A Cats Tail

I've had many posts about my animal kids, and many have been about Andy. Regular readers are very familiar with him, and new readers, curious. So I decided to tell his story.

I worked at our humane society, and one of the things I did was take potential adopters back to see the animals. One day, a litter of kittens came in, that weren't your normal run of the mill cats. They were a litter of five. The homeliest of all was this little kitten, who rapidly tugged on my heartstrings. When I'd take people back to see the kittens and cats, he would be the butt of many a joke. I knew I had to bring him home, and give him a chance for a good life.

This is one of my favorite pictures, he was 7 weeks old. As you can see, Andy started out with much more hair. Being a Sphinx mix, gradually the hair fell out, and the real Andy appeared.

Now, that he is grown, his hair (or lack of) is what will always be. From day one, Andy has loved to ride on my shoulders, around the house, while I'm cooking or cleaning, or sitting down. I had to have him declawed on all fours because he would climb up my back.

Andy is the caretaker in the house. Toby and Tyler, my two toms I rescued from the yard after their mother, who was dropped off, gave birth to them under a piece of steel roof, are his charges. He stays close to both, bathes, and tends to their needs. He lets me know when they are out of food, and when the water bowl needs filled. And, he always lets them eat first.

So, no, Andy isn't your typical looking cat. I've been told many times that he has a face only a mother could love. I have to agree, I love Andy with all my heart. I don't see what others do, I see his heart. And it's big as gold.

Momma loves you Andy!!

In One Word,

Marilyn, Delights of the Heart, has an awesome blog. She has challenged her readers to come up with a word for the year. A word could sum up a goal or dream you have for the new year? An aspiration? I have a word, and on the first of January I'll reveal what it is.
Do you have a word? What do you aspire to in 2012? In just one word, think, what would it be?

Christ is Born

Joy to the World!
Merry Christmas to Everyone.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds...

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Another Year for a Timely Tradition

Again this year we continued our family tradition of filling gift bags for those forgotten at Christmas in a local nursing home. Each year, they look forward to our call asking for names. This year, we did 60 bags. Sixty. And that's not all that are with no one during the holidays.

It's so great to see the next generation so willing to help with the delivery! Jacob, Jordan, Kayla, and Jason were all on hand to load and unload.

And each child took load after load into the building,

under Ken's direction.

My sister Marlene always helps with the delivery also. And two large carts, two layers high, took the bags to be given to the patients Christmas Eve. Now, it feels like Christmas.

Away in a Manger

The Cats in the Hats

Catherine, of Corner of a Cats Mind,has an awesome cat called Banjo. He's a mischievous little fellow, and the topic of many of her posts. He's given me many smiles and laughs! Catherine posted this adorable picture of Banjo, on her blog. Well, I decided to put Andy in the Christmas spirit, and tried a hat on him.

Well, it isn't quite the same effect! But rest assured, Andy really is a happy guy, and truly wishes all of you a Merry Christmas!

Not the Bah Humbug that he appears to be.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Light four candles to watch for Messiah,

Let the light banish darkness.
He is coming, tell the glad tidings,
Let your lights be shining.

An Evening With Mom

Tonight was a night of celebration. It was the Christmas dinner for residents and their families at the center Mom has been moved to, and a celebration of her being back home.

The Regency knows how to throw a party! The evening started with shrimp cocktails, an assortment of cheese balls and crackers, and bread baskets.

The main course consisted of prime rib, asparagus, and real mashed potatoes. Pies were served for dessert, along with a wide choice of beverages.

However, getting to spend time with Mom, was the highlight of the evening for Ken and I,

and my sister Marlene.

There are 18 decorated trees, here we are in front of the one located in the Pub, where we sat for our dinner. It's estimated 400 people attended, with tables everywhere!

We were entertained by a wonderful pianist and vocalist.

And as the entertainment went on, Marti took Mom to the floor for a dance.

Mom loved it. So did those in the room. It was such a nice time, we hated for the evening to end. But with her only being a couple miles from our home, I'll be visiting almost daily. It's so good to have Mom back!

Help! I can't stop playing this!!

I dare you not to keep replaying! My dogs are lovin' it!

Source: tastefullyoffensive.com via Bob on Pinterest

Click on the picture and it will take you to the video!

Mom is Being Released!

We received very good news from Mom's doctors. She will be released from the hospital this week, to rehabilitation to regain her strength. Mom has improved so well, she no longer has to go into a nursing home, and will live with my sisters and I, splitting the time. We are so grateful for all the prayers and concern all of you have given my mother and our family. She's coming home!!

Third Sunday of Advent

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. Your prophets spoke of a day when the desert would blossom and waters would break forth in the wilderness. Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath. Strengthen our hearts as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. May he give water to all who thirst, for he is our light and our salvation. Blessed be God forever.

Light three candles to watch for Messiah,
Let the light banish darkness.
Lift your heads a lift high the gate-way
For the King of Glory.

The Second Sunday of Advent and Another Christmas Tradition

Second Sunday of Advent
Blessed are you, O Lord, ruler of the universe. John the Baptist calls all people to prepare the Lord's way for the kingdom of Heaven is near. Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath. Baptize us with the fire of you Spirit, that we may be a light shining in the darkness welcoming others as Christ has welcomed us, for he is our light and our salvation.
Blessed be God forever.

When we were growing up, each Sunday in Advent, Mom would light the candles and recite a prayer, always before we ate our Sunday dinner. It's another tradition my sisters and I have continued. I wish Mom were here to light the candles, I truly miss her.

Advent

Some years ago, my sister Kathy made her first Advent calendar. Each day of advent, an ornament verse was drawn from their pocket and hung on the small Advent tree. Since then, my sisters and I have made many a calendar for family members. This one, I made for my niece. These calendars are now a tradition in our family, and still being made for the kids as they grow.

From Mom to All of You

"Thank-you to all of you for your prayers and kind words. You have no idea how much it means to me to know how many people care. Please keep me in your prayers."

I agree Mom, and yes, prayers are always coming your way.