The French Connection

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Faraway from where I am is a French family forgetting their English, forgoing their green vegetables, skipping out on mopping the floor, eating a ton of crepes, riding BMX, studying for exams, philosophizing over coffee and wondering when they are going to see their American mother again.

Sacha_crpe_08_03_08_03 The French family sent me a photo of Mr. Crepe Boy lounging on a fixer-upper fainting chair. A fainting chair that a neighbor friend brought over for me to have. Isn’t that way too nice; French friends who give you French antiques!

I love looking at Mr. Crepe Boy goofing off before going to school. Look at him eating crepes like a king, with milk in a wine glass, wearing slippers, socks and hey did he cut all his curls off!

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Come to think about it did French husband cut his long hair off as well!

At first I thought French Husband took this photo while thinking of me. As if he leaned back with his arm outstretched smiling that "I-know-you-kind-of-smile," but now looking at this photo I think he is leaning back with his arms outstretched thinking, "I bet I could be bald and you would still dig me!"

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The long and short of the French connection is that I miss them. Even more so because they are forgetting their English, forgoing their green vegetables, skipping out on mopping the floor, eating a ton of crepes, riding BMX, studying for exams, flying planes, philosophizing over coffee…



Comments

72 responses to “The French Connection”

  1. Oh sweet friend your posts make my heart melt.
    How my heart wishes I could be right there beside you but I am in my continued thoughts and prayers and many blessings~
    I love you.
    God bless your family both near and dear to your heart wherever they are to you and in France………..I wish them the very best.
    Love Jeanne

  2. To be seperated from the ones we love is So Hard! I know you must wish you could divide yourself and be in both places at once.
    That fainting couch will be fun to go home to … when you do.
    Sending more hugs while you continue this journey that I’m sure you never anticipated.
    Darla

  3. Oh sweet friend your posts make my heart melt.
    How my heart wishes I could be right there beside you but I am in my continued thoughts and prayers and many blessings~
    I love you.
    God bless your family both near and dear to your heart wherever they are to you and in France………..I wish them the very best.
    Love Jeanne

  4. You must be feeling so “torn” right now; I’m glad you were sent some whimsical photos to lighten your day. Is that your son’s imitation of a young Hugh Hefner? LOL!
    Hugs,
    Sher

  5. Ohhh! I love the pic of Mr. Crepe Boy!!! The stuck up pinky made me smile this early morn….what a nut! No wonder you miss him, and French husband, and college girl.
    I said another prayer for you and your family this morning. I’m only a jump away in Vallejo…maybe my prayers get there faster??? Maybe not, God is everywhere. With you. With your Mom and Dad and all.
    A big hug is sent your way!

  6. It’s such a hard yet rich place to be n’est pas? We are daughters and mothers and wives. Where do we go? How far can we stretch? Would we have it any other way? That which lets us feel the pain shows us the incredible beauty.

  7. It’s so hard being away from your own little family, living a different life to them, missing them and knowing they’re missing you. And it’s been a long time for you now.
    When I was in England it felt forever, like a separate parallel reality, a bubble, and I was only gone 2 and a half weeks. I’m sure you’ll go back and find that their English is just as good as ever, the floors have been mopped now and then and that they have survived on their interesting diet! But they’ll be jolly pleased to see you and to settle back into your presence again.

  8. Gotta love Sacha’s dainty pinky. He cracks me up to no end….he made me laugh at your house and I love people who make me laugh.
    Make them promise you to eat at least one green vegetable in your honor…at least once a week.

  9. Mr. crepe boy reminds me of my own son who is out on the west coast (I’m on the east coast). He is about to complete his final semester of undergraduate school. I miss him and his funny ways so… treasure the moments…

  10. OK, now I miss them too! How does THAT happen? lol

  11. Your son is like all sons, trying to make their Mama smile when they know she is sad. He is just too cute!
    You have such an amazing family and I bet…I really, really think…they are secretly eating their vegetables and working on their English just to feel closer to you.
    Hugs,
    a.

