Dewsbury Fam

Because its winter

2008-12-09T17:36:00.001-06:00

He never makes the blog so here is Bryceeee the Great in his winter Best. After a day of Sledding. Did I mention he is a kindergardener. Holy Cow I cant believe he is so big.

The 7 Mile hike

2008-12-09T17:24:00.003-06:00

These are just some pics Kaija took on her and Maggies 7 mile hike in the Tetons this summer. The Most exciting part was the Brown Bear they saw right off the trail. He was a cub about 2 or 3 years old. They didnt stick around to get a picture just incase mom was still around somewhere. Kaija took tons of really great flower pictures

OK this one made it off the Soccer Blog

2008-08-26T08:43:00.002-05:00

This game Kaija played in was Brilliant for her. She was all super Star. We had a blast watching her take on 4 players and win the ball. This is why I get so jazzed about soccer.

Happiness

2008-08-26T08:39:00.003-05:00

I seriously want to look and feel that happy. I think I would feel young everyday of my life if I laughed like that. Evie is just laughing up a storm in her pictures. I love to see all of the recent photos of her. It does remind me of how much I wish I could see my niece and nephew more often. KEVIN...Job KC!!!!!

Our Friends the Benichs

2008-08-20T12:26:00.002-05:00

Back in the beginning of the summer my good friend Jamie had her 4th son Michael Benich. This is a picture of all the boys. Nathan to the left, Matthew in the Middle, Kaija's man Connor holding Michael. They were great friend from Kansas til they went home to UT. We get to visit when we go west and they have been to visit us. They are the best. Jam is the best mom. It looks like it has been a year of babies for my friends some have reminded me of this and asked or thought rather that it must be my turn. Sorry guys I'm thinking the diaper stage has sailed now that I have tasted independance and virtually gone broke from all of their activities and coaching fees. Besides I got my boy and have my great girls I am more than good with what I have.

Many faces of Kaija

2008-08-20T12:17:00.005-05:00

Wow Kaija, Too big for a mothers heart. Almost 11, ready to babysit and showing every sign of being a young lady. Here are some hilarious clips of her making crazy poses one day before we went out somewhere. She loves to be crazy. Its the daddy person in her. She loves his crazy stories and being wacky and zaney, definately not her mother. Cute just the same. I think only parents like this stuff but pictures always tell something about someone.

My sweet Niece

2008-08-20T12:12:00.003-05:00

Mom and Dad retired in June, so Cady brought Coel and Eve for the party in their honor. I just could'nt get enough of my little Evie. She is so petite and delicate and the girls just eat her up. Cady and I went to visit a friend that is going through some of the same things Cady went through with Caed and Kaija got to baby sit. She played with her and held her and when the girls went to get ready for dinner they took her upstairs to teach her all about being a cute little girl. We only wish we saw them all more often.

Summer Update

2008-07-15T14:03:00.002-05:00

Well before we continue on catching up with all that has happened for the D fam, this post is dedicated to what we are doing with out the pics. It has been a busy summer, but isnt it always. We started out with soccer camps, of which Kaija thought didnt count for doing anything this summer. Then Soccer Tryouts, both girls made new premier teams with Shawnee. We took a trip to Hilsdale for a sea dooing excursion and Ventured to Illinois for some 4th of July Mayhem. POOF summer half over.

We have been to the pool a bit but the one thing driving me absolutely insane was that thus far I had not accomplished anything other than new landscaping. I thought the summer would provide lots of time for extra work on the house. Not so much. Following after the babes and making sure beds are made and chores are done followed up by making sure they are entertained. Then.........Kaija and Meg left for Idaho and Wyoming with mom and Dad. We decided to stay behind and get some work done and save our Vacay for a better time.

