To me, Christmas and New Years always seems to come so quickly every year and be over just as fast. This year is no different. In fact in many ways it came even quicker, but slower at the same time if that makes any sense. My mom and I joke all the time asking why all the Christmas decor/cold weather since (to us) it's still June!

Christmas Day this year was low key for our clan. We slept in, watched Christmas movies, and enjoyed each other's company. Everyone was home just the way I like it! The day after Christmas was full of my mom's side of the family - cousins, aunts, and uncles. The weather was warm and the sun was even shining a little! The perfect Tennessee Christmas!

This year for New Year's Eve, we played games and laughed SUPER hard - I'm talking belly laugh with tears rolling down faces!! Then we went around the table telling the biggest lesson and greatest joy of the year. This is a new tradition we started this year and was a really beautiful way to end this insanely crazy, bizarre, surreal year. The top of all of our list was of course the miraculous healing journey that I've been on (and continue to be on). We have all experienced extremes of emotions this year - anger, fear, sadness, happiness, joy. Through all of this we have grown so much closer as a family. This year has required us to lean on each other for support and to put all of our trust in God.

My biggest lesson this year was appreciation. Appreciation for simple things: waking up each morning, breathing and moving without the pain of a giant port in my side, the ability to celebrate another birthday, hair regrowing on my head just to name a few. So many things I took for granted before God decided to hand me this cross. It gives the whole saying of "God won't ever give you more than you can handle" a whole new depth of meaning! I'm so thankful for you all - my family and friends - you have been a huge support throughout this year and I know will continue to be as we start this New Year.

Please continue to pray for me and my family as we keep on keeping on with this journey of health. Mom and I are starting the year at the clinic we found in Atlanta and will be away from home for an extended period of time. Know that I keep each of y'all in my prayers as well!

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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 5:7,10-11