My Next Project

I just thought it would be to prepare for The Salvation Army's Empty Bowl Luncheon. I got a surprise this afternoon when I was discussing my great niece's birthday with her Ninna (my sister) and I offered to try and bake her birthday cake and decorate it with polka-dots. I took a cake decorating course two years ago and I think I can do this. It just may not look as professional as Mrs. Rose's cakes from Creative Cakes, but I bet it will taste the same. I hope it turns out well enough to pass the test of my great niece and her friends.

Happy Birthday Laila Grace---9 years old. My how the years have flown by.

Love..............................Aunt Paula

Surprises Galore

I already knew that I am blessed, but once again I received cards anf gifts and baked goodies from all my extended family, those I consider family, and especially my children. I got new clothes that fit my new "BIG' size. I got a Paula Deen Cookbook and it is autographed. But best of all was knowing my savior was born on Christmas Day. The children were very excited over their M&M's and gum. Everyone was pleased with their gifts and now we have 364 days to prepare for this excitement again.

My next project will be to prepare for The Salvation Army's Empty Bowl Luncheon, one of my charitables for the year. They always need freezer items to sell like spaghetti sauce, lasagna, etc.

Aunt Paula

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!CHRISTMAS DAY IS ALMOST HERE

I stay in another world. My daughter came home from work today and came over to check on me as usual. She reminded me that Christmas Eve is tomorrow. I am so behind. I still thought we had several days left before Christmas Eve. All my the children in my family will be so excited as they unwrap their gifts and we adults will remind them of the real meaning of Christmas. I am not sure who started the tradition of gift giving on Christmas Day, but I know the Wise Men brought gifts to Christ when He was born.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone from Aunt Paula. You all have a piece of my heart.

Out of Touch

I've been without internet and telephone service for a couple of weeks which has caused me to be out of touch. I called to tell a friend and Kim's church family Merry Christmas and this sweet voice on the other end (Ellie Hamilton) says hello is this Miss Paula Killough. She had the Miss Paula part right. All the children associate me with Kim so I guess in their little minds I am also a Killough. It's okay I just love the children.

I have spent the last two days in the kitchen cooking. I have been trying to cook or bake something for everyone in the family that is a favorite for them. Mother has been with me since Tuesday night and my routine has been turned upside down. Bless her heart, she doesn't understand her mannerisms or anything. We lost my daddy a year ago about this time and she having a difficult time of it.

It's funny how you can miss two weeks of making a post and don't have much to tell.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL and a HAPPY NEW YEAR..........Aunt Paula

Cooking

I am getting geared up for tomorrow with my niece, Caroline. I'm going to get in the kitchen with her. Don't know what we'll cook yet, but it will be some goody, that she's probably not suppose to have. Aunt Paula is known for that. It's not that I don't respect children's parents, I just LOVE children. If their parents absolutely put their foot down about something, I usually obey.

I can't believe how close it is to Christmas Day. Happy Birthday -------JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!! I think I will bake Jesus a cake, what a wonderful idea.

Got to go to the doctor................................Aunt Paula

Shannon's Heart

Shannon was my physical therapist and my dad's as well. She just had to add about four more exercises to my already long list. I see the neurologist tomorrow. He will make some decisions about my meds and my falls. I must get started back taking my calcium +D to keep my bones safe. I certainly would not want to break anything. If my body seems frail now, it surely would be if I broke something.

My nurse, Sandra, comes tomorrow and is going to freak when she sees my shiner.

My niece, Caroline is going to spend one day with me and we will probably get in the kitchen and cook us up a treat. I can hardly wait. I made a chocolate pie Saturday night and the whole pie is still here. For those of you who know me and my chocolate, this is a surprise.

