Basement

I keep talking about it, so I'd better post a picture! So here's the finished basement. Although I'm not quite sure where the border idea came from (besides I just like to make things challenging!) I guess I was really sure I loved the idea of the natural slate after spending a few nights at Tarkio. I just thought that slate basement was gorgeous. Brett and Erin slaved last fall - in fact it was right when they found out they were expecting! - to help us get it done before deer season. Well that fell through pretty quickly. Almost a year later, finally there! Our floor was so badly sloped Aaron had to put five pounds of filler in to make it workable. OK, I just have to say it, I am a sad we never got the chance to use it, but it really adds something special to the house. Enjoy the pics!!


PS. Day 3 of packing is slow. Squeezing in an hour here, and a few things there. I've broken two things in the last two days. Still working on the frivolous stuff; candles, kids clay creations - of which there are many -, and Kevin jumped in tonight and started in on the books.

The Big and The Little

Summer was here ~ beautiful and regenerating ~ and 12:01am, first day of 'teacher' school is here. Just like that. Kind of funny I just found all of the summer clothes. Emma's and mine were packed together, and Koby's in a separate solid colored plastic tote. I'm sure I looked at the bright orange and purple packages all summer season, but never remembered what was in them. I think it's that we never quite got into a habit of garage. I took the bi-annual change-out-of-clothing to the garage instead of lifting it carefully to the space above our closet. It was always a strange little space; just big enough to hold random boxes or perhaps a Christmas present or two, but I guess I figured I should start using this great garage space that is now an integrated part of our Lincoln property landscape. This is home. It has stories to tell from every one of our years of marriage.

So here I am, just finished my actual first day of packing up our home. Traces of the last ten years of our lives caked on the tops of light fixtures and cupboards. That's as far as I've gotten, but it has started. Kev and I are probably less sure about this move than any other decision in our ten year marriage, and really any of our years, months, days, and decisions together. But the move is on. Bristol, here we come, and may this family continue to be blessed with patience and strength, empathy and motivation. I'll miss the big things, and packing the little things reminds me of how many others have had a hand in building our lives here. Guide us well!

Happy 10th Shain!

Happy Birthday, Shain! We headed up to Kate's for some birthday fun and goodies after Emma and Savannah got done with softball at 8:30! Azia and her cousins Nora and ?, friend Chase, and Koby were having a great time playing outside. Some pizza, cup cakes, icecream, and (by special order of the birthday boy) cheesecake, was all it took to really get the party going. Shain's special gift was a new bike...cool yellow. I wish I had a camera to capture the chocolately smiles and bright eyes. Shain and Savy came over for a sleepover, and before midnight strikes, one last wish, birthday boy, for many more wonderful days!

A couple weeks ago my mother came up into my bed to tuck me in and all that stuff. And right then and there my head came up with something really funny. It was a joke and it went like this..."Hey mom, what do you get when you mix Joseph and Mary?" "I don't know" "Jary!" Emma

Father's Day 2010!

Happy Father's Day to you....Dad, Kevin, Ron, Tom, Brett, almost Brett, John, Chester, and all of the other important men I know who walk these shoes with pride. Although I'll never truly be able to grasp the magnitude of a father's responsibilities, all I can say is how I admire, in particular, my hubby, and all of the amazing things he accomplishes as 'Dad.' I just love that glow in my kids eyes when they look at their daddy. I know the brilliance changes a bit when you're older, but I know I still look to you, Dad, with the same admiration and longing for love. I couldn't have picked a better daddy, or a better man to be the daddy of my kids.

Kev worked at the whatever annual Lincoln Fire Company Father's Day Chicken BBQ today. These guys are great. Great cooking, great pride in their event, and plenty of smiles regardless of the time they gave up with their families to keep this tradition running. Emma and Koby had some friends for a playdate for much of the day. I scrambled as usual to fit in the days events, and complete my week's paper (which of course I didn't start until today) by midnight. Tomorrow begins first official summer camp 2010! Koby is doing everything he can to get out of the week of Summit Soccer....we'll see! Countdown to Loudon is on!

Happy Birthday, Grammy!

You are such a beautiful 94! How do you do it? Tom and Janet hosted a wonderful little party tonight. Sunshine was amazing, food was a close second (although second to none as far as food goes), and the company was charming. I almost said relaxing, but had to think twice. Always tons of excitement with six munchkins. Koby had a little meltdown (too many late nights this week,) but all kids, young and old, seemed to really enjoy the party. Marianne paid Grammy the nicest compliment saying how she (and I'm paraphrasing) is the only person she knows who intently listens to every with interest and affection. Lots of hugs and kisses to go around, some fun gifts, including the coveted chocolate turtles, special art by the kids, lovely pictures, cards, and hopefully a cozy rug for her feet. Grammy, you are amazing. You have walked so many paths, and we are all so blessed to be walking along side of you. Happy Birthday, Anne Butler Cassidy!

