A Long Day and A New Prayer Request

Our first appointment was at 11:00 this morning for Jessie at the endocrinologist's office.  That went really well, but long.  Because she's lost so much weight, the doctor has cut some of her medication in half.  I'm so please with this.  Our goal is to be medication free, as much as possible, and we're on our way!  She was very loud in the office because it was filled with so many people. 

Debbie went with us today to help with Jessie because I wasn't sure how my knee and leg would be.  We ate at Wendy's for lunch then I had to stop at the Family Christian Stores for a couple gifts that I wanted to get while I was on Hall Road.  I had to use the walker.  That's a whole new experience.  I try not to take Jessie in this particular store because she goes immediately back to the kids section and fills up her small basket she picks up at the front door.  That girl sure likes to shop.  We ended up putting half of it back with a "How about ... maybe you'll get this for your birthday?"  That usually works.  But not always.  She's catching on.

My family doctor appointment was at 2:50 and Debbie and Jess waited in the building's foyer for me.  I have to have an ultrasound, then possibly a biopsy of the lump on my leg.  I will call tomorrow for the ultrasound appointment. 

Throughout the day it felt like my upper right arm was hot, and getting hotter.  Very unusual but didn't think too much about it until I had Jon look at it and I have a large round and very hot spot on my arm.  My personal RN strongly advised me to see a doctor first thing in the morning.  Possible blood clot?  I had my blood pressure taken there over a week ago and it was so tight it left a huge bruise on my arm.  It could have been from that.  Prayers would be appreciated. I don't need anything else go wrong with my body.  Especially a blood clot. 

A 3-Hour Doctor's Appointment

Jon took me to the knee doctor this afternoon. I am thankful that Jon is good to talk to because we finally got to see the physician 2 hours after we arrivied.  The gal that took care of me in the room asked how the weather was outside.  I said, "Well, when we came in 2 hours ago it was OK."  Long story short, I should have a total knee replacement, but I opted to have the 3 shots of "stuff" they inject to separate the bone on bone.  Why?  Because my right leg is worse than my left knee.  I go to the doctor's tomorrow for my leg - the second time.  My "diagnosis" is my herniated discs are pinching something, although I have no idea why I have a lump on the side of my leg.  Prayers would be appreciated.

Tonight I am using my mom's walker.  It actually helps the pain and stops me from walking like a penguin.  I'm supposed to keep my leg elevated and iced for the next couple of days.  We'll see.  I have 2 doctor's appointments tomorrow.  One for Jess and one for me. 

Debbie returned and Jess was very happy to see her.  Me, too. 

A Really Different Day

No "Made to Crave" meeting because Debbie was still home with her very sick son.  I had an appointment in the afternoon that I cancelled because of the intense fog.  Jon went to the post office for me and a friend picked up some stuff to deliver to his parents for me.  Walking has become very painful.  Oh, and by the way, Jon was 100% well when he woke this morning.  He was 100% sick yesterday, that's for sure.  They did tell him at work that this virus was quick. 

Jessie continued to make her Perler Beads forms and tonight I ironed 17 of them!  She just laughed and is still making more.  She really loves these things.  She also watched videos, "read" magazines, played on her iPad and kept busy all day nagging me for the next meal.  Which, I might add, is VERY annoying. 

I did alot of paperwork and made several business phone calls and talked to a good friend on the phone.  Alot of sitting down.  Tomorrow I go to the knee doctor.  Prayers would be appreciated.  Thanks!

A Different Monday

Debbie stayed home with her sick son, Mike.  Jon went to work but returned 4 hours later with the stomach flu.  He's been in his room all day.  Jessie was quite upset that we couldn't go to McDonald's for girls day out, but I'm not walking very well today.  I even had to ask Dorene to come and take out my garbage cans for their pick up tomorrow.  Jess is feeling just fine and has kept herself busy all day.  I've done paper work and laundry.  We're on our way upstairs for the night.  An early turn-in.

Memphis Gets A Bath

Jon worked today, so Jess and I were by ourselves.  However, at 11:00 we took Memphis to the K-9 Kindergarten to get a bath and his nails trimmed.  He wasn't crazy about the idea, but he does like to travel in the van.  They said he did very well and was well behaved. 