Signing off to play games.......LOL................................Aunt Paula

Telephone Dilemma

I am not sure who's going to win the battle I have started with AT&T. I really thought I would not miss my phone when I let them disconnect, but I really do miss it. I just think it is unfair when they expect you to pay for their mistake in billing and wait on any credit until they decide to issue same. This billing issue has been going on for 6+ months and has continued to make the monthly bill outrageous for my modest disability income. Don't get me wrong, times are hard for everyone right now and I understand that. Even the corporate giants are beginning to tumble.


Pray for me.....................................Aunt Paula

Listening To Christmas Music

I sit here listening to a CD I bought last year, Josh Groban - Noel. As I listened to him sing Little Drummer Boy, I realized I don't even have a drum to play for the king. I don't have anthing to offer him, with the exception of my prayers and heart.

With each day that gets closer to Dec. 17, I find myself becoming more depressed. I want to cry and cry and cry some more, but the tears won't come. All I can do is talk out loud to my daddy as though he is in the same room with me.

We should all deeply love and cherish every moment we have to spend with our parents while they are here with us on earth.

Merry Christmas..........................................................Aunt Paula

P.S. - I must say that after a day of listening to my Christmas favorites and one filled with many happy memories of my daddy and probably just as many tears,I do feel better. As we approach the Christmas Eve tradition of exchanging gifts with family, I am saddened that the year caught me without anything to spend on my nieces and nephews. I know it is not about the gifts, but I also don't want to go down in history as an old prude. I do know that they know my heart and they all have a precious piece of it each of their own.

I love you children..........Aunt Paula

The Shades of Blue

I awoke this morning to a very ugly looking left eyelid in all shades of blue and purple where I fell on Friday. I have several blue spots from approximately 10+ falls yesterday. When I finally did get up, I tried to stay seated the rest of the day. The same for today except the time to bake 2 chocolate pies and dinner for my daughter, her husband and children. Ah, the house smells like chocolate. I will boil spices tomorrow for the smell of Christmas, as I like to refer to it.

My nephew, Ryan called me the other day to tell me that he made homemade cheese biscuits like I taught him a couple of weeks ago. I really think he is going to grow up to be a chef. Of course, I tend to encourage him in that way. I try to teach him what I know about cooking. My baby Sis ask me how I knew all of this stuff and I replied with - memory, reading and watching foodnetwork.

LOL..........................................Aunt Paula

Day of Saddness

My therapist and I decided today that Monday, Dec 8, 2008 will be the last day they come out. There might be another time in the future when I need my visits worse than now. I attend a Seating Clinic tomorrow for a doctor to advise if I should be using a motorized wheelchair or not. All you bloggers out there, NEVER take running, jumping, laughing, singing or anything you do in everyday life for granite. You could not have convinced me prior to Oct 5, 2005 that I would be physically handicapped in anyway. I was convinced that I would have surgery and go home a new patient in two days. God knows his plans for each of us and it does not always turn out the way we want.

Parents teach your children well.

LOL.........................Aunt Paula

My Home Health Nurse & Christmas Things

Sandra is the best. She is very knowledgeable in her field. Today, she brought my grandson a toy. He thinks she is grand. Children have greater perception than we adults tend to give them. I can sound off to her without worrying about hurting her feelings. She is unbiased. Her love for children seems to be alot like mine. I have enjoyed snuggling with my "GRAND"son this morning and likewise am enjoying the quiet while he takes his daily nap.

I found a recipe for some old fashioned hot chcolate, made with cocoa and sugar and milk. It is that time of year. As I sat and siiped on a cup, I daydreamed about the year my baby sister and some of her friends and their children came around Christmas Caroling. People don't tend to do that as much these days as we did when I was growing up. That would be such a joy to open my door to families Christmas Caroling. Getting back to the basics. Any of you out there reading my blog, take the hint? Even though I don't get out much, it is mainly because it is just too much trouble.

LOL..................................Aunt Paula

My Daddy

I sit here listening to Celine Dion Christmas and miss my daddy more than ever before. He loved music, but she was one of his favorites. I will listen to Bing Crosby and Elvis Christmas music next. I just need that right now. She sounds so beautiful as she sings O Holy Night which is one of my all time favorites.

