Wrapping up 2008...

The past few days we have been busy with finishing up Christmas celebrations. Here we are on the 7th day of Christmas, reflecting back on this year. 2008 has been good. Yes, hospital stays, a job lost, but regained health and a new career path have come from those negatives.

Shelby's still seems to be on the upswing from her bout of Shigella. She just had labs done yesterday for Dr. Lang\man (bone doctor) and they look pretty good. She has been having some hand and foot pain and her allergies are nuts, but managable. Dr. Langman is looking into the foot and hand pain and she'll be having allergy testing in the next week.

Scott will start classes at RVC on January 12th towards his nursing degree. Mid-March he'll start his CNA classes. He has not taken college classes for 20 years - this is a huge step! I know he will be a fantastic student and an excellent nurse! I am so proud of him! He is also taking on one of the biggest challenges he's ever faced - quitting smoking! He has smoked for 25 years and is giving (himself and) his daughters the gift of quitting. Part of the girls' Christmas presents was to upgrade our cable so that they have the Disney channel again. The money we will spend on that upgrade every month is coming from Scott not spending that money on cigarettes. I think this is a very generous and selfless gift he is giving. He has been taking Chantix for a week now and tomorrow is his first day to not smoke. Please send positive vibes his way.

Monday we went to Chicago to take the girls to the American Girl Store. It was a great experience! We took the train/el for the first time and just had an amazing time! We also met friends, Jay and Kathleen, for supper. It was more than the girls imagined!

Visit to American Girl Store

The next morning Shelby had a DEXA scan and blood/urine tests for Dr. Langman. We then headed home and spent a few hours at IKEA. We are all tired, but very lucky because the girls did not wake up until 9:30 this morning!

Last Saturday we had Christmas with my side of the family. It was great fun, there was more than enough delicious food and it was nice to let all the little ones play together. Unfortunately, my Mom caught the cold that is circulating our house so she wasn't feeling the greatest, but I think she still enjoyed the festivities.

Hardwick Xmas 2008

May you all have a wonderful and blessed 2009!