COUSINS CRAFT EVENING

GOOD FRIENDS/FAMILY

from left to right... Aspen, Jenny, Patsy, and Elease

Our second cousins craft event was at our house in PC. We're actually making it a reoccurring event thanks to Amy's original day back in March. We had so much fun in their new house in Midway making sequined Easter eggs. Aunt Ann's won the prize!

Our attendees were...

Sue, Greytl, Oliver, Ellie, and Calvin

Grandma Gayle

Aunt Lynn and Elease

Amy, Jenny, and Aspen

Patsy and Me

Special Guests...

Greg, Ron, Crew, and Brady

Missing...

Pollyanna, Aunt Ann, Carolyn, and Dawn

The crafts were bookmaking and wire bird's nests. We worked hard and came up with some clever final products. The girls seem to have that instant familial bond and had a great time working together!

The big girls helped Ellie make a picture frame and Gretyl stayed at the table and listened to the talk. Turns out she was a bit fevered...poor girl.
Finished books on display.
Patsy's halloween book...so cute!

PS... we all loved Sue's and Gma's Bird Nests! Amy especially admired Gayle's.

Jambo from P4 On July 22, 2011, in 2011 trip

P4 is fourth from the right...blue shirt.
P4 in the same blue shirt on the left.

Jambo from P4

On July 22, 2011, in 2011 trip

To absolutely describe Free the Children would take pages and pages, but I experienced it firsthand within 30 minutes. As we strolled through the old town’s school, education was the last thing it reminded me of. There was dirt on the floor, walls, and ceiling, and chickens passing by every couple of minutes. So when Jill and Tobiko led us into the new school it was a shock to me. I realized that all the program’s accomplishments led to one goal. To, in fact, “Free the Children.”

One last thought. When I came to Africa, I thought I would feel bad for all the people and then go back and have to convince everybody to help. No. i am seeing what free the children is doing and I am excited, happy, inspired. Now I wish that i could stay here. I love it here and all of the people. Even though I may get blisters when I walk in the kenyan’s shoes, where they take me, brings beautiful surprises.

-p4

(name has been altered at the request of the boss)

Things are Looking Better at Berridge!

My first glimpse of progress! Three new inches of concrete laid over the existing foundation and out to the back patio. We will have stained concrete floors again! Everyone is celebrating!

Mark Klopenstein oversaw the work for Greg. He sent photos throughout the day to ease Greg's mind. A job well done...Thanks, Mark!

Remodel vs Teardown

Honestly, we intended to just remodel!

Greg sent me this photo and I was shocked, overwhelmed, and speechless. What happened to remodeling...Greg? I dug down deep and put all my trust into his decision!

I guess the old walls couldn't hold the new trusses without a lot of work and expense. Eventually, Greg convinced me starting anew was the best choice. Really, the thought of sleeping in someone else's space just creeps him out.

Why should I have expected anything less!

Excerpts from an email to Greg from a new neighbor. We aim to please.

Greg - I was delighted to hear from you and thoroughly enjoyed the intro of you, Kristin, and your brood! I have been traveling and apologize that I didn't get back to you sooner and look forward to "sharing you" with the rest of Rose-Ridge. I don't know if you can tell yet or not - but in my opinion, you have stumbled into the best place imaginable to live and raise your children. Even though the latter is pretty much behind you, the years you have ahead at Brophy will be incredibly enriched and enhanced by your new location. We raised a nephew who went to BCP and my husband oversaw the recent construction projects as a volunteer and thoroughly enjoyed all of his association w/ the school.

I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I and all the other neighbors will be that your remodeling project will reflect the "style" of the existing houses. That is a challenge for new owners but the old owners are forever grateful that the tone of what we all value stays strong.

MORE OF THE ORIGINAL BERRIDGE HOME

      We spent the morning showing Gpa & Gma Falck the new house. They like it! After we ate lunch at LaGrande Cafe. We love the tuna sandwich on 9 Grain. The next morning we were off to Carlisle, PA for Patsy's Graduation.

            Entry Way...Lovely Leaded Glass Windows

Funky Pantry...loved the floors and great little chandelier!

          Laundry room and another unique chandelier...

Grandpa Mike in the family room/ old garage. 

How many can the Murphy bed sleep? 

We lifted up the carpet to check on the possibility of concrete floors. The findings were ugly! Rough and very oily...very bleak.  

                         Patrick's Room

               

               Burlap Curtains & Light Blue Walls

Peter's Room

                                          Bonus...a door to the backyard!

Two Closets and everyone likes the black and white tile 

except of course...Pete.

Remembering the original home on Berridge

Backyard Views...Room for a LAX Field!

Powder Bath

Entry...Greenish stucco. 

Lone fireplace needs a major redo!

Nice Kitchen...gone.

Located on front wall of home.

Would be boys tub! Rebel!

Pink master? Never!

Master Bath

Warped word floors...Greg went enviro and we are using them 

in the office and master!

GREG'S PROJECT 2011

Sometime in early April P5 was accepted to ST Francis Xavier for 7th grade, we bought a new house, sold our existing house, and started renovation plans for the Berridge home. After lot's of prayer and even fasting we we received these answers in a short 2 week span! The thought of leaving Ahwatukee after 20 years has been quite unsettling and yet exciting. I have many friends I love and adore and will truly miss the convenient lunches, walks, and grocery store chats. Promises of meeting at LOG(La Grande Orange) for breakfast or lunch keep me happy.

Fortunately, the 5P's are thrilled to make the change. After taking P1, P2, and P3 to see Berridge they convinced me that 1 guest room would be enough for them to still visit the "Valley of the Sun". In fact I think the access to the "down town" restaurants and activities is even more enticing! Of course P4 and P5 are relishing the idea of being close to their school campus and the new friends they have made. Maybe, P4 will even host a party!

As for Greg, his love for Berridge started small but, after his decisions to tear down and start anew, he is sucked in and loving it!