A Note To My Darling Daughter

Kaylin -

The other day there were two events each a day apart where I was reminded of how truly wonderful and special you are. I've told you how proud I am of you but I wanted to put the thoughts down on paper (so to speak). Although you can't read this yet, someday you will be able to and I hope it brings a warm fuzzy to your heart.

So - what were these two events? Well, the first one was your parent-teacher conference. Your teacher (Mrs. Carlson) explained to me how well you are doing both academically and socially. She said many times how intelligent you are (not that I didn't already know that). It was great, though, to hear it from your teacher. She told me how much you enjoy art and music. This didn't surprise me either. You are very creative. You love to dance and work on craft projects. And you've become and excellent color-er. Your teacher said you respect her authority and are very attentive and well-behaved. You, also, participate in all the activities. But - the best thing for me to hear her say was that you are a great example to the other kids. Believe me, these are words every parent wants to hear. Oh - I know it's only pre-school but I like the direction you are heading. You are doing a great job!

The day after you conference you came with us to a Thanksgiving lunch with the Orchard City Ladies Club and their families. There were no kids other than you. And well, the closest people to your age were your mom and dad. Daddy and I were helping in the kitchen and you were left to entertain yourself. You were not the least bit bothered by your circumstances. You didn't come whining to me that you were bored. You didn't ask if we could go home or when we were going home. Instead you entertained yourself as well as other guests. I watched you have no problem going over to talk to a group waiting for the meal to begin. This group was made up of people mostly over the age of 70. It didn't matter to you that they couldn't (or wouldn't) "play" with you. You talked to them, had mini-conversations with them and they were delighted with your presence. At one point I looked over and saw you sitting on the floor showing them how you can tie your shoes. They all thought you were adorable - and frankly, who can argue with them? There are many kids your age (5 for the record) that wouldn't have acted so graciously. Thank you, Peanut, for your sweetness.

Your Daddy and I are so proud of you. You are awesome!!

Love,

Mommy

My Little Cowgirl

Kaylin is getting a real taste of the country life since we've moved to Colorado. This year was the first time she wanted to dress up like a cowgirl for Halloween. This is a huge departure from the standard "princess". Well - she has a pink cowgirl hat so, in theory, she's a princess cowgirl. She had a good time dressing up. Her preschool class walked along main street and collected goodies from local merchants (try to do that in the big city). She even got her picture taken for the county paper.

The other night she was off to another adventure. Our friends and neighbors have several horses as well as a pony. They often try to get their son, Tucker, to ride but he's not into it right now. Thinking that seeing Kaylin ride his pony might change his mind, we took her over for a ride. He remained disinterested but Kaylin thoroughly enjoyed herself. Below are a few pics. It was getting dark (well - really it was only about 5pm but the flash on the camera makes it look much darker) so I only got a few shots. But you can see that she was having a great time. And - yes - that's a bicycle helmet she's wearing. Standard issue for the younguns'. And - yes - she wants a pony for Christmas.

Kaylinism VI

The other day on the way home from school I told Kaylin that we were going to go over to Tucker's (friend) house that evening. She responded by saying "I've got a headache and I think I'm going to have it for a really long time." This was funny in itself but I felt the need to dig. I asked her "What does that mean?" To which she responded with the following question. "What does it mean when you get headaches?"

Oh my goodness - I laughed hard. Where does she come up with these zingers. Although she didn't really understand the zinger. I kept laughing and she kept asking me to tell her what it meant. It looses some of its humor when I have to explain that having a headache actually means your head hurts. Someday she'll figure out some people just use it as an excuse (or then again maybe she already gets that). BTW - She always has fun playing with Tucker and she did that evening as well.

