You Just Can't Stop the Jollyness...

I just HAD to post this photo our friend shared with us from his work. Apparently some carpenters on the job had the holiday joy get the best of them and created this electrical masterpiece from items on the worksite.

You just can't stop the jollyness...

I've been told...

that it's time I give some attention to the blog. I admit I've been slacking--in the blogosphere that is. Sometimes I just don't know if something is "blog-worthy" so I wait.

Well, November came and went in a whirl through our household. Miss Grace tried out a few weeks of Tae Kwon Do at her school. She did good and seemed to like it, well enough. But, not a lot. So, her next adventure is Art Classes. For this, she is really excited. Oh how I wish my Dad were here to see his budding artist. They'd be spending hours at the table together. Lost in time and thought, chatting about the next project. I know he's watching from heaven and smiling. November also brought some nice recognition at school for Miss Grace. She was selected as Student of the Month. This is what her teacher has said, "Miss Grace has been chosen as star student due to her excellent display of the MTA value: service. Displaying an awesome sense of sharing and hard work, Miss Grace has proven to be a shining Star Student!"  She was very pleased to be chosen and we are equally proud of her accomplishment. She's come SO far from the days that I left her clinging to me in tears. Praise God!

November's recap wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention lacrosse now would it? We had two memorable tournaments and a few others that were not so memorable but fun anyway. So, the first was in Fort Ann in early November and the only word that comes to mind is FRIGID. I've inserted a photo to demonstrate this. Notice most players in sweatpants? This is a VERY uncommon sight on the lacrosse field. What this photo does not depict is the snow squall occurring right behind us up in the mountains behind the field, which is down in the valley below. That arctic wind swept down on the field with a ferocity that felt like January. The next three days Ross had aching joints and muscles from the extreme conditions. I hope we NEVER play in those conditions again. Did I mention that most of us parents on the sidelines got windburn that looked like sunburn on our faces? Mean, mean weather.

By contrast, only two weeks after that was another tournament close to home that had the boys out in their pinnies and NO SHIRTS!

Notice the smiling parents on the sidelines? No hats, mittens, scarves, AND blankets to keep warm. We came prepard though, still scarred from the prior blizzard, lol! Craziness I must say, only in upstate New York.

December kicked off to a fun start with our annual Santa Train Event at Aunty S's and Uncle Fix-it's house. This year we included even MORE friends!

 

Next was the MTA Christmas Show. I cannot say how awesome it is that Miss Grace's school is bible-based, prayer-driven and Jesus's name is spoken without hesitation. The program went off without a hitch and we just smiled the whole time, listening to the joyful, sweet voices of her schoolmates. The teachers put alot of hard work into the program and it showed! Our Miss Grace is the brown goat, just to the left of the manger. And you'll see her with her class singing Jingle Bells, she is in the center.

 

 What a Holy Night!

Tonight was a big social event that she's anticpated for SO long. It was Mocha Gracie's birthday party at the Tiny Tots Tea Room. She wanted me to curl her hair for this special night.

And so I did.

 All ready to party like a Princess!

 Wishing all my bloggy friends a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, blessed New Year!

Joyful and Blessed
  ~Kate-Lyn~

Mom's Choice Monday

My Choice Photo of the Day

Just Cuz' I Love Him

and

Cuz' he's growing up too fast.

A Lovely Trip to the Orchard...

Today Miss Grace's class went to the orchard for a field trip. It is actually a farm here in our town owned by the same family for over three generations. They are gracious, generous people and oh, how they love children! It was a lovely day indeed and the fall colors were still in full bloom for our enjoyment. God's glory is revealed in these smiling children's faces, in the sweet, tart, juicy, crunchy apples and in the beauty of His creation.


 

Let the fun begin!

Visiting the cute (not-so-little) bunnies

Miss Grace X 2



Ms. Effervescence
(not really her name but don't you just see it?)



Ms. Smiles-A-Lot
(not really her name obviously but she truly ALWAYS wears a smile)



Cutie Patooties

 Fun in the sun

Me-ow...

