Renae's Ramblings-Part 13

**Ok, Renae is letting me post this one picture, and then I must give the computer back to her. I just want to say that I'm so excited to have found a place where I can buy Dr. Pepper! It's only a little over 1$ a can . . . but worth it when I need my fix. Back to Renae. **


Thank you Mommy for that short announcement from my sponsor. Moving along . . .


Last night I had potatoes! (And yes, some ended up in my nose.)

So I have to tell you about my day today. Mommy had to sign up for a Spanish history class so she decided to take me with. (Ok, she had to because Daddy was at school.) We took the metro so I rode in a sling on Mommy's side. I think I'm too big for that because all I want to do is walk and wiggle. On the metro, this nice lady let Mommy sit in her seat. I'm not very shy, so I decided to talk to the people on either side of us. My first attempt got me nowhere. The man didn't seem to like my putting my foot on his leg, and he didn't give me any smiles! Usually I at least get a smile from people! So I moved on to the woman on Mommy's other side. She looked friendly. She talked to me and smiled at me so I decided I had the right to touch her. Mommy kept telling me to not touch other people. I don't see why it was a big deal. We're all friends right?


I want a hairstyle like Daddy.

Once we got to Mommy's new school, I could not WAIT to get down and walk. Mommy looked a little flustered as she tried to speak Spanish, get signed up for a class and make sure I didn't walk off. What does she think I'm going to do? Walk down the hall and explore? Oh wait . . . I guess I did kind of. Anyways, this nice lady held me and played with my while Mommy filled out her registration form.


What do you think of my new 'do Mom?

When we left Mommy's school, she let me walk, and walk and walk. Mommy told me we were going to walk to Daddy's school so we could ride the metro home together. So we walked (a little fast for me-I've got short legs!!) for quite awhile, because Mommy said we had plenty of time to enjoy ourselves. We even found a park and I got to swing! I wasn't too fond of Mommy when she pushed me really high. But don't worry, I let her know all about it!


Are there some leftover potatoes on my hands?

When we were close to Daddy's school, these nice older ladies started talking to me. One stuck out her finger so I grabbed onto that. How nice! I had Mommy's finger and this nice woman's finger to use as balance! Mommy and the ladies talked and they said I had a pretty name (Why do Mommy and Daddy say my name is Esther when we're not at home??) One of the ladies said she could be my Grandma for just a bit while we walked. So Mommy told them that I don't have any Spanish Grandma's because mine live in the States. They said they felt very bad for my Nana and Grandma. I do too because I'm one fun girl!


I love it when Daddy sings his song to me before I go to bed. I really was happy!

The nice ladies said good-bye and we found Daddy's school. I was excited to meet all of the people that came to talk to me. They said I'm quite a young student. Mommy that it was cute. She is a weird one sometimes! When I saw Daddy I walked right to him and let him pick me up for a hug. I got really tired and the next thing I remember was waking up in my crib at home. Mommy told me I fell asleep on Daddy during our metro ride home! Whew. If you had walked as much as I did, you would have too. Mommy says my time is up now and I have to come help her make cinnamon rolls. I tried some yesterday and they were sooo good! Maybe my Aunt Kari will teach me how to do scratch and sniff sticker online!

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

Psalm 150
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
Praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
Praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Every time I read about dancing for joy in the Bible, I have a hard time picturing it. Let's be honest: The typical American Baptist isn't exactly the most likely contestant for next seasons, "Dancing With the Stars." But whatever denomination you claim, (mine is that of a Christ follower) I doubt dancing is a common practice at your worship service.

I think that different cultures around the world are better at certain aspects of following after Christ. Some are good at being disciplined in the fruits of the Spirit.. Some are better at listening to the Holy Spirit and letting Him work. Some are better theologians. Some are more abundant givers. And Latin Americans, well, they are good at celebrating!

We have finally found a church to get involved in here and now that God has reminded us that we DON'T know all there is to know about everything . . . we are anxious to learn. Our church is lead by a Spaniard, but about 75% of the members are from Latin America. This week, we experienced a whole new kind of worship service. After spending some time dwelling on God's faithfulness, and taking communion, the congregation sang about the fact that God is victorious both now, and forever. As I tried to keep Renae entertained, I realized I hadn't been listening and now people were standing up and stacking chairs. Surely church can't be over already, we thought. (Church lasts quite a bit longer here . . . ) Oh no. We spent the next 30-45 minutes dancing and singing! And it wasn't just for fun, it was for the purpose of celebrating who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised He will do. Now, I can picture what it will be like to truly celebrate in God's presence, with the tambourine, and with singing and dancing. It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning. Oh, the things we can learn from believers around the world!

