Jessie's Shannon

This afternoon after Jess and I (successfully) ate lunch out, we visited Shannon.  As you know, she had to leave us because she was put on bed rest after conceiving.  What I didn't tell you, because I had to wait until her family was told, was that she is having TRIPLETS.  That would be spelled:  THREE !!!  Currently she is doing very well.  She no longer is on bed rest, but is restricted in what she can do.  Please pray that the babies will continue to grow and they will be healthy when they are born (August sometime). 

Jess was so excited to see Shannon.  For one hour she wouldn't let her go.  Kept holding her hand, kissing her, hugging her and playing with her hair.  Looking at me and saying: "Shannon!"  "Shannon!"  "Shannon!"  When we left we visited Diane and Randie.  It was a nice "Girl's Day Out" afternoon. 

Church on TV

I'm usually up each morning around 8:00 p.m. except for Saturday and Sunday's.  Today Jess got up before 7:00 and said: "Church on tv!!"  She promptly turned tv on and changed channels for her church services.  Two hours later when I was up and ready to watch it with her, she decided she was done.  After all, she had been watching it for 2 hours!  Oh, well.

We had our usual morning breakfast together AFTER our fiasco in the kitchen.  Jess decided she wanted to help me with breakfast and everything was going well until she knocked into one of the refrigerator door shelves which went crashing to the floor.  The mayonnaise jar lid shattered, splattering mayonnaise on Jessie's leg, slipper and floor.  That wouldn't have been so bad except since Memphis is trained to pick up whatever is dropped, he was going for the shattered lid pieces.  Jess, being tactile sensitive was trying to get away from the mayonnaise on her slipper and shuffling around the kitchen gagging and leaving mayonnaise globs around the floor, which Memphis was helping to clean up.  It does sound funny, but it wasn't so funny this morning!

Jon took care of Jess while I met Jane for lunch then went to her church for a concert by Paul Saik.  He is an accomplished pianist, organist and tenor, performing both on Broaday and in Opera, as well as doing concerts across the U.S.  It was a great afternoon.

Grocery Shopping

Poor, Jess, she just didn't want to go to Kroger's with me.  She kept saying she was sick and that she needed to take a nap, which she did.  I proceeded to tell her we WERE going to go buy some ice cream (I was all out of Death By Chocolate !!!) and then come right home.  She seemed pretty good when we got there even though there were several (good and quiet) kids at the store.  We were just about finished when she kept saying "All done now!"  "All done!"  She was getting herself worked up.  We made it back to the van without a melt down.  I think it was successful. 

Jon went to the zoo with some friends today.  Pretty cold, but I guess alot of the animals were out.  I've done a load of wash, paperwork and played on the iPad.  Not much else. 

Jessie ... Happy ... Tired ... Crabby

For some reason, Jess has been very tired lately.  She's also been having some anxiety issues anticipating her being where kids might be.  Extra prayers for her would be appreciated.

Thursday's are generally shopping day but I needed the van yesterday so after Deb and Jess had breakfast, they went to Meijer's.  There were alot of pop bottles to return and it seems that Jess enjoyed the job of putting the bottles in the machine!  Shopping didn't go as well.  Maybe next week.  

The Blue Room

Our new blue room is functional!  The washer and dryer and sink have been installed and one load of wash is already done and dried.  Yah!  A huge THANKS to Bob who made Bill and my dream finally come true: a first floor laundry. 

I am very proud of myself, too, because I put together two 3-bin laundry sorters - all by myself.  Now, the box did say that no tools were required and it also said "easy assembly", but you know how that goes.  For once, the box was right, because I did it.  Yah, me!

I am so thankful for the talented people that I can call on to do the things that Bill used to do.  He was so gifted, was my Bill.  He could do anything.  Well, maybe not, but close.  He never worked on our vehicles.  That was about it, though. Thanks again, Bob!  (And Dorene, of course, who has done so much to make our rooms so beautiful. You are one gifted lady!)

