With Christmas gone, the New Year beckons. With all the New Year resolutions we will try to keep. Like all of you we will set a new lot of goals that we hope to achieve. Still our major goal is to give those stem cells every opportunity to grow into something that will help Jill. She seems to find holding a conversation a little easier and we all notice the difference. The kids were thrilled to receive their hand written letters with their Christmas cards.
We had a belated Christmas dinner with the family all arriving on Boxing Day. Jill had plenty of chances to practice her telephone skills as all the kids phoned up to wish us a Happy Christmas and the usual tears followed. Goal for next year is Christmas on Christmas Day with the family. However we had a magnificent meal on wheels dinner on Christmas Day. Pat and the rest of the family had Christmas dinner at Kym’s and about 5 pm Mum and Pat arrived at our door with a Christmas plate – big enough for multiple meals. It certainly toped off a quiet day.
Boxing Day arrived with all the preparation of a Christmas day. We had turkey, roast pork, Chicken and ham to cook. As Chris and Nicole had a 6 hour drive it was decided that dinner was the go. Michael was the first to arrive – usually the last but no one had told him that dinner was the meal of the day, Allison and Chris arrived mid after noon and finally Chris and Nicole arrived about 4pm. It was Christmas Day for Jill with our family here with us, presents to open. We have always had Christmas stockings for the kids ever since they were born and this year was no different. We try to amongst the lollies and pop corn try to put little useful items – golf balls, tennis balls, car wash, skin care etc.
As an aid to Jill’s exercise I had read that the Wii games console would be beneficial. Allison purchased it for me. After dinner we set up the Wii as well as the Wii fit platform and for the next few hours had a great time exploring all the activities. We played tennis, ten pin bowling and lots of other things. Jill was very excited to be able to participate with the kids. Over the next few weeks we will have a chance to try out the various activities and hope that they will help in Jill’s co-ordination, balance and further her exercise regime.
I am certain that we have put on some weight – so one of those New Years resolutions will be to get back onto our CSIRO diet and stick with it. Saturday saw Michael, Allison and Chris leave to head home with lots of emotion and tears. Luckily we still have Chris and Nicole for a few more days. With the weather at 34C the swimming pool has been well used.
Everyone is still asleep and I am writing this with Jess and Jake sitting on the floor beside me. Still waiting for some more Christmas left over’s They will also have to Join Jill and I on the CSIRO diet.
We would like to thank every one for their Christmas cards and emails and their kinds wishes and continued encouragement
Next Thursday brings NEW YEARS DAY and for Jill and I another wedding anniversary to celebrate. – Jan 1 1966.
See you all on the net in 2009
Hi Mac & Jill
thanks for your xmas card, I am still reading your blog and gaining inspiration from it. Keep up the good work with exercising and have a great new year.