Appointments and Compliments

My day began at a 9:00 dental appointment for Jessie.  She has been going in by herself for several years now and they use a "quiet room" for her.  Today the padding on the carpeted quiet room wasn't enough to drown out her screaming.  At least it didn't last for long.  No cavities.  Wisdom teeth still not coming through or posing a problem - I am SOOOO grateful!

When we got home, Debbie came and Lois and I went out to the Hall Road area - just where you want to be in bad weather - NOT!  Anyway, we were able to do what needed to be done in between the rain drops.  I had a 1:00 p.m. thyroid ultra sound scheduled and before we did that we went to Wendy's for a fast lunch and Office Depot to have her prayer letter run.

While at Wendy's the manager there that I've gotten to know over the years (he used to be at the Romeo Wendy's) greeted me with "Wow! You've lost a lot of weight!"  I was stunned.  I have lost 20 pounds and a size down in clothes, but to have a man notice?  That took me completely off guard.

As we waited for Lois' order to be completed in Office Depot, two women walked by, looked at me and said: "I love your hair!"  "Mine?" I asked taken aback?  "Yes, it's really nice!"  I'm thinking - seriously?  Both of these compliments came out of the blue and I was almost waiting for the 3rd later in the day!  It didn't happen, but I'll certainly take two!

A Special Luncheon

As you know I attend a Bible Study on Thursday's at Shepherd's Gate during the school year.  Our small group got together today for lunch at the Garden Grille.  I had gone in there yesterday and told Ben, the owner, how many to expect and what time.  When we got there, they had the tables covered with white table cloths and all was ready.  That sure made us feel special.  Out of 13 women, we had 8 who could join us.  Jessie also joined us.  It was a very nice time of keeping in touch.  We plan on meeting again at the end of next month. 

No shopping today for Jess and Debbie since I wasn't prepared with a grocery list AND because of all the storms we've had today.  I think it was 3.  At one point Jess and I were in the closet with Debbie sitting outside of it watching the storm.  Jon was around somewhere in the house watching the progress.  I'd just as soon not watch or hear.  I'm not a fan of storms, and some of the thunderstorms we've had around here have been pretty severe.   

Tuesday and Wednesday

I didn't post last night because I was too tired.  Jon and I were at the funeral home for Grandma Sutton and we got home late.  Today was the funeral at church, then Stephen Ministry this evening.  So, tonight's post is short.  I'm here.  I'm OK.  I'm tired and will blog tomorrow.  Good night.

Memorial Day

As we were having a great afternoon of sport shooting outdoors, I was reminded of all those men and women who carried weapons to defend our country and died so that I could shoot for pleasure. They paid the ultimate sacrifice for me.  For you. I am grateful for them and for all those who have served or continue to serve our country, whether in the military or local law enforcement. Thank You!

Bill, Ruth and Billy are here for Mom's funeral and we all went to Chris' for a nice lunch and then I joined the young ones in shooting.  I even shot Bill's rifle. The last time was over 25 years ago. I must say, I had a great afternoon shooting.

Jess was in the house with the adults and was good for them. According to them, she just kept telling us to be quiet. It was a bit loud, even with ear protection.

Girls Day Out Early

Since tomorrow is a holiday and Jess and I won't be going out to lunch, we went today instead.  We met Chris, Eric, Sean and Ashley at the Chinese restaurant.  This is the only place Jessie will eat soup.  I don't know what it is, but she won't eat soup any where else.  She enjoyed her sweet and sour chicken and rice.  I had orange chicken.  Their rolls are the best!

Chris and Eric came and got some dirt to use around their house after they stopped at Walmart.  Diane and Randie came a little later and we visited the rest of the afternoon.  They brought KFC and I supplied the rest of the fast meal.  We ate on the deck - a little cold, but we managed.  Di and Randie have put down 30 bags of mulch so far in their back yard, and still need a few more bags. They both were pretty tired.  

