Motor Mouth

I just don't have any other words for Jessie today.  Since we got home this afternoon from a short outing, she hasn't stopped talking and most of the time very loudly.  She's very happy, just talkative. 

I took Jess to the post office, bank, Walgreen's, Kohl's (last day for my 30% off coupon!) and McDonald's.  We ate in the van at the twp. park.  She definitely didn't want to go to Kohl's, but I made her.  She was loud in there, too, but she managed not to have a panic attack.  Our psychologist said that the more we get her out and used to people, maybe one day she'll be dragging me!

Jon worked and had the entire floor to himself again.  He's tired. 

Thursday and Friday

Thursday ...  Paperwork, lunch out and visit with Chris K., short rest, pedicure and dinner out with Chris W.  Jess and Deb went to to Meijer's and it was a so-so successful outing. 

Friday ... Breakfast out for Jess and Debbie, then to 6 different stops.  Debbie is doing her best to get Jess out as much as possible.  We are trying to push her a little so that going out will be something that she will enjoy and not be so upset when we suggest going somewhere.

Jon and I went to breakfast, bank, blood work for Jon, Lincoln Memorial to see the boulder that I had ordered for Bill's grave.  (More on this later.)  Best Buy and Sam's Club, which was packed.  Everyone seemed to be buying for 4th of July celebrations or grad parties.  That about wraps up 2 days.  I bet your days were much more noteworthy. 

The Lost Picture

I posted this picture on my blog a minute ago, but for some reason it disappeared.  I wanted you to see Jess and how far she got on the boat. 

A Day At The Beach

Jess, Deb and I went to Holly today to visit my friend, Kathy.  She lives on a beautiful lake and Jess had an awesome time.  Me, too!

We had a nice lunch then Jess and Deb went in the water.  Kathy's husband, Roger, is a former Special Education teacher, and he tried for what seemed like an hour to get Jessie on his pontoon boat so we could go out on a ride.  She almost did it, as you can see from the picture.  One day we'll go back and try again. 

We are trying our best to get her out into society and not be afraid of people and especially kids.  

While Debbie watched Jess, I was able to go out on their pontoon boat for a nice ride.  A beautiful day.  Restful, peaceful and perfectly enjoyable in the company of good friends.  Thank You, Jesus! 

Out And About - Again

Well, I was out and about again.  Before Bill got sick, it was him and me that were out and about alot.  Now, it's just me, unless Jon goes with me.  I'm getting used to it, but I sure do miss his companionship (among a host of other things). 

At 9:30 I was in the dentist chair.  Not a nice place to be.  I think I'd rather visit the gynacologist than have to go through what all I went through today.  Granted, I haven't been in years to have my teeth cleaned or had a full set of xrays.  Now that I'm trying to back up and take care of myself, the dentist was on my list of to-do's.  Almost 2 hours later I was sprung, only to have a number of teeth that have to be fixed.  My philosophy is ... if it doesn't hurt, don't fix it.  Not theirs, though!  I'm going to have to take out a home equity loan to have my teeth fixed. 

Next I ate a quick breakfast in Romeo, made an even quicker visit to Salvation Army and then had my hair cut and touched up.  When I got home Jon whisked me away to Gander Mountain with him.  Finally got home around 5:00 p.m. 

Jessie is continuing to do better each day, although she's also trying to get a little more assertive again.  Like, "Mom SAID!" to Debbie or Jon if she doesn't want to do what they've asked her to do!  Today Debbie asked her if she wanted to go swinging, and instead of her "NO" or "Yes" she usually says, it was, "Not Yet!"  Cute.

120 Miles Later ...

we arrived home!  As you know, normally on Girl's Day Out, we go to Bellacino's for lunch then bank, post office or a store.  Today I decided we should eat lunch at home then take Jon and Memphis with us on an outing.

We took 23 Mile Road to Algonac State Park and let Jess swing on the swings for awhile, Memphis and Jon took a walk and I enjoyed watching them.  It was such a beautiful day today.  Blue skies, perfect temperature and a nice breeze.  Well, maybe a little stronger than a breeze, but still a very nice day. 

Kept going north to Marine City, St. Clair and finally Port Huron.  We had hoped to see alot of ships, but only saw one.  We had dinner at Wendy's in Port Huron then shopped at Cracker Barrell. 

