Two years ago...

Two years ago today Kristoffer was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer. I have thought about this day for the past few days. What a horrible day! I remember being flown to Phoenix Childrens Hospital. I remember trying to sleep that first night and all I could picture was his funeral. I remember after the biopsy, the Doctor told us just to enjoy the time we have left with him! No parent should ever have to hear those words. I remember the intern telling us the results of the biopsy and it was the more curable type of cancer. An answer to so many prayers!!! I remember thinking that I know this boy is so special - does Heavenly Father want him back because he is too good to be here? I remember going to UNM at least 28 times and being admitted to SJRMC 8 times! Countless units of blood and platelets and 5 surgeries!! When I asked Kristoffer if he remembered when they told him he had cancer - all he said was "yeah I didn't really like that much!" So resilient! Such a sweet and perfect spirit! I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for granting us more time with him! He brightens our lives and we are so grateful for him! Looking at him now you would never know the battle he had to win!!

Christmas morning!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas! We enjoyed all of our time with our family and all of the thoughtfulness of our family and friends. We do live in an amazing community!! Here are some pictures of our fun day....Christmas morning! Thank heavens for make-up, blow dryers, showers, shampoo, etc.....

I didn't get a picture of Connor with his gun but we had a good time (and a few bullets to the head) with it later in the day.

Garth Brooks!!

Why is my stocking ringing?

??????????????????

A cellular phone!!!

An ipod docking station!

Reindeers love carrotts and this Santa loves cookies and chocolate milk!

"All my ex's live in Texas" (with a twang)

The dinosaur robe. Notice the hood!!

Despicable Me!!

A new pair of super cute boots!

A special journal I made for Kristoffer with all of his pictures and all of my posts from my blog about his cancer and all of his experiences throughout that year! I can't even look at it but maybe someday! I hope he will be able to look back at that year and see how strong he is!

Ashley made Granddad coasters in wood shop. She was pretty proud of her handy work!!

Forgot to remove the red eyes from this picture but somehow it fits the little stinker!!

Pinata Party

For Christmas Eve the Flacks get together and we have dinner (sloppy joe's, tamales, clam chowder, shrimp), bubble gum blowing contest and pinatas for the kids to break open. The kids love it.

My little Connor was very focused.

Kristoffer couldn't hardly quit laughing. When he gets the giggles, he has a hard time focusing. It is pretty funny to watch.

Ashley got in her softball pose and let loose!

The best part is of course the candy in the end.

Flack/Guillory Christmas Party

Every year we have this really fun party with our Guillory cousins. We have yummy Mexican food, read Twas the Night Before Christmas, sing Christmas songs and then Santa comes and brings presents for all of the kids.

Grams had reindeer antlers and Rudolph noses for everyone!

Of course we never leave home without our beloved football!

Then Jonathon reads...

While Jonathon reads, the kids have bags with gifts inside and every time they hear the word "the" they have to pass their bag. Jonathon adds a couple of extra "the"s to make it more fun!

Then we sing Christmas carols trying to encourage Santa to come. Grams and Shay were our choristers:

Connor and cousin J.T. sang a duet

Ashley was hoping she was not on the naughty list!

Katelynn knowing her chances of not being on the naughty list are slim!

Then Santa came...

As you can see, Santa was torn on which list to put my kids on.

In the end a good time was had by all. Especially this little guy who has a lot to celebrate this year. 14 months in remission!!!

Happy Birthday Katelynn!!

Katelynn is 15 years old today! I can't believe it. We are going to get her permit to drive (with a licensed adult) today. Time is flying by! She had a great birthday party and got everything she wanted. Thanks for all the gifts and thoughtful cards! She loved them all! Even the butt crack cards! Actually those are usually her favorite! She is a fun kid and we love having her in our family!

Your thoughts...

So I have been banned from this movie by my husband. I didn't know if I could handle this movie while Kristoffer was sick because even the previews would make me cry like a baby. Now my sister has watched it and said the mom reminds her of me. She must act like a crazy person. This has peaked my interest and now I want to watch the movie. I definitely don't want to peel the scabs off my wounds but it has been 2 years next month since he was diagnosed. Surely I can handle this now!! Your thoughts...

Where are you Christmas???

So CUTE!! He is learning this song for his school program!