While we waited for Memphis, we shopped at Vince and Joe's for some fruits and vegetables then had lunch at Leo's Coney Island.  I was a little skeptical taking Jess in there because it's always so loud and busy, but I thought I'd give it a try.  Jess did great.  The place WAS packed.  It WAS very noisy and there WERE many kids there.  However, she did awesome.  I was so pleased.

We took a quick trip to Target for hairspray then returned to get Memphis.  Jess spent her day on her iPad, watching videos and worked with her Perler Beads again.  I had them all ironed and now there's 9 more to be done. 

Unfortunately, by the time I got home, my left knee and my right hip hurt so bad I had to take some pain medication.  It helped a little.  I spent some time on my iPad, reading and doing projects where I could sit down.  I guess that when I shop I'll have to use the electric wheelchair again. 

Happy 60th Birthday, JoAnne!

Yesterday, my long-time friend, JoAnne, turned 60.  We were going to celebrate her birthday last Saturday but she got sick.  So, today we partied, as most 60 year olds like to do.  We went out to eat, went to the movies and went to a couple stores.  We went to Big Boy's for the breakfast buffet then saw "Parental Guidance" which was very cute and funny.  I have known JoAnne since we were 15 years old.  Now that's what I call an "old" friend.  The picture at left is Joanne at my 60th birthday party.  Sure wish she could have had one!

Rachel stayed with Jess and Jessie said she had a good day.  I bought her some more Perler beads and shaped peg boards to use.  Thankfully, Rachel did some ironing today because Jess makes them faster than we can keep up. 

A Plan B Day

I had my day planned out and exactly what I was going to do, and nothing has gone as I planned.  But that's OK, because I concentrated on people, not things.  Jon and I had breakfast out (Yes, we do go out alot, but we know how to count our points and eat the most for the least amount of money) then went to get gas in his Jeep, bank and post office.

Debbie took Jessie to breakfast then when they got home the dog trainer arrived.  We spent the next 1 1/2 hours talking about what we might be able to do with Memphis and Jessie.  It was a very informative and interesting visit.  I learned alot and I am looking forward to seeing if we can get Jessie to "work with" Memphis and claim some ownership, so to speak.  And, to get Memphis to "work with" Jessie.

It's 8:49 p.m. and I guess even though I didn't get one thing done I had set out to do, I better call it a day.  Wonder what kind of day tomorrow will be?

It Doesn't Make Sense

It's 17 degrees outside, my feet and hands are very cold, the house is cool, and I'm ... eating ice cream!  Yup, doesn't make sense, but it is oh, so good!  Now my lips are cold, too!

I had Bible Study this morning then Chris J and I went to lunch at the Garden, which was just about empty.  My waitress friend, Heather, said that it's been like this all week due to the cold.  That's too bad.  Just before we were finished Jon walked in and after Chris left I went and sat down and visited with him.  Then I had a 1:30 meeting, got my tires pumped up at the Chrysler Dealer and to the post office.

We had Texas Toast French Toast for dinner tonight - something we havn't had in a very long time.  We enjoy breakfast for dinner.  We'll have to start doing this more often.

Jess had another great day.  The first half with Rachel, then the second half with Debbie.  They went to several stores as well as Meijer's for their weekly shopping trip.

The Garden Grill has the most delicious sandwich called the Garden Wrap.  It's nothing but sauteed veggies with melted mozzarella cheese in a toasted wrap.  I am going to try to duplicate it at home.  It most likely won't taste the same but I'm going to give it a try. 

Thank You For Your Prayers

I have had a much better physical day today than yesterday.  My knee has not given me any problems and the pain in my hip is minimal.  I've not done much walking, though, which is good.  I did quite a bit of paperwork.  Continue to pray as the Holy Spirit brings me to your mind.

Debbie took Jess out for almost the entire day.  Part of it was swimming, and Debbie said Jess seemed to have the best time she's ever had there.  She even walked out to the middle of the small pool that is at the end of the water slide!  I just looked at Debbie and politely said: "I believe you, but it's something that I'd have to see to believe."  NEVER has she even let go of the side of the pool, let alone walk to the middle!  Apparently 2 life guards also watched her - Debbie's witnesses! I'm thrilled and so proud of her accomplishment!

