Now, this was a CRAZY week--leading up to a really fun weekend! But, before we get to the highlights of all the parties, I did want to share some news about Davey's MS. He had a series of appointments on Thursday, which wasn't the best timing ever, but nevertheless they were very informative! We'll start out with the not great news I suppose. Basically there is an MS medication on the market called Tysabri that is by far the best in terms of symptom relief. That said, it can be an extremely risky medication to take because there is a chance you could develop an additional disease called PML which is fatal about 50% of the time. Well, thankfully they've figured out within the past year or so that the PML virus is only triggered in patients that have a virus in their systems called the "JC virus". So, basically they can now test you for JC virus--if you have it, you don't ever get to take Tysabri. But, if you don't have it, it's the best move for most people. Well, Davey does have the JC virus in his system, so he is ineligible for Tysabri--that's the not great news. Additionally, it appears that Davey's body was actually attacking his previous medicine, Betaseron, so he has officially stopped taking that! Moving on to the good news!! Davey will likely be starting the oral medication, Gilenya, in the new year which means...no more shots!!! And, the best news of all was that for the first time, Davey had NO NEW LESIONS on his MRI--WOOOHOOOO!!!!!
Yayyy!! No new lesions!!
We have also REALLY enjoyed our switch to Duke Neurology. They have been super communicative, informative, and generally "on the ball". We definitely feel more cared for and about, which is always nice! Speaking of cared for and about, I would be a terrible daughter if I didn't mention how accommodating my Mom always is. I really like to go to Davey's neuro appointments with him, and she always takes off work so that I can do so. And, with this crazy week we had, she had the boys all day on Thursday, Friday night, all day on Saturday, and Sunday morning--thanks Mom!!! Encouraged by the wonderful MRI, we were already in the festive spirit going into the weekend--first stop, Susie's office Christmas party! Susie hosted the party at her house, and I had the pleasure of catering it!! I think everything turned out really nice, thanks to a little last minute help from 3 helper elves--Susie, Bill, and Davey! I even bought some new chafing dishes to try to make sure everything was hot and up to temperature when it was time for the entrees after appetizers and mingling! Who knows, maybe I will try to do a little something on the side?!
A little ambiance :)
Appetizers to get things started right!
A lovely picture of my in-laws in front of the party scene!
I will need to make these much more often--antipasto kabobs!
Smoked salmon pinwheels and candied pecan brie tartlets :)
There was plenty of food ;)
The star of the night--deviled chicken!
The Spicy Vegan Potato Curry sure lived up to it's name--those who could handle the heat really seemed to like it!
Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
Homemade Mac & Cheese!
Parmesan Garlic Mashed Potatoes
One side of the dessert "table"
Mini cherry pies :)
My first attempt at s'mores pops were a success!
Part 2 of the dessert table!
White chocolate cupcakes
Paleo Truffles: chocolate coffee and apricot ginger
The peppermint chow was a big hit too--so addicting!
Whew!! It was a lot of work, but we had a blast! Thankfully, Susie let the majority of the cleanup fall to later in the weekend--thank you!! Meanwhile, at the Hayes house, here's what the boys were getting into:
Ethan always says "Hi" to the garden frog :)
Tommy's such a great helper!
When we went to pick them up, Tommy ran up to me and said, "Mommy, I help my 'Randdaddy' rake the leaves!!"
Oh Ethan...you and that frog having an interesting conversation??
Raking leaves is serious business!
The very next day marked one of our favorites of every year, the PT Holiday Celebration! Now, I won't lie--I was feeling pretty exhausted the next morning, but after 4 cups of coffee and a little R&R, I was ready to party again!
I think we look pretty cute underneath my parent's big wreath!
Had to get a full body shot to show off our cool shoes!
The party has been held at Umstead Hotel for the past several years, and it was again this year. As usual, everything was extremely nice and well done. We had a blast at our table too, although we certainly missed Eleanor Moccari, who was unfortunately home sick with a stomach bug :( Here's a look at our fun table though!
Me and my man <3
Aunt Donna and Uncle Petey!
John and Chris McMains :)
Cameron trying to be as happy as he could without his lovely wife, Eleanor, by his side :(
I was happy to walk around and snap lots of pictures this year with "my" new camera (which was actually Davey's birthday present from Bill and Susie!)--I love that thing!!
So ticked this picture is blurry--great photo of you, Becky!
A glowing, 8 month pregnant, Jenny Cunningham!
