Insanity

This is Tanks area after one meal. Ever since he has been able to grab food this has been the constant state of our kitchen floor. I was having to pull out the broom 3 times a day. I tried ignoring it, but our "dining room"  (if you can call it that) is pretty much in the center of traffic and I was finding cheerios everywhere. Either finding  smashed cheerios in my bed or pulling out the broom 3 times a day was starting to drive me crazy. So, we finally got a battery operated stick vacuum. Andrew got me one for mother's day last year, but I couldn't justify the cost for a once a week sweep. Now, it is a different story. Saying I love this thing is an understatement. I never thought there would come a day that a vacuum could bring me such joy. Not that I doubted, but I guess I really am a mom.

Art board

I really love Sugarboo art. They take old recycled wood and hand paint art prints and picture frames. I do not however, appreciate their prices. While looking at their website a while back, I noticed a poem they had written on some recycled wood that I really loved. I decided that moment I would just have to copy their idea. So here it is. I like the reminder it is to be grateful for the present. And yes, the letters are sruppose to be crooked and wrap around the board. This is about as artistic as I get.

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. 

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

From what I hear I am in need of some so called teeth. According to mom and dad, even just the bottom two will do. The people around here aren't giving me any of the tasty food I see them eating and they aren't falling for my pleading stares. They just say that I need these teeth first. I think you know I deserve this, especially since I so happily smile and giggle through all my big sister's rough play.

From a nice boy,

Tank


Dear Santa,

As I am sure Ed the elf has reported to you that I have been pretty nice this year. It has been a big year for me adjusting to a new city and a baby brother. I think I've done a pretty good job adapting. So, I'd really like a robot this year. Mom and dad keep frantically saying that I want a dollhouse from you, but this is not the case.

From a nice girl,

Little Bug

PS: I do have an important question for you. Was it my grandma that got run over by the reindeer?



Merry Christmas!

Gingerbread making

Interesting fact; Little Bug will not eat cakes and cookies, but she will happily eat gingerbread that has sat out on the counter for two weeks.

Dasher and Prancer

We were graced with Dasher and Prancer visiting our little town. Little Bug wanted to know why Santa was letting them be there. We had gone earlier in the week to give them some treats (raisins and oats), but Little Bug said she wanted to come back with carrots because they were longer. I don't blame her, they are pretty intimidating.

There were lots of stare downs such as this. Little Bug not quite ready to muster up the courage to fork over the food and the reindeers eying what was hopefully soon to be their treat.


She is just not too sure about that reindeer's intentions.

Ballet

Little Bug started taking ballet a few months ago. It is by far her favorite activity of the week, even ahead of swimming. It is pretty cute watching a bunch of 3-5 year old girls dance around in pink tutus. I had visions of getting really cute photos with puffs of pink everywhere, but they don't let the parents into the actual dance studio during the session. You instead watch through glass windows. So, I had to settle for being an obsessed mom by poking my camera through the door.

Here she is her first day outside our house.


All lined up and ready to dance!


And a sticker for doing such a good job.


We have since gotten her ballet shoes that fit.