December already???

Well, it's not quite December. It's actually November 29, so there's one more day before December. I can hardly believe it! So much has happened since September when I wrote the last post.

Mike had his kidney transplant on October 25. It went really well, and he continues to do well. We've had a few scary moments - when the nurse ordered his blood tests "stat" because she was concerned about his creatinine level; when he started running a fever - but for the most part, things have gone well. The nephrologist is very pleased with his lab results and progress so far. His sister Denise has done really well too. They will both be going back to work in December, and neither one really wants to, but life goes on. It's been a stressful time for me, but I think our relationship has grown stronger.

School is going amazingly well. We did 2 group presentations and a book review for one class, which is over. The other class meets one more time. We had to do a self-assessment for that one, and meet with the professor individually. She asked 10 questions. I expect to have A's in both classes - much easier than my Master's!

Grandchildren - Jack has turned 3. He is less interested in talking to Gran on skype than he used to be. Makes me a little bit sad, but I know he is growing up, and seeing someone on a computer screen is not as good as seeing them in real life.

Clara Beth is a little marvel! She is so independent and laid back - so unlike her brother. I can't wait for us to have "girl times" together - I look forward to those days of makeup, dolls, and dress up. I have 3 wedding gowns here - I remember as a young girl, finding my mom's wedding gown in the attic and playing dress up with it. I'm all in for that!

Cooper is just starting to walk. He is such a happy boy. I so envy his Australian "Nana" who gets to see him whenever she wants. I can only hope to have a good relationship with him, so that he will be comfortable when he visits here.

Work is so difficult this year. We are still seeing the effects of the recession, with more and more families experiencing homelessness. It is heart-rending to hear of 4 unrelated teenagers living in a car together. I wasn't able to attend the NAEHCY conference this year, because of Mike's surgery. That conference always puts things into perspective for me, knowing that so many others share my passion for the work we do.

My mom is having some health issues, as she enters her 80's. Nevertheless, she and Daddy never let their weaknesses define them. They continue to live their lives as they always have, in service to others. My sister Sandi is not only waiting for a liver transplant, but has now been diagnosed with breast cancer. As difficult as this is for me, I realize it's incredibly more difficult for my parents to see their child going through these trials. Their faith sustains us all.

Am I ready for Christmas? Well, in some ways I am. Most of the shopping is done, although there are gifts left to buy. My children and grandchildren are done, so that is the largest part. I guess Mike and I are getting bikes. I'm not all that excited, but if he will be patient with me as I learn to deal with hand brakes and gears, it will be okay. He's never been patient with me in 37 years, but he says he can. We'll see...