Allison: First and foremost, we are so thankful that Allison is doing so well. Unfortunately we missed her pediatric rheumatologist appt. December 23rd because of all the snow and ice in Portland. She is rescheduled to go January 15th. That will be just a few days before the one year anniversary of Allison's illness beginning. It is amazing and a true blessing that she is doing so well. When she was first diagnosed we had little hope that she would be symptom free and never in our dreams would it happen so quickly. God continues to work miracles. After her appt. we will update on what the doctor says.
*Allison's Lego robotics team won the teamwork award at the regional competition in Salem. We were all thrilled but none more than the girls on the team. They worked so hard and it is their first time participating so it was extra special to be able to take a trophy home for their school.
Sad News: John's mom, Evie Bradner passed away November 19th. We miss her, but also rejoice that she is now in Heaven and free from pain and illness. Thanks so much to all of you who sent cards and reached out to us during this time.
Thanksgiving: We had my family come and celebrate with us and then the next day John's Dad, sister and brother came down to celebrate. Lots of good food to eat.
Christmas: Leading up to Christmas we had the great surprise of snow (not as much as Portland or some other places in Oregon) but the kids did miss 3 days of school the week before vacation. We had a relaxing, quiet Christmas day at home. It was wonderful. We then visited with family and friends over the holiday.
Weight loss over the holidays? Hard to imagine isn't it? Well, on Christmas Eve I was eating a caramel and out popped a crown off a tooth. I was left with a gaping hole. My dentist unfortunately was gone until January 5th. John tried without success to find a dentist to take me after Christmas but no luck. So, I was left to chew on one side and eat soft foods until I could get in and have it repaired today. The good news, I lost weight. A tough way to do it, but I don't think I have ever lost weight over the holidays. I wouldn't recommend it as a New Years weight loss program.
John and I escape: We took a much needed break for ourselves. My sister Steph and her family kindly took the three kids for a night and we spent the night in Portland at a boutique hotel down town. We saw the musical group Pink Martini at the Crystal Ballroom, saw the movie Frost/Nixon(it is a real treat to see a movie that is not a cartoon), shopped, ate and enjoyed some time without the kids. It had been over a year since we had been away from them for a night. It was definitely time. :)
Big News: We learned just before Christmas that my sister, Steph and her husband Chris are expecting a baby. We are all excited and thrilled. Mitch and Jacob are, of course, pulling for a boy and Allison wants another girl cousin. Mitch is really hoping this is his chance to finally get a boy cousin on the Lane's side of the family. We will have to wait and see.
New Years Eve: We toasted in the New Year (with sparkling cider) with our good friends the Smiths. We had a great dinner Kristi prepared and just hung out all evening. Before we knew it mid-night had arrived and we all raced to see the ball drop in Time's Square.
Back to School: So the kids are back to school and now we have to adjust to the early rising and early to bed which is tough in our household. Jacob and I are enjoying some quiet during the day. I will soon be back to working and doing my Tree Talks in the schools.
We hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season and were able to enjoy some time with family and friends. We will try to keep the blog updated more regularly, but with Allison doing so well (thankfully) I am sometimes at a loss to what to write or if people will want to read this. Enjoy 2009 and thanks again to all of you who check in and support us with your love and prayers.
The Bradners
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