I Always Wanted To Be A Dancer

Did you know that?  Not too many people do.  This morning at Water Aerobics I did some moves that made me feel like I was dancing.  I got pretty excited.  (I know, it doesn't take much).  Obviously, they were moves that I could never do "on dry land", that's for sure.  Being in the water allows you to do moves that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do.  It was a fun hour.  Not to mention the relaxing 20 minutes I spent in the hot tub after class.  That's my favorite.

I woke up with a headache this morning and when I got home in the afternoon I sat in my chair and put a hot rice pack on my eyes.  I felt better when I got up an hour later.  Jess took an hour's nap, too.  I met my friend, Kathy R., at Menchie's late in the afternoon, and we visited for over an hour. 

Jess went upstairs to bed 45 minutes ago, and I'm on my way up, too.  It got dark early because of the rain.  All this rain is something else.  I sure am glad I installed the rain barrel I bought last year for our garden.  NOT.  It's overflowed so many times, that I should have a second one to catch the run-off.  We could have used at least half this rain last year.

A Day Out For Each Of Us

Jon had the day off and went shopping and had lunch at Red Lobster. 

I met Chris K. for lunch then we went to Barnes and Noble looking for craft books.  On the way home I also went to the FCS. 

Rachel took Jessie to Subway and they took it to her house to eat and then took a walk in the neighborhood.  Their subdivision surrounds a lake and Jess and Rachel played in the sand for awhile.  They also went outside swinging, picked up Memphis' droppings and folded towels.

Random Pictures

The top picture is from yesterday when Debbie and Jessie were our in the back yard swinging. 

The next 2 pictures were taken by Rachel at Shadbush Nature Center.  It happened to be butterfly day and Jessie made a large butterfly to put on the wall.

The bottom picture is when Rachel took Jessie to Westview Orchards and picked cherries and had some ice cream.  I think that Jessie is having a good summer. 

Construction Woes

I'm sure it will be nice to have a turning lane on Van Dyke between 26 Mile and West Road, but getting to that point isn't nice at all.  It's hard to get out of our subdivision and turn south.  Turning north makes you go way out of your way to get anywhere south.  Yuck! 

Debbie was here for half the day then went to lunch with Jess and me.  We went to the post office then came home.  I did an entire afternoon of computer work and really feel good about it.  It finally turned into a nice day outside after a cold and dreary start. 

When I go upstairs I am going to post some pictures using my iPad of Jess and Debbie swinging.  I hope that works. 

A Prayer Request Up-Date

The other day I asked for prayer for my cousin, Linda's, son's fiancé, Jessica, on my blog.  She has been in the hospital for 9 days in ICU with Legionnaire's Disease.  The situation has been grave.  I sat at the computer earlier today, typing up-dates to my church's prayer chain, FB and here to say that I heard last night that there has been no change.

As I was typing my cousin, Linda, called to say that Jessica is no longer on the ventilator and is breathing on her own!  She was able to whisper "I love you" to her mom and Adam.  Thank you, Jesus! 

Please continue to pray for her - she has a long road of recovery ahead.  She's still very sick and being in bed for 9 days with a bad back has given her extreme pain.  The wedding has been postponed, but I know that when we share in their special day, there will be more tears than normal.  Thank you for your faithful prayers for Jessica B. and my family. 

Did I Miss Summer?

I had the air on last night, but when I got up this morning it was colder in the house than what I had the temperature set.  I was almost tempted to turn the heat on.  Jon said that he did drive to work with his heat on. 

Jess and I drove Lois to Metro Airport again, as she has a Crossworld Re-entry Week ahead of her in Kansas City, Missouri.  We left the house at 6:50 a.m. and arrived back at home (after Bob Evans breakfast on Merriman Road) around 9:30 a.m.

