Happy Easter !!!

I hope everyone had as nice of an Easter Sunday as we did.  Jess made it until 8:00 a.m. before she insisted she be allowed to look for her basket.  It took her awhile to find hers.  She kept going to places, looking and saying, "No."  "No."  "No."  Both kids liked what they received.  Only one chocolate Easter bunny apiece.  The rest gifts.  Jon gave me a beautiful pot of yellow tulips yesterday and they are in my "new" sitting area.

After church, we hopped in the van and went to Chris' house (north of Capac).  Her sister, Amy, and two of her kids (15 and 18 years old) were there, as well as Eric.  We had a great dinner then spent the next 3 hours or so talking around the table and munching on desserts. 

I took Jessie's vacation rolling backpack that I keep packed all the time with things for her to do, and she enjoyed her "Babies" movie on her portable DVD player and played with her letter tiles.  She was the best she's ever been there.  In the picture to the left, she's having a good time with their dog, Sherman, who looks alot like our Jake did.  Of course, they're both golden retrievers.  Jessie liked that. 

Late night tonight - time to go north.  Nite all.

Square Foot Gardening - Here We Come!

Jon spent almost the entire day outside moving dirt.  He removed the wood frames that Bill put in and all the dirt that was between them in the raised beds.  Tonight he can hardly speak, he's so tired.  In fact, he brought down his clothes to be washed and forgot to take out his wallet!  That's the bad news.  The good news is that it also went through the dryer and 99% of everything is as it was beside being nice and clean. 

Me?  Well, I believe I have ADCD ... Attention Deficit Cleaning Disorder.  I saw this on FB last night and identify with it almost 100%.  I proved it today.  I begin one job and before I could finish I saw something else I needed to do and I'm off to that.  I put down the swiffer and can't find it.  I turn on the iron to melt some of Jessie's creations, and remember that I was cleaning the house.  I go into the laundry room and put a load of clothes in and smell something - a hot iron.  Then back to ironing.  Jon needs me outside for a few minutes, I make sure Jessie is OK to leave for a bit, I help him, come in and can't remember what I was working on.  I guess I just wasn't meant to be a housekeeper. 

Jess has had a good day.  We put up her hammock and she ran out to swing, only to come back in after 15 minutes.  She's watched a few DVD's, looked at photo albums, worked on her perler beads, watched Barney on her iPad and has done alot of laughing.  That's always good to hear.  Sure beats screaming at me.  We did do our usual Saturday running around: post office, Walgreen's, McDonald's for a parking lot picnic and Meijer's for gas. 

I was a "bad" mom (or else getting smarter!) this past month, because I haven't told Jessie when Easter was.  Only this morning did I tell her that Easter is in the morning.  It saved me from listening to alot of constant repeating about the Easter Bunny and what she wants in her basket.  When I told her, the expression on her face was priceless:  she looked at me with such a shocked look, as if to say: "What? Really? Tomorrow? You're kidding, right?"  A look can say a hundred words. 

Good Friday

I have only attended one Good Friday service in my life, and it wasn't today.  It's just not something I usually do.  My Mom used to go, but not me.  This month I've been reading "Windows On Easter" by Bill Crowder.  It tells the story of Easter through the eyes of people that were there.  It is historically and spiritually correct, and I'm enjoying reading this deeper book on Good Friday.  At Christmas time I read, "Why The Nativity?" and that was very enlightening. 

Today was a whirlwind of activity.  I got Jess ready to go to breakfast with Debbie by 9:00 a.m.  I made myself breakfast but before I finished eating, Bob and Dorene arrived to finish my bedroom.  At 10:30 Frank and Judy came over and took some dirt.  At noon Julie arrived and treated me to lunch and then we shopped at Target and the Dollar Store.  Last minute Easter basket stuffers.  When I got home, Debbie was ready to leave when Diane and Randie came to visit.  They stayed for several hours and we enjoyed visiting.  When they left Jess and I ate dinner, I cleaned up the kitchen, I've checked my e-mail, Jess is asleep on the couch and I'm ready to go up stairs.  Jon just walked in the door.  He went out to dinner with two co-workers.  Unfortunately, his day was worse than yesterday.  But, he's got the next 3 days to recouperate.

