Christmas 2009

Our family has had a great 2009. We have enjoyed tremendous peace and have had very few "events" to make life interesting.

Keira has had a wonderful year. She continues to spend 2 days a week at preschool and has had a miraculous change in her social ability. The once quiet little girl who feared just about everyone but her parents will now willingly take candy from any stranger, but not before introducing herself by her full name and beginning an extensive conversation concerning Go Deigo Go or wearing Princess Dresses (which is a daily occurrence in our household). She has branched out from her one best friend and will now holler a friendly hello to anyone who might happen to be within earshot. She can also spot another child under the age of 5 from a mile away. We are shocked by her behavior as her parents are complete introverts who love their friends, but tend to keep a low profile whenever possible. We assume this gene must have come from somewhere but it definitely skipped a generation!

Keira completed her last CT scan in July and has officially graduated to the After the Cancer Experience program. It seems so unreal to us that it has been over 2 years since her diagnosis, but we are thrilled with where she is at. She no longer has to do any CTs and her follow up appointments will be every 6 months. Developmentally she is a happy, healthy, normal 3 year old. To look at her and interact with her, you would never know what she's been through. She is truly an answer to prayer.

Erin has been hitting the books harder this past year. She took a set of board exams in September (and passed!!!) and will take her last set in May. She is looking forward to finishing residency and can hardly believe that 5 years have passed. After finishing residency she will go on to a year of fellowship in Nuclear Medicine at Baylor. On a different note (pun intended) she has started to play violin again. The worship team at our church has some fantastic musicians, some of whom Erin used to play with in her previous life as a poor musician (as opposed to a poor resident). They have been gracious enough to allow her to play with them when her schedule allows, and she has loved having this musical outlet again.

Jason has probably had the biggest year of all of us. In February he began a new position as the Men's Minister at our church. After trying to juggle both teaching and ministry, he made the difficult decision to step down from his teaching position at TCA. It was difficult to leave what had become such a good family, but he has loved his new job. In September he was ordained. He continues to pursue his Doctorate of Ministry at Ashland Seminary and will likely complete his degree at the same time Erin finishes fellowship.

We pray that this Christmas will bring a time of peace and rest for your family. As we reflect on this past year, we rejoice in the blessings God has given us and look forward to his plan for our future.

Jason, Erin, and Keira Grace