I put chicken in the crock pot, sat on the couch and read a bit then fell asleep - for 4 hours!  Jess was so good during this time.  I was aware when she left the room and where she went, but basically she entertained herself very well and was pretty quiet.  After dinner she took a nap and slept for 2 hours! I guess we're getting ready to hibernate early. 

Did anyone around here see the full rainbow tonight?  Jess saw it when she went to sit down on the floor and let us know.  It was really bright and beautiful. 

A Girl's Day

Jon worked so it was just Jess and me today. (He had a good day and they survived 2 torrential rains in Warren. He also got a picture of a full rainbow when he came out of the building to come home!)  I slept in while Jess occupied herself with her iPad and beads, as is her morning custom.  I served her breakfast in her room for something special for her.  We had lunch at Subway then we shopped at Meijer's.  I thought I could walk around Meijer's today but I was wrong.  My knees hurt so bad 3/4 of the way shopping that if I could have cried, I would have.  My left knee is quite swollen from sitting in the van the past several days and it's very uncomfortable. 

Jessie was a great help in bringing in the groceries because I couldn't keep walking up and down the 2 stairs into the house.  She brought in all the groceries and emptied the bags.  Then I took some pain medicine, elevated and iced my knee.  Jess noticed that I didn't get a blanket for my legs.  "Forgot?" she asked, then went and got me a blanket and covered up my legs.  Wasn't that sweet? 

I Don't Want To Forget These Comments

Yesterday's blog was quite long since it was for 2 days and quite abit about Jessie's behavior.  However, there are always funny times with her, too.  And for that reason I am blogging now so when this book goes into print in a couple months, it will be on the pages forever, and not lost somewhere in my mind ...

1)  I turned into a gas station, only I didn't realize that it was an exit for a subdivision and I should have turned a few feet later.  Luckily, no one was coming out.  I just said, "Oops!  I turned too soon!"  From the back seat, under her breath, comes:  "Bad Mom!"

2)  Around lunch time I wanted to stop at Cracker Barrel but forgot that it was on I-75 and not I-69 in Flint.  So we got off at Davison and when I listed area restaurants to the kids, Jess piped up and said she wanted to go to Big Boy's.  OK, then, that's where we went.  We walked in the door and Jess greeted all the workers with ... "I'm back!" ... "I'm back!"  (And very loudly, too!)  Everyone had a huge smile on their faces and welcomed her back.  However, I don't think she's ever been to this particular Big Boy's.  She's not ever said this at other places we go to that resemble places around home.  Interesting.

A Trip To Grand Haven

The kids and I left yesterday (THURSDAY) morning around 8:15 a.m. for our traditional vacation breakfast at Tim Horton's.  Then we drove to Springlake Wesleyan Church, just this side of Grand Haven, and visited Jacob, who has an internship there.  I left Jon with Jacob so they could hang out together and Jess and I drove around downtown Grand Haven for a bit then went to our motel.  That's Jessie's favorite part of vacation ... as soon as she gets in the door of the motel room, she claims a bed and gets out her portable DVD player, puts a movie in (usually the same one each time!) and plays with either her tiles or her traveling Apples to Apples cards.  She's adamant about going in the pool when we're home so I take all the suits, but she won't go in the pool when we get there.

I took just one book this time, began reading, and discovered I had already read it!  That was a disappointment.  I guess I could have started one of the many books I have downloaded on my iPad and iPhone, but I didn't think about that.  Several hours later we met up with Jon and Jacob and had dinner at Red Lobster.  Jacob came back and visited in the room until about 8:30 p.m.  We all turned in early.

This morning, FRIDAY, we bypassed the continental breakfast at the hotel, packed up, checked out and had breakfast next door at McDonald's.  We had planned on taking Jacob to Muskegon to tour USS Silversides, but it was dreary, cold and was expected to storm.  We just decided to get home and beat the storms, which we did. 

Rachel house and dog sat while we were gone.  She also washed my kitchen and dining room floors, cleaned the oven and weeded.  I should consider leaving more often, don't you think?  Thanks, Rachel!  You did a very nice job and it is really appreciated.

