Recess with friends

Kerstin also got to participate in one of her favorite subjects at school on Friday, RECESS!! She had lots of fun with her friends climbing on the equipment. She whipped across the monkey bars just like the little monkey she has always been (even in a pretty dress). Her classmates were very caring and kind. Thank you Mrs. Swiatek and kindergarten friends for a fun afternoon! (To see all of the pictures, click on the title "Recess with friends")

Kerstin visits her Kindergarten Friends

Kerstin could hardly wait for 1:00 to arrive all day today. We got to go visit her class at school. The kids had a snack together and some nice visiting time. Kerstin was excited to tell them about her holiday visitor last night. While we were there, the Character Council presented Kerstin and her Mom with the proceeds from their amazing candy cane sale. They sold 2850 candy canes! Wow! We are so blessed to be a part of such a generous school community. Thank you to everyone who bought candy canes, delivered candy canes, counted candy canes, and of course, ate candy canes! 

Santa Stopped By Early

The girls had a visit from Santa Claus tonight. He said he was out and about making some pre-Christmas stops to some "special" boys and girls. The girls were very surprised. They were were also glad that we recently had the chimney and fireplace cleaned out so Santa wouldn't get dirty when he stopped by. (Click on the title "Santa Stopped By Early" to see more pictures.)

Playing in the new basement

Kerstin and McKinsey had a great time tonight playing in the new basement while Mom worked on a bit more painting. A blanket and pillow became a car with Kerstin as the driver. Who needs toys? Kerstin and Annie got to have a nice visit with Scott and Annette (daycare provider) and one of Kerstin's best buds, Jacob. We met them for lunch today, and we all had a great time catching up with each other. Kerstin has really missed them (especially her friend, Jacob). Our little Kerstin continues to feel great, and we pray for the best with her dressing change/lab work tomorrow. Thanks for checking on us. 

Kerstin's Magic Moment

After Kerstin was diagnosed with leukemia, a couple of our friends submitted Kerstin's name to the Union Bank Magic Moments program. Just over two weeks ago, we were surprised and humbled to find out that we were one of 11 families chosen to receive a "magic moment" this year. Our gift is the installation of new carpet and tile in our basement.

Some Basement Background: About three years ago when we bought this house, we knew it was a fixer-upper. We were able to completely re-model the upstairs, but ran out of time and money for the downstairs. While the basement is usable, it has not always been a desirable place to spend time. The foundation walls were bare and the carpet was old and beyond repair (despite Annie's many attempts to clean and shampoo it). Knowing that the basement houses the girls' play room and that Kerstin now has a weakened immune system, our friends submitted her name and the idea of replacing the dilapidated carpet to Union Bank. (Click on the title "Kerstin's Magic Moment" for all of the pictures.)

The carpet was only one piece of the puzzle though. We decided that new carpet in a dark, grungy, cold basement just wouldn't seem right. So with the help of friends, co-workers, family, and neighbors, the basement was stripped, framed, insulated, and finished off in time for the new carpet and tile to be installed. As we have said many times, we are truly blessed and thank God for the people in our lives that continue to share God's love with us.

As for Kerstin (and her sister McKinsey), they are thrilled to have a new clean and bright area to play in. We are thrilled to have a warm and inviting family room to gather in, and a guest bedroom that is now a place where our friends and family can stay comfortably while they help us take care of the girls. In addition to the carpet and tile, Union Bank also brought gifts which included a couple of games, DVD's, "anti-gravity boots", a portable DVD player, and fuel cards. (Our cup runneth over.)

We would again like to thank all those involved in helping make this Magic Moment come true. We also want to ask that everyone continue to send their prayers and thoughts to us and all of God's people who are struggling with difficult times during this holiday season. May you all have a safe and joyous Christmas , and a happy and blessed new year.

Sincerely,

The Lincoln Leafs

New Basement

Tomorrow is a big day for us. We are unveiling our remodeled basement. For those of you that can get Channel 8 news in Lincoln, you can watch the 6 and 10 pm shows to see Union Bank's Magic Moments and us. For those of you that can't get Channel 8 (or miss it), check back here for the whole story and pictures.

Back to church!

Kerstin continues to feel great! Your prayers are working. God is so good. We were able to attend church as a family today, and it felt so wonderful. We are learning to celebrate the little things and try not to take anything for granted. We sat in back away from the crowd and didn't hang around afterwards. Even though Kerstin's counts are coming up, we still have to be cautious about her catching any "bugs." Thanks for checking in with us. We love hearing from you! Have a great week! (We got to light 4 candles on the Advent wreath today - Christmas is just around the corner.)