20-10...already an eventful year

It is so hard to believe that 2009 and an entire decade of early adult/adult life is behind me. Where did the last 10 years go? I've lived through two entire decades and almost (gulp) a third. 3-0 is coming too fast.

We had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas. We enjoyed a fun family service on Christmas Eve where Emma played an angel in the Christmas story. I don't know what it is, but it melts a momma's heart to see her child living out what happened that first Christmas. I know it made the whole story more real for her as she is finally understanding what it means when we say we're celebrating Jesus' birthday.

I was a little bummed that we didn't get to see my Dad's family or most of Dan's family, but that is what happens when everyone is so spread out! We did have a great Christmas brunch with Nana Boo (Dan's aunt) and Steve and Crystal. Those are some really fun people! Then we went to my Mom's house for dinner and presents. My Mom LOVES to give gifts to show her love, and she's so creative with gift baskets. My favorite gift of the season: a set of "designer" reusable bags that she got me from a website called Blue Avacado (http://www.blueavocado.com/). They are super-cute and much sturdier than some of the bags you buy at the grocery stores.

And after such a quiet Christmas, I should have known something might happen to liven our lives again. And guess what?! I got to spend a few hours one night last week in the ER. Apparently, I have some gallstones that have been giving me terrible stomach pains, so I am getting my gallbladder removed on Tuesday. As it turns out, losing a significant amount of weight and exercising can cause one to develop gallstones. Who knew? Just praying that the procedure goes as plans, and the surgeon says I can "go out and play rugby the next day." Don't think I'll be doing that, but I may enjoy a HUGE cheeseburger combo with a milkshake. The diet can be on hold for a day, right?

Sorry for no pictures of all of this fun. We left my camera at my Dad's house back at Thanksgiving, so it's a good thing they're coming down to visit this weekend (not just for the camera, but because it has been too long since we've seen them). I bought one of those cheap disposable ones to use on Christmas. Haven't gotten it developed yet, though.

So that's the latest and greatest from our house. I will hopefully post my recovery status and lots of pictures from the last two months after this weekend!