It sounds like a great time away, doesn't it?  For those of you who know Jessie, I believe she's a bit OCD when it comes to her next meal or snack, and she talked constantly about food and snacks all the way there, while we were there and most of the way home today, when she wasn't napping.  Then last night she was very agitated for some reason and started yelling, mostly at me.  I really don't know what her problem is.  She WANTS to go on vacation, yet it seems to upset her.  She's doing a lot better in crowded restaurants and if I should suggest we leave or eat in the car, she insists she wants to eat inside.  It doesn't make for a very relaxing time for me.

Jon hasn't been feeling well the past couple weeks either and had a very sore back and headache these two days.  He doesn't sleep well in beds other than his own, which is a tempurpedic mattress.  He's a little nervous going places he's never been.  He's a home body for sure.

It seems that neither one of my children got the "traveling bug" from me.  I LOVE to travel and go different places.  I've had the privilege of traveling all over the mainland U.S, plus Alaska, Hawaii, Africa and Haiti.  I do hope my traveling days aren't over. 

A Whirlwind of a Day

My day began with Water Aerobics with Lois from 9:00 - 10:00 p.m.  Our instructor used almost all new movements, which were different and sometimes difficult to maneuver.  The hot tub always feels wonderful after our work out.

From there I dropped Lois off at the eye doctors then we went to lunch.  Walgreen's was next to pick up prescriptions.  I took Lois home then drove down to the doctor's office to drop off a paper that they needed to fill our for the DHS on Jessie's disabilities.  From 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. was the Down Syndrome Book Club.  In the next couple of days I want to share some things I've learned from the book and the other mom's.

Left there around 3:15 and got gas, picked up a Little Caesar's pizza for dinner, went to the bank, then home.  Unfortunately, I got in a traffic jam on West Road.  I thought by not going up Vandyke I would miss the mess.  Not today.  Post office then home.  Rachel left for a couple hours then came back while I went to church for Stephen Ministry Supervision Group.  I finally got home to stay after 9:00 p.m. 

Jessie had a great day.  Rachel took her to Wendy's for lunch then Westview Orchards to pick cherries and then they had a ice cream dessert there.  Jess was very excited about it all when I got home.  This deviated from the usual swimming on Wednesday.  During the summer there are too many babies and children's classes.  Last week she only made it in the pool for 15 minutes.  I told Rachel not to bring her today and that is why she came up with her day in Romeo.  Guess how many kids were at the pool today?  NONE!  Classes ended last week and begin again next week.  Oh, well.

Jon worked and he looked wiped out when he came home.  He's been having back problems, too.  Unfortunately, he's inherited my mom's back.  He already has degenerative disc disorder, so he has lower back pain now and then.  Unfortunately, he has it now. 

Menchie's

Have you been there?  It's in the Vince and Joe's Plaza at 25 Mile and VanDyke.  Our small group from Bible Study met for lunch at noon then went "across the street" to have dessert.  I heard it was a yogurt place and expected to get a cone of some sort.  Was I in for a surprise.  It reminded me of a circus.  It was help yourself.  Twenty-something kinds of frozen yogurt or sherbet, not to mention 70 toppings ????  Who in their right mind would go there and get this much to eat?  We did. Considering it was 46 cents plus tax per ounce, this is not a place you will go to very often - good thing!  The few times I've been to Coldstone I thought it was very expensive.  This place could top their prices depending on your toppings.  I have to admit, though, I LOVED it!

Harvesting And Eating

Because it was supposed to rain this afternoon, Jon went outside right away this morning and cut the lawn.  After breakfast, Rachel and Jessie picked up sticks that fell from the past several storms we've had.  I even went out and did a bit of weeding and weed wacking. 

