Here we sit...

Well, we actually haven't done too much sitting and we're still in Cabot instead of moving up closer to Greers Ferry! We've been to our lot about once a week, been out to dinner with Kathy & Bill Corroum (other Monaco owners who live nearby in Jacksonville), had several dinners with our daughter and son-in-law and done LOTS of running around!

We've been furniture "looking" (too early to actually be shopping since we have NOWHERE to store anything we might buy)! We've looked at exteriors of homes to get ideas, interiors to get more ideas, riding lawn mowers, doors, windows, pool tables, appliances, furniture etc. etc. etc.! I've finally resorted to bringing my camera with me almost everywhere so I can remember what we saw and what we looked at!

What we've finally decided is that everything moves at a slower pace than we are used to. Might be more typical than we know of since it's been over 30 years since Don last built a house from scratch! We hope to break ground last this week!

Our plans have been drawn and everything's been approved! Bad news for our motorhoming friends! We had hoped to have two full hook-up spots but our lot is only perked for a 3-bedroom house. I guess they "see" motorhomes as having two bedrooms so with two spots that's four additional bedrooms! So forget the sewer! As far as two spots go...our house is very long with the RV garage on one side and the other garage running sideways. One spot is all we could manage because of the same aforementioned septic system, but if we ever have two motorhomes at one time (besides ours which will be in the garage), one will be parked in front of the RV garage with water and electric! Oh well...I know we can all "dry" camp for a few days and heck, the price is right! :-)

This picture shows Greers Ferry Lake. We will live in Emerald Isle. The heading for it is at the bottom left hand corner pointing up. Emerald Isle is on what is known as "the Narrows".

Ashleigh's Dance Recital - June 2007

A few light moments backstage before the recital! I have always stayed backstage with Ashleigh's class (this year her particular class is only 3 girls). It gives me special time to spend with Ashleigh and I know she enjoys it as well! I see her recital from a different perspective (I see it from the side, but up close and personal...behind the curtain)!

The picture above was taken during their dress rehearsal from the front of the stage! I wasn't in any of the parents way while they were watching thier kids perform! :-)

Between dances! The kids are too young to be nervous! I bring coloring books, cards, etc. to keep them entertained! This year they were also entertained watching the older girls warm-up and practice since we were all in the same large room! The oldest girls in the performance were high school. I also change their cotumes, change their hair, fix their make-up and anything else that needs to be done!

This was also taken during thier dress rehearsal. It's part of their dance. I think she's letting go of a bird! They danced barefoot in this dance instead of wearing thir pink ballet shoes!

A Sponge Bob Birthday!

We may have missed getting to Arkansas before Ashleigh's birthday but we didn't miss her 6th birthday party which was the following week! Kim and Tim had rented a bounce house for her birthday and until just an hour or so before...we didn't know if the party was going to be inside or out! A thunderstorm a few hours before the "start" but everything cleared up and dried off in time for the party!

Ashleigh had a great time and got lots of fun presents! I think even the adults had a good time!

A funny story...Kim asked if I would "face paint" the kids at Ashleigh's party, so the day before I pulled out my paints and brushes and came up with some simple "kid" designs. That night I polished my skills by painting all the designs on my hand and then a piece of construction paper so the kids could choose what they wanted! Now, I've painted a lot of different surfaces, but never moving, wiggly kids! Ashleigh was first and choose a ladybug on her cheek! It was to be her first of many! The kids lined up and patiently waited for their turn. Before I was even done with half of them, others were back in line for more! Ashleigh was so proud of her grandma! She told me (more than once) and her friends "my grandma is such an artiste". <-- not artist mind you, but "artiste". She asked me how I got to be so good! It really made my head swell! :-) The face painting was a BIG hit! Some of the kids had 6 or 7 things painted on their cheeks, hands and arms! It was too cute!