It was a special day for us as we celebrated Rosa's Baptism. We went early to set up as it was the church where Greg works as a Campus Minister. There was a gathering space where we had a small family meal/party following the Baptism. As we prepared some food and go things ready Emma fell sound asleep under a table in the cool airconditioning. In fact she was sleeping so well that she stayed there during the baptism. She was just outside the door if I needed her or she needed me. It was cute.

The Baptism was lovely and I cried (surprised Judy?) as it made me feel so aware of what a gift Rosa is in our life. I am very grateful for her good health. She was beautiful in a white gown and her bare feet. Sophia had a beautiful new dress for the occasion also. During the Baptism Rosa was talkative, and no she didn't mind the water one bit. In fact I think she would have liked to have played in that water.

After the ceremony, the pictures, and being held Rosa was ready to crawl. Her first venture? Right under the table to see Emma? She moved so fast we did not get a good picture. Emma gently moved over to her and she greeted Emma with the smile we all had been seeking. A more curiousity and casual smile. She was so cute all day. She was so darn cute.

Rosa's favorite toys are rubber ducks. She had one with her after the baptism and that also made her very happy.

My son Michael, Tia, Rosa and Sophia are such a lovely family. I am so grateful for them all. My camera's battery gave out so I did not get as many pictures as I would have liked. Hopefully I will get some from others.

Emma also had some fun in the church yard. Near the enterance we use is actually the back of the building. It gets lots of traffic as people can walk through there to get to church activities, but also a lot of people just plain cut through to get to dinky town or classes. It must be full of wonderful smells as Emma is always so glad to have some free time there. Yes leashed of course.

We made sure she got outside both at home and there. They have more shade so the grass was softer than some areas of our yard. It also was just plain old dirt at places. She rubbed her face in it and my doggy had such a funny look on her face. Where was my darling Emma under the dirt?? It was amusing. We were very early so had time to clean her up. Funny how different they can look when they do that though. It was just her head which made it even funnier. SHe kept her brand new pack clean and her body.

What a great day we had. I had a lot of problem with high high blood sugars and dizziness and blurred vision though. But yeah it didn't ruin the day. I couldn't help at all but my kids, Tia, and Greg got the lunch ready. Tia did most the clean up and others helped I hope. I stayed anchored to a chair most the time so not to risk falling. I think that is part of why I was so emotional (besides the steroids). I had such a rough rough morning I just wanted to be sure that I was present for her Baptism. Had it not been that occasion I would have likely rested all day. Thank you God I didn't miss this very special day.

Emma is sure working hard, as now for sure she picks up things for me. No letting her off the hook if she is stubborn as once in awhile she can be. For the most part she knows I need the help and she knows what her job is. With all the jobs she does, cuddling up with me when I am in bed is awesome. Especially when I am teary when I wake up feeling so crummy like today.

Hurray we made it through today. I think I am home all day Monday. We can rest up and finish packing. We go Tuesday afternoon for our big event. The Heuga Center. We will be back on Sunday. It will be interesting, demanding, but a good program to help both with MS and with stress in my life and due to MS.

Please say a little prayer for me tonight. Thank God for Rosa and for the gift of families. Pray that those who are alone as parents find support to help them with this important endeavor.

Thanks for sharing my joy. I do not mean to complain. I am glad we had such a special day.

Mary

Due to a generous birthday gift - we went to the Ordway and saw Spamalot. It was delightful. It was very funny. I was a bit bothered by my blurred vision and yet enjoyed the show immensely. Emma did well but gosh there was not much room at our feet for her. I was so proud of her.

We will write more Sunday. It is the celebration of dear Rosa's baptism. I will be praying in thanksgiving for my family and especially my dear Rosa Grace and Sophia.

Off to bed so I can handle the day tomorrow. This was late but I took two naps today.
Mary

The steroids sure help the dizziness. I just hope it lasts after they are out of my system. Now let's think positive. I am back to drinking just tons of water and many visits to the bathroom ha ha.

It is a bit lower temp and humidity so that is nice. I was playing with Emma outdoors. Most the time lately I have to sit as my legs are weaker again. Well I asked her to pick out her toy and she did. We played awhile and then (her favorite) she decided to check the wood pile for a chipmonk. No she did not find one but enjoys sniffing just the same.

For just a minute I reclined back a bit and closed my eyes to rest them and feel the breeze of the day. Just relax. She flew across that yard and was nosing me. I assure her I was alright. I played with her more and kept my eyes on her. As it should be for both of us. She is so darn cute and fun to play with.

We did some laundry and took a short nap. My friend Jan called and she took me to the clearance sale at JC Penney's. I was so pleased to find a few new clothing items 70% off for next week. I don't have a big variety of clothes and some of mine look old or worn. This will perk me up.

They had baby clothing on sale and I found some cute items that I hope will fit Rosa next summer! They were so inexpensive at 70% off. I can't predict Sophia's size so I found one for her to wear right now. A shirt she could wear for play or school. I hope she likes it.

I can't tell you how long it has been sincce I went shopping. They did not have a scooter either. I walked pushing a stroller/cart type thing. I guess the second day on a bunch of steroids can boast my abilities. we didn't stay real long but found good things. It was fun to go. Now I have a family dr appt Monday, a haircut (badly needed) Monday, and I am ready to go.

Emma was great shopping. It has been a long while since we have gone or seems like that to me. She is very good at positioning herself when I have a cane, cart, scooter, walker. My girl can adjust. We were very impressed with her behavior and helpfulness. What a girl.

No midnight snacks for Emma last night. I made sure counters were clear of anything she might get into.

We had a nice day. We are going out to water our flowers now. The drought is making it tough to keep up with this task. I do feel good enough tonight to be the one to do it.
Yeah for a good day.