A Nice Morning Out

Bible Study was great as usual, and our small group discussion was fun and insightful.  We tend to pick apart the study and talk about it.  There were 8 of us that went to lunch after class.  We went to the Ocean Breeze and had a very nice visit around a small table.  Very cozy.  I'm so blessed to be part of this group of ladies. 

Rachel came and spent the morning with Jessie.  Jessie is always eager for me to leave when Rachel comes.  "Bye, Mom!", she says.  At least she doesn't groan when I return!  Debbie took her to Meijer's for grocery shopping after lunch.  She's still doing Perler Beads. 

Jon just got home and looked like something the cat dragged in, as the saying goes.  He said it was a terrible day.  We'll have to pray him through a better day tomorrow.

Where's The Teacher?

Today's water aerobics class didn't go as planned.  First of all I had set my alarm for 7:45 but didn't get out of bed until 8:15.  I was supposed to leave at 8:30 but didn't pull out of the driveway until 8:45.  Too late to be on time.  However, it didn't seem to matter since the teacher didn't show up.  Part of the class visited and the part I was in decided to exercise on our own for at least a half hour.  We did a very good job on our own.  However, I could only count 1/2 hour of exercise on My Fitness Pal that I'm using instead of 60 minutes.  That was a 200 calorie difference! 

No swimming for Jessie today.  Instead they made coconut macaroon cookies and home made pizza for lunch.  In the late afternoon it warmed up a bit so they went outside for awhile.  That made for a very happy Jessie.  She absolutely LOVES swinging in her hammock swing and singing along to her "Jesus" songs. 

Jon began tearing apart our vegetable garden.  He's been planning all winter for a new square-foot garden, and he needs to remove all the border and dirt that Bill had put in several years ago.  One row done today - 3 more to go before he can level off the dirt and begin.  Anyone want some nice dirt?  Let me know.  We'll have lots. 

Comments Received

I do not know the people who read my blog.  Most, I presume, are people I know.  Others, I've never had the priviledge of meeting.  I received 2 comments regarding yesterday's "Finishing Touches" and Jessie's behavior. 

The first one is from "Kathy" who suggested that Jessie's behavior was a "possible reaction to all the sugar treats from the goodies she got at the street corners."  I would agree, except that the tootsie rolls are still in their wrappers, sitting on the counter.  I rarely let Jessie have candy.  She just gets excited when she can have some in her hand.  In fact, her Easter basket will be filled with DVD's, goldfish, Perler Bead projects, and one hollow, chocolate Easter Bunny, which will probably remain untouched for a month or more.  Thanks, though, Kathy, for your suggestion.  I wouldn't have thought of a sugar reaction. 

The second one is from "Becky in NC" who suggested: "Perhaps she is not liking all the change in your room.  Even as adults sometimes change makes us a little edgy so maybe that is what is getting to Jess, or just like the rest of us, she could just be having a day."  Bingo.  I think you might have something there.  I never gave this change a thought to how it would affect Jessie.  I've tried to get her to go into this "new" area and sit on the chair with me, but she refuses.  The days that have been the hardest for her are the ones where it's the noisiest upstairs and people are constantly going up and down the stairs. 

Thank you, both, for your comments.  The saying: "You can't see the trees for the forest", seems applicable.  It's always good to get someone else's opinion because at times we are too close to the situation to recognize the obvious.  Today Jess had a MUCH BETTER day.  Only Dorene was here doing quiet jobs upstairs.

Grandma Sutton has been released from the hospital and is in a nursing home for rehab.  If you'd like her address to send her a card, send me a note via my e-mail address below and I'll send it to you. 

 

Finishing Touches

My bedroom "addition" is almost finished.  There are just a few finishing touches that need to be done on it.  Both Bob and Dorene were here most of the day working and helping me rearrange my office furniture.  I will take pictures when it's all done, and post them.

Jess has been super crabby today.  She's had several time outs to no avail.  I hope, and so does Debbie, that tomorrow will be better.  We're not sure what set her off, but we certainly don't want a repeat of today. 

