Gifts

1. most importantly!

Since getting off of my double round of steroids: no. more. hip. pain. You guys. I am cautiously optimistic but I have not had ANY pain in my hip since December 21st. I don’t have the adequate words to express how awesome it is to not wake up every single morning going OWWWWW. A normal working body is amazing.  Now I’m just struggling with paranoia that it will, at some point, return. But I will just pretend that that’s the end and I am starting a new chapter in my life. Running isn’t happening for another few months but I am doing rehab right now to strengthen the whole area so that the injury doesn’t return. Onward!

This all means that over Christmas break, I took the boys sledding in the gully. I’ve shoveled snow onto the “ultimate zig-zag track of death” in our front yard. I’ve carried Seth. I walked the boys down to see if a friend could play and made it back up the hill no problem. I’ve lifted furniture and hopped up stairs.

I am so grateful.

The ringing in of the new year is so exciting! Think of the possibilities! walks! bike rides! races! hikes! piggy back rides!

Hallelujah.

(also. KNOCK ON WOOD).

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2. Climbing up the super steep (DANGEROUS) sledding hill:

At some point, Thomas totally gave up and just started throwing snowballs at me. over and over again.

Can you spot our house? It’s almost in the middle of the frame. to the left of the two houses where you can see snow on the roofs.

 

ALmost home! Thomas just couldn’t make it one. more. step.

PHEW. Good thing we had hot cocoa to lure him up that last hill…

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3. A few Christmas highlights:

Christmas Morning sitting-on-the-stairs excitement:

Unfortunately, after weeks of asking if Santa “was coming tonight?!” Seth didn’t feel like joining in the excitement. Ah well. Such is the life of a three year old.

Or maybe it’s just Seth.

However, the gift opening quickly cheered him up.

He kept screaming, “OH MAN. ALL OF MY PRESENTS ARE SO … MINE!”

That’s the Christmas spirit, kiddo.

Thomas:

Sam:

Luke’s favorite gift: Perplexis Twist

 

The Christmas Program at church:

 

So many more great memories. Christmas Ever dinner and talent show. Christmas piano recital. School concert. Sorry (or your welcome)- I just can’t post all those pics. It really was a Super Awesome Christmas. I don’t want to send the boys back to school. I’m not ready for homework and lunches.

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4. Is Seth still not wearing clothes?

Yes.

But he is apparently reading Cloud Atlas. I’ll post his review when he’s finished.

 He does love to put on Thomas’s snowpants.

The first time he did it, he yelled, “OH GWEAT! I’M THE GUY WHO MAKES THE DONUTS!!!”

(???)

Now he calls them his “donut pants.”

He also loves to wear my coat… and then spin around and whack people with the empty arms. Or just fall on them.

But if you ask him? He’s a princess or a mermaid.

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5. It seems like a couple of times a week someone stops by a window and yells, “AHH! Someone has to come see this!”

Mysterious pink fog!

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I have high hopes for 2013! Have a great week!