Daddy - here's to you, missing you and loving you...........................Paula

A Week Of Blissful Blessings

You all know by now that I live by myself and things around here are pretty blase. I left my home on Saturday to go spend the week with my baby sister, Kim, her wonderful husband, her four children and my mother. My nieces and nephews range in age from 11 months to 11 years old. Wow!!!! I only managed to have one child. The week started out with trying to go to bed on Saturday night with an 11 month old screaming her lungs out for several hours. Her mother was exhausted and nothing we did for her seem to help. (She had an earache, but not being able to talk yet makes it difficult to know what is wrong) The next morning, Sunday, was pretty chaotic with all of us getting ready for church and getting there on time. Thank you so much to their church family for always praying for me and making me a part of their service. Then came Monday that seemed to go by rather quickly after the making of cheese biscuits with the help of Ryan and Caroline. Kim took Gracie to the doctor and came back with a diagnosis of ear infection. Ah-ha,at last we know what is causing her to be so fussy. Tuesday morning began with a bang as I took one of my famous falls coming out of the bathroom and let out a loud yelp that scared Kim and mother. All I could do was lay there and laugh. They didn't find the humor in it like I did. Then came Thursday very quickly. I had ask three of Kim's friends and their children over to make Pilgrim Hat Cookies. There were approximately 16+ children there, but lots of fun. Friday was a busy day for preparing and planning our Sunday meal. We had our Thanksgiving meal on Sunday because my brother and his wife came down from St. Louis. Ryan and Caroline helped with prepping the turkey for brining on Friday. I ended up falling again and just rolled around on the floor laughing for a while. I guess if I ever break something it won't be so funny. This was my first time ever to cook a turkey, as that was always mother's job. It turned out very moist and all the trimmings to go with it were equally as good. Even if I do say so myself. TOOT-TOOT MY OWN HORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whew, that was a long post.

Aunt Paula

The Joy In My Day

My physical therapist came to see me today and she is such a joy to be around. I was not looking forward to my therapist or nurse visiting today, but Jennifer brought joy with her. Don't get me wrong, it was work too. I really enjoyed her visit and I missed my nurse, Sandra as she could not make it today. I was saddened by the news about Shannon's dad and will be praying for her and her family. Shannon goes way back with my family as a home health therapist. She's almost like family. I remember just about this time a year ago I was struggling with the fact that my dad's health was waning until we finally had to let him go be with Jesus on December 17. But there was a bundle of joy brought into our lives later that very same day in the form of new life, "Baby Gracie". We lost a physical life and gained a new physical life all in one day.

I miss my daddy.

Aunt Paula

A Busy Day

My little man, Aidan Jeremiah, kept me out of my chair frequently today. He is getting to be more than I can handle. I discussed that with his Mother this afternoon. I have also been busy trying to get things together for my big week at Kim's next week. It's going to be like moving. I'm kind of weird when it comes to cooking. I like my own knives and other cooking tools for preparing meals. It is going to be fun. Kim and I are going to try making a "turkey cheese ball". We are also going to make "Pilgrim Hat Cookies" with the children and some of their friends. I will probably not post much next week as I will be so busy with other things. I hope to be back with you on Nov. 24.

Aunt Paula

Frolicking Squirrels and Birds

I still have the box of two year old pecans sitting on my front porch. The squirrels, from all over the neighborhood, are continuing to store what's left of the nuts for the winter. They run up to my porch, jump onto the windowsill and into the box of pecans, then back out of the box and off to their hiding place. Some run across the street and around behind those houses. Some run around behind my house. And others run up the trees in my front yard.

It has rained for the last couple of days, so the birds are out pecking around for worms and bugs. One of my nephews use to call them "buggas". Ain't that cute. I thought so.

