It's Official

Its been more than a year since we learned that Lincoln has a severe hearing loss. News that was shocking and heart breaking. At first I hoped that if I ignored it, it would go away but it didn't. So I began researching my options, educating myself, taking classes, talking to audiologists. After a lot of consideration, we have decided to get Lincoln a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that (if successful) can provide a full range of hearing ability to a person. The difficult part about this is that we have about a 50% chance that the implant will be successful. But we're talking about Lincoln here, right? A strong, determined little guy! So we have high hopes that someday he will be able to hear our voices and the world around him. The surgery is scheduled for March 8 at UCLA. With that, we ask one more time that you put Lincoln in your prayers and pray for a successful surgery.

If you have a chance, check out this video. Its a great story about 3 siblings with cochlear implants. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34377973

Snow Days

Dusty and I took the kids up to Lake Arrowhead on Friday to play in the snow. My parents have a beautiful house on the golf course and we are lucky enough to enjoy it ourselves. We thought it would be a great time to take the kids up to the snow for the first time. We left our house on Friday knowing we were in for an adventure! Chains were required on highway 18 just 3 miles north of the 210. Here is Dusty putting chains on our car in the cold rain. It's time like these, I'm so glad to be a girl!

We headed up the mountain very slowly. Everything was covered in snow and cars were stuck all over the place.

Luckily, we made it to the house safe and sound. Getting to the front door was another story. Dusty spent 2 hours clearing us a path with the shovel. (What a guy!)

The kids and I played in the snow.

Gavin had a ball!

Lincoln wasn't too sure about it.

It might have been due to the fact that his snow suit was really big on him, so he couldn't move too well. The kids were champs and didn't mind the 25 degree temps.

It snowed all day!

At night the kids enjoyed a hot bath with their fun Dad!

The next day, the sun was out and it was beautiful!

Rain

I'm loving this weather!

Better than Ever

We had a great Christmas this year! It was filled with family, friends, food and fun! All my favorite things. Here are a few pictures of the good times.

Lincoln

Gavin

Lincoln upwrapping a gift

Going for a walk in our new wagon

Lincoln laughing

Gavin jammin on the guitar

Hangin with the cousins (Evan & Macy)

Gavin showing off his new bike - he loves to say "Me Bike!"

Lincoln ridding in his cool new jeep - "Hey Laddies"

To all our friends and family: Thank you for your company, the gifts, and the memories. It wouldn't be the same without you!

The Mission Inn

We went with Dusty's parents to the Mission Inn this week. Its a great place to eat dinner and take a walk. The mission is decorated with lights and Christmas characters and surrounded by horse drawn carriages. It's beautiful!

Breakfast with Santa

My parents invited our family and many of our friends over for breakfast this weekend. It was very special. They had a long kid-height table set up for all the children.

They made pancakes, fruit, and special cupcakes for all 13 kids.

During breakfast a special guest arrived. Yup, thats right Jolly ol' Saint Nick! The kids were all timid at first. Lincoln was the first to warm up to Santa.

Santa Claus took his time talking to all the kids and passing out candy canes. It was a wonderful day. We look forward to making this a tradition in the years to come!