Memphis had a big day today.  First he had a doctor's appointment for a physical and shots then we take him - for the first time - on this long drive.  I bet he hasn't quit moving yet when he closes his eyes!  He was great.  He seemed to enjoy himself, too.

I didn't get a chance to blog last night because I couldn't get an internet connection.  Both Jon and I were able to go to church.  I really enjoyed being there. 



BRAVE

While Jane took Jessie to Shadbush Nature Center and for a walk and picnic, Jon and I had a mini "date day".  We went to breakfast then saw the movie, Brave, in 3D.  Interestingly, there were more adults in the theatre than children.  Good thing, as I don't think I'd take my child to see this movie.  I liked the story line, but it was a bit violent at the end.  Ok for an adult.  Not so for little kids.

Jane said that Jessie did very well at the Center and even petted a frog.  She seemed very happy and wasn't too fixated on getting home.  I hope this will continue to be the pattern, as I want to travel.  It is hard to travel with someone who just wants to stay home and not do much, and creates a scene in public. We have a way to go, though. 

Power Outage

Those of you that read my blog daily will have noticed that there wasn't anything for last night.  That's because we didn't have power - again!  Yesterday afternoon around 3:00 we had a very unexpected "storm" blow through (and I do mean blow!) and it poured rain and hailed.  Some thunder, no lightning that I saw.  It was all over in less than 10 minutes.  We still had power until just before 5:00 when the sun was shining!  Wierd. 

Jon was working, so I called DTE to see when they expected it to come back on and the first answer was 8:00.  I decided to wait it out and not start the generator.  Jess and I ate watermelon and cheese and crackers for a snack until Jon picked up McDonald's for us on his way home.  By the time Jon got home it was getting dark and still no power so I got out our lanterns.  They were ALL working the last power outage, but last night - nothing.  Very frustrating.  I went to put batteries in the lanterns and discovered that some batteries had corroded in the drawer! 

Jon and I were just about ready to go get the generator running when it came back on around 8:45 p.m.  It was so hot and humid in the house it was unbearable.  Outside wasn't much better.  I am very thankful that it did come on and we didn't have to sleep on the couches.  Especially since Jon had to go to work today.

I went to my cousin Carol's yesterday and her brother, Curt, and daughter, Debbie, and I went out to lunch.  We had a nice visit. 

Today Debbie and Jess went to breakfast and then Meijer's shopping.  I stayed home and did paperwork and wash.  Later in the afternoon I went to the post office, bank and Kroger's for a few things. 

Right now it is very nice outside.  I've opened the windows and shut off the air conditioner.  Around 6:30, there was a wind shift with high winds.  It blew alot again.  I think it's also supposed to be alot cooler these next several days. 

Summer Book Club

Since Jessie was born we have been members of FEDS (Families Exploring Down Syndrome).  Even though we do not participate in their monthly meetings, I have gone to several special events.  Today I went to a Summer Reading Club for interested parents.  Our book topic is "The Guide To Good Health for Teens & Adults with Down Syndrome".

I purchased the book ahead of time and almost had heart failure - it cost $29.99 !!!! You know me, I LOVE to read, but I have never paid $30.00 for a book in my life.  Well, that I can remember, anyway.  Today we covered 2 chapters that we had previously read and I am so glad that I bought the book and had this opportunity to talk to other parents of teens with Down Syndrome.  Although our girls are as different as day and night, as other children are, there are so many similarities.  The other ladies gave me some great ideas to implement for Jessie's daily success. We'll be meeting again next month after reading the next 4 chapters.

Just Don't Look At The Thermometer

It sure was hot today.  However, I just kept going and didn't bother to look at the thermometer.  I learned that small "lesson" while I was in Haiti with Lois.  After it reached 90 in the house and there was no electricity, I decided that I didn't need to know how hot it was.  I was more miserable when I knew.  So, how hot was it today?

I had a gyn appointment then had lunch at Panera Bread. (I HATE paying $10.00 for lunch, but I'm tired of McDonalds.)  New Balance store, JoAnn Fabrics and KMart/Sears in Rochester.  Walgreen's, post office then home.  Jess had a great day with Debbie and did alot of things.  Jon worked and said that it was unbearably hot in the halls where he works.  I am grateful for our window air conditioners.  We sleep in comfort, which many people don't. 

Just Another Monday

There really isn't much to tell today.  Nothing funny happened.  Nothing note worthy.  Just a regular Monday.  Wash, paperwork, Bellacino's for lunch, more paperwork more wash. Oh, well!

A Pictoral Tribute To The Father Of Our Children





Happy Father's Day, Bill!

You are loved and missed!

Thank you for being a wonderful

Father to our children!

My Friend, Sherry

It was so good to connect with my very long-time friend, Sherry, tonight on the phone.  She lives in Georgia with her husband and 5 kids - the oldest getting married last month.  Sherry also has a daughter with Down Syndrome.  Now, how many best friends (over 30 years) do you know that have daughters with Downs?  We had a nice long talk and laughed about our daughter's antics.  My goal is to go visit Sherry and her family in October.  I hope it works out. 

Today was a better day for me, although I had to change my plans.  I wasn't up to going to a baby shower for Shannon (triplets are doing very well!).  Jon went with me to the grocery store then to Barnes and Noble to get a book I had ordered that came in. 

That's about it.  Jess had a good day with Jane today.

Second Down Day In A Row - Yuchk!

While Jessie is having some great days, I have been in a slump the past 2 days.  I've prayed and asked God to help me out because I don't like being here.  I'm really trying, so I hope tomorrow will be better.  Guess this is part of the grieving process.  Most of my days are very good, but I do know that emotions are like a roller coaster.  I just plain miss my Willie.

I took the van in to get the oil changed, tires rotated and a recall taken care of.  When I went to get back in the van to come home, the door wouldn't shut.  Seems the last time I was at the car wash it damaged my running board, pushed it up and when they put it on the hoist, it jammed into the door frame.  I either have to have it fixed and repainted or take off the running boards.  I had them specifically put on for Mom S. and Jessie, but neither one is using them.  Mom because she's up north and Jess because she just climbs in on her knees. 

I fixed a nice chicken dinner but stuck the noodles to the bottom of the pan.  Jess wouldn't even eat her chicken tonight and just wanted cereal.  Her eating pattern sure has changed.  I wouldn't give her cereal because I didn't damage the chicken!  She finally ate it. 

Another Appointment

Both Jess and I had a hard time getting up this morning and we were still in bed when Debbie came!  That's a little embarassing!  I had gotten up earlier and let the dog out and fed him, but then went back to bed just for a few minutes.  It was a little longer than a few minutes.

I had a kidney doctor appointment at 12:20.  Arrived there at 12:00 and didn't get to see him until 1:00 p.m.  That's so frustrating.  My next stop was to the Outpatient center to get supplies for a 24-hour urine test and I had to wait there for almost a half hour!  I figured I'd jump on the expressway and stop at Meijer's on the way home.  Not.  Bad accident that had M-53 backed up for miles.  I was able to go 5mph, though.  For 3 miles.  I discovered that you don't have to have your hands on the wheel when you are going 5mph.  I got off early at 23 Mile and still didn't see any accident, although a wrecker and ambulance had gone by earlier.

I never did make it to Meijer's.  I went home and took a nap instead.  Hopefully, I'll get there tomorrow.  That's about it.  Oh, yes.  Jess and Debbie went on a walk and had a nice time.  Another good day for our Jess.  In fact, there are times she is SO good and does something that I've never seen her do before, that I'm wondering if someone replaced her with a clone? 

Surgery Went Well

Diane's shoulder surgery went well.  They thought she had a tear but it turned out "only" to be arthritis and cartiledge that needed removing.  I went to see her tonight at home and she was doing well ... most likely because she's hooked up to a continous pain medication pump - right into her neck!  Eeuw!  She's in no pain, but doesn't like it that she can not feel her arm at all.  It's not numb, just "dead".  It's a terrible feeling, she said, to try to move it and nothing moves. 

Jessie had another good day.  In fact, we're not sure if this IS Jessie!  Debbie had her remove clean dishes from the dish washer and put dirty ones in, then Jess noticied (on her own) that I had brought down the dirty clothes hamper.  She took all those clothes out and put them in the hampers in the laundry room.  They went today to help at the Gleaner's Food Distribution, and although she wouldn't get out of the van, she had several girls who came in the van to see her and she seemed fine with them.  Things definitely are looking up!  Thank you for your constant prayers.

