best days....

Just sat here babysitting on a friday night and waiting for the parents to come home so that I can go to bed and I started looking through my pictures... and I remembered this amazing day that JB and I spent together about a month ago. It was just one of those days that was realllly good :)
Sometimes when stress, and winter and missing people get a bit too much, (I'm sure you can all relate to some of these things) we can forget how many things we have to be thankful for, and all the amazing memories which often seem so far away.
So in amongst the cold and dark and exam preparation, a little memory of something that made me smile, a lot.

 

Yeah, it rained. A lot. But there's something amazing about torrential rain in the south of France... especially when you're with your amour....

sleeping child

I'm not even joking. it's 8:45am and little one is STILL SLEEPING!
This is the latest I have EVER known him sleep. (The kids are usually all up before 7 - nightmare!) I put him to bed over 13 hours ago! Crazy. Unfortunately, as he still sleeps in a cot, I kinda have to hear him wake up, because he can't get out by himself, and as my room is at the other end of the apartment, I'm up now, waiting for him to wake up. I did get to stay in bed until after 8 though - a record!

Yesterday he didn't wake until 8:30. All this sleeping combined with his massive appetite at the moment - I sense a growth spurt!

In other news, I think Summer has gone... it wont stop raining... seems to be just in the East of France too. And it's not even very warm any more. Feels like England!

Epuisée!

...that means exhausted!!
Even though Monday was a holiday, this week has been a pretty tiring one!
Last night both parents were away with work so i had the children all by myself. This was fine really... I had had a really good afternoon (even though it involved lots of walking in the rain) and was feeling pretty chilled!
Anyway, they were actually pretty good, until Maria came over to see them and help me put them to bed, then they started to play up BIG TIME. It was pretty bad because I had hoped they would be really sweet for her.
Anyway, we managed to get them into bed, and spent a really nice evening chatting over dinner and port! :D
She left a bit before 11, and I went online to see that Betsy was back home in the states! So we got chatting on Skype...was so great to speak to her - it's so strange not having her here anymore! When I finally got to sleep I realised that I would have only 6 hours sleep (not hugely abnormal anymore) and this morning, the little one woke up and started running around about 6:30am... that was not great, but being midsummer, it's fairly easy to get up as it looks like the middle of the day outside at that time!
The kids really behaved themselves this morning thank the Lord, and everyone got to school in plenty of time. Then this morning, I have been jumping around singing and dancing to English songs with the kids at the school which was so fun, but super-tiring! I'm now off for a bike ride with Laura!!
Thank goodness it's the weekend tomorrow...and on Monday, my amazing sister, Alice is coming to stay!!!

Have a fantastic weekend all :)
Bisous xxx

Tuesday: the day my parents arrived in Nancy :)

Yes, the time is passing fast, but this has felt like a long week!
Lots of things have happened. There has been very hot weather and very wet weather. There have been children, and an apartment empty of children. There have been friends and there has been family. All in the space of 6 days. It feels like about a month has passed since cake and beer in Germany.

On Tuesday, after my English lessons, I helped Betsy move out of her old (tiny!) university residence. Although she hasn't been living there for 2 months, she still had to keep it on as she had signed a contract. We had a bit of a fuss with the office people about how much she owed, but we walked away from it feeling pleased that the job was done. Also feeling sad as it means she has to leave soon... She is one of the best friends I have ever had. I know I say this a lot, but she really is amazing, and I will miss her so much!
Afterwards we had lunch and exchanged back rubs back at her place before I headed back to get ready for the arrival of my parents!
Sadly it was pouring with rain as their train pulled into Nancy. Not the most wonderful first impression, but it was amazing to see them there in this city I now call home. Unfortunately, it was getting close to school run town, so I took them to their beautiful hotel and dashed off to get the children. Thankfully they were good that evening, and I got them all down with no problems. Straight after, I headed down to the Place Stan and met with Betsy and Matthias before meeting my parents at one of the brasseries. We all sat outside under the canopy and talked for an hour or so. I was so happy that Mum and Dad got to meet some of my friends and vice versa... showing them some of my world here! I think it was also really great for my friends to meet my parents too as they are obviously a huge part of my life! Afterwards, we parted ways and Mum, Dad and I chose a restaurant on the Rue Gourmandises (As - I think - it is affectionately known). We had a really lovely meal,  catching up and me talking far too much about everything here in Nancy! I am so fortunate to have such amazing parents and it is amazing to have such a good relationship with them now I am grown up!
Afterwards, I took them to Les Artistes for a nightcap, and we parted ways...

More on the rest of the week tomorrow!


God bless xxx