Round 4

Mom will likely have more updates, but wanted to let you all know that she went in for her fourth round of chemo yesterday. I'm mighty proud of how well she's been holding up, thanks in part to all of you, but also due to her general stamina and strength.

Last Friday she about walked the pants off of her sister and niece (Aunt Lorie and Alicia) and me as we attempted to complete some Christmas shopping. It might have had something to do with the smoothies she's managing to force down. I'm awaiting the day when she actually admits to liking them. (Here's where she'll wryly comment, "Over my dead body!")

Other news? The holiday countdown has commenced. Alex and I hauled a tree over to mom and dad's last weekend from our family friends Arnie and Susan's Christmas tree farm in McMinnville. My little house has its first tree ever; mom and dad's is up earlier than ever before. It's a welcome, cozy, friendly feeling. Can't wait for Jess and Nathan to head home so we can get started making piroskis with lamb, raisins, feta cheese and spinach. It's a Christmas Eve tradition that started a while back but I have no idea where it came from--we don't have Russian roots.

Best to all of you,

Valarie