Too Much Noise

The reality of having a first floor laundry room is getting closer.  Tonight Eric and James came and brought up the washer and dryer.  Jess was on the couch playing with her iPad and, apparently, they were making too much noise.  Not only was she laying on the couch, the foot rest out, the middle section open, but the massager was on, too.  What a kid.  She stayed under the blanket until after they left.  She ventured out and said, "Eric all done?"

A Day Of Traveling

I left the house at 9:50 a.m. and didn't return for the night until 7:30 p.m.  I went to breakfast with some friends, then we went to St. John Main to visit another friend.  We spent several hours there, I drove back and pulled in the driveway at 4:20, picked up Jess and left at 4:40 to get our hair cut.  I decided to get our hair cut before we look like shaggy dogs, or worse.  We met Chris at Wendy's for dinner then headed home.  I visited with Jon for a little while, he went upstairs and Jess is watching home movies and playing on her iPad.  I am finishing up here and going to sit down on the couch and "play" on my iPad, too.  I'm done traveling for the day.

Another Blustery Day

I am so glad that even though it blew and blew and blew, our power stayed on.  That would have made today a real bummer.

We had a meeting at 11:00 with Jessie's case worker, I did paperwork til 1:00 when Jess and I left to have lunch with Jane.   Dollar store and post office before we came home.

Jess played on her iPad, watched several movies, I cleaned out a drawer and organized some stuff.  The day is almost over.  Jon came home and we appreciate your prayers.  It was a good day for him.

I'm thankful for each one of you who have called to see how we are doing.  It is appreciated.

Jess and I had another great Sunday morning.  Here's a picture of our new table and chairs that are in my bedroom where we eat our breakfast.  We watched Charles Stanley for a bit then when I went downstairs to get breakfast, I could tell that it was another preacher since Jess was yelling: "Yah, John!"  (That would be John Hagee.)

Jane and Rachel came today so that I could go to church.  Because our church is in a series on marriage, I went to Julie, Kylee and Lynzee's church. It was nice and had a good sermon topic.  From there I had some lunch then went to The Christmas Tree store.  I almost NEVER shop on Sunday, and I was astonished to see that the store was packed.  I mean really packed.  In fact the entire Hall Road area was packed.  I next went to Target, but came up to the one by us where it wasn't so crowded. 

Jon had an extremely hard day at work and I would ask that you pray for him tomorrow. 

Another Change

Come on, now.  There have been enough changes in my life and I don't need another one - even though it's just my blog.  Everything has changes on it and I hope I'm successful in getting this posted.  AHHH!

I didn't post last night because I was just too lazy.  I realized when I sat down to blog that the computer wasn't even on and I didn't feel like waiting for it to turn on.  I was late in getting Jess to bed, so I just didn't do it. 

All's well.  Jon began another 3-day stretch.  No aides today so it was just Jess and me.  Quiet.  Real quiet.  Except when I let the dog out and he barks at something I can't see.  I did alot of paperwork and still have more to go.  Di and Randie came over after they had dinner out and we watched a movie on Jon's new tv. 

This is a very boring post.  Blah, blah, blah. 

Sewing

For those of you who REALLY know me, you are aware that if sewing is involved, I break out in a cold sweat.  Well, maybe not that, but you know that I DO NOT SEW.  I have many other talents.  Sewing is not one of them.  Not only do I end up bloody and with holes in my body, I HATE sewing.

I remember one shirt that Bill wore years ago had a ripped pocket.  It was hanging by only one corner.  A good work shirt.  It was like that for a long time and I kept thinking I should get my hot glue gun out and take care of it.  One day I noticed it was missing (the pocket).  Bill said he got tired of waiting for me to "take care of it".  Oh, well, it didn't look too bad with the missing pocket.

He would be very proud of me tonight.  My dining room table chairs have pads on them that used to have ties, which all pulled off and tore the corners.  They've looked so ratty lately that I removed the pads and was going to buy new ones.  Tonight I got out my sewing basket from the bottom of my bedroom closet and so far I have repaired 3 of the 6 seat pads.  AND, I've done a fairly good job.  I'm proud of myself.  No blood either!

