Christmas is coming!

"Happy Happy Happy!" was the motto of the month for us! Christmas is coming along with a couple of Birthdays, so we need our party hats on our head and smiles on our faces! 

Our month actually started out kind of frustrating. A Red Tail Hawk decided to attack our chickens. It killed our two Silky chickens first, then an Americana chicken, then a Buff Orpington. We were NOT happy. Moreover this hawk is a protected bird. Hmph! The nerve! Our poor "girls" were scared and didn't want to be apart from us. And we worried each time we heard a squawk! We were told by the Fish and Wildlife Dept. that we could fire a few shots in the air, to scare the hawk. It seemed to work, at least for now. 

My birthday and Ashley's birthday always meant a lunch to celebrate. We went out and had a great time with some family and friends. That was a morale booster for Mom. She seemed to be getting a handle on things now. We had Christmas to plan for and we even did some shopping. Mom got a new dress to wear and some new nightgowns too. She helped me make a blanket for my husband and we chatted about what I was sewing for the family this year. We always had homemade gifts along with the bought-en ones. She was working on crocheting washcloths and I was sewing potholders, aprons and totes. Ann still came over and made items to help Mom be more comfortable. Her friend Linda came over too. It looked like we were going to have a happy month after all! 

Mom in her new blue dress, ready to have lunch with friends. 

Daniel helping "Nana" Mom wrap presents for Christmas. 

Mom on Christmas morning in her new nightgown! 

Our little tree! Nothing too big, or she can't drive around it! 

We played Christmas music all month long and sang along with joy in our heart! Well, ok, I sang and made Mom laugh! She was a better singer than I and I have a tendency to get a bit goofy on the traditional songs. Mom was planning what we should have for Christmas dinner, even though she could not eat any of it, she still enjoyed the smells of a great meal. We baked and decorated cookies. We shopped on line, and wrapped presents as they came in the mail. 

Mom actually became a bit more active this month. She was enjoying being involved in all the Holiday activities and the music helped too. She smiled more and laughed more and shook her finger at me more. Most likely she didn't approve of my dancing to the music.... hahahaha

It was good to see her this way. It was encouraging. We did have to face an ongoing issue with ALS though. She was having more and more trouble keeping herself up. Holding up her upper body was becoming difficult. Her muscles were weak and no longer communicating with her brain. So her faithful friend Ann, made supports for each side while she was in her chair and that helped tremendously. It was easier for Mom to breath with these supports and it also helped with her fatigue. She was getting more and more tired with each effort to support herself, now with what Ann made, she was able to sit up and not have to strain so much. 

Mom helping me with making the blanket for my husband. 

Christmas day was full of joy and laughter! We all enjoyed the company of each other and laughed at how Garrett was more interested in everyone's gifts but his own. He is quite the kid! Mom did outstanding! She was in a great mood and felt wonderful. She sat with us at each meal and chatted along with us as we ate. Christmas was as perfect as we could have asked for. We read the Christmas story out of the Bible and all prayed together. It was a Hallmark card in the making. 


December ended with a simple anniversary celebration for my husband and I. Mom was stable and comfortable. We were all full and satisfied. Life was going ok. We all welcomed the New Year and our expectations were positive and we believed our futures were bright.