  12. Oh, I bet you DO miss them, Corey! And I’m sure that they miss you and would forego all the crepes in the world to have you there with them. Or maybe MOST of the crepes in the world. I’ve not eaten crepes in France… 🙂

  13. Such sweetness.

  14. very poignant!

  15. You have such a dear family … of course you miss them! And I know they miss you too. Sacha cracks me up!! That photo of him on the fainting couch is too funny! How wonderful to have neighbours that drop off antiques … I could use that kind!
    xo,
    Lynda

  16. Mr. Crepe Boy is just hilarious! Making you smile while you are away with yoru dad is a gift to treasure. But,I am sure that these pictures just make you miss them more.
    Thinking of you often-
    Karin

  17. patpaulk

    How eloquently you’ve expressed your home sickness. I love reading your words.

  18. I can’t imagine how you are doing it. You must be so torn. Wanting to be in two places at once.Your French family are so kind to you and must love you very much. And that is a lovely loving picture of your husband.He must be very confident in your love to support you so sweetly as you do what you need to do at this hard time. Perhaps this is one of the things he loves about you…your selfless willingness to help your family in a time of need.

  19. Julie Ann

    You must miss them so very much Corey on top of all that you are going through with your father. Brave lady. Without doubt they will be missing you like crazy, greens as well x

  20. I don’t think I could do what you are doing Corey. You are a brave one. You have an amazing family.
    Rosemary

  21. Apparently your family is not foregoing a sense of humor. 🙂 Mr. Crepe Boy is going to make some lucky woman a wonderful husband someday with is ability to love and laugh.
    Thank you for sharing the photos from “home.”

  22. Jeanette

    At least they are going to school, studying, philosophizing, doing some fun things and missing you just as much as you miss them. They are in your heart and will never leave they know why you must be here and love you even more for your strong sense of family. They also know that you will be with them in their time of need and they will be with you in your time of need. I know pictures and phone calls are not enough and can not take the place of a loving touch, but what counts is what is in your heart and that can be felt across land and sea! Wishing for a reunnion soon.
    Jeanette

  23. They must miss you very much Corey. seems they know you are where you are meant to be right now.
    They share you, because it is important.
    They share you out of love and concern.
    We all need one another.
    It is a mature love that knows how to share.
    thinking of you.
    xo
    c

  24. It must be very lonely for them as well, but that picture of crepe boy! priceless!
    x…x

  25. They do send you *fabulous* photos though, don’t they?

  26. Ha~ha! Your son is hilarious and you crack me up the way you write about your husband! 🙂
    “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
    ~Proverbs 17:22

  27. Oh that King crepe is too funny. The pinky just slays me : )
    I bet they miss you sooooo much!

  28. Oh I can read that boy’s thoughts while he’s pouring that milk into the wine glass! May love bridge the distance.

  29. Corey,
    I am so sorry your heart is home sick! Love the photo of your son, it must be such good medicine for your mother heart! You must feel so divided right now. Still praying dear one.

  30. WE MISS YOU, COREY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  31. Corey~This post made my laugh and smile! Mostly because I could hear your smile in your writing. It has been a long time. But just think how much MORE they appreciate you since you have been gone!!!! Good wishes and prayers to you and your family. Caren

  32. LOL that is hilarious! I think they are relishing their time without mom (ie: getting away with stuff!), but I’m sure they miss you a lot, too.

  33. Let’s face it, things fall apart when mother is away-the glue that holds it all together.

  34. I don’t think it would be hard to fall into eating crepes, and not veggies, now that’s my kinda life. I hope you can reunite with your family soon, it must be very difficult for everyone. Prayers & thoughts are with all of you.
    Teresa
    xo

  35. Someday in the not to distant future, my husband will have to make the trip to Greece without me to be with his Mom. If we are lucky we will both be able to go but if not, I will miss him but know that this is what has to be done. You and your family know that too and that is what allows you all to get through this difficult time…thinking of you:)

  36. Corey, you have made me smile today. It’s wonderful to see how your family is cheering you from where they are in France…that IS love! It’s true that you are separated by many miles, but also true that all of your hearts are entwined. What a sweet and funny bunch they are. You are richly blessed to have family both here and there. Love and prayers to you, dear.

