Mother's birthday

My son, d-i-l, and the two little granddaughters came to town to celebrate Nana's (my mother) 98th birthday at the nursing home. I reserved a table for all of us and bought a cake and had a message iced on it.


I got some cute little Christmas dresses for the girls. Such fun! They're red and white, so could be used for Valentine's Day, too.


They won't be here for Christmas; they will be going to her parents for the 25th, and our other son and his new wife will be going to her parents then, too. They were here for Thanksgiving. She hasn't been back to Texas since the wedding in July.

Unfortunately, both the girls got sick the day before Nana's birthday. The older one was coughing and had fever, and the baby was throwing up. Not fun for anyone. :-( :-(

We called our friends to pinch-hit, and they were able to join us for lunch with Mother. She had a very nice birthday, and was delighted with everything. She was sympathetic about the children, and fully understood why they couldn't come. I had wondered how much she would be able to understand. I never know how I'll find her from day to day.
The cake was pretty and delicious, and the meal was good, too. We had our choice of turkey or pork chops. Mother ate all her dinner, including the brownie that came with it, plus a big piece of cake! She ate every crumb! (Usually she has a very small appetite.)
The staff gathered around and sang Happy Birthday to Mother! That was so nice! She got pajamas, a cozy throw, and a Wedgwood cross (Christmas ornament), and also a bag was in her room and she couldn't tell me who it was from. All she said was "Freeman the hot dog people." (?) It contained a pair of slip-proof socks, a box of Puffs tissues, a chapstick, and a Grandma's cookie! Useful, practical, and delightful! No card.

We had a nice visit afterwards, just the two of us, but she was soon tired and wanted to lie down, so I left and told the nurse on my way out that she was ready for bed.

My son and his family arrived home safely, and today the girls were better. The fever and the nausea had gone, and the coughing had diminished. I hope they stay well!

(My hands were so full - cake, a bag of gifts, Mother's clean clothes that I had washed - that I forgot to take my camera!) Here is a picture from Thanksgiving dinner, with our older son and his bride:



and here is a picture of the portrait of the girls over the fireplace in their home: