Another Day Out

Debbie and I took Jessie to get some fasting blood work done this morning.  She did pretty good.  It only took 4 of us for them to safely take the blood draw, and she only yelled, not screamed.  That's an improvement. 

 

From there we had breakfast at the Country Inn on Garfield.  This is the only restaurant in the chain that serves baked oatmeal.  Debbie and I split our breakfasts - baked oatmeal, fruit and a quiche.  Delicious.  And, they had PEPSI!

 

Then we drove down to Shannon's and finally gave her the baby gifts we had purchased for her baby shower that I didn't go to eons ago.  The babies are still in the hospital, but doing very well.  Jessie was SOOOOOO excited to see Shannon.  She kept hugging and kissing her the entire time we were there.

 

Next we visited Diane and Randie for a few minutes and Jess played ball with the dogs.  Wendy's for lunch, post office then finally home.  In all it was a good day out.

 

I did a couple loads of wash when I got home and I found Jessie in the laundry room after she used the bathroom laying on the washer as it spun, laughing hysterically.  So, we both leaned on the washing maching and had a good time vibrating and laughing.  I have to admit, it was fun.   

 

 

 

 

Grocery Shopping

I visited a new friend this morning who had surgery not too long ago, then went to Kroger's to shop.  When I returned home and had lunch, Debbie, Jessie and I went to Meijer's.  Jessie likes to do pop bottles and she did a good job today.  When we got to the check out, we were next to a family with very rowdy kids, two of which were running up and down the check out isle.  Another child was holding a crying baby.  I was so afraid that Jess would have a panic attack.  These kids were getting on my nerves, to say the least.  The parents were absolutely oblivious to their children's behavior.  After we got checked out I realized that I had forgotten my bottle return slip and coupons, since I was preoccupied with making sure Jess was OK.  She did great!  I whispered to her that if they were my kids (for one they wouldn't be doing what they were doing), they'd get their butt spanked.  She just looked at me and laughed and said, "Bad kids - butt!"  Way to go, Jess!

I think it's going to be an early night tonight.  I'm pooped.  We have to get up early and take Jess to have some fasting blood work done in the morning.  We'll see how that goes.  Last time it didn't go well and she "screamed bloody murder".  I'm hoping for a much better blood draw. 

Target Practice

This morning Jon, Jacob, a friend of mine (forgot to get her permission to put her name on my blog) and I went to the range and had a great hour of target practice.  My friend just bought her gun and this was her first time firing it.  She did really well.  We all had a good time.  Now I just have to pay for today's outing before I can go again.  It can be expensive.  I shot almost 150 rounds in that hour. 

Debbie took Jessie out this morning with a friend to an appointment then out to breakfast.  We are pushing Jessie pretty hard in going places that are new for her.  She did very well today.

Jackson Prison, Here We Come!

I am going on a seniors trip to the original Jackson State Prison on September 17.  It is my wedding anniversary and I would like to do something different.  This certainly qualifies.  I asked Jon to go with me since it is his vacation week and his response was: "I work with old people all day and you want me to go on a trip with them?"  I gave him that mother look and a couple days later he finally agreed to go with me!  Unfortunately, when I went to pay for our reservations, the trip was booked.  Two spots opened today, so now we can go.  I am looking forward to this trip.

Ever since we were married, Bill and I celebrated our Anniversary every year with either an overnight trip somewere or a special dinner out.  I made a scrapbook of each year and where we went.  If you came to the funeral home, it was on display.  I guess I'll just have to keep up the tradition. 

Today our "Made To Crave" ladies met and Jess was the biggest loser again!  She lost 2.8#.  Way to go, Jess!  Or should I say: "Way to go Mom and Debbie!"

Oops!

For those of you that follow me every day, you noticed I didn't blog last night.  I just forgot!  Yesterday I was just as tired as I was Saturday night after being out all day.  I took a 2-hour nap, moped around the house, then went to bed at 10:30.  Usually I don't go to bed until midnight.  I didn't remember that I didn't blog until this morning. 

Today was paperwork, 6 loads of wash, paperwork, vacuumed, garbage out for pick up tomorrow.  Isn't this exciting?  Jess and I went to McDonald's for lunch and ate in the van.  We also went to the bank, post office, we delivered a letter, went to our personal seamstress to have my new jean jacket snaps moved over on the sleeves, then a doctor's appointment for Jess. 

Yesterday and this morning was a pretty down time for me.  I guess having these days now and then isn't too bad.  I just don't like feeling blue.  September 8 will be 6 months since Bill passed away.  It seems like yesterday, then on days like today, forever that he has been gone.  I miss him very much.

