Christmas week

I know, I know, I haven't been blogging much.

One of my new years resolutions will be not

only to blog almost daily but to have them full

of content, thoughts, meaningful things.

For this week, lots to do as we prepare to have our

little family Christmas on Saturday for lunch.

I cannot wait, this year I know my babies and Kd will

love their xmas gifts. As for the Bean, well

she is probably going to be overloaded here as well

as every other Christmas visit she attends.

Can't help but spoil that little baby on her

very first Christmas.

Today my pal, Megan is coming and play all day.

Have to get a corn soup on the fire for us for lunch

as I don't want to cook while we are playing.

Scrapbook room all day,

spent most of the day yesterday organizing so we

can find the things we need today.

I miss my Meg, can't wait to spend the day with her.

Guilbeau Christmas

Kd's parents were gracious enough to invite us

to their Guilbeau Christmas gathering yesterday.

They have always been so kind as to make us

a part of their family since BB and Kd married.

The food was delicious, the company was grand.

Watching the little ones open and enjoy their gifts

however, was the best part ever.

I know the bean is ours and so everything she does

is so fantastic to us.

Yet I do believe this child is much advanced for her age.

She is walking and has 5 or 6 teeth.

She understands the concept of unwrapping gifts.

She was the very best little girl yesterday as

was all her little cousins.

Having a conversation with one of Kd's little

7 year old cousins is what really reminded me

of the spirit of Santa in a little child's life.

I asked him what he wanted from Santa.

His answer,

"I want him to bring me magic so I can fly."

He did get a Harry Potter wand, so he may just

get the magic for Christmas.

Thanks to the Guilbeau's for a wonderful day.

(I apologize for my cackling laughter)

Holidays are really beginning..

HOBL is coming home today for 7 weeks!

These two little critters will be sooooo happy!

Now I will feel like the holiday is really beginning.

It is much deserved on his part as he has

worked way too much this year.

The house is quiet and I find myself looking

forward to the daily company.

Like I have said before, it's not

like we do much, we are both content to stay

home and do nothing but just knowing

each other is there is a good thing.

Wrapped all my Christmas presents yesterday.

Ordered Christmas Eve lunch for our little family

yesterday, opted out of cooking it myself,

going to let Rousse's do it instead.

Leaving Christmas day for Tennessee.

Pain is under control so life is really good right now.

Enjoy holiday season friends!

Manor Christmas party...

Every year Momma has a Christmas party at the manor.

This year, the siblings decided to all come because

it was so close to her birthday.

Rosie couldn't make it, dumb work;^)

The rest of the siblings were there plus a few extra.

Our family friend, Camille France was invited by

taunt Mone and he showed up to visit.

C came in a little late but made it!

She decorated momma's door for Christmas, her specialty.

Baby girl showed up...

she hates the pictures I take but this is always what

I get when taking her picture.

She said the solution is to pick up the camera,

yet that won't happen and she is constantly looking

at the pics on my camera, so I know she doesn't mean it.

The biggest surprise was that brother showed up and

brought along Cheryl, Em, Zachary and Abigail.

Abigail still lives in Em's belly but she was there.

Then there was me and my good ol' mommy...

This picture here is my very favorite by far....

Z loves his own Mommy!

It was a fun time and yesterday my Momma turned

91, how blessed we are to still have her.

Dementia, for her has been a blessing.

I leave you with this last picture of Z.

eating his fruits, such a cutie-patootie!!

Hope is with me again!

I made it to to Dr. Cowen's office on Thursday.

He is a chronic pain doctor who I have seen in the past.

He and Dr. Pitre consult often in regards

to how to treat my pain.

It makes me feel more comfortable to know

that two doctors are managing my pain

as I am always so fearful of addiction

to these medications.

It never seems to sink in when a doctor tells

me that people who worry about addiction are

not those who have addiction problems.

So after much thought, fears and painful days and nights

I am willing to finally, once again listen to the experts

and get back on the Duragesic patches that I have been so

afraid of in the past. Dr. Cowen reminds

me that he and Dr. Pitre will always be honest with me

and let me know if I am not handling this pain management

properly. He reminded me that I have a legitimate problem

and will need help with pain for the rest of my life.

He told me the one thing that I guess I needed to hear

once again, that made me want to cry right there in his office.

He looked me right in the eye and said,

"Lilly, you need to stop feeling quilty about needing these medications"

So, on that very afternoon I put on a patch and within 8 hours

my pain went from an 8 on the pain scale to a 4.

By the next morning my pain was a 2 and believe me, I can

live with a 2!

This morning I would say the pain is a 3 and the initial side effects

of the patch, dizziness, nausea, and feeling drunk seem to

be gone and I can tell you, I feel like getting out today.

I have not had this hopeful feeling for some time.

I can't drive again until tomorrow so one of

my besties, Laurie and the girls will pick me

up this afternoon to go to the movies.

I have a desire to get in my scraproom and play

and I have not felt like that in a long time

I am looking forward to HOBL and I's

vacation that will begin on Christmas day

as we are heading to Tennessee for a week,

a cabin in the mountains.

Life is hopeful again.

Thanks to all who have checked in with me

or have been praying for me to have better days.

Love to all,

and big, wet, aunt Jeannie kisses!!!