Jessie's Day With Mom

Jessie's arm continues to look better.  Thanks so much for your continued prayers.

We had a late breakfast, I did a bit of paperwork, then we went to the post office, the bank, Kohl's, McDonald's drive thru for a picnic in the van, then Kroger's.  When we got home I was beat.  I did 3 loads of wash and was able to sit down and rest for a couple hours.  Did Jess rest?  Not!

It was emotionally draining for me today as Jess acted up in Kroger's because of a small child's cry.  We were walking along together, her hand on the basket.  I looked one way, she must have let go because the next thing I heard was her scream behind me.  That got a lot of attention!  Mine, too, since I thought she was still next to me!  She was reacting to the child who was still making noise.  I walked back to her, grabbed her hand and led her as far away from the child as I could, except they kept following us.  I distracted her with her purchasing some crackers for herself.  I think I got everything on my list.  It's hard to tell.

I grilled again tonight.  Meatloaf in large muffin tins and asparagus spears.  Baked potatoes in the microwave.  Another perfect dinner, if I do say so myself.  Plus, it was perfect eating on the deck.  I wish everyone had as nice of a deck as I have.  Thank you, Bill !!!!!!

Jessie's Arm Is Better

Most of the redness and rash was barely noticeable this morning.  The lumps were also smaller.  Thanks you so much for all your prayers!   Please continue as she doesn't feel well, which is evident when she yells at me so much, then hugs me.  She has a high tolerance for pain, so it's hard to figure out what exactly hurts (except for the other night when she said: "Ahhh, my butt!").

I went out with Jon for a couple hours this afternoon and made several stops.  He needed a white shirt for Jacob's wedding and I had $40.00 in Kohl's bucks.  He got the shirt "for free".  He just had to pay for a belt, and even that was cheaper. 

A week or so ago, I gave our large grill to Doreen, and Jon and I went and bought a small one from Home Depot which was on sale.  We haven't grilled in over 4 years and I've been enjoying trying my hand at it, since it was Bill's job to grill. Tonight I did something different that did turn out well:  I put Pillsbury Grands in a large muffin tin, placed it on the top rack and when dinner was done, so were they!  We had chicken tenderloins and grilled vegetables (zucchini, yellow squash, onions, diced potatoes, red and yellow peppers, carrots and asparagus). 

Wednesday and Thursday

Yesterday Jess had her 2nd appointment with our family doctor and her second shot.  Her infection still wasn't much better from the day before.  (Last night Jon overheard Jessie moan and say: "OHHH, my BUTT !!!!!" ) Our appointment was for noon so when we finished we had to have lunch somewhere so I chose American Pie.  When we finally got home there wasn't much time for me to do paperwork, as I had to prepare dinner and go to Stephen Ministry.  It was another late night getting home and then I had dinner since I didn't eat earlier.  Jon shared his day with me for about an hour.  He needed to talk as one of his "close" residents passed away and he was involved with the family all day as this gentleman was dying.  He continued to share his passion for Hospice.  Definitely a calling. It was a late night and Jess didn't get to bed until 11:00 p.m. 

Today found us back at the doctor's for the third time with little improvement.  However, our family doctor made an appointment with an infectious disease specialist for the afternoon for Jess.  So, 4 doctor. appointments in 3 days.  That's a first.  Poor Jess.  After the last appointment today she was about done.  Extremely agitated and loud.  (She wasn't the only one who was about done!).  Anyway, I have to call our family doctor in the morning (on his personal cell phone!) with an update and if Jess isn't improved by Monday, according to the specialist, she wants her to have a pic line put in and IV antibiotics every 12 hours for 2 weeks.  So, PLEASE PRAY!

I am not adverse to giving IV's at home, as I have done it for both Jon and Bill in the past.  However, with Jessie this will be a whole different scenario.  She'll have to be put out to have the pic line put in, and since she goes spastic with a band aid, I'm just not looking forward to having this happen to her.  It will be so traumatic.  However, I know she has a serious infection and her arm is even swelling.  Your prayers are appreciated for God's mercy upon Jess and that He will heal her arm quickly and without the pic line IV's. 

