Halloween Memories

 

 

Jessie has been totally obsessed with Halloween for the past month, but when the fire whistle blew tonight, she just about lost it.  She was very upset about mummies coming.  Jon tried to reassure her that there were no mummies. 

 

I asked Jon tonight if he remembered Halloween nights at Grandma Jonas' house when he was young.  He said he did.  They were some great times.  When we had the kids, we took them to Grandma's house for a quick dinner then trick or treating down her street.  Jessie's picture above is from 1995 (5 years old) and Jon's from 1992 (4 years old).  Diane and Randie, my brother and his family would also come.  It was also Ed's birthday.  Today would have been his 54th birthday.

 

Halloween for Ed, Di and me was a really great night, too.  Mom made all of our costumes.  One of our neighbors, Mrs. White, would usually dress up like a witch and sit on her porch with a very large cauldron filled with worms (spaghetti).  We had to do something (can't remember what we had to do!) before she would give us any candy.   

 

 

Date Date With Doreen

Doreen and her family have been back now for one month.  Today we went out to "just get away" for a bit.  We went to the Christmas Tree Store, had lunch at Red Lobster then dessert at Menchie's.  It was a beautiful weather day, and it was fun being together. 

Rachel was with Jessie today and beside picking up dog poop, Jessie folded towels and emptied the dishwasher.  Then Rachel and Jess picked up Subway sandwiches, went to Rachel's house to eat lunch then walked her neighborhood looking at Halloween decorations.  They also made Halloween cookies Jessie painted a pumpkin.  I do believe they had a good day together, too.

Jon had a pretty good day at work, too. 

Welcome Brenda!

Today Jess and I spent quite a bit of time with Brenda, Jessie's new aide for Tuesday's.  Although she doesn't have any of her paperwork or classes done, we hope that she will be able to get them done and start in a couple of weeks.  We went to the MTRC and Jessie showed her the cabana rooms and the pool.  Brenda will be making sure Jessie has alot of physical activity on Tuesday's, especially swimming when she can.

When ever I go on vacation, I try to get my house in order.  Paper piles are cleaned up or taken care of.  House cleaned, etc.  I've been doing the same thing since I'll be out of commission for several weeks.  I have numerous piles that need to be taken care of before next Wednesday, or the piles need to be made neater.  One small pile was taken care of this afternoon.  Only about 10 to go.

Information Overload

I have to admit that today was a very trying day for me emotionally.  I was glad Jon was with me and kept encouraging me.  I had a 9:30 a.m. appointment at the hospital for pre testing (for my total knee replacement surgery on November 7), which only took about a half hour and went well.  I had a very caring nurse, Cookie, who even gave me a hug when I left. 

Next was the 2-hour long class for hip and knee replacements.  By the time the lecturer was done, I was, too.  I turned to Jon and said, "I don't think I signed up for this!"  I was on information overload and wanted to get out of that room as soon as I could!  The last time I had major surgery was 25 years ago.  Six weeks after Jon was born I had my gall bladder out.  I have the 12" scar to prove it.  Back then you went in and you knew what type of surgery you were having but they didn't share much.  Now, I think we're told TOO much. The only thing that was lacking today was the graphic pictures from the operating room.  Thank you, Jesus!

There was one nice thing about today's lecture and that was the fruit and the super huge oatmeal raisin cookies they had for break time.  I also thought there were large, wrapped individual chunks of cheese on the table, too, but they turned out to be the scrub we need to wash with the night before our surgery!!!!  Jon laughed quite a bit over my mistake. 

We grabbed a quick Wendy's lunch and made it to my next appointment at 1:30 p.m. for my right shoulder.  The same doctor that is doing my knee surgery also does shoulders (how convenient).  An ultra sound "suggests that there is a tear in the miniscus", so I'll have to have an MRI to make sure.  Because my knee comes first, he gave me a shot of cortisone to help the pain, and I'll schedule an MRI in about 6 months.  Yippee!

Jess had a good day.  I'm glad someone did.  Jane took her to an exercise class, the park, Ocean Breeze for lunch then back home to hang out and play games.  Jane looked tired when she left and Jess was just beginning to wind up just for me.  She screamed at me for the next hour or so.  I know she's upset about Debbie not being here and about me going to have surgery, and she can't tell me how she feels, but yelling at me is getting old.  Very old.   