A Nice Family Day Today

Jon worked a lot outside in his garden and around the garden almost all day.  Jess spent a good part of the morning outside with us, too.  She was swinging and singing in her hammock then she and I sat on the 2-seater swing and goofed around for awhile.  We went to the post office then had our Saturday McDonald's picnic. 

I put a message on FB early in the morning that I was disappointed I couldn't work in my garden because I could barely walk.  I've had to use my cane all day.  I wondered what I could do sitting down.  Well, I sat on the swing outside for awhile then I decided I might as well try to sweep the sidewalk.  Then I weed wacked a bit.  I pulled a few close weeds to the sidewalk.  Dorene dropped in to see Jon's garden and helped me move a hosta and put some mulch down.  It's amazing what she can do in so short of a time.  I just have a hard time sitting still when there is so much to be done.  I think I'm going to have a difficult time when I have my knee replaced. 

Jon, Jess and I went to church tonight.  It was the first time in ??? that the 3 of us went together.  I don't think we ever have, to be honest.  Jess wasn't too bad.  A bit distracting.  Tonight was also communion and since Jess has Jesus in her heart, she partakes of communion.  She understands what the bread and the "wine" stand for.  With her eyes  closed, moving back and forth, she kept saying, "Jesus' blood."  "Jesus' body."  "Jesus pain."  It touched my heart. 

However, I didn't think to mention to her that we no longer have bread.  We switched to round wafers.  She was handed one, looked at it, handed it back and said, "No, thank you!"  I did make her take it and it was too funny watching her eat it when it was time.  I told her it was flat bread.  I was just hoping she wouldn't gag on it.  Thankfully, she didn't. 

Eleanor Hulda Singer Sutton

Eleanor Hulda Singer Sutton

 

Born: September 19, 1913

Died: May 23, 2013

 

You will be missed, Grandma!

 

 

Hair Cut, Shopping and Grandma Sutton

Debbie has gone to Maryland for a family graduation, so Rachel worked today.  We started out at Tim Horton's in Romeo for a picnic breakfast then Jess had her hair cut.  When we left there, we drove to Great Lakes Crossings to meet some friends for shopping and lunch.  Rachel pushed Jess in the transport chair and I rented an amigo.  Tonight I am using the walker as my knee has not been good all day long, which is unusual.  I'm thankful that businesses provide amigos to use.

Anyway, Jess was concerned that there was going to be kids at the mall and I assured her that kids were in school and there probably would only be babies in strollers with their moms.  Just as I was paying for the amigo, the noise behind us was like standing in the middle of a high school hallway between classes!  Busses had dropped off high schoolers to eat in the food court!  Poor Jess, you should have seen the look on her face!  Rachel did a good job reassuring her that they were big kids like her.  Not little ones.  Just noisy ones!  From now on I'm not going to tell her that all the kids are in school.  Anyway, just why did they have to go to a mall's food court to eat?  They should be in school finishing up for the year!

Bill's sister, Ruth, called me this morning to let me know that Mom Sutton has been placed on hospice and is not doing well at all.  Please uplift Ruth and her family in prayer, as they prepare to say goodbye to her mom.  I've told Jessie that Grandma Sutton will soon be in Heaven with daddy.  Her Heaven list keeps getting longer. 

I've Got To Get Up Sooner

It just doesn't work when you oversleep.  It starts the day off on a bad note, for sure.  I was supposed to leave at 8:30 a.m. for my 9:00 water aerobics class.  I finally got out of bed at 8:15 a.m. and quickly washed my hair, threw on my bathing suit and clothes, and tried to race out the door at 8:45.  Jessie wasn't too pleased that I was leaving on a fast note, and since I got up late, I got Jon up late, so he wasn't so happy either.  I wrecked the morning for all of us.  I almost stayed home thinking that I was so late anyway, but I decided I needed the water. 

I put my bag in the van, grabbed my water bottle, opened the garage door and discovered that Jon's jeep was in the driveway and not in his parking spot.  Back in the house for his keys and I had to move his jeep. 

