Bon Anniversaire Mon Joshua

Joshua's 5th Birthday Party Friends

My Joshua turned five this past July. Sniff sniff. It is so difficult to believe that five years have gone by since he was born. He has blossomed into such a charming little fella. I gaze at him in awe often times wondering how and when he morphed from a helpless infant into a wall climbing spiderweb throwing little boy. I find myself doing the calculations in my head.. just three more of those short five years and he is an adult and in college. Oh my! Just stop growing up right now, ok? Well, if you won't do that, will you promise me you will always want to hold my hand and give me kisses when I drop you off at school? Will your adorable face always light up when I walk into the room ? What about call me into your bedroom at night, long after you are supposed to be asleep, just to tell me you miss me and were thinking of me and how beautiful I am? (You don't have me fooled though... I know manipulation when I hear it... although, it works).

I love you Joshua -
my one and only funny, handsome, clever, sweet, loving, kind, gentle, smart, happy, inquisitive, lots of the time silly and most of time obedient son. Don't ever forget that you are beautifully and wonderfully made. And, that you are first loved by the one true God and that you have a family who will always adore you.

Around 15 months

Lovin' Nana's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Good to know some things will never change.

Watch out Tiger.

Loved helping Nana build the patio.

First soccer practice - Fall 2007


Myrtle Beach - Summer 2008



Fall 2008Halloween 2008

Christmas 2008


Spring 2009 Vichy France

Summer 2009


5th Birthday Party 2009

Coucou!

Showing off her milk mustache.

Contrary to how it must seem, we are alive and well in Clermont-Ferrand, France. It is almost midnight here and it is so hot that I can't sleep so I figured I would blog on the sofa benefiting from the AC that only cools our living room. Maybe we should just set up a family camp in the den until the weather cools? 4 out of 5 of us end up in the master bed anyways.. and, well, at 80 degrees Fahrenheit that is just HOT.

Beaucoup de chose have occurred since my last blog entry. I will do a quick summary with detailed blogs to follow in the hopefully near future.

Freddie was on vacation for three whole weeks from the last week of July until this past Sunday. We spent the first week in Paris with Susan, Aunt Janet and Uncle Josh at Disneyland. We spent most of our time on the Disneyland Resort but we did take one trip into Paris and finally made it to the top of the Eiffel Tower - one of Joshua's heart's desires ever since we read Madeline two years ago. It was, well, it was like being at the top of any really tall building (after waiting an inordinately long time) but now Joshua can say that he did it and it was a fun experience with them. I can't wait to share those pictures with you. We did see Notre Dame Cathedral and we ate at a très chic Salon de Thé on a side street of Paris. I have oodles and oodles of pictures to download and share of our entire week in Paris and at Disney... so stay tuned. :)

Joshua is now five years old. Oh my. How did THAT happen? It is so cliché but it is so true that they grow up too quickly. If I could stop time at the current ages of all of my children I would. Freddie and I ask them if they will live with us forever and they each respond with a resounding Yes! (Well, except for Emily.. she is advanced and all, of course, but not THAT advanced). Oh how I wish their answers would stay the same. Or maybe I wish that only if they actually could stay 1, 3 and 5? Either way, I think they are wonderful little beings and even on the craziest and most stressful days.. once they are snuggled in bed and sleeping soundly I thank my God that he blessed me with them (and often times even when they are racing through the house throwing pillows at each other almost knocking over lamps and playing hide and seek in the den). We had a little Spiderman party at home for Joshua's big day with two of his friends - a sweet little french girl from school and a new friend who just arrived from Greenville and then the festivities continued into the next week with family in Paris. Pictures from birth to party and nostalgic birth story to follow. :)

About three weeks ago I had a gynecologist appointment and the doctor found that my right ovary was enlarged so she sent me for an ultrasound. The ultrasound found a 55mm cyst on my ovary and I am having surgery on September 2 to have it removed. It is laparascopic surgery so it should be minimally invasive but I do have to be in the hospital for 3 days. That is the stinkiest part of it all... being away from the family for 3 days. Well, aside from the language barrier that exists between me and the medical community here (who have been great and all but we have become waaayy too familiar with each other, if you ask me). Based on the blood results and the u/s, the surgeon says "Ce n'est pas grave" or "It's not serious.". Great news! I will keep you updated on that.