WOW...did I say WOW we have been cruisen through work on the house. Garage cleaned (chore needed of Dewsbury families after a long awaited time) That was mandatory after my new car got Hail damage. Shelves in basement, built...with Dad's carpentry expertise. Stairs and Kitchen being painted, old truck sold...... I could go on forever, and that has all been done since Friday. I am going to be so tired by the time the girls get back. I did take one major spill. You know when the three stooges are doing something and they slip on a broom or something on the ground that rolls. Well, yep I was that stooge. I had a drawer in my hand of Kaija's and was on the phone with Bryce, and He had just asked me how my day was when.... up into the air and down on my head I came. I must have hit my back and shoulder too because I could barely move for like three days. Makes life interesting I guess.

Well thats the drawn out/quick version of the Dewsbury summer. Lots to do lots of fun, lots of Kansas sun.

Mother's Day

2008-06-25T10:37:00.002-05:00

Mother's Day was fun. Kaija made a cake and decorated it. Then it was pretty funny, they sang me "Happy Mother's Day" they forgot it wasnt a birthday song at the end and everyone laughed.

Landscaping Progress

2008-06-25T10:06:00.007-05:00

This summer we have undertaken outdoor rehab as well as indoor. Of course I cant remember the last time I was able to continue a project in the house. I hired a landscape designer from our favorite nursery and he drew up an awesome plan for the front of the house. He even put it in stages so we could do it as we had time. I am starting to understand the construction industry though, no matter what the deadline was for something we always fell short. We used a sod cutter and transplanted sod to bare spots in the back and then Bryce turned the soil by hand. He was outside until midnight for several nights. Kansas clay really locks up the soil. Then he tilled and turned again. My "landscaping boyfriend" as Bryce likes to call him, came by and the plants werent even in yet! I got them in that day though. It is ongoing work and we still have several bushes to go in this weekend but It is so nice to have something out there.

As for Bryce on the Ladder, Well he has helped dad cut down the enourmous tree. That ladder has been up against that tree for what seems like an eternity. But....sigh...sigh...we are almost done.

It will be that much better when the rotting Maple is all the way down. That is another one of Bryces Suicidal late night projects. The neighbors think he is nuts. Should you decide to fix up a house you may want to see our blog from time to time to examine your sanity first. The outcome will be fabulous in 2020!!!

Meeting old friends again

2008-06-04T20:44:00.004-05:00

One of the Highlights other than the incredible experience with the Costlows was being able to see Jake Thompson and Christy (Walsh) Dunville. It was great to see them both. I havent seen any of them for 9 1/2 years, when we loaded up the uhaul and moved to Kansas. I dont think I slept hardly at all when I visited them at their homes. Jake has a great Fiancee and Christy has a beautiful family. We laughed so hard and had such a great time. I cant wait to visit with them again.

Christy and I laughed so hard the whole time I was there. Her husband was so understanding, I wish I had a picture of Baby Grace, she is beautiful.

Jake met with us all for lunch and then I went to his place and ran into a few more blasts from the past. Thanks for the Sushi guys!!!

Can you see Nator in the background of this picture? His shirt says " I still live with my parents" Em and Kyle are always a riot to visit with. Her blog is great too. They are in the process of moving back to Indy from Chicago. Em is expecting Bartlett number 2. Yeah Kyle and EM!!!

CATEY COSTLOW

2008-06-04T20:17:00.007-05:00

Baby Catey Noel Costlow

Being there for Heather, Mark and Catey while they were getting ready for Catey and for the Birth was awesome!!! Heather and I enjoyed some much needed, and long overdue friend time and it was so great to see Momma Heather in action. Catey came at the very end of my trip. I had to be back here in KC for the Andre Rieu concert with the whole fam. I was so shocked when Heather asked me to be with she and Mark on the big day. I even jumped the gun with them when she had pre labor contractions. I guess it was the excitement of the whole event. You would never know Ive had 3 babies. We had dinner together Tuesday night before she had Catey, the last supper before kids, then we went to Ambrosia where Mark was working for some awesome desserts.

BFF's Always

DANCE TO THE MUSIC

2008-04-15T20:37:00.007-05:00

Beller Dance Presents Magdalen Dewsbury

In "Hey Good Lookin What you Got Cookin?" and

a 1980's footloose mix Father Daughter dance.