Finally on the road, I began eating my oatmeal and banana breakfast cookie.  Just past Jewell on 27 Mile Road a deer runs out in front of the van.  I did not see it coming.  Thankfully, there was enough space between the van and the deer.  Arriving at the gym God gave me a front row parking spot.  That was a blessing because my knee hasn't been too good.  I grab my gear, "race" in to sign in only to be told that "Water Aerobics has been cancelled for today."  I just stared at the woman and said, "Seriously?  Do you know what I've been through just to get here?"  (Like she cared.)

Well, since I was there I decided I'd go in and get in the pool anyway because the last time there was no teacher, other fellow classmates led the class.  Not today!  They had pulled the tubing across the pool for lap lane swimming.  No one was around  from the class.  I ended up walking a half hour in the lazy river and sitting in the hot tub for 15 minutes.

All this to say that I do not get up in the morning very well and for 28 1/2 years, Bill made sure I got up when I needed to be.  I've got to figure out a way to do it myself, but nothing has worked yet.  I am just not a morning person.  Thankfully, Bill was. 

Tonight I hosted our first Stephen Ministers Ladies Night.  There were 8 of us and we had a very nice time.  I'm looking forward to next month when we'll meet again. 

Monday and Tuesday

Yesterday was not a fun day for me, as I had to prep for a colonoscopy this morning.  For those of you that have had this procedure, you know what I mean.  The actual test is nothing.  They put you on a nice semi-comfortable gurney, give you some nice sleeping medicine and you wake up in recovery.  And for me, all's well for another 5 years.  Yeah!  Thank you, Jesus. 

I asked Jon why do I and everyone else get so deathly sick taking the Miralax mixture and he said that a normal dosage is like 17 grams 2x a day.  For this procedure you take 238 grams!  You overdose on a laxative and you feel like 2 trains have hit you.  I could barely walk last night and Jon came home from work early to take care of Jess because I was just too sick. 

He took me to the hospital this morning, took me out to breakfast, and went out and bought a deli chicken and watermelon for dinner.  What a son.  Plus he kept checking up on me last night and this afternoon.  That means a lot to me.  When I got home I took a 4-hour nap.  I'm back to "normal", what ever that might be.

Rachel came at 6:30 this morning to take care of Jess.  By the time she got here Jess was already up and dressed for the day.  They did quite a few things and had fun.  Jess also fell asleep in the living room after dusting, as you can see from the picture.  I bought a new router and I can upload pictures, only now it has the black strip on the bottom.  I'll have to figure out what that is now.  Always something.

At every meal we eat as a family, Jessie always asks everyone what they had for breakfast, lunch and snack.  She's been doing this for years.  Tonight while she was asking Jon what he had for a snack, I wish I could have caught her stunned expression and the small "OH" from her when he said he had BUFFALO.  She just stared at him for so long.  It was too funny.  He was serious, too.  He purchased some smoked buffalo and elk in Dundee last week. 

Pastor Garry

This afternoon we had our annual business meeting at church.  Rachel came and stayed with Jess while Jon and I went.  After the meeting our church honored Pastor Garry, who is retiring after 45 years in the ministry and the last 14 years at our church.  There was a nice dinner then a "roast" for him.  It was so well attended, as Pastor Garry has touched so many lives in these past years. 

I know from my family's view point, he was at the hospital almost every time someone was in for a test, an ER visit, or surgery.  He made scores of home visits.  He gave so many words of encouragement and prayed for my family maybe even more than I have. 

He came often to sit with Bill.  Sometimes they laughed, Bill shared about his feelings, and sometimes they just cried together.  He gave my mom's funeral, as well as Bill's.  He's been what I would call the epitome of a servant of Christ, who I am honored to call FRIEND.