The yummiest part of the orchard
Chilled cider and hot, fresh-baked donuts



 Apples, cider and pumpkins, oh my!

 The river view from the orchard. Gosh, I love fall!

 Feelin' All Warm and Fuzzy Inside ...
~ Kate-Lyn~

Inspired...

This morning I was surfing my favorite blogs and I was inspired.

Over on "Down the Garden Path" are our dear friends. E's mom posted lovely photos of her and E. They are so beautiful, so thought evoking that I became inspired. You gotta check them out. Right now, before you go any further. A mother's love is a beautiful thing...

K, now I only have one and it's not of me. It's of Miss Grace and her Daddy.

There's something about photos of kiddo's lovin' on their Mommy and Daddy that just grips your heart. The emotions are palpable aren't they?

Oh, sigh. I could just stare at them forever. SO GLAD they are locked in time on film. These are the one's you pull out when you're having a bad day. Thanks Deb for sharing the joy and for the inspiration.

Kisses Sweeter'n Honey

He's gonna hate me but I'm gonna post this anyway...

...besides he never reads my blog, it's not COOL. Are you kidding me?!

Don't anyone tell him, OK?

So two weekends ago was the Adirondack Balloon Festival and it was a lovely weekend. Weather wise it was warm, sunny and ...

a little windy ;(

Even a "little" windy = no balloons.
No balloons = bored teenagers
Bored teenagers = silliness
Silliness = Mom grabbing the camera
Mom grabbing the camera USUALLY = teenage boys scattering like someone is trying to steal their iphones

But not this time.

Why you ask?

Cuz' Miss Grace had the camera.

They thought she wouldn't REALLY be able to catch them on film.

Wrong-o!!

Lovin' My Lil' Photo Partner. Whatever it takes to get the shot, right?

Still chuckling,

~ Kate-Lyn~

A New Day Has Dawned...

...for our little one, that is. This week has been almost tear-free every morning and night time has been good too. Only an occasional mentioning of her old school. Thank. You. God. And thanks for everyone's prayers.

I've found out another secret too. If she has a mission to carry out then she's SO much more ready to face the day. I think it shifts her focus from the newness of everything to her being needed.

Her (did I mention very capable and effervescent?) teacher has given her the job of helping another child in her class who does not speak English very well. I guess they are paired up and Miss Grace is helping him learn words that are commonly used in the classroom. They are all learning sign language too, which helps with this childs language gap. I am so impressed with how the teachers are managing this truly multi-cultural class, it can't be easy. Plus, we are learning the sign language too, it's fun!

Praise you Lord, that you love this child even more than I do and that you hold each one in the palm of your hand.

Feeling sunny even on this rainy day ~ Kate-Lyn

Well...it went fine after all.

I am SO glad that we met with Miss Grace's teacher! She gave us such valuable feedback and several great suggestions. I wanted to share them as I know E!'s Mom and Dad are in the same dilemma as we are.

She suggested that we make a few playdates with the girls that Miss Grace enjoys playing with. The goal being to forge a bond beyond the walls of school. So, when it's time to be away from us, she has several friends (comrades) to feel connected with.

Secondly, she said that we should put little notes, pictures or symbols of our love in Ju-lie's lunch box. This way when she's getting tired and overdone half way through the day, she'll have a reminder of our love for her. A laminated photo for her lunch box would be good too she said.

Lastly, since Ju-lie has a handmade blanket from me, she suggested that I modify it by adding a photo to it. She said the local pharmacy's photo department has a special printer that transfers photos to material.

I am so impressed that this young (did I mention that she is positively effervesent?!) teacher has taken the time to lovingly lay out a plan for our Grace. She is truly a blessing to the children in her care.

As a side note: We were immensely relieved to hear that Ju-lie has not once exhibited any of the behaviors in class that we have seen as of late at home. WHEW! In fact, she said that Ju-lie is her little helper and shadows her all day.

This was no surprise to me as on our frequent trips to the playground when she wants to play school, she IS Ms. Murdock. From the tone of her voice to the expressions she uses. I have a unique insight into the Pre-K classroom as a result. Too funny some days!

