Leia was up a few minutes after 6 excited to see snow on the ground and roof tops. She quickly went and jumped on Ivy to tell her to get ready there was snow. We bundled up to head outside; daddy stayed in the warm bed sleeping although we did wake him to make sure he knew there was snow too. Momma was not out there very long as she was cold and wanted some chill time before going to the hospital. The girls and Mimi stayed out about 20 minutes past Lisa. Loved hearing their squeals of excitement and seeing them enjoy theirselves. 

Snowing at midnight

Girls heading out while daddy slept

Thankful Mimi here with us snapping pictures and enjoying the cold with us

Love to see them enjoying theirselves

The snowballs hurt! They were ice balls

Lots of fun in the back yard

It was so cold mommy headed in but the rest of them stayed out a little longer 

Warming up inside and enjoying hot chocolate topped with whip cream

 
 Breakfast with Mimi before mommy/daddy went to the hospital

Chemo or not getting Chemo was a hard day. No one was telling us why or even bothered telling us we were denied it until Lisa went up to inquire two or three times. We sat in the waiting room close to 2 hours when Lisa told the desk we needed a spot to plug in his oxygen so his portable unit would have enough battery to get us home. Chris was in pain in the wheel chair and wanted to be able to turn on the heater and stretch out in the infusion chair. It was a stressful day in the hospital! Chris ended up throwing up not long after we got in the chair. He slept a lot. Lisa turned on praise music and tried clinging to faith and the hem of of Savior! The doctors have told us there is no cure. We know that God is the only One who can heal Chris! Praying for more time! Praying for healing! Praying for mercy! Praying for good days! Trusting God in His infinite Wisdom and in His plan! 

Sweet girls enjoyed the day outside and at home while mommy and daddy was at the hospital. Thankful Mimi came to the house so they could stay home and enjoy their snow day. Ivy put the little snow man in the freezer to save too
 
Monday night edition. Mommy snuggling with the kids while daddy slept. We have worn masks since just after Christmas trying not to share germs. It is getting tiring but keep praying and trying to do what we can to keep daddy and each other safe

Tuesday, was a home day! So thankful for a day to stay home and rest before school and work starts back on Wednesday. Savoring the last day before the real world starts back from our little break. We spent time outside playing with the rest of the snow, inside resting up for the early morning, outside with neighbors, went for a short momma-daughter walk, swung on the tree swing, played games on the xBox with daddy, and enjoyed a nice family dinner before an early bedtime. Thankful for a break from school and work even if it was not the break we expected or panned out exactly how we wanted with most of us getting the crud but God is good giving us time to rest and recover. Thankful for every moment we get together and memories we get to make and share. Praying the rest of the school year goes well for the girls and God continues a work in our family. 

Morning fun meeting the Sipes new dog, Cooper

Girls headed outside to play with the rest of the snow
Leia decided to throw it at the window for daddy to join in the fun

Ivy had the bright idea to bring the snow inside for daddy
Thankful it was not in long enough to melt
 
Of course they played with the rest of the snow on the trampoline too

It was a good time! Love that Leia helped snapped pics too

Girls came in to warm up but we kept the snow man cool in the freezer

Girls had fun outside while girlies enjoyed the day outside

 
When daddy woke up the girls had fun playing xBox flying planes with daddy; mommy’s heart full watching them! 

Ending the day with family dinner! First time since Christmas Chris had been to the table. Thankful for this moment and memory. Great end to the break getting to spend it together

It was a day where both Lisa and Chris were emotionally down! Lisa went by the gas station on the way to get lunch and saw a message on the ground. Thankful God can speak and leave a little reminder for us … God has this, He loves us and wants the best for us! We chose to trust in His plan and His ways!!

Mimi brought the girlies home New Year’s Day in the afternoon and brought the traditional NYD dinner. We got to visit about 10 to 15 minutes then she headed home to give us some time just the 4 of us. Lisa made Chris a PBJ sandwich to take the bedroom. He has not had energy to get up out of bed the last couple days. then warmed up dinner for her and the girls in the kitchen. We girls laughed and talked. One of the best was talking about healing and how God can heal daddy of cancer and his diabetes then sweet Ivy declaring Chris a “strong little man”. His new nick name is ‘strong little man’.

