This French Life of Mine

…Is so very busy…!

I’m happy to be ‘finding my place’ way out in Alsace. I think this is the most I’ve ever felt involved in a community since living in France. The people are nice, I go to Zumba once a week, bring home and extra child Wednesday’s from school… And am the back up plan for a newly divorced father in case he misses the return of the school bus. All fairly small things, but things that do make me feel like I belong, like I have a place and like I have something to give.

I grew up in a small town, small community, and I think all these years living in Paris, Ile-de-France had me missing the sense of community. A place that is home, that feels like home, and that welcomes you with open arms. I don’t know if we are staying here long term or not, yet. We’ve been tossing around many ideas, putting out feelers… I’m fairly certain I *could* live here though an be quite happy, though cold in the winter… A home with a nice fireplace and comfy couch could make up for that though…

Lily turned 5 a few weeks ago, and Evie is up next with the big 3. I can’t believe how fast it goes by. We’ve got a really fun birthday party planned for them this week. Mr B and I are both really excited for their friends to come to come so we can do all the activities that we have planned. We are having a joint birthday party- their birthdays are only about 3 weeks apart and their guest lists were basically the same, so, we are going with one fell swoop for the party. I helped a friend down the street with her daughters 5th birthday party and it was actually a lot of work- I can’t really imagine doing it twice in one month!

“Baby Aria” as the girls call her is turning into a true toddler right before my very eyes. She is already 18 months old and quite… tenacious. A true Taurus, it seems. I try to remind myself that these traits will serve her well in her life.

Otherwise I have been enjoying not working, quite a bit. It has made my life simpler, easier to manage, and I’ve had a lot more time to dedicate to my girls. I do have plans for this down time, including getting all of my paperwork together to apply for French nationality. It is probably about time, 12+ years after I first touched down here!