Joe is a teenager!

I can't believe it, but our Joe is now 13...an official teenager! We celebrated his birthday last week with opening of gifts by the fire (it was cold). We went to church and then out to Dave and Busters with our friends Dayna and Bastain! We all had a great time! Jackson seemed to be the big winner as he pulled out 3 watches and 2 necklaces out of the claw machine! He even got 2 at one time! He quickly wrapped them up and put them under the tree.....

First semester has ended....with a snow day. There was no school on Friday, December 19. I was bummed because my students gifts are no waiting for them on their desks. I wasn't finished wrapping them, so I had to wait to pass them out.

Jenna and I braved the bad weather (it wasn't that bad) and headed to Children's Hospital for some testing for her. She was diagnosed with stage 2/3 reflux of the bladder and has been on meds for the past year to see if it has improved. Now, while we don't meet with the urologist...the radiologist pointed out to me where the contrast was backed up into her kidneys. She could hold a lot of contrast in and was a trooper through the whole thing. This is her 3rd time with this terrible test...and I'm so proud of her dealing with the pain. We meet with the Urologist on Jan 2. I'm thinking because of the back up to the kidney that surgery is our next step. I guess we will wait and see. I've been praying for this condition to improve and hope you would add Jenna (and her bladder) to your list of prayers.

Jackson has been selected to be a part of the Millard Public School's Minnesingers. He was recommended by his music teacher and then had to audition. He is a very strong singer and I'm so proud of him for taking this on. His practices will be on Tuesdays right after piano lessons. I'm thinking it will be a crazy day of running around!

My friend (and sorority sister) is expecting twins...and they are expected any day now. She has a planned C-section for New Years Eve. I find her whole pregnancy so interesting. She is a twin herself - with a twin brother...and she is expecting a boy and a girl. I threw a shower for her the week before Thanksgiving and had a blast with my sisters!!!

We are gearing up for Christmas and looking forward to spending time with family and friends! I do still have a little shopping....but am nearly finished!