After dinner, momma checked with daddy if he was up for the girls coming in to celebrate the New Years together. He suggested after momma’s bath (aka in an hour). Momma got a bath while the girls watched TV. Afterwards we moved the poppers to the bedroom and filled up our cups with water to toast. We all moved to the bedroom. As we toasted we thanked God for the year we had and the strength He has given us. The girls popped the balloon poppers we had gotten. Afterwards we talked about the best parts of 2021 which included the ski trip to Steamboat and hearing daddy’s tumor shrank after the first round of chemo. In 2022 we all want more time with family, to get to travel together (one specific place is FL to see family), and for our whole family to be healthy. After our celebration we moved in a couple more chairs and enjoyed a family movie night. Thankful for some sweet time together and a little normalcy for our little family being together. 

Thankful Mimi sent us our traditional NYD meal

Toasting in the New Year together
 
Girls finally got to do their balloon poppers to bring in the New Year


Sweet watching our girls play before we brought in chairs and watched a movie together as a family

Monday was a long day at the hospital for Chris and Lisa! They were cramming 5 days of infusions and chemo into 3 for the holidays. Our appointment was at 7:30 and we did not get started until close to 9 o’clock then was on hold trying to get insurance approval to start another infusion drug. Also, we found out Chris’s hemoglobin was critically low so had to get a blood transfusion as well. It feels like a rollercoaster! Thankful for the prayers from friends and family and God carrying us through these days. 

The girls hung out with Grandpa and Deedee Monday. They went shopping at Target to spend some of their gift cards they got for Christmas and out for lunch. Grandpa was our uber to the hospital. Ivy did not look like she felt great that afternoon when we got home. Deedee cooked a pizza in the oven and made salad for dinner. I think we all ended up going to bed early again Monday evening. Chris and Lisa monitored his blood sugar as Chris was not feeling great following the chemo and blood infusion. 

Tuesday morning, Grandpa took the girls to breakfast and the park while the cleaners came. Lisa talked to a specialty pharmacy for some of the meds Chris needs, monitored Chris’s sugar to ensure stable, gave medicine and shot, then went to get a massage. Deedee hung out with Chris while Lisa was gone; thankful they got some one on one time with each other. Midday, Grandpa and Deedee took Ivy to Sargent Peppers to look around while Mimi took Leia to the movies. We had planned on the girlies spending the night with Mimi since we had an early appointment with the oncologist Wednesday. Grandpa and Deedee headed home as Lisa and Chris both napped. When the movie was over Mimi took the girls to her house  to chill out. 

Wednesday, we went to the oncologist but of course had to get blood work beforehand. The blood work was running behind so we ran late to our appointment. Turned out Chris’s blood work showed he needed fluids so instead of being there a couple hours we were there a little over 5. Lisa was wearing down! Chris was tired! Mimi talked to us and suggested possibly letting the girls stay one more night and since they wanted to we all agreed. Lisa had been wearing a mask near Chris but stepped it up and we decided she should move to couch except close to bed time Chris’s blood sugar shot up then dropped too low so he did not want to be alone. Lisa flipped and slept at the end of the bed with a mask. 

Wednesday, January 29th

Thursday the girls had a big day with Mimi! They cooked, went to lunch, rode the golf cart, shot the BB gun, and more. Lisa had a tele-health appointment since she could not go into the office with a new cough or sore throat (eye-roll). Of course, they said the same thing they normally say … they can not run test but can go off symptoms and give prescription even though a prescription will not help a virus. the rest of the day was a rest day again for Lisa and Chris. That evening the girls asked to stay one more night and Lisa/Chris still just wanted to rest so we said okay in hopes that we would feel better for NYE celebration. Unfortunately, that night Leia woke up throwing up and running a fever. Thank you Mimi for taking care of her even though you were starting not to feel 100% your self. 

