Christmas Eve

Friday December 24

Well Thursday night in the middle of the night Stetson woke up with the croop we think. He was weasing and having a very hard time breathing in between his coughing. So when we woke up that morning he was not feeling well at all. So we decided to for go any plans we had for Christmas Eve and stay at home where it was warm and see if we could get him feeling a little better so we could go out on Christmas. Needless to say we had nothing planned for things to do at home. We were suppose to go with my in-laws to their ward Christmas program then back to their house for some dinner and games. Knowing Stetson wasn't feeling good we didn't want to get the rest of the Grand kids sick the night before Christmas.

As Cody and I were trying to figure out what we were going to do a phone call came in from a family in our ward asking if we had any plans. We replied no our plans have changed now that Stetson has come down with something. They asked if it would be alright if they could bring a prime rib dinner down to us. We were blown away. Knowing that we didn't have anything planned and was trying to figure it out we get this phone call. Its kind of strange how things seam to work out. We are so grateful to our wonderful friends who were looking out for us.

Here we are enjoying our wonderful meal.

After we were done watching Christmas movies and reading books Stetson was going crazy being stuck in the house. so we decided to take a drive to Alpine knowing that Santa stops at the Patterson home up on the hill handing out candy canes. We were one of the first since we were thee just at dark so he let us take a picture in his sleigh. Stetson didn't feel good enough to get out so Tenlie was the only one who got to enjoy.

When we got home the kids were excited to open their Christmas PJ's.

We included the mini web kins this year to through them off a little.

We have done matching Jammies now for the past 5 years and the kids love it.

Then of course the milk and cookies to Santa.

This year we added a new thing its the Reindeer dust. Our kids were very excited about this.

Then last year Tenlie was getting a little to smart for her own good and was very worried that we didn't have a chimney. No matter what we told her she wasn't going to go for it. She thought Santa was going ruin our house trying to get through our fake fire place. My mother-in-law came across this magical key that only Santa can use to get in the front door. Tenlie was so excited about it now. So she makes sure it gets hung.

I think we were able to check all our to do list off so now Santa could come. Off to bed our little ones went. They insisted sleeping in the same room together.

My Birthday

Saturday December 18

So after Stetsons performance Cody and I headed up to Salt Lake For an early dinner at the Roof which is on the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. We had a great time and the food was amazing.

This was the view we had during dinner. We couldn't ask for a better one. It must have been a very popular day for weddings I think we watched 5 or more brides come out.

After dinner we walked around Gateway while we waited for my in-laws to bring the kids up and meet us. We were grateful that the rain stayed in Utah County that day cause Salt Lake was just overcast. We were worried earlier that the kids wouldn't be able to come up and enjoy the lights with us. But the weather held out and they meet us at the Gateway and we road traxes from there.
The kids thought that was way cool.

The weather couldn't have been an better at the lights it was around 40. We enjoyed every minute of them.
This tree is our family's favorite I think we have a picture under it every year.

We were so looked over after we were done with the lights got in the car and pulled out of the parking garage it started to rain. We couldn't have planned it more perfect.

My favorite place for ice cream is Basket Robins so Cody treated the kids and I for Ice cream afterwords.

I had a great birthday I love spending time with my kids.

Stetsons Pre-School Program

Saturday December 18

Well Today was Stetsons big day. He was so excited that we were going to watch him. He has been so good about tagging along to everything his sister is involved in that today was his first big performance. He did so well with all the songs and actions. what a natural born performer. He loves attention.

During the reindeer song he had these antlers on and the boys just behind him were knocking them and bugging them. Knowing Stetson I was worried that he was going to turn around and slug them, but he proved me wrong and held his cool until the end of the song then he turned around and pushed them off. I didn't blame them though after having to put them back on several times I wanted to push them my selves. the protective mom started to come out.

He had quit the audience both grandmas and my Dad came to watch. He even had the Cluff Cousins there since Katelyn was performing also.

Tenlies Big Day

Wednesday December 16

Well today was one busy day for Tenlie. It started off with her Kindergarten program. They did the Grinch stole Christmas play. It was very well done. The kids did a great job.

Then it was back off to class for their party which I was able to help out with. They made so man cute things.

This station they were making glittered pine cone ornaments.

Here they are making tee lite candles.

This was a ginger breed ornament station that was adorable and smelt really good.

Then later that night we headed off to her ballet recital. She did an absolute wonderful job. She has come along way in these past months.

Here is a few of her friends.

She was so excited that Grandma and Grandpa was able to make it. Grandpa spoils her with flowers at all her recitals. And believe me she eats it up.

Then after the recital Grandma and grandpa treated us to the Spanish fork lights. We have never been down there, but it was well worth the trip. Tenlie and Stetson are still talking about them. Stetson said as we were leaving those were freaking awesome.

We just love this time of year. It gets to be very busy, but every minute is well worth it.

CT and Round one of Chapter 3

Wednesday December 8

Well today Cody had is CT and he thought he was top dog getting this plush lazy boy recliner while he had to drink his yucky drinks.

Monday December 13

Well today is round one of chapter 3 in his book. We are kind of keeping each thing numbered by chapters. So chapter one was when he was diagnosed. Chapter two was his Major treatments, and now chapter three maintenance.

Well today we got word that his Ct came back with another 20% shrinkage in all tumors but the largest one. It held its own and stayed the same. We felt pretty good about this news. Just wished they all would have shrunk, but it can't always be perfect. We have been really blessed so far. Keep your fingers crossed he can maintain at this point for a while. The treatments are starting to give him a run for it. They haven't bee the easiest, but his spirits are still high.

So we thought now that we are on maintenance work the treatments wouldn't be quit as long. WRONG he did get the benadryl taken off and the oxaliplatin,but the treatment is the same length minus a half hour. They distributed the Oxaliplatin at the same time as one of his other drugs. Oh well we have a great time. As you can see it doesn't matter if he gets the benadryl or not. Its lights out now.

His body is starting to tire out he doesn't have the energy like he use too.

Finally Christmas

Saturday December 4

Well we finally got Cody feeling well enough to help us put the tree together. We decided to put everything up this year for who knows what next year may bring. I forgot how much work it is putting Christmas up especially when you do everything. I usually for go the Village, but Cody mad a special request for it this year. The kids were big help with the tree they sorted the branches by color and even helped fluff it.

We bought this tree the first year we were married and have loved it ever since. We can't bring our selves to get rid of it and get a pre-lit tree. Cody does an excellent job on the lights and has enjoyed it.

As much as he has enjoyed it I think after this year he has decided he just doesn't have it in him anymore. He has gave in and told me I can get a pre-lit tree next year.

So We are kind of tree lovers in our home. People call us the tree family. Cody has his own tree in his office that he gets to put his ornaments on. As you can see its a very different one. Its one of those bubble trees that have a plastic cylinder in the middle filled with water that changes colors and has bubbles running in it. And of course its a construction tree with all his play toys.

We bought the kids their very own tree to have in their room their first Christmas. Its been a tradition to get ornaments every where we go on vacation and for Christmas they receive one. My family also draws names and exchange ornaments. So we thought it would be fun for the kids to have their own tree to display these.

This is Stetsons Tree

This Is Tenlies Tree.
Of course its a Tinkerbell one.

The remaining Christmas around the house.

I do have to say I really enjoy it when its all finished. I'm so glad Cody talked me into pulling all the decorations out. Our last Christmas in this house. We sure have great memories here.