Mid-October update

Yes - I know it's been awhile since I've written anything in my blog. James, Kaylin and I have been gone. Last week we took a drive out to Lake Havasu, Arizona to visit family. It was my first time in AZ (other than the Phoenix airport) and I looked forward to the new adventure. Although I think Arizona has it's own kind of beauty it is definitely not a place I'd want to live (vacation maybe but not live). I am a girl that loves and needs color (green especially). I suppose having lived in the lushness of Washington spoiled me a bit. Now everywhere I go just looks likes its lacking in trees and flowers. Upon our return to Colorado - we were struck with the beauty of the changing leaves. Yellow, orange, red and green everywhere we looked. They are beautiful. I just wish they would stay that way throughout winter. I find it to be a sad look when there are no leaves on trees. Oops - I wondered off the subject. Back to the vacation. One day we went out on the Lake in the boat. It was Kaylin's first time on a boat. You should have seen her face. I'd show you a picture if we hadn't forgotten to take our camera. Her mouth was wide open (as were her eyes) and her arms up in the air as the wind blew at her face and hair. She loves being in the blowing wind for some reason. The water was a little cold but that didn't stop her from playing in it. She threw rocks, found seashells and simply splashed around. It was a joy to watch her excitement. Sadly for a good portion of our trip Kaylin had a fever and cough. I tried not to panic over fears of H1N1. Thankfully, we gave her Tylenol and her fever left. We're still working on the cough though. A few days later she got another adventure. We took the 4-wheelers out for a ride. Kaylin (with helmet on) got to ride with her Aunt Lee and I took my turn on one by myself. I could maybe get used to having some of those. Vacation is over now and we must get back to reality. Ahh - bummer.

40 Days of Prayer Update

I just wanted to take a moment and give an update on how my 40 days of praying is going. I've actually completed my first set. Today marks the start of another 40 days and another group of people to pray for. I have felt really good about praying for others in this way. Better yet I have managed to stick to this plan. My main goal has been to pray for God's blessings upon each person on my list. The best part is knowing that whether or not I can see (or hear of) how God is blessing them - I know without a doubt God is working in their lives. It's all bonus when I hear their stories of how they have been blessed...and stories I have heard!! Praise God. He is faithful and great.

Kaylin's Fish

Kaylin turned five recently and Daddy felt it was time for her to have a small fish tank. She has been wanting some fish for a very, very long time. The other night we had a delayed birthday celebration with Grandma and Granddad. They were in on our little bday surprise and bought Kaylin a small fish tank. She knew instantly what it was for when she opened it. Her excitement level grew all night. But it was a different kind of excitement. She was not bouncing off the walls as you might expect. It was more of the "I'm so excited I can't stop talking about this" kind of excitement. When we got back home she was in full "talk" mode. We had told her we would get the fish the next day and this is what followed (there's really no way I can accurately describe it though): Kaylin in pretty much her own words: "We're going to go get some fish tomorrow, right? I'll remind Daddy in the morning. Yes, I'll remind Daddy in the morning. Make sure you remind Daddy in the morning. Are we going to church first? When we're done with church then we can get the fish. I'll remind Daddy. Will it be afternoon when church is over. Is that because church takes so long. And then we'll get the fish, right? Tomorrow. In the afternoon? Make sure you remind Daddy in the morning." This went on for about 30 minutes. It was way past her bedtime. We didn't think she would fall asleep she was so excited. I'd say: "You've got to go to bed." She'd respond. "Yeah - and then I'll wake up and we can go get our fish. Make sure you remind Daddy." It was really the funniest thing to watch (or in this case listen to).

To finish out the story - we did get her some fish as promised. She has been thrilled with them ever since. Unfortunately, they haven't been doing very well. They wouldn't eat at all. We lost the first yesterday morning. She semi-cried and was sad for about 5 minutes before declaring "It's OK. We can get a new one." The others have pretty much followed suit. Now - I guess it's time for plan B.

Oh - this is funny too. You know how kids beg their parents for a cat or a dog (or some other pet)? Parents have a tendency to say things like "A pet's a lot of work. Who's going to take care of it?" Then the kid appropriately responds. "I'll do all the work, I promise." Well the other night it struck me funny that Kaylin did that very same thing (and she's only five). We were talking about getting her fish the next day and she declared "I can take care of them all by myself." (She even put her hand on her chest for extra affect.) And then right after she made that declaration she said: "Yeah - Daddy and I can take care of them." Hmmm? Methinks she doesn't fully comprehend the meaning of the phrase "all by myself".

Bonus Kaylinism: Sometimes when Kaylin asks us for somthing we say "I'll think about it." The other day she responded by saying "Okay, you think about it in your brain."

