Jessie and Grandma

Jessie was not happy with me that we couldn't have our girls day out as we always do on Monday's because I needed to be at the hospital with grandma.  I told her she could have a brother/sister day out and Jon would take her for lunch.  She also wasn't very happy that she couldn't go see grandma.

So, Jon decided that he'd bring Jessie to the hospital and visit with grandma for awhile.  It actually turned out really well.  She was excited to see her, then was insistent that the two of us go to the cafeteria and get chicken.  So, that's what we did!  Our girls day out lunch was at the cafeteria at Troy Beaumont Hospital. 

At first I didn't think we'd make it because there was a very loud and rambunctious little boy ahead of us with a Sponge Bob back pack on.  Jessie began shutting down and refused to carry her tray.  I definitely couldn't carry 2 trays, my purse and grab hold of her.  A very nice hospital worker offered to carry Jessie's tray and followed us to a table (far away from the little boy).  She put down the tray, looked at me and said, "I have a sister with Downs."  She also looked at Jessie's tray and said, "She doesn't have enough ketchup or pop!"  How right she was!  I had 3 containers of ketchup and she needed more and she drank her bottle of pop and half of mine!

Bill said he was bored out of his mind today.  He also didn't feel really well, but I think he's just well enough to care that he's bored.  Know what I mean? 

Not A Normal Sunday

Diane spent the day at the hospital with mom until Jon took over in the afternoon.  Mom slept a great deal and was in alot of pain whenever anyone tried to move her.  No other news to relate.  Hospitals are extremely quite on weekends. 

Sunday's are usually a nice quiet day, with minimal work.  However, since I'll be at the hospital all day tomorrow, I washed clothes, vacuumed, and planned tomorrow's dinner.  Jess and I didn't listen to John Hagee, either, because he was promoting a movie.  Oh, well.

Bill felt better today than he did yesterday, which is great.  We're hoping tomorrow will be even better!

Just An Up-Date

Diane spent the night at the hospital with mom and I was there all day today.  Some of her high levels are coming down a bit, but still very high.  She's not in good shape, that's for sure.  Her cognitive abilities seem better - probably thanks to the antibiotics.  She still has kept her humor, too!  I'm hoping she has a good night's sleep, as well as Diane, me and the rest of the family.  We all suffered from lack of sleep and bad dreams last night.

Bill's not been well at all today.  Plastered to the couch again.  Very sick.  I feel bad that I couldn't be here to just sit with him, but I am so glad that Jon was able to be here and care for both Jessie and Bill.  We are blessed. 

Last May when Jessie spent the night in the hospital due to acute tonsilitis, we bought her a cute orange bear holding a basket with a "Get Well Soon" balloon in it.  When I told her that Grandma was in the hospital, she gasped, ran to her room, and returned with the orange bear.  "Here!" she said, "Grandma! Hospital!"  That just melted my heart.  It made my mom's day, too, because she remembered it, and asked me several times to thank Jessie.  Even in the midst of more trials, God just blesses us with things like this. 

Friday's Post Early Saturday Morning

It's 1:02 a.m. on Saturday morning and my eyes burn and I'm mentally and emotionally drained.  We had to call 911 for my mom around 9:20 p.m. as she had fallen in the utility room.  Diane's with her now in the ER.  She sent Jon and I home for the night.  Bless her.  I don't know anything about her condition other than it appears she may have another UTI.  I'll know more in the morning.

Day 2 after chemo has been hard for Bill.  He's slept alot.  Thankfully, the nausea hasn't been as bad because we were able to get the patches that he got several months ago.  Supposedly there was a national shortage of these patches, but Meijer's had them!  Go figure!  He's slept all day and so far this evening.  I had to leave him alone while I went to my mom's and the hospital.  I felt really bad having to do that, but what could I do? 

We would appreciate your prayers for my mom and for us.  Thanks!

Hiccups Galore

When Bill first had chemo 7 months ago, one of the side effects was hiccups.  When he began this series of chemo infusions he didn't have much of them.  Except this time.  He's had hiccups all day.  Peanut butter helped once, chicken noodle soup twice and a cookie a third time.  Very wierd.

