We survived...and enjoyed Christmas!!

Hello everyone. How was your Christmas? Ours was terrific, but exhausting. Spence and I spent a good part of Christmas Eve wrapping--we are always behind schedule. About midnight on Christmas Eve, my girls, Emily and Kelsey, finally convinced me that I shouldn't stay up any longer (I was really dragging), and they finished up my wrapping (I still had a couple of things to wrap), and then put my presents under the tree. They were both great helps to Spence as well, because they helped him put bows on presents, and put more things under the tree. It was a crazy, fun Christmas morning, with many gifts for everyone. We had a great time, and then a very fun, but also spiritual time at Spence's dad's house--he is a wonderful, caring grandfather, and we love him. He spent time (a couple of minutes) with each of his children and grandchildren who were there, giving us advice for the coming year. It was a very sweet experience. He is a great leader for our family.

It has been good to be with family. Needless to say, not every minute has been perfect, but we've had a lot of fun laughing and being together. The kids have been great helps around the house--picking up, doing dishes, etc. They have been good to us.

I am feeling pretty well--I do appreciate naps and breaks, but it has been good to be with everyone, and to especially enjoy our grandson. The only problem is that I wish I could eat with everyone. I still sneak things, much to Spence's despair, and usually I'm able to keep them down--at least that's the goal! :)

In a week, I'll be heading into surgery. People ask me if I'm worried, but I am trying to put those thoughts aside, and just enjoy this time right now. I'm grateful to have my family here. As I've said before, good things come out of challenging times. One of my "good" things is to be surrounded by my family. Love to all, Louise