The news has told of the violence in Pakistan. When I read it I think of one young girl I taught when i was teaching. Her name was Almirah. She was in the US for awhile in school but her parents were certain she would go back to Pakistan. Every time I hear of the violence it is not just the people over there. The people I do not have names and faces associated with. I think of Almirah. Now a young woman, I wonder if she lives in Pakistan as they had planned or if she is in the United States. I wonder if she is or has been in harms way. I worry about her, her family, and her Aunt.

I also have a second cousin in Pakistan. She is working for the US Government in a public health role. She is a nurse. She is provided an armed guard if she goes anywhere by car. She cannot walk on the street. She is under security and rides only in armed vehicles. She is there only till fall I think. Her next assignment I believe is South America. I have not talked to her personally for years. I did get an email about a year ago. I hear about her through other relatives. I wonder what it would be like to live and work in areas where you are concerned for your safety. She is a nurse but her roles usually include leadership - setting up programs to provide health care for others. I wonder what that role must be like in other countries during times of unrest.

I have my Emma. I have a warm cozy home this winter. I have many conveniences. I know I can't truly imagine what it must be like for Almirah or my cousin Mary Ellen. I only know I shouldn't take it for granted that I am living somewhere where my life can be calm and free of the threat of violence.

I remember Mary Ellen and Almirah in my prayers. The movie I saw yesterday was called :"Charlie Wilson's War". That also made me think of people who live in other nations.
That movie was very thought provoking.

So I wrote last night but again this morning. I have the luxury of living in a place of democracy and free of violence at this time.

So this isn't really about Emma. It is about Almirah, Mary Ellen and others that live in places of unrest. Let us not take for granted the freedom we have in our country.
I will be praying for Almirah.

Mary and Emma

Today I had a medical appointment in the morning. We took a nap and then got around to the business of the day. Clean up. The cleaning lady comes tomorrow to scrub and vacuum. Our task was to get the cardboard boxes broken down to recycle. Put any remaining gifts away. Organize the wrapping paper and gift bags that remained...well you get the picture. After four days of fun there were things to do.

Emma worried me today. She didn't want to eat. She went outside like normal and drank lots of water. Her behavior in other ways seemed normal. Now tonight when I fed her she kind of picked at her food. I just looked again though and she finished what was left. Yeah. I promise I will watch her closely tonight and tomorrow to be sure she is not sick. It is not like her to not eat right away. Like I said otherwise all seems normal. She doesn't have the excuse of having eaten too much holiday food or treats like the rest of us now does she?

I have a few more things to do tonight too. I will give Emma extra TLC she has been so good during these busy days. I think Thursday we will be home all day.

Again I hope you have had a wonder filled Christmas. I sure am grateful my health was such I could enjoy all the festivities. I have needed some extra rest to recover but it was worth it to have such great times with my family.

Wishing you a good day,
Mary and Emma

No we were not out in the after holiday sales. Greg's family used to celebrate after Christmas. Before there were so many of us the kids drew names. We really took advantage of after christmas mark downs during those years.

I wrote earlier today but here goes again...

Emma was so good at the movie. The sound was so loud but she handled it so well like always. Wow it was loud. It also was a bit more crowded for her than when I go and sit in a different row that has more foot room.
She managed just fine.

In the middle however I moved and my cane rolled down. She moved I think she thought that I was going to leave. When she adjusted herself then the cane rolled right into her spot. So she couldn't' lay there. She moved over and was so patient. I realized what happened and with my foot moved the cane. She ever so quietly and patiently went right back to her blanket right where I wanted her to be. I was just so proud of her behavior. The people next to us in the row were amazed at how well she handled things. I sure appreciate her training.

The theater was very very busy. Emma looked to me for direction in the hustle and bustle there. She handled it all with grace. One man on the side walk I think seemed threatening to her. I can't describe his behavior precisely but it caused her to grumble a bit (outdoors). All I had to do is tell her it was okay and she was fine. I think he was walking in a way toward her that seemed threatening. Due to the snow the sidewalk was not shoveled well and the path narrow.

After the movie we came home to have left overs and to play games. Becky got a new game that is a word game called Bananas . It was really fun. We also played the Sorry game. It was a good evening.