Maggie was also asked to join Beller's Bounders the Competive Gymnastics team at the end of last year. This made last year the end of her dance productions and the last recital

Maggie is currently finishing out her first year as a level 3 gymnast and has competed in her first

competition.

Father Daughter Dance Video below

Video---Yep: Bryce had to Dance

DON'T FEED THE MONKEYS!!!

2008-04-15T20:25:00.003-05:00

Jeremy and Blake were over one day playing with Bryce. When I looked out the window this is what I saw. 3 Monkeys climbing in the trees. Having a blast. Although Jeremy looks a little tired or discouraged. Blake was practically posing.

Preschool at BJF

2008-04-14T23:04:00.003-05:00

BRYCE'S
Last day of
Preschool

Teachers: Miss Barb, Miss Sarah
and Miss Carol with Bryce

Kaija's Piano Recital

2008-04-14T22:56:00.003-05:00

Celeste Olson and Kaija's Piano Class
Annie, Logan, Celeste, Kaija, and Patrick.

Aunty Ediths Funeral

2008-04-14T22:41:00.004-05:00

Mom and Grandma and Grandpa.

Below, mom and her cousins and Joanne, Ediths only daughter is in the blue dress to the right.

Below that is me, Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa and one of moms other cousins and his wife.

Two summers ago I was able to meet Grandpas sister Edith who lived in Suburban Salt Lake and her daughter mom's cousin Joanne. These are the pictures from her funeral in May that Mom took me out for. We flew in to Idaho Falls to get Grandma and Grandpa and then drove down with them to UT. Mom had not seen many of these cousins aunts and uncles since I was a baby. Check out the size of some of the ladies. If you ever wonder where my height comes from now you know. I was also excited to see Jamie Benich. a great friend of mine who moved from Kansas back to Lehi when her husband finished school at KU.

Easter 2007

2008-04-14T22:21:00.002-05:00

Cady and Kevin and Coel came to KC for Easter last year. We enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt after we went to church. Then we went to mom and dads for dinner and FAT ROLLS Kaija and Kevins favorite.

Can Puppies really come Now????

2008-04-14T21:31:00.007-05:00

Momma Cloe

Ok remember to my friends and family, I am doing some serious catch up for the last year. I am finding myself with some free time to add to my blog and I am backtracking a little. So Cloe and Race our Lab mix with? and our Rat terrier (Cloe), didnt get to the vet quite in time and puppies were on the way. Cloe gave birth the day of our first showing!!!!! What an insane day. On top of that she is not a large dog and she had 6 healthy and good size puppies. I had to put her in Kaijas room so she would not feel uncomfortable and when she was done quickly moved her to the cage in the garage. It was Nuts but we got it done in time. Here are some of our favorite shots of our kids. Cloe, Race, oddball, whiner (now samson our neighbor at our new home) Daddy's boy, daddy's girl, and Olie who is a Martiny family member now.

DADDY RACE

L: Kaija and Samson Whiner Thyss, R: Daddy was always so good at playing with pups. He was always a target for their games. Bottom: Olie Martiny Below Sam again

odd ball and daddy's boy.

The Neighborhood kids gather with the pups for one last time before we moved.

Saying Goodbye to our First House

2008-04-14T20:18:00.009-05:00

5110 CHARLES ST

Saying goodbye to our tiny first home was so much harder than I thought it would be. I wish we had pictures up of what it looked like before we started fixing it up five years ago. I have pictures in several locations, perhaps some day I will put them up here too. We sold the house very quickly which was nice, but every once and a while little B asks if we can move back to our old house. I find it funny that he of all people ask to move back, because he did not have his own room and it was mostly decorated for Magdalen.

The year before we moved was the most productive of course. A hail storm brought some hail dammage and allowed for new siding. Finally I got my light tan and black I had imagined in my head. We then were able to replace the roof. I wish I had pictures of this. Bryce and James, my dad and some other friends lent a hand and we finished rather fast.

The backyard,... the reason we fell in love. Two lot sizes practically. We loved it. It provided great shade with our many trees and great sun in the back for our landscaped gardens. The Fall on the other hand was a time of tree anxiety. We loved it all the same.