Signing off for the day..........................................................Aunt Paula

BEN'S BIRTHDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN. Ben is 9 years old today. When I called to wish him a Happy Birthday, I ask if he felt older. His answer was yes and he's catching up with his 11 year old brother. Now, he and Parker are the same age. Oh for the days of childhood. Ben is such a loving child. He is also very literal and smart. He can figure things out that are usually difficult for adults.

He's just one of my nephews. I love them all.

Aunt Paula

It's Been A While

I'm sorry if you MISSED me. It's been 10 days since I last posted. No, my pity party has not lasted that long. I've just been busy. I've begun some of my holiday cooking and planning. I really like for things to go smoothly when the family is getting together for a big meal. Our brother and his wife and poodle will be visiting next weekend for their Thanksgiving trip. I've done the grocery shopping and pre-planning. I will be spending the week with Kim's family from 11-15-2008 thru 11-23-2008. I am going to spend some special time with my nieces and nephews in the kitchen doing some ahead of time cooking. I can't wait. I love spending time with my familly.

Aunt Paula

Paula's Pity Party

Oh don't we or haven't most of us experienced those pity party days. It seems I have had more pity party days than not since my brain surgery and subsequent stroke. I actually have no reason to ever have a pity party. There should and (that is the keyword here "should") be only CELEBRATIONS in my life because I have so much to be thankful for. It just seems to me that I can't take things (i.e. family gatherings, etc.) as well as I use too. I just want to be normal again, but what is normal? Sooner or later I fear forgiveness of this sin becoming rejection. I have never been taught that God quits forgiving, but the reality of it happening is scary.

Poor Pitiful Aunt Paula signing off.

Mother's Permanent Wave

We normally take mother to the hair salon for her perms, but she and we decided to save money and do this ourselves. Mother was convinced that Dianne and I could accomplish this task. Mother was a beautician way back when body waves were not something you gave, it always had to be a really kinky curl or none at all. I was so glad when I was old enough to go to a salon to get my body waves, as mother usually burned my hair leaving it up too long and rolling it on too small of rods. Back to yesterday's happenings. This was Dianne's first time at wrapping a perm. Not a good experience because the perm rods and end paper have been in the attic for about 7+- years and the rubber was dry rotted on the rods. As Dianne would get one curl rooled, another would break and fallout. It was really quite comical. We began the process about 2:30 pm and finished about 5:30 pm. We will probably all pitch in and make sure she gets her next perm at the hair salon. We really do have alot of fun when we're all together like that.
I guess that's what girls do best, visit, laugh and talk.

Aunt Paula

Is That A Motorcycle

As I was stopped and resting, sitting on my "motorcycle wheelchair", this little boy who looked to be about 5 years old ask me if the electric wheelchair I was sitting on was a motorcycle. I replied to him no that it was similar and he said oh, it is one of those "scooter motorcycle wheelchairs." Then he proceeds to ask me if I knew where his Aunt Betty was, that she had his Mom's purse with her money and cell phone. Because his mommy wanted to buy something. Kids will say the darndest things. That is what makes me love them so much.

I've got to go to bed now. Be back tomorrow.

Aunt Paula

Be Careful of What You Blog

Everytime I type in my nephew's blog, it is bring up a blog about a guy who is 18, gay and his parent's don't like it. This is not my nephew's blog and the url that is coming up is not even close to his. Just wanted to tell all you bloggers out there that nothing is safe on the internet. When I started this blogging a week ago, I was so excited that I had found something to participate in on a daily basis to pass the day along.

By the way, Celebration Village was great.

Aunt Paula

Boggin' Down In The Daily Bloggin'

It has been a very eventful day at Aunt Paula's Place/Nanas. Some neighbors ask permission to have their "YARD" sale in my front yard which is approximately 25 percent concrete. Gone are the days of what the word "Yard" means. I guess I am somewhat selfish when it comes to having my days to myself, "Uninterrupted". Of course, they have been uninterrupted for almost three years. A long time, huh?

