We had a nice surprise. Sophia, Rosa, their dog Lily and my sons Mike and Dan came over. Mike and Danny came to help their Dad. Sophia and I had the best time. We played restaurant. She made up a menu, made me a credit card, wrote up my bill and so on. She even had me write a comment card after the pretend meal. Danny joined the fun. I love her active imagination. Rosa was very good cruising around so I had more time to play with Sophia. Also some of the time Danny, Mike, or Greg were there to help with Rosa. Sophia and I and both dogs also had fun outdoors. Gosh this was the kind of day (like yesterday) that is good for my spirits. I don't see Sophia as often as Rosa (like yesterday) as she is often with her Dad. It was sure fun to be with her today. She is awesome. So smart, kind and considerate.
I am so proud of Tia and Mike as parents. Tia is a wonderful Mom. She knows how to enjoy her kids, laugh, tease, and cuddle. She also knows how to set rules and boundaries. She got some time today to go to a class, and to be alone. She deserves that. My observation is that Mike is a wonderful Daddy to Rosa and to Sophia (his step daughter). I think they both feel very loved and cared about. They are such a nice family and I am so proud to be related to them.
Emma did well with Lily. They kind of do their own thing. Outdoors at times they both would be in the same area checking out new smells. At other times they just roam around on their own. It is sure nice to have a fenced yard. I had to clean up some of Emma's messes outdoors. Gosh I waited awhile and I hate that. I like to keep up with cleaning up the poop so it doesn't seem like much work. Oh well.
Today, we went to the church in Maple Grove (not where Greg works). Greg read one of the Scripture readings. Emma does so well we sit in the front row or second row. No matter when we go their are always some people (especially children) who are surprised to see a dog in church. Others know us and know she is excellently behaved. She doesn't make a peep. She lays on her blanket and is content. We met someone I had not seen for awhile and she was so impressed with Emma's behavior. That is nice for me.
Greg was suppose to work the rest of the day. He came home early as he was not feeling well. He is going to stay home tonight and rest. See if that helps him feel better. I thought Emma and I were going to have this long day all alone. Boy was I surprised by how the day went.
Rosa of course was a doll. I like when Sophia is here also because they play so nice together. Sophia is so patient as a 7 year old. She really amazes me. She wanted a chore to do and did some dusting. Oops she accidentally saw a Christmas present I had for her in the office. I hadn't hid it as I wasn't expecting her. It was some Barbie clothes. Oh well it will still be fun for her Dec birthday or Christmas. She also is never greedy or whining when with me. She still isn't sure what she wants for Christmas from Grandpa Greg and I.
She is just the greatest granddaughter. Of course Rosa shares that title also.
I have a Dr. appointment with a MS Specialist that also specializes in the vision disorders associated with Multiple Sclerosis. It will be interesting to see what his opinion on my vision problems are and his prognosis. I talked to him informally at a meeting last week and he indicated he thought the dizziness and vision problems that I have now are related.
I don't know if that is good or bad news. I guess I wish I knew if the dizziness will end.
On a scale of 1-10 it was about a 4 or 5 today. That is a good day. I almost fell but didn't outside due to the dizziness and also at church. Greg is getting to be an expert at catching me as I grab him frantically due to dizziness.
Yet, with the problems of MS I have to be pleased. I am still in my home not a nursing home. At one time it was thought I might be in a wheelchair full time by now and I still walk in my own home (using walls or furniture as needed for support), and a cane, walker, or scooter outside the home depending on the situation and the amount of walking involved.
Best of all I am able to enjoy my children and grandchildren. I try to inhale the experience, to soak it up and appreciate those minutes, hours etc. I am so glad my health and emotional health are such that I can still enjoy the time with them.
Emma seems happy too. We gave her lots of attention. Outside I think she is very interested in having Lily around. They both found places to smell and one or the other would follow the first one to find a spot. They were good companions today. Times when they ignore each other and times when they play.
My picture today is when Sophia slept over. She was resting on Emma. It was taken before Rosa was even born. Sophia is older and wears her hair shorter these days. Still it is such a cute picture that I wanted to share it. The other is just a more current picture of my darling Sophia. She has many involved grandparents but I feel fortunate to be one of her grandma's.
Here's hoping you have happy times with family.
Mary and Emma