Rosa gets baptized on Monday. Otherwise, we have a very quiet weekend planned. Greg has projects to do around here. Justin starts work on our bathroom floor on Tuesday. Yeah for that. We go in the late afternoon Tuesday.

Those of you with MS might want to know more about the Heuga Programs. Here is a link to the program I am attending. They offer it throughout the country at different times of the year and in Colorado where there main offices are located.

http://www.heuga.org/programs/can_do

Have a great weekend.
Mary and Emma

I can't believe the newstory today. A women left a baby locked in her mini van while she shoped for 30 minutes. I couldn't believe there is NOT a law against that in MN. It was 90 and humid in the car. The baby went to the hospital but is now fine and home with the parents. I would not leave Emma in a hot car for even a few minutes. I hope that women gets educated about the dangers of this practice.

Well it was so hot go to and from swimming. It was at 98 in our area according to my friend's thermometer. The car has air conditioning but seems like it takes till you get there to really cool down. Emma was in the back seat so it was a bit stuffy I think for her. Luckily it is not a long ride.

When you have MS even the walk from the car to the building, in the heat can wipe you out it feels so hot. I bet many people felt the same way even if they did not have MS. When I took Emma out to play today she would run out and soon would be at the door wanting to come in. See I told you she is a smart dog. I don't get a lot of shade in my backyard.

Right now it is actually raining a gentle rain. YES. We need the moisture. Storms missed us today but they said the rain came so fast that not much soaked in from the storm. This slower gentle rain maybe will make a difference. It already feels a little better outside,

Well once in awhile Emma reminds me she is a dog. She surprised us today by her behavior. In the morning we woke up to find and empty package of english muffins on the living room floor. Well I guess my baby had a snack sometime between breakfast and morning. We have never known her to take anything off the counter before. Usually the bread is back further in a bread box but it was closer to the middle or edge of the counter I guess. We were not happy. She looked at us with innocent eyes but we know who was the culpert.

Greg said well don't let her fool you. When you need her to put something on the counter, obviously she can reach it. We will be more careful. I think it was my fault but who knew she would do this. Emma really what were you thinking??

She did great at water exercise. I had to have a talk with my friends reminding them not to pet her without my permission. Sometimes as we go in and out of the locker room, or as I put things in the locker she gets further distance from me on the leash and wants them to pet her. One lady has brought her treats a few times. Well I told her she can't give her treats now. I need Emma focused on me. This is hard for me as they all mean well but the last few times I could tell the difference in Emma's attention in the locker room. Today she even pulled so hard to go to one lady that I almost dropped the leash. We are going to nip this in the bud.

I am a bit embarassed to have to admit I let this happen. She is so good at the pool, my friends have such an appreciation for her. Another friend supported me totally in this step to remind just two of the group that they mean to be kind to her, but it is undermining me having her full attention in the locker room. This example sure is supporting the fact that dogs are motivated by food.

I guess this is all a learning process. I want Emma to be very clear she is with me and focused on me. I need that in public when she is on duty, even in the informal setting of the pool locker room. I also need to stay firm on this. So that in all settings she focuses on me and stays under control. I wonder if others with dogs find it a continual learning process for both of them? My friends really listened and sounded like they will support my wishes.

Emma is a great dog. I still think it is so amusing that she knows the routine. We get home and head right down stairs to go outside so she can go to the bathroom and/or get some exercise and play time. Then we come upstairs and get water these hot days. Then she follows me to the bedroom for naptime. Yes indeed we have our routine.

One of the skills I really appreciated today is how Emma does not leave a car/van without me telling her to do so. My friend has a van with a side door she can open with a button.
Well she opened the door in my driveway when we came home, before I was out of the front seat. In the heat and due to slight vertigo I was moving slow. Emma didn't move. She sat so patiently waiting for me to come, get the leash, and then tell her she could jump outside. I probably take that for granted most times. She has that skill down pat for sure.

Thanks again to Judy and the instructors who gave me such a well trained dog. Now we have to be sure I stay well trained so that she can show off her best behavior at all times.
You can be sure the bread will not be reachable tonight and maybe we should close that bedroom door tonight? I have not known her to get up in the night and wander. I can't imagine why she ate the bread.

Wishing you a good day on Friday,
Mary and Emma

My four children and my husband are wonderful. They are supportive of Emma and of my MS. They are also modest. They don't think they do much to help. Here are just a few things I appreciate about Greg.

If I can't get moving in the morning (sometimes MS stiffness makes me move slow) he will feed Emma. Even if I do feed Emma he usually takes her out early and plays with her.

Greg makes sure she has dog food, shops for it. Like I never even have to give it a thought. He does most the family grocery shopping also.

Greg always takes her out about 10:30 pm or later. I am in bed early and she likes one last trip outdoors.

My children play with Emma when they are home. They don't even realize how much their moral support, phone calls and MS means to me regarding Emma and my MS also. They also give Emma active playtime when they get home.

Emma likes them all too. You should see her tail wag. I would be able to arrange to get her food, take her out extra times if I did not have help. But gosh I appreciate the help.

My daughter Becky just stopped for a quick visit and to pick up some things. My daughter Anna just called to see how I was feeling. They are venturing into new chapters of thier lives as adults and I don't want to be a burden. Still I am glad they keep in contact with me.

I am really glad that Greg will be with us the whole time of the Heuga Program next week. Don't worry when I don't blog during that time. The grassy area for taking the dog out would be a bit of a walk for me to handle. I think I will be using a walker that week unless we decide I need my scooter.

Hope all is well with you and that you have the support of family and friends. Wishing you cool during this hot spell.

Mary and Emma