Happy New Year!!

First to the picture. I know it is not the most "ringing in the new year" photo, but it is an example of Mom's decorating for Christmas this year. She did a great job and don't be surprised if I share some more photos with you later on in future posts!

O.K. I am also a few hours early posting this wish, but it is still just as heartfelt! Here is hoping 2010 brings us each what we desire of the new year!! Everyone stay safe tonight! See you next year!!

Boy, when I disappear. . .

I disappear! I can't believe it has been so long since I updated my blog. Life, both the good and bad, gets in the way!

Quick updates - Grandaddy is doing well. He is back at the assisted living home, a place he calls his "home" and where he wants to be. It may not have been the best decision for him medically, but it was definitely the best decision for him mentally. At this point in his life, the family agrees his mental health is just as important as his physical health. Despite the insistence he go to a nursing home, the assisted living home is the best place for him. They can help him with what he needs (which is minor as he is still ambulatory, has a clear mind, and can do several things for himself). Plus, at the assisted living home he gets to continue living in his "home" which is equivalent to a studio apartment. He would not be happy in a nursing home. I am happy and at peace with the decision for him to stay at the assisted living home. So is he.

Dad is healing quite nicely from his surgery. He will be reevaluated as to therapy this week. They are telling him he is progressing well and that is definitely a good thing.

I am off work until the first of the year and am very thankful for that. I am looking forward to the holidays and spending quality time with both family and friends. If you are reading this, please don't forget what even the tiniest gesture can mean to someone. I just got back from visiting my elderly neighbors (who probably wouldn't like to be called that). I was so touched by how grateful they were that I came to visit them. I visit them fairly regularly in the summer and try to speak with them no less than every two weeks when the weather gets colder. This morning they made a big deal out of telling me how much it meant to them. That touched my heart. I knew they enjoyed the company, but I did not really understand until today how much it meant to them. What a Christmas gift for us all!!

Please keep. . .

my Grandaddy in your thoughts and prayers. He fell this week and has broken his pelvis. Any fall at age 94 is serious. However, Mom has assured me he is in good spirits despite this mishap. You may send my Mom some good thoughts and prayers as well. She would appreciate them also. We do know his break will not require surgery (at least that is what we have been told to date). I just know it will probably be a long recovery simply due to Grandaddy's age.

Just a note on my Dad as well. He is doing very well recuperating from his rotator cuff surgery. He can put his hands behind his head without any problem which, evidently, is a big thing. Seriously, I am very thankful he is healing like he is. I know it is not as fast as he wants, but he gets being patient (which is hard for him) is best for his recovery despite his frustration and desire to move faster and do more!

Poinsettia Gift Box Party Favors

Just listed on both eWillow and Etsy. I am thrilled with how these came out. They will hold about 2 ounces (or 10 Hershey minature candy bars). These were made using the Sweet Treat cartridge and some imagination on my part!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I had a wonderful time with family and friends. Now, I am back in the real world and trying to do fun things like getting my house straight and laundry!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

to all my family and friends! I hope you each have a wonderful day! Don't eat too much (which is always hard to do!) I am definitely thankful for each of you and am blessed to have the life I do!

Picture from Veteran's Day

This was the group picture of all the veterans at the celebration. Grandaddy is the one standing to the left of the stars on the flag. The lady in the front was the only female present who served and she was enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. I think there was one male veteran who was out with his family on this date and did not get in the picture. It was a nice celebration and I think all the veterans enjoyed it. We sang several songs including all the different theme songs, if you will, for each of the branches of service.

I am out of sorts today and am not accomplishing much at all. I think I just am not thrilled about going back to work after being off a week. I also probably should be doing some work I brought home, but I am not too excited about that either. We will see what I get accomplished today!

For my scrapbooking buds, Mom sent me the recipe for the ham for our Christmas celebration so I am good to go with that. Looking forward to it as we always have a good time!

In honor of Veteran's Day

I won't be accomplishing much creative today as I plan on spending the day with my 94-year old Grandaddy. He is a World War II veteran. The assisted living home where he is at is having a program for their veterans this morning. I am going to it, then eating lunch with Grandaddy, and hanging out with him (which means playing gin rummy) the rest of the day. Please try to take time today and remember our veterans, both past and present.