Cooking with Mimi is always fun

Girls pick … I think they go there every time they stay with Mimi

Mimi promised Ivy nails and Leia the movies during the break and delivered on both

Ivy is a pretty good shot

Friday morning, Chris and Lisa slept in! By the time we knew Leia was sick she was at the pediatrician office. Thankful the covid, flu, and strep test were all negative. Even with the negative tests, needless to say, she could not be near Chris. If he gets a fever we have to go to the hospital while he is on Chemo. The harsh reality that for the first year since her being born we would not be spending NYE or waking up together on NYD. It was a little more emotional than it might should have been but we can blame it on the chemo, cancer, everyone not feeling well, and high stress for the past five months. This just felt like it was one more break in tradition, disappointment in 2021. 

Thankfully, by NYE evening Leia had a little more energy and was keeping water and a banana down. Chris also enjoyed a banana for his dinner at our house. Ivy got butter chicken she requested Mimi make her. Lisa however did not opt for the same meal as Ivy as Chris and Leia shared and opted for a salad. None of us were energetic and all in bed by 8 or 9 pm. A great NYE dinner and entertainment for us all that was a far cry from our planned evening with poppers, takeout, laughs, and games. Even though it was different it was a sweet night that as we laid down to bed Chris and Lisa got to pray together. We thanked God for the year together, prayed for a miracle healing in Chris’s body, blessings over our girls, and health over all our family and friends in 2022. God hears our prayers and has the perfect plan for each of us. We praise you God even in the time of uncertainty and trust in your timing. 

Enjoying or NYE in different houses but sending love to girls
Momma HATED being away from her girls!! It was almost as bad as when she had covid and could not see them


Our sleeping arrangement to ensure if Chris needs Lisa she is there. His blood sugar has been going high and low this week so we are carefully monitoring him however they do not needing to be in his face with germs. This is not what we thought marriage would look like when we said “I do” many moons ago with Lisa at the foot of the bed and Chris in his spot but thankful for everyday we get to be beside each other!
Praying 2022 brings healing to our home and we get years together and are able to watch our girls and their children grow up 

It was not long before everyone started waking up. We all gathered in the den. Chris came out to join us so we all could open our gifts from each other. There were far fewer pictures taken. Momma’s heart was over flowing we were all together. Ivy loves opening! She would go to open everyone of her daddy’s; he did manage to open one. Normally I see who got what but this year was a blur and I can only tell you a few items that were opened. The opening frenzy was cleaned up then Mimi and the Rhoads’ arrived to start brunch prep while Lisa sat in a chair nursing her back with heat and cold packs. 

Brunch was yummy! They did a great job and everyones belly was full. The clean up was done and the kids started sorting more presents. Everyone opened gifts again in which I have not a clue who got what this time except the bike Ivy got outside. The kids enjoyed playing throughout the day. Some adults got in the hot tub. It was a Christmas of relaxation. By the afternoon Chris was fading and headed back to our bedroom to rest. Lisa went between the bedroom with Chris and den to visit family . The girls had a great time playing. Uncle Mark grilled the steaks. 

Lupper was good but spread out. Chris started to try to get up to go back into den but decided against it so Chris and Lisa ate in the bedroom while the rest of the gang spread out between the kitchen and dining room. Thankful for the fellowship throughout the day and that we came to our house this year so we could all enjoy as much time together as possible. By that evening everyone seemed tired so the girls and Chris went to bed early. Lisa sat our with Diego and Kelly watching a Hallmark. Diego massaged Lisa’s back where she had pulled it then she headed to bed and said good night to all as well. 

Christmas morning smiles and showing her daddy her Santa gifts; thankful to be together! 


While Leia calm and plays with what she has Ivy is a lightening bolt looking for the next thing
 
Love that they all had fun playing throughout the day

   
Christmas morning Comfort family




Uncle Diego gave both girlies mini guitar lessons throughout the day. The mini lessons helped hold their attention

The rest of the family arrived

Daddy and momma both relaxing while others did the cooking. Mimi pulled double duty cooking and massaging oils on Lisa’s feet to get her to relax. 

