this like 20 sq ft stage. It was amazing. They did a version of Billy Jean on accoustic guitar and it was fantastic.

Then, they had another little stage in another part of the pit where the piano was and a portable drum pad and they did some diddies there. In the middle of one piano lick, the lead singer, stopped. Said, "F*&#*" And started over again. How many times do you see a musician mess up at a concert? I loved it. Kept it real.

Coldplay was so awesome because the music, at times, was so pure. Just instruments and the music pouring out of them. It's so neat to see the music just POUR out of someone while they are playing. It made me really miss being able to do that although I was never THAT good. Being able to play an instrument is one thing. Being able to make music is a God given gift.

SO my funny British friend Laura probably would have thrown her top off if she wasn't a mom. She was so crazy during the concert and adorable.

Did a shoot yesterday. SO HAPPY with the way it turned out. Colors, focus, kids, everything. I took like 30 pictures and 25 of them are amazing. Here are the initial proofs:http://pnbphotography.blogspot.com/

Love,P

Grandpa

Brian's maternal grandfather passed away Sunday night or early Monday morning.

Our prayers are with our family as we mourn the loss of a dynamic and loved family member. We rejoice in the reunion of Grandpa and Grandma in the kingdom of Heaven with our Lord.

And we wish oh-so-badly that we were not so far away.

Poll

Today, we went shopping. Our whole family bought A-LoT of Stuff at Cyrillus. Website here:
http://www.cyrillus.fr/fr/

I spotted this cute little black fall jacket. Exactly what I was looking for and at 30% off...it very quickly ended up on our pile of stuff at the register.

When we walked out of the store, I checked the receipt to make sure I got 30% off the jacket.

And it wasn't there. Nope, not on the receipt.

Free jacket.

What would you do?

A. Go back into the store and tell them to charge you for the jacket? You didn't exactly make it home with the jacket. You're still standing in front of the store.

or

B. Go home with your free jacket? The employee made the error so in the end, it is their fault that they just lost money on a jacket.

Post what you would do in the comments section and I too will post what I did as well.

Bon week-end!

Cite des Enfants

YEA! I finally get to blog about Cite des Enfants. On an early September 1st morning, a bunch of 2-3 year olds arrived at the Cite des Enfants, a children's museum in Paris, at 9:30am.

After discovering that I only bought tickets for the kids and not the adults (please don't ask me why I assumed the adults wouldn't need tickets), I dashed to the automated ticket buying stations to get tickets for us chaperones too. WHEW. Thank God for my carte bleue and no line!

So! The kids were very patient and waited for our entry time in front of this crazy octopus:
This was 4 of the 6 kids. We also had Geo and Oliver in the mix! We had an entry time because you have only a limited amount of time in the museum, an hour in a half.

I mean, really. An indoor kids space in Paris? THERE DEFINITELY needs to be a time limit on that or we'd bring our sleeping bags in and just STAY there.

First up, was the construction zone where they wore hard hats, vests, and did important city works with styrofoam blocks of bricks.

Here's Michael working with Elise and Karstyn on the rolling ramp:

And Michael rolling his cart around with no head protection:
Then, we made it to the water exhibit. We stripped the kids of their shirts and put them in their "protective water aprons." However, we neglected to remove their pants and by the end of the session, they were soaked.

Here's a picture of as many of the kids as we could get in one picture:
They had this cool in ground lazy river. You could put these shapes (on the floor on the right side of the picture) in to that hole that Jonah's got his arm in. And it would float around and you could grab it back out that hole. Pretty cool:

And here's a picture of Geo, Michael and Karstyn at one of the stations!

Thanks go out to Katie for taking these great pictures! We had a wonderful time with our playgroup. We are SO SO SO very blessed to have these great friends with great kids. Michael asks about his friends all the time.

Next excursion that I have in the works...is a cooking atelier! They have a cooking class for kids and their moms that I found out about!

French-tards, eventually gave way to a more fluid option:

Paris-tards

Pronounced: pa-REE-tards

Much closer to the actual word "retard," and therefore, much better.

And today, they left. And that makes me sad. What wonderful guests and wonderful friends. We had an amazing life back in Austin and they were one of the reasons it was so.

Some days, I wonder if it will ever be worth it that we came here. So far, I can come up with: great vacations, improvement in my cooking skills, learning French, and the fact that yesterday, my son answered me when I asked him a question in French.

I need to post pics. The Orsay has a floor call the Salles des Fetes and it's beautiful. Never seen it before! Once I get the pics from Renee, I will post them. There were also other rooms with cute urns and gigantic vases that would look GREAT in my house one day.

French-tards

Our friends, Ryan and Renee, have come to Paris for a leisurely visit! And no visit with them is complete without a new saying/catchy phrase:

French-tard: a person who does not know how to speak French and does not know the standard customs/manners of the country. Example of use: While ordering in English at a restaurant: "Sorry, we are a couple of french-tards. Could we have some water please?"

OK, they earned their keep at our place just from that word alone.

So, The McNiehs arrived on Thursday and we were able to hang out with them all this weekend. We started Saturday with the Rodin Museum and they posed for me. VOILA:

Then, we shopped for a lunch on Rue Cler and had a picnic in front of Les Invalides:
It was delicious until the over-aggressive bees of this season started flying away with bits of our roasted chicken. We were fine with the 2 that kept coming back. But then they told their friends and 5 more showed up. Nice try Mother Nature!

Brian and Ryan threw the frisbee back and forth while Renee and I chatted away. Just like old times!

We had planned to visit Napoleon's tomb and the War Museum...but Renee/Ryan didn't seem TOO interested in that idea so we opted out and walked over to Champs des Mars to see le Tour Eiffel:
Then we dined on takeout cassoulet for dinner while watching Eurotrip. Nice, I know.

Today, we ventured out to Versailles with them. While they toured the chateau, we wandered around the gardens:

And were there to see the fountain displays, which must have been cool in the 1800's because they certainly weren't that cool in the parlance of our times. Michael at least had fun feeding the ducks:

And that was the end of our day! Ryan has been wearing his pedometer and it read 12000 steps today. That's roughly 6 miles.

Not too shabby! We are enjoying eating and hanging out with our friends. I don't think any of us have felt HUNGER since they arrived.