You guys look so happy here :)
The ever-sweet Anna Bess and Eric <3
Love this picture of Donna and Peter--so so them!! What a great couple :)
This is the BEST picture...why oh why did it have to be a little blurry :(
Becky and Steven sharing a little smooch--a little foreshadowing?!
Mark and Rana Van Name--great picture of Rana, but I wish I would've gotten Mark with open eyes!
I love me some Gina--she is a hoot!
What a great looking couple--Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis :)
Ashley Daughtry and Hannah Lewis looking beautiful!
Brittney and Scott Luchene--we had a few interesting conversations...send the email Scott!!!
I love this picture of Nate and Sarah--everyone is in festive spirits :)
Daniel Wolski and his date, Emily
I barely recognized Marc Tschudi--he's all grown-up and professional looking now!!
I think this is a sweet picture of my father-in-law :)
Now this is a funny trio--Peter, Anna Bess, and Susie!
Okay, back to our table to eat! I can't believe I didn't take a picture of the food--next year!!
I thought Davey looked adorable in his red bow tie :)
hahahahahahha :)
Gorgeous ladies--Chris & Donna....they were giving us some sage advice as mothers of three..hehehe :)
And, another great McMains couple picture to finish it off!
What a fun night!! The next morning, we unfortunately were not able to sleep in :( With everything else that was going on, our house had gotten a little "disheveled" to say the least, and of course, we had a house showing appointment! So, we got up and cleaned the house, and then Davey went over to my parents' house to hang out and eat lunch during the showing, while I....got to go to IKEA with Laura--woohooo!! Nolan and Laura's new condo is really really nice, and they wanted to get a few new pieces of furniture to complete the look :) Once everything is put together and everything, I'll be sure to take some pictures of the finished look!
Laura did great--so much furniture, so little money! And, believe it or not, I barely spent any money!!
After the boys' naps were over, Davey headed over to his parents' house to hang out for a while! Thankfully Aunt Becky was there to capture some awesome videos of all the fun they had!
This first video is Ethan naming all of the animals in Noah's ark...unfortunately, he thinks Noah is a pirate, but we'll work on that later!
This video captures the boys playing a favorite iPad app called "fruit ninjas".
Okay, this one really cracks me up--Ethan asserting his more dominant personality, and Tommy not really picking up on the cues and/or caring until it's too late!!
This last one is just plain sweet--I LOVE LOVE LOVE hearing them giggle!!
Life Lesson: Generosity--Treasures
This is not a generous world. Just listen to the definition of generous: showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected; showing kindness towards others. At least in my "church-world", generosity is usually referred to as a set of three T's--treasures, time, and talents. Today I am going to focus on the first one. Treasures are the material items, like money and possessions, and for many, this is the most difficult of the three to give. I think it is human nature to want to hoard your assets, and when you do get more to keep it for yourself. This fact makes the incredible generosity displayed this weekend by Mark and Bill all the more unbelievable. I don't think I'm allowed to talk about the specifics, so I'll certainly respect that, but I can promise you that no other CEO's are as generous with all of their employees as they are with PT's employees--I'll let you sit on that one for a minute.
So, they kind of got me thinking, in a world consumed with always wanting, getting, and needing more, why be generous? Although it seems very counter-intuitive, one of the biggest benefactors of generosity is the one who is giving! First and foremost, I think, giving removes you from yourself--it takes the emphasis off of you and your things, and it puts it onto others. There is incredible joy to be found in helping others. Scientifically there are just loads of studies suggesting that being generous makes you happier, healthier, and drastically improves life satisfaction. Furthermore, these benefits typically result in a super-cycle wherein the giver feels such goodwill and cheer that they continue to make generous choices, thus fueling more happiness and health! As if that weren't enough, there is a pretty huge relational component in my mind. For one, who wouldn't rather be around someone who was happy and generous verses a joyless hoarder?! Secondly, and perhaps most important of all, true generosity acknowledges and appreciates the recipient. Many times, this is much more important than the quantitative value of what is received. I will end with another favorite verse, from possibly my favorite book of the Bible, Proverbs. Although not the most well-known verse on giving ("God loves a cheerful giver!"), it is full of Godly wisdom. I always love it when science proves what the Bible has been saying all along:
"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11: 24-25
Despite all of the proof out their touting the many benefits of generosity, it is sad how many people choose selfishness and stinginess instead. There are also studies out there that proclaim that ones capacity for generosity is a largely learned behavior from their childhood. I thank my parents and Davey's parents for being generous people, and instilling that value in each of us. Tommy and Ethan, it really is better to give than it is to receive.
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