I had Stephen Ministry tonight and was the "guest" speaker.  I spoke on my faith and trust in God.  It went well, except that I began with a song that was important to my talk and my speaker wouldn't work.  I tried it before I left and it blasted me out of the room.  Twice I tried it and gave up.  When I went to supervision group I tried it again and ... it worked!  Someone did not want that song played.  It was "Need You Now", by Plumb. 

Please Pray

I don't normally emphasize a prayer need, but I need one.  I went to the doctor today for the pain in my right leg.  I have a "knot" in my muscle, or it could be a torn muscle, or a growth under the muscle.  After a month of medication, if it is not better, I will have to have an ultra sound.  It is my right leg.  My left knee is very swollen and hurts alot - I have a doctor's appointment for that next Wednesday.  I'm only in pain when I walk, which one must do every day.  Alot of pain.  I'm asking that you would pray for a healing for me, or that the doctor's will find out what really is going on and get it fixed. At least that I can tolerate the pain to walk.  Thank you.

Happy New Year, Dr. Baker!

I had my first of many dental visits today.  Remember last year I told you I had gone after an absence of many years?  In those absent years my teeth had begun to decay under fillings or crowns.  To the tune of $7,000!  When I saw his list of recommendations, I told him that "This is not going to happen!"  I had one done last year and a cleaning.  Today was my first visit for the new year.  I do have dental insurance, but since my cost was $350.84, I'm sure that it'll be many more years till all my work is done.  When I got home Jess wanted to know if the dentist was happy.  I assured her he most certainly was!

I was there for 2 1/2 hours and had a crown put on.  I guess it's something new.  He makes the crowns there and I walked out finished - crown on and ready to use.  However, my face wasn't.  I am very sensitive to mouth pain, so I was so numbed up that only the right side of my face worked.  I came out praising God that he has allowed me not to be paralized.  It's a horrible "feeling".  I smiled and only half my mouth and half my nose lifted. 

Today was girl's day out, but I didn't feel so good when he finished so I just drove through McDonald's and got us a dollar menu meal to eat at home.  When I ate, I had to lift up my lip in order to put food inside.  Not a pretty sight.  Especially for the drooling part. 

Debbie left and Jon took care of Jess while I took a very long nap.  When I woke, my face was back!  I was invited to a friend's house for dinner then we played games - there were 4 of us ladies.  Another fun night.  Thanks, Jon.  I appreciate you taking care of the homefront!

Farm Pictures

These are the pictures that Debbie took at Wolcott Mill Farm on Friday.  I so appreciate her taking pictures when they go out and do things. It means alot to me to have the pictures, and then to share them.  Jess had a really good time, as you can see.

It was a miracle that we had power when we woke this morning.  Apparently the power had been off for 2 hours while we slept.  Several times I awoke during the night thinking we were going to be blown away, it was so very windy.  Woodside - Romeo Campus was without power, so Chris, Sean and Ashley came to our second church service and sat with me.  It was nice to sit with family.  I miss that alot.

After lunch Chris, Gayle, and Jean came over and the 4 of us played games then had a late 7:00 dinner with more games. It's been quite sometime since we've played games around our dining room table.  I think we're going to do it again next month. 

Plan B

Today I was supposed to take JoAnne out to celebrate her 60th birthday, which really isn't until the 25th, but she has the stomach flu.  We were going to go out to eat then take in a movie.  Bummer.  Ten minutes and I would have been out the door to pick her up.  Now what? 

Plan B.  My wonderful son, Jon, and I had a mini date day, so to speak.  He had already been out to breakfast, so after we went to the post office he had rice pudding while I ate breakfast at Dimitris.  Off to the bank, Target for a return, Tim Horton's for a Diet Pepsi, Office Depot for book ends, Family Christian Stores for clearance items then down to visit Diane and Randie. We really need to visit Di and Randi more, too.  We talk on the phone several times a week, play several games on the iPad, and text, but nothing replaces an actual person to person visit.

Rachel was Jessie's aide today.  At lunch time Jane came and took them out to Ocean Breeze for lunch and ice cream to celebrate Jane's birthday which is tomorrow.  They also went to the paperback book exchange store and the Dollar Store.  Jess had another great day with her friends.