The endocrinologist called today regarding Jessie's lab work we had done on Monday.  All was well except for a Vitamin D deficiency.  She's giving her a strong Vit. D prescription for awhile.  I asked her if there were any side effects and she said no, but then she said ... "She'll feel alot better!"  I wonder if this is the reason Jessie has been so difficult and unhappy.  We'll see in a few weeks, I guess.

Please pray for Randie's sister, Linda.  She had to be taken to the ER by 911 late yesterday afternoon because she couldn't breathe, they did a heart cath this morning and did a triple bypass heart surgery this afternoon.  She came through the surgery well.  Please pray that she will recouperate and heal quickly.  Thanks!

Jon's 4.5 Minute Interview

Thanks for praying for Jon's interview that he had today.  He knew in the first 30 seconds that it wasn't for him.  A definite answer to prayer.  The entire interview took 4.5 minutes.  He said it was like the commercial on tv about the points a woman is calling to redeem.  The guy answers and says: "Hello, this is Peggy.  How may I help you?"  The man who interviewed Jon was "June".  Way too funny.

Bill's infusions today went well.  As is usual, no blood flow out of the port so the special medicine had to be inserted and wait for 1/2 hour to work.  We got there at 8:30 am and left at 4:30 p.m.  Thanks to Wes and Gary, Bill's day was very pleasant and short.  I was able to leave for a couple of hours and go to a store and have lunch with Jon.  They weren't too busy in the afternoon so I got myself an infusion chair and took a 1 and 1/2 hour nap.  I kept my arms under my blankie, though, that's for sure!

Bill began with symptoms even before he left today.  Very fatigued.  Asleep on the couch almost all night and to bed early.  Thanks for your prayers.

Day Before Chemo

The day before chemo is usually a hard day with anticipation of what will happen after the infusions. Thanks to many friends, this day went by very fast. 

Our morning began with a meeting with a supervisor from the Department of Human Services regarding Jessie.  She comes every 6 months and it has been a pleasure getting to know her.  She is a very nice lady.

Bill's friend, Al, came and picked him up for lunch.  I went out to lunch with my friend, Andrea.  Jon went out to breakfast and went to "work" at church.  Shannon took Jessie to the Library.  

We celebrated Christmas with our good freinds, Al, Jane and Rachel.  They brought pizza, breadsticks, pop and salad.  I made a pumpkin pie.  It was a very nice evening.  Our friendship with them began around 11 years ago when Jane was a Special Needs Aide at our church and was assigned to Jessie.  Rachel was about 6 when she became Jessie's good friend.  They have done alot together.  Actually Jane, Rachel, Jessie and I have done alot together over the years.  We are blessed to have such wonderful friends. 

We count on your prayers for Bill tomorrow as he has his chemo treatment.  The beginning is always the worse.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.  Also, Jon applied for a job on line today, sent a resume and within a half-hour they called and he has an interview tomorrow.  Please pray that God will give him wisdom, peace and that it will be a very profitable interview.  Thanks, everyone!

Happy Birthday, JoAnne

Yesterday I didn't tell you much about our day, so I'll do so now.  My friend of almost 43 years, JoAnne, came and we celebrated Christmas and her birthday, which is tomorrow. We haven't been able to get together much in the past several months and it was nice just sitting and talking.

Today we had Girls Day Out and took Bill with us.  Post Office, Bank, Walgreen's, doctor's appointment for Jessie, blood work for Jess, lunch and finally home.  Took out the garbage, shoveled the back driveway, did 3 loads wash and did an hour of paperwork.  Jon spent the morning at my mom's and Bill enjoyed an evening out at the Men's Group at church tonight.  I'm pooped!

Seven Months - Not Six

I already told you that Bill had the better mind.  I proved it by letting you know in yesterday's post that our plans changed 6 months ago when it was really 7 months ago!  Sometimes I feel just so stupid.  Especially when Jessie is in an app on the iPad, I've never seen it before, she won't show me how to get there and I can't figure it out myself!!!!!

It All Began Six Months Ago Today

My Bill has the best brain.  He remembers dates, events, and a whole lot more than I do.  This morning he told me that six months ago today we found the blood clot in his arm, went to the doctor's, had an ultrasound and was admitted to the hospital.  Today is the day that our lives took on a different route than we had planned. 