Yummy Christmas Brunch with some of our favorite people


Ready to open





Few photo ops of group pictures 





Christmas evening the kids enjoyed playing games with Kelly, guitar with Diego, Deedee helped Lisa with the clothes, Chris and Gene headed to bed early, and we were all grateful for a day to celebrate Jesus’s birth together.

Lisa has always made Christmas magical for our girls. This year though was a struggle! She told Mimi earlier in the month that she needed help making Christmas magical since it just did not feel like magic or a happy season this year. Thankful Lisa starts shopping early and had most of it done before our world turned upside down. Thankful Mimi stepped up and did the last minute shopping needed to create some Christmas magic for our girls. Thankful that it was an off week from Chemo and Chris was having a good week. 

The girls woke up on Christmas Eve excited. Ivy found our elves who had left a note to keep the Christmas Spirit alive all year; a good reminder to us all. Lisa fixed the girls pancakes and bacon then started the multiple breakfast preparations to get Chris to eat before getting herself and helping Chris get ready for the day. Getting out of the house is similar, if not more work than when we had infants. Nonetheless, we got the car loaded and headed to Mimi’s for our Christmas Eve tradition with extended family. It was important to Chris and Mimi for us not to lose the tradition but Lisa asked if we could do Christmas day here so we did not have to load up two days in a row. 

We were the last to arrive this year. Everyone moved their cars so we could pull up closer to the swings and not have as far to walk; most of our family on this side knows how cancer goes after losing aunt Frieda and uncle Ronnie to the disease. We set up Chris’s chair outside. We missed the traditional pictures by the Christmas tree inside as Chris opted to remain outside in the fresh air for the day. Thankful for the warm day on Christmas Eve so we could be outside. 

We snapped the big group picture outside then got a family pic too. Uncle Mark said our blessing then Lisa fixed Chris and her plate to carry it back out. Thankful the girls are old enough to do their own now. After we ate Lisa walked in for the kids to do their gifts to each other then we carried secret Santa outside to all enjoy it together. We enjoyed the game and sweet fellowship! After a few hours Chris’s energy was dropping so we headed home. Unfortunately, Lisa pulled her back getting everything moved into the house so we had to call some elves to come help the rest of the evening and took it as easy as possible. 

Cupcake and Angel left a special note to keep Christmas spirit alive all year 

 We got a picture of the whole gang right when we got to Mimi’s

We missed most the family pictures by the tree this year but snapped ours outside. Thankful Stacy sent us pictures even though I do not think we got all of them 
 

Lisa went inside for the kids to open up gifts but other than that opted to stay outside with Chris and do our Christmas celebration outside

Thankful for the beautiful day outside to celebrate Christmas



 

 Momma made everyone shaped pancakes to start the break off with a little festive fun. The girls went downstairs to play while Lisa was giving Chris his shot and meds. Chris wanted to rest after that so Lisa went to finish up her training and work, hopefully for the rest of this year. Lisa also headed to her work’s Christmas lunch midday. Of course on the way back home she brought everyone back lunch too. Upon her return their was laughter as Chris and the girls were all playing the Xbox his co-workers brought. Lisa joined them watching and ended up crying from laughing so hard. It was a great day and we told the girls that evening we were going out too. They were a little excited to get to go somewhere as a family. 

We got to Go Wild and headed in to meet up with the Talley’s. Chris asked Wes to go to push the wheel chair so Lisa could simply enjoy being there with the girls. He said he loves watching us have fun. We love him being with us and having fun together. It does not matter where we are or what we are doing it is simply about being together and creating memories. It was not crowded either. Even on the train there was seats available. The kids rode the carousal 5 or 6 times which was not even half full. We walked around looking at the lights and enjoying precious time together. It was a great night that will be treasured memory.  