Girl's Day Out On A Sunday

Since I went to church last night and Jon worked, Jess and I had Girl's Day Out one day early.  We went to breakfast at Dimitri's, which was unusually very busy.  (Palm Sunday) 

We were going to go to visit Diane and Randie but they were headed to an orchid show then to Randie's grandkids house to color eggs.  So, instead we went shopping.  We went to Family Christian Stores, Art Van, 2 more furniture stores, then had a snack at McDonald's. 

At various intersections on Schoenherr, there were volunteers from the Knights of Columbus with their Tootsie Roll campaign for "Helping People With Intellectual Disabilities".  I gave Jessie money, rolled down her window and she got so excited to get some candy!  We did this several times.  Sometimes it's the little things in life that create alot of joy.

When we returned home I was not in good shape so I took some pain medicine, heated up my rice packs and rested for 2 hours on the couch.  Jessie played with her Perler Beads, watched Veggie Tales and her iPad.  It was a very nice, relaxing afternoon.  I also enjoyed shopping with Jessie who did pretty good today.  

Too Much Going On At Once

This morninig while Jess played noisily with her Perler Beads and on her iPad, I did several loads of wash, paperwork, and began packing rubbermaids.  Around noon we did our usual Saturday routine: post office, bank and McDonald's with a picnic in the van.  Today Dorene joined us for our picnic.  She had come over to see the bedroom carpeting.  When I was at Sam's Club lastweek, I purchased large bags of raisins and bacon bits. Today I spent time using my food saver and putting most of it in the freezer.  I sure do like my food saver!

Rachel came this evening to be with Jessie while I went to church for a special time of prayer for our new Stephen Ministers and Veteran SM's.  Right now we're ready to go upstairs and call it a night.

Talk About Timing!

The carpet for my new bedroom sitting area was supposed to be delivered to a warehouse on Tuesday and the carpet was to be laid on Wednesday.  Well, that didn't happen.  Long story short: the carpet came in this morning, our carpet man, Jody, put it down and one-half hour later my new chair and a half was delivered.  What timing! Wheh!

Jessie had breakfast out with Debbie, then they returned pop bottles to Meijer's.  Jon had a doctor's appointment at 8:30 a.m. then went to the show.  I worked on getting 4 more boxes ready to be shipped to Haiti.  Rachel came at 6:00 and Jon accompanied me to church for a special Stephen Ministry banquet in honor of ten new trainees that were being commissioned tonight.  It was a very special evening.  Very special for the new ones, as well as for us Veteran Stephen Ministers.  I am very pleased to be part of this ministry. 

An Early Post

I have Home Group tonight and have a few minutes before I have to get ready, so I thought I'd save myself some time this evening to report nothing special.  That's about it.  Bible Study, out to lunch with Jon, home for a 2 hours nap, dinner, getting ready to go out.  Jessie had Rachel this morning, then Debbie plus Meijer's shopping.  Jon did a bit of shopping. 

Special Prayer Request:  Grandma Sutton (99 years old)  is in the hospital in Gaylord and not doing well.  Please pray for God's will and the healing of her body on earth or an eternal healing.  When someone reaches this age, I'm not quite sure praying that they get better is what is best.  Anyone, not just Grandma.  So, I pray for God's touch and His Will. 

Jon's "New" Bedroom

My friend, Doreen, reminded me this morning that I haven't posted pictures of the transformation of Jon's bedroom.  So, here they are.  Prior to the change, he had light blue walls and a dark blue carpet. 

The middle picture looks like the walls have chicken pox.  That's how many holes he had put in the ceilings for posters, etc., that had to be patched!

Now he has dark blue walls and a light blue/grey carpet.  His room is so inviting.  It looks like a little apartment. All the pictures in the frames he made himself from pictures that he's been saving off the internet.  Frames above his bed on the opposite wall have castle pictures and those that he took himself at Fort Mackinaw.  It looks very nice.

*****************************

I went to water aerobics this morning and still haven't recovered!  In the words of another woman (and my sentiments) "She's really kicking our butts!"  I do hope I'm recovered in the morning!

Rachel came tonight so I could go to Stephen Ministry.  For Continuing Education we're reading the book, "Caring Criticism".  It is very good and I'm enjoying it.

Jess had speech today after Debbie took her to the pool to "swim".  I'm so thankful to Debbie that she takes her out to the gym and that Jessie can do all these actvities.  It keeps her active, healthier, and able to be more social. 

