Today I went with my son Mike, Tia, Rosa, Sophia, my husband, and my son Dan to a Christmas tree farm. Sophia helped pick out a wonderful Christmas Tree for their home. They cut it down and we put it in our van for the trip home. Santa was there, a small petting zoo, and a hayride. Rosa was scared of Santa, but otherwise it was great fun. The snow yesterday added to the fun of the trip.

They all came back to our house and had a late lunch. Then we watched the video Elf. It was a fun, relaxing day. Emma did not go with to the tree farm due to lack of space for her in the car. She did enjoy having us around in the afternoon. She also enjoyed playing in the snow. We received several inches - at least six. Emma is so enthusiastic about chasing toys and fetching them in the snow. Also just enjoys running aroun in the snow. She had a fun day.

We will have a quiet evening watching tv, wrapping a few presents, and cleaning up the kitchen.I hope to get to bed early. I know I always say that don't I? We do not have any plans for Monday at this time.

Emma really is snuggly after they all left. She wants me all to herself and laid on the couch with her head in my lap. I will reassure her tonight that she is number one in my life. She was very well behaved today.

I feel so blessed to have family in town. Their presence sure made today special.
Wishing you lots of time with family and friends..

Emma and Mary

Emma is delighted that we have snow. She has been out several times. She likes to smell what is under the snow. She likes to run through the snow also. She just plain enjoys it.

I made chocolate cookies for my family. Enough to give to my kids and save some for the holidays. I don't bake much anymore so this was a big deal for me. I get so tired I would mix some ingredients, sit and then do more. I don't have a big mixer which is fine because I don't bake that much or have much storage - but today it would have come in handy.

There are several inches of snow and it is snowing now. I am not sure if it is suppose to snow a lot tonight or not. I think south of here they received even more snow. Greg has the snow plow ready to tackle it all in the morning. I have not shoveled for years. MS gives me a good excuse. We miss the kids ha ha who always helped or took over this task. I miss their company too. Since it was snowy I was able to speak to them by phone. Everyone is being careful about how much they drive in this weather.

I can't wait till my children have time to come home and help get down the Christmas tree and decorations. It is too big for my husband to do alone. Maybe they can come some night this week? I like having my tree up and enjoying the lights. Emma is very good about it. Her tail might swipe off a few ornaments but I put unbreakable ones on the bottom. That will be really a good thing for Rosa this year. It will be interesting to see what she thinks of a Christmas Tree this year.

Emma is delightful. It was a cozy day at home. My husband lets me watch all those Christmas movies on tv...the ones where they find joyful romance or some sort of happy end and the end of a predictable story. I like Lifetime, abc family, or the Hallmark channels. I also like the more traditional Christmas specials. I guess I am a kid at heart.

This cold day with snow reminded me of the gratitude I have for my warm house. It makes me sad to think of others who are homeless, on the street or in shelters this holiday season. When you see commercials or go in stores it is easy to get up in the material aspect of Christmas. In reality it is a time for me to think about my blessings, my home, my husband, children, grandchildren and friends. When I watched the Charlie Brown Christmas Special I cried. I want to work on remembering the true meaning of Christmas this year.

I am enjoying that Greg is home with Emma and I tonight. I was pretty tired and not feeling as good as yesterday. A good nap helped. I hope you are finding comfort and love with your family and friends and of course your wonderful pets.

Today is national Aids Awareness Day. Let's say a prayer for those people dealing with this or other serious illnesses.

Emma is laying so cute cuddled up at my feet. We are off to finish watching our sappy movie. Wishing you a good evening. Emma will go out again soon to explore the snow.

Mary and Emma wish you Happy Holidays.

Friday

I am feeling better. Emma and I had a good day. Yeah the cleaning lady came today. The house looks great. After being home all week I really appreciate the deep cleaning that was completed today.

We even saw Rosa for a few hours. She is so darn cute and oh so energetic.Sophia was also so sweet. I sure love being there Grandma. It cheered me up to see them.

A quiet night tonight. A winter storm is predicted for Saturday. We will see how much snow it brings. I will write more tomorrow.
Thanks for all the kind words this past week.

More soon - Mary and Emma

I am feeling a little better today. Emma has wanted to go out many times. Good exercise for me ha ha to walk downstairs and let her outside. I watch from the patio door. She explores the yard but keeps checking to see I am there and okay also. I am a mentor for the MS Society and today felt good enough to call my mentee. She is such a nice person. I enjoy our chats. I slept a lot today also.

The cleaning lady comes tomorrow. We will be home all day. We don't have plans for the weekend - my husband wants to be home. I am sure each day I will feel a little better. I don't know if it is the MS or just the flu bug but I am so exhausted.

I hope the Blue Grass Concert tomorrow night for Helping Paws is a huge success.

Snow is predicted afternoon and evening on Sunday. Emma will like that. I am trying to be sure to play with her in the house. She seems puzzled that I am sleeping even more than normal. She is being very helpful.

Take care of your health,
Mary and Emma

I am still sick. Emma is doing fine. She is reminding me when she needs to go outside to exercise. My home is warm and cozy so that is good. Thank you for the nice comments yesterday! Look at the cute picture. I am told this is going around and I should start feeling better. Stay Healthy and warm.

Mary and Emma