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!