We are hoping that Monday brings a positive start to week number three with no tears, no clinging to my leg and no bedtime sobbing. Thanks for your prayers, I can see that they are working.

Oh, and one funny story to share from her teacher.

Yesterday they read a story in class about chameleons and how they use their tongues to taste and explore. Well, I guess two of the boys decided that they were going to try that too. Imagine the look on poor Ms. Murdock's face when she looked and saw the boys licking each other's faces in the classroom! Wish I'da been a fly on the wall for that one. E-E-W-W!!!!

I'm afraid it's time for a meeting with the teacher...

Yeah, I didn't want to do it but I'm afraid things have gone from bad to worse. Last weekend we were away at a very fun annual family event. But, Miss Grace, was having some serious behavior issues. I'll spare her reputation by simply giving only a few details. Somewhere no more Nickelodeon or Disney Channels are allowed in our house, this child has learned to be quite sassy. For example, on Sunday when asked to get her shoes on she stated with quite an attitude, "No, and you can't make me!" Or the one that really got me was telling her brother in a moment of anger "Mommy doesn't love you!" Sigh...where did my sweet child go I ask?!

So today we are meeting with the teacher to ask for suggestions. After parenting two sons for nearly 20 years, (reasonably successfully I'd say in no bragging manner) and one of us with a degree in Early Childhood Education we're throwing in the towel and seeking help. Almost humorously, it's from someone nearly 20 years younger than us I'd estimate!!! Sigh...where did my parenting skills go I ask?!

I'll post more later after our meeting. Double sigh...

On a positive note I should add that, very subtly, we've seen signs of acceptance and a generalized sense of acclimating. Oh, and she did offer a truly heartfelt apology for her "mean boice". Translated that is "mean voice". But...there is a lot of room for improvement.

Awaiting 4:15 pm...

~Kate-Lyn~

"...my life is different now."

Yup. That's what she said on the way to school today. In a quiet, serene tone that I've only known since the day she began school.

Then, when I got out of the car to open her door and walk her in the building...

...there were these big, silent, crocodile tears rolling down her cheeks.

This is killing me.

Any suggestions?

Pitifully Regretful,

~Kate-Lyn~

Miss Grace's First Day at MTA

It was a momentous day in our little one's life on Wednesday. We thought long and hard on this one. Letting her "go" did not come easy to me. It was only yesterday that I was rocking her to sleep with a bottle wasn't it?

Today she became a student at MTA. Yes it's a Pre-K Program but it's SO much more and that's why we did it. I'm hoping and praying we made the right decision. She's learning Spanish, she's learning the piano, she goes to Chapel everyday, she's in school full-time five days a week,  she has homework every night. Sigh...

Here she is outside with her BFF, don't they look happy?

Notice how they are holding hands for moral support? Too dang cute fur words...

Here she is inside after entering the classroom for the first time. Doesn't that look say it all?

So...it's been two days of mixed emotions. She misses her "old school" and her friends and teachers there. But she enjoys doing her homework and in off-moments we hear parts of her day which tell me she is doing OK. Please keep our little one in your prayers (and her Mom and Dad too).

Pensively~ Kate-Lyn

Gotcha Day Celebration 2010

So the day has come and went. Gotcha Day that is. The day that we became parents to Zhang ChunXue. In some ways it seems so much longer ago than 3 years. Yet in others it seems just yesterday. In part, that is because of the awesome group of people who have come into our lives as a result of our adoption travel to China. Our family has grown. Our hearts have grown to encompass these four families in a way that is truly unique. It is impossible to share those moments of becoming parents together and not be bound together in a way that is deeply moving and lifelong. I liken it to being in the delivery room together ( all right that may be a bit of a stretch but not much really). After all two of the four were first time parents. What a privilege to share these precious moments together. They are permanently etched on my heart, irreplacable. What's even more awesome is that our group has stuck together. All equally committed to seeing that our daughters walk through life together. These once a year visits are truly treasures in my Mom's heart. And I know in a short few years, the girls will all feel the same way. Right now, it's just playtime, vacation time. But soon they will realize that they are part of an intimate, exclusive group who in time can lean on each other, learn and grow in understanding of their roots together, and likely share in the mystery of how they came to be US citizens.