  37. love his little pinky perked to attention….I know your heart must be torn. My husband was gone for 15 months, it NEVER got any easier. It did give me a new appreciation for all the things he is and does though!

  38. There are times this cyberspace is a wonderful thing..like telephones and airplanes. What would we do without them. Thank you for sharing,,,,I dont think your family ever takes a bad picture. I enjoyed your article in Somerset Life Corey. You will be back to the “regular” life style again, taking pictures and writing more articles,, and wonder how you got through this long time away. You will know when its time to return..it will all be ok.

  39. You are what holds them together…but isn’t it nice to know they miss you and need you. Loved the crepe boy..heheh somehow I don’t think it would be hard to get into that habit.
    Still praying.
    love and blessings

  40. Ha! French son looks adorable
    I think the French family + 1 american mum
    are beautiful!
    xo darlene

  41. They may be forgetting about mopping, their vegetables and maybe just a little bit of their English – but they could never forget you. You can tell the King of Crepes is thinking of his mama – notice how he makes sure to still not put his slippers on that lovely fainting couch…and you can see from the look in French husband’s eyes, he is thinking of only one thing – you!
    Thank heavens for the miracles of the internet and e-mail so you all can still be together, at least a little bit – virtually – but still I’m sure it must be so hard on all of you who love one another so, to be apart so long. Hang in there, Corey~xo

  42. Bonnie Buckingham

    And missing you. I thought about that
    yesterday as you were brought to mind.
    I find that so interesting of the Holy
    Spirit because I’ve never met you or your
    family BUT God is able to do amazing things
    with this technology. He will meet all needs.
    He says so!
    Bonnie

  43. Bonnie Buckingham

    And missing you. I thought about that
    yesterday as you were brought to mind.
    I find that so interesting of the Holy
    Spirit because I’ve never met you or your
    family BUT God is able to do amazing things
    with this technology. He will meet all needs.
    He says so!
    Bonnie

  44. Corey, I love this post so much! Beautiful photos of your beautiful family!
    Pat

  45. I love the picture of your son. They all look like they are living “La vida loca”!
    They must miss you terribly, just like you are missing them. How wonderful to have such fun and crazy people to love.
    Hugs! Nancy

  46. I love the way they send such great photos to cheer you up. Their English won’t be forgotten, I’m betting there are vegetables eaten as well as crepes, and poof! who cares about the floors? Lovely, lovely family!

  47. Maybe it’s time to go home to be with your children and to be with your french husband …. just to take a peek and get and give hugs… Just a thought.. .You are wonderful. You will be back to CA. in a heartbeat.I’m sure your parents would want you to …. xoxo All the best. ( I have walked in your shoes…)

  48. yes mom,
    they are doing all those things…but they are also MISSING THEIR AMERICAN MOM!!!
    Love,
    Mimi

  49. You really are a good daughter because I can’t think of another good reason to leave that hot husband behind!!! Wow! I hope you can get home soon.

  50. Corey – you have a beautiful family and I’m sure they’re missing you terribly, despite the fact that they’re getting really sick of crepes (yeah right). 🙂 Marva

  51. C~
    Thinking of you and hoping you are faring well. It will be a wondrous day when you are reunited with French Family. I’m sure they miss you to bits!
    Love the photo of C & S. Warms my heart. Can only imagine what it is doing for yours.
    xo

  52. Elaine L.

    Your son is adorable!
    I think the fact that your family is strong,
    and capable of getting along without you there, is a wonderful testament to your marriage and the way you and FH have raised the children.
    Many families would fall apart without the cement that holds the family together.
    You are truly to be commended.
    ~elaine~

  53. Elaine L.

    Oh, I almost forgot to ask. Have you heard anything of the young lovers? How was the March reunion?
    ~elaine~

  54. Corey,
    You’re where you need to be now and you’ve got a loving family waiting for you, supporting you.
    You can tell by the photos just how much you’re loved and missed. And you’re being loved where you are now as well.
    ~Tracie