For those of you that know me well, you know that I believe the Bible is the Word of God.  Whether I like everything I read in it is irrelevant.  It is the Truth.  Jeremiah 28:11 says:  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

I wonder what possible good the last six months have been.  We certainly haven't prospered financially, Bill has had terrible physical days, and for awhile we had no hope for a future together.  So, what about Jeremiah 28:11?  Do I believe it?  ABSOLUTELY!!!!! 

I trust God enough to know that He is faithful and that my life is part of His great plan.  God allows things to happen to us that we would normally call bad.  These past six months have been terrible.  However, we have seen God work in ways that we never would have seen otherwise.  God can be trusted for the plans that He has for us.  I only hope that I will be faithful enough to be the person He wants me to be, no matter if the plans that I have for myself and my family are not God's.  Looking back on my life, I KNOW that His plans have always been better than mine.  Praise His Holy Name!

Jessie

We have a wonderful daughter, but she has been a pain lately.  She's been yelling at us, telling us to "Shut Up!" or "Leave Me Alone!" (which is: ye me yeown).  Then she absolutely refuses to do something when we ask her to.  "No!" has been her standard answer, for several days now.  I haven't been able to figure out what her problem is, but she certainly is making life around here miserable. 

I woke up this morning with my eyes and face feeling like they were swollen.  By midmorning I had a sinus headache.  Felt better after a short nap, but it's beginning to feel uncomfortable again. 

Jon said all went well last night and he got home around 8:00 a.m. and went to bed until 12:30.  Bill had a fairly good day.  Nausea is almost gone, fatigue is still a problem.  Definitely not looking forward to next Wednesday!

A Blustery Day

What a beautiful day it was outside today.  Bright sunshine, sparkling snow, gorgeous scenery.  But, that wind!  My, it was awful!  Looks can be deceiving, and today sure was.  Bill had a doctor's appointment at 9:15 a.m. and I dropped him off at the door and parked the car.  I was frozen by the time I got inside. 

I had lunch with two very special friends, Janet and Karen, from my Morgan days.  It was wonderful being with them again and catching up.  It's hard to believe that I have been retired 10 1/2 years. 

Bill did some more work on his model, and went to Meijer's with me.  Jessie and Shannon went out to breakfast and Jon spent the day at church getting ready for tonight's teen lock-in.  He'll be home sometime in the morning.  As head of security for the teens, he's been doing quite alot of preparation work.  He's definitely my son - very organized.  He's a wonderful young man.

A Frustrating Day

My day's plans were made and Bill and I were ready to go out the door.  The phone rings and it is a doctor's office reminding me of an apointment on Monday for Jessie.  An adult endocrinologist.  I've had this appointment for 6 months on the calendar and I paid $30.13 four months ago to have the records copied and sent from her pediatric endocrinologist.  Guess what?  They've never received them, and "you don't really need them," the receiptionist said.  "Just bring a copy of her latest blood work."  (Which I don't have.)  I was NOT happy.  That was the beginning of my day.

We finally left to go to my mom's for the afternoon and I stopped at KFC to pick up some chicken pot pies.  They are really yummy and I knew my mom would enjoy something freshly made.  I paid the bill and noticed she took off some money and asked her why.  She said that she gave me the senior citizen's discount.  Oh, brother.  It's one thing when I ask for it, another when they give it to me!  Do you know what I mean?

Then, my mom wasn't as good as she has been in the past several weeks.  The dimentia was very pronounced and she mumbled alot.  Both Bill and I had headaches when we left and both of us took naps when we got home.  I think I'll just call it a day and look forward to a better tomorrow.  Hopefully.

The Week Is Half Over

I don't know about you, but my weeks just seem to fly by.  It doesn't matter what I'm doing, either.  Today Bill, Jon and I went to the Lakeside area to a couple stores then to the Olive Garden for lunch (Christmas gift card).  All three of us had the soup, salad and breadsticks.  The place was packed.  Service was slow but the food was good.

Shannon returned today.  It was great having her back.  It'll take Jess awhile to get back in to the swing of things again.  She has a difficult time whenever there's a change in routine. 

Bill has felt a bit sick all day and went to bed early again.  He had hoped that by now he'd be feeling alot better.  His next and last round of chemo is next Wednesday. 

It was great talking with you today, Caroline.  I'm glad you enjoy reading my blog and keeping up with us.