Take a Hike . . .

We needed a break from the big city and a hike seemed to do the trick!


Our family, along with some fellow Gringos drove out to a mountain for a nice fall day.


As you can see, Renae had a very strenuous hiking experience.


Once we reached the (almost) top, we relaxed and had some fun!


Renae attempts to walk on the rocky soil. Trickier than you'd think for a 1 year old.


"Heh, heh, Mom. I got this walking thing under control!"


Ah . . . lunch break.


Renae and her best buddy. (Not to be confused with boyfriend!)


We made it to the (almost) top!


A nicer view then ours in the city . . .


Well, we had to go back home eventually, so down the mountain we went.


Apparently the hike really WAS strenuous for Renae!

Hot Date!

The last time we had a date was awhile ago. We've been on one other date here, but we were on a double date and it was a last minute plan so I couldn't even enjoy the anticipation of a night (or afternoon in this case) out with my husband. This date was very different, and yet very similar.


Same: we went on a date with each other.


One of the many fountains, and many plazas.

Different: Last time we went out to pizza, this time we make much less money so we stayed in and ate lunch with our baby-sitter. (Also a difference-no Nana and Grandpy to watch Renae!)


Don Quijote anyone?

Same: We went to a movie because we love movies.
Different: There were subtitles in Spanish. Also, we saw the newest Batman movie, The Dark Knight. They weren't kidding when they said DARK. I wouldn't recommend it for a date movie.


The Palace. Looking forward to going in when my 'rents arrive!

Same: We went out for coffee afterwards so we could talk.
Different: We went to Starbucks! We never went there back home, but it's hard to find a good Cafe Diem here . . .


The Palace at Sunset

Same: We have to use our brain. More than usual I mean. We don't get to order food or buy tickets in English anymore.
Different: Usually our dates end either after a coffee shop visit, or after the movie. I mean really, what is there to do? But when you live in a large European city, there is much to see. So we walked and took in some of the sites we haven't seen yet. We are trying to become better tour guides for when we have visitors! (Coming soon . . . in November and December!)


Gotta love the city at night . . .

Same: The cute guy who took me out.
Different: The cute guy didn't pick me up in his hot car. Instead we took public transportation.

I've been hassled lately by a few uncles who want to see more pictures of Renae. I'll post more later, but for now, Renae dressed up as an I-don't-know-what will have to do.

A Nice Fall Day . . .

Walking along one of the many trails.


Daddy and Renae taking a walk in the Crystal Palace.


"Hey you! I charge 1 euro per picture!"


We have lots and lots of beautiful fountains.


The only statue in the world dedicated to Lucifer.


Mommy gets a warm fuzzy in her heart.


The glass palace from the inside.


Care for a boat ride?

The Office Season Five Has Begun (and of course I turned it into a party)!

Dunder/Mifflin-Spain Branch

Employees:

Michael played by Jesse


Angela played by Julie (She IS the person in charge of the party planning committee!)


Meredith played by Emily. She's a new Office fan. We caught her up to speed this week.


Pam played by Heather.


Pam played by Laura. (Yes, we had 2 Pam's. Neither of them could really pull off Phyllis so . . )

And the Temp.


Michael called a meeting in the conference room.


He had to go over this agenda. However, he needed much help from Angela to stay on task.


Meredith, Pam and Pam eagerly waiting to watch the "video from corporate."


It begins!!!!!


Michael was voted as Employee as the Month. Angela and the Temp received 1 point each.


The Temp just laughed because she new she'd be his boss one day.

More Stories from France . . .

Britt and Dan in another cool tower in Vieux Lyon.


Looks like Kari and Britt went somewhere they weren't supposed to . . .


Aww . . . .


Britt and I in the famous red or pink tower.


Look who's the expert walker now!


"What IS this thing I'm on?"


Window scene of a restaurant??


Or miniature model of restaurant!


Britt drools over pastries . . . Jesse over guitars.


"When will these women be done shoping?"



A famous square on a cool rainy day. Love it.


So this isn't a pastry, but at least I caught Britt in the act of stuffing her face instead of me stuffing mine.


Lunch at a little coffee shop. Notice who has Renae of course . . .


Not sure what this is, but I love the many old buildings in Lyon and I LOVED the green landscape! Spain is not so green where we come from . . .


"Seriously people. I'm cold. It's rainy, and I want a pastry too. Can we get out of here?"