Happy Jessie

It seems that Jess had a great day.  For baking day they made frosted brownies.  As you can see, Jess likes to lick the spoon.

It was such a beautiful day that beside the usual swinging, Deb and Jess drew on the sidewalk with chalk.  Jess usually gets really into what she is doing, and she needed an entire change of clothes when she was done!

Jon did a couple loads of wash, cut the front and back grass, weed wacked and did poop detail - not in that order, of course.  He's working on another ship model.  That is just way too tedious for me. 

I helped celebrate a friend's 56th birthday by taking her out to Red Lobster for lunch and then shopping.  What else would girlfriends do on a day out?

Tuesday

Some nights, like last night, words seem to flow and I have alot to say.  Tonight my brain doesn't seem to want to put the day together.  In a couple of months when I publish 3 months of my blog, I wonder what I would like to read in months and years to come about today.  Will it be important then that I went to McDonald's for breakfast?  Home Depot to buy a laundry tub and had a meltdown in the middle of the store?  Kohl's for a new purse for Jessie?  Meijer's to make a return?  The Post Office?  That I picked up my vacuum cleaner and went home and did paper work? 

Maybe I'll want to remember the young girl at McDonald's who took my order and asked me how I was and actually sounded like she cared.  Maybe I'll want to remember the reason I had a meltdown in Home Depot: one of Bill's "girl friends" that works there gave me an extra long hug and offered a listening ear anytime I needed one.

I know I'll also want to remember my lunch with my friend, Kathy.  It is so refreshing to talk to someone on a spiritual level about our daily walk with God.  I know I'll want to remember my hard working friends, Bob and Dorene, who are helping make my home more efficient for me.  And Debbie.  She may be Jessie's aide, but her daily hugs and care for ME I'll never forget. 

Meltdowns

Bob came over at 9:30 to discuss and begin our new "utility room".  While we were in the basement, which by the way had been totally dry before yesterday's torrential rains, he noticed a huge water problem where water was pouring in from a pipe that was from ????  He diverted it into one of our 3 sump pumps. 

At 10:00 I had a 1 1/2 hour annual assessment meeting for Jessie from the county to renew her services for another year.  From that I went upstairs to begin paperwork that should have been done on Friday.  At 1:00 when Debbie was getting ready to leave, we lost power, which really wasn't surprising because of the high winds.  Jon was out so I had him pick us up a special lunch (I cancelled Girls Day Out) and by that time an hour had passed and still no power.  At that moment I remembered the water in the basement and went to check.  Sure enough, one sump pump had already overflowed and the other one was on its way.

I am so thankful that Jon was home and he has alot of his dad's brains.  We got out the generator, several large extension cords and went to the basement to figure out how to get them up and running.  Now, you might be saying that I'm smart too.  Not.  Aloud I prayed that God would give Jon the knowledge he needed to figure it out and that he wouldn't be electrocuted.  Jon says:  "Mom, think about it - there's no power!"  Right.

We plugged in two sump pumps, had just finished pulling out the refrigerator and getting that hooked up, finished for the hundredth time telling Jessie she couldn't watch iTunes on her iPad because there wasn't any power, when the power came back on.  OK - reverse everything.

Lois brought a couple pizzas for dinner and I made a salad.  Later Jon retreated to his room, Jess wanted to stay in the family room on her iPad and Lois and I watched "We Bought A Zoo" on Jon's new tv in the living room.  Yesterday Jon and I watched "The Iron Lady".  I do not watch tv and I rarely watch movies.  Why did I have to pick 2 (they were both very good) that were totally centered around a person's death.  By the time I finished the zoo one tonight I was near a meltdown.

While I watched Lois leave, Jess got upset with her brother and she began crying so I decided that I would cry with her and get it over and done with.  I handed her a kleenex and I had one and we both had a cry.  Finally I said:  "All done.  No more sad.  Happy now!"  She looked at me, touched my face, looked in my eyes to see that I was serious, we both dried our eyes, held each other for awhile and had a bowl of ice cream ("Death By Chocolate").

