Bonne Année 2009 de la France!

Wherever you are in the world, and whatever you are doing, Happy New Year 2009!!!!

Miss France 2009

Chloé Mortaud won the title "Miss France" this year! Yahh... She's actually Fraco-American... He dad is French and her mom is American. I think that's pretty excited! A French/American "Miss France!"

K&K's 200th Podcast LIVE from Paris!

I didn't get to go to the K&K Live Podcast at the Great Canadian Pub this Saturday because I was nursing my cold. Many people from near and far went and it seemed to me (as I watched on UStream... That is was a BLAST and a half!! Kudos to Katia and Kyliemac! Here's their website: Katie and Kyliemac Podcast I'm sooo proud of you gals!! I hope to make it the next one (300th?), of course. I did get to see most of my friends who were there via the camera they had hooked up for the UStream.... so that was pretty cool....
Anyhow, since I didn't get to go, I have no pics. But I found Milk Jam's wonderful collage. Please visit by her blog HERE for more information about the big event!

Happy Birthday Alex!!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday dear Alex....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

AND MANY MORRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!

Love you very much honey! Have a wonderful day today!

Ta petite femme, Leese

Franco-American Thanksgiving chez les Legrain

So, as you already know, we celebrated Thanksgiving in France this past Sunday.... I week and a few days later than the actual Thanksgving date in the U.S. but HEY... this is France and we can do it when we want because it's not even observed here!!! Canada has theirs in Oct... The U.S. in Nov. and now-- in France in Dec. At any rate, it was DELISH-ously delicious!

We had a great group of about 20 or so adults and about 7 kids... It was at our friends' place in Sceaux. A big THANK YOU to Frédérique and François for hosting our 2nd Thanksgiving at their house... I am thankful that I am a good cook/baker to pump out some really tasty dishes for everyone to enjoy!

On that same note... I am thankful for the same from our guests because without all of them... we wouldn't have had quite the variety of dishes that we had!! More than enough to go around and Alex and I will be eating left overs for a few days! A big THANKS to all of our guests (friends) who were there- it's what made the day a such special one...

Also, please see where Barbara blogged about it HERE!

Meanwhile, back in Little Italy, San Diego...

The annual Christmas tree lighting in Little Italy was held yesterday night.. It's a very fun event -- a great community event... I used to live about three blocks from Little Italy and there was always something cool going on over there....

**Photos by Bob Francella, San Diego resident and Little Italy local

Thanksgiving in France!

My Mom- Three years ago but it feels like forever!

Three years ago today, my mom took her last breaths and left this world. We were all with her and she is at Peace now. I will see here again, one day!
Me and my mom!

















My Mom! My mom is Louise. My mom is beautiful, loving and kind. My mom is brave, strong and inspirational. My mom is special to me because she gave birth to me on Nov. 28, 1965. She nurtured me and raised me to be the special woman I am today. She supported me, put up with me, listened to me, gave me good advice, and loved me unconditionally. She was always kind and funny!! I LOVE my mom very much....

Dear Mom,

I wanted to let you know how much I miss you and that I think about you all the time... day and night! It's so hard to be without your beautiful smile, loving words, and warm hugs. You live on in my thoughts and in my heart. You are everything to me. You are the best mom EVER and you have always been there for me. I LOVE YOU MOM!!

Love, your one and only daughter, Leese

Birthday celebration at the gym!

I may very well be one of the only Americans in France who brings her b-day party to the gym!! Well... it's not so far-fetched if you know me well! I love celebrating my b-day... or anyone's, for that matter.

I went to my morning SPIN class and Alex came by afterwards with the cake... There were just a few of us, but it was cozy!!! A HUGE thanks to Anna for the lovely gifts.. You really shouldn't have, but I'm glad you did!! Sooo thoughtful!!! It was a nice time!!! Thank you all!!!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Here is my party with my little group of five kids! It was fun... We had cake and they presented me with a GORGEOUS moth orchid plant... I even got a drawing from one of the little girls... Sooo cute!!!

WE WON!!!!!!

WE WON! WE WON!!!!!!! WE WONNNNNN!!!!!!! I'm sooooooooooo happy now! It's a monumental event in history! 333 to 158! Landslide Victory! I feel proud once again to be AMERICAN, to be an Amercian, to have been part of this historical election with a new PRESIDENT who will be able to evoke the CHANGE this country needs!!! I am a very, very proud and thankful American today! God Bless America, the American people who elected him as our PRESIDENT, and God Bless Mr. Barack OBAMA!!! AMEN!!!

In Remembrance of 911... a moment of silence.

It's been 7 years since 9/11. It still chokes me up when I think about what happened that day... I am dedicating today to remember those who died without reason, for those who gave up their lives trying to save others, and for all of those who helped in the efforts... May God Bless you all.

I pray for the friends and families who lost their friends and loved ones on 9/11/2001.