What a Weekend!

Jackie put this picture together of us "A happy family is but an earlier heaven." Saa-wwweeeeettt!

What a weekend, indeed! Thursday was my buildings Christmas party... had a good time.

Friday we took care of some projects at the house.

Saturday... We headed south again to see Emily. Jackie met us on the way down so she could get over to see her too. Em wasn't feeling very well. She was really tired and her stomach was unsettled again. Candy was there and the two of them had taken a couple of walks around the halls to try to build a little strength back into Emily's legs. She had a few more bumps and bruises than we expected from her fall on Thursday night, she really went down hard.

We are hoping she can be home for Christmas. After that, it will be back in for several treatments and eventually a bone marrow transplant. She is a tough kid, that is for sure!

After spending some time with Emily, we turned toward Waynesburg to see Jackie's concert. Jackie had to be back early, so after dropping her off at her car, Dawn and I got some Christmas shopping in. We actually found some stuff. SUCCESS!

Then it was off to the college for a fantastic concert! One of the numbers they sang/played was an arrangement of The Ukrainian Bell Carol (arranged by the band director at Waynesburg University) that incorporated a bell choir, the wind ensemble and the chorus. The chorus lined the aisles and it just happened that Jackie's spot to stand was within 5 feet of our seats! The arrangement was something very special, and of course, so was Jackie! The rest of the concert was a treat as well, Jackie and Mary couldn't quit giggling about who knows what?! I must admit, it was rather contagious!

Then it was back home - 2+ hours which put us home around 1am.

Sunday - up at 6am to get ready for church. I play in one of our worship teams which led worship in both services and Dawn helped with the hospitality. I also teach sunday school for an adult class which has been focusing on the Gospel of Luke. After the morning services at 12:30 we had a drama rehearsal, then home at 2pm.

Crazy yet? We thought it was time to settle in and relax a bit before heading back to the church for an evening of Christmas carols when we got a call from Mel (Dawn's dad) saying that Mom was not doing well at all. He had called hospice to come in and so we jumped in the truck to head to Erie. Mel sounded like he could use a little support and Mary was really struggling.

By the time that we got there, the nurse had already given Mary a couple of treatments and had her pretty relaxed and feeling more comfortable. But the struggles of the day had taken their toll on her so she was exhausted for the rest of the night. Let me tell you though, when we left, I got a hug from her that about popped my head off! Her lungs and breathing might be weak, but her arms are still really strong!

Tonight... catching up on some loose ends around the house again. You know, cleaning drains, putting screens up and storm windows down, ebay stuff, etc.

But now it is 10pm and it is most certainly time to turn in! Good night world.

God bless!