The top picture was taken a couple days ago.  While organizing Jessie's crafts, we rediscovered her Funfusion set.  She has a couple thousand colored itsy bitsy beads that fit on a sculptured peg board.  She's really been going to town on these the past couple of days.  The bottom picture is what she's done tonight.  They now have to be ironed so they will fuse together and you can take them off the peg boards.  There isn't anything wrong with her fine motor skills, that's for sure. 

Thank You, Rachel

Thanks to Rachel, I have a clean house again and several projects got done this morning.  I am just not able to bend over and stay on my feet for very long lately.  I sure do appreciate your work, Rachel!  Breakfast out found Debbie and Jessie at their usual hang out.  From there they went to the farm at Wolcott Mill and got really up close and personal with the cows.  How do I know this?  She smelled like a barnyard when she got home.  Had to wash her coat and give her a bath.  She's been there many times and that has never happened.  Wonder why today?  I will have pictures to post as soon as I get them from Debbie's phone.

A "Wasted" 2 1/2 Hours

Why do I always feel that when I rest I am wasting valuable time in working?  Today I went to Bible Study.  I could hardly keep my eyes open and I felt like I had been drugged.  During small group my eyes kept crossing.  I went to lunch with Dorene and came home and vacuumed, put in a load of wash and sat down in my chair upstairs and slept for 2 1/2 hours.  I was supposed to be doing paper work and completing holiday decorations.

At least I wasn't in as much pain as I was yesterday, until I did a bunch of stuff before and after dinner.  I cooked up 10 pounds of chicken legs - they were on sale at Vince and Joe's for 59 cents a pound.  Now I need to seal them in my Food Saver bags.  Yesterday I cooked up 5 pounds of ground round, also on sale, and froze them in 3/4# packages. 

While I slept the phone rang, I automatically grabbed it, and it was my bank with a check on two charges yesterday.  They were checking on a $9,000.00 credit charge (that they thankfully declined).  That popped my eyes open for a few minutes!  Seems like my credit card (that I only use for internet purchases) was compromised.  Again.  I'm thankful that there are people who watch out for our interests. 

Water Aerobics

I tried water aerobics today even though my hip was still pretty painful.  I didn't do some of the moves that would give me more pain.  It didn't seem to help, and it didn't seem to cause me more pain.  However, by dinner time I was having a difficult time walking with my bum left knee and painful right leg/hip.  If you're reading this, I would appreciate prayer for the pain that I am having.  It is very debilitating. 

Debbie brought Jess to the pool for their outing today.  I am so thankful that Debbie will do this for Jessie.  It takes alot of work to take Jess to the gym, get her in her swimsuit, in the pool and constantly watch and play with her then get her a shower and redressed.  Especially when she has to do it for herself, too. 

Still Organizing

We had our "Made To Crave" meeting again this morning.  Our time of sharing is always a highlight in the week.  Jon took me to lunch before I had an appointment.  On the way home I went to Target to return a too-big organizer drawer, Home Depot to return toggle bolts, Kohl's to buy some Food Saver bags (after all, I have a 30% off coupon!), and then post office.

My left knee and my right hip have hurt a great deal today.  I had to take pain medication and that didn't take it all away.  Do I ever sit down and just relax?  Of course not.  My dining room is a complete wreck with stuff all over the table, counter, folding table and the floor!  Progress IS being made.  Last night I got most of the Christmas boxes back in the closet.  I still have to take down the village before I can close that door for about 10 months. 

Girls Afternoon Out

My morning began with a 9:30 meeting with Jessie's Case Worker, who must come in the home once a month.  Then at 10:15, our Case Worker from the Department of Human Services (DHS) came for her once-every-6-months in-home visit.  A quick breakfast and I went to the post office and took in the downstairs vacuum to be fixed - again - only to come out the door with a new one.  This one has a bag.  I hated the container that had to be emptied by hand.  It's a Panasonic and I'm hoping for good results.

Back home to pick up Jess for a quick lunch at McDonald's then a 1:40 p.m. doctor's appointment for her. The lump under her left arm has swollen again and needs an antibiotic.  I didn't want to take Jess into a doctor's office well, since most everyone there was sick, but these doctor's just won't send in a prescription, even though we've been doing this for several years.  One of the receiptionists said that the employees were dropping like flies.  Not a good thing.  When we got in the van we used hand cleaner.  (When we went to Target I grabbed a basket and Jess ran over to the sanitizing wipes - we've got her trained good!)