An OK Day

There really isn't much to say about today.  Got a few more things sorted and either thrown away or put in the Salvation Army bag.  Bill hung up a couple picture frames for me in our sitting area in our bedroom.  Jessie played on the iPad most of the day.  Jon was at church almost all day and evening.  I didn't do much but my joints were still uncomfortable.  Bill had a good morning, but at dinner time went down hill.  He is not feeling well at all.  Wonder what's up with that?  He went to bed early.  I'm on my way up, too.  Good night, all!

I Feel A Weather Change A Comin'

The first half of today was a nice, sunshiny day.  Very cold and crisp.  Bill and I were out for a couple hours this morning.  He had to have blood work for a doctor's appointment on Friday and get some paint for his model.  It was nice being out with Bill and he felt well, too!

Then all of a sudden I noticed that the blue sky was hidden by grey clouds.  There was a noticable change in the air - my joints, too!  Since then it's been down hill for me.  My joints hurt so much that there MUST be something on its way.  I can barely walk, and I don't think I over did it.  Could have, but don't think so.  Time will tell.

Happy 88th Birthday, Mom

Eighty-eight years ago today my mom was born to Arthur and Olive Taylor in Detroit, Michigan.  She was born in her grandparent's house, and named after her Aunt Hilda, who died of the flu when she was only 25 years old in 1920. 

I have been working on writing my mom's memoirs for the past several years, as well as trying to put her pictures in a scrapbook.  I really want to get them done.  Maybe this will be the year I'll be able to work on them.

Diane and Randie picked up Mom and they came for a soup and sandwich, carrot cake and ice cream lunch.  We had a very nice time.  We even played several rounds of Apples 2 Apples for Jessie. 

Bill had a good day today.  Very tired, but good.   

A Cleaning Frenzy

Ever since the first of the year I have been on a cleaning frenzy.  Probably because I haven't been doing much cleaning in the past year.  The first six months I spent in so much pain with my two herniated discs and the past six months I've been concentrating on Bill and my bad knee.  The garbage can is getting full and I'll have to make several trips to the Salvation Army. 

Speaking of the Salvation Army.  I stopped in there yesterday and only spent 50 cents!  My greatest fear about shopping there is that I will see something I really like, buy it and when I get home realize it was something I had before and donated!

Bill had a much better day today.  While Jon, Jess and I were having our hair cut and a Wendy's lunch, he visited Home Depot and Michael's.  He's still pretty tired, but the nausea has abated.   That makes for a great day.

A Much Better Day For Bill

Bill had a pretty good night's sleep last night and his day went better, too.  His friend, Phil, called him and picked him up and they went out to lunch.  He had a nice time.  It felt good for him to get out of the house.

Jon worked with Jess today, since Shannon wasn't here.  He also fixed dinner tonight.  I left at 10:50 a.m. and walked in the door to stay at 6:00 p.m.  Dinner was on the table.  I love it!  However, he told me not to get used to it.  I could though, couldn't you?  Sometimes I get so sick of thinking up meals then preparing them. It's nice when someone else does it. 

I spent the day with my mom and took her to get a permanent.  She was in dire need of a new doo, that's for sure.  As a matter of fact, we're all over due.  Jon, Jess and I will get our hair done tomorrow.  I also went to Kohl's.  I know I said I wouldn't go again, but I got a 30% off coupon in the mail.  Now I ask you, what would you do?  Exactly.  Shop.  I didn't get much, but a few items were ridiculously inexpensive.  I purchased a large photo frame, regulary $24.95 for $3.20.  I also bought a $14.99 front hall snowman rug for $1.60.  That's my kind of shopping!

Shopping Day

Thursday's are shopping days for Jessie.  However, Shannon will not be able to be with us for several days so Jess and I went to Meijer's grocery shopping instead.  It went very well.  She even managed not to have a melt down when a screaming child followed us down several isles.  Thursday's I usually go to my mom's, but I wasn't feeling well - alot of back, hip and knee pain.  Stayed home and rested. 

Please be in prayer for Shannon and Jeremy.  Shannon was several months pregnant and found out today that the baby had died.  They have wanted to have children for many years and this is a crushing blow to them.  Please pray for Shannon that she will recover well physically and that both Jeremy and Shannon will heal emotionally.  They are like family to us, and we hurt along with them. 