Girls day out was a little different today, as Debbie is on vacation with her parents in the UP and Rachel is working for her.  I took the girls to McDonald's and the post office and just came home.  I spent the next several hours in the kitchen.  We blanched and froze sugar snap peas and green beans.  The cauliflower had to be removed as it has gotten too much rain and wasn't growing well. 

Lois came for dinner and we had home grown boiled potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a yellow squash casserole that also had a home grown onion in it.  We also had a pork loin chop and cantaloupe and grapes for dessert.  Pretty healthy, I'd say.  Very tasty, too.    

Friends and Peace and Quiet - Sort Of

I went to church last night because I was invited to a baby shower that began at noon today.  Jon went to early church then shortly after he came home I left.  It was nice getting with friends I haven't been able to see or be with in quite awhile.  The food was excellent and it was a nice shower.

When I returned home I decided not to do anything but rest so I got a book and sat on the couch and read a short Christmas novella then took a 2 1/2 hour nap.  Part of my title was Peace and Quiet - Sort Of, because Jess was constantly talking to the iPad and the programs she was watching all afternoon - still is.  She was very good, though. 

Jon went to the show and saw RED 2.  He said it was really good and funny. 

Jon's Garden

I have to say that this blog is very irritating. I still can't upload pictures from my computer so I'm doing this from my iPad and it just doesn't want to cooperate.

Anyway, the picture at the top was taken awhile ago and the next two this afternoon. We are enjoying so many fresh vegetables. In fact, Jon harvested half of his potatoes and we just had baked potatoes for dinner along with a lemon tomato and a lemon cucumber.

In the second picture Jon is standing in front of his sugar snap peas and the one below his corn. Tomorrow I'm going to do beets and green beans.
I plan on having garden vegetables for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Friday

Yesterday I met my friend, Chris K for breakfast then I joined her in a Tai Chi class. Interesting, eh?

In the afternoon we had two Thunderstorm warnings and I prepared the closet. We got NOTHING. Then about 8:30 pm when all was well outside, we lost power.  Bummer.  Since the coolest room in the house is the family room, we began our night there. Power came back on around 11:00 and we hightailed it to our rooms. However, I had someone plastered to my body during the terrible storm we got in the night. "Scarry" she said. I had to agree with her. It was awful.

Medicaid Report - Done!

Now all I have to do is drive it over to the DHS office tomorrow.  Thankfully I didn't have to fill out all the 20+ pages.  I'd probably still be working on it. 

Debbie and Jessie went grocery shopping and there were several people she met there that when we were having lunch at home together, she indicated to me that she wanted to pray for them.  So, Debbie told me why and we prayed for 2 people.  One man on oxygen and one woman in a cast.  When we were done praying, Jessie said her usual:  "Better now!"

Christmas In July

Tonight 12 Stephen Minister Ladies met here for a Christmas In July gathering.  I raided the Christmas closet this afternoon and was able to decorate with a few things, as well as set a nice Christmas table with my Christmas placemats and dishes.  I had each lady bring 6 Christmas cookies and we had coffee, tea, hot chocolate and iced tea.  I even had little gifts for each lady in a Christmas stocking. 

We spent time talking about our first Christmas memory and then Marilyn prepared scripture reading, she played piano and we sang Christmas songs.  In looking ahead to the holidays, we discussed how we can have a less stressful time and concentrate on the real reason for the season - Jesus Christ. We closed with a special time of prayer for each other and others that we know that need prayer.

This was our 3rd gathering and I am so thankful that I followed the Lord's leading in beginning this Ladies' Ministry.  Each time has been special, and I look forward to planning the next one - with God's leading, of course.  I'm not sure I can top Christmas in July, though. 

Capuchin Retreat Center

The Stephen Ministry Leaders met for the day at the Capuchin retreat Center to plan the next "year" which will begin in September for a new class and continuing education.  This very nice retreat center gave us a wonderful room to use plus a continental breakfast and a lunch more like a dinner at noon.  It was a very profitable day and we are all excited about our up-coming year.  My behind is just a bit numb from sitting so long.  I'm not used to sitting for so long.