Family Day

Jess was adament this Sunday morning that she wanted to watch the Catholic church service on tv.  So, John Hagee will have to wait for me next week.  We had breakfast on our new table in my bedroom.  She seemed to really like it.  After that we prayed and had a nice slow morning.  Jon went to church but I decided not to go because the topic was marriage.  Not that it's not important, I just wasn't ready to hear a message on marriage. 

The three of us went for a ride to Chesterfield around noon.  We ate lunch at Wendy's (in the parking lot!), went to Best Buy (Jess cowering in her wheelchair) and Penney's (Jon and Jess stayed in the van).  Jess is having difficulty again being out in public again.  Not a good thing.  Not sure what's going on.  She had a bad dream again last night, ended up in my bed and it took almost an hour to calm her down.  She was sure something had happened to me.  Speaking of bad dreams, both Jon and I had bad dreams last night, too  The kind that linger through the day in bits and pieces.   

Sister Date Day

I had a date day with my sister, Diane, Randie and her sister, Linda.  We met at the Aspen for lunch (Thanks, Di and Randie!) and very good conversation and company.  Oh, the food was good, too.

We went to the MCPA for "The Four Bitchin' Babes presents Diva Nation. Where music, laughter and girlfriends reign!".  I really wasn't sure what we had gotten outselves into, but it was great.  Four very talented, funny women entertained a packed house of 99% women audience.  I hope that the four of us can have dates more often.  It was nice to do something totally different. 

Jon worked in his new office filing and making the room his own.  Jane came and took Jess out to Wendy's for lunch then a fun day at home.  It's time to go upstairs and put Jess to bed.  Memphis is already snoring and it is harder to get him upstairs than Jess, and that's saying alot! 

Riding The Rail

Another nice, busy day.  Jess and Deb went to Garden for their breakfast out and I went to the Pantry with my friend, Karen.  Dorene was here painting and Jon worked.  When I got home I went to Home Depot and Walmart.  Even thought I used the electric carts to shop, I still had difficulty walking when I got home.  In alot of pain, too.  Bummer.  But, it was a profitable day.

Before Bill passed away he wasn't able to come downstairs so we decided that we'd buy a stair chair so he could spend his days in the family room.  Unfortunately, they were unable to install the chair so that he could use it.  Now that it has been inspected by the State, I can publish a picture of me "riding the rail", so to speak.  It has been worth every penny that we spent on it.  Stairs are terrible for my knee and I use it all the time.  It's awesome!

Bible Study

I was able to go back to Bible Study today for Lesson 3 (of 4) by Beth Moore on "I AM".  It was so good to be back again and I felt more like myself and was able to share during the small group discussions.  I NEVER go to Penny's, Jon and I went yesterday and I went with Andrea today - two days in a row.  It was such a beautiful morning and early afternoon before the clouds came rolling in and blocked the sun. 
Jon worked and Jess and Debbie went grocery shopping.  Chris came for dinner.  The week that Bill died she was here almost every night and I've missed her presence.  She's been "absent" for a couple weeks because her mother-in-law passed away (Mom's sister) then she had family in from out of town for the next week.  I finally got her back.  Missed you, Chris!

Not A Restful Day

Jon drove his mom all around town today.  It certainly wasn't a very restful day for him (me either!) since he has to work the next two days, but we had a good time together.  We left at 10:00 a.m., made 12 stops and arrived home around 4:00 p.m. One of our stops was having lunch with my friend, Nancy.  It was a very profitable day.  Everything we set out to do we accomplished.  We don't go down by Lakeside much but when we do, we do all the shopping we could possible need or want to do.  Needless to say, I can hardly walk tonight.  I also had to use my cane for most stops.  My ankles and knees aren't cooperating lately.

Jessie had a good day.  Since it was baking day, they made oatmeal raisin cookies. Then Debbie took Jessie to a local school to help pass out food from the Gleaners.  She wouldn't get out of the van because a Girl Scout troop was there helping, but she seemed to have a good time.  Maybe next time she'll get out of the van and help. 