I Think I Over Did It

Rachel was here today to be with Jessie.  They had a great time together, especially when Jane came and took them out to lunch and Stoney Creek for the afternoon.

Jon and I did alot ...
     Post Office - daily mail
     Family Time Restaurant, Romeo - Breakfast
     Tractor Supply Co., Romeo - Looking around at fire proof cabinets
     Country Store, Romeo - candy for party
     McDonald's - pop
     Family Christian Stores - pick up a book I had ordered
     Christmas Tree Stores - looking for candy and ice tea/float spoons (no luck)
     Wal-Mart - looking for clothes for the fall
     Tim Horton's - I needed to sit and rest and got a pop (they have PEPSI!)
     Cemetery - watered the flowers
     Home to drop off Jon
     Schwinn Bike Shop, Washington - I'm looking at a bike for myself.
     Kohl's - FINALLY found a blue jean jacket I have wanted to a long time!
     Michael's - outdoor paint for a project I am working on

Let me tell you that when I finished at Michael's, I barely made it to my van I was so tired.  I pressed the key fob but the door wouldn't open.  Wrong van.  Well, if this wasn't my car, where was it?  I was so out of it I just couldn't remember where I parked.  I had to press the Panic button in order to locate my van.  How embarassing!

It was a very productive day, but I definitely over did it.
    

A Date Day With Julie

In the past several months I have taken out Kylee and then Lynzee.  Today their mom, Julie, and I went out to lunch, to the show to see "Hope Springs", shopped at Kohl's then Wendy's for an ice cream.  It was such a nice day.  We both had a good time.  I am glad that Julie, Kylee and Lynzee are a part of our lives.  They are special. 

Jon went to the show and saw The Expendables (again).  Rachel was here with Jess, as Debbie needed to have family time today.  Once again, we all had a good day.  Many thanks, Jesus!

Joyce and John

Jon and I met Bill's cousin, Joyce, and her husband, John, in Armada for lunch at Chap's today.  We had such a nice visit and the food and atmosphere was really nice.  I've never eaten in Armada before and this place was really nice.  Joyce and John were instrumental in sending out many prayer requests for Bill all over the country.  They have alot of contacts due to their volunteering in many states.  This year they were given the distinction of being the Good Sam Club RVers of the Year!  That is a big honor.  Congratulations, Joyce and John!

A Peaceful Afternoon

I spent the afternoon in Lakeport with several other friends that I have known for 18 years.  We worked together at Morgan Elementary School.   

We have met for about the last 16 years several times a year to worship in song, prayer and enjoying good food and catching up with our families.  We usually meet in the evenings except for once a year when we meet at Leann's house in Lakeport overlooking the water and enjoying the out of doors and sunshine.  The time passed all too quickly.

I treasure these times with my friends.  I know they love me, I love them and we pray for each other always.  That is a true blessing. 

A Day At Home - Almost

Breakfast was spent going over our "Crave" book and comparing successes this past week.  Jess was the biggest loser with 2 pounds!  Yah, Jess!  After that I did stuff around the house that I felt needed to be done.  Lunch, nap, then Jess, Debbie and I went to the post office, McDonald's for a pop and Debbie's house to get Jessie used to going to her house.  Before we left, she had a melt down, but we pushed and she went and saw that it wasn't scary.  Another success for Jess. 

Birthday Preparations

I am in the midst of planning a very special birthday party for someone and I am loving every moment of it.  It is so much fun.  I went to several stores today to add to the decorations and this and that.  Who knows, this party might be such a hit I could run a side business of planning parties.  Just like the Duchess of Cambridge's (Princess Kate) parents who are self-made millionaires in the party business.  You just never know!

Something I learned today that you might not know, although my sister did so I couldn't wow her with my knowledge.  There is a shortage of helium gas.  No helium in any party stores to blow up balloons.  It's critical.  World-wide.  The helium that is made is going to hospitals.  Not party stores.  It's amazing what you can learn evesdropping on fellow customers then ask the employee, "What were you talking about?" 

Sunday

Jon was home this weekend so both of us went to church at different times.  He went to the first service, I went to the second.  I know I have said this before, that Sunday's are the hardest days for me.  Both Jon and I were down a bit today so I took the kids for a drive.  We went to Wendy's for lunch then up VanDyke to the store just south of I-69 that sells alot of game and exotic foods.  Jon got himself a frozen pheasant and a smoked rabbit.  We also stopped at a fruit/vegetable stand and got some watermelon and other items.  Came home and Jon and I watched "The Proposal" while Jess watched her videos.  We had a nice steak and onion dinner and now it's just about time to call it another day.  We had a nice afternoon after all.

