I Need A Drink

If I were one to drink alcohol, tonight would be the night.  Just a few drinks, not too many.  I know that this doesn't sound nice, but it's the truth.  It's a good thing I'm allergic to alcohol.  And, I don't drink anyway.

My day began with Memphis bringing me my slipper and moaning and groaning like he was dying.  He's used to eating promptly at 8:00 and 4:00 and if that doesn't happen, oh, boy.  After I took care of him and helped Bill with his "breakfast" and medicine, Shannon called to say that she wasn't coming in.  Fast forward: she will not be able to come to work for at least a week, since she's on complete bed rest due to a medical situation. 

So started Jessie's melt down day.  Having Shannon miss a day here and there is OK, but not a week.  Now what?  God brought someone to mind who I've know for years who also cares for another friend's daughter.  We have the same fiscal intermediary, so she's already on payroll and she will be able to help us out.  Otherwise, with new state mandated rules and regulations, by the time I hired a new person and they went through all the training they are expected to have and I am to give, Shannon would have been back for weeks.  Thank you, God, for Sue.

Jon was home so I took Jess for her haircut appointment and I was also able to get mine done, too.  We had lunch at Wendy's in Romeo then came home.  By that time I had a splitting headache, so I sat down and slept for an hour with a rice pack on my eyes.  Then I had to take Mom S. to get her blood work done.  Returned home and fixed dinner then had a meeting with Sue at 7:00 to train her in Jessie's Plan. 

Tonight is the 31st of January so I've had to do payroll.  Been up and down stairs several times already because Jess wouldn't settle down and was keeping Jon awake.  He goes back to work tomorrow. 

Like I said, if I drank, I could use a drink.  However, instead, I'll just Thank God for all the blessings I had today instead:  (a) a new care giver for Jess  (b) I got my hair cut  (c) I had a nap and my headache went away  (d) I prepared a frozen dinner someone prepared for me earlier  (e) it was a beautiful day and a nice "warm" day to take Mom S. for her bloodwork  (f) no major pain for Bill today.  Thank you, Jesus, and Good Night!

Two Day Blogs

Yesterday was sort of a busy day, even though it was Sunday.  After Jess and I had our special breakfast, prayer time and a bath for her, she settled in with her videos.  Jane came and spent 4 hours with Jess and our psychologist came at 2:00 since he had to cancel Friday and Saturday.  I'm glad he came.  He always has some very insightful ideas for me.  Diane came and spent the afternoon and had dinner with us.

Jess has not been feeling very well for the past several days and toward bed time looked awful.  I got her to bed but figured I'd be up with her all night, so I didn't blog.  Went straight up and got things ready for bed.  Thankfully, she was only awake a couple times during the night.

Today I figured I'd better take her to the doctor.  Surprisingly, she has an ear infection.  I can't remember the last time, if ever, she's had one.  The last time she was sick was Mother's Day of 2010 and in the hospital with severe tonsilitis.

Bill's days are pretty much the same - sort of.  He's either in a little bit of pain or alot of pain.  He rests most of the day and listens to his music on the iPad.  Pretty boring.  Very monotonous. 

B I N G O

If you look closely at Memphis' mouth, you will see a bingo card.  He "stole" one of Jessie's while she was playing, then quietly went to the back door and just sat there until I saw him.  He picks up everything we drop.  He doesn't usually pick up Jessie's stuff that is already on the floor, but I guess he was bored.  He's been such a wonderful addition to our family.

Jane came for several hours today and played numerous games of Apples to Apples with Jessie.  I went to the post office and a quick run through McDonald's.  Jon worked and Bill had a much better day than yesterday.  Just a little pain in the morning.  Nothing serious.  We'll take it.

