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!