Joyce Meyer

Jane came and watched Jess while Jon and I went to the Palace of Auburn Hills to see Joyce Meyer.  This morning was her final session in a 3-day conference called "Armed and Dangerous".  Both of us really enjoyed the entire time.  Israel Houghton performed first and I liked their singing.  I wouldn't buy a CD and listed to it, but I did enjoy them as a worship group before her talk.  Very upbeat.  We ate at Big Boy in Rochester Hills before we went home.  A nice outing with Jon.

While I did wash and Jess watched videos and played on her iPad, Jon went to the show and saw "The Expendables 2", which he said was really, really good.  My friend, Laura, came over with Avon I ordered and we chatted a bit.  A quiet afternoon and evening.   

What A Day!

I had such a great day.  It began with a friend of my mom's (and mine) who called to see how I was doing.  Then my friend, Doreen, texted me to tell me to have a great day and that she loved me and was praying for me.  Debbie came to take Jessie to breakfast with Kelly and they also did some running around and extra stuff that Jess enjoyed.  Dorene came and worked on my front porch steps.  I went out and did some errands, went to Andrea's house and wished her a happy birthday, then met my friend, JoAnne, at Red Lobster in Rochester.  Her birthday was in January and we celebrated it today - better late than never.  We also shopped at a couple stores.

I was home for about an hour when I left again to go get Chris and we both went to Richmond and met Uncle Jack, Aunt Betty (from Arizona) and their daughter, Diane, (from Wisconsin), plus Aunt Etta for dinner.  Aunt Betty and Aunt Etta are the only two sisters left for Mom Sutton.  As a reminder, Chris' mother-in-law was Aunt Wilma, another sister.  She passed away shortly after Bill did in March.

Chris and I went shopping after dinner and then had a DQ.  I left this morning at 10:30 and got home to stay tonight at 8:45 p.m.  I really must stay home and get my house cleaned.  Or not. 

Thank you, Jesus, for family, friends and my many blessings.

Is There Dog Insurance?

Memphis has an ear infection like Jake used to get.  I took him to the vet today and $104.00 later, his ear was cleaned, the infection was diagnosed and medication placed in his ear.  I wonder if the pet medical insurance they have is worth it?  I often told Jake - "Just be careful, because if something major happens to you, that's it!"  Not that he know what I was talking about. 

Jon worked today and he also goes in tomorrow.  Debbie took Jessie to the grocery store and Dorene and I went to the cemetery and she put more hens and chicks around the boulder.  We also put white stone down and it looks really nice. 

New Friends

Today was the third time I met with the other mom's of adult DS "children".  We discussed 5 chapters in the book we are reading and I really enjoyed myself.  They are very nice women, dedicated to their children, and especially to those who have Down Snydrome.  During our talk someone mentioned a dinner out tonight at Bahama Breeze for the "older" moms.  Jon was willing to watch Jess so I was able to go.  They made me feel very welcome and it was a very enjoyable evening.  Maybe now that my life has taken on a new boredom aspect, I may become more involved with the FEDS (Families Exploring Down Syndrome).  It's never too late to learn, and I do like learning. 

Getting Healthy

Today a couple friends and I began a quest to get healthy and lose weight.  We are reading the book, "Made To Crave", by Lysa Terkeurst, then meeting once a week to be accountable to each other.  We had our first session today and it was nice to get together with these ladies.

God made us all to crave.  Him, not food.  Now, if I could just get this concept across to Jessie we'd have it made.  She wakes up every morning wondering what we are having for dinner.  After breakfast she is ready for lunch and after lunch she wants her snack way before the time.  Right after dinner she begins talking about breakfast.  This keeps food up front constantly for me.  Ahhhh!  Oh, yes.  It's not just once or twice that she asks.  It's ALL DAY LONG!

A Tornado Warning ????

Late this afternoon around 4:45 or so I was upstairs doing paperwork when the weather sirens went off.  I jumped up, yelled for Jon to come downstairs, ran down the stairs, got Debbie and Jess in the closet, then realized that it didn't even look like it was going to storm.  Huh?  Jon, Debbie and I are checking our iPad's, iPhones and tv to check the weather.  Nothing.  No rain even on the radar.  I texted my sister and she said the Fraser police thought they saw a funnel cloud, so all of Macomb County got blasted with the sirens.  Just what I needed - a good scare in the afternoon.  At least Jess had a good time in the closet.  She didn't want to come out!