Jessie and Memphis

Jess was able to see our family doctor today for the infection in her arm pit.  She received a (butt) shot and an antibiotic.  We have to go back tomorrow.  I assume if it's not better, they will want her to have an IV antibiotic.  Please pray that the shot and the oral antibiotics work.  Thanks!

Memphis was better today.  He started limping on Sunday and was unable to walk much.  He most likely pulled a muscle or something.  Yesterday was a little better.  Today he is slow but not limping.  I'll see how he does tomorrow before I make a doctor appt.  Right now money is running out faster from this home than usual.  I just got a notice that I have to pay $200.00 up front for surgeon costs before my August 5 surgery.  My doctor bills for copays and deductables so far this year are coming in faster than the money is. 

Speaking of bills.  I got a call from a collection agency last Friday and returned the call today.  I couldn't imagine what it could be for, but because we have a PO Box, if it's not on the envelope, we don't receive the mail.  Anyway, get this ... the bill is dated for NOVEMBER 13, 2009, for $15.47 for physician fees in the ER at Oakwood Hospital.  First of all, I'm pretty sure I wasn't in the ER at Oakwood Hospital, where ever that is located.  Thankfully, I guess, I keep my medical records.  Now I just have to find the right box to prove that it isn't my bill.  We'll see.  But seriously.  From 2009?

Memorial Day

As I prepared our barbeque today I thought of all the people I've known that served our country and fought for our freedom that we enjoy each day.  I thanked my sister when she and Randie came for lunch for her service to our country. She served 4 years in the Navy.  We remembered our brother, Ed, who served as a Marine.  Chris' husband, Larry, Bill's cousin, served in Vietnam.  Grandpa Beadle was a WWII vet, as well as a POW.  My dad was also in the Navy, just as WWII was ending. Both Larry and Grandpa came home from active war time.  Tens of thousands have not. Thank you doesn't seem adequate, does it? May God continue to bless the United States and the many men and women who serve us still, either at home or on foreign soil. 

Thank You Julie, Kylee and Lynzee !!!

Thanks goes to my special friends who came over this afternoon, hauled everything off the deck and  out of the play house and washed all the summer furniture.  After that was done we came inside and watched "Miss Congeniality 2" with Sandra Bullock.  Furniture was put back on the deck and I grilled hot dogs and we had a picnic on the deck.  I could never have done that much work in a week.  I really appreciate their willingness to come over and do this job for me.  Thanks, girls!  You're the best!

Home Depot Madness

Jon, Jess and I went to breakfast.  It's always nice when the 3 of us can go together.  From there we went to Home Depot to get some cedar mulch for under Jessie's hammock and my swing area plus black mulch for my flower garden and around the outside of Jon's garden.  Oh, my.  It was SO busy.  We knew exactly what we wanted so we just had to pay for it and have it loaded.  The worse part was trying to get out of the parking spot and not run over a pedestrian. 

After dropping the mulch at home and leaving Jess with Jon, I went to the post office, Kohl's to return a purse and wallet, then went back for more mulch (4 bags for $10.00 is very good!).  It was even worse.  Talking with a salesperson, she said that today is their busiest day of the entire year.  They are open from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. 

Jon worked in his garden and I did a little outside.  My back has not been cooperating lately and I've been in a lot of pain.  So, I didn't accomplish what I wanted to do today.  But, I did do something which is important to me.  Usually when I say that I'm in a lot of pain, it's my back.  My shoulder, even though it has two full tears, doesn't stop me from doing anything.  My new knee is great.  It's just my two herniated discs that I'm having trouble with. 

A Girls Shopping Spree

Debbie took the day off, so Jess and I went to breakfast then we spent the next 3 hours shopping.  We shopped at Kohl's and Jess got some new shorts and shirts.  It's been a long time since she's had new clothes.  Of course, I had to buy something, too.  I bought a new purse and wallet and shorts and a couple tops. 

Next we went to Meijer's and I bought 4 potted hanging plants for the backyard.  Then we drove to the other end of the store and parked and bought oranges and strawberries to put in a new container I bought at Kohl's to infuse the water.  Lately we've been drinking cucumber water.  I like them both. 

Next was the Dollar Store.  I had a list of items I needed to buy for Lois and get them mailed in the morning.  She's teaching English at the seminary at Bolosse for the next 5 weeks.  I was able to get everything on her list. 

