1 You can always come down here and celebrate with us...we can even see Ramstein's fireworks from our house. Hang in there, H...this will all be worth it in the end. Happy Independence Day

2 Helen... I don't know how you've lasted as long as you have, with all that is going on. Just keep thinking of the finished product! And, as my granny used to say, try not to let the buggers get you down! I know, I know...easier said than done. Sending you hugs and positive thoughts..just wish I could come and help out somehow.

3 I'm sorry you're at the end of your rope right now. Maybe tomorrow would be a great day for you and Angus and the twins to go out for a little Independence Day of your own? You know, from everything else. Maybe beer could be involved? Of course, even if you don't go out, I am pretty sure you can find a way to celebrate! Hang in there - what a gorgeous house you are going to have when this is all over.

4 You are a trooper, that's for sure. Hang in there! Happy Fourth from one American transplant to another. =)

5 Like everyone else said, it will be worth it in the end. Blah blah blah........ Hang in there. You and Angus need a vacation after all of this is done. Even if its only a long weekend to Scotland!!! And, you should maybe try one alone. I know hard to think of leaving those adorable little babies! (If you knew me you would be shocked that I mentioned that lol. Its very hard to do. But sometimes ya just gotta)

6 Im sorry your in a shit place. Happy 9 months to the kiddos, I hope you find some joy today.

7 Happy Independence Day! I know you're at your wits end. Can you all take a few hours off and celebrate in some small way with the babies? Happy 9 months to the cutie pies, btw!

8 Huge, heaping doses of sympathy coming your way. I'm really sorry so much of life is shit right now. It will get better soon, in small steps. In the meantime, have a nice cold beer and lie back and think of America, and how we kicked British bootay in the war of independence. ;-) Okay, maybe not. But have a great day tomorrow if you can and try to have just a wee bit of fun to mark the day.

9 I understand better than you might imagine. I hope you get to feeling better very soon.

10 Awww, I'm sorry. You need to find another American and shamelessly beg for an invitation to their house.

11 ((HUGS))

12 You want I send you sparklers, hot dogs and roasted marshmallows?

13 Helen, hang in there. Home improvement projects are like this, without fail. It will all be better soon enough. Enjoy your family and try to forget the rest.

14 Oh honey, I totally get why you are down. Totally. Piece of birthday cake? I'm 35 today, so you will always be younger than me. At least that is something.

15 I would have crumbled under the stress a long time ago. You've got patience and fortitude, my girl. I think you need a meltdown (and an icy bottle of white) at this point.

16 Hang in there!! I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end!!

17 Flinging love from across the pond - "long-time reader, first time poster" and all that jazz (though I lurv my Flicka coat). Just speaking out this time to say - your life has great purpose. I don't know you but through your writing, and yet I'm so proud of you and yours every time. Family, friends, goals, dreams - you have it all, and in spades, and you work your ass off for it, and you deserve every magical moment. And you know that even the sucky moments are magical. Buck up, chickie - you know better than I do that y'all'll come through this with flying colors. Yeah, I added a contraction to a contraction. I'm from Mississippi, okay? Consider your love button pushed, hon -

18 Even there, tomorrow is a Friday, right? Give the workers an afternoon beer in honor of the holiday, and try to enjoy yourself as much as possible. Happy 4th!

19 Hang in there. There are many people who care and are cheering for you and send good thoughts into the universe for you and your family. Hate the 4th will not be as you hoped this year; next year even better.

20 oh yes, been there. Two years of building dust ended one of my relationships, I think you are doing amazingly well. Hang in there. I will set off some virtual fireworks for you.