I'm Glad I Was Reminded Yesterday

In yesterday's post I was reminded that I don't have control over, nor can I solve all/most problems.  This morning Shannon asked us to pray for her husband's job.  The company he works for may close shop and combine with another one of their plants in Ohio.  For us this would be a disaster.  Shannon has been with us for 3 years and I know she won't be here forever, but having to replace Shannon will be next to impossible.  How do you replace someone that your daughter loves and who's part of the family?  What can I do about this?  Absolutely nothing other than to pray. 

We were all glad when Jon woke feeling really good.  He's scheduled to work the next 5 out of 6 days, so going to work well is a plus.

Bill had an absolutely horrible day.  He was in a great deal of pain and the medicine that we are giving him didn't help.  I called Hospice and the doctor changed his orders and after several more dosages of pain medications, he woke at 5:00 p.m. without any pain. 

I received a prayer letter from missionary friends of mine that I met in Africa when I was a special short-term missionary another life-time ago.  I am going to quote a paragraph because it spoke to me and reminded me that I am fully equipped for each day:

"Brian began teaching a Sunday School class on II Peter this month, and we have been reminded that, as believers, God has filled our baskets with everything we need for life and godliness.  As we open our baskets each morning in 2012, we may find some things that are unexpected, but we have the precious promise that nothing we need will be missing."

Again, thank you, Jesus, for reminders.

Jessie Laughed Tonight

Finally, just before Jess went to bed, I got her to laugh.  She was also calm enough to go to the grocery store earlier in the day, although it took them forever since she was wandering from item to item. 

Jon has the flu again.  Hopefully, since he feels a bit better tonight, it's only the 24-hour stomach flu.  With the pain medicine being given every 6 hours around the clock, Bill said he wasn't in so much pain as he has been.  That's a good thing. 

I'd like to share part of a devotional reading for today from "Jesus Calling", by Sarah Young:

Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life.  Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties.  This is a false hope!  As I told My disciples, "in the world you will have trouble".  Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven.  Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy

 into seeking Me: the Perfect One. 

I don't believe that I deserve a problem-free life.  No one does.  However, the thing I need to remember is that I can't solve all/most of my problems.  I need to daily seek the Perfect One and His presence and give my problems to Him to take care of.  He'll give me the wisdom I need, if I can do anything about a problem.  I'm glad for reminders.

Expectations

Last night when I went to bed I expected to have a better day today.  Can't blame me for that, can you? Well, as life goes, it wasn't what I had expected.  Jessie has had her 3rd straight day of being miserable.  That's the only way I can explain her behavior.  She's just plain miserable.  Yelling, screaming, banging on the floors, and mostly for no reason that we know.  Prayers for her would be greatly appreciated.

Bill's early morning was like it always is, but then he unexpectedly was in alot of stomach pain.  It lasted for hours and he, too, had a miserable day.  The Hospice doctor has recommended pain medication now around the clock.  I hope it helps. 

Chris came and we went out to a very late lunch then shopped at the Sears Apparel Outlet store on Hall Road.  The store wasn't what I had expected, but I did enjoy shopping.  Chris stayed for a hamburger and fries dinner.  Jess was in bed and asleep by 8:30.  I'm about ready to call it a night, too.  Pleasant dreams, everyone!

Do You Read My Blog?

That's what I have to ask anyone who visits or calls, because it seems that there are so many people who read my blog and remember more about my life than I do!  I'll have to save a few tidbits so that I'll have something new to tell people. 

We had several visitors today:  my friend, Amy and her mom, visited and brought dinner.  Bill's new Hospice nurse came, as well as a resident doctor doing some shadowing.  The Hospice Chaplain also visited.  Bill was awake a bit more than yesterday and listened to his music. 

Unfortunately, Jess didn't have a good day.  Not quite sure what to think.  Something awesome happened, though.  She was sitting on the floor in the living room, quietly coloring.  All of a sudden she started screaming and banging the floor.  Before we could react, Memphis got up and went over to her and she snapped right out of that mood.  Wow.  I have to think about this. 

