Video from Christmas

Simeon and Grandma Carter

December 2010/January 2011

The biggest thing that happened for us in December was we went back to the States for Christmas! It was great to be with both sides of the family and for Simeon to do a lot of FIRSTS! First snow, 1st Christmas, New year's etc.

However, the day after Christmas, Joel's dad had chest pain and we went to the hospital. He was admitted and eventually scheduled for a heart cath a week or so later. The cath showed major blockages, especially in his left main artery. The cath wad one on a Friday, and the following Monday he had open heart surgery. It ended up being triple bypass. Because of these circumstances and those that followed we extended our stay twice and ended up being in the States till the middle of January. Although these were not easy times, God knew what He was doing and we were so thankful that we were in the States to be with Joel's family and help how we could.

Although there were many issues following surgery, especially with medications, now, Joel's dad is doing much, MUCH better. He says he is feeling close to being back to himself again. Now we are just hoping things move along with recovery so he can have hip replacement in May.

Thank you, THANK YOU to those that prayed for Earl and Joel's family during this time. The prayers were felt and answered! Praise be to God!

Tradition

Today, Joel and I were able to endeavor on our annual Christmas tradition. We had a great day. I had a meeting at school today, but after that, we met at our area IHOP (International House of Pancakes) for brunch. Then we split up and did some Christmas shopping (we're almost ALL done). We then went and got our REAL Christmas tree! It smells so pretty! We asked what kind of tree hold it's needles best since we are getting it kind of early. Of course, they told us the most expensive, but it is a beautiful tree and it has smelled the whole apartment like pine! I don't even need to buy any candles to make the apartment smell good. Of couse, no Christmas tradition would be complete without some White Chocolate Mocha and Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks! The tree is decorated, almost done with shopping, and even got some laundry done...thanks to my wonderful and productive hubby! Enjoy the pictures! It was a great day of tradition!