Rachel was here for Jessie and I didn't get to see her before she left so I'm not sure what they did.  Jessie said "Read", so I'm sure they probably read quite a few books.  Jon was out for most of the day.

Good News

Our favorite Case Worker, Kelly, was here this morning for her monthly visit and she gave me good news.  Even though Jessie's Medicaid has been denied beginning August 1, when I get the new form and bank statements in, it will become pending and all services will continue.  Thank you so much for your prayers for this.  My goal is having it all done by computer on Thursday.  This situation nearly gave me heart failure, I can honestly tell you that.  I am glad that God takes care of me.

Bill's cousin, Joyce and her husband, John, came for a visit this afternoon.  They were in town and wanted to see Jon's garden.  We had a nice visit.  Lois came for dinner then we had our sharing and praying time.  Julie also called me tonight to check up on me and see how I was doing.  Thanks, Julie!

Jessie should be extremely tired, but she isn't.  She's gotten up each day for about a week between 5 and 6:00 a.m.  She doesn't go to sleep until around 10:00 p.m.  Maybe tomorrow will be a nap day for her.

As soon as I can, I've got to download some pictures and make this blog more interesting.  I've got some really good ones of Jess and Jon's garden.  Maybe one night's blog will only be pictures. 

Happy Birthday, Doreen !!!

Today is my good friend's birthday and I forgot to send her a card and I didn't even call her and sing Happy Birthday.  What kind of a friend am I?  Sorry, Doreen!  I hope you had a great day.

Jess and I met Diane and Randie for breakfast this morning at Theo's.  Of course, the place was packed, as it always is, and there were several babies there, too.  However, Jessie did very well.  She continues to surprise me.  We went to Di and Randie's house after and visited for awhile.  From there we went to Target then home.  Chris was there waiting for us and we had a nice visit.

Jon called earlier to let me know he wouldn't be home until midnight!  He's working 4 more hours on his 12 1/2 hour shift.  I guess they're desperate enough to offer him tomorrow off if he worked late tonight. 

Thursday, Friday and Saturday

I don't think I've had to do 3 days of back blogging since I began in 2010.  Those of you who know me very well, know that something is up and I've appreciated the phone calls. 

Thursday was a great day.  Jess and Debbie went grocery shopping and had a good day together.  I had lunch with cousins Joyce, Carol and Chris at the Times Square north of Romeo.  That was a nice visit.  When we finished and they left I moved to another table where there was a group of ladies that I knew and I sat and visited them for awhile.  Jon and I went to Grosse Pte. Woods in the evening for an up-date with missionary friends who live in Naknek, Alaska.  Both Jon and I enjoyed listening to their presentation and talking with them.

Friday all hell broke lose in my life, so to speak.  I've had quite a bit of hip pain for about a week but on Friday morning the pain level was severe.  I made a doctor's appointment for the afternoon.  It was diagnosed as bursitis and I got a shot in my ---- to help reduce the inflammation and some crème to rub on the area. 

In the morning, I had a meeting with one of the Case Workers we have with DHS for Jessie. She's the one responsible for Home Help.  I have been blessed to have great Case Workers in all areas that we have them.  I see this woman only twice a year and I look forward to our meetings.

Anyway, to make a very long story short, and to minimize my major screw up, beginning August 1, Jessie is no long eligible for Medicaid since when I reported her assets, I was over by $7.00.  It didn't seem important to me since the doctors she sees don't take Medicaid anyway, but what I didn't know is that this also means Extra Help with her prescriptions, Home Help (our monthly grocery money) and her CLS and Respite hours.  Which means, NO AIDES! 

