Je ne 'z'ais quoi!

As per my request, Mom hosted my birthday dinner. John left a hand-made gift for me titled, "Z." I thanked him via-e-mail to say it had a certain "Je ne 'z'ais quoi" I'm sure he chortled while creating it. Philippe INSISTED it be hung in my personal space. William loves all things orange - the "Z" being principle among them.

St. George Temple

There is a one-hour time difference between Nevada and Utah. I took that added hour and toured the St. George Temple grounds. It was as indulgent as Fall daylight savings.

Viva ... St. George, Utah - Jan 2010

I took advantage of a new Gambler's Special flying direct from Montreal to Las Vegas. I rented a car and drove to St. George, Utah to visit Carol and Mel Lowell. I lived with them when I first moved to Las Vegas. Mel greeted me by saying, "It's been a long time my daughter." As proxy parents, (and by extension William's proxy grandparents) I couldn't ask for better.

Cruisin! Jan 2010

William received his first car for Christmas. He loves how many noises it makes. I've threatened to give it a 'battery-ectomy' but I'm too enthralled by his happy laugh when he rides.

Monopoly Massacre - New Years Eve 2009

I was ahead until I landed on Philippe's yellow properties. If the 3 house rent wasn't enough, Philippe goaded, "Roll a double one." I did. The rents are collected in millions by 'electronic transfer.' Philippe is thrilled at the 18,000,000+ showing on the screen. (His smile strikes me as maniacal...)

Us - Dec. 2009

Philippe took this with his arm extended. I like it. I like us.

William's reaction to Santa

A week ago, we received a picture from Philippe's friend Thierry. In it his daughter is scowling while sitting on Santa's lap. I laughed. William's reaction to ''Santa'' at our Branch Christmas Party was more pronounced than a scowl. It was a l...o...n...g 9 seconds.

Noel - 2009

When Eve played carols on her flute William was the one enchanted.


Philippe LOVES these cookies. Accordingly, Anne and I (unknown to the other) bought him the same package from Costco.


Maman & Papa


William and Philippe loved playing with his animal train.


I created a calendar with recent photos and older photos I had scanned. Photos ranged from the 1940s to this year. It was well-appreciated and I was thrilled.


I made an ornament with William's picture and pasted it on a train. He found it immediately.

Mother Goose on the Loose

I have returned to work as the Coordinator for the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program. The program teaches parents how to sing, tell stories, recite nursery rhymes, dance and play simple games with their babies. William is my live model. Oh the ardures of my work...We love it! I took the picture at the Mosaik Centre. William is being held by one of the program facilitators. (There is never a shortage of volunteers to hold him for a picture.)

A man of letters - 22 Nov. 2009

We took this photo at my in-laws' home on a Sunday afternoon. Very Oxford-ian... or is that Sorbonne-esque?

William Walks - Nov 2009

Philippe Officiates at His First Wedding, 13 Nov. 2009

Philippe married Hermance & Germaine from the Ivory Coast. Hermance is 6'1" tall. I lent her my "long" wedding dress for the church ceremony. Philippe was so dignified and official. He counseled, "Spend time with your spouse, communicate..." I added mentally, "Even if a date means attending a wedding on Thursday night as a family."

William - 13 Months, 3 Nov. 2009

William - 1-year-old

William had his cake and offered to share it too. We celebrated his birthday in Muret, France with Tati Nelly & Tonton Hubert. For the video, check out our other blog:lemblefrance.blogspot.com

Veronique's Visit - 12 Sept. 2009

Philippe's cousin Veronique visited from Mulhouse, France. She made a whirlwind tour of Quebec/Ontario in the week she stayed here. In this photo, we are at a lookout point on Mt. Royal.

William - 11 Months, 3 Sept. 2009

He ages well!

Our "Garden" - Summer 2009

Philippe planted cherry-tomatoes on our balcony. Our harvest was small-ish, but celebrated!

Branch Picnic - 5 Sept. 2009

With our branch (church congregation) we enjoyed a picnic in the park. For many of those attending, it was the first time to see Philippe without a tie.

Williams First Concert - Sept 2009

He's not exactly in concert tails, but he's virtuoso material to us.

Biospere, Family Day - 8 Aug 2009

I insisted we take advantage of the day and walk in Park Jean-Drapeau. The Biosphere is in the background.