UPDATE & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Mrs. Claus

An update from my last post about Valerie's rising tumor markers and growing tumor.  She had a new blood draw and doctor's appointment last week.  Her tumor marker went up some BUT it did not rise by as much of an increment as it had before.  So, the doctor wants to wait one more month before making any decisions or changes - which we were in total agreement with.

Our little Charlie Brown tipsy tree - with the
tree skirt my (Tracie's) mother made while
she was pregnant with me.

The waiting and hoping and planning and watching are excruciating at times and there have been some emotional moments.  But we both continue to draw any strength we can from each other and from you and your thoughts, prayers, chants, and gifts.

We had a delightful and spontaneous visit from one of Valerie's sisters (Michelle) over the weekend of December 7th.  It was truly a wonderful and emotionally fulfilling weekend!  Thank you Michelle!!

And a couple of weeks ago Valerie decided she needed to go caroling (she LOVES to go caroling).  She found a meetup group and went and came out with ALL smiles. :)  The people there invited her to join their choir - it's the Namaste Center for Spiritual Living.  So.... SHE DID!  Tomorrow night I'm going to watch her perform at their Christmas Eve service.  She has thoroughly enjoyed going to choir practice and she's in the back room with the keyboard practicing right now.  It's completely heartwarming and joyful - two things we grab around here any chance we get!  I'll post performance pics later.

Enjoying the new porch.

Our new porch furniture!

So, the next news we will have will be the next blood draw and doctor's appointment on 1/18/13.  
Until then, happy holidays to you, your families and your loved ones.