Today Would Have Been Bill's 67th Birthday

Believe it or not, I forgot all about it until Jon and I were at church tonight for a special meeting and the date was announced.  Doreen told me she had been praying for me all day, and I'm glad she did.  Otherwise, I might have gotten melancholy.  Or not.  I don't know.  I do know that I would have reminded Bill that he was 6 years older than me.  Since we met that was a running "argument", as I was born on October 1 and he was born on the 27th. 

Jon went to first service, I went to second, then the 3 of us met Chris, Sean and Ashley at Kwong Tong for a Chinese lunch.  It's pretty much a "safe" place to take Jess since there usually aren't many people in there and she loves sweet and sour chicken with the rice and egg roll. 

Jon made me a map of area restaurants that I offered to do for a SM conference next Saturday.  Chris came and watched Jessie while Jon and I went back to church for a meeting on a proposed building addition.  I'm very thankful she came so that I could be part of the meeting.  "Thanks again, Chris!"

Family Date Day

My surgery date is quickly approaching and today was one of the last days the 3 of us could go away and have a date day.  Since I was in so much pain last night, I had asked Jess if we could stay home, but she was adament that she wanted to go see the "big boats", and especially since she had purchased snacks just for today. 

Thankfully, I woke feeling better - I went to bed at 10:00 (something I rarely do) and didn't get out of bed until 10:00 a.m.  Jess slept in til 8:00 and Jon 10:10.  We left for Tim Horton's around 11:00 for our traditional vacation breakfast: bagels and cream cheese and a few TimBits.  We decided to go to Port Huron the long way - 23 Mile to Algonac then up to Port Huron.  We went into the Algonac State Park and watched a few young men skeet shoot.  There were still quite a few campers in their park, too.  The water was very blue and VERY choppy.  We happened to be driving by when one of the car ferries for Canada left the dock and it looked like it was going to tip over - if I had been on that boat, I surely would have been screaming, that's for sure.  It was really rough waters.

It was a beautiful day and the colors were spectacular; until we were almost to Port Huron when it looked like it was going to storm.  We ate an early dinner at Cracker Barrell, which included their coca cola chocolate cake for dessert.  It was SOOO good, but very rich.  Maybe once a year we can splurge on it - Jess and I shared one so we didn't have too much.  We then shopped at Mary Maxim's.  Jess got herself a paint set and I bought a cute scarecrow doll for inside the house at 60% off.  We were going to do more shopping, but it began to rain so we decided to come home.  It POURED on the way back on I-94.  Both Jon and Jess slept on the way home and I took a nap when we got home.

A very nice day with my two very nice kids. 

Not A Good Physical Day

Usually I end up taking one pain pill a day, but tonight I'm about to make it a 2-pain pill day.  For some reason my entire body has been hurting.  I had my last PT today and cut some of exercises short because of the pain.  I'm counting on tomorrow being a better day.

I went to breakfast with Rachel and Jessie then we shopped at the dollar store.  When we got home Rachel, Jess and Memphis went on a long walk and I did paperwork and wash.  Rather exciting, wouldn't you say?

Shopping Again

Rachel watched Jess while I went to Bible Study then brought her to me around 11:15 a.m.  When we were finished with our small group, Jess and I went to Ocean Breeze for lunch (Jessie's request) then Meijer's for groceries.  No silly faces today - she was pretty good - only clobbered the back end of the electric amigo 4 times, but, hey.  That's not too bad.  At least it wasn't anyone else's back end.  I unloaded all the groceries and Jess took them all out of their bags.  She was a good helper today.

I was pooped when we got home so I sat down with my feet up and finished a book I was reading.  At one point, Jess jumped up, hollered something and ran over to me and took the blanket that I had laid next to me and covered me up with it and said, "Forgot!", which meant that I had forgotten to cover myself with the blanket.  That was nice.  She even made sure my toes were covered. 

Early Morning PT

What was I thinking when I scheduled a 9:15 PT appointment?  I should know better than to schedule an early morning anything.  I don't get up well.  I hurt and, well I hurt.  I think I rate a 9:15 a.m. PT appointment right up there with Water Aerobics at 9 a.m.  At least I'm done with Water Aerobics until after my surgery and PT - maybe I can go back in January.  I'll have to really motivate myself, though, because putting on a bathing suit (with clothes on top, of course!) and going out in cold, blustery winter weather isn't high on my list of things to do early in the morning, either.

