Christmas!

This year we had Christmas at my parents house. Everyone was there. Except for our soon to be Brother in law Griffin. Kate and Griffin got engaged while she was out in Utah! We are so excited for them and look forward to an early summer wedding!
Santa came and brought Jack a race car track and other boy things.

Grace got a baby doll and accessories. It was quite the contrast between the boy and girl stuff. Look at all that pink. Awesome.

The kids got so many presents it took them all day long to open and play with all of them. Jack has an official Buzz Lightyear costume. Wrist bands that shoot and talk and wings! He put them on and instantly wanted to fly.

Mom and Dad gave all the boys remote control boats. The boys were sent outside once there boats were ready and had races with prizes! It was so fun to watch.

The men and their boats.

The boys got the boats and the girls got gift certificates to get a manicure or pedicures. Mom took us on Monday and it was so fun. Cami, Kate and I had never done anything like this before. The best was watching Cami get her pedicure, she was so appreciative. That was worth it right there. What a great gift it was.It was so great to be with all my family it reminded of old times. There was so much excitement and a lot of gratitude...a whole lot.

More of Jack and Grace

There were a ton of picture taken at Christmas but my favorites have been of Jack and Grace.
We went to Busch Gardens Christmas eve day. Here they are on the planes.

Then on the train.

Christmas Eve. Fresh from the bath with their new Christmas PJ's

As Mary and Joseph. They were so good at playing their parts.

Hanging their stockings.

As good as we can get this year.

Getting a three year old in nice clothes to sit still and smile for a Christmas picture has been difficult. We wanted to do a picture on the beach or near a palm tree but it never happened. So this is as good as we are going to get. We made a stop on the way home from Church this morning to get a picture of Jack in his Christmas Church outfit.

One of the whole family.
Jack had to be coaxed with Candy to keep the jacket on. His shoes don't match his outfit but he doesn't own any black church shoes. When we ask him to smile this is what we get.
All in all this is our family in 2009.
I am just happy for the opportunity to get to go to a church Christmas program and that I could get Jack a Christmas outfit and see him wear it at church. My heart was full today when I think of how blessed to be able to have yet another Christmas at home.

Look who are back together again...

Jack and Grace!

Cami and Grace flew in last night. Jack and I couldn't wait till today to see them as was planned. Last night after dinner and tub I loaded up the car and headed to Tampa. We got to the door and yelled "surprise" It was great. Cami and I were hugging, Jack and Grace were too at the same time. Today Cami and I have had fun just catching up and watching these two play like there was no time lost at all.

Sending Warm Wishes

Here is Jackson the burrito wrapped in his warm blankets thinking and sending warm thoughts to our family and friends in Utah and the surrounding states during this cold snap.

Oh Christmas Tree.

Just after Halloween I told Jason I didn't want to get a Christmas tree. I had a lot of reasons why. But all of those rational thoughts were thrown out the window when I remembered how Jack loved the Christmas tree last year. How could I deny Jack those Christmas memories. So we went and picked one out last week. Like most experiences these days it was very different from last years tree excursion.

Here is our tree on top of the car. We were there when they were unloading the trees straight from the farm so it was still all tied up. Our Fur tree under the palm trees. Different.

We usually put these light on the tree but this year we decided to change it up a bit. The colorful lights brighten up our patio.

Jason and I decorated the tree

While Kate and Jack did this.

I am glad we ended up getting a tree. It is something beautiful to look at. I like the feel of a dark room and a lit tree at the night, when all is twinkling and quiet, it feels like Christmas.

Buttercup has adjusted well into the family. Jackson loves to take care of him and loves to have his picture taken with him. Man he needs a sibling.
Now that would be quite the Christmas miracle!

Turning two and Buttercup the Pony

Today is my TWO year Anniversary from my Bone Marrow Transplant, my 2nd Birthday! It has been a great weekend. Jason took me out to dinner yesterday just the two of us. It was nice to have some alone time with him and to eat good food I didn't have to make.

So for Christmas two years ago I wanted a pony. Those fur real ponies to be exact. On breaks from doctors appointments and chemo treatments the weeks before I went in for my month long stay I would go to the toy store and play with the pony, feed it it's fake carrot and pet it. It was therapeutic for me. I mentioned to Jason and my family that I would love one for Christmas. I thought surely if I played the cancer card I would get it. Well it didn't happen mainly because my family thought I was delusional on all my meds. I guess I have talked about it ever since. So today we were waiting for my parents to come for dinner. Waiting for a call so I could let them through the gate. But the call never came instead there was a loud knock at the door. Jason answered and it and called out "Whit you better come see this."I ran to to door and this is what I found!

MY VERY OWN BUTTERCUP!

My parents were hiding around the corner and just the pony was there to greet me.
I have to admit I cried. My crazy and childish dream came true.

It makes galloping sounds,neighs and has a sturdy metal frame that holds up to 140 pounds and it so soft to the touch! It may sound odd but this has got to be one of the best material gifts I have gotten.

It has been a great day full of my favorite things. There has been much reflection and the main topic always turns back to all the mighty miracles that have occurred these last two years both seen and unseen. I called Jake to thank him for his cells and a simple "Thank You." doesn't seem to do it justice. What can you say to someone who gives you back your life?

Cami gave me this orchids because they bloom all year round and get to be here to see them bloom in each season. The crying started once again. So thoughtful.

Not only have I had a rebirth of body but of my spirit and testimony. Jack has a book called the beautiful Savior and as I read it I thought this how I feel. These are the thoughts taken from this book that helps me explain how my heart feels.

I know my Savior lives and loves me. He lifts me from my sadness and makes my sorrowing spirit sing. He guides me through the darkness because He is the light of the world. My savior is my friend and knows my every need. He calls my name and I come. I love to follow Him. He walks with me and warms my heart.My Beautiful Savior (has gathered) me in the arms of His mercy and love.

All Shiny and Bright

Jack and I took Kate to the mall to pick out her birthday present. The mall was insane with all the people shopping but it was also decorated so great. Jack couldn't take his eyes off the huge Christmas tree. Jack has always loved to look at things. Especially shiny and bright things. It makes my heart happy that three years later nothing has changed.

Do you know what else makes my heart happy? It has officially been TWO years since my very last chemo treatment. That is the longest I have ever made it!
We celebrated with fries and peppermint shakes at Chik-fil-A.

Kate's Day! Part 2

For Kate's awesome birthday party we went to the Makahiki Christmas Luau at Sea World. It was awesome. It was a dinner and a show. With everything a luau should be.

Jack loved it! I mean he LOVED it. The lady who was sharing the table with us commented on what a good eater he was. I told her he never ate like that at home and she said that I better learn how to hula dance because it worked. He kept eating and eating...it was not our child.
I am afraid that Jack might be into fire now. That is all he talked about on the way home and to daddy. The fire dancers were awesome.

What a ham. He was super happy, He loves a good party.

Kate's awesome cake from mom and dad.

Jack helping blow out the candles. Once they were lit he was like "FIRE!" Oh dear.

21 baby! She's legal! Hope it is a great year with all kind of NEW experiences!

I think awesome is my word of the day. I used it a lot in this post. That's awesome.