Our Easter Experience

Easter this year had extra meaning. Rick's aunt, Chiyoko passed away last Tuesday, March 18th. We were sad to see her go, but know that she is finally free from the intense pain she was having. We were able to share our testimonies of Christ and the Resurrection with our kids as we talked about being able to see auntie Chiyoko once again. The Easter Bunny came with all his fun goodies to remind us that life does go on.
Fun cracker carrots the Easter Bunny added to the baskets.

Recreating our Easter Egg Hunt-ours actually took place Sunday inside. These photos were taken yesterday before Chiyoko's funeral.

Need to remember not to take pictures with such bad shadows.

Quick Thoughts

I returned to work about a month ago. My mother-in-laws home, which we are now residing in, has suffered. I find that I am a great housekeeper when that is my only job. But once I returned to work, things have gone downhill. My laundry, which was once about nonexistent has exploded. I vacuum only once a week, without the same zest I previously had. Dusting has been left for another time, please don't look at the mantle or the ceiling fan. I've only been spot mopping the kitchen, and sweeping only when necessary. Kids toys seem to be everywhere except the boxes they should be in.

Super-mom-cook-housekeeper I am not. Staying afloat is my new goal. Maybe I'll try to get to that dusting today. Tending to the needs of my family, keeping peace with my mother-in-law and watching Rick's aunt Chiyoko slowly decline occupies much of my day. Adding a part-time job seems almost overwhelming, but it is nice to have a break from some of those I spend time with.

I was going to post a picture of Chiyoko and Hana, but blogger won't let me today. Maybe in a couple of weeks I'll get around to it, probably about the same time I decide to dust.

Finally New Flooring!

I've been waiting a couple of years for this. Ahh, excitement. Too bad we're not living in our house to enjoy our new floors.

Random Pictures

Snow fun
One of my (many) attempts for Christmas cards.

Cristine turns 2!

Peter and Grammy watching tv

What 2 looks like
Michelle's favorite Christmas gift. Thank you Grammy McBride!
More snow fun

New Year+New Life= Crazyness

It has been forever since I last blogged. My mother-in-law, Hana, hurt her back the beginning of November. She is now doing so much better, but while she was recovering, we moved in with her. I've taken a leave of absence from work so I can care for her and Rick's aunt who is also living at my mother-in-laws. Cooking, cleaning and caring for 8 people is a huge undertaking. Rick's aunt, Chiyoko, is in a hospital bed, requiring quite a bit of care. Hospice workers, nurses, meals on wheels, therapists, preschool carpooling and trips to the bus stop take up most of our days.

Things are going well, I like the routine with the kids back in school. Planning and cooking most meals has been rough. I really need some menu ideas. Trying to decide what stuff of ours to take over, what to do with the rest of our stuff and what to do with our house has been a challenge. Making room for our stuff has also been a challenge.

Soon we should have computer access at our new residence.
Happy New Year
Heather

Christmas Ideas

Last year a customer who I've known, casually, for years brought me the neatest gift. She made a batch of sugar cookie dough, which she rolled out on parchment paper and then loosely wrapped it around an empty paper towel roll. She then wrapped the log in a piece of cling wrap to keep it fresh. She tied a couple of cookie cutters to the bundle, with a cute note telling me that she knew how hard it was to find time to make cookies while working.

Why I loved this gift:
#1 I didn't have to mix the dough myself and it was ready to cut into shapes.
#2 When I received the gift, we already had tons of other goodies, so I threw the bundle in the freezer and later when we were bored and starving for something sweet, we got it out and made cookies.
#3 This lady, who I barely know, took the time to make something that was so appreciated. It was thoughtful, usable and didn't clutter up my house, plus it made 4 kids and one busy mom super happy.

This year I plan to make several cookie dough logs to take to my busy friends and to several ladies who are on my Visiting Teaching route.

This is my Mom's Sugar Cookie Recipe, my kids are huge fans of these!
2 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 c butter or shortening
1 c sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1 T. milk

sift flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg together. (I have never done this). Cream butter and sugar. Mix eggs and milk. Add eggs and milk to butter mixture. Add dry ingredients. Chill dough. Roll 1/4 inch thick. Cut out cookies. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375 for 8-10 minutes. Cool. Frost cookies

*The nutmeg gives these cookies a special taste. Rick isn't a huge fan of that flavor, so I cut it down to 1/2tsp of nutmeg.