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.

Three years

Little Bug,

We were in awe the first time we gazed upon you. Your dad cried tears of joy and I thought you were the cutest baby I'd ever seen. Thank you for all the love, energy and kindness you bring to our home. Happy 3rd birthday to our little girl.


This year also marks the year of finally figuring out what Little Bug will eat for a birthday cake, tart! Her two previous cakes went untouched. She loved her very own personal sized tart decorated with pink sprinkles and candles.




Things we must remember about our 3 year old Bug;

• She loves cleaning dishes in the kitchen sink, but the dishes have to be clean first.


• She loves cleaning the bathroom sink (with mass amounts of water) a wash cloth and special cleaning soap.


• She loves cooking with her own kitchen supplies.


• She is still afraid of the vacuum.


• She refuses to use her bathroom stool and toilet seat cover because she is a big girl now. She has only fallen in the toilet once.


• Every time I make the bed, she hides underneath our pillows, then jumps on them, and finally tosses them overboard. Every time.


• She hates shoes and socks. Seriously. They come off in stores, shopping carts, the car and if they are somehow still on when arriving back home, they're off within seconds. And now she is even pulling Tank's socks off.


• She likes having control over the tv remote. It must be beside her while watching netflix.


• She still will not eat fresh fruit, but loves fruit leather and dried blueberries.


• Her most frequent meal is noodles cooked in olive oil and salt.


• She must dance while running around the couch every night before bed, preferably with "loud" music.


• She thinks getting dressed and doing her hair in the morning makes for a fun game of chase.


• Lately, she is saying she doesn't want to do things because "it's not fair." We thought that was suppose to start in 10 years?!

Happy birthday Little Bug!

First snowfall

Andrew taught Little Bug what to do with a snowball.


Daddy:0
Little Bug:1