A Super Busy Day

Jon had to work today and I guess all was well.  Jess and Debbie went to the Library and post office.  Our new furniture arrived from Art Van and it is beautiful.  When Grandma left, it cleared the bathroom, bedroom, living room and part of the kitchen.  It's all been repainted by my friend Dorene and looks really nice.  The bedroom is being turned into a laundry room/office.  I'll be so glad not to have to go down the basement to do wash. 

I also bought a small table and chairs for my bedroom on clearance.  It came too, only it had to be put together!  That was a surprise.  Thank you, Debbie!  I also did 2 loads of wash and TRIED to do my paperwork, only I never got to it.  So, after Jess goes to bed, that's what I'm going to be doing. 

Welcome Back, Debbie!

Debbie returned today from being gone a week.  I was very glad to see her.  Jessie was happy, too, until it became time for her to follow some instructions.  Then, the battle of wills began.  At 1:00 Jess and I left for our Girls Day Out lunch.  Unfortunately, that didn't go well either.  A young mother with two little girls and a baby followed us into Bellacino's.  Jessie began shutting down immediately and I could tell working up to a panic attack.  I asked the Mom if she was dining in and since they were, we had to leave.  We ate in the van in Home Depot's parking lot after Jessie finished her panic attack.  Not a good afternoon. 

Happy Easter !!!

There are two nights out of the year that Jess goes to bed early and without any trouble ... Christmas Eve and Easter Eve.  She knows that since she's a big girl now, Momma (and Daddy before) give her all the presents under the tree and Momma fills her Easter basket and hides it.  Santa and the Easter Bunny only go to houses with little kids.  Actually, I don't think she cares as long as she gets her "ten presents".  And, as you can see from this picture, she's happy.

Jon worked, so today was pretty quiet. Just Jess and me.  We began our morning at our friend's house (Don and Rox) for a special breakfast.  I appreciated that because I always fixed a special breakfast for us on Easter.  Then we came home and Jess went outside to swing. 

We were invited to Diane and Randie's for dinner but it would have been too much for Jessie.  Instead I took a nap, began reading a novel, Jess watched a DVD then we had a turkey dinner my friend, Theresa, brought over the other day.  It was very nice.  Jon got home at 8:00, opened his presents and retreated to his room.  The day is almost over.   It's been very nice.  Different, BUT nice.

I've forgotten to say that I got a call from the doctor's office a few days ago with the news that my CT scan was "normal".  That was great news, except no answer why I was in so much pain. 

Carpet Cleaning Day

Diane was here before 10:30 a.m. to clean our carpets.  However, before she could finish the first one, her machine broke.  Off to Home Depot she went and rented a cleaner.  Thanks so much, Di!  You did a beautiful job!

Jess and I went to the post office, to Target's parking lot for a picnic lunch, then we went to storage and brought home a few pieces of furniture that can be used in the living room.  Jess went swinging once again and I continued to vacuum all the carpets.  Also did several loads of wash. 

Nothing too much to relate.  I do have a problem, though.  It seems that the more I relax, the less I want to do anything.  This is not a good thing.  Resting is good, but things need to be done!

An Unexpectedly Hard Day

Our morning began early, as Bill and Billy arrived with a UHaul at 9:15 a.m. to take Mom's belongings to their home up north.  Jon and I had arranged quite a few people here to help and everything was loaded in 30 minutes!  Mom was with us for 19 years, so it is strange to go into three empty rooms.  I didn't think it would bother me or the kids, but I was wrong.

Jon's friend, Jacob, is home for a few days so they had a good time killing zombies and watching tv.  Jess and I went to Wendy's for lunch and then the post office.  Jess spent time out in her swing and I was with her.  I decided that since Jon has to work the next two days, we would go out to dinner.

The restaurant was almost empty.  We chose a booth in the back only to discover that it was right next to the live entertainer.  We moved.  All was well until a family came in with 2 loud children.  I'm not sure who was the loudest - the kids, the singer or Jessie.  Jess was working her way up to a full-blown panic attack.  I finished my meal with my right arm around her, eating with my left hand, one of her arms was clamped to the back of my neck the other the front.  Ever try eating while being stangeled?