Morning fun with at home … snowmen pancakes and Ivy reading to daddy while mommy worked for the morning

Family night at the zoo’s Glow Wild

First stop is always the train

The kids and moms enjoyed the train while the dads grabbed a pretzel and waited at the station for our return

   
Great views of the lights from the train

Ringing the bell … a after the train tradition

Love the fairy light wings and the photo ops

Our girls have always loved the carousal 


Loved that Leia and Ivy were up for photo ops tonight! They are both beautiful inside and out. Pray that God continues to reveal Himself to them and fill them with His joy, love, and peace throughout their life




Blessed to have sweet friends! Loved getting out of the house for a fun Christmas celebration too. 
 

Heading out, feeling blessed, and snagging last minute pictures
 
Our daddy is loved so much!!! Thankful to have a little fun with him this Christmas season

Tuesday was a home kind of morning with lots of R&R. The girlies and Chris had fun playing xBox. Mimi and Sara came over to go to the hair place with the Comfort girls. Leia and Ivy had a good time playing with the Norris kids. After we all got our hair finished and styled, Mimi took the girlies to her house. She gave the the option to go anywhere they wanted but they said they just wanted to go back to her house so they did for the night. Lisa and Chris picked up our house and waited for our friends to come over for dinner and a little adult time. It was a great night for us! We enjoyed laughter, dinner, and sweet fellowship with friends that have poured into us, helped us, and prayed over us for the past few months. Thankful for each of the couples that came to our home and the time that we got to spend with each of them. 

Morning fun with our two girls!

Fun time playing Xbox together

Thankful to get to spend the evening with some amazing friends!
  
The girlies had a good time with Mimi while we hosted our friends

Snuggles and FaceTime

Wednesday morning Chris slept in until almost ten. Lisa got things done around the house. The girlies enjoyed time with Mimi. They enjoyed Mimi’s “breakfast buffet”, snuggled watching TV, drove the golf cart, went shopping, and played games. Momma headed out to get them that afternoon and got to visit a little bit while Chris watched a movie and chilled at home. When we got home we played the xBox with daddy, ate dinner, and then Chris said he was exhausted so we let him go lay down while the girlies and mom just hung out and postponed our family game night.

Morning snuggles are always sweet!

The girlies went shopping and got daddy a gift then Ivy wrapped it and mommy enjoyed coffee by the fireplace

Exploring Mimi’s neighborhood on the golf cart
 
Fun time playing games they picked out

The girlies saw what our elves did while they were away when they got home

Ivy was mad they messed up her room but Chris enjoyed playing his xBox

Thursday morning was another low key day. Our sweet neighbor came down to take some family pictures for us as a Christmas gift to us. We were excited to get new family pictures! After getting ready and going outside for pictures Chris’s energy was wiped for the day. We decided to chill out and rest the remainder of the day. We opted for a family movie night in the bedroom so if daddy fell asleep he did not have to move. Loved the sweet family day and day to rest up before family came to town to celebrate Christmas with us. 

Sneak peak of pictures from our session

Sweet snuggles and movie night in mommy and daddy’s room

Saturday afternoon was the time the girls had set aside to have a Christmas Spectacular at our house. They planned it, organized, and set up the rehearsals all on their own. After Momma finished the stuff upstairs she headed down to move the cars and was surprised at all the work they had done already. Lisa helped cover shelves, fixed hot chocolate and other snacks, and gave them decorations. 

All set up

Rehearsal complete 

And performance started
 
They did great! 
. 
Can not believe they planned and organized it

So proud of our girls! 

After performance kids played outside. Mr Mark pushes higher than momma! Ivy touched the house
   
Leia joined Sara at Mimi’s for some girl time after a melt down because it did not go exactly as planned even though the show was great. Ivy stayed here and played into the evening with Mckenize at our house.

Thankful to get to do a fun craft with Ivy’s class and help them celebrate together before school is out this year

Of course we got a goofy picture too

Ivy and one of her BFF’s, Olivia love pictures like our eleves

Thursday evening, Mimi hung out with our girls, Chris, and uncle Mark while Lisa continued the busy day going to a bible study reunion Christmas party at aunt Stacy’s house

It was a BUSY day! Much more so than what we have been used to lately but it was a fun day. Thankful for the good day together, laughs, and the grace of God to get through it