From there we dropped off a book at a friend's house, went to Target for more storage containers for Jessie's under-the-cabinet educational materials, Office Depot for book ends, dropped off a letter for Lois, picked up a pizza for dinner at Little Caesar's and Walgreen's for Jessie's prescription.  By the time I got home my knees were throbbing.  And, this is only Monday !!!   

Figuring Out Another Way Of Posting Pictures

Well, I still can't post pictures the way I have been doing them since I began blogging, but I've been trying different things.  Tonight I tried uploading them from Picasa Web Album.  It worked!  Thank you, Jesus, that I no longer have a pictureless blog.

This first picture goes with my January 5 blog.  Jessie showing off touching her nose with her tongue.

The second picture is from January 7 and my 17 cups of butternut squash.  After they were frozen in the containers I took them out the next day and used my food saver to seal them.  I really like that kitchen tool.

As a matter of fact, I cooked up almost 6# of home made baked chicken strips tonight.  We had some for dinner then I froze the rest and I will seal them in food saver bags tomorrow.  Last night I cooked up a 3# meatloaf, had it for dinner then froze individual pieces and sealed them this morning for future meals.

My final picture today is from yesterday when Jessie went swinging in her hammock swing ... January 12.  That doesn't happen very often in January, now does it?

Jess and I did not go to church last night because she wasn't being very nice and I just didn't want to put up with an incident at church.  I hope to listen to the sermon later this week on their podcast.  (I think that's what it is called.)

I rToday was a very nice day for both of us.  Jess enjoyed herself doing quite a few different things, as well as I did a little here and a little there.  Chris visited for a couple hours this afternoon.  Both kids are asleep right now. I'm on my way up stairs to do my Bible Study.  This is my personal quiet time ... from 10:00 until midnight.  I really enjoy it.

Too Many Projects At Once

I have too many projects going at the same time and it is just too much.  Today I had to concentrate on writing checks and getting them mailed.  I'm still working on Christmas stuff, Jessie's bedroom and Jessie's stuff down stairs and in her bedroom. I really should just concentrate on one project and get that one done. Wonder what I'll do tomorrow?

Jess and I went to the Post Office then Target for lunch and we bought some storage units to get all her stuff organized in the cabinets in the family room.  When we returned home Jess wanted to swing, so while she did that I picked up Memphis' poop.  Poop detail we call it, and boy was there alot!  Just what you needed to know, right?

I'm still working on getting pictures posted to this blog.  This is very frustrating, to say the least.  I sure wish there was a phone number I could call and ask someone.

An Eeyore Kind Of Day

If Bill were here he would have been the first to make a comment about the weather this morning - dark, gloomy, foggy.  An Eeyore day for sure.  I would have added muddy, since all gravel streets are now mud.  However, we didn't have an Eeyore day.

Jess and Debbie had breakfast out then spent almost the entire day going from place to place.  It was a great CLS day for Jessie.  Alot of social interaction and she did well.  Some places better than others, but on the whole I think OK.

Jon and I went to breakfast, Walgreen's, post office, Meijer's for gas and the post office.  He helped me and for 2 hours we zip tied and taped the 8 rubbermaids for Lois.  Then off to get them mailed.  One large job completed! 

Dorene finished putting in another shelf in my under-the-stairs closet and I am rearranging things in there and cleaning out cupboards under the wreath in the dining room.  I need to make room for all of Jessie's educational books and art projects.  She's overflowing in too many places.

I had Joyful Journey tonight - there were 6 of us.  I didn't want to go because all my joints were hurting because of the weather but I took some medicine and went anyway.  I am so glad I did.  I love these ladies! I love singing and worshiping with them. 

Back To Bible Study

Bible Study began this morning for the New Year at Shepherd's Gate.  Instead of a Beth Moore study, we're doing one by Priscilla Shirer entitled, "He Speaks To Me .. Preparing To Hear From God".  I've never done a study by her, but those that have, said she's very good and her studies are interesting.  She is the daughter of Dr. Tony Evans.

