Maori Hands

I have become to realize I talk as much about our friend, Xavier, in this blog as I talk about my mother. That's probably because he is an amazing, special and thoughtful kind of friend. He continues to touch the heart's of me and my family. He made the above for Mom and attached the message below.

Xav will be home in a few weeks, after a VERY long time. I, for one, cannot wait to see him, hear his stories and thank him in person for his support. We have really missed you Xavier and we thank you for always reaching out!!!

kia ora Kelli,

I've been to the northest point of NZ. This is a very spiritual place for Maoris. The souls of the dead people come here in Bay of Spirits to gather before flying back where they belong (islands of Polynesia between Tahiti and Hawai) leaving New Zealand from a point a few miles away, Cape Reinga.There were heaps of little pink snail shells on the beach, we just had a very nice walk on a bluff above and I drew this hand for your Mum and sent some energy to her from there.I wish her full recovery in 2010 so she can enjoy life 200%... and maybe a French grandchild :-)Wishing you and lou Pape all the best, snow, ice and good wine for 2010.Hugs. See you soon,Xav

She's Going To Be A Grandma!!!

Abbie showing off her belly (since this photo, it has tripled in size :D)

Mom's greatest joy right now is preparing to become a Grandmother!!! Abbie and Steve are due in May (close to Mom's Birthday) and there isn't a one of us who couldn't be happier. We're all so excited to have this baby girl join the family. I hope to make it to Boise right before she arrives!

Party, Party, Party

Dad and Mom at the Basque Market Cider Tasting Dinner w/ Great Friends

Mom and Dad enjoying the Gift Exchange with Family on Christmas Eve

Mom playing with a new toy on Christmas Morning

Grandma showing Mom how to put hair on Raggedy Anne (A very important job right now)

It's already the end of January??? How in the heck did that happen!? So, yeah, there's a lot to cover. Mom had an awesome holiday season. I was there for a month and Olivier got to join me for 2 weeks of that time. We had a great Christmas party with the family, had several dinner outings with friends, played in McCall and worked on projects (she has some hot new aprons). Mom's energy, most of the time (and seemingly even more than mine) was high and continues to be. She kept up her meditation and walking, even with the days offering nothing but bitter cold. While I was there, they did discover slight growth in her tumors. However it was very slight and they consider the Doxil to be stabilizing the situation, which is exactly what they want it to do. She goes in, again, the first week of February and will have another set of tests done. When I talk to her on the phone she mentions that aside from some uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, side affects (rashes, blistering, etc) that she is doing great! She told me she feels inspired right now! That she has a dozen or so projects she wants to kick out and she plans on doing them all. Overall, I have to say that 2009 was an AWESOME holiday season and I think Mom would agree. There was so much laughter going on at all times. We're all looking forward to carrying that on through 2010.