Hey There!
Sorry for taking so long to check back in. I sat here a couple times working on a post and had some major computer issues! First I thought it was typepad, then I thought my computer was biting the dust. Turns out we had our internet plugs and stuff connected wrong and needed some filters on the phones and satelitte receiver. Now I actually have "high speed internet"! What a relief. Anyway, on to some updating.
First of all, our power came back within a week after Ike struck. We lost all our food in the fridge and freezer, but that was really the worst of it. We were so lucky, as I said before. And after a couple weeks delay, our shipment from Germany arrived safe and sound. We had damage to a few things...I think the sea was quite rocking with all the tropical storms. The items that were damaged are easily replaced, so no biggie. I have alot of work ahead of me now. We have way too much stuff! Truth be told, I have way too much fabric! But I'll be working to remedy that soon. More on that later.
Next up, we celebrated Lucas' 5th birthday! Can't believe my baby is five! He said he has been waiting his whole life to turn 5! He is so fun and funny! He melts my heart, seriously. I know all you moms can relate! Something about kids...they snag at the most tender part of your heart. He is a picture of my little guy on his birthday, enjoying a thick vanilla milk shake from one of our favorite places to eat out with the kids...Johnny Rockets!
And here is a picture of the strawberry version.
After 2 years, I am catching up on printing out photographs and getting them into albums. The kids have joined in on the fun and started scrapbooks of their own. Next post, I'll try to share a few of their pages...they are so cute.
I wanted also to share some pictures of our final days in Germany/Europe.
Here are a few pictures of our house in Germany. I never shared pictures, mainly because my house is always a mess! Seriously, I don't get an A for house keeping. That is for sure. And I never "decorated" the house there since we were renting and really did not know exactly how long we'd be there, but for sure it was temporary. I regret it sort of, but not really.
The living room.
The dining area.
A view from the kitchen.
The kitchen.
Leah's Room.
Lucas' Room
The back yard.
I am looking forward to adding personal touches to our new place, though. I'll share some pics of the interior of the new place once I get unpacked and get a bit of decorating done. I'll be making new curtains and lots of accessories over the next few months!
Next, here are some pictures from our visit to Disney Paris in August Disney Paris celebrates its 15th year this year! It was great to see it and the kids had a blast, of course. We have been to Disney in Florida a few times. I have to say, it is way better in our opinion. The Paris one is much smaller and just does not offer as many attractions. But it was still a total blast and still plenty for our 2 days there.
The main castle lit up at night, taken during the closing parade.
The Castle in Daylight.
The High School Musical Show was so fun to watch!
Lucas had a great view!
They do such a great job with the presentation of the place. The floral arrangements were just lovely!
We spent one day in Lille, France---we stopped there on our way to Disney Paris. I had always wanted to visit Lille, and am so glad we made time to stop here. I'd love to go back for a longer visit some day. Here are a few of my favorite images from the trip.
We enjoyed an incredible breakfast at this place Paul's. It seems to be a chain, as we saw it also in Reims, France. It was such a charming place...typical French Brassierie.
Lucas loved the pastry display in the window!
They host a book market in this place on the weekends. We caught the tail end of it. The building is spectacular.
The kids enjoyed dancing in the center of this outdoor courtyard.
And last up, some pictures in Reims, France---We stopped here on the way back from Paris to Duesseldorf.
Leah is into carrying around sketch pads with her and drawing everything she sees. She made some lovely sketches of the cathedral from the outside and the inside. So cute!
Inside the church was spectacular. I had an awful time taking pics inside. I really needed a tripod! I need to get a portable one to take along with us.
And then I'll leave you with a few pictures of the kids, hanging out in our garden here at the new house. I think that was the one thing I did not like about our place in Germany. The yard was so small! And with the weather, we were indoors alot! It feels so great to be outside for hours everyday. And it is nice to be able to send the kids in the garden, and they can hang out there for hours and just have a great time. The gorgeous garden is definitely what sold us on the house. The kids and I saw this place the first time without hubby---he was at the new job, meeting folks and such. Our realtor almost did not show us the house. But after hearing my comments on the previous houses, she figured this was more our style. And she was right. INSTANT LOVE! The kids ran straight to the garden, which was a great sign! And the air, light, space in the interior was just right. I felt instantly at home.
Leah hanging out in the pool.
Lucas in front of the pool. 
Lucas and the banana tree.
Lucas loves the swing set. After school, he usually rushes out there and swings to his heart's content, while singing his favorite songs. So cute!
The weather has been so great. Hot yes, but we are enjoying the heat and sun so much. Okay, back to unpacking. I'll be back soon with a business update. So much to share. I am so happy to be back in the US and able to make the calls and connections I need to move the business forward! I am looking forward to sharing some of my progress and plans with you all soon.
Hope you all are well and enjoyed your summers tremendously.
Stay Happy! Sheree
Hi Sweetie!!!
I'm so glad to ear from you and your lovely family!
I missed you :)
It's good to know that the moving went ok and that you all are happy to return to the US.
Big big hug***
Ana
Posted by: bu&bau | October 08, 2008 at 06:07 AM
HI!! welcome back:-) Strange, but I feel the same, when I go back to Europe, as you feel now:-)))
I cannot wait to see your new creations!
Kriszta
Posted by: Kriszta | October 08, 2008 at 05:35 PM
It's wonderful to see you posting again! Oh and I bought my plane ticket!!! We totally need to talk. :)
Posted by: Mary | October 09, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Fun photos! Everyone looks like they had so much fun at Disney.
Your kids are really growing. Luca is adorable. Leah looks so tall in these photos. I think back to your original blog banner and your kids looked so much younger in that photo.
Time is flying, isn't it?
Hope you're settling in to the new area.
Posted by: Lisa | October 13, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Oh so many great photos as usual!!!!!Happy BD to Lucas!!!!I can't believe that your adventures in Europe are over as it seems like yesterday when I ordered my very first AB prints from you-from Germany;)
xo, Katarina
Posted by: Katarina | October 17, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Beautiful photos, I love your photos of your home they're lovely. I have been inspired with your blog and I just bought a new sewing machine, I wondered if you are going to start selling fabric again, and i am just guessing that you received your belongings from Germany, i hope you did i really know how it is to lose some treasured items and I don't wish that on anyone to say the least. take care and it seems you are in a good mood :) hugs Mona
Posted by: mona | October 20, 2008 at 02:39 AM
Beautiful photos, I love your photos of your home they're lovely. I have been inspired with your blog and I just bought a new sewing machine, I wondered if you are going to start selling fabric again, and i am just guessing that you received your belongings from Germany, i hope you did i really know how it is to lose some treasured items and I don't wish that on anyone to say the least. take care and it seems you are in a good mood :) hugs Mona
Posted by: mona | October 20, 2008 at 02:40 AM
SHEREE!!! I am so out of the loop...didn't know you were back in the states...yay! Saw your pics from Market...you are so cute! And YAY that Leah still has her painting...:::Warm fuzzies::: :o) Hope you are doing great...it look like it!
Posted by: Account Deleted | October 28, 2008 at 07:26 PM