H & V Testing

That would be Heart and Vascular.  I went to TBH today to have 7 H&V tests done as preventative "maintenance".  They do these tests to see if you are at risk of heart attack/and or stroke.  Insurance doesn't cover any tests and the charge is only $70.00.  Not a bad deal.  I  will get the final results in 2 weeks.  I also had an endocrinologist appointment 3 hours later.  In between I went to Lowe's, Salvation Army and Barnes and Noble.  Tonight, I am pooped.

Jess, once again, has had a good day.  When we started her on the anti anxiety medicine last week the doctor said that we should see a change in 3 to 4 weeks.  I'm sure no medical professional will believe me, but the change in her attitude has been within days of taking this medicine.  She's asked to do something and she stops for a moment than says, "OK", rather than screaming, then does it.  Please keep praying that this change would be permanent.  That would be nice for us, but especially for her.

Diane's surgery is scheduled for noon tomorrow.  Thank you to everyone that is praying for her.

Have I Said This Before?

Have I mentioned before that I REALLY like our new first floor laundry room/Jon's office/work room?  I can do a load of wash whenever I want.  Before I wouldn't go to the basement if I was home alone or if everyone was sleeping.  Not to mention the wear and tear on my knees going up and down so much.  Well, if I haven't said it before, let me say it now:  I REALLY like our new laundry room!!!!!

Jon and I went to breakfast then to Target to purchase baby gifts for Shannon's baby shower on Saturday.  She's having triplets, but I don't think I told you that she is having 2 girls and a boy.  Should be an interesting household in a few years!  That poor boy.  He's gonna have 3 moms!

Jess and I went to Bellacino's for lunch and my friend, Mary, joined us.  We had a nice chat when we returned.  Jess has had yet another good day.  This is almost too good to be true.  She's been so much happier.  Let's hope it continues. 

Jessie's Birthday Party Day

Yesterday we celebrated Jessie's 22nd birthday with a small party at 6:00 p.m.  First of all, I need to THANK Jon for all he did in getting us ready.  While I worked outside, he dusted, vacuumed, cleaned bathrooms and watched Jessie.  Because of his help, I was able to sit down and relax a little before the party began.

Jess had such a great time.  First we ate pizza and salad.  She opened her presents and then we ate cake and ice cream.  She was in a great mood and all went well.  I think everyone had a good time, too!

We always have Jessie's party on what used to be Super Sunday in Washington.  Now, it's a 4-day extravaganza and last night was the second year in a row of fireworks.  Again, 27 minutes of wonderful fireworks.  All we had to do was bring our chairs to the side of the house and we had a great view of everything. 

Today, Jessie has had another great day.  She's been very happy and has spent alot of time in her bedroom watching and reorganizing videos and DVD's.  I'm not sure what her method is, but they're NOT in alphabetical order.  But, the main thing is, she's been very happy and hasn't complained or screamed all today.  That, is something to write about, for sure!

This coming week looks busy for me.  I have alot of doctor appointments and tests.  PLUS, please pray for my sister, Diane, as she is scheduled for shoulder surgery on Wednesday.  Please pray that it would be successful and her recovery will be good.  Thanks!

A Frustrating Day

The only word to describe today is frustrating.  Jess was up very early with a toothache and after she was feeling better from tylenol, I went back to bed and overslept.  I joined Debbie and Jessie for breakfast, only we were about an hour behind.  My french toast was soggie.  We went to the post office where I got a letter from Social Security double checking on Jessie's disability to see if it's changed any.  Last time I knew, once Down Syndrome, always Down Syndrome.  I guess I'll have to remind them.  Again!

We went to Jessie's psychiatrist today where we were early, she was late and took someone else before us.  We waited almost an hour before we were seen for about 15 minutes.  We've put Jess on some anti anxiety medication.  Please pray that this will greatly help her. 

We went to Kohl's bra shopping.  Thanks to Debbie, she got a few that we thought Jess could wear, only she wouldn't cooperate at all in trying them on.  That was it for me.  Bra shopping done for today.  At check out for a small flag I bought for $5.00, Jess was hanging all over me and I about lost it.  I sent her to the van with Debbie and I ended up yelling at the cashier about some bras that I had taken the tags off to try them on.  Of course, I apologized, and she said it was OK.  "No", I said, "it's not OK for me to yell at you because I'm having a bad day with my daughter."  AHHHHHHHHH!