Essentially the living room stayed the same for the last few years. We painted, but the major changes happend in the beginning when we ripped the carpeting up for the lovely hardwood floors. Floors I might add Bryce sanded with a hand sander. I think in the new house I'll contract that out!!!

This by far is one of our Greatest achievements of our Charles home. This was originally a garage when we moved in. We had two separate attatched garages. We decided one was suficient and the space far more desirable. Our washer and dryer were already being used in the garage. We built closets and drywalled everything and layed carpet. It was our family room and computer, craft room for me. Our Washer/Dryer had not been enclosed and we had talked of doing it for years. Our realtor suggested it, so we did it while we were starting to get it ready to put it on the market in about 2 weeks time. I could not believe how good it looked. I wish we would have done it sooner.

BRYCE AND BRYCEE WORK TO GET THE CLOSET DONE

The kitchen was a redo as well. We replaced the old furnace with a Lennox for the Attic and a Heat Pump. We turned the closet into the pantry I wanted for 5 years. I enjoyed it for 6 months anyway. We changed out all of the appliances to black and stainless and We added a microwave where there was none a dishwasher and disposal where there were none as well. The floor is just plain laminate grey black tiles but it tied together well. It looked so much better.

The Girls

2007-10-04T10:03:00.000-05:00

Magdalen Abigail. Taken sometime in september

Kaija and Sprinkle

A few moments with Baby Graham Morley Dewsbury III

The First day of School

Im not sure what Maggie was supposed to be but looks like she was a purple and green troll.

Baking with style

Maggie at the BIG RED BARN

2007-10-04T09:42:00.000-05:00

Blue Jacket Flint- Mrs. Strahm's Class

This year the first grade classes from our school, Blue Jacket Flint attended the Big Red Barn in Weston, MO. They enjoyed a tour of the huge field Maze, learned all about Apple care and harvesting, and even got to take a pumpkin home fromthe pumpkin patch. I was lucky enough to attend. We had a great time.

A day on the farm is not complete with out all the fun animals

Maggie and Michelle. Maggies best friend

A few slides down the Hay bale.

Hay ride to the pumpkin patch-down hill. We walked back. Up Hill!!!

Shawnee BBQ

2007-10-04T08:39:00.000-05:00

Well, It is hard to believe another BBQ season has passed us by. This year has been unusual as we have only competed in one contest, our home contest. We have been so busy with the house we have not had time. Kaija of course stayed the weekend and they all took part in the contest. We had family and friends. Old neighbors and new, it was GREAT!! The BBQ of course was the best. We placed in the top 30 of 108 teams. Which is inching us back to our glory days our 80th placed brisket kind of knocked us down a few pegs. Kaija disagreed with the judging on that one.

We really worked together this time. Bryce had to keep Kaija pumped up.. She sells herself short. The kids really know what they are doing it is amazing.

Competing was not all we did. Friday we enjoyed the company of many friends. The Missionaries made their traditional stop for dinner and enjoyed the fun as well. The food was late as usual, but hey at least there was food.

The kids play games with Jay. We dont have pictures of the Poker match James Bryce and Scott taught Kaija later that evening.

Di and Tam and Di and James. Di was our resident Photographer for the weekend

Maggie took part as well. When Bryce got to the contest for check in Maggie was with him, taking a "free" day from school. I guess some skip school for hunting, our kids for BBQ. After all this is KC. She was at the entrance with Bryce and that is where the meat check in is located. Bryce asked Mag to get out and check the meat in. She said "no way" so Bryce said, "do you want to BBQ?" Maggie said, "yes", and then Bryce told her she had to check the meat in. So she did and the cordinators loved it! Kaija and Meg also handled the Cooks meeting b/c Bryce had to help Brycee with something.

Getting Closer

2007-08-16T11:57:00.001-05:00

We are slowly working towards a finished product

Kaija started out her summer by working hard to fix up her pink and green room.

.Bryce is Rocking and Rolling down Route 66 with Sally, Mater and the gang in his awesome lightening McQueen Room!!!