By the time we got home, Jon was beside himself with disappointment that we couldn't have a nice family meal out, I was ready to go into a closet and scream, and Jess WAS screaming for food, pop and that she wanted to go outside.  I'm thankful that Jon remembered medication we have for Jess when she gets like this.  I sat on the couch with her for quite awhile.  It seems that the day was hard for her, too.  Seeing all Grandma's stuff leave bothered her, then it led into her wanting her Daddy to give her a hug.  We both cried.  Jon, too, was sad, as his grandma moved in when he was 4. 

Changes.  So many changes in so short a time.  We WILL be OK.  Just going to take a bit.

Because He Lives Part 2

Sorry - I hit the wrong key and couldn't figure out how to get back to my post.  Anyway ...

It was 4 weeks ago since Bill passed away.  The song was a gentle reminder that I CAN face tomorrow because my Savior Lives.  I knew that.  I know that.  I will live that. 

Because He Lives

While Jon took care of Jessie, I attended Aunt Wilma's funeral today.  The service was very nice and we sang three songs that were Wilma's favorites: Jesus Loves Me, It Is Well With My Soul and Because He Lives.  This last song was especially meaningful to me.  Many of you know the words, some of which are ...

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

Then live is worth the living, just because He lives!

It was 4 weeks ago today that Bill passed away.



What A Beautiful Day

Sue watched Jessie for several hours this afternoon and they went to Mae Stecker park and fed the ducks and geese.  Jess has never done that before and really had fun.  They also walked around the lake twice.  It was such a beautiful day for being outside.  Unfortunately, Jon was stuck inside working.  I went to the funeral home for Aunt Wilma with my friend, Laura, who is also a cousin of Chris'.  Before we got home we went to the cemetery to visit Bill's grave.  Like I said - a beautiful day!

CT Scan

I went early this morning for the "stat" CT scan the doctor wanted.  My friend, Andrea, drove me to the hospital, picked me up then we went to breakfast.  Jon took care of Jess.  This is the first time that I have done a major test without Bill being there.  We always went with each other when we had tests, and Bill had scores of them in the past 2 years.  It was strange being there alone.  Instead of sitting out where we usually sat, I went to the women's dressing room.  That was easier.  Plus, no one had to watch me drink the witch's brew.  I've not heard from the doctor's office yet, so I guess nothing is critical.  One could only hope anyway.

Sue came and took Jess out to lunch then they walked around the Washington Twp. track twice!  Right now she's sound asleep on the couch.  Great exercise. 

Here and There

Today the kids and I were here and there.  Post Office, bank and then a follow-up doctor's appointment that ended up with a schedule "stat" CT scan in the morning for me.  Great.  Just what I want to do.  The doctor still thinks it's diverticulitis.  I think it's a kidney stone.  We'll see who's the winner. I hope we're both wrong and it's just gas!

We had lunch at Wendy's followed by a quick visit to Hobby Lobby.  A couple stops later we were home and outside.  Jon cut the lawn, I was on pooper scooper detail and Jessie enjoyed her hammock.  Both Jess and I spent time on our iPads and I took a short nap.  Jon worked on cleaning up his room. 

Well, there you have it.  Another day has passed and it's time to put Jess to bed.  Like Bill used to do, we watch Mash then Home Improvement, which just ended.  Up stairs - here we come.

Church On TV

Before I even got out of bed this morning, Jessie was on her iPad listening to church on tv.  While we ate our breakfast together we watched John Hagee.  I was surprised to know that he is an accomplished musician and singer.  Jess and I sang songs then prayed.  It was a great morning. 

Jon went to early church and I felt a litle better so I decided I'd go to second service.  It was so nice being back in church.  I've missed it. 

I spent most of today doing Thank You cards.  I WILL finish tonight when Jess goes to bed.  They WILL be mailed in the morning.  That is my goal, and short of an earthquake, it will be done.  That's Plan A, anyway!