Bill didn't have a very good night's sleep.  Up for several hours, then had several bad bloody noses.  He's still got a very sore throat, too.  I know, because he's drinking HOT TEA, and he NEVER drinks it unless his throat is sore.  Quite nauseated, too.  Bummer.  Today is Day 8 and he was much better last month at this same time in the chemo cycle.  Maybe tomorrow will be better.

What Bill Needs

Ever since Bill was diagnosed with cancer, many people have told me to let them know if we need anything.  I reassure them that I will.  I won't hesitate to ask for help when needed.  Otherwise, how do people know you need help?

I do have a request.  Bill needs some male companionship.  He needs someone to call him and/or come and visit. This last round of chemo has been horrible, and the days are endless.  He does work on his models when he feels like it, but I know that a phone call or two, or a visit or three, would do wonders for him.  Thanks!  I know he'll appreciate hearing from you!

Today was baking day and Jessie picked cupcakes with worms on top from a children's cookbook I picked up for her last week at Kroger's (50% off the already low price!).  They were really yummy!  Nice job, Jess (and Shannon, too, of course!).

The last of the Christmas decorations are down.  The tree is back in its box in the garage for another year.  The snowmen are up - didn't put up that many, though.  It still looks pretty nice in here.

A Hard Day For Bill

Not the best of days, that's for sure.  Tired, nauseated, bone pain, crabby, sore throat, cabin fever and depressed.  The chemo that he's taking is the worst kind, and he's ready to be done with it.  Knowing that the cancer is at least still in the esophogus, he feels he needs to continue with the treatments.  He said it's like having the worst case of flu you could image, feeling a bit better in a couple weeks then knowing you have to do it all over again.  He had been given some patches for nausea a couple months ago, but there is a national shortage of them.  Wonder why?  They worked very well for him. 

Holiday Decorations

I know that it is the 10th of January, but I happen to really like Christmas decorations.  I've been slowly putting everything back in it's box and in the Christmas closet, and the only item left is the Christmas tree.  I will most likely finish it tomorrow.  Then, up go the snowmen.  Years ago we decided to decorate with snowmen in January and February because the house looked so bare after the Christmas decorations were taken down.  So, maybe by the end of the week we'll be surrounded by snowmen.  Goes along with tomorrow's weather forecast.

Not too bad of a day for Bill today.  He worked on his truck model, ventured outside to get the newspaper, and was only nauseated part of the day.  Great!

Sunday

Bill slept all night long and felt a little better this morning.  However, as the day wore on, he became sicker.  Still better than a couple of days ago, so this is great!  Had some bone pain and shoulder pain, too.  Day 4 ... done!

Jon went to church and Jess watched church on tv.  I sortof relaxed today.  Took a couple hours to get going this morning, fixed a nice dinner (had my mom here) then took Jessie's tree down.  Played on the iPad for awhile and was very happy when I got a 99 point word with Diane on Words With Friends.  However, she came back on me with a 108 point word.  Blast!

I Over Did It - Again

Several of you have asked me how my knee has been since my series of 3 shots in December.  My knee is MUCH better.  However, if I over do it by being on my feet all day, or going up and down stairs alot, it doesn't feel very good.  Like tonight.  I really over did it and both knees hurt.  Thankfully, tomorrow is Sunday and I am going to REST!

Bill looked and felt a bit better than yesterday and worked on his model some.  I sure hope he feels better tomorrow.  I miss his wise cracks and jokes! 

All's Quiet In The House

Bill was up about 5:30 a.m. today and seemed pretty good through the morning.  Unfortunately, it went severly downhill after that.  Extreme nausea like he's not had before and very cold.  He was in bed by 7:00 tonight.  I hope he can sleep most of the night and feel a bit better in the morning.  He also looked terrible. 

Jess went to bed at 9:00 and Jon at 9:45 p.m.  My quiet time is from 10:00 until about midnight, but tonight I have to do paperwork!  Yuchk!  Did I not mention before that I hate paperwork?  Especially this time of the year when we close out 2010 and begin 2011.  I feel so accomplished when I get it done, it's just getting started.  I guess that's the way with everything. 

Day 2 and A Puzzle Problem

Today is Day 2 for Bill.  He was up from 3:45 to 5:45 a.m. playing on the iPad because he couldn't sleep.  His morning went well, but it's been downhill since noon. 

 I spent a couple of hours at my mom's and it was the best time I've spent with her in many months.  We had a nice time together.  I praise God because she's been quite difficult lately and I don't always look forward to being there.  Today gave me hope that we might be able to have good times again.  My mom can be a fun person.