When we got home I went upstairs to eat lunch and do some paperwork, which is still on the desk.  I decided to rest but just as I was about to sit down, I was needed outside.  By the time I got done, it was time for Debbie to go and I had to stay downstairs with Jess. 

The psychologist had to cancel for tonight, and he also told me that his authorization to continue with Jess ended May 31.  Man - what else could go wrong today?

Dinner.  That's what.  Jess and I had 2 left over hot dogs and I attempted to make box macaroni and cheese in my new Tupperware pasta maker.  It was a disaster - it turned out like GLUE!  We just had a bigger bowl of ice cream.

Like I said ... F R U S T R A T I N G !!!

Happy 22nd Birthday, Jessie!

We had one happy girl today, that's for sure.  It began with me singing her Happy Birthday and having her breakfast on the deck.  She and Debbie went to Meijer's (didn't do well there, tho) and bought items for her party on Saturday.  They drove through McDonald's for a kid's meal then had a fun afternoon of videos and magazines.  Jon and I took her to Wendy's for her chicken nugget dinner.  Chris joined us  and I bought a tiny cake (I do mean tiny) to eat with their ice cream and we sang her Happy Birthday there, too.  When we got home she opened presents from Jon and me.  Yup, one happy girl.


Jon and I left at 9:05 and returned at 4:00 p.m.  Here's what we did:

*   Just after we left I was about to take a drink from my water bottle when Jon simultaneously said: "Bump!"  Too late - it was all over my face, shirt and pants.  Not a good start for me, but we did laugh about it.

*   Got to 24 Mile and Schoenherr and I noticed a back up on 24 Mile Road - closer look as we drove by was what looked like a 10 car pile up.  Not a good day for those people. 

*   Doctor's appointment for Jon - all went well.

*   To Macomb County Mental Health Division near the county jail to file our once-a-year guardianship up-date papers only to find out they had moved to the court house in Mt. Clemens.  Instructions on the door told us that there was 3 parking spots in front of the building for the Probate Court - Special Needs Division.  I know because I told Jon I read the paragraph and that's what it said.  So, I parked there.  Only I neglected to read the next sentence which states you need a "Notice of Hearing" sticker to park there.  The cop who wrote the ticket for Jon's Jeep parked in this special needs spot obviously knew the last sentence.  I had to pay a $25.00 parking ticket to Mt. Clemens.  Please don't laugh too loud. 

*   We then went to Lincoln Memorial to pick out a headstone for Bill.  Doing this was a very hard thing to do and makes it feel more permanent, so to speak.  To see his name and dates on a piece of stone is, well, just hard.  We were there for almost an hour and I wanted not to have to go back.  I wanted to get it over and done with today.  Not.  Have to go back several more times.  Oh, well.

*   I treated Jon to a very nice and fancy lunch at Sa-Jo's on 15 Mile and Moravian.  Good stuff.

*   Best Buy for Jon to get a DVD that just came out.  Sam's Club to get Jessie's cake for Saturday.

*   Walgreen's, Bank and Post Office.

Oh, yes, here is a good way to end today's blog:  after we came home from Wendy's Jess sat down on the floor, took her shirt off, removed her bra, put her shirt back on, raised her arms in the air and yelled:  "Thank you, Jesus!"  (Oh, to be free!  I do believe this is echoed around the world by millions of women.)
 

So Tired

I know that I've mentioned that since Bill passed away, Jessie has been very tired.  She takes naps quite often which isn't a normal occurance for her.  Here she fell asleep while she was coloring.  I couldn't help but take a picture of her.  How many of you sleep like this?  Not me, that's for sure.  She often sleeps at night doubled in half with her head between her feet. 

Today was my last Grief Counseling session.  The Counselor said that unless I had some issues I needed to talk about, she could see that there wasn't anything clinically wrong with me.  Well, isn't that good news!

I believe I am doing very well.  I miss Bill very much, but because of my faith, I am able to cope with being a widow and looking toward the future.  Not every day will be wonderful, but there will be wonderful things in each day if I but look for them. 