I did do something today other than recline. I rescued Baby Gracie's Luvy, gave it a bath and a drying to fluff it up. "Somebunnies", I won't mention any names, for fear of discrimination, oops I meant incrimination, left Baby Gracie's Luvy out in the weather. In case you didn't get it, her Luvy is this pink bunny blanket that mother nature was not very kind too, so I rescued it. I figure Gracie's mommy and daddy would like to have her Luvy back home again.

Another quick blogging moment before going night-night. Just wanted everyone to know that I am going to spend the day tomorrow with 3, possibly 4 of my favorite girls. My mother, two sisters, Baby Gracie and possibly Laila Grace are going to Celebration Village. A little downtime getting in the Christmas Spirit at a fundraiser for Sanctuary Hospice House.

Toot-a-loo.............................................................................Aunt Paula

Southern Dialect

Southern dialect is often funny. When my daughter was in the first grade, there was a pop test on spelling words. She came home from school that day, just devastated over missing one spelling word. She knew it was right, but her teacher had marked it wrong. Okay, I know the suspense and curiosity is getting to you. The word was "potatoes " and of course, she spelled it like we pronounce it "taters". In her little mind this was correct. I told you this story, so I could explain why my grandson is calling me Nanas, so he can distingiush between me and a banana, which he calls "nana". My ratings are soaring right to the top when I compare to a banana.

I thought this was something worth blogging about, huh?

Aunt Paula/Nanas

I Spoke Too Soon

I had the pleasure of my great neice and gret nephew's company after school today. Princess Laila Grace and Prince Charming Chase. What do you say when a 5 year old says "I want to go outside and pee." Well, I said okay, thinking he would go to the backyard like a little man and winkle. Much to my surprise, I looked out the window and he was standing in the front yard wit his pants down around his ankles and watering my front yard with no inhibitions about it at all. I guess I'll know next time. I would have given anything to have had a camera to save the moment.

My calm day turned into a quite exciting one. I hope it is okay to share something like this. If not, someone please let me know.

Bye-Bye now....................................................Aunt Paula

Not Too Much Action Today

It's another beautiful day. The sunshine is very bright today. I've been watching my squirrel knaw on some of the pecans I cracked and threw in the yard for them. It is quite amazing to see how fast they can eat a whole pecan. For such small creatures, they can eat really fast. It is quiet around my house today. No children. Shhhhhhhhhhhh don't say that very loud or I might have a house chock full.

After reading Emily's menu for the week, I'm about to go stuff myself. As my "GRAND"son says, "see you later."

Aunt Paula

How Could I Forget?

I have 5 other titles in life also, first and foremost I am a child of God, I am also a daughter to my Mother, a sister to my 2 sisters and 2 brothers, and a Mother to my daughter, and Mother-in-law to my son-in-law. Wow those are some heavy duty titles to hold and live up too. My heavenly father never lets me down and loves me unconditionally. I am safe to say my family loves me unconditionally, also. I am also the "Chef". I love to cook.

Signing off for now to play games until time for bed. My motto is early to bed and late to rise. Lots of sleep, keeps you on your feet.

Aunt Paula

It's Been A Nana Day Today

I have had my little man with me today, Aidan Jeremiah. He has kissed and loved and cuddled with me all day. My heart just soars and is on cloud nine. Beginning this week, I will have one or the other of my "GRAND" children on Tuesday and Thursdays to help take the load off their other grandmother and economically help my kids out.

Back Again So Soon

I just remembered one of the umpteenth reasons I love being Aunt Paula and Nana. One word sums it up "CANDY", then send them home with their parents. Oh, I'm soooooooooooo Bad.

Tootles....................Aunt Paula/aka Nana

God Opens and Shuts Doors

I know the above statement to be a fact. Doors were literally open and shut in my house today. But oh what a delight. I only had to rest a little while following the visit today. Make no mistake though, while Caroline and Gracie went grocery shopping with their Mommy, I had the pleasure of Ryan and Ben ("THE BOYS") shuffling around on the floor acting their usual boyish way while playing a football game on Aunt Paula's TV.

