HairCUT

Something was lost in translation from the picture I pointed to and the haircut that resulted. Regardless, I love it! (Philippe likes it too. It's curly like a sheep - a chic sheep. He has strong opinions on hair. He objects to hair accesories for Caroline until she has "meaningful" hair.)

6 Months Today - 5 June 2011

If you presume I like "frill-ifying" my princess, propping her up and being a "mama-razzi", well, CLEARLY!

Teeth, come out already!

William, having cut a mouthful of teeth, (in rapid succession,) assists Caroline in soothing teeth-to-come.

Uncle Thomas - 2 June 2011

Uncle Thomas came to Montreal for his work. His sole outing was to Chez Lemblé. We aren't currently "Zagat" rated, but in my hyper-biased opinion there's no place like home (made even better by a brother's visit.)

May 2011

I have visited an older Philipina sister a few times this year. She is a seamstress. She is a widow with 8 children - all of whom have an advanced college education. Regardless of her exceptional achievements, she is entirely unassuming. She hand made this dress for Caroline. Kindnesses to my children touch me most.


William was chivalrous with his beloved basketball and insisted it go first. (Or maybe it was an exacting study of inertia, or just funny...His mother specializes in over-extrapolation:)

We invited Nadia and the Fragosos for dinner. William especially loves his "Tio." His gadgets are infinitely cooler than the "that's-so-last-millenium" colored pencils Mom packs. Having grown up in the Branch, he has a host of adoptive (and doting) aunts and uncles.

William has let Caroline know that even if he hasn't deigned touching this mat for 2+ years, it's his and solely a loan. That smile would melt even the most recalitrant lender!

William "can do it." Here, he can mix a yogurt cake. Philippe's no-fail recipe is: 1/2 C Plain Yogurt, 1 1/2 C Flour, 1 C Sugar (or 3/4 Honey), 1/4 C Cooking Oil, 1 tsp Baking Powder, Pinch of Salt.(I like to mix in a cup of chopped fruit - i.e. apples or pears) Bake at 375 for 35 minutes

Easter 2011

Easter was wonderful. Sarah and Tom came to visit for the weekend. She said Caroline was "delicious." She loves her long-awaited cousin so much, she didn't even blink when she spit up on her.
On Sunday we took a family portrait at Church. It was an action shot for Caroline! (Later we took more "composed" pictures.)
At Easter dinner, William received chocolate lollipops and chocolate bunnies in a cage from Mamie. When he woke up Monday morning, he remembered and asked,"Chocolate?" He knew there was still a stash!

At Play - April 2011

Am I biased if I say "creative genius?"

http://www.videocontrolpanel.net/VMail.aspx?T=E&L=2997498&D=578444F1-E4C3-4A56-A530-D34D78414EAF
Click on the above link for highlights of General Conference.

Butterflies Are Free...for children 2 and under

We have visited the butterfly exhibit at the Montreal Botanical Gardens twice. The first visit was with Tamara and her two-year-old son, Aidan. He and William were so excited - you'd have thought the butterflies had wheels and were red-race-cars. The "attacus atlas" moth and cocoons in the picture are from the Philippines. They, according to the guide, are the largest in the world.



Philippe took a morning off to visit. The next day William asked where was Papa. I explained that "today" he was at work. He insisted, "Go see butterflies with Papa."

Sibs - March 2011

Croissant out of the Kitchen

While we generally insist that we eat in the kitchen, William eating a croissant and wearing my hat like a beret was too magnifique to "re-direct."

Puzzles!

Will there be enough room? 16 Feb. 2011

Brotherly Love
I made a Valentine-Eat-My-Heart-Out-Cake that we shared with the missionaries. Philippe, my forever Valentine, brought me my favorite lilies.
William's newest favorite read-aloud is "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" The chorus asks,"Will there be enough room?" Certainly, there will be in our hearts!

Grandmotherly love.

Smiles - 25 Jan. 2011

Caroline has begun to smile - She may be questioning why we make such funny faces in response.

Good to be Queen - 7 Jan 2011

I was queen for my birthday - I couldn't have a better entourage.

Sweet Caroline - 30 Dec. 2010 - 3 Jan 2011

Our family is so blessed by this sweet, heaven-sent spirit! On 2 Jan. 2010, Philippe blessed her and gave her a name in Church. Aunt Leah and Opa shared in the joy.

Papa Lemblé's Passing - 26 Dec. 2010

Jean Lemblé, with his wife, daughter and son-in-law by his side, passed away peacefully on 26 Dec. We held services to celebrate his life on 30 Dec. Nelly paid homage to his life and shared his battlefied promise to seek God. Philippe shared scriptures and Eve noted how Papa loved and lived the sermons of the hymns. Life-long friends, Henri LeBras and Luc Salm, shared prayers and antecdotes. We were touched by the love and support shown our family.

25 Dec. 2010 - Christmas with Nelly et Hubert

When Papa was hospitalized, Nelly came to help. Her and Hubert's presence was one of the greatest Christmas presents the family could have received.

Christmas Music, 24-25 Dec. 2010

Eve and William "played" a duet.

On 24 Dec. we invited the young Elders and the senior couple serving in our Branch for a luncheon. We sang Christmas songs together. Music, sung brightly, brings the Chrismas spirit strongly.

Santa Claus - 18 Dec. 2010

Last year Santa Claus was scary, this year he was tolerable for William.

Dreaming - 13 Dec. 2010

Is it just me or does it look like she's working out the fingering for a complex violin solo...