March Madness

Yeah, madness. This is the month that taxes are in full swing. I see more of my boss then I do my own children. In fact this year we actually DID finish each others sentences a few times; something we used to joke about. Even customers noticed. Seriously, it was a long tax season.

On to the positive--March is Peter's birthday month. Our Grace decided it was her job to personally bake Daddy's cake and decorate it too. So I let her.

Her creation, impressive huh? Er, notice the missing chocolates?

Daddy loved it!

Feeling very pleased with making Daddy feel so special

Other than that, March is lacrosse try-outs month. We are happy to report that Ross made the Varsity team this year. He's worked very hard and it has paid off. Well done my son.

Basking in the warmth of that smile ~Kate-Lyn~

February highlights, er what I can remember...

This is not so easy; trying to recall the past several months in detail that is. The major event of this month was Miss Grace's 6th birthday. Naturally she wanted a horse theme. What else is there in her world? Besides it's fun to dress up Western wear. This year she decided that she wanted to invite her whole class to her party. That means 15 children. Initially that seemed very manageable to this former Daycare Director/Preschool Teacher. But then came the day of the party. I say this lovingly but...there are three little boys in her class that are the equivalent of 9 to watch. I do not exaggerate. In fact, even Ryon and Ross thought so. Takes one to know one, right Ryon? Anyway, highlights below...

Egg Races (they were really hard-boiled but no one knew)

Lunch for the Cowpokes

Horsey Cakes for the Buckaroos

My attempt at a little hoedown music sure got their attention

 All in all it was a fun (tiring) day and Miss Grace will remember it for a long time. That's what it's all about.

Can ya saw Yee-Haw?

~Kate-Lyn~

Catching up, month by month: January

January seems a long ways in the past as I have been so neglectful of my poor blog. Several catch-up posts are certainly in order. I will do my best to recall the highlights.

Our Miss Grace has always had more than a "healthy fear" of the water and Peter and I have decided that it is time for her to work on this. Particularly since our summers are spent lakeside and she is missing out on so much. As the remedy she has begun swim lessons at our local pool. It wasn't great in the beginning, in fact, she is still hesitant but she's in the water, very cautiously doing what she is told to do. I have faith that in time she will be swimming like a fish.

This shot was taken at our Second Annual New Years Breakfast with a local group of parents with children from China. This group is unique as most of the girls are older, one is even from Hefei very near Bengbu. I look forward to this gathering and hearing the stories of those ahead of us in the walk. Did I mention most of these girls are Horse Crazy like our Grace? She certainly is in good company on all accounts.

Ross is doing well and continuing to play lacrosse. This time on a travel team which has brought us to some familiar places and some new ones as well. All in all it's fun and rewarding to watch.

Now if you ask Miss Grace you might get another answer, but I won't go into that one....Next post, on to February!

Keepin' it short and sweet,

Kate-Lyn

Blue skies and no horse flies...

OK, so I'm gonna try and keep current this month, unlike October. Saturday was a clear, beautiful, sunny, crisp November day here in upstate NY. Miss Grace was invited to a birthday party at the stable where she takes lessons and they all had SO much fun. Horses to feed, goats to pet, horsey-themed crafts, pizza with your buds and a chocolate chip birthday cake. Honestly, who could ask for much more at 5 years old?

I managed to take one good picture with my cell phone so I'm posting it in a effort to keep my word.

Peter had our camera at the lacrosse tournament so this is all I could manage. More on that later...

Doing what she loves best. Her joy is mine, doubled.

Trying to stay warm in these shifting seasons,

~Kate-Lyn~

Goodbye October, Hello November...

Yup, it went that fast around here. Mainly because we've all had very busy agendas.

Ross is back playing lacrosse two days a week and has tournaments on the weekends. One of which involved mud up past the tops of my shoes, nearly to my ankles (no I'm NOT exaggerating). Thank you Irene. Great fun though anyway. Now if you asked Ki-ki she might not agree with me. But that's a whole 'nother story. His last tournament he strained both his hamstrings. Painful, so please pray for his full recovery. It has slowed him down quite a bit. If you know my Ross, that's sayin' something.