Six of us gals went to lunch after study because I thought it was a good idea, and because we got done alot earlier than normal.  Later Dorene came to put in another shelf for me under the stairs and Debbie and Jessie left to grocery shop. 

Jon helped me take down the tree. Actually, I should say that Jon took the tree apart and packaged it up until next year.  I watched and held the door open to the garage for him.  Right now I'm overwhelmed because I have too many projects going at the same time.  My bedroom is still a disaster with stuff from the Christmas closet all over.  Rachel helped Jessie take the ornaments off her tree and most are in the box but some are on a table.  Her bed is still filled with all the books I need to go through.  Now all the stuff is out of the understairs closet to put in this new shelf and reorganize.  Tomorrow I have to zip tie, tape and get the rubbermaids to the post office and write out checks.  We'll see what gets done when I write tomorrow night.

A Pictureless Blog

This is so annoying.  Not being able to post pictures.  Who wants to just read and not see pictures?  Not me.  I need pictures on my blog for my sake, at least.  Anyone have any clues?

I had my first Water Aerobics class of the year and I certainly felt it.  It's been about 3 weeks since the last class.  I was absolutely exhausted when I finished.  Our instructor is so fast that sometimes by the time I get the routine figured out she's on to the next one.  Oh, well, at least the object is just to keep moving.

Debbie brought Jess to the Gym and they spent quite awhile there.  I neglected to ask what they did, but I'm assuming they had a good time.  Before they got home I left to have lunch with Chris and Bill's cousin, Carol.  We had a nice chat catching up on what happened in our families over the holidays. 

All the ornaments are off the tree and packaged up for another year.  Maybe the tree will get taken down tomorrow.  Jon's home so he can help me put it away.

A Busy Day

Debbie has a bad cold and took the morning off.  Rachel was able to come be with Jess while I had a 10:00 appointment.  I met a friend, Jean, for lunch.  We've known one another for years, but never have sat down and talked.  It was a pleasure getting to know her better.  Debbie came at 1:00 and at 1:30 we had our "Made To Crave" meeting.  Since Christmas, we've all gained except Jess who lost .6#.  Doesn't seem fair. 

I got my Grandma Taylor's nativity set taken down and boxed up for another year.  The Angels are in their box, too.  Tomorrow, I hope to tackle the tree in the afternoon.  That's the plan, anyway.

17 Cups of Butternut Squash

I'm a little annoyed at the moment because my site won't let me upload pictures.  I need to contact the "HELP" department I guess.  Anyway, I was going to show off my 17 cups of squash that I baked and froze today.  Tomorrow I get to take them out of their containers and use my Food Saver bags.  Lovin' It!  We'll have squash for a year. 

Jess and Debbie had fun again this morning.  They were playing Silly Sentences when I left to meet my friend, Chris J, for breakfast.  Jess and I went to Wendy's for lunch and I'm trying to get boxes out of my Christmas closet to begin taking the tree down.  I wasn't successful today in that respect.  Well, at least I did take down the Heavenly Hosts. 

Jon has been very tired and quiet.  He had a dental appointment early this morning but has spent alot of time vegging out in his room.  I hope he's not coming down with something.  There are alot of sick people around. 

POP

Passion On Purpose - that's what the title of our new sermon series is at church.  We were all given black wrist bands with red lettering (Passion On Purpose) on them.  I have to go to church tomorrow because Jess wants one.  "Share!" she said when she saw mine.  We'll see if she wears it.

When I returned from church I was starving and decided the 3 of us should go out to lunch.  We went to Dimitri's and had a nice Sunday meal.  The 3 of us don't go out to a restaurant very often. Jess played on her iPad, Jon reorganized his file cabinet and I completed Jessie's paperwork for 2012.  I am so glad to get that job done.  Now I'll just have to total everything up and wait for the reports to arrive that I have to fill out each year and send them in. 

We ate a light snack and watched the movie "Babies" tonight.  It was really cute.  Jess LOVED it.  An hour ago she wanted to go to bed, and from the (lack of) sounds in the monitor, she's asleep.  Now I'll have a couple of quiet hours before it's my bed time.  Yah!

Can You Touch Your Nose With Your Tongue?

