December Happenings

Since, I really don't remember the month of November, I'm going to write about this crazy December. Mark finished his 5th round of chemo a week ago and is tired, but generally feeling pretty good.

During December, we have been busy with all the wonderful activities that go along with Christmas. We have put up our tree, caroled and played piano (Meah and Acel) at the nursing home, had a family Christmas, and attended two other Christmas parties. The kids have had a great time.

This past weekend, we celebrated Christmas with Mark's family. A motorcycle club affiliated with Mark's work gave us a free night at Great Wolf Lodge, so we went on Saturday and also celebrated Christmas with the Copelands. The kids had a blast and all of them will now ride each and every waterslide they can find. I told Mark I can't wait until their old enough to run around themselves and we can set at a table having a drink and reading! It was great fun and we're thankful for the free night!

Before I forget, Meah is scheduled for surgery January 19, so keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Wishing everyone a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Kid Update

People keep asking how the kids are doing, so because I'm so far behind, I thought I would put a little update up here.

Meah turned 9 in October and we took her and Acel to Chicago for a weekend trip. It was wonderful. She and I had lunch at American Girl, which was so much fun. In October, her BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aide) was put on for the first time and all ready we've noticed improvement in her speech. She also grew 4 1/4 inches and gained 8 lbs this year. She is taking ballet and piano lessons. She will have to have two surgeries in the first half of next year, one being a major reconstructive surgery and then hopefully she will not have any surgeries until she is 16.


Acel turned 8 in October and also enjoyed a trip to Chicago. He and Mark went to the Natural History Museum. On our second day in Chicago, the four of us went to the Children's Museum, which is incredible. I think he really enjoyed his one on one time with dad. He is doing excellent in school and taking piano lessons for the first time this year. He has grown 2 1/4 inches and gained 8 lbs.

Isabel turned 6 in June and started Kindergarten in the fall. She is doing well academically, but is having a little harder time not talking when she feels like it! I wonder where she would get this from. She spends a little extra time in the "safeseat" at school! She is so sweet and loving, but it really is hard not to talk at school. As usual, she grew about 3 inches this year and gained a few lbs. She is taking tap/ballet class and loves it.

Jules turned 5, yes it is hard to believe that our littlest munchkin is 5! He goes to preschool everyday and learns "nothing" so he says. He definitely keeps us on our toes. He grew 2 3/4 inches this year and gained 6 lbs.

We are enjoying a snow day today and yesterday. Last night, I took them outside and played in the snow. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, them or me. The snow was great for snowball making!

We had a great Thanksgiving with family and then that weekend, the kids and I went to Monticello, IL to ride the Polar Express. Let me tell you, the kids loved this, we went with some friends and Aunt Marsha came along. It was so much fun! The pictures are from Polar Express!