Update

It's probably no mystery that I've had zero time for blogging since I've been home visiting. I'm not going to apologize for it. I'm having a great time filling my days with things that are higher up on the priority list. But I thought I'd give everyone an update just because I had a minute to actually sit down.

I've been here for 2 months already. Wow that went fast! For the first month Jackson and I took turns being sick. I even had to be hospitalized. What fun that was. Getting used to our new home and the time chage was a challenge. Many sleepless nights and exhausting days were had. We did have fun visiting with everyone in between our down time. The second month has been jam packed with everything under the sun. Here is what we've been up to:

Brandon came home for 2 weeks to see his wife and son. It was a long awaited visit. He came home the day before mother's day and was able to share the day with me and Jackson. He also brought gifts, which is never a bad thing. Jackson and his daddy bought me diamond earrings and a pearl necklace for my first Mother's Day. His Aunt Cath happened to be up from Texas and we had a nice visit with her. I love Aunt Cath, she always brightens my day. We had a chance to go to Brandon's Grandma's house and take a 5 generation picture with Brandon and Jackson. It turned out to be quite the day. Unfortunately 2 days later Brandon's grandma died. We had a chance to see the ENTIRE family while he was home. Which was a blessing. We packed date nights and visits with friends into the short amount of time we had left. We spent as much time as we could together. A week after grandma died, Brandon's Uncle George died. A sad loss for Brandon while he was home. Brandon was due to leave a few days later. We spent his last days here with family.

During Brandon's visit Jackson and Brandon bonded more than ever. Jackson learned to say "Dada" a few days before Brandon got here. So the entire time he was here Jackson was calling him constantly to come play with him. They were once again best buddies and it was heart breaking for us when they had to say goodbye. Jackson still asks for his daddy and I have the horrible job of telling him that he's gone. I guess saying goodbye this time was harder than usual. We wont see Brandon for another 3 months.

Jackson has grown leaps and bounds in the last month. He is almost to the point of crawling. But would really rather just skip it and walk. He's quite the little wild man. He talks up a storm and has a pretty decent vocabulary for his age. I am amazed everyday at his growth and the change I see in him. What an awesome stage to be in right now.

My Dad had major surgery on his shoulder last week. On top of my already full schedule, I also have been taking care of him. He's doing much better now. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for him. He went from not being able to get up from his chair by himself, to going for a little walk everyday. We expect a full recovery, it will just take some time. 2 days after my dad's surgery was relay for life. We were a part of the hospital team that my dad is on. That weekend was a busy one. Making food, setting up camp, and tearing it down when it was all over.

This week I have been collecting items for Brandon's Father's Day box. Little things here and there and gifts from us. I finally got it done today and in the mail. Hopefully it will make it to him before Father's day, while he's out to sea.

I still have about 3 months left here in the states. I can't say that I don't miss my home in Japan. I might just be ready to go back home when it's time to go. But in the meantime I'll be busy. I might not get around to posting another blog for awhile, you might just have to be patient. I'm sure I'll see you around, and that could possibly be even better.