Christmas 2008 and Happy 2009!!

Star Trek Communicator Ornament for Hubby (the geek)

Santa Gave Daisy 5 new Friends to Play With!

Hello Everyone!


Just a quick note to thank Linda (she commented on my MS Story Part III) for her well wishes. And also to say may you all have a safe and happy New Years Eve and New Year! We are off to visit family over the holiday so this is my last post for the blog year 2008! WOW! :)

In the meantime, here are some fun pictures from Christmas at our house this year!

Santa was GOOD to us!

Yes - she IS the #1 Pet!

Mom, can I tear open these gifts too? Huh Mom? I LOVE Paper!

My Gifts - My Mother In Law thought the Tshirt was funny - me "eh"... Maybe I find it less funny since I know it is true! ;-)

And I feel the need to say:

Thank you God for being with each of us during 2008 and supporting us when we needed you. Looking back on 2008, I noticed for many months only 1 set of footprints in my path of sand. Thank you for carrying me. Even if I didn't see it then, I see it now.

Meet Linda

I've been thinking about my old Therapist Linda who helped guide me through the early days of my MS diagnosis. (In my story here - I tell how she was like an angel to me and had MS herself)

Well I decided I would google her today to see if I could find anything on her and I just happened to find THIS article. Please read it. She is inspiring!

Posts

Dear Blog Friends:

I've realized a few things as 2008 comes to an end:

1. There are so many people out there like me with MS and going through the very same struggles and challenges. And I am so thankful for this great support system.

2. The progression of my disease this year with the major flare-up lasting about 4-5 months and left me with the ongoing new symptoms has put me in a very reflective place. And while I focused much of my time on researching more and learning more on new therapies and other options, I stopped living life. I just stopped. Not good.

3. I got scared and depressed and while I am sure I will go through such "seasons" in the future. This Season of being scared and depressed about MS has come to an end. It has too.

4. I am not saying I won't ever post about it. I will. It is a continual day to day struggle we all have and some days I will need to vent. And I appreciate you reading and your support and especially those of you who are great MS patient advocates and keep us up to date on all the latest and greatest stuff.

5. Initially this was going to be just my MS blog. However, I've decided to make it so much more. It's a blog about ME and MS does not have ME - I have MS. I let MS have ME for way to long - I'm progressing to a calmer and better place - free of the constant thoughts of MS.

6. So I am going to go and enjoy the holidays with my new husband and you may see some changes around here before or after the new year. Better, Happier Changes. This blog will be MY blog and yes I have MS - So I will post about it occasionally.

May you all have a very blessed holiday season! :)

Lanette

Christmas Tree Trimming Party

Tonight we had our Annual Christmas Tree Trimming Party with our Friends. I've been doing this since I moved to TN in 2004 - this was the 5th one! :) Each person who comes to help trim the tree gets dinner and brings a new ornament each year to add to my collection. I love using personal ornaments that mean something to me! Pics Below.

Eating Homemade Lasagna, Garlic Bread and Salad

Kim helping hand out christmas ornaments!

Kim and Paul, Strung in Garland.

Troy, Paul and Bob Decorating the Tree!

Final Product


Hubby being 6' 4" always has the honor of putting the tree topper on the tree.

Anne and Donna Relaxing