Jon finished a 2-day work schedule.  Next 2 days off!  Yah hoo!

Income Tax Day

What a bummer!  The amount of money I will receive back this year is so much less than we have ever gotten back.  Thanks to our Governor who made new laws that affected the retired and those on Social Security, I was not able to use the Homestead Property Tax.  I still had to file joint because Bill was here until March last year.  Next year I will file as single which will be another new ball game that I haven't played before.  Always something.  At least I'm getting enough back to pay my House Insurance.  Come June I'll have to budget that amount in my monthly savings.  Oh, well.  What can you do?  At least I have a very nice house to live in.  I am blessed.

Girls Day Out In Romeo

This afternoon Jess and I did something different: we went to Wendy's in Romeo for lunch, then she had her hair cut.  We also went to Sheena's and bought bacon for a breakfast dinner.  I went over to Debbie's house tonight to visit and help sort out some things and Jon fixed his famous scrambled eggs for the 2 of them.  He's really a good cook.

The painting in my bedroom "addition" was finished today.  The carpet comes out tomorrow and the new carpet is installed on Wednesday.  I'm not sure if I mentioned what I've had done or not.  I had a wall extended into my room and a half-wall built which makes for a defined sitting area.  Since my room is so large, it will have to be done in stages.  This is the first stage.  The next stage most likely won't be done for months, or maybe even a year.  We'll see how much money I can quickly save to have it done. 

Happy Birthday, Randie and Diane!

Today we finally celebrated Randie's birthday (February) and Diane's (last week).  We planned on having separate parties because we need more parties in the family, but Randie got very sick with plurasy and bronchitis that seemed to last forever for her.  She's better, but not perfect.  So, we just had one party and combined both their birthdays.

Jon helped me make a great dinner:  bbq chicken, loaded mased potatoes, mixed vegetables and Red Lobster biscuits.  For dessert, I had purchased a tiny birthday cake because none of us need cake.  But then when Jon and I went to Sam's Club yesterday, he discovered 4 different gourmet large cupcakes for under $5.00.  Perfect.  We all could choose a different flavor.  Everyone was happy, and no one overate sweets.

It was nice having them here again.  It's been too long.  I enjoyed learning new things about my iPhone and iPad from my techie sister.  I said at one time that someone should have taken our picture - Diane, Randie and I sitting on the couch looking at our iPhones on various sites.  Too funny.  We weren't ignoring one another, just showing each other new things we had discovered.  It did look funny, though.  We are a bit old for these things, but if you have a young mind and willing to learn new things, why can't we have fun on our iPhones and iPads?  I choose to never get old in my mind.  My body may fall apart, but as long as I can, I will always try to learn new things.

Well, here's to the beginning of another week ...



Jessie's Special Outing

Jon and I were out until 2:00 this afternoon shopping for a friend, as well as for items I need for a Stephen Ministry banquet Jon and I will attend next week.  We haven't been to Sam's Club in a very long time and it was packed.  I'm thankful there was an amigo, though!

Rachel came to be with Jessie then Jane came and they went out to brunch at the Garden and shopping at Target.  Jess was super crabby this afternoon but seems better tonight.  Of course, she never wants to go to bed and she'll soon be hollering that she doesn't want to go upstairs.  Even though I never yelled at my mom when she told me it was time to go to bed (I didn't dare!), I can tell you that I am definitely being paid back for never wanting to go to bed when I was supposed to.  What can I say?  I'm a night person.  I hate mornings. 

Jessie's Great Day Out

Jessie is becoming just as much a gad-about as I am.  She began with breakfast at the Garden with Debbie.  That's always something she looks forward to each week.  There is a group of 4 older men that eat there every Friday morning as well, and Jess has made friends with them.  Especially Ted.  He even gave her a Christmas present this past Christmas. 

Then they did a few errands and ended up at the gym and went swimming for quite awhile.  She's getting pretty comfortable there and each week meets new people who have become her friends.  She knows quite a few lifeguards by name and ladies that are also there.  She tends to make friends where ever she goes.  Sometimes when it's just Jess and I out somewhere, inevitably someone will say, "Hi, Jess!",  and I've never seen this person before! They always want to know who I am.  Funny.