Another trip to the "Beauty Shop"

Well - you know - I hesitated. It's not the most flattering picture of me but...words cannot do my experiences at Kaylin's beauty shop justice. So - here I am - ready for the "ball" as my little hair dresser puts it.

(I might need a new gown to go with the hair - but what color gown? Hmm, I guess just about any color will work.)

Kaylin Turns Five

The requested Princess Cake - (curtesy of Aunt Connie). It turned out very cute!

You can't tell in the picture - but I'll tell you for the record - the balloon you can't see is a Disney Princesses balloon. She was very excited when she saw it.

Ahhh! - That's my baby girl! She's so sweet!

How old are you? "I'm Five!"

"Blow" Her new most favorite pajamas - excuse me - nightgown ever!

Every Princess needs a pretty pair of high heel shoes.

How do I look?

My little girl is growing up - both in age and height. I measured Kaylin this morning. She has grown 2 1/2 inches since last year at this time. How does that happen right in front of me?

I love you Sweet Pea!

40 Days

If any of you are like me - praying consistently for others is a hard task to accomplish. It's not that I don't want to do it or that I don't have time to do it. I simply am not disciplined enough. It truly bothers me to know that family and friends need and want prayers lifted to God on their behalf and yet I continually fail them. I believe with all my heart that God wants us to pray for people - to be an intercessor. There are many things (circumstances, people's hearts) that I have no control over. But I know the One who does. I believe strongly that there is definite power in prayer. James 5:16 says: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." So why is it that I can't seem to get a grip on this incredible avenue of change and blessing that God has given us? I don't know the answer to that question and frankly all I can do is move forward and not give up. I have a desire to be the prayer-er that I believe God wants me to be.

So - I have come up with a new prayer strategy for myself. You may have noticed that there is great significance given to the number 40 in the Bible. I am taking that important number and applying it to my prayer life. I have determined to dedicate myself to praying for a specific list of people for 40 days without fail. And I look forward to watching the results.

1 John 5:14-15 says this: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him. This verse has often stumped me. But as I look at it again I go back to the "according to His will" part. What do I really know about God's will? Well - I know that He loves people, I know He wants to bless people, I know that He wants everyone to be with Him in Heaven, I know that He wants us to draw closer to Him, and I know that He wants us to take the fruit of the Spirit and be fruitful. So with that knowledge and understanding, I have begun praying for my list of loved ones with confidence in this way: I pray for God to bless their lives in the manner in which He chooses (not what I think they need but what He knows they need), I pray for their relationship with God to grow (at whatever level of relationship they have with God from non-existent to strong Christian - the relationship can always grow) and I pray for a hedge of protection around them. These are things I truly believe God wants - so therefore - are "according to His will". Then I know that I will have what I have asked of Him.

Maybe you have your own prayer system that works for you. If not, maybe this will be an encouragement for you to try this approach or rededicate yourself in your own prayer life. The more dedicated we are in prayer - the more Godly changes can and will occur through us and around us. When my first 40 days is over - I already have a waiting list of names for my next 40 days. I am excited about seeing the results of my rededication to prayer.

Kaylinisms V

Hi there - it's been awhile since I last blogged. I thought this would be a good time for me to inject some more of Kaylin's funny sayings.

Instead of saying pinata like it's suppose to be (like pin-yata) she actually says pin-nata.

When she gets tired of doing something like walking, playing, or working she says she's tired - only instead of using the word "tired" she says "dizzy". For example - she'll say things like "that's making me dizzy" or "my legs are getting dizzy".

James has been doing some fishing lately. One night while he was out, Kaylin and I were watching tv and flipping channels. On some "educational" channel there was a quiz about what animal related job was the most dangerous. The answer was fishing. As soon as Kaylin heard that she looked at me and said "Daddy should not do that then. He's not that good."

She says things like "That's too yucky for me." or "That's kind of not good."

One night she came out of the bedroom and tried to say something to James who was completely focused on the computer. He was not responding. She looked at me and said "Daddy's exsnoring me." I laughed so hard.

Kaylin and I were being silly together. She said to me "You're a goop." Thinking she got confused on the word I said: "Am I a goober or a goop?" She said: "You're a goober with goop on top."

