Thanksgiving 2010

We spent Thanksgiving day up in Shaver. Pat's aunt and uncle have a cabin up there and Pat's side always spends Thanksgiving up there. We alternate years with my family and his and so this year we got to join them. The day started a little rough, with Pat having a cold, but as soon as we got there, we had a blast. It was Jenna's first time in the snow and she LOVED every second of it. We ended our day back at my dad's house where we had some yummy dessert. We went home full and tired.

Pat, his mom Shelly, sister Renae, Amanda (his brother's girlfriend), his brother Tyler, and his dad Tom

Jenna being a goof in her Papa's boots.

This year we are especially thankful. Two short months ago I didn't know if we would be celebrating the holidays (at least publicly) this year. We were thinking that November and December would be full of chemo treatments and not family gatherings. As we drove home from Shaver we talked about how grateful we are. We are grateful for what we went through. As much as it scared us and stressed us out, and as much tears as we shed, we wouldn't change it for anything. We talked about how we hope we never forget all that we experienced. What we went through forever changed our marriage and gave us a new perspective on life. It's easy to slip back into my old ways and my old way of thinking, and I often have to remind myself that things could be much, much worse. We are so thankful for the wonderful support system we have. Parents, grandparents, siblings, extended family members, amazing friends, a wonderfully supportive church, a great daycare that cares so much for our sweet girl, wonderful co-workers and employers....the list could go on. They say life is full of peaks and valleys. The view from the valley can be just as spectacular as the peak. To anyone reading this Thank you from the bottom of my very grateful heart.