Joshua and Sophia start school the first week of September. This will be Joshua's first year of "real" school as he begins Kindergarten - or la Grande section, as it is known here. Sophia will be in 3K - or la Petite section. We have school supplies bought and they both seem to be excited about Le Rentree (the return to school). Joshua struggled last year with being in a class where the instruction is solely in french. I worried about him and we even contemplated homeschooling him this year. He seems to have progressed this summer though.. not so much in his vocabulary and spoken french (although, definetly some) but his confidence and attitude towards the language has dramatically improved. I am anxious to see how well he does this year. I think both he and Sophia are going to have an explosion in their spoken french this year. Mom on the other hand.. well....

Still my Spiderman.

Heart vs Behavior

I follow our church's Children's Ministry blog and they posted an excellent article this morning and I wanted to post a link here to share. If you have ever read Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp or Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman this concept will not be foreign to you. I struggle myself with finding the balance between simply trying to control behavior and delving into my children's heart issues to find the root cause of their behavior. But I totally agree with these authors and the author of this article in the link I am posting that it is essential to get to the "heart" of the matter else we are raising little Pharisees.... those that knew how to behave on the outside but whose hearts were wicked. I have found that great discussions occur with my children when we start discussing the heart issue(s) at hand under the sea of "That's mine!" and rolling of the eyes and then I have a great opportunity to share the gospel with my children. There are numerous occasions daily to show them their need for a savior, Jesus! I have to add also that in the process of peeling back the layers of their heart issues... I have revealed many of my own.. or, more accurately, the Lord has! At the ripe age of 30almost1, I must say that parenting has been the most sin revealing and sanctifying life experience I have encountered thus far. Well, sanctification is the hope!

Enjoy! This is from Grace Church in Greenville, SC:

Heart vs Behavior Article

Homemade Sling

Want to know what you do when you are in a foreign country where you don't speak the language well and may have a need to go to the doctor and you would almost rather walk on needles that have to try to communicate only in French?


Don't worry... it must have only been a sprain because by midday the following day she was using her right arm normally. :)

Shared just because. :)

Puy Mary with Friends

Since we enjoyed driving over the Puy Mary so much with Mom a little over a month ago, we decided to go again with Freddie and some new expats from Greenville. There was a field across from the lookout point where we lunched filled with cows grazing with cow bells around their necks. A few yards down the street there were horses grazing on both sides of the road. It wasn't quite as breathtaking as the waterfalls were not flowing and the clouds weren't descending upon us but it was still very beautiful and we had a nice time.

Look Ma... No Training Wheels!

Birthday present was bestowed a week early to my Lil' J... his first big boy bicycle sans training wheels! Daddy took him out for a lesson thinking it may take a few days of practice and our little guy took off on his own after one or two runs with Daddy hanging onto the back of his shirt. He is ready to ride!

Our First Visitor to France

Our first visitor to France was my Mother almost a month ago. It seems like she was just here and she is greatly missed! As mentioned in a recent post, Joshua and I traveled to Paris to greet her at Charles deGaulle bright and early one Saturday morning. We spent the day touring Paris and had a wonderful time despite the rainy weather. Mom was a trooper staying awake being jet lagged although she one time she did almost fall asleep sitting down on our relaxing boat ride down the Seine River.

While she was here we made the most of her week long stay by touring Clermont-Ferrand and she promptly fell in love with our quaint little town. She boldly braved the grocery store and patisseries alone and practiced her french with no fear... I was impressed to say the least. She and the kids visited the "goblin church" and made many trips to the sidewalk cafes for "la glace" (technically "ice" but in every day french it is "ice cream"). The entire family met the Cabes one day to eat at a scrumptious Italian restaurant and another evening Mom and I had a girl's night out and ate at a fabulous creperie in the old part of town where the food is divine and the atmosphere in the centuries old building is trop cool.

