Tom is at Peace

Our friend, Tom, passed away this morning at 8 a.m. He had a peaceful two days as he rested in a comatose state. We will miss him.

WOW..I Finally Have Christmas Lights

When I opened my eyes early this a.m., I felt a surge of energy. I hit the floor quickly...couldn't let this feeling pass! I've been sooooo behind this year...better get with it while the gettin' was good! Okay...still no tree, but I have lights on the mantle...does that count? I managed to get decorations in the living room, dining room, kitchen, and front hall...that was while also entertaining my 5-year-old granddaughter as her daddy watched football. She lives an hour away, but she wanted to see Grandma and Grandpa and spend the day. We had a good time. She helped me take decs out of the boxes, and she even went up into the attic with me to get Mr. and Mrs. Claus...she had asked about them and knew they were up there. So, Santa and Mrs. Claus are now proudly displayed, moving their arms and heads, and looking pretty spiffy.
The house is "beginning to look a lot like Christmas".... HOORAY ... I feel better!

Sad News Today

Today, Tom slipped into a coma. A Hospice nurse said he's very close to the end, and they'll just try to keep him comfortable. He's at home with his wife, many of her family members, and his two sons. Terry and I were going to go to Dallas at the first of next week to visit with Tom. We won't go now...his wife, Brenda, already has a houseful, and she doesn't really need more people to worry about. I pray that he's at peace, and I believe he is.

Time to Get With It

Last day of daycare until January 2nd! Now, I can concentrate on Christmas. I am SO behind...I'm finished with the four grandkids, and that's it!!! Maybe if I would quit yakking on here, sign off, make a list, and go to bed, I could go on a shopping spree all day tomorrow. Just in case you're interesed, here are my darling grandkids!!! They range in age from 5 to six months.

Looking for a kid's craft project for Christmas?

How about a cute, little snowman for your kids or grandkids to make at school, daycare, or just simply at your home? It's easy, inexpensive, and something kids would be proud to give to someone or to display at home as part of the family's decorations. If you're looking for a simple craft for kids before Christmas, just click on this URL:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/christmas/snowmanpaperplate/

Have fun! My daycare kids loved these little snowmen. To personalize each one, I used the kids' handprints for the snowman instead of mittens.

Night Owl

As you can see, I have a difficult time making myself go to bed. I start projects very late in the evening, then find myself up much past the hour I should be asleep. Oh, well! "I have miles to go before I sleep" (Robert Frost)

I just had fun making snowflakes online. Found the site through "Just Bee-Cause" blog. Click here if you want to make a snowflake.

Melancholy Thoughts

Tonight, I just want to tell you about our friend, Tom....

Tom was my husband's best friend in high school, the best man in our wedding in 1964, a realtor, and a great all-around guy. He is witty, charming, and entertaining. Tom and my husband, Terry, both ended up living in Texas...Tom in Dallas area, Terry in Austin area. At one time, many years went by without them being in touch, but occasionally we would find Tom again, stay in contact for awhile, then not hear from him for a long time. No matter how much time had gone by, Terry and Tom picked up where they left off, had a great time together, and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. Terry and I have been married for 42 years; Tom has been married four times. I only mention that, not because it matters to us how many wives Tom has had, but because his fourth wife is the love of his life. Tom is the happiest he's ever been... Brenda is the perfect woman for him, and he wishes he could have found her sooner. Tom has two grown sons from his third marriage...he is close to Tyler and Tommy...they live near Tom...he is a proud papa...he also has a daughter by his first marriage...she lives in Indiana and he doesn't know her as well, but they do have a "keep in touch" relationship.

Seeing Tom so happy and knowing he finally got it together made me and Terry happy, too. For the last six years, he has shown so much love for Brenda, so much peace with himself, so much satisfaction with everything in his life. Tom has been the Tom we knew so many years ago.

Just at the peak of this wonderful time in his life, Tom was diagnosed with throat cancer. He has been fighting the disease now for several months. We just found out today that the doctor has given him only a month or two more to live. He is at home, but Hospice started helping out today. Tom has shown a great attitude throughout his struggle; it is just so sad to see the deterioration of his physical strength and body. (Tom and Terry were basketball teammates in high school and avid golfers throughout their lives.)

Terry and I are going to Dallas next week to spend a day or two with Tom. We hope to be able to help out in some way. Tom, Brenda, and Tyler visited in our home just a few weeks ago, but Brenda says Tom has gone downhill a lot since we saw him. He told Brenda to tell us to come up anytime we want to, so we are going! Here's hoping we can bring Tom a little joy through our visit.

I wrote about Tom because I just felt the need to do so. Thanks for listening!