temporary traditions

We are not getting our traditional tree this year. We won't be getting our traditional luminaries. One of my very favorite times of the year is Christmas Eve. Over the past 7 years we have created such an amazing and warm tradition. In the past years, we eat an early dinner and the kids get in their PJ's. We get into the car, turn on the Christmas music and drive around to look at all the glorious lights. The Luminaries make it even more magical that night. When you drive past peoples homes, you can look in and see families gathered together laughing and hugging and it just seems so magical and simple.

This year we will be in Memphis. One thing I do know is that it will be an amazingly special and very different holiday. It will be ok though! We will be together. What more do I need? Nothing. Nothing at all. For what ever reason (and we WILL know it one day) we are supposed to be there. We are supposed to meet the people we are about to meet. We are supposed to have this happening. I was awake for a long time last night. The comments I have gotten on the blog, on Facebook, in the mail and in my email inbox were swirling in my head. I just kept thinking about how all of you are supposed to be in our lives for a reason right now. If everyone going through something had half of the amount of support we did right now, they would call themselves blessed! Despite all we are going through right now, we still feel so blessed. Right now, the bump is GONE. We have each other. We are spending lots of quality time together right now. More then we ever get to normally. Plus, of course we are truly embracing the importance of it all.

Carolyn had a great idea. In lieu of getting a big tree, she found two tiny trees for the kids rooms. Pink and sparkles all the way for Kayla. Blue and cool just for Anthony. SUCH a great idea. Not to mention what cool night lights they make! We waited for her girls to get home from kindergarten and then we had so much fun decorating.  So, while Bieber played in the background, we got a little into the spirit.

Anyone see a pig in there?

My mom stopped by with some more thoughtful surprises for us including some hand made hats from Vera. Vera is 85 yrs old and lives across the street from my mom. She has known me since I was 6! She felt like knitting would be appropriate. She is so cute!

Denny is happy with his hat. We might still need to shop for something a little warmer for TN. though. ;) And Diana, I am SO glad you sent multiple pink toe socks. He is going to wear through these babies fast! I made sure to take a few cute pics of Kayla in her hat too. I LOVE these pics!!

Later on, Kolleen dropped by with a very special gift. A healing quilt! It is absolutely gorgeous!!! Denny said it even smells like a healing quilt. We LOVE it. Kayla was already asleep when we saw it, but we can't wait to show her when she wakes up. She will love this forever!! So will we!!!! Look at how amazing people are. People are GOOD and gracious. Kris & Cate... THANK YOU!!!!

Update from St. Judes: 
Our paperwork was received! All the foot work was WORTH it! It made it there safe and sound. They have started Kayla's chart. We are hoping the slides arrive on Friday so they can mull over her diagnosis over the weekend and get a plan to us on Monday. Again... Friday. What is it with Fridays??? Darn it. I like saying TGIF. I guess I will have to come up with a new day! It's looking like Wednesday or Thursday we will be flying out and starting this journey. Still getting the ducks in a row here... but it's happening!