Emma was just outside. She is loving this fresh snow. I watched her from the patio door tonight. She was so cute running in when i called her. Her head covered with snow from her playtime in the snow.

Oops it is after 11pm. We are off to bed. Emma was a great girl. On the previous entry you may want to check out the comment. It is cute picture.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

Mary and Emma

I wrote twice today.

We had a wonder filled Christmas Eve with my children. Everyone was here. We started in the afternoon visiting and playing games while listening to Christmas Carols (I never get sick of Christmas music). Lily (my granddog) came also. We had a wonderful meal, opened presents and played games again.

Grandpa and I played a lot with Rosa during the game time. My son Dan also did. He is so good with his god daughter.

The presents were chosen with care and very thoughtful. Rosa enjoyed pulling out tissue from gift bags, and pulling off the wrapping paper. Everyone had a good time. I think during present unwrapping it got a bit overwhelming for both dogs.

The present I made for my children was a dvd with pictures set to music. Some of them were from past Christmas's (since I have had a digital camera), and many were of Rosa's first year of life. I was so pleased that everyone seemed to like this gift. They listened to them two different times in the night. I was glad that I had taken time to compile this dvd for each of us. I think Rosa and Sophia both will treasure having it.

Today, Christmas Day I woke up with a migraine headache. Emma was tired like I was so she and I rested most the day. I took my medication and headed back to bed. We are meeting some of our children to see a movie at 5. I think we all needed some rest today.
MIke, Tia and girls are of course with Tia's family today.

Believe it or not it is snowing again. My son called and said driving is bad. We have had a snowy weekend. It will be interesting to see if this pattern keeps up through the winter. After a summer drought I would guess the snow is good for the soil.

Emma snuggled up so tight to me today and yesterday when space allowed. With everyone in the house she sometimes went to another space to rest but always where she could see me. She continues to enjoy the outdoor time and the snow falling. It is great fun for her.
We all chuckled yesterday at how much fun she was having outdoors in the fresh snow.
I can't complain about the snow as my Emma loves it so much. My daughter Anna shoveled a path by the patio door to make it easier for me to walk outside with Emma. The regular snow piles are getting pretty deep for me to navigate. So far we have lost one ball in she snow but Emma will enjoy finding it one of these days or when the snow melts eventually.

I didn't get dressed Christmas Day (today) till 3. Now we are off to a movie. I am filled with gratitude for having such a nice celebration yesterday.

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas,

Mary and Emma

Emma was so well behaved at the brunch. Some individuals didn't even know she was there she was so quiet under the table. There were 65 adults and children present. Can you believe that? All because their lovely parents had 10 children, who married and had children, grandchildren and so on. It was really a treat to attend. Yummy food at the buffet. Best of all good company to talk with.

With that large a group I did not get to talk to everyone I wanted to. My neices and nephews are growing up so fast and having children of their own. One more baby is due in about six months! It is sure to keep growing.

The weather was snowy and windy. Emma loved getting home and playing in the yard. Today I had to opt to watch her from the patio door rather than be in the snow with her. Brr it was so cold. My children also took time to see that she got outside and to watch her closely. The driving was terrible but Emma loved the snow. This weekend I have been so glad we are not traveling anywhere for the holidays.

I am getting so spoiled. Mike and family and Anna were here for awhile this afternoon. I had to nap though. It is heartwarming to have them in the house though. They watched a movie, Rosa snuck in a nap too and Anna too. It was relaxing. They had to do some laundry and it worked out just fine.

I have some baking and things to do in preparation for tomorrow. I want to get out my tablecloth, dishes, and bake up some bars. The vikings are on tonight and yeah Greg does not have to work tonight. He does work tomorrow however but only in the morning.
Emma and I can sleep late tomorrow or take a late morning nap if I get just a few things done tonight.

The past two days I have thought a lot about those who don't have family in town for the holidays. A few of my friends will be alone on Christmas. Of course they are welcome here but so far have declined. At least they know they are welcome. I feel blessed to have family at this time of year. Truly richly blessed.

With a grateful hearts, Emma and Mary