Month: July 2010

Well, it happened this weekend. Grant, Jami and the kids moved into their new old house. Jami finished her 2 weeks of school Friday afternoon. Grant and friends moved all of the stuff out of the storage place on Thursday afternoon and were done by Friday at noon.

I stopped by this morning after church to see how last night went, sleeping in their own beds. Jami has done amazing things to that house already. Fiona was busy fixing up her room. Each room has it’s own fireplace and mantle, and Fiona has her nutcracker men, the little wooden toy house set from my house and numerous other things on her mantle. She has the guest bed and her bed in her bedroom. The bedrooms are enormous. Michael is thrilled with his bedroom and it’s almost put together, too. He has his bed and a sofa in his bedroom. The living room with the humongous TV is all set up in time for Grant to watch the final day of the British Open. The house really is nice, though about 130 years old. Colors of the bedrooms are great. It’s just been painted in the last year. So, they’ve successfully moved again. Wonder how long they will be in this house?

I will miss those smiling faces in the mornings when I get up. Saturday morning Fiona and Michael got up about 7:00 and Jami and Grant slept in until after 8. By the time I came out of my room (after showering, etc.) at 7:40, they were both right outside my room grinning. Fiona has fixed their breakfast, they had eaten, and they had opened all of the blinds. Pretty good for ages 8 and 6!

Jeb’s birthday was yesterday, so Kathy invited the Athen’s Cashins to a birthday lunch on Sunday. We were invited to be there at 12:30. Grant has been itching to get a convertible and saw one in his price range on Craig’s List Saturday. He called the seller and since it was in Roswell, thought it would be a good idea to just “take a look at it” (with checkbook in hand) on the way to the birthday party. He, Jami and kids went to Roswell in the van. Of course, Grant drove the Miata right on over to Jeb’s house. Jeb said he would always remember his birthday when Grant got a convertible.

Then, Ted’s present to Jeb was a slip-n-slide for children up to age 12, weight to 80 lbs. Of course, this was Grant’s suggestion. So, Fiona and Michael got to try out the slip-n-slide in Jeb’s front yard. I was glad to see Claire get on her bathing suit, then Danny – and yep, they both slipped and slid with Fiona and Michael. Funny!

We had such a nice afternoon with Kathy, Jeb, Danny, Kelly, Claire and Ted. Good lunch, then we ended up at their neighborhood pool and stood around in chest high water with our Bud with lime canned beers, in kuzies, of course.

This is an email I wrote Nicole the other day and I think it would be a good continuation of the Athens in July story:

Never a dull moment here in Athens! Fiona and I went to the YMCA for Silver Sneakers this morning and she worked out with 4 pound weights!!! Amazing. I just use 5 lbs. She enjoys the classes and all of the Seniors really think she is adorable.

Then we went to Memorial Park Zoo. They have a couple of 32 week old bears and they are so cute and playful.

Then we picked Michael up at 2:00 (early) from Y Camp and went to the library for a pirates program. They colored parrots and attached them to clothespins, and clipped them to their shoulders.

Got home about 4:00 and gave Fiona another sewing lesson. She made Jami a pocket bag on the sewing machine.

Michael was so hot because he sat in the car and read for about 15 minutes (doors open), and he took a nap and threw up on the sofa and rug. Poor thing. He had to have a bath.

Fiona went to swim practice then she and Jami went to Five Star Day Cafe and brought Grant back a huge plate of chicken, rice and collard greens and a biscuit. He stayed here and read to Michael.

Now this is just one day. Every day is jammed. Tomorrow morning Fiona is suppose to go to county try outs and they have to leave here about 7. Michael is suppose to go, too, but no telling how he will feel in the morning.

(Written Friday, 7/9)

Grant and Jami and kids moved in with me eleven days ago. It’s fun to be a part of their family while they are in between houses. They are VERY busy with activities and it’s good they are young! The children have swim practice from 5:30-7:00 on week nights and swim meets have been on Wednesdays. Now, they are winding down with no meet tonight but I think one next week.

Jami is in school for this week and next, working on her Teaching Certificate. Michael is in the YMCA camp for 2 weeks and Fiona and I are hanging out together this week. Next week, Fiona will be in trapeze camp in the mornings and that will be for 2 weeks. Michael learned to ride a bike on Monday, July 5th! He is so excited about it that he wants to have a party to celebrate every July 5th from now on. I have a great dead end street where he learned to ride and it’s very safe.

Ted came over on Sunday to celebrate July 4th and the new grill. We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. He also installed a new 42″ TV that I had bought on Saturday. I could not read the scores of tennis from the sofa with the 32″ TV that I bought in March! Michael is crazy about UT! And, I think UT really likes Michael. They play very nicely together.

Fiona and I did the Silver Sneakers class together in the YMCA this morning and she likes it and wants to go again. She kept up great, using 3 pound weights! Then we went to the Army Store and Normal Hardware. That hardware store is like walking into my past! It’s a fun place to shop. Andrew will love the Army Store when he gets to come to Athens.

Now, Fiona is coloring the play dough ornaments that she made yesterday. She wants to watch Grandaddy’s 70th birthday party tape after lunch. She was 2! Michael was not hatched yet.

To be continued.