Slice of Americana

Ah – the adventures of small town living – they give me something to write about. Last night James said we were going to the Delta County Fair. Mention the word “fair” and I have visions of food – the yummy greasy kind, the yummy sugary kind, the yummy pastry kind, and on and on. I grabbed some much needed cash and we (Granddad, James, Kaylin and I) were off to enjoy and partake of the Delta County Fair. Turns out my mental visions were much bigger than what my eyes actually saw. My fairground experiences come from large state fairs such as the Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas state fairs. I had never been to a county fair. So this was definitely a new experience for me. It was much, much smaller. We didn’t even have to pay to get in. I love that!! First things were first (no – not the food – that came second) we went to check out the poultry. Who knew there were so many different kinds of chickens? And can you believe there were some that I actually thought were pretty. And – the roosters – who knew they cock-a-doodle-doo’d all the time and not just in the morning? Well, I suppose farmers knew that. I didn’t linger too long with the chickens once I saw the bunnies. I have a thing for soft, furry, cuddly creatures. Some of them were so cute I thought for a minute about getting one of my own – I mean - one for Kaylin. My mind spoke quickly. “Wait! Snap out of it! That would me more pet responsibility. Don’t let their cuteness fool you. That’s how they reel you in. Walk away from the bunny barn.” The trance was broken and dinner was calling me. I went to get my obligatory corn dog. Let me input some advice here: when one stand says a corn dog is $2.50, another says $3.00 and another says $4.00 – go with the most expensive one. I started off at the $2.50 stand because I’m frugal. They told me there it would be 8 minutes for a corn dog because they were frozen. Are you kidding me?? I don’t want a frozen corn dog at a fair! That’s like anti-fair protocol. Please!!! Thankfully they told me. I politely excused myself and made my way to the stand where they were $3.00. It was fine but clearly not their specialty as the breading was more like bread than corn. Later on James had a corn dog from the $4.00 stand and that looked the best. So there is my advice. Time to move on – we grabbed our food and headed for the main event. Yep! I’m sure you guessed it. It was the tractor pull. In all my life I have never seen a tractor pull event. And I must say – I was strangely into it (well – for at least the first 15 or so tractors - after that it was a little repetitive). Maybe it was the excitement of the crowd around me in the stands. Or maybe it was the revving of the motors and manly testosterone seeping through the air. Or maybe it was the cute cowboys that drew my attention. It was all a little bit (to use an old favorite word of my husband) “sexy”. Again – I go back to - maybe it was the cowboys. Relax honey bun – one cowboy who had me at the first “rev” was probably 85ish. The other that tried to win me over was about 10. The second was closer to my age (thankfully) but still no match for the cowboy I already have at home. Besides – give James another year and I can totally see him competing in the next tractor pull. Oh! Oh! Oh! Moving on again – we finished out our evening with a little bit of the “team roping” competition in the rodeo arena. I loved the horses but wasn’t so big on watching the roping of the bulls. Not really my thing (you know – like the tractor pull). We finished out our evening with a funnel cake and sno-cone. Yummy!! Friday we will go back to watch our neighbors compete in the “team penning” event. Naturally, I had to get a lesson on what that is. I have been sufficiently persuaded by our neighbors that it is, indeed, quite the event. As long as they have the 85 year old cowboy showing the young’uns how it’s done – I’ll be there. The biggest observation I had of the night was this: whether or not fairs or rodeos are your thing – there is no denying that they do represent a definite slice of Americana. It’s a slice that plainly just makes you feel good! So go out there and experience a little bit of Americana. It’ll do your heart good!

Princess Swan Kitty

Kaylin is consumed lately with pretending she is a kitty. She crawls around and meows a lot. This can be a little tiresome but I do find it better than when she felt the need to be a dog (there was just too much barking involved). It is a little sweet, though, when she "crawls" into my lap. A good kitten likes to cuddle. Well - this morning Princess Swan Kitty (her alter ego name) insisted I give her some milk on a plate so she could lick it up. The rational part of me hesitated but gave way to the small easy-going part of me. I placed the plate on a bench (so she wouldn't have to compete with the real cats). She went to town lapping up the milk. When I turned around to look at her she was on her knees, her face was in the plate and she had one hand behind her back. I guess that's how a proper kitten drinks it's milk. One day this phase will be over (hopefully sooner than later) and I'll look back and laugh.

