Okay.....I've Updated....no more leaf pictures!

Valerie emailed me last night and said "okay mom...enough of the leaves...UPDATE YOUR BLOG!"

I did some quick downloads and uploads and some quick typing and I'm updated!....(it has actually taken me a few hours to do all this)

I am feeling good. A couple of complaints....I am tired. Around mid afternoon, I could fall into a deep sleep if I sat down for any length of time. I'm told that is normal. My back aches. After I stand and do anything for what seems like a short time I get a terrible backache. It's really annoying when I'm cooking or baking. I'm told this is normal.

I was to go to the doctor on December 14 but I really need to finish my Christmas shopping so I changed it to Friday, January 11. I got an okay from the doctor to do it so don't be upset.

I'm looking forward to seeing the family during the holiday. Chad and Keri are coming in on Saturday, December 22 and staying until the 26th. We can't wait to see them but disappointed that Bella isn't coming too. We will be sending lots of love and gifts to her in North Carolina and she will be missed! My mom, sister, brother and I are doing the lighting of the Advent candles in Church on December 23rd. We will head to the Millers for a gift exchange that afternoon and our annual viewing of Christmas Vacation. I think Cousin Eddie might even come (aka Mike....it's the funniest thing you have ever seen!) Christmas Eve at my parents with lots of family and the White Elephant gift exchange which got quite rowdy last year! Candlelight service 6:30pm then home to wait for Santa.

It's been a wonderful year for us. I know we had this cancer thing in the middle of it, but honestly, I think this could have been my best year ever! Full of love, God, family, friends, prayers, hope, faith and a fearless anticipation and readiness for the rest of my journey....no matter where it leads, this was the year that made me truly understand and ready for God's plan in my life. What a gift!

Merry Christmas to you all....
Leslie

Christmas Party Time!

This past weekend we had the Given Dawson Christmas Dinner at The Sports Zone and the Millers attended the Santa Party at the Coffman's. Everyone had a jolly time!

This could be your Christmas card picture!Roxanne took this picture of Santa and Madison. I think it could be a Norman Rockwell painting!
Grace had lots of things to discuss with Santa this year! I think this might end up costing Santa some big $$$.
I am sure Santa is trying to get Andrew to look at the camera for a picture and I'm sure Andrew wants nothing to do with a picture of him on Santa's lap! It's a 14 year old boy thing!
When we left the Millers on Saturday night, Andrew did not want to attend the Santa Party. He must have changed his mind for his favorite mom! (and maybe to get the present Santa had for him!)

Given Dawson employees have dinner together!

Let it Snow!

We have already had 2 snow days and it isn't even officially winter yet!
This is a picture of Matt with the kids home from school last Wednesday. Val said they rode those sleds for 6 hours! They had a 2 hour delay on Thursday and another Snow day on Friday!
This was Grandpa Mike's snow creation on Saturday.
Our Deck man! (and a Buckeye fan)
Grandpa Mike, Andrew, Madison and Grace came up with this "Golf-man"..it's a little warped version of the snowman...love the golf glove for a better grip!

Oh Christmas Tree..Oh Christmas Tree...

Kali and Lexi think the family got this tree just for them!
This was one of the funniest Christmas email albums I've received. Grace actually called me that morning to tell me they were decorating the tree. The Christmas music was playing loudly and they were very excited! Val had packed them each a box of their own personal ornaments last year anticipating this moment. They were thrilled to have their own boxes of ornaments! You will notice that Andrew disappears from this Norman Rockwell moment pretty quickly and the cats are just hysterical! I hope you enjoy this Christmas tradition as much as I did!Andrew must have put his ornaments on in record setting time!
Grace and her peace sign with attitude..

Madison with her softer, kinder version ....Grace's year to do the star...
Kali relaxing in one of the empty ornament boxes..
Lexi too....just waiting for the family to finish the decorating..

A beautiful completed Christmas tree!Now the fun begins.....enjoy!

Back with my kids!

I was back with my children's choir in November...KOPS...Kids Offering Praise & Songs! We are working on our Christmas Concert for December 16th. (I'm not sure what the mysterious glow is on my forehead but, otherwise, I love this picture of the kids.We performed "The Party's Here" on November 25th. IT WAS AWESOME!

I'm also back with my daycare gang! I only have one or two each day but this was Ohio Deer Hunting Monday Holiday! It was wonderful!
They voted for Leslie's homemade pizza that day....and they got it!

Tri Valley Football Banquet

We were invited to nephew Logan's Football Banquet and we were not going to say NO to that invitation....not even kidney cancer had kept us away from games this season! We were excited to see this team one more time. It was a great evening! I have loved watching this group grow up and become the exciting, record setting team they were this past year. It seems like just yesterday we were so proud of them as Freshmen STARTING on the Tri Valley Varsity squad! Time has gone by too fast....I wasn't ready for it to be over.

Thank you DAWGS for inspiring me every Friday night and giving me these incredible games to look forward to week after week!

WOOF! WOOF! A season to remember...



#1 FAN...ME...with my favorite player, Logan and my favorite driver/husband, Mike! Thanks for getting us to all the games early and for taking such great care of me!

Championship football presented to all players....

Our favorite cheerleader and cousin...Caitlin Hindel. Thanks for all the great t-shirts thrown our way, Cait! We will miss you! (we will be at basketball games too...keep them coming our way for a little while longer!)
Proud parents, Ida and Bob Lewis
Proud grandparents...Dave and Yvonne Hood

Dustin's R & R

Our nephew, Dustin Hood, was home from the Kuwait/Iraq border for a 2 week R & R. He had so much to do and so many people to see besides spending lots of time with his 3 beautiful children. So it was enough for us to just know he was home and filling his time with family and friends. It was a wonderful surprise when he and his dad stopped in for a quick visit! He looks great! His dad is so proud of him....and we are too! I couldn't quit hugging him!

He will be home for good....after 2 years of service....in July 2008.