It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

It's been another busy week around here. Last Friday the kids were back in school for the first time since Thanksgiving break. I spent my free time visiting my friend Gina and her son Casey in the hospital. He was doing great after his Fontan surgery, but since then there have been some setbacks. After school Drew had an assessment with the school district. He did a good job. I don't have anything official yet, but it looks like he will not qualify for any services, which means he is doing great! His fine motor skills are even at the 5-6 age level, which is wonderful considering that was an area of delay last time he was evaluated.

Saturday brought a birthday party for a friend in the bay area-we drove almost 3 hours each way with the kids, but it was great to see them and their new beautiful house they just finished building. Sunday was church, then a family lunch at Mimi's and then decorating the Christmas tree. The kids had been waiting eagerly to decorate the tree since we got it at Costco on Friday.








This week has been back to normal with preschool and gym time and visits to the hospital and delivering meals to friends. And trying to help prepare for the Hearts of Hope Christmas party this Friday. And trying to keep the house clean and be a good mom. It's hard work! But I'm happy to be able to do all these things.

Yesterday we had some friends over for dinner and the kids enjoyed building a gingerbread house with them. I think this has become a yearly tradition. You can compare their creation from this year to last year.



As I'm running around finishing up the Christmas shopping, sending packages to family and getting the Christmas cards ready I'm reminded of how lucky I am to be tending to these sometimes frustrating tasks. My thoughts drift to my friends who are suffering right now. Please keep Casey, Riley and Grace and their families in your thoughts and prayers as you go about your daily lives.