A Very Upset Jessie

Our morning began with a meeting with Jessie's case worker.  Then she had a doctor's appointment "just to talk".  Unfortunately, the dr. threw in a blood test.  I really didn't think much of this, and it was very convenient to just walk next door and have it done in the lab.  NOT!  Jess could not handle doing something she didn't know about earlier.  She refused to have her blood taken.  She fought us and screamed.  I was so upset because it has taken us YEARS to get her used to having her blood taken willingly. Or at least without fighting and screaming.

We left and went to Wendy's where she was still so upset she bit her dessert spoon, broke it in two and cut her lip!  I ended up giving her some medication to calm her down and reviewed with her what we were going to do next:  bookstore, blood work (we went to the Tilch Beaumont building where she's used to the people), post office and home.  I kept telling her this and by the time she was called back, she was back to "normal". 

This incident proves to me what her psychologist said: Jessie is unable to handle change/surprise.  We need to tell her what is going to happen.  Such as, we constantly tell her that her daddy is going to go to Heaven.  Hopefully, this will help when the time comes for her to handle his leaving better. 

Speaking of her daddy, another crappy day and he slept most of the day.

Not Sure Who Looked Worse

Bill had a pretty rough day again.  Diane and Randie came to visit this afternoon and I don't know who looked worse.  Di or Bill.  Di said she wasn't sick, just tired, but she looked rough.  They stayed a little and then went home so Di could take a nap.  Hope she is much better in the morning!

Jon went out to breakfast then to the show.  My job today was to keep Jess quiet and occupied.  I kept her occupied, but she spent alot of the day screaming at us.  For some reason she was very angry.  Oh, well. 

Still Organizing

Last night I cleaned off the bed and put the stuff on the desk and where ever.  This morning I put them back on the bed figuring I'd finish putting it all away today.  Not.  Now I have to take them back off the bed and hope that I can put it all away tomorrow. 
I was dressed and ready for David today!  That's a big plus.  After Jon got up late this morning Jess and I went out for a bit.  Walgreen's, Post Office, Bellacino's and Target.  We came home and picked up Memphis and took him to the Pet Store and bought him a collar, harness, leash and a large bone.  I was a little stressed handling both Jess and the dog.  The dog wasn't too bad except he wanted the bone another customer had in their hand, and Jessie decided she wanted a guinea pig for her birthday.  Sorry, Jess, that will never happen.

Bill's day was OK, I guess.  Not too bad, not too good. Normal.  Pretty monotonous. 

Rearranging

Bill didn't have as good a day as the other day.  Quite a bit of pain again and fatigue.  There was a bright spot in his day though: Bob and Mike stopped by for a visit.  He enjoyed that. 

Jon was home so I went to breakfast with the girls then to Kohl's.  For the first time ever (gasp), I walked out of the store with nothing and I had a 30% off coupon to boot!  The rest of the day I rearranged.  Bill had a tall bookcase in the shed and I wanted it upstairs.  So, I traded my small one for his large one.  I'm still not finished.  Books are all over our bed.  However, the bookcases have been swapped and the reading area of our bedroom is clean.  Of course, it was more than I should have done and I feel it tonight.  Oh, well, you can't having something done without a little effort.  It does feel good to accomplish something. 

As Different As Day And Night

Having such a bad day as Bill had yesterday, we weren't quite sure what to expect today.  It was as different as day and night: no pain and he even cracked a few funnies.  He spent the day downstairs, played on the iPad and read the newspaper.  We'll take it.  Thank you, Jesus!

On the other hand, I didn't have a good morning.  Felt icky so I ended up taking a 1 1/2 hour nap.  Felt like my old self when I woke.  Maybe I was just overtired.  I was exhausted when I went to bed last night and didn't feel refreshed this morning. 

I enjoyed shoveling what little snow that fell.  However, it was freezing cold!  Diane told me tonight we're supposed to have 4-6" starting tomorrow afternoon, but I can't find anything that says more than a few inches.  I'll vote for just a few inches. Di wants more, as she got herself a big, new snowblower.  She needs to try it out. 

