March has Flown By....

Where did this month go? It came in like a lamb with some nice spring weather and then just flew by like a kite on the wind. We didn't have anything unusual happen which was nice for a change. One BIG thing I want to note is that we made it through the WHOLE winter without a trip to the hospital - the first time since Winston was born. I'm so pleased about this. I know Winston has been blessed. The surgery he had last May has made all the difference - especially where his health is concerned. Needless to say, when the first day of Spring came and went, I said a prayer of gratitude for how healthy he has become and how strong he is now. He's finally becoming the sturdy, active boy that he's always wanted to be and even when I'm running after him for the umpteenth time, I can't help but feel grateful that he can run and jump and climb like a regular kid now. He's growing like a weed and is so very, very smart. There almost isn't a day that goes by that I'm not amazed by something he says - he sees and remembers everything! Boy, I sure have to watch what I say and do - he really keeps me on my toes. :) I don't think I'll ever be able to thank Heavenly Father enough for sending this wonderful little boy to our family. I think that's enough rambling for this month - on to April and warmer weather!

Picture from Bo

We finally received a recent picture from Bo. He's pictured here with Elder Meyer on his right and Elder Woodruff on his left. These are two of his very good friends who will be heading home in two weeks. It's good to see him happy and healthy. :)

Pictures from Japan

Zack finally sent home some pictures. He's been a little lax in sending stuff home so I was thrilled to receive these from him.

This first one is Christmas at Kagohara in Kumagaya.
This one he took on New Year's Day in Kumagaya.
This is a picture he took in Tokyo.
A picture of the bullet train they occasionally get to ride.
Zack and his companion Elder Howe. I'm not sure why they're pulling the wierd faces. He didn't explain.
It's great to hear from him. We sure do miss Zack and love him so very much. I'll make sure to post his pictures the next time he sends some - whenever that may be... :)

I Love You Dad

I've been thinking about and anticipating this day for the last few months. It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since my Dad passed away and yet it is. A year ago I received that dreaded 2 AM call from my sister telling me that our father was gone. I can't help but remember all the thoughts and feelings from that day. I've learned the hard way how unpredictable life can be. We never know when our time will be up. I now try not to take things for granted or put things off until tomorrow. Tomorrow may not come. Fortunately, time has dulled the pain but the ache of missing my Dad is still there and probably always will be.

I miss his laugh, his hugs, his advice - just his presence. He was such a wonderful father and I want so much to give him a hug and tell him thank you and that I love him just one more time. I'm so glad that Zack and Bo were able to grow up knowing their grandfather and the wonderful person that he was. At the same time, I'm saddened that Winston will never know him.

My Dad wrote several books compiled from his journals and had them published to share with us. I'm so grateful that my Dad took the time to do this. I value these books so much and know that Winston will at least have a chance to get to know his grandfather through these books.

I love you Daddy and am looking forward to the day we'll all be together again. In the mean time, I'll miss you.

Love, Holly

Recipe worth Sharing - Blizzard Pary Mix

While browsing on Taste of Home.com, I came across a recipe called Blizzard Party Mix. I thought it sounded good and decided to make it for a baby shower a few weeks ago. The shower seemed the perfect excuse to try it out. Anyway, it was a hit and we all thought it was pretty addictive. It only took about 15 minutes to make (including unwrapping the caramels and chopping them up). It would be a great snack for this weekend's big game so here it is for those interested.  I modified it just a bit - here's my version.

BLIZZARD PARTY MIX

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups Corn Chex
2 3/4 cups miniature pretzels
1 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 pkg Kraft caramel bits or 40 caramels, coarsely chopped
2 package (12 oz.) vanilla or white chips

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chips; stir until smooth. (Only heat at 30 second intervals and stir after each so you don't burn the chips) Pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat. Immediately spread onto waxed paper-lined baking sheet; let stand until set, about 20 minutes. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 4 1/2 cups.

Enjoy!

Hanging out at Home

Winston and I are both sick. He has RSV and I have Strep Throat. We're quite the pair hanging out together at home. Fortunately, we both went to the doctors yesterday so we have our prescriptions and are now on the mend. We've spent the day watching movies, taking naps and working on his valentines for next week. If we both weren't under the weather, it would have been a great day. He's so clever and I love hanging out with him, I just prefer it to be under better circumstances. Even though I'm still not feeling great, I'm grateful to have had a whole day to spend with Winston just doing what he wanted to do.

New Favorite Book

Winston has a new favorite book. Winston has loved all of the board books he has by Leslie Patricelli. The illustrations are great and the story line is easy for little ones to follow. I was so excited when I saw that she had written a book for preschool age children that I pre-ordered it to give to Winston for Christmas. This book, called The Patterson Puppies and the Rainy Day, has become one of Winston's favorite books to read at bed time. It tells a story about four puppies and the mischief they get into because of their very active imaginations. Winston's favorite puppy is the one named Zack (I can't imagine why...)

Here's a link to this book on Amazon. Winston gives it his highest approval - a high five with stones. :D If you love clever books with great art work, you'll love this adorable story.

Christmas 2009

Here are some highlights of our Christmas activities. Winston was full of the magic of the season and made everything so fun. With Zack and Bo gone, we're sure grateful to have him.

Winston was a great helper making sugar cookies.
And then frosting them too. (Although I think more frosting ended up in his mouth than on the cookies.)

Singing "Jingle Bells" with his Aunt Heidi at Grandma's Christmas party. Jingle Bells is his favorite Christmas Carol - at least for now.

Winston played a shepard in the Nativity reenactment. (His costume stayed on for about 5 minutes. By then he'd had enough and off it came.)

Bo sent a special ornament for Winston all the way from Germany. When you pull the string on the bottom, the arms and legs fly up. Winston loved it.

Christmas Eve opening his new pajamas.
Christmas morning just before Winston woke up. He actually slept in until 8:00 am. :)
Opening his "new" N64 game system complete with games - courtesy of his brothers. ;)
He loved tearing off the wrapping paper.
Busy painting on his new Lighting McQueen giant coloring book while we made breakfast.

We had a great Christmas this year. The highlights were getting to talk to Zack on Christmas Eve, talking to Bo on Christmas Day and spending lots of time with our family here at home. Winston had a full day and was ready for bed by the time we made it back home after visiting grandparents and cousins.