As I was trying to think of things that describe Kristin, one word stood out in my mind that I have used many, many times over the years…busy! Kristin kept herself very busy. She took lessons in gymnastics, tap, jazz, ballet, pointe and lyrical; keyboard, drums and the marimba; she took horseback riding lessons; she had private voice instruction and group voice lessons. Through the years she won many awards in dance competitions, pageants and percussion. It seemed that when she wasn’t learning, she was performing; and when she wasn’t performing, she was teaching.
I would be lying if I didn’t say that there were times that I thought she was too busy. Myself, being a person who generally enjoys being at home, I couldn’t imagine that all this activity could be good for a kid; as a mom, I couldn’t comprehend how Taryn kept Kristin’s schedule straight and found the energy to drive her everywhere. Hindsight has given me a different perspective on this. I think that Kristin lived more and experienced more in fourteen years than many people achieve in decades. Kristin thrived on activity. In spite of her hectic schedule, she still found time to read books, write poetry, and watch her favorite animated movies and Japanimation shows; she still had time to construct the most awesome homework projects and get straight A’s; she still had time to go to church, youth group and camp; she still had time to travel with her family to the east coast, the west coast, and many places in between, and to travel on more cruise ships than I can recall (I’ve never even been on one!) To quote the old cliche, Kristin “lived life to the fullest.” Every day of her life was an adventure…every year a celebration. She had the most incredible birthday parties, but that’s a story in itself that I will tackle another time.
I miss her so much.
KKSmith.net 
Ditto (Original poster: Rich Wiersma)Shelly, it’s my guess that just reading about all of Kristin’s activities and exploits in your post will exhaust the normal person, not to mention the couch-potato! Your message reminded me of the last one-on-one event that Kristin and I enjoyed together last July at Tucson Raceway Park. During the 30 to 40 minute drive out there, rather than conversation, she chose to sing along with the music playing through her headphones. At first, I was a little miffed and took it personally, because my agenda was to be Mr. responsible, caring uncle and learn what was going on in her life as she prepared for her final year of Middle School. I concluded that I either bored her out of her mind, or conversely, maybe she was comfortable with me and had confidence that I would not get offended. Well, I went with the latter explanation, and simultaneously withstood the impulse to turn up the volume on my stereo to thunderous levels (not an easy task for a compulsive prankster)!!I also miss Kristin very much. I was reminded Sunday at the hospital visit celebrating Daniel Richard’s arrival of just how incomplete family gatherings seem without her. I guess it’s only natural that we especially want to share good times and God’s blessings with those we love. In that context, even though I believe that Kristin is perfectly and completely content being with God in Heaven; I can’t help but think that she is looking forward to playing hostess, showing us the sights, and sharing with us all that she has learned about God and Heaven when our appointed times arrive. Warmly, Uncle Rich