My goal today was complete paperwork for Income Tax, but that didn't happen.  I did wash and cleaned the downstairs, took an hour's break and only after dinner got busy with paperwork.  Speaking of dinner, Jess and I went to Leo's Coney Island for their "Award Winning" Fish and Chips.  It was very good and our two meals were enough that we brought Jon home some for his supper.  We went early before the dinner crowd and that worked well.  We rarely go out to dinner and it was a nice change.

Thursday

I couldn't come up with a catchy title.  After waiting for a couple minutes for one to come to me, I figured I'd just simply call today's post ... Thursday.

Bible Study was great, as well as small group.  Lunch with my friend, Andrea.  Home for a couple minutes to grab a couple books and off to the Chrysler Dealer.  I had a recall notice - something about the power train - plus an oil change scheduled.  I was told it was going to take 2 hours.  I first thought I'd get someone to pick me up and take me back, but the idea of sitting in their nice lounge and reading was too good to pass up.  I have half a book to read for Stephen Ministry for next Wednesday and I also brought my fiction book I can't seem to find time to read.  You should have seen the technician's face when he saw my books and said, "Two books!  How long do you think you'll be here?"  That was too funny.  I only got half of my SM reading done as they finished in one hour. 

Jessie had Rachel here this morning while Debbie was at Bible Study with me.  She even let her go outside and swing.  Something she's been wanting to do for days.  She keeps saying, "Snow all done?"  Don't we all wish.  In the afternoon Debbie took Jessie shopping. 

Jon looked like he'd been through the wringer when he got home tonight and he was in bed before 9:00 p.m.  Another day of work tomorrow, then 3 off. 

441 Calories

That's how many calories I "burned" by doing 1 hour of water aerobics this morning.  I really worked hard, my knee gave me no problems, and I was pleased with the rest of my day.  I was able to walk inside Kohl's (twice) and Michael's without any problems.  It was so good to get back into a store again.  I know this probably sounds stupid, and I have gone in the larger stores and rode the amigo, but to walk, now that's a great accomplishment for me.  I hope my knee is on its way to a couple years of no pain. 

Nothing spectacular has happened today that I know of.  Jess had a good day with Debbie.  Jon went to a couple stores after having some blood taken.  We met for lunch.  I had a hair cut.  Jessie's singing Christmas songs along with music on her iPad right now.  I ironed perler beads and hot glued items that had fallen apart.  That's about it.  At least this is more interesting that reading about Justin Bieber's hampster!

Just Exactly Who Is In Training?

Memphis went to school this afternoon, as well as Jess, Debbie and me.  During our session, I was wondering who was being trained.  Certainly not Memphis, as he is already highly trained.  It had to be me then, as I learned what Memphis already knew and how to give him the proper commands.  Now I will be working with Jessie to do the same thing, so he will understand mostly her hand commands, as she has a different dialect he's not used to. 

I had an hour's annual assessment meeting for Jess later in the day.  Thankfully, it only happens once a year because the stack of papers she comes in with gives me the chills.  I have to sign my name to at least a dozen pages, and answer scads of questions.  This preceeds the PCP (Personal Care Plan) that will be held within the next 2 weeks.  AHHHH!  It's a good thing I keep good records.

Jon's been chilling out most of the day watching tv in his room.  For some reason, we're all tired, so we're heading north in a few minutes. 

More Paperwork

Today has been the second day that I've spent a great deal of time on paperwork.  I'm not done yet, but my goal is to be totally caught up by this weekend.  That's a realistic goal.  There really isn't much else to blog.  I'm getting excited about my bedroom addition.  I hope that it will be completed by the end of this month.  Which reminds me that I have to post pictures of Jon's room before and after. 

A Very, Very Quiet Sunday

Since Jon had to work, there was no church for me.  Jess and I kept a low, quiet profile all day long.  She worked on her beads, watched videos on Utube, sang along with songs on the iPad, played with her Apples to Apples cards and is not looking at a family video and family photo album.  I've done nothing but paperwork all day.  I FINALLY got Jessie's Social Security report done and sent.  Glad that's done for another year.  Jon is up in his room and just sent me a picture of a mean cat with the saying, "Silence!  The Walking Dead is on."  I know enough not to go into his room until 10:00 pm., that's for sure.

