Frustrated blogger...

It's confession time. I am a perfectionist. I have issues with this. Each time I have set out to post to my blog I have not created a post which satisfies my expectations. Hence, no posts. For self-therapy, I have decided to train myself in the use of a very cute software program I have. This is, if I can figure it out. In addition, this semester I am starting a course on website design. Is there any hope for this frustrated blogger?! In my highest expectations, I will learn to create a Masterpiece of my own. We will see...

Despite my issues I must post a few photos of late since it has been so long.

December has been a fun, busy month for our family.

It started out with the first snowfall of the year. Grace and Daddy had fun making a snowman that day.

Then it was time to have sundaes with Santa at the local firehouse.

After that, we went to Aunty Ess and Uncle Fix-It's house for dinner and a visit to the Santa Train.

Miss Grace's friend, Grace, had her 4th birthday party. It was a Fancy Nancy Party. Very cute, very fancy indeed!

That same day we went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert. What an awesome show it was. We were concerned that Miss Grace may be overwhelmed with the sound and effects. That proved to be unfounded when she fell asleep part way through the performance. How, I'll never know with all that sound and flashing lights. I sure wish I could tap into that when I have insomnia! My only explanation is with two brothers who are noisy musicians, she is used to the racket, lol!

On the 20th of December our Ross celebrated his 14th birthday with a dinner at his favorite restaurant, Five Guys and a gift of a new lens for his HD video camera. The boy and his camera are NEVER separated...

Then came Miss Grace's Christmas performance at Preschool.

And last but certainly not the least of importance is Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve we all went to church to watch the wonderful performance by our talented youth and a wonderful message from Pastor Paul.

For Christmas Day, we spent the day at home, just the five of us. We unwrapped gifts, had a delicious breakfast, then hung out together and played with our new presents. Or should I say Miss Grace's new presents. She has turned into a cowgirl now. One trip to the horse farm and she's never been the same, lol! For dinner, Peter and I whipped up a fabulous meal (if I do say so myself) of Beef Wellington, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Tossed Greens with Pomegranate and Pine Nuts. YUM! Once dinner was cleaned up, we headed straight to the living room. After that is was quiet time by the light of the tree, basking in the aftergow of a wonderful day.

Silent Night, Holy Night, All is calm...ahhh.

A New Format, A New Look...

I hope everyone found their way to the new blog. I have not fallen out of the blogosphere I've just been busy with my school work and studying for my federal license. Part One is over, I passed by God's grace, and now just two more to go...but who's counting.

Since I've not posted in a bit, I thought I'd add a few random photos of late.

Miss Grace visited Schauber Farm

and has not stopped talking

about it since. Horses, goats, cats,

what more could you ask for?

She even liked shoveling poo!

I think we are onto a new adventure...

Diesel Daddy being silly

with Miss Grace and
Twirly Girly

 

Giving Captain A.B.'s boat

a test run

The Bathing Beauties bidding

farewell to the Summer of '09

Miss Grace's First Day

of Preschool

 

A day trip to Santa's Workshop proved to be quite chilly but lots of fun. 





Miss Grace got to hug "THE" North Pole







M.P. and I received some sleigh driving lessons from the elves

And, of course, we visited Santa's very own house. It was cozy and warm inside, his elves were helping take photographs of all the visitors. When asked what she'd like for Christmas Miss Grace said she's like "a barn and a horse". Yup, that's what she said! Santa replied with a well rehearsed, "Well, I'll see what I can do."

Ross-enjoying some fresh air on a beautiful, sunny Autumn day in the mountains

Life is good ~ Kate-Lyn

For Mama Darling...

Mama Darling, Desheng Darling and Doodlebug,

This post is just for you...

I know you wouldn't want to wait too long to see a quick glimpse of this years reunion visit. So here are a few "telling shots" for how our time together went.


It's as though no time has passed, whatsoever!



All Giggles, You Gotta Love Girls


Such Silliness, Such Joy!



Then Came Time to Say Goodbye, Doesn't This Say It All?
We GOTTA do this more often!!!!

And of course, no reunion is complete without DD and DB. We have a potential plan for next year. Look for an email Mama Darling...

The Big Day for the Grads...

So, in Upstate New York, we have had more rain than I can recall in years this Spring and Summer. It's to the point now where I feel we may all begin to grow mold or fungus, LOL! Sunshine has NOT been a bountiful part of our lives as we desperately need. Our season is already WAY to short. OK, enough of that. But the point I make is, that by God's grace only, the day of the party was SUNNY AND WARM!! Thank you God! We ALL needed a day of fun in the sun.

Between Cuzin' Astro and BW we had about 95 guests I'm estimating. Perhaps a few more who came and went quickly while en route to another social engagement. Cuzin' D and I were wondering all along how we were going to pull this off as we prepared for this party out of two 30' foot RV's. Sensible people would do a party this size from their home or the like. But camping has been such a big (and fun) part of our kids lives, why not do this for them before sending them off? In short, we did it. This is NOT to say that both trucks and campers were not filled to the brim with food, drink, decorations, chairs, tables, etc. We were loaded to the gills as they say. AND, we had ALOT of help from family and dear friends. Without them we could never have done it. The decorations were fun, the food was delicious, the desserts were tasty, the company was fabulous and as I said before the weather was gorgeous. Who could ask for more?

So, here are a few of my favorite memories of this special day; shared with those we hold most dear in our hearts...


Making Plans...


Guest Quarters :)


Preparations and Decorations


Pickles Anyone?


Too Cute for Words


My Boss and his Wife, Taxman and Mrs. G.


The Kiddos Setting Sail


Rose and the Chief


Munch Time!


Time for some Beach Volleyball, ah Summer...


Diesel Daddy and Family out for a paddle...


DB and Kiki


CA, Aunty Ess and Uncle Fix-It


The Grads Big Surprise from Cookie, a 1966 Gibson!



Cuzin's Cutting Cake...


Thank you God that You have gotten these two young people to this point in their lives. They are embarking on a new journey. I pray they always keep You first in their minds. That they turn to You first for wisdom. That they will praise You for their successes and lean on You when they are unsure. Guide their steps, keep them safe. All praise and glory to You. AMEN.

How Could I NOT post this photo?!

So, we were at the beach this weekend. LL and I were sitting on a blanket. She was busy playing with her toys and I was busy playing Solitaire on my PDA. Just chillin' and relaxin' you get the idea.

Well...in another one of those moments where Mom was a little too engrossed in her own "stuff", LL decided to venture into my purse. You know where this is going right?

I'll let the photo do the talkin'...

June 25, 2009, A Day in History on the Lane...

Reflections on BW's High School Graduation...

a day to cherish in my Mom's heart forever.


Proud Mom & Dad


A Smooch from Mom ;)


There He Is!


There He Goes!


680-Something Graduates + Several Thousand Proud Relatives
=One Huge Crowd!


Getting His Diploma, the Moment He's Waited For!


BW & VG


BW & Miss Livvy


BW & Sweet Songbird


BW & Lil' Sis #2


LL & Mama are SO Proud of you BW
We Love You So, So Much!!


As we arrived at BW & VG's special dinner this beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky. Scripture tells us that rainbows are a reminder of God's promise to us. So many times in my life I've had a rainbow appear, just when I needed to feel God's presence. So it didn't surprise me one bit to see this full, bright rainbow as our son embarks on this new phase of his life. Thank you God that You love my son even more than I do. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus. What a wonderful, joyful day, all glory and honor to You!