The other fun distraction we've all had has been going to some high school football games. Er, it's confession time. You see my high school did not have a football team not enough kids really so my whole life I've basically denied it's existence. I know, some would say, "WHAT?!" It's true. Well, late in life, I confess I was SO wrong to have done that. Our school team just won the sectionals and are now on to states. O.M.G. it has been fun. I think I'll actually watch the Super Bowl this year not just eat/wait for the funny commercials. I know, pathetic, I just had to confess this and I feel better now.

Miss Grace has begun a new adventure too; dance and gymnastics. It seems soccer is just not her deal. I'm sad I admit. It's the one sport I played and loved. But, I'm not gonna force it. Once a week she takes, tap, jazz and gymnastics. Of course, her first love is still riding lessons. Plus, she is now outfitted with skiis, boots, poles, helmet and ski-leash. As soon as the snow flies she and her Daddy are going to hit the slopes.

Another time "vaccum" has been my new job(s). I now work 40-ish hours a week after many wonderful years of being part-time worker, part-time homemaker. It's time. Really. The little$t is in Kindergarten, the "middlest" will be in college in two 1/2 year$ and the oldest has pretty much flown the ne$t. You know what I'm $aying? Plus I'm done studying for my federal licen$e. So what else would I do with my time? Alphabetize the spices? Polish the lightbulbs? Three days a week I still wear my Bookkeeper/Tax Preparer hat. The other 2 1/2 I am the Bookkeeper and Ministry Administrator for our church. It's been one week and I am truly enjoying the variety in my work life now. Still getting used to the scheduling though. But that'll come with time. Having a husband who is so "in tune" with the domestic chores has helped immensely.We are a good team he and I.

So, not a lot of photos from last month as I honestly just didn't have/make time to take many. I promise I'll try and do better in November.

Smiling but breathless,

~Kate-Lyn~

September Stuff...

It seems that September came and went in a whirlwind, for so many reasons. On a personal note, it went quickly for me because I was busily studying for Part III of the SEE Exam. The good news is... I PASSED!! After spending two years of my/our lives achieving this goal it was an immense relief. No more memorizing, agonizing and analyzing. Just two more steps and I am officially a IRS Enrolled Agent.

Beyond that it was the annual Balloon Festival. I'd like to say that it was a fabulous weekend, but that'd be a lie. Truth is, it was over the shoes, soggy socks wet, slippery, stinky and muddy. Peter worked SO very hard as usual that he was not with us much. RV's got stuck left and right due to the field conditions causing much stress and anguish to owners and overtaxed volunteers. The balloons only truly launched once. Need I say more? I'm venting a bit here, but I must say this may be the last time I personally spend that much time at this event. We'll see. In an attempt to focus on the positive which is a struggle I've posted a few shots from happier moments.

A clean, dry happy moment during the only balloon launch

At least Baxter had a good time. What lab isn't happy when he's sopping wet?

Pretty girls

This is what happens when you try and do a good deed, sheesh!

The very hard working RV Club Committee. They  are the ones who make it all happen

In keeping with September's review, I must mention that our little Baxter passed Puppy Kindergarten class along with his brothers and sisters. They are so dang cute it's hard to find words. In fact, I'll say no more. Here are a few of his siblings:

See what I'm sayin'?

In Puppy Love,

~Kate-Lyn~

Who, What, When, Where and Why:

Recently our longtime *friend*  Frank was featured in a local newspaper. He and his wife Nancy are tireless volunteers who give generously of their time and resources to help others. They are amongst those rare types of people who make you a better person just by knowing them. Their wisdom, warm hearts, easy-going mannerisms and depth of character makes them soar above the rest. We value their friendship immensely.

I love when good news makes the headlines don't you?

Who, What, When, Where and Why: Frank Berlin

*The word "friend" is used here only as a formality. Technically we are not family; but I cannot think of another family more like family to us then his family.

So after hearing of his celebrity status about town we had to have a little fun...

While we were up north I faked a "celebrity spotting" and Peter acted as "paparazzi". Naturally, Frank took it all in good stride and played right along with me. It was great to be the one dishing it out for once as usually I am on the receiving end from him, lol!

Oh, there he is!!

Getting his autograph

So many fans

Thankful to share in the joy,

~Kate-Lyn~