PLEASE pray with me that I can get the right form quickly to reapply to Medicaid, as well as make sure her assets are under the Medicaid requirement.  Every penny must be accounted for.  I was saving for our vacation, but I don't know how that will work now.  PLEASE pray that the DHS Case Worker we have for Medicaid will flag my application, new account records and pass the Medicaid through WITHOUT any loss of coverage.  This would be a BIG MIRACLE.  God is able, so I would appreciate your prayers.

I wasn't in any shape physically or mentally to blog last night.  I got out my book by Stormie Omartian on Praising God and began to praise God for this situation, knowing that He allowed this for a reason and will bring good out of it.  I personally can't see any, but then again I'm not able to see the future.  Even though I was a wreck, I'm totally trusting. 

Today, Saturday, has been 90% better emotionally, until I start to fret about what this could mean.  Looking ahead is where I get myself into trouble.  I've been redirecting my mind quite a bit over the course of this day.  The pain in my hip is much better.  It still hurts to walk, but I can at least walk. 

Jon worked so Jess and I were by ourselves.  After paperwork and a couple loads of wash we went out for our usual Saturday lunch, only she didn't want McDonalds - Subway today.  I was very pleased with her in the restaurant.  Usually there aren't many in Subway at 1:15 in the afternoon but today the line was almost out the door with few seats to sit in.  I offered for us to sit in the van, but she said she wanted to eat inside.  So, we did!  She did very, very well.

Jess and I left to pick Lois up from Metro later this afternoon.  Thanks to an American Airlines app on my phone I could immediately tell when she left Chicago and would arrive in Detroit.  Her flight kept getting delayed, so we delayed our departure time. When we arrived at Metro, I went and sat in the Cell Phone Parking Lot until she called and said she was waiting for us by the door.  Jessie was very excited to see 7 airplanes take off.  Lois treated us to a Bob Evans dinner.  I was also very pleased with Jessie there.  When we arrived there were hardly any people.  After about 10 minutes a bus let off at least 30 or more teenagers and sponsors that were from a church in Georgia.  Probably going to camp or working somewhere.  They were very loud (just because teens are), yet Jess did not react to their noise.  I was surprised but very pleased. 

So, that about sums it up.  For those of you who keep up with me, I covet your prayers regarding Jessie's Medicaid, and my physical pain. 

Back To Water Aerobics

The next 7-week session of Water Aerobics began this morning.  It was a good work out.  This afternoon I had my second session of the DS Adult Mom's Book Club.  That was very good again. 

Jessie and Debbie went to the pool, but Jess only stayed less than a half  hour because of all the kids that were there and they also put the water slide on at noon.  That's the small pool that Jess spends most of her time, but can't be in it unless she's going down the tube when the water runs.  Well, we all know that won't happen. 

I had Stephen Ministry Supervision Group tonight.  Jon finished his two-day stint.  He's looking forward to some time off.  I reminded him that the grass needs to be cut, though.

Dark Gloomy Skies

Will we ever see a full day of sunshine?  It sure doesn't seem like it. It's been humid, gloomy and very wet.  I told Jon last night that "Dad would have really enjoyed our central air this year!"  Bill never did heat or humid very well.  I'm glad I decided to get a new furnace to replace our two old ones and have central air installed. 

I had breakfast this morning with my friend, Chris K.  We've put "dates" on the calendar so that we are sure to keep meeting.  When I got home, I spent the next 4 hours purging my file cabinets.  I had hoped to get everything in one, but even though I got rid of a lot, I still need the second file cabinet.  Especially for Stephen Ministry materials.  When I came home from SM Leadership Training in 2007, I had 30# of file folders filled with training materials, etc.  I'm excited that I at least got it all organized.  I've been working on it for months!

Rachel supervised Jessie in putting away all her videos again, as she had stacked them all on the floor.  Then she took her to Subway for sandwiches for a picnic lunch at Stoney Creek.  They also went to the Nature Center, which Jessie calls the "zoo".  She had a really good day.

MRI - Done!

