Spring Break in Oregon

While my little sister Wendy and her family got to go to warm beaches and water slides on their spring break. Ours wasn't as exciting and much colder. This is what the last several days have looked like. Thank you Rick for taking the pictures for me!

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