NYC to Boston - May 22, 2010

Early start for everyone this morning. Koby and I left Lincoln at 4:15am to catch the Bristol Tours bus to NYC to see Mary Poppins on Broadway. Kevin brought Emma down to Bristol to catch her ride to Boston with Bristol Junior Troop . Emma and her girls had a great time as I understand. They spent all day Saturday at the Boston Museum of Science. Last time we were there was with Kate and crew, and Shanny & Ty two years ago! They spent the night outside the city, and the rest of Sunday at the Colonial Museum. Of course, the best part of the trip was going to the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Emma built a bear named Sophie, and still came home with a few cents in her pocket. Koby, little stinker, never slept a wink the whole way down. He and Jackson, Bridger, and Carly kept each other entertained. We spent some time walking around the city, and then back to Times Square to hit the big ToysRUs. Hopefully the videos work this time! Koby's big purchase was a pick and break your own geode; although he had a ball in the store; especially the Lego section of course! The show, of course, was amazing. Lots of music I didn't know, great singing, acting & dancing, and fantastic lighting! Kobs finally fell asleep at 10:00 pm. ; we were almost home!

First Turn

I drove back from All States in Rutland to play the mom role. Koby had a baseball game in Bristol, where he made his first hit, and they won! This may be the first time I've seen him truly excited about baseball, and I kind of hope he has more moments like that so he can really decide for himself next season if it is something he wants to do or not.

Emma had her softball game in Lincoln, where they also won 7-1. She didn't get a hit, as she was walked for both up-to-bats. She was catcher for the first two innings, and then turned this awesome play on her first pitch in the 3rd inning. She did a great job the next two innings pitching, pretty much shutting Monkton down. Unfortunately I could only be in one place with the camera. Maybe next time baseball.

So the concert starts in 10 minutes. It will be a mere 2 1/2 hours long. Then it's a two hour drive to meet everyone in Lake Placid. I'll miss Emma's games today, but will be there tomorrow!

Close enough to Friday

I guess it's kind of like Friday when you don't have to follow routine schedule....Headed to All States tomorrow morning. So not exactly 'work' routine, but still will be busy with students through Saturday. Then I'll head to Lake Placid to meet up with Kev, Connie, Em and Koby for Mother's Day weekend basketball tournament. Besides watching Em play, the best parts are staying in the hotel....not having to cook or clean for a day! Good enough for me.

Emma and Koby both had their first Spring ball games tonight...sorry, forgot the camera. Koby actually stayed home again from school...up and down for the last two weeks. But since Kev is coaching, Koby went. With only 8 other players on the field, they suited Koby up so they didn't have to forfeit the game. Kev said he was a bit of a space cadet in the outfield, but managed. Emma pitched the first few innings of her game, and had to choke back tears both times. She can be so hard on herself, and a perfectionist to boot. She hit a couple of good balls, and she was catching at the end of the game when her buddy Cori turned the last play to home plate to tag the last runner out. The game ended at 8:00 in a tie, and the girls were pretty excited with their first go 'round.

This week is teacher appreciation week. Lots of yummies have been brought into the office from parents from the various 5-towns. I got an extra special 'appreciation' today. Thanks, mom, for making me feel special. I've been tangled in one of those blue-moon cases that makes you think twice about the job you're doing. So it was nice to have a reason to smile.

Oh yeah...Happy Cinco de Mayo! I didn't really get to celebrate it, but I'm sure someone did! Hope they had one or ten for me...

Locks of Love

Well, we finally got the locks chopped! Emma barely had the 10" to donate, but she loves her new do! She says it feels full and bouncy, and she loves that it comes with little threat of dreadlocks attached!

Erin's baby shower

Beautiful April

Spring Recital

Emma played "Gypsy Dance by Firelight" this evening for her 2010 Spring Piano Recital. She had that one darned part that just didn't go tonight, but she said she enjoyed the evening, wasn't nervous, and still seemed pretty proud of her accomplishments in piano this year. Koby gets credit for the great filming job. We got a beautiful sunset afterwards toboot!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

We were getting ready for bed time Sunday night. I was reading Koby a book, and Emma comes in sporting nothing but her undies. She had a bright look on her face, and said "Mom! I should think of Jesus and Mary when I wear these undies!" With a slightly questioning look on my face, I said "How come, honey?" She pulled up the band on her underwear and said,"See....it says 'Fruit of the loom...just like Jesus is the fruit of Mary's Loom!" I started laughing so hard, and of course had to explain to her that Jesus is the fruit of Mary's womb, not loom.
PRICELESS!

Easter Day

What a glorious Easter Day. Kate and kids came over for a yummy breakfast, and of course a little outside egg hunt. A little sunshine, egg hunt, trampoline, and family....who could ask for anything more! We took a little walk to Uncle Tom and Aunt Janets, and then off to camp where there was more hunting, sunshine, family hang out time, and another yummy traditional ham and potato dinner. It's just too bad that after Sunday comes Monday!

