Sissy's Tree

When I was a small child, my step-sister passed away in a car accident. Someone sent a beautiful Norfolk Island Pine to her funeral and it ended up coming to our house. That Christmas, we decorated it with ornaments. That started a tradition and for many years, we decorated it each Christmas. We called it "Sissy's Tree" and my sister Virginia and I looked forward to decorating it each year.

I hadn't seen one of these trees (I assume it's actually a plant, but I'm gonna call it a tree) in many years. Just a few days before Christmas, John and I come across these beautiful trees and I told him the story of my sister. Having the wonderful husband that I have been blessed with, I ended up with one of these trees for Christmas.

Well, to keep a tradition of my family and to start a new tradition with John and Emalyn, we are now decorating our new Sissy's Tree for each holiday (or almost each holiday). We didn't decorate for Valentine's Day, so we are starting the decorating with Easter. As you can see, Emalyn really got into it and enjoyed it. I hope this is something that her, her daddy and I can enjoy for many years to come.

John's surgery

John had to have sinus surgery yesterday. It went smoothly and, so far, his recovery has been good. He come out of surgery feeling good and told us that he wanted to take home whatever pain medicine they had put in his IV...actually he told everyone in the post-op area...I don't think he realized just how loud he was talking!

Since we've gotten home, he has slept and ate a lot of pudding pops and other cold items. We were only up a couple hours during the night, so I think that's pretty good.

Emalyn stayed with her Meme and Papa lastnight, but she's coming home tonight, so I'll have my hands full with both of them wanting Mama to do what they want me to do and do it right now! But, that's ok, I miss my Poo.

I have attached some pictures of John...as you can see, Libby and Tazz Cat helped me take care of Daddy!

What 'cha doin', Mama?

Ok, so we still had ice in some places yesterday and I was in a parking lot trying to get to my car, holding Emalyn. Well, we had almost got to the car when my foot flew out from under me. I bumped Emalyn's head and then slammed my face into my car. When I say my face, I mean my right eye, my nose and my forehead. It hurt. So, I didn't fall and as I regain my balance, my daughter says to me "What 'cha doin', Mama?" I told her I was trying not to fall and her response is "Don't drop me, Mama." As I made sure that I didn't hurt her head when I bumped into her, I assured her that wouldn't happen and got her in the car. I went around the car and got in, got her strapped in and had to sit there for about 5 minutes to get my head cleared. I thought I was going to throw up or pass out...and during this time, Emalyn is sitting in the backseat eating pretzels and singing "Jesus Loves Me."

So, anyway, I'm fine and Emalyn's fine; I just have a headache. But, I just wanted to share what Emalyn's thoughts were as I was trying to knock myself out in a parking lot...with an audience. ;)

Oh, and John didn't seem worried about me when I got home...I still had to cook dinner, do the dishes and the laundry!