Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

Today was Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Nor Cal and I participated with a group of ladies from Miche. This was my first walk ever. It was a 5K and I have to say, a very easy walk. I wasn't sure if it was a long walk or what but it was a pretty nice stroll thru downtown and old town. I think all those years of walking back in Montreal and walking in San Francisco helped too.

The morning started chilly, windy and a teeny tiny bit rainy. I was afraid of getting wet when it's chilly out but the rain went away. Woohoo! I was able to raise $50 for my walk and combine with my personal donation, I was pretty happy about my contribution. Every dollar gets us closer to better medecine or even cure! I think I'll do the walk again next year since it was fun.

Here I an wearing my Miche Bag tshirt and my Big Bag Hope in Silver Miche bag. I almost wore wedges but thought I would look like a crazy woman so I decided on my rarely used running shoes. lol Hey, it's a walk and not a fashion show. lol

A Bientot!

Fun day with friends.

This week we went to the zoo and the beach with a friend of mine and her children. Well the beach was at the lake but the water was warm and the kids had a blast. I've never been to that part of the lake so it was a nice surprise for me. My friend and I sat in the sand area while the kids went in and out of the water.

What??!! I thought my son looked cute. That's my story. lol

I didn't know what to expect so I didn't pack the kids swimsuits but that didn't stop them playing in the water. It was nice just sitting and talking to my friend and enjoying the nice weather. I will be returning to this "beach" next week before the kids starts school. Sniff.

Are you guys counting down the days before your kids starts school? Trying to cram as many activities as possible before THE day? I know I am and it's wearing my kids out, especially my little one. Konks out after 5 minutes riding in the car. lol

A Bientot!

Celebrating with friends.

How was your 4th of July? Mine went well and I didn't have to cook! We spent the day at a small carnival and then went to spend the rest of the day with my friend Karen.

The kids somewhat enjoyed the tiny carnival and seeing what it is, we will probably not go next year. They did enjoy the water slides and some of the bouncy houses.  My son loved the hit the target to dunk a person. He dunked the same kid twice! lol They also had some games that the kids played.

My friend Karen loves to entertain and there is always plenty of wine and good food to eat. Her husband is French so wine and champagne is the norm. hihihi I had a glass to celebrate and will explained a pose I did for my friend. lol A parade was done by the kids and we enjoyed the fireworks too. We got home pretty late and we were all exhausted.

Their scooters decorated for the parade.

The yard is slopped in case you are wondering why the pool looks like that.

Cuddling with Daddy.

No comment.

Getting ready for the parade.

My son went nuts with the flags. lol

Here's the marshmallow pops that I made for the party. Kids liked them. I also brought some marinaded some shrimp to share with everyone.

Next year I am thinking of hosting a block party in my neighborhood.  Thinking. lol


A Bientot!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all the teachers in the world!

I hope someone will thank you this week but it case they do not, let me thank you personally.

Teaching is close to being a mom in my opinion. You have children that you are trying to teach at the same time while maintenant structure in your class. You don't get too many "thank yous" and you still have work at home. You get

sneezed at, coughed on, spilled on, sometimes yelled at (hmmm), squeezed at (lol Julie) and yet you continue to teach the next day to the same children.

You are a helper to a parent. Together, you want the child to reach their full potential. Working as a team helps you, the child and the parent.

I appreciate and understand how you feel at the end of a crazy busy day. Always overworked and unpaid. Thank you for staying a teacher eventhough you don't always see the end result years to come. I appreciate your work and wish you a wonderful week.

A Bientot!

Galette des Rois

Last weekend, we went to my friend's home for a Galette des Rois party. I have to say we all had a great time. I also saw a friend at her home that I haven't seen in over 3 years! My husband tried for the first time Foie Gras (which I told him it was peanut butter or he wouldn't try it) and was "eh" about it. My son discovered video games and my daughter had fun playing with the girls. I for one had a bit too much of cordial and champagne. It doesn't take much for me to feel dizzy at my size.

