Let The Fun Begin

Trey's parents, after many years of service to various Lima establishments, decided to retire this year. Larry retired at the end of April and Dee just a few weeks ago when school finished. Trey and I tossed around the idea of a party for them, but when Cheryl phoned suggesting we throw a surprise party--we were 100% on board. Cheryl & Arlene (Dee's sisters) as well as Trey and I worked together for a few weeks to organize and prepare for the event. We e-mailed invites, booked a room at the bowling alley where Dee & Larry have played on leagues for many years, and worked on decorations. It was a lot of fun corresponding with everyone and I'm touched by the number of people (close to 60) that attended the event. We weren't sure whether or not we'd surprise Trey's parents, but by the picture below--it was definitely a successful surprise on Sunday, June 13, 2010!

Of course, the surprise party wasn't the only surprise. Trey's parents had NO idea that Danny and Cheryl were also attending the retirement party. As soon as Trey's parents entered the room, Danny phoned Larry and asked what he was doing.

Larry was so busy describing the scene to Danny, that he didn't realize Danny was standing next to him--what a wonderful surprise!

Meanwhile, Cheryl was dishing out a surprise of her own to Dee. I'd say she was successful in surprising her sister :)!!

Dee, with her sisters, Cheryl and Arlene.

Cheryl asked Noah to read a silly story that she found. When asked the night before, Noah eagerly agreed and even practiced a few times. Both of Trey's parents had watery eyes as Noah read his story. Noah, we're really proud of you--great job!

The theme of the party, "things that don't work anymore". The tables were decorated with the places where Dee and Larry worked--Lima Tank Plant, school, Lima News... Arlene created the poster behind the cake. The picture on the cake is of Trey's parents and Sheah in front of their new travel trailer.

It's not often that Trey and I have our picture taken--thanks Alexander. And, I love the picture of Trey's parents with Trey and Chris--again, not many opportunities for a family picture.

Dee and Larry enjoying their many retirement cards and gifts. And finally, a picture with the grandkids. Dee & Larry, we wish you the very best as you begin a new chapter--may the best be yet to come! Love you!

"Eat My Bubbles"

Noah decided that this summer he was going to become a WJC Poolcat. He's been practicing since June 1st (before school ended) and I'm amazed at how quickly his strokes have improved. He attended his first meet on Saturday, June 12, 2010 swimming two individual events (25m back and 25m free) as well as two relays (100 IM and 100 Free Relay). COSA meets occur on Saturday mornings and are for the swimmers who have not competed previously and are new to swim team. At the start of the season, the coaches indicated that Noah would most likely only swim the Saturday meets. So, when Noah was invited to swim Wednesday evening (June 16th) at the GCSL meet, we were stunned! He was so excited to be invited and better yet, the meet was at home!

Swimming freestyle and then taking a break until his next event.

To help keep the meets running smoothly and to prevent a lot of yelling, swimmers are encouraged to write their names on their backs. Some take it to the next level and add phrases such as, "Eat My Bubbles". One family has a talented artists in the house--they have poolcats on their arms.

Getting ready to begin his leg of the relay. It's important to wait for your teammate to touch the wall before you begin, so you're not DQ'd.

Swim Noah Swim!

Ready, Set---DIVE!

Thumbs up, pinkies down--backstroke talk

Great job swimming Noah!







A proud and very happy Noah received his first swim ribbons on Monday, June 15, 2010--2nd and 3rd place for his relay teams!

Jacquemin Farms for Strawberries

Strawberries, such a beautiful fruit-love the bright red contrasting against the green bushes. But, oh the taste--eewwww! As a child, I remember my mother fixing strawberries for my sister and I regularly throughout the summer; just berries with a sprinkle of sugar on top--yummy. But, I'm not sure what happened between childhood and adulthood. Each summer I taste one strawberry, and each summer I spit it back out! YUCK! So, my friends found it quite strange that I would accept a strawberry picking invitation, but you know what, picking strawberries is a lot of fun--it's the eating them that isn't all that great :)!

Noah and Eli--best pals

Claire showing Alexander all the strawberries she found while Graham looks on.

Rather reluctantly, the kids pause for a quick group picture.

Enjoying a cold lemon or strawberry icee after an afternoon of strawberry picking at Jacquemin Farms.

School's Out--It's Officially Summer!

YAY--it's summer! I have to admit in January/February when all the snow was endlessly falling and we were constantly shoveling, I thought summer would NEVER arrive. Yet, it's here! The boys have had an incredible year and we're proud of their many accomplishments in 8th grade and 4th grade. Congratulations boys!!

Alexander--June 8, 2010--final day of 8th grade. Noah, pictured below, with some of his neighborhood bus stop friends.

Noah on the playground after enjoying the 4th grade picnic.

After the final school day ended, my friend and I decided that we should celebrate with milkshakes from Steak N Shake. MMMM...good!

Longaberger

I've lived in the Columbus, Ohio area, off and on, for a total of 7 years and have never ventured the hour East to visit Longaberger. That is...until Thursday! My friend Joan, a former Longaberger consultant, and I travelled to Dresden, Ohio to visit Longaberger--a family owned business. Their office building is shaped like the Medium Market Basket, but is 160 times larger! The building is approximately 180,000 squ. ft. and 7 stories. The handle weighs 150 tons and is heated to prevent ice from forming. It truly is an awesome sight!

The interior of the office building is equally as impressive. The first floor is divided into areas showcasing how to incorporate the baskets into various spaces in your home. A grand staircase is the center of attention on the first floor. The top of the building is all glass and Joan indicated that one of the Longabergers wanted the ceiling to open like a basket, but logistically it would have been a construction nightmare.

After visiting the office building, we headed further East to visit the Longaberger Homestead. Joan and I meandered through the sale area, decided on a few purchases and then it was time for me to make my own basket!

My weaving assistant, Cindy, was incredibly friendly and has been working at Longaberger for 17 years! She typically weaves the larger pieces, specifically the oversize waste cans which typically take about an hour for her to weave. Let's just say, I'd probably still be there working on a project that large! We had Michigan fans next to us working on a "Go Blue" basket, so it seemed fitting that I should work on a "Go Bucks" basket for our basement Buckeye area.

I wove 3 rows of warm brown before weaving in "scarlet and gray" and then concluding with another 3 rows of warm brown.

After weaving the first several layers, I used a hammer and special tool to "tap, tap, tap" the "loops" in my basket. By tapping the loops, the woven bands are brought closer together, diminishing the spaces between rows.

I finished the remaining 3 rows of warm brown and then "tap, tap, tapped" again.

Cindy started the top band for my basket, and left instructions to tap into place the decorative tacks. I chose "OSU" on the sides and two footballs under each side of the basket handle.

Since, I'm clearly an amateur in basket weaving, Cindy was quick to fix my minor mistakes. She straightened a couple tacks that I couldn't, and then gave them a final "whack" to make sure they were truly secure.

The handle requires a special tool, Cindy took care of adding the handle to my Buckeye basket.

Joan and I with my completed basket! I'm so happy that I chose to make a basket--it was lots of fun! I have a new respect for the ladies who make baskets for a living. While it was entertaining to make one, I'm not sure I would have the extended patience to make more!

After basket weaving, we ventured to the Homestead restaurant for a yummy lunch. I loved noticing all the baskets tucked throughout the Homestead. The flowers are creatively placed in baskets and a HUGE basket of apples is the center of the small village.

I had a wonderful visit to the Longaberger Homestead and hope to return some day soon.