Vigil Mass

Mass tonight was beautiful. I don't quite know why, but I was just elated when we left. I really enjoyed the homily tonight, the atmosphere, family, sitting across the alter from Emma was pretty sweet, and the beautiful day and warm weather certainly helped.

Almost Easter

We are finally getting some egg dying time in! How great is it that we get to sit outside in this beautiful 80 degree April weather! Two hours until Mass. Emma is serving tonight, and I will be playing piano for the service. Now if only there was time to clean the house and take a nap in between!

Blast in Barre

Em and I got up nice and early this morning to head to Barre for the first AAU tournament of the season. Both games were lost, but the girls played the hearts out, and never gave up. Kevin took the Tiger Scouts on a hike, but Koby elected to go to his friend Will's bowling birthday party....never a dull moment!

Weekend Warriors!

One more quick try....it's not quite 11:00pm yet, that's bedtime....

Kev ventured to Tom's Saturday evening to locate the septic tank, and where Kate and kids had been working and playing. Brett had a toothache, which may be infected...Kate will be dealing with that before she heads back to work on Thursday. Sounds like they had a great time with Geeta; burning brush, and attempting to roast the first marshmellows of the season! Savy and Shain spent the night, and we all attended Palm Sunday Mass this morning. It was a long mass, but the kids did great. Emma was supposed to alterserve, but we got there a little late. Em wrote in her journal tonight that the procession around the church was fun, (which even Grandma Cassidy participated in!) and that she and Savannah made nice designs out of their palms. Kev has applied to be a member of Knights of Columbus. We sampled their fine pancakes today after mass. He's wanted to join an organization in which he just gets told what to do, and he carries out the needs. Hopefully he'll hear back soon as to the requirements.

Fun video stuff...If you look in the background of the video, you can see our 'beaver pond.'

Monday always comes too soon....11:10...guess it's time :)

Let's Go Racin'.....part one

The next generation of laRoses has hit the Pinewood Derby. Kevin, Koby, and Emma worked on their cars on and off for the past few months, finishing the final details on Friday where the cars were weighed in an impounded for the big Satruday event. As my first derby experience, I would say the event was very well organized and run. Concessions helped keep hungary belllies happy, and the electronic computer generated brackets helped the event to end full 2 hours before the estimated finish time. Gary Russell gave a nice speech about the track, which Connie's father, James Bouvier, crafted. His story included the fact that it is the only track that Bristol scouts have EVER raced on, and that today his great grandson would be racing on it. Although proud at the LaRose family valient first efforts, it was almost embarrasing to collect the final trophies. Koby took 1st in his division, and 2nd overall, Emma took first (of four) in the sibling category, and received a certificate for best Advertising (she painted the breast care awareness ribbon on the hood of her car), and Kevin took first (of six) in the adult division. None-the-less, the most impressive part of the day was just watching how proud the boys were of their creations and efforts. Seeing Kevin wearing a checkered flag neckercheif complete with racecar bolo is a close second, and certainly priceless!

These videos are still alluding me a bit, but figuring it out will have to wait for another night.....

Racing part II?...Nascar, baby!

Just Dance!

It's just the beginning! Dances, hanging out, boyfriends. Em and I went to Mt. Abe Friday night to see the High School Spring play...which was hilarious, and very well done. Meanwhile down the other end of the first floor, was the 5-6 dance that Savannah was at. Kate ended up at the play, although we didn't see her until afterward. Then it was time to get a sneak peak at Savy at the dance. She has such a great head on her shoulders. I'm not sure what I expected, but when I spotted her in her jeans and cute little country plaid top, I just smiled. She was sweet, and invited Em in to dance for the last 15 minutes. Kate and I giggled at how many people did double takes at the two of us, and even shared stories of mixing the two of us up.....


The first one seemed to go well, but these videos have given me difficulty all weekend. Of course, I was on Connies Mac, which might explain it.

Starting Today

There are so many little things that happen each day. Things that I wish I would have written down, things I'd like to acomplish, things I wish I could share instantly with family and friends. I have a hard enough time keeping up with e-mail and facebook, but I'd like to give the blog thing a shot with the hopes of having an easy way of journaling some of those little things that mean so much.

I got to go to Emma and Koby's assembly this morning. They both had something to share today, so it was a good day to go! Couldn't get Koby's video to work yet, but I think this one of Emma works. We'll see!

Koby has his first big Scouting Pinewood Derby tomorrow. Kevin, Koby, and even Emma (who gets to enter in the sibling category) will all be racing fancy tomorrow. Emma and I are going to the Mount Abe Spring Drama tonight, and hope to catch a glimpse of Savannah at her first big dance!

I've had a student teacher with me for the past two weeks. It's not a full blown student teaching experience, but only part of what she is doing. None-the-less, it's been good experience for me, and I feel good knowing she left with new information, improved skills, and a higher confidence level in her teaching abilities. She is a non-trditional student, making this move to a career she has wanted to do for a ling time, so it's inspiring to watch someone be brave enough to work thought a big change like this at an older age.