A Request And Message From Randie

Randie reminded me that I didn't post a picture of the wall picture I put up in the living room.  As you can see, it's a picture of a lighthouse surrounded by turbulent waters.  Can you see the door in the lighthouse?  There stands a man with one hand in his pocket looking out as if he were looking upon calm waters.  Why?  The inscription reads: 

The Lord is my rock,

my Fortress and my Deliverer,

My God is my Rock

In Whom I take Refuge.

Psalm 18:2

This picture is my constant reminder that when my world seems like a roaring, foamy sea, God is still in control and I just need to take refuge in Him.  Thank you, God, for your Word that sustains me.

ALSO ... RANDIE NEEDS SOMETHING:  For Bill's funeral dinner there were alot of desserts.  One in particular caught her eye and she wanted to have a piece, but it wasn't taken out of the box yet.  It was a double layer white cake with caramel frosting.  She's looked in several stores for this particular cake but can't find it.  If you brought it, would you please send me a message through my e-mail at the bottom of this blog page and let me know where she can buy one.  Many thanks!



A Night Out To Celebrate

I didn't blog last night because we were partying!  Last year Jane, Rachel, Jess and I went to the Hampton Inn as something special to celebrate Jessie's 21st birthday.  About a month ago she kept telling me she wanted to go to the hotel for her birthday, so I thought, why not? 

So, yesterday afternoon Di, Randie, Jane, Rachel, Jess and I went to the Hampton Inn (where Jessie is familiar with everything) and celebrated her up-coming 22nd birthday, which is Thursday, June 7.

I had a few people pray that there wouldn't be anyone in the pool, and God graciously answered that prayer in the positive.  We had it to ourselves both last night and this morning. 

We enjoyed pizza and cake and Jessie got to open some presents.  (Plenty of room for everyone as we had a suite.)  In all, it was a very nice night out.  She had a great time, especially in the pool, the whirlpool and the pool shower, for some reason.  She was happy and kept giving everyone hugs and kisses.  Guess this will be an annual get-together. 

We left before noon check out and went to Walmart and bought sandwiches for lunch at Subway, to the post office then came home.  Jess finished the day watching videos and playing on her iPad.  I took a 2 hour nap.  Jon went to the show again and just hung out. 

Decorating

I usually decorate with every season and holiday that there is.  Call me nuts, but I enjoy it and Bill always liked.  When I worked for the school district, I received hundreds of gifts that were seasonal related, so I have alot.  Today I decorated the house and deck with birdhouses and my year-round wreath for Memorial Day (yes, I know it's past) and Fourth of July.  If I do say so myself, it all looks very nice.  I've missed decorating.  I quit after Christmas because I just couldn't do it with taking care of Bill and all. 

Jon worked today and Jess amused herself the entire day except when we went to the post office, bank, McDonald's (ate in the van) and Kohl's.  Please continue to pray for Jessie as she is exhibiting drastic mood swings and an aversion to going anywhere that there would be a potential child, which is everywhere!  She's actually regressing, which is to be expected because of the losses in her life. 

Back To Shoes And Socks

I haven't worn socks and shoes for months.  Today I had to put them on because my toes were so cold.  It's been dreary, cold and rainy all day.  I am not complaining, because we sure need the rain, but it would have been nice if it were a little warmer!

I was a little down yesterday, anticipating what we were going to do today.  Jon and I were going to go pick out a headstone, but I decided that it would be depressing enough with sunshine, but with cold and rain - no thanks.  We'll go one day next week when he has off.  I don't want to do this job, but I know it needs to be done.  It's just so final - seeing Bill's name on a stone with birth and death dates.  My grief counselor asked if I ever heard the country western song: "You Don't Know Lonely Until It's Carved In Stone".  I haven't, but it makes perfect sense now. 

Debbie and Jess' breakfast out was a success.  They had breakfast with Kelly, Jessie's case coordinator, who meets them once a month for breakfast.  Afterwards they went visiting, and Jessie, once again, did very well.  I'm glad she had a good day. 

Jon went to the show and saw: "Snow White And The Huntsman", which he said was really good.  Not my kind of movie, that's for sure.  I worked on 3 rubbermaid boxes to be shipped to Lois in Haiti.  Now I'm closing up early and heading upstairs for the night.

P.S.  Happy Belated  ___th Birthday, Julie! (It was yesterday.)