The last steroid induced, sleepless night of the year!

What better time then going through the last steroid induced sleepless night of the year to reflect on 2013!

We have SO much to be thankful for!

*This is the first YEAR since I was diagnosed that I did not have to stay in the hospital!! Yes, I have gotten sick quite a few times and there have been some scares, but my body has been fighting off infection like nobody's business. We look to this as an indicator that my immune system is rebooting and we are praying that with the help of continued treatment from my Oncologist and my Naturopath, I can kick this disease to the curb!

*We got to see a whole lot of family and friends this year; what a treat!!  Lifelong friends visiting from Sacramento and Virginia, going to Grand Rapids for Art Prize and seeing Matt's family, getting to see my 90 year old Gram and quite a few of my Aunts, Uncles and Cousins and Dad, Brother and his family. Also getting excited to see my Cousin and her family who live in France who are visiting next week!!

*We've gotten to participate and share in the joy of so many friends and families significant events. From my best friend getting married in March, to beautifully, elaborate catered parties for friends, to LOTS of friends having babies and the birth of our newest niece, Katarina in January and nephew, Ford in March. We just can't get enough of them.

*Starting new traditions like going to Camp Casey with the family. We were glad to have Cindy come out for that! Hawaii in January also seems to becoming a tradition, thanks to the crazy love and generosity of some friends...woohoo!!!!!

*We also tried "wind camping", something new that we will hopefully not be repeating; and blueberry picking, something new that we hopefully will be repeating.

 *Friends organizing an amazing outdoor movie/silent auction fundraiser--still blown away by your love and generosity! A whole bunch of friends coming with me to chemo appointments was definitely a highlight too. What a special way to redeem a crappy time!

*Being involved with the prayer team, redemption groups, counseling and taking Biblical Counseling classes at church. It's been sweet and also challenging but we just love it and feel like we're made for this type of stuff!

Some prayers as we enter the new year
*Continued healing! Currently in the middle of chemo and steroids, hoping to be done mid-January.
*Continued wisdom and collaboration for my doctors. Another vaccine has been mentioned...
*Continued healing...so we can think about about trying to have babies! I need to be off of chemo for 6 months for this to happen.
*Continued thanks for God's presence in the midst of all we go through, whether good or bad, He's with us!!

We love you guys and hope that 2014 is even better! May you know and live in the fullness and richness of the love of Jesus.