Virtual Christmas Card and Letter 2012

Once again I'm going to be a little lazy and send my "Virtual Christmas Card" and letter.  Hope you all enjoy!

Travis

Trav has had an amazing year.  He had an almost record year in Real Estate, attended school finishing prerequisite classes at Utah State, and made it through the first semester of paramedic school at Weber State.  Not only that, but he was EVERYTHING: single parent, caregiver, crying shoulder, nurse, student, real estate agent, EMT, EMS instructor, etc. . . . for over 8 months while I was "down for the count" after chemo, surgeries, and all the stuff in between.  He did an amazing job and I couldn't have picked a better man, husband, and father to get us through this last year.

Bree

This last year, I successfully defeated breast cancer.  This year has been a trying one at best, but one that I've learned more about life and about myself than any other.  I had multiple breast exams, an ultrasound, multiple biopsies, two mammograms, an MRI, genetic testing, a right mastectomy, 8 cycles of chemo therapy, complete hair loss, and a breast reconstruction.  I'm a stronger, better me and although I wouldn't want to do cancer again, I can't deny all the blessings and lessons that came from it.  On another note, I am still working as a physical therapist at Logan Regional Hospital specializing in pediatrics and women's health.  Work is fulfilling and enjoyable.  I only wish it didn't take me away from my sweet little ones.  I love being a mother.  Now if I could just figure out how to do physical therapy full time and be a stay at home mom life would be perfect.

Bubba and Ellie

Tayson and Brielle are 26 months now and have just turned into little people.  Everyone always says that they grow up quickly, but I don't think you truly realize it until you have kids of your own.  These kiddos are so much fun.  They talk up a storm and show off their little personalities everyday.  Independence seems to be our theme now, which comes with temper tantrums, REALLY long "get ready to go" times, and lots of "I DO IT's".   We can't imagine our lives without these little ones and love them to pieces.

Hope this letter finds you all well!  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,
The Allreds

Vernon Family Christmas Party

Tender memories were shared as November 24th would've been Grandma's 81st birthday.  It was so much fun looking at old pictures and remembering the life of the wonderful woman who started it all.  We missed Grandma, but had a blast getting together for our annual Vernon Family Christmas Party.  Santa was a big hit with Tayson as soon as he brought out the present, Brielle on the other hand....not so much.  Poor girl screamed in terror and shook for 5 minutes after the "incident".  Hence no pictures of the sweet little girl with Santa....apparently my Dad got some good ones that I'll have to steal though and post later.

Great Grandpa, Papa, and Ellie

Megs, Tays, and my cousin Britney

Ellie and Aunt Shayla

Tays with the Big Guy

Trav and I

Allred Family Pictures

Thanksgiving morning in the chill of the 9 o'clock hour, Trav's family had pictures taken AND they turned out amazing!  Thanks to ann white photography for these great photos.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year brought much to be thankful for...... health, life, family, work, blessings, the gospel, and so much more that can't be put in to words.  Cancer taught me so much and I'm thankful for the person it has made me today.  I'm grateful for the two amazing grandparents that we lost this year for all that they taught us and the large role that they played in our lives.  It has been a big year in our home with heart ache, learning, and most importantly JOY.  Thanksgiving was a fun and relaxing day spent in Hoytsville with my family.  We had great food, great company, and lots of fun.