A Crappy Day Except For ...

A Few Earthly "Angels" Who Helped Me

Bill had a very bad day.  Very sick and in alot of back pain.  I gave him his "breakfast" at 9:00 and he didn't come back downstairs until 4:30 p.m.!  Poor guy, he was miserable.  It made me feel really bad.  I'm the type that likes to help and knowing that there isn't anything I can do to help him hurts me.  There's nothing I can do to change his situation.  That stinks.  I wanted to be with him all day, but I couldn't.

Shannon wasn't able to come to work, so Jess was all mine.  Which is great, but with her dad being so sick, it was a challenge to keep her quiet, occupied and happy.  I was a bit stressed when (Angel) Julie called to check up on me in the early afternoon.  She came and did a few things around the house then went to the store for me.  She also brought me a bouquet of flowers! 

My Stephen Minister (Angel) came and we had a good talk.  I needed to be reminded that the Holy Spirit is not a condeming God, He is a convicting God.  The devil just never quits, does he. 

Jon (Angel) was sent home early because of overstaffing, which has NEVER happened before.  He also helped around the house.  Just his presence helped me, too.

My far-away good friend, Doreen (Angel) texted me in the morning and told me she was praying for me and when I told her it was a "I need a hug day", she sent me several hugs and smooches through space.

Theresa (Angel) brought more frozen dinners from her family and teachers at Morgan Elem.  They have been indespensible.  Delicious, too.

Diane (Angel) called to see how Bill and everyone was doing.  I am thankful for a sister who calls often and helps when she can.  If I had told her that I needed a hug, she would have come.   

Thank you, God, for sending your angels to help me today.  I didn't have time to call anyone earlier for help (which I would have), and you sent them to me instead.  Thank you so very much for taking care of me.  And, thanks, for taking away Bill's pain.  He's much more comfortable tonight.

A Couple Visits

My friend, Kathy R., came by this morning and brought a delicious pork chop meal for dinner.  She was able to visit for awhile, then she prayed for Bill and sang.  It was such a special time for us.  Jon told me later that he and Shannon (who was upstairs with Jess and listening) both noticed that while Kathy sang the sun shone!  Thank you, Kathy.  Thank you, Jesus!

After Kathy left I had lunch with my friend Arlene, who I've know for many years.  Her husband, Ron, is having some physical difficulties and their lives are challenging, too.  We enjoyed each other's company and encouragement.

Jon enjoyed his day off.  Jess and Shannon went to the Library and Bill took naps. That wraps up another day. 

Shannon Better?

Unfortunately, Shannon called in this morning with a case of the flu.  That bent Jessie totally out of shape.  All day long, and I do mean ALL day long, she kept saying, "Shannon better?"  So, if you're reading this, Shannon, and you return tomorrow, she'll keep asking YOU, "Shannon better?"

Jess and I went to Wendy's for lunch, Office Depot, Family Christian Stores and Walgreen's.  Girl's Day Out, you know.  Jon finished his 3rd day in a row and has just one day off before he does a double.  Bill didn't sleep all that well last night but has slept most of today.  I'm not sure how that will affect his sleeping tonight.

A Day For Naps

Did I mention that Memphis knows when it's 8:00 a.m. and brings me my slippers?  He wants out and breakfast.  Great.  Just what we need - an early morning dog.  After I took care of him, I helped Bill with his "breakfast" then he went back to sleep for a couple hours.  Jess and I had our special Sunday breakfast then prayed.  She went back to her iPad and I went and laid down for another hour.  We finally came downstairs after noon. 

George and Mary visited for a while this afternoon.  Jess "played" Bingo and watched videos, and I took another nap!  That's the kind of day I like.  Jess watched me put pictures in our album from August through November.  Jon finished day 2 of 3 in a row.  Bill's had a half-good day.  We'll take it! 

