Brinley went in for chemo yesterday and started another steroid pulse. Clinic went wonderfully, Brinley did great getting accessed and everything went so smoothly. Brinley has gained a little weight, she weighs about 27 lbs., and the nutritionist was content with that. She is still in about the 5th percentile, but we'll take what we can get. She got taller too! Her ANC is 1200, so we will leave her at 50% 6MP and 25% MTX. I was hoping for an increase, but not this time. Keep us in your prayers as we go through the hard week, maybe it won't be so bad. Have a wonderful new year.

We have had an absolutely wonderful Christmas. My fingers were crossed for no fevers, and it was a fever free Christmas. It has been a bit so I'll start with one of our traditional activities, of course, gingerbread houses. The kids love gingerbread houses, something about decorating a whole house with candy maybe?


Then we had my Aunt Lori and her family in town from Maryland, so we packed like sardines in my living room and had a musical show the kids put together for their Great Grandma Hanks. It was so much fun, we were all so happy.


Aunt Lori brought chimes, and the kids got to each play one. I have never heard them so quiet, they were concentrating so hard on getting their part right. I loved having people I love crammed into my house, and I am not joking. I didn't used to be this way, it was always too stressful, I guess something about cancer has changed me and I don't care how many people are at my house or how crazy it is. I love being surrounded by people I love. Okay, getting the house ready was a little stressful, but that's a different story.


Next up, the cousin party to exchange gifts at my sister Melanie's house. Another fun night.


Then our traditional Christmas Eve nativity. Here is Joseph and shepherd Brinley, Uncle Dennis and Brinley.


Joseph and Mary (Jade) with baby Jesus, played by Mylee.


Angel Taylor





Then the opening of the first gift on Christmas Eve, PAJAMAS! Never a surprise, but always anticipated!


Leaving some cookies for santa and some carrots for his reindeer.


Brinley writing Santa a letter.


Christmas morning, FINALLY! Jade had been counting down the days and it couldn't come fast enough! Look how happy!





Grandma and Grandpa Torres were here from Las Vegas, we loved having them.


Hanna Montana!


We truly had a wonderful Christmas. I wish I could have been able to find the time to write more, because I have felt so grateful for the Savior and I love the Spirit of Christmas when we get to celebrate his birth. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas too!