Rachel was with Jess today and they spent time outside with Jess in her hammock.  They also went for a drive.  I met Jon for breakfast after PT then he went his way and I went mine - straight to Kohl's.  I needed a new watch band.  Did I get one?  Absolutely.  I also got alot more since I had a 30% off coupon.  As I stopped to look at this and that, I could almost hear Bill say: "Just keep walkin!"  Today would have been one of those days where he would have just rolled his eyes when I came in the door with 2 large bags.  And, now I have to go back because I received $30.00 in Kohl's bucks and my 30% coupon overlaps for a couple days.  Gotta get the most for the least!  If I plan it right, I can walk out of the store with a bagful and owe nothing. 

I spent the rest of the day preparing for Stephen Ministry, as I was facilitating our Continuing Ed tonight.  Both kids are now in bed and I'm on my way up, too!  Pleasant dreams.

We Saw Debbie Today

Jon, Jess and I went to breakfast then we visited Debbie.  It was just so neat to watch Jessie see Debbie for the first time since the accident.  She stared at her and grabbed her hand, as I told her not to give her a hug.  However, Debbie let her hug her.  Jess noticed the bruises on  her neck and touched them.  Debbie sat in a chair and Jess sat at her feet and just held her hand and kept kissing her hand.  I know it did a world of good for Jessie to actually see Debbie for herself.  Who knows what Jessie envisioned what Deb would look like? It was special just watching her hold her hand. 

It reminded me of when I haven't seen someone in a long time I just want to keep hugging them or holding their hand.  Like Lois when she comes home from Haiti.  We have said so many good byes in 30 years and just as many hellos.  When she gets off the plane we hug and I just want to hold her hand, I'm so glad to see her and be near her.  I miss her alot when she is not in Michigan. 

It also brings to my mind a spiritual picture of me sitting at Jesus' feet and holding His hand.  The time I spend in His presence is very special and I long for that closeness each day.  I know that the time Jessie spent with Debbie today was a very important part of Jessie's healing in the "loss" of Debbie's presence each day.  Please continue to pray for her physical, emotional and spiritual healing. 

Jessie's Day With Jane

Jessie had a great morning and early afternoon with Jane.  They ate breakfast together then Jane took Jess out for a couple hours.  They drove through McDonald's and brought it back to eat.  So, Jessie's Girl's Day Out was with Jane and not Mom today.

I had some work at church to do then went out to lunch with 3 other ladies.  I went to the post office and finally made it through construction traffic to get back home.  Yesterday it took me 10 minutes to go less than 1 mile.  I'll be so glad when they are finished with widening Van Dyke, that's for sure.

I did several loads of wash, interviewed and hired a part time worker for Jessie and worked on Stephen Ministry stuff.  Jon finished a 3-day stretch and he said that on the whole, it was a good 3 days. 

I was able to talk to Debbie this afternoon.  She's still in quite a bit of pain and can't use her arms very much, but healing is happening.  Jon, Jess and I are planning on visiting her in the morning.  I can't wait to see her, that's for sure.  I'm sure Jess is, too.

Another Birthday Celebration

My girlfriend, JoAnne, came today to "celebrate" my birthday.  I fixed a pork loin dinner then an hour later we drove to Menchie's and had dessert.  Chris came by later in the day on her way home from shopping after church and the three of us visited.  Jess watched videos on Utube all day, plus played with her beads and Apples 2 Apples cards.  Jon worked.  Memphis spent quite a bit of time on the deck.  It was a nice day, even though it was a little cool. 

Congratulations Adam and Jessica !!!

Jess and I went out to a late breakfast this morning for something to do.  We went to Dimitris and both had French toast, bacon and hot tea.  The waitress handed us our bills earlier but when we went to go to the counter to pay for them, she asked for them back.  Apparently a man paid for our meal!  Wow!  I was so stunned, I forgot to tell them to say "Thank You" to the man.  

 

When we got home I just rested all afternoon.  I was supposed to go to the wedding of Adam and Jessica's this afternoon but because it was raining and cold, I decided to just go to the reception at Monte Carlo.  Having surgery in a couple weeks I didn't want to take the chance of getting sick.  Very wimpy of me. 