Gotcha Day

In May of 2004 James and I started a pregnancy. No – it wasn’t the traditional type of pregnancy. It was what we, adoptive parents, refer to as our “paper pregnancy”. Though a biological pregnancy lasts nine months a paper pregnancy can last much, much longer. In our case it lasted fourteen months. It’s not an easy process. Oh – the paperwork isn’t that bad. It’s the waiting that’s hard. Unlike a biological pregnancy there is no definitive due date. We wait and we wait and we plan the best we can for the arrival of our child. And then one day – the phone call comes. Travel arrangements are made. It is time to hold our baby for the first time. This is what we refer to as “Gotcha Day”. For James and me this event took place four years and 1 week ago on July 18, 2005. In the heart of China – Chongqing to be exact – Fu, Ai Ying became Kaylin Ai Ying Gage. It was a day we will never forget. We had seen videos of other families’ “Gotcha Day” experiences where babies cried and cried as they were placed into the waiting arms of their parents. I had dreaded that possibility. The last thing I wanted was for her to be afraid. During our pregnancy we prayed often that God would give her peace and that she would actually be expecting us (even at such a young age). When we walked into the room to receive our baby girl, there were definitely babies crying – but not our little girl. When they placed her into my arms she was calm and simply studied us. She never once hesitated. She never once cried. It was if she was thinking “Ah – so you’re the ones I’ve been waiting for. Great! Let’s go!” She was perfectly at peace with us from the first moment on. We had her laughing and smiling literally within minutes. I cannot tell you how much that initial interaction meant to me. It will forever have a special place in my heart. God truly blessed us that day in many ways. We knew in an instant she was ours. But more importantly – she knew we were hers.

It’s been four years and I can’t believe how the time has passed. I thought I would share some photos from our “Gotcha Day” as well as a few others. Kaylin has changed a lot but in many ways we still see that same little 10 month old from four years ago.

The Birth of an Education

When we moved to Colorado I don't think I fully imagined the farm life adventures that Kaylin (or I) would get to witness. I grew up in the city and so did James. And well - most of the people in the U.S. live in cities. Farm adventures are witnessed by most on television, county fairs or sometimes at the zoo. So - in this respect I find our first hand experiences to be a great education for our curious four year old. In April we were having dinner with some family friends who own a dairy. As it happens quite often there, a cow was in labor. This time, however, the cow needed some "assistance". James took Kaylin outside with he and his mom to go witness the assisted birth. I wasn't sure this was something Kaylin really needed to witness but I was overruled. To my surprise she was completely untraumatized. She came back and explained to me the whole process.

A couple of weeks later her grandparents' cow "Tuesday" gave birth. The funny thing there was that none of knew she was pregnant until about a few days before she introduced her young one. The whole thing was serendipitous (making a desirable discovery by accident). This past weekend there was another addition to the family. The pictures are below. The first is of Sera (short for serendipity) and the next two pictures are of Daisy. Already in Kaylin's young life she is experiencing things I never did. I don't think there is anything quite as educating as life itself. So whether or not I think farm life is for me in the long term - I am excited Kaylin gets to experience things she otherwise probably wouldn't have. (They are kind of cute, aren't they.)

Kaylinisms IV

"Necessarily" is a big word for a four year old. So Kaylin says "I don't nescer like that."

She picked this up from her dad. She says "I'm not a big fan of..."

And this is classic: Yesterday I was organizing Kaylin's toys. I divided some of her toys into three small baskets and told her what was in each. One was for doll toys/dress up items, one was for kitchen toys and the third was for the leftover miscellaneous items. Later as we were putting the baskets back in place she said: "This is my miscellaneous basket. Did she give those (toys) to me?" I was thinking "Who?" before it dawned on me. You know - "Miss Cellaneous". Too funny!!

