If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I Peter 4:11
Mom has been tired and sleeping throughout most of the day. Jeannie came and sat with her for about five hours this afternoon so that I could get some errands run in town. She said Mom slept most of that time, too. She hasn’t had much appetite today, either. She had her usual breakfast – oatmeal and stewed prunes – but other than that has not been hungry. I fixed her a shake tonight because she didn’t want to eat. I didn’t want her to go to bed with an empty stomach.
I got her to bed, tucked her in, told her I loved her and kissed her good night. She told me good night and then said, “I love you, you’ve always been my favorite aunt!” I guess I will never get used to the many faces I wear for her. Most of the time I have no idea who I am anymore – as far as she is concerned. This disease is completely taking my Mother away from me and it’s difficult to experience.
The comfort that I have is in knowing that God hears and answers the many prayers for Mother to have comfort and peace. The confusion continues to take over more and more, but the anxiety over the confusion becomes less. She doesn’t realize a lot of the time that she is confused. The things she says and the things she sees are a reality to her.
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God (22) and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. (23) And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. (24) Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. I John 3:21-24
I’ve been working on scheduling a photographer for our family picture this year. We haven’t had one in two years. I think I’ve found the photographer I’d like to use, but I still have to decide on a location.
It’s hard to get all of our schedules figured out so that we are able to meet at the same time for a picture. I’ve heard back from all the kids except Toni. I hope that she and Jeff will be able to meet with us to have the picture done. It won’t really be a family group picture without them! I’d like to have the pictures back in time to send them out in Christmas cards, so we’ve got to get them done pretty soon.
Speaking of Christmas, I’m quite proud of myself this year! I actually have the couples’ gifts bought for Jeff and Toni, Michael and Elizabeth and Nick and Candace. I also have the gifts bought for all of the grandkids and I’ve even bought one for Jody! Chance is getting harder to buy for, but this year he said he wants DVDs. He gave me a list of about 20 DVDs he’d like to have. That makes it easy to get him what he wants. I’m sure we’ll also get him something else so that he’ll be surprised!
I’m glad to be almost finished. Most years, I’m out there fighting the crowds in December. I really don’t like crowds, so you’d think that I would do about anything to avoid getting stuck having to shop in December with the rest of the shoppers. I’ve outdone myself this year and hopefully I will be able to finish next month and completely avoid the holiday masses.
Mother will be easy this year, too. She is going to need warm gowns and robes/caftans, so that is the list I will give everyone. She has plenty of warm weather gowns, but not enough for cold weather. I made her a caftan out of fleece last year and she loves it because it’s so warm. I may see about making her a couple more for Christmas this year. She stays cold so much of the time and really needs the clothing to help her stay warm.
It’s Jeannie’s year to plan our Christmas get together and I’m anxious to see what she has planned. Last year was mine and we had a Mexican food menu and a guacamole contest with a prize for the winner. It was fun! We have so many get-togethers during the holidays with the traditional turkey and ham dinners that something out of the ordinary is always a nice change. We’ll see what Jeannie comes up with this year!
Chance and several friends went to Frightfest at Frontier City last night. They needed a chauffeur, so Michael and Elizabeth decided they would go, too. I guess they had a good time, although Elizabeth said it was crowded – lots of teenagers! I am very thankful that Chance has grown sisters (and brothers-in-law) who are willing to do the “fun” stuff. Jody was going to take the boys and drop them off and then go back and pick them up at closing time. Michael and Elizabeth made his life much easier – at least for last night!
It was nice to get out of the house for a while today! Although, next time I run errands I check the weather reports first! I left the house in a short-sleeved t-shirt and flip-flops and by the time I finished my errands, it was pretty chilly getting in and out of places!Thanks Jeannie – for sitting with Mom and giving me a much needed break!
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