Jon had an appointment this morning and I went with him.  I enjoyed about an hour of relaxing reading while waiting for him.  Went to Alex's Restaurant in Rochester for brunch.  Home to pick up Jess and take her to lunch.  Thankfully she only wanted to go to McDonald's so I got an ice cream cone.  We had a picnic in the van.

Friday's Highlights

Friday morning we got up and had the hotel's breakfast then took off for the south.  We stopped at Gaylord's Call of the Wild Museum, which we have visited on numerous occasions.  The picture on the left is of Jessie listening to certain animal sounds.  It is a very nice museum.

Next we visited Grandma and Aunt Ruth.  We didn't stay long because Jon wanted to have some down time before having to go to bed and work the next day.  Plus, the weather wasn't that great.  Raining pretty hard.

Anyway, Grandma is doing about the same.  Aunt Ruth has a bad case of vertigo.  Uncle Bill and Billy were out cutting lawns.

Today Jon worked and Jess and I spent the day together.  Sunday's that he works are the hardest for me.  I don't want to work on Sunday's, but they are very long when I don't get to go to church, and there really isn't much to do.  The phone is quiet, the neighborhood is quiet.  Jess is semi-quiet.

Today I did some power-reading for my book club that meets this Wednesday.  I read 5 lengthy chapters.  Pretty interesting topics. 

I miss Bill the most on Sundays.  I sat outside on the deck this afternoon and enjoyed being out of doors.  He gave us such a nice gift - the enclosed deck is so nice.  I miss his presence.  I miss sitting next to him and just being quiet.  Words weren't always necessary.  

Thursday's Highlights

Thursday for lunch Jess and I had a hot dog and fries at an outdoor court in Mackinaw Crossings.  For dessert, we splurged and had ice cream in a chocolate covered waffle bowl.  I must say, it was delicious.  And, we ate it all!  I think both Jess and I could eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

The restaurant that we went across the bridge for dinner on Wednesday is called "The Galley".  Just in case you  are in St. Ignace and want a nice place to eat.

The second picture is of Jon and Jessie inside for fort grounds.  Both kids like that fort and we have been there numerous times. 


Today Jon worked and had 46 residents by himself.  Makes for one tired RN.  He's scheduled to be alone again tomorrow.

Jess and I went out to breakfast, the post office, bank, home to make a grocery list, got gas then did grocery shopping.  I've also done 3 loads of wash and paperwork.  I need a vacation!

All's Well - We Took A Mini-Vacation

Wednesday morning the kids and I took off for Mackinaw.  We had a good trip north and checked in at our hotel in the early afternoon.  The picture above is from our balcony.  Jess and I hung out there and Jon went to the Fort.  When he returned we drove across the bridge to St. Ignace for dinner.  I have a favorite restaurant there that is worth the drive across the bridge, even though I don't like bridges.  Jess did great at the restaurant because I asked them to put us as far away from people as they could.  They happened to have a tiny room between the bar and one eating area with only 2 tables.  No one ate there but us. 

Yesterday morning Jon got up early, ate breakfast then took one of the boats to the island.  He took a carriage ride, toured the fort, and ate at another favorite place of mine and had a piece of Tiramisu Bread Pudding.  While Jon was on the island, Jess and I went shopping at Mackinaw Crossings Mall.  She had a great time and enjoyed shopping, as you can see with her new princess pink cow girl hat.  Just when we were ready to leave, Jon returned and we picked him up and went to the fort.  Jess LOVES the fort and remembers that there was a church there and kept talking about Jesus.    We had a pastie dinner then back to the hotel to rest and watch tv.

We ate breatkast, packed and left for Gaylord at 10:00 a.m.  We toured the Call of the Wild Museum, which we've done many times before and Jess was very excited about it.  Off next to see Grandma for a bit before we traveled home in the pouring rain.  In all, we had a very good three days.  I'll post more pictures each day of Jess and Jon this week.  



Another Tree Bites The Dust

When Bill and I moved in our home 26 years ago, our backyard had several huge trees.  Unfortunately, two had to be taken down years ago.  Two weeks ago my friends Debbie and Dorene noticed that the tree just outside my deck was dead.  OK, then.  When did that happen?  You'd think I would have noticed it, but I didn't.  Sometimes I wonder if I live on another planet!

Today I had the tree taken down - well, almost the entire tree.  I had a large piece of the trunk left and cut to be over the roof line.  My plans are to plant more of the climbing bush around the tree and have it cover it completely.  Should look pretty nice.

