Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Madeleine at Christmas

Well, we are starting to prepare for Christmas (actually I have been in Xmas mode since Strasbourg). Despite developing a cold (sick once a month now?), I am getting in the holiday mood and excited to introduce some of our American and Kluss/Hull traditions to the French family. And to top it off, I've received 4 packages already in the mail! 3 from my mother and 1 from my sister, plus Ive been told to expect at least 2 more! Inside one there was some silver star garland, so I've already hung that in my studio along with the stocking my mom sent me!! It was a great surprise. THe rest of the gifts are wrapped so Ive stashed the boxes under my table to wait for the big day.

Tonight I am babysitting and just read the Madeleine Christmas story to the kids. Tiphaine loves my Madeleine books, and today I found 2 cute little French Xmas stories so I had to buy them as souvenirs I will keep for myself and children and read to them in French. Anyways when I read the Night BEfore Christmas in French it was really cute...after reading the page when the dad hears a clatter on the rooftop and he looks out the window to see what was the matter, Tiphaine looked at me and said "C'est qui, Laura?" Who is it? I said; "I dont know; who do u think?" and she said in a cute little curious voice; " Je crois que c'est Pere Noel!" I believe its Santa Claus! The look on her face was priceless and she really wasnt sure! hehe. A cute memory, and those I am cherishing because there are a lot of difficult times with the job and life away from home, so I just have to keep this all in perspective and enjoy the good memories with the kids and family.

Tomorrow the kids dont have school so we are going to make some Christmas decorations and put ornaments on the tree. I should have the afternoon free so I will go into Paris and maybe see the Christmas market. I also want to find the ice skating rinks! Courtney B from San Diego (sister from UCR) arrives next Thursday and we are going wine tasting in Bordeaux, then hopefully seeing the Nutcracker ballet at the Opera in Paris!!!

I love you all and wish you a happy holiday month, and say a prayer my cold goes away and that I can be healthy for Christmas!

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