Jessie can.  Right after dinner she got it into her head that she needed to stick her tongue out as far as possible, wiggle it then touch her nose with her tongue.  She kept this up for a good 15 minutes.  It was cute for 2 minutes - that's about it.  She was having fun, though.  I took a picture but for some reason it won't upload to blogger tonight. 

Jon left early this morning, went to breakfast then spent the next several hours just being out and about.  Stopped at several stores - he needed to unwind from work this past week.  As he was coming in the door, Jess and I left to go to the post office and drive thru McDonald's then to the K9 store for food for Memphis.

Jon took his tree down tonight.  The living room is back to "normal".  I still have my tree, a nativity set, the "Heavenly Hosts" on the wreath and a village to put away.  I needed to do Jessie's paperwork this afternoon/evening before I can make a big mess in my bedroom of all the Christmas stuff.  I was way behind in record keeping for her records, and I'm almost caught up. 

Done!

I completed the shopping this afternoon and eight rubbermaids are completely packed and ready to be zip tied and taped as soon as I get the go-ahead with a shipping address.  In fact, I just finished them about a half hour ago.  I'm more than ready for bed.

Jon worked again but has the next 3 days off.  He sure needs a break.  Jess and Debbie met Kelly (Jessie's Case Worker) for breakfast this morning then did a few errands.  I did 2 hours of paper work then went to the post office, bank, Walgreen's and Target.  Then I worked on the boxes the rest of the day. 

That's about it.  Work, work, work.  Just like everyone else. 

An Eventful Day

As I was raising the blinds in the laundry room this morning I heard a strange sound coming from the basement.  A sound I've not heard before and it didn't sound right.  To make a long story short, 1 of my 3 sump pumps died - the oldest.  Thankfully, I was able to have my friend, Bob, replace it late this afternoon.

Debbie returned and Jess spent quite a bit of time hugging her when she first got here.  They went to Meijer's and drove through McDonald's for lunch.   

Dorene came and put up several shelving units for me - one in the living room and one in Jessie's closet.   They both look great and I can't wait to start organizing these shelves.  Right now I'm still working on the rubbermaids for Lois.   I had to go to several stores to complete my shopping today.  Hopefully, I will complete this project tomorrow so I can begin taking down the Christmas decorations on Saturday.

Jane and Rachel came around 5:00 and we exchanged Christmas gifts then went out to dinner.  We went to the Hong Kong Cafe (perfect for Jess as there was only one couple in there).  To make it even more special of a Christmas outing, we walked next door to the Dairy Queen and had Blizzards, as it was snowing outside.  It was a really nice get together.   

Rubbermaids

Rachel was with Jessie today and they had fun doing various projects.  They read stories, played a Disney game on tv, Jess worked on a mosiac treasure box and they made some Rocky Road bars, among other things.  Jacob spent the day here with Jon on the XBox.  This was his last day here for awhile, as he goes back to school this weekend. 

I woke with a headache again.  This has been for several days now.  It didn't disappear until the afternoon.  I spent the day working on packing rubbermaids for my friend, Lois.  For several years Bill and I were her "shipping agents", as we called ourselves.  When he was diagnosed with cancer and things began going downhill, her brother and sister-in-law took over for a year or more.  I've taken back the job, as they are heavily involved in other ministries through our church. 

I got 3 rubbermaids completely packed and I have several more to go.  I had to go to Home Depot and pick up more roughneck totes.  Tomorrow I need to spend the day finishing shopping for her in order to complete the other boxes.  It's alot of work, but I'm glad I'm able to have a part in missions, serving Lois and her ministry in Haiti.

Happy New Year!

I slept in again today since there wasn't anything special to get up and do, except give Jess a bath.  That done, we ate breakfast and I spent the day doing odds and ends again.  I had wanted to do nothing, but the house desperately needed to be vacuumed and floors swept.  Plus, when there's just Jess and I, it takes me twice as long to do anything, as she goes from here to there and needs to be monitored.  The past couple nights she's been playing with Memphis after supper. He's really good with her.  She could never play with Jake like this.  He wasn't very tolerant of her. 

Jon worked - his 3rd holiday in a row.  Great for a paycheck, but not so great for celebrating.  His was a good day, though, which makes it OK.

Happy New Year!