21 Sorry this comment is going to be sooo annoying but I can't find a page with all of this linked on it so am cutting and pasting the email info I received. There are July 4th UK celebrations! One in London as well. If I weren't in Scotland I would go to the one on the US Air Force base in Cambridge because they have fireworks as well! I am gutted to miss July 4th too... x 1) Celebrate Independence Day with Democrats Abroad UK. Join us, and meet Americans to discuss strategy and plans for Democratic wins this November. a) Cambridge (July 4): 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks Join us on the US Air Force base (no special ID required), with pay as you go carnival rides and food booths, live music and more. Free entry for the entire family. Bring chairs and blankets, but note that we cannot bring any food and drink due to security limitations. Time: from 6:30-11pm (fireworks start at 10:30) Location: RAF Feltwell, US Air Force Base, Wilton Road, IP26 4AY No special ID required For more information (location/other details): cambridge@democratsabroad.org.uk b) Leeds (July 4): Yorkshire Dems Cocktail Party Join Yorkshire Dems for a Cocktail Party to celebrate the 4th , meet Americans in the area and answer all of your voter registration questions. Time: arrive from 5:30pm Location: Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen, The Electric Press, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD Nibbles provided. Voter registration specialist on hand if any questions. http://www.hahaonline.co.uk/assets/pdf/maps/haha_leeds_map.pdf For more information: leeds@democratsabroad.org.uk c) London (July 5): Picnic in Regents Park Pack a picnic, a kite, and your political knowledge. Bring the family, friends, and colleagues. Prizes awarded for most creative kite, as well as for the winner of the Democrats Abroad Political Quiz. No RSVP necessary. Time: 12:30 – 3:00pm Location: Marylebone Gardens, Regent’s Park (just South of Chester Road, near the playground), Regent’s Park (same location as in prior years). For more information, park map, parking information and other questions: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/5634 d) Manchester (July 5): Potluck Picnic Join fellow Americans in Manchester, where frisbees, sparklers and voter registration will be on hand. Bring something to drink and something to share. Easily accessible by bus, car and MetroLink tram. Time: from 6PM Location: Heaton Park (near the Southern Play area) Directions and maps, see: www.heatonpark.org.uk For more information: north@democratsabroad.org.uk or manchester@democratsabroad.org.uk For more information, and adjustments to the Saturday events if inclement weather, check the DAUK Website on July 4th: www.democratsabroad.org.uk

22 Thinking of you. Hoping you find some fun and sanity even if only for a little while. Hang in there. Happy 9 months (unreal!) to the kiddos.

23 Well, I'd send you some fireworks, but it would probably end up getting me labeled a terrorist. Maybe snaps and champagne poppers would work? ;-)

24 do me a favor and check your email in the morning. Shoulda had it sent for today. Oh well. Hang in there, hon.

25 I say set aside a full hour to watch all of the fireworks videos on YouTube, sweetie. I'm so sorry that you're in the thick of this stress. I hope it gets better soon.

26 I know that wall, and I'm really sorry you've hit it. Feel better soon... and Happy 4th of July from a fellow ex-pat over here.

27 Helen-If you live anywhere close to us in SW London, you are absolutely invited to come to our house for a BBQ! We are having burgers, bratwurst (not sure - husband wanted it) and potatoe salad etc. No fireworks but we can stand around the grill and sing the God Bless America! Let us know..

28 Hang in there baby, you're almost there (I know it doesn't make all the hell you're swimming in any better) but the light is there at the end of the tunnel and just think you're going to have a beautiful new home to share with your lovely family... Sending big hugs (and lots of wine!) \ For what it's worth...Happy 4th of July..I'll be working

29 hang in there - you have so much going on right now, it amazes me you don't melt down more often. hugs, Sue

30 I know, not the quite the same, but: http://www.fireworkspop.com/

31 Pretty soon you will have a Happy Independance Day from your contractors -- that will be worth celebrating!

32 Hugs, H. May tomorrow be better day. Much love.

33 Happy Independence day )

34 I'll bring some apple pie by later with some hot dogs. It's not a combined dish - they would be consumed separately. Also, ignore the fact that the M&S apple pie is "Kentish" apple pie. Perhaps it is, er...Kent, OH? I hope you're feeling better now. Not because of my comment, but I think I'm a day behind in commenting.

35 I'm thinking of you today. Happy 4th, my friend.

36 Hang in there and Happy 4th!

37 ohhhpoorsweetie! Tell you what, in solidarity with you I will not do a fucking thing today! no bbq, no fireworks nothing, Nada fucking thing! oK. 'so K, wifey has her period anyway.

38 |Thinking of you - hope you get some time to celebrate. You are definitely on the home stretch.

39 Perhaps you could just dump tea over everyone's head and claim it's an American custom to celebrate Boston. Satisfying AND patriotic (sort of) all in one. Hugs and more hugs

40 I'm drinking in your honor today. Things are really different for us this year too, but I'm thinking all the changes are actually good ones. Sometimes the good stuff just takes a while to shake out of all the crap. Thinking of you.

41 My therapist told me her life story the other day. She said, that probably the stress caused by building and keeping their beautiful house over long years was one of the major reasons to seperate her and her husband. Be careful, this has to come to an end, your children and your love to your husband got to have the priority. Good that there's help with the babies. P.

42 Happy Day! Hope today was beter for you. My yard has a big burned spot in your honor. And I don't even like fireworks normally. Actually this may be all about my hormones and nothing about your crisis, ha!

43 Still thinking of you...

44 Sending a hug your way. Hope you are okay...well, maybe I should say I hope you are surviving today. :-) Much love, Stacie

45 Just take care of you. We'll be here when you get back.