Blessing

I just returned home from another three week stay at my parents house. My father is doing really well. He just finished round 6 of 8 and has been in remission since round 2. The doctor told him he was making history. No one has lived longer than 6 months with this type of double dip lymphoma. I am grateful for the dedication of all those nurses who are there 24 hours a day. They make comments and become misty eyed about how his room feels different than the others. I know that's because a wonderful work is being done in that precious hospital room. The moment I would walk into that room I would feel an instant calm and peaceful feeling. I love the work of the spirit there. The hope is that the cancer will not make an immediate return, but I know his life is already a miracle and am grateful for however much more time God is going to give him.

Andrew came down for the first week and we figured if we wanted to have Tank's baby blessing while he was still a baby, that perhaps we should have it in California. It was originally scheduled for last August, but that was when all my father's health woes started. So, between my father being unable to travel and Andrew's dad's work schedule we thought we might be able to squeeze it in. I am so glad we did. We held it at my parents house and it was wonderful to have family come and show their support and love.

Tank was lucky to have his Grandma Kristin sew his blessing romper and his Grandma Laura crochet his blessing blankie.

Memories

Recently, I started doing a photo wall and have been going through a lot of old photos. I just came across these from Andrew's graduation. It was somewhat of a stressful time with our move to Washington looming, but it still brings back fun memories and makes me smile.

Winter wonderland

This past week a big snow storm came in and we had 3 snow days! As in, Andrew's work was canceled for 3 days! I thought that only happened for school. So, we spent the days showing Little Bug and Tank the wonders of winter. Little Bug was pretty enthusiastic, while Tank thought it was everything short of wonderful. We made snow angels and snowmen, went sledding, licked icicles, and shoveled snow. Now that we have enjoyed everything snow has to offer, we are ready for it to go. Lucky for us, this area doesn't stay cold enough to keep the snow around for months or even weeks at a time.

Shoveling snow. The novelty lasted about 5 minutes. 

 Tasting icicles. Bug said she had a "good idea," to put the icicles in water to make tasty cold water.



 Our snowman Little Bug named 'Rosie.'



Sledding with daddy. I crashed on my way down and Bug only trusted daddy to ride down with after that.

Socks

It is a little late, but I had to put this picture up. I received these socks after Little Bug was born, but Christmas time had already passed. So, for about three years I kept them in safe keeping. Keeping track of them between two moves did take some effort. This past Christmas season I was so excited to have Tank wear them. Excited enough to even document the occasion.