December, here we come!

Yes, it is officially the busiest time of the year in my home and I am nursing a cold so this may not be long.  We have Isaac's extended-family birthday dinner this Sunday after his piano recital and then his birthday party with friends next Saturday followed by his real birthday the next Tuesday.  So, there's a party to plan and gifts to buy and a wonderful Christmas to anticipate.  We now always put up the Christmas tree after Isaac's party as we don't have room for a tree and ten boys running around - in this case, doing some science experiments.   

Lily-Anna is now on antibiotics for a respiratory infection but she's kept in good form with lots of smiles and laughter.

Graham and I enjoyed a lovely night away this week.  I had a late-afternoon appointment with my rheumatologist in Toronto.  Graham's parents stayed with the kids which meant that we were able to go to a hotel without them!  I had forgotten what it's like to just enter and leave a hotel once rather than multiple trips with lots of bags.  We enjoyed delicious Thai food for dinner and were able to go for a swim at the hotel.  We were missing the kids at breakfast; I noted the foods that they would have chosen.       

My weekly injections are going well.  I was able to stop taking my other medication after about eight weeks of injections and I'm not having morning stiffness.  My bloodwork has confirmed that the inflammation in my body has decreased.  I told my doctor this week that he was right and I was wrong as I've been putting off changing to this drug.  I'm very thankful I'm not having side effects.  It's never going to be my favourite thing to do but it seems to be working.  I also don't need to go back to the doctor for six months and I only need bloodwork every three months.  Thank You Lord!    

Last week I was able to see my cousin who is visiting from England as well as my aunt and uncle who live an hour away.  It is always lovely to see them and catch up.

On the PD Day this month, the kids and I went sledding with some friends.  Lily-Anna loved it!  We were on a very small hill so it was the perfect size for her little legs to walk up.  The boys ended up playing soccer on the pavement while we kept sledding. 

I enjoyed this brief conversation with Lily-Anna after she asked me to write a note for her:

Lily-Anna: Kohen and Isaac.
Me: To Kohen and Isaac?
Lily-Anna: Yes.
Me: What do you want to say?
Lily-Anna: I love you.
Me: To Kohen and Isaac - I love you.
Lily-Anna: And Moses.
Me: To Kohen, Isaac, and Moses?
Lily-Anna: Yes.

The only Moses we know is from the Bible.

I am reading Bob Goff's book, Love Does, which Graham bought for me in D.C. in October.  It's a fun and inspirational read.  I hope to read his second book, Everybody Always.

I need to either sleep or get to something else on my list.  Isaac wants me to make crepes in the morning so I think I'll mix up the batter tonight.  I made flat breads this month to go with our shawarma chicken.  Yummy.

A friend of the family surprised and blessed us by sending an electronics kit that the boys will work on with Graham.  They were excited.  Another friend has blessed the kids with a Christmas puzzle and videos.   

Thanks for any prayers.  We are praying for Graham's cousin's child who recently had surgery and is waiting on next steps.  We're praying for great news.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Hebrews 13:20-21

²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹ equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  

Lily-Anna's quiet time

Thankfully it broke down in our driveway!  It's fixed.