I Love You 61

There's nothing in the world quite like hearing your child tell you that they love you. Of course it always sounds nice when Kaylin says it back to me after I've said it to her. But the best is when she randomly says it during the day. It goes something like this: "Mommy", "Yes, honey", "You know what?", "What?", "I love you." There's something about an unprompted "I love you" that warms the heart. Sometimes our love turns into a counting game. I say "I love you." She says "I love you too." I say "I love you three", She says "I love you four." You get the picture. Somewhere after about ten or twelve she decides to make a big leap. She says proudly and with full conviction "I love you 61.". You can tell she feels confident that 61 is a huge number and that she loves me (and/or James - whomever she's playing with) in such a huge way. Someday she'll figure out there are much larger numbers than 61 but for now - I'm content knowing she loves me with the biggest number she knows. And someday she'll understand there aren't enough numbers out there to tell her how much her Daddy and Mommy love her.

Update: tonight Kaylin declared her love up to 61,000!!

Cousins are Fun!

Over Memorial Day weekend we went to Grandma and Grandpa Schoonover's in Colorado Springs. It was a great time to be with family and a lot of fun to watch Kaylin play with her cousins. Here are a few pictures. Kaylin and Fallon outside waiting for our picnic to begin. Can you guess who the poser is?

Kaylin, Maverick and Fallon.

Dress up time. Thanks Mav for playing along. You look cute!

Squeeeeezzzee!

The Three Amigos.

Homing Devices

I think Kaylin puts a homing device in every craft project, torn out coloring page and every single item she brings home from church or preschool. Frankly - she puts a homing device on everything she owns. Why do I say this? I don't think I'm alone here. I think you other parents will agree if you've ever tried to hide anything from your child (for the express purpose of throwing it away later). Kids use the homing device to locate the item and insuring that you can't throw it away for at least a week (or until they forget about it again). For example - the other day James and I found Kaylin's Valentine goodie bag under the bed. The goodies have long been removed, the bag is partially ripped and it really only now holds other items that also need to go in the trash. James says to me: "We can throw that out." I reply: "I know but I can't do that in front of you-know-who." (Because you-know-who will use the homing device, pull it from the trash can, and exclaim in a dramatic voice "WHY did you throw my bag away?") I have to hide it, wait until after she goes to bed and then bury it deep in the trash can. The problem with this scenario is that my memory isn't that long. By the time she goes to bed, I've completely forgotton to discard the bag. The next morning - the homing device has been activated, she finds the bag and treats it as a long lost favorite item. She then proceeds to pack "stuff" into it that she "needs" to take with her on our planned road trip. Sigh! If only my memory was longer...if only I was better at hiding things...if only kids didn't have those evil homing devices.

Precious Poses

A few weeks ago I was out with the camera taking some scenic shots. Kaylin came along with me picking flowers (aka weeds) as we went. I saw this big rock and decided it would make a good place to take some shots of Kaylin.

Notice her hand is strategically placed. She had a sticker on her leg that she refused to take off. A photographer must work with her subject.

Really, I'm not one of those parents!

If you have a child who is anything like mine, she (or he) has multiple toy cell phones. Occasionnally, Kaylin will like to take her phone with us when we run errands. Usually I make her leave all toys in the car because 1)either she'll lose them or 2) I end up carrying everything she totes along. The other day, however, we went into Wal-Mart and I let her take her phone in with us. This particular day she was very talkative. OK - maybe it's just me but I've seen too many mini "Paris's" these days. I don't want to be one of those parents responsible for creating such a child. Well - imagine the scene: A tiny four year old walking around Wal-Mart, swinging one arm with purpose as she walks (almost oblivious to her surroundings) and talking loudly on the cell phone with her friend Derek (from Princess Swan). Again - maybe it's my imagination but she was getting a lot of looks. And even though I think she's the cutest girl ever, my mind was telling me these people were saying "I can't believe that women lets her toddler talk on the cell phone. What's that girl going to be like when she's twelve." I felt the strongest urge to defend myself by hollering out: "IT'S A TOY PHONE!" Although I refrained from making any comments I did make a mental note: "Leave the toy phone at home next time." Whether justified or not at the very least it will save me from mental anguish.