Both of us were happy to arrive home after we stopped at the post office.  I spent the rest of the day washing the new clothes, fixing the envelopes for Lois, and putting stuff in my new purse, which is smaller.  It's a tight squeeze, which I don't like, but it's lighter.  We'll see how it works.  I'm pretty particular about my purses. In fact I have several purses alike, just different colors.   

Terminex

For the first time ever since we purchased this house 28 years ago, I had to call an exterminator.  Carpenter ants were chewing up the inside of Jon's skylight molding in his bedroom.  I had thought that Jon spilled fish food on the floor, but he didn't.  It looked like sawdust!  Hopefully, I won't have to call them back for another 28 years! 

Brenda and Jessie had a fun day with grocery shopping, picnic lunch and gym class at the Rec Center.  Jon had a lot of running around to do earlier in the day then worked in his garden.  The potatoes keep popping up and he has to keep covering them up.  I was able to work outside for almost an hour before lunch.  However, after that I needed pain meds and a rest.  At least things are shaping up and looking good.  A little each day.  The weather was absolutely perfect.  Not too hot.  Not too cold.  A cool breeze.  Perfect.

Another Surgery To Look Forward To

I took the MRI disc to my doctor today to get the news.  Out of 4 possible tears in my rotator cuff, I have 2 full tears.  Terrific!  However, he said that my muscle is still "alive" and in good shape, so he recommends surgery soon.  If I wait until I can't stand the pain anymore, the muscle may have died and then a shoulder replacement would have to be done.  I don't think so!  My surgery is scheduled for August 5. 

From the doctor's office I went to Gordon Food's and Vince and Joe's.  Walgreen's and the post office before coming home.  I was able to sit and relax for about an hour before Jessie and Brenda came home and I had to start getting ready for the SM Ladies get together at 6:00 p.m. here.  Rachel took care of Jess, as Jon was working. 

I'm calling it a day, right after I do a grocery list for tomorrow.

When Is Enough Work Enough For The Day?

I struggle with that question almost on a daily basis.  How much work should I do at home in one day to be "successful".  I think I need to read the book "When I Relax I Feel Guilty" again.  It's on my shelf.  It's an old one but a current problem for me. 

Since Jon's place of work was bought out by a company out of state, there have been numerous, and very difficult changes for the staff.  It has been very discouraging for him, as well as all the other nurses.  Jon loves what he does.  It's too bad that now his aides receive more benefits than he does!  Please pray for Jon as he seeks God's will for his future.  It's appreciated.

Monday, May 19

Before I blog about today I want to THANK everyone for praying for Jessie's knee.  She was still favoring it on Saturday a bit, but by Sunday she was OK.  She probably pulled a muscle.  I kept putting Deep Blue (an essential oil) on it and she liked that. 

Today I was at church for a couple hours then I met Chris, Joyce, Carol and Holly (Carol's daughter) for lunch in Richmond.  This is our first get together since last October when Joyce and John left for Georgia for the winter.

After lunch I stopped and visited with Aunt Etta, Grandma Sutton's sister.  She looks pretty good for 98 doesn't she?  She never seems to change.  However, her eyesight is almost gone and she is extremely hard of hearing.  I know that makes life very challenging for her.  She said she wasn't sure if she'd be here for her 99th birthday, but she's pretty healthy other than her eyes and ears and being slow.

When I left Aunt Etta I visited Ortha for awhile, too.  We had a nice visit.  I took her a bag full of books to keep her reading.  She now lives with Paul and Julie and they have a beautiful home.  I'm glad that she is able to live with family. 

While I was gone, Jon went to the show then came home and cut the lawn and worked in his garden.  It really looks so nice.  Maybe I'll be able to work a bit in my flower garden this weekend. 

Debbie had her hands full today.  Jessie was doing weird things and acting very goofy.  She even tried getting in the driver's seat of Debbie's car.  I guess that was a challenge.  Jessie is VERY strong and when she's got her mind set on doing something, watch out.  You better be stronger!  Let's hope she's better tomorrow.  Right now she's still awake using her iPad.  I better end this and take it away and have her go to sleep.  Fortunately, most nights she's like me ... asleep in less that a couple minutes. 