I haven't looked forward to this day for weeks and by the time I walked out the door I was a nervous wreck.  I'm such a wimp. I admit it. I knew that I wouldn't be put in all the way (my other 2 MRIs were  in open machines), but the thought of having to lie flat and hold still was making me a wreck. Not only was I tied and velcroed down, but my feet were rubber banded together at an awkward angle. Then my arms had to be over my head. And, no moving!  When it was finally over, my entire body hurt and I had difficulty walking. The MRI was to take measurements for a made-for-me knee. They no longer have a one-size-fits-all knee replacements.  Knee surgery is scheduled for November.

The rest of the day was ok. Both Jon and Jess were crabby. I think we are all getting a bit tired of muggy days filled with patches of storms. Our rain barrel overfloweths.

A Good Day

The kids and I got up very early and had Lois to Metro Airport by 8:00 for her flight to Missouri for a CEF re-entry week.  We dropped her off at the door, then had breakfast at Bob Evans on Merriman Road. A mere 107 miles round trip. I did a few things then sat on the couch and took a nice long nap!  Jon went to the show and Jess occupied herself with her beads and Zack and Cody episodes.

When dinner time rolled around, we decided to go to Wendy's in Romeo.  When we finished eating we saw a police helicopter hovering and Jon saw 4 police cars in a field with an officer running. Wonder if it will make the news?  From there we drove through the Romeo cemetery. We showed Jessie Grandma Suttons grave then we drove slowly until Jess decided she wanted to get out and walk. For some unknown reason, she likes cemeteries and wants to know everyone's name. From there we drove around and saw "ten houses" for Jess. We saw turkeys and their new babies, a woodchuck, and several deer, one having antlers. That was neat.  When we got home I checked the mileage and we drove 27 miles!  It was fun.

Too Warm To Work Outside

I discovered that when I spent about 15 minutes vacuuming out the van again.  Jon, Jess and I had gone to Home Depot and bought some bricks to make Jon's fire pit higher and some mulch for my garden and it got the back end quite dirty.  Not to mention dog hair again from a couple trips last week with Memphis. 

I had wanted to go outside and do a little more weeding since Chris helped me get a really good start last week.  Jess wasn't interested in going outside either, so we stayed in doors and I did stuff around the house.  Well, that is after we went to Target and the post office. 

Jon went to see The Lone Ranger this morning.  He said it was really good and funny. 

Another Girls Day Together

With Rachel in Boston and Debbie in Gladwin, Jess and I spent the day together again.  I think we had a nice time, at least I did.  I enjoy being with Jessie.  We had breakfast out at Garden Grille, went to Walgreen's and shopped at Michael's and spent Jessie's gift card she got for her birthday last month.  She's quite set with crafts for awhile.  Then we went to the post office.

I did paperwork when I came home and 2 loads of wash and Jessie occupied herself with - what else?  Apples 2 Apples cards, beads and the iPad.  In the afternoon we went to the bank and drove through McDonald's for a grilled chicken snack wrap.  Back home again and I fixed a nice dinner for a change - chicken and rice casserole and a fresh-from-the-garden salad.  Chris dropped by and she shared dinner with us then she helped me weed a bit. 

Happy 4th of July !!!

Since Bill passed away, I really don't look forward to holidays.  Especially the ones where Jon has to work and it is just Jess and me.   I could spend holidays with Diane and Randie's family, but she has small grandchildren.  Small kids - that dreaded word in Jessie's vocabulary.  However, when the day gets here, it really turns out OK

This morning I did 2 loads of wash and dug up and repotted Rose of Sharron trees while Jessie was in her hammock swing singing Jesus Loves Me, along with other Jesus songs.  It was quite warm and she didn't last long outside.  When we came in I decided I'd just sit down in the family room with her and I'd read while she played with her Apples to Apples cards and watch Zach and Cody on Utube.  Well, that's not what Jess had in mind.  She said to me, "Mom - book - outside!"  I looked at her and said, "You want me to go outside and read my book?"  "YES!", she said.  I think NOT.  Where did I go?  The living room!  I guess everyone needs their space at times.