His presence as an acting pastor in our church will be sorely missed.  However, they will still be attending, as they have no plans to move.  He was also bestowed the honor of Pastor Emeritus.  He was deeply moved at this honor.  He certainly deserves it. 

I'm glad that we are not saying goodbye to him as he retires.  This would be another great loss to our family.   

Family Date Day

We had a family date day not far from home.  We had a small breakfast then went to the Dollar Store, Post Office, then Bellacino's on Gratiot in Chesterfield.  You remember that we always went to Bellacino's by us but they closed many months ago.  Today's lunch was good, but not like they used to make them in town.  Expensive, too. 

After lunch we went to Penney's and I finally was able to find a bathing suit that fit, looked nice and was on sale.  I also had a Penney's gift certificate from my birthday party in October so a bathing suit and separate bathing shorts only cost me $16.00.  Then we went to Best Buy and bought a new router for the house.  I hope this helps my connection problem.

Dropped Jon off at Lowe's for him to check out some vermiculite but they didn't have any.  McDonald's ice cream for a snack and on to several green houses before we got home in the late afternoon.  Jessie picked up dog poop - she's the best pooper scooper on the block!  Jon finished planting his vegetable plants and I planted a few I bought today in my flower garden.  I also did a bit of weeding but had to stop because I hurt too much.  I've had to stop taking my daily pain medicine because I am having a colonoscopy on Tuesday.  Doesn't that sound like fun?  Tuesday will be a snap, Monday will be crappy (in more ways than one!)

We spent a little time on the deck while it was getting dark.  It's such a nice night.  I'd like to sit out there longer, but Jess NEEDS to go to bed, so upstairs we go ... 

Happy 25th Birthday, Jon !!!

Jon was only 3 months old when this picture was taken in 1988.  It was his "Captain Stubing" outfit.  Remember the Love Boat? 

Today my first born turned 25.  I'm not sure where those years went, but they are definitely gone.  He is one young man who anyone would be proud to call "son".  I have that privilege.  He's kind hearted, funny, caring, he loves the Lord and his family. 

I asked him where he'd like to go to celebrate and his choice was Bahama Breeze.  Diane and Randie met us there.  We also took Lois and celebrated her birthday (April) and Jacob's graduation from IWU.  It was a really nice time and everyone's meal and dessert was delicious.  A fun time was had by all.

I do have a picture of all of us at the table, but I am having computer issues and these 2 pictures are the only ones that would upload.  Oh, well.

For dinner I went to McDonald's and made Jess very happy with a McChicken and Jon and I McDouble's.  Jess bought Jon a personal birthday cake that we shared and bought him some garden items for presents.  It really was a very nice day for Jon.  Me, too.

Jessie had breakfast out with Debbie then they did grocery shopping. 

Vacation Day ... 180.7 Miles

Jon, Jacob, Jess and I went to Cabela's in Dundee for the afternoon.  We weren't able to leave until 10:30 because I had a meeting with Jessie's case worker, so when we arrived in Dundee, we had lunch at Wendy's first.

Jess and I spent 3 hours inside Cabela's and the boys 4 hours.  We've enjoyed shopping in this huge store several times and there were a lot of new things to look at (and drool over, too, for that matter!) 

You'll notice that Jess is in her transport chair.  Whenever we go to a mall or a very large store, like Cabela's or Outdoor World at Great Lakes Crossings, we put her in her chair.  Otherwise, it's too overwhelming and she gets worked up and starts running from here to there.  Pushing her also helped me walk with my bum knee.  Jess and I took many breaks.  We even shared the best Reese's peanut butter cup cookie I've ever eaten.  Way too many calories for a whole one each, that's for sure. 


When we finished shopping, Jess and I went to the van and chilled for an hour till the boys finally came out.  They told me they could have spent another 4 hours in there!  I'm glad they had a good time.  I let Jon pick out his own birthday present.

