For Thanksgiving KC and I traveled to Redding, CA to visit most of the Scott family. What a wonderful visit! Kids grow up so fast; I just want to hug them and tell them how amazing they are every moment, because they change sooo quickly! Carrie and John were amazing hosts, and the turkey... fantastic! The traveling wore us out, but it was totally worth it! Five highlights for me were 1) Tracie and I sharing our Twilight obsession with Mom and Carrie 2) Swimming for the first time in over a year, and getting to share it with my little neice, Emree 3) Listening to Ryan play his French horn 4) In and Out... need I say more? 5) KC, Dad, Mom, Carrie, John, Ryan, Michelle, Kaylee, Dallin, Brennan, Tracie, Teagan, Kaden, Garen, Emree!!!
December... one of my favorite months! I love the decorations, the music, my tree, the snow. The whole season just gives you warm fuzzies! Unfortunately, I spent the first 15 days taking my ATRA (the 10 pills per day that targets my specific leukemia). That stuff really kicks my trash! So that, combined with my daily chemo pills and weekly chemo shots... I wasn't much good for anything. My poor students! They braved the month with a very tired teacher, and still came out smiling. (Although that probably had something to do with not having school for 2 weeks and Santa...!) I was able to realize once again how blessed I am, though. My dear friends at school found so many ways to make it a bit easier for me day to day, and did it before I could ask. How did I get to be so lucky? I want to be like them when I grow up.
We spent a lot of the time off of work with the Krengel side of the family. Games, games, games! I am happy to report I am a "Ticket to Ride" champion, and enjoyed many other new games. Although, I think if my brother and his family were with us, there's no way I'd have that title! Ben and Daniela are good at those games. Period. Raving Rabbids on the Wii has really made me realize that I need to get my strength back. It's not right that a little piece of plastic can wear you out just by waving it around over and over!
The best present of all, I think, was our new little neice, Elliot! She made her grand appearance the morning of Christmas Eve. What a cutie! She's the type of baby that just snuggles into you, and you could sit there for years holding her. Really; and I'm not a "baby" person! We also had visits from Brennan and Tracie's family, and my dear friends from out of town.
The first of January, KC went to Tennessee to visit family. (Sooo jealous!) He had a wonderful time, and lots of "boy time". Since he's been back, I think we get at least one quote a day from one of our clever nephews! Like I said before, they grow soooo fast! Kaleb, Tyler, Derek, Logan... stop it! Okay, you can grow a little at a time.
So, as I draw the novel to a close, things are great. Anytime I get a little anxious about my "numbers" or treatments, I look around and slap myself (just not on the hip). Things could always be worse. I'm happy and grateful for the lot that's been given me, and strive to show gratitude for it. Our loved ones are happy and healthy, and that's really all that matters. As I look at all the things we enjoy, I acknowledge that we are truly blessed. Truly.