I was also Nana at some point today and the oldest one is learning how to open and shut doors.

I just know with all the chapters in my life put together, it would be on New York's Best Seller list.

Blogging off for now.......................................................Aunt Paula

Goodmorning

It's a beautiful fall day. I'm so excited because my nieces and nephews are coming to see me today while their mother shops for groceries. I guess we all need food to keep our bodies fueled up and ready to go. My grandson, Aidan Jeremiah might come stay with me today also. Other than that, I will sit here in my recliner and watch the birds and squirrels bustle around gathering their food for the winter. Oh what a treat to see God's creation.

For now, I await the arrival of Ryan, Ben, Caroline and Gracie and my mother.

Good-Bye until later today...............................................Aunt Paula

Feeding The Squirrels and Birds

Who would have thought that doing something like feed the squirrels and birds would bring such joy into my life. My sister dug a box, probably 5 to 10 lbs of pecans, from her freezer and brought them to the cook. It turns out that they were not fit to cook with after two years in a deep freezer in a cardboard box. I have had the best time cracking those pecans and throwing them in the yard for the squirrels and birds. If I had not suffered the stroke, I most likely would not be going at a slow enough pace in life to "stop and smell the roses," so to say. I just love watching God's creatures doing what comes natural to them this time of the year. I have still yet to figure out how the squirrels get into acorns and nuts that have not been cracked for them.

If anyone out there knows, pleas reply.

The simple things in life are grand. All of them are God's creations.

God Bless...................................Aunt Paula

Back in the Groove

If a teenager, in today's world, heard me use this phrase, I would be looked at very strangely. I have been out of touch with my Heavenly Father for quite some time now. I attened a new church here in Tupelo, Ms last Sunday, mainly because my "GRAND"children were being dedicated to the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that the Lord knows his plans for us and I am a believer that He knew why He wanted me there. I went back on Wednesday night and again this Sunday. I fell in love with my Heavenly father all over again.

Our God is an Awesome God.

Aunt P

Our Family

The latest family photo. The newest member to our family is a "Harley Dude".

Look at baby Kim, always in another world. That's why her blog, "Kim's Khoas" just fits her to a tee.

Don't look too closely, the bowl full of jelly in the green t-shirt might start jiggling. Oh my word.

Aunt P

"MY THREE SISTERS"

Don't laugh, here we are, just a few years ago. Before my stroke. Dianne, Paula & Kim.

Going to bed on that note.

Aunt Paula

Aunt Paula or Nana????

As I have aged and I'm not very old, I have acquired the name of Aunt Paula to numerous children who are of no blood relation. It is really fun being called Aunt Paula and having all the special notes and items to collect from the children showing their affection to me. Now that I am a grandmother, it gets confusing whether I am Aunt Paula or Nana. Nothing can compare to some of the blessings I receive from my nieces and nephews. They write me notes and leave them where I can see them when I go to bed, like on my pillow. This just makes my heart soar. Keep up the good work guys and gals. I also know that there are many little prayer warriors out there on my behalf and that is a really good feeling.

For those of you who don't know my family, you are missing something, because they are grrrrEAT!!!!! I am so fortunate to have them.

Oh yeah, by the way, I like being Aunt Paula and Nana.

Signing off for now, I'll be back tomorrow.

Aunt Paula or is it Nana (They are both very important titles)

Ready or Not Here I Come

Okay, so I have finally arrived in this new world of technology. I just new if my baby sister could do this blogging thing, I could too. For those of you who don't know, my baby sister is the great author of Kim's Khoas. Now I know this is heavy stuff, but try to digest it slowly. So "Ready Or Not Here I Come!!!!!!!!" Aunt Paula has arrived. Hello to all of my fellow friends and bloggers.

Aunt Paula