 

Adam and Jessica were scheduled to be married in August, but she got Legionnaire's Disease and almost died.  I was told that it was a very emotional wedding ceremony - happy weepy!  The receiption was fun and if my knee was better, I would have dragged Diane out to the dance floor to at least do the chicken dance!  I never could get Bill out to the dance floor.   

Shopping With Jess

Well, I'm doing my best in keeping up with Jessie's schedule myself.  Rachel was pretty sick with either a cold or allergies, so she didn't come today.  Jon and I took Jessie out to breakfast, because that's what Friday's are ... breakfast out day.  From there I took her grocery shopping.  I used the amigo and she pushed the cart behind me.  What a trip.  Can you tell from the look on her face what a wonderful time she is having?  I tried to focus on what was in front of me, making her follow me.  Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.  There were alot of shoppers in Meijer's, and quite a few toddlers.  None were noisy, but Jess got worked up anyway, expecting them to.  I ignored her and didn't play into her feelings.  She even scanned all items.  She does a really good job of that. 

Tonight was our Ladies Cupcake Social at church.  I think there were around 35/40 women who came out to get to know others, laugh, have fun and eat cupcakes.  It turned out well. Thanks goes to Jon for taking care of Jess tonight.  Both were asleep when I arrived home.   

 



The Games Afoot or Holmes For The Holidays

Tonight Lois and I went out to TGI Friday's for dinner then went to Meadowbrook to see ... "Holmes For The Holidays".  It was very good.  We both laughed so hard.  I had to take my glasses off several times to wipe my eyes.  A couple of times I joined in with several other audience people and screamed.  I'm sure the guy sitting next to me didn't appreciate it, but, oh, well!  A very pleasant evening.

It was another fast day.  Jon had a 9:00 a.m. eye dr. appointment, Rachel watched Jessie until 11:00 when she went to school, and I went to Bible Study with Lois.  I had an hour or so at home to start some wash before PT.  After that I took a short nap then got ready to go out.  Jon and Jess had a good afternoon and evening together.  He made them breakfast, which is always a hit with Jess. 

Oh, yes!  Debbie was able to come home today!  That is GREAT news! 

Thank You, Rachel!

Rachel had a very long day with Jess.  She arrived at 9:00 a.m. and left at almost 9:00 p.m. with an hour break to go home for dinner.  She took Jess to Wendy's for lunch, a playground to get fresh air and exercise then to the "zoo" (Kee's Pet Store), which Jessie LOVES to go to. 

I left early and went to Dimitri's for breakfast, Walgreen's for prescription medication, Tim Horton's for a special Pumpkin Spice Muffin for Debbie, Family Christian Stores for cards, books and a gift, then to drop off Service Notes to Jessie's Case Worker.  She was supposed to come to us but I offered to drop off the papers since I was driving right by on my way to the hospital to see Debbie. 

I was so thrilled to see her and to be able to talk to her.  She went for a walk for the first time while I was there and did great, since she can't use her arms to help herself up or down with the walker.  If her chest tube comes out tonight, she may be able to come home tomorrow, but they weren't sure when I left.  Soon though.

When I left I drove through Wendy's and had a chicken wrap then to JoAnn's for name tags for Friday's Cupcake Social. Finally the post office and home.  I had about an hours before the Stephen Ministry Ladies were scheduled to arrive for our monthly meeting.  There were only 4 of us, yet we had a very nice time together.  Marilyn helped me by bringing dessert: home made fruit salsa and pita cinnamon chips.  It was very very good. 

Tuesday

Rachel was here for Jessie today because she didn't have class at school.  They read books, worked in a sticker book, swept the dining room floor and dusted a bit.  Jess even took a little nap. 

It was time to have my hair cut and colored.  I always enjoy just sitting quietly while Veronica works on my hair.  The best part is being under the dryer.  My mom used to have one of the dryers like she has - the big half globe that fits over your head.  It's nice and warm and cozy under there.  I went to a couple stores when I finished then had PT at 3:15 p.m. 

I'm working on getting my house straightened up as I have the Stephen Minister ladies coming tomorrow night for our 5th get together. 

