We have had a crazy couple of months lately. We had a wonderful holiday and were able to focus on the things in life that matter most, The Gospel and Family.
There is nothing like a family trial to make you more appreciative of the things you personally have to endure.
My mom was recently Re-diagnosed with Colon cancer shortly after Thanksgiving. My mom was scheduled for surgery two weeks before Christmas. Upon operating the surgeon learned that my mom's tumor was inoperable due to the size and the positioning of the mass. This left us with the option of Chemotherapy with the hopes that they might be able to shrink the tumor down to nothing. She was in the hospital for just under 3 weeks (during Christmas) trying to regain her strength and heal.
Due to her being in the hospital this messed up the usual holiday traditions that we do. This year we spent Christmas eve at my Aunts house. We enjoyed doing the nativity, and actually were able to cut down on the amount of Marys that participated. We had 3 Marys 0 Josephs (last year there were 3), 2 Wisemen, 1 Shepard, 1 angel. Grandpa Burke read the nativity.
We then had my dad, two sisters and baby brother over to our house for the rest of Christmas Eve and to spend Christmas morning with us. We had a full house and lots of noise, but we loved every minute of it. The kids thought it was cool to have people over for the big morning. Later that day we got out of our pajamas and went up to the hospital for Christmas dinner with Nana and the rest of our family. It was a little different eating in the hospital cafeteria, but it was nice to spend part of the day with my mom.
Another big event at our house was the lose of Sami's first tooth. She walked into our room on Christmas morning to announce that her tooth was loose. It was barely hanging on. Two days later she lost her tooth. As Sami tells it, I pulled her tooth out with my sharp claws. She hasn't stopped smiling. She is trying to wiggle the other tooth free.
It is fun having a kid who can read. Sami will sit on the couch and start reading to the other 3 kids. They love it. It helps me have a little time to get things done around the house. I love to walk upstairs and see all four of them reading, and then swapping books with the others.
Matt had a cousin get married between Christmas and New Year's eve. We were able to attend that wedding here and then travel to Idaho for the reception and to celebrate the New Year. We enjoy the time that we spend up there and the chance to relax a little. Matt and I were able to go out and celebrate our Anniversary. We had dinner with Kim and her boyfriend and then went to Lava Hot Springs for a soak in the hot pools. I LOVE Hot Pools, tubs, baths, . . yes i like the hot.
We have been rather busy lately but are grateful for one another and our friends and family that continually help us out and keep us laughing. We look forward to the 2011 year and what surprises it might bring.
