Grampa's Christmas Traps

When our kids were young, we had a tradition in our family called "traps". On Christmas Eve, Rusty would create an obstacle course down the hallway. On Christmas morning, the kids came crashing out of the bedroom, yelling and trashing it all as they ran. I'm sure they remember the traps more than the toys they received.

This year Grampa Rusty decided to initiate the Grandkids. Rusty and Jonathan turned the basement into a maze of plastic, with balloons, toys and candy on strings. Travis, an engineer like Jonathan, joined them for the finishing touches.

Carter, Cami, Brooke and Peter went thru the maze. I think that Spencer,6 wks, was having a snack. At first they thought it was scary - (Peter and I found it very claustrophobic),but soon there were giggles and laughter. By the end of the day the maze was destroyed, the basement was a wreck, and a new tradition was born.

Peter Gettin' Ready to Walk

Once Peter learned to crawl, it didn't take many weeks before he learned how to pull up, and try to climb the stairs. Now he's holding onto things and walking around - Batten down the hatches matey! ( Did you notice the tongue clucking?)

Peek A Brookie & Where the Wild Things Are

Two more older ones - I've always loved the way little kids say "Peek A Boo" and adorable Brooke is no exception.

You know you can always count on Rusty and Travis to stir things up with the Wild Bunch.

Carter's Birthday

Yes, I know it was last July, but I found these great videos of him and his dad at the swimming party. I think it was Carter's first time on a big waterslide as well as Rob's first time diving....

I Don't Like Getting OLDER

We went roller skating with David's friends from his day program last night.
When I was 16 I could skate pretty good. When I was 36 I could still skate O.K.
But at 57, you see that grimace on my face? Let's just say I was grateful for David's wheelchair to hold on to!

4 Generations of Lee's

Gramma Frances Lee/Hart came for dinner on Sunday. We managed to get a 4 Generation shot, with wild man Petey boy making #4.
Frances will be 90 years old this May. It's definitely time to plan a party

A New Job for Rusty

News release on the web site www.issfa.org -
"ISSFA Appoints Russ Lee Executive Director"

"ISSFA today named industry veteran, Russ Lee, executive director of the fabricator trade association. "

Since Rusty never brags on himself, I thought I should.

This new job is a culmination of 20 years of work, learning, struggle, and success. ISSFA stands for International Solid Surface Fabrication Association - a group founded to further the interests of Kitchen and Bath Countertop fabricators.

His job is to bring membership and interest back to ISSFA, which due to mismanagement had lost some of it's appeal to many of it's former members.
There's quite a story behind their reason for choosing him for this position.

For many years, Rusty built and installed countertops, and developed an extensive working knowledge and expertise in his field.

Most of you know that Rusty can build or repair anything. In his career he has worked his way thru most phases of home remodeling - painting, wallpaper, decks, porches, room addtions, storm windows, whole house remodeling, and finally - countertops.

He began in 1985 building countertops in our basement ( a highly flammable undertaking.) Over the next 10 years as he installed countertops, he also learned how to mix and manufacture the base material, and had a great eye for creating new colors.

Because he enjoys learning, and has an inquisitive mind he caught the attention of the owner of Solid Surface Magazine. Rusty's lifelong dream was to be a writer, and he began by offering to submit a humor article. It was well received, and he began to be assigned to do full article interviews. By 1997 his skills had developed to the point that he was invited to be the editor of Solid Surface Magazine, a position he held for 5 years.

During his time as editor he came in contact with hundreds of people all over the world. He interviewed manufacturers to learn about their products. He visited successful men who were willing to share their acumen with others. He constantly looked for ways to help countertop business owners learn how to increase their sales and customer satisfaction. He tested tools and products so that others could make informed decisions on their purchases.

During these trips, he also learned about professional photography, and most issues of the magazine contained pictures that he had taken.

His ability to write clearly about trends and products garnered the esteem of the shop owners, who felt that he was a trustworthy source for information. His honesty and personality created lasting friendships as well.

So, he is a man with plenty of 'street cred', and long term relationships that he will draw on to revitalize ISSFA.

As to what he is doing in the new job - right now it entails talking on the phone 10 hours a day, working on the computer for the other 14, a lot of traveling, and going without sleep as he juggles all his new responsibilities. Plus, he handles a lot of David's caretaking, vacuums, cooks, installed new countertops for me, and put up the Christmas lights without being asked. He's become a real life Superman.

It won't take long before everyone will be saying -"Why didn't we hire him years ago? He's fantastic!" Congratulations.