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.