We stopped at a Jerkey store and Jess and I waited in the van while the boys went inside.  It wasn't a very large store, from what I could tell.  After 15 minutes I texted Jon and asked if they were OK.  He came to the van smiling and said that we needed to come in because it was such an awesome store and there were free samples of everything!  They had been spending a lot of time eating samples. 

When we were finished in the store, I asked everyone if they were hungry and ready for dinner and Jacob laughed and said, "Not as much as before!  I ate a lot of samples!" 

Before we left Dundee we did eat pizza at Tiffany's.   It was on a little side street right in the old part of town and I had to parallel park.  I'm not real good at that, since there isn't a lot of parallel parking needed around our home.  Anyway, I had to attempt it twice.  The second time Jon said, "What are you doing?"  I replied that I was going to start over and try again.  From the back seat came Jessie's voice:  "Jessie scared!  Bad Mom!"  She sure doesn't miss much.  When we got within one mile of our home, Jess said, "Home!  Thank you, Jesus!"

Jessie Almost Stepped Into The Lazy River

According to Debbie who took Jess to the pool this morning, Jess was pretty close to getting in the Lazy River.  Several ladies that have made friends with Jessie were rooting her on and encouraging her.  The Lifeguards are willing to pull back the rope that separates the pool at the bottom of the slide and the Lazy River, so she can walk right into it, but not today.  Maybe next time.

I had my Water Aerobics class today and went to Walmart's looking for a bathing suit because if I don't get one by next week, I can't go.  Mine has bit the dust.  Saturday I'll try Kohl's and Penney's. I also got our hotel reservation for Jessie's annual Birthday party at the Hampton Inn.  I'm not going to tell her how close we are to her birthday, because she'll be on my case hourly about going.

Jon had a doctor's appointment this morning then planted more vegetable plants in his garden.  It's really quite impressive.  I took a picture today and will try to publish it tomorrow.  I have to do it from my iPad, because my computer's internet keeps shutting down while I try to upload pictures.  I wonder if I need a new router box? 

Pondering

While I was sitting here pondering what to write for today, which was just another busy day with nothing great to report, I looked down at the keyboard.  In the bottom right corner is a WARNING!  "To reduce risk of serious injury, read Safety & Comfort Guide provided with product."  So.  What kind of serious injury could I incur from a computer keyboard? 

I'm ready to call it a day and go upstairs.  Jessie is listening to and singing along with Christmas carols on her iPad.  Jon's scrounging through pantry cupboards looking for something to munch on.  Memphis just went outside and had his last treat of the day.  That's all she wrote for today.

The Dollar Store Is A Dangerous Place To Be

Jess and I went on our normal Girl's Day Out, which really is only lunch and a little shopping afterward.  She was demanding McDonald's all morning long (and I do mean all morning!), but when I pulled into a Subway's parking space, she was just as happy since she loves their oven roasted chicken subs.  She can order her own sandwich and tells them exactly what she wants on it.  I think that's pretty good. 

Since it's Jon's (25th) birthday on Friday, we went to the dollar store to buy him a card and see if we could get something for his garden from Jess.  Well, she picked out the card, but 95% of the garden stuff is already gone.  I guess we'll have to go somewhere else later this week.  Taking Jessie in our local dollar store is dangerous - she always walks in the store naming off items she wants to buy.  Today, however, she repeatedly said, "No ball today!" 

At 5:00 p.m. I met Chris and Bill's cousins Joyce and Carol at Ken's Country Kitchen in Richmond for dinner.  It's our first time meeting since Carol left for Arizona for the winter and Joyce has returned from spending the winter in Georgia.  We had a nice visit and made plans for another get together. 

Chris and I stopped in and visited Aunt Etta (Mom Sutton's 97 1/2 year old sister) for about a half hour.  She lives in an assisted living home in Richmond, and hasn't changed much.  Doesn't even look older - I haven't seen her all winter.  She says she's no better, but no worse.  Guess that's not too bad.

Happy Mother's Day

This is one of my most favorite pictures. My mom, Hilda Jonas, and my wonderful daughter, Jessie. It is posted in various places in my house.