Maggie is all Tinked out with Tinkerbell madness. Yeah They all have Doors on finally!!!

We even have a family room to rest in!! Yeah. We will have a HSM (High School Muscical party here this Friday, it will be the first get together other than family. ) I even had a stove installed Yesterday!! No more camping stove I am so exc ited.

No we havent called "This Old House" Yet!

2007-07-31T18:49:00.000-05:00

This is it. The house We have been trying to buy since January. The outside does not need much work other than a new door and some landscaping. That is a project for next spring. The space is great. The work is tiring but with time it will be everything we have ever wanted. We are blessed to have two fireplaces, a nice large deck and a large backyard. A two car garage for Bryce to fill and lots of space for the kids. Definately home.

Everyone has had to do there part. Bryce has become quite the handyman. I think it might be in his genes somewhere. This is the view of the back yard.

There is a great deal of debris to be removed and the deck needs refinishing. Other than that it is simply fantastic.

Plumbing-Well just a bit. This is the downstairs bath room. It is currently out of service. The pipes from the bath upstairs were broke when we moved in. Leaving this nice hole in our dining room ceiling.The bath works well now though.

The Kitchen floor came up right away. The sink is very old and the appliances will not fit, but we make due for now. We have yet to decide what we will do here so we will put a floor down and live as is for now. Currently, we are using a camping stove, toaster oven, and electric skillet until we get the stove.

The Basement flooded before we even moved in. We stripped out all of the drywall before we had closed. Part of the basement is in progress for my craft room. I put the floor down last week and painted the week before that. We are hoping to put the cabinets soon.
Well, That is just a taste of what we have to look forward too, of why we may not write or answer the phone, or why we sleep very well at night.

The 4th of July

2007-07-13T10:51:00.000-05:00

We took the day off from moving and fixing to join Jay and the Sinsels for a trip to Hillsdale lake. Kaija and Meg love to strike a pose.

I was really reluctant at first to being a seadoo pilot. I started by holding the doo to the dock and in went my glasses. Yep, Knew it would happen. Then I drove to the other side of the lake without them. Hi, I am Mr. Magoo. Kaija was scared to death b/c I couldnt even see the boats on the lake. Bryce stopped to point out some large logs and I never saw them. Bryce found them after we docked the sea doo's and bought me a really cool glasses band.

Kaija and Annie had a blast riding a tube for the whole morning. They thought Bryce was super crazy out there.

Brycee and Maggie did not go out but they had a blast playing at the shore.

When we got home, James and Diana his girlfriend came over for dogs and brats and we got to see a great fireworks show right from our back yard. The guys had a blast letting off some fireworks for the kids too. It was our first dinner party at the new house. It felt really great.

Mom and dad stole some shots with two of the babes.

Bryce at home on our temporary stove. While our kitchen is a work in progress.

To find a perfect Tree

2007-01-30T19:44:00.000-06:00

Traditional mother daughter picture.

This year we our journey for the perfect tree was only a few blocks away. Bierman Tree farm continued on where the Warren farm in Stanley left off. We got there on the only night Bryce could go and they were closed. Alas, we were bummed. Then the owner came out and allowed us to purchase our tree.

Heather was here from Indy. She got to join in the fun with us. We returned home and Bryce put up the tree with the kids. Heather and I had Sushi.

.

The kids warm up in the machine shed while dad buys the tree.

Skating At Crowne Center

2007-01-16T22:37:00.000-06:00

Kaija, Maggie and Kaija's friend Kori went ice skating down at Hallmark's Crowne Center over Winter Break. I was really nervous that Maggie would have a hard time but she took to ice skating faster than roller skates. Must be those northern genes. We had so much fun that Kaija decided to go back for her Birthday.

Maggie didn't really fall all that much once she got going. She quickly learned how to turn and started cutting all the corners.

Kori, Kaija, and Maggie
Mom and Maggie (what do you know I actually made it into a picture. now my grandchildren will know i did exist!!)
Quite sure of themselves