Unfortunately, with the tree gone I no longer have shade in the upstairs room.  I guess I'll just have to keep the blinds pulled in the bright sun. 

When I went upstairs to look out the window, I noticed that there was something on the stump of the tree.  Do you see it?
It looks like an Indian head - like a picture on a coin.  This is just way too cool. 

Jess And Her iPad

Jessie is just like any other kid/teenager/young adult that does something she knows her mom won't like and tries to cover it up.  We have to monitor Jess on her iPad at all times because she likes to watch stuff on Utube that isn't appropriate.  She watches alot of good stuff, but there are some days that she just wants to watch the bad stuff. 

Tonight I went upstairs to say goodbye to Jess, as I was going out to visit a friend.  She pushed a couple buttons on the iPad and sprung up off the couch (my first clue) to say goodbye.  We hugged and I said, "Are you watching something you shouldn't?"  "No", was the reply.  "Let me see," I said and reached for the iPad.  She said, "NO.  NO.  NO." and began to push me away from the couch.  This was quite funny as she's never done this and it was sooo obvious that she had been watching something I don't like her to watch.  Well, she wasn't happy with me and I wasn't happy with her when I found out she was watching Super Nanny again. 

I try to erase all the History on it each time I check it, but somehow she finds the stuff again.  She's not dumb.  That's for sure. 

Saturday and Sunday

I shut off the computer last night because of the impending storm that never manifested itself, and I didn't feel like turning it back on, thus no post.  I was too tired.  Rachel and Jane were with Jess most of the day and I was able to go to the post office, bank, Meijer's for a return, then home to do wash and clean out the upstairs linen closet.  Jon has the weekend off and went to the show.

Last night I planned a simple meal, one I rarely do.  We had tacos.  Listening and watching Jessie eat hers was too funny.  Every mouthful she said, "MMMM.  Good!"  When she finished one she said, "MORE!"  Sure wish she'd be this excited over a meal I spend hours preparing!

Today, Sunday, Jon went to first church service and I went to the second.  This afternoon Jon and I watched the movie, "The King's Speech", which was very good.  I enjoyed it alot.  Right after dinner about 6:30 p.m., Jess said that she wanted to go to bed and she wanted me to lay down with her.  Memphis, too!  Thinking she was being funny, I kept telling her "No, it's too early to go to bed!"  I did go upstairs with her and she wasn't being funny.  She really wanted to go to bed.  I laid down with her and within ten minutes she was snoring. She just woke up a bit ago.  Hopefully, she'll go back to sleep soon. 

Friday

Jess and I were alone today because Debbie is on her way back from Georgia and Jon worked.  We went to the Garden for breakfast then when grocery shopping at Meijer's.  Jessie did very well in both places.  While I did paperwork, Jessie watched videos and played on her iPad.  I even had time to read a little.  A good day.  Not very exciting, but good. 

So - Just How Important Are Teeth?

I can still hear my mom say, "Take care of your teeth.  They're the only ones you'll ever have."  I mentioned a month ago that since I am now able to concentrate on me, one doctor visit was to the dentist.  The visit consisted of a full set of xrays, and a cleaning, which had to be finished today.  Also today my dentist, who I really like and this isn't against him, gave me a plan of service for what needs to be done, to the tune of $7,087.00.  That's right.  Seven thousand dollars!  I just looked at him and said ... "Well, this isn't going to happen!"  I only have $1,000.00 dental coverage a year.  My plan of action is to wait until something hurts.  And, nothing hurts at the moment.  However, I know that this is a foolish plan so I will have to have one tooth done when I have my portion saved.  The first one, and it's a crown, will be in late October.  I just had going to the dentist.

  

Belated Congratulations to Shannon and Jeremy !!!

Welcome to the world,

JACOB,

MADDISON, and

TAYLOR !!!

I talked to Jessie's former aide, Shannon, yesterday and found out that her babies were born on July 6.  She said she sent me a text but I never got it.  We've texted several times since then and I always referred to her unborn babies as "the babies", so she thought I knew. 

Jacob was born first weighing in at 2# 1 oz, 13".  Maddison exited next at 1# 11 oz, just under 13 ".  Taylor is the youngest at 1# 13 oz, and also under 13".  They are all now over 2 pounds each.  Jacob is doing good.  Maddison has had two surgeries - one on her esophogus and one on her heart.  Taylor has pneumonia. 

Please pray for these precious babies that they will grow stronger each day and be able to come home soon.  Shannon said that all three are feisty.  That's good. Very good.