  55. I’VE BEEN AWAY FROM MY COMPUTER , MY FRIENDS, MY LIFE…
    BUT I’VE BEEN THINKING OF YOU
    TODAY , I CHECK AND I SEE SOMETHING FRENCH !
    I LOVE THE PICTURE WITH SACHA ON THE MERIDIENNE …I LOVE THIS PIECE .
    DON’T WORRY THEY WON’T FORGET ANYTHING AND THEY ARE SHARING IN THEIR HEART EVERY MOMENT , YOU ARE WITH THEM

  56. Marie-Noëlle

    When I saw that first picture of Sacha, I thought:
    – Sacha the Pascha (Pacha?)!
    – He HAS been keeping mopping…
    the “méridienne” (since their return from the States)!
    – He has outraged the étiquette : no bare legs to be seen!!!- “Where are your stockings, Sacha?”
    And no bare head either!!!- Where is your whig?

  57. I loved your post….Crepe Boy is a stitch. You have a wonderful family which is a testament to yours and FH parenting!!!
    I am sure everyone misses each other tremendously!!! You are a great daughter, wife and mother Corey!!!

  58. Love how Sacha has his little pinky finger raised in the air while lounging & eating 🙂
    Such a beautiful family ~ I keep them in my prayers as well. I can only imagine how much you miss each other.

  59. The photo of your children is worth framing, my goodness, so heart warming!!

  60. Paris Parfait

    We should all have neighbours like that who give away gorgeous antiques! I’m sure your family misses you just as much as you miss them, Corey. Hoping you’ll get your reunion soon! xo

  61. Beautiful loving family!Precious treasure!

  62. Hello Corey,
    I haven’t been to visit your blog in a while and am sorry to hear your father is sick. My heart goes out to you – my father is currently having heart problems and your posts have brought tears to me eyes. You are such a beautiful writer and communicator.
    And yes, I agree, the key is hope. Without it we have nothing….
    God Bless…
    Joy

  63. That was such a sweet post. You must be missing your family like crazy. Hope you can return home soon!

  64. Corey
    I’ll bet you miss them too! ;D
    They will be happy to see you again, no doubt.
    xo

  65. That picture was absolutely hysterical! What a wise guy!

  66. Re your April 4 post, “The key is hope”
    Hope is the thing with feathers
    That perches in the soul,
    And sings the tune without the words,
    And never stops at all,
    And sweetest in the gale is heard;
    And sore must be the storm
    That could abash the little bird
    That kept so many warm.
    I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
    And on the strangest sea;
    Yet, never, in extremity,
    It asked a crumb of me.
    (Emily Dickinson)
    The fourth was my sister’s birthday.
    Hugs for you!

  67. Rest assured that they miss you just as much, the family pictures are there as a reminder that they keep you close to heart.x

  68. Aw…you have such an awesome family. I’m so sorry you and your father are going through such a difficult time. HUGS/love to you and a big giant thank you for sharing your life with us.

  69. Awww…this post made me smile today. Your son is so funny! His antics must crack you up. You have a terrific family, Corey.

  70. They always say “home is where the heart is”, and how fortunate you are to have two homes, because your heart is in two places! And I can’t thing of two better places to call home… California and France! =) hugs & kisses, my dear!

  71. `Wonderful photos Corey!!! Funny family :o)
    And I just love how sweetly your son’s arm is tightly around his big sister’s shoulder! That are so cute ….and their closeness is lovely!
    I’ll bet you miss them all so much!

  72. Hello,
    I was reading http://journals.aol.com/attitudeslc/inspiration/ blog and I saw a link to your blog and I started reading.. Wow you have a very interesting life….. Question.. Your all american right? yourself, son, daughter but just live in La France? Oui? NON?
    I am guessing you dont speak english at home since you said your kids are forgetting their english. I guess you all speak french all the time oui?
    I like your blog keep up the good work!
    Take Care,
    — Christopher
    http://journals.aol.com/cmarlow480/ChristophersJournal/

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