Christmas 2008
posted by Tracy @ 9:15 PM
4 comments
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Closing 2008 ~ Anticipating 2009
We trust that each of you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and are along with us eagerly anticipating a 2009 bright with blessings, and experiences that will encourage, strengthen and expand our heart, minds and faith. The days since my last blog update have passed with a flurry of December's non-stop activities.
December started with Kate experiencing her first college finals. Even in the midst of the hard work of studying for finals, Kate's new friends managed to surprise Kate with a birthday party in her honor. With finals behind her, Kate was thrilled to be home in time to celebrate her 19th birthday with family and friends on December 12th. Birthdays have always been special days at our house. As a mom, my daughters' birthdays are always an opportunity for reflecting over the years of their lives. As Kate marked her 19th year of life, it was with a heart of praise that I thanked God for the precious gift of Kate and countless miracles He has worked in her life. Kate is thoroughly enjoying the down time at home and time to catch up on pleasure reading and reconnect with friends from high school. Into the midst of the rest and relaxation, of course we must throw a little of the tediousness of the medical world. We visited a neurologist at Kate's oncologist's request, in hopes of finding understanding as to why Kate's gait is off when she's walking. The neuroglist has ordered a an EMG, which is a nerve conduction test. Electrodes are attached to the body and shock impulses administered through them. The neurologist told Kate that while it is not a pleasant experience, that with all that Kate has been through, she has experienced far worse. The hospital is hoping for a cancellation on their schedule so that they can get Kate scheduled for this test before she returns to Malone on January 11th. Kate's next MRI is already on the calendar for February 23rd.
Maggie has begun winter track and is enjoying training three days a week after school getting ready for the spring season. The highlight of December for Maggie was learning that she had earned a part as a principal dancer in the high school's musical, Grease. Our drama princess can hardly wait for practices to begin for the spring performance. My sweet Maggie has often heard me say, how meaningful handmade gifts are to me. Christmas morning Maggie proudly presented me with a large box, with hand made wrapping. Inside I found a beautiful, holly centerpiece in an antique crystal bowl of my Grandmother's, created by Maggie with fresh holly she had snipped from Pappy's bushes. It looks beautiful on our table and is a gift that touched my heart as only a hand-made gift straight from a tender, loving heart can.
Christmas was wonderful with all the events leading up to it and the joy of celebrating with family and friends. We joined with other friends from our church for a fun afternoon of Christmas caroling. We had a lively group and laughed as much as we sang. While we didn't have a white Christmas in Pennsylvania, we were glad for the nice weather as we traveled to Ohio to spend the day with family at my brother's. It was a Christmas to remember for the simple pleasures that all too often go unnoticed....cousins sprawled on the floor playing games, family photos snapped, favorite foods that are a "must" year after year on the holiday menu, familiar carols sung, surprise packages, homemade gifts, cards and emails from friends and family far and wide.
And so we move with anticipation into the New Year, knowing that the "Hope" that came into the world in a manger, is the "Hope" that goes before us, walks beside us and comes behind us as we journey through the year to come. Thank you again for continuing to walk beside us in thought and prayer. Your prayers are a gift beyond measure. We are grateful for God's faithfulness, grace and mercy daily in our lives in answer to the prayers lifted on our behalf. It is our prayer that your hearts and lives be filled with "Hope", love and joy in the 2009!
December started with Kate experiencing her first college finals. Even in the midst of the hard work of studying for finals, Kate's new friends managed to surprise Kate with a birthday party in her honor. With finals behind her, Kate was thrilled to be home in time to celebrate her 19th birthday with family and friends on December 12th. Birthdays have always been special days at our house. As a mom, my daughters' birthdays are always an opportunity for reflecting over the years of their lives. As Kate marked her 19th year of life, it was with a heart of praise that I thanked God for the precious gift of Kate and countless miracles He has worked in her life. Kate is thoroughly enjoying the down time at home and time to catch up on pleasure reading and reconnect with friends from high school. Into the midst of the rest and relaxation, of course we must throw a little of the tediousness of the medical world. We visited a neurologist at Kate's oncologist's request, in hopes of finding understanding as to why Kate's gait is off when she's walking. The neuroglist has ordered a an EMG, which is a nerve conduction test. Electrodes are attached to the body and shock impulses administered through them. The neurologist told Kate that while it is not a pleasant experience, that with all that Kate has been through, she has experienced far worse. The hospital is hoping for a cancellation on their schedule so that they can get Kate scheduled for this test before she returns to Malone on January 11th. Kate's next MRI is already on the calendar for February 23rd.
Maggie has begun winter track and is enjoying training three days a week after school getting ready for the spring season. The highlight of December for Maggie was learning that she had earned a part as a principal dancer in the high school's musical, Grease. Our drama princess can hardly wait for practices to begin for the spring performance. My sweet Maggie has often heard me say, how meaningful handmade gifts are to me. Christmas morning Maggie proudly presented me with a large box, with hand made wrapping. Inside I found a beautiful, holly centerpiece in an antique crystal bowl of my Grandmother's, created by Maggie with fresh holly she had snipped from Pappy's bushes. It looks beautiful on our table and is a gift that touched my heart as only a hand-made gift straight from a tender, loving heart can.
Christmas was wonderful with all the events leading up to it and the joy of celebrating with family and friends. We joined with other friends from our church for a fun afternoon of Christmas caroling. We had a lively group and laughed as much as we sang. While we didn't have a white Christmas in Pennsylvania, we were glad for the nice weather as we traveled to Ohio to spend the day with family at my brother's. It was a Christmas to remember for the simple pleasures that all too often go unnoticed....cousins sprawled on the floor playing games, family photos snapped, favorite foods that are a "must" year after year on the holiday menu, familiar carols sung, surprise packages, homemade gifts, cards and emails from friends and family far and wide.
And so we move with anticipation into the New Year, knowing that the "Hope" that came into the world in a manger, is the "Hope" that goes before us, walks beside us and comes behind us as we journey through the year to come. Thank you again for continuing to walk beside us in thought and prayer. Your prayers are a gift beyond measure. We are grateful for God's faithfulness, grace and mercy daily in our lives in answer to the prayers lifted on our behalf. It is our prayer that your hearts and lives be filled with "Hope", love and joy in the 2009!
posted by Tracy @ 9:12 PM
1 comments
