It's Been Awhile. . . So Here Goes!

I finally have some extra time so I can blog once again. This entry goes way back. These first pictures are of Gabe the morning of July 24th. John had the day off, but he didn't get to see the fireworks. So, we decided to go find a spot to watch the parade. We found a great spot! The wall of the old down-town library was shady the entire time, and we were able to park just a couple of blocks away. We took a cooler of treats and jug of water, and thoroughly enjoyed our morning. It wasn't crowded there, either. It would be a great spot if we wanted to get everyone together next year.

Gabe got bored waiting for the parade to start. He found some snails, put them all together and said, "Look, Mom! They're racing!" I was vaguely disgusted, but he was having fun.
On August 8th, Madison and Morgaine gave a piano recital that they had worked hard on for quite awhile. Thanks to everyone who was able to come and support them. It was a great way for Madi to end her summer and get ready for school. Now she is a working girl and full-time student. She is really busy these days.

Robyn Korones is Madi's piano teacher. Both girls did a great job. They even got to play on a full concert Steinway Grand piano!

Ok, Now on to the ever-present construction project. I'm sure Jenny and Jim can relate here. Here is a picture reminding you what the demolition looked like. We finally got the handy-man to finish his part of the job. The tile in the shower looks great. Last week John was able to get the painting done, too. These 2 pictures are pre-paint.


Here are the pictures with the color on the walls. Now we just have to get the counter-top, sink and medicine cabinet put in.

And here's another picture of the kitchen, still without countertops. It is really a good thing my Mom lives on the other side. I still miss having a kitchen on our side, but at least it's a workable thing to have Mom's kitchen.

School has now started. Gabe was so excited to go to school! He's in KINDERGARTEN, and he tells everyone he meets. He struggled a bit with the new day care, but I think he is adjusting there, too. We're keeping a close eye on his behavior and listening to what he tells us about what happens. The feather is one we found at the park last night.

One of the first days at day care they did face painting. Dad wasn't home, so we took this picture and then he wanted it off his face!

Ok, so my life has taken on a whole new dimension as Gabe has homework every evening. It's not so bad on normal days. John, Mom, and even Madi can help with his letters and reading. The tough part comes when I don't have normal weeks: 2 Back to School Nights in one week make it a bit tough to get all his work done. If we have anything going in the afternoon and evenings, there just isn't enough time. Stacy, how do you do this with 3 students and everything else?! My plan is to double up on assignments on nights we are home so we can take care of other matters on occasion.

I've given Sara some old pictures of Madi, Arden and Leslie. She is scanning them for me, and then I will be able to put them on the blog, too. Thanks!

Well, that is about it for now. My life is a basic routine. Not much happening. Everyone take care and know we think of you.