I thought I blogged on Monday but I must have forgotten or did not save it correctly. Today is Tuesday. Emma and I babysat for a few hours. Now we are home. Rosa is with us but she is sleeping. My son hurt his back at work. ouch.

I am frustrated that I can't drive myself. Still problems with vertigo and vision when I am tired. Greg has been super busy at work. I still have to get a few more things for Christmas.

Today is Sophia's 8th birthday. She will celebrate with her Dad. We will celebrate with her tomorrow. I did see her today after school. She is a delightful girl.

I am going to try to write more later. I need to go tend to things. I just wanted you to know Emma and I are just fine.

More later - Mary

Sunday

Today after church there was a pancake breakfast and then the Children's Christmas Pageant. It was very nice. Sophia, Rosa, Tia and Michael joined us for this fun event. It was good to see them all. Rosa is really walking - no sometimes running now at age 13 months. Sophia will be 8 this week.

Emma is so good at church. I bring her blanket to lay on and she really was sound asleep today. She did not snore though. Sometimes she does snore. She did well during the pancake breakfast too. There were a lot of people so I was so proud of her staying under the table in a drop position even with all of us around. She is such a great dog.

The activities wore me out. I needed a long nap. Greg even took Emma outdoors during my nap so she would get more exercise as I was dead to the world. She was so enthusiastic when i woke up and could play with her. She had to show off and do some retrieving with me indoors. We also were outdoors a bit.

Danny, my son, came over to visit. We ate together, watched a movie, and he helped me with some computer concerns. He stayed till 9 pm. That was great for Greg worked both in the morning and again at night. I sure like when I have company. I think Emma and I will be alone all day again tomorrow.

Emma surprised me with her manner of telling me she had to go to the bathroom today. She got up on the love seat and was laying there with her head on my lap as Dan and I watched a movie. At one point she sat up and just so gently put her paw on my hand. Almost like she was gently taping it. Hard to explain but she does not usually do that. I am so smart I guessed right away that she had to go outside. She then excitedly jumped down and waited for me to take her out.

She also layed by Dan awhile and he petted her. Boy she liked that. I was setting the table for our simple supper. Dan is so gentle and good with her. Emma is always delighted when my children come over. Dan also took her outside for a little while.

I am not done with my Christmas Shopping but having trouble with ideas for the people who remain. I will try not to worry about it tonight and see what happens during the week. I miss not being able to drive myself to shop. I think I told you I did a lot on the internet but now I have some things to get at stores.

Emma and I are both ready for bed. I am excited because the new volunteer needs for Helping Paws came out. I think for sure we can help at the Mall of America in Feb. and if Greg can arrange his schedule work at the booth at the Dog Show in Jan also. He will check tomorrow. I am so grateful to have Emma that I want to help when I can support Helping Paws. Plus both events will be fun.

Off to bed. Hope you had a good weekend.

Mary

Today Emma and I were home all day. It was a relaxing day. I did a little laundry, did some reading, rested, worked on Christmas presents.

I think Emma likes Christmas music. She got lots of attention from me today. She sure liked chasing a ball outside in the snow. Too bad I can't throw very far. She also enjoys smelling the snow and just plain diving in to get all snowy. We played indoors too. She was also an enthusiastic worker at home today. What a super dog she is - I am so blessed.

Greg made homemade chicken soup today. That was so yummy. I was very hoarse today and it felt good on my throat. I hope I am not getting sick. We watched a holiday movie also.

Emma and I still need to get out to finish our holiday shopping. Just a few more things to finish up. Next weekend is pretty busy for us so I hope to complete it by Friday. Emma is so well behaved in the stores and that is so helpful in the holiday rush.

Off to bed. Emma is at my feet and seems ready for bed. Hope you get some rest despite the holiday preparations.

I wanted to share a picture but it wouldn't work tonight. i will try again tomorrow.

Mary and Emma

The Sound of Music play is delightful. Jan and I had so much fun. I heard Emma had a great time with Greg. He played with her outside. Emma loves the snow and they went out several times. They also cuddled in and watched tv. When I returned home Emma was excited to see me. I received a very warm welcome. I was tired as it was almost midnight but Emma was ready to play. I did play a little while and then she snuggled into bed with us.

The play lifted my spirits. It was a wonderful experience. The cast was so talented. The music, acting, sets everything was outstanding. It was so much fun.

Today, Friday, we are home all day. I have been wrapping presents. Emma is helping me with laundry and retrieving things for me. We will need a nap like always, I am so tired from my big evening out. We also had dinner at the St. Paul Grill. I have nothing planned for today or the next few days. Things tire me out but sometimes it is sure worth getting tired out.

More later, Emma wants to play. We will head outside.
Mary and Emma

I am discouraged today. Not much pep and the day is flying by with nothing accomplished - just a bit blue I guess. Emma is fine. I was home with her all day.

Maybe we need to think of our favorite things? Remember I am going to the Sound of Music tomorrow with my dearest friend Jan.

What would Emma say? Favorite things?
I hope she would say
Me
Dog food
Dog Treats
Snow
Judy
My kids
Judy's kids
Pam, Eileen, Sue and Helping Paws Staff
Balls
Socks to retrieve
Keys to pick up
Remote to retrieve
Telephone to retrieve
Her bed
My bed with her in it
Dog food (worth mentioning twice)
Tidbits of food that I don't notice on the floor but she does
(She will leave it if I tell her to do so)
Lily
Rosa
Sophia
Tia
Greg
her baby (a stuffed toy)
A squeeky toy
My bed when the electric matress pad has warmed it up
Snow that is in a pile and soft enough to dive into
Things that smell good
A chipmunk to chase or bunny (in the yard)

I am not sure the order but those would be some of her favorites. For sure...