Kaylinisms III

I compiled another list of some of my favorite things Kaylin says or has said: 1)It gets really windy out here and one day as we got out of the car and the wind was in full force Kaylin said "God's really good at blowing." 2)Kaylin has a funny way of being indirect. Instead of asking for what she wants, she instead makes a declaration. For example: "I haven't had that before." or "I haven't tasted that before." Translation: Can I have a bite? One day she said to me: "Grandma hasn't seen me in a long time." Translation: I want to go to Grandma's house. 3) She also says the following: Holey Schmoley ---- gremote control ---- merceipt (receipt) ---- That might make me swell up (instead of "throw up").

A Little Static Goes A Long Way

Easter

Our local community center put on an Easter festival on Saturday. Below are some pics of the fun time.

First - we discovered that Kaylin likes her picture taken more than she fears the big scarry bunny. She played some games. She successfully tossed a toy into a smiley face cup. Then she practiced her bowling game and her golf game.

Next was the big Easter egg hunt. Okay - the truth be told there was no hunting involved. The eggs were tossed onto a big open field. The wistle blew and mass chaos insued. The event lasted all of about 30 seconds. But - as you can see from the pictures below, Kaylin still had a great time.

Interview with Kaylin

This interview has been going around on Facebook. I thought I'd add it to my blog for your enjoyment.

1. What is something mom always says to you? “No” (It took her less than half a second to answer that.)

2. What makes mom happy? “play around”

3. What makes mom sad? “I get hurt.”

4. How does your mom make you laugh? “Funny faces, laugh”

5. What was your mom like as a child? “Riding in cars.” (Yeah – I don’t get this either.)

6. How old is your mom? “I don’t know again. 7 – 8 years old.”

7. How tall is your mom? “Like this tall.”

8. What is your mom’s favorite thing to watch on TV? “News”

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? “Take a nap." (um – I think she’s confusing me with her dad.)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? "Pretty"

11. What is your mom really good at? "Cooking" (Yeah - I've got a fan.)

12. What is your mom not very good at? “Grilling”

13. What does your mom do for her job? “Eat” (um – I’m sensing a theme here. I probably shouldn’t have started this interview when she was hungry.)

14. What is your mom's favorite food? “Acorns” (Now she’s so hungry – anything sounds good.) 15. What makes you proud of your mom? “Laugh” (you may have noticed – she likes one word answers)

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? “Mickey Mouse”

17. What do you and your mom do together? “Play games”

18. How are you and your mom the same? “Our voice is the same.”

19. How are you and your mom different? “You’re taller and I’m short.”

20. How do you know your mom loves you? “Because you like me.”

Donkeys are smarter than you think

Yesterday I was reading a book when I kept hearing the noise of a horse neighing. Well - I was a little confused as I didn't think donkey's neigh. They just he-haw (with everything they can muster). I looked out the window to see James riding Dink the donkey. I thought this was funny so I went out to catch a better look. We decided to put Dink back in the corrale and get Jack the mule out (he was the guilty neigh-er). He seemed to be jealous of Dink's good fortune. As we were getting Jack ready for me to take a ride (sorry - I don't have picture proof of that one), I noticed Dink jostling with the gate latch. I said to James: "It's just a matter of time before he figures out how to get that gate open." Really - I wasn't too worried. Maybe I have been stereotyping donkeys but I didn't think he was smart enough to make a run for it. When we got ready to put Jack back in the corrale, Dink proceeded to open the gate. Oops! We put the animals up and James jimmy-rigged the latch on the gate. We went inside. After a few minutes I looked up from my book and saw Dink walking across the driveway. Oops again! James' jimmy-rig didn't work. So we got Dink back in his place and James' fixed the latch again. Sometime during the night or early morning Dink worked his magic again. This morning we discovered Dink and Jack had made a run for it. They headed off for some greener pasture. We got them back. (OK - "we" didn't. Mike and James did. But I was ready to get some carrots to lure them back. I've heard that works.) So far the latch is working. But I give the donkey credit. The cows never even noticed the open gate. Or - maybe they're smarter than we think too. They know where there food comes from. That's my farm adventure for the day.

Dr. Kaylin Gage

Kaylin received a doctor kit for Christmas. How do you like her in her Dr. glasses? I think she definitely looks the part.

