Ho, Ho, Ho...

Earlier today, we decided to get Silas and Avery out and see Santa (for another try at meeting the jolly old man... if you remember last year's epic fail ("You Better Watch Out, Better Not Cry...")).  They were excited to put on their red shirts and take a picture... well, Avery was excited to take a picture. Silas still does not like to do that sort of thing.  Such a little man.

Here is Avery saying, "this is my Silas picture face."

They were both excited and saying "Santa!, Santa!" as we walked to the back of the store where we were greeted with a very friendly "Ho, Ho, Ho!" (unlike last year's stoic impersonator.)  Both Silas and Avery, on cue, turned around and held on to one of my legs and buried their faces in my thigh. This Santa was very good and tried to persuade the kids (thankfully, there was no one else in line).  Nothing we did convinced them to sit in Santa's lap.  So here are Dad and Mom in the pic again for 2012 (at least Avery smiled).  Oh, Santa has his hands folded and to himself because both twins were emphatic that he not touch them.  Oh well.  Fail. 

But I guess Silas and Avery are right. Christmas isn't about Santa anyway.  

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. —Isaiah 9:6-7

Thanksgiving. And Thankful, Part 3.

Saturday night after Thanksgiving, Grace, Micajah, Eleanor, Bruce, Silas, Avery, and I spent the night in Grenada for our 'Thanksgiving' dinner.  After dinner, Mimi wanted to get a picture for a Christmas card... (aren't they precious in their new Christmas pajamas?!)

Silas didn't.  (want a picture for a Christmas card, that is.)

No, he really didn't.

"Oh good grief, is it over yet?"

Guess he didn't want to pose with the ladies. 

These two are two peas in a pod.  They absolutely adore each other!

We finally had a fun ride on Papaw's new toy!!

Thanksgiving. And Thankful, Part 2

When we returned from Houston last Tuesday, the Warfs had already arrived for our annual Thanksgiving week festivities.  (well, mostly laughing and playing with the twins festivities, but nevertheless)  We played, played, ate, ate, played, ate some more, exactly what we wanted to do on Thanksgiving week.

And no, I didn't cook.  Anything.  We went to the Old Capitol Inn for Thanksgiving dinner... which was more delicious that I could ever describe.  Without any dishes to wash (or spilled drinks to clean up (we had 4 of those)).
It was a great week!

Thanksgiving. and Thankful, Part 1.

Finally received the final path report - no malignant cells identified!  Praise God for continued health.  After the CTs last Monday, everything looked great except one lymph node that was a little larger in my May 2012 CTs had now grown in the November CTs.  Dr. K said the only way to know why was to have a few more tests run. So Tuesday morning, I had an ultrasound then fine needle biopsy (the only way to know if a node is 'reactive' (i.e. fighting infection, inflammation) or malignant is to stick a needle in it and look at cells under the microscope).  Praise God all is fine.  We return in late January/early February for more CTs.  Much, much, much to be thankful for.

Interferon update. Nine more injections. Yes, three weeks!  Friday, Dec 21 will be my last one:-)  Doctors have told me I will feel GREAT about 3 or 4 weeks after we stop the drug. Watch out, I'll be running around like I'm crazy!  Merry Christmas to me.  (oh, and to my refrigerator.  those boxes of chemo take up the entire bottom shelf.  Shoot, I guess now I need to start cooking.)

"That" time.

It's "that" time again.  Three-month scans.  Bruce and I fly to Houston Sunday afternoon and I have CTs of chest, abdomen, pelvis, and bloodwork Monday morning beginning at 6:00am.  Thankfully I see Dr. K later that same afternoon for results....so glad I don't have to wait overnight this time.  Like I remember every time Mom has check-ups too, I'm almost thankful for the anxious heart... lest I forget the miracle of each day we are given. 

