Hurray for Kate!

This came in the mail yesterday...

Kate...WOOHOO you did it! I am so happy for you and proud of you. XOXO Mom

Baby Boy

Today we are sending in Zachary's confirmation that he will be attending the University of New Haven. Can this be possible? Our sweet Zachy doodle (we really call him that) has grown up and is going to college. It is a joyous time, but for me, his mommy, melancholy. Really, where has the time gone. I know that is cliche, but it is so true.

Zach and I filled out the acceptance paperwork yesterday afternoon. We then took the vinyl window cling that came in the envelope and together, stuck it on the rear window of our car. It was a moment. We hugged and kissed to seal it...and that's that.

Zach is so excited to begin this chapter of his life. He cannot wait. He was invited to do his first semester abroad, in London and although he is going to decline..he seriously considered it. I asked him if that might be too much of a change first thing and wouldn't he be concerned about getting homesick. He laughed it off, and told me not to be silly. He is anxious to spread his wings and I am so proud of his fearlessness.

Zachy, it is a complete joy to be your Mom. You make me proud every day. I am awestruck by your determination and willpower. You are rough and tough, but so sweet and loving as well. On we go...

aka Zachary Kyte's Mom

Signs of Spring

We have had a tradition in our house (thanks to the Vanhorne family) since the kids were little. We make it a contest to see who can spot the first "Robin of Spring". John, hands down, holds the record. He has a distinct advantage now, seeing that he works in a park, and he is further South. Even when he lived here, he was usually the winner. That child is so observant of his surroundings. Anyway, after we have a winner, we celebrate with an ice cream cake. Since John and Cassie are not here to celebrate the season with us...I am going to change it up this year. The first Kyte family member to spot the first "Robin of Spring" will receive a 10.00 gift card to the place of their choice. Okay guys...start looking!
*and for my little chicks listening pleasure... http://www.last.fm/music/Raffi/_/Robin+In+The+Rain (the player is on the right)
or if you'd like I could sing it like I always do... XOXO Mom

My Hero

I read a few blogs regularly and have come to realize that the entries with pictures are the most fun. Long blog entries without pics can lose me midway. The bad news is I have no pictures to post today, the good news is this will be short.
Last night the four of us were eating dinner. Tofu scratched to go out and I opened the door to let her. I always turn the light on for her at night, and watch her the whole time (hawks). Well, last night I was involved in a lively conversation at the table and I neglected to do both, I just waited at the door for her to come back on the deck. Next thing I know there was a scuffle on the deck and two pairs of eyes staring up at me. Tofu and some other huge beast. I screamed "coyote", and ran out on the deck to rescue Tofu. Talk about adrenaline...my heart almost flew out of my chest. Tofu ran off the deck and the beast went after her. Kate and Zach remained seated (thanks for your concern kids). Jim jumped right up, grabbed a golf club that had been left by the back door and went out into the backyard. What he found was Tofu doing her business and a ginormous mystery dog watching. Thank goodness for me (and Tofu) that we have a fearless protector. Unfortunately for me (if you have kids you know from which I speak) I am now the fodder for countless jokes about "Coyote's"... the price I pay for being a Mom.

Here Comes the Bride

Jim and I attended the wedding of our sweet friend Suzy Butkus today. It was a very lovely and touching ceremony. The bride's brother (our friend) Bob, married them and it made the ceremony all the more special. I thought I would post this so some of our friends who were unable to attend could get a glimpse of this special day.

Ring bearers

Flower girl

The groom,waiting at the altar

The beautiful bride and her brother

Making their way up the aisle

Mr. and Mrs Gary Howard

Congratulating the happy couple

How Great is our God. Unplanned, Gary and Sue started singing, their joy overflowing.

The vows

A Day in the Life

I thought it would be fun to do a typical day for me, all in pictures. I started out first thing this morning. Nothing exciting, just a regular day.



Good morning...up at 6am to let the dog out. Brrr it's sooo cold!

It snowed again last night.

Tofu enjoying her breakfast.

My usual breakfast, cereal and tea.

Zach is up and whipping up some scrambled eggs. Yummy.

Good morning Kati catepillar! Uncooperative with my picture taking. Typical.

Here's Jim...up and bright eye and bushy tailed. Looking for coffee...

Whew, here it is.

Working from home today (in his jammies).

I lay out my clothes, I am such a nerd.

Ready for work.

Checking in with Jim before I leave. "Don't work to hard"!

Arriving at work. Ugh...someone is in my parking spot.

My work for the day. After work I had a bunch of errands.

Post office

Bank... I then headed up to the Wtby Mall. Jim called me and wanted to get out and take a break from work. I swung by and picked him up (he brought a friend) .

Onward ho...

Tofu needed treats from the "Natural Pet"

Off to Starbucks

Yeah caffeine!!

Our scenic ride back to Naugatuck. Beautiful.

Quick stop at John's Pizza to get dough for dinner.

Jim is cooking tonight...homemade pizza!

Tofu happily anticipating a crumb or two that may fall...

Jim's magnificent veggie Pizza. It was delicious!

Whew...relaxing before bed. Sweet dreams everyone!

More Change

I am home this morning. Not by choice. Last week my work hours were cut down to 20 hrs. a week. I am going in the wrong direction. Although I was trying to avoid going back to an on-call position, I will be sending out my resume to a bunch of home care agency's tomorrow. Meanwhile, I am so grateful that I still have a job and am trying to look on the positive side. The laundry is all done, dinners are planned and served earlier, I have a grip on the housecleaning. Kate was sick with a stomach bug this week, and I was able to be home more to take care of her. I am no longer looking for the perfect full-time position, but any full time position. UGH!