We had a quiet day. I needed a lot of sleep and didn't feel good till later in the day. Yeah in the evening I felt better. Rosa came over to play with me while Mommy and Daddy went to a movie. She was so good. She said Emma's name really clear when I was talking to Emma. She played with me, and I got to give her supper, a bath, put her in pajama's and snuggle. What could be better? I was so glad I felt better in the evening. MS is like that sometimes you just need extra rest.

Emma was a bit jealous of Rosa since I had slept so much of the day. While we played Emma was right with us and I gave her reassuring affection. Once Rosa was here awhile Emma was just fine. She snuggled up next to me when Rosa went home.

Tomorrow is book club. I better head to bed. Greg was home during the day to take Emma out when I was sleeping. I could have done it myself but it was nice to have his help. Emma will have a more active day tomorrow.

Thanks for the emails wishing Emma a Happy Birthday.
Love Mary and Emma

Dear Emma

H ow could I ever manage to cope with this disease without you?
A lways at my side you cheer me up
P atient, gentle, and ready to work you are my gaurdian angel
P icking up things I drop
Y ou make life so much easier for me.

B elieve me I do not take for granted your presence in my life
I thank God every day for you
R emembering the days I waited for you
T he enthusiasm and bonding I felt when you came into my life
H ow do I ever thank you enough for being you
D o you know how much I appreciate your snuggles and help?
A wonderful companion and helper
Y ou are very loved

I meant to write this on her birthday - got distracted by the furnace ordeal and other things. Today I had time to reflect on what Emma means to me.

Thanks again to Judy, to Helping Paws Staff, Volunteers and financial supporters. Emma is the most wonderful gift I have ever received. Greg and I were talking about how much he appreciates knowing she is here when I am alone. She is very loved, appreciated, and well cared for - an important member of our family.

Love you Emma - Mary

Greg is just now putting a new part in for the furnace. Yeah. We were able to use it briefly last night to warm up the house because a repair person came and bypassed something. Then due to fire risk, it had to be shut down so it would not run. We had a space heater in the bedroom that helped us manage. We left in the morning and now came home with the part. I think Greg can put it in himself.

We are going out to dinner with my children to night to celebrate Greg's News that there is NO CANCER and Emma's birthday. We are going to take a nap now. we had marriage counseling this morning and we babysat for just a few hours. Rosa and Sophia were perfect and fun to be with. I mention marriage counseling because for us it has become such a positive thing. Yes we went due to problems but have found it brings us so much closer together. We go about once a month and seem to find things to talk about. I really like the therapist. The time flies by.

Emma and Lily really played together a bit more than normal. It was cute as they both seemed so happily excited. Then they both napped awhile. They are good at that. When I feed Rosa each dog takes a side. One on each side of the high chair. If she drops something Lily is likely to get it because she is quick. Emma will look to me to see if it is okay and by then it is gone. Though I am sure sometimes she gets it before I realize it.
Rosa has to be reminded not to feed the dogs. Otherwise she likes to give food to the dog. It makes her smile and giggle sometimes.

Emma did indeed cuddle with us last night. helped to keep me warm. I did not sleep as well as normal so a nap is needed. Hopefully things will be fixed soon and I can relax about that issue in my life. Being without heat in MN in the winter is not a good thing.
The furnace just turned on the new switch is installed. Interesting to note the man said that the fact that I had neglected to change the filter for awhile may have contributed or caused part of the problem. Usually I am very diligent about changing it often. Believe me I wont forget now.

I hope to remember my camera for tonight and if I do will take a few pictures.
Here's hoping you are warm enough or cool enough depending where you live.
Have a great day.

Mary and Birthday Girl (we're still celebrating) Emma

Ugh - Remember how often I say I am thankful for a warm house?? Well it isn't warm now. The furnace is not working!!! Brr Brr on a cold night. I really hate being cold and am not a happy camper. Our house must be well insulated because we didn't notice the temp dropping until late in the day. At first I just thought the thermostat had been turned down low. It might be a long cold night. We do have space heaters and an electric matress pad and lots of blankets. I don't want pipes to freeze. Greg is trying to find help that is not beastly expensive. No I don't have the service plus program from Center Point Energy because my furnace is only a few years old.

Emma and i are huddled on the couch with a small space heater near us. She can sleep right in bed with us if she wants (she has before) or on her bed. On cold nights I sometimes put a small blanket on her and sometimes she leaves it on. I will make sure she is just fine.

Sorry this blog is me complaining. I am not a good sport when it comes to getting cold. My husband is much more calm and relaxed than I am. I have layered up on warm clothes and socks so maybe it won't be too bad. If I could drive, I would go somewhere and have Greg manage this. My really good friend Jan would probably rescue me but she is not home this evening. This is such a bummer.

Hopeful I will have good news next time I write.

Mary and Emma

Emma we'll party for your birthday when it is warmer. Tonight we will cuddle.

Sorry Emma = I messed up and thought your birthday was today. I will make it special. It is really the 23rd and you are now 5 years old. I will make today special for you