Our December in a Nutshell

We had an awesome Christmas season!  December, 2013, Benjamin spent the month slightly shell-shocked/culture-shocked as he was just home.  I spent it exhausted from the 11 weeks I had just spent in Ukraine.  December, 2012, I was neck deep in my cancer treatment and sick as a dog.  December, 2011, I had just been diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma and was in a fog.  So this year.....BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!  We went to parties, had dinners with family and friends, built a gingerbread village, made paper chains, and fuzzy ball garlands, went to see the lights in Canton, played many many games and put together many many puzzles.  Alex Krutov was with us for a day and spoke at our church.  It was great to meet him and get to know him a little.  Benjamin hung on his every word.  I have been reading Alex's book, Infinitely More, and I highly recommend it.  His story is amazing as is his work in Russia with orphans.  If you ever have the chance to go hear him speak, or host him, do it!


                                                    gingerbread village in the making

We had everyone home for Christmas day and for several days afterwards and it was really great.  Scott and I were up early with the littles and up late with the bigs so we were very sleep deprived.  But we did not want to miss a minute of theun and time with family.  Having the big kids home, even if only for a few days, is so special and we treasure that time.

                                                                Christmas morning

                                                     All 10 in one shot - rarely happens

                                                                the newlyweds

                                  Scott got roped into taking all the kids on motorcycle rides.
                                  Somehow, he suffered through.  :)
            

                                                And I could not pass up the opportunity!

It is a well proven fact that holidays often bring out behavior issues in kids from hard places so this year was no different in some difficulties we have faced with some of our kids.  We try making accommodations for that but invariably, hard stuff happens.  I think the Christmas season is particularly painful for them in that their loss is felt more deeply and they are such little people to have to try to cope with so much loss.  But we made it and the first day back at school today was mostly a success.

Now, however, I am heading back to Houston for a check up at MD Anderson.  I will spend one entire day, from about 7:30 a.m. until about 8:30 p.m. being x-rayed, having blood work, an ultrasound, a ct scan, and a full skin check.  They look thoroughly for any hint that the melanoma has returned.  It is unnerving and exhausting.  Caroline will be holding down the fort at home with the littles so please be praying for her that the kids all listen to her and are well-behaved for her.  We have the greatest sitters ever coming in on Thursday and Friday to help her out but still, they are quite the handful.

In the month of December, the proceeds from my jewelry sales were designated for Project Hopeful.  I am happy to report that I am writing them a check for $600 tonight and getting it in the mail tomorrow.  Thank all of you so much who ordered last month!  It is exciting to be able to support Project Hopeful and the work that they do.