An Embarassing Morning

What do I do every Saturday at 9:30?  I have a meeting with the psychologist from MORC who is helping me with Jessie's behavior, etc.  Every Saturday.  This morning I figured I would take it easy since Jane wasn't coming until 9:45 and I didn't really have to be dressed for them.  The doorbell rings at 9:30 and I wondered who in the world would be coming at 9:30 in the morning.  Duh!  I "ran" back upstairs and grabbed a housecoat and brushed my hair, which still looked like Albert Einstein's hair.  I was so embarassed that 1) I forgot and 2) I had to meet with him looking like I just got out of bed!  Not a good way to start my day.

Jane and Rachel spent the day with Jess and she had a really good day.  They went out to lunch at the Garden Grille and shopping at Kroger's.  They did an art project and played a VERY LONG game of Apples to Apples.  They also went for a long walk.  I'm sure Jess will sleep well tonight.

Chris came over and helped me take down the Christmas tree.  This project would have taken me about a week, but it was done in one day.  She also vacuumed and folded towels.  Thanks to Jane, we had fish and chips for dinner.  Thanks, Jane! 

Bill's day wasn't as good as the past several days, but not too bad.  Wes and Ortha dropped by for a few minutes in the afternoon.  Plus, the house was busy - I don't think he got his nap today. 

A Productive Morning

By noon I was back home.  I left at 9:00 and stopped at McDonald's for a carry out.  Nightengales to get the oil changed in the van.  Gas at Kroger's ($3.65!) then shopped at Kroger's.  Hallmark and bought a couple ornaments for next year at 60% off.  Post Office then home.  All would have been great if I hadn't tripped going into the house.  I have trouble sometimes lifing my feet high enough for the step.  I caught myself on my hands before my knees hit the floor but I wrenched my back a bit.  Motrin has helped.  Oh, well.  If Jon had been home he would have said that I cost him 10 pages of paperwork!

After I got home I declared a couple hours off.  I sat down with Jon and watched a Christmas movie I had him Tivo for me.  It was pretty good (Trading Christmas).

Bill had a pretty good day.  He even looked/still looks good.  What a gift!

Jessie's Blessings

Remember this picture I posted in September of Jess giving Grandma a blessing?  Today she blessed Memphis!  For some reason she really likes this dog and he is very good with her. 

I had a horrible morning with pain.  Most likely the weather.  The pain lasted well into noon.  I'm not too bad tonight, so I hope tomorrow morning will be better. 

Jon spent the day doing stuff at church.  I did a load of wash and spent most of the afternoon trying to get Christmas stuff put away and snowmen stuff out.  I still have to clean off our bed or I can't sleep there tonight.  Bill's day wasn't good like yesterday, but not too bad.  Pastor Garry and Robert visited and my long-time friend, Janet, came.  It was great catching up with her and her family.  We used to work together at Morgan and I sure do miss her and our talks. 

FOUND!

I knew that as soon as I posted about my lost pillow, I'd probably find it.  Sure enough.  I happened to open the middle section of one of the couches and there it was!  I didn't think it would fit in there because it was so thick, but I guessed wrong.  Oh, well.  At least I have my pillow back and I get the reward!

Bill had a better day today - wow!  That hasn't happened in a long time.  Jess spent time in the backyard again swinging and Jon went to work.  I'm trying to get the Christmas decorations down and the snowmen decorations up.  I hate to take down the tree.  It's so pretty and I love the lights.  Maybe this weekend.  We'll see.

Oh Where, Oh Where,

Has my pil - low gone?

Oh where, oh where can it be?

OK, this may not be on your top ten list of important things, but my new snowman pillow I bought for our new couch has disappeared, and I want it back!  We have looked high and low and it is nowhere to be found.  A large pillow just does NOT disappear on its own.  I have posted a reward.  If you know the where abouts of said pillow, please let me know.  Our couch is bare.

