Remembering My Roots

Some Seattle friends were visiting Ark Encounter (a full-size replica of Noah's), a new attraction just a mile from downtown Williamstown, Kentucky, where my roots are on my mother's side.

We had invited the 3-generation crowd to meet us at Elmer's General Store for ice cream/sodas/sundaes. Local musician Jimmy Million started playing his guitar and signing. When mom stood right in front of him and started singing the alto, he said, "You need to come up here!" I joined them onstage and sang tenor. Our friends sat the church pews in front of the stage, taking video and enjoying the music and folksy atmosphere.

In this down-home environment, I felt so connected to my heritage. I also realized that even though Papa's hardware store is no longer standing, and the Grant County newspaper has moved out of the building where it was when my mom worked there, the Lusby legacy continues in this town. My aunt has a table at Elmer's where she sells books authored by her and by my mom, along with other items that are part of her Go Far, Go Light business. At Bruce's Grocery, up the road a ways and just a mile from the Lusby home, they still have the little letter "H" Papa used to indicate when he was on duty as the hardware guy, a part-time position he held up into his 90's.

When Jimmy sang a solo called "Grandma's Bible," I got all teary, remembering how MY Granny loved the Word, marking in it with her green pen. (Yes, it was always a green pen.) I signed Elmer's guestbook, "Karis Pratt, granddaughter of Hubert Lusby, Seattle, WA." He always told my mom and aunt to "remember who you are." I know I will.

Wedding Snapshots

My cousin Lauren with Paul, the happy bride & groom!
 
Henry and me
 
Kids in motion
 
Kids behind the camera! Love it.
 

Epic Road Trip with my Brother, October 2010

Back in October my brother Cason drove with me from Cincinnati to Seattle. A big thank you to my sister-in-law Danielle and the 3 kids for sparing him for 6 days! It was a very special time.

Mt. Rushmore, SD
 

The Badlands, SD
 

Devil's Tower, WY
 

At Yellowstone, Cason tried to catch a photo of this up-close bison, but we had the camera set on video!



Yellowstone, WY
 

For those who want to see more, here's the entire album.

Easter with The Fam

The kids...







...and Papa!

Budding young writer?

Intently scribbling as an idea forms...

 

Trying hard to remember all those words...

 

But alas, writer's block.

 

Thanksgiving Day Photos (by my five-year-old niece)

Happy Belated Birthday to MOM!

Back in September we celebrated Mom's October birthday a month early.

We had delicious eats...

 

 

and the guys entertained the kids...

 

 

But I'll be darned if I didn't even get one photo of the Birthday Girl!
(I was a bit busy trying to run everything!)

Inspirational Halloween Reading

No, it's not an oxymoron! It's Devotions by Dead People!
Click cover image to watch the trailer.

Awww...

Just had to post this of my nephew Henry w/ Daddy looking on...

Coolest Niece Ever

She's a typical 4-year old girl--loves to dress up like a princess and has a pink and purple room with a flowery bedspread. But, look underneath the covers and you'll find Star Wars Sheets!

Her Daddy, my brother, is a huge fan, but promises he didn't put her up to it. "She loves it!" He says. She's gonna be Princess Leia for Halloween.

 

Mom's Thailand Visit!

My supercool and hilarious brother

OK, so he's not mad that I posted this, and I thought it worth sharing. He teaches and plays piano, so this was a "musical christmas card" he did. Be sure to stay tuned for the outtakes!

Meet my new Nephew!

Henry West Pratt was born on September 7th. Isn't he sweet?