I was able to talk to Debbie tonight!  It was SOOO good to hear her voice.  She's doing a bit better.  Visitors are now welcome for a short visit.  She said that she just can't get up and dance.  I hope to be able to go tomorrow and visit her.  Jess talked to her on the phone tonight, too, and that helped Jess alot.  Just hearing her voice. 

Monday

Jon had an early morning appointment, went to breakfast, Barnes and Noble, then came home and worked around the house.

After breakfast Jess played on her iPad and I wrote out checks and did several loads of wash.  We left late for lunch and Jess' preference today was Subway, which was fine with me.  For some reason I had a really bad headache today.  Part migraine.  Not sure where that came from but I'm much better tonight.  Jess also had Speech this afternoon and Cheryl, her teacher, said she was so excited because Jess was able to say several words much clearer.  The "n" and "k" sounds. 

I've tried to change my prayers requests (on the right of this blog) but for some reason it won't allow me to save.  I was just going to put the prayer request on there for Debbie.  She will most likely be in the hospital this entire week. 

Please Read The Post Before This One - Very Important

I posted earlier this morning regarding Debbie's freak accident.  She is still in pretty rough shape.  I appreciate your prayers for her.

I told you that I would tell you about yesterday - Saturday was a good day for us until we heard about Debbie's accident.  My friend, Jane, took me out to lunch at Ike's for my birthday.  We had a very nice visit.  When I got home, the kids and I went for a drive to Meadowbrook to get tickets for Lois and I to see a play, and then to see the hospital where I will be having knee surgery.  It was such a beautiful day for a drive.  We then went on a longer drive and drove by the Kirkland of the Hills church and the homes that surround it.  I was going to post a picture, but I forgot.  We also went out to dinner at Alex's in Rochester and the 3 of us had a nice meal.  A very nice day indeed.

Today Jon went to first service and I went to second.  It was the culmination of a 3-day Missions Festival.  Our speaker was very good and I enjoyed being there.  I bought McDonald's for lunch and was home for only about an hour or so when I went back to church for the memorial service of my friend Andrea's sister, with a dinner that followed the service. 

So, that about sums it up for yesterday and today.  Jess seems to be better today emotionally - she was very upset about Debbie last night.  Actually, neither one of us slept much, and she even got up somewhere between 4 and 5 to play in her room.  I got her back to bed at 5:30 and she did sleep for a couple more hours.  I hope she sleeps better tonight. 

Prayer Warriors Needed

I didn't blog last night because our internet was down.  I didn't think to do it on my iPad with 4G, so tonight I'll tell you about our day yesterday.  However, I have an urgent prayer request for those of you who would pray, even for someone you don't know ...

Jessie's aide, and my good friend Debbie, was injured yesterday in a freak accident.  She was bike riding and stopped to see skydivers land near her house.  (Just the night before Jess, Debbie and I watched them, too, from the van.)  Unfortunately, one of the skydivers spun out of control, hitting a tree, then Debbie.  She is in the hospital with a collapsed lung, a concussion and 5 broken ribs.  She's in pretty rough shape.  Unfortunately, the skydiver died in the accident.   Prayers needed for physical, as well as emotional healing for Debbie.

This is the ripple of life.  I do not know what to do, other than continue to TRUST God that He has everything under control.  Debbie is Jessie's primary care giver (beside Jon and I, of course) and I do not have anyone I can hire at the moment to take her place until she is able to return. My total knee replacement surgery is in 3 weeks and I was counting on Debbie to help Jess through the time when I am not here, as well as when I come home.  So, when you pray for Debbie and the family of the man who died, please remember Jessie.  She is very upset about Debbie not being here and it is another loss and adjustment.  I need God's guidance.  Thanks! 

Harvest Decorations

Jess and Debbie had their breakfast out morning along with some grocery shopping at Meijer's.  Jon worked and I spent the morning doing some decorating, and paperwork before I met my good friend, Janet, for lunch in Romeo.  We haven't seen one another for a very long time and it was great seeing her and getting caught up on life.  We used to work together at Morgan Elementary. 

I visited Chris at her work on the way home, bought Memphis food since he wasn't going to have breakfast if I didn't stop and get some, and the post office.  After Debbie left Jess and I decorated a little for Harvest.  I really like to make my home "season appropriate", so to speak.  I enjoy decorating - Bill used to love it. 