Tonight Jessie was on the floor trying to play with Memphis.  He was busy chewing a new toy we bought him.  He chewed off one end which is just a clump of rope.  Jess thought he had pooped because she started to gag and ran for the vacuum cleaner.  I had to vacuum the floor so she'd know that it was "clean now".  Too funny. 

A miserable day for Bill, but he wrapped up and I took him for a short drive this afternoon, enjoying a beautiful day.  He said it's been a couple weeks since he's been out of the house.  We took Memphis with us and he seemed to enjoy the short trip.  

OK, Jess. Just Go To Sleep!

That's what I've been saying for the last hour.  It seems that Jess wants Memphis to sleep in her room, but when I put him in there she kept saying, "Hi, Memphis!"  "Hi, Memphis!"  That won't work.  Then I went back in her room later and it was way too hot.  Changed from flannel pj's to fall ones.  I assumed that she would go right to sleep tonight because for the past 3 days she's been outside.  Today she was racing around the yard kicking the ball at Shannon.  Memphis doesn't fetch.  Go figure.  Probably part of his training. 

Girls day out was successful.  We've changed Shannon's schedule and she now works M-F so she went with us: post office, bank, Bellalcino's, Michael's, Target and the Dollar Store.  Jess had a really great time.  We had her laughing so hard she almost threw up at one point.  Oh, boy.  Guess we'll have to curb our fun.

I feel so bad for my wonderful husband.  Each day is a little bit worse than the day before.  No energy, sleeps alot, in pain and just plain miserable.  I wish there was something we all could do for him.  He's such a great guy.  He never complains. 

Headache

Not a very catchy title, that's for sure.  But a headache is what I've had off and on for the past 3 days and I'm not liking it.  It never really goes away - I can feel it all the time.  I don't usually get headaches anymore and I'm not very tolerant of them.  Maybe tomorrow will be better. 

Bill's days are filled with fatigue, pain and boredom.  Jessie's been very helpful toward her dad today and helped him get up and sat with him for a bit.  She also went outside to swing for about a half hour.  I sat in another swing and enjoyed the crisp air.  I'm working with Memphis in having him stay by Jessie and watch her.  Jon enjoyed going to the movies.  I miss church, and I know that Bill does, too.

A Down Day

I woke up hard this morning.  Do you know what I mean?  I think my body was in a deep sleep and wanted to stay there.  So, all day long I was exhausted.  Took several cat naps.  Went outside with Jess while she was in her swing.  Bill spent most of his time upstairs sleeping.  He's also been in quite a bit of pain.  Like I said.  A down day.

Meet Memphis

Today God blessed us with a new member of the family.  Memphis is his name.  He's a 6 year old white lab, and a former service dog.  He seems to fit in well and appears to be comfortable with us.  Jessie is thrilled to have another dog and Grandma doesn't even seem to mind. 

It's been a busy day.  Couple loads of wash (which reminds me that there is still a load in the dryer - where it will stay til morning) and a trip to Royal Oak to get Memphis.  Julie went with me and we had a fun time together. 

Ruth arrived this afternoon and will stay until Sunday.  Chris came for dinner and we enjoyed each other's company.  I'm pooped and I'm off to bed.  I hope everyone had a good day enjoying the beautiful weather.  When I was out I wore no coat and had a short sleeved top on.  Absolutely wonderful - especially for January. 

What Can I Say Tonight?

As I sit here looking at our beautiful Christmas tree, figuring out what to say tonight, I can't come up with much.  The one thing that I thought of blogging about Bill said it probably wouldn't be a good idea.  So, I'm left with a blank mind.  Not that a blank mind is anything new. 

We did have a couple visitors today: Randie visited Bill while I had an appointment, Pastor Garry visited and Diane brought dinner.  Cindy called today to check up on us and see if there was anything we needed.  Jay called Bill and plans to visit later this week.  Lois called from Haiti to see how we were doing.  She mentioned that it is the coldest she can remember it being there.  During the day it is in the upper 60's, but at night it goes down to 60 degrees.  It's also the rainy season, so it is a cold rain.  Brrrr!

