MORE CHRISTMAS-GOING TO THE DOGS...

Christmas morning was pretty exciting at my house. The Muse family arrived around 9:00 a.m. to enjoy a ham, eggs, gravy and biscuit breakfast. There was some excitement because of Sheyanne's new dog, Polly.

Tuff was not happy at all to have Miss Polly in his house. Looking at the pictures you can see that at no time were his ears up. He didn't feel well and certainly didn't want to share the attention with the new dog.

After breakfast we enjoyed exchanging gifts. The girls still insist on having a search gift. This year I had a gag gift and they were so disappointed at the end of their search. They were then given their final clue and the better gift had to be found. I keep thinking that one day they will out grow this tradition but each year they make sure that their big gift is a search gift. (I have ten clues hidden all over the house and they must search for clues until they find their gift.)

We had a great Christmas. There is nothing like sharing good food, exchanging gifts and enjoying each others company to have a great Christmas.

CHRISTMAS -2010

Tuff is still sick. He has tick fever and his Christmas was partly spent in the hospital. He is taking strong meds but continues to feel bad.

This is me and my precious daughter, Suzanne. She continues to brighten my life since she entered it in 1969.

This is Christmas night. Sheyanne is having so much fun trying to get all of us into the picture. Goofy bunch but oh, how I love them.

My two granddaughters really light up my life. They make me feel so special. I am so thankful to have these two lovely young ladies as my granddaughters.

These ladies are my sister-in-laws. I think my brothers did a great job of selecting wives. Jo is Ronnie's wife, Jeanna is Richard's wife, Jacque is Danny's wife and Paula is Tom's wife. (We lost Danny and Tom a few years back.)

These are the great-grand-kids of my mom and dad. Eight are missing because of previous arrangements. (Halton didn't want to corporate in the picture taking.)

These are the grandchildren of my mom and dad. Four were not able to attend the festivities.

This is my remaining two brothers. Ronnie is very ill and just today I received word that he is in intensive care with congestive heart problems.

We had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. I regret that everyone didn't get to attend the festivities because everything was so nice. Sonia and Kevin served as our host this year and everything turned out just great.

It seems that the season has brought with it so many health problems. Ronnie just can't seem to get to doing better and I worry so about him.

One of my very dear friends, Hariol, just got a very serious diagnosis and will be undergoing some major treatments in the near future. Hariol was one of the people that helped me the most when my husband was so sick. He was truly a life saver! Edna, his wife is a dear friend and has always been there for me.

Another dear friend, Helen, is suffering greatly with the health of her daughter. She has left her home to assist with the care of her daughter. My prayers are with her each day for the struggles this family is experiencing.

We have so much to be thankful for even with the sickness and heartache surrounding us. This time of the year brings back all of those lovely memories of times past. We remember those loved ones that have gone on before us but we also look forward to what the future holds for us in the coming year.

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE AGAIN...

Madasan and Suzanne

Sheyanne and Casey

I planned to put a picture of my midget tree on here but decided to wait for that and show you a picture of Shey and her new friend, Casey. She had several good pictures but this one was my favorite.

Sonia plans to have the Howards over for Christmas. Our family continues to grow and when we are all present we have a humongous crowd. We pretty well fill up a house. It can get pretty exciting with all of the little ones and all of the old ones...oh, that would be me. I forget that I am now the old one among our number.

I have my little midget tree up and all of my presents wrapped. The girls just about flipped when they saw that I had down sized my tree this year. They threatened to drag out the old one but I informed them that it went out with the trash after Christmas last year. When the gifts started piling up around the little tree they gradually decided it looked pretty good.

My dog, Tuff, is back in the hospital. This is his second round since being diagnosed with tick fever. He has been one sick dog and doesn't seem to be getting much better. The vet called today and said he was not showing much improvement but was eating a little better. It imazes me that I miss him. I fuss about him and then when he gets sick I worry about him. He has been sick off and on for the past three months. I fear that he will not make it because nothing seems to work with him. Dr. B. thinks steroid shots might do the trick but we will see.

I am rambling again tonight. I do that sometimes...especially when I don't have much to tell you. I did do one thing tonight. I went down the road to see my neighbor's decorations. If you are out searching for Christmas lights you don't want to miss the Harvill's place. They really did a fantastic job of decorating their place. It is worth the four mile drive to see all of their work. Beautiful!

I hope that all of you that check in on my world have the best Christmas ever. May the coming year bring you and yours much happiness and good health. Merry Christmas to all...

MADASAN IN ACTION

Madasan has swollen knees, bumps on her head, a swollen elbow, etc., etc. She gives it everything she has plus some. She comes out of the game all beat up but she loves it.

She has played with her team for several years. They started out in the Pee Wee program and have developed a great relationship. The only difference is changing coaches. Sometimes that can be a pretty difficult adjustment but Madasan seems to adjust pretty well.

When I go to the games I refuse to sit with my daughter and oldest granddaughter because they get a tad tooooo involved in the refereeing and coaching to suit me. I threaten to get them a whistle on occasions but it doesn't slow them down. Madasan also has the ability to tune them out and gets on with her game plan. (Ain't love grand???)

(Thanks to team moms for the excellent photos.)