For something different tonight, Jess and I picked up Debbie and we were going to go to Pita Pit for dinner.  As she was getting in the van, she noticed the parachuting airplane over head so we headed to the hanger two miles north and watched 8 parachutists land.  Several of them were tandem.  Jess was pretty excited about that.  Me, too.  Many, many years ago, I had wanted to learn to parachute.  I'd still do it today if I wasn't so out of shape, and libel to break or injure something important.  We finally ended up at the Pita Pit.  After we took her home, we went to Michael's to shop a bit.  That was really different, as we rarely are out at dark.  Their fall stuff is 70% off, and I got a few things to decorate. 

Jessie's Mixed Up Day

Debbie wasn't able to work today because of a severe migrane.  Rachel had to leave earlier than normal for an oral French test at school, and brought Jess to Bible Study earlier than normal so Lois and I left before the small group began.  We were home for about 45 minutes when Jane came and took Jess to lunch while I went to another Stephen Ministry meeting.  When I got home, Jane left, I was home for about a half hour then Jess went with me for PT.  She did well there because there was only one other patient in the room and one of the workers played ball with her.  Then, she spotted skeletal parts on the window sills (hand, spines, etc.) and became aggitated and called them mummies!  She was upset about Halloween for the next hour.  However, considering her mixed up day, she did pretty good with it all.  Usually when her schedule is changed, she doesn't adapt well.

Personalized Settings

If you're like me, you have "personalized settings" for how you like to drive your vehicle.  Like, how far back you like the seat, at what angle, steering wheel, and radio settings.  If you're almost the only driver of your vehicle you don't have to worry about resetting everything when ever you drive it. Jon and I took my van to the Chrysler Dealer to have them figure out why my phone won't pair with the radio/UConnect.  Because of the fiascos I have had there, they gave me a free rental while they worked on my van.  That in itself was hysterical.  First, there was no key.  A push button that was activated by a key fob that needed to be in the vehicle started the Dodge Journey.  Second, we couldn't find the shut off button for the blaring radio on a crappy station.  Then I had to try to adjust all the settings so I could drive. 

I took the rental because they led me to believe it would be a couple days. Only a couple hours later the radio was "fixed" and I could pick it up.  I could have just used the shuttle service!  When I went to drive away, I wondered why did they need to readjust the steering wheel, the seat and the radio station?  I had to redo everything.  Can you tell that this is a pet peeve of mine?  To top it off, I used the UConnect tonight to call Jon to let him know I was on my way home from SM, and it wouldn't work.  AHHHHH!

A Crummy Physical Day For All

Jessie didn't have a very good day.  She apparently had stomach cramps.  People who have Down Syndrome tend to have a high pain threshold, so we don't know when she's in pain unless its severe.  Today she laid on the couch, kept drawing up her legs and didn't look well.  She felt well enough late this afternoon to have her hair cut, and she's doing much better tonight. 

I went to Physical Therapy for my arm and did OK with the exercises and the ultra sound always makes my arm feel great.  However, as the therapist was wiping the goo off my arm she rubbed just the "right" spot and I hollered.  It's been hurting worse ever since.  Bummer.  Jon and I met for lunch and I had a patty melt.  When I got home I felt like I was drugged.  I sat on the couch and slept for 2 hours!  It took me a good half hour to "wake up", so to speak. 

Jon's back was doing great until he had a 3-day stint.  Then today he worked in his garden pulling out dead plants and moving dirt.  He needed a pain pill tonight.

All three of us are a physical wreck.  Other than that, everything else is great. 

Whose Birthday Did We Celebrate?

If it weren't for me wearing the cake glasses in the top picture, you'd think we were celebrating Jessie's birthday!  The "Glory Girls" met tonight at Shield's Pizza to celebrate my birthday and Pat's, which is at the end of the month.  It was great getting together with Lynn, Mary, Pat, Shannon, and Andrea.  Only Caroline was missing - although not really since we knew she was in Florida.

Jon worked tonight and Rachel had school late, so I took Jess with me, hoping our evening would be as good as the Women's Sing I went to last week.  NOT.  When we arrived, there were only 2 other people in the restaurant.  By the time we left, it was packed with people and kids.  The more she got aggitated, the louder and more she talked.  I couldn't hear anything that the ladies were talking about.  I was disappointed.