Paper Work

I've mentioned a time or two about how I hate paper work.  It just never ends.  Both Bill and Jess have new prescription coverages for 2012, and the paper work they sent us is about 4" deep.  I made a folder for each of them and stuck it in the file cabinet.  Two days ago I got a phone call from a credit card company that I have a card with.  I use it for internet purchases only.  Unfortunately, it was compromised and a charge of $13,400.00 was attempted with some jewelers in California.  Not only is there paper work with this, phone calls from the fraud department, but the account has to be closed and a new card issued, which will take a couple weeks.  There's always something!

Please continue to pray for Bill as he declines more each day.  He is so tired of being tired and throwing up.  He craves a drink but can't swallow.  My husband is an awesome man.  He rarely complains.  I am so very sorry that he has to go through this.  It sure isn't what he had planned for his retirement years. 

Words From "Jesus Calling"

I am thankful for these words that I read this morning in "Jesus Calling":

Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence.  This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances.  Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world.  I am both with you and within you.  I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you.  There could never be another companion as devoted as I am. 

I strive to spend as much time as I can in His Presence daily. It is not an easy thing to do as my mind is consumed with what is happening around me.  I am thankful that Jesus is there anytime I come to Him.  I don't have to make an appointment.  He waits for me.  My devoted companion. 

"Jessie" not "Jessica"

Our Girl's Day Out began at Walgreen's to pick up prescriptions.  We were there longer than I had expected because of a change in prescription coverage for Jess.  She was getting a big antsy and for some reason I called her "Jessica", only to be loudly told by her that it is "JESSIE!"  OK, then. 

We went to KFC for something different for lunch.  As you can see, Jess was enjoying her chicken strips.  Half way through her meal, she even rolled up her sleeves.  I usually have to tell her to do it.  Not quite sure why she chose to do it herself?

From lunch we went to Walmart's then Michael's.  All in all, we had another great day together.  We both were ready for a break when we got home.

Bill slept quite a bit throughout the day and felt pretty rough.  Jon was in bed tonight at 7:00 p.m.  If he still has a job in the morning, he has 3 days straight to work.  

January 1, 2012

I wonder why we think that when one year ends and another begins, things will be better. We resolve to do this, do that, don't do this, don't do that, just to help make things better.  However, the same sickness we had on December 31 is the same one we wake up with on January 1. The same bad back we've had for years follows us into each new year. We hope that the coming year will be better than the past one, but is it?  It's what we make of each day that counts.  The calendar years don't matter.  We spend so much time trying to make one year better than another that we forget to enjoy the moment.  Let's concentrate on moments.  Tomorrow really isn't promised to us, now is it?  Forget about the year.  Seize the moment. 

The past several days have been challenging, and today wasn't any different:

Jon went to work with a 100.5 fever and they sent him home.  Prayers would be appreciated that the fever would go away, as it's been a week of fevers and chills.  The rest of the symptoms are gone.  Prayer would also be appreciated as he feels he is in jeopardy of losing his job.  He will be there 1 year on March 1, and he has no personal days until then.  All days that he has been absent he has presented them with either a doctor's or hospital note.  He says the policy states that they are still unexcused.  Please pray that they will not fire him.   

Jess has had several meltdowns and this morning another one, all due to Jon coughing, me clearing my throat and Bill not feeling or looking well.  I took her out for an unscheduled "Girls Day Out" to Target just to get her some fresh air - and me, too.  It helped alot.  We had a good time together and seized the moment!

Bill's days have been physically hard and getting harder.  Today he had chest pains on and off.   He doesn't feel like doing anything and doesn't.  It makes for a very long day.  He doesn't even feel like playing on the iPad.  That's unusual.