Exchange Student from Osaka, Japan

Sakura was our exchange student that stayed with us for 5 days. It was a really fun, exciting, neat experience and am looking forward to hosting someone else again. Sakura was so sweet and loved Lyla, but who doesn't? Since she was only her for 5 days we had to cram what life was like here in Oregon and America in such a short time.


Feeding Lyla some marshmallows


Playing with Lyla at our brownie ice cream get together.

I took her to school everyday, picked her up, went shopping at Fred Meyer's, had a bunch of friends over for brownies and ice cream, took her to a mall, carpooled to the Tillamook forestry, got ice cream at a local parlor here in town, got a slurpee and had a potluck dinner and a small presentation from the exchange students at Forest Grove high school. I really enjoyed everyday. She didn't speak a ton of english, which made it harder to communicate. I tried really hard to have American meals, we had a hamburger from a local joint here, got some pizza from Papa Murphy's, french toast, pancakes with peanut butter and syrup, and fruit loops. It was really sad to have her leave. She really loved Lyla. It was so fun watching her play with her and show her off to all of her friends.


Sakura and my friend Cori's boy, Trennon @ the high school potluck


Here are the exchange students singing a goodbye song to the families who they stayed with. They started crying and Sakura wouldn't look at us during the whole song. She hid behind her friends, because every time she looked at us she started crying.

The lady who was in charge of the whole thing told me, "Sakura was not too excited when she found out she didn't have anyone her age. All of the other students were talking about how the families they were staying with had someone their age and were really excited to meet them. But now I have only heard good things and she says she is having a really good time and enjoys staying with you." That made me feel good, because it was hard to tell if she was enjoying herself with the amount of english she spoke and the lack of Japanese I knew.


The night before she left she opened up a ton. She was talking about her family and friends, laughing, showing me pictures and I felt like she really enjoyed her time with us. She helped me get Lyla ready for bed and just hung out with us.


For her going away gift we gave her a Book of Mormon in Japanese with these two pictures of me and Lyla with her, some candy, beef jerky and a necklace. Overall I would hope to say she had a good time. I know we did. We miss you Sakura.

Mom and Bella

My mom and Isabella came to visit for a few days. It was a lot of fun having them both here. Isabella still is the funny, entertaining, loving, cute boo she was before I left and I love her just as much too. My mom was just happy being able to be with her granddaughter and Trevor and I. It was a lot of fun having them in town, I wish they could have been here longer. The time went by way too fast. We weren't able to do all the things I had planned. While they were here I got Bella some heelys for her birthday that is on the 27 of March, she is going to be 7!!!! How time flies. It was a lot of fun watching her practice. She is one determined babe. She would fall and get up and try again. By the time she left, she had it almost mastered. Man how I love and miss that girl. If only they lived here. My mom took me shopping for my birthday and I was able to get a bunch of new clothes from the Rack. I haven't been that spoiled since my baby shower. It felt so weird. Also while they were here, Lyla started taking steps. I can't believe she is walking. She doesn't walk full time, but she walks from furniture to furniture or person to person. She can't get back to her feet once she falls but will crawl to something pull herself up and will decide whether she wants to walk or crawl. She is getting so big. I will have to get a video and post her walking, she looks pretty dang cute.


Lyla loves looking at herself in any type of mirror. What can I say, my baby loves herself. so sweet.



Bella and Lyla took baths together. I think Lyla enjoyed having someone to play with. And I enjoyed having some help from Bella roo. She misses her bath partner.


Lyla loves Isabella so much. She could get her to laugh so easily and Lyla would follow her everywhere. It was so fun seeing them together and seeing how much Lyla loves her. They both were making me laugh so hard. If only Lyla had a older sister.


My mom and Lys before our drive to the airport. Lyla loves her grandma.

Mom thank you so much for all of your help with Lyla, Bella, crafts, groceries, birthday presents/dinner. You spoiled me. I really enjoyed having you around and Lyla did as well. She loves and misses you, as do I. See you in May.

Bella thank you so much for coming to my house and helping me with Lyla, making bracelets, flower clips and my crochet overalls. You were such a big help. I'm so sad you aren't here anymore and miss you so much. I can't wait until you come visit again...hopefully in the summer (remember your supposed to ask you mom). This time the weather will be nicer and we will be able to go outside and do a lot more fun things. I will teach you how to crochet, without the t.v. on, so you wont be distracted. I miss you and love you sweetie. Muah!!!!