Picture Poses

I guess it was our turn to pose with the beauty.

Sweet Serenity

James was taking pictures of church members and he got a cute one of Kaylin.

Kaylinisms ll

Kaylinisms in story format: It's time to eat. She's singing in the background "Old McFarmy had a farm. E-I-E-I-O." She walks up to the table and scouts out where everyone is sitting. She looks at me and says "Let's sit pe-chuther (each other)." She sits down at the table and takes a look at what's in front of her. "Mom! I don't want to eat any "bregtables" (vegtables). "That will give me a head-ick (headache)." (And for emphasis - she puts her hand on her head like she's already suffering.) She plays with her food and eats a few bites. Then she decides she doesn't want to eat anymore. "Mom, I'm getting a stumy-ache (stomache ache). That means I'm getting full." Funny - I bet if we were eating ice cream instead of bregtables, she wouldn't get a head-ick, stumy-ache or full!!

Kaylinisms

As a parent, I think it's a good idea to write down things your child says. Things that will make fun memories going forward. I will post "Kaylinisms" periodically when they occur. But for now here are a few: 1) When she doesn't want to do something she says "I'm not in the mood of that." 2) The other day we put a bowl of soup in front of her for dinner. She said, "Mommy, I'm allergic to this." 3)Our daughter is a creature of habit. Particularly at bedtime. She goes through phases where she will pick her "goodnight words". For example, she used to say "Happy Thanksgiving" every night for about six months. Now she has three sentences she must say before we walk out the door. They are: "Make sure you check on me when you go to bed. Make sure you check on me at night." and "Make sure you wake me up in the morning." I look forward to her next set of word gems.

Kaylin's Beauty Shop

Every once in a while I can convince Kaylin to brush my hair. The other night I got Kaylin in the right mood and she agreed. We played “beauty shop”. She pulled out her basket of hair accessories, brush and mirror and we got started. After doing the preliminary brushing she began adorning my head. Throughout the process she kept letting me know my hair was going to be “gorgeous” (which I find to be a relative term). I had my hair twisted and clipped every which way but loose. When she finished, I must say, it was a sight to behold. Pure, raw talent that girl has! Every good stylist likes to admire their work so she instructed me not to take out my “braids” as she calls them. Knowing I couldn't sleep like that I tried to explain that the "braids" might fall out when I went to bed. After I put Kaylin to bed – they did indeed “fall out”. Because, really, it can get kind of uncomfortable having all those things clipped to your scalp. I pulled out 14 hair clips and 17 pony tail holders in varying sizes and colors. I have a lot of hair so – who knows – I might actually still have some hiding in there somewhere. I will say, though, that even if the look wasn’t particularly flattering on me, I’d do it all again and again. I love playing “beauty shop” with my little girl. When she's working I can hold the mirror up and see the look of concentration on her face as she strategically places each piece. It's precious! When I say to her “You are so good at this.” and she replies “I know!” it brings an instant smile to my face. I guess that’s a sign she takes pride in what she does. I think, in truth, I enjoy the “beauty shop” routine more than she does. But I think someday she’ll enjoy hearing my fond memories.

God's Wife

The other day after picking up Kaylin from preschool, she started talking about Jesus and God. Well – actually the conversation started about Jesus dying on the cross and being buried in the tomb. She asked why He was buried in the tomb. I told her that’s where people sometimes put people when they die. She asked why people die. I explained that everyone dies. The cats die, the cows die, the dogs die, etc. The conversation was beginning to sound like a downer so I brought up the good part. “When we die we get to go to heaven and be with God and Jesus.” She proceeded to tell me that when she gets to heaven she’s going to give God a hug. How sweet is that? Then she asked if I wanted to help her give God a hug. “I would love that.” I said. Then she said “Make sure we tell Daddy that we’re going to heaven when we die. I replied. “He can go with us.” But then she really got me. She asked “Where’s God’s wife?” “He doesn’t have a wife,” I explained. She thought for a second. “Oh – maybe you should try to be God’s wife.” Huh? “Well, honey, I’m your daddy’s wife and besides God doesn’t really need a wife.” Apparently satisfied with that answer, and as children do, she moved on to the next topic (which probably had something to do with cows).