This is my second Mother's Day without my mom, and I miss her more today than yesterday, last month, last year.

Jon bought me a nice bouquet of flowers, and Jessie's gift is in Debbie's car. I made myself a meal I haven't made in years, and really enjoy:  stew and dumplings.

I was going to begin a new book, but took a nap instead. Oh, well. The book will wait. Guess I needed the extra sleep.

Happy Mother's Day!

 This is another favorite of mine. My Grandma Taylor, my mom and 3-year old me.  The picture was taken in front of our house on Mendota in Detroit.

I Ate The Entire Meal !!!

Jess and I did our usual Saturday late morning running around: post office, bank and McDonald's drive thru.  Jon was already out shopping so we called him to come eat lunch with us.  We ate in the parking lot behind McDonald's.  A sort-of picnic that Jess enjoys each Saturday.

While Jess stayed in the house and was really good, Jon and I worked outside.  It was a little cool, breezy, but otherwise good working weather.  I worked in my flower garden for about 3 hours.  It's coming along nicely.  I helped Jon cover his plants, as the next 2 nights are supposed to break records for being cold and frosty.  I don't appreciate having to put shoes and socks back on after enjoying sandals for over a week!

Both Jon and I kept walking to the window to see if Jess was where she was supposed to be, and she was.  I'm beginning to think that she enjoys being alone in the house.  So far, so good. 

By the time I finished I was so tired and sore that I just couldn't think of standing in the kitchen for another hour fixing dinner.  So we drove down to the Ocean Breeze.  I can't remember the last time we were there, especially the 3 of us.  I don't think we ever have.  It was packed, as usual, but Jess did fairly well.  I ordered liver and onions and ate the entire plate full.  It was really good.  I also splurged and had a piece of strawberry cheese cake.  I'll call it my Mother's Day gift to myself. 

A Bad Start To Jon's Vacation

Jon took this coming week off of work for 1 of his 2 weeks of vacation that he has earned.  He plans on finishing planting his garden, although the weather isn't really cooperating.  This morning he went out for breakfast and shopping.  When he got home, I was upstairs with Jess getting her ready for the day when he hollered up at me to come down, that he needed me!

I ran down the stairs and found that he had (accidently, of course) stabbed himself (between the left thumb and pointer finger) as he was cutting open a bouquet of flowers for me for Mother's Day.  It was a pretty deep cut, bled a lot, and required 2 stitches, a tetanus shot and an antibiotic.  He managed to make it through the day with only Tylenol, but he sure looks like he could use something stronger tonight.  Tetanus shots are tough, let alone the stitches.  Not a good way to begin his long-awaited-for vacation.  Let's just pray that it doesn't get infected.  That would not be a good thing.  He's had cellulitis several times already.  We don't need another.

I went to breakfast with Debbie and Jess this morning.  Unfortunately, I choked on my iced tea at one point and as soon as I looked at Jess, I could tell that the explosion was coming.  Sure enough, Jess screamed "NO!"  The restaurant got very quiet real quick.  Neither Debbie or I made an issue of it, and she quieted down quickly.  I'm sure many people jumped out of their seats, though!  Life is always exciting around here.

Cutting The Grass

I had a meeting at church this morning that lasted a couple hours, came home and when Debbie and Jess were done grocery shopping, I went to Wendy's for lunch with them.  We made a couple stops on the way home.  Debbie had to leave early to get Mike from school and take him for a dental appointment.  Rachel came earlier and was weeding my garden.  Jessie picked up dog poop.  For some strange reason, she enjoys doing this.  It's OK with me.  She does a great job. 

When she was done scooping, she came back in the house and watched her iPad and worked with her beads.  I cut the back grass and tried to beat the rain.  The entire inside of the back yard is done and trimmed.  Rachel helped me dump the clippings because the bag was too heavy for me to lift.  My knees are none too happy tonight, but I enjoy working in the yard and happy I can do some things out there.