Sunday, May 18

Sunday morning breakfast was from 8-9:00 a.m. and check out was 10:00 a.m.  We did check out but then spent another hour on the grounds.  They have a very neat museum and we looked around there.  We also took some more pictures before we left. 

Next we drove near Newago and saw the home Debbie's husband and brother own on the Muskegon River.  They've been in the process of having it built on the site where they grew up.  It's beautiful.  Very beautiful. 

Unfortunately, the rest of the way home was pretty rough for Debbie as she got a super bad migraine.  She said it was the second worse one she's ever had.  I felt so bad for her.  We had to stop several times to let her rest.  Jess and I made it home by 7:15 pm.  Other than Debbie's migraine, we had a great time.

The Rest of Saturday ...

Jess and I picked up Debbie at 800 a.m. and we arrived at Spring Lake Wesleyan Church for Hannah and Jacob's bridal shower at 1:15 p.m. (We would have been there 45 minutes earlier but we were stuck in a traffic jam for that long!)  It was a very nice shower.  They make a nice couple, don't they?  Jacob is Jon's best friend and he will be standing up in the wedding. 

When we left the church we drove to Grand Haven, which took all of about 7 minutes.  We went to the State Park and there was a Kite Festival.  HUGE kites.  LOTS of people!  A fun time though.

We then drove to The Shack near White Cloud to spend the night.  As you can see from the pictures below, it is a unique bed and breakfast.  The grounds were beautiful.  We had a kitchenette that had two bedrooms and a fire place.  It was very nice. 


It also included a buffet dinner (a salad, then roast beef, chicken cutlets, bbq pork, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and carrots.  Oh, and delicious bread pudding!)  Iced tea, lemonade or water with hot tea of coffee.  No dessert because at 8:30 we came back to the lodge and had banana splits (we were so stuffed we just had a scoop of ice cream). 

The next morning we also had a buffet breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, toast and sausage with sliced peaches and juice.  I want to go back there when it's a lot warmer and make use of their many relaxing areas overlooking a beautiful lake.  Pontoon boats, paddle boats, horses, and peace and quiet.  Children are not encouraged to stay there.  They are not turned away, but not encouraged.  This was great for Jessie, as there were only adults there.  Not one child.

Saturday, May 17

Happy

26th

Birthday,

Jon! 

 

 

I've tried a couple times to put Jon's baby picture on here but for some reason it just won't do it.  So, you just get his mug from January. 

 

Jon spent the day at work.  He said he had a nice day, though.  I'm glad because Jess and I were across the state in Spring Lake!

Happy Birthday Party Day, Jon !!!

Tomorrow will be Jon's 26th birthday.  Where, oh, where, has the time gone?  I know that every parent thinks the same thing.  I remember the exact moment that he was born and can remember Bill holding his son for the first time.  What a wonderful memory.  We were, and I am, so very proud of my son.  He is a very nice man.  Kind, caring, funny and generous.  That's my boy.  I am blessed.

Diane and Randie, Jon and I went to Bahama Breeze to celebrate his birthday.  This is either the second or third birthday party day lunch we've celebrated there for him.  It was a nice afternoon.

Jessie woke this morning saying her left knee hurt.  She hobbled down the hallway saying, "Ow!  Ow!  Ow! Ow!  Ah, made it!"  (when she got into her bedroom).  We're not sure what's going on as there is no swelling or discoloration.  If she's not better, we'll have to get an xray just to be sure.  We'll see what tomorrow brings.  It's always hard to tell with her.  Is it minor?  Is it major?  Pretty much a guessing game for a couple days.  Your prayers would be appreciated. 

A Non-Stop Day

I was bound and determined to get paperwork done today, and I almost met my goal.  I worked non-stop until now.  Paperwork, many loads of wash, straightened here and there, and wrapped presents for an up-coming wedding shower.  A very productive day for once.  I feel great for accomplishing so much, but I sure am tired!

Brenda took Jessie to Gym Class at the Rec Center, grocery shopping and lunch.  Jessie was in a goofy mood all day.  For some reason she was really happy and laughed a lot and teased Brenda all day. 