We made a day trip one day to the old cheesemaking village of Salers, France. I thought it was going to be an hour long trip but it turns out we traveled into the Massif Central mountains and with the twists and turns of the narrow roads it took us about two and a half hours to reach our destination. The drive was well worth it though. One thing about our time in France thus far... our trips - near or far - have never failed to surprise us with stunning jaw-dropping scenery and landscapes. On our trip to Carcassonne.. it was the Gorge de Galamus. To Bonnassola.. it was the French Alps. And, to Salers, France... the Puy Mary. Puy Mary is a volcano in the Massif du Cantal section of the Massif Central mountains. Massif du Cantal is the largest strato-volcano in Europe with an area of almost 2700 km ² in a circle of 70 km in diameter.* Thinking back at it now, I really can't even find the words to describe to you how incredibly beautiful the drive was up and over this volcano... frightening, yes, with the huge cliffs to the left with no railing... but stunningly awe-inspiring, as well. We kept climbing higher and higher and we could see some snow capped mountains in the distance. Then we came to this clearing, so to speak, when we were on a mountain yet there were taller mountains surrounding us with cascades of water spilling down the sides... one, two, three, six water falls swishing down these moutains on all sides of us. There were lush green fields and adorable little ancient stone homes and wooden barns. At certain points, we were literally in the clouds as they settled down over the mountain tops. In the distance we could see the "peak" and later found out that was the top of the Puy Mary.. one of the main peaks of the Massif du Cantal volcano. After that it literally was all down hill and we finally found the sweet little town of Salers, France. We ate lunch and wondered around for a while but by then we were all pretty exhausted and really felt like the climax of the trip was the drive itself. Thinking I was going to have to wind our way back to Clermont I had to gear myself back up for the treacherous drive but TomTom took us a different, safer, route home.

It was a great week with lots of family time, food, wine, pastries, cheese and lots of laughs. Thanks for coming and for all of the American goodies your brought to us Mom! Sophia and I are still enjoying the real grits loaded with butter (because, like Sophia says, it makes everything better). Love you lots .




*Random facts about the Puy Mary came from http://www.puymary.fr/*

Massillon Kermesse 2009

Joshua and Sophia's school Kermesse (End of the Year party) was in June. Each class performed in front of all of their family and friends and classmates on one of the hottest days Clermont has had this year. Despite the sun and sweat it was super fun and a blast to watch my petite indian and African warrior dance on stage. I was so impressed with how well all of the children did... minimal tears and lots of smiles. Everyone did a fabulous job!

Paris in June

Last month Joshua and I took a mother-son trip to Paris to pick up my Mom from the airport and take a whirlwind one day tour of Paris. It was cold and rainy so we didn't get to do as much as we would have liked but it was memorable, nonetheless. Joshua's dream of making it to the top of the Eiffel Tower was postponed until our next trip to Paris at the end of this month with Susan, Janet and Josh. The line to get onto the elevator to get to the top was about 3 hours long. Yes, you read that right. So, next time, we will be getting there very early to try to get a spot in the front of the line.

Mom, Josh and I took a cruise down the Seine River on one of the many river boat tours available in Paris. We saw the Louvre, Musee D'Orsay, Voltaire's home, Eiffel Tower, numerous bridges and statues and other various Parisian sites without ever having to leave our seat. We made it all the way to Paris and didn't get a taste of any french fare but Joshua did get to munch on a hot dog in a baguette... that was a first!

Cinque Terre

Bonjour! It has been a long time since I have updated the Page family blog. I have been on a blogging "hiatus", if you will. The past two months have been a little difficult for me... maybe a little "almost six month expatriation homesickness" syndrome? Peut-etre? I decided to spare all of you my self-centered depressing attitude and take a break from blogging. However, over the past couple of weeks the clouds started to part and life is looking a little brighter. I have missed some key blogging opportunities these past few months and will catch you all up on the adventures of the Page family in Europe.

In May we traveled with the Cabe family to the Cinque Terre region of Italy. It is located on the northern coast of Italy on the Mediterranean Sea. "Cinque Terre" means "Five Lands" and it is comprised of five villages located on the rocky coast line - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. We stayed in the La Francesca Resort in Bonnassola, Italy which is just north of the Cinque Terre villages. Without a doubt the most beautiful place I have ever visited on earth. We had a fabulous time and hope to return again soon.

Getting ready to depart!

The drive to Italy from Clermont-Ferrand is noteworthy in and of itself. We drove through the French Alps which were absolutely breathtaking. Freddie and I weren't expecting the phenomenal view and once we entered the Alps we were sitting at the edge of our seats, jaws dropped, waiting to see what was coming next at every twist and turn. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (Romans 1:20).