Saturday Evening's Post

This is a continuation of what I posted this morning.

This afternoon I did 5 loads of wash, took a nap, ordered pizza for dinner and now we're on our way upstairs.  Jess worked on her beads, watched her iPad, and screamed at me all morning until I made her lay down on the couch and take a nap. I'm not sure how long she slept, but I slept for 3 hours!  She sounds a bit hoarse and wants hot tea, so I'm wondering if she's got a sore throat.  Jon worked but had a pretty good day.  That's it!

March 8, 2013 ... Happy Anniversary, Willie!

Yesterday, Friday, March 8, was the 1 year Anniversary of Bill's entrance into Heaven.  It is hard to believe that 1 year has passed since he left us.  It seems like it was yesterday, yet it also feels like he's been gone forever.

I want to THANK everyone who texted me, called, sent a card, and prayed for us as we remembered this special anniversary, for a very special man.  All these contacts mean a great deal to both Jon and I.  Jess has no concept of anniversaries/dates, and we didn't mention it to her.   

The days leading up to Friday were hard for both Jon and I.  I think this has been the case this entire year - days leading up to significant dates have been difficult, yet when the day finally arrives, we do well.  Why is that?  I believe it is because of   God's Grace and the many prayers we and others have prayed. 

Yesterday Jon and I celebrated Bill's life by having a date day.  We went out and had a light breakfast, then went shooting.  I was very pleased with my progress in shooting, as you can see from my targets.  I still need to work on my form a little.  Jon has the proper stance.  I need to work on mine.  It's been several months since we shot, and it is a good thing we both had target ammo, as they did not have any.  Neither does anyone else.  There was alot more people shooting today than there normally is when we go, too.

After shooting we went to Gardner White and I purchased a chair and a half and an ottoman for my bedroom sitting area.  I usually go to Art Van but missed the turn and went to GW first.  I'm pleased with the purchase. 

We had a nice lunch at Olive Garden (I had a gift card).  You would have thought that it was around a holiday or something - the place was packed!  From there we drove to Home Depot and bought paint for my bedroom.  The bank and post office were the final stops.  We got home around 4:00 p.m.

Jon and I went outside and put 3 pieces of white fencing back up that had fallen this winter.  He rested in his room and I did a little of this and that.  At 6:10 p.m. I left again ...

My Joyful Journey gals met last night.  We began our evening with church service at St. Kierans with the stations of the cross.  I've never heard of it before but it was very nice.  For something different, we went to Theresa's house for a late dinner, song and prayer time.  It was a very special night, as one of the ladies asked Jesus into her life.  What could be better than that?  Also we had some specific prayer for several other women who are struggling with various issues.  When I finally got home (1:00 a.m.!!!), I had to wind down before I could go to bed.  This is the reason I didn't post last night.

Today is Saturday, March 9 ... Jon is at work and it is just Jess and I.  I decided to stay home and not go out to the post office, bank or lunch.  I'll post more tonight with what really happens!  :-))

Bible Study

This morning began the second session of our Bible Study by Priscilla Schier.  I'm looking forward to the culmination of the series on being able to discern when God speaks to us specifically.  Debbie took Jess to Meijer's and Jess did well until a baby was squealing in the store.  She about lost it, I guess.  She's been hyper the rest of the day.  I enjoyed hosting Home Group tonight. 

Back To Water Aerobics

Today began a new 7-week session of Water Aerobics.  I decided to give it a good try.  I didn't do alot of kicking or jumping but mostly upper body moves.  It did bother my knees, and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to walk when I was done, but it didn't seem to bother my walking.  A half-hour in the hot tub was wonderful!

I had lunch today with my friend, Luz.  Not only do we go to the same church, but her children went to Morgan Elementary School where I finished my 30-year career.  When I retired we said we'd get together for lunch one day.  Almost 13 years later we finally met for lunch.  It was a great time of sharing what God has been doing in our lives. 

Debbie brought Jess to the pool and she did pretty good.  Jessie has been a bit - well, more than a bit - crabby lately.  Today wasn't any different.  I'm not sure why.  She begins the day screaming and ends it the same way.  That is challenging, to say the least. 

