So It's been 10 days since my last update, and I guess I have wrapped my head around things... I guess. As much as I can really. I had a few days after we first found out, where I was sad & mad, and really sad, & really mad! I mean there is still that lingering question of "why her?" and as much as I hate that, I have managed to look at the "here & now"... it is what it is, and we can't changed that. Whatever God's reason, this is the way it's going to be. That being said, we have talked about it over and over and over, and there are positives, many of them. Well.... at least as far as them finding it now and her being strong and what not. When we look at it that way we can only be thankful. Never the less there is that "scare factor" that will not go away... no matter what anyone says, or how we look at it, she is our baby.

We did however have a crazy Christmas. By crazy I do mean fun ;) We were able to open presents without waiting for the computer to slowly dial daddy through skype and wait for him to answer. No crazy is not an understatement! We have 4 children 6 and under... every gift had to be opened "right now!" There were plenty of gifts too! After the way December started, with someone hacking our bank account and draining all our money & then some ( we Finally got it all back after almost a month), Then the bomb of surgery being dropped on us....we honestly weren't sure how well jolly ol' Santa was going to perform this year. No that is not the reason for the season, not at all... but with 4 small children, who typically get the "traditional" Santa package deal, I couldn't help but feel a bit sad for them.
And though Santa is NOT the reason for Christmas, Jesus is. That being said, he really was there for us this month.... despite all the negatives this month may have held. We were blessed with awesome family and friends, praying for us and with us..... we managed to make it through this month and Santa managed to come through too... although he forget to bring that addition to our playroom!

We did enjoy Christmas eve with his family... it has become a bit of a tradition to have them over to our house for Christmas eve brunch, and then we do our gifts with them. It was nice & relaxing, and of course the kids had a blast.

 I guess that was 1 too many pics of him helping get brunch ready ;) 

cousins ready to open presents! 

We later celebrated with friends & family at our neighbors house. This too has become a tradition of ours. The kids absolutely love this too because they get to play with their best little friends & see their Nana & Pape again. Not to mention eat lots of treats and run wild through the house, and it's all acceptable because it is Christmas eve. 

Then it's home to get in our jammies and put out our treats for Santa. He happened to call each of the kids that day & during the call he told them he wanted chocolate milk, cookies & candy left out for him. SO cookies, milk, a few m&m's & a small candy cane is what he got. He enjoyed it! ;)

leaving out the treats

tracking Santa with daddy before climbing into bed

Santa came, he saw, he conquered! It went from being a peaceful picture of gifts set perfectly around a lit Christmas tree....

And stockings hung on the stair rail with care...

To shear pandemonium..... :) 

However I did manage to get this little ones expression before the chaos, as she walked into the living room just after waking up....

Christmas day was finished off at my parents house, where the kids were spoiled a bit more... the day was spent opening gifts, eating & playing.

gifts @ Grammy & Grampas

uncles are good for building toy story legos 

good clean fun ;)

The month may have been a rough ride but with God, family & friends by our side we made it. Thanks to everyone for the support and prayers, we have needed them & felt them... please keep them coming as we enter the new year waiting for more detailed news on what is to come in the months ahead. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10