Jess was very upset with the lady clown, and I thought she was going to have heart-failure when she saw Sponge Bob. She was panic stricken, to say the least.  The pictures were taken about a half hour of calming her down.  When she first saw the clown come in the restaurant, she stared at her, looked at me and said, "What's that?"  At that moment, I didn't know that it was character night.  I finally got her to take a picture with Sponge Bob after convincing her it was a girl in a Halloween costume.

She talked constantly all the way home and for an hour after we got home.  I couldn't handle it anymore, so I took her upstairs and put her to bed with my "blue" iPad.  She's still talking!

Yeah! Three Cheers For Me!

I finished my paperwork !!!   I am up-to-date on Jessie's recordings and my check book.  Now I just have to file it all away.  Maybe tomorrow. 

Jess and I met Di and Randie for breakfast then went back to their house to see all the renovations they have done - a "new" office for Diane and a "new" family room for them.  As always, it looked really nice.  When we left, Jess and I went to JoAnn Fabrics to look around.  By the time we checked out, I was almost ready to "check out" myself.  Being in the store today was just too much for Jess.  She was VERY loud and kept hanging on to my sore arm.  She also wanted to buy out the store.  I kept putting her off and telling her we'd put it on her Christmas list.  I was going to go to FCS's but that would have put both of us over the edge, so we came home.

Another Outing For Jess

I had a great start to my day - I slept in until 9:45!  And, I woke feeling half-way decent.  Usually I don't wake well.  Jess slept in until 7:45 a.m., which is unusual for her, too.  We ate our breakfast, I did paperwork (never ending) and then we went to the post office, Walgreen's McDonald's drive thru then Kohl's to pay my bill.  I also made Jess walk around the store with me.  By the time we finished, she was clammy - a good indication of being in stress, so we came right home. 

Last night when I mentioned that she did really well at the Ladies' Sing, I didn't tell you that she had her arm tightly around my neck, her head on my shoulder and her cheeks were beet red.  She was out of her comfort zone, but SHE DID IT without a melt down.   

I spent the rest of the day doing paperwork, working on a new SM Resource (Library) cart, and being with Jess.  The paperwork isn't finished, but I have a great start.  Maybe I'll finish tomorrow.  I can always hope.  Jess did her usual - iPad, Apples 2 Apples cards and beads.  Jon had a good day at work.

Another Birthday Lunch and A Night Out With Jess

Jon and I met Diane and Randie at Bad Brad's for my birthday lunch.  I've never eaten there and it was such a beautiful day, we ate on the patio near the cracklin' fireplace.  I had a couple sliders and a side dish of their mac and cheese. All was good.  I also got a rootbeer float because it was my birthday celebration. (That was reminiscent of last year when I had root beer or vernors floats at my party!).   Along with the lunch, Di and Randie gave me money to go toward a series of books I wanted and have ordered.  Another fun birthday celebration. 

Tonight Jon was going to watch Jess while I went to a freind's house to sing worship songs and pray.  He hasn't been feeling up to par lately, just run down I think, and he didn't feel up to watching Jessie.  I called my friend and asked her if I could bring Jess along, since there were only going to be a few women there.  Of course, she didn't mind.  I was absolutely thrilled.  It's one of the few times that I have been able to take her with me and enjoy the evening.  She likes to sing and she loves music.  I followed along with my finger on the song words and she did, too.  I don't get to take her many places, and I am very pleased that tonight turned out so well.  I love spending time with my daughter.  We got home a bit ago and she's winding down on her iPad, enjoying a bowl of ice cream.  I just finished mine, too.

How Could I Forget?

As Jess would say, "Bad Mom!"  I forgot to tell you some very exciting news.  Jon had an ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) training today after a couple weeks of study and passed!  I am one proud Momma!  Way to go, Jon!

Bible Study

This morning was our Bible Study and it was sooooo powerful.  If you've never done a Beth Moore Bible Study, I highly recommend it.  Her videos are awesome.  I need to download today's from her web site just to have to watch again.  We are doing The Patriarchs.  Today's video topic was Abraham's faithfulness in (almost) sacrificing his son, Isaac, as God told him to do.