Rachel did a good job weeding.  My flower garden has been invaded by what I thought was a weed from my neighbors.  It began last year and now its invaded an entire half of my garden.  It's also very sticky.  When Rachel got home she looked it up and found out it's actually a flower.  It's called Catchweed, Bedstraw, Goose Grass, Cleavers and get this ... Sticky Willy!  I wish I knew its name before Bill died, I would have blamed it on him, as I often called him Willie!  Imagine. Sticky Willy is in my garden!

Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday morning I was able to ride along with our friend, Bob R., to the airport to pick up Lois.  I've driven her and picked her up in Flint, but not in Detroit.  It has changed so much since we used to fly from there, which wasn't often anyway.  Lois' plane landed at 11:17, we got her luggage, drove to my house, put her luggage in my van, she changed dresses, and I drove her to the funeral home.  Family viewing was from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.  I dropped her off at EXACTLY 1:00 p.m.  Only God could have done that.  I still don't know how it happened.  Considering times and how far she had to come, she should have been late.

I drove home, picked up Jon, took Lois' luggage to her Mom's, went for lunch, came home and changed clothes and went back to the funeral home.  When we left we drove to Debbie's to pick up Jess because Debbie had an earlier appointment at home and took Jess there with her, so we could spend a little while at the funeral home. (Thanks so much, friend!)   By the time we got home, changed clothes and fixed dinner, I was done for the night.  Thus, no blog.

Today, Wednesday, I attended Wes' funeral/life celebration. It was very nice, but it was hard for me.  It felt like I lost another piece of Bill.  Wes was very important in our lives, especially Bill's, and the loss weighed heavy on me today.  I looked around at all the people that were there today and knew that Bill would have enjoyed being there and visiting with all the "old" Romeo Baptist family, as well as the Beadle families and friends.  Instead, I'm sure Bill and Wes were spending time together.  Maybe watching today's activities.  Maybe they were just too excited to care about us here, being in the presence of Jesus.  Who knows?  I just know that I miss them both.

When I got home I was too tired to do anything but sit and take a short nap.  Little Caeser's got a visit from me for dinner.  Then I went back to church to hear the Kingswood University Chorale.  What a wonderful concert.  Kingswood is a Wesleyan University located way up in Canada somewhere I can't remember.  The Chorale is on a 10-day US tour.  It was so good to see Peter Torres as part of this group.  I got a hug from him from his mom, Doreen, and I sent one back via Peter. 

I know that Wes would have been so pleased to know that a few short hours after his funeral, our auditoriuim (gym) was filled with 40 voices singing praises to Jesus.  I could almost hear him say, "Now, wasn't that just grand?"

Another Monday

I had a lot of "running around" to do and I did half before 1:00 when Debbie left and the other half with Jessie after our lunch out (with Debbie today! Yah!).  I was hoping to do some yard work, but instead enjoyed sitting on my nice, clean deck in the late afternoon reading a book.  I did do one load of wash and folded it.  Does that count for work? 

The Deck Is Ready For Warmer Weather

Thanks to my BFF's, Julie, Kylee and Lynzee, the deck siding and floor has been scrubbed and all furniture washed and the deck set up for summer. Just a short sentence and a half, yet hours of hard work was done by these gals.  I would have posted a picture of their tired bodies sitting on a deck couch, but my internet kept shutting down when I tried to upload the picture.  Many thanks, my friends!  Before they left to go home, I treated them to dinner at the Garden.  That was an experience, and it added laughter to our night. 

You Will Be Missed, "Grandpa" Beadle

 

 

Late yesterday afternoon, while napping in his chair, our very dear friend, Wes Beadle, and "Grandpa" to our kids, woke up in Heaven!  We are very saddened that we have lost a wonderful friend, but we know he was tired of his body not cooperating and I'm sure he was ready to meet Jesus. 