There was Frenchs, Americans and one Canadian in the group. Care to guess who that Canadian was? lol Although my French is different than from France, it was nice speaking French with other people. You can get rusty if you don't.

The Frenchmen.

The French and American women.

Here's my son trying to figure out how to play using a game console (is that what it's called these days???) The older boys were very nice and patient with him.

My daughter didn't get the feve. Ahh poor baby! lol

Two ladies from the party made the galettes. We didn't get the feve but one little girl did. I can't remember who was crowned king but I noticed the crown being passed around with the boys. The galette was delicious and I also had some marrons glaces (sugared soaked chestnuts). Sure I packed some calories that night but it's not an everyday thing so why not?!

Kids with the galette.

At the end of the party, they had some noise maker thing. You pull on the string and it was a loud pop and strings come out. My son went crazy over these.

We all had a great time and had to head home since it was a long car ride for us. If we lived closer, we would of stayed a bit longer.

The guests were going to play golf on the Wii as we were leaving.

***Merci Karen pour la soiree. On s'est tous amuses chez toi et Christopher parle d'avoir un vrai jeux de video. Pauvre petit. Il devra attendre quelques annees pour ca. hihihi ***

A Bientot!

Proud mommy moment.

Last night, my son read his first book in the Bob Books series. I started to teach him about a month ago the sounds of letters maker and reading. Well it finally sunk in since he read it all by himself! I was shocked and so was my husband! It finally clicked AND he learn it before his sister since he is still 3. Whoa!

This morning, after breakfast, I asked if he wanted to read that book again. He said "Yup!" and I wanted to tape it so my friends and family could see it. And he did it again! He's so proud of himself and said that now he can start Kindergarden. lol Now we need to teach him how to spell his middle and last name. Poor guy. He has a mouthful as a first name and his middle isn't much easier.

Here's the link of him reading. I hope it works! If not, I'm sorry.

P.S. I apologize for the really bad "California surfer accent" when I said "I knoooooow!" lol

A Bientot!

Another newest addition to our family.

Well, actually he's not really but boy, I wouldn't mind! My friend Kim from Reno (just how many Kims do I know?!) stopped by last night on her way to pick up her mom. This is her little boy. He's 3 weeks old! Oh I can't tell you how nice it was to hold a baby! Unfortunately, my hubby is DONE with babies. Oh well! At least I had him for a few hours!

Thanks Kim for stopping by and giving me my baby fix.

A Bientot!

Kim and I can [can].

No, I am not talking about dancing in cancan skirts although I am sure we would look great. lol

I have never canned in my life but am curious how to. I get so many tomatoes and give them away but I still have some left and need to use them before they spoil. I asked my friend Kim (different Kim) is she can teach me how and she said yes.

A quick drive to her lovely home and we get into action right away. I had some tomatoes but not enough to fill up another quart jar. She was so nice that she game me hers that she picked that morning! She also gave me some pickles to can! Yup, she is nice!

So after some blanching, peeling, packing and boiling, I got 2 quart jars and one pint jar. I was too afraid to squish my tomatoes in but as you can see, there is a gap at the bottle of 2 of the jars. I know what to do next time so no biggie.

See it looks packed right? Especially the small one but as you can later one, it wasn't enough!

For the pickles, we cold packed them then sealed them. I have 6 quarts jars. Three are slices and three are intact. I chose the smaller ones to stay intact so that we can snack on our cornichon (gherkin pickle).

She made lunch for us and the kids played in the pool. Such a sweetie! Speaking of pool, my son didn't want to wet his shorts so he took them of...including underwear! Oh Dear Lord! He did put his shorts back on but that was the first time he has ever taken out his clothes in public. Child has no shame! lol

After our goodbyes, I drove home to my lovely jars. I now know what to do and can't wait to try it out again! Thanks Kim for being such a great friend!

Sorry for the blurry pics. I am still learning how my camera works. lol

A Bientot!