A Visit From My "Oldest" Friend

I met my friend, Lil, for lunch today at the Garden.  Her dad and mine were Detroit Police Officers at the same precinct and as our parents began their families, we "grew up together".  We've kept in contact over the years, but this was the first time we've actually seen one another in over 20 years !!!!!  How blessed I am to have such a great friend of so many years.  We had a nice, leisurly 2 hour lunch and almost caught up.  We've got another date on the calendar for the end of the month. 

The 4 rubbermaids are almost done.  They are packed and all I have to do tonight is zip tie them closed and put electrical tape around the edges so nothing can get in.  Being on an open ship in the middle of an ocean, you can image what might get into boxes without every opening sealed.  So, I'm going to close right now and finish the boxes so I can mail them after Water Aerobics in the morning. I'm going to give it a try.  My knee isn't as good as I'd like it to be but if it's too much, I'll just go sit in the hot tub.  Sounds nice to me!

No Rest Today

Today has been a whirl wind and I'm still going.  I was out all morning at a meeting and while I was gone Jessie did 14 puzzles with Debbie, a mosiac project and something else.  Can't remember.  She was a busy bee.

We had a quick "Girl's Day Out" to the bank and drive thru McDonald's (isn't it something that both Jess and I continue to lose weight?  Jess especially.) then home.  I am having the upstairs hallway painted and Dorene was here for a bit.  Jon and Dorene brought down my couch and entertainment center from my bedroom because I'm having the sitting area remodeled.  Bob is coming in the morning to begin a wall and a half wall.  I'm excited about the upstairs changes, but my bedroom is a disaster.  An organized disaster, though. 

My dining room is also a disaster (and it is NOT organized) as I'm getting prepared to send 4 rubbermaids to my friend, Lois, in Haiti.  I have to start and finish them tomorrow, as they need to be mailed on Wednesday.  That's the goal, anyway.  They need to be in Miami by next week in order to get on the ship.

Jon did alot for me today.  He did some wash, took out the garbage, bought and scattered 50 pounds of ice melter on our driveway, worked in his bedroom, as well as did a spread sheet for me to justify Jessie's spending for a 12-month period.  I have a huge report to do and this helps me alot!  Not to mention the furniture from upstairs to outside!  He was a HUGE help.  Thank you, son!

I'm closing now, but I'm off to the kitchen to do our weekly pills.  I do them each Monday night.  I had forgotten until about a half hour ago.  I was ironing Jessie's perler beads.  I have to admit that I've dumped quite a few because I just can't keep up with her.  I had none to iron 10 minutes ago but she now has one ready and will be starting her second in a minute.  Ahhhhh!

A Special Sunday

This is Jon's weekend off, so he went to first service and I made it to the second.  We had a guest speaker, Dwight Robertson, who we've had speak numerous times over the years.  His father was pastor of our church years ago, after Dwight and his siblings were out of the home.  Dwight is the founding president and CEO of Kingdom Building Ministries in Colorado.  This morning's sermon was a culmination of a special conference weekend where he spoke Friday night and on Saturday.  (I didn't attend.  My loss.)  His topic, like the title of his book, "You Are God's Plan A (and there is no plan b)" was excellent.  It went along with my personal Bible reading and books I have been reading on prayer.  In a nut shell, we are to be specific in our prayers.  Let's go beyond the "Bless them, Lord!" prayers to ... whatever the Holy Spirit lays on your heart to pray for them.

Even before the service began, God answered a specific prayer that I prayed on the way to church just for me.  I believe I shared with you before that being in church is where I feel the loneliness and miss Bill the most.  I rarely see many friends on Sunday at 11:30.  Today I prayed that God would have people that I know there and make me feel like I belonged, as well as "could someone please sit with me?"  You need to know that before I had gone 5 feet into the sanctuary, I was hugged by at least 5 people - hard hugs - and genuine love and friendship on their faces for me!  When I went to my seat, I was alone - UNTIL someone said, "Are you saving this seat?"  A long-time friend, Luz, sat with me this morning !!!!!!!!!!  I told her she was an answer to my prayer for someone to sit with  me.  She said she was in the back and saw me and decided she'd come and sit with me.  She's never done that before.  THANK YOU, JESUS!