I had turned the furnace off a week or so ago because the house was getting pretty warm.  However, this morning the thermostat registered 63 degrees so I put it back on.  When Jon went to work today he wore his winter coat.  Will it ever warm up?  As usual, it rained a good part of the day, too. 

Not A Creature Was Stirring ...

The house is almost totally quiet.  Both kids are asleep.  Memphis is sound asleep and snoring.  There's no rain falling at the moment.  Just the sound of the keys as I type.  This is my favorite time of the day.  I am so a night person.  I seem to get more done at night before bed than I do during the day for some reason.

I was thrilled to hear Jessie say a word I've never heard her say before at dinner: SPICEY.  We had a salad for dinner and I put some Santa Fe tortillia strips on top.  She took one bite and said, "Spicey!"  I said to Jon: "Did she just say spicey?"  He confirmed that's what she said. 

Later on in the evening I asked her if she wanted my "blue" iPad because her's won't connect to Utube for some reason and she said, "No, blue bed time."  She's never put bed and time together before.  Even at almost 24 years old she's saying new words.  It's the little things in life that mean a lot.

Nothing Spectacular Happened Today

At least I don't think so.  Jess went to the Rec Center with Brenda and went swimming in the pool.  They also took their lunch and ate in one of the classrooms.  Jon and I did a bit of running around to various places this morning then I spent the rest of the day doing paper work.  Tomorrow will be much the same as today.  We did have one storm, although it wasn't too bad.  Just a lot of wind, rain and a couple lightning strikes and thunder.  Before it rained again Jon and I were able to put down  mulch under Jessie's swing so she won't be swinging in water and mud! 

Water, Water. Everywhere!

We've had several storms today with torrential rains again.  I was supposed to meet Chris, Joyce and Carol for lunch in Richmond, but we were in the middle of a storm and I don't do storms.  I was supposed to go out to dinner with the Glory Girls tonight to celebrate Mary's birthday, but I opted out because of coming storms.  Tomorrow is supposed to be a repeat of today.  Quack quack!

I went and took the garbage cans out and needed boots.  I've never seen such standing water in our backyard.  My garden is under 2" or more of water.  I'm not even going to go to the basement because I know there will be lots of water down there, too, even with the 3 sump pumps running.  At least I'm grateful we have power and don't have to keep the sump pumps running with the generator! 

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day didn't go quite as planned, but it was nice anyway.  Jon, Jess and I went to Dimitri's for breakfast, which is the very first time I've ever been in a restaurant on Mother's Day.  Jess had a hard time, as there were a lot of children in there. 

We went to Chris' house for dinner.  Ashley planned the day for Chris and we came along.  Sean bbq'd chicken tenderloins that were really good.  After lunch and brownie sundae's for dessert the boys went outside to do some shooting.  I went out for awhile but only shot about 4 times with 2 different guns.  I let them have fun just themselves. 

Unfortunately, Jessie was so wound up today that it drove me nuts, as well as everyone else, except they said it was OK.  She did NOT have a good day, emotionally, that's for sure.  I should have given her an Adivan but I don't like to do that.  I even tried some lavender essential oil and that didn't help.  She's quiet now, though. We're about ready to go to bed.

Jon gave me a calla lilly plant for Mother's Day, along with the Willow Tree "Abundance" and a beautiful card.  I also got a Mother's Day card from Memphis!  Jessie gave me a tiny rose plant and a large chocolate chip cookie and a card.  I'm blessed to be a Mom. 

Finally A Nice Day I Could Enjoy

Today's weather was just about perfect.  In the 70's with sunshine and a cool breeze.  Jess and I spent the early afternoon out: bank, post office, Walgreen's, McDonald's, FCS, Meijer's for gas and some food.  When we got home Jon watched Jess inside and I went and worked in my garden.  It felt so good to get out there and work.  Since we've had so much rain, it was perfect for pulling weeds. 

Jon finally cut the lawn today, thanks to our neighbor, Todd.  Jon wasn't able to get it started so Todd came over and showed Jon how to maintain the mower.  He went and bought a new spark plug and away he went.  It's beginning to shape up out there. 