I love November for several reasons (none of which are the men who've declared it 'no shave november' #creepy stache).  I love driving to work with the sun peering over the brilliant colors on the trees... I love having to grab a jacket before taking our afternoon walk...college football... Glutton Day (oops, Turkey Day)... Christmas decorations (after Turkey Day)... I could go on.  I love the attitude of thankfulness others exude (that we should be doing every day of the year)... like the post from this time last year (Enduring Hope), we simply cannot be fearful and thankful at the same time. 

We continue to believe Him for complete healing. 

The Psalmist said, "When I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." (Psalm 56:3).  But still even better is what Isaiah said, "I will trust and not be afraid." (Isaiah 12:2).

Hallow's Eve, guising and such.

I'll do my best to recount last night for those interested.  It was a hilarious night at the Warf household... with two 25 month-olds and one 13 month-old (oh, and three tired adults who worked all day and had queasy stomachs from eating candy at work).  Micajah was out of town with work so GG and Eleanor came up to hang with us!  GG arrived and the two little ladies had to have a pre-costume fashion show.  A sweet friend brought Avery and Eleanor one of these dresses from Spain... she loved spinning and jumping with the fringe flapping.

And Eleanor spun around in her cute tutu!

 

We all had a pizza from Fresh Market (out of guilt to eat substance over pure corn syrup, not out of hunger) and the time came for costumes to be donned.  One had no problem trying on her "Jane" dress... 

She figured out her character rather quickly.  This is her demonstrating her banshee yell while climbing a tree...no, a chair.

Meanwhile, somebody had to be bribed with little chewy candy to comply with the dress-up game.

We tried to rehearse the Tarzan yell with fists on chests but it was more like a coupla screaming monkeys.  Oh well.  (and he still wouldn't let me take his pants off).

I handed Silas and Avery their bags before we left to trick-or-treat and Avery was ready to go.  Silas looked at me with a look that said, "woman... don't you know we have a basket full of candy on the table? Why in the world are we leaving to get some?" I had no answer. Smart guy.

Ooh, I need to clean my front door glass.  Again.
Little sticky hands... I love it.

After seeing all the other kids dressed up on our street, Tarzan and Jane got more "into" their characters... good thing it was warmer outside last night.

And I mustn't forget cute Eleanor... oops, I mean Pooh! Isn't she a doll?!

Her mom even let her have a Snickers!

Aw girl, I feel your pain.

As an aside... I saw a news report this morning where a guy about 30 years old spent his evening "re-distributing" the candy amongst the kids in the neighborhood... to make sure every one had equal amounts... no matter how hard or how long someone had to work to fill up their bucket. These kids totally picked up on things and were saying "that's ridiculous. I worked hard for mine and this person just got here." "that's wrong! not fair!".  Hmm.  If only adults would be so perceptive.

Vote wisely on Tuesday.

Nichols-Boyd Pumpkin Patch

We have been trying to make it up to Bull Bottom Farms (HERE), where my friends Nic and Katie Robinson host families for lots of fun with hay rides, a corn maze, playground, pumpkin patch, and all the rest.... but haven't been able to find a good weekend.  A few people at my work told me about a neat pumpkin patch (Nichols-Boyd) at the Reservoir, so we and the Sturdivants ventured out this afternoon to check it out.  What a pleasant surprise!  How did we not know this place existed?!  We plan to go back for their hay ride and corn maze one day soon.

Look at this cutie-patootie!!

 These two had a ball playing with each other!!

Where's Eleanor????   (poor thing is a good sport as Avery just can't keep from squeezing and/or tackling her.)

We love the llamas!!

This is actually Avery telling Eleanor "no, move your hand" (as she heard about 50 times in a row from her Momma)... the big turkey's fence didn't keep him from strutting quite demonstratively and deceptively close to our pretty girls...

Aren't they just the cutest things!!

More twins:

But my little Buddy!!

Now begins our best try for a family picture....

That's about right.  Oh well.

I bet you could have guessed which one was too busy to sit with everyone else...

Eleanor is getting so big!!  She can now hang right in there with the crazy duo!

Love these pics!!

 Christmas Card!!!

Avery loves her GG!!!

There's nothing better than being tackled by these two!!