While I was gone, Jess and Shannon worked on a 100-piece puzzle that Jon gave Jessie for Christmas.  It took them 2 hours, but she did it!  Shannon said that when they were almost done with 12 pieces to go, Jess declared "All done!"  Shannon encouraged her to continue and she did.

 I took a picture for her because I knew she'd take it apart and I wanted it for her scrapbook.  When I went back upstairs I was so proud of her - she had taken it apart!  I figured I'd help her put it away so I grabbed the box and noticed that there were some pieces in there already.  I was even more excited that she had begun to put them away.  I finished putting them in the box, bent down to put them under her tree and noticed the other puzzle box Jon had given her was open ... AND EMPTY!  The pieces that were on the table was the next one she wanted to do!  Now we have one box with 200 puzzle pieces in it.  Sorry Shannon! 

A Long Day

Bill and I arrived at the doctor's office for his day of chemo at 8:30 a.m.  A little early for the 9:00 appointment but I wasn't sure what the roads would be like.  The nurse took us back at 9:00 but couldn't get a blood draw no matter what was tried.  She gave him a medication that breaks up any clots and a half-hour later, she got blood!

Infusion began at 10:00 a.m. and he was finished at 4:30 p.m.  A long day, but not bad.  Since we changed our day to Wednesday, there was a new group of people we had never seen before.  Met a very nice couple at the end of the day.  Maybe we'll meet sometime and encourage one another. 

Bill played on the iPad, finished listening to his book that he began several months ago and played Sudoku.  I finished one book and began another, looked through and read two magazines, went up and down the hall to the restroom many times and downstairs for breakfast and lunch.  Took a nap and about broke my neck.  Right now Bill's asleep on the couch.  The fatigue begins almost immediately after chemo.  Thanks for praying for us. 

Yogi Bear

Tomorrow is Bill's chemo day again so we had a mini date day.  Bill, Jon and I went and spent the rest of a MJR gift card we received Christmas 2009 and saw Yogi Bear (in 3D).  We had the entire show to ourselves, and it was a cute movie.  Lots of laughs.  They even had a roadrunner cartoon before the movie!  That brought back memories.

Once again, we ask for prayer for Bill that the nurse will be able to get a good blood draw from his port on the first try.  This is the only part of the entire day that Bill doesn't look forward to.  It hurts (sometimes they have to twist and dig to get the needle in the right place) and he usually has to do alot of physical moves to get a blood draw.  The longer it takes, the longer we're there.  Seven house is plenty. Thanks!

Cross Eyed Jess

Tonight at the dinner table Jess was acting really wierd and crossing her eyes.  Cute, ey?  She's been very angry lately.  Very angry and not nice.  I'm not sure of the cause, and she's had several melt-downs, too.  We'd appreciate prayer for her.  I sure wish she could tell me her feelings. 

Another busy day.  We're trying to get stuff done around the house because we know that Bill won't be feeling well again for a couple months.  He has chemo again on Wednesday.  We'd appreciate prayers as he is not looking forward to it.  I can't imagine what it feels like to know that after a certain date you won't be well for quite some time.  It's like your life stops and you just have to sit back and watch it go by.  Discouraging. 

Another Christmas Dinner

Bill was able to go to church today, and Jon went to both Sunday School (not called that anymore) and Church.  I stayed home with Jess and we watched church on tv.  Had some girl time then rested most of the day. 

Julie, Kylee and Lynzee came for dinner then we had our Christmas with them.  We have been so blessed to have them in our lives.  They are so much a part of our family.  We had a very nice evening.  Love you, girls! 

Happy New Year!

It's been a very nice day.  I brought my mom to our house around noon.  Chris, Eric and Sean joined us for a turkey dinner around 3:00.  I tried out my new 3-tray buffet warmer that Bill gave me for Christmas and it worked really well!  It kept the food very warm for second helpings.  The boys wiped out zombies for several hours then watched a movie.  Chris, Bill and I played Apples 2 Apples with Jess then the boys joined us for several rounds of Scrabble Slam.  It was alot of fun and I realized that I had missed something that I haven't seen in over 6 months ... Bill laughing really hard.  Granted, he's smiled and laughed, but not that hysterical laugh that I saw tonight.  It was great!