At 1:00 we left and drove through McDonalds for a fast sandwich, Walgreen's for prescriptions then went to visit "Aunt" Lois and Grandma B. and we played games for awhile.  They treated us to ice cream just before we left for the 4:00 showing of "Despicable Me 2" at the Romeo Theatre.  Now, this is the first time I have taken Jess to a movie by myself - ever.  Usually Shannon took her.  Debbie hasn't even taken her.  She was a little loud but on a scale of 1-10 I'd say she was a 5.  I really enjoyed the movie and Jess said she wanted it on DVD.  The show was about half full and more adults laughed than the kids.

All morning and afternoon I told her and she reminded me that we were going to have Wendy's for dinner after the show.  Well, as we drove up to Romeo she say Big Boy's and said she wanted to eat dinner there.  That just about blew me away, as she NEVER asks to go to a restaurant.  I kept asking her if she was sure and she kept saying YES.  So, we had dinner at Big Boy's which went very well, and I even have a dinner for Jon (half Jessie's and mine).

So, in all, I had a good day.  I'm thankful.  Jon's day at work was OK, too.  He just got in from watering his babies.  He brought in a cucumber and an entire bowl of cherry tomatoes. 

A Fast And Busy Day

I left the house at 9:20 a.m. and didn't come home to stay until 4:00 p.m.  I began with breakfast with my friend, Rox, then at very fast trip to Kroger's for a few items.  Home to put them away then I had a doctor's appointment at 1:00 p.m.  Since it was off 16 Mile and Coolidge, I went to FCS on John R and 14 Mile.  I bought a few items at Meijer's, went to the bank and post office and headed home.  A very productive day.

I'm not quite sure when Jessie gets up in the morning - sometime after 6:00 I think.  She plays in her room with beads and her iPad.  When I got up and was ready to get her taken care of, she had sat on the floor in the door way, leaned her head on the door jamb and almost fell asleep.  This girl can sleep any where and in any position, that's for sure.  Debbie took Jessie with her as she did some shopping for their mini-vacation in Gladwin in the next couple of days.  Jess seemed to enjoy herself. 

Jon cut the grass, weed wacked and worked in his garden.  We are enjoying cherry tomatoes, fresh lettuce, broccoli and sugar snap peas so far.  His garden is a work of art. 

An Airport Trip

I picked up Lois after breakfast and we went to Lakeside to see if she could get a couple cotton dresses.  Did you know that it's almost too late to buy summer outfits?  The winter clothes and school stuff is now being put on display.  This is so not right.  It's July the 2nd! 

From there we drove to Metro, ate lunch at Bob Evans on Merriman Road and picked up her brother who was coming home after a 2-week vacation visiting his daughter and her family who live overseas.  That airport has changed ALOT since I flew out of it years ago.  Thanks to a Delta app. I downloaded on my iPhone, I kept track of his flight and when it arrived.  We just made it. 

Jessie is very crabby and defiant today. Debbie took her to get her hair cut and then they had lunch at Wendy's.  Jon enjoyed his day off.  I'm tired. 

These posts are boring, even to me.  I should just stop blogging, but I want to do more about Jessie.  I also like to make my posts into hard-bound books every 3 months.  They are a nice keepsake for myself.  So, boring or not, I guess I'll keep it up. 

Happy July 1

Yesterday I was miserable.  Today only 1/4 miserable.  So, that is good.

Debbie took Jess and Memphis on a long walk in the morning.  When they got back, both Memphis and Jess took a long nap! 

I worked on paperwork until it was time to take Jessie out for Girl's Day Out.  We went to the post office, McDonald's drive thru then Kohl's.  She's getting better at shopping.

Lois came for dinner and we had our time of sharing and praying.  Now it's time to go upstairs already.  My days, weeks and months are flying faster than I can catch up.