Not only was the entire service a blessing, God cared enough about me to provide hugs and a person to sit with today.  How much more blessed could I be? 

After church the kids and I went to Kwong Tong Palace for a chinese lunch.  This restaurant has been there for over 30 years.  Jon hadn't been there in years and Jess and I hadn't been there in over a year, I think.  After we were finished we walked next door to "the zoo", as Jess calls it.  It's Kee's Pets and Aquarium.  They have a wonderful fish display - they've recently expanded into the next store over and made a larger showroom. 

Jon worked in his bedroom, Jess worked on her beads and I worked on resting.  I iced my knees and took a nap.  Right now Jess is laughing hysterically to an app on her iPad where you speak into it and it repeats what you say only like the chipmunks!  It is VERY funny.

Thank you, God, for a very nice day, and for caring for us.  You are worthy to be praised - at all times.  Thank you.

A Very Busy Saturday

While Jon worked most of the day removing items from Jessie's bedroom and putting them back into his, Rachel came and helped me around the house.  I am so thankful for her help.  I NEVER would have gotten what we did on my own in one week!  We put away all the snowmen and decorated for Easter.  She also dusted and vacuumed and kept her eye on Jess.  I was a little put out, though, when I thought I had the Fall/Christmas/Snowman closet completed packed and I discovered a rubbermaid, 3 pillows and a very large snowman that I had forgotten to put away.  I had to unpack a bit before these items would go back in. 

Around noon we went to the post office, bank, Walgreen's, then to Dimitri's for lunch.  I am so tired of going to Subway or McDonald's because that's what Jess likes that I insisted we do something different.  She wasn't happy and yelled all the way there and a little in the restaurant.  I wouldn't let her have her favorite meal either: chicken strips and fries.  Instead she (happily) ate a grilled chicken gyro and we shared an order of fries. 

Jess has been very crabby lately.  She insists on her own way, which causes for a problem, because I don't give in.  I do pick my battles, though, but recently everything makes her scream and complain.  It's getting a bit wearing, to say the least.  I long for the peace and quiet I get when she's asleep.

The Big 3

I did not blog last night because by the time I got home and did payroll, it was almost midnight.  I was too tired to blog.  Sorry about that.

For a month I have been waiting for last night.  I organized a group of 11 of us to go to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts to see "The Big 3" ... Sandi Patty, Larnell and Dino, along with a 200 member Choir. 

We met at 5:30 p.m. for dinner at Big Boy's across from the MCPA and had a nice time visiting.  Then we went across the street to get our seats ... I had tickets in the 4th and 5th row, almost right in the middle.  The seats were great. 

The concert?  It began at 7:30 p.m. and with only a 15 minute break, ended at 10:30.  I can't describe to you how awesome it was.  Almost 3 solid hours of the best music you'd ever want to hear.  I was so spiritually "exhausted" by the time I got home, I could barely think.  What do I mean by that?  It was a very intense, yet wonderful time of worshipping and praising Jesus, with 3 of the best performers you'd want to hear. 

However, I did get a little weepy toward the end of the concert.  Chris and her husband Larry, and Bill and I went to see Larnelle and Dino MANY times - about 20 some years ago in Flint and Port Huron.  Bill LOVED Dino and last night when he began one of his famous, old songs, which was Bill's favorite, the tears came.

Later on, though, I got to thinking about it again and thought that even though Dino was one of his favorites and his music is awesome, what would it compare to what Bill and Larry are experiencing now?  I'm sure it can't even come close to what angelic music they are surrounded by as they praise Jesus in His presence. 


Today - Friday - my friend Chris J., picked me up and took me for my 3rd and final shot in my knee - Thank God!  It hurt ALOT.  It felt like he was blowing up my knee cap.  The helper did say that the 3rd shot was always the worse.  After I treated to lunch, I sat in my chair and iced my knee.  The shots have already helped.

Jess had a great day.  First it was breakfast out then they did a few errands and ended up at the gym and went swimming  in the pool.  After that a few more errands and home.  They left at 9 and returned at 4:00.  Jon worked.  I don't think he had as fun of a day as Jessie.