Jessie's iPad needed updating so she used mine all afternoon/evening.  She was having an absolutely wonderful time watching Barney and singing along with all the songs.  Some days she watches stuff for little kids and other days or times she watches shows for teens.  I guess it depends on her mood.  At least she was happy. 

Thursday and Friday

Yesterday morning I had an MRI for my shoulder.  This time I was given a "cocktail" of versad and fentynal.  I made it through the test well.  I only had to have more medication once.  Jon laughed at me all day long, though, because I was hung over ALL day.  We went to lunch and when we got home I went to bed and slept for 3 hours! After dinner, which Jon fixed, I sat on the couch all evening and went to bed early.  So much for getting outside on such a nice day.  To be honest, I don't remember what Jessie did yesterday.  I'll have to check Debbie's Service Notes.

Today I didn't do much until noon, then I went outside and worked in the garden for about a half hour and just finished up when torrential rains hit once again.  Our back yard is in need of mowing, but when you walk on it you squish.  Jessie can't swing because underneath her swing is a pool of water.  I haven't had the guts to go to the basement.  I'm sure it's very wet. 

Jon went to a friend's house for dinner and I went to Joyful Journey.  Rachel and Jessie had a good time together.  That's about it for now. 

A Day With Mom

Brenda was unable to work today, so Jess and I had an unexpected "Girls Day Out".  After the Healthy Girlfriend's get together this morning, we went to the post office, lunch, pet store, Salvation Army and dollar store before calling it a day. 

This is for you, Doreen:  we walked into Pizza Hut for lunch for their salad and pizza bar only to find out it doesn't have one anymore!  You have to order a pizza and order a salad.  That probably tells you how long its been since I've been in a Pizza Hut!  They probably changed years ago.  Well, we walked out.  Instead we went to Jessie's #1 choice: KFC. 

Rachel came tonight while I went to a doTERRA introductory class.  I've wanted to learn more about the essential oils.  It was a fascinating and fun time and I bought the Home Physicians Kit and I'm on way to learning more.  More about this later.

Remember a couple days ago when I blogged about Jessie kissing a nursing home resident?  She also held her hand.  I found this little poem in a little book (seriously about 2" x 2") and wanted to share it with you:

Your Hand and Mine

 

'Tis the human touch in the world that counts -

The touch of your hand and mine -

Which means far more to the sinking heart

Than shelter or bread or wine.

 

For shelter is gone when the night is o'er,

And bread lasts only a day.

But the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice

Live on in the soul alway.

 

-- Spencer M. Free

 

 

This Broke My Heart Today

At first glance, this is an adorable picture of Jessie sitting in the front seat of the van, ready to drive.  Unfortunately, it was a heart renching episode for me.

Debbie, Jon, Jessie and I went to Chili's for lunch for Cinco de Mayo (don't we need excuses for eating out?).  I drove with Jon and Jessie drove with Debbie.  We parked next to one another. 

When we came back to the vehicles, I started to get in Jon's jeep when I noticed that Jessie was giving Debbie a hard time about getting in the back seat.  She wanted to sit in the front seat!

Jessie NEVER sits in anyone's front seat.  Never has and I assumed never would.  Except for today.  For some reason she climbed in the driver's seat, buckled up and wanted to drive home.  We were all laughing hysterically until we realized that she was VERY serious.

We had a difficult time getting her out.  You just don't move Jessie if she's wanting to stay put.  By now I was getting nervous about getting her out.  Jon finally told her that if she wanted she could sit in the van tomorrow and drive.  Not good words.  Necessary at the time, but she remembers. 

She tried to get out but she got stuck several times.  She tried backing out like she does in the back seat but her right leg kept getting stuck.  Debbie raised the wheel, I lowered the seat back and she ended up crawling into the back, falling on her back with her legs in the air.  By this time I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry.

She finally gets in her seat, I give her a hug and she looks at me and says:  "Promise?  Little car?"  (Remember Jon's words about driving tomorrow?)  OK, I had to quickly leave her and broke down.  Why?

When a special needs child is born, the parents may go through some grieving in the beginning, and maybe as the years go by at certain times.  Depending on the severity of the disability, you realize that your child will never be able to do this ... or that ... or whatever.  Today I saw Jessie's desire to drive and be like us, yet I know that will never happen.  It broke my heart the way she looked at me and said:  "Promise?  Little car?"  Especially when she actually got in the driver's seat, something that she has NEVER done in her 23 years! 