On our way to Bonnassola we spent the night in Genoa, Italy to break up the trip and to visit the largest aquarium in Europe which is located in the harbor in Genoa. I saw my first prostitute ever... that was weird (and sad) and lets just say it didn't appear to be a "Pretty Woman" type of situation. Genoa was cool because it was Italy and the architecture was charming but it was a little on the trashy side to be perfectly honest. The aquarium was fun and, of course, the children enjoyed it but probably the most notable experience in Genoa was eating the yummy authentic Italian pizza. Surprisingly thin crust and minimal fromage... we weren't in Pizza Hut land anymore.

The next three days were spent lounging by the private beach on our resort in Bonnassola or on the public beach in Levanto, Italy - the neighboring village by the sea. One evening we went out to eat at a delightful seafood restaurant with the Cabes in Levanto. Freddie ordered lobster which the waiter promptly took out of the tank in the back of the room and brought to our table for us to inspect before the poor thing was to be dropped alive into a pot of boiling water. I think it is just the saddest thing ever. :( Nevertheless, Freddie thoroughly enjoyed his meal. The kids and I wandered around Levanto where there was an outdoor market in the town square. The city was quaint and charming and perfectly Italian with the narrow cobblestone streets, red begonia flowers spilling out of pots hanging from the windows and the village church perched up on a hill overlooking the sea.

It was fascinating to drive 200 miles and find yourself in a completely different culture surrounded by people speaking a different language. When we made it through the Alps and were coasting on the autoroute through the northern Italian cities near Torino, it oddly felt a lot like driving down I85 headed to Atlanta. I couldn't articulate why but it was the feeling that washed over me. Buildings were more modern and more "American" like than the buildings you see in France. Then, you get to the coastal villages and the architecture changes to the Mediterranean style red tiled roofs and stucco cottages and apartments with fresh laundry hanging from the windows and between exterior walls with the beautiful begonias pouring out of the windowsills. The Italian people were incredibly friendly and I could sit and listen to their beautiful words all day long.

Speaking of language, when in France I struggle with my french and oftentimes yearn for the ability to speak English to someone. When in Italy, I found that my initial inclination was the speak French. Quite puzzling considering the Italians were more likely to speak English than French. The only thing I can fathom is subconsciously I was figuring they spoke French since France was only a few miles away, relatively speaking. Not so much. Nevertheless, when I was in hot pursuit of Crocs in Genoa (I know, for real, shopping for Crocs in Italy... but we were desperate), I did find a store where the lady spoke only Italian and French and we were able to successfully complete a transaction using my broken French. Glory be to God because that was a miracle!

Moral of this story, if you are ever able to visit this part of the world you should. It was incredible and created wonderfully fond memories for our family. Many thanks to the Cabes for inviting us and for coordinating everything.

I heart Italy.

Outside of the Aquarium there was a man covered with white paint and clothing standing as still as a statue with his eyes closed. He was dressed as Christopher Columbus, I think (CC was born in Genoa, Italy). It was the freakiest thing ever! He would stand as still as a statue until someone would drop some coins into a little wooden box placed at the base of the podium he stood on then he would come alive very slowly. The kids got a chuckle out of it although Sophia was terrified to walk up to him. I can't say I blame her.

The Best Weekend in France Thus Far...

and the highlights weren't a weekend in the Pyrenees (although that was pretty awesome) but this past weekend was full of family time, friends and lots of food.

The month of May is full of holidays in France so the kids and Freddie have had the past two Fridays off from school and work. We had our good friends, Matthew and Kim Cabe, over for dinner Friday night and had the best time, as always. My thoughtful husband bought me the most spectacular Mother's Day gift.. a new SLR Nikon D60 camera! So the family and I had an outing on Saturday to McDonalds (of course!), Place de Jaude and Square Amadeo. The kids were able to run around and be wild and crazy then the girls and I strolled around the park while Joshua and Freddie threw the baseball. I experimented with my new gift and was able to forever capture those special moments we had together. We had a sweet French family over for dinner on Sunday and enjoyed swedish meatballs while practicing our french and their english. It was a great weekend and I think it may have been the turning point.. the proverbial "hump" or "corner" that you must get over or turn and then, voila, vous adorez la France!

Rainy Sunday

Ready to go to church