Rachel brought Jessie to Bible Study and then Debbie took over from there.  We also had a luncheon.  We always have 2 each book and today was the first.  Jess did pretty good at the luncheon except there were a couple small kids - one with a high pitched squeal that drove some adults nuts, never mind Jessie!  From there Debbie and Jess went to Meijer's grocery shopping.

I came home, sat in the coolness and quiet of my home and rested. I'm rarely home alone and it was nice.  I'm almost feeling guilty in taking time for myself the past two days since there's so much to do, but not guilty enough to stop relaxing. 

I met Chris, Carol and Joyce for dinner in Armada tonight.  It was our last monthly-get-together until Joyce returns from Georgia next April/May.  I will miss our monthly luncheons/dinners.  When you think of it, please pray for Joyce who has a herniated disc in her back, due to a fall she took about a month ago.  She's in quite a bit of pain.  She had back surgery a couple years ago plus two knee replacements this past spring and has done amazingly well.  This set back is a big disappointment and discouragement to her.  Your prayers would be appreciated.

I Got Unexpectedly Blessed Today

Lois and I hit the cold waters at 9:00 a.m. this beautiful fall morning and worked out for an hour before heading to the hot tub.  My favorite spot.  We made a stop at Kroger's because we're having a Bible Study Luncheon in the morning and when I dropped her off, I drove thru McDonald's for a quick, cheap lunch.  When I got to the window to pay, I was informed that my bill had already been taken care of by someone several cars ahead.  Wasn't that nice?  Even though my bill was only $4.02, I was thrilled to think that someone cared enough to bless others.

Rachel brought Jessie to the pool and Debbie took over after water aerobics.  Jess had a wonderful time there today and had to be asked to come out after an hour and a half!  That is great news.  It seems that Jessie will even do more in the smaller deep pool if Debbie doesn't go in with her.  She even goes to the middle of the pool, not hanging on to anything.  I sure would like to see her do this, as she's never done that in my presence. 

I took a short nap on the deck when I got home.  It was so relaxing being out there hearing the wind in the trees, birds chirping, and a few barking dogs.  I had PT at 2:30 for my shoulder, did paperwork when I arrived back home, fixed a quick dinner for Jess and I then went back to church for a SM Supervision Group Facilitator's "refresher course".  Jess is still downstairs so I need to end this blog and get her upstairs to bed.  I have a grocery list to make for Jessie tomorrow, and I need to re-study one of the days of our Bible Study because I'm leading it in the morning. 

Happy Birthday To Me !!!

October 1 - around 8:00 p.m. - 61 years ago tonight I made an entrance into the world.  When I was 18 I never thought I'd live to be 21.  Here I'm in my 60's!  Wonder how that happened?

Debbie bought my favorite breakfast this morning and we ate together.  McDonald's pancakes and sausage for me.  Sounds crazy, but they have the best pancakes.  I don't like sausauge, but theirs is really good.

Debbie and Jess left to do some last minute shopping and I had some time alone with God, which was perfect for today.  Then I met Chris at Younger's in Romeo for lunch.  We had "bottomless" caesar salad and alfredo penne pasta with a blackened breast of chicken on top.  Neither one of us got seconds and took part of our meal home.   I ate all the chicken but Jon really enjoyed the left-over pasta for his dinner.

Jess gave me a gift card from FCS, a mum plant and a Bill Knapp's chocolate cake: my favorite!  Debbie, Jess and I had cake and ice cream at 4:00 p.m.  (Jessie's snack time.)  Debbie also gave me a FCS gift card.  I'm all set.  I can't wait to go down and buy myself something. 

I should have done paper work today because I'm really far behind because of my week away, but instead I avoided the table and read instead.  After all, it is my birthday.

When Jon got home he gave me a gift card from Barnes and Noble! Plus gifts from Bath and Body Works.  Now I'll smell extra nice when I read my books!

I've received phone calls (some with singing Happy Birthday), text messages, e-mails and FB birthday greetings.  I am very blessed to have so many friends.  Thank you, Jesus!  Friends are a special blessing.

Whenever I have a birthday I will always remember my mom (among other days).  Mom called each one of us kids and sang "Happy Birthday" to us on our special day, although she had the most horrible voice you ever heard.  I'm not being mean, just stating the facts.  I will forever miss that, even though my sister did a good job of it this morning!