noël chez nous

Christmas at our place

walking the tree home from the local tree vendors by the public library - i love that man

 organizing the ornaments

 all done

a new stocking has been added this year, bébé P // our entry way

Christmas card garland -i know so many more are on their way, and i'm so excited! {don't worry, i have other places for more cards... phew!}

 my Winter Dream Tea box collection =)  a different box each year

 nutcracker in the corner with our nativity scene

stick a bow or put a hat on it and call it decorated =)  i love that picture from our wedding day

Hope you enjoyed the tour of the home.  Joyeux Noël !!!

Love Linz

Christmas Music

Last year around this time, I blogged about some Christmas tunes.

Well, I'm still listening to ALL of those, and I've added a few more albums.

See last year's list HERE!

And for this year (in alphabetical order)... 

:: LISTEN NOW ::  :: BUY ::

Diana Krall Christmas Songs.

She is such a classic jazz singer with a soothing voice and great style.

:: LISTEN NOW :: to 3 songs  :: BUY :: 

Hillsong We Have a Savior.

I really enjoy the different Christmas medleys.

:: LISTEN NOW ::  :: BUY ::

Lincoln Brewster Joy to the World.

This is a good one to clean the house to, upbeat and fun.

:: BUY ::

Matthew West The Heart of Christmas

I really enjoy the lyrics of Day After Christmas... so true.

:: LISTEN NOW ::  :: BUY :: 

The Nutcracker.

I've seen this ballet several times, and the music is still just as magical.

:: LISTEN NOW ::  :: BUY ::

Phil Wickham Songs for Christmas.

I've always enjoyed his worship albums, and I can't believe I only just found out he had a Christmas album... better 4 years late than never =)

 :: LISTEN NOW ::  :: BUY :: 

Plus One Christmas.

This CD actually goes way back to university.  My sister and I used to listen to it all the time together.  Classic Christian boy band material, don't expect anything more.  For me, it's nostalgic.

 

:: BUY ::
Toby Mac Christmas in Diversecity.

Definitely not your traditional Christmas album, but really fun to listen to.  Just skip track 12, Santa's Comin' Baka'round - I found it annoying.

Happy Listening.

And don't forget last year's list HERE.

Love Linz

36 & 37 weeks

Here are some cozy pregnant picture updates... Note the hippo slippers, Minnie Mouse hat, pink sweats and Ugg boots.

Had my "last" appointment with the midwife last week, and she was very thankful that I obeyed my 3-weeks of bed rest.  Now, I've been given permission to birth this child whenever he or she is ready.  For those of you who like details : the baby's head is engaged and the cervix is open one finger.  Each night, Tonio asks our little person if he or she is looking for the exit.  Then he says to find the little tunnel underneath - ha !

If I haven't had the baby by December 26th, I go back to see the midwife for a last check-up before the end of the term.  My hospital bags are packed.  My coach (Tonio) is ready for game-time.  And I personally couldn't feel more un-ready... But really is there any new mom ready for the radical changes, the overwhelming emotions, the incredible joys, responsibilities and blessings?  I should ask the same for new dads.  It affects them just as much.  All that said, we are beyond excited.

So, homesick me asks blog-reader you to pray for us in this intense season.  I'm thankful to have such an amazing partner in crime.  Tonio is such a support in everything.  Also, I'm thankful my mom will be here mid-January (12th), yay !  And more than anything, I thank Jesus for keeping me and baby healthy these 9 months - it's been a bumpy but refining time. 

Love Linz

It's Christmas in Nice

Today was my first trip into town all by myself after completing bed rest !

I bought a couple things for my already-packed hospital bag, then treated myself to some churros.  No leg or hip pains while walking - thank you Jesus !  It actually felt really good to walk around.  I can't believe it's been a year since my dad was here... time flies.  Remember THIS and THIS ?

I'm in my 36th week of pregnancy.  Countdown to baby P !

Love Linz

'tis the season...

...to make gingersnaps,

...to assemble baby beds,

...to go to women's teas at church,

...and to be with family.

Love Linz

Preggo Update

Hi blog people !
Thanks for reading {or just looking}.

Today marks the official end of bed rest and the date that enters the zone of "NOW I'm allowed to deliver this baby without any premature complications."  They say one month before and one week after the due date... today is the 4th of December : due date is the 4th of January... HERE WE GO !!!

I'd like to take a moment to balance the thankful with the annoying.

Reasons why I will miss having a baby in my belly :
1) makes a great shelf for my oatmeal in the mornings
2) i ALWAYS get a seat on the bus and tram
3) toilet access becomes much easier
4) tonio talking hilarious shenanigans each night to the baby
[I guess this one doesn't really have to change =)]
5) fascination of my changing body {especially stretching skin}
6) the honor of carrying a little life inside of me

Reasons why I will NOT miss having a baby in my belly :
1) feeling like i'm squishing the little one each time i bend over
2) not being able to get comfortable at night
3) back and hip aches
4) bladder and ribs ninja baby
5) extremely limited wardrobe {first-world pregnant girl problems}
6) misjudging my size and bumping into things and people

Voilà... I hope these lists made you giggle at least once or twice.  I start my 36th week on Sunday, and up to now, I've gained 15kg (33lbs).  I'm so thankful for my husband who has been a non-stop support and encouragement.  Also, he rubs my back at least once everyday, sometimes 2 and 3 times.  He is going to be the best daddy to our little one !

Love Linz

Calvary Chapel Nice

Welcome to our Sunday morning service, 30 November, 2014.

Tonio led worship.

He did the announcements.

AND he taught.  I did sound.

Pierre led communion.

Tonio taught on the beginning of Luke 14.  My take-away : follow Jesus' example of humility and put others before myself.  Easier said than done - I'm so selfish, but thankfully, God is patient with me.  I'm always so challenged and encouraged when my husband teaches.  God has surely given him a gift to rightly divide the Word of Truth !  I'm a proud and thankful wife.

I thought it very appropriate that my communion bread was shaped like a cross.  Every time I take communion, I picture Jesus on the cross thinking about me.  I know I have lots of pregnancy hormones going on right now, but I get tears in my eyes.  To think that the God of the universe sent His ONLY Son to earth as a baby, to live among sinners like me, then die for not only MY sins but the sins of the whole world.  Learn more HERE.  Thank you Jesus.  May my life be an example of your love.


I'm still on bed rest, but it was so nice to go to church to see everyone.  I stayed sitting, don't worry.  As I type this Monday afternoon, it's raining... still... I can't complain, because my family in California has been praying for some real rain for 3 years.  Here is an interesting LINK that gives you a clue of just HOW much rain we've gotten, beaten all records.  We might just have to take little bébé P (once born, of course) up to the mountains to see some incredible snow.

Thanks for reading the blog.
Love Linz