Wednesday, 19 July 2017

Many moons ago

Hey guys,

I'd like to let you peek into a bit of my past.  Hehe.  Nothing too crazy, don't worry.  As many of you know, I grew up riding horses.  We always had horses in the front yard, and we lived down the street from legit cowboys, one cowboy in particular, named J.D. Thornbury.

Every year, our town would have a parade, and J.D. often asked me to carry the sign for him in the parade.  It was either me and my sister, me and a friend, etc...  This picture (date unknown) is me and a neighbor friend named Roslyn.  I'm on the right.  I must be around 13 years old.  J.D. was known for Roman riding, which was standing on two horses at once.  He could even get them up to a gallop.  It was so fun to watch.


J.D. has since passed away (brief bio of his life HERE - Daphné and I read that children's book together), but his son, Dave, and Dave's son Cody still keep the cowboy tradition alive.  Dave is a well-accomplished trick roper - video below.


And Dave also makes beautiful leather chaps.  See his facebook page HERE.

Cody, Dave's son, just happens to be my brother's best friend.  They were each other's best men in their respective weddings =).  Cody carries on the tradition of cowboy in his stunt riding.  You can see the list of all the movies he has been involved with on IMDB.

Anyways, a fun little blast from the past.  Cool thing:  Dave and his wife Julie still live a few doors down from my mom and dad in Old Agoura.  And I think Cody and his wife and 3 kids are in their guest house ;).  I just loved growing up in our little time warp cowboy town.

Love Linz

Saturday, 15 July 2017

July fun

Enjoy some recent pictures and two more Shel Silversten poems!

Highlights:
I'm 36 weeks pregnant!
I got a haircut and color.
Daphné got to play with Robi and Cricri!
Two beach picnics.
Visit from friends from Italy.
Petrignani family beach picnic.
Precious time with our gal.


Captain Hook must remember
 

Not to scratch his toes. 
 

Captain Hook must watch out
 

And never pick his nose. 


Captain Hook must be gentle


When he shakes your hand.


Captain hook must be careful


Openin’ sardine cans


And playing tag and pouring tea


and turnin’ pages of this book.


Lots of folks I’m glad I ain’t—


But mostly Captain Hook! 
-Shel Silverstein


So you haven’t got a drum, just beat your belly.


So I haven’t got a horn—I’ll play my nose.


So we haven’t any cymbals—


We’ll just slap our hands together,


And though there may be orchestras


  That sound a little better


With their fancy shiny instruments


That cost an awful lot—


Hey, we’re making music twice as good


By playing what we’ve got!
-Shel Silverstein

Love Linz

Friday, 7 July 2017

Baby Shower

My amazing mother-in-law, Nancy, and a friend from church, Gaëlle, organized a baby shower for me the 1st of July.  It was really special, and I'm thankful to be surrounded by people who love me and care for our growing family.

I must admit that it was bitter-sweet... I so wished I could have invited my mom, my sister, my grandma, my sister-in-law, my cousins, my friends from the states.  People have often told me that once you establish your own family, it gets easier to be far from your own.  They couldn't be more wrong!  In my opinion, it gets harder.  I'm extremely thankful for technology, though.

Even though it was an effort to stop the pity party, I ended up having such a wonderful time!  I'm so thankful for these girls who went out of their way to make me feel loved and special.  A few of them are even in my same position, far from loved ones themselves.

Enjoy some of the fun and fancy details!


Gift table.


Snacks.


Cupcakes with little baby feet and rocking horses.


The girls who made it all happen: 
Gaëlle, Anne-Laure, Lydia, Nancy, Corinne, Anna, Caroline.


From another angle with me and baby belly (Gaëlle taking picture).


Craft time.


All the girls came with Bible verses to decorate for me and little buddy.  So cool!


Opening gifts.  2-second pop-up tent for future beach outings with the little guy.  Thanks Corinne and family!


"Mr. Sunshine" outfit from Gaëlle and Caroline.  These two had WAY too much fun buying lots of cute gifts.  Thanks girls!


Little PJs.


It fits!


A beautiful top from Anne-Laure for when I'm un-pregnant! =)


3 generations... Thanks Nancy for the great baby book!


Little hooded towel for baths.


"Little Sailor" outfit from Lydia.  Thank you!


New diaper bag from Papi.  Merci!


"It's a brand new day" outfit.  Such a good reminder that God's mercies are new every morning.  We get to start with a clean slate.


Baby Sleep Trainer book.  It's written by the gal we worked with to help coach us to get Daphné to sleep.  The only sleep book I would ever recommend a new parent, but I'm biased because I know the amazing affects of her method!


Daphné playing with Anna's little guy, Joshua.


Nancy, Lydia, me, Caroline, Gaëlle and Daphné.  
The last of the crew.

If any of you ladies are reading this, thank you again for giving me such a sweet baby shower.  It was a real blessing!

Love Linz

Thursday, 6 July 2017

Daphné's new room

We made this back bedroom a guest room for several guests last year, so it's about time we changed it into a proper room for our sweet little Daffodil.  One of the main reasons we didn't move on it earlier was our search for a new place to live.  We have decided to stay in this apartment for the time being to welcome Daphné's little brother, and then, we will probably start the apartment hunt again.


Phase 1 / View 1.  (pre-IKEA)


Phase 1 / View 2.  (pre-IKEA)


Playing with Papa in the tent!


Big trip to IKEA.


Helping Papa put together some step stools.


Phase 2 / View 1.  (post-IKEA)


Phase 2 / View 2.  (post-IKEA)

Thankfully, Daphné is really loving her new room (and so are mama and papa)!  It's nice to have ALL her things in one room, as opposed to three ;).  AND, it's super easy to clean up.  See those bins?  Just toss it all in there, and it looks immaculate!  Very thankful for God's provisions to buy these pieces of furniture.  He provides in the coolest ways!

Love Linz