 

Bill grew up with Wes' kids and was very close to Wes.  Wes was even in our wedding party!  He was also an honorary pall bearer for Bill's funeral.

 

After I was told of his death, I told Jessie that "Grandpa Beadle died today."  She looked up with a shocked look on her face and said, "Sorry!"  I told her that we were all sorry that he was gone and that we wouldn't see him again, BUT, guess what?  "Daddy and Grandpa Beadle are together in Heaven!"  That made her happy.   Now, not only does daddy have "a new home", so does Grandpa Beadle!

 

Please remember the entire Beadle family as they grieve the loss of a husband, father, grandpa, friend, etc.  Also, please pray for the safe travels of several out of state/country (Lois) family members that need to be here for the viewing on Tuesday and funeral on Wednesday. 

 

We loved you, Wes!

 

 



A Long Week

For some unknown reason, this week has been a very long week.  Yesterday felt like a Saturday.  Today like Saturday, too.  Debbie took Jess to meet Kelly for breakfast then they shopped at Walmart.  Jon and I went to another restaurant for breakfast then Home Depot for more mulch and some decorative white stones.  When we got back we worked in the back yard for over 3 hours.  I was exhausted.  I took many breaks; every time I felt like I had over done it for my back, I would sit down for a bit.  By the time I finished and came in the house, I could barely walk. I took pain medicine, took a shower and sat down for about an hour before dinner and feel much better now.  Jon and I just got back inside from going and taking a stroll around the yard to see all our progress.  We're both very pleased with ourselves and the work we accomplished. 

First Planting and Night Out

Jon was out working in his garden before I even got out of bed this morning.  It is such an impressive looking garden, don't you think?  He did his first planting the other day (potatoes) and today added more vegetable plants that are early crops.  Now I need to get busy and read up on how to can and freeze all the vegetables we'll most likely have.  I worked about an hour in my flower garden this afternoon.  That was about all I could do because my back hurt so much. 

It was GREAT having Debbie back today.  We missed her.  She took Jess to Meijer's and Jessie was really good today and they both enjoyed themselves. 

Tonight I went to dinner with the Down Syndrome Alumni Moms. We met at Ichaban's (Hayes and Hall Road).  I have not been to a Japanese Restaurant in at least 20 years or more.  There were only 7 of us, but we all had a fun time.  They are a nice bunch of ladies.  Unfortunately, my pictures came out with black borders again and what you should be seeing in the above picture is a flaming onion volcano.  You can just see the tip of it because of the black.  My other pictures didn't do this the other day, why again?  Sorry. 

Tuesday and Wednesday

When I woke this morning, the first thing that ran through my mind was: "I didn't blog last night!"  I couldn't believe that I forgot, because I had a sketch in my mind already of what I was going to blog about earlier in the day.  Oh, well.  At least I didn't forget to do payroll.  Now, that would have been really bad.  How do I know I didn't forget?  I double checked my sent box just a few minutes ago.

Yesterday and today Debbie has been sick with a very bad headache, so she did not come to work.  Jess and I spent the past 2 days out and about running errands.  Yesterday it was in the pouring rain - today it was finally with sunshine and warm weather.  We've actually had 2 good days together. I've enjoyed having her with me as we ran errands. 

One of our errands was to pick up Memphis' new royal purple vest that says "JESSIE'S HELPER" on both sides.  My hope is that when he wears it, he knows he's working and needs to obey Jess and not get distracted with people and animals.  Now, I need to train Jess to walk him on a leash.  We did a little today.  It's going to take awhile. 

I had Stephen Ministry tonight and I'm back on-board as a Leader again.  I'm very happy about that.  I have a passion for this ministry and I am thankful that God can use my abilities as a Leader and Small Group Facilitator.  I have also been given the "green light" to begin a SM Ladies Ministry, where the ladies will get together once a month to get to know one another better, make new friends, have fun, but also to pray for one another.  To empower each other in Christ.  I'm excited about this new ministry.