I had a mouth full of metal for almost 3 years and I hope there is a difference…or that was a waste of time and money.

For the very few who read my blog, most of you are aware that last October my Dad was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.  This came as quite a shock to all of us in the family, but we were determined to strengthen each other and get through this together.  Since October, my dad has undergone a round of Radiation and Chemotherapy which was followed by an MRI very recently to check the results of these treatments.  The result was nothing short of miraculous.  He went today to the radiologist who happily pronounced him “clean”.  The tumor is gone.  He has been put on a maintenance program for the next 12 months with the chemo and has already finished his 1st round of that.

Prayers have been answered and faith strengthened within our family.  I feel truly blessed that my father has done so well with his treatments.  I have always known him to be a strong man physically and spiritually.  This trial has just proven to me what I have always known and believed.  My dad is a faithful man and our Father in Heaven is merciful.  I love them both.

The next night, I was on the computer and Carson came up to me out of the blue and said, “Mommy, money makes me happy.”  UGH!  I thought we had just been through this and I had done a pretty good job as a mommy teaching my young son the right thing.  Well, obviously it did not go over as well as I had thought.  I replied, “No Carson, money does not make you happy.”  He quickly stated, “Yes, money does make me happy because then I can buy GeoTrax and that makes me happy.”  Well, I couldn’t argue with that. 

I guess the moral of this story is don’t listen to the radio in the car with your young children.  Back to the “Barney Mobile” for me.

We celebrated by going out to dinner with family and then coming home for cake, ice cream, and presents.  Here is a peek at what the Coria’s act like at restaraunts.

I love them all to pieces!!!

Sophia generally is not allowed her pacifier unless she is in her bed taking a nap or going to sleep for the night.  The sneaky little “peanut”  goes and gets them out of her crib when mommy is pre-occupied.  She is also known to strategically place them after naps in places she can reach, or on the blanket that she can pull into her reach for later naughtiness.  She obviously loves her “paa-paa”.

Sunday was Marc and my 13th Wedding Anniversary.  I just wanted to put up a quick post letting my blog world know that after 13 years of marriage, I love Marc more now than ever before.  It just keeps getting better babe, love you!

Tuesday:  GiGi Day!  Every year around Christmas time, my mom (GiGi to her grandchildren), plans something fun and special to do with the grandchildren.  This year, she took them to the Young Chef’s Academy to make fun Christmas treats.  The children loved it!  Thanks Mom you are fabulous!

after GiGi day, we got to go ride on a train at the Chandler mall with our cousins.  It was fun!

Wednesday:  Gracie’s 8th Birthday!!  A fun party with friends decorating cookies, playing games, and don’t forget the pinata!

Later that evening we enjoyed a Christmas dinner with Marc’s extended family.  Gracie got a birthday treat by getting to be Mary in the nativity.

Christmas day!!!

Then off to PaPa and GiGi’s house for more presents!  We were so happy that PaPa got to come home from the Hospital in time to enjoy the kids and Christmas with the family.

Next, to see Grandpa and Isabel and family!  We are thrilled that Grandpa is doing so well with his Chemotherapy.  And as to all of you who were making comments to yourself, or Marc, this is the reason for the mustache.  Marc’s Dad said that more of his flies out every time he sneezes, so in honor of him, Aaron and Marc grew a ’stache.

Pillow fight with Carmen and Carson!

Back to Papa and GiGi’s for a little entertainment.

Next up, Saturday and Gracie’s Baptism!!  What a sweet angel we have been blessed with.  I couldn’t be more proud of the beautiful daughter she is- inside and out!

Rounding off the week is Temple lights on Monday with the Birch cousins.  We are SO HAPPY they are here to spend this special time with us!

I feel incredibly blessed to have such wonderful family surrounding me at the special time of year.  I love my family and friends and express much love and joy to all of them.  Thank you!

I had to post these too.  Here is a decade of pictures with Santa and the Coria children.  We hang these every year at Christmas time.  It is fun to look back, remember each year, and see how the children change from year to year. 

2000

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will suprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seam heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold,

Count your many blessings; money cannot buy,

Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged; God is over all.

Count your many blessings; angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings; Name them one by one.

Count your blessings; See what God hath done.

Count your blessings; name them one by one.

Count your many blessings; See what God hath done.”

~ Johnson Oatman, Jr.