A close to 2009...

It is hard to believe that 2009 is coming to a close! We have been very busy in the month of December. We have celebrated many different emotions, from the happiness of Mallory Kate's 3rd birthday, the joy of Christmas, and the sadness of losing a loved one. In many ways I am ready to close the 2009 book and open up to chapter 1 of 2010, and on the other hand, I feel like the year went by way too fast!
It is hard to believe that Mallory Kate is 3- where did the last 3 years go? She had a small birthday party at our house with some close family and friends. It was a "girly" party- of course- with dress-up, nails, and hair! She LOVED it!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Mallory Kate! Our family had a WONDERFUL Christmas with several family celebrations. Graham and Mallory Kate were so excited this year! Graham even got upset with Mallory Kate because she wasn't focusing on the real meaning of Christmas and she only wanted presents! I had to explain to him that she was only 3 and she didn't quite understand the meaning yet- although we will teach her. They both enjoyed making food for the reindeer and cookies for Santa too! It was a great Christmas!

...and Santa came!

And the sadness comes with the loss of Granny, at the age of 85. She was a precious lady who I so much admired for her kind and genuine spirit. I am so excited that she is now reunited with Grandaddy! Granny will be missed, but we will certainly hold tight to the fond memories we have with her.

Mom, me (with my REAL STRAIGHT hair), and Granny

Mallory Kate, Granny, and Graham- Halloween 2008

I hope you all have had a wonderful 2009! I can't wait to see what 2010 will hold!

A little of this, a little of that...

Can you believe it is time to send out Christmas cards? This year has gone by so quickly! In reflecting back on this year, our family has gone through a lot, but with the support of our friends and family, we made it through. We have so much to be thankful for!

My last surgery was done almost 2 weeks ago. I had a complete hysterectomy, which wasn't bad at all! My oncologist thought it would be a wise decision to have this done since my cancer was fueled by estrogen. My doctor did the surgery laprascopically and vaginally, and the recovery hasn't been bad at all! I had a 2 night hospital stay. The pain meds and I didn't agree so much, but after I got off of all of those, I started to feel so much better! I go for my 2 week post-op appointment on Friday. Hopefully my doctor will release me to go back to work on Monday. So that should be the last of my "treatment"! Yay....now I'm just waiting on my hair to grow! It is still really curly, although it is getting longer! It has relaxed a bit, but nontheless, still incredibly curly!

I am posting random pictures from all of our "Fall Happenings!" Enjoy!

I ran in my 4th 5K race on November 7th. This was "Racheal's Run," which was a 5K run and a family 1 mile walk dedicated to the precious life of a 2 year old who lost her battle with cancer a year ago. Her mother is a chemo nurse at the Cancer Center where I go. The Gleason's are an incredible family with such strong faith, that I admire. This will become an annual event...will you run/ walk next year to support research on childhood cancers? I hope so!

Graham finished another soccer season with CESA. He has learned so much this year and is an awesome defender! He also played goalie a good bit. We will return to soccer in February for the spring season!

Fun with friends...We had a day of fall fun with the Columbia's, Will and Meredith!

Thanksgiving visit with Uncle Daryl, and his 4 month-old puppy, Major! Graham and Mallory Kate ADORE Uncle Daryl! We can't wait to see him and Liza and Kathryn in a few weeks for Christmas!