Our short four days together came and went all too quickly. But what a whirlwind of fun it was! On Thursday we ate dinner together, played and laughed together and eagerly anticipated the arrival of the rest of our group.

On Friday morning the excitement grew as the rest of our group was due to arrive.

Uh-hum, this might be a good place to add, that most of the time it was excitement. Our Miss Grace had what my father would call a "character building moment" or two as she had to turn her house over to five friends and share all of her toys exclusively. Sometimes it was lovely, sometimes it was ugly. But in the end she's better for it, at least that's what I think :)

Oh the joy when all six girls and all five families were reunited! We ate lunch together, went to the playground together and after dinner we went to the classic Hoffman's Playland together. If I were to place a dollar figure on every smile, squeal or giggle that night I'd say we got a 10-fold return on our modest investment. It was an awesome night.

Six Smiling Girls, Priceless!

The Zamboni Man was a hero to these southern gals...snow in August?! Never mind the playground!

Miss Grace's photo of the Mom's and Dad's playing Catch Up at the Commons (hurry back Ed!)

Now that's alot of Pinkness for one train, good thing we had Sam in the back to keep those girls in line!

Can't you just hear the giggles? What a great day!

On Saturday we took the girls on a special outing to Yaddo Gardens. I must admit, this is the part I was looking forward to the most. Mama Darling from over at Desheng Darling and Doodlebug made these absolutely angelic dresses for all the girls. In like one day. She's amazing.She provided the lovely daisies for their hair too, it's was perfect! We arrived at 10:00 am all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready for the camera with lots of smiles. Don't ask me how things were at 11:00 just as we were leaving, lol! The girls really turned on the charm for our awesome photographers Kyle and Debbie. These photos are a few ours of course. If you'd like to see their work over at Unforgettable Photo email me and I'll send you the event code and password.

Such joy, such beauty, I was overwhelmed to tears. What a wonderful moment to behold all my days...

After Yaddo we all went to the Saratoga Race Course for the afternoon. I think it's safe to say that Sharon was the big winner. We all had a great day, even if we left a little money behind. For me, it's all about people watching and those beautiful horses.

Thank you Debbie for the "back stretch" fun! Notice their matching Anhui Girls shirts? Too dang cute fur words!

After a little rest time, we all had dinner together for one last time and some yummy S'more for dessert. Thank you Mr. Skip! Oh, and this would be a great time to insert another genunine "Thank You". This one is for the brothers who have given the limelight over to their sisters for three days straight. You guys are AWESOME brothers!

What a tasty way to wrap up a super fun day!

Sadly Sunday had to come. We all met for breakfast at their hotel so we could have one last bit of time together. Did I mention that we snuck in the back door and crashed the breakfast buffet? The girls romped and played one last time before we gave lots of hugs good-bye for one more year.

Footnote to Sunday...

After the largest part of our group left we decided to show the Darling Family a little bit of the Adirondack Park. Since it was a rainy day, what better thing to do than take a ride? The girls were great in the car while the grown-ups chatted a little more. We did as much as possible considering the soggy day. Then we wrapped up the fun with a little Mexican food for our Texas friends with hearts truly a big as Texas. We miss having you as "neighbors". Can't wait until we all meet again.

Still Smiling ~ Kate-Lyn

Just 'Cuz...

Ya know how you take a photo and you just can't stare at it enough? Likely it's of your children or someone or some place that is really special to you. You know the ones, well here are a few recent ones that I just can't help but post, just 'cuz...

In Sweet Reverie ~ Kate-Lyn

SU Lacrosse Camp

The day has finally come. The day that they have been talking about, planning for and wishing time would fly by for...

Syracuse University Lacrosse Camp has begun. They are on campus, doing as SU players do. This is their highest aspiration. What they are working hard to achieve. I pray nothing gets in their way.

Have a great week guys. Play hard, learn alot and have tons of fun. Can't wait to hear all about it!

Happy Lax Mom,

Kate-Lyn