SPRING SPRING SPRING

We love Spring in this house.  Once the time changes and it's light outside longer, the energy level turns positive (versus winter grumpy - the kids and me), daffodils, tulips start to appear and my hosta's - I cannot explain why those plants make me so happy.  When I see them peak above ground, it's officially spring.

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Ryan is about to start Little League for the first time, he's so excited he is telling everyone he knows.  A new experience for the whole family.

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Every Wednesday I volunteer in the kindergarten class and get to spend a half hour with the kids in the art room with the art teacher.  One day the topic was dogs. Kathryn told the art teacher we have a standard poodle, and come to find out the art teacher grew up with them and is quite fond of them still.  An invitation to bring Joey to class was soon to follow.  Joey got to experience 19 kindergarten students who were to draw Joey and then use charcoal to shade/color her on paper.  I think Joey quite enjoyed it.

Ryan was able to introduce Joey to his class as well.

This next picture and reason for the picture just about made my heart explode with pride.  Paul typically does the night time reading to the kids.  He was out late for work this particular evening.  Kathryn asked me to read to her, I hesitated and said I would rather not.  Ryan jumped up and said, "I'll do it!"  Ryan has been slow to pick up on reading this year, mainly because he guesses more than tries to figure out the words, then goes straight to frustration.  Recently it's really clicked for him. Kathryn brought home a library book that he was familiar with, making it quite fun for him to read to her.  He jumped in to her bed and read her a bed time story!

Snibbles came to visit one more time.  

And a Ryan/Mom selfie per Ryan's request.

Lastly, Spring brought a few home projects for Paul. The first one being the demolishing of the weirdest pole/tree trunk/power pole 5 steps to the left just out of our back door.  It may of been a tree.  It may of been a power pole. It was as high as the house.  It had a metal pole securing it to the house so it would be stable because we guess that at some point it started to rot.  So instead of taking it out at that time, someone put a bunch of huge nails and concrete to secure it.  There is also a very sturdy pipe next to it and some sort of brace on the other side. It's rotting a lot more, so Paul thought it time to remove it.

In the first picture you can see the trunk/pole. The pipe is on the left, but painted brown, so it's hard to see.

 In this one (if you can look past the adorable child!!) you can see the base with concrete.

 And the mess.  It's hard to see what is left of the pipe, but it's sticking up in the middle.  Paul says it goes down for quite a few feet.

 The whole thing is weird and I wish I knew the story behind it.  I am glad it will be gone.

Yipes! Some major catching up to do. . . . .

The first family photo we've done in a long time.

Kathryn's 5 1/2, Ryan's 7 1/2.  

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Ok, catch up time.

Paul's job started. It's gone really well from my point of view.  It's been a great transition for Paul as well.  Paul is much better suited for the Finance world, and instantly he was a happier man when the job started.  The hours are more suited for our family.  The salary matches what we need to survive with comfort and have some aspirations to finally do some house remodeling.  My big wish is new windows!  In the blink of an eye, 5+ years of being stressed about commission income dropped and I feel like I can breathe, pay bills and just enjoy more aspects of life with out worry.  SO grateful for this turn of events on our lives.

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The kids are in the 2nd half of their school year.  Ryan's continuing to show real progress in reading.  Kathryn's penmanship is amazing.  They both do well, love school and still love recess the most.  : )

 Kathryn photo bomb  : )

We braved the crowds at Mariner's FanFest this year.  Crowded it was, but walking on the field of play (even though we were herded like cattle) was exciting for the kids.

 This year's Valentine mini cakes.

I am really starting to like the mini cake thing.  Not nearly as time consuming as big ones!

 Miss Demeter kitty and Kathryn.

Once upon a time I thought these two would never be friends.  Now I find kitty willingly going to Kathryn's room to jump on her bed to get a chin scratch and snuggle on Kathryn's fuzzy blanket.  They're on Ryan's bed in this picture.

Last day of winter session swim lessons.  

This was a frustrating session for me, because Kathryn's instructor was WORTHLESS.  Both kids are in the same level of class, but had different instructors this time.   Ryan needs to work on technique to move up to the next level and Kathryn has better technique but needs stamina.  Her instructor never let her swim more than 5-6 paces then would help her turn around, basically throw her through the water, halfway back to the wall... eliminating any chance to work on her strength.  In the end, Ryan was not moved up to the next level, but Kathryn was - and I completely disagree.  The next level, kids have to swim the entire length of the pool.  She can't do it, the instructor never tested that, yet he moved her up anyway.   Grrr.  I think I will ignore both instructors, keep Kathryn where she is (unless she has him again) and move Ryan up.  I think he's ready.

 We are toothless in front!
Ryan let his last front tooth hang on for weeks.  Having it out of there makes that little face soooo stinking cute - can't stand it!!

And another family photo to tie this post up.

Although, I can add a little self drama I'm currently experiencing.

I have shingles.

On my eye and face.

Not in my eye (at least I hope not, seeing an eye doctor today) thankfully.

Shingles is no joke. 

 It's unlike pain I have ever known.  Every so often I get a jolt of pain that stops me cold.  Those jolts are brief, lasting only a few seconds. 

My appearance right now, well let's just say it's not pretty.  It changes daily.  I think I am hours away from blisters erupting on my forehead and temple. 

This adventure was made much easier with the help of the fabulous people I work with.  My co-worker, a receptionist who used to work in Dermatology diagnosed me.  She took one look at me and said, "I think you have shingles."  I considered the symptoms I've had for the 4 days prior and it all made sense.  Yup, I had shingles. One doctor there started the anti-viral treatment for me, another called an eye doctor to see at what point I would need to see an eye doctor since it's so close to my eye.  That same doctor checked up on me via text. Other co-workers have texted to check on me. My place of work is my extended family.  They love me, I love them.  At times it's a very difficult job.  At times it's a very easy job.  It's the right job for me.