A Very Special Kiss

Jessie and I have had a very nice day.  We began the morning with breakfast out with Diane and Randie, then we visited in their home for an hour or so.  We left and went to visit Jon at his work.  (More about this in a minute.)

We then went to FCS to buy #3 in a series I am reading and a couple of DVD's for Jessie.  We're trying to change over from Videos to DVD's.  We shared a Wendy's meal then came home.  She's been on her iPad all afternoon, watched 2 Veggie Tale videos and played with her beads and cards.  She's done a lot of laughing and been in a great mood.  I have been reading and on my iPad.  A very nice, relaxing day.

Back to Jon's work ... while we were there, one of the women residents was sitting close to where Jessie was standing and Jessie said, "Momma!"  (That's her way of saying Grandma!)  Jessie grabbed her hand and held on to it for a bit.  The woman was not able to speak where we could understand her, but she pointed to her nose and side of her face.  Jessie gently leaned over and gave the woman a kiss on that spot.  I wanted to cry.  Jessie doesn't give kisses very often.  Lots of hugs, but not as many kisses.  I wondered about the resident and when was the last time she was kissed.  Did she have family?  Did she feel Jessie's sweet lips on her face?  I hope that somehow God let this woman know that He loves her and gave her a kiss through Jessie today. 

Jon's Garden

Mom and Jessie's Day Out

Now that I'm able to walk more than before, Jess and I went out for several hours.  We went to the post office and bank then had lunch at Dimitri's.  Jessie insisted on chicken strips and fries, but I won out with chicken quesadillas and water.  It's a battle, but we're working on no more pop. 

From there we went to Kohl's and a new Kroger's that's not too far away.  It's a mega Kroger's and I wanted to see what it looked like.  It's like a fancy Walmart.  It even has clothes.  We just got the few things I like from there then came home. 

Jon went vegetable and herb shopping then planted his cold weather plants in his garden.  I'm glad he has a nice place to grow his vegetables.  He really enjoys gardening.  I'm going to post a picture in a minute.  I forgot to save it before I began this blog. 

Friday

What an original title, eh?  That's about as good as it gets tonight.

While Rachel took Jessie to breakfast and met Kelly, I had breakfast and began several hours of paperwork.  Around lunch time I went to the post office, Walgreen's, Meijer's for gas, a greenhouse for flowers and picked up my friend, Judy, and we went to lunch.  Judy recently lost her husband, Frank, and we were able to share a common bond.  After I took her home I went to Hallmark and bought some Wedding shower cards and a book,  As soon as I walked in the door, I received  a call from another friend and left to go visit her for about 20 minutes.  I purchased a book I had wanted to give to her, entitled Jesus Today, by Sarah Young. 

When I returned it was time for Rachel to leave.  I got my iPad and book and sat down on the couch and promptly went to sleep for a couple hours.  Jessie made sure I was covered up with Bill's blanket.  Since I didn't get up until 7:00 (I'm not sure why I'm so tired lately!), Jess and I drove to McDonald's and we got fish sandwiches for dinner.  At least she gave me 2 thumbs up while we ate.

The picture above is a common sight when Jess gets involved in her Apples 2 Apples cards.  I don't think I've shared it before. 

A Photo Op For Jessie

Brenda took Jessie to the Rec Center (with my permission, of course) for a photo op.  A photographer from "The Voice" wanted to do an article on the special needs gym class that they are doing.  When we see it printed, I'll post it for you to see.  If it's any good, as she wasn't too cooperative. 

I went to lunch with some Bible Study ladies and their small group.  I was the only one there that wasn't in the group, but it was a special lunch for one of the ladies whose husband just passed away.  It was nice to be invited.

I have the blah's. I just can't seem to get motivated.  Does anyone else have that problem?  Is it my age?  I sure hope not.  My mom did lots of things up to her death at age 88.  I'm too young to be pooped and out of sorts.  Is it the weather?  Maybe it's the lack of warmth, or leaves on the trees, or flowers.  It's been a long, cold winter with very little spring.