Breathe Through It

Just a little family update... Christmas was nice... huge as we had a lot of company up between us and my sister's fiance's family. Our Christmas gathering was 20+ people and it was hectic. It was hard though, being our first Christmas without my Dad. It's so hard to believe that he has been gone for 6 months now. This Christmas I shed a LOT of tears. But that is to be expected I guess... and I know my Dad was watching over us wishing he could ease the pain of his loss.

Anyway.. I updated Kaitlyn's caring bridge, so if you want to know how she is doing, you can check that out. A little side note to that update is that we finally taught Steve how to administer her IV meds (something he really never wanted to learn how to do). At first he was uncomfortable and nervous about messing something up, but I was getting so tired I told him I needed him to help at least on the weekends so I could get at least ONE night of uninterrupted sleep. Turns out after just one time he is a pro, and now very comfortable doing her meds... he even volunteered to take over weekend night duty for me! Of course just in time for her meds to be put on hold for a week, but hey it's the thought that counts. Also now I can leave the house if I need to without having to worry about being back in time to do Kaitlyn's infusion, because Steve can do it! It's the little things...lol

The kids all had a great Christmas! Josh got his x-box game, Kaitlyn got her cotton candy maker, and Gabby got a new PINK play kitchen that she absolutely loves! She spends hours just "cooking" and playing with her tea set that we got to go with it.

We also got the kids a trampoline... our motives were not just the fact that they have always wanted one, but being the smart parents that we are, we know it is a way to get Kaitlyn the exercise she needs while actually making her want to do it! So far so good... except for the fact that the manufacturer left out some parts we needed to get the netting up. They sent it out as soon as we called and the parts arrived yesterday so Steve will be putting that up today. I even got up on it and jumped with the girls... it was fun, but definitely more tiring than I remember (I haven't been on one since I was Kaitlyn's age).

Now that Christmas is over, we are just busy busy busy preparing for my sister Katie's wedding on January 3rd! We're so excited for her and Tristan! I am making the jewelry for the bridal party, so that is fun. But we are also running around doing the last minute things... I can't believe my little sister is getting married in less than a week! Both Kaitlyn and I are bridesmaids and Josh is a groomsman... Gabby is the flower girl, and Steve is walking my Mom down the isle... it's wonderful that my sister found a way to incorporate all of us in her special day... the kids (and I) are all really excited! The only sad part of that day will be the fact that my Dad can't personally walk her down the isle (although I know he will be there in spirit). Kurtis will be standing in for my Dad, and that is exactly how my Dad would have wanted it. I know that will be hard on my sister... heck on all of us, but Dad will still be